𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐰𝐢

"69. Gentle Wakes and Tender Smiles"

"Vo muskuryi toh mera dil dhadakne laga,
Un masoom nazaron ka jadu chalne laga,
Ha tha thoda naraz main unse,
Par phir uske ishq me main pighalne laga."

-Vaidehi
(Fictionflare_)

Ruhanika had been shifted from the operation theatre to another ward, her fragile form lying motionless on the hospital bed. The rhythmic beeping of the machines echoed in the otherwise silent room, each sound a painful reminder of her condition. Rudraksh stood at the door, his fingers trembling as he slowly pushed it open. His breath hitched the moment his eyes fell on her. His heart shattered into a million pieces.

She looked so small, so vulnerable, entangled in a web of wires and medical equipment. The oxygen mask covered her delicate face, an IV needle pierced through her hand, and the monitors beside her displayed numbers and waves that he didn't understand, but feared more than anything. He swallowed the lump in his throat and wiped away the tears that had escaped his eyes. He had to be strong, for her. Taking slow, hesitant steps, he approached her bedside, his emotions threatening to consume him.

Gently, he sat on the stool beside her, his eyes never leaving her face. With trembling fingers, he reached out and softly caressed her hair, his touch feather-light as if afraid he might hurt her. Leaning forward, he pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead, his lips quivering against her cool skin. His gaze then fell on her hand, so small, so delicate, yet carrying the weight of his entire world. Carefully, he lifted it, holding it near his face as he brushed his lips against her knuckles, a silent promise escaping his heart.

Rudraksh: "Ruhh, betu janti ho ye tumhara Aakarsh bhai.. pagal ho gaya hai kehta hai tum Coma me ja sakti ho.. ab us gadhe ko kon bataye ki tumne kaha tha tum mere pass aaogi."
(Ruhh, baby, you know this your Aakarsh bhai... He's gone crazy, saying that you might slip into a coma. Now, who will tell that fool that you had promised to come back to me?)

He gently traced his fingers over her knuckles, his touch light yet full of warmth. His eyes, filled with unspoken emotions, searched hers with a quiet hope, as if seeking reassurance in her presence.

Rudraksh: "Main thik keh raha hu na jaana, aaogi na tum"
(I'm right, aren't I, sweetheart? You will come back, right?)

There was no movement from her, not even the slightest response, and it shattered his heart into pieces. A lump formed in his throat, and his breath hitched, but he refused to let his emotions take over. Swallowing the pain, he took a deep breath and composed himself, forcing his trembling hands to stay steady.

Rudraksh: "Sorry sorry main bhi kaisi bekaar ki baatein kar raha hu.. aakhir tum jaogi hi kaha mujhse pyaar jo karti ho itna."
(Sorry, sorry... what am I even saying? After all, where would you go? You love me so much.)

Rudraksh pressed his lips together, trying his best to force a smile, but it never reached his eyes. His face twitched with the effort, but the weight in his heart was too heavy.

Rudraksh: "Achcha haa, vo pata hai main, Ashvik aur Rishi mandir Gaye the... Tum chahti thi na main jau vaha dekho aaj chala hi gaya.. pandit ji ne kuch diya hai tumhare liye ek minute."
(Oh, by the way, did you know? Ashvik, Rishi, and I went to the temple today... You wanted me to go there, right? See, I finally did. The priest gave me something for you. Just a minute.)

Rudraksh gently placed her hand back, his fingers lingering for a moment as if afraid to let go. His heart pounded as he reached into his pocket and pulled out the sacred thread the priest had given him. His hands trembled slightly as he wrapped it around her delicate wrist, securing it with a firm knot.