they'll be back by tomorrow morning.

As Vedhika read aloud, her voice lulling Rajeev into a state of calm, a sudden knock echoed through the mansion. She paused, her heart leaping with hope. Perhaps her husband Jai Shankar had returned with Rudra and Ambika. She gently closed the book, her hands trembling with anticipation.

"Rajeev, stay here in your room," she said, a smile breaking across her face. "I'll go see who's at the door. Maybe it's your parents."

Rajeev nodded, excitement twinkling in his eyes as he watched her hurry out of the room. Vedhika moved quickly through the grand hallway, her footsteps echoing off the polished marble floors. She reached the front door and took a deep breath before pulling it open, expecting to see her beloved family.

To her surprise, standing on the doorstep were not Jai Shankar, Rudra, or Ambika, but rather a familiar woman and her son. Saanvi, a close friend of the family, stood there with her son, Ram, Rajeev's best friend. Saanvi's face was etched with concern, while Ram looked slightly nervous, his eyes wide as he clutched his mother's hand.

"Saanvi, Ram," Vedhika greeted them, her initial excitement giving way to curiosity. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Saanvi offered a strained smile, her eyes glancing around as if searching for signs of the missing family members. "I'm sorry to disturb you so late, Vedhika, but Ram was worried about Rajeev. He insisted on coming to see him."

Vedhika's expression softened. She stepped aside to let them in. "Of course, come in. Rajeev will be happy to see you."

As Saanvi and Ram entered the grand foyer, Vedhika's thoughts raced. She had hoped for news of her son and daughter-in-law, but seeing Saanvi and Ram brought a different kind of comfort. Their presence was a reminder of the strong community and friendships that surrounded her family, even in times of uncertainty.

"Rajeev is in his room," Vedhika said, leading them down the hallway. "He'll be delighted to see you, Ram."

Ram's face lit up at the mention of his friend, and he hurried ahead, eager to find Rajeev. Vedhika and Saanvi followed more slowly, Saanvi's concern evident in the way she glanced at Vedhika.

"Have you heard anything about Rudra and Ambika?" Saanvi asked quietly.

Vedhika shook her head, her earlier hope dimming. "No, not yet. But I'm trying to stay positive for Rajeev's sake. I keep telling him they'll be back soon."

Saanvi squeezed her friend's hand. "If there's anything we can do, please let us know. Ram and I are here for you."

Vedhika nodded gratefully. They reached Rajeev's room, where Ram had already bounded inside. The two boys were now engrossed in a lively conversation, their worries momentarily forgotten in the joy of each other's company.

Seeing them together, Vedhika felt a renewed sense of strength. She turned to Saanvi, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for coming, Saanvi. It means a lot to us."

Saanvi smiled warmly. "We're family, Vedhika. We're here for each other."

As the night wore on, the mansion that had seemed so vast and empty was now filled with the laughter and chatter of the two boys. Vedhika sat beside Saanvi, the comfort of friendship easing her worries, if only for a little while. The bond they shared, built on years of support and understanding, was a beacon of hope in the uncertain night.

For now, they would take solace in each other's presence, finding strength in their connections and the promise of better days ahead.

Seeing Ram at that late hour brought an instant wave of happiness to Rajeev. He jumped up from his bed and ran to his friend, his worries momentarily forgotten in the joy of their reunion.

"Ram!" Rajeev exclaimed, his face lighting up with a broad smile. "What are you doing here?"

Ram grinned, equally excited. "I wanted to see you. Mom said it was okay since we were both worried about our parents."

Rajeev nodded, trying to sound casual. "Yeah, my parents went to another city for work. They said they'd bring me a gift, but they got stuck there. Grandma said they'll be back by tomorrow morning."

Ram's eyes widened with curiosity. "What kind of gift?"

Rajeev shrugged, his smile tinged with anticipation. "I don't know, but I bet it's something really cool!"

Meanwhile, in the hall, Vedhika and Saanvi sat together, their voices low but filled with mutual reassurance. Vedhika listened intently as Saanvi spoke, her words a comforting balm to Vedhika's frayed nerves.

"Rudra is a great warrior, Vedhika," Saanvi said confidently. "No one can harm him. He's strong, brave, and resourceful."

Vedhika nodded, drawing strength from her friend's words. "And Ambika," Saanvi continued, "she's blessed with remarkable fighting skills. Together, they are an unstoppable team. You know how fiercely they protect each other and their loved ones. They will return, safe and sound."

Vedhika smiled, a hint of her earlier worry dissipating. "Thank you, Saanvi. Your words mean a lot to me. I just wish I knew where they were."

Saanvi placed a reassuring hand on Vedhika's arm. "They're out there, probably closer than we think, handling whatever situation they've encountered. They are both very capable, and they'll come back to you and Rajeev."

Vedhika sighed, feeling the weight of her fears lift slightly. "I hope you're right. I just want them to be safe."

Saanvi nodded, her expression resolute. "They will be, Vedhika. Have faith. Tomorrow will bring good news."

As they sat together, the warmth of their friendship filled the room, offering a beacon of hope in the quiet mansion. In Rajeev's room, the boys continued their animated conversation, filling the night with laughter and stories of imagined adventures.

For tonight, the presence of friends and loved ones provided a shelter against the uncertainties of the world outside. Vedhika found comfort in Saanvi's steadfast belief in Rudra and Ambika's strength, while Rajeev reveled in the unexpected joy of his best friend's visit.

Together, they faced the night with renewed hope, trusting that tomorrow would indeed bring the reunion and peace they all longed for.