After their heartfelt conversation, Preeta gently shifted the topic to something more practical, sensing that Rukmini would benefit from something actionable. She smiled at Rukmini, rolling up her sleeves slightly as she moved to sit closer.

"All right, Rukmini ji," Preeta began with a warm but serious tone, "I want to show you a few gentle exercises that could help strengthen your legs and ease some of that stiffness. These won't be strenuous, but if you make them part of your daily routine, I think you'll feel a difference."

Rukmini looked at her, a bit uncertain but intrigued. "Exercises, you say? At my age, I'm not sure I'll be able to do much," she replied, chuckling softly. "It's been years since I even thought of exercising."

Preeta gave her an encouraging smile. "Trust me, Rukmini ji, these are simple. Just small stretches and movements to keep your joints active. And I'll show you slowly; there's no rush."

She guided Rukmini to extend her leg gently, holding her ankle while explaining, "This first exercise will help loosen the joints in your ankles. Just circle your foot like this-" Preeta demonstrated a slow, circular motion with her own ankle, mimicking a simple rotation. "Try doing it in small circles five times clockwise, then five times counterclockwise."

Rukmini followed along, albeit a little hesitantly, rotating her ankle with Preeta's guidance. After a few rotations, she looked up with surprise. "It actually feels... better," she said, a bit amazed. "I didn't think such a small movement could make a difference."

Preeta beamed. "Exactly, Rukmini ji. Sometimes the simplest movements can bring the most relief. Just a few repetitions like this every morning and evening, and you'll gradually feel your joints loosen up. Plus, it gets the blood flowing, which helps reduce stiffness."

Rukmini seemed encouraged, nodding as she tried a few more circles. "What else can I do?" she asked, a glimmer of newfound determination in her voice.

Preeta smiled approvingly, feeling that determination too. "All right, here's another one." She guided Rukmini to gently straighten her leg out in front of her. "For this one, try tightening your thigh muscles just a little, holding for a few seconds, and then relax. It helps strengthen the muscles around your knees, which makes it easier to walk."

Rukmini tried the exercise, squeezing her thigh muscles and holding, a concentrated look on her face. "I see what you mean," she said, nodding as she felt the tension in her legs. "These don't seem like much, but they're... refreshing."

Preeta chuckled. "Yes, they're very gentle but effective, especially when done regularly. Do these every day-twice in the morning and once in the evening. You'll see improvement in a few weeks."

Rukmini looked at her with renewed hope, as if this was something she could actually manage. "Twice in the morning and once in the evening," she repeated thoughtfully. "I think I can do that."

"Perfect," Preeta replied, feeling pleased. "Now, along with these exercises, I've put together a small list of things you can add to your daily diet to support your joints. It's nothing too drastic, just a few changes that can make a big difference over time."

Rukmini's face brightened with interest. "Diet changes? What kind of foods should I eat-or avoid?"

Preeta handed her a small notebook in which she had jotted down a list. "Let's focus on foods that reduce inflammation and support bone health. For example, adding foods rich in calcium, like leafy greens, milk, and yogurt, can strengthen your bones. Turmeric is also excellent-it has anti-inflammatory properties, and adding a pinch of it to your daily meals could help reduce joint pain."

Rukmini glanced at the notebook, nodding as she took in the information. "I've heard about turmeric, but I didn't realize it could help joints," she murmured, clearly invested in this new approach.

Preeta nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. And avoid foods that cause inflammation, like too much sugar or fried foods. If you focus on simple, fresh meals-vegetables, fruits, whole grains-it can make a huge difference over time."

Rukmini looked up, smiling softly. "You're very thorough, Preeta. I appreciate that. It's been a while since someone took such care in helping me."

Preeta felt a warmth in her chest at Rukmini's words. "It's my pleasure, truly. You've done so much for your family, Rukmini ji. Now, it's time for you to have the care and attention you deserve. And lastly, I've added a few supplements here, like Vitamin D and Omega-3, which you can discuss with your doctor. They help with joint health too, and are especially helpful as we age."

