Chapter 17

𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐 𝒄𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔🎀

𝑰 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍..💓

𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔✨❤️ 🥀

𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚𝒚𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 ✨

✦·┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈·✦

Naina slowly opened her eyes, the white ceiling of the hospital room coming into view. The soft beeping of machines surrounded her, and a dull ache pulsed through her body. As her vision cleared, she spotted her mother, Prema, sitting beside her with teary eyes and a relieved smile.

Prema, who had been sitting by her side with teary eyes, immediately leaned forward, a soft smile of relief breaking through her worry “Naina… beta” she breathed, her voice trembling with emotion.

She gently slipped an arm behind Naina’s back, supporting her as she tried to sit up “Careful… slowly” Prema murmured, adjusting the pillows behind her daughter.

Naina winced slightly but managed to sit up with her mother’s help. Her eyes still looked dazed, but there was recognition now.

Prema quickly picked up the glass of water from the bedside table “Here have some water” she said softly, bringing the glass to Naina’s parched lips.

Naina drank slowly, her eyes never leaving her mother’s face. A single tear escaped from the corner of Prema’s eye as she watched her daughter come back to her senses.

“Ab jaa ke jaan me jaan aai thodi” she whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead “Bhagwan tujhe har buri nazar se bachaye beta” she kissed her forehead.

“Ab main theek hoon Maa” Naina said weakly, managing a faint smile.

Prema nodded, gently holding her daughter’s hand. But just as Naina shifted slightly, her eyes fell on her leg one was wrapped tightly in plaster. Her smile vanished instantly, replaced by confusion and panic.

Her breathing grew uneven “M-Mummy... y-ye plaster kyun hai mere pairon pe?” she asked, her voice trembling with shock.

Prema’s expression stiffened. She looked down, fumbling with the corner of her dupatta, unsure how to break the truth “W-woh kya hai na, bet—” she began, her voice barely above a whisper.

Before she could finish, the door creaked open and Ranjan entered, his face lined with worry. He walked straight to Naina, placing a comforting hand on her forehead.

“Naina, ab kaisa feel ho raha hai beta?” he asked softly.

Naina looked up at him with teary eyes, desperate for answers “Main theek hoon, Papa... lekin pehle yeh batayein mere pairon par plaster kyun hai? K-kya hua tha mujhe?” Her voice cracked as panic began to rise in her chest.

Just then, a team of nurses and a doctor entered the room with medical trays, preparing for her wound dressing. The calm in the room shifted to clinical urgency.

Ranjan sighed and leaned closer “Beta, abhi dressing ka time ho gaya hai ek baar yeh ho jaaye, main sab kuch bataata hoon... theek hai?”

Naina blinked at him, confused and unsettled “Par Papa, d-dekhiye na—” she tried to speak, but her sentence was cut short.

One of the nurses politely interrupted. “Sir, ma’am, please aap dono thodi der ke liye bahar chale jaaiye. Humein dressing karni hai.”

Prema gave her daughter one last reassuring glance before she and Ranjan quietly stepped out of the room, leaving Naina staring at the door, heart pounding, mind racing with unanswered questions.

As the door closed behind Prema and Ranjan, the nurse adjusted Naina’s blanket, gently