Chapter 43: 38. Releif

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The doctor's words hit Aarvi like a sledgehammer. Her knees felt weak as her body swayed slightly. Poorva grabbed her arm for support as she gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief.

No… no, that can’t be true. He… he was fine, he was just trying to save me… Aarvi whispers

Poorva, equally as shocked, tightened her grip on Aarvi’s arm, her voice cracking.

Doctor, 1%? That’s… that’s not enough. You have to do more. You have to save him! Poorva said

The doctor nodded, his expression solemn.

We’re doing everything in our power, but the injuries are severe. The internal bleeding in his brain is particularly dangerous. If we can’t control it soon, the chances of survival become even slimmer. Doctor said

Nandini Ji let out a soft sob, her hand covering her mouth as tears welled in her eyes.

Please, Doctor… Darshil is my grandson. He’s young, he’s strong. There has to be something more you can do! Nandini ji pleads

The doctor hesitated before continuing.

We are going to take him into emergency surgery to try and reduce the pressure on his brain. But I need you all to prepare yourselves for another possibility… even if we manage to stabilize him, there’s a significant chance that he could lose his memory. Doctor said

Aarvi’s heart stopped for a moment, her breath shallow as she stared at the doctor in disbelief.

His memory? You mean… he might not remember anything? Not even us? Aarvi said, chocking on her words

The doctor nodded, his voice gentle but firm.

Yes, due to the trauma to his brain, memory loss is a very real possibility. It could be temporary, or… it could be permanent. We won’t know until he wakes up, but you need to be prepared for that. Doctor said

Aarvi’s knees finally gave out, and she collapsed onto the nearby chair, her face buried in her hands as she sobbed uncontrollably. The guilt, the fear, the overwhelming pain—it all came crashing down on her.

No… this can’t be happening… not because of me… not because of my doubts… Aarvi said while crying

Shiv, who had been silent until now, clenched his fists, his face dark with anger and frustration.

There has to be another way. Darshil is a fighter. He’s been through so much… He can’t just… he can’t just die. Shiv said

The doctor gave him a somber look.

I understand how difficult this is. But right now, all we can do is fight with him. We’ll do everything we can in surgery, but you need to be strong—for Darshil. Doctor said

Nandini Ji stepped forward, her eyes red with tears, but her voice filled with determination.

He will fight. Darshil has always been a fighter. I believe in him. Nandini ji said

The doctor gave her a sympathetic nod before turning back toward the ICU doors.

We’re going to take him into surgery now. I’ll keep you updated on his condition. The doctor said and walked away.

Poorva stared at Aarvi, who was sobbing before her eyes drifted to her blood drenched hand.

Aarvi… you need to calm down. You’re hurt too. Your hands— Poorva said

Aarvi shook her head violently, backing away.

No. This is my punishment. I won’t get treated until Darshil wakes up. I don’t deserve it. Aarvi said

Shiv stepped forward, his expression firm but compassionate.

Aarvi, this isn’t your fault. None of it is. Darshil made his own choices, and he chose to protect you. But you need to take care of yourself, too. Shiv said

Nandini Ji reached out, gently taking Aarvi’s injured hands in hers, her voice filled with motherly concern.

Beta, you’re bleeding. Let me take you to the nurse. Darshil wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself like this. Nandini ji said

Aarvi looked at her bloodied hands, her voice hollow.

No… I’ll wait. I’ll wait until he wakes up. This is what I deserve for not trusting him… for doubting him, for putting him in this condition. Aarvi said

Nandini Ji tried to soothe her, her eyes filled with tears.

Aarvi, Darshil loves you. He did all this because of that love. He wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself like this. Please, let me help you. Nandini ji said

But Aarvi shook her head again, stepping back, her tears blurring her vision.

I can’t. Not until he opens his eyes. Not until I can tell him… how wrong I was. Aarvi whisperes

Poorva walked over, placing a gentle hand on Aarvi’s shoulder, her voice soft.

We understand, Aarvi. But punishing yourself won’t change what happened. You’re part of this family, and we need you to be strong—for Darshil bhai. Poorva said

Aarvi wiped her tears, her voice broken.

He risked his life for me… and I couldn’t even trust him. How do I live with that? Aarvi said

Aarvi…  I believe in Darshil, he will wake up and you have to believe in him too. Nandini ji said

Aarvi looked up, her face streaked with tears, her body trembling. She had never felt so helpless in her life.

But what if he forgets me? What if he forgets everything we’ve been through? I can’t live without him… I can’t lose him. Aarvi said while sobbing

Aarvi, Darshil loves you. Memory or no memory, that kind of love doesn’t just disappear. Even if he forgets, you’ll remind him. You’ll bring him back. You have to have faith in that. You are guilty for not trusting him earlier, then trust him and his words now. Daksh, who had been standing quietly in the back, finally spoke, his voice calm but firm.

Aarvi’s tear-filled eyes met Daksh’s, her heart heavy with both hope and despair. She wanted to believe him. She needed to believe him. But the fear gnawed at her insides.

