Ruhi sat there on the floor, unmoving, like time had quietly slipped past her and forgotten to take her along.

Rishabh’s head rested on her shoulder, his weight heavier than it had ever felt, not because of his body but, because of what it meant now.

Her fingers slowly curled around him, pulling him closer, hugging him tightly as if warmth alone could bring him back. Her voice came out soft, trembling but strangely calm, like she was talking to someone who was just tired, not gone.

“Koi baat nahi, Rishabh.” she whispered, her cheek resting lightly against his hair. “I know you’re very tired, you couldn’t sleep properly these days...just sleep, okay? I’m here.”

Her hand gently stroked his back, slow and careful, like she had done so many times when he struggled to breathe or rest. And then, without even realizing, she started humming softly.

“Chandaniya chupp jana re, shann bhar k-ko lukk jana re, n-nindiya aankhon mai aye...hmm”