Author's POV

It had been five days since Shaurya filled Lotus’s wardrobe with every shade of white imaginable.

She had grown more comfortable around his mother—so much so that she had even started baking with her. With Siya, the bond had always been easy, almost sisterly from the start.

But with Rajveer(Shaurya’s father)—there was still distance. Understandably so. She hadn’t shared much space with him. Nor with Shaurya, for that matter.

That morning, as they all gathered around the dining table for breakfast, Rajveer walked in carrying a large, neatly wrapped parcel. He placed it right in the center of the table.

“This is for you, beta,” he said, his voice gentle, directed towards Lotus.

She blinked at him, puzzled. The others turned to look, curious.

“Open it, you’ll see,” Rajveer encouraged.

Lotus hesitated, then slowly began to unwrap the parcel.

The moment the box opened, her eyes widened like saucers. She looked at Rajveer, then back at the box, her lips parting in stunned disbelief.

Siya, unable to contain her excitement, came up behind her and peeked inside.

“Oh my God… Papa, did you import strawberries from the US?”

The box was brimming with perfectly fresh, juicy strawberries.

“Yes,” Rajveer said with a warm, fatherly smile.

“Meri bachi ne kaha usse pasand hai, toh mangwana toh banta tha. Jab khatam ho jayein, bata dena, phir mangwa lenge.
("My girl said she likes them, so I had to get them. When they’re finished, just let me know, I’ll get more.")

Lotus didn’t say anything. She just stood there, eyes fixed on the strawberries. But something shifted in them—a softness, a flicker of something unspoken.

Then, without a word, she picked up a handful of strawberries and rushed to the kitchen.

Everyone exchanged surprised glances, a small smile spreading across their faces at her sudden burst of energy.

Moments later, Lotus returned, holding a plate in her hands. On it were carefully washed and sliced strawberries, and in the center, written in chocolate syrup, were the words:

“Thank you so much.”

She walked straight to Rajveer, her steps small but sure. For the first time, she stood close to him, and with a genuine smile, held out the plate.

Rajveer’s eyes softened even more. He took one strawberry from the plate and gently offered it to her.

She leaned forward and took it, meeting his eyes the way a daughter might look at a father—with quiet affection and a trace of pride.

Rajveer reached out and placed his hand gently on her head.

“Meri bachi… agar tumhe kabhi kuch chahiye ho, kuch bhi… toh bina soch samajh mere paas aana. Main launga. Tum sab mere liye ek jaise ho. Theek hai na?”
("My child… if you ever need anything, anything at all… don’t hesitate to come to me. I’ll bring it for you. You all are the same for me, okay?")

And for the first time, she didn’t hide behind silence.
She smiled warmly, openly and nodded.

Around the table, everyone was watching, hearts full. A moment passed, unspoken, but deeply felt.

She wasn’t just healing.

She was beginning to belong.

Shaurya's POV

Days are flying by. Elections are closing in, and my mind’s a battleground with only two things echoing loud

One, I have to win. No matter what.

And two… Lotus.

She’s opening up, slowly. She’s started to feel comfortable with Maa and Siya. Even with Dad, she’s warming up which, honestly, is a relief.

But there's one thing I can't shake off. Her panic attacks.

I’ve made her room cozy, safe, soft corners, calming tones. Physically, she won’t hurt herself anymore. But mentally? That’s where I’m failing her.

The doctor wants to increase her dosage. Says it'll help stabilize her episodes.

But I know what that really means numbing her pain, not healing it.

Giving her temporary peace by pushing her deeper into the dark. And that’s something I refuse to allow.

I won’t let her slip away like that. Not on my watch.

She won’t talk about her past. Not to me, not even to Maa or Siya. And I get it.

Maybe she doesn't want to replay that haunted memories again.

But still… I don’t know what to do anymore.

My thoughts were cut short by the sharp ping of a notification. I glanced down.

“Meet me in 10 minutes.”

No explanation. No context. That was enough.

I took a sharp U-turn and sped towards my destination.

___________________________________________

Next morning

I was descending the stairs when I saw her, dressed in a simple white suit, adjusting her dupatta. 

Lotus.

I walked toward her.

“Lotus,” I called softly.

She looked up, her brows lifting slightly, silently asking, What?

“Nothing,” I said with a small smile. “Let’s go for breakfast.”

She gave me a quick glance, then turned and started walking ahead.

I followed beside her, but after a moment, I figured she should know.

“I want you to meet someone today,” I said casually, “They’re downstairs.”

But when I took another step forward, I realized… she wasn’t beside me anymore.

I turned.

She stood frozen in place, her fingers nervously fidgeting, eyes distant—lost in thought. That old fear still lingered under her calm surface.

I sighed quietly and walked back to her.

“You’re safe here,” I said gently. “They’re family too. No one will hurt you.”

She met my gaze uncertain, but trying. After a brief pause, she gave a small nod… and started walking again, one step at a time.

Side by side, we headed toward the dining area.

As we approached, Veer and Ryan stood with the rest of the family, voices hushed with anticipation. 

When we stopped, mom looked around, puzzled. “Meri bachi kahan hai?”
(Where is my daughter?)

I gave a soft smile, gesturing beside him. “Yahi toh hai, Maa…”
(She is here, mom...)

But as I turned, she wasn’t there.

My brows furrowed in confusion. She was just here...

I turned around.

There she was—standing behind me, head bowed, fingers nervously entangling with each other.

My eyes softened. A small smile tugged at my lips. I pointed gently so mom could see. Silence wrapped the room
until Veer’s gentle voice broke it.

“Hello, princess,” he said warmly. “Look who’s here. I’m like your brother, don’t be scared.”

After a pause, she peeked out from behind, her wide brown eyes locking onto Veer’s smile.

He gave her a cheerful wave. Her eyes shifted, landing on Siya, who stood close to Veer.

With a raised brow, she silently questioned her.

Siya caught it and laughed. “Yes, dove. You’re right. He’s the one—my boyfriend,” she said with a proud grin.

All eyes turned toward them, stunned. Siya shrugged. “What? Of course I told Dove everything. My little sister should know all the important things.”

She winked.

Lotus gave the tiniest smile. A blink, a breath, and then she disappeared back behind me again.

All attention now turned to Ryan.

Clearing his throat, he offered a nod. “Hello, ma’am. I’m Ryan.”

The room echoed back instantly, “Ma’am? Seriously, Ryan?”

Even she scrunched her nose this time. A pout formed on her lips. She looked down at the notepad in her hand, but no pen.

Without a word, I reached into my pocket and handed her a pen.

Taking it gently, she scribbled something, stretched out her arm as far as she could, and handed the note to Ryan.

He read aloud:

“Hii. Don’t call me ‘ma’am’. You can call me by my name. My name is SAAISHA.”

Everyone froze.

Eyes widened in surprise.

___________________________________________