The Innocent Angel Vs The Ruthless Devil

CHAPTER - 18

Neil's POV

It's been almost a week since Riya went missing. Each day that passes feels like an eternity, filled with an unbearable mix of fear, guilt, and helplessness. I feel so hopeless and defeated, ashamed of myself as a father—a father who couldn't protect or bring his daughter back.

Sleep eludes me every night as I replay every moment, searching for any sign I might have missed or any clue that could have led us to her sooner. The police say they are trying their best, but I see no real effort from their side. So, I decided that Vijay and I should step up to find her, but that also came up empty. I can't shake the feeling that I've failed her in the worst way possible.

I sit in the living room, surrounded by silence, the weight of my thoughts pressing down on me. The house feels emptier without her laughter, her presence. I look at the family photos on the wall, my heart aching with every glance at her smiling face.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't realize my phone was ringing. I saw Ragini calling and picked up the call. Before I could speak, she said, "Riya, whom you consider as your daughter and a member of our family, is here at my hospital in ICU." Tears of joy and relief welled up in my eyes as I asked her what happened to Riya and about her condition.

Ragini's voice was grave as she replied, "She's in critical condition, Neil. She was brought in with severe injuries. We did everything possible in surgery, but the next 24 hours are crucial. I need you to come here as soon as possible."

My heart sank, and I was momentarily speechless. But my overwhelming desire to see my daughter pushed me to act. "Thank you, Ragini. I'm on my way," I said, hanging up the call. I immediately called Vijay and told him everything. "Vijay, Riya is at Ragini's hospital. She's in critical condition. We need to get there now," I urged.

Vijay's response was immediate. "I'm on my way, Paa.

With a renewed sense of urgency, I grabbed my keys and asked Meenu and Aryan to get in the car, my thoughts solely focused on reaching Riya. As I sped towards the hospital, a mix of fear and hope churned inside me. I had to see her, to be there for her, and to make sure she knew she wasn't alone.

We arrived at the hospital, and I rushed inside with Meenu and Aryan close behind. Ragini was waiting for us in the lobby. She led us to the ICU, her expression serious but compassionate. "She's stable for now, but the next 24 hours are critical," she said softly.

Through the glass, I saw Riya lying on the hospital bed, hooked up to various machines, her face pale and bruised. My heart broke seeing her in that state. "Thank you, Ragini," I whispered, feeling both gratitude and anguish.

"We're doing everything we can," Ragini assured me. "You can stay with her."

I nodded, stepping into the ICU room. I gently took Riya's hand in mine, tears streaming down my face. "We're here, Riya," I whispered. "You're not alone. We're here for you, and we'll get through this together."

Meenu and Aryan stood beside me, their faces filled with worry and tears in their eyes. Vijay arrived shortly after, his eyes filled with tears of relief. Seeing him, I felt a glimmer of hope amidst the overwhelming sadness.

I turned to Vijay and said, "Please call Mauli and Nandhini. Let them know that Riya is at the hospital."

Vijay nodded and quickly pulled out his phone. He dialed Mauli and Nandhini's numbers, his hands trembling slightly as he waited for them to pick up. When Mauli answered, Vijay's voice was steady but emotional. "Mauli, Nandhini, it's Vijay. We found Riya. She's at the hospital, and she's in critical condition. Please come here as soon as you can."