Chapter 3

On a beautiful morning, the soft light of dawn quietly touched the small village of Muthumali. In a cozy little house nestled among the trees, a six-year-old girl named Yalmozhi was sleeping peacefully in her bed, tightly hugging her mother’s hand. It was just 5 o’clock. Her breathing was slow and even, her chubby cheeks all rosy and calm, like a little angel dreaming sweet dreams.

Her mother woke up gently, smiling at her baby girl. She tucked the warm blanket all snug around Yalmozhi, then planted a soft kiss on her forehead. “Sleep tight, my cutie pie,” she whispered. Yalmozhi wiggled happily in her sleep but didn’t wake. Mommy tiptoed away to do her morning chores, humming a happy tune.

Yalmozhi’s childhood was the golden-est time ever, full of cuddles and giggles in pretty Muthumali. Everyone called her the village cutie, with her big sparkly eyes and tiny smile that made hearts melt. No worries for her little world—just love and playtime fun.

At 6:30 a.m., Daddy came in all soft and smiley. “Wake up, my little sunshine! Time for morning hugs!” he cooed. Yalmozhi blinked her sleepy eyes open, a teeny smile blooming. “Dada!” she squealed, stretching her arms for a big hug. He helped her with brushing teeth and combing her messy hair, along with big sis and baby bro. “All pretty now, my Yalmo!” Daddy said, making her giggle.

Then came their morning study time, sitting in a circle with books. Mommy brought yummy warm milk in shiny tumblers. “Drink up, my babies! Grow big and strong!” she cheered. Yalmozhi slurped hers with a milky mustache, beaming. “Yummy, Amma! More milk?”

By 7:30, it was school time scramble! They wiggled into uniforms, grabbed bags, and raced to the bus at 8:30. “Whee! Bus friends!” Yalmozhi cheered, chattering and giggling with her pals. School was fun with songs and stories, home by 5 p.m. She washed her hands super quick and dashed out. “Cousins! Play time!”

Out on the sunny streets, Yalmozhi tagged after her bigger cousins. They made her fetch the ball or hold their water bottles—little chores for the baby sis. “Here’s the ball! Play with me?” she’d ask all hopeful. They played big kid games she couldn’t join, but Yalmozhi didn’t fuss. “I just wanna be with you!” she beamed, clapping her hands happily.

But Yalmozhi had a teeny problem from birth—her body was extra delicate, like a flower petal. Everyone watched her like hawks, extra cuddles and warm soups. Still, fevers sneaked up fast. It was their monthly hospital adventure, but they faced it with love.

At 8 p.m., as stars twinkled, Yalmozhi felt yucky. “Amma! I feel funny... hot,” she whimpered, tugging Mommy’s saree. Mommy checked—fever! “Oh my poor baby,” she soothed, giving yucky medicine. “Open wide, sweetie! This makes you better.” Yalmozhi made a fussy face but gulped it down. “Icky! No more sickness?”?” But the heat didn’t go away, so the next day, off to the hospital.

In the bright hospital, Yalmozhi spotted a boy by Doctor Uncle. “That brother is bigger than my sis?” she wondered quietly, peeking shyly. Then the doctor said, “Injection room for Yalmozhi!” Her eyes went HUGE. “No! Daddy, please no injection! It hurts! I scared!” she wailed, tears plopping like raindrops, hugging Daddy’s leg tight.

Daddy hugged back. “It’s punishment for sneaky ice cream, little one.” Yalmozhi sobbed louder, nose all sniffly. “But Daddy! I never eat ice cream again, never! Pretty please? Tell them no needle! I be good girl, promise!” She buried her face in his shirt, hiccuping through tears, all tiny and pitiful.

No one listened to her baby cries... except the boy nearby. His eyes softened, watching her brave little fight. He was none other than...

(To be continued in the next chapter.)

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