whispers in DARK

Chapater 15

As they settled into the waiting room, the atmosphere felt thick with unspoken words. After a few moments of silence, Krish turned to his mother, his voice breaking. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t around more. I didn’t mean to let you down.”

His mother looked at him, her expression softening. “You haven’t let me down, Krish. I’ve been too focused on what I wanted for you. I see now that I need to support your happiness.”

“I just want to be there for Dad,” Krish said, his voice barely a whisper, filled with a mixture of fear and regret. “I should have been there. I’ve been so caught up in my own worries that I didn’t realize how much you both needed me.”

His mother reached out, placing a comforting hand on his arm. “You’ve always been there for us, Krish, even if you didn’t realize it. Your happiness means a lot to your father, and I see that now. I want you to know that.”

Keerthi watched the exchange, her heart swelling with hope. This was a moment of vulnerability and honesty that she had longed to see between Krish and his parents. It felt like the air was shifting, the walls of misunderstanding beginning to crumble.

Just then, the doctor emerged from the surgery room, his face serious but calm. “The surgery went well. Your father is stable and recovering. He’ll be moved to a recovery room shortly, but he’ll need some time to heal.”

Relief washed over Krish and his mother, and Keerthi felt tears prick at her eyes as she shared in their joy. “Thank you, doctor,” Krish said, his voice thick with emotion. “Can we see him?”

“Yes, you can. Just keep the visit brief for now,” the doctor replied, leading them down the hall toward the recovery room.

As they entered the room, Krish’s father lay in bed, looking fragile yet peaceful. Krish’s heart ached at the sight of his father, connected to monitors and IVs. “Dad?” he called softly, stepping closer.

His father’s eyes fluttered open, and a weak smile appeared on his lips. “Krish,” he murmured. “You’re here.”

“Of course I am,” Krish replied, fighting back tears. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here before. I should have been with you.”

His father shook his head slightly, the movement clearly tiring him. “You’ve got your own life to lead. I’ve been thinking about that. I realize now that I’ve put too much pressure on you.”

“Dad, it’s okay. I just want you to get better. That’s what matters most right now,” Krish said, leaning in to hold his father’s hand.

Keerthi stepped back, allowing the family to share their moment, but she felt a tug at her heart. This was a turning point, not just for Krish and his father, but for their entire family dynamic.

“Who’s this lovely lady?” Krish’s father asked, his eyes turning to Keerthi, who stood quietly by the door, feeling a mixture of gratitude and nervousness.

“This is Keerthi,” Krish introduced her, a hint of pride in his voice. “She’s important to me, Dad.”

“Nice to meet you,” Keerthi said, stepping forward and offering a warm smile. “I’m just here to support Krish and his family.”

His father’s gaze softened as he studied her. “Thank you for being there for my son. He needs someone like you in his life.”

Krish’s heart soared at his father’s words, and Keerthi felt a warmth spread through her chest. This was the acceptance they had both hoped for, the moment where they could finally begin to bridge the gap that had formed.

“We’ll all be here for each other,” Krish said, squeezing his father’s hand. “I want you to know that I’m ready to face the future—together.”