A New Love On Cards

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As Sid continued to recover in the hospital, Suhana couldn't shake off the lingering doubt in her mind. She watched Jhanvi's interactions with Sid closely, her concern growing despite Jhanvi's steadfast presence by his side.

One afternoon, Suhana found herself sitting alone in the hospital cafeteria, her thoughts consumed by worry. She knew Jhanvi cared deeply for Sid, but she couldn't ignore the uncertainty that gnawed at her heart. Was Jhanvi truly in love with Sid, or was she merely fulfilling a sense of duty and guilt?

Lost in her thoughts, Suhana barely noticed when Jhanvi approached the table, a tray of food in her hands. "Suhana," Jhanvi greeted softly, taking a seat opposite her. "How are you holding up?"

Suhana forced a smile, though her eyes betrayed her inner turmoil. "I'm okay," she replied quietly, her voice tinged with hesitation. "How's Sid?"

Jhanvi's expression softened with concern. "He's improving," she answered gently, setting the tray aside. "The doctors are hopeful that he'll be discharged soon."

Suhana nodded, her gaze drifting away momentarily before returning to meet Jhanvi's eyes. "Jhanvi, can I ask you something?" she ventured hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jhanvi's brow furrowed slightly, sensing the seriousness in Suhana's tone. "Of course," she replied softly, her heart rate quickening with unease.

"I... I know you care about Sid," Suhana began slowly, choosing her words with care. "But do you love him? Truly, deeply love him?"

Jhanvi's breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening with surprise. She had expected this conversation to come eventually, but the directness of Suhana's question caught her off guard. She took a moment to compose herself before responding.

"Suhana," Jhanvi started, her voice tinged with emotion, "I care about Sid deeply. He means a lot to me."

Suhana's gaze remained steady, searching Jhanvi's face for any sign of certainty. "But do you love him?" she pressed gently, her concern palpable.

Jhanvi hesitated, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts and emotions. "I... I care about him," she repeated softly, her voice barely audible. "I just... I'm not sure if it's... love."

Suhana's heart sank at Jhanvi's words, a mix of disappointment and understanding washing over her. "Jhanvi," she murmured softly, reaching out to grasp her friend's hand, "please don't misunderstand. I want Sid to be happy, but I also want you to be honest with yourself."

Tears welled up in Jhanvi's eyes as she met Suhana's gaze, her own uncertainty mirrored in her expression. "I'm trying, Suhana," she confessed quietly, her voice trembling with vulnerability. "I don't want to hurt Sid."

Suhana squeezed Jhanvi's hand gently, offering silent comfort and support. "I know," she whispered softly, her voice filled with empathy. "Just... take your time, Jhanvi. Figure out what's in your heart."

In the days that followed, as Sid's discharge from the hospital drew near, a palpable tension hung between Jhanvi and Suhana. They maintained a facade of normalcy for Sid's sake, their interactions marked by polite concern and mutual respect.

Jhanvi continued to care for Sid diligently, her gestures of affection and support tinged with a quiet sadness. She struggled with her feelings, torn between her genuine fondness for Sid and her unresolved doubts about their future together.

Meanwhile, Suhana wrestled with her own emotions, grappling with the conflicting desire to protect her brother and support her friend. She couldn't shake off the worry that lingered in the back of her mind, a nagging fear that Jhanvi's uncertainty could ultimately hurt Sid more than any physical injury.

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