Chapter 2 : Sheeshe Ki Gudiya

Aye meri sheeshe ki gudiya

Tu hi toh hai meri duniya...

Montage 1 — The Morning Routine

The morning sunlight filters through the living room. Ishaan sits by the couch, carefully styling Mahi’s hair while she remains engrossed in her coloring book. Nearby, Inder sits comfortably, reading the morning newspaper. Ishaan gently helps Mahi into her blazer, double-checking every detail to ensure she’s ready for the day. Mahi looks up, offering a warm smile, and leans her head against his. Ishaan leans in to kiss the tip of her little nose; Mahi instantly kisses him back, pulling him into a tight, affectionate hug.

Dil mera tera bichona

Dhadkan hai sapno ka jhoola...

Montage 2 — Sunday at Marine Drive

On a crisp Sunday evening along Marine Drive, the sea breeze plays around them as Mahi and Ishaan play hopscotch on the promenade. Their lighthearted laughter blends with the sound of crashing waves.

Baahon ko meri tu dharle

Montage 3 — Playful Reconciliation

Over a series of passing days, Ishaan cradles his daughter in his arms, gently swinging her around in the air before landing softly together on the couch. He settles her down, kissing her cheeks repeatedly to make up for a rare moment of discipline.

Montage 4 — The Constant Vigilance

In the quiet hall, Mahi sits coloring in her sketchbook. From across the kitchen counter, Ishaan pauses while cooking, his gaze drifting over to her. A quiet, familiar ache settles in his chest—a heavy weight borne from knowing the fragility of her health. Cut to a subtle detail: Ishaan’s phone screen displaying a live CCTV feed of Mahi’s classroom, a special permission granted to him so he can watch over her even from a distance.

Sapno ko poora tu karle

Montage 5 — Courtyard Haircut

Out in the sunlit courtyard, Mahi sits on a swing, completely absorbed in a book while Ishaan tries to trim her hair. As she gently sways back and forth, Inder steps in with a smile, holding the swing steady so Ishaan can carefully finish the haircut.

Dil se hona na door...

Montage 6 — The Captured Moment

Inside Ishaan’s clinic cabin, Mahi sits at his grand desk, quietly coloring. Ishaan enters after finishing a patient consultation. Catching the serene sight of his daughter filling his workspace with color, he pulls out his phone and quietly snaps a photo to freeze the moment in time.

Montage 7 — The Midnight Manicure

During a cozy sleepover in Mahi's bedroom, Ishaan and Inder are fast asleep inside a play tent. Mahi quietly creeps up with her favorite bottle of nail polish, meticulously painting her father’s fingernails while he slumbers.

Montage 8 — A Badge of Honor

The following day at the clinic, Ishaan consults with a young patient and their parents. The parents notice his vibrant, painted nails and chuckle, teasingly remarking, "Doctor, I see you take your pediatrician job very seriously by getting your nails painted."Ishaan offers a soft, fond smile, replying, "This is just my silly daughter's doing."While the parents laugh at his expense, Ishaan wears the bright polish with absolute pride.

Montage 9 — Morning Choices

Mahi stands in her room, slightly indifferent as she packs her school bag. Ishaan walks in holding up two options, trying to coax a smile out of her: "Mahi... this shirt or this?"Without looking up, Mahi casually murmurs, "I like purple."

Montage 10 — Behind Closed Doors

In between attending to his evening pediatric patients, Ishaan slips into the office of Mahi’s heart specialist. The specialist’s tone is grave, outlining the severity and progression of her condition. The air in the room grows thick with helplessness. Suddenly, Mahi trots into the cabin, breaking the tension by throwing her arms around the specialist. Ishaan quickly forces a warm smile and a chuckle, masking his heartbreak to shield her from the gravity of the room.

Nanhe nanhe pairon ke main

Peeche rahunga sadaa

Montage 11 — By the Shore

The sun sets over the horizon as Ishaan strolls along the shore, carrying Mahi securely on his back while she rests her chin on his shoulder.

Dagmag kabhi tu jo larhkharayi

Girne na doonga zara

Montage 12 — Safe Within the Storm

Mahi sits inside her cozy bedroom indoor tent when a sharp rumble of thunder echoes outside, followed by heavy rain. Startled, she runs into the hall and buries herself in Ishaan’s arms. Ishaan pulls her close, unzipping his oversized sweatshirt and wrapping her inside it, tucking her against his chest until she feels safe.

Laga kar ke kaano ko dil se tere

Sunta rahunga teri dhadkanein din raina

Tu kehna

Duniya bhulaunga main dauda chla aaunga...

