So far:
Shakthi, who could see real events before they happened in his dreams, had drawn one such scene again. That morning, Raji, Shakthi, and Bharathi each left for their work. Before leaving, Shakthi promised Raji that he would take her to the temple that evening. Bharathi, on the other hand, said he had to meet a friend and wouldn't be able to come.
Now:
The sound of the doorbell echoed through the house, startling Shivani as she hurried to open it. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow across the polished wooden floor. She adjusted her hair nervously and greeted the visitor with a polite smile.
"Yes?" she asked softly, trying to keep her curiosity in check.
"This is Senior Lawyer Anand Sir's house, right?" the man outside asked, his tone hesitant.
"Yes, it is. And you are…?" Shivani inquired cautiously, stepping aside to allow him in.
"I came to meet him regarding a legal case," he replied, glancing nervously around the porch as if he were unsure of stepping inside.
"Alright, please come in and have a seat. I'll inform him you're here," Shivani said, guiding him into the hall. The space was filled with rows of neatly arranged law books, a few framed certificates on the walls, and family photographs showing Anand, Nandhini, and Shivani smiling together. The room gave an impression of both professionalism and warmth.
Shivani quickly ran upstairs to inform her father.
"Dad, a client has come to see you. He's waiting in the hall," she called out.
"Okay, dear, I'll meet him right away," Anand replied, setting aside his papers and walking downstairs with measured, calm steps.
"Come in, Kannan! How are you? How's everyone at home?" Anand greeted warmly, gesturing toward the sofa.
"I'm fine, sir. Everyone's doing well," Kannan replied politely, a faint smile on his face as he let out a small sigh of relief.
"Shiva, ask your mom to bring some coffee for us, please," Anand called out. "Now, Kannan, tell me, what's the matter?"
The two men settled on the sofa and began discussing the case in detail, reviewing documents, scribbling notes, and debating the best approach. Shivani sat quietly nearby, listening and absorbing every detail. She always admired her father's calm demeanor and analytical mind, how he seemed to untangle complex situations effortlessly. She silently hoped to inherit some of that calm logic herself someday.
Soon, Nandhini arrived with two steaming cups of coffee. Anand thanked her, while Kannan continued explaining the legal matter. Shivani occasionally glanced at her watch, worried about the time.
After finishing his coffee, Kannan stood up. "That's all for now, sir. I'll see you in court tomorrow."
"Alright, Kannan. See you then," Anand said, escorting him to the door, exchanging polite handshakes.
Just as Kannan left, Shivani hurried out of her room. "Mom, is lunch ready? I'm getting late for the hospital," she said, hurriedly adjusting her bag strap.
"Yes, it's ready. Eat before you go, and don't forget to take your lunch box!" Nandhini said, following her into the dining area.
Nandhini was a professor at a nearby women's college, and Anand worked as a senior lawyer. Shivani was their only daughter, carrying both pride and responsibility on her young shoulders.
Having completed her MBBS and a year of training, Shivani had joined the Government Hospital in her hometown three months ago. She had also opened a small clinic in the front portion of her house, where she attended to patients during her free time. Though it was modest, it allowed her to serve the local community efficiently, treating patients who couldn't always travel far.
Shivani hurriedly finished her meal, still anxious about the time. "Mom, please hurry up! I'm already running behind schedule," she said impatiently.
"Shiva, wait a minute. I'll come with you — please drop me at the college on your way," Nandhini said.
"Mom, please hurry up! I'm getting late already," said Shivani impatiently. "Can't you go later with Dad?"
"No, dear. Your father has other work today. Let's go together," Nandhini insisted, picking up her bag.
Shivani sighed but nodded. "Alright, let's move," she said.
"Bye, Dad!" Shivani called out as they left.
"Bye, take care, both of you," Anand replied, smiling as he returned to his documents.
Shivani dropped her mother off at the college and drove quickly toward the hospital, weaving carefully through the morning traffic filled with cars, scooters, and pedestrians. Her mind raced with thoughts of patients, prescriptions, and today's urgent works.
After completing her hospital rounds, Shivani took a brief moment to sit down. Her phone rang, and she saw it was her friend Venba calling.
"Hello, Venba! How are you? It's been so long!" she said, smiling. "I've been meaning to call you since I returned to my hometown, but work kept me busy. How are things on your side?"
"I'm doing great, Shivani. What about you? How's your new job going?" Venba asked warmly.
"Everything's fine. I've settled in well after three months. I even opened a small clinic in the front of my house. Things are going smoothly," Shivani replied, smiling with satisfaction.
"That's wonderful! I'm really happy for you. And how are Uncle and Aunty?" Venba asked.
"They're doing great. Dad is busy as usual with court work, and Mom is handling her classes," Shivani replied. They chatted for a few more minutes, talking about small joys and worries, before ending the call.
