For all his power, money, influence, and the fear his name commands in the underworld, that is one thing life never gave him. Maybe that’s why, despite all the issues between us, despite everything he has done, that look somehow made me smile too.
Mom and I are in the living room, discussing what to buy for Meher’s baby shower, when I notice Raghav walking in. In two days, we’ll be flying to Mumbai for the ceremony. The entire family will be there, and neither Mom nor I want to arrive empty-handed.
“What about silver anklets?” Mom asks. “One pair for each baby.”
I nod thoughtfully. “Or maybe silver bracelets,” I suggest. “We can engrave their initials after they’re born.”
“We’ll see what’s available in the market.”
Neither of us notices Raghav listening until his voice cuts through our discussion.
“The driver and the guards will take you both into town for shopping.”
Mom and I look up. I almost roll my eyes at the verdict delivered. Surprisingly, neither of us argues. At this point, fighting him over security arrangements feels about as productive as arguing with a mountain.
Satisfied, Raghav starts heading towards the staircase.
Mom picks up her puja thali. “I’ll just keep this inside and come back. Then we can decide on a few more options.”
I nod and continue researching gift options on my phone. Mom has barely taken three steps when her hand suddenly flies to her forehead, and her eyes close briefly. The puja thali tilts dangerously.
Before I can even react, Raghav moves. One moment, he’s near the staircase, and the next, he’s already behind her. Mom’s body sways backwards, straight into him. The puja thali rattles in her hands as Raghav catches her firmly before she can hit the floor.
“Mom!” I rush to her as Mom steadies herself against Raghav. “What happened? Are you okay?”
Mom blinks several times, looking visibly disoriented, while Raghav securely holds her around her shoulders.
“Nothing,” she says quickly. “I just felt a little dizzy for a second.”
I immediately take the puja thali from her hands and place it on the nearby table. She tries to straighten, but Raghav doesn’t let her. Instead, he does something which surprises us both. Before Mom can protest, he bends down and lifts her into his arms.
Mom looks absolutely horrified. “Raghav! What are you doing?” she demands.
But he doesn’t answer. He simply starts walking towards her bedroom while I follow them. Mom glances over his shoulder at me, her eyes wide with shock. I’m probably wearing the same expression, because this is the last thing I expected. Raghav taking care of my mom as if it is the most natural thing in the world.
He walks straight into her room and gently lowers her onto the bed. The moment he makes sure she’s comfortable, he pulls out his phone and dials a number.
“Haider. Get Dr. Mehta here. Now.”
“There’s no need for a doctor,” Mom instantly protests, but Raghav ignores her completely.
“I want her here in five minutes,” he says before disconnecting the call.
“I said there’s no need for a doctor,” Mom argues again. “I only felt slightly dizzy.”
“Then let the doctor confirm that.” His voice leaves no room for further argument.
I sit beside Mom on the bed, equally worried.
“Mom, are you sure you’re okay?” I ask, searching her face carefully. “Did you take your BP medicine today?”
“Of course I did.”
“Then why did this happen?”
She sighs.
“I don’t know. Maybe I turned too quickly. Maybe it’s my age. Stop worrying, Siya. I’m fine.”
