"Don't worry, you will be fine soon, we are taking you to the hospital, Nitya has called up, and the ambulance is on its way.." Shekhar tried to pacify the panting Neeta before she became unconscious.

Rushing into the hospital, Shekhar and Nitya held the stretcher on each side, but she was not in her senses. Directly admitting her to the ICU was recommended, and Shekhar agreed.

"What might have suddenly happened to Mumma? Did she miss her tablets?", worried Nitya asked Shekhar. "How would I know? I just landed in Mumbai from my Banglore conference this morning. Don't worry, let's wait for the doctor to check her and help us with an update", Shekhar made Nitya understand as he hugged her.

After 15-20 minutes the doctor came out and requested Shekhar to join him in his cabin. "Do you know she is in her peri-menopause phase? She has been skipping meals because of mood swings, she may have had sleepless nights because of hot flashes..."

"I did not know any of this doctor. I have been continuously traveling for the last 2-3 months now."

"She needs strong moral support and care right now. If you cannot give that, please call either your or her mother to stay with you guys."

"That's not possible. We lost our parents. Can I call her sister, if possible for her?"

"You can't make it possible?"

"I will try to, but I can't cancel all my plans at such short notice. Can I meet her?"

"Yes, you can. And please inform her sister."

Shekhar takes quick steps toward the ICU. Her eyes are wet at the sight of the weak state of Neeta. He holds her hand and runs his other hand on her forehead. "How are you feeling now?"

"Much better" responds Neeta in a feeble voice.

"All these years, I never restricted you or stopped you. But you can't run forever. I think it is now time, you should either expand your team at Aanchal or restrict the scope of your work."

"Aanchal is fostering 17 girls right now Shekhar. I can not give up. I will look for an intern. At this stage, stopping to run is not an option, I will choose to run short distances at a slower pace, but I won't stop."

"We are aging, most of the time I am not around, fortunately, I was home today. Would you want me to face my clients with a worried face?"

"Thinking this very thing I chose not to share with you. It is the third time this happened. Nitya also does not know, she was at school. I took a nap and with a glass of lemon water, faced it all alone. I know age is knocking in, but it can't knock me down. I only hope you understand and cooperate if not support."