LucknowIn the dead of night, a figure slipped into the ICU, cloaked in shadow. His gaze fell on the pale, fragile form of Khushi, lying still amidst the hum of machines. Tears glistened in his eyes, betraying a storm of emotions. He moved slowly, as if afraid to disturb the air, and sat beside her bed.
His trembling hand reached for hers, cradling it like delicate glass, fearing it might shatter.The room held a chilling yet strangely soothing silence. Staring at her wan face, his voice broke. "Wake up, please. You can't stay like this. After all these years, I've found you-I can't lose you again. I'm begging you... come back." His plea was a whisper, raw with desperation.
Helplessness clawed at him, a feeling he hadn't known in years. His jaw tightened, fists clenching with barely contained rage. He'd never imagined seeing her like this, broken and lifeless. "I swear," he growled, teeth gritted, "those who did this to you will pay. Their lives will be worse than death."He pressed her hand to his heart, his voice a vow.
"Come back to me."
A warm touch on his shoulder startled him. He turned, exhaling in relief at the familiar face."What are you doing here at midnight?" the newcomer, a man in his late twenties, asked softly.
"Go home, buddy."
"Same goes for you," the first man shot back, his voice sharp but strained.
The second man sighed.
"I get it. You've been aching to see her all day but couldn't. I know what she means to you. But you have to be careful. If anyone spots you here, everything we've planned falls apart. I'll keep you updated-go home."
The first man nodded, his eyes lingering on Khushi.
"I was missing her," he choked out.
"You know what I've been through. I couldn't keep going without seeing her once." His voice cracked, and the other man pulled him into a tight embrace, swallowing his own emotions."I know, brother. But you need rest. If you burn out, how will you finish this? Come on, let's go." He led him out, the hospital's sterile halls swallowing their footsteps.
•──────☆──────•
NEXT MORNING - GUPTA HOUSE,
While Sheetal drowned in her dreams of Arnav and stardom, Shashi Gupta's phone rang, shattering the morning's calm. "Hello, Mr. Gupta, this is City Hospital. Come immediately."
