93. Finally

ᯓᡣ𐭩

Aaryansh and Adviti settled in a small café, both leaning back in their chairs as they caught up.

The atmosphere was relaxed, the background hum of the bustling city creating the perfect soundtrack to their reunion.

“So, stop calling me ‘big sis’ already,” Adviti said with a playful frown. “We’re the same age, or maybe even younger.” She waved a hand dismissively.

Aaryansh laughed, shaking his head. “No way, Advi. You’ve always been like a big sis to us. You were the one who took charge, made sure we all stayed out of trouble. Even Rudra bhai listened to you!” He smirked at the thought of the usually hot-headed Rudraksh following her advice without question.

Adviti rolled her eyes. “Rudra listened, but only because I had the best bribes in school. Don't think I didn’t know that.” She leaned back, a nostalgic smile crossing her face as memories flooded her.

“So, what happened after school? You disappeared, and no one heard from you for years. We thought you were gone for good!” Aaryansh’s voice was laced with curiosity.

Adviti took a deep breath, her expression growing serious for a moment. “I went back to my village. I stayed there for a while. I finished my studies—actually, I went on to complete my medical degree. I’m a doctor now.” She said it so matter-of-factly, as if it had been a natural progression.

Aaryansh stared at her, his eyes widening. “A doctor? That’s amazing! I can’t believe it. But... why didn’t you tell us?”

Adviti shrugged. “I was focused on my studies. And I had lost all your numbers so that left me with no way to reconnect with everyone.”

Aaryansh nodded, but something in his mind was still swirling. The mention of her being a doctor brought up a strange sense of unease.

His thoughts shifted to Mahira—the girl he had been so worried about lately. The girl he barely knew but already felt a protective instinct toward.

“Wait…” Aaryansh’s voice trailed off as he processed his thoughts. “There’s something I need to talk to you about. It’s about someone. Her name is Mahira. I don’t know what happened to her, but I’m really worried. I think she's been through so much, and now, with everything that’s been happening around her, I feel like I’m losing track of what’s really going on.” His tone was tight, the anxiety palpable.

Adviti’s expression softened as she leaned forward. “What happened to her?”

Aaryansh hesitated, the weight of the situation sinking in deeper with every second. “I don’t know all the details, but something’s not right. And I think whatever happened, it’s affecting her in ways I can’t understand. I just... I need to know what happened to her, and I need to help.”

Adviti’s eyes narrowed, concern flickering across her face. “Mahira?”

She repeated the name, her voice thoughtful. “I’ve heard of her. In fact, I’ll be joining her hospital soon as the chief surgeon.”

Aaryansh froze, his heart beating a little faster. “Wait, what? You’ll be working at her hospital?”

“Yeah,” Adviti replied. “I’ll be heading there soon. I was just finalizing a few things, but I’ll be joining as the chief surgeon. I actually heard a lot about Mahira, and everything seems to be tied around her... how she’s been running the hospital, her vision. It’s a big thing.”

She paused, studying Aaryansh closely. “But what’s going on with her? Why does it sound like you’re so worried?”

Aaryansh’s mind raced. He wasn’t sure if he could explain everything—but he needed answers. He just had to know what had happened to her.

“Can you try talking to her?” he asked, his voice slightly desperate. “Maybe get some answers? I don’t know what’s happening with her, but I feel like something’s wrong. I see her as a little sister now. Even though I don't know her much, I can’t just stand by and let things get worse for her.”

Adviti’s gaze softened, and she placed a hand gently on his. “I will, Aaryan. I’ll talk to her. If she’s in trouble, we’ll figure it out. You’re not alone in this. You’ve got me.”

Aaryansh felt a sense of relief wash over him, even though the worry for Mahira still gnawed at him. “I’m counting on you, Advi.”

Adviti nodded firmly, her expression full of resolve. “I’ll get to the bottom of this. Don’t worry.”

Aaryansh let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. For the first time in days, a flicker of hope ignited within him.

Maybe, Adviti could help him uncover the truth and get Mahira the help she needed.

ᯓᡣ𐭩

Mahira’s eyelids fluttered open slowly, the harsh light from outside gently filtering through the curtains.

She blinked a few times, trying to clear the grogginess from her mind.

