The morning sun bathed the sprawling D'Cruz mansion in a soft golden light, filtering through the canopy of mango trees that lined the driveway. Inside, the air buzzed with anticipation as final preparations were underway for the special pooja in honor of Vedika's achievement. Her parents, Alex Peter D'Cruz and Tirza D'Cruz, were overjoyed to celebrate their daughter's success. Vedika had just been named the Best CEO of D'Cruz Enterprises, a milestone worth cherishing.
The mansion's main hall had been transformed into a divine sanctuary. Jasmine garlands hung gracefully from the ceilings, their sweet fragrance mingling with the aroma of incense sticks and fresh roses. A vibrant rangoli adorned the entrance, made of intricate patterns in hues of red, yellow, and green. A bronze statue of Lord Ganesha stood at the center of the pooja mandapam, decorated with sandalwood paste and flowers.
Vedika sat in her room, adjusting her green half-saree in front of the mirror. The silk fabric shimmered in emerald hues, adorned with golden zari that caught the sunlight streaming through her window. Her waist-length hair had been neatly braided, and her mother, Tirza, had carefully tucked fragrant white jasmine flowers into the braid.
"Vedika, nee inge vaa! (Come here!)" Tirza called out from the hall, her voice laced with excitement. Tirza herself looked regal in a traditional maroon Kanjeevaram saree, her gold bangles clinking softly as she arranged the kalasham on the altar. Her Tamil roots shone through every detail of the arrangements—bananas, betel leaves, and coconuts were placed alongside an assortment of colorful flowers.
Alex stood nearby, dressed in a crisp white shirt and veshti, his demeanor proud yet humble. Though a devout Christian, Alex had embraced his wife's Tamil Hindu traditions for this special occasion, blending their two faiths seamlessly. Aryaan, Vedika's elder brother, mirrored their father's attire and helped guide their guests, who were all family members and close friends, to their seats on the silk mats arranged in the hall.
Siara, Vedika's younger sister, twirled in her purple half-saree, checking her reflection in every surface she could find. "Akka, you look so pretty!" she gushed, giving Vedika an admiring look.
As the clock struck 10:00 AM, the priest began the pooja. Chants of Sanskrit mantras filled the room, creating an atmosphere of serenity. Vedika and her family sat cross-legged before the mandapam, the flickering flames of the diyas reflecting in their eyes. Tirza guided Vedika in offering the flowers, pouring milk over the sacred idol, and lighting the camphor. The priest blessed her with a garland of flowers and tied a small thread around her wrist, symbolizing protection and prosperity.
Alex, though less familiar with the rituals, joined wholeheartedly, his hands folded in prayer. Tirza glanced at him and smiled, appreciating his willingness to embrace her traditions. After the pooja, the priest sprinkled holy water on everyone present and blessed Vedika for her success and future endeavors.
The family then served a feast of Tamil delicacies—steaming idlis, crispy dosas, tangy sambhar, and sweet payasam—to the guests. The mood was light, filled with laughter and congratulatory remarks for Vedika. Her uncles teased her about being a tough CEO, while her cousins shared memories of her childhood.
After the pooja, the D'Cruz mansion was still lively with close family chatting, laughter filling the air, and the lingering aroma of jasmine and incense. Vedika, however, had excused herself quietly, slipping away unnoticed. Upstairs in her room, she quickly changed out of her traditional green half-saree into a sleek, long black dress that hugged her figure perfectly. The dress was understated yet elegant, with a slit that gave it an edge of daring, mirroring her personality. She ran her fingers through her hair, letting it fall loose over her shoulders, and grabbed her car keys.
The driveway was silent as she started her car and drove toward the private jet terminal at the city's airport. This wasn't the first time Vedika was sneaking out to meet Rohan, and her pulse quickened at the thought of seeing him again. Their relationship was a complicated web—enemies with benefits, a mix of rivalry and undeniable attraction. It was exhilarating, secret, and dangerously addictive.
The terminal was nearly deserted as Vedika pulled up and spotted him immediately. Rohan stood near his sleek black bike, dressed in a comfortable yet stylish black outfit—his fitted t-shirt and joggers emphasizing his lean frame. The golden lights of the runway behind him created an almost cinematic effect.
As she approached, his lips curled into a cocky smile. "Finally, aaj toh mujhe laga tum nahin aogi," he said, his tone teasing but his eyes betraying a glint of genuine warmth.
Vedika smirked, crossing her arms. "Tumhe lagta hai main itni easily chhod dungi? Aur waise bhi, mujhe pata tha tumhara wait karna worth hoga."
Rohan chuckled and tilted his head, taking a step closer. "Tum hamesha confidence ke saath aati ho... aur wahi confidence mujhe pagal karta hai."
She arched a brow, refusing to let her guard slip. "Stop flirting, Rohan. Tum jaante ho na, yeh kuch nahi badlega."
"Woh tumhare kehne se nahi badlega," he said softly, his gaze holding hers for a beat too long.
The air between them grew thick with unspoken tension, a magnetic pull neither could deny. She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the faint smile tugging at her lips. "Acha, mujhe yeh batao, tumne mujhe yahan kyun bulaya hai?"
Rohan stepped back and gestured toward the private jet waiting on the tarmac. "Surprise hai. Tumhe pata chal jayega."
Before she could press him for details, he took her hand and led her toward the jet. The touch sent a spark coursing through her, but she said nothing, masking her reaction with her usual poise.
