Closure

10. Inseparable

Akshu lay in the hospital bed, unconscious from the loss of blood and the shock of the ordeal. She had undergone a small operation to remove the bullet, and while she was now out of immediate danger, she had yet to regain consciousness. Abhi sat by her side, his eyes never leaving her face, hoping she would open her eyes soon. Tears welled up from time to time, but he would quickly wipe them away.

The Goenkas were there too, deeply saddened by the situation but also astonished by the depth of Abhi's emotions. He seemed oblivious to everyone else around him, completely focused on Akshu. They were aware that Abhi had injured his arm and had received stitches, but he refused to rest. One of the hospital employees, observing Abhi's behavior, murmured in awe, "It's madness." Another, with a knowing smile, responded, "Ah, but Abhimanyu Sir's love for her is just that—madness. Don't you know? It's a kind of madness that surpasses our understanding, how someone can love another person to such an extraordinary extent." Manish, who was nearby, overheard this conversation.

As the evening turned into night, it was decided that only one person could stay with Akshu. Everyone agreed that Abhi should be the one to stay with her, not only because he was a doctor and could provide immediate care if needed but also because his restlessness was palpable. No one wanted to keep him away from Akshu, for his sake as much as hers.

Abhi settled into the chair beside Akshu's hospital bed, his gaze fixed on her peaceful yet fragile form. He gently clasped her hand in his, a mixture of concern and love etched on his face.

"Why do you do this to me, Akshu?" His voice was soft, filled with a hint of frustration and immense worry. "It wasn't long ago when I had to operate on you, and now here you are again, your eyes closed on a hospital bed. Why did you get out of the car and run?"

He brushed a stray strand of hair from her face with utmost tenderness. His touch was delicate, as if she were made of the softest cotton. Leaning down, he pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead, then on her hand, holding it reverently in his own.

The night stretched on, and despite his exhaustion, Abhi remained vigilant beside her. His eyes never left her face, fearing to miss any sign of her waking up.

The next morning, Abhi left to fetch the medicines Akshu would need and to discuss her condition with the doctor who had operated on her the previous evening.

Akshu opened her eyes, she scanned the room anxiously, searching for Abhi. Concern etched on her face, she whispered almost inaudibly, "Abhi?". Neil, who was nearby, sensed her worry and quickly reassured her, "Bhai is safe. He will be back soon."

After a while when Abhi returned, he paused at the sight of Akshu's open eyes. The nurse, noticing him, quietly exited the room, leaving them alone. Emotions surged through Abhi as he approached her bed, his eyes moist with tears. He sat down beside her, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment, and gently rested his head on the edge of her bed.

Akshu reached out with her uninjured hand and softly patted the back of his head, her touch a comforting gesture. "I'm okay," she reassured him in a gentle voice.

Lifting his head to meet her gaze, Abhi's voice trembled with emotion. "Promise me. Promise me you'll never do that again. Never put yourself in danger like that."

Akshu nodded, her expression earnest yet resolute. "I promise I'll be careful. But I can't just stand by if someone tries to harm you."

She affectionately brushed his cheek, but as her fingers touched his skin, she realized he was burning up. Concern etched her features as she gently said, "Abhi, you have a fever."

Abhi attempted to deflect her worry, pulling back slightly. Akshu's gaze then fell upon the bandage on his arm. "And what happened to your arm?" she asked, her voice soft with concern.

"It's nothing, just a scratch," Abhi replied. Sensing he didn't want to discuss it further, she squeezed his hand gently, silently reassuring him that they were together and safe for now.

Outside, Manish and Swarna stood in quiet contemplation. Manish's words carried a new depth of understanding and realization. "We cannot separate these two," he insisted, his voice filled with conviction.

Swarna, visibly surprised by his change of heart, responded, "But you were against their union until yesterday."

"Yes, I was," Manish admitted. "But that was before I truly understood the depth of their connection. Separating them now would be futile, Swarna. Even if we tried to keep them apart, they would only long for each other, no matter the distance. Can't you see it? Watching Abhi and Akshu like this... It's like a revelation. We've been so focused on our disagreements with Abhi, but now I see how deeply he loves Akshu. He is completely devoted to her, as if she were his entire world, and nothing else mattered. And Akshu... Kairav told us how she took a bullet trying to save him."

Swarna nodded thoughtfully, understanding the gravity of Manish's words.

Meanwhile, inside the hospital room, Abhi had given Akshu her medication, causing her to drift into a drowsy sleep. Abhi, finally feeling a sense of calm settle over him after the tumultuous events of the past days, remained seated beside her. Exhaustion washed over him, and he slowly succumbed to sleep, his head resting on the edge of Akshu's bed, his hand still gently holding hers.