Chapter-32 The Waiting Room of Hope

The hospital was quiet, but the silence carried the weight of worry. Arohi was still unconscious, but the one thing keeping everyone steady was the steady, fragile improvement in her vitals.

Nirvay hadn't stopped—not for a minute. From managing medicines, arranging tests, ensuring blood availability, to forwarding Arohi's reports to top specialists in other cities and even reaching out to international doctors—he was everywhere. Tireless. Restless. Consumed.

In another corner of the hospital, Arohi's mother sat beside her husband, her voice trembling with emotion. "God, please just bring my daughter back to us."

Her husband, equally broken, said, "She must be in so much pain."

Ranvijay, Arohi's elder brother, stood nearby—angry and shaken. "Why did you let her go with that guy? This wouldn't have happened if you'd stopped her."

Arohi's mom looked down. "We didn't know..."

"You really didn't know anything about her and that boy?"

"No," she whispered.

Her father, after a pause, looked at Nirvay from a distance. "But that boy... he hasn't left her side. Not for a second. He hasn't let me do anything—he's doing it all."

Ranvijay scoffed. "You're always too quick to believe in people."

"Stay for a while," her father said softly. "You might see what I see."

Elsewhere, Ayush approached Nirvay. "Bro, please rest a little. You'll collapse too."

Sukhi nodded in agreement. "Yes, Nirvay, just lie down for a few minutes."

"Don't worry about me," Nirvay replied. "I'm fine."

The day passed in a haze of procedures and tension. Nirvay's persistence finally paid off.

Doctor: "Mr. Nirvay, she's awake. But for now, you can only see her through the observation window."

The news hit Nirvay like a wave—he broke down in relief. Sukhi and Ayush rushed to him, trying to calm him.

From the other side, Arohi's parents and brother watched the scene quietly. They saw his tears, the way he clutched the glass with trembling fingers.

Ranvijay, who had been holding back judgment, found his answer without asking a word.

Each family member went inside one by one.

First, her father:

"You scared all of us, beta. Please don't do this again."

Arohi, weak but trying to smile, replied, "Don't cry, papa. I'm going to be okay."

Then her mother:

"I was waiting for you this weekend. I thought I'd cook all your favorite dishes... and look where you ended up."

"Don't cry, Maa. I'll come back, and you'll make everything I love."

Sukhi entered next. Tears streamed down her face as she hugged Arohi gently.

"Who does this, Arohi? You nearly gave us all a heart attack!"

"Oh really? Without me or without Ayush?"

"Ayush I can manage without. You, I can't."

Then Ranvijay stepped in. His tough exterior cracked.

"Bhaiya, why are you crying too? Everyone who visits me is crying."

"You're special to all of us. That's why."

Then came Ayush. His voice cracked as he tried to speak.

"We were all terrified, Arohi."

Arohi smiled faintly. "One more person crying. I'm officially the reason for a flood."

Finally, Nirvay.

He stepped in slowly, trying to smile, but his eyes betrayed him. Arohi could see the strain in every step he took.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "If I hadn't taken you on that trip, none of this would've happened."

"Don't blame yourself. Maybe it was meant to happen."

"I thought I lost you forever," he choked, then broke down and hugged her gently.

"I'm not going anywhere, Nirvay. I'm right here."

He pulled back slightly, cupping her face. "I love you. I can't live without you."

"Stop crying like a baby," she whispered.

Time passed. Arohi's recovery sped up with everyone's love and support. She could walk short distances now, talk and laugh again.

One evening, Ranvijay came to her room, dressed in uniform.

"Time to return to duty."

Her parents stood by. Ranvijay turned to them. "I wouldn't leave, but with Nirvay here, I know she'll be okay. He'll take care of her better than we could."

Her father nodded. "There's no one better for her."

Her mother agreed.

Ranvijay walked over to Arohi. "Take care, okay? When you're well, we'll cook something together again."

Arohi smiled. "Can't wait."

He then walked to Nirvay, paused, and said quietly, "Thank you."

That evening, Nirvay's phone rang.

Nirvay's Mom: "Have you lost your mind? It's been a week—you haven't stepped into the office. Stocks are dropping! Your father is ready to storm the hospital!"

"Wow," Nirvay said dryly. "You two barely talk normally, but the moment business drops, you unite."

"Don't change the subject. Because of that girl, you've lost focus. Come back to work. Or I'll do something you'll regret."

Nirvay cut the call.

He went to speak to the doctors. "Can she be transferred to a hospital in our city?"

Doctor: "Yes, we can arrange for it. She's stable now."

Within hours, Nirvay arranged an air ambulance and shifted Arohi to a top-tier hospital in his own city. Her parents approved the decision.

Arohi: "You should go back to work. It's been ten days. I'll be okay."

He smiled. "I will. But only once you're settled."

Then came another call.

Staff: "Sir… Shreya is in the office. She's sitting in your cabin and giving orders."

The blood drained from Nirvay's face.

His fists clenched.

Something inside him snapped to life.

To be continued...