Ruhi's gaze locked onto Rohit's, her eyes filled with confusion. She blinked slowly, taking in her surroundings.
"Rohit?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Rohit's face crumpled with emotion. "Ruhi, princess! You're awake!"
He gently hugged her, tears streaming down his face. The machines beeped in celebration, a symphony of joy.
Abhira rushed to Ruhi's side, tears of happiness streaming down her face. "Ruhi dii"
Vidya entered the room, a warm smile on her face. "Beta, you're awake! We were so worried!"
The family gathered around Ruhi, showering her with love and tears.
Ruhi's gaze drifted lazily, her eyes settling on the baby lying beside her. The tiny bundle of joy stirred something deep within her. Emotions swirled, a mix of joy, sadness, and longing. Her eyes welled up with tears, but before she could utter a word, her eyelids drooped, and she slipped back into sleep.
Rohit's concern deepened, mirrored on the faces of the family members gathered around. Vidya's hands trembled, Dadi Saa's eyes prayed silently, and Manisha's face etched with worry.
But the doctor's reassuring words eased their worries. "She's perfectly fine, just weak. Needs rest and recovery time."
Rohit's eyes met Armaan's, both filled with worry and guilt. Their gazes shifted to the baby, uncertainty etched on their faces. The baby's innocent coos seemed to echo through the room, a poignant reminder of unresolved issues.
The family retreated to their rooms, relief washing over them like a balm. Abhira settled into her room with the baby and Armaan, her eyes never leaving her child's face.
Rohit cradled Ruhi in his arms, his eyes fixed on her peaceful face. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, he savored the warmth of her presence. He stroked her hair, his touch gentle.
As sleep claimed him, Rohit's heart remained vigilant, watching over Ruhi. The night air was heavy with unspoken words, unresolved emotions. But in this moment, Ruhi's gentle breathing was the only sound that mattered.
The room grew quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the machines and Ruhi's steady heartbeat. Rohit's chest rose and fell in sync with hers, their love palpable even in slumber.
In the adjacent room, Abhira tended to the baby, her eyes filled with a mix of joy and sorrow. Armaan watched, his face etched with regret.
As night enveloped the household, each member struggled with their own demons. Guilt, worry, and uncertainty lingered.
But with Ruhi's awakening, hope flickered in house.
Ruhi's eyes fluttered open, greeted by Rohit's gentle smile and warm eyes. The soft morning light streaming through the window highlighted the worry etched on his face. He helped her sit up, fluffing her pillows and handing her a glass of water.
"Where's my baby?" Ruhi asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes scanning the room.
Rohit's expression faltered, and he glanced away, his jaw clenched. The rest of the family members followed suit, dodging her question or changing the subject with forced smiles. But Ruhi's anxiety only intensified.
Just then, the Goenkas arrived, their faces etched with a mix of joy and sorrow. Suwarna's eyes welled up with tears as she approached Ruhi, her hands trembling.
"Ruhi, beta..." Suwarna's voice trembled. "Your baby didn't make it."
The words hung in the air like a cruel dagger, piercing Ruhi's heart. Her world shattered.