By evening, Shivani finished her hospital duties and got ready to leave.
Meanwhile, Shakthi returned home after work. Raji had also come back from the shop and was preparing to go to the temple.
"Shakthi, you're back? Go take a bath quickly — I'll bring you some coffee," Raji said, heading toward the kitchen.
"Okay, Raji. I'll be down in ten minutes," Shakthi replied, heading upstairs.
After a quick bath, he came down and drank the coffee Raji had prepared. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen, and for a moment, he felt a little comfort in the day's routine.
Raji and shakthi left for the temple together in their car.
"Raji, I'll park the car and come. You go ahead and buy the pooja items," Shakthi said, dropping her near the temple entrance.
"Alright," Raji replied, walking toward the shop while Shakthi went to park the car.
The temple was serene that evening. The sun cast golden hues on the marble floors, the scent of incense and flowers blending beautifully in the air. Shakthi and Raji performed their darshan quietly, lost in prayer and the stillness of the moment. As they came out, Raji's phone rang. "Shakthi, wait here. I'll take this — it's from the shop," she said, stepping aside.
Meanwhile, Shivani, on her way home from the hospital, stopped at the same temple. She parked her scooter at the side and was about to enter when she noticed a small child playing near a flower stall. The child's laughter rang like a bell, light and carefree — but then he suddenly ran into the road, unaware of an oncoming car speeding toward him.
Shakthi's instincts took over. Without thinking, he sprinted forward, scooping the child up just in time, shielding him from the moving vehicle. Before he could move away, the car struck him hard and sped off without stopping.
The child was safe, but Shakthi collapsed, bleeding from his head, hands, and legs. Pain shot through him, and his vision blurred.
Shivani, who had witnessed the accident, rushed over. She lifted the child safely from Shakthi's arms. The child's mother arrived, trembling, tears in her eyes, and hugged her son tightly, thanking Shakthi tearfully.
Shakthi's eyes widened in shock. The girl from his dream — the one who had lifted him in his sketch — was standing in front of him, alive and real. His mind went blank, and for a few seconds, he could barely recognize the world around him.
Shivani bent down, carefully trying to lift Shakthi, but he was too weak to stand. She lifted him gently, helping him sit by the roadside.
Raji, who had seen the scene from a distance, froze in shock. Everything was unfolding exactly as in Shakthi's sketch — the same accident, the same girl.
She ran to them, panic flooding her face. "Shakthi!" she cried, seeing the blood on his body.
"Aunty, is he your son?" Shivani asked gently.
"Yes, yes! How did this happen?" Raji cried.
"He saved a little boy from being hit by a car. The car hit him instead and didn't stop," explained Shivani calmly.
"Raji, don't cry… I'm fine," said Shakthi weakly, trying to comfort her.
By then, a small crowd had gathered. Someone handed a bottle of water to Shivani. "Thank you," she said and passed it to Raji.
"Aunty, please dab some on his face and make him sip a little. I'll be right back," Shivani said, running to her scooter.
She returned quickly with her first aid kit and began cleaning Shakthi's wounds. Gently, she applied medicine and bandaged them.
"Aunty, how did you both come here — by car or auto?" she asked.
"By car," replied Raji.
"He can't drive now; his leg's badly hurt," said Shivani.
Raji tried calling Bharathi, but he didn't answer.
"Alright, don't worry, Aunty," said Shivani. "Where's your car key?"
Raji took the key from Shakthi's pocket and gave it to her, pointing to where the car was parked.
Shivani unlocked the car, came back, and carefully lifted Shakthi into the seat.
"Aunty, tell me your address. I'll drive you home," she said, starting the car.
On the way, she stopped at a medical shop. "Just a minute, Aunty," she said, buying some medicines and returning.
"Aunty, give him these painkillers twice a day, morning and night, for two days. If the pain doesn't reduce, take him for a scan," she instructed, handing the packet to Raji.
"Aunty, please hold his hand," said Shivani softly.
"For what?" Raji asked.
"I need to give him an injection to prevent fever — don't worry, I'm a doctor," Shivani said reassuringly.
"Shakthi is terrified of injections, hospitals, and medicines," Raji said anxiously.
"No problem, Aunty. He's half-conscious now; it'll be quick," Shivani reassured her.
Raji held Shakthi's hand as Shivani gently gave the injection.
Raji's eyes filled with tears. "I don't know how to thank you, dear. You appeared like a goddess and saved Shakthi at the right moment."
Shivani smiled softly. "Your son risked his life to save a child. If I hadn't helped, how could I call myself a doctor?"
Just then, Bharathi called. "Ma, sorry! I just saw your missed call. What happened?"
Raji exhaled a deep sigh of relief before answering.
To be continued…