Fated Love

Chapter 7

The doctors sighed with relief as Aashi's condition stabilized after surgery, and all her vital signs appeared normal. They double-checked everything to ensure they could deliver the good news to the royal family.

As the doctors emerged, the entire family rushed to them, their faces betraying intense worry and fear despite their attempts to remain composed.

"Sir, Princess is fine now and will regain consciousness in 4-5 hours," the doctor began before anyone could speak.

"Any complications?" Raghav asked anxiously.

"No, sir, just that she'll be a bit weak for a few days and needs to be handled with care. You can see her once she wakes up, but we need to monitor her until then," the doctor explained before heading to their temporary cabin. They wouldn't leave until Aashi was completely well,and they understood well.

Raghav felt a surge of relief knowing his little daughter was safe. Watching her fragile form from the window crushed his heart after some time, he was startled by a heart-wrenching scream from the room where Vaidehi lay sleeping. He hurried to her side, finding her caught in a nightmare, and gently woke her with a sprinkle of water before enfolding her in his arms.

Vaidehi's POV

I was terrified—terrified for our daughter amid all this chaos. These people seemed powerful, and if they insisted we leave, would I have the strength to fight back? I closed my eyes, holding my son close, and prayed.

In that moment of prayer, I felt his presence. I thought it might be a hallucination, but as I opened my eyes, I saw those deep grayish-blue eyes—the face from my dreams and nightmares. The emotions overwhelmed me, and I lost consciousness.

I woke in the hospital room, feeling disoriented with someone calling my name persistently. As I opened my eyes, I met his gaze again, blinking to make sure it wasn't a dream. As I touched his face gently, reality dawned—my husband was really here, and I broke down.

Raghav's Voice

Seeing Vaidehi again after all these years was like waking from a long, painful dream. Her touch, her scent—it was all I needed to know that I was finally home. Holding her in my arms, I felt the weight of my absence, the regret for the years spent apart.

"I'm here now, Vaidehi. I'll never leave you again," I vowed, my voice wavering with emotion.

She looked up at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of love and pain. "Raghav, I can't believe you're really here," she whispered, her fingers tracing the lines of my face as if memorizing every detail.

"Aashi?" Vaidehi asked anxiously, trying to move frantically towards our daughter.

"Our daughter is completely fine. She'll wake up in a few minutes. Please, calm down," I reassured her, feeling a rush of relief as she heard the news. But the mother in her couldn't wait without seeing her daughter, so I lifted her effortlessly and brought her close to Aashi's ward.

"Look, there she is, safe and sound. The doctors are monitoring her closely. She'll wake up soon," I said, watching Vaidehi's tears flow as she gazed at our daughter.

"I was so scared, Raghav. Where were you? How could you leave us?" Vaidehi struggled to free herself from my arms, so I gently placed her on a nearby couch to calm her down.

"Baby, please calm down. I'll explain everything, but first, let the doctor check on you," I urged her gently.

"No, I've waited a lifetime for you, Raghav," Vaidehi said in a broken voice, her anguish, pain, and years of waiting evident.

"I'm sorry, love. I'm truly sorry," I apologized sincerely, then proceeded to explain my side of the story. As she listened, Vaidehi realized her love and faith were justified Raghav hadn't abandoned her. She hugged me tightly, tears streaming down her face, washing away the pain of their separation.

Author's POV

Vaidehi's POV

As I looked around the hospital room, I noticed we weren't alone. There was an older man in his fifties, with a striking resemblance to Raghav—a more matured version of him. His presence exuded power and wealth, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of apprehension. Would he accept me ?

Lost in my thoughts, I felt Raghav's gentle touch on my shoulder. He realized it was time to introduce his family, a poignant irony after all these years of separation.

"Vaidehi, meet my father, Rajvardhan Rajvanshi," Raghav began, gesturing towards the older man. "And these are my brothers, Ahan and Aarav."

I approached My father-in-law cautiously, unsure of what to expect. To my surprise, instead of the stern reception I feared, his words melted away my doubts.

"In our home, Laxmi doesn't bow down to anyone, beta. May God bless you with happiness," he said, his tone firm yet affectionate.

Ahan and Aarav then approached me, seeking my blessings. Their warm reception overwhelmed me, dispelling my fears of not being accepted. The room buzzed with chatter and relief, but amidst it all, Ansh stirred from his slumber.

Ansh's Perspective

I woke up feeling disoriented, unsure if the sight before me was real. Seeing Dad standing there, his presence reassured me—it wasn't a dream after all. I couldn't hold back the tears as I collapsed into his arms, overwhelmed by a surge of emotions.

"Mom, where's Aashi? Is she okay?" I asked urgently, my concern for my sister overriding my anger towards Dad. Seeing her safe was all that mattered.

"She's fine, Ansh. We can see her in a few hours," Mom assured me, embracing me tightly. I felt her love and understanding, knowing how deeply she shared my worry for Aashi. Dad joined in the hug, but I couldn't bring myself to reciprocate fully. My emotions were a whirlwind—I wanted him back, yet his absence had left a void I struggled to reconcile.

"Ansh, he's your father. You can't treat him like this," Mom chided gently, but Dad interrupted.

"Ansh, can we have a man-to-man talk?" Dad's voice was earnest, seeking understanding amidst the turmoil.

"Yeah," I replied gruffly, my heart torn between longing and anger.

"I didn't leave because I didn't care, Ansh. You and Aashi are my everything. I never wanted to leave, but I didn't realize I had left my angels behind," Dad explained, his voice thick with regret and sincerity. I felt a pang of guilt for assuming the worst.

"Promise me you won't leave again," I pleaded, my vulnerability laid bare.

"I promise," Dad's voice resonated with intensity, his assurance piercing through my doubts.

"I missed you, Dad," I confessed, unable to contain my emotions any longer.

"I love you, buddy," Dad declared, wiping away my tears with a tenderness that spoke volumes.

"Okay, let's go meet the family," Dad said, lifting me gently. Together, we approached the waiting men.

"Ansh, this is your grandfather, my Dad," Dad introduced, and I immediately sought his blessing. Instead, Dadu enveloped me in a warm embrace, his pride and happiness palpable.

"Hello, Dadu," I greeted awkwardly, overwhelmed.

"Hello, champ. It's a pleasure to meet you," Dadu replied warmly, and I couldn't help but smile. there was a unhinged happiness and pride in his eyes for his grandson

"Enough hogging, Dad. It's time he meets the coolest member of the family," Aarav teased

"Hey, buddy, I'm your youngest and coolest Chachu. You can call me Rockstar," Aarav proclaimed, instantly winning my approval.

"Stop your nonsense. I'm the best Chachu," Ahan interjected playfully, and I grinned at their banter.

"Hey, Chachu... um, buddy. Can I call you buddy? 'Chachu' sounds boring," I suggested, eager to fit in.

"Sure thing, buddy. That's super cool," Ahan agreed, exchanging a teasing glance with Aarav. In that moment, I felt the warmth of family, a bond that transcended everything.