Only For Her

AUTHOR'S POV: Chapter 45

AUTHOR’S POV

Jivika sat in the balcony, her thoughts spinning as she worried about the mysterious man connected to both her and Janhvi. Her heart raced as she resolved, whoever he is, whatever he wants, I will not let him come near Yash. He has already faced enough pain—I’ll do anything to protect him.

Inside, Yash had just finished getting ready. As he buttoned up his shirt, his eyes drifted towards the balcony. He saw Jivika sitting there, her face clouded with worry. He paused, watching her for a moment, trying to read her thoughts. Something’s been bothering her ever since that day at lunch, he thought, feeling a knot of worry in his chest. She was fine during our sightseeing, but since then, she’s been distant. What happened? How do I help her if she doesn’t want to share?

Quietly, he opened the sliding door and observed her for a moment, but she seemed too lost in thought to notice him. Clearing his throat gently, Yash called out, "Jivika."

Jivika was startled out of her reverie. She looked up, her eyes wide as she met his gaze. "Yash, when did you—" she stammered, trying to hide her surprise. She quickly composed herself, forcing a smile.

Yash stepped closer, pulling a chair beside her and sitting down. "I’ve been up for a while," he said softly. "You seemed lost in thought. Is everything okay?"

Jivika hesitated, her gaze drifting away. "Yes… I was just… thinking about some things," she replied, trying to force a smile.

But Yash wasn’t convinced. He could see the tension in her eyes. "Jivika," he said gently, "we’ve known each other for a while now. I know when something’s on your mind. You don’t have to talk about it if you’re not ready, but please remember… I’m here. As your friend, I’ll always be here. Whatever this is, you don’t have to handle it alone."

Jivika looked at him, a wave of warmth filling her heart. She hadn’t realized until now how much Yash understood her, even when she hadn’t said anything. Knowing he was here for her as a friend brought her a sense of comfort and happiness she couldn’t put into words. Her eyes glistened as she whispered, "Thank you, Yash."

Yash reached out, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "Take your time," he said with a soft smile. "But don’t forget, your friend is always here for you."

Jivika looked down at their intertwined hands, she squeezed his hand back, giving him a faint smile.

Yash stood up, offering his hand to help her. "Come on," he said, "let’s go have breakfast. We need to go to the hospital soon to see the baby."

Jivika took his hand, standing up beside him with a light laugh. "Today, I’m going to spend lots of time with the baby," she said.

As they walked back inside, she glanced at Yash, her heart filled with a complex mix of gratitude and fear. Gratitude for his support and a deepening fear of the unknown that lay ahead.

After finishing breakfast, Yash and Jivika made their way to the hospital. They entered the room to find Avanthika and Abhinav having their breakfast.

Yash and Jivika greeted them and Abhinav’s parents with a smile, his eyes falling on the baby sleeping peacefully in the crib. "Wow, he looks so calm and peaceful," Yash remarked softly.

Avanthika chuckled, "He’s been crying since morning. He just fell asleep a little while ago."

Jivika walked over to Avanthika and asked, "How are you feeling, Di? Are you okay?"

Avanthika smiled warmly, "I’m doing good, Jivika. I'm just a bit tired, but that’s expected."

Abhinav added with a playful grin, "Our sleepless nights have officially started."

Everyone in the room laughed, sharing in the light-hearted moment. Soon, the baby woke up with a small whimper. Jivika eagerly stepped forward and cradled him in her arms. It was a rare moment when the Singhania family wasn’t hovering around, so she was happy to hold the baby, cooing at him gently.

After some time Singhania family members arrived. Anuradha immediately noticed the baby in Jivika’s arms and walked over. She took the baby from Jivika’s hands immediately.

Jivika’s smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly masked it, stepping back as everyone gathered around the newborn. She glanced at Yash, who was now busy chatting with Vicky, Akash, Yuvi, Aishu, and Abhinav.

Seizing the moment, Jivika discreetly messaged Abhinav, "Jiju, I need to talk to you. It’s important."

After a few minutes, Abhinav casually made his way to where Jivika was standing near the door. "What’s going on, Jivika?" he asked quietly.
Jivika gestured for him to follow her outside the room. Once they were alone in the corridor, she took a deep breath and began explaining everything—from the mysterious photographs she received, to her conversations with Vihaan, and the latest revelation about the man named Sundhansh Singh.

Abhinav listened intently, his expression growing serious. "Sundhansh Singh?" he repeated, frowning slightly.

Jivika nodded and said, "Yes, do you know anyone by that name? Vihaan found out that he might be the one behind all this." She pulled out her phone and showed Abhinav the picture of Sundhansh Singh.

