Somewhere in London, a young woman with ocean-blue eyes prayed quietly with her family.

Ira Malhotra's hands trembled as her father's words echoed in her ears-Grandpa Vivek had suffered a heart attack.

                           IRA's -POV

I couldn't believe it. As far as I knew, Grandpa Vivek was strong, disciplined, and healthier than anyone I'd ever met. My whole family was shaken, but for me... it felt personal. Even though he wasn't my blood, I'd always loved him as my own grandfather. He was the father of my dad's best friend, Varun Uncle, yet in my heart he was simply my Grandpa.

Mom always says, "Family is not defined by blood, but by love." And the Raghuvanshi family has always been mine. I love them all dearly, but Vivaan... he has always been different for me.

Since childhood, I adored him. I worshipped every part of him-even his arrogance, his coldness, his tantrums. And though his heart still belonged to someone else, though his first love married another, I never stopped loving him. Everyone in the Raghuvanshi family knows of my feelings-everyone except him.

When Dad finally smiled and said, "Vivek Papa is out of danger," relief washed over me. I clasped my hands and whispered, "Thank you, God." I don't usually pray, but for the people I love, I'll do anything.

Soon after, Mom called Meera Aunty through video.

Meera Aunty:

"Vivek Papa is stable. The doctor says it was stress and worry that caused it."

Mom:

"Stress? About what? Don't tell me it's Vivaan again... he's already thirty. He should move on from the past-for himself and for the family."

Her words cut through me like glass. The thought of Vivaan marrying someone else, loving her, building a family with her-it was unbearable. Tears pricked my eyes, and I ran to the washroom to compose myself.

When I returned, Mom handed me the phone. On the screen, Saanvi smiled at me.

Saanvi:

"Grandpa's fine now, Ira. But Bhaiya... he looks so broken."

The camera turned, and I saw him-Vivaan Raghuvanshi. Sitting in silence, staring blankly at the wall, his face is void of all life. My heart clenched. I quickly captured the image on my phone, as I always did. It was my secret way of keeping pieces of him close.

Ira (whispering):

"Don't worry, Saanvi. Everything takes time."

Then, Grandpa's voice came from behind:

Vivek:

"Where is my granddaughter Ira? I miss her!"

Tears blurred my vision.

Ira:

"I am here, Grandpa. I missed you so much."

Vivek:

"Come soon, my bachha. I have something important to discuss."

Tomorrow, I will finally see him in India-after eight long years. Though we had met countless times on video calls, nothing compares to holding the hand of the one you love most.

I only prayed that when I returned, everything would be normal again.

Remember your encouragement matters.

Bye sweeties😚

Happy reading 🤗