CHAPTER 26 : " LOVE'S GENTLE EMBRACE"

This chapter is super emotional but don't worry the ending brings a heartwarming moment that will definitely leave you all with a beautiful smile!☺️

Happy Reading!!❤️

Kashi's heart stopped. The ground beneath her felt like it was crumbling away, and for a moment, she could only stand there frozen. What just happened? How could this have happened? Her lips trembled, eyes filling with hot, stinging tears. Words choked in her throat, but the only sound she could manage was a heart-wrenching wail. "Maa" It was the only word she could say, as her legs began to give out beneath her.

Vishwanath, watching her closely, noticed the sudden change in her expression. His own heart filled with dread as he saw the phone slip from her trembling hands. Acting quickly, he caught the phone mid-fall and brought it to his ear. "Hello, who's this?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Hello, I'm Riya speaking,"came the urgent voice from the other end. "I was just telling Kashi that aunty's health has deteriorated severely. I have brought her to the local hospital, but please come here immediately. I will explain the rest when you arrive."

Vishwanath was taken aback, his heart racing with concern for both Kashi and her mother. Shock coursed through him, but he quickly composed himself, reminding himself that Kashi needed him, he needs to be strong at the moment.

"Kashi, please, don't cry ," Vishwanath whispered, his voice soft yet firm as he gently held her by the shoulders, offering his silent strength and reassurance. "Yeh waqt rone ka nahi hai. Aunty ko kuch nahi hoga. Woh bilkul thik ho jayenge, par abhi Hume jald se jald hospital pahunchna hoga. Aunty needs you". (This is not the time to cry. Nothing will happen to aunty. She will be completely fine, but right now we need to reach hospital as soon as possible. Aunty needs you)

Kashi, still in shock, nodded shakily, trying to speak but only managing a whisper. "Maa.... Maa ko meri zarurat hai. Mujhe Maa ke paas jaana hai...." (Maa.... Maa needs me. I have to go to Maa....)

Vishwanath gently cupped her tear-streaked face, wiping away her tears with his thumbs. "Yes, we will go to aunty right now." Holding her hand, he quickly led her to the car. Every step she took was weak, her mind still reeling from the news.

As they reached his car, Vishwanath helped her into the passenger seat and hurried to his side. He quickly fastened his seatbelt and was about to start the car when he noticed Kashi wasn't wearing hers. "Kashi, seatbelt," he reminded her gently.

Kashi, her mind still foggy from fear and worry, fumbled with the seatbelt. Her hands trembled so much that she couldn't get it fastened. Seeing her struggle, Vishwanath leaned over gently, guiding her hands aside and fastening the seatbelt for her. For a brief moment, his hand lingered on hers, his touch soft, reassuring. "Don't worry," he murmured, his voice low and calming. "Main Hoon Na." (I'm there)

Kashi nodded, her heart racing, but not from the panic anymore. For just a moment, despite everything, there was a warmth in his presence that soothed her raw nerves.

The car sped off towards Jhansi, cutting through the roads as Vishwanath focused solely on getting there as fast as possible.

"Vishwanath ji, please mujhe bus stand pe drop kar dijiye," (Vishwanath ji, please drop me at the bus stand.) Kashi said suddenly, her voice trembling with desperation. "Main apne aap chali jaungi" (I will go by myself.)

Vishwanath glanced at her, with firm expression. "Kashi, main tumhe is halat mein akela nahi chhod sakta. You shouldn't be by yourself. Aur main bhi aunty se milna chahta hoon. Woh mere liye bhi important hain"(Kashi, I can't leave you alone in this situation. You shouldn't be by yourself. And i also want to meet aunty. She is important to me too) His voice was firm yet kind, leaving no room for argument.

Kashi looked at him with tear-filled eyes, her heart heavy. He was right. She couldn't do this alone. She didn't want to do this alone.

They drove in silence for the next hour, Kashi clinging to the small hope that her mother would be okay.

When they arrived at the local hospital, Kashi spotted Riya sitting on one of the hard metal chairs in the waiting area. The moment she saw her friend, Kashi ran over, her heart in her throat. "Riya, where is maa? What happened to her?"

Riya, looking exhausted and worried, stood up quickly. "Kashi, they have taken aunty inside the emergency room. Aunty was fine last night. We even talked before bed. This morning, she had her tea like usual, and when I was about to leave for the cafe, I went to check on her and found her unconscious on the floor. So I brought her here immediately."

