YOU NEVER WALK ALONE

44- Satisfying slap!

Ready your popcorn and cold drinks for the      
✨ drama ✨

AUTHOR'S POV-

It was 5:30 in the morning, and the first rays of sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a golden hue across the room. The hospital room was silent, broken only by the occasional sounds of footsteps or distant murmurs from the staff outside. Rashvik sat beside Pichu, still in the same chair he hadn't left all night. His back ached, and his eyes burned with fatigue, but he refused to move, his hand still tightly holding Pichu's tiny one.

Rashvik hadn't truly slept, just a brief nap, thanks to Sarakshi. She had noticed his restlessness and gently stroked his hair, calming him in the way she always could.

Last night...

After their little moment, neither of them could sleep. Their minds were restless-thinking about Pichu and the emotions stirred between them.

Rashvik sat beside the bed, his head shifting uncomfortably as he tried to rest. He held Pichu's small hand tightly, but his thoughts raced. Across the room, Sarakshi lay on the couch, staring at the ceiling. Her thoughts mirrored his, her worry growing with every passing second.

She turned her head and saw Rashvik struggling, his hands trembling faintly as they did when nightmares haunted him. Unable to watch him suffer, she quietly approached the bed and sat down near him.

Sitting near Pichu's legs, she reached out and placed her hand over the one Rashvik had entwined with Pichu's. Her other hand moved gently to his hair, stroking it with tender care.

Rashvik startled slightly at the unexpected touch but quickly relaxed as the warmth of her hand soothed him. His shoulders eased, and his restless head leaned instinctively into her palm.

"Sleep," he murmured, his voice raspy and laced with exhaustion.

"I will," she replied softly, continuing to stroke his hair. Her calm, measured movements lulled him closer to the rest he desperately needed.

As Rashvik's breathing grew deeper, she pulled herself away gently. Rising from the bed, she fetched the blanket from the couch and carefully draped it over him. She adjusted Pichu's blanket as well, her fingers brushing lightly over his tiny frame. Before stepping away, she bent down and placed a soft kiss on Pichu's forehead.

Returning to the couch, Sarakshi lay down, her mind a little more at ease now that Rashvik was finally resting. She settled herself more comfortably this time, pulling her knees up slightly and letting out a deep breath. A faint smile played on her lips as her Rude Singh now looked so peaceful. Sleep eventually found her too.

But forty-five minutes later, Rashvik stirred awake. His eyes fluttered open. For a moment, he thought it was morning, but the stillness around him and the faint dimness in the room said otherwise. Reaching for his watch, he realized with a sigh that only forty-five minutes had passed.

As he stretched slightly, he felt Pichu's hand shift in his own. The small figure on the bed stretched his legs weakly, his tiny body stirring awake. Pichu's eyelids fluttered open, revealing tired but curious eyes that immediately searched for his father.

"Betuu," Rashvik cooed, his lips curving into a soft smile. His voice was gentle, laced with a warmth that only Pichu could bring out.

Pichu blinked slowly, his weak eyes landing on his father. "Dadda," he whispered, his voice barely audible but full of comfort.

Rashvik's heart swelled at the sound. Leaning closer, he gently brushed Pichu's hair back and whispered soothingly, "I'm here, my little one. Always."