𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐲 𝐈𝐬𝐡𝐪

Chapter 21

The air inside the hospital corridor felt thick with tension, every breath taken with an effort, as though the weight of their collective worry could be felt in the walls themselves. After what seemed like hours of agonizing silence, the doctor finally emerged from the room where Saachi had been rushed in critical condition. Her face was composed, but there was something behind her eyes that hinted at the gravity of the situation.

“She’s stable,” the doctor said, her voice calm but with a hint of caution.

“She’s out of immediate danger, but her condition remains delicate. We managed to treat her injuries, and the physical damage isn't life-threatening. However…” She paused, looking at each of them in turn. “The panic attack, the emotional trauma—it’s been overwhelming for her. If the stress continues, it could trigger her again. It could even get worse next time.”

Adhyant’s chest tightened at the mention of her emotional state. He stood at the back of the group, his gaze never leaving the closed door behind which Saachi lay. He couldn’t bear to imagine the fear and pain she had been through because of him.

Tahir stepped forward and asked,“Can we see her now? I just want to make sure she’s okay…”

The doctor nodded, though there was a slight hesitation in her eyes. "Yes, you can. But only one person at a time. She needs rest and calm."

Tahir, without waiting, moved toward the door, but just as his hand reached the handle, the door swung open. The figure who stepped inside caused a pause in everyone’s movement; a heavy silence fell as Adhyant entered the room, his eyes not meeting anyone else’s.

He walked past Tahir without a word, the guilt he felt making his steps slow and heavy. He was consumed by too many emotions, grief for what he had put her through, anger at himself, and a deep, unshakable sorrow.

Saachi lay there, unconscious, still and vulnerable, the beeping of the machines that surrounded her almost a mocking reminder of how fragile life was.

The door clicked softly as Adhyant closed it behind him. While everyone sighed with his actions.

“Does everyone in your family forcefully do everything? Such a senseless family. And I am telling you that I will not let my daughter be here in any condition.” Tejas said bitterly while Avyaan fisted his hands but one glare of Adrakansh was enough to make him silent.

Inside, it was just him and her. The weight of it almost crushed him as he slowly walked toward her bed. He paused beside her, his chest heaving with each breath he took. His eyes roamed over her pale face, her breathing shallow but steady.

She looked so fragile, so small under the sterile white sheets. His heart broke with the knowledge that it was his actions that had brought her to this point.

“Please, wake up, Saachi,” Adhyant whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion. His fingers, trembling, brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead. Tears welled up in his eyes as he leaned closer, his face inches from hers.

"I am really ashamed of the things I’ve done to you. I am so sorry... Please, just wake up. I swear, I’ll do whatever you want. Just open your eyes and talk to me. I can’t lose you...”

The words tumbled out of him in a soft, broken rush. He wasn’t sure if she could hear him, but he couldn’t keep the pain inside anymore. As he leaned over her, a tear fell from his cheek, landing on her hand where it rested on the bed.

He gently pressed his lips to her forehead, as if that single touch could undo the hurt, and erase the mistakes that had piled up between them.

The kiss was lingering, tender, full of an aching regret that he had never known until this very moment. The feeling of her skin against his lips was warm, but her stillness reminded him of how much she had suffered. And all of it, all of the pain, had been because of him.