Kashi's breath hitched in her throat. She had spoken to her mother the night before, and everything had seemed fine. How could things have changed so quickly?

Before she could ask anything further, the doctor emerged from the room. Kashi rushed over, her voice breaking. "Doctor! M..My mother how is she? Is she alright?"

The doctor, looking grave but calm, motioned for Kashi to calm down. "Your mother's vitals were unstable when she was brought in. As you know, she has chronic kidney disease, which complicates things. We stabilized her for now, but her condition is worsening. She needs a kidney transplant as soon as possible. Without it, I'm afraid the medications and treatments won't be enough for much longer."

Kashi felt like someone had punched her in the gut, her head spinning with the doctor's words. How could this have happened? She always ensured her mother took all her medications on time. So what went wrong.

But doctor, I took care of Maa properly," Kashi cried, her voice trembling. "How can this happen? I made sure she took all her medicines on time."

The doctor's eyes softened with sympathy. "You've done everything you can, but sometimes, medicines cannot do much. The damage to her kidneys has been extensive. She needs a transplant soon."

Kashi felt as if her entire world had crumbled around her. The weight of despair settled heavily on her chest, and her tears flowed uncontrollably, each drop a testament to her anguish. Her mother was her life, every sacrifice, every sleepless night, had been dedicated to ensuring her mother's well-being. Kashi had worked tirelessly, juggling multiple jobs, just to afford the treatments that could cure her mother. But now, after hearing the doctor's grave words, her world had shattered into a million pieces.

This morning, a gnawing sense of dread had gripped her, an unsettling feeling that she couldn't quite shake off. Now, as she sat in the hospital, that feeling had manifested into a gut-wrenching reality. She slid down into the nearby chair, her heart aching with sorrow, the weight of her worries crashing down on her. Kashi buried her face in her hands, her body shaking with silent sobs, as if the world had become too unbearable to face.

Vishwanath, unable to watch the love of his life in such despair, rushed to her side. He sank down onto the chair beside her, his heart breaking at the sight of her suffering. Gently, he placed a hand on her back, his touch reassuring yet tender. "Kashi, aunty ko kuch nahi hoga," (Kashi, nothing will happen to Aunty) he said softly, his voice calm and steady amidst the chaos. "Aunty bilkul thik ho jayenge. Sab thik ho jayega. Please, tum aise ro matt." (Aunty will be absolutely fine. Everything will be alright. Please, don't cry like this)

But Kashi couldn't stop crying. " Vishwanath ji main maa ka khayal acche se nahi rakh payi . Meri wajah se....meri wajah se unki haalat itni kharab hogayi hai," she sobbed, her face buried in her hands. (Vishwanath ji, I couldn't take proper care of my mother. It's because of me....it's because of me that her condition has gotten so bad," she sobbed, her face buried in her hands.)

Vishwanath's heart broke to see her like this. He gently turned her to face him, his hands warm on her shoulders. "Kashi, esa kuch nahi hai. Tumne aunty ka pura dhyaan rakha hai. Kabhi kabhi, kuch cheezein humare haath mein nahi hoti hai . Par tum fikar mat karo, sab thik ho jayega. Agar aunty ko pata chalega ki unki strong Kashi kamzor pad rahi hai , toh unhe bilkul accha nahi lagega."

(Kashi, it's nothing like that. You've taken complete care of Aunty. Sometimes, there are things beyond our control. But don't worry, everything will be alright. If Aunty finds out that her strong Kashi is breaking down, she won't feel good at all)

His words were like a soothing balm, an anchor in the storm of her emotions. He looked into her tear-filled eyes, hoping to convey the strength and hope that he felt deep inside. Kashi's sobs gradually began to subside as she focused on his comforting presence, finding a flicker of solace in his unwavering support.

_________________________________________

A little while later, the doctor came out again and approached them. "For now, Mrs. Anjali is stable, but she will need transplant soon. Also we will need to shift her to a bigger hospital with better facilities for her treatment. She's resting now, and she should regain consciousness soon."

Kashi, though still filled with worry, nodded. She thanked the doctor and rushed inside the room to see her mother. Vishwanath followed closely behind, not wanting to leave her alone even for a second.

When they entered the room, Kashi's heart broke all over again. Her mother lay on the bed, frail, with tubes and wires attached to her body. She looked so weak, so fragile. Tears welled up in Kashi's eyes as she walked over and sat beside her mother's bed. Gently, she patted her mother's hair, her fingers trembling as she touched her.

