Agreement

Over two months, Baba's health improved significantly. He recovered from the risky operation, regained his voice, and progressed from liquid to solid food. With physical therapy, he learned to walk again, initially with assistance, then independently.

His strength and appetite returned, and he began to enjoy his favorite dishes. By the end of two months, Baba was discharged from the hospital, walking out with crutches and a renewed sense of hope

As they sat down for dinner together for the first time in months since baba sickness rendered him clinged to bed.

Ishan's hand instinctively reached for the card in his pocket. Harivansh's number was etched in his brain.

Ma noticed his fidgeting. "Ishan, what's that card you keep playing with? You've been distant lately, beta. Is everything okay?"

Ishan hesitated, unsure how to broach the subject. "Just a hospital card, Ma. Nothing important."

Rohan chimed in, "Guess what, guys? Someone paid my entire coaching fees! Can you believe it?" His eyes sparkled with excitement.

"That's amazing, beta!" Ma exclaimed, her face lighting up. "Who could it be?"

Rohan continued, "I tried to ask my teacher who it was, but they wouldn't tell me. It's so weird."

Ishan felt guilty; 'That old man is just making me owe him too much gratitude with this generosity,' he thought to himself.

Taking a deep breath, Ishan decided to reveal Harivansh's offer. "Ma, Baba, I need to ask you something," he said, his voice trembling.

"Yes, beta, please go ahead," Ma encouraged, her brow furrowed with concern.

"If you were to repay the man who helped us so much... what would you do for him if he desperately needs our help?" Ishan asked, his eyes locked on his parents.

Ma's eyes welled up with tears. "I would give my own life to help that man. He brought back my life, my husband, to me. We owe him everything."

'I need to do something similar. Give my life to him,Am I really going to tell them that their son is going to be another man's wife. That Gold bangles that ma bought her Daughter in law are going to be worn by me for my future husband''

Ishan cringed at the thought of it.

"The old man needs my help, but I'm not sure I can help him," Ishan said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Rohan's curiosity piqued. "Why? Maybe I can help him; you can't."

'As much as I'd love to see you dress up like a clown in a saree, Rohan, focus on your studies,' Ishan thought, chuckling inwardly.

"He wants me to..." Ishan stuttered, then took a deep breath. "He wants me to dress like a woman and marry his disabled son."

Rohan's eyes widened. "The fuck!!"

He laughed out loud, then looked at his parents, waiting for reprisal. But to his surprise, their focus was on Ishan's words.

Baba's expression turned serious. "But why, Ishan? Is his son gay? Are you...?" He trailed off, unsure how to finish.

Ishan's face flushed. "No, I'm not gay. That's why I haven't replied to him yet. I don't know what to do."

Rohan still chuckled. "It's definitely a weird situation... but I'd love to see my 'sister' dolled up." He grinned mischievously.

Ma surprised everyone with her calm demeanor. "I think you should help him, Ishan. Imagine how awkward it must be for him to ask a stranger, the one who saved him from fire, to do such a thing. He must be desperate."

'I never knew my mom was so progressive... good job, Ma,' Ishan thought, impressed.

Baba nodded. "Your mother is right, Ishan. We owe him our gratitude. But this is a big decision. Are you sure you're ready for this?"

Ishan hesitated, unsure.

The dinner conversation died down after that bombshell.

Later, as both siblings lay on bed, Ishan mustered the courage to dial Harivansh's number without looking at the card.

"Hi, old man... I'm ready to be your daughter-in-law."