Montage 13 — The Evanescent Butterfly

By Mahi's room glass door which overlooks towards the courtyard, Mahi spots a delicate butterfly perched on the outer frame. She gently presses her fingers against the glass, trying to touch it, but the butterfly flutters away into the sky. Watching this interaction from across the courtyard, Ishaan who had just returned from office in his car, deep in poignant thought over how fleeting and fragile beautiful things can be.The very same night he is seen gardening so that the garden have beautiful flowers instead of plants that don't attract butterflies.

Montage 14 — The Bittersweet Birthday

It’s Mahi’s birthday. The house is decorated, and Rudra and Palki arrive from Mumbai with their kids, Shlok and Pranali, bringing a birthday cake and snacks to celebrate Mahi's bday. After Mahi cuts her cake, she dutifully feeds the first bites to her dad and daadu. But when she reaches for a piece for herself, Ishaan gently stops her, letting Rudra’s family enjoy the treat instead.Disheartened, Mahi looks up, her eyes soft: "But Dad?"Ishaan kneels down, his voice tender yet firm: "Mahi, you aren't allowed to eat cake, sweetheart."

Meethi meethi saansein teri

Ginta rahunga sadaa

Montage 15 — The Watchful Protector

Late at night, Ishaan lies asleep on the hall couch. The sudden, shrill beep of the baby monitor signals Mahi coughing. He bolts upright and rushes into her bedroom. With practiced, calm efficiency, he sets up her oxygen, easing her breathing. He sits by her bedside, gently stroking her hair until her breathing even's out and she falls back asleep.

Ek saans teri ek saans meri

Tujhme basi meri jaan

Sooraj ki kirne bhi tujhpe pade

Pehle woh meri nazar se mile

Roshni bhi tham jaaye

Montage 16 — Conditioned Reflex

On a subsequent night, Ishaan abruptly jolts awake in total darkness, his heart racing—startled not by the sound of the monitor, but by the quiet realization that his body has become conditioned to anticipate its beep even in the silence.One night Mahi sleeps on top of Ishaan on the sofa, and the next morning Inder comes and takes Mahi inside her room so that Ishaan can sleep.

Palkon mein bhar loonga

Sar aankhon pe rakh loonga...

Montage 17 — Lunchtime Chatter

Inside a cozy restaurant, Ishaan and Mahi sit opposite each other having lunch. Mahi animatedly gestures with her fork, her face lit up as she eagerly gives her father a full update on everything that happened in her classroom that week. Ishaan leans in, listening intently to every detail with an affectionate smile.

Montage 18 — Whispers in the Canteen

At the hospital canteen, Mahi sits quietly at a corner table, focused on her coloring book. Two passing nurses glance at her and begin to gossip in low tones."What happened to her mother?" one asks softly.The other nurse shrugs, "Who knows? The rumor is that he left her. But who knows what that poor woman must have suffered with Dr. Ishaan..."Before they can continue, the hospital staff manager steps up behind them, having overheard every word. Noticing Mahi sitting nearby—and fearing she may have heard them—his expression darkens. He cuts in sharply: "Miss Shagufta Sayed, you are fired. And Miss Zubera, consider this your final warning." He turns on his heel and walks away, leaving the nurses stunned as Mahi continues coloring, oblivious to the commotion.

Aye meri sheeshe ki gudiya

Tu hi toh hai meri duniya

Montage 19 — The Parent-Teacher Meeting

During a busy parent-teacher meeting at school, families sit in rows listening attentive to the teacher's overview. While the other kids sit quietly, Mahi stays completely distracted, playfully tugging and twirling Ishaan’s thumb. Ishaan tries to focus on the presentation, but his attention repeatedly melts as he looks down at his daughter’s mischievous little game.

Tu hi toh hai meri duniya

Dil mera tera bichona

Montage 20 — A Touch of Jealousy

Out in the school corridor after the meeting, Ishaan stands chatting with Mahi’s teacher. As they talk, the teacher notices a speck of dust on Ishaan’s shirt and gently brushes it off. Mahi’s eyes widen—a flash of pure possessiveness crossing her face as she steps closer to her father, taking his hand. The teacher smiles at Mahi’s protective gesture, tenderly patting Mahi’s chin before taking her leave.

Dhadkan hai sapno ka jhoola

Baahon ko meri tu dharle

Sapno ko poora tu karle

Dil se hona na door...

Montage 21 — The Window Butterfly

Morning sunlight streams into Mahi’s bedroom as she wakes up. Spotting a vivid butterfly perched on the windowsill, her eyes light up. She quietly tiptoes over and reaches out, gently touching its delicate wing. Standing by the doorway, Ishaan watches the pure joy on his daughter's face, a soft, heartfelt smile warming his features.

