Hari Narayan arrived at the party head office like any other day and settled into a high-level meeting with Suryadev, the Prime Minister and party head, along with several senior cadets. Midway through the discussion, he began sipping water more frequently, subtle signs of discomfort slipping through his composed façade. Moments later, he pressed a hand to his chest, eyes rolling back as he slumped into his chair, gasping for breath.
Chaos erupted in the room and people immediately sprang into action. Hari Narayan was rushed to the hospital, the one where high-profile political figures were treated. Within minutes, news channels flashed breaking headlines.
“Senior Party Leader and Ex–Finance Minister Hari Narayan Hospitalized”
Leelavati reached the hospital swiftly and soon wishes for his recovery began pouring in from central and state leaders across the nation.
The hospital dean addressed the press, confirming that the veteran politician had suffered a heart attack and that further updates would follow.
Meanwhile, Mithun and Kajal, along with Reyansh, Vaishu, Ishaan and Pari landed at Delhi airport after receiving the news. Cameras flashed wildly as media swarmed to capture their reactions, but surrounded by their bodyguards, the family remained silent and got into their cars.
A convoy of vehicles pulled up at the hospital, where they were escorted inside under heavy security. The entire floor where Hari Narayan was being treated was sealed off, fortified with police presence and Z-security personnel.
The entire family, along with Leela, waited in the VVIP lounge, silent, composed and flawlessly maintaining the facade they had rehearsed. Only a few whispered words of consolation passed between them, just enough to appear natural to the security and medical staff.
Soon, the doctor arrived with an update that Hari Narayan would undergo an angioplasty and any further treatment would be decided based on the results. The family nodded solemnly, continuing their act with precision.
By evening, the doctor returned with the news they had been waiting for that Hari Narayan was out of danger.
The family exchanged controlled smiles, subtly acknowledging that their plan was moving exactly as intended. A press statement was released by the hospital confirming that Hari was stable and under observation.
Outside, the press and media thronged every exit, desperate for a glimpse or a quote from the family. While Mithun and Kajal remained behind to maintain appearances, the others, along with Leela, were discreetly escorted out through a secured passage, guarded closely by their security team.
The family reached Rey’s bungalow and Ishaan immediately instructed the staff to set the dining table while he checked the drawing room to ensure it was secure for discussion. A moment later, Reyansh received a message from Mithun that everything remained under control.
He showed the message to Leela, who nodded and offered a small grateful smile. Reyansh thanked her for her cooperation.
“Stop thanking me, Rey. We’re family and family doesn’t thank each other. We stand united in both rise and fall. Suryadev will visit the hospital to check on Hari. He’ll definitely ask for detailed reports. And knowing him, he’ll send word of his concern through Hari’s PA, asking for my presence at the hospital during his visit because he’ll want the media attention on him. You need to speak to the doctor and make sure everything appears natural until Suryadev arrives.” Leela said softly.
Reyansh agreed without hesitation.
Meanwhile Mithun and Kajal walked into the VVIP ward and paused at the sight before them. Hari sitting comfortably, reading a newspaper and smiling warmly at them, completely relaxed now that they were away from prying eyes.
Mithun shared the media frenzy surrounding Hari’s hospitalization and the nonstop coverage and the video clips of him being rushed into the hospital that had flooded social media. Soon after, the doctor entered the room and informed Hari that Suryadev would be arriving in the evening to meet him.
“Stick to the plan and say exactly what we discussed,” Mithun instructed and the doctor hummed in acknowledgment, offered a polite bow before he left the room.
Kajal sat beside her father, gently feeding him the specially prepared meal that had been brought in discreetly.
Leela received a message from her husband’s PA informing her that Suryadev planned to visit Hari Narayan at the hospital in the evening and that he wanted her present during his visit. She replied with a brief confirmation and immediately informed Reyansh.
By evening, Reyansh, Vaishu and Leela arrived at the hospital. Vaishu kept a steady hand on Leela’s shoulder, guiding her like a daughter supporting a distraught mother. The media captured the perfect frame, the worried wife, the supportive family which went viral within minutes.
As planned, the public corridor was cleared and the entire environment was taken under control by the Prime Minister’s security team. Soon, Suryadev stepped out of his car, wearing a mask of devastation, ignoring the reporters who called out for a statement. He strode directly into the hospital as the cameras flashed.
Leela, Reyansh and Vaishu waited by the lift to receive him and guided him to Hari’s room, where the old man lay with machines clipped to him, monitors beeping rhythmically. The doctor stood silently by the bedside.
“He is too old to handle this level of stress and tension. He must remain under complete rest. His heart won’t survive another attack.” the doctor said gravely and Suryadev nodded slowly, as though absorbing the blow.
When they stepped out of the ward, he folded his hands toward Leela, who still leaned slightly on Vaishu.
“Stay strong, madam, Hari is a strong man. I have known him for years. He will pull through. He is not just a party member, he is my friend… my brother. I will instruct the doctors to give him the best care possible. You have the prayers of the nation and the full support of the party.” he said in a voice soft yet perfectly modulated for the watching cameras.
He then turned to Vaishu with a polite smile. “It’s good to see you after so many years, Vaishnavi ji. Please take care.” he said and with that, he walked away surrounded by his guards.
