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Third PERSON POV

In Oberoi's Mansion

"Maa, where is your ladle beta? How is it possible that he hasn't woken up yet?"

"I know, right, Bhai? By now, he should have been up and scolding everyone."

Their mother sighed, shaking her head. "Bas karo, tum dono! How much will you talk behind my son's back? Adarsh woke up long ago; he's just getting ready. And Ruhi, my son does not scold people he just cares about everyone's health."

Ruhi chuckled. "Don't worry, Maa, we're not against your precious son. We're just saying he's like an angry Hulk."

"Really?" A deep voice echoed from behind, sending a shiver down Ruhi's spine.

She turned around, only to freeze. "A-Adarsh Bhai..."

Adarsh stood there, arms crossed, his expression cold and stern. "So, this is what you do behind my back? Giving me nicknames?"

Ruhi swallowed hard, her previous confidence vanishing. "I-I was just joking, Bhai. I didn't mean any harm." She quickly held her ears. "I'm sorry! It won't happen again, I promise!"

Adarsh's gaze didn't soften. "This is my first and last warning. If I hear something like this again, you won't like the consequences."

Tears welled up in Ruhi's eyes. "O-Okay, Bhai..."

Rudransh, sensing her distress, stepped in. "It's okay, Adarsh. Let it go. She's just a kid."

Adarsh scoffed. "She's spoiled because of your pampering, Bhai. If she doesn't learn now, it'll be too late."

Their mother placed a reassuring hand on Ruhi's shoulder. "No worries, puttar. One mistake can be forgiven, right? She won't repeat it."

Adarsh exhaled sharply. "Fine. But next time, I won't be so lenient."

Ruhi wiped her tears and quietly retreated to her room.

Adarsh turned to his mother. "Maa, I'm heading to the hospital. I have a school health check-up today."

"But beta, at least have breakfast before leaving!"

"Yes, Adarsh," Rudransh added. "You take care of everyone's health, but don't neglect your own."

Adarsh gave a small, tired smile. "Don't worry, Bhai. I'll eat at the office. I'm already late."

Before leaving, he pulled out a chocolate bar from his bag and handed it to his mother. "Give this to Ruhi."

Their mother sighed, watching him go. "He says 'don't worry' so easily... but how can a mother not worry? Maa hu mai chinta hoti hai apne bacche kie" Tears welled in her eyes.

Rudransh placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I understand, Maa. But we can't do much. I'll talk to him. Meanwhile, you should check on Ruhi this chocolate will surely lift her mood."

His mother chuckled at the thought. "Yes, you're right."

But before going she looked at the idol of lord Krishna and said "Mere bacche ki khushiyon ka dhyaan rakhna, Gopal....ab yeh zimmedaari aapki hai"

AT THE HOSPITAL

Adarsh entered his cabin and leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. Something about today made him more irritable than usual. Deep down, he knew the reason.

"Nurse Nae!" His voice rang through the room.

A nurse rushed inside. "Yes, sir? Do you need something? Are you alright? You don't look well."