Morning slipped gently into the hospital room, brushing the walls with a soft gold that made everything look kinder than it felt. The muted beeping of machines and the faint scent of disinfectant blended quietly into the air. But Inaya was already awake, sitting up against the pillows with an expression that was a mix of boredom and restless energy.
When the door clicked open, she looked up.
Meher stepped inside, carrying a small tiffin box clasped carefully in both hands. A warm, almost relieved smile tugged at her lips as she approached.
"Already up?" she asked lightly.
"I've been awake for a while," Inaya replied, stretching her legs under the blanket. "You went to get me breakfast?"
"Yeah," Meher said, placing the tiffin on the side table with a little flourish. "And I told the nurse to check on you while I was gone. Did she come?"
"She did."
"Good."
"You freshened up?"
"Yup."
Meher settled down on the small stool beside the bed and opened the tiffin. Instantly, a wave of warm, comforting aroma filled the room — the kind that made even hospitals feel less lonely. Inaya's eyes widened with pure delight.
"Now this," she declared dramatically, "is happiness. Who needs anything else when there's good food?"
She snatched the tiffin eagerly.
"I made it," Meher said casually.
Inaya froze mid-bite. Her eyes widened in exaggerated horror. Slowly, deliberately, she placed the tiffin back on the table.
"Oh no… suddenly I don't feel too well. I think I'm going to be sick."
Meher burst into a soft laugh. "Relax. My mom made it."
Immediately, Inaya grabbed it back. "Good. I can't let aunty's love go to waste."
Meher raised an eyebrow at her theatrics but couldn't suppress a smile. For a moment, the room felt warm again, almost like everything outside these four walls didn't exist.
But the warmth shifted when Meher remembered something.
"Oh—wait."
"Hmm?"
"I'm sorry, Inaya. I need to go to the office today. I wouldn't if it weren't urgent."
Inaya paused mid-chew. "What's going on?"
"It's… weird," Meher said, lowering her voice. "Someone's been hacking into our software every single day. But they're not damaging anything. It feels like they're playing a game."
"That sounds serious. Didn't your cyber team upgrade the security?"
"They did. And whoever it is… they keep breaking through everything."
She let out a frustrated breath. "Dad wants me to handle it personally."
Before Inaya could speak, Meher's phone buzzed loudly. She glanced at the screen and rolled her eyes.
"Speak of the devil…"
She stood, walking a few steps away to give Inaya space to eat.
"Yeah?" she answered.
Asad's voice crackled through the speaker.
"At the company already?"
"Of course."
"Don't lie," he snapped. "Someone from the team told me you're not here."
Meher sighed. "I knew you'd check. Then why even ask? I'm with Inaya. I'll leave soon."
"How is she?"
"Better."
"Tell her I'm busy, that's why I couldn't come."
"Got it. Anything else?"
"Just fix the issue. If you actually try, you'll figure it out. No excuses."
"I'll try."
She ended the call, slipped the phone back into her bag, and returned to Inaya's side.
"I need to go now," she said softly. "Call me if you need anything. I'll ask the staff to check on you often."
Inaya grinned, waving her spoon. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. Just don't forget to send lunch. It's a crime if I don't eat… especially when I don't even gain weight!"
Meher laughed. "Yes, Miss Foodie. It's arranged. Just wait."
"Okay then. Bye. Fighting!"
"Bye."
Meher walked toward the door. She paused for half a heartbeat — something tightening behind her eyes. Inaya caught her hesitation and offered a playful wink.
Meher's smile flickered back, gentle and soft. Then she stepped out.
And the moment the door closed, the warmth dissolved.
Her posture straightened. Her eyes sharpened. The smile died completely.
Gone was the soft, teasing girl who fed her friend breakfast.
What remained was a woman with a mission.
On her way out, she stopped the passing doctor. "Please keep an eye on her."
The doctor nodded.
Meher didn't wait. She pushed through the hospital doors, the cold air outside hitting her like a switch. Her expression hardened. She crossed the parking lot, sliding into her car with purpose.
The engine hummed to life.
She pulled out her phone, voice steady — almost chilling.
"Is the cyber team ready?" Meher asked.
A pause.
Her fingers tightened on the steering wheel.
"This game ends today."
To be continued.....