Timeless Bonds : Dhruv Tara × Arjun

16. Her Healer

Silvassa City Hospital

Tara was taken in for the emergency surgery. 

4:45 am 

The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air, mingling with the faint hum of medical equipment in the ICU. The room was dimly lit with the soft glow of the monitors beside the bed. Tara lay unconscious, her face pale but peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos they had just endured.

Dhruv sat beside her, exhaustion etched into his features. His eyes were red-rimmed, a testament to the sleepless night and the relentless worry that had plagued him. He gently took Tara's hand in his, the warmth of her skin a small comfort amidst the cold sterility of the hospital.

Unable to hold back his emotions any longer, Dhruv rested his head on her hand. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor was a constant reminder of her fragile state, each beat a small victory. He whispered softly, his voice choked with emotion, "Please wake up, Tara."

The door opened with a jerk, Dhruv looked up to see the red, angry eyes of ACP Arjun. "Tara!" He sat beside her. 

"Don't move her hand," Dhruv said softly as Arjun was about to hold her right hand. The surgery had been successful but she was not supposed to strain her right side for a while. Definitely not now, an hour after her surgery.

Arjun narrowed his eyes, "don't tell me what to do." 

Dhruv took his own hand away from hers, "I'm a doctor, I can tell what is good for my patient." His voiced calmly.

"She is here because of you." Arjun inhaled sharply, "I don't want to see you near her. Leave."

Dhruv softly nodded, leaving the room.

Arjun is right. How did I forget? How can I be so selfish ? Everyone who loves me is taken away from me. How could I risk her life like this? I'm so sorry, Tara. I can't be the reason you lose your life. I'll stay away from you, as much as possible. I know it's going to hurt but I'll do it, for you. 

🌠⋋✿ ⁰ • ⁰ ✿⋌🌌

The nurse came in for the hourly check of her vitals. 

"Dhruv" Tara mumbled in her sleep. 

Arjun frowned. "Piyu, your bhaiya is here. Wake up, please."

"Dhruv, don't let go, okay, we are getting out of here" she muttered, her voice clearer this time. "Dhruv!"

"Piyu, it's alright. Relax." Arjun caressed her hair softly. 

"Who is Dhruv, where is he?" The nurse asked. 

"Doesn't matter." Arjun said. 

The nurse shrugged and walked out. She heard someone in the hallway and turned in the direction. "Are you Mr. Dhruv?" She asked.

"Dr. Dhruv, why?" Dhruv asked kindly.

"Patient in ICU -7 is asking for you,"

"She's awake?" Dhruv sighed in relief seeing the nurse nod in affirmation. He rushed to the ward but stopped to look through the glass. Her slightly open eyes were searching, for him.

He stepped in, reluctantly, near the edge of her bed. He picked her prescription chart, "How are you feeling now?" 

"Alive. How are you, Dhruv?" Her voice was feeble. 

"I'm fine." I'm not the one who was shot, why are you asking me. Crazy woman. She raised her shivering hand towards him, her fingers curling in and out. Dhruv's heart shattered seeing her state.