Inside the jet, the cabin was luxurious yet cozy. Soft lighting, plush leather seats, and champagne waiting on the table greeted her. As Rohan helped her settle in, Vedika leaned back and shot him a suspicious glance.
"Rohan, where are we going?" she asked, her tone demanding but tinged with curiosity.
"Patience, Vedika," he said with a smirk, pouring himself a glass of champagne. "Relax, enjoy the flight."
Her brows furrowed. "Tum kabhi straightforward kyun nahi ho sakte?"
"Straightforward ho gaya toh mazaa kaise aayega?" he quipped, leaning back with an air of nonchalance.
Vedika groaned in frustration. She tried prying more details out of him, but Rohan was a fortress of secrets. Eventually, she gave up and leaned back in her seat. "Fine. Agar tum nahi bologe, toh main so ja rahi hoon."
"Good idea. Tumhe rest ki zarurat hai," he said, watching her with a small smile as she drifted off to sleep.
When Vedika opened her eyes, she realized she was no longer on the jet. She was in a car, cradled in Rohan's arms. The warmth of his embrace and the steady rhythm of his breathing made her feel oddly safe, a sensation she wasn't used to.
"Tum mujhe uthate kyun nahi?" she murmured, sitting up and rubbing her eyes.
He smiled at her, his expression soft. "Tum itni peacefully so rahi thi. Disturb karne ka mann nahi kiya."
Vedika blinked, disoriented, until he gestured toward the window. "Dekho wahan."
She followed his gaze and stared at the sign outside the large, modern building. Her eyes widened as realization dawned. "Termemilano Spa... Milan?"
Rohan's grin widened as she turned to him in disbelief. "Tum mujhe Italy le aaye?!"
"Tumhari success ka gift hai," he said simply, shrugging.
Excitement lit up her face as she stepped out of the car, taking in the luxurious spa. The building was serene and secluded, exuding an aura of exclusivity. Inside, the soft glow of candlelight and the scent of lavender welcomed them. It was nearly empty, likely reserved entirely for them.
Rohan handed her a robe and a swimsuit, his gaze lingering just a moment too long. "Yeh lo. Dressing room wahan hai."
Vedika raised a brow. "Tumne pura spa empty karwa diya?"
"Obviously," he replied with a smirk. "Tumhare saath waqt bitane ka aur kaunse tareeke kaafi honge?"
Shaking her head, she disappeared into the dressing room. When she emerged, wearing a stunning black swimsuit that accentuated her curves, Rohan's smirk faltered for a second. His eyes swept over her, appreciation flickering in his gaze, but he quickly masked it.
"Ready?" he asked, standing there in his own swim shorts, looking effortlessly handsome.
Vedika tossed her hair over her shoulder, a teasing smile on her lips. "Tum itne tameezdaar kabse ban gaye?"
Rohan stepped closer, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. "Tameez kabhi kabhi zarurat ban jaata hai... lekin sirf thodi der ke liye."
Vedika felt the heat rise to her cheeks but didn't give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Instead, she turned toward the spa's warm pools, the tension between them simmering just beneath the surface, ready to boil over at any moment.
The Termemilano Spa was shrouded in an intimate stillness, the kind of calm that followed as a storm built outside.
The infinity pool, surrounded by sleek stone walls and dim lighting, overlooked the rain-soaked Milan skyline. Water
rippled in the heated pool, steam curling into the cool air, creating a veil of sensual mystery.
Vedika stepped into the warm water, her sleek black swimsuit accentuating her curves as she moved. She let out a sigh as the heat of the pool embraced her, the contrast to the chilly breeze just beyond the glass walls making her shiver slightly. Her damp hair fell in loose waves over her shoulders, a few strands sticking to her skin.
"Enjoying yourself, Feather?" Rohan's voice was a low, seductive murmur behind her, sendina a jolt down her spine.
Vedika turned, her breath catching as she saw him. Rohan leaned casually against the pool's edge, the water lapping at his toned chest, his wet hair slicked back. He wore that trademark smirk that always infuriated her-and yet, she couldn't look away.
"Feather?" she questioned, raising an eyebrow, though her voice wavered ever so slightly.
"Hmm," he said, his eyes raking over her figure slowly, deliberately. "Light, soft, impossible to hold onto. That's what you are."
Vedika felt her cheeks warm, though she quickly masked her reaction. "Tum sirf bolne mein expert ho, Rohan."
He moved closer, the water rippling
around him. "Aur tum sirf bhaagne mein. Kab tak bhaagti rahogi, Feather?"
She rolled her eyes, her lips curving into a teasing smirk. "Mujhe bhaagna kyun pade? Tum waise bhi mujhe kabhi nahi pakad sakte."
Challenge flickered in his dark eyes, and before she could react, he was right in front of her. His hand slid to her waist, pulling her closer. The sudden contact stole her breath, the warmth of his body against hers igniting a fire in her veins.
"I think I already have," he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear.
The storm outside intensified, thunder rumbling faintly in the distance as rain lashed against the glass walls of the spa. The sound seemed to sync with
hand cupped her face, his thumb grazing her cheek.
"Rohan..." she started, her voice faltering as his gaze locked with hers.
"Shh," he whispered, tilting her chin up gently. "I've waited long enough."
"Feather," he murmured, his voice dripping with raw desire, "I can't resist anymore."
Her lips parted, but no words came.
The tension between them was unbearable now, their breaths mingling as the space between them dissolved.
His grip on her waist tightened, as though he were anchoring himself to her.