"Maa, I'm so sorry," Kashi whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I wasn't there when you needed me the most. I'm really sorry, Maa...."

Vishwanath stood at the foot of the bed, his chest tightening at the sight of the woman he loved in so much pain. He wished he could take it all away, her sadness, her fears, everything. He wished he could make everything right for her, but he knew this was beyond his control. All he could do now was be by her side.

Suddenly, the machines beside the bed began beeping, and Anjali stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and the moment they locked with Kashi's, a small, tired smile crept onto her lips.

"Maa!"

Vishwanath immediately called for the nurse, who rushed in and removed Anjali's oxygen mask and a few of the wires connected to her. Anjali opened her eyes slowly, her gaze falling on Kashi, and a soft smile tugged at her lips despite her weakened state.

"Maa, how are you now? I was so scared for you!" Kashi cried out, tears flooding her eyes, gripping her hand tightly, the overwhelming emotions spilling out.

Anjali, though still frail, lifted her hand with effort and gently wiped the tears from Kashi's face. "Beta....I'm fine, don't cry, please. It hurts me to see you like this," she whispered with a tender smile, her voice tired but filled with a mother's love.

Kashi shook her head, unable to stop the tears. "I'm sorry, Maa....I wasn't there when you needed me the most. I'm so sorry," she said, her heart heavy with guilt and sadness.

Anjali's fingers brushed her daughter's cheek lovingly. "You have nothing to be sorry for, Kashi. You've always done more than enough for me. Please, don't blame yourself."

Kashi sobbed softly, her head bowed beside Anjali. Vishwanath, standing nearby, was watching the exchange, feeling an ache in his heart. He hated seeing Kashi like this, so burdened by guilt and worry. He wished with everything in him that he could take away all her pain. But it wasn't that simple.

Vishwanath cleared his throat, stepping closer. "How are you feeling now, Aunty?" he asked gently, his voice low but caring.

Anjali turned her gaze towards him, still weak but filled with warmth. "I'm better,thank you, Vishwanath beta.

He smiled warmly,"Please don't worry about anything, everything will be alright." Vishwanath said this with a strong resolution in his heart. He was determined to make everything right soon, no matter what it took. He would make sure Kashi's mother received the best treatment possible, and he wouldn't back down until she was completely fine.

_________________________________________

Soon, the medicine kicked in, and Anjali drifted back into a peaceful sleep. Kashi stayed by her mother's side, adjusting her blankets and checking to make sure she was comfortable. Vishwanath, meanwhile, decided to go to the hospital canteen to grab something for them to eat, knowing that neither of them had eaten anything since breakfast.

His phone buzzed just as he placed an order for food. It was his mother, Shalini, calling again. He had missed several calls from her and other family members earlier, no doubt because they were worried about him.

"Vishu, where are you? Your papa and I are really worried. You didn't come back to the office after dropping Kashi. Is everything okay? Is Kashi alright?" his mother's voice was full of concern.

"I'm fine, Maa. Don't worry," Vishwanath reassured his worried mother to calm her down. He briefly explained the situation, skipping the part about his earlier confession to Kashi. He wasn't ready to share that just yet, especially since there was more he needed to understand about Kashi's insecurities.

Shalini immediately understood. "Oh, beta....Please take care of Kashi and her mother. They really need you at the moment. Let me know if you need any help, alright? I'll explain everything to your papa," she said softly.

"Thanks, Maa. I will," Vishwanath replied, ending the call. He pocketed his phone and carried the plate of sandwiches and two cups of tea he had ordered and walked towards a small waiting room that he had booked for Kashi's comfort. It was a quiet, private room with soft couches, which he had arranged, given his VVIP status. He wanted her to have some peace and privacy during this difficult time.

As he approached, he noticed Kashi sitting on one of the sofas, looking utterly exhausted. Her eyes were puffy from crying, and her face was drawn with worry. The day's events had clearly taken a toll on her, first the emotional whirlwind of their morning confession, and now her mother's health scare. She looked so small, so fragile at that moment, and it broke his heart.

Without a word, he gently placed the black coat of his suit, which he had been carrying in his arms, on the sofa beside her, before sitting down next to her. He gently handed her the sandwich and tea. Kashi looked up, offering him a small, tired smile.

"Thank you," she whispered, taking the plate. "But it wasn't needed, Vishwanath ji."

