| 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕃𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕀𝕟 𝕄𝕪 ℕ𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕖 |

7: The Awakening

As Diya gradually awakens, her surroundings come into focus. She finds herself lying on a hospital bed, the sterile scent of disinfectants filling the air. Soft, muted lighting casts a soothing glow across the room, and the rhythmic beeping of the nearby monitors creates a sense of calm and reassurance.

Her eyes blink slowly, adjusting to the brightness, as she tries to piece together what happened. Memories of the parking lot and her sudden loss of consciousness flood her mind. Confusion lingers as she wonders how she ended up in the hospital. 

Diya shifts slightly, feeling the crispness of the sheets against her skin and the gentle pressure of an IV line attached to her arm. She notices the presence of medical equipment nearby—an array of monitors, an IV drip stand, and other medical paraphernalia—hinting at the seriousness of her situation.

Glancing around, Diya's eyes search for familiar faces. And there, sitting by her bedside, is Ashwin, his face etched with worry. 

Ashwin? 

Ashwin's head snaps towards the sound of Diya's voice, his heart racing with a mix of relief and concern. Without hesitation, he rushes to her bedside, taking hold of her hand with a gentle yet firm grip. His touch provides a sense of reassurance and connection, as if bridging the gap between their souls in that moment.

Their eyes meet, and Ashwin's gaze is filled with a myriad of emotions—relief at seeing her awake, worry etched into his furrowed brow, and a deep-seated affection that he struggles to conceal. He leans closer, his voice filled with a mixture of urgency and tenderness,

U-unaku onnum illala? Yedhachum p-pannudha?

( Are you o-okay? H-how do y-you feel?)

Diya's eyes, still dazed from her recent ordeal, meet Ashwin's gaze, finding a sense of comfort and reassurance in his presence. However, their moment of solace is abruptly interrupted as the hospital room door swings open with a sudden burst of energy. Startled, both Diya and Ashwin turn their heads to see Dhruv, storming into the room with a mix of worry and anger etched across his face.

This is the second time you've fainted, Diya! Idhuku mela, ennala tolerate panna mudhiyadhu! You are resigning, that's it final!

( This is the second time you've fainted, Diya! I can't tolerate this anymore! You are resigning, that's it final)

Ashwin notices Dhruv's doctor's coat and the file in his hand, realizing that Dhruv is well aware of the situation. Diya shoots Dhruv a meaningful glance, a silent reminder to tread carefully, before Dhruv finally notices Ashwin's presence and the intimate gesture of their intertwined hands.

I-I, na...

Dhruv glances around the room, feeling the weight of the situation and unsure of how to proceed. 

Na aprom varen

( I'll come back later)

he says awkwardly before quickly leaving the room, leaving Ashwin and Diya alone once again.

Ashwin's frown deepens as he tries to process what he just witnessed. Confusion fills Ashwin's mind as he questions his own assumptions and tries to make sense of the dynamics between Diya and Dhruv.

Ashwin..

Ashwin subconsciously turns to Diya looking up to him,

Thank you

He smiled at her, happy that she was talking to him again.

But you can go, na pathukuren

( But you can go, I can take care of myself)