Lost but Not Forgotten

PART 51

The tension in the hospital waiting room was palpable. The news that Rohit was in critical condition and that his internal injuries were severe sent shockwaves through everyone present. Faces turned pale, and tears began to flow freely as they recalled everything Rohit had done for them, the sacrifices he had made, and the love he had shared. It felt as though the very air was heavy with grief.

Virat paced back and forth, his fists clenched. "This can't be happening. Not now, not after everything," he muttered, frustration and fear mingling in his voice. Mahi stood with a hand on his shoulder, offering silent support as they both tried to hold back their tears.

Sakshi, Ritika, Sammy, and Moksh clung to each other, hearts racing with worry. "He's going to pull through," Ritika whispered, though her voice trembled. "He has to."

Just as despair began to settle in, a nurse rushed out, her face a mix of urgency and relief. "Rohit is conscious! He wants to see everyone. The doctor says it's okay, but please try not to stress him."

The room erupted in a mix of hope and anxiety. They followed the nurse, hearts pounding, as they approached Rohit's room.

As they entered, the sight was heartbreaking. Rohit lay in the hospital bed, connected to a myriad of machines and wires, his face pale but his eyes bright with a flicker of recognition. Despite the tubes and the beeping of monitors, he managed a smile as he caught sight of them.

"Hey," he croaked, his voice hoarse but warm. "You guys made it." His eyes sparkled with affection, and it felt as if, even in his frail state, he was the pillar of strength they all leaned on.

Shreyas stepped forward first, his heart aching to see his mentor in such a vulnerable position. "Rohit bhai, we're here for you. Just rest."

"No, no," Rohit said, lifting a weak hand, motioning for them to come closer. "Listen to me."

As they gathered around him, he began to speak, his voice soft but filled with purpose. "Shreyas, you're special to me, you know that? You've got to take care of yourself and the team. Be the player I know you can be, and make sure you lead them well after I'm gone." The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of finality.

Rishabh, unable to contain his emotions, whispered, "Don't say that, Rohit bhai. You're going to be okay!"

Rohit gave him a gentle smile. "I love you, Spidey. You always kept me on my toes. Just remember to stay out of trouble, okay?"

He turned his gaze to Jassi and Harry, who stood together, their expressions somber. "You two, my first kiddos," he began, his voice trembling with emotion. "Promise me you'll stick together, no matter what. You've got each other's backs, right?"

"Always, Rohit bhaiya," Harry replied, his voice cracking. "We won't let you down."

"Anushka," Rohit continued, his eyes finding her, "thank you for being the best sister anyone could ask for. Look after Virat, okay? He needs you."

Anushka nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I will, I promise."

Next, he turned to Moksh and Sammy, his own children, who were clinging to their mother's side. "You two are my pride and joy," he said, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Be brave. Look after your mom, and always remember how much I love you both."

"Dad, don't talk like this!" Moksh shouted, voice breaking. "You'll be fine! We're a team, remember?"

Rohit smiled, but there was a weight in his gaze as he moved on to Ritika. "You've been my rock. I'm grateful for every moment we had together. Please, take care of them all for me."

Ritika nodded, unable to form words, the emotions choking her throat.

Finally, his eyes landed on Virat, and the atmosphere shifted. The room felt heavier, as if time had stopped. Rohit's expression turned serious, laden with unspoken words. "Virat, my brother..." he started, his voice quivering. "You have to take care of my family, especially Moksh and Sammy. Don't let them fall apart. Promise me that."

Virat's heart raced, anger flaring up inside him. "Stop it, Rohit! You're going to be just fine. You're not going anywhere!" His voice was loud and fierce, as if to ward off the shadows creeping into their reality.

Rohit shook his head slowly, the corners of his mouth turning up in a sad smile. "You know I'm not afraid, right? I just want you to be strong. I need to know that you'll be there for them, always."

The silence was deafening, the air thick with unspoken fears. Rohit's gaze drifted off, lost in memories, each joyful moment with them flooding his mind. The time they spent laughing, the late-night conversations, the celebrations and even the hardships—they all replayed in vivid detail.

As the moment stretched on, the tension was suffocating. They all stood there, hearts breaking, eyes wide with fear, not wanting to accept the weight of Rohit's words. His breathing grew shallower, and a quiet understanding passed between them all; the realization that this could be their last moment together hung heavy in the air.

Suddenly, the heart monitor beeped more rapidly, and a sense of urgency surged through the room. Nurses rushed in, pushing them back. "Please step aside!" one called, her voice sharp and focused.

As they were ushered out, Virat turned back, eyes locked on Rohit, desperation rising in his throat. "You're going to be okay, I promise!" But Rohit only nodded, a bittersweet smile on his lips, his eyes sparkling with love and gratitude.

He gave her a gentle squeeze, his eyes closing as exhaustion began to take over. But even as the world around him began to fade, there was peace in his heart.

Because he knew one thing was certain: he had protected the people he loved.

And that... was enough.

The door closed behind them, the chaos of the hospital swirling around as they waited in agonizing silence.

Time felt distorted, each second stretching into eternity as they paced outside, sharing frantic glances, praying for the man who had given them everything.

Would he pull through? Would they see him smile again?
No one knew. And in that uncertainty, hope and fear collided, leaving them all suspended in a moment of love, regret, and the fear of losing the one person who had held their family together for so long.

*****