The officers advanced steadily down the sterile hospital corridor, their steps echoing softly against the walls. Nari followed behind, seated in a wheelchair, her face tense with worry. The nurse walked closely behind her, gently reassuring, “Don’t worry… your child is fine.”

As the officers approached the child’s room, Rudra appeared from a shadowed corner of the same corridor. He caught sight of them from a distance and murmured to himself, “Huh!? The cops are coming this way… I should leave now.”

Step… step… step…

Without noticing each other directly, Rudra and the officers passed by in opposite directions. The cops continued into the child’s room, while Rudra moved further down the corridor.

Nari’s eyes involuntarily met Rudra’s for a brief moment. A strange feeling stirred in her chest. Why does he look so familiar?

Meanwhile, Rudra’s mind raced. Was she looking at me? I hope she didn’t recognize me…

Inside the child’s room, the atmosphere was tense. The doctor stood next to little Jay’s bed, eyes focused on the medical reports in his hand. His face was grave as he thought, His condition is serious…

Jay looked up at the doctor with innocent worry. “Doctor Uncle… where is my mom?”

Officer Advait, standing nearby, offered a comforting smile. “Your mom is coming soon, kid.”

Suddenly, the soft but distinct sound of wheels rolling over the floor—
KRRRKK… KRRRKKK…

The sound grew louder as the wheelchair approached.

Then, Nari entered the room, her eyes wide with desperation. In a voice choked with pain, she shouted, “Jay!”

Jay’s eyes brightened as he turned toward her. “Maa.”

Tears streamed down Nari’s face as she mumbled, “My child…”

With trembling arms, she pushed herself upward, determined to stand.