Dhruva, a five-year-old boy, eagerly awaited his father’s return. His father had promised to take him to the grand fair that day, but he was running late. Dhruva’s father worked as a government employee and did plumbing on the side for extra income. That Sunday, he had been tasked with fixing a broken sink and repairing pipes early in the morning. Although he was working diligently to keep his promise, he was still behind schedule.

Growing impatient, Dhruva decided to explore the backyard to pass the time. There, nestled near the roots of a tree, he spotted something intriguing: a dusty, gleaming globe. Curious, he brushed off the dust and wondered aloud, “A ball? Where did this come from? It looks like glass. Maybe it’s a treasure. I should show it to Mom.”

As he spoke, the globe began to shine brightly, its light so intense that Dhruva had to shield his eyes. Clutching the globe tightly with one hand and covering his eyes with the other, he waited for the brilliance to subside. When the light faded, the globe had vanished. Perplexed, Dhruva wondered, “Where did it go? Did I drop it? But I didn’t hear it fall.”

Just then, his mother called out, “Dhruva, where are you? Your father’s home. Come inside for tea and get ready so you don’t miss the fair!”

Dhruva called back, “Okay, Mom, I’m coming.” He glanced around for the globe but found no trace of it. Deciding it was best not to delay further, he resolved to find it later. “I’ll look for it after we get back. I need to get ready now.”

A short while later, Dhruva was dressed and sipping his tea. He and his father set out for the fair. As they walked, Dhruva asked, “Dad, can I ask you something?”

His father replied, “Sure, what’s on your mind?”

Dhruva inquired, “How was your work today? Did you get paid?”

Understanding the reason behind Dhruva’s question, his father chuckled, “You’re hoping for some treats, aren’t you?”

Dhruva giggled and admitted, “Yes, Dad. How did you know?”

His father laughed, “I’m your father; I know you well.”

Dhruva replied, “True, Dad. And about your work—was it alright?”

His father answered, “It was fine. Sometimes it’s a bit tough and tiring, but I always have a plan for everything. And I expect the same from you.”

Dhruva nodded, “Yes, Dad, I’ll be prepared like you. So, if you were paid, does that mean we’ll have lots of treats today?”

His father said, “Definitely, but don’t expect too many.”

Dhruva agreed, “Yes, sir!”

After a pleasant walk, they arrived at the fair. Dhruva’s eyes widened with amazement at the vibrant decorations, bustling shops, rides, and balloons. He was particularly drawn to a group of large brown teddy bears.

“Look, Dad!” Dhruva exclaimed.

His father glanced over and said, “Those teddy bears are new this year.”

Dhruva asked, “Are they real, like in the cartoons?”

His father replied, “Not exactly. They’re people in costumes, but they’re doing a great job entertaining everyone. They’re as good as the cartoon bears.”

Dhruva smiled, “You’re right. They’re making everyone happy, including us.”

His father nodded, “Let’s go now. You don’t want to miss the horse ride, do you?”

Dhruva’s face lit up with excitement. “No, Dad, I don’t!”

The day was filled with joy: Dhruva enjoyed the horse ride, drove a toy car, savored cotton candy, played in a cartoon-themed playhouse, and shared smoothies with his father.

On their way home, Dhruva said, “Dad, we should have brought Mom and Sis. They would have loved it.”

His father smiled and replied, “Don’t worry. They will enjoy it too. We’re coming back tomorrow night. There’s a special singer, Zayn Garg, performing, and we’ll get to see the night decorations and exclusive rides. We’ll all go together.”

Dhruva’s face beamed with happiness. “Really, Dad?”

His father confirmed, “Yes. I wanted to keep it a surprise. We’ll enjoy it together—me, you, Mom, and Sis. Hope you’re excited.”

Dhruva grinned, “I am, Dad. I can’t wait!”

As Dhruva and his father were on their way home, Dhruva’s father noticed his phone buzzing. It was a call from his brother, Kandarpa. He answered the call and heard Kandarpa say, “Brother, we need to discuss something important.”

With a neutral expression, Dhruva’s father replied, “Sure, go ahead.”

Kandarpa responded, “I can’t discuss it over the phone. We need to meet in person.”

Dhruva’s father, sensing the gravity of the situation, asked, “Where do you want to meet? I’m with my son right now.”

Kandarpa inquired, “You’re with Dhruva? Did I interrupt something?”

Dhruva’s father reassured him, “No, we just came back from the Grand fair. You haven’t caused any disruption.”

Kandarpa acknowledged, “Understood. I’ll head to KK Garden. Let’s talk outside there.”

Dhruva’s father agreed, “Fine, we’ll wait for you there.”

Hanging up, Dhruva’s father turned to his son. “Dhruva, that was your uncle. He wants to discuss something important, but we’ll meet him outside KK Garden. You can have fun on the slides and other attractions while we talk. They’ve added some new slides that I know you’ll love.”

Dhruva’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Really, Dad? New slides? That’s awesome!”

His father smiled. “Yes, they’re quite something. Let’s get our tickets and head in.”

