His Childish Bride

Bonus Chapter Three

Kindly don't forget to vote and comment to support this story❤️
_______________________________________

A YEAR LATER~

One year passes quickly after Kiyansh's tenth birthday. But his wish remains the same, to have a sibling of his own. He still whispers his prayer to Mahadev every night, hoping that soon his family will grow.

Varenya and Kavyansh have told him about adoption. And he is more than happy with the idea. He already has three cousins whom he loves more than his own life, but the longing to experience a sibling bond: one that's just his, hasn't faded. He hears his friends at school talk about their younger brothers and sisters. He too wants that feeling, that connection. So, he prays even harder, asking Mahadev to help his parents adopt a baby.

Varenya and Kavyansh are trying. They have been through meetings, home visits, and legal paperwork. But each time they get close, something comes in the way. Yet, they don't give up. Hope fuels them even more.

Right now, Varenya is inside the operation theatre, fully focused. A woman, seven months pregnant, was rushed in after falling in her garden. The injury risked both mother and child. An emergency C-section is the only option.

Varenya works swiftly, guiding her team through every step. The room is tense, filled with the sounds of machines and quiet murmurs. And then, suddenly, the air is split by the sharp cry of a newborn. Everyone exhales. Relief floods the room.

A nurse carefully lifts the baby and steps aside to clean her. Varenya, still calm, continues suturing the mother's lower abdomen. Her hands are steady, her mind focused. She finishes, checks everything one last time, and only then removes her gloves. She goes to the washroom and scrubbs her hands clean.

Outside the operation theatre, the baby's family waits. The moment Varenya steps out, their eyes search her face.

"Congratulations. It's a girl. Both mother and baby are stable. The baby will need to stay in the NICU for a few weeks, just to be safe." She says gently.

Their eyes brighten. Smiles bloom. Hands are folded in gratitude as they thank her again and again. Varenya smiles softly, watching the joy on their faces. Another life brought safely into the world.

But the warmth of that moment fades all too quickly.

A nurse rushes down the hallway, her face pale and her steps hurried.

"What is it?" Varenya notices her immediately.

"Doctor, you are needed in pediatric emergency. A 2-month-old infant was brought in just a few minutes ago- suspected case of sexual assault." The nurse pants.

The words slam into her like a blow to the chest.

She freezes for half a second. Then, pulling herself together, she nods sharply and follows the nurse.

They rush down the hall and into the pediatric emergency wing. The room is already buzzing with tension. Two pediatricians are at a table, working over a tiny form.

A baby.

Varenya's heart drops.

The child's body is so small. She lies motionless on the table, surrounded by used cotton swabs soaked in blood. One of the nurses adjusts the overhead light while another preps a tiny oxygen mask.

"Dr. Varenya, thank God you are here. We need help with stabilizing her." One of the pediatricians says, looking up.

Varenya moves closer, trying not to flinch as her eyes take in the baby's condition. Her skin is pale. Her legs are trembling. Blood stains her diaper and thighs. Her belly rises and falls in shallow breaths.