Poorva knelt beside Aarvi, holding her sister-in-law’s hand tightly.

Aarvi, we need you to be strong. For him. You’ve always been his strength, and he needs that now more than ever. Poorva said, her voice was shaky.

Aarvi hugged her and cried as hard as she could, until there were no tears left in her eyes.

I’ll be strong. I’ll be here for him… no matter what happens. Even if he forgets everything, I won’t leave him. Aarvi whisperes

Nandini ji couldn't control her tears anymore. At that time, everyone was feeling pity on Aarvi, her condition, who was sobbing heavily as if she will really die if something happens to Darshil.

Almost 2 hours passed but there was no information of Darshil.

As everyone fell silent, the cold hospital air wrapping around them, Aarvi stood alone, staring at the ICU doors. Her hands were still bloodied, her heart still shattered, her mind swirled with a million thoughts. Could she bear it if Darshil forgot her? Could she handle seeing him wake up and not recognize her, not remember their moments together? But then she remembered what Daksh had said—love doesn’t just disappear. She clung to that thought, as fragile as it was.

Poorva sat in a corner, her face hidden in her hands, trying to control the torrent of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She had been strong for everyone—Nandini Ji, her grandmother, and Aarvi—but now, alone in the dimly lit area, the weight of her fears began to crush her.

Just then, Shiv, who had been pacing the hallway, noticed Poorva sitting alone, her shoulders shaking as if barely holding back tears. His heart twisted seeing her like this. He had known her for years, watched her deal with unimaginable pain, and this felt like watching her break all over again.

Without saying a word, he walked over and sat beside her, his presence gentle yet grounding. She didn’t look up immediately, but he could feel her tension.

Poorva.... Shiv said softly

She didn’t respond at first, but then she turned her face slightly, her eyes red and brimming with unshed tears.

Shiv… I don’t know if I can do this. I’ve lost too much already. Poorva said

Her words hung in the air, fragile and full of agony. She looked away quickly, wiping her tears as if ashamed of being seen so vulnerable.

Shiv’s heart clenched. He had known Poorva’s past, the accident that had claimed her parents and brother five years ago. He had been there for her, silently supporting her through those dark days, but seeing her like this—so close to breaking—was unbearable.

You don’t have to be strong all the time, Poorva. Not here. Not with me. Shiv said

She shook her head, her hands gripping the sides of her arms as though trying to hold herself together.

I can’t lose him too, Shiv. I’ve already lost my parents… I lost Rishav bhai in that accident… and now, Darshil bhai … I just… I can’t… not again. Poorva said

Her voice cracked as the tears finally broke free, streaming down her face. Shiv’s throat tightened.

I’m trying, Shiv. I’m trying so hard to be strong. For Dadi. For Aarvi. They’re falling apart, and I—I’m supposed to be the strong one. But I feel like I’m drowning. Every second, I think about that night—the accident. How everything changed in one moment. And I can’t help but think… what if it happens again? Poorva said

Her words hung heavy, each one a reminder of the crushing weight she was carrying. Shiv couldn’t bear it anymore. Without thinking, he pulled her into a tight embrace, wrapping his arms around her trembling form.

At first, Poorva stiffened, shocked by the sudden closeness, but then something in her broke. She melted into his embrace, burying her face in his chest as sobs racked her body. She let herself fall apart in his arms, her hands clutching his shirt as though holding on for dear life.

You don’t have to carry this alone, Poorva. I’m here. I’ll always be here for you. You don’t have to act strong all the time. It’s okay to lean on someone. Shiv said softly

His words washed over her, soft but full of meaning. She had been holding everything in for so long—trying to be the pillar her family needed—but here, in Shiv’s arms, she finally allowed herself to feel the fear, the pain, and the overwhelming grief she had suppressed.

I don’t know what I would do if I lost him, Shiv. Darshil bhai is all I have left… I’m so scared. Poorva said, her voice muffled against his chest

Shiv’s heart ached for her. He tightened his embrace, resting his chin on her head.

You’re not going to lose him, Poorva. Darshil is strong. He’s going to make it through this, I promise. And even if things feel impossible right now, you’re not alone. You have me, always. Shiv said

His words, spoken with such certainty, soothed some of the terror gnawing at her. Slowly, her sobs began to subside, her breathing evening out as she clung to him for comfort. In his arms, for the first time that night, she felt a small sense of relief, a fragile hope that maybe—just maybe—things would be okay.

The first light of dawn had barely broken when the doctor came into the waiting room, where Aarvi, Poorva, Nandini Ji, Daksh and Shiv sat in a tense silence. All eyes turned toward him, and the air was thick with anticipation.

The surgery was successful. Darshil is out of danger now. We have shifted him from the emergency ward to the general ward. He’s stable, and he should regain consciousness in a few hours. The doctor said with a calm smile

A shower of relief and happiness washed over everybody's face as Nandini ji thanked god.

Aarvi felt the world lift off her shoulders at that moment. For the first time in what felt like ages, she took a full breath. Her heart, which had been beating erratically with fear, slowed, but her mind couldn’t stop racing. There was still the lingering fear—what if Darshil had lost his memory? She couldn’t bear the thought, yet the relief of knowing he was alive, safe, and with them outweighed everything else.

