Chapter 42: Chapter 39

The sterile white walls of the hospital room glowed softly in the morning sunlight. The rhythmic beeping of machines filled the quiet space where Siya lay, her face pale but peaceful. Raghav sat beside her, exhaustion etched into his features. His hand gently clasped hers, his eyes searching her face for any sign of movement.

Suddenly, her fingers twitched. Raghav’s heart leapt as Siya’s eyelashes fluttered, her chest rising slightly deeper than before. He leaned closer, his voice trembling with hope.

“Siya... can you hear me?”

Her eyes opened slowly, the weight of consciousness returning. Blinking against the light, she tried to focus. “Raghav...?”

“Yes, Siya!” His voice broke, a mixture of relief and overwhelming joy. “You’re awake! Thank God. You’re okay.”

She tried to sit up, wincing as pain shot through her side. Raghav immediately moved to support her, gently pushing her back onto the pillows. “Don’t. You need to rest. The doctor said you’re healing, but it’ll take time.”

Her brows furrowed as fragmented memories of the kidnapping and the gunshot flashed in her mind. “By doctor, did you mean yourself ?”

“No, not me,” Raghav explained softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “But you’re safe now. I won’t let anyone hurt you again. I promise.”

A Week Later

Siya was discharged from the hospital. Raghav helped her into the car, his arm wrapped protectively around her. At home, he ensured her room was comfortable, complete with fresh flowers and her favorite books stacked by the bedside.

“You’re on strict bed rest,” Raghav reminded her as he adjusted her pillows. “The doctor’s orders, that's me.”

Siya managed a faint smile. “You sound more like a warden than a doctor.”

Raghav chuckled, pulling up a chair beside her. “If it means keeping you safe and healthy, I’ll gladly take the title.”

And few days later, the quiet calm of the house was disrupted by the arrival of Siya’s family. Alok Singhania, Mrs. Singhania, and Samar stepped into the living room, their expressions a mixture of worry and determination.

Raghav hesitated before letting them into Siya’s room. “She’s still weak,” he warned. “That was the hospital, but this is our home. I hope you understand. No need to shout”

As they entered, Siya’s eyes widened in surprise. Her mother rushed to her side, her voice trembling. “Siya, beta, how are you feeling? We’ve been so worried.”

“I didn't need you here,” Siya replied sternly, her gaze flickering uneasily between her father and brother. Samar stood beside her, his grip tightening.

Alok cleared his throat. “Siya, we want you to come home”. Seeing Raghav with disdain, he continues, “It’s best for you to be with your family during your recovery.”

Before Siya could respond, Samar slipped a note into her hand under the guise of adjusting her blanket. “Your blanket is subsiding”.

She discreetly unfolded it, her eyes scanning the words: “Don’t come home. He’s here. Stay away.”

Siya’s expression changed instantly. Her warmth evaporated, replaced by a cold, steely resolve. “No.”

Alok blinked, taken aback. “What do you mean, no?”

“I’m staying here,” Siya said firmly. “This is my home now. Raghav will take care of me.”

Mrs. Singhania looked anxious, her voice pleading. “But, Siya—”

“I said no,” Siya interrupted, her tone icy. “And I don’t want you visiting me again.”

Her father’s face darkened. “Siya, don’t be foolish. We’re your family—”

“Raghav,” Siya said, cutting him off and turning to her husband. “Get them out of here.”

Raghav’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “You have heard her. Please leave. Don't let me do something disrespectful”

Alok’s anger simmered, but under Siya’s unwavering gaze, he had no choice but to retreat. Samar cast a quick, apologetic glance at Siya before following his parents out.

Once they were gone, Raghav sat beside Siya, his hand gently covering hers. “Are you okay?”

Siya’s eyes filled with unshed tears, but her voice remained steady. “Promise me something, Raghav.”

“Anything,” he said without hesitation.

“Don’t let them visit me again,” she said, her voice breaking slightly. “I don’t want them near me. Ever.”

Raghav’s heart ached at the pain in her words. “I promise,” he said, his voice firm. “Siya. I’ll protect you from everyone—even your family if I have to.”

She looked at him, her eyes searching his. “You mean that?”

“With everything I have,” he replied.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. “I wanted to give you this when you came home, but with everything going on, I forgot.”

Siya opened the box to find a delicate dolphin bracelet nestled inside.

“I know your old one broke during... everything,” Raghav said, his voice soft. “I thought this might replace it. A fresh start, maybe?”

Siya’s fingers traced the bracelet, her eyes glistening. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered. “Thank you.”

Raghav carefully clasped the bracelet around her wrist, his fingers lingering on her hand. “You’re my wife, Siya. I’ll always take care of you. Always.”

For the first time in days, Siya allowed herself to relax, leaning back against the pillows. Despite the storm that still loomed, she felt a flicker of safety—a sanctuary she hadn’t known she needed.

And in that quiet moment, with the dolphin bracelet shining on her wrist, she believed him. Raghav would protect her. No matter what.