The sound of the doorbell echoed through the tense atmosphere, signaling the arrival of the family doctor. Swastika quickly opened the door, and in walked Dr. Sharma, a calm and experienced middle-aged man who had been the Parihaar family’s trusted physician for years.

“Dr. Sharma, thank you for coming so quickly,” Rishabh said, his voice laced with relief as he stood up from beside Rukmini.

“Of course, Rishabh,” the doctor replied, removing his coat and hanging it on a nearby hook. He walked over to Rukmini, who was still seated on the sofa, her face pale but trying to mask her pain with a forced smile.

“Let’s take a look, Rukmini ji,” Dr. Sharma said gently, his voice soft as he knelt beside her.

Rukmini winced slightly as she tried to shift her weight, but Dr. Sharma placed a reassuring hand on her arm. “Don’t move too much, please. I’ll take care of everything.”

He carefully examined her leg, pressing gently around her ankle and knee. After a moment, he looked up, his brow furrowed in concern. “There’s some swelling around the ankle, but I don’t think it’s broken. However, you’ve definitely sprained it. It might take a little while to heal, and we’ll need to keep you off of it as much as possible.”

Pakhi let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Thank goodness,” she whispered, though her worry remained. “What should we do, doctor?”

Dr. Sharma nodded. “We’ll need to apply ice to reduce the swelling and keep it elevated. I’ll also give you some painkillers to help with the discomfort. But most importantly, Rukmini ji, you need to rest and stay off that leg for a few days. No walking, no climbing stairs—nothing that could aggravate the injury further.”

Rukmini gave a small nod, though her expression remained less than thrilled. “I’ll rest, doctor,” she said, though it was clear she wasn’t used to being taken care of. “I’ll manage.”

Dr. Sharma’s expression became more serious. “Rukmini ji, it’s important that you get proper care during this time. I highly recommend hiring a personal physiotherapist who can assist you with your recovery. It will be crucial for your mobility and to avoid any long-term damage to the injury.”

Rishabh exchanged a glance with Krushna, his face tightening. “We’ll arrange for someone right away,” he said, his voice resolute.

Dr. Sharma gave a quick shake of his head. “I’m afraid it won’t be easy. The therapists I know are all currently busy with other patients. However, I cannot stress enough how vital it is for you to have someone come over regularly. It will make all the difference in the healing process.”

Rukmini sighed softly but nodded in understanding. “I’ll be fine, beta. Just make sure I’m not alone for too long.”

The doctor handed them a few prescriptions and instructions for care before turning to leave. “I’ll check in on you tomorrow. Take care, Rukmini ji.”

As Dr. Sharma turned to leave, he paused at the door and glanced back at Rishabh. “One more thing,” he said, his voice more serious. “I highly recommend that you hire a personal physiotherapist for Rukmini ji as soon as possible. Given her age and the severity of the sprain, rehabilitation is crucial for her recovery.”

Rishabh nodded immediately. “Of course, doctor. I’ll arrange for one right away.”

Dr. Sharma’s expression softened, but there was a hint of concern in his eyes. “I’ve already called a few physiotherapists I know, but unfortunately, they’re all booked up. It’s a busy season, and it’s not easy to find someone available on such short notice. I can’t stress enough how important it is, though. Without proper rehabilitation, the injury could lead to long-term issues.”

Rishabh’s brow furrowed, and he exchanged a quick look with Krushna. “I’ll handle it, doctor. I’ll find someone, even if it takes a bit longer.”

The doctor gave a reassuring nod. “I’m sure you will. Just make sure she gets the proper care.” With that, Dr. Sharma left, and the family stood together, silently processing the situation.

As the door clicked shut behind the doctor, Krushna found his thoughts wandering. He had been so focused on the immediate needs of his family, particularly Rukmini’s injury, that he hadn’t realized how distracted he had been since his encounter earlier in the day.

He had met Preeta by sheer coincidence outside a café earlier, and their brief conversation had stuck in his mind. It wasn’t the conversation itself that lingered, but the awkward coffee spill that had followed. He hadn’t mentioned it to anyone, thinking it was just a trivial moment. But now, as he stood in the room, the memory seemed to settle in his mind like an unfinished thought.

Preeta.

He hadn’t really told his family about her. In fact, he hadn’t really thought much of it, dismissing it as a random encounter. But now, something about the timing felt strange—why had he run into her today, of all days? Could it just be coincidence? Or was there something more to that brief moment?

The more Krushna thought about it, the more uneasy he felt. He hadn’t told anyone, not even Rishabh, about the meeting. He wasn’t sure why, but the thought of bringing it up felt out of place in the middle of everything happening with Rukmini. It wasn’t the right time, and yet... it felt like it was more than just a coincidence.

Rishabh’s voice snapped him out of his reverie. “Krushna, could you help with getting Dadi’s things ready for tonight? We need to make sure she’s comfortable.”

“Of course,” Krushna replied quickly, shaking off his thoughts and focusing on the task at hand. He walked toward the living room, where Rukmini was resting. As he did, the uneasy feeling about Preeta remained in the back of his mind, but for now, his focus was on his family’s needs.