Page 122 of Broken Destiny

We all stepped out and entered the house to the sound of barking dogs. Lucas immediately took Milo and Oreo outside with Caleb and Emma while I filled their bowls with food and water.

By the time they came back inside, the children had noticeably quieted, exhaustion finally catching up with them.

Caleb’s phone rang shortly after, and he answered it while leaning casually against the kitchen counter, his expression shifting into the focused, businesslike look I remembered so well from years ago.

I took the children upstairs, changed them into their pyjamas, and tucked them into bed for their naps.

Lucas curled beneath the blanket without protest while Emma rubbed her sleepy eyes as I kissed her forehead. Within minutes, both of them drifted into peaceful sleep. Oreo curled protectively beside Lucas’s bed while Milo stretched out near Emma’s crib.

Only then did I realize how exhausted I truly was.

My arm throbbed steadily, reminding me of the accident and everything that had followed.

I walked into my bedroom, swallowed a painkiller with water from the bottle resting on my nightstand, and sat carefully on the edge of the bed for a moment, letting out a slow breath.

Caleb was still downstairs on the phone, his muffled voice carrying faintly through the quiet house.

Too drained to think clearly, I headed back downstairs and lowered myself carefully onto the couch, intending to close my eyes for only a minute while he finished his call.

But exhaustion pulled me under almost instantly.

Within seconds, I slipped into a deep, dreamless sleep.

When I wokeup an hour and a half later, I realized I was in my bedroom with a blanket draped over me. My sling rested neatly on the side table beside the bed.

How had I ended up upstairs?

The house felt alive with movement somewhere below.

I knew the children would need to get ready for dinner soon. Pushing myself up carefully, I splashed cold water on my face and brushed my teeth before heading downstairs.

The familiar aroma of Geeta’s cardamom and cinnamonchaidrifted through the kitchen.

“How was your catch-up with your friends?” I asked, leaning lightly against the counter as she poured steamingchaiinto two cups.

Geeta’s eyes crinkled warmly. “It was good,Didi. We talked, laughed, and had a nice lunch together.”

“I’m glad you had a great time,” I said, accepting the cup and breathing in the warm, spiced scent.

“And you,Didi?” she asked. “Are you feeling better now?”

“Yes,” I replied softly, my gaze drifting toward the backyard where Caleb’s voice carried faintly through the open door. “Much better.”

“You passed out on the couch when I got back. I was going to cover you with a blanket, butBhaiyacarried you upstairs and put you in your bedroom instead.”

“Oh.”

Butterflies fluttered inside me at the thought of him carrying me upstairs and taking care of me without being asked.

“I’ll go get Emma and start getting them ready,” I said finally, clearing my throat. “You finished your work already?”

“Yes,Didi. I picked up some groceries.Bhaiyatook me to the store.”

“Okay, thanks. Where’s Lucas?”

“Outside in the front, playing basketball with his friends.”

“Can you bring him in and tell him to shower, please?”