"It is very much needed, Kashi," he said, his voice soft but firm. "Now finish it. You look so drained."

Kashi hesitated but eventually took a bite, realizing how hungry she truly was. The warm food seemed to soothe her, and for the first time all day, she felt a small sense of relief wash over her. Both of them ate in silence, the atmosphere calm and quiet after such a long and stressful day.

After finishing her meal, Kashi turned to Vishwanath and softly said, "Thank you and sorry, Vishwanath ji......"

Vishwanath raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Tum mujhe thank you aur sorry saath mein kyun bol rahi ho?", (Why are you thanking and apologizing to me together?) he asked, though he found her sudden words endearing.

"Thank you aaj apke saath aur support ke liye" (Thank you for being with me today and for your support) she said, her voice grateful and full of sincerity.

"Aur sorry, meri wajah se apko apna important kaam chhod kar yahaan rukna pada. Aap hamesha meri itni madad karte ho, aur main sirf apko pareshan karti rehti hoon." (And I'm sorry that because of me, you had to leave your important work and stay here. You are always helping me, and all I seem to do is trouble you)

A small pout formed out of habit on her lips as she spoke, making Vishwanath

smile. But he decided to tease her a bit.

" Par main abhi bhi tumse naraz hoon, Kashi" (But I'm still upset with you, Kashi) he said, feigning seriousness.

Kashi's eyes widened in panic. "I'm really sorry, Vishwanath ji!Main kabhi aapko pareshaan nahi karna chahti thi. Par Maa....(I never wanted to trouble you. It's just that Maa.....)

Before she could continue, Vishwanath burst out laughing, unable to keep up the act. Kashi looked at him, confused.

"Aap Hass kyu rahe hai, Vishwanath ji?"

(Why are you laughing, Vishwanath ji?) she asked, her pout deepening.

He pinched her cheeks gently and said, "Tum bohot cute ho, Kashi. Main kabhi tumhari madad karke pareshaan nahi ho sakta. Main tumse isliye naraaz hoon kyunki maine tumhe kitni baar kaha hai ke mujhe thank you ya sorry mat kaha karo, lekin tum kabhi nahi sunti."

(He pinched her cheeks gently and said, You are so cute, Kashi. I can never be troubled by helping you. I'm upset because I've told you so many times not to say thank you or sorry to me, and yet you never listen.)

Kashi blushed, her cheeks warm, "Lekin jab zarurat ho thank you aur sorry kehna important hota hai vishwanath ji," she murmured. (But it's important to say thank you and sorry when needed, Vishwanath ji, she murmured.)

"Itni ziddi kyun ho tum, Kashi?" (Why are you so stubborn, Kashi?) Vishwanath asked, his tone slightly playful.

"Is maamle mein toh main ziddi hoon, Vishwanath ji," (In this matter, I am stubborn, Vishwanath ji) Kashi replied, her eyes sparkling with the same energy as him.

Their laughter echoed softly, easing some of the tension that had hung over them throughout the day. It was a brief moment of lightness amidst the storm, a reminder that even in challenging times, they could find solace in each other's company.

They talked for a while, sharing light-hearted conversation and comforting words. For a moment, there was silence between them, a comfortable, peaceful silence. As he glanced at her again, he noticed that Kashi was fighting off sleep. Her head kept nodding forward as her eyelids fluttered, revealing her struggle to stay awake. Vishwanath couldn't help but smile at how adorable she looked in that moment.

Without thinking, Vishwanath gently guided her head onto his shoulder, his movements tender and protective. He positioned her carefully, ensuring she was comfortable without jostling her. As her head nestled against him, he felt the warmth radiating from her, a calming presence that soothed him as well.

Kashi, half-asleep, instinctively reached for his arm and hugged it close, cuddling into him like a child seeking warmth.

A tender smile spread across Vishwanath's face as he watched her and soon, sleep claimed him as well. Together, they drifted off, sitting on that small sofa, cuddled up close to each other, their hearts full of love despite the challenges they had faced.

Words: 3K

Hope you enjoyed the chapter.

Target 🎯 : 70 votes and 12 comments

Author's Note 📖

Life often throws extreme challenges our way, but with true love beside us, we can weather any storm. This story reminds us that even in difficult times, solace can be found in each other's company, just as Kashi finds her strength and comfort with Vishwanath by her side. After all True love conquers all!!❤️

Thank you for your love and support 💕

Lots of Love,

Smiling Cupcake 😊🧁