AD=AR

CHAPTER - 8

The news of the gunshot incident involving Aditi spreads across Mumbai making it breaking news. The Roy family, upon hearing the distressing information, rushes to the hospital where Aditi is undergoing treatment.

At the hospital, they spot Amarendra and Armaan, their faces reflecting the distress of the situation. Vikram, Aryan's father, approaches Amarendra in a gesture of support.

Vikram: "Amarendra, how is Aditi?" 

Amarendra, overcome with emotion, breaks down, expressing his fear about Aditi's condition. The rest of the family gathers around, offering words of comfort and assurance. Sharmila and Sakshi, mothers deeply affected by the news, have tears in their eyes as they share in the collective worry and hope for Aditi's well-being. 

Aryan, having just donated blood, steps out of the donation room and rushes towards the emergency unit where his family is anxiously waiting. He spots his father, Vikram, and without hesitation, envelops him in a tight hug. Aryan's eyes well up with tears, and he breaks down in the comforting presence of his father. 

Aryan: (voice trembling) "Dad, I'm so scared for Aditi. What if something happens to her?"

Vikram: (gentle) "Aryan, we're all worried, but the doctors are doing everything they can for Aditi. She's a strong girl, and we must believe that she'll pull through. You did a great thing by donating blood; that's a step towards helping her." 

The surgery goes on for 2 hours. Finally, the doctor emerged from the operation theatre, 

Doctor: "The surgery was successful. Thankfully, the bullet missed her heart and lungs, striking her shoulder. We've completed the procedure, and she's out of immediate danger. However, we need to keep her under observation for the next 24 hours. Aditi may not regain consciousness immediately; it will take some time. But she's safe now."

A collective sigh of relief sweeps through the gathered family members. Amarendra, visibly relieved, inquired about seeing Aditi. 

Amarendra: "Can I see her?" 

The doctor explains they will shift Aditi to the ICU, allowing only one person to see her. Amarendra goes to the ICU.

Aryan urges the rest of the family to leave, insisting that he will stay behind. Armaan offers his support, but Aryan expresses his ability to manage. He stations himself outside the ICU, his gaze fixed on the doors, eagerly awaiting any glimpse of Aditi.

Inside the ICU, Amarendra sees Aditi, her left shoulder bandaged, and connected to various machines. His eyes well up with tears as he takes her hand, uttering words of strength and encouragement. After a moment with Aditi, he steps outside and finds Aryan waiting. 

Aryan: "How is she?" 

Amarendra: "She's in there, covered in bandages, hooked up to machines. Thank you for donating blood, Aryan."

Amarendra, visibly shaken, opens up about his fears. He reveals that almost 15 years ago, he lost his wife Aradhana, and since then, Aditi has been his anchor. The fear of losing her, too, brings back haunting memories. Aryan, though grappling with his own turmoil, tries to offer comforting words to Amarendra, creating a shared moment of vulnerability and support between the two. 

Both rest on the chairs in the waiting area. Aryan finds sleep elusive. His mind is a whirlwind of thoughts, each one tethered to Aditi. He remembers the times they spent together, the laughter they shared, the comfort of her presence, and his care for her. The image of Aditi fighting for her life covered in blood has shaken him to the core. He cannot imagine his life without her presence. In the quiet of the night, surrounded by the hospital's sterile environment, Aryan acknowledges a truth he hadn't fully grasped before – his feelings for Aditi go beyond friendship. He loves her. He sits in the stillness, contemplating the depth of his feelings for Aditi.

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To be continued...

Aditi's life is out of danger & a major revelation in Aryan's life...

Stay tuned for more...

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Take care, Bye.

NK.

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