Night Changes

Hardhik had always been fascinated by his mother Niharika's culinary skills. Every time she cooked, the aroma wafting from the kitchen was like a warm hug, making everyone's stomach growl with anticipation. He had often teased her, saying, "Mom, you cook so brilliantly, you should start your YouTube channel!"

At first, Niharika had dismissed the idea, but Hardhik persistence eventually wore her down. With the help of her husband, Gautam, Niharika finally took the plunge and started her food blogging channel. To her surprise, it became an instant hit. Her innovative methods and easy teaching style resonated with her subscribers, and soon, her channel was flooded with comments, likes, and shares. As the channel grew, so did Niharika's confidence. She started earning well, and her family was overjoyed. Hardhik would proudly say, "See, Mom, I told you, you're a superstar!" Niharika would smile and reply, "Yes but it's all because you are my knight in shining armor."

 Three years flew by, and Niharika's channel continued to soar high. She was invited to receive the "Women of Substance" award in Delhi. Though hesitant at first, as Hardhik's exams were approaching, she eventually decided to attend, reassured that he would study diligently in her absence and will not miss his tutions. The day of the event arrived, and in middle of the event Niharika's phone started buzzing nonstop. She saw  it was Hardhik, she smiled thinking he must be calling her for another otp of Amazon order of his, she picked the call and her world came crashing down. The voice on the other end said, "This is the SP of police, "We are very sorry to inform you but the person in possession of this phone met with an accident... unfortunately, the person whose ID card says Hardhik passed away on the spot."

 Niharika's mind went numb. She had no recollection of how she reached her hometown, how she informed her husband, or what happened next. The only thing she understood after 04 days of the accident was that her son had wanted to make her independent and happy, to give her something to look forward to once he grew up and will be taken away from her. And in that moment, she realized that his purpose had been fulfilled, but at what cost?

 When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. If only she knew how the night changes.