The evening had been quiet.
Too quiet.
Rithania placed her bag down slowly as she entered the house. The day had gone by without any major trouble. No mistakes. No breakdowns.
She had managed.
But the moment she stepped in…
The silence returned.
"Mom!"
Rithul ran into her arms.
She hugged him tightly, her face softening instantly.
"How was school?"
"I drew!" he said proudly.
She smiled.
Later that night, while she stood in the kitchen preparing something for him…
A memory pulled her back.
It had been one of her early days at work.
She had stayed late to finish a report. Everyone had left.
Except for one person.
"Still here?"
The voice made her stiffen. John, most irritating Executive Editor (One who is acting as the extended arm of the Editor - in - Chief)
"I'm almost done," she replied.
He didn't leave.
Instead, he walked closer.
Rithanya announced in her mind : "Don't come near me, you pervert, idiot, i am going to pluck your bloody eyes today".
Too close.
Can you step aside..?
"You work too hard," he said with a smirk.
Can I help you in any way?
Beautiful hands are not for these kind of tiring work.
"I said I'm almost done," she repeated.
Before things could go further—
"Step away."
A calm voice.
Karthik.
He stood there, composed but firm.
"Didn't you hear her?"
A few tense seconds later, the man left.
Rithania exhaled slowly.
"I could've handled it," she said.
"I know," Karthik replied immediately.
She looked up.
"You're strong," he said softly.
"But that doesn't mean you have to do everything alone."
Her eyes softened.
"You don't have to prove yourself every time," he continued.
"Not when I'm here."
"Always?" she asked quietly.
"Always."
The memory faded.
Rithania stood still.
That voice from earlier echoed again.
"Watch it."
Once, someone stood beside her.
Protected her.
Now—
She had to stand for herself.
"Mom…"
"I'm coming."
She walked forward.
Carrying his love.
Not as protection anymore.
But as a strength.
Later that Evening..
Rithanya lat beside Rithul, watching him quietly.
He stirred a little, then sat up sleepily.
"Mom..."
She smiled softly. "Hmm??"
He got down from the bed, his tiny steps unsteady, and picked up a small water bottle from the table.
Struggling a little, he brought it to her.
"Here... for you."
She frowned slightly. "For me?"
"You didn't drink water," he said seriously.
"You were doing everything since morning... I'll give you."
Her fingers froze around the bottle.
For a second....
She couldn't speak.
That simple act.
That simple care.
Her eyes softened, filling slowly.
"You're just like him..." She whispered.
He blinked . "Who"
She pulled him closer gently, kissing his hair.
"Someone who never forgot to take care of me."