Kirti's hospital room was filled with warmth as Naitik gently fed her the food he and Kartik had prepared in the hospital’s canteen. It was a privilege their wealth afforded, ensuring Kirti could enjoy a wholesome meal without breaking hospital rules. Kairav and Kartik stood nearby, watching the scene with soft smiles, the bond between father and daughter melting their hearts.

But the harmony was interrupted when Naira stepped into the room for her routine rounds. She froze for a moment, feeling as though her presence had shattered an intimate family moment. Quickly regaining her composure, she walked in, apologizing for the intrusion.

“I’m sorry for interrupting,” she said politely, moving straight to Kirti’s chart. “How are you feeling today?”

Kirti smiled weakly, her tone gentle. “Better, thanks to Dad and Kartik.”

Naira nodded, her expression neutral, and began explaining care instructions. She glanced at the food on the table and raised a brow. “I hope this isn’t from outside. You know the hospital has rules against it.”

“It isn’t,” Kartik replied quickly, his voice firm. “Dad and I cooked it ourselves in the hospital canteen. It’s allowed.”

The explanation made things awkward, and the tension in the air was palpable. Kirti, sensing the discomfort, offered the food to Naira. “Why don’t you have some? You must be tired.”

Naira declined instantly. “I appreciate it, but it’s against hospital policy for staff to take anything from patients or their families.”

Her words stung, especially for Naitik. The way she said "patients and families" made it clear she viewed them strictly in that capacity.

A Concerned Friend

As Naira exited the room, she accidentally left the door slightly ajar. Just outside, she bumped into Riya, who stood with a half-eaten apple and a disapproving look.

“Naira! You haven’t eaten anything all day, have you?” Riya scolded, hands on her hips.

“I’m fine, Riya,” Naira said dismissively, brushing past her friend.

“No, you’re not. You’re coming to the cafeteria with me, right now. And don’t even think about arguing.”

Inside the room, Naitik, Kartik, and Kairav overheard the conversation. Though they didn’t exchange a word, the concern on their faces was evident.

“I’ll be right back,” Kairav muttered, making an excuse to leave.

“Same here,” Kartik said casually, following suit.

Naitik sighed. “I need to check something as well.”

One by one, they all made their way to the cafeteria, careful not to run into each other.

A Shocking Sight

In the cafeteria, Naira sat at a corner table, her tray filled with the bland hospital food she always insisted on eating. The men watched silently from different vantage points, their gazes locked on her.

What struck them most wasn’t just the unappetizing food—it was the cauliflower on her plate.

Kartik’s jaw tightened as he whispered under his breath, “Cauliflower. She hates it.”

Kairav’s fists clenched as guilt flickered in his eyes. Naitik, watching from a distance, felt his heart sink. His princess, who once threw tantrums over eating vegetables she didn’t like, now silently forced herself to eat whatever was available.

She ate without complaint, her movements mechanical, as though this had become her routine. The spark they all remembered in her seemed dimmed, replaced by a quiet resignation.

A Silent Realization

They returned to Kirti’s room one by one, their expressions somber. No one mentioned what they had seen, but the image of Naira eating alone, forcing down food she despised, stayed with them.

For Naitik, the realization was especially painful. His little girl, once so full of life, had changed. She no longer lived with the carefree joy she once had. The family she once relied on was now just "patients and family" to her.

Each of them made a silent promise to themselves:

They had to find a way to bring their Naira back—the Naira who laughed, loved, and lived life with abandon.