Royal Secrets (Shhhh)

Chapter 21. ~ Prize Of Touch ~

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At Hospital

The doctor stepped out of the emergency room, removing his gloves with a grim expression.

"She's in critical condition," he said gravely. "She's suffering from acute pneumonia. After being drenched in rain for so long, water has filled her lungs. Her immune system is collapsing."

Abhinav's heart pounded in his chest.

"She has only twenty-four hours," the doctor continued. "If she doesn't show improvement... I'm sorry. There'll be nothing more we can do."

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Otherside

At the hospital, silence weighed heavy in the air. Machines beeped rhythmically beside Samar's still body. His face was pale, his wrists bandaged, and tubes ran across his arms-evidence of the storm he had survived.

Abhinav stood quietly beside the bed, eyes lowered in guilt.

The doors opened.

Dadamaharaj entered-his royal aura untouched by age, but his eyes reflected only one thing today: fear.

He walked slowly to the bed and placed a trembling hand on Samar's forehead.

"We spoke just last night," he murmured, voice thick with emotion.

"He was fine. A little tired maybe, but that's normal for him. His life has always been intense... and he handles it like a warrior. But this?"

He turned to Abhinav, his gaze sharp.

"What happened last night?" he asked, voice low but stern. "This wasn't just another episode. Something triggered it."

Abhinav's throat tightened. His guilt swelled like a noose around his conscience.

"I-Maharaj, he's been under pressure, but you know how he is. Always pushing himself. Maybe this time, it just... caught up."

Dadamaharaj's eyes narrowed. "Don't lie to me, Abhinav. I can feel it-something happened. Something against his will. What are you hiding?"

Abhinav's voice didn't falter, but his soul shook. "No, Maharaj. I would never hide anything about Ranasa from you. He means more to me than my own life. Yes, he's had attacks before."

Dadamaharaj's paced a little, hands behind his back, glancing toward the hospital room window.

"His life has always been about pushing past limits, bearing the weight of Rajgardh on his shoulders without complaint."

His voice trembled slightly, pain evident in his eyes as they flicked to Abhinav, searching for truth.

"This wasn't just a breakdown-this was an attack. A violent relapse. You know his condition better than anyone. I've seen his pain... for thirteen years I've watched my grandson fight this silent monster inside him."

He let out a long, strained breath and sat down slowly on the nearby chair, his hands gripping the armrests tightly, knuckles white.

"But why last night? What triggered it?!"
Don't lie to me, Abhinav. Something happened-something that shattered him. And I need to know the truth before it's too late."

Abhinav lowered his eyes, guilt flickering across his face.

He clenched his jaw tightly, avoiding direct eye contact. His throat bobbed as he swallowed nervously.