can you read me a book

Rajeev tossed and turned in his bed, unable to find a peaceful sleep. A sense of unease gnawed at him, a feeling that something was not right with his parents. Unable to shake off the worry, he quietly slipped out of bed and tiptoed down the hallway to the family room.

There, in the soft glow of a single lamp, stood the large family photo that always brought him comfort. In the picture, his parents, Rudra and Ambika, were beaming with happiness, their faces full of love and joy as they held baby Rajeev in their arms. It was a picture of a perfect family of three, a moment frozen in time when everything seemed right with the world.

Rajeev stood in front of the photo, his small hands clasped together, staring up at the smiling faces of his parents. The worry in his heart only deepened, and he felt a pang of longing for their reassuring presence.

Just then, Vedhika, who had come to check on him, found him standing there. Her heart ached at the sight of her grandson, so young yet burdened with worry. She approached him quietly, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Rajeev," she said softly, her voice full of tenderness, "you should be in bed, my dear. Your parents will be back by tomorrow, just as I said."

Rajeev looked up at her, his eyes wide and searching. "I know, Grandma," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "I just miss them, and I'm worried. But I don't want to trouble you. Mom made me promise that I wouldn't."

Vedhika's eyes filled with tears she struggled to hold back. She knelt down to his level, cupping his face in her hands. "Oh, Rajeev, you're not troubling me at all. It's natural to miss them and to worry, but you must trust that they will return soon."

Rajeev nodded, trying to be brave. "I just want them to be safe," he whispered, his voice breaking slightly.

Vedhika pulled him into a warm embrace, holding him close. "I know, sweetheart. I want that too. Now, let's get you back to bed. You need your rest."

She led him back to his room, tucking him in with the same care and love she had shown him since he was a baby. Rajeev settled back into his bed, the comfort of his grandmother's presence soothing some of his anxiety. She stayed with him until his breathing evened out and he drifted off to sleep.

Vedhika kissed his forehead gently and whispered, "Sleep well, my dear Rajeev. Tomorrow will be a better day."

Her heart ached with her own worries, but she knew she had to stay strong for Rajeev. She prayed silently for the safe return of Rudra and Ambika, hoping that the morning light would bring good news and reunite their family once more.

Vedhika decided to stay with Rajeev that night, her concern for her grandson outweighing her own need for rest. She settled into a chair beside his bed, watching as he snuggled under the covers, his eyes still wide with residual worry.

"Grandma, can you tell me a story?" Rajeev asked, his voice soft in the dimly lit room.

Vedhika smiled gently. "Of course, my dear. Let me think of a good one."

But before she could start, Rajeev interrupted, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Actually, can you read me a book instead? I have one right here."

He reached under his pillow and pulled out the thick, ancient book he had been struggling to read earlier. Vedhika's eyes widened in shock as she recognized the title embossed in gold on the weathered cover: "In Search of True Heart."

"Rajeev, where did you get this?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"I found it in the library," Rajeev replied innocently. "I was trying to read it, but it's in a language I don't understand. Can you read it for me, Grandma?"

Vedhika's heart raced as she took the book from him, her hands trembling. The memories of the book and the chaos it had brought to her family flooded back. She knew too well the mysteries it contained, the dangers it posed. This very book was the reason her son Rudra was missing, the catalyst that had driven Ambika into the jungle to find him. Her husband, Jai Shankar, had also gone in search of them, leaving her to care for Rajeev alone.

"No, Rajeev," Vedhika said firmly, closing the book and placing it on the bedside table. "This book is useless. It's better left unread. I'll find another book for us."

Rajeev's face fell, disappointment evident in his eyes. "But why, Grandma? What's wrong with this book?"

Vedhika took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She couldn't tell Rajeev the full truth, not yet. He was too young to understand the complexities and dangers associated with the book. "It's just an old book with many difficult words," she said, her voice gentle but resolute. "There are much better stories I can read to you."

She reached for another book on the shelf, a collection of fairy tales she knew Rajeev loved. She opened it to a familiar story, hoping to distract him from his curiosity about the ancient tome. "How about we read 'The Brave Little Tailor'? It's a wonderful story."

Rajeev nodded reluctantly, his eyes still glancing at the old book on the table. Vedhika began to read, her voice soothing and melodic, drawing him into the tale of courage and cleverness. As she read, she prayed silently for the safe return of her family, hoping that one day she could explain everything to Rajeev.

For now, she focused on keeping him safe and happy, determined to shield him from the darkness that the book had brought into their lives. The mysteries of "In Search of True Heart" would remain locked away, at least for tonight, as Vedhika enveloped Rajeev in the warmth of familiar stories and the comfort of her love.