His dark obsession

52. Family

As the doctor announced that Mrs. Sunita Thakur was awake, a wave of anticipation swept through the room. Ekansh and Samyuktika exchanged glances filled with nervous energy, their hearts racing. “Only two people can go in to see her,” the doctor said, motioning for them to proceed.

With a deep breath, Samyuktika stepped forward, followed closely by Ekansh. As they entered the room, Samyuktika’s breath hitched in her throat at the sight of her Dadi. Sunita lay in the hospital bed, her frail frame looking vulnerable, yet there was an undeniable spark of life in her eyes.

Ekansh placed a reassuring hand on Samyuktika’s shoulder, sensing the mix of emotions coursing through her. She leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper. “Dadi…”

Sunita opened her eyes slowly, adjusting to the light. When her gaze landed on Samyuktika, a smile broke through the weariness etched on her face. “Samyuktika, my dear…” she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion.

Before Samyuktika could respond, Sunita's arms reached out, pulling her into a warm embrace. Tears streamed down Samyuktika’s cheeks as she held her Dadi tightly, feeling the love and strength radiating from her. “I thought I lost you,” she cried softly, her voice muffled against Sunita’s shoulder.

As they pulled apart, Sunita’s eyes shifted to Ekansh, taking in his presence. “And who is this young man?” she asked, her brows furrowing in confusion.

“This is Ekansh, Dadi,” Samyuktika replied, her heart racing at the moment. “He is my husband.”

Sunita’s eyes widened in surprise, the shock evident on her face. “Your husband?” she echoed, glancing between the two of them, her expression a mix of disbelief and joy.

“Yes,” Samyuktika said, her voice steadying. “We married under difficult circumstances. I wanted to save you, and Mahindra Uncle was willing to provide financial help for your treatment if I agreed to marry him.”

Sunita’s shock turned to concern. “You married him to help me?”

“Yes, Dadi,” Samyuktika replied earnestly, her voice filled with conviction. “I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you. You mean everything to me.”

Sunita’s eyes glistened with tears. “Oh, my sweet girl,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “You’ve always been so brave. I never wanted you to carry such burdens on your shoulders.”

Ekansh watched the exchange with a mixture of admiration and empathy. He felt a swell of pride for Samyuktika’s selflessness. It was a testament to her strength and love for her family.

“dadi, I promise to take care of her,” Ekansh interjected, stepping forward. “I will do everything in my power to ensure her happiness.”

Sunita studied him intently, her gaze searching for sincerity. After a moment, a small smile crept onto her lips. “Thank you, Ekansh. I can see you care for her. That gives me peace.”

As the three of them shared a moment of connection, Samyuktika wiped her tears and smiled. “Dadi, you’re going to get better. We’ll make sure of it.”

Sunita nodded slowly, her heart swelling with gratitude. “I may have been in a dark place, but seeing you both here fills me with light. I’m so proud of you, Samyuktika. You’ve grown into such a remarkable woman.”

The warmth in the room enveloped them as they held onto this moment, a reminder that love could shine even in the darkest of times. Samyuktika felt a renewed sense of hope; with her Dadi awake and surrounded by love, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead together.

“Let’s take it one day at a time, Dadi,” Ekansh suggested gently, squeezing Samyuktika’s hand. “You have us now, and we’ll be right by your side.”