The Threads of Destiny

Chapter Thirty-One

The past six months felt like a blur-an endless downward spiral that I couldn't control. When Aisha left, it was as though the light in my life vanished, leaving me with only darkness. The pain I'd inflicted on her haunted me day and night, and no matter what I did, I couldn't shake it.

I tried to reach out to her-calls, messages, even showing up at places I knew she would be. But every time, I was met with silence. She needed space, and I couldn't blame her. I didn't deserve her forgiveness, not after everything. But as the days turned into weeks, and then months, the silence became unbearable.

My family tried to help, my mother especially. She kept reminding me that Aisha needed time, that I had to be patient, but patience was never my strong suit. I began sinking deeper into my own misery. And then, like an idiot, I thought I could numb the pain.

It started small. A drink here and there, a way to quiet the voices in my head. But it didn't take long before I needed something stronger. I found myself in the company of the wrong people-people who offered me an escape, a temporary release from the guilt and shame that clung to me like a second skin. Drugs became my refuge, and before I knew it, I was lost.

The days blurred together. I don't even remember the last time I felt like myself. My brothers, Yashraj and Viraj, tried to pull me out of the mess I had created, but I pushed them away. I was too far gone, and part of me didn't care. What did it matter, anyway? Aisha was gone.

Then one day, I hit rock bottom.

I don't remember how I ended up in the hospital, only flashes of sirens and cold metal against my skin as they lifted me onto a stretcher. I vaguely recall the doctors talking, my mother's frantic voice in the distance, but everything else was a fog. I slipped away into nothingness.

---

Current Day - Hospital Room

A sharp, sterile scent filled my nostrils as I struggled to open my eyes. My entire body felt heavy, like I was chained to the bed. There was a dull ache in my chest, but it was nothing compared to the confusion swirling in my mind. Where was I?

The faint beep of machines surrounded me, and as I tried to move, a sharp pain shot through my arm. I winced, turning my head ever so slightly. That's when I saw her.

Aisha.

She was curled up on a small couch near the window, her face peaceful in sleep. Her hair was messier than usual, and I could tell she had lost weight. Dark circles shadowed her eyes, and even in her sleep, there was a sadness etched into her expression.

For a moment, I thought I was dreaming. Why else would she be here? She had left me, left this life we shared. But no matter how hard I blinked, the image didn't fade. It was her, really her, sitting just a few feet away. My heart clenched in my chest, the familiar ache of longing returning.

She was here. She had stayed.

I tried to lift my hand, to reach out, but my body felt weak-too weak to even move. I wanted to call her name, to tell her how sorry I was for everything, but my throat was dry, and no sound came out.

The door creaked open, and Yashraj entered the room, a cup of coffee in his hand. When he saw me awake, his eyes widened in shock. He immediately rushed to my side, setting the cup down on the table.

"Yuvraj?" His voice was barely above a whisper, disbelief and relief battling in his expression. "You're awake."

I tried to speak, but all that came out was a raspy groan. Yashraj grabbed a cup of water, carefully lifting it to my lips. I sipped slowly, the cool liquid soothing my parched throat.

"Take it easy," he said softly. "You've been out for two weeks. The doctors... they weren't sure if you were going to make it."

Two weeks? I had been in a coma for two weeks?

My mind struggled to process the information. I had been so far gone, drowning in my own self-destruction, that I hadn't even realized how close I had come to losing everything.

My gaze drifted back to Aisha, still sleeping soundly on the couch.

"She's been here every day," Yashraj said, following my eyes. "She didn't leave your side, even when we all told her to take a break. Mom, Viraj, even Alia came by to see you, but Aisha... she stayed."

The weight of his words hit me like a ton of bricks. Aisha had stayed, even after everything I had done to her. Why? Why hadn't she walked away for good?

"She barely eats," Yashraj added, his tone filled with concern. "She's been taking care of you, Yuvraj. It's like she's forgotten how to take care of herself."

Guilt surged through me, stronger than anything I had ever felt before. I had put her through hell, and yet, here she was, still taking care of me.

"Does... she know?" I managed to croak, my voice hoarse from disuse.

Yashraj looked at me, his eyes softening with understanding. "About the drugs? Yeah, she knows. But she hasn't said anything. She's just focused on making sure you wake up."

I closed my eyes, shame washing over me. How had I let it get this far? How had I allowed myself to become so broken that the only person who could save me was the one I had hurt the most?

I didn't deserve her. I never had.

But now, seeing her there, I knew one thing for certain: I wanted to be better. Not for myself, but for her. If she could still care for me after everything, then maybe-just maybe-I could find a way to make things right.

The door opened again, and this time, the doctor entered, followed by my mother. Relief flooded her face when she saw me awake, tears welling in her eyes.

"Yuvraj," she whispered, rushing to my side and taking my hand. "Oh, thank God. You're awake."

The doctor checked my vitals, giving a nod of approval. "He's out of the coma, but he's still weak. It'll be a long recovery."

As they spoke, I couldn't take my eyes off Aisha. She stirred slightly in her sleep, her body shifting on the couch.

"Mom," I whispered, my voice still fragile. "I want to see her."

My mother looked at Aisha and then back at me, her expression softening. "She'll be here when she wakes up. She's been waiting for you."

And as I lay there, watching her sleep, I made a silent promise to myself: I would fight. I would fight to be the man she deserved, even if it took everything I had.

Because I couldn't lose her again.

XXXXXXXXX

Author's Note:

Thank you so much for reading Chapter Thirty-One! I'd love to know what you think about Yuvraj's journey and the situation he's in now. Your feedback means the world to me, so don't forget to like, share, and comment on this chapter. Let me know your thoughts!