Can I see him? Aarvi asked, her voice shaky but releived

The doctor nodded gently.

Of course. He’s still unconscious, but I can allow any one family member, so you can go in. Doctor said

Aarvi stood up slowly, her legs feeling weak, but her determination stronger than ever. She glanced at Poorva, Nandini Ji, all of whom gave her small, encouraging smiles. With a deep breath, Aarvi made her way to Darshil’s room, her heart pounding.

As she stepped inside the quiet, dimly lit room, Aarvi’s heart clenched at the sight before her. Darshil lay motionless in the hospital bed, his head wrapped in bandages, his arm in a cast. His face, usually so full of intensity and life, was pale, his body vulnerable. She couldn’t stop the tears that filled her eyes as she approached the bed.

Darshil.... Aarvi whispered softly

She reached out and gently brushed his hair back, her fingers trembling as she touched him. It was the first time she had allowed herself to really feel everything—her fear, her love, her pain. She wiped the tears that fell, unwilling to let them linger. She didn’t want to cry anymore; she just wanted him to be okay.

Aarvi leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on his forehead, her lips lingering for a moment longer than she had intended.

I need you, Darshil. I don’t care about anything else right now. I just need you to wake up… please… Aarvi said, her voice full of emotions

Her words hung in the air, vulnerable, filled with the love she had been too afraid to admit, even to herself. She realized now how deeply she cared for him, how much his presence in her life had become something she couldn’t live without.

The minutes dragged into hours, and Aarvi stayed by his side the entire time, her hand resting on his. Suddenly, there was a small shift—a slight twitch of Darshil’s fingers in hers. Aarvi sat up straighter, her eyes widening as she watched him closely. His eyelids fluttered, and her heart raced.

Darshil? Aarvi whispered, her voice trembling.

They all gathered around, holding their breath, watching Darshil as he stirred. The tension in the room was thick; everyone was thinking the same thing—what if he had lost his memory?

Then, Darshil’s eyes slowly opened, blinking against the light. He squinted, his vision adjusting, and then, as if sensing the presence he longed for.

Hazel!! Darshil said in a weak voice

The room froze. Aarvi gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, tears of relief welling up in her eyes. Nandini Ji let out a small sob, and Poorva’s face lit up with a wide, tearful smile.

Darshil… you remember me? Aarvi asked in a soft voice

His gaze shifted to Aarvi, he blinked again, his face still weary from the pain and surgery, but his eyes focused on her with the same intensity she knew so well. He slowly lifted his hand, reaching out weakly, and she immediately grabbed it, holding on tightly.

How… how could I forget you? Darshil said

Aarvi’s heart swelled with emotion. She leaned in closer, her tears now flowing freely.

Are you okay? Did… did something happen to you? Darshil asked, gathering his strength, his voice shaky but determined.

Aarvi shook her head, overwhelmed by his concern even in his weakened state.

I’m fine. I’m fine, Darshil. But you… you scared us. You scared me… Aarvi said smiling through her tears.

Darshil’s brow furrowed slightly, as if trying to remember. He took a deep breath, and then, as if something had been weighing on his chest for far too long, he spoke.

Hazel… I didn’t cheat on you. I never would. I love you. Darshil said, his voice breaking.

The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, and Aarvi felt a wave of emotions crash over her. She hadn’t expected him to say that—not now, not like this—but hearing it, hearing the raw vulnerability in his voice, broke something inside her. She had doubted him, feared the worst, but here he was, confessing his love when he could barely speak.

Darshil… I’m so sorry. I was so afraid. I thought I’d lose you, and I couldn’t… I couldn’t bear it. Aarvi said

She leaned down, resting her forehead against his as tears slipped down her cheeks.

I don’t care about anything else. I just need you. I need you to be okay. Aarvi whispered

I’m not going anywhere, Hazel. I’m here. I’ll always be here… for you.

Please don't cry, my hands are too.... weak right now.... I am not able to lift them up to wipe your tears. Darshil said making her feel overwhelmed by his love. Darshil said, breathing heavily

Aarvi smiled and nodded.

The room was silent, the weight of the moment washing over everyone present. Nandini Ji wiped her tears, Poorva smiled through her relief, and Shiv and Daksh watched the scene, his heart aching with both sadness and joy. This moment was theirs—Darshil and Aarvi, standing on the edge of something new, something stronger.

Darshil closed his eyes for a moment, his breath shaky, but a small smile tugged at his lips as he looked at Nandini ji.

Dadi, I hope you didn't cry as much as this stupid girl is.... You know how strong I am to easily fight all this. Darshil said in a weak voice, glancing some times at Aarvi.

Nandini ji nodded, wiping her tears.

No beta, I didn't cry, I was just scared like everyone, but I believed in you and you proved me right. Nandini ji said holding his weak hands.

Thank you for believing in me, dadi. I knew it. Darshil said with a weak smile.

*********

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