The morning light filtered through the curtains of the Dixit home, casting a gentle glow over the breakfast table. Sonakshi had just finished preparing a light breakfast when Dev, dressed in his business suit and carrying his briefcase, walked into the kitchen. His expression was a mix of determination and mild fatigue from the early start.

“Morning, Dev,” Sonakshi said, handing him a cup of coffee. “You’re off to Mumbai today?”

“Yes,” Dev replied, taking the coffee gratefully. “I’ve got back-to-back meetings lined up. It’s going to be a long day. But I’ll be back late tonight.”

Sonakshi nodded, her mind already whirring with the day’s responsibilities. “I’ve got a lot on my plate here as well. I’ll manage things at home.”

Dev leaned in to kiss her cheek. “Thanks for holding down the fort. I’ll call you when I land.”

As Dev left for the airport, Sonakshi busied herself with the children’s morning routine, ensuring Suhana and Aayush were prepared for school and Shubh was ready for his kindergarten class. The house was filled with the usual hustle and bustle of a school day, but amidst the organized chaos, Sonakshi felt a subtle unease.

It wasn’t long after Dev’s departure that the phone rang, interrupting her moment of calm. She picked it up, and the voice on the other end was Sourabh’s, tinged with worry.

“Sonakshi, we need to talk,” Sourabh’s voice was serious.

Sonakshi’s heart skipped a beat. “What’s wrong, Dada?”

“It’s Baba,” Sourabh said, his voice faltering. “He’s been taken to the hospital. He’s not doing well.”

A chill ran down Sonakshi’s spine. “What happened? Is he okay?”

“They think it might be a serious complication,” Sourabh explained. “He’s stable for now, but the doctors are concerned. I know you’re far away, but I thought you should know.”

Sonakshi felt tears prick her eyes. “I wish I could be there with you. Dev is out of town in Mumbai, and I’m here with the kids. I don’t even know what to do.”

Sourabh’s voice softened with understanding. “I know it’s hard. If you can’t make it today, we’ll manage. Just stay in touch, and I’ll keep you updated.”

“Please, let me know as soon as you hear anything,” Sonakshi said, her voice breaking. “I’ll do what I can from here. Maybe I can arrange something later.”

After hanging up, Sonakshi took a deep breath and tried to focus on her tasks. The weight of worry made it difficult to concentrate, but she knew she had to maintain a sense of normalcy for the sake of her children.

Later in the morning, as Suhana and Aayush headed out the door for school, Sonakshi tried to keep her composure. She hugged them tightly, her thoughts lingering on her father.

“Remember to focus on your studies and help each other out,” Sonakshi said, trying to sound upbeat. “I’ll be here if you need anything.”

Suhana noticed her mother’s unusual seriousness. “Is everything okay, Mumma?”

Sonakshi forced a smile. “Just a bit of a rough day. But we’re all good. Go on now, and I’ll see you after school.”

As they left, Sonakshi’s phone buzzed again. It was a message from Dev, checking in.

**Dev:**
*Just landed in Mumbai. Hope everything is alright at home. Call me if you need anything.*

Sonakshi took a deep breath, her fingers hovering over the keyboard as she typed a response.

**Sonakshi:**
*Sourabh Dada called. Baba’s in the hospital. I’m holding it together here, but it’s tough. I’ll keep you updated.*

Dev’s response came almost instantly.

**Dev:**
*I’m so sorry, Sonakshi. I wish I could be there with you. I’ll finish my meetings and come back as soon as I can. Stay strong.*

Sonakshi felt a pang of gratitude and loneliness at his words. She took another moment to compose herself before moving on with her day. As the house grew quieter with the children at school, she sat down to make phone calls, arranging for a caregiver to help her in case she needed to travel later.

The day stretched on, each minute feeling longer than the last. Sonakshi found herself lost in thoughts of her father and the distance that separated her from him. Yet amidst the worry, she found strength in her routine and the support of her family, even if it was from afar.

As evening approached, Sonakshi prepared dinner, hoping that the familiar act of cooking would provide some comfort. She glanced at the clock, counting down the hours until she could speak to Sourabh again and, eventually, Dev. In the quiet of the kitchen, she clung to the hope that the situation would improve and that, despite the miles between them, love and family would see them through the uncertainty.

As evening settled over the Dixit household, Sonakshi’s worry seemed to permeate every corner of the house. She had finished preparing dinner and was now waiting anxiously for any updates from Sourabh. The children, freshly returned from school, were chattering away, seemingly unaware of the gravity of the situation.