Abhinav looked closely at the photograph and then his eyes widened in recognition. "Jivika, this man... he’s a doctor. A famous neurosurgeon," Abhinav said, sounding surprised.

Jivika’s eyes widened in shock. "A doctor? Are you sure, Jiju?"

"Yes, he works at our hospital. In fact," Abhinav paused, as if piecing together a memory, "he was the one who operated on Janhvi during her accident."

Jivika felt a chill run down her spine. "The same doctor who treated Janhvi?" she whispered, her mind reeling with the new information.

Abhinav nodded slowly, still processing the connection. "Yes, it’s him. I can’t believe he would be involved in something like this. He’s very well-respected in his field. But if he’s somehow linked to what’s happening with you and what happened with Janhvi ... we need to look into this carefully."

Jivika swallowed hard, her thoughts racing. "Jiju, what could he possibly want? And why would a doctor like him be involved in such a thing?"
Abhinav’s expression darkened. "I don’t know, Jivika. But this complicates things. We need to be cautious from here on out. I’ll look into it discreetly and see what we can find."

Later Jivika dialled Vihaan’s number. He picked up on the second ring.

Vihaan: "Yes, Jivika. Did you manage to speak with Abhinav?"

Jivika: "Yes, Vihaan. I spoke to Jiju, and you won’t believe this. Sundhansh Singh is actually a doctor at Singhania Hospitals."

Vihaan: "What? A doctor?" He sounded stunned.

Jivika: "Yes, and there’s more. He was the one who operated on Janhvi when she had an accident."

Vihaan: "What?" Vihaan’s voice was filled with shock. "This changes everything. If he was involved in Janhvi’s surgery, then we need to start looking at the accident itself. There could be more to it than we initially thought."

Jivika: "Exactly, Vihaan. Even I was taken aback when Jiju mentioned it. It’s hard to believe a well-respected doctor could be mixed up in something like this."

Vihaan: "We need to re-start our investigation then. I’m going to start interrogating from the point of Janhvi’s accident. There might be clues there about Sundhansh’s motives or connections."

Jivika nodded, even though Vihaan couldn’t see her. "Yes, that sounds like a good plan. We need to dig deeper."

Vihaan: "Quick question, Jivika. Who is the director of Singhania Hospitals ? Do you know?"

Jivika: "I believe it’s Yuvi. She was appointed as the CEO of the Singhania Hospital chain. She manages the finances, administration, and pretty much everything."

Vihaan: "Do you know who held the position before her?"

Jivika: "I’m not sure. I’ve never really paid attention to the hospital's administration details."

Vihaan: "No worries, I’ll find out. This case is becoming more tangled than we thought. We need to be very careful from now on, Jivika. Trust no one. For now, keep an eye on everyone, and don’t share this information with anyone."

Jivika: "I understand, Vihaan. I’ll be cautious."
Vihaan: "Good. I’ll keep you updated with whatever I find out. Take care, Jivika."

Jivika: "You too, Vihaan. And thank you."
Jivika disconnected the call, taking a deep breath. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together, but each new revelation only added to the mystery. She knew she had to stay vigilant, for Yash’s sake and her own.

After spending some time with the family at the hospital, Yash turned to Avanthika.

Yash: "Di, we’ll be returning to India tomorrow morning."

Avanthika: "So soon?" She sounded surprised.

Yash: "Yes, there are some important meetings that need my attention. But don't worry, we’ll be back here very soon."

Avanthika: "Alright," she nodded, though a hint of disappointment crossed her face.

As they were talking, a soft knock came from the door. Everyone turned to see who it was. Standing there was Avni, holding a bouquet of flowers.

Jivika felt her heart skip a beat, taken aback by Avni's sudden appearance. Yash’s expression shifted slightly, surprised but composed. Avni’s gaze met Yash for a fleeting moment before she shifted her attention to the others, completely ignoring Jivika.

Avni: "Congratulations, Abhinav Bhaiya, Avanthika Di," she said, stepping inside and handing the bouquet to them.

Avanthika: "Thank you, Avni! This is such a surprise. What brings you here?"

Avni: "I was in London for a meeting. Then I saw Yuvi's online post about your baby boy. I called Akash, and he told me you were all here. So, I thought I’d drop by. I hope I’m not interrupting your family time?"

Yash’s mother Anuradha, who had been quietly observing, spoke up with a warm smile.

Anuradha: "What are you saying, Avni? You’re part of the family too. It’s not just maa ji and your grandmother who were best friends, even you and Akash are close. You’ll always be welcome here."

Avanthika added quickly with a smile, "Not only Akash Chachi, but Jivika as well. Avni and Jivika are childhood friends."

Anuradha just nodded, her expression unreadable.

