"Get ready. We have to go. Wake up," I said.
Manya was lying on the bed, wrapped like a burrito, refusing to move.
"Why do I have to wake up, bro?" she mumbled, half-asleep.
"Didn't you see Anvi's message? It's an emergency. Harrington is planning something—we don't know what yet. So wake up."
She sat up immediately. "Okay, okay. I'm getting ready. You go downstairs."
I nodded and went down.
As I was walking down the stairs, I heard soft giggles. When I reached the hall, I froze. Lavanya's parents were standing there.
"Uncle… Aunt… you're back?" I smiled and hugged them.
"Yes," Lavanya said happily. "They've come for my marriage. Your favorite uncle and aunt."
"That's great," I said warmly. "We'll meet properly tonight. I have to go now."
I waved and rushed outside.
I got into the car and called Manya.
"Hurry up, we're getting late."
"Coming, coming—oh uncle, aunt!"
"Come sit for a bit," they said.
"Sorry, I really have to go to my company," she replied, rushing out.
She got into the car and we drove straight to our base.
"What happened? You called us here so early," I asked.
Anvi was drinking water, Tia was sitting quietly, and Krati was glued to her laptop.
"We have a plan," Anvi said. "Let's go inside."
We went to my office and took our seats. Anvi stood in front of us.
"Last time, they fired on us. So I was thinking—why don't we go to Maldives and Turkey to find out more about the V-sport bomb network and the gang connected to it?"
I thought for a second.
"It's a good plan. But they already know we're after them. Someone needs to stay back. Anvi, you go to Turkey. Tia and Krati, you go to Maldives. Manya and I will stay here."
They looked at me.
"Lavanya and Aarav are getting married in a few days. We'll stay here as family, stay invisible."
Tia nodded. "Perfect. I'll book the tickets."
"Then it's decided," Anvi said. "We leave tomorrow. Keep us updated with everything."
We nodded, placed our hands together, cheered softly, and left.
When I reached home, it was quiet.
I asked the butler, "Where is everyone?"
"They've gone shopping, ma'am. Only Tina and Aarav are in their rooms."
"Oh. I'll go to Tina's room then."
I paused and turned back. "Please bring tea and some snacks to Tina's room."
"Of course," he smiled.
I went to her room. She was sitting on the couch, reading a book—I Can't Say I Love You. Tears were slipping down her cheeks. The baby was asleep beside her.
She noticed me and quickly wiped her face.
"You're here? You didn't go to office today?"
I shook my head.
"Come, sit."
I sat beside her and whispered, "Can I put my head on your lap?"
She smiled and nodded. I rested my head on her lap.
"Did something happen between you and my brother?" I asked gently.
"No," she smiled sadly. "He hates me… but he loves the baby."
"He's cruel," I said softly, touching her face. "One day he'll regret it and cry for you. Don't overthink, okay?"
Suddenly, she broke down.
"I'm sorry—did I say something wrong?" I panicked.
She hugged me tightly and cried harder. I patted her back.
"You can tell me. What happened?"
Between sobs, she whispered,
"I fell for your brother… but I know I'm only here because he was drugged and spent a night with me. He loves someone else. I'm sorry."
I smiled softly at her innocence and hugged her.
"Don't cry. Please don't. He loves you—he just doesn't realize it yet."
She nodded, tears running down her nose.
"Go wash your face," I teased. "Or I'll be in danger."
She went to the washroom.
I picked up the baby, who had just woken up.
"Pooo bhoo… say bua… bu…a."
She came back and sat beside me.
"He loves you," she said.
"He does," I smiled. "He doesn't go to people much, but he loves you."
She looked at me and asked, "Which month is it for you?"
"Eighth month," I said. "I'm thinking of delivering early."
She stared at me in shock.
"What are you saying?"
Sarthak's voice cut through the room.
I turned. "Yes."
He pulled me toward our room.
"Are you mad? It's dangerous."
"I talked to the doctor," I said calmly. "He said it's safe."
He sighed deeply. "Okay. You'll be admitted tomorrow."
"What? Why? What about my plan?"
"Nothing matters more than your health."
He left.
I cried silently and eventually fell asleep.
In evening at 8, everyone was home. I went downstairs and sat with them.
"How is the baby?" aunt asked.
"She's fine," Sarthak replied. "She'll be admitted tomorrow morning. It's eight and a half months."
"That's good," aunt smiled.
Manya came and rubbed my tummy.
"You should get married before the birth," she teased.
"No," I laughed. "My tummy will show."
"We'll do it tomorrow morning," Sarthak said firmly.
"Okay then… hubby," I smiled.
We ate, went back to our room, and lay down to rest.
Just as my eyes were closing, my phone rang.
I picked it up.
And that one call…
shook everything I thought I had under control.