Montage 22 — The Silent Rivalry

Inside a quiet exam hall, Mahi raises her hand to ask the invigilator for an extra answer sheet. Across the room, a classmate—a boy she secretly views as her main academic rival—stares at her in utter shock. Unaware that she has turned the exam into a personal challenge to outscore him, Mahi catches his surprised look, smirks with fierce determination, and immediately dives back into writing her paper at full speed.

*

One fine evening, Ishaan walks into the house visibly agitated, his phone pressed firmly against his ear. He drops his bag onto the kitchen counter with a heavy thud, his tone sharp as he speaks to the person on the line.

"Doc, I’m sorry, but I can’t be part of this medical camp if the basic facilities in that area aren't up to standard," he says, pausing briefly as he listens to the doctor arguing on the other end. He rubs his brow, exasperated. "No, doc—it’s not about the media coverage or getting good press! It’s about the actual ground reality. When we organize free medical health checkups, we owe these people proper care, and right now, the facilities are being completely neglected."

Spotting the maid preparing to head out, Ishaan abruptly pauses his conversation and asks her, "Did Mahi take her medicine?"

"Yes, sir," the maid replies softly, "but she isn't sleeping yet."

Ishaan nods, waving a hand dismissively. "Okay, you can leave."

As he turns his attention back to the call, his frustration boils over, and he suddenly snaps into the phone: "I said, the medical facilities aren't good!"

The sudden shout startles the maid on her way out. Realizing his outburst, Ishaan takes a breath and lowers his voice, speaking in a firm but measured tone: "Please don't put my name down for this camp."

The sound of the front door locking echoes as the maid uses her spare keys to leave. Ishaan sets his phone down on the counter and begins pulling his stethoscope and personal belongings out of his bag. Mid-movement, the sudden sound of Pluto’s sharp barking echoes from down the hallway. Dropping what he’s holding, Ishaan immediately turns and makes his way straight toward Mahi’s bedroom.

*

Ishaan pushes open the door to Mahi’s room. She stands near her cozy play tent, hiding a crisp sheet of paper behind her back. As soon as she spots her father, a playful giggle escapes her lips.

Still carrying the stress of his evening, Ishaan asks in a tired, frustrated voice, "You haven't slept yet?"

Mahi steps forward, beaming as she hands over her report card. Ishaan draws closer, taking the paper from her hands. As his eyes scan the marks, the tension in his face melts into a proud smile. "First in class," he says softly.

"Not just first, Dad—I beat Varun by two whole percent!" Mahi declares, her chin held high with immense pride.

Ishaan drops down onto one knee, bringing himself eye-to-eye with her. Pulling her cheek affectionately, he smiles, "I already knew you had it in you. Congratulations, Mahi baby."

"Thank you, Dad!" Mahi chirps, her eyes sparkling.

Ishaan lets out a soft sigh and slowly stands back up. "Dad had a very long day, sweetheart. I’m going to take a quick shower."

"Alright," Mahi replies promptly. "Come back quickly. I’m waiting."

Ishaan pauses at the door frame, looking back over his shoulder. "Waiting? For what?"

"Because I came first in class!" Mahi says, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Ishaan smiles faintly, beginning to pull the door shut. "I already gave you your congratulations for that."

"Congratulations are fine," Mahi presses, holding her ground on his old promise. "But what about Mom's story?"

The moment the door clicks shut, Ishaan hesitates. A second later, he opens it again. Mahi’s face lights up in pure excitement, thinking she’s won the argument.

Instead, Ishaan offers an apologetic look. "Mahi, I told you... Dad is really tired tonight. I still have work to wrap up. I’ll tell you the story some other day, okay?"

Mahi’s smile falters, replaced by stubborn disappointment. "But you promised me! You said if I got first rank, you would!"

Ishaan rubs his forehead, trying to keep his composure against a surging headache. "I know, Mahi. I know. But please try to understand—Papa had a really rough day. I promise I’ll tell you soon."

"But you promised me today!" Mahi insists, crossing her arms stubbornly.

The exhaustion finally snaps Ishaan’s patience. His tone turns sharp: "What promise-promise? Can't you understand when I'm telling you nicely?!"

From beside Mahi, Pluto lets out a sudden, protective bark at Ishaan’s raised voice.

Frustrated, Ishaan steps forward, firmly takes Pluto by the collar, and ushers him out into the hallway. "How many times have I told you not to come inside this room?" he snaps at the dog. "Go!"