Vedika narrowed her eyes, trying to regain control, though her voice wavered as she said, "Mr. Malhotra... I hate you. I hate you so much."
Her words hung in the air, but they were a lie-and they both knew it.
Rohan's lips curled into a smirk, his gaze never leaving hers. "Sure. Keep saying that, Feather. Hmmm?" he groaned, the sound reverberating in her chest, sending heat rushing through her.
Vedika smirked back, enjoying the way his jaw clenched at her defiance. But her composure shattered as his thumb brushed her cheek, and he leaned in closer, his lips a breath away from hers.
"But Feather," he murmured, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, "if we go any further... there's no going back.
You're all mine-mine to love, hate, and cherish. No man will ever touch you again. Ever."
Her breath hitched, her chest rising and falling rapidly as his words wrapped
around her like a promise-and a threat.
She could feel her resolve slipping, her body betraying her as heat pooled in her core.
He searched her face, his expression unreadable, his breathing uneven now.
"Say the word," he said, his voice barely audible but filled with an unrelenting intensity. "Say it, Feather."
Vedika swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her ears as the weight of his words settled over her. She nodded silently,
" Yess " she saie as he He leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss that was slow and deliberate, teasing and consuming all at once. The steam around them curled like a curtain, shrouding their world as his lips moved against hers with practiced ease.
Vedika's fingers found their way to his shoulders, gripping him as if she needed an anchor to steady herself against the intensity of his kiss.
He pulled back just enough to let his lips hover over hers. "You drive me crazy, Feather," he said, his voice rough and breathless. "You have no idea what you do to me."
Vedika couldn't form a response as he pressed his forehead against hers, his hands skimming down her sides, tracing the curve of her waist. She gasped softly as his fingers brushed against her bare skin, igniting a trail of heat wherever they lingered.
"You're blushing," he teased, his lips ghosting over her jawline. "So much for being untouchable."
Vedika shot him a glare, though it lacked any real venom. "Tumhara overconfidence ek din tumhe le doobega."
"Maybe," he murmured, his lips trailing down her neck. "But right now, I think it's working just fine."
She let out a soft gasp as his teeth grazed her skin, his touch a tantalizing mix of firm and gentle. The water around them seemed to pulse with the same intensity as their connection, the storm outside forgotten as he explored every inch of her exposed skin.
"Rohan..." she whispered, her voice trembling as his hands slid lower, gripping her hips and pulling her flush against him.
"Yes, Feather?" he responded, his voice dripping with seduction.
She wanted to protest, to remind him that this wasn't supposed to happen,
but the way he touched her, the way his lips claimed hers again, made coherent thought impossible. His dominance wasn't aggressive, but it was absolute— he knew exactly how to make her body respond, how to make her melt.
Rohan pulled her to the edge of the pool, his hands never leaving her.
"You're breathtaking," he murmured against her lips, his words reverberating in the humid air around them. "And you don't even realize it, do you?"
Vedika's chest rose and fell rapidly as she tried to steady herself, but his touch, his words, his proximity-it was too much.
"Tumhe... hamesha jeetna zaruri kyun lagta hai?" she managed, her voice breathless.
"Because," he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear. "When it comes to you, Vedika, losing isn't an option."
Before she could respond, he captured her lips again, his kiss deeper this time, as he claimed her it was the first time for both of them ... the pool area was filled with unspoken desire and moans she tried to submerge her moans when he broke the kiss and whispered into her ears with need he couldn't hide.
" Feather you can Moan as loud and clear as you want .... The Spa is empty its just us in this whole Spa ... even the receptionist has locked and went away " he said and continued to kiss her neck as he went faster making her come to an edge.
The world outside the storm pool faded away, leaving just the two of them, tangled in each other, the tension that had simmered for so long finally breaking free in the heat of the moment.
For now, there were no rules, no boundaries-just the storm outside and the storm within them .
On the Other Side of The World Since They are in Italy.....
Back to the hospital:-
The cold, sterile air of the hospital corridor was heavy with anticipation and fear. Soha sat on the edge of the waiting room bench, her face buried in her hands as sobs wracked her frame. Her tears came in waves—one moment for her parents fighting for their lives in the operating rooms, the next for the confusing emotions that came with being a newlywed in a time of despair. The weight of it all was suffocating.
Amir quietly approached her, holding a tissue box and a water bottle. He lowered himself to her level, his warm, gentle presence offering a small sense of grounding. Without a word, Soha leaned her head onto his shoulder, her tears soaking into his shirt. Amir wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer, and pressed the tissues into her trembling hand.
"It's going to be okay," he murmured, his voice soft but firm. "I know it feels impossible right now, but you're stronger than this moment. We're all here with you, Soha." He gently stroked her arm, whispering words of comfort while she silently clung to him, finding solace in his quiet support.
In the background, Abeer and Aarzoo moved gracefully, serving chai to Arushi, Mezaan, and the other anxious family members. The soft clinking of cups was the only sound in the room aside from Soha's muffled cries. Mahnoor, mercifully, remained unconscious in a nearby room, her body succumbing to the effects of the heavy medication. Her stillness was a strange blessing—it was already a monumental task to console Soha; handling both grieving women would have been overwhelming.
Then, it happened.
The light above the operation theatre door flickered off. The low hum it emitted disappeared, leaving an eerie silence in its place. All eyes snapped to the door as the handle turned and the doctor emerged. His face was calm, professional, yet there was a flicker of something softer in his eyes.
Soha immediately sat up, her breath hitching in her throat. She clutched Amir's arm, her fingers digging into his skin as she braced for the news.