Rukmini took a deep breath, nodding as she processed everything Preeta had shared. "This is all... very new to me, Preeta. But you've explained it so clearly. I'll follow everything you've advised."

Preeta smiled, reaching out to gently squeeze Rukmini's hand. "Remember, Rukmini ji, it's not about making drastic changes overnight. Take it one day at a time. And don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything or have questions. I'm here to support you on this journey."

Rukmini's face softened with gratitude, her eyes glistening. "Thank you, Preeta. I feel as though I'm starting a new chapter today. You've given me a lot of hope."

Preeta smiled, feeling deeply fulfilled as she sensed the genuine trust and warmth developing between them. "I'm so glad, Rukmini ji. This is just the beginning."

With a renewed sense of purpose, Preeta stood up, ready to guide Rukmini forward in her journey to healing, feeling that perhaps this bond between them would become something truly special.

------

As Preeta entered her house, tired but content, she barely had a second to settle in before Rishi and Mayra came rushing toward her, eyes bright with curiosity.

"Di!" Rishi started, his tone demanding answers. "What was it like? Was the mansion as big as everyone says?"

"Tell us everything!" Mayra chimed in, her eyes wide. "Did you meet anyone interesting? And what was the family like?"

Preeta chuckled, holding up her hands in surrender. "Okay, okay! One question at a time, please!"

Rishi nudged her playfully, grinning. "Come on, don't hold back, Di. What was it like being in a place that grand?"

Preeta took a deep breath, as if she were reliving her experience all over again. "It's... huge. Honestly, the mansion is so big I nearly got lost just trying to find my way. Every hallway, every corner is pristine and well-decorated-it's like stepping into another world."

Mayra's jaw dropped. "So it's that big, huh? Did they have a big staff too?"

"Oh, yes," Preeta replied. "There's a whole team of servants running around to keep everything perfect. And even then, it feels... a little empty. It's beautiful, yes, but it has this air of silence and formality. Very different from our home."

Rishi looked at her, intrigued. "And the family? Were they as intimidating as the house?"

Preeta smiled, shaking her head. "Not everyone. I met Rishabh Parihaar, the one who called me there for his grandmother. He's... polite, composed, very much a gentleman. He's the one who showed me to Rukmini ji's room after I got... well, let's say a little lost."

Mayra's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Rishabh Parihaar? Isn't he that well-known businessman? I heard he's very reserved!"

"He is, but he's incredibly kind to his grandmother. You can tell he's doing everything he can to look after her," Preeta replied warmly. "There's this protective, gentle side to him that I didn't expect."

Mayra raised an eyebrow, grinning. "Sounds like someone's smitten..."

Preeta shot her a look, laughing. "Mayra! It's not like that! It's just... he's different from what you'd expect based on his reputation. It was nice to see how much he cares for his family."

Rishi cut in, smirking. "So you're saying the family isn't all snobby?"

Preeta's expression turned serious. "Well... not everyone is as welcoming. I did have a run-in with his aunt, Avantika ji. Let's just say she was less than thrilled to see someone 'middle class' in her mansion."

Rishi's face darkened. "That's rude. Who is she to judge?"

Preeta shrugged, smiling wryly. "People like her are set in their ways. I'll manage. Besides, I'm there for Rukmini ji, not for her."

Mayra folded her arms, visibly proud. "Good for you, Di. You're way above any of those judgments."

Preeta's face softened, feeling grateful for her siblings' support. "Thanks, you two. But honestly, Rukmini ji is the one who needs help the most. She's lonely, tired, and feels like she's a burden on her family. It broke my heart hearing her talk like that."

Rishi's expression softened. "Then it's a good thing she has you now, Di."

Preeta smiled, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Yes, and I'm going to do everything I can to help her, no matter what anyone else says. She deserves that."

Her siblings nodded, beaming with pride. Even in the face of judgment and unexpected challenges, Preeta knew she had their unwavering support-a reminder of the strength and warmth of her own family.