The hospital room felt eerily quiet, the sterile smell of antiseptic filling the air.

Her body ached, but there was a warmth, a comfort that she hadn’t felt in a while.

As she turned her head, her eyes instinctively sought out the space around her.

That’s when she froze, her heart lurching in her chest.

Aarush.

He was sitting beside her bed, slouched with his head resting on the edge of the mattress.

His arms were loosely crossed over his head as if protecting his face from the faint light.

He wasn’t lying on the bed, but the way he positioned himself, so close, yet at a careful distance, made her feel a strange comfort—like a silent promise of protection.

She flinched instinctively, panic rising in her throat. His presence startled her, and for a moment, her body tensed as though ready to flee.

But then, something softened inside her. His vulnerability, the gentle way he seemed to protect the space between them, disarmed her.

He wasn’t intruding, he wasn’t imposing—he was just there, quietly watching over her as though he understood the boundaries she had drawn around herself.

Her breath slowed, and a small, faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

There was something in his gentleness that reached her heart, despite all the walls she had built around herself.

For a moment, Mahira just stared at him, the small movements of his chest as he breathed quietly in his sleep.

She had never expected to find him here, not after everything that had happened.

He had every reason to be angry, to stay far away, but here he was—like an unspoken promise that no matter the distance, there was still love and care.

His body remained still, the distance between them intentional, as if he wanted to make sure she felt safe, not trapped.

Mahira’s heart ached at the thought. Despite everything that had happened, Aarush had been here, sitting quietly, waiting.

His silent presence felt almost like an apology—a promise that whatever had gone wrong before, he was still willing to stay, even in silence.

She closed her eyes for a brief moment, letting the warmth of the moment linger.

Despite the pain she was in, despite the confusion, a sense of peace settled over her.

Aarush’s gentleness was enough for now, enough to let her breathe.

ᯓᡣ𐭩

His mere presence, the protective distance he maintained, somehow reassured her.

In this chaotic world where she had always been alone, Aarush had become someone she could rely on—without asking, without demanding.

She couldn’t tear her eyes away from him, her gaze softening as she watched him sleep.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips, a fleeting moment of peace, something she hadn’t felt in a long time.

The gentleness in his actions, the way he respected her boundaries, touched her deeply.

But that moment of calm shattered when the door to the room creaked open.

Mahira’s breath hitched, her body instinctively tensing as she whipped her head toward the door.

A male staff member stepped inside, holding a tray of fruits in his hands. He didn’t see her initial reaction, but Mahira’s heart skipped a beat.

She froze, her chest tightening with an all-too-familiar panic.

Her body was paralyzed with fear, her breathing quickening as she tried to calm herself.

Her eyes flitted between the man and Aarush, who was still unaware of the situation.

The man stepped into the room, completely oblivious to her distress, and Mahira could feel the sweat beginning to gather on her forehead, trickling down the sides of her face.

Her pulse raced, her body shaking beneath the covers and instinctively recoiling.

Her mind screamed at her to run, to hide, to escape. But she couldn’t move. She couldn’t even speak.

The overwhelming fear had locked her in place. All she could do was stare at the man, her vision narrowing as she fought against the tide of panic rising in her chest.

Her thoughts scrambled, remembering the times she had been cornered and harassed by people who took advantage of her vulnerability.

The nightmares of her past rushed forward, drowning her in a sea of fear.

The staff member looked up, his eyes falling on Mahira as she lay there, her face pale, her body trembling with fear.

His expression softened for a brief moment, but the silence in the room felt deafening.

Mahira could feel the weight of his gaze, could sense his confusion, but it didn’t matter. Her fear was consuming her.

It was then that Aarush stirred, his eyes slowly fluttering open. He looked around the room, his gaze shifting to the man standing by the door.

As his eyes met the staff member’s, his voice cut through the tension in the room, calm and commanding. “What’s going on here?”

The staff member froze, eyes widening in surprise. He quickly turned to Aarush, fumbling for words. “I—I’m here to deliver some fruits, sir,” he stammered, holding the tray out awkwardly.

Mahira’s heart skipped a beat at Aarush’s presence. His voice was like a lifeline, something real and tangible amidst the whirlwind of her fear.

