Heart's Desire

Sacrifice - another meaning of love!

Shivaay, Ansh, and Nisha arrived in Mumbai to check on Anika's health. When they reached the hospital where she was admitted, Ansh saw Mallika sitting on a bench outside the ward, her cheeks streaked with dried tears. They approached her to understand what had happened, but before she could answer, the doctor came out of the ward.

"The patient seems very weak and depressed. She probably hasn't slept in days... she needs rest to recover. I've also prescribed some medication," the doctor informed them. Shivaay excused himself and went to the pharmacy.

"Can I go inside?" Ansh asked the doctor, who nodded. Ansh rushed in.

Ansh's heart broke when he saw his mother, the source of his happiness, lying unconscious on the hospital bed. He hadn't seen her face in a week. He had tried several times to meet her, but after realizing she was ignoring him, he stopped trying—not out of pride, but because he didn't want to hurt her further. Yet, after such a long time, seeing her like this made it impossible for him to hold back his emotions. Tears streamed down his cheeks. He moved a chair next to her bed and sat beside her.

Her pale skin, hollowed cheeks, and dark circles under her eyes showed that she hadn't been ignoring him out of malice. Like him, she was struggling with memories of their happy past, now tainted by the bitterness of the present. No one understood her like Ansh. He held her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers, silently telling her that no matter what happened, he would always be by her side, supporting her, even if she was wrong.

He kissed her forehead and gently caressed her hair. His care and love were evident in his touch, which stirred Anika's sleeping heart. She opened her eyes to find her son, teary-eyed, looking at her. She didn't have the strength to face him after everything that had happened. She averted her gaze, not to avoid him, but because she couldn't bear to look at him. Ansh understood and held her hand tighter, gently turning her face toward him with tear-filled eyes.

"Maa," he began, clearing his throat, "who are you running away from?" He asked her, looking into her eyes, searching for answers.

"Do you remember, Mumma, when I once asked why you named me Ansh? Do you remember what you told me?" Ansh asked, wiping away his tears. She nodded but couldn't speak.

"Before you told me about your brother, you said you named me Ansh because I'm a part of you, always attached to you like an organ in your body, inseparable." Ansh reminded her, surprising Anika with his maturity. She half-sat up in bed with his help.

"Now, you tried to detach me from you... but you couldn't, could you?" he asked, cupping her face. She nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks. He immediately wiped them away, and she held his hand, kissing it.

"Maa... like I always say, we're enough for each other. We don't need anyone else. So please stop worrying about Grandpa's words," he said, caressing her hair. Anika looked at him in shock, realizing he had figured out what was troubling her.

"How do you know Grandpa's words are bothering me?" she asked in a weak voice, her words barely audible.

"I've been with you for 14 years. I know my Mumma better than anyone, even better than she knows herself. You're the best, but you're also emotional. Everyone thinks you're an extrovert, but only I know your introverted side. I've done a PhD in understanding you," Ansh smirked, making Anika smile. She couldn't help but hug him tightly.

"Maa, it's okay... it's okay to love him. Grandpa didn't know when you found love. For me, you're my first love, but for you, it was different. He was your first love, and you found his love when you were frustrated with your parents and their love. You didn't do anything wrong... it just happened. You always told me that everything happens for a reason, and I'm living proof of that. I know it's hard for you to forgive him, but don't blame yourself for loving him... because I'm here because of him. Just feel free... that's it. But I want you to know, whatever happens, I'll always be by your side," Ansh reassured her, hugging her tightly. Anika's confusion and stress slowly disappeared. She realized that her son's words had a magical effect on her, lifting a weight off her heart. She was also surprised by his maturity and understanding.

"I still can't believe my little, cute Ansh has grown up and become mature enough to understand his mom," Anika said, breaking the hug and cupping his face.

"You're surprised by this? What will happen when I show you my results?" Ansh teased, making Anika gasp in surprise.

"The results are out?" she asked, shocked.

"Yes!" he jumped and showed her his phone.

"T-t-topper in maths..." Anika stammered, looking at the results.

"Yes, Maa... please tell me this isn't a dream!" Ansh exclaimed with a huge smile on his face.

*Slap!* She playfully slapped him. He held his cheek. "It's hurting! So, it's not a dream," Anika chuckled, her pale face showing signs of returning life.

"It's burning!" Ansh laughed in joy and hugged her again.

"All credit goes to Rithwik," they both shouted in happiness, forgetting they were in a hospital.

Their conversation was quietly observed by a man with a broken heart, who knew what was going to happen next. Before it could, he handed the medicines to Nisha and excused himself, knowing he didn't have the strength for another heartbreak.

Nisha knocked on the door with Mallika, and Anika smiled, inviting them inside. Mallika sat next to Anika and whispered, "Sorry," as she caressed her hair.

"I'm sorry too," Anika whispered back and hugged her. Nisha handed Ansh the medicines, her eyes filled with tears. A thought of his father crossed Ansh's mind, but he had already made his decision. He left the room and searched for Shivaay, but couldn't find him. He took out his phone to call him but quickly canceled the call. He didn't have the courage to say what he needed to say to his father, either in person or on the phone. Instead, he opened his email app and started typing:

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**Dear Dad,**

I never thought I would write to you again. I don't know what to say, Dad. You know how much I love Mom. I also know that you didn't betray her, but I'm helpless now... I really wanted a happy family, but not at the cost of hurting my mom.

This past week felt like a dream. I never expected the person I hated for 14 years would become my superhero. You've always been there for me when I felt weak because of Mom's distance... You're the best dad and will always be the best, whether you're by my side or not.

I'm sorry, Dad. I know this will hurt you deeply. But you know how much I love my mom, right? Her happiness is mine. If she smiles, I smile. If she cries, I cry. How can I leave her like this? That doesn't mean I don't love you. I do, Dad. You helped me realize that every coin has two sides, even when both are painful. I don't want to leave you, Dad, I swear. If I could, I'd split myself in two and stay with both of you.

Once again, I'm sorry, Dad... thank you. I love you always. You'll always be my first hero.

Love, 

Your son, 

Ansh.

---

Ansh pressed "send" and broke down, crying. Within minutes, he received a reply from his father:

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**Dear Son,**

I'm so proud of you. You made the decision I couldn't make 14 years ago. If I had, we would be a family today. But leave that aside... as I promised before, I won't destroy myself. This past week was enough for me to live the rest of my life. So stop blaming yourself for your decision.

Take care of your mom, and never leave her alone like I did, for any reason... that's my only wish. Focus on your career, because one day I'll be back to get an autograph from my celebrity son. Until then, don't forget your father. Thank you for accepting me. I love you beyond limits.

Goodbye... take care...

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Ansh read the email, his tears flowing freely.