The doctor paused, looking at the gathered family. "Adam Ahmed..." he began, his voice deliberate and measured. He scanned the anxious faces, lingering on Soha's tear-streaked one. "...has made it through."
The room erupted in gasps and cries of relief. Soha let out a shaky sob, her hands flying to her mouth as tears flowed anew—this time, tears of gratitude. Amir pulled her into a tight hug, his own voice trembling as he whispered, "He made it, Soha. He's alive."
Arushi and Mezaan clung to each other, their chai forgotten as they wept in unison. Aarzoo fell to her knees, murmuring prayers of thanks under her breath. Even the nurse passing by stopped to smile softly at the display of raw, unfiltered emotion.
The doctor held up a hand, quieting the room. "He's stable for now, but the next 24 hours will be critical. We've done all we can. He's a fighter, but he'll need all your support as he recovers."
Soha nodded through her tears, unable to form words. She felt a strange mixture of relief and exhaustion washing over her like a tide, threatening to pull her under.
As Amir continued to hold her, she whispered brokenly, "Thank you... thank you, Amir."
"We're in this together," he said softly, his voice filled with quiet determination.
In that moment, hope returned to the room, flickering like a fragile flame in the hearts of the gathered family. And though the battle wasn't over, they knew they had won a small victory—they had Adam back, and that was enough for now.
The hospital waiting room buzzed with a mixture of relief and exhaustion. Soha, her eyes still glistening with tears of joy, stood wrapped in Amir's arms. The warmth of his embrace felt like a shield from the storm they'd weathered together. Her father had made it out of surgery alive, and for the first time in days, she could breathe. The small glimmer of hope was enough to keep her upright despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.
Amir gently rubbed her back, his voice soft but steady. "He's going to be okay, Soha. You're stronger than you think, and so is your father. Together, we'll get through this."
She nodded against his chest, her tears soaking into his shirt, as the silence of the moment stretched. It felt sacred—a pause in the chaos where love could exist without interruption.
But the fragile peace shattered like glass when a sharp, mocking clap echoed through the room. The sound reverberated off the walls, cutting through the quiet like a knife. Everyone froze, heads snapping toward the source.
A woman stood in the doorway, her lips curled into a bitter smile. Alina.
"Soha," she began, her voice laced with venom as she slowly stepped forward, her hands still clapping mockingly, "I must say, you have a real talent for stealing what doesn't belong to you."
Before Soha could react, Aarzoo quickly stepped in front of her like a shield, her expression firm and unyielding. She grabbed Alina's arm in an attempt to stop her advance. "Alina, abhi nahi," she said firmly. "Hum sab baad mein baat karenge."
Alina's eyes flared with anger. "You stay out of this, okay?" she spat, roughly shoving Aarzoo aside. The sudden force made Aarzoo stumble back, but Abeer, ever watchful, caught her just in time. The sight of Aarzoo being manhandled made Mezaan's jaw clench, his eyes narrowing in barely-contained rage.
Alina ignored them all, her focus locked on Soha. She stormed forward, grabbed Soha by the arm, and yanked her away from Amir's protective hold. Before anyone could intervene, Alina raised her hand and slapped Soha hard across the face. The sharp sound of the slap echoed through the room, leaving everyone momentarily stunned.
"Kya besharam ladki ho tum!" Alina shouted, her voice trembling with fury. "Sharam nahi aati? Tumhare hone wale shohar ke gale lag kar khadi ho rahi ho? Mera fiancé tha Amir! Mera! Aur tum... tum yahaan khadi ho kar uske saath muhabbat kar rahi ho!"
Soha staggered slightly from the force of the slap, her cheek stinging. But before she could respond, Amir stepped between them, his eyes blazing with anger.
"Alina, stay the fuck away from my wife!" Amir roared, his voice shaking the room. He pointed a finger at her, his hand trembling with barely-suppressed rage. "tum aurat ho isliye main tum par haath nahi uthata. Agar tumne meri biwi par dobara haath uthaya, toh main tumhe yahin dafnadunga Samjhi?"
Alina's face twisted in anger and disbelief, but Soha placed a hand on Amir's arm, gently pulling him back. "Nahi, Amir," she said, her voice calm despite the fire burning in her chest. "Ek second ke liye mujhe bolne do."
Soha stepped forward, her gaze locking with Alina's. The tears were gone now, replaced by a steely determination that seemed to surprise everyone in the room.
"So you think you have the right to slap me?" Soha began, her tone icy and deliberate. "You think you can stand here and accuse me of stealing your fiancé? Let me tell you something, Alina—Amir tumse shaadi karne ke liye kabhi razi nahi tha. Woh sirf guilty feel kar raha tha tumhare liye. Agar tumhe lagta hai ki tumhare bekaar tantrums ke wajah se main darr jaungi, toh tumhe apne galatfahmi door karni padegi."
Before Alina could respond, Soha raised her hand and slapped her across the face with equal force. The room fell silent, save for the sound of Soha's heavy breathing.
"Agli baar," Soha hissed, her voice low but deadly, "agar tumne meri family, mere shohar, ya mujhse paas aane ki koshish ki, toh abhi toh sirf thappad mara hai. Agli baar seedha goli tumhare dil mein lagegi. Tab tumhare Amir ke bhoot ka bhi naam-o-nishan nahi rahega."
