Morning light filtered softly through the kitchen windows, casting a gentle glow over the breakfast that Meera had prepared with utmost care. She moved around the kitchen in silence, ensuring everything was perfect. The toast was golden brown, the coffee brewed precisely the way he liked it—strong, with just a splash of milk, not a drop more. Her hands trembled slightly as she poured his juice, and the glass rattled as she set it down, betraying the anxiety that had settled in her stomach.
Nisha's request from the previous evening played over in her mind. It had been a simple, caring question: "Meera, could you check on Papa tomorrow? He's been forgetting to take his medicine." But the request had filled her with a quiet dread that overshadowed even her worry for Mr. Kapoor's health. With Rohit, nothing ever felt simple, no matter how trivial. Every word, every move had to be carefully calculated, and the smallest misstep could turn an innocent favor into a threat.
Finally, she heard his footsteps approaching, each step precise and unhurried. Rohit entered the kitchen with his usual stern expression, eyes scanning the table to confirm that everything was in place before he sat down. Meera placed his plate in front of him, then stood back quietly, trying to collect the courage she needed to ask. Her heart pounded as she clutched the edge of the table, steeling herself for his reaction.
After a few moments, she finally cleared her throat softly, then spoke in a gentle, tentative voice. "Rohit… um… Nisha asked me to check on her father today. He's been unwell, and—"
Rohit's fork clattered onto his plate. His eyes turned cold as he looked up at her, a dark frown creasing his face. "Why do you keep letting her interfere in your life?" he sneered, his voice low and biting. "First, she fills your head with nonsense, and now you want to go running off to her family? Have you forgotten your responsibilities here?"
Meera's cheeks flushed with embarrassment and shame, but she took a deep breath and forced herself to keep her voice steady. "I just thought… it wouldn't take long. I'd be back before you got home…"
"Oh, so you're asking permission now, are you?" he interrupted sharply, his gaze sharpening like a hawk zeroing in on its prey. His tone dripped with sarcasm as he continued, "Your friend can't even take care of her own father, and now she's got you running off to do it for her? Pathetic."
A pang of anger and sadness rose in Meera's chest, but she swallowed it down, clenching her hands tightly behind her back. She knew better than to argue, yet something in her refused to stay silent. "It's just that…"
Rohit scoffed, shaking his head with a bitter chuckle that made her stomach twist. "You and that friend of yours—always meddling in each other's lives. She can't manage her own father, and you can't even handle a simple task here without begging for permission."
She bit her lip, struggling to contain her emotions, but Rohit's anger seemed to flare at her silence. He rose from his seat, his chair scraping against the floor, and stepped toward her with deliberate menace. Meera instinctively tried to step back, but he was quicker, grabbing her face harshly, his fingers digging into her cheeks as he forced her to meet his gaze.
"Fine," he sneered, his grip tightening until she winced in pain. "Go. But I want you back here before I come home. And if you're not… let's just say you'll regret it. Do you understand me?"
Her eyes filled with tears as she nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "Y-Yes, Rohit," she managed, her voice quivering.
He released her with a slight shove, and she stumbled back, rubbing her sore cheek. "Then get out of my sight," he muttered, turning his attention back to his breakfast. "And remember, this is your last warning."
Swallowing hard, Meera grabbed her bag and hurried out of the house, the sting from his grip still throbbing on her cheek. The cool morning air hit her face, but it did little to ease the pain, both physical and emotional, that lingered from their exchange. She inhaled deeply, trying to steady herself as she began the walk to Mr. Kapoor's house.
As she walked, her mind swirled with a tangled mess of emotions—fear, frustration, sadness, and something else she couldn't quite place. Memories of the person she'd once been, the person she'd almost forgotten, surfaced briefly, bringing with them a pang of sorrow. She had once been vibrant and full of dreams. How had she become this shadow of herself, carefully calculating every word and step to avoid provoking Rohit's anger?
When she finally arrived at Mr. Kapoor's house, a wave of relief washed over her. The familiar sight of the modest little house brought a sense of comfort, a refuge from the storm of her home life. She knocked softly on the door, and within moments, Mr. Kapoor opened it, a warm smile lighting up his face.
"Meera! It's so good to see you," he said, his eyes crinkling with genuine affection as he welcomed her inside. "Thank you for taking the time to come by. I know you must be busy."
She managed a small smile, stepping over the threshold and feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. "It's no trouble, Uncle. I wanted to check in and see how you're doing." Her voice softened, feeling a warmth that had become unfamiliar to her.
Mr. Kapoor chuckled as he led her to the living room. "Oh, I'm fine, just the usual complaints of an old man," he joked, but there was a hint of exhaustion in his tone. "Nisha worries too much, you know."
They settled onto the worn, comfortable sofa, and Meera glanced around the room. Family photos lined the walls—happy memories captured in time, filled with warmth and love. She felt a pang of longing as she looked at them, wishing she could feel that same sense of security and belonging.
"Still, it's important that you take care of yourself," Meera replied gently, glancing over at him. "Nisha loves you, and she just wants to make sure you're healthy."
He smiled, his eyes softening as he reached out to pat her hand. "And I'm grateful to have friends like you, Meera. You've always been a wonderful influence on Nisha. I only wish you were as happy as you make others."