A Symphony Of Silence And Storm

Aadhya is Annika daughter

The following morning, Shivay, compelled by a mix of concern and a nagging curiosity, decided to visit Annika at the hospital. He approached the reception desk, his voice a touch hesitant as he inquired about Annika's room number.

Shivay followed the directions, only to find himself standing outside a private room. A frown etched itself on his face. He raised his hand and knocked gently on the door.

A gentle knock on the door yielded no response, so he pushed it open a crack, peering inside cautiously.  To his astonishment, he saw a young girl curled up beside Annika on the bed, her small arms wrapped tightly around Annika's figure.  The girl's head snapped up at the sound, revealing tear-streaked cheeks and wide, red-rimmed eyes.  Her gaze collided with Shivay's, and a jolt of recognition passed between them.

It was Aadhya.

The sight of the little girl, so vulnerable and distraught, sent a pang of unexpected emotion through Shivay.  Aadhya, for her part, couldn't contain her tears.  She stretched out her arms towards him, a silent plea etched on her face.  Without a word, Shivay reached out and scooped her into his arms.

A pang of sorrow twisted in his gut as he saw the Aadhya's red-rimmed eyes shining with unshed tears. Her voice, choked with sobs, echoed in the sterile room. "Billu uncle, why isn't Mumma waking up?" she pleaded, burying her face in his chest. "Tell her I'll be good, I promise. I'll always listen to her. Please, tell her to wake up."

Shivay held her close, unsure of how to respond. Shivay's mind reeled. The playful little friend he'd developed a bond with, the source of his amusement during those tense business meetings, was Annika's daughter? The woman he'd harbored such strong feelings of animosity towards?

He considered gently placing Aadhya back on the bed, but seeing her vulnerability, his heart overruled his initial hesitation.  Just then, the sound of the bathroom door opening drew his attention.  Ishita emerged, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Shivay holding Aadhya.

"Mr. Billu, you're here?" she exclaimed, her voice laced with disbelief.

Shivay, still grappling with the revelation, managed a curt nod.  "I came to see Annika. What did the doctor say? When will she wake up? Where are Shreya and Kavya? And how do you know Annika?"  He bombarded her with questions, his mind racing to connect the dots.

Ishita took a deep breath.  "The doctor says her body needs more rest. They can't give us a specific timeframe for when she'll wake up. Shreya di and Kavya di were here with her until this morning. I sent them back so they could get some rest.  And I'm Annika's sister," she explained. "But how did you know her?"

Shivay, piecing together the fragments of his fragmented knowledge, recalled Annika mentioning a brother and sister. "We're business partners," he explained simply.

Ishita nodded, her gaze then falling on Aadhya, who was still clinging to Shivay. The little girl's sobs had subsided into hiccups, but her grip remained tight.  Sensing Aadhya's attachment to Shivay, Ishita spoke.

"She's been very difficult," Ishita admitted. "She's been crying nonstop, wanting to see her mumma. I had no choice but to bring her here. Seeing Annika di like this, she asked to lie down next to her. She's been holding on for over an hour, refusing to leave her side. But seeing you, Mr. Billu, seems to have brought her some comfort.  If you wouldn't mind, could you perhaps help me? Aadhya hasn't eaten anything since last night."

Shivay's gaze softened as he looked down at Aadhya, her tiny frame trembling despite the comfort she sought in his embrace. The sight of her tear-streaked face, etched with worry for her mother, tugged at his heartstrings. He glanced at Ishita, her concern a mirror to his own.