Dusk Till Dawn 《Arshi/ Sheetal Track》

Chapter - 10

Pls ignore typos

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Mumbai

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City Hospital

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Khushi came running toward the ICU, with tearful eyes. Her full face turned red. She just wanted to go to her Arnavji and hug him tightly, to believe that he is here in front of her.

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Khushi stood in front of the ICU, looking through the window of the ICU door. She saw him sleeping due to medicine. He looked worn out, had lost some weight, and his eyes were closed with dark circles around them. His face had scars, possibly from the accident. She flinched when she realized how painful it must be for him. Above all, he is diabetic. She thanked her Devi Mayya for saving him. She is eagerly waiting for her Arnavji to open his eyes and see those eyes which mirror his feelings.

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With a shivering hand, she touched the glass, longing to feel his heartbeat, now familiar through the beeping sound of machines attached to his body. Tears refused to stop as she felt the pain they both endured.

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Khushi: Why, Arnavji? Why are we going through all this? Despite overcoming many obstacles, our love is repeatedly tested with more pain. Where did we lack in our love that Devi Mayya won't bless us with happiness? I know, Arnavji, you loved me back then and still do, but a wall of guilt for your Di separates us. Yes, I know it, though Vedh Bhai told me about it today. You should have shared this with me, Arnavji; communication is key in any relationship, a place where we often fall short. But now, I promise to myself, to you, for our daughter, and for our love, that I will communicate with you, and you must share everything – your pain, insecurities, guilt, happiness, or even the smallest things.

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We will protect our little world. Arnavji, please recover soon. Our baby awaits her Dada to hold her in his protective arms and shield her from the world's harshness. Khushi composed herself, wiping her tears; she can't be weak now. She must stay strong for them and for their daughter. She needs to discover whether Arnav's guilt will overpower their love this time too.

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After some time...

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Arnav is conscious and sitting on the bed, talking with Vedh, though his eyes are searching for the only person for whom his heart beats. Vedh understands that Arnav needs Khushi more than anyone else now, so he excuses himself, saying that he needs to have a word with the doctor. Arnav nods his head, leans back on the headboard of the bed, and closes his eyes.

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Suddenly, the air around him changes. After what felt like ages, he feels his heartbeats. His heart tells him that she is near. His eyes tear up. He opened his eyes and looked toward the doors to see her standing with teary red eyes. He notices her form; she looks a little chubbier, perhaps she gained some weight. However, her eyes become more expressive, revealing the pain she went through, the struggle due to his absence, and the questions for him. Her eyes hold accusation for causing her pain, anger for troubling her always, and, finally, love. Yes, love—she still loves him, which amuses him.