Shubh tugged at Sonakshi’s sleeve, his face bright and hopeful. “Mumma, can we play that game now?”

Sonakshi smiled weakly, her heart aching with the strain of balancing her emotions. “Not just yet, Shubh. I need to wait for some important news first. But I promise we’ll play later.”

Shubh nodded, though his excitement was visibly dimmed. He wandered off to the living room, where Suhana and Aayush were engaged in a board game. Their laughter and playful banter filled the house, a stark contrast to the tension Sonakshi felt.

Sonakshi busied herself with setting the table, her movements automatic as she tried to stay grounded. The phone buzzed, startling her. It was a message from Sourabh.

**Sourabh:**
*Baba’s condition is stable for now. The doctors are doing everything they can. I’ll keep you posted.*

Sonakshi let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. She quickly typed back.

**Sonakshi:**
*Thank you for letting me know. Please keep me updated. I’m worried sick, but I’m holding it together for the kids.*

As she slipped the phone into her pocket, Dev called, his voice a comforting anchor amidst her turmoil.

“Hi, Dev,” Sonakshi answered, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Hi, Sonakshi. How’s everything going?” Dev asked, his concern evident.

“It’s been a rough day,” Sonakshi admitted. “dada called with an update about baba. He’s stable, but I’m struggling to keep my mind off it.”

“I wish I could be there,” Dev said, his tone filled with regret. “I’m wrapping up my meetings now. I’ll catch the next flight back home. Hang in there, okay?”

Sonakshi’s eyes welled up with tears. “Thank you, Dev. It means a lot to know you’re coming back. The kids are doing okay, but it’s hard not to worry about Baba.”

“I understand,” Dev said softly. “Just focus on the children and yourself for now. I’ll be back as soon as I can, and we’ll figure out the next steps together.”

As the conversation ended, Sonakshi felt a small wave of relief. Knowing that Dev would be home soon and that Sourabh was keeping her informed helped her manage her anxiety, if only a little.

Dinner was a quiet affair, with Sonakshi doing her best to engage in conversation and keep the evening as normal as possible for the children. Suhana and Aayush chatted about their day and the upcoming weekend plans, while Shubh’s earlier excitement returned as he ate his favorite pasta.

After dinner, Sonakshi decided to finally sit down and play the game with Shubh. She found him in the living room, engrossed in his toys. She joined him on the floor, and they began to play, his laughter and joy gradually lifting her spirits.

While they played, Suhana approached, her face a mix of concern and determination. “Mumma, I’ve been thinking. Maybe we can set up a video call with Grandpa if we can find a way. It might make things a bit easier for you.”

Sonakshi’s heart warmed at Suhana’s thoughtfulness. “That’s a wonderful idea, Suhana. Let’s try to make it happen. It would be great for Dad to see us, even if it’s through a screen.”

Suhana nodded and went to fetch her tablet. As she set up the video call, Sonakshi felt a renewed sense of hope. It was a small comfort, but seeing her father’s face and speaking with him, even remotely, might help bridge the gap created by distance.

The video call connected, and Sonakshi’s heart ached as she saw her father, Bejoy, looking frail but alert. His eyes, though tired, still held a spark of recognition and love.

“Hello, baba,” Sonakshi said softly, her voice trembling. “It’s Sonakshi.”

Bejoy’s eyes lit up as he saw her. “Sona my dear. How are you?”

“We’re managing,” Sonakshi replied, fighting back tears. “We all miss you and wish we could be there with you.”

Bejoy nodded slowly. “I know, dear. I’m trying to stay strong. Sourabh’s been a great help. You must take care of yourself and the children.”

“I will,” Sonakshi assured him. “And we’ll be together soon. Dev is coming back tonight, and we’ll figure out the best way to be there for you.”

As the call ended, Sonakshi felt a mix of relief and sadness. Seeing her father had brought some comfort, but the distance and the uncertainty remained heavy. She knew she had to stay strong for her family, balancing her worry with the daily demands of life.

As the night wore on, Sonakshi tucked Shubh into bed and kissed him goodnight. She stood at his door for a moment, listening to his soft breathing, and then turned off the light, her heart heavy but hopeful.

The night was quiet, and as Sonakshi prepared for bed, she glanced at the clock, waiting for Dev’s call or text with further updates. Despite the distance and the difficulties, she took solace in the strength of her family bond and the support that held them together, even when they were apart.