So far:
After finishing her work at the clinic, Shivani and her mother had dinner and went to see Shakthi in his room.
Now:
Shakthi, Bharathi, and Shivani's father were all sleeping on the same bed. Hearing Shivani and her mother arrive, Shivani's father turned over slightly.
"Sorry, Pa! Did we wake you up?" asked Shivani.
"Did you both eat?" her father asked.
"Yes, we did. Do you three need anything?" asked Shivani's mother.
"They're both sleeping soundly. Just bring some water, Nandhini," said Shivani's father.
"I'll get it after I finish washing the dishes," replied Shivani's mother and went to the kitchen.
"Pa, you're also sleeping here? Is there enough space?" asked Shivani.
"It's fine, Shivani. We can adjust. Besides, Shakthi asked if he could sleep next to me. Look—he's holding my hand even in his sleep. Shivani, I think he misses his father deeply. Since he can't express it, he's been keeping it all inside—that's why he's been suffering like this," said Shivani's father softly.
"You're right, Pa. But Bharathi doesn't seem to miss their father the same way. Maybe because he was too young to remember much when it happened, so it didn't affect him like it did Shakthi," said Shivani.
"Yes, that could be it," her father agreed.
"Pa, is Shakthi okay now? You know he's terrified of injections. When his dad met with the accident, he was with him and got badly hurt too. They were both taken to the hospital, but his dad passed away soon after. From that day on, Shakthi's been afraid of hospitals, doctors, and even tablets. That's why I didn't want to stay too close to him at first—I thought he'd be scared that I'd make him take medicine or give him injections. But, Pa, I never expected he'd get so attached to you. Thank you so much—you've made my job so much easier," said Shivani.
"I didn't expect it either, Shivani. Anyway, it's late. Go and sleep," said her father.
"Okay, Pa. Good night," she said and went to bed.
The next day being Sunday, everyone slept until 8 a.m. Shivani's mother came in with coffee and gently woke them up. Everyone sat up and had coffee together.
"Uncle, can I step out for a bit?" asked Shakthi.
"Of course, let's all go to the park together," said Shivani's father.
"Super, Pa! Let's go," said Shivani excitedly.
"I'm in too," added Bharathi.
"You all go ahead, I'll stay and cook," said Shivani's mother.
"Aunty, please come with us—you can cook later," said Shakthi politely.
"Yes, Ma, come on! I'll help you when we get back," said Shivani.
"Alright then," agreed her mother.
They all left together for the nearby park.
"Bharathi, can I ask you something?" said Shivani.
"Sure, go ahead," replied Bharathi.
"Don't your father's memories ever bother you?" asked Shivani gently.
"Not really. He passed away when I was very young, so I didn't get much time with him. You see Shakthi—he misses our dad a lot. But for me, I had my brother. He wasn't just an elder brother—he was like a father too. He took care of me and even of Raji the same way a father would. So I never really felt like I was missing my dad," said Bharathi.
"Also, Shivani, we owe a lot to you and your parents. That night, I was in such a panic that I don't even remember how exactly I called you. And another surprise is how close Shakthi has become to your father. He's usually friendly with other dads, but never this attached. Usually, when he's sick, it takes him almost two weeks to recover—he doesn't talk to anyone, doesn't eat properly. But this time, he's calm and responding faster. Honestly, I feel like there's some deeper bond between you, your dad, and Shakthi—maybe from a past life. The way you always end up saving him right in time… it's uncanny," said Bharathi.
"Haha, sounds like something out of an old movie—like a spirit revealing past lives," teased Shivani, laughing.
Bharathi laughed too.
"My dad also said the same thing yesterday—that Shakthi misses his father deeply but hides it inside, and that pain is what's making him ill. He's yearning for a father's love, and I think he feels that love through my dad. That's why he's so comfortable with him," said Shivani.
"You're absolutely right. I think so too," agreed Bharathi.
"Shivani! Bharathi!" called out her father.
"Coming!" they replied together, walking toward him.
Shivani's father, her mother, and Bharathi were talking as they walked ahead. As Shakthi bent down to wear his slippers, he stumbled slightly. Shivani quickly reached out and held his hand for support.
"Careful, Shakthi! What happened?" she asked.
"Just feeling a bit dizzy, Shivani," said Shakthi.
"That's nothing serious—you've lost a lot of blood. You'll feel this way for a couple of days. Also, it'll take about a week for you to eat normally again. Here, hold my hand. Let's walk slowly," said Shivani, tightening her grip on his hand to steady him.
"Thanks a lot, Shivani," said Shakthi.
"For what? For holding your hand so tight?" teased Shivani.
"For everything. Especially for giving me a chance to bond with your dad. A thousands of thanks for that," said Shakthi sincerely.
"Oh, really? Are you planning to borrow my dad or something?" laughed Shivani.
Shakthi chuckled, "No need for loans—I'll just keep him all for myself!"
Shivani laughed.
"Shivani, can we sit somewhere for a bit?" asked Shakthi.
"We're already near the park. Let's sit there," she said.
At the park, Shivani's father and Bharathi sat talking on a bench. Shivani's mother brought bottles of water, handed one to Shivani, and said, "Here, you two drink this." Then she took another bottle to her husband and Bharathi.
"Here, Shakthi," said Shivani, handing him the bottle. But he struggled to lift it with one hand.
"Wait, I'll help," she said, opening the bottle and gently helping him drink a little.
After a while, everyone left the park and returned home.
Later, Shakthi received a call from Raji.
"Shakthi, what are you two up to?" she asked.
"About to eat, Raji. How did the function go?" asked Shakthi.
"It just ended now. I'm about to eat too. I'll come back tomorrow morning," said Raji.
"Okay, Raji. Travel safely. Ask Periyappa to drop you at the bus stand and call me once you board. Bharathi will come pick you up," said Shakthi.
"Alright. Where's Bharathi?" asked Raji.
"He's in his room. I'll tell him you called. Raji, I really miss you… feels like I need to see you soon," said Shakthi softly.
"Why, Shakthi? Is something wrong? Should I come right now?" asked Raji, worried.
Just then Bharathi entered, took the phone from Shakthi, and said, "Mom, how did everything go?"
"All went well. Is Shakthi okay?" asked Raji.
"Yes, he's fine. Why do you ask?" said Bharathi.
"Nothing, okay then—I'll come in the morning," said Raji, ending the call.
To be continued…