Alina's eyes widened in shock and fury, her hands trembling as she clutched her cheek. "Tumhari himmat kaise hui—"
"Bas!" Amir's voice cut her off. His gaze burned with contempt as he spoke. "Alina, maine tumse sirf guilt ke wajah se baat karna shuru kiya tha. Tumhare arrogance aur galat baatein sun kar mujhe pehle hi samajh aa gaya tha ki tumhare saath mera koi future nahi hai. Main toh sirf tumhari family ke respect ke liye chup tha. Lekin tumhare jaise insaan ke liye mere dil mein sirf nafrat hai. Aur aaj mujhe ye kehne mein koi sharam nahi ki meri dua thi ke mujhe Soha se shaadi karne ka moka mile. Aur Allahumdullilah, meri dua qabool hui."
Alina's face crumbled as she tried to keep her composure. Without another word, she turned on her heel and ran out of the room, only to be intercepted in the hallway.
"Chhodo mujhe!" Alina cried out as Aarzoo grabbed her arm and twisted it behind her back.
"Sun le," Aarzoo growled, her voice low and menacing. "Aaj tu ne mere bhai aur bhabhi ko jo insult kiya uska main jawab nahi diya. Lekin agli baar agar unke paas aayi ya kuch bola, toh yeh haath tod dungi. Samjhi?"
She shoved Alina away with a final glare. Alina stumbled but quickly straightened, throwing a furious glance over her shoulder before storming away.
Back in the room, Soha leaned against Amir, her strength finally giving out. He caught her, holding her tightly as she trembled.
"It's over," Amir whispered. "I'm here, Soha. I'm not going anywhere."
The family closed in around them, a united front against the chaos Alina had tried to unleash. For the first time in days, Soha felt truly safe.
Mahnoor stumbled out of her room, her face pale and her hair disheveled. Her eyes darted around the hospital corridor, searching frantically. "Saif! Saif!" she called out, her voice cracking with desperation.
Her breaths came in short gasps as she spotted the ICU through the glass panel. And then, as if her worst fears had been confirmed, her knees buckled. There he was—Saif, lying still and lifeless on the ICU bed, tubes and machines surrounding him, his chest rising and falling only with the aid of the ventilator.
Her heart broke all over again. "No!" she whispered as she, collapsed to the floor, it was not a bad dream he's actually in coma ,her hands clutching at her chest as if to stop it from shattering completely.
Soha rushed to her side, her own tears threatening to spill over. She knelt next to Mahnoor and pulled her into a tight embrace. "Bhabhi," she whispered, her voice trembling, "I'm here, I'm here. Cry as much as you need, but you're not alone."
The sight of the two women—one shattered and inconsolable, the other trying her best to hold her together—was too much for the men in the room. Mezaan turned away, wiping at his eyes as his daughter's pain tore at his heart. Amir, too, found himself breaking down silently. Watching his wife comfort her sister while silently bearing her own grief was like watching a dam strain against the tide.
Asad, always the calm in the storm, crouched next to Mahnoor and spoke softly but firmly. "Mahnoor, bacha, don't cry. Listen to me. Saif is out of danger."
Mahnoor blinked at him, her tears pausing momentarily. "W-what?"
"Yes," Asad continued, taking her hand in his. "Allah ka shukar hai, Saif is not in a critical position anymore. But..." he hesitated, glancing briefly at Mezaan for support. "But he's in a coma. It's like he's gone to sleep for a little while, beta. And he will wake up. You just need to stay strong and wait for him, okay?"
Mahnoor nodded slowly, her sobs subsiding into quiet sniffles. Mezaan stepped forward, pulling both his daughters to their feet with gentle but firm hands. "Mahnoor, bacha," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "you're coming home with me and Arushi, okay? The nurse has said you need rest too. And Soha..." He turned to his elder daughter.
"I know you won't leave because of Mum and Dad's condition. I understand, bacha. But you can't keep running on empty either. I'll send Amir with food and fresh clothes for you. And please, don't overexert yourself. I can't bear to see either of you like this."
Soha nodded, wiping her tears. "Don't worry about me, Uncle. Just take care of Mahnoor and Arushi. And... please don't apologize for Alina. It's not your fault."
Mezaan sighed heavily, his guilt evident. "Soha, you've always been like my own daughter. I wish I could have seen through Alina's behavior earlier. But I promise I'll fix things. You don't need to worry about her anymore."
Soha smiled faintly, hugging her uncle. "You've always been my second dad. You don't have to fix anything, Uncle. Just make sure Mahnoor is okay."
Amir quietly escorted Mahnoor, Arushi, and Mezaan out, ensuring they reached home safely. Meanwhile, Aarzoo and Abeer stayed behind with Soha, who now sat slumped in a chair near her parents' room, staring blankly at the floor.
Aarzoo sat down next to her, pulling Soha's hands into hers. "Soha," she began softly, "I know you're holding it all in, but you need to talk to someone. What's going on in that head of yours?"
Soha hesitated, her voice trembling when she finally spoke. "Aarzoo... I feel like I'm drowning. Every time I think things are getting better, something worse happens. Mum and Dad are fighting for their lives. Saif is in a coma. Mahnoor is shattered. And I..." She paused, her voice breaking. "I'm a newlywed, Aarzoo. I should be happy, right? But how can I be happy when my family is falling apart around me?"
Aarzoo squeezed her hands. "Soha, no one expects you to be a superhero. You're human, okay? It's okay to feel overwhelmed. It's okay to cry. And it's okay to lean on us. That's why we're here—to help you carry the load."
Soha sniffled, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You know, for someone who acts like a goof half the time, you give pretty good advice."
