Chapter- 31 Until My Hand Slipped Out of Yours

THE DAY .....

The car was parked quietly by the roadside, just off the highway. Nirvay had stepped out to get some snacks and water, while Arohi remained inside the car.

Arohi's Monologue:

"How foolish I've been… staying away from this man for so many years, constantly misunderstanding him, denying this love, and fighting my own feelings. He's always loved me—and never once stopped proving it. From now on, I'll never leave him. We'll always be together… we'll…"

Sound. Boom.

A speeding car crashed violently into theirs.

Nirvay heard the deafening sound and rushed out, eyes wide in horror.

"Arohi!" he screamed.

The sound of ambulance sirens filled the air. Arohi lay half-conscious, barely able to focus, her vision blurry. She could see Nirvay crying and shouting something, but his voice felt distant. His hands grasped hers—until, slowly, her hand slipped out of his.

She was rushed into the emergency room.

---

At the Hospital

Nirvay was frantic, his shirt soaked in Arohi's blood. Panic took over. He called Ayush.

"Happy birthday, birthday boy!" Ayush answered cheerfully.

Nirvay's voice cracked: "Arohi met with an accident. It's serious."

Ayush froze. "What? Send your location—we're coming."

He immediately informed Sukhi, who almost collapsed from the news. Sukhi told Arohi's parents, who then contacted Arohi's younger brother. Everyone rushed to the hospital, though it was seven hours away.

Meanwhile, inside the hospital:

Doctor: "Mr. Nirvay, she has lost a lot of blood. We need A+ blood urgently. Please arrange a donor."

Nirvay dashed to the blood bank.

"Give me all the A+ blood you have!"

Staff: "Sir, that's against protocol. We need a donor."

"Someone's life is on the line! Name your price!"

Staff: "Sir, everyone's life matters. We can't give out all A+ units without a donor."

Nirvay ran to the records counter.

"I need the list of past A+ donors!"

Staff: "Sorry sir, we can't—"

"Do you want someone to die?! Give me the list, I'll beg if I have to!"

The staff, after some deliberation, handed him a list. He made calls—one after the other. Most refused.

But then, he tried again.

This time, all ten of the donors he called showed up within thirty minutes.

The hospital staff accepted the blood. Arohi's transfusion began.

---

Later, the doctor came out.

"She's still critical. Her pulse is very low. The next 24 hours are crucial."

Nirvay sat, broken.

"Why does this always happen to me? I finally found happiness… I finally had her. And now… this."

Tears streamed down his face.

Ayush called again.

"We're halfway there. Stay strong. Arohi will make it."

Hours passed. No improvement.

By evening, Ayush and Sukhi arrived. Sukhi hugged Nirvay, crying uncontrollably.

"She'll be okay… right?" she asked, trembling.

Nirvay could only nod, trying to stay strong.

Ayush brought him a clean shirt. Nirvay had been in his blood-stained clothes since morning.

Arohi's parents soon arrived. Her mother broke down upon seeing Sukhi.

"I just spoke to her this morning… she sounded fine…"

Her father asked, "How did the accident happen?"

Sukhi couldn't answer. Nirvay, hearing this, broke down further.

He finally walked up to them.

"I'm so sorry. It's my fault."

Her father stared. "Who are you?"

"I'm her friend… and her boss. I took her out today. It was my plan."

Then he turned and walked away.

A few minutes later, the doctor returned.

"Mr. Nirvay, her condition is worsening. Chances of survival are low."

Nirvay snapped. "Then I'll shift her to another hospital!"

"Sir, she's in no condition to move. We're giving her the best treatment. But we're about to try something experimental… it could either help… or…"

"Or what?!"

"Just pray."

---

That night was the heaviest in all their lives.

Nirvay's mind raced with memories—how Arohi had laughed just a night ago, how she sang the birthday song, how she gifted him that bracelet...

He looked at it now.

"I'm always with you, Nirvay."

He broke down again.

All night, he coordinated meds, blood, calls—anything that could help.

He brought water and food to Arohi's parents, to Sukhi, to Ayush. No one ate.

Neither did he.

That night became the darkest night of his life.

Around 4 AM, someone called him.

"Mr. Raj! Mr. Raj!"

He jolted awake. Fear gripped him.

"Is she okay?!"

"She's showing signs of improvement. Her body is responding."

Relief flooded through him.

"Thank you… and I'm sorry for earlier."

"No need. We understand."

He called Ayush immediately.

"She's improving. Tell everyone."

Everyone gathered in the emergency ward. Arohi was still unconscious but stable now—out of danger.

By morning, her brother—who was in the army—arrived.

He met everyone, then approached Nirvay.

"We'll talk later," he said firmly.

Nirvay finally felt the first wave of peace.

Arohi was going to live.

And that was all that mattered.