Rekindled Hearts

10. A COMFORTING KISS

Anvi's Pov

The first thing I felt when I opened my eyes was fear. For a moment, I didn’t know where I was. My heart raced, and I felt a tightness in my chest as my eyes darted around the unfamiliar room. The smell of the hospital brought back flashes of everything that had happened—his hands, the slaps, the pain. I felt a lump form in my throat, but then my gaze shifted to something that instantly calmed me.

Dhruv.

He was sitting beside me, holding my hand, his head resting on the bed as he slept. His grip on my hand was firm, even in sleep, as if he was afraid to let go. My heart slowed down, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I didn’t feel scared. I just lay there, watching him, feeling a strange sense of peace I hadn’t known I needed. There was no fear anymore—just the quiet comfort of knowing he was there.

I stayed like that for a while, not moving, just letting the calmness settle over me. I watched as Dhruv stirred slightly, his grip tightening on my hand before his eyes fluttered open. He blinked a few times, confused at first, but then his gaze met mine, and he quickly sat up.

His eyes immediately moistened with emotion, and the shock on his face was almost heartbreaking. “Anvi…” he breathed, his voice thick with concern. “Are you okay? Do you need anything?” I gave him a small, weak smile. My voice was barely a whisper, but I managed to say, “No… I’m okay.”

He didn’t look convinced, but before I could say anything else, he leaned forward and pulled me into a hug, his arms wrapping around me with a tenderness that made my chest tighten. I didn’t even realize how much I needed this until I found myself hugging him back, holding on like he was my lifeline. For a moment, all the fear and pain disappeared, replaced by the warmth of his embrace.

“You should rest more,” he whispered, pulling back slightly but still holding me close. “I’ll call the doctor.” he mumbled and walked a few steps back. Panic surged through me for a second, and without thinking, I reached out and grabbed his hand, stopping him. I didn’t want him to leave. I couldn’t be alone. The thought of being left in this room, even for a moment, sent a wave of fear through me.

He looked at me his eyes softening as he sat on the chair. “I’m not going anywhere,” he said softly, his eyes gentle as he squeezed my hand in reassurance. He reached over and pressed the emergency button instead, calling the doctor without leaving my side.

The doctor came in quickly, checking over my wounds and asking a few questions. I stayed silent through most of it, but Dhruv’s presence beside me made it easier to breathe. The doctor smiled and reassured me that I was going to be okay. “She’s alright now, but she’ll need to rest and change her bandages daily. Just use the ointments and creams to help with the pain. You can take the medicines down in the hospital pharmacy”

As the doctor left, I glanced at Dhruv. He was watching me carefully, concern still etched into every line of his face. I knew he wanted to make sure I was okay, but I also knew that I couldn’t go back to my old life. I couldn’t go back to that house, to that nightmare.

“Let’s go,” Dhruv said gently after a moment. “I’ll take you home.” But I couldn’t go back to that place. I shook my head, the fear returning as my eyes moistened.. a tear left my eyes as I quickly shook my head as no... “Not there… sweetheart” He said wiping my tears.

His eyes softened as he reached out and took my hand again. “I meant my place,” he said. “You’ll be safe with me.” The relief I felt was overwhelming. I nodded, trusting him more than anyone else in the world right now. He helped me out of the bed carefully, making sure I wasn’t in any more pain, and then, without another word, he led me out of the hospital and toward his car.