But it was his next actions that truly caught her attention. He didn’t hesitate.

Without a word, he rose from his chair and walked toward the staff member, his gaze never leaving the man’s face.

“That’s enough,” Aarush said, his tone icy, his words firm. “Make sure that only female staff comes in here from now on.”

The staff member stammered an apology and nodded rapidly. “Yes, sir. Of course.” He quickly turned and left the room, leaving Mahira alone with Aarush once again.

Aarush stood by the door, his back to Mahira, his posture rigid. He didn’t speak right away, but Mahira could sense the tension in his body.

Slowly, he glanced over his shoulder at her, his eyes flicking to the sweat on her forehead.

His expression softened, a mixture of concern and guilt crossing his features. He stepped out of the room for a moment, his voice trailing behind him as he called out into the hallway.

“Daisy!” His voice echoed faintly through the door.

Mahira watched as Daisy quickly appeared, her face etched with worry.

Without a word, she entered the room, her gaze shifting from Mahira to Aarush, who stood by the door, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. He avoided looking at Mahira, his gaze fixed on the floor.

Daisy didn’t say anything either. She simply moved toward Mahira, her hands gentle as she took a soft cloth and began to wipe the sweat from her forehead.

Aarush stayed where he was, his eyes still averted, unwilling to meet Mahira’s gaze. He kept his distance, as though respecting some unspoken boundary.

Mahira’s eyes, however, remained locked on him. She could feel the weight of his silence, the space between them thick with unspoken words.

Her heart pounded in her chest, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away from him. It was as though, for a moment, everything else disappeared.

His actions had reassured her, but now, there was something unspoken, something heavy in the air.

Daisy worked quickly, wiping the sweat from Mahira’s face with careful precision.

She seemed to sense the tension, but said nothing, merely offering a small, comforting smile before she stepped back, giving Mahira space.

With that, she nodded toward Aarush, who remained silent by the door, still looking at the floor.

“Everything okay now?” Daisy asked quietly.

Mahira nodded, her lips parting slightly to speak, but no words came out. She couldn’t find the right words.

The emotions were too overwhelming, too tangled up inside her. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart.

She could still feel Aarush’s presence, even though he wasn’t looking at her.

Daisy smiled softly, turning to leave. Aarush remained in the doorway, his back still to Mahira, as if he didn’t know what to do.

He wasn’t the type to show vulnerability, to expose himself, but in that moment, Mahira knew there was more to him than the cold exterior he put up.

As Daisy closed the door behind her, Mahira let out a long, shaky breath. The room was still now, but the silence felt deafening.

She didn’t know what to make of the confusion swirling inside her—of the fear and the gratitude, the pain and the strange sense of safety that Aarush had brought into her life.

For the first time in a long while, she didn’t feel entirely alone. And it scared her.

ᯓᡣ𐭩

Days passed, and Aaryansh had told everyone in the house about Adviti's arrival, though the family’s reaction wasn’t exactly warm.

He had failed to get her address or phone number, which earned him a round of scoldings from everyone.

The daughter-in-laws were particularly confused about this new addition to their lives, constantly questioning Aaryansh about her, but he remained tight-lipped, not wanting to give too much away.

Meanwhile, Mahima’s days grew heavier.

She forced herself to go to the hospital every day, but each time she tried to approach her so-called sister, the words stuck in her throat.

She would stand there, ready to speak, but something—fear, guilt, or perhaps something else—kept her from saying anything.

It was as if an invisible barrier stood between them, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t cross it.

The weight of their past, the confusion over Mahira’s sudden appearance, and the strain of everything going wrong left Mahima feeling helpless and lost.

ᯓᡣ𐭩

Mahira blinked as her eyes adjusted to the dim morning light streaming through the hospital window.

The familiar beeping of the monitors and the faint scent of antiseptic filled the air.

She shifted slightly, her body still aching, but her eyes landed on the man across her bed—Aarush.

A soft, involuntary smile curled on her lips at the sight of him.

He looked peaceful in his sleep, his breathing steady, his face relaxed for the first time in days.

She sighed softly, feeling something warm settle in her chest. But just as she was about to close her eyes again, she saw movement.

Aarush stirred, his brows furrowing slightly before he pushed himself up into a sitting position.