Avni walked over to the crib, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the newborn.

Avni: "Oh wow, he’s so adorable, Di. Congratulations again."

Avanthika: "Thank you, Avni."

Avni: "Can I hold him?"

Yash’s Badi Ma (Sumitra) immediately stepped forward with a smile, picking up the baby from the crib. "Of course, Avni. What’s there to ask?" She carefully handed the baby to Avni, helping her hold him properly.

Jivika watched this interaction closely she took a deep breath, she couldn’t help but notice how Avni is close to Yash’s family and how close they were with her.

As she watched Avni holding the baby, laughing with Yash's family, Jivika felt a mix of emotions she couldn’t quite untangle. She turned away, staring out the window, trying to find some clarity amidst the chaos of her thoughts.

Yash, who had been talking with Akash, Vicky, Yuvi, and Aishu, glanced over and noticed Jivika’s expression. He could sense the shift in her mood, the sadness clouding her eyes. It was subtle but unmistakable to him.

Why does she seem upset? Yash wondered. Is it because of Avni’s arrival?

After a few moments, Avni gently handed the baby back to Avanthika. She then turned towards Jivika with a warm smile, stepping closer to her.

Avni: "Jivika, it's been such a long time!" she said, pulling her into a hug. "How have you been?"
Jivika forced a smile, feeling the awkwardness in the hug. "I’ve been good, Avni. It has been a while."

Avni: "Yes, so much has changed since we last spoke."

Before Jivika could respond, Anuradha interrupted the moment.

Anuradha: "Avni, where are you staying in London?"

Avni: "Oh, there’s a hotel nearby where I’ve booked a room."
Anuradha: "When we’re all here together, why stay at a hotel? Come and stay with us!"

Avni: "Thank you for the offer, Aunty, but it’s fine. I’m leaving for India tomorrow anyway, so it’s not a big deal."

Sumitra: "That’s perfect timing then! Yash, Akash,Vicky, Aishu and Yuvi are all leaving for India tomorrow too. Why don’t you travel along with them, Avni?"

Avni replied "Me? No aunty I wouldn’t want to be a trouble to them."

Sumitra: "Oh, nonsense! There’s no trouble at all. Why don’t you check out of your hotel? Yash, help Avni with her checkout and bring her to our place. She’s like family, after all. Make her feel comfortable."

Jivika’s heart sank at this. She stood there, feeling like an outsider in the family dynamic unfolding in front of her.

Yash: "Me? But Badi Ma..." Yash started, clearly uncomfortable.

Sumitra: "Yash, don’t argue about everything. Just do as we say, at least for once." She gave him a stern look.

Yash sighed, clearly not wanting to create a scene in front of everyone. He glanced at Avni, then at Jivika, who was standing quietly in the corner, trying to mask her emotions.

Yash: "Alright, Badi Ma." He turned to Avni. "Let’s go then. I’ll help you."

Avni: "Thank you, Yash." She said excitedly.
As Yash and Avni were heading out, Jivika felt a sudden, sharp awareness prick at her senses.
She turned around instinctively, just in time to catch Avni glancing back at her. For a split second, their eyes met, and in that fleeting moment, Jivika saw it—a sly smirk tugging at the corners of Avni’s lips.

It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but its meaning was clear. That look wasn’t just a simple smile; it was a message, a quiet challenge. Avni’s smirk held a mix of confidence and defiance, as if she was silently asserting her place in Yash’s life, reminding Jivika that she wasn’t going to disappear or fade into the background easily. It was as if Avni was saying, "I’m still here, and I’m not going anywhere."

Jivika's breath hitched for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest. She felt a cold wave of realization wash over her—this wasn’t just an unexpected meeting. Avni's intentions were deeper, and her presence here was a test, a subtle provocation. Jivika’s eyes narrowed slightly, her mind racing with thoughts. She knew she couldn’t afford to be complacent.

She forced herself to hold Avni’s gaze, refusing to look away, determined not to show any sign of weakness. After a beat, Avni turned back to Yash, her expression shifting seamlessly to a bright, innocent smile as if nothing had happened.

But Jivika knew better. That smirk wasn’t something she could ignore—it was a declaration of war a silent one, a signal that Avni intended to fight for her place in Yash’s life.

As Yash led Avni out, he turned and gave Jivika a small, reassuring smile, completely unaware of the silent exchange that had just taken place. Jivika managed to smile back, but inside, her resolve hardened.

After some time Jivika returned home with Yuvi, Akash, Vicky, and Aishu. The entire ride back, she couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling Avni’s sly smile had left in her mind, What is she thinking now? Jivika pondered.

Once they arrived, Jivika headed straight to her room. She tried to distract herself by watching a movie, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Avni.