Vikram lifted Tara into his arms, her body burning with fever. Alarm spread across the faces of the mansion staff as they rushed to inform Dadaji and Dadiji.
Dadiji, with a trembling voice, asked, "What happened to her, Vikram?"
"She has a high fever," Vikram replied quickly. "She needs to be taken to the hospital immediately."
"We're coming with you," Dadiji said firmly. "Let's go."
---
At the Hospital – 10:30 AM
The doctor examined Tara and turned to them with calm professionalism. "Her body is severely weak due to high fever and cold exposure. We've given her an injection. She'll regain consciousness once the fever subsides."
Vikram sat beside her silently, staring at her pale face. Guilt twisted inside his chest. He couldn't shake off the ache of regret.
Dadiji came over, her voice softer now. "Vikram… you're a brilliant businessman. I know I don't need to guide you in most things. But I'll still say this — Tara is the one who can bring true happiness into your life. Don't lose her because of your past."
---
Later…
Tara slowly opened her eyes to find Dadaji and Dadiji sitting beside her. Vikram stood by the door, watching silently.
"We were so scared, beta," Dadiji said, placing her hand on Tara's forehead.
Tara managed a small nod. Her eyes moved toward Vikram — the man who had brought her to this point — but as soon as their eyes met, Vikram turned and walked out of the room. A small smile had tried to bloom on his lips, but her tears had crushed it before it could grow.
Once Tara was stable, the doctor allowed her to return home with a strict list of medications and instructions to avoid cold exposure.
---
Back at the Mansion – Afternoon
Tara was tucked into bed. Dadiji stayed a while longer, ensuring she was comfortable.
"Rest well, beta. And take care of yourself," she said before leaving.
Soon after, Vikram entered the room. Tara turned her face away, refusing to look at him. He didn't force conversation. Quietly, he changed clothes and said in a neutral tone, "Don't forget to take your medicine on time."
She didn't respond.
Vikram waited… hoping for a word. A glance. Anything.
Nothing came.
He left for office without another word.
---
Evening – A Surprise Visit
Tara's mother and her younger sister, Suhani, arrived. They were immediately sent to Tara's room by Dadiji.
"Tara didi, what happened to you?" Suhani gasped.
"It's nothing, just a fever," Tara replied, trying to sound cheerful.
Her mother looked concerned. "Beta, you didn't even inform me. Have I become so distant from you?"
"Maa, it's not like that… please sit down," Tara said softly. "Really, I'm feeling better now."
They chatted warmly. Suhani's school was closed for winter holidays, and she insisted on staying overnight with Tara.
"Maa, let her stay. It's okay," Tara smiled.
Her mother hesitated. "But what if Vikram ji minds?"
Suhani interrupted, "Why would he? I'll sleep in the same place I did last time!"
Tara reassured her mother and arranged for the driver to drop her home.
---
That Night
Suhani noticed something unusual. "Didi, what's this mark on your hand? Did Vikram sir give you some punishment?"
Tara, caught off guard, pulled Suhani into a hug and tried to hide her tears. "No, it's not what you think."
"I don't like him," Suhani declared. "He always looks so angry."
Unbeknownst to them, Vikram had been standing outside the door. He heard every word.
He walked away in silence, his mind churning. That single sentence — "I don't like him" — echoed louder than anything else he had heard that day.
He summoned a staff member and instructed them to bring his essentials from the master bedroom. When they arrived, Tara handed everything over without a word.
Vikram spent the night in the guest room. Even dinner was sent there.
---
The Next Morning
He woke up early, unable to sleep well. The echo of his grandmother's advice and Suhani's blunt honesty haunted him.
Still, he knocked on her door.
Tara opened it but walked away without greeting him.
"Tara," he began, "how are you feeling? Are you taking your medicine?"
She said nothing.
Suhani had woken up by then. Vikram excused himself and went to freshen up.
Later, Tara arranged for Suhani to be dropped home. Her silence remained unshaken.
---
Late Evening – The Cold Returns
That night, Vikram returned to their room and saw Tara once again laying out a sheet on the floor.
"Tara, what are you doing?" he said with irritation. "You're the same person who had a fever yesterday! Get on the bed."
No answer.
He repeated more firmly, "I said go lie on the bed."
Still nothing.
He lost patience. Walking over, he picked her up.
"Put me down!" Tara struggled.
"I won't," he whispered. "Because if I do… you'll fall."
He gently placed her on the bed.
"I don't want to sleep here," she said, her voice trembling.
"Why?"
"Because you said it yourself," Tara replied. "That a girl like me, from my status, shouldn't be sharing a bed with someone like you."
Vikram sighed, ashamed. "I said that in anger, Tara…"
"But it was still the truth," she snapped. "I'm just a driver's daughter. You're a billionaire."
Vikram stepped back. "Just… take rest. I'll sleep in the guest room."
He walked out of the room.
---