In Vaidaksh and Siyanshi's room,
The couple was wrapped in a deep, peaceful sleep, the room still cloaked in darkness, hinting that dawn was far away and there was plenty of time before the world stirred awake. Siyanshi lay comfortably on her side, her breathing slow and even, while little eight-month-old Shivaksh was snugly curled against her chest, his tiny body rising and falling in sync with hers. Vaidaksh lay behind them, one arm protectively draped around his wife and baby, unconsciously holding his entire world close to his heart.

But while his parents slept on, Shivaksh had clearly decided that the night was long enough. His eyelids fluttered open, and he rubbed his sleepy eyes with his tiny fist, letting out a soft, barely audible sound. He blinked a few times, adjusting to the dimness of the room, and then looked around with curious, innocent eyes. Seeing both his parents fast asleep, peaceful and unaware, he squirmed slightly in Siyanshi’s embrace.