TRUE LOVE NEVER GIVES UP

Chapter-74: Begging

Manik sat slumped in the familiar chair by Nandini's bed, his fingers loosely entwined with hers, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand. His eyes, dark and hollow with sleepless nights, gazed at her still face. His unshaven beard had grown thick and uneven, his once vibrant energy reduced to an exhausted shell. It had been a month since Nandini slipped into this coma, and each day seemed to bleed into the next. He spoke softly, his voice a mere whisper.

"Remember when we first met?" Manik began, his voice strained with fatigue. "You were so stubborn, you know." He chuckled weakly, the sound lacking any real joy. "But I couldn't stop thinking about you. And look at us now. All these years later, and here I am, still talking to you, still needing you."

He closed his eyes for a moment, squeezing her hand tighter. The quiet room was filled with the rhythmic beeping of the machines, but in his mind, it was filled with echoes of their shared laughter, memories of stolen glances, and the feel of her heartbeat next to his. Every word he spoke was both a lifeline and a prayer.

"I never told you this," he continued, his voice cracking, "but every time I look at you, it feels like I’m home. You’re my everything, Nandini. And I can’t lose you now. Please, come back to me."

He thought he felt something for a moment—a slight movement in her fingers. He looked down sharply, eyes wide with hope, but when nothing happened, he shook his head, thinking he must be imagining it. He sighed, returning to his quiet, one-sided conversation.

But then the machines next to her started beeping, louder, more urgent. His eyes darted to the screen—Nandini’s heart rate had spiked, and her chest began to rise and fall rapidly. His heart stopped, and his breath caught in his throat as he saw her fingers twitch ever so slightly.

“Nandini?” he whispered, his voice trembling with fear and hope.

The beeping grew louder. Nandini's body convulsed lightly, her face twisting as though she was fighting against the deep sleep that had held her captive for so long. Manik's eyes widened in shock and desperation. He reached out, his hands shaking as he touched her face gently, but with urgency.

"Nandini! Oh my God...Nandini!" Manik shouted, his voice frantic. His heart pounded in his chest as he jumped up and rushed to the door, shouting for the nurse, for anyone.

“Nurse! Doctor! Somebody help her!”

The medical staff rushed in, pushing past Manik as they surrounded Nandini’s bed. They moved quickly, assessing her, and adjusting the machines. Manik was forced to stand outside the room, separated by a glass door, his fists clenched tightly as he watched in helpless agony. His breaths came out ragged, his chest rising and falling with panic.

"What's happening?!" he demanded, but no one answered him. His voice grew louder, angrier. "Is she okay? Someone answer me!"

A nurse gently ushered him back, trying to calm him down, but the sight of Nandini thrashing on the bed, her body fighting against itself, was too much to bear. He felt like his world was unraveling, coming apart at the seams.

The doctors went in and out of the room, barking orders, adjusting medication, and running tests, but none of them spared Manik a glance. His whole body trembled with fear. It was like he was stuck in a nightmare, watching helplessly as the woman he loved was caught between life and death.

Just then, Mahir and Raj rushed in, followed by Bela, Navya, and Vishakha. Cabir came running down the hallway, his face pale, his eyes filled with dread.

"Manik!" Mahir called out, trying to catch his attention, but Manik was pacing, unable to stand still. His fingers tugged at his hair as he muttered to himself, eyes wide with panic. He couldn't stay calm. Not when Nandini’s life was hanging in the balance.