Mahira watched curiously, but the next moment, her eyes widened in shock.

He was unbuttoning his shirt.

Her breath hitched, and her body stiffened as her face heated up. Without a second thought, she clamped her left hand over her eyes, shutting them tightly.

The stitches on her left shoulder healed and she was now able to move and use her left hand.

Her heart pounded, a flustered mess of thoughts rushing through her mind.

But then, a small, barely audible groan reached her ears. Her brows knitted together in confusion.

She hesitated, peeking slightly through her fingers, and her breath caught in her throat. Her heart clenched at the sight before her.

Aarush sat on his bed, his back slightly hunched, his fingers working to untie the bandage around his torso.

His jaw was clenched, his brows furrowed in concentration as he slowly peeled away the layers of white medical gauze.

The moment the last strip came off, Mahira's eyes widened in horror.

The angry red gashes crisscrossing his skin, the deep bruises that painted his torso in shades of purple and blue—it all hit her like a punch to the gut.

She hadn’t known.

No one had told her.

Her lips parted slightly, but no sound came out. She wanted to say something, wanted to ask how and when—but all she could do was sit there, frozen, watching as he reached for the ointment with shaky fingers.

Then, he pressed it against one of the deeper wounds.

A sharp, strangled groan left his lips as his entire body tensed in pain. His grip on the small tube tightened as he screwed his eyes shut, his breathing uneven.

He paused for a moment before forcing himself to continue, his expression filled with barely contained agony.

Mahira’s throat burned.

She felt her chest tighten. She could see it—how he was pushing through the pain, how he refused to let it show any more than he already had. His movements were slow, controlled, as if he was used to this.

As if he had done this too many times before.

Her eyes filled with tears.

She wanted to look away, but she couldn’t.

She had been drowning in her own pain for so long that she never even thought to look at his.

She had assumed he was fine—Aarush always carried himself with a quiet, unshakable strength. He never showed vulnerability. Never let people see him hurt.

But now…

Now, she was seeing it all.

The way his fingers trembled. The way his chest rose and fell unevenly. The way his lips parted ever so slightly as he tried to suppress another groan.

And she hated it.

A tear rolled down her cheek before she could stop it.

She quickly wiped it away, sniffing softly.

Her gaze flickered back to him just in time to see him pulling his shirt back over his shoulders.

Panic shot through her veins as she realized what was happening—he was finishing up. He would turn around any second.

Her heart pounded as she quickly squeezed her eyes shut and adjusted her position, pretending to be asleep.

She listened, every sound heightened.

The faint rustling of fabric as he buttoned up his shirt. The slow, deliberate movements of his fingers. The quiet exhale he let out as he finished.

Then—

Footsteps.

Her pulse quickened.

The soft, steady steps moved toward her, growing closer with each second.

Mahira held her breath, forcing herself to stay still.

But something was different this time.

She wasn’t afraid.

Not even a little.

For the first time in her life, she didn’t feel the usual fear that clawed at her every time a man got too close. She didn’t feel the instinct to recoil, to brace herself for the worst.

And she didn’t know why.

She heard him sit beside her.

He sat down, close but not too close.

His presence was warm, steady.

Mahira’s fingers twitched slightly, her mind racing.

She could feel him there.

Not speaking.

Not moving.

Just there.

ᯓᡣ𐭩

The room was silent except for the rhythmic beeping of the monitor and the faint rustling of the curtains as a breeze slipped in through the slightly open window.

Mahira lay still, her breaths slow and measured, pretending to be asleep.

She could still feel the weight of his presence beside her, unmoving.

Then—

A sound.

Soft, broken.

A whimper.

Mahira’s brows furrowed ever so slightly.

She heard it again—this time clearer. A quiet, choked sound, almost like a muffled sob.

Her heart clenched.

Slowly, cautiously, she cracked her eyes open, just a sliver, peeking through her lashes.

Her breath hitched.

Aarush sat with his head bowed, his forearms resting on the edge of her bed, fingers gripping the fabric as if holding on for dear life.

His shoulders trembled slightly, and the dim glow of the night lamp cast soft shadows on his face.

Was he… crying?

Mahira’s chest tightened painfully.

She had never seen him like this.