Aarzoo grinned. "That's because I am a goof half the time. But not right now. Right now, my job is to make you laugh."
Soha raised an eyebrow. "Laugh? In this mess?"
"Yup," Aarzoo replied, leaning back dramatically. "For starters, can we please talk about that slap you gave Alina? Girl, I'm still recovering. The sound of it was like a round of applause!"
Soha blinked, then burst out laughing, her shoulders shaking as the tension began to melt away. "Oh my God, Aarzoo, I didn't even think. It just happened. She was so annoying!"
Aarzoo clutched her stomach, laughing along with her. "Annoying? She deserved it! I swear, you've got a better right hook than Amir. You should teach him."
At that moment, Amir walked in, carrying a bag of food and fresh clothes. He paused in the doorway, surprised but relieved to see Soha laughing, her face finally free of the weight she'd been carrying all day.
For the first time in twelve hours, Amir allowed himself to relax. His wife was smiling, and for now, that was enough.
It was around 12pm in the night the surgery for Soha's mum was going on .... Soha was anxious but also scared what would be the news Amir had gone away for a while so she decided to search for him .
The sterile corridors of the hospital hummed softly with the distant buzz of activity. Soha, dressed in a plain pink suit, wandered through them with a mix of weariness and relief. Her father had made it through the surgery and was resting now, leaving her with a moment of solitude that felt both welcome and hollow. Her slippers made a faint sound against the cold floor as she glanced into various rooms, her heart heavy with the weight of recent events.
Her steps faltered when her eyes caught sight of an empty room. There, in the stillness, knelt Amir, immersed in prayer. The dim light of the room cast soft shadows around him, highlighting his bowed figure as he poured his heart out to Allah. She quietly slipped off her jutti and entered the room, her steps careful not to interrupt his fervent supplication.
"Allah, bas Mami ko theek kardo... Saif ko bhi jaldi coma se nikal do," he pleaded, his voice breaking with emotion. "Main apni mohabbat aur behen ko aise haalat mein nahi dekh sakta. Soha pal pal mar rahi hai jab se yeh baat pata chali hai, aur Mahnoor ki toh haath hi theek nahi hai. Dono ko aise dekh kar main mara ja raha hoon... Ya Allah, please give us our khushi back. Main sab buri aadatein chhod dunga, bas mujhe meri biwi aur behen ki khushi de do."
Soha froze in place, her breath caught in her throat. He loves me? The thought struck her like a bolt of lightning. But almost immediately, doubts clouded her mind. Then why did he agree to marry Alina? Confusion wrapped itself tightly around her heart. She didn't have the courage to linger, not wanting to intrude on the sacred moment between Amir and Allah. Silently, she retreated from the room, her mind racing with a storm of emotions.
Back in the waiting room, she sank into a chair, her thoughts too tangled to unravel. Minutes later, Amir entered, carrying a steaming cup of coffee. His face showed the weariness of a man stretched too thin but determined to remain strong.
"Koee update milee?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Soha shook her head in response, unable to muster words. Amir sat down beside her, studying her face for signs of distress.
"Aarzoo aur Abeer kahan hain?" he questioned again, filling the silence.
Soha explained, her voice steady but distant. "Mezaan Uncle ka call aaya tha Abeer ke paas. Unhone kaha ki mujhe aur Aarzoo ko ghar le aayein, but you weren't here, and I declined. Abeer went home with Aarzoo... Uncle also mentioned Abeer might stay at your house tonight."
"So, it's just us?" Amir asked, his tone neutral but his gaze searching.
Soha nodded. "Yep."
Amir leaned closer, his concern evident. "Are you okay?"
"Bas zinda hoon aur calm hoon, bas," she replied, her voice flat and void of emotion.
"Esa na bolo, sweetheart," he said softly, moving closer.
Soha's walls began to crumble, her pain spilling out. "Toh phir aur kaise bolo, Mir? Mumma ka operation chal raha hai, and I saw with my own eyes how she was struggling to breathe... Mujhe unki zaroorat hai life mein. I need her back. I need my bhai back too."
Amir's heart ached at her words, but he kept his voice steady. "I know you need them back, and trust me, In sha Allah, sab theek hoga. You haven't slept in 24 hours. I say take some rest. If you want, I'll drop you at a nearby hotel, and you can rest there."
But Soha shook her head, her resolve firm. Instead, she surprised him by resting her head in his lap. Amir stiffened, shocked by the gesture, but her exhaustion was palpable.
"I'll rest here... if that's fine with you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Amir softened, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "I just want you to rest and sleep for a while. If you want to do it here, I'm completely okay with that."
Within minutes, Soha drifted off to sleep, her breathing evening out as Amir gently massaged her scalp, his fingers moving in soothing circles. The quiet of the waiting room enveloped them as the hours ticked by.
At around 2 a.m., Amir's eyelids began to grow heavy. Just as sleep threatened to claim him, the sudden flicker of lights going off in the operation theater jolted him awake. His heart raced as he carefully moved Soha's head off his lap, placing his jacket under her for support. He walked toward the doors, his mind spinning with a thousand possibilities. What if it's bad news? he thought, dread tightening around his chest. He steeled himself, deciding he needed to face the news first before waking Soha.
The doctor emerged, her face a mixture of weariness and relief. Removing her surgical cap, she approached Amir. His fists clenched, expecting the worst.
