In the morning, I woke up and checked my phone for Vihaan's reply. He texted, 'Thanks for informing me. I am taking mom to the hospital. I will meet you at the college.'

I felt relaxed after seeing his message and got ready for college. I finished my breakfast quickly since I woke up late today and soon left.

I reached the college and attended the classes. During break time, I waited before his class when Aarav came out and told me he didn't participate in college today. I took my phone to check if he had left a text for me. However, I didn't get any text from him. I attended the rest of the classes with his thoughts on my mind. I didn't hear from him for the whole day. I was missing him and worried as well. I decided to visit his home if he didn't call or text me until the following day.

The following day, I woke up early since I couldn't sleep. I was worried about Vihaan and his mom. I got out of bed, took a bath, and got ready. I had to leave for the cooking contest since the semi-final, and the final rounds would be conducted today.

I searched for my phone and found it on my bed. I looked at the screen to see Vihaan's text. I quickly checked it, 'Sorry, I forgot my phone at home and was tired when we returned, so I slept early.'

Even though I felt better after reading his text, I was still worried. I hoped everything was okay with him and his mom.

'Are you coming to support Sanjay with his semi-final and final rounds today? 'I texted him.

'Absolutely.' He replied.

'See you at the venue.' I texted back and took a cab to the venue.

After I reached the venue, I saw that Annie and Aarav had arrived. We went inside and got settled. I was checking the entrance frequently for Vihaan.

Sanjay came to us, and we wished him good luck. He talked with us for a while and left when he got called.

As the competition started, everybody watched their cooking closely on the screens. Meanwhile, my eyes were searching for Vihaan. Is he coming or not?

I texted him again to know where he was, and he replied that he couldn't make it. He asked me to meet him in the park later. Something felt wrong as I read his text again and again. When I meet him, I will ask him and text him, 'Okay.'

Soon, the competition came to an end. We waited eagerly for the results and were happy when Sanjay got selected for the final round, which would be held in a while. I noticed that he was nervous. I took his hand and told him to be calm and perform well. He took a few deep breaths to relax and nodded.

As they called for the contestants to be on stage, he left. I hope he gives his best in the final, as this stage can be the stepping stone for his dream to become a chef. To ensure his parents that he possesses the talent to become a brilliant chef. I wished him success.

After cooking, the contestants presented their dishes in front of the judges, and they tasted them. We waited eagerly for the results to be announced.

The judges announced the results, and Sanjay made it as a runner-up who will get admission to the Cooking Academy in Italy as a prize.

We congratulated him. I could sense the worry on his face. "Are you sad about not getting the first position?"

"No, not for that. I truly wish to go and learn more, but my parents won't accept it. I'm a bit confused about what to do now." He said sadly.

We went to a café to celebrate. We took our coffees and got settled at a table. Everyone was happy with the results except Sanjay, who was in a dilemma.

"Talk to your parents about it. Make them understand your passion for cooking. Ask them to trust you and give you a chance to prove yourself. As parents, they will understand you."

As my words sank in, he looked confident and said, "I'll talk to them and make them understand my dream."

After finishing the coffee, he excused himself to go home. Annie left, and Aarav insisted on walking me home. I told him I would meet Vihaan. He nodded and left.

I reached the park and waited for him on the bench where we regularly meet. After a while, he came and sat next to me. He looked sad. I knew it was about his mom.

"What happened? Is everything alright?" I asked him worriedly.

"Mom was sick and needed emergency surgery. Even after that, the doctor couldn't assure her life." He sounded low. I was broken hearing about her. I could only imagine the pain he might be in.

I noticed his eyes brim with tears he could shed at any moment. I wanted to make him feel better, so I took him in my arms. He held me back and gently hid his face in my neck as I rubbed his back. "You can cry in front of me. Don't stop yourself." He cried, tightening his hold.

We stayed like that for a while until he calmed. I pulled back and wiped the remaining tears as I ensured him that I was with him and that he need not deal with this alone.

"Did you inform your father about your mom's situation?" I asked.

"Not yet." He said, looking away.

I ran my fingers through his hair as I spoke, "You have to talk to your father about it soon since she needs emergency surgery. Your mom might want to meet your father before surgery. Perhaps, she needs him right beside her at this tough moment."

He nodded and took his phone. He called his father right in front of me and talked with him.

"What did he say?" I asked him after their conversation ended.

"He is coming on the next flight."

I nodded. "Be strong. If you need me, I'm just a call away. Don't hesitate. Now, go and be with your mom. She needs you as well." He thanked me and left for the hospital in a hurry.

Later, I reached home. Mom must've noticed my sadness as she asked, "What happened? Why do you look upset?"

I hugged her and cried as I told her everything. Mom made me sit on the sofa and took my hands as she spoke, "Don't worry. She will be fine. Right now, Vihaan needs your support. I'll cook something for him. We can visit them." I nodded.

We visited the hospital. Vihaan looked at us surprisingly as Mom and I reached his mother's room. I introduced my mom to her, and they instantly liked each other. They started talking about each other.

I took this as a chance and took Vihaan away. We reached the canteen and got settled at a table. I opened the food which mom had prepared and asked him to eat.

"I'm not in the mood to eat." He said, looking away.

I sighed. I knew he was hurting but needed to be healthy to care for his mother. I took the spoonful of rice and reached out to him. He looked at the food and then at me. We stared at each other, and he finally gave in as he ate it.

After eating, we sat there in silence. My heart broke into a piece each time I saw him in pain. I grabbed his hand and gently squeezed it, "Don't worry. I'm with you."

We returned to the room and saw that mom was ready to leave. I took her aside and asked if I could stay for the night. I was unsure if she would agree. She surprised me by agreeing instantly and asked me to call Aarav for extra help.

Later, I called Aarav. I briefly informed him about the condition, and he said he would visit the hospital. Shortly, he arrived and talked to Vihaan. He comforted him as best as possible, and I was happy to see his care.

It was late at night. I asked Vihaan to rest for a while, but he disagreed. His mother also insisted, and when he was not budging, Aarav spoke, "I'll look after your mother. You need to rest. Go with Siya." Vihaan agreed.

We left the room and got to the waiting area. I patted my lap, asking him to sleep. he slowly laid down and put his head on my lap. I ran my fingers through his hair as he took my other hand and closed his eyes. Soon, he fell asleep. I closed my eyes and leaned back in the seat.