Closure

16. Trying to Heal

It was one of the longest nights of their lives. Anisha had sustained a severe head injury and was in the ICU. The doctor had urged everyone to wait, emphasizing the crucial nature of the next few hours. The Goenkas comforted Kairav, who hadn't spoken a word since receiving the news. The Birlas, leveraging their contacts, arranged for the best surgeon to be flown in from the USA by the next morning.

The night finally passed, but it brought no good news. The impact of the injury had caused a traumatic brain injury, resulting in a hemorrhage, and Anisha could not be saved. When the news broke, everyone was devastated. Kairav was in shock and disbelief, struggling to accept the harsh reality.

The following months were a time of mourning and acceptance. The Goenkas did their best to care for Kairav, who was deeply affected by the loss. He sank into depression, withdrew socially, and often relived the event in vivid flashbacks, sometimes waking up screaming in the middle of the night. The Birlas, too, grieved the loss of Anisha, whose presence lingered in their home as they slowly came to terms with her absence.

The two men responsible for Anisha's injury were caught on CCTV and apprehended by the police. Although they had not yet confessed, they remained in custody, facing the consequences of their actions.

Akshu found herself torn between two roles: as a supportive sister to Kairav, who was struggling with the loss of his fiancée, and a comforting presence for Abhi, who was grieving the loss of his sister. Every day, she delicately balanced these responsibilities, tending to Kairav's needs at home while also visiting Abhi in the hospital to provide solace during the Birla family's time of sorrow.

One afternoon, upon entering Abhi's hospital room, she found him sitting on the floor beside the table, still dressed in scrubs with gloves on, his head bowed in exhaustion. Approaching him quietly, she gently placed her hand on his shoulder and softly called out, "Abhi, are you alright?"

Startled, Abhi looked up, his eyes weary and brimming with unshed tears. "Akshu..." he murmured, his voice breaking as he enveloped her in a tight embrace, his emotions pouring out.

"It's okay," she murmured, holding him close, her touch a balm to his pain.

Reluctantly pulling away, Abhi met her gaze. "Akshu, I couldn't save her. My hands were shaking..."

"Who?" Akshu inquired softly, her heart aching for his torment.

"The patient in the operating theatre, she reminded me so much of Anisha," Abhi confessed, his voice heavy with anguish, every word etched with the pain of loss.

Since Anisha's death, Abhi had thrown himself into his work, trying to bury his grief beneath the demanding rhythms of the hospital. But today, fate had cruelly brought him face to face with a young woman whose resemblance to his sister resurrected the haunting memories of that tragic day. As he entered the sterile confines of the operating theatre, his eyes fell upon her, and time seemed to freeze. Despite the sterile gloves on his trembling hands, Abhi knew he couldn't continue. Another surgeon had to step in, his own emotions too raw to proceed.

Akshu stood by, her heart breaking for him as she listened to his confession. Her empathy flowed freely as she steadied him, fetching a glass of water to soothe his parched throat. Her presence was a steady anchor amidst the storm of his turbulent emotions.

In Akshu's gentle care, Abhi gradually found a semblance of peace. Her reassuring words and comforting gestures provided a refuge from the turmoil within him. Exhausted by the weight of his sorrow, he finally succumbed to a peaceful slumber, his head cradled tenderly on Akshu's lap. As she gently stroked his hair, a profound sense of relief washed over her, knowing that, for now, he had found solace in sleep.