Ram handed the guitar back to the boy with a polite smile and quickly dashed after Priya, who was walking briskly away, her emotions spilling over with every step. "Dr. Priya!" he called out, his voice laced with concern. She stopped momentarily, wiping her tears hastily before turning to face him.

"I'm fine," she said, her voice steady but her eyes betraying her. "Let's go."

Ram's face was a canvas of confusion. "But wasn't that... strange?" he said, his tone edged with wonder. "I played the guitar. I don't even know how I did it. It's like..." He paused, searching for the right words. "It's like my hands just knew. How is that possible?"

Priya froze for a moment, her mind racing. Without thinking, she blurted, "Because you used to play it."

The realization of her slip hit her like a wave, and she saw the spark of curiosity ignite in Ram's eyes. "Wait," he said, stepping closer. "How do you know that?"

Priya swallowed hard, her heartbeat quickening. She looked away, trying to compose herself. "It's nothing," she replied, her tone curt. "Let's get back. I have more work to do."

Ram wasn't convinced but chose not to press further. He followed her silently as they walked, his mind tangled in the mystery of her words. As for Priya, she cursed herself inwardly for letting her emotions betray her, knowing that every slip could lead to questions she wasn't ready to answer.

They walked side by side, the silence between them heavy with unsaid words, the air tinged with the bittersweet notes of a melody that neither could forget.

That night, the subtle whirring of Priya's laptop accompanied the calm silence of the room.

she worked late into the night, her focus sharp despite the day's emotional turbulence. Suddenly, the soft patter of little feet broke the silence. Peehu appeared at the door, her wide, innocent eyes peeking in.

"Mumma," she said, clutching her stuffed bunny. "I want to sleep with you."

Priya looked up, her tired face lighting up with a smile. "Of course, my baby! Hop in," she said, patting the space beside her.

Peehu climbed into bed, snuggling close to Priya, who wrapped her arm around her daughter protectively. "But Peehu," Priya teased, gently pinching her chubby cheeks, "You shouldn't be up so late! I thought you were already asleep. Were you playing tricks on Mumma?"

Peehu giggled, her laughter soft and contagious. "Maybe a little," she admitted, her small fingers playing with the edge of Priya's kurta.

As they settled into the cozy embrace of the night, Peehu suddenly looked up with curious eyes. "Mumma," she began, "What are you planning for my birthday this year?"

Priya chuckled at her daughter's excitement. "Oho, so restless already? You'll see on the day, my little detective."

But Peehu wasn't ready to let it go. Her voice turned more insistent, "Mumma, that uncle... you'll invite him too, right?"

Priya blinked, caught off guard. "Uncle? Which uncle?"

"You know," Peehu said, her tone so casual yet insistent. "That uncle. You should invite him. I really like him. He's so cute."

Priya couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Cute? Peehu, what are you even saying? You're too much!"

Peehu giggled along with her mother, the sound filling the room like the sweetest melody. Priya hugged her tightly, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Alright, alright," she said with a chuckle, "We'll see."

As the night stretched on, filled with cuddles and laughter, the heaviness of the day seemed to melt away. Peehu soon drifted off, tucked safely in Priya's arms, leaving Priya to marvel at how her daughter's simple joys could bring such peace to her complicated life.

That same night, sleep evaded Ram as he sat alone in his dimly lit room. Restlessness gnawed at him, and with a deep breath, he reached for the camera on his desk. It had become his companion during sleepless nights, a silent confidant to his swirling thoughts. Switching it on, he fixed his gaze on the lens, his voice breaking the stillness.

"This is so strange," he began, his tone hesitant yet laden with curiosity. "I don't know what love feels like... but I feel good when I'm around Dr. Priya." His words faltered as a faint smile tugged at his lips, quickly replaced by confusion. "When she was with me today, I played the guitar. And that... that was strange. How did I even do it? I'm sure I've never touched a guitar before."

Ram paused, his brows knitting as he replayed the moment in his mind. "But then, Dr. Priya said I used to play it. How would she know that? She doesn't even know me—my past, my life, nothing. So how did she comment on it? And she... she got emotional. Does she feel something for me too?"

He shook his head, almost laughing at himself. "No, no, that's so stupid. I'm just a mere patient to her. I shouldn't think like that. It's... wrong." His voice softened as he added, "But... there's this string—this invisible pull—that keeps drawing me toward her. I don't get it. I really don't."

