Yaara

21) Bound by Fate: The Unbreakable Bond

The night passed in a haze of anxiety for Rudra. Sleep never found him. His mind was consumed by the thought of losing Shiv, his Chiku, the one constant in his life. Every time Rudra closed his eyes, he saw Shiv's broken face and heard his desperate words. The fear of waking up and finding Shiv gone was unbearable. He sat by Shiv's bedside all night, silently watching over him, his heart heavy with dread. The gentle rise and fall of Shiv's chest was the only thing keeping him grounded.

Rudra: whispering to himself "I can't lose you, Chiku... I can't."

He squeezed Shiv's hand, his eyes filled with an unspoken plea. As dawn broke, Rudra felt a heaviness settle deep within him. He knew Shiv was physically safe for now, but emotionally, he was still standing on that cliff's edge, teetering between life and death.

The morning light filtered gently through the curtains, casting a soft glow over Shiv's pale face. His eyes fluttered open, heavy with exhaustion and pain. For a moment, he lay still, his chest tightening with the familiar ache of grief. The memories of Mahima and their unborn child weighed on his soul like a heavy chain. He wanted to be with them, wherever they were, but at the same time, the thought of leaving Rudra, his Kittu, tore at his heart.

Shiv: whispering to himself, tears forming "Mahima... baby... I miss you. I want to be with you, but... I can't leave Kittu behind. I'm so lost."

His body shook as he curled up on the bed, sobbing softly. The battle between his longing for peace and his love for Rudra raged inside him. How could he choose? How could he stay in a world where his family had been ripped from him, but where his best friend needed him?

Just then, the door creaked open, and Rudra entered the room, his eyes filled with concern. Shaurya followed closely behind, carrying a tray of medicine. The moment Rudra saw Shiv's tears, his heart clenched with fear. He couldn't lose Shiv—his Chiku. Not like this.

Rudra: softly, kneeling beside the bed "Chiku... how are you feeling?"

Shiv didn't respond immediately, his body tensing as he remembered Ishu and Rey's angry words. He had caused so much chaos in Rudra's life, and it made him feel like a burden. The distance he tried to keep between them now was his way of protecting Rudra, but it only deepened the pain.

Shaurya: gently, handing Shiv a glass of water "You need to take your medicine. It'll help."

Shiv silently took the medicine, his gaze focused on the floor. He didn't want to look Rudra in the eye. He didn't deserve his concern, his love. Not after everything. The silence between them was suffocating.

Rudra: trying to break the tension, his voice tight with worry "Chiku, please talk to me. You're scaring me."

Shiv: hoarsely, still avoiding eye contact "I'm sorry, Kittu. I just... I don't know what to do anymore. I don't belong here. I'm causing too much trouble for you... for your brothers."

Rudra's chest tightened at Shiv's words. He reached out, grabbing Shiv's hand firmly.

Rudra: with determination "Don't say that, Chiku. You belong here with me. You're my brother, and nothing will change that. Whatever happened with Ishu and Rey, we'll fix it. But you have to stay... with me."

Shiv's eyes filled with fresh tears. The love and sincerity in Rudra's voice broke him, but the guilt was overwhelming.

Shiv: brokenly "Kittu, they hate me. I'm the reason for all this. I don't want to come between you and them. Maybe it's better if I leave..."

Rudra: shaking his head fiercely "No. You're not going anywhere. We'll sort this out together. Ishu and Rey will understand. You're family, Chiku. You're mine."