The day finally arrived when the new "Kavita," embodied by Kavi, was ready to visit the hospital. Clad in his mother's favorite saree, with makeup meticulously applied and her gentle demeanor carefully practiced, Kavi felt a mix of anxiety and determination. He remembered all the lessons his Aunt Neelam had taught him, hoping they would be enough to reach his father.
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As they walked through the hospital corridors, Kavi felt the weight of his task pressing down on him. Neelam walked beside him, a reassuring presence amidst the cold, clinical environment.
"Kavi—no, Kavita," Neelam corrected herself gently. "Remember, stay calm and speak to him softly. He needs to feel your presence."
Kavi nodded, his heart pounding. They reached Bhim's room, and Kavi took a deep breath before stepping inside. The sight of his father, lying motionless on the hospital bed, hooked up to various machines, was almost too much to bear.
Gathering his resolve, Kavi approached the bed and gently took Bhim's hand in his. The warmth of his father's skin was a stark reminder of the life still within him.
"Bhim," Kavi said softly, trying to keep his voice steady. "Please wake up. We need you."
There was no response. Bhim's chest rose and fell with the rhythm of the ventilator, but his eyes remained closed, unseeing. Kavi felt tears welling up, but he fought to keep them at bay.
"Please, Bhim," he repeated, his voice breaking. "It's me, Kavita. I'm here with you."
Still, there was no response. The silence in the room was deafening. Kavi's shoulders began to shake, and he couldn't hold back the tears any longer. He started to weep, the sobs wracking his body.
Neelam quickly moved to his side, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "Kavi beta, you need to have patience," she whispered, her voice soothing. "This is a long process. Your presence is already making a difference, even if you can't see it yet."
Kavi looked up at her, tears streaming down his face. "I just want him to wake up, Aunt Neelam. I don't know if I can do this."
Neelam held him tighter, her own eyes brimming with unshed tears. "You are stronger than you know, Kavi. Your father needs you to be brave. Keep talking to him, keep showing him your love. That's how we can bring him back."
Taking a deep breath, Kavi wiped his tears and nodded. He turned back to Bhim, squeezing his hand gently. "I will stay strong, Bhim. For you. For us."
Neelam stood back, giving Kavi the space to continue. As the days passed, Kavi visited the hospital daily, sitting by his father's bedside, talking to him, reading his favorite books, and recounting cherished memories. Each visit, each moment spent by his father's side, was a testament to his unwavering determination and love.
