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✨ Chapter 60:  Shattered Morning

The morning sun spilled through the tall, latticed windows of the haveli, casting delicate patterns across polished wooden floors. Arun’s laughter echoed through the grand hall, mingling with the soft rustle of curtains in the gentle breeze.

Rajveer reclined in the carved teak armchair, his posture impeccable, eyes fixed on his son with calm vigilance as merchants showed him the accounts of the family business. He nodded approvingly at some numbers and asked probing questions about others.

There was no overt display of emotion—stoicism was his armor—but beneath the composed exterior, his mind cataloged every movement, every sound, and every small shift in the house.

Meenal walked slowly behind Arun, her Banarasi saree tucked neatly over her arm, fingers brushing the carved balustrade. She was poised and graceful, yet her heart fluttered with quiet apprehension. The sight of her child running freely and her husband observing in silent strength filled her chest with warmth.

“Baba! Look!” Arun called, bounding toward the grand staircase, tiny feet echoing against the marble.

Rajveer’s eyes narrowed slightly, alert but calm. As his pen dropped to the floor, he turned to see his son beaming up at him, holding his wooden sword high in the air.

His hand twitched almost imperceptibly as he watched Arun near the edge of the high stairway. “Careful, beta,” he said in a measured tone, his voice steady as stone.

Arun swung the sword in the air with a gleeful smile, but it slipped from his grasp. In a desperate attempt to catch it, he lunged forward, teetering dangerously close to the edge of the staircase.

Meenal’s breath caught. “Arun, do not—” Her warning came too late. The boy’s tiny foot slipped.