Species Of Life

17. 🌸 A Mother's Wish (Updated)

Vibha was shifted to the ICU. The doctor said in a serious tone,
"She had a heart attack. We are trying our best."

By now, Siddharth had also arrived. His face was pale with fear.

Siddharth: "She will be fine, right, doctor?"
His voice trembled, and his eyes welled up with tears.

Doctor: "We are trying our best... but she isn't responding—"
Before he could continue, a nurse came running towards them.

Nurse: "Doctor! That patient is continuously calling someone named Akshu!"

Siddharth's eyes instantly met Jannat's. Both were startled.

Doctor (looking at Siddharth): "Who is Akshu?"

Jannat: "I am."

Doctor: "Please, come with us."

Without hesitation, Jannat followed the doctor, as they entered the ICU, Jannat's heart ached. Her mother lay lifelessly on the bed. Every step felt heavy, but she slowly approached and gently held Vibha's hand.

Vibha's eyes fluttered open. Despite her weakness, she recognized the familiar touch.

Vibha (weakly): "Akshu..."

Akshu (tightening her hold): "Yes, Mumma. I am here."

Vibha: "Please... don't leave me."

Akshu: "I won't leave you."

Doctor: "Ma'am you'll need to wait outside for a while. We need to check her."

Akshu: "Sure."
She turned to Vibha. "Mumma, I'm just outside. Please cooperate with the doctors."

Vibha: "Promise me you won't go."

Akshu: "I promise. I won't go anywhere."

Reluctantly, Akshu withdrew her hand and stepped outside.
The moment she did, she saw Siddharth, Faisu, Avneet, Vaish, and Abhishek waiting anxiously.

Abhishek: "How is Mumma?"

Akshu didn't respond. She looked straight at Siddharth. They both shared a deep, unsaid emotion. Suddenly, Akshu ran into Siddharth's arms and hugged him tightly. Siddharth, holding back his own emotions, finally hugged her back with the same intensity.

Abhishek smiled softly, relieved to see them united.

Akshu couldn't hold back anymore. Her body shook as she cried in her twin brother's arms.

Akshu: "Ashu..."
Her voice cracked through her sobs.

Siddharth: "Calm down, Akshu. If you break down, who will be Dad's strength?"

Akshu pulled back, wiping her tears.
Akshu: "Where is Dad?"

Siddharth: "He's on the way."

Minutes later, Ranveer arrived. At first, he didn't notice Akshu. But when he did, pure joy lit up his face. Without a second thought, he embraced her.

Ranveer: "Akshu... my bacha!"

Akshu: "Dad..."
She sobbed again, her guilt overwhelming her.

Ranveer: "Where were you? Why did you leave us? Why didn't you ever contact us?"

Akshu could only cry harder.

Ranveer: "I missed you so much."

Akshu: "I missed you too."