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Author’s POV — When Papa Fell Sick

Silence still lingered in the Sharma house like a stubborn fog.Since yesterday’s sharp words, Samaira hadn’t spoken to Rohit. Not a word.Not even a glance.

But when love is real, anger never lasts.And fear—fear shatters walls.

---

9:00 PM — Ritika’s Concern

Ritika stepped into their bedroom, her brows furrowed. Rohit was lying in bed, pale, his forehead burning to the touch.

> “Ro, you’re burning up,” she said, her voice tight with worry.

He shook his head weakly.

> “Bas thoda thak gaya hoon… I’m fine.”

But she knew better. His body was warm, drenched in light sweat, and his breathing slightly heavier.

> “You’re not fine,” she said, grabbing the thermometer.

It blinked: 102.7°

> “Rohit, tum rest karo. I’ll call the doctor.”

---

9:30 PM — Samaira Finds Out

Ahaan was quietly sipping juice at the kitchen counter when Samaira came down.

> “Mumma kaha hain?” she asked softly.

> “Papa ke saath,” he replied, hesitant. “Unhe thoda fever ho gaya hai…”

Samaira’s heart skipped.

> “Fever?”

> “Hmm… kaafi high. Mumma doctor ko bula rahi hain.”

And suddenly—it felt like the air left her lungs.

She didn’t wait. She ran.Up the stairs, barefoot, her eyes wide with fear, the fight long forgotten.

---

9:35 PM — Breakdown

She stood at the bedroom door, trembling.Ritika turned, surprised.Rohit was lying down, eyes shut, face pale.

> “Papa…” she whispered.

Ritika stepped aside as Samaira walked in slowly… and broke.

She climbed onto the bed, kneeled beside him, and before anyone could speak—burst into sobs.

> “Papa… papa please don’t be unwell… mujhe maaf kardo… main gussa thi lekin… mujhe aapse baat karni thi… main… main aapse gussa nahi hoon… papa please theek ho jao…”

She was shaking, her fingers clutching his hand tightly like a scared child clings to her only anchor.

> “Aapko kuch hua toh main—main…”She couldn’t even finish the sentence.

Her tears soaked his palm.

Rohit opened his eyes slowly, whispering weakly:

> “Laado…”

And she collapsed into his chest, sobbing like a baby.Ritika’s eyes filled up at the sight.

---Author’s Note:

She called him papa when she was scared.Because deep down, she knew—Home isn't the house you live in.It's the heartbeat you can't afford to lose.

Author’s POV — The Night She Didn’t Leave His Side

The fever didn’t break that night.

But something else did.

Every last wall Samaira had built around her heart.

After crying in his arms for what felt like hours, she finally fell asleep — her tiny form curled beside Rohit, her fingers still clutched tightly in his.

Ritika didn’t have the heart to move her.

She just pulled the comforter over both of them, kissed Rohit’s forehead gently, and turned off the lights.

> “Main kal school ke liye nahi uthaungi usse,” Ritika whispered to herself.

> “Usse aaj papa chahiye… books nahi.”

---

4:00 AM — A Mother Watching Over Her World

Ritika couldn’t sleep.

She sat in the armchair, watching them.

Rohit’s breathing was slow now, more peaceful.Samaira’s head was on his shoulder, tears still dried on her cheek, her nose pink, clutching him like he’d vanish if she let go.

> This was her world — flawed, healing, loud, broken at times — but hers.

She smiled faintly through glassy eyes and whispered,

> “Thank you, Ro… for giving her the father she always deserved.”

---

8:00 AM — No School, Just Love

The alarm buzzed.

But Ritika didn’t move.No uniform. No bag. No rush.

She tiptoed in, switched it off, and shut the door again.

> “Sone do usse. School kisi aur din chale jaayegi,” she whispered.

Downstairs, Ahaan came out, dressed and ready.

> “Mumma… Sammy school nahi jaayegi?”

Ritika shook her head with a soft smile.

> “Nahi. Aaj nahi. Papa beemar hain… aur sammy ne unka haath nahi chhoda raat bhar.”

Ahaan didn’t ask further.

Instead, he went to the kitchen and quietly made toast… for three.

---

Author’s Note:

Sometimes healing isn’t loud.It’s just a girl who clings to her father after days of silence.And a mother who lets her daughter skip school because family comes first.

Author’s POV — The Morning He Woke Up

Light peeked through the white curtains of the Sharma bedroom.

The room was quiet — still, gentle.

Rohit blinked awake slowly, the weight of sleep still heavy on him. His throat felt dry, head light, but something grounded him.

A small hand.

Wrapped around his.Tightly. Desperately.

He turned his head slightly.

There she was.His laado.Face buried against his arm, lashes fluttering in sleep, breathing soft and peaceful for the first time in days.

His eyes welled up instantly.

She hadn’t let go.Not once.

> “Samaira…” he whispered, voice raspy.

She stirred faintly, still asleep, but her hold on his hand only got tighter.

And Rohit didn’t move.Didn’t try to wake her.He just stared — heart full, aching, soft.

> She called me Papa yesterday… and today, she’s still here.

---

Downstairs — Toast and Intentions

Ahaan peeked into the kitchen, still groggy but already changed.

He placed two slices of toast on a plate, poured some orange juice, and added a chocolate cookie beside it.

> “Sammy ke liye,” he muttered, hiding a tiny smile.

Ritika, watching from behind, said softly:

> “Usse pareshaan mat karna. Raat bhar papa ka haath pakadke soti rahi hai.”

Ahaan gave a quick mock salute.

> “Got it. No sarcasm. Only soft big-brother energy.”

Ritika rolled her eyes with a grin.

---

Back Upstairs — A Moment of Peace

Rohit felt Samaira shift.A small whimper escaped her lips. She blinked herself awake, confused, brows scrunched.

Then she looked up.

And saw him.

Awake. Alive. Looking at her with nothing but softness.

Tears pooled in her eyes before she could stop them.

> “Papa…” she whispered, voice cracked and sleepy.

> “Main… main darr gayi thi…”

Rohit opened his arms, instantly.

She launched into them, wrapping herself around him like he was air.

> “Main aapko kabhi nahi chhodungi,” she whispered, muffled into his chest.

He kissed the top of her head, heart threatening to shatter from emotion.

> “Main kahin nahi jaa raha hoon, Laado. Kahin bhi nahi.”

---

Author’s Note:

Sometimes love is loud.And sometimes, it’s in the way she slept beside him all night…Still holding on.