A Heart-Wrenching Decision

The morning dawned like any other, filled with the usual hum of activity in Arun and Ria's home. Ria had been feeling mild discomfort throughout the night but dismissed it as part of the late stages of pregnancy.

However, as Arun prepared their breakfast, he heard Ria's sharp gasp from the living room. He rushed to find her clutching her stomach, her face pale and etched with pain.

"Arun…" she whispered, her voice trembling. "Something's wrong."

Without wasting a second, Arun helped her into the car and sped to the hospital, his heart pounding in his chest.

At the hospital, the medical team quickly took Ria to the emergency delivery unit. Arun paced outside the operating room, a flurry of thoughts and fears clouding his mind.

A doctor emerged, his expression grim.

"Mr. Arun," he began. "Ria is experiencing complications. The baby is in distress, and Ria's condition is critical."

Arun's world seemed to tilt. "What does that mean? Are they both… are they going to be okay?"

The doctor sighed, his tone careful yet urgent. "We're doing everything we can. But there's a possibility we might have to make a difficult decision—to prioritize saving either the baby or the mother."

The words hit Arun like a freight train. "What? No. You have to save them both. There has to be a way!"

"We will try," the doctor assured him, "but if it comes to it, we'll need your decision. Please think carefully."

Arun sank into a chair, his head in his hands. Memories of Ria flooded his mind—the way she laughed, her quirks, her endless optimism. And then, images of the life they had imagined with their baby: first steps, first words, a future filled with joy.

His thoughts were interrupted by a nurse who handed him a form. "Sir, we need you to make the call."

Tears streamed down Arun's face as he gripped the pen. He couldn't do this. How could anyone be asked to choose between the love of their life and the life they had created together?

Suddenly, his phone buzzed. It was a video message from Ria, recorded a few weeks ago.

Arun hesitated, then played it. Ria's face filled the screen, her eyes twinkling with the same warmth he loved.

"Hey, Arun," she said, her voice steady yet filled with emotion. "If you're watching this, something serious must have happened. I hope it hasn't, but life is unpredictable, right?

I just want you to know… I trust you. You've always been my rock, my strength. And I know that whatever decision you're facing, you'll make it with all the love in your heart.

Our baby deserves a chance at life, Arun. If it comes down to it, save them. I know you'll give them all the love we dreamed of. And Arun… if I'm not there, promise me you'll tell them how much I love them. Every day."

Arun's tears fell freely as the video ended.

When the doctor returned, Arun stood, his legs shaky but his resolve firm.

"Save the baby," he said, his voice breaking. "But… but please do everything you can for Ria too."

The doctor nodded and disappeared into the operating room.

The minutes stretched into hours, each one heavier than the last. Arun paced the hallway, his mind a storm of emotions. Every sound from the operating room made his heart leap.

Finally, the doctor emerged. Arun rushed to him, his eyes searching for answers.

"The baby is safe," the doctor said, a faint smile breaking through his exhaustion. "A healthy baby girl. Congratulations."

"And Ria?" Arun asked, his voice barely a whisper.

The doctor hesitated. "It was touch and go, but… she's stable. She's a fighter, Arun."

Arun's knees nearly buckled with relief. "Can I see them?"

"Soon," the doctor said. "We're moving Ria to recovery."