"Amir, itni zyada pareshan mat ho," the doctor began, her voice calm. "Aur apni achhi aur badi wali shaadi ki preparation karo. Mrs. Ahmed is stable now. In fact, in a few hours, you and Soha can meet her. And also, a big positive update for Saif — there's been movement in his body. We think he's fighting to come out of the coma. I'd suggest spending time with him; it might help bring him back."
The weight of her words hit Amir like a tidal wave. Relief, gratitude, and overwhelming emotion surged through him. Without thinking, he hugged the doctor, tears streaming down his face.
"Thank you," he whispered, his voice breaking. "Thank you for saving their lives."
Behind him, Soha stirred in her sleep, unaware of the life-changing news awaiting her.
Scene: Amir in Saif's ICU Room
The ICU was a cocoon of silence, broken only by the steady rhythm of machines and the faint hum of the ventilator. Amir stood frozen at the glass door, his hand resting on the handle, his chest tightening as he gazed inside. There, on the hospital bed, lay Saif—his cousin, his brother in everything but name, and his best friend. Saif's body, once so full of energy and life, looked unnaturally still.
Amir had always seen Saif as indestructible, the one who carried everyone else's burdens while pretending he had none of his own. But now, seeing him like this—hooked up to endless wires and machines, his chest rising and falling in mechanical precision—it shattered something deep inside him.
Taking a deep breath, Amir pushed the door open. The cold, sterile air hit him instantly, and he felt his resolve waver. Each step toward the bed felt heavier than the last, his shoes barely making a sound on the polished floor. He reached the bed and pulled up a chair, dragging it close until he could see every detail of Saif's face. His skin was pale, and his strong features seemed softer, almost fragile now. Amir clenched his fists, swallowing the lump rising in his throat.
"Saif," he whispered, his voice trembling. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, staring at the still figure of the man he had spent his entire life looking up to, fighting with, laughing with. For a long moment, he didn't know what to say. Words seemed meaningless in the face of this stillness.
Finally, he took a shaky breath. "I don't know if you can hear me," he began, his voice thick with emotion. "But I'm going to talk to you anyway because... I need to. I can't keep all of this inside anymore."
He looked down at Saif's hand, resting lifeless on the bed, and gently took it in his own. It was cold, unresponsive, but he held on tightly, as if willing life back into it.
"You've always been the strong one," Amir said, his voice breaking. "You've been my rock, my guide... my best friend. You were the one I could always count on. And now? Look at you. Lying here like this." His grip on Saif's hand tightened. "You've left us, bhai. You've left me. And I don't know what to do without you."
The words spilled out of him now, a torrent of emotions he had been holding back for days. "Soha's breaking, Saif. She's pretending to be strong, but I can see it in her eyes. She can't handle this. Every time she sees you like this, it's like a piece of her dies. And Mahnoor? She's not the same either. She's in pain, Saif, and she needs you to be here for her."
Amir stood suddenly, pacing the small room, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. He ran a hand through his hair, his movements agitated. "Do you know what it feels like to sit here, helpless, while everything falls apart? I've tried to hold it together, bhai. I've tried to be strong for everyone—for Soha, for Mahnoor—but I'm not you. I can't do this without you."
He turned back toward the bed, his eyes glistening with tears. "You always said I was the stubborn one, the impulsive one. But you were the one who kept us grounded. You were the one who made sense of everything when life got messy. And now, when we need you the most, you're lying here, silent."
Amir walked back to the chair and sank into it, his energy drained. He rested his forehead against Saif's hand, his shoulders shaking as tears finally broke free. "You promised me you'd always be there," he whispered. "You promised we'd face everything together. And now, I'm sitting here, talking to you, and you're not saying anything back. It's killing me, Saif. It's killing me."
He sat there for a while, the silence of the room pressing down on him. His mind drifted back to the memories they had shared—the endless late-night talks, the pranks they'd pulled on their cousins, the arguments that always ended in laughter. Saif had been his other half, the one who understood him better than anyone else. And now, the thought of losing him forever was unbearable.
Amir lifted his head, wiping his face with the back of his hand. "Do you remember how we used to sneak out of the house to watch those late-night cricket matches? Or the time we got caught stealing mangoes from Dada's orchard? We swore we'd always have each other's backs, no matter what. So why aren't you fighting now, Saif? Why aren't you trying to come back to us?"
He leaned closer, his voice taking on a desperate edge. "Soha needs you. Mahnoor needs you. I need you. You can't leave us like this, bhai. You can't. If there's even a part of you that can hear me, fight. Fight harder. I don't care how long it takes—I'll wait. I'll keep waiting until you come back."
Amir's voice broke again, and he buried his face in his hands. The weight of the situation was crushing, but he refused to give up hope. Slowly, he stood and leaned over Saif, brushing a hand across his cousin's forehead. "I'll be here every day, waiting for you to open your eyes. Because I know you, Saif. You're a fighter. You've always been a fighter."
For a fleeting moment, Amir thought he saw a flicker of movement in Saif's fingers, but it was so faint he couldn't be sure if it was real or just his imagination. Still, it was enough to reignite the spark of hope in his chest.
"I'll be back," he said softly, his voice steady now. "And when you wake up, we're going to laugh about this, like we always do. But until then... don't give up on us, bhai. Don't give up on me."
He stood there for a moment longer, taking in the sight of his cousin before reluctantly stepping away. As he reached the door, he turned back for one last look. Saif lay there, unmoving, but Amir's resolve had solidified.
"You're coming back," he whispered, more to himself than to Saif. "I know you are."
