Uljhe Rishtey (Book-1 Khanna Sibling' Saga)

Epilogue

Silence filled the hospital corridor as Khanna's anxiously waited outside the ER. As soon as Premraj collapsed, the family brought him to the hospital. They were all impatient but also silent, each facing their own demons in the situation. Abhay was trying his best to calm down his mother, who couldn't stop crying.

Premraj Khanna was not just her husband but also her friend, anchor, and solace. Their marriage was not a love story but a simple arranged marriage. Her father, a businessman, signed a contract with Yash's company, and as they started working together, they eventually became friends. They were willing to turn their professional alliance into a family one. Her father proposed her marriage to Yash, who accepted after seeing her just once. Prem followed his father's advice, knowing that Yash Khanna never made wrong decisions for his son.

After marriage, she actually started living her life the way she wanted to. Although her parents were supportive and understanding, but they had their own restrictions and boundaries which the Khanna family never had. Yash gave her the love of a daughter, and Prem became her friend first, then her husband. While Rupali Khanna was the typical mother-in-law with her old-school thinking, Priya never let it affect her. After receiving unconditional love, everything else was overshadowed.

She looked up at Ruhi, who stood at a distance away from them all. The numb and lost look on her daughter's face worried her, but she didn't have it in her to do the right thing. For the first time in her life, she was scared to face rejection from Ruhi.

When she lost her child and Ruhi entered her life, she made sure to give Ruhi the same love she deserves. Even after the countless taunts her mother-in-law threw at her, saying that she was responsible for her own miscarriage, that she couldn't be a better mother, and that she didn't even know how to take care of herself when she was pregnant, Priya tried every trick to avoid the settling insecurities within her. But one can't help it either! She gave up her career, her music, in the process of punishing herself, thinking she was in actual at fault.

She started to focus on her kids more, wanting to be the best mother for them. She never craved for the title, but for the love. However, today when her husband, her support system who stood by her in every single high and low, wasn't there with her, she was scared to make any move and the insecurities resurfaced.

Meanwhile, Rudra held onto Ayan, providing him comfort, while his eyes remained fixed on Ruhi. The truth was shocking, but it didn't matter to him. Ruhi Khanna was not just his sister but his child, and no one could deny that fact. However, his heart ached seeing her suffer in silence. Taking a deep breath, he pulled back from Ayan. For the first time, he wished to prioritize his child and her feelings. Earlier, maybe he had failed or circumstances had forced him, but today he didn't want to think twice before doing what was right.

As Rudra stepped back, Anika took his place and made Ayan sit, giving him a cup of coffee, while Abhinav did the same with the others. They badly needed it! She had been out of town for a medical camp and had only returned a few hours ago. However, when Rudra called to inform her about the situation, she was shaken and immediately rushed there.

Rudra gently pulled Ruhi into a hug, but the girl didn't embrace him back nor did she pulled back. She was all numb. "Say something, Ru. Talk, beta...or cry, but please don't stay silent," he coaxed gently and sighed when she still didn't react.

He gently made her sit and sat beside her; his legs were in pain due to the injury, while Abhay was also in a sling. Somehow, they were managing.

Abhinav handed him the coffee, and he took it, placing it in Ruhi's hand. Abhinav sighed, "Talk to her; she needs to let it out."

Rudra nodded and looked back at Ruhi. The pain, shock, hurt, and anger - every single emotion was visible in her eyes, yet she was holding back. He opened his mouth to speak when the doctor stepped out of the ER...