Love Me If You Dare

87 - The Night Everything Fell Apart

Writer's pov. 

The hospital smelled of antiseptic and quiet panic. The fluorescent lights cast a harsh glare on the white walls, making the polished floors gleam with a sterile coldness. Dev stood near the ICU doors, his hands still stained faintly with Lakshmi's blood, his heart held a weight he could barely bear. He had carried her out from the chaos of the police station, his body screaming in exhaustion, his mind consumed with anger and worry. For hours, he had remained rooted, staring at the doors, unable to move, unable to breathe normally.

It was then Jhanvi arrived there. Her stilettos clicked sharply against the floor, each step deliberate, echoing in the quiet corridor. She paused for a brief moment looking at the group stood there: Dev, Zahir, Jasmine, Mohit, and Gaurav. The corners of her lips lifted slightly in a practiced expression of concern, but her eyes were cold, calculating, and bright.......betrayed a storm within.

Jasmine saw her first and rushed forward instinctively, tears threatening to spill. She wrapped her arms around Jhanvi, gripping her tightly.

"Jhanvi di... our Lechu... she's not well," Jasmine choked out. "She's... she's very weak."

Jhanvi's gaze shifted to Dev. He met her eyes, and for a moment, neither spoke. His chest rose and fell heavily, his mind still spinning from the events of the night.

"Tell me," Jhanvi said softly, but there was an edge to her tone that demanded honesty. "Is she okay?"

Dev swallowed, his throat dry. "She's out of immediate danger... but she's physically very weak. And..." His voice faltered, caught between relief and a hesitant joy.

Jhanvi stepped closer, her expression sharpening just slightly. "And what? Tell me, Dev."

He looked at her, and in a quiet, careful voice said, "Lakshmi... she's pregnant."

For a heartbeat, the corridor fell silent. Jasmine gasped, clutching Jhanvi's arm for support. Jhanvi's hands curled into fists for a fleeting instant, her stilettos pressing into the floor as anger and shock rippled through her. Then, as quickly as it had come, her expression softened into a careful, congratulatory smile. She tapped Dev lightly on the shoulder.

"That's... That's a happy news," she said, her voice measured, almost gentle.

Dev shook his head slowly. His voice trembled despite his attempt at calm. "Yes... but Lakshmi... she's very weak. She's been through so much. She cannot bear stress or tension right now. Even a small shock could... hurt her... or the baby."

Jhanvi's posture straightened. Her voice, calm and composed, carried the weight of authority as well as concern.

"No, Dev," she said firmly. "Have faith. Everything will be fine. But you must take care of yourself too. Look at you.....you're exhausted, you've got blood on your clothes, and completely drained. Go home, freshen up, collect what Lakshmi might need... warm clothes, food, anything she may want. You need to be ready when you come back."

She cast a glance at the others, directing them without raising her voice. "Mohit, Gaurav, Zahir... go to the office. Be there if Dev isn't around. Jas... you just came back from abroad, go with them and take rest. I'll stay here with Lakshmi until Dev returns."

Dev nodded, the exhaustion and worry in his body telling him she was right. He allowed her to press his hand gently, holding it firmly, a small gesture of reassurance.

"I'll take care of Lakshmi," Jhanvi said softly, her eyes locking onto his. "You go. Do what you must, and come back ready."

He looked at her for a long moment, searching for any sign of deception, any hint of her hidden intentions. But all he saw was composure and determination. With a heavy exhale, he finally stepped away, allowing the others to disperse according to her instructions.