Within minutes, the photos of him speaking to Leela and Vaishu flooded social media. An hour later, the Prime Minister’s official accounts released a message about his hospital visit, offering prayers for Hari Narayan’s recovery and highlighting the long-standing bond he shared with him.
The next day, the doctors announced that Hari Narayan was stable and would remain under observation for three more days before being discharged.
Ayaan and Zara arrived in Delhi that morning with Ved and Saanvi, looking every bit like a small family. Ayaan carried Saanvi in his arms while Zara held Ved’s hand as they walked to the car. They visited Hari Narayan at the hospital first before heading to their bungalow.
Three days later, Hari was discharged. The entire family gathered at his residence to welcome him home. His PA released photos and a short video of a visibly tired but recovering Hari Narayan entering the house, supported by his loved ones. Soon after, a heartfelt thank-you message from Mithun and Kajal was posted on behalf of the family, expressing gratitude for the prayers and well-wishes pouring in from across the country.
Later that day, Mithun, Kajal and Leela met Suryadev at his office, having formally requested an appointment. The moment they stepped in, the media captured their arrival and within minutes the photos of the three of them entering the PM’s office dominated every headline.
Inside, Leela spoke with quiet conviction, her tone carrying the weight of both duty and desperation. “It’s time Hari steps away from politics. His health won’t survive another shock. He needs peace and our family needs him more than the party does.” she said.
Suryadev listened, nodding solemnly. “Of course, given his condition, it’s best he be relieved of all responsibilities. He has served the party and the nation enough. Let him rest now.” he replied.
His agreement sealed the chapter exactly as the family had intended. Within an hour, the party headquarters issued an official press release.
It stated that ” Hari Narayan Ji has been relieved from all party responsibilities upon his own request and with the full consent of his family, following the doctors’ strong advice for complete rest and long-term recovery. ”
The statement praised his decades of service and assured the public that the party respected his decision and wished him good health. The announcement was running across every news channel, marking the quiet but decisive end of Hari Narayan’s political tenure.
Hari Narayan’s PA positioned the camera carefully before the old man, who lay propped against the pillows, looking far older and frailer than he had before being rushed to the hospital. Hari Narayan drew in a slow breath, his voice weak and worn as he began to speak.
“Namaskar… I want to thank everyone for their prayers. The doctors have advised me to step away from all stress… and my family insists they want me healthy, not heroic. I also want to thank the people of this nation and my party for the trust, respect and affection they have given me over the years. Your support has been my greatest strength.” he said and drew a slow breath before he continued. “So, with their love guiding me I am officially stepping back from politics. It is time for me to rest.” he said with faint smile on his lips.
He closed his eyes briefly, exhausted and the PA ended the recording exactly as planned.
The video was posted on Hari Narayan’s official social media page and wishes poured in from political leaders across the country as well as the public.
Meanwhile, Ayaan, Zara, Ishaan and Pari were in the maze with Ved and Saanvi, running and laughing as they played. Ayaan and Zara teamed up with Saanvi, while Ishaan and Pari teamed up with Ved. Even though Ayaan and Ishaan had played in the maze countless times, they pretended to be clueless just to make it fun for Zara, Ved and Saanvi.
The two teams raced through the turns, screaming and cheering and in the end, they reached the exit at the same time. Zara was panting from all the running and Ayaan gently stroked her back with a smile.
“I love this,” Zara said, trying to catch her breath and Ayaan slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer, and leaned in.
“Then we’ll create one at our home… for us and our… kids,” he murmured and Zara’s heart skipped several beats. She froze, stunned that he was thinking about having children with her which she hadn’t expected.
Ayaan chuckled at her stunned reaction. He leaned in, and pecked her nose. The kids immediately started giggling and covered their eyes with their tiny palms. With a playful growl, Ayaan lunged at them and began tickling them until their laughter echoed through the maze.
Zara, still reeling from his earlier words, watched him. He looked carefree, joyous, exactly the version of Ayaan she had always wished to see.
Later that night, Ayaan called her for a walk. He draped a shawl around her shoulder and rubbed his palms together before cupping her cheek gently. Then he lit a small fire of stacked wood and settled in front of it, pulling Zara down beside him.
He wore a soft smile, as if lost in some private thought. Zara cleared her throat lightly and he turned to her.
“It feels good… being here with you. A cold night, warm fire and my beautiful wife beside me. This is perfect. Once all the chaos settles, we’ll finally breathe easy” he murmured and drew her against his chest, his palm stroking her arm to warm her.
“If only this could last forever. Sometimes I believe every word you say… every gesture you make. But then my heart remembers, what if all this is just an act? What if you never stopped pretending from the beginning? What if I’m still standing in someone else’s place… and you are holding me only in her place and not mine, the one I had always wanted for us ? It hurts… hurts too much.” she thought, staring into the flames and her chest tightened painfully.
“I have a lot to confess, Zara, but I’m scared… scared you won’t trust me once you hear it. I’ve always been the most pampered, the most loved and when everything was taken from me, it felt like a curse. I don’t want to fall back into being that broken man again. Just give me a little time… I’ll tell you everything.” Ayaan said and pressed a gentle kiss to the crown of her head.
Zara nodded her head and Ayaan rubbed her palm with his to keep her warm until they returned to their room.
Two days later, everyone except Mithun and Kajal returned to Chennai.
********************
A/N:
Please like and comment
Take care and Thank you
