ᴍɪʜɪᴛʜᴀ-𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓷𝓼𝓪𝓷𝓮𝓵𝔂 𝓸𝓫𝓼𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷

chapter 58

                     Author's pov

In the days following Mihitha’s first squeeze of his hand, Rudransh’s hope grew with each passing hour. Every small gesture, every faint movement of hers was a sign a promise of life returning, inch by inch, from the brink. He was at her side constantly, ever watchful, as she began her slow journey back.

One early morning, as dawn cast a gentle light across the hospital room, Rudransh sat beside her, brushing a few stray strands of hair from her forehead. Nila was curled up in a chair nearby, asleep with her tiny hand resting on her mother’s arm. The room was still and peaceful, and Rudransh’s heart swelled with gratitude simply to be here, to witness these quiet signs of recovery.

Suddenly, he felt her fingers shift under his touch. It was so slight he almost thought he imagined it. But then he looked up and saw her eyelids flutter, the barest trace of life stirring behind them. Holding his breath, he leaned forward, his voice barely above a whisper. “Mihitha? Can you hear me?”

Her eyes opened slowly, unfocused at first, but then they settled on him, her gaze soft yet penetrating. He felt his heart race, every fiber of his being alive with hope. Then, so faintly it was barely audible, her lips parted, and she spoke, her voice cracked and fragile.

“Rudransh…”

It was just his name, just one word, but to him, it was everything. Tears filled his eyes as he gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing along her cheek. “I’m here,” he murmured, his voice breaking with emotion. “I’m right here, Mihitha.”

Her eyes searched his face, slowly gaining recognition and understanding, and a weak smile appeared on her lips. She seemed to gather her strength, her gaze shifting from him to their daughter, still sleeping nearby. “Nila…” she whispered, barely audible.

At the sound of her mother’s voice, Nila stirred, rubbing her eyes sleepily before realizing her mother was awake. Her eyes grew wide, and she let out a delighted gasp. “Mama!” she cried, leaping from her chair and flinging her arms around her mother, careful not to hug too tightly.

Mihitha’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at her daughter, reaching a hand up to gently stroke Nila’s hair. “My sweet girl,” she murmured, her voice still weak but full of love. “I’m so… so sorry I’ve been gone.”

Nila clung to her, her small face beaming with joy. “Mama, I knew you’d come back! Papa and I, we never gave up.” She glanced up at Rudransh, her eyes shining with pride. “Right, Papa?”

Rudransh smiled through his own tears, nodding. “That’s right, sweetheart. We were here, waiting for Mama.” He took Mihitha’s hand gently, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on her skin, feeling the warmth that was slowly returning to her fingers. “We’re all together now.”

In the days that followed, Mihitha’s recovery was painstakingly slow, but each small step brought them closer. She could only manage brief conversations and required help with almost every task, but her strength was returning bit by bit. Rudransh was there every moment, guiding her, encouraging her, making sure she never had to face a moment alone.

One afternoon, as he helped her sit up in bed, he held a cup of water to her lips, watching as she took slow, careful sips. “Take your time,” he said gently, smiling at her encouragingly. “You’re doing amazing, Mihitha.”

She looked up at him, her gaze filled with gratitude and something deeper—something that spoke of the love they shared, a love that had endured everything. “Thank you, Rudransh,” she whispered, her voice still soft, but stronger than before. “For… everything.”

He shook his head, a tender smile on his lips. “You don’t have to thank me. I would do anything for you.” He reached out, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. “You’re my life, Mihitha. You and Nila mean everything to me.”

Just then, Nila burst into the room, carrying a small bouquet of wildflowers she had picked from the hospital garden with the help of a nurse. She placed them in her mother’s hands, her face glowing with pride. “These are for you, Mama. I picked the prettiest ones!”

Mihitha’s smile widened as she took the flowers, bringing them to her nose and breathing in their delicate scent. “They’re beautiful, Nila. Thank you, my love.”

Nila climbed onto the bed, curling up beside her mother and wrapping her arms around her waist. “When we go home, I’ll pick flowers for you every day, Mama,” she said earnestly. “And I’ll help Papa take care of you.”

Rudransh laughed softly, reaching over to place his arm around both of them. “We’ll be quite the team, won’t we, Nila?”

Nila nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! And we’ll make Mama happy every day.”

In that moment, as he looked at his family, Rudransh felt a warmth spread through him, a sense of peace and fulfillment that went beyond words. They had been through so much, but here they were—together, and healing. He pressed a kiss to Mihitha’s forehead, letting his lips linger there as he silently promised to be her strength as she regained her own.

As the days passed, Mihitha’s strength grew steadily. She still needed help with everyday tasks, but her spirit was unbreakable. Each day, she grew a bit more independent, a bit closer to the vibrant woman she had once been.

One evening, as Rudransh helped her walk a few steps around the room, she paused, holding onto his arm for support. She looked up at him, her eyes bright with gratitude. “I don’t know what I would have done without you,” she said softly, her fingers tightening around his arm. “You’ve been my rock through all of this, Rudransh. I feel so lucky to have you.”

He smiled, leaning down to kiss her softly, his voice a gentle whisper. “We’re in this together, Mihitha. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Nila joined them then, wrapping her arms around both her parents in a fierce hug. “I love you, Mama and Papa,” she said, her voice full of sincerity. “We’re the best family ever!”

Rudransh chuckled, scooping her up into his arms as he looked at Mihitha. “I think she’s right. We are the best family.”

As they held each other close, Mihitha’s recovery still slow but promising, they knew that whatever lay ahead, they would face it together. The hospital room, once filled with worry and despair, was now a place of love, hope, and the promise of brighter days to come.