After having lunch and dinner, it was time to sleep. Usually, Arya and Anvi slept on the bed together. Arya sat on the bed wearing her night dress (a sleeveless T-shirt and shorts), while John took a bedsheet and sat on the floor.

Arya asked, “Can you sleep on the floor? ” 

John smiled and replied, “Sure. Do you roll on the bed?” 

Arya said, “Don’t worry, I won’t. Can you call Mumma?”

John took his phone and called her. Anvi picked up, and John handed the phone to Arya. Arya asked, “Mumma, had dinner?”

 Anvi replied, “Yes. You had?” Arya said, “Yes! Good night, Mumma!”

Anvi looked at her watch and said, “Oh, it’s 10:30 pm. I didn’t realize. Okay dear, good night.”

Arya cut the call, gave the phone back to John, and said, “Good night, John!” She wrapped herself in the bedsheet, leaving only her face visible. At 11:00 pm, John noticed Arya was asleep, softly murmuring something. He went to the kitchen balcony and tried to call Anvi, but her phone was switched off.

“She may be sleeping. Let her be,” he thought.

He returned to the bedroom and lay down, falling asleep peacefully.

Day 2: A normal day for them.

Day 3

    In the evening, Arya and John went to the joggers’ garden. As they entered, Arya ran toward a lady and a girl of around 13–14 years sitting on a bench. 

Arya hugged the girl and said, “Connie didi, when did you come?”

 Connie replied, “It’s been two days! How are you?” 

Arya smiled. “I’m fine.” Then she turned to the lady. “How are you, aunty?” She replied, “I’m fine, dear.”

John also came forward. The lady asked Arya, “Who is this?”

 Arya replied, “My caretaker, John.” Then turning to him, she said, “John, she is Blessy aunty, and she is my friend, Connie didi.”

John nodded. “Nice to meet you.”

Connie took Arya to the playground, where they started playing on the slides and swings.Blessy aunty kept observing John and then asked, “Anvi hired you? Why?” 

He replied, “Ma’am went for an industrial visit to Manali for 10 days, so I’m taking care of her.”

Blessy took out her phone and dialed Anvi. She walked a little away, near a tree, so John wouldn’t hear.

Anvi picked up. “Good evening, doctor! How are you? How was your vacation?”

 Blessy replied, “I’m all good. Everything went well. Actually, I wanted to ask something.” Anvi said, “Yes, sure.”

Blessy took a breath and asked, “Why did you hire a male caretaker?”

Anvi paused. “Actually… he is not a caretaker. He is my…” She then explained everything about Virat and John.

Hearing this, Blessy said, “Oh dear, I’m sorry.” 

Anvi replied, “It’s okay. No problem. I’ll call you later,” and ended the call.

Blessy returned to John and said, “Sorry.”

 John looked puzzled. “Why?”

 She replied, “Anvi told me everything. I doubted you.” 

John smiled slightly. “It’s okay. It’s natural.”

She extended her hand. “I’m Dr. Blessy, your family doctor. Straightforward and blunt.” 

John shook her hand. “I understand your nature. Thank you for taking care of them. I’m Virat—an Indian soldier.” 

She nodded. “It’s my duty.”

Both of them silently watched the children playing, laughter filling the air. After some time, a man named Rammoorthy Iyer came to Dr. Blessy and said, “Doctor, my daughter… became a big girl.”

Blessy’s expression turned serious. John, not fully understanding, said politely, “Congratulations.”

Iyer looked slightly upset, but Blessy quickly intervened. “Please don’t mind him. I’ll come with you.”

She called her daughter, and they left with him.

John stood there, confused. He called Anvi.

She picked up. “What’s up, buddy? Doctor just called. Any problem?” 

He replied, “Nothing serious… but I’m confused.”

 Anvi asked, “Confused? What happened?”

John explained the situation.

Anvi sighed lightly. “Virat…”

 He asked, “What’s wrong?” 

She replied, “Their daughter is just 10 years old. That’s why they are worried.”

John paused, realizing his mistake. “WTF I did”

 Anvi said calmly, “It’s okay. Don’t worry. I’ll talk to them later. You just take Arya home.” John replied, “Okay.”