Prerish: A Collection of Tales ✔️

~ Shot - 3 ~

Rishab's arms shot out, catching Prerana just as her legs gave way, her body slumping against him, ravaged by a sudden, searing pain. His heart seized in his chest, a cold dread twisting in his gut as he saw the agony contorting her face. He didn't hesitate, scooping her up and striding purposefully towards his car, his mind racing. Every second felt like an eternity.

"Prerana, just a few more minutes," he murmured, his voice strained with worry, as he laid her head gently on his shoulder, his other hand gripping the steering wheel. "We'll be at the hospital."

"Rish... Rishab, please," she gasped, her voice weak, "I want to see Kuki first."

His heart clenched. Even now, through waves of intense pain, her first thought was their daughter. His princess. The selfless love she held for Kuki pierced through his worry, a testament to her beautiful spirit.

"Prerana, once you're fine, I'll bring her to you, or I'll tell Mehra to bring her. I promise," he vowed, his voice thick with emotion as they screeched to a halt at the hospital entrance. He scooped her up again, cradling her protectively as he rushed inside.

Nurses and a ward boy materialized with a stretcher, swiftly transferring her. Rishab watched, helpless, as they wheeled her away into the sterile depths of the operation theatre. The door swung shut, leaving him in a purgatory of fear. He began to pace, the silence of the waiting area punctuated only by the fading echoes of her screams, each one tearing at his soul. It felt like ages, an agonizing eternity, before a nurse finally emerged. Just then, the Sharmas and Basus rushed in, their faces etched with belated concern.

"Sister!" Rishab fired questions, his voice hoarse, "How is my wife? Can I see her? And how is our baby?"

The nurse offered a calming smile. "Relax, Mr. Bajaj. Your wife is absolutely fine. And you got a beautiful baby boy! He's healthy too."

A wave of relief, so profound it almost buckled his knees, washed over Rishab. A wide, genuine smile, the first in what felt like days, spread across his face. "When can I meet them?" he asked, eagerness bubbling up, washing away the fear and worry.

"You can meet them in fifteen minutes, Mr. Bajaj," the nurse replied, "as we'll be shifting Mrs. Bajaj to a private ward." She turned and disappeared back inside.

Rishab immediately pulled out his phone, his fingers fumbling slightly as he dialed Mehra, his voice thick with joyous instruction: bring Kuki here, to meet her mother and her new baby brother.

Fifteen minutes later, a lifetime later, he pushed open the door to the private ward. He froze, completely stunned. The scene before him was mesmerizing, a picture of pure, unadulterated bliss. Prerana, pale but radiant, sat propped up on the bed, a wide, blissful smile gracing her lips, happy tears glistening in her eyes. Cradled in the crook of her arm, nestled against her, was their tiny son, a new life, a new beginning.

"Rishab, come inside and meet your son," Prerana called out softly, her voice filled with a tender warmth. Rishab, a soft smile already gracing his lips, moved slowly towards the bed. He reached for the tiny bundle, taking his son delicately into his arms, his gaze fixed on the miniature face. Just then, the door burst open with a jarring bang, startling both of them. Kuki stood there, tears streaming down her face, her small body trembling.

"Come, baby, meet your little brother," Prerana called out, her voice laced with a gentle invitation. The next second, Prerana was enveloped in a hug, Kuki launching herself into her mother's arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Shh, baby, Mama's here," Prerana whispered, stroking her daughter's hair. "And now she won't leave you or stay far from you anymore. It's your Mama's promise."