Chapter 4: Echoes of the Past

"Good morning, beta," Kiran said softly, her voice warm and soothing. She placed the tray on the bedside table and sat down beside him. "How are you feeling? I made you some khichdi—nice and light. It should help you regain your strength."

Rudra forced a smile, nodding slightly. "I... I'm feeling better, thank you, Aunty," he replied, his voice shaky but steady enough to not raise suspicion. He had decided to play along with whatever was going on.

Kiran picked up a spoonful of khichdi and gently blew on it to cool it down before bringing it to Rudra's lips. "Here, have a bite," she encouraged. Rudra obediently opened his mouth and took the spoonful, the familiar taste triggering memories of comfort and care. He hadn't tasted anything like this in years. It grounded him, reminding him that this place, this time, was real—even if it made no sense.

"You're a brave boy," Kiran said with a reassuring smile as she continued to feed him. "Once you're done eating, I'll give you the medicine the doctor prescribed. It should help with your fever and any pain you're feeling."

Rudra nodded again, swallowing the food. "Thank you... for everything," he managed to say, the words coming out more heartfelt than he intended. It wasn't just gratitude for the food—it was for everything she had done for him in his life, even if she didn't know that yet.

Kiran smiled, her eyes softening with affection. "You're like a son to us, beta. Taking care of you is the least we can do."

As Kiran sat beside him, feeding him small spoonfuls of the khichdi, he tried to push aside the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind. The warmth of the food was comforting, and Kiran's gentle smile brought back a flood of memories. But beneath the surface, guilt gnawed at him. He couldn't help but remember how, in her last moments, Kiran had wanted to see him. She had loved him the most, yet he hadn't gone to her—his ego and unresolved issues with his brother had kept him away. Now, sitting here, in this impossibly familiar yet distant past, the weight of that guilt felt heavier than ever.

Kiran noticed his distant expression and placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "Eat slowly, beta. The doctor said you need to take it easy." Her voice was full of the same warmth and care he remembered, but it only deepened the ache in his chest.

Once he had finished eating, Kiran handed him the medicine. "Here you go. This should help you rest better," she said, holding out a glass of water for him to wash it down.

Rudra took the medicine and drank the water, his thoughts still racing. But for now, he had to focus on staying calm, pretending that everything was normal. "Thank you," he said again, handing the glass back to her.

Kiran patted his hand gently. "Get some rest, Rudra. We'll talk more when you're feeling better."

With that, she stood up and collected the tray, giving him one last reassuring smile before leaving the room. As the door closed behind her, Rudra leaned back against the pillows, his mind spinning.

Once alone, Rudra stared at the ceiling, trying to calm the chaos in his mind. The room was quiet, but his thoughts were anything but. He muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper.

"This can't be a dream… it's too real. I can feel everything—the cool air, the taste of the food, the warmth of her hand. How is this even possible?"

He ran a hand through his hair, the familiar texture grounding him even more in the moment. "I remember crashing… the dogfight… but now I'm here? Back in 1996? Am I… dead? Is this some kind of afterlife?"

Rudra shook his head, dismissing the idea as quickly as it came. "No, no… this isn't death. I feel too alive for that. But then… how? How am I here, in my own past?"

He sat up, his eyes narrowing as he tried to piece it all together. "This can't just be a hallucination. My mind isn't playing tricks on me. Everything is exactly how it was back then. The room, Kiran's voice, even the way she looks at me…"

His thoughts shifted to the newspaper date he had seen earlier. "March 1996… the day before the adoption. I remember this day like it was yesterday. But now… I'm living it all over again. What does this mean? Is this some cruel joke by fate?"

As he debated the possibilities, time seemed to slip away. Before he knew it, the day had passed in a blur, and evening descended.

Karan returned from duty, his presence filling the house with a sense of stability. He entered Rudra's room, his expression softening as he looked at the boy lying on the bed.

"How are you feeling, Rudra?" Karan asked, his voice calm but with an undercurrent of concern. Rudra looked towards the voice and saw Karan standing there with a concerned face.

Rudra sat up slightly, nodding. "I'm feeling much better, Uncle. Thank you."

Karan approached the bed, placing a hand on Rudra's shoulder. "That's good to hear. You gave us all a scare last night. But you're strong—just like your father."

Rudra's heart tightened at the mention of his father, but he forced a smile. "I'll be okay."

Have you taken all your medicines Karan inquired, "Yes uncle" Rudra replied. Karan nodded, satisfied with the response. "Good. Rest for now, and join us for dinner if you're up for it. We'll talk more then."