23-year-old Shivani Singh was a final-year B.Sc student at Delhi University — and also the university topper.
For her, studies weren't just a responsibility, they were a dream.
Since childhood, she had just one desire — "To become a professor one day, just like Papa."
Her father, Dr. Abhay Pratap Singh, had retired from the university. Sitting idle had never suited him, so after retirement, he opened a shoe store.
His shoes were affordable, durable, and stylish — and soon, the business started booming.
Today, he owned his own shoe showroom — and spent most of his time managing it.
Asha ji — Shivani's mother — was highly educated too, having completed her MSc.
But after marriage, she chose her family over a career.
She was deeply religious, especially devoted to Lord Shiva.
Doctors had once declared that Asha ji could never become a mother.
But she didn't lose faith — she prayed at temples, fasted, and cried before God.
And after eight years of endless prayers, her wish was granted — Shivani was born, a blessing.
Asha ji firmly believed that Shivani was Lord Shiva's gift — and that's why she named her Shivani.
Now, Shivani also had a little brother — Aditya.
A bubbly, playful five-year-old who had just started kindergarten.
Shivani was 18 years older than him — almost like a second mother to him.
---
That morning was no different.
After an entire night of studying, Shivani had dozed off right there at her desk without even realizing it.
A soft knock came at the door —
"Beta, it's almost six... you have to drop Adi to school, remember?"
It was Asha ji's voice, filled with love and responsibility.
When she opened the door and peeked inside, her heart sank for a moment.
The dim light from the study lamp lit up a scene of open books scattered around — and Shivani, asleep with her head resting on her arms.
Gently, Asha ji placed her hand on Shivani's back and called softly,
"Wake up, beta... morning has come."
The soft clinking of Asha ji's bangles stirred Shivani awake.
She rubbed her eyes sleepily, got up, and touched her mother's feet — receiving a shower of blessings and a warm hug.
"Good morning, Maa..."
"Good morning, beta..."
Asha ji cupped her daughter's face in her hands, leaned in to kiss her forehead — but paused midway.
"Oh my God! Beta, what happened to your face?"
Startled, Shivani rushed to the mirror.
One glance, and she understood —
Dark circles had formed under her eyes.
She let out a small relieved sigh and called out,
"Maa! It's nothing serious. Just dark circles from studying all night. You got scared for no reason."
Smiling, she said,
"Maa, can you please get my clothes from the wardrobe? I'll be ready in ten minutes."
---
Downstairs, the breakfast table was full of little moments of happiness.
Adi, with his innocent voice, was asking,
"Maa, when will Didi come?"
As Shivani descended the stairs, she called out,
"Good morning, Adi!"
Adi squealed with joy, ran towards her, and touched her feet as a mark of respect.
Shivani scooped him up into her arms, kissed him on his chubby cheeks, and teased,
"Adi baby! Leaving your breakfast midway is not a good habit."
Adi, with an innocent grin, showed his empty plate,
"Didi, I finished my breakfast already!"
Shivani laughed heartily,
"Wow! Now my Superman Adi can even catch the bad guys, right Maa?"
The house echoed with their laughter.
While serving breakfast, Asha ji informed,
"Your Papa had gone to the warehouse — there was a short circuit. But don't worry, everything's fine. No damage done."
Shivani felt relieved and began eating.
But just then — suddenly — Asha ji had a severe asthma attack.
---
"Maa... Maa, are you okay?"
Shivani panicked — and little Aditya froze in fear.
Without wasting a second, Shivani sprinted to get the inhaler and rushed it to her mother.
After a few tense minutes, Asha ji's breathing calmed down.
Wiping her tearful eyes, Shivani asked,
"Maa... are you feeling better now?"
Asha ji smiled faintly and pulled her into a warm hug,
"I'm fine now, beta... don't worry."
But Shivani's heart still raced — even the slightest pain her mother felt shook her to the core.