Without another word, Ishaan pulls the bedroom door shut with a loud, sudden click. Inside the quiet room, Mahi stands frozen, startled and hurt by the sharp noise echoing in the dark.

*

A short while later, Ishaan sits down on the living room couch with a glass of wine, settling in front of his open laptop. As he tries to focus on his work, his gaze repeatedly drifts toward the closed door of Mahi’s room, weighed down by a heavy knot of regret.

Unable to concentrate, he gets up and quietly makes his way down the corridor. He eases the door open, slipping inside to check on her. In the soft glow of the room, he sees Mahi lying still in bed, sleeping peacefully with her oxygen cannula in place. Guilt softening his face, Ishaan steps back out into the hallway and gently clicks the door shut.

The moment the door latches closed, Mahi slowly opens her eyes in the dim light—having been awake the entire time.

*

The next morning, Inder’s urgent voice breaks through the silence of the hall. He shakes Ishaan’s shoulder repeatedly, trying to pull him out of sleep. "Ishaan, wake up! Ishaan... wake up!"

Ishaan sits up abruptly on the couch, rubbing his groggy eyes.

Inder’s face is pale with anxiety. "Ishaan, Mahi is missing. Her school just called—she never made it to class today."

Heart dropping, Ishaan bolts off the couch and rushes straight into Mahi’s bedroom. Her bed is empty, the sheets cold.

"I’ve checked everywhere, Ishaan," Inder says, following close behind him, his voice laced with growing panic. "My room, the terrace, the courtyard... and I know she couldn't be in your room because only you have the keys to it, and you haven't stepped inside since we moved here. Plus, Pluto is missing too."

Without wasting a single second, Ishaan grabs his car keys and charges out the front door. As he frantically gets behind the wheel and starts the engine, he dials the school, pressing the phone against his ear.

"I’m on my way to the school right now," Ishaan says into the phone, his voice tense and breathless. "If she turns up there, call me immediately!"

*

Trapped in a standstill traffic jam, Ishaan grips the steering wheel, his eyes frantically scanning the crowded streets. Outside his window, a street vendor moves between the idling cars selling colorful paper fans—a silent, painful reminder of his daughter.

A few blocks away, Mahi strolls casually down the sidewalk. Wearing oversized sunglasses, she holds a matching paper fan in one hand and firmly grips Pluto’s leash in the other, her school bag slung over her shoulders. Suddenly, Pluto spots something up ahead and bolts forward, pulling Mahi along with him.

Torn from her steady stride, Mahi stumbles into a run, her grip on the leash slipping away as Pluto dashes into the crowd.

"Stop... Pluto, stop! Stop, I say... stop!" she calls out, snatching off her sunglasses. "What is wrong with you?!"

She breaks into a breathless run after him, crossing the busy street and collapsing lightly against a side wall to catch her breath. "Somebody please catch him!" she gasps out.

Standing near the corner of the street, Maira overhears the frantic call for help. She turns just in time to see Pluto charging directly toward her. Spotting Mahi running up behind him, calling out, "Somebody help me!" Maira quickly steps into Pluto's path, catching his leash firmly.

"Good boy..." Maira soothes, bending down to calm the dog before leading him back toward Mahi.

As she gets closer, Maira notices Mahi leaning heavily against the wall, chest heaving and panting for air. Concerned, Maira pulls a water bottle from her bag and offers it: "Water?"

Mahi shakes her head, taking a deep, shuddering breath. "No, thank you. I can't have cold or normal water. Only warm water."

While Maira watches in silent surprise at her specific limitations, Mahi pulls her own warm water flask from her bag and takes a few careful sips.

"Okay... okay, I understand," Maira says gently, stepping in to help Mahi slip the flask back into her bag before fondly patting her hair.

Mahi leans back against the wall, looking up at Maira with innocent candidness. "I have a medical condition called '65 roses.' Everyone says it's very dangerous. But Dad says it's all a sham and nothing will happen to me."

Maira’s eyes widen slightly as she tries to process the sheer weight of what Mahi’s father is shielding her from.

Before Maira can respond, Mahi continues, "I'm not allowed to jump, nor can I run. I can't even have cotton candy. But... when I'm angry with Dad, I eat it anyway. Thank you for your help. Bye!"

"Bye..." Maira replies, still stunned by the conversation.

"Come, Pluto," Mahi calls softly, taking his leash once more.

Maira stays put, watching Mahi navigate the busy street with Pluto at her side. But as they reach the center lane, Pluto suddenly digs his paws into the asphalt, completely refusing to move forward. Mahi tugs gently on the leash, trying to coax him, entirely unaware of the heavy truck barrelling down the road straight toward them.