"Kaal! Kaal!"
Neel's voice echoed thought the hills, panic and hope tangled in every syllable.
Kaal run toward the sound, chest burning. Legs aching.
"Dad! I'm here…"
The moment Neel saw his son, a visible wave of relief washed over his face. His shoulders finally relaxed, as if a crushing weight had been lifting.
"Kaal…" He pulling him into a tight embrace. "You scared me,"
Then his voice hardened just a little.
"You promised your mother you'd come home early."
Kaal lowered his gaze, guilt pricking his chest.
"Sorry, Dad… I just wanted to explore the cave. I had to understand it."
Neel raised an eyebrow. "The cave? That cave?" He glanced toward the dark opening in the distance. "It's looks scary."
"I know, I know," Kaal said quickly. "But—"
Before he could explain, Neel interrupted, looked at him, his voice heavy with concern.
"Kaal, your mother was worried sick. She kept crying… saying she thought she'd lost you."
His voice softened, weighed down by what could've happened.
"I told her you're fine," Neel continued, shaking his head with a tired smile. "Tried to calm her down. But trust me—she's really angry with you."
Kaal looked down, guilt flickering in his eyes.
"She worries too much."
Neel let out a long breath, patting Kaal's back like a man offering silent condolences.
"Oh boy… you're done for, my child,"
He paused, then added with mock seriousness, "There are battles even a father can't fight. Especially the one against your mother and her deadly stare."
Kaal swallowed.
Kaal looked up, his voice trembling—serious, heartfelt:
"Dad… you'll protect your only son… right?"
Neel places a hand on his shoulder, his eyes carrying the weight of experience."
"Kaal… even today…"
He sighed.
"Not even the gods can save you from your mother."
Kaal drifted into a deep, terrifying thought.
In his mind, thunder cracked across a dark sky. drums pounded like war cries, and a storm of dread rolled in—
And there she was.
His mother, emerging from the shadows like a wrathful goddess, eyes cold… expression merciless.
And in her hand—
The deadliest weapon known to mankind.
A Slipper.
He gulped.
Not even the gods would dare stand between him and what was coming.
Kaal let out a sudden cry, so loud it made even his father finch. Shaking his head, eyes wide with horror.
"What a terrifying thought…" he muttered, his stomach tightening.
Neel raised an eyebrow, smirking. "So… how does your mom look when she's holding the slipper?"
They locked eyes for a moment—then burst into laughter, the tension melting between them. They slowly walked towards their home, the warmth of their bond wrapping around them like the last sunlight of the day.
At Home
Back at the house, Lava sat strain by the window, her eyes darting toward the road every few seconds. Then she saw him.
Kaal.
Safe.
She stood quickly and opened the door, her heart thudding with worry and angry. Lava looked relieved the moment she saw Kaal—her shoulders loosened, and for a heartbeat, a soft smile tugged at her lips. But it vanished just as quickly, replaced by fire.
"Kaal!" she shouted.
"Didn't you promise me you'd come home early today?" she snapped.
Kaal tried to smile. "Sorry, Mom…"
She stormed toward him like a brewing tempest. Before Kaal could say another word, her fingers clamped onto his ear.
"Kaal!" she snapped, her voice trembling with both fury and fear.
"Do you have any idea how scared I was?!"
Her grip becomes stronger as she spoke.
"You promised me. Today… I'll show you exactly what it means to break a promise like that."
Kaal glanced desperately at his father, eyes pleading.
"Dad… tell Mom not to get mad at me!" he cried.
Neel hesitated, stepping forward like a brave soldier walking into battle.
"L—Lava, maybe just—"
But she turned to him slowly, her expression clam… to calm. Her fiery black eyes locked onto his, and her voice came sweet as poison.
"Yes, Mr. Gray? You were saying something?"
Neel froze. A nervous smile twitched at his lips. "Never mind. I, uh… I have work to finish. Urgently."
He spun on his heels and bolted like his life depended on it.
Kaal watched his last line of defence vanish.
He threw his hand up and shouted, "I'm sorry, Mom! I'm really sorry!"
But it was too late. Her wrath had already been unleashed.
Later That Evening
After some time had passed and Lava's anger cooled, she sat beside kaal, brushing his hair back gently.
"I think you understand now," she said. "Don't let worry become a burden again, Kaal."
He looked up at her and smiled, his earlier fear finally melting away.
Lava suddenly pulled him tightly into a hug. "Oh, my precious child," she whispered. "Just don't do it again."
Kaal blushed. "Okay, Mom… noted."
Neel peeked into the room a moment later, trying to act casual—as if he hadn't just fled for his life moments earlier.
Kaal looked up, a smirk forming on his lips. "Oh, hey Dad. Finished your very urgent work?" he asked, voice laced with mockery.
Neel cleared his throat, trying to regain his dignity. "Ah, yes… work. Very important…" He scratched the back of his head and added quickly,
"Anyway! Kaal, do you know what day it is tomorrow?"
Kaal looked confused. "No, Dad… what is it?" Lava added with a smirk, "You don't even remember?!"
She winked. "Your mom and I both have a big surprise for you. So be ready for it."
Beautiful…
Moments like this are rare.
Life doesn't pause often—but when it does, it gives us beautiful hours like these.
Hours filled with laughter.
With warmth.
With peace that feels endless.
So, we hold onto them.
We smile.
We pretend they will last forever. Because deep down, we know the truth.
Every beautiful moment in life is borrowed.
Every peaceful second has a quite price.
Enjoy these moments while they last.
The smile that come so easily.
The laughter that fills the air.
The quite beats of a peaceful heartbeat.
Hold them close.
Cherish them.
Narayana whispered,
Because peace…
Is fragile.
To be continue...