Dr. Rao smiled warmly. "Ekansh, Samyuktika's stable for now. The procedure worked."
Ekansh's tension eased. "Thank God," he breathed. Dr. Rao nodded. "We'll monitor her closely. She's not out of the woods yet."
Ekansh's eyes never left Samyuktika. "I'll stay with her." Dr. Rao nodded. "I'll keep you updated."
Samyuktika's chest rose and fell steadily.
Ekansh's grip on her hand tightened.
She was going to be okay. She had to be.
Ekansh's eyes welled up as he gazed at Samyuktika's fragile form. He had never felt such overwhelming guilt. His actions, his decisions, had brought her to this point. Tears streamed down his face, and he buried his face in his hands.
How could he have been so blind? So cruel? He had pushed her, tested her, and hurt her. Now, she suffered. His shoulders shook as he sobbed, consumed by regret and anguish.
He wished he could turn back time, make it right, protect her from harm. Vijay approached, placing a gentle hand on Ekansh's shoulder. "Sir?" Ekansh lifted his red-rimmed eyes, his voice barely above a whisper. "Get me a chair."
Vijay nodded and left, returning with a chair. Ekansh sat beside Samyuktika, holding her hand. His tears fell onto their entwined fingers. "I'm so sorry, Samyuktika," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I'll make it right. I promise."
As he sat there, Ekansh realized his feelings for Samyuktika went far beyond concern. He cared deeply for her, and the thought of losing her was unbearable. He vowed to do everything in his power to ensure her recovery and happiness.
Samyuktika's determination surprised Ekansh as she rose from the hospital bed, her eyes flashing with a mix of anger and hurt. Ekansh's instincts screamed to retreat, to shield himself from the pain she embodied. He hardened his heart, donning his familiar mask of indifference.
"I thought you'd learn from your mistakes," Samyuktika said, her voice icy. "But you're still the same, aren't you?"
Ekansh's grip on his emotions faltered for a moment before he regained control. "I am what I am, Samyuktika," he said coolly.
But the façade crumbled as he gazed at her. "Samyuktika, I'm sorry," he said, the words ripping from his chest.
Samyuktika's laughter cut him deep. "Sorry? Why bother with formalities, Ekansh? Your apology means nothing."
Ekansh's eyes burned, but he refused to show weakness. "Fine. Don't forgive me," he snapped, his tone biting.
Samyuktika's smile twisted. "I won't. Your sorry seems granted, Ekansh. But it's just a word. Actions speak louder."
Ekansh's mask slipped, revealing the turmoil beneath. For a moment, Samyuktika saw the vulnerability he desperately concealed.
But Ekansh swiftly regained control, his expression cold once more. "This conversation is over," he said, turning to leave.
Samyuktika's voice followed him. "It's far from over, Ekansh."
Ekansh re-entered Samyuktika's hospital room, his expression unreadable. "Tomorrow, you'll be discharged," he announced.
Samyuktika's eyes narrowed. "I won't go to that hell with you."
Ekansh's jaw clenched. "You don't have a choice."
Samyuktika's voice rose. "I'd rather die than return to your prison."
Ekansh's eyes flashed with anger. "You'll do as I say."
Samyuktika's smile was bitter. "Or what? You'll lock me up again? Beat me down with your words?"
Ekansh's face twisted. "You're still recovering. You need care."
Samyuktika's gaze burned. "I'd rather take my chances on the streets than endure your cruelty."
Ekansh's voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "You'll come with me, Samyuktika. One way or another."
Samyuktika's eyes flashed defiance, but Ekansh's resolve remained unshakeable. The silence between them thickened, heavy with unspoken threats.
A nurse entered the room, carrying a tray with a bowl of semi-liquid food, known as daliya. "Time to eat, Samyuktika," she announced.
Samyuktika's face contorted in disgust. "I won't eat that."
Ekansh's eyes narrowed. "You need to eat, Samyuktika. You're still recovering."
Samyuktika crossed her arms, her jaw set. "I'd rather starve than eat that disgusting stuff."
Ekansh's patience snapped. He strode over to the bed, grasping the spoon.
"Open your mouth, Samyuktika," he commanded.
Samyuktika clamped her lips shut, her eyes blazing defiance.
Ekansh's grip on the spoon tightened. With a swift motion, he pried open her mouth and scooped in a spoonful of daliya.
Samyuktika struggled, but Ekansh held her firm.
"Swallow," he ordered.
Tears of frustration streamed down Samyuktika's face as she swallowed the unwanted food.
Ekansh continued to force-feed her, his expression unyielding.
The nurse watched, uneasy, but didn't intervene.
As Ekansh finished, Samyuktika's eyes burned with hatred.
"You're a monster," she spat.
Ekansh's face twisted. "I'm keeping you alive."
Samyuktika's voice dripped with sarcasm. "You're doing a great job, wow. Nice joke."
Ekansh's eyes flashed with anger, but he kept his tone even. "You need care, and I'm providing it."
Samyuktika's laughter was laced with bitterness. "Care? You call this care? You're suffocating me."
Ekansh's jaw clenched. "You're ungrateful. I've done everything for you."
Samyuktika's gaze pierced him. "Everything? You call destroying me 'everything'? You've ruined my life."
Ekansh's face darkened, his patience wearing thin. "Enough."
Samyuktika's smile twisted. "Oh, I'm just getting started."
Samyuktika's voice took on a venomous tone. "It's me who is tolerating you. Otherwise, koi aur hoti toh ab tak jinda nahi hote." (If it were anyone else, you would have died by now."
Ekansh's eyes blazed with fury, his face inches from hers. "You think you're that fragile?"
Samyuktika's gaze didn't waver. "Fragile? You've made me stronger, Ekansh. Strong enough to withstand your cruelty."
Ekansh's hand clenched into a fist. "You're pushing me, Samyuktika."
Samyuktika's smile was a razor-sharp challenge. "Pushing you? I've barely begun."
The air between them crackled with tension, the silence thick with unspoken threats.
Their eyes locked, the air thick with tension. The silence was palpable, heavy with unspoken threats.
Samyuktika's gaze pierced Ekansh, her eyes blazing with defiance. Her stare screamed, "I dare you."
Ekansh's eyes flashed with fury, his gaze burning with intensity. His stare snarled, "You're playing with fire."
The room seemed to shrink, leaving only the two of them, locked in a silent standoff.
Their eyes spoke volumes, each challenging the other to make the next move.
Samyuktika's lips curled into a sneer, her eyes flashing with contempt.
Ekansh's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing into slits.
The tension between them crackled, a spark waiting to ignite a fiery explosion.
In that moment, it seemed only one could emerge victorious.
Their eyes continued to clash, each refusing to back down.
The battle lines were drawn.
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What do you think how long this series should be as I am having a episodes ready till 44 and it is not it. The story will be long.
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