Professor Arjun
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Seeing them in this condition, I can't stop my tears from coming out.
"I'm back, Maa… Papa."
They can't hear me, but the words still escape. Just looking at them like this makes my chest tighten.
"I am sorry, I wasn't there, when Dada... "
I understand how papa must have felt that day-helpless, completely helpless.
"You know, today is my birthday. Dadi is doing everything she can to hide her pain but I can see, how deeply hurt she is."
I know, even if I was there, I can't change anything, and...
"I'm sorry I couldn't bring Yash back. But I will find him… wherever he is. And when I do, I want you both awake. Our family should feel whole again.
...Dada may not be here physically, but he's watching us from somewhere."
---
He stays until the nurse has to remind him the visiting time is over. He leaves reluctantly, stepping out just as the guard lets Shanti go inside.
Fresh air feels like the only thing keeping him upright, so he walks toward the small park behind the ward. While passing the parking lot, he spots someone coming out from the other side of the building.
Shweta.
Yesterday, he barely processed her presence—he was too overwhelmed. But now, in the clear daylight, the changes in her after the Pariama stage stand out. From 169 to 175 centimeters, she's visibly taller. Her black hair looks glossier, almost metallic in the sun. Her face is familiar, yet something about her presence feels… different.
She looks lost in thought, so he approaches.
"Good morning, Shweta."
"!!!"
She startles, blinking at him with wide eyes. For a moment she looks confused, then remembers—his parents are admitted here too.
"Good morning," she says. "What are you doing out here? Your visiting time is over?"
"Yes. Just came out."
"Where is Shanti Dadi? Doesn't she come with you?"
"She's inside right now. They're only allowing one person at a time."
"Oh."
She tries to walk past, still distracted. Hira stops her gently.
"You were so lost, you didn't even see me. Where were you going?"
"I was thinking about how to bring Dad home today," she says softly.
"How's Prof. Arjun? Is he alright after that long sleep?"
"Yes. He's perfectly fine. The doctors said that after a few tests, he can go home by evening."
"…Did his height or appearance change like ours?"
She gives him a look that says, You really don't know?
He sighs. "I woke up recently, and Jarvy isn't working. I don't have much info."
"Right. Well… no. People above forty don't change much. They just get fitter, or small improvements. It's people like us—under thirty—who transform more."
"Got it. So what were you thinking about earlier? Getting him home?"
She sighs. "I don't know how to drive. I was wondering if I should call my uncle or ask the officials to drop us."
"I can drop you," he offers, straightforward.
She refuses at first, trying not to trouble anyone, but Hira has the same stubborn warmth Shanti carries. Eventually, she gives in.
They part ways—Hira toward the garden, Shweta inside.
. . .
Two hours later, Shanti returns. Hira updates her about dropping Shweta and Prof. Arjun home later. She agrees immediately.
They have lunch together, then wait through the afternoon, silently hoping for a miracle—that Virat and Jyoti might wake up too. Evening comes, but no such news follows.
At 6:00 pm, Shweta walks out with her father.
Arjun Vyas—middle-aged, professor of history and mythology at B.H.U., and one of Hira's mentors. His appearance hasn't changed drastically, but he looks sharper, more energetic. The streaks of grey in his hair have turned completely black.
"Good evening, Professor. How are you?" Hira greets him with respect.
"Good evening, Hira—and to you as well, Mrs. Vedman. I feel fantastic," Arjun replies brightly. "Thank you for dropping us."
"It's no trouble."
Hira brings the car around. Arjun sits beside him, while Shweta and Shanti take the back seats.
On the way, Shweta tells her father how Shanti took care of her in the past month.
"Thank you so much, Mrs. Vedman," Arjun says. "For looking after my daughter in my absence."
Shanti smiles. "I should be thanking her. Her presence helped me pass the days."
Arjun nods sympathetically. "Shweta told me about your loss. I'm truly sorry."
The car grows quiet until Arjun speaks again. "I heard you returned yesterday, Hira."
"…Yes, Professor."
"Hah! Seems I'm lucky you came back. The day you return is the day I wake up."
Light conversation fills the rest of the drive.
When they reach Shweta's house, and father and daughter prepare to leave, Shanti stops them.
"Shweta, you stayed with me last month, and house assistant bots aren't working then—your home must be dusty. Stay at our house tonight."
Shweta waves her hands. "No, Dadi, it's fine. I can clean quickly. You don't need to trouble yourself."
Arjun agrees with her. "Really, we can manage."
"It's no trouble, beta," Shanti says firmly. "Besides, I'll need help preparing Hira's birthday feast."
Shweta turns to Hira, surprised. "It's your birthday today? You didn't tell me."
"It isn't anything special. Still… Dadi's right. You both should stay. I'll help you clean the house tomorrow."
There's no winning against the Vedman family when they're being kind.
Shweta sighs, smiling. "Alright, Dadi. We'll come."
Arjun nods in agreement.
Hira drives them all back to the Vedman residence.
---
A. N. - PRADHYAPAKA means professor of higher level, like in university or bigger organisation.