After purchasing the tickets, they entered the park. Dhruva raced off to enjoy the slides, while his father took a seat on a bench. He called Kandarpa to confirm their arrangement.

Kandarpa was on his bike, en route to KK Garden. As he received the call, he stopped to answer. “I’m on my way. I’ll call you when I arrive.”

A short while later, Kandarpa arrived at the park and called his brother, “I’m here. Where are you?”

Dhruva’s father replied, “Wait there for a few minutes. I’ll be right outside.” He then turned to Dhruva. “Listen, Dhruva, your uncle has arrived, but he won’t be coming inside. He had an urgent call and needs to leave soon. I need to discuss some business with him outside. Stay here and enjoy yourself, okay? I’ll be back in about twenty minutes.”

Dhruva asked, “You’re going outside? Will you come back?”

His father assured him, “Of course, I’ll be right back. Now come here and give your dad a hug.”

They hugged, and Dhruva’s father said, “Be a good boy, alright?”

Dhruva nodded. “I will, Dad. I’ll stay here and be good.”

His father smiled. “That’s my boy.”

Dhruva, still curious, asked, “Was it just about getting suggestions?”

His father, impressed by Dhruva’s insight, replied, “Not just suggestions. Uncle is bringing some files and papers. I need to give him advice on what might be best, considering the benefits and costs.”

Dhruva marveled, “Wow, Dad, how do you handle all that?”

His father laughed. “With plans and preparations.”

Dhruva laughed too. “Got it, Dad.”

“Good,” his father said, “Stay here until I return.” He then headed outside to meet Kandarpa.

Meanwhile, Dhruva joined other kids on the slides, having a blast.

Outside, Dhruva’s father found Kandarpa waiting in the parking area. He approached him and asked, “What’s the matter? Why did you mention the Dark Cube? Don’t tell me this is about a thief trying to steal it again.”

Kandarpa shook his head. “No, Dr. Corner can handle that. I want to ask you about your experience with the Dark Cube when it was active. What did you see?”

Dhruva’s father, growing serious, replied, “I’ve already told you what I saw. I’d rather not repeat it. Why are you asking?”

Kandarpa’s expression turned grave. “Because we believe the Dark Cube showed you something more, something you haven’t shared. It activated again this morning, and we saw the same vision of Earth’s destruction and the end of our galaxy. But we also saw something new—there was a figure behind the destruction, though we couldn’t see their face. I need to know if you saw this too.”

Dhruva’s father was taken aback. “The Dark Cube activated again? And you saw someone behind the destruction?”

Kandarpa replied, “Yes, Dr. Corner and I both saw it. Why didn’t you share this with us? Is there something more you haven’t told? I’m your brother. You can trust me and rely on me. I’ll support you in any way I can. It seems like you don’t trust me.”

Dhruva’s father responded, “I think you’re overthinking this. I’ve already told you and Dr. Corner what I saw. I didn’t see anyone. Maybe the Dark Cube shows different perspectives to different people. There are too many possibilities. Why would you doubt me? I’m your older brother. Who’s put this doubt in your mind? I trust you, but it seems like someone has filled your head with negativity.”

Kandarpa insisted, “No, it’s not like that. I do trust you, but I thought you might know something more that you’re keeping from us. Dr. Corner and I had the same vision. We saw more than just destruction; we saw the end of everything. It’s a grave matter. If this is the future, I need to know when it will happen. I’m scared for my family, and I know you’re worried about yours too. That’s why I asked, brother. I don’t want to lose them.” Tears welled up in Kandarpa’s eyes.

Seeing his brother’s distress, Dhruva’s father tried to comfort him. “I understand how much you love your family and how you feel. What we saw is frightening, but we don’t know if it’s our actual future or just a possible outcome. It could even be from an alternate reality or timeline. Remember, Dr. Corner is from a different Earth. There are infinite possibilities. You don’t need to be so worried.”

Kandarpa thought for a moment, then nodded. “You’re right. Maybe it’s not our future, but a possible future from another reality. I was overthinking.”

Dhruva’s father reassured him, “Exactly. You’ve been overthinking. Everything will be fine. Stay calm and positive. I’m confident Dr. Corner will solve the mystery of the Dark Cube. Go home and get some rest. You need it.”

Feeling somewhat relieved, Kandarpa said, “You’re right. I should rest. Please say hi to Dhruva for me and tell him I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet him. I brought these spicy corn sticks for him as an apology. They’re his favorite, aren’t they?”

Dhruva’s father took the corn sticks and confirmed, “Yes, they are.”

Kandarpa started his bike and said, “Okay, I’ll catch up with you later. Take care, and sorry again.”

As Kandarpa rode away, Dhruva’s father watched him leave, feeling a pang of guilt. He felt bad for lying to Kandarpa, but he also believed it was necessary. With a heavy heart, he thought, “I don’t know what you and Dr. Corner saw, but you were right—I did see something more. It wasn’t just the destruction or the person. It was someone important to me. Though he looked different in my vision, I recognized his face. It was my son, Dhruva.”