With that, he walked out of the room, the sound of the machines echoing in his ears as he closed the door behind him. For the first time in days, he felt a glimmer of hope—small, but unshakable. Saif would return. He had to.
The dim hallway outside the operation theatre was filled with an air of tension and exhaustion. Soha sat on a cold metal chair, her hands clasped tightly together, her eyes fixed on the glowing "In Progress" sign above the theatre doors. The quiet was heavy, almost suffocating, when she heard footsteps approaching. Looking up, she saw Amir walking towards her, his face streaked with tears.
Her heart sank immediately. A chill ran down her spine, and her chest tightened. "Amir?" she whispered, her voice trembling. She stood up abruptly, fear taking over as tears welled up in her eyes.
"Amir... what happened? Is something wrong? Please tell me!" she cried, her voice breaking as sobs racked her body.
Seeing her crumble like this made Amir's heart ache. He hurried towards her and pulled her into his arms, wrapping her tightly against his chest. She clutched his shirt, sobbing uncontrollably, her body trembling in his hold.
"Shush, Soha," he murmured, his voice soft yet firm as he stroked her hair soothingly. "Calm down, sweetheart. Mami is out of danger. She's fine. The operation was successful. We can see her in a few hours."
But instead of calming down, Soha began crying harder. Relief, exhaustion, and overwhelming emotions surged through her, breaking her composure entirely. Amir held her closer, his chin resting gently on the top of her head.
"Hey, hey," he whispered, pulling back slightly to tilt her tear-streaked face up to look at him. "No more tears, Soha. I mean it. Your mum is okay. You've been so strong through all of this, and now it's over. She's going to be fine, and so are you."
She looked at him through blurry eyes, her lips trembling as she tried to form words. "Thank you," she finally choked out, her voice barely audible. "For everything. For being here, for holding me together when I felt like falling apart."
Amir smiled softly, wiping the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs. "Where else would I be, Soha? I'm always going to be here for you. Always."
Her breath hitched at the intensity in his gaze, and for a moment, the weight of the past few days melted away. She nodded, leaning her forehead against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
"Now," Amir said, his voice filled with gentle encouragement, "let's go see your mum, okay? She's waiting for you."
They walked hand in hand down the sterile hallway towards the ICU. The sound of Soha's sandals against the tiled floor was quick and hurried, her heart racing with anticipation. When they finally reached the room, the sight that greeted them stopped her in her tracks.
There, lying on the hospital bed with her head propped up on pillows, was her mother—her eyes open, tired but alive. The frailty in her face was offset by the small, warm smile that spread across her lips when she saw them.
"Mum!" Soha cried, tears instantly streaming down her face again. She rushed to the bed and leaned over, gently wrapping her arms around her mother in a side hug, careful not to disturb the tubes and wires connected to her. The familiar warmth of her mum's presence brought a fresh wave of relief and gratitude.
"My Soha," her mother whispered, her voice weak but filled with affection. "Shush, beta. Don't cry. I'm fine now. See? I'm fine."
Soha pulled back, wiping her tears hastily as she smiled shakily. "You scared me so much, Mum. I thought I—" Her voice broke, and she covered her mouth to stifle another sob.
Her mum reached up and placed a gentle hand on Soha's cheek. "Beta, I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. You're too stubborn to let me, anyway."
They both laughed softly through their tears, the tension slowly lifting.
Amir stood at the edge of the room, watching the tender reunion unfold. He felt an immense sense of relief seeing Soha's mum awake and speaking. After a moment, her mother's gaze shifted to him, and her smile widened.
"Amir," she said, her tone playful despite her weakened state. "I made you promise not to let my daughter cry. Look at her now! She's been crying nonstop. What do you have to say for yourself?"
Amir chuckled, stepping closer to the bed. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on her hand. "Mami, this is the first and last time I'm allowing her to cry. The next time she cries will be at her rukhsati, and after that, I swear I won't let even a single tear fall from her eyes. Not one."
His words, spoken with such sincerity, made Soha's heart skip a beat. She turned to look at him, her eyes wide with surprise. There was something in the way he looked at her, something that sent a flutter through her stomach.
Her mum raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile on her lips. "And what makes you so sure of that, hmm?"
"Because," Amir said, his gaze locked on Soha's, "I'm going to spend the rest of my life making her happy. That's my promise, to her and to you."
Soha's cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away, her heart pounding. Her mother chuckled softly, shaking her head.
"Well," her mum said, her voice filled with affection, "if anyone can keep that promise, it's you, Amir. But for now, let my daughter breathe. She's been through so much."
Amir laughed lightly. "Of course, Mami. Anything for you and Soha."
Soha sat down in the chair beside the bed, taking her mum's hand in hers. "Mum, I missed you so much. I was so scared I'd never hear your voice again."
Her mum squeezed her hand gently. "And I missed you too, my little warrior. But I'm here now. And I'm so proud of you for being so strong."
Amir stood behind Soha, his hands resting lightly on her shoulders. "She's stronger than she thinks, Mami," he said, his voice filled with pride.
Soha glanced up at him, her heart swelling with gratitude. She didn't say anything, but the look in her eyes said it all. In that moment, she realized just how much Amir had become her anchor, her strength.
As they stood there together, the small ICU room felt like the safest place in the world. For the first time in days, there was hope, laughter, and the promise of brighter days ahead.
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I Hope I had compensated This chapter for all the last chapter 🥹❤️Hope u like this chapter please make sure to Vote & Comment if you have read the chapter and if i get good votes and Comments i will Give out chapter 10 tomorrow or on Sunday.
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