Meant to be or Not?

19. Her Husband

After days of careful monitoring and slow improvement, Aadarsh was finally discharged from the hospital. He was still on the road to recovery, but the doctors had deemed him fit enough to go home.

Advika was there when the doctors gave their final instructions, her eyes watchful and concerned. She knew he would need to take it easy for a while longer.

As they were leaving, Dev, Neeta, and Daksh were waiting in the parking lot, ready to take them home.

Daksh and Dev helped Aadarsh into the car, their faces etched with visible relief. Neeta got into the front, while Advika took her place next to Aadarsh in the backseat.

As the car started moving, the hum of the motor breaking the silence, Advika snuck a glance over at Aadarsh. He was leaning back against the seat, his eyes closed, his face looking exhausted but also relieved.

She watched him quietly, a myriad of emotions running through her. Part of her was still worried for him, the sight of him pale and injured still fresh in her mind. But another part of her couldn't help but feel a strange sense of relief and happiness knowing he was out of that sterile, white room.

She turned her gaze to the passing cityscape outside, the setting sun bathing the city in a golden glow. She could feel his presence beside her, the subtle heat of his body, the quiet rhythm of his breathing. It was calming in a way she couldn't explain.

The car ride was mostly silent, save for some soft chatter from the front seats. Advika found herself glancing at Aadarsh often, making sure he was comfortable.

As they approached the mansion, Aadarsh stirred from his doze. He opened his eyes, blinking against the twilight, and looked at Advika. She met his gaze, offering him a small reassuring smile.

They helped him out of the car, carefully helping him into the house. The atmosphere inside was cozy and warm, a far cry from the sterile hospital atmosphere. Daksh and Dev went with him to help him to his room, while Neeta hung back to talk to Advika.

"Beta.. Aadarsh ko aise haalat me dekh kar mene toh.." Neeta halted, tears making her eyes glisten. "Tumne bohot khyaal rakha hai uska aur ab bhi rakh rahi ho.. " She continued.

Advika smiled slightly, and took Neeta's hand in hers, her eyes on the door where Aadarsh disappeared into. "He is  my husband, I do care for him maa.." she said, her voice quiet yet firm.

Neeta smiled at that, a look of understanding in her eyes. "I know.. but still.. am so thankful ki tum ho uske liye."

Advika nodded, a pang of emotion swelling in her chest. She had come to care deeply for him, much more than she ever thought possible. Seeing him in that hospital bed had changed her, had opened her heart up to emotions she hadn't known lay dormant within her.

She helped him to his bed, making sure he was comfortable before allowing herself to sit down next to him. The room was quiet, the soft light of the bedside lamp casting shadows across the room.

"Comfortable?" she asked, her voice low. She looked at him, his face weary from the day's events, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips.

"Now I am.." he said, his voice hoarse. He shifted slightly, settling deeper into the pillows, his gaze fixed on her.

Advika gave him a faint smile, a sudden moment of shyness washing over her. She had been taking care of him for the past couple of weeks, and yet sitting alone with him now felt different, intimate almost.

She sat there quietly, aware of the silence around them, of the soft sound of his breathing. The air felt charged, the space between them somehow smaller than before.