Fated Ties

Chapter 37

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**Scene: Hospital Room, Next Morning**

*The morning sun gently illuminates the hospital room, casting a warm glow over Armaan as he lies in bed. Ruhi sits beside him, her fingers gently smoothing the creases in his blanket. Her eyes are filled with a mix of worry and tenderness. Armaan stirs, slowly opening his eyes to see Ruhi's concerned face. A mischievous grin spreads across his lips.*

**Armaan:** (playfully) Morning, nurse Ruhi. Can I have a glass of water? But only if it’s delivered with that beautiful smile of yours.

*Ruhi can’t help but smile at his playful tone, though she tries to keep her voice stern.*

**Ruhi:** (teasingly) You’re quite the charmer, aren’t you? I’m beginning to think you’re milking this injury just to get pampered.

*She hands him a glass of water, watching as he takes a slow sip, savoring it like it's the finest drink he's ever had.*

**Armaan:** (grinning) Definitely tastes better when it’s served by you.

*Ruhi shakes her head, amused by his antics, though her heart swells with affection.*

**Ruhi:** (laughing) You’re impossible, you know that?

*Armaan feigns a pout, his eyes twinkling with mischief.*

**Armaan:** (mock hurt) Impossible? I thought I was adorable. But I guess I can’t be both, right?

*Ruhi chuckles, the sound bringing a warmth to the room that feels almost tangible.*

**Ruhi:** (softly) Maybe a bit of both.

*She leans in closer, her hand brushing against his forehead, checking for any lingering fever. Armaan closes his eyes at her touch, feeling a sense of peace he hasn’t felt in a long time.*

**Armaan:** (seriously) You know, I’m not just being playful. I mean it when I say I’m lucky to have you by my side.

*Ruhi’s smile falters slightly, her heart aching with the depth of his sincerity.*

**Ruhi:** (gently) And I’m lucky to have you too, Armaan. But you need to focus on getting better, okay?

*Armaan opens his eyes, capturing hers with a look so full of love it nearly takes her breath away.*

**Armaan:** (softly) I will, because I know you’re here with me. That makes everything better.

*For a moment, the world outside their little bubble seems to disappear. They’re lost in each other’s eyes, the connection between them stronger than ever. But the moment is broken by the arrival of the nurse, who enters with Armaan’s breakfast.*

**Nurse:** (cheerfully) Good morning! Time for your breakfast, Mr. Armaan.

*Armaan groans, the sound almost theatrical, as he eyes the tray with mock dismay.*

**Armaan:** (whining) Breakfast already? But I’m not hungry… unless it’s something you made, Ruhi.

*Ruhi gives him a playful glare, but there’s no hiding the affection in her eyes.*

**Ruhi:** (firmly) You need to eat to get your strength back. No more complaints.

*She takes the tray from the nurse and starts feeding him, much to Armaan’s amusement.*

**Armaan:** (grinning) Being spoiled like this… I could get used to it. Maybe I’ll extend my stay here a little longer.

*Ruhi laughs, her heart feeling lighter than it has in days.*

**Ruhi:** (teasingly) Oh, don’t get too comfortable. Once you’re out of here, you’re back on your own.

*Armaan pouts again, leaning in closer to her.*

**Armaan:** (playfully) Does that mean no more hand-fed meals? No more being tucked in? Because I’m really enjoying this VIP treatment.

*Ruhi’s laughter fills the room, a sound so full of joy that it chases away the shadows of their recent fears.*

**Ruhi:** (shaking her head) You’re like a big baby, you know that?

*Armaan’s eyes sparkle as he gazes at her, the playful banter giving way to something deeper.*

**Armaan:** (softly) Only with you, Ruhi. Only with you.

*Ruhi feels a lump form in her throat at the intensity of his gaze. She leans forward and presses a soft kiss to his forehead, her touch lingering longer than usual.*

**Ruhi:** (whispering) I’m just glad you’re okay.

*Armaan reaches out, taking her hand in his, squeezing it gently.*

**Armaan:** (seriously) I’m okay because of you. You saved me, Ruhi, in more ways than one.

*Ruhi looks at him, her eyes filling with tears. She tries to blink them away, but one escapes, trailing down her cheek. Armaan reaches up, gently wiping it away with his thumb.*

**Armaan:** (softly) No more tears, okay? We’ve had enough of those.

*Ruhi nods, sniffing slightly as she tries to compose herself.*

**Ruhi:** (smiling through her tears) Okay, no more tears. But only if you promise to do everything the doctors say and get better quickly.

*Armaan grins, his mischievous side resurfacing.*

**Armaan:** (teasing) Does that mean I get more of your special treatment?

*Ruhi laughs again, the sound bringing a smile to Armaan’s face.*

**Ruhi:** (playfully) Maybe. But only if you behave.

*They both laugh, the sound echoing in the room like a shared secret. Outside the room, Vidya and Madhav stand watching through the glass, their eyes misty with emotion. They exchange a glance, both of them relieved and grateful for the bond they see between Ruhi and Armaan.*

**Vidya:** (whispering) Look at them, Madhav. They’re perfect for each other. I’ve never seen Armaan so happy.

*Madhav nods, his eyes never leaving the couple inside.*

**Madhav:** (softly) They’ve been through so much, but they’ve come out stronger. I’m just glad they found their way back to each other.

*Vidya wipes away a tear, smiling as she watches Ruhi and Armaan.*

**Vidya:** (emotionally) He scared us so much, but seeing them like this… it’s worth it. They’re going to be just fine.

*As they stand there, the rest of the family gathers around, all of them smiling at the scene inside. The atmosphere is filled with warmth and love, a stark contrast to the fear and tension of the previous days.*

*Meanwhile, in a corner of the hospital corridor, Abhira stands alone, her face twisted in anger and jealousy. She watches the family’s joy with a bitter scowl, her mind racing with thoughts of how to disrupt their happiness.*

**Abhira’s Mind Voice:** (angrily) Look at them, all so happy and perfect. They think they’ve won, but this isn’t over. I won’t let them get away with this. Armaan is mine, and I won’t let Ruhi take him from me.

*Abhira’s hands clench into fists, her mind already plotting her next move. She turns and walks away, her heart burning with resentment and a determination to tear apart the happiness she’s witnessed.*

*Back in the hospital room, Ruhi and Armaan continue to share a quiet moment, oblivious to the storm brewing outside their little world. For now, all that matters is the love and support of their family, and the new beginning they’re building together.*