1. Aditi's book is complete.
At the age of 17, Aditi finds herself in a critical moment. Just prior to her surgery, she lies on the hospital bed, pen in hand, inscribing her thoughts into a book, while Yash sits beside her.
"King Vanraj rises from his throne, grasping the crown in his hand. 'The time has come for a new generation to take the helm in SuryaGarh, heralding the reign of a youthful King. After careful consideration, I declare that the next king of SuryaGarh will be Rajkumar Dhrupad, the second prince.'
A wave of joy sweeps through the populace of SuryaGarh, though Senapati Rudra remains silent. Prince Dhrupad ascends the stage, standing proudly beside his father. As King Vanraj holds the crown aloft, a furious Rudra unsheathes his sword, which hangs at his side.
He shouts, 'Prince Dhrupad cannot ascend to the throne. I will not permit this coronation. He is a sinner, a wolf disguised in sheep's clothing.'
As Rudra raises his sword, the third prince, Yashomitra, steps forward to shield Dhrupad. The blade plunges into his heart, and a torrent of blood surges through him. He collapses to the ground, the sword still embedded in him, as flames begin to engulf his body. Both Rudra and Dhrupad are taken aback by Yashomitra's unexpected sacrifice. A battalion of soldiers swiftly surrounds Rudra, apprehending him from all directions. Maya attempts to fend off the soldiers in defense of her master, but they too are soon captured. Dhrupad rushes to Yashomitra's side, embracing him tightly.
'Brother, what have you done? Why did you sacrifice your life for me? How can I reign as king without my beloved brother by my side? Everything is meaningless without you. You promised to always stand by me!'
Yashomitra coughs, struggling to respond. 'No, brother, please do not speak this way. I am content that you are finally becoming king. I am proud to have given my life for someone as noble as you. My life has found purpose. Promise me you will govern our kingdom wisely. Farewell, brother...'
With those final words, Yash takes his last breath.
'I hereby decree a death sentence for the General.'
"We the 12 noble ministers of Suryagarh on this date and time coronate Rajkumar Dhrupad as the next reigning king."
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Aditi exclaimed with joy, "I did it! I finally finished it!" as she jumped with her book in hand.
"What did you finish?" Yash asked, looking puzzled.
"The book I have been writing for the past three years! I finally completed the ending! Can you take a look and tell me what you think?" she inquired, her face beaming with anticipation for praise from her closest friend.
Yash took the book from her and began to read. After a few moments, he remarked, "What have you done, Aditi? You killed Yashomitra? I was quite fond of that character. I am truly saddened that you chose to end his life!" He pretended to cry dramatically.
"Well, would you have preferred that Rudra be allowed to commit murder against Prince Dhrupad?" Aditi countered, observing Yash's feigned sorrow.
"Of course not! I am just relieved that Rudra faced justice. That brings me some comfort," he replied.
"Now that's the spirit! You are truly a wonderful friend, Yash! It is because of you that I have managed to endure this hospital ordeal. But after today's surgery, I hope to never return here again."
"Yes, Aditi, hurry up and finish your surgery so we can explore my new college together."
They began to playfully interact in the room, allowing Aditi to momentarily forget about her heart condition.
At that moment, Atharva, Aditi's older brother and her personal cardiologist, entered the room with Nurse Rupal. Rupal scolded Aditi upon seeing her running around, "Aditi, stop running around! It will only exacerbate your heart pain."
Aditi felt a twinge of sadness at the reminder of her condition but nodded in agreement with the nurse. "I'm sorry, Nurse Rupal," she replied softly.
Atharva approached her and gently lifted her chin, saying, "Come on, Nurse Rupal, don't scold her. She is very happy today because her years of hard work have finally paid off. She has completed her book. Why don't we consider getting it published? What do you think?"
A wide smile spread across Aditi's face. "Really, brother???"
"Of course! You have worked so hard on it. I just spoke with Yash's sister, Shikha, and she is definitely interested in helping you publish your book." Her brother's words filled her with joy
Yash and Aditi resume their dancing, drawing a disapproving glance from Nurse Rupal. However, Aditi soon begins to cough, prompting Atharva to intervene and suggest that she take a break. She complies with her brother's request. Yash wishes her well for the upcoming surgery and assures her that he will visit afterward. He departs for the hospital, leaving Aditi behind.
Feeling a sense of sadness as Yash leaves, Aditi finds comfort in Atharva, who takes her hand.
"Are you ready for the surgery? After this procedure, you will be able to return home," he asks. Aditi responds with a nod of affirmation. Atharva and Nurse Rupal accompany her to the operating theater.
Aditi has spent more time in the hospital than in her own home, surrounded by just three individuals: her brother Atharva, her best friend Yash, and Nurse Rupal. Atharva has been her guardian and has raised her with unwavering support.
He is her entire universe, and she places her trust in him above all others. Nevertheless, she longs for her home and yearns to return to a life filled with exploration, meeting new people, attending college, and enjoying the normalcy of life.
To escape the harsh reality of her fragile health, she immerses herself in her writings, creating an imaginary world that offers solace.