Shadowed Desires

Chapter 31

One Month Later…
It’s been a month since she slipped into a coma. On the other hand, Atharv lost his usual self in regret. Although his family was always there in this tough situation, at the end of the day, it’s only you who can deal with the pain in your heart.

He was barely eating, surviving on the minimum. His mother brought him homemade food to the hospital every day, while he spent every single second blaming himself for her condition.

With lack of sleep and exhaustion, he was punishing himself every single day.

Riddhima arrived at the hospital with Aarushi and said,
“We are here. You should go and take a shower and get some rest. I know you won’t go to the Shekhawat mansion, but please, at least go to your penthouse. You also need some rest.”

After several attempts to refuse, he finally sighed in relief and headed towards his home—the place he used to call home, as it was once a happy place for him and his wife.
But now, it was just a structure of bricks, with no reason to stay.

Time Skips…
As he walked towards their room, every step brought a new memory. The way they had their cute banters, how he used to tease her, and their laughter filled with happiness and joy. Unfortunately, everything is a memory now, even her.

He took a shower and refused food when the house help asked. He changed into comfortable clothes and went to the closet.

He took out a cotton kurta from her closet, inhaling her fragrance. A deep sleep engulfed him as he hugged the clothing tightly, as if it was his wife—without whom his life felt like a living hell.

One Hour Later
Atharv’s sleep was broken by a call from Aditya. He quickly picked up and asked,
“Sab thik to hai na?” (“Is everything alright?”)

Aditya replied,
“Sab thik hai, aap jaldi se hospital aa jaiye.”
(“Everything is fine, please come to the hospital quickly.”)

Atharv drove to the hospital, his heart full of anticipation. When he reached the room and saw the sight before him, tears streamed down his face.

Half an Hour Earlier
Aditya was in the corridor when the doctor approached him and said,
“There is good news for you, Mr. Shekhawat. The patient has woken up.”

He rushed to Kritika’s room. Kritika’s eyes slowly opened. She realized she was in a completely new place, with an oxygen mask and an IV drip in her wrist.

She saw Aditya and Aarushi standing there. With a trembling voice, she asked,
“Where is Atharv?”
She tried to get up but collapsed back due to weakness.

Aditya replied,
“You take rest, bhabhi. He will be here soon.”
(“Please rest, sister-in-law. He’ll be here soon.”)

Kritika insisted,
“I want to meet Atharv, please call him.”

Kritika had woken up from her coma. With the bed slightly raised, she managed to sit up while Aditya, Aarushi, and Riddhima stayed with her.

A brightness appeared in her eyes when she saw him. Not caring about anyone else, Atharv hugged her tightly and said,
“Tumhe pata bhi hai tumhare bina kya haalat ho gayi thi meri?”
(“Do you even know what state I was in without you?”)

Giving them privacy, the rest of the family stepped out. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he held her in a comforting hug.

He felt alive for the first time in a month, holding her in his arms. She felt immense peace, being back where she belonged—with her husband, who truly loved her.

Kritika said,
“Atharv, I have to tell you a lot of things.”

Atharv placed a finger on her lips and said,
“I know, my love. But right now, don’t stress yourself.”