Sighing deeply, Ram leaned back, his reflection shimmering in the dark screen of the camera. "I better hide it," he murmured, determination masking the vulnerability in his voice. "If I express this, things will get messy. Yes, it's better this way."

With a final, resigned glance at the camera, he switched it off, the room falling silent once more. But even in the quiet, the questions lingered, unspoken and unresolved, as he sat in the faint glow of the night.

The day before Peehu's birthday, Ram arrived at the clinic for his session. However, unlike usual, Priya seemed distracted, her movements brisk and purposeful. She had a long list of errands to run for the next day's celebration, and time was slipping away faster than she expected.

As the session wrapped up, Priya glanced at the clock and reached for her bag. She called for Mrs. Mehra, but instead, a nurse appeared, her expression apologetic.

"Mrs. Mehra had to leave urgently," the nurse explained. "She said she'll be back soon."

Priya sighed, tapping her fingers lightly on the desk. "Alright," she said. "You just keep an eye on him for a while. I have some urgent things to do." She slung her bag over her shoulder and began walking toward the door.

But before she could leave, Ram spoke, his voice hesitant yet firm. "I don't want to stay here. Can't I just come with you?"

Priya paused mid-step, her fingers tightening on the strap of her bag. She turned to face him, her gaze thoughtful as she weighed the decision. After a brief moment, she nodded. "Alright. Come with me."

Before stepping out, she turned to the nurse. "I'll call Mrs. Mehra and sort this out."

The nurse hesitated, concern flickering in her eyes. "Is it safe to take him with you, Dr. Priya?"

Priya smiled reassuringly, her voice calm but resolute. "I'll take care of him. Don't worry."

She gestured toward Ram, who immediately stood up, his face lighting up with a mix of curiosity and relief. "Come on, Ram," she said, her tone light but firm.

Together, they left the clinic, stepping into the bustling world outside. Priya glanced at him briefly as they walked, silently resolving to navigate the unexpected turn of events with care. Little did she know, the errand-filled day would soon become another chapter in the journey of emotions that tethered them together.

Inside the car, Priya settled into the driver's seat, and Ram slid into the front passenger seat. As she adjusted the mirrors and got ready to start, she noticed Ram fumbling with the seatbelt.

"Need some help?" she asked, her tone teasing but warm.

Ram looked up sheepishly, nodding. Priya leaned over, her hands deftly working to fasten the belt. In the small, enclosed space, their faces came close, and for a fleeting moment, their eyes met. Time seemed to pause in that brief glance, a mix of unspoken emotions lingering in the air. Priya, flustered, quickly pulled away and started the car, pretending as though nothing had happened.

Their first stop was a quaint flower shop. Priya stepped out and placed her order, carefully selecting blooms that matched the joyful spirit of the upcoming celebration. Ram watched her through the window, curious and observant.

From there, they headed to a nearby cake shop, where a charming display of sweets greeted them. The staff offered them samples of different cakes to taste. Priya picked up a small forkful, savoring the rich flavors and making quick mental notes about what Peehu might like.

Meanwhile, Ram, ever curious, did something that caught everyone off guard—he dunked a piece of cake into a glass of milk that was placed on the counter. He took a bite and closed his eyes with exaggerated satisfaction. "Mmm, so delicious," he declared, holding up the improvised dessert.

Priya raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing? The milk's meant for neutralizing the flavors between bites, not for... dunking cake into it!"

Ram grinned, completely unbothered. "You should try it. It's amazing!"

"No, thank you," Priya replied firmly, shaking her head.

Ram wouldn't take no for an answer. "Just one bite," he insisted, offering her the milk-drenched piece of cake. Before Priya could protest further, he held it closer, his eyes playful yet earnest.

"Fine," Priya relented, taking a small bite. To her surprise, it was delicious. Her lips curled into an involuntary smile.

"Told you," Ram said, his face lighting up with triumph.

Priya chuckled softly, shaking her head as she reached for another sample. She couldn't help but feel that Ram's childlike antics were endearing, a glimpse of the man he once was—or perhaps the man she had always hoped to see. The moment felt strangely light, almost like a slice of the life they might have shared in a different reality