Aarush was always strong. Always calm. Always the one holding everything together.

Yet, here he was.

Breaking.

Her fingers twitched, an instinct to reach out. To touch him. To ask what was wrong.

But then—

His voice, low and broken, shattered the silence.

“Please…”

Mahira froze.

His voice—hoarse, pleading—sounded like a man on the verge of losing himself.

“Please talk to me…” he whispered, his grip on the sheets tightening. “It’s so hard… not listening to you talk to me…”

Mahira’s throat burned, her eyes stinging.

His words were raw, filled with desperation.

“I’ll do anything you say… just… just please talk to me…”

Her breath hitched as she saw the way his fingers curled, how his knuckles turned white from the force of his grip.

“I can’t take it anymore,” he murmured, his head lowering further as he let out a shaky breath. “You don’t even have to forgive me. I won’t ask for that. I don’t deserve that. Just… say something. Anything.”

A single tear slipped down his cheek, landing on the sheets.

Mahira felt her fingers dig into her palm, her nails pressing against her skin.

Aarush—who had always been composed, who had always been the strongest among them—was now breaking apart in front of her.

And the worst part?

He thought she was asleep.

He was saying these things, believing she couldn’t hear him.

Believing she wouldn’t respond.

Mahira’s breath came out uneven, her mind whirling.

Aarush had always confused her.

His presence terrified her, yet it never truly felt dangerous. He had always kept his distance, never once stepping over a line.

But now—

She was seeing something else entirely.

Something real.

Something broken.

Because of her.

ᯓᡣ𐭩

Mahira’s fingers twitched, the weight of his words pressing down on her chest like an unbearable burden.

A lone tear slipped from the corner of her eye, trailing down her cheek as she inhaled shakily.

Without thinking, without even realizing what she was doing, she sat up.

Her legs folded beneath her, the sheets crumpling as she moved.

The rustle of fabric was enough to make Aarush jerk his head up, his teary, bloodshot eyes widening in shock.

“Mahira…” he whispered, almost disbelieving.

His voice was raw, hoarse from emotion. He had thought she was asleep—thought his desperate pleas had fallen on deaf ears.

But she had heard.

And now, she was looking right at him.

Aarush’s gaze locked onto the tears in her eyes, and before he could stop himself, his hand instinctively lifted to wipe them away.

His fingers barely brushed the air between them before he froze, hesitating.

No.

He couldn’t.

He had no right to touch her.

Aarush clenched his jaw and quickly stood up, his head turning toward the door.

“I’ll call Daisy,” he muttered, his voice tight, his throat burning.

He needed to get away.

He needed to pull himself together before he made things worse.

But then—

He froze.

Something warm. Soft. Delicate.

Fingers wrapping around his wrist.

Mahira had caught his hand.

She was touching him.

Aarush’s breath faltered, his entire body stiffening.

Slowly, hesitantly, he turned back to her.

Their eyes met.

Mahira’s grip wasn’t tight, but it was firm. Purposeful.

His heart pounded so hard he could hear it in his ears.

She was touching him.

Not out of fear.

Not out of pain.

But to stop him from leaving.

Aarush swallowed hard, afraid to move, afraid to breathe.

And then, the moment he had been desperately longing for—

The moment he had begged for in his broken whispers just seconds ago—

She finally spoke.

“…Don’t go.”

ᯓᡣ𐭩

Aarush’s entire body froze.

Had he just imagined it?

Her voice?

That soft, fragile whisper, laced with something he couldn’t quite grasp—was it real? Or was his mind playing cruel tricks on him?

His eyes snapped to hers, searching—desperate to confirm.

But then—

She smiled.

A gentle, trembling smile, glistening with unshed tears.

Aarush felt his heart stutter.

His breath hitched.

His stomach twisted, flipped, tangled in knots.

He had begged for this. Pleaded for just one word, one response—he hadn’t even dared to hope for a smile.

Yet here she was.

Smiling. At him.

And she was still holding his hand.

Her fingers, small and warm, wrapped around his wrist with the faintest pressure.

And then—

She tugged.

Aarush barely had time to react before his balance gave out, and he tumbled forward.

“Mahira—”

Thud.

His hands barely caught him from fully falling onto her, his palms sinking into the mattress, his face just inches from hers.

His breath fanned over her skin, his heart hammering against his ribs.

She was still smiling.

Through her tears, through everything she had been through—she was smiling at him.

Aarush couldn’t think.

Couldn’t breathe.

He swallowed thickly, his mind spinning, trying to comprehend the warmth radiating from her, the way her presence wrapped around him like something dangerously intoxicating.

And then—

She moved.

So suddenly, so effortlessly, he didn’t have time to react.

Her arms lifted.

Reached for him.

And wrapped around him.

A hug.

A hug.

Aarush went rigid, his breath catching in his throat.

Her hands clutched the fabric of his shirt, her face buried against his shoulder.

She was hugging him.

Mahira was hugging him.

His mind blanked.

His hands trembled at his sides, unsure, hesitant.

He should say something. Should ask if she was okay, should pull away before this became too much—

But he couldn’t.

Because right now, at this moment, she was the one holding him.

And for the first time in what felt like forever, she wasn’t afraid of him.

Aarush swallowed, his heart racing, warmth blooming in his chest like wildfire.

Slowly, carefully, he let his hands lift.

And he hugged her back.

ᯓᡣ𐭩

They stayed like that, lost in the warmth of each other, as if time had paused just for them.

Neither of them moved, neither of them spoke.

Just silence—soft, heavy, and full.

Aarush could feel the faint tremble in her arms, could feel the way her fingers clung to him like she was scared he would disappear.

And maybe—just maybe—he was holding onto her the same way.

Finally, slowly, Mahira pulled back.

Their eyes met, and neither of them looked away.

She blinked, her eyes glassy yet gentle. Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, she reached out with her left hand.

Aarush didn't move.

Her fingers, soft and hesitant, touched his cheek, tracing the trail of dried tears.

Gently, she wiped them away.

Aarush closed his eyes at the touch.

It was so light, so careful—so unlike what he had ever expected.

A small, breathy chuckle escaped him, and a smile tugged at his lips before he even realized it.

She was wiping his tears.

After everything—after all the pain, after all the distance—she was comforting him.

His heart swelled, something deep and warm spreading through him.

For the first time in a long, long while…

He felt at peace.

ᯓᡣ𐭩

Mahira's fingers lingered on his cheek, her touch featherlight. She took a shaky breath, her lips parting as she whispered, "Sorry…"

Aarush’s eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, he just stared at her. His expression froze, like he wasn’t sure if he had heard her right.

Mahira swallowed, her throat tightening. “I… I don’t know what else to say,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I just—” She exhaled shakily. “I’m sorry, Aarush.”

Aarush let out a small, breathless chuckle, shaking his head. “You don’t have to be,” he said, his voice hoarse, yet filled with so much relief that it made her heart clench.

“I do,” she insisted, her fingers curling slightly against his cheek before she dropped her hand. “I—I pushed you away when all you ever did was care. I—” Her voice cracked, and she bit her lip. “I was scared.”

His smile faded, replaced by something softer. “I know.”

Mahira looked down, gripping the blanket in her lap. “But you still stayed.”

Aarush let out a humorless chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. “Like hell I was going to leave.”

His voice was firm, filled with a quiet determination. “You think I could just walk away from you?”

Mahira’s eyes softened.

“I don’t deserve you,” she whispered.

Aarush stiffened, his jaw tightening. “Don’t,” he said, shaking his head. “Don’t say that.”

She looked up at him.

“You deserve everything, Mahira,” he continued, his voice gentler now. “I don’t care what you think. You—” He exhaled, running a hand through his hair.

“You’ve been through so much. And yeah, maybe you push people away, maybe you think you have to fight alone… but you don’t.”

Mahira blinked rapidly, tears welling up again.

Aarush hesitated before carefully reaching out. He didn’t touch her, just let his hand hover over hers, waiting.

She didn’t move away.

Slowly, she turned her palm up, letting his fingers graze against hers.

He intertwined them, giving a small squeeze.

“You don’t have to do this alone,” he murmured.

Mahira sucked in a breath, her grip tightening around his hand.

For the first time in forever, she let herself believe him.

ᯓᡣ𐭩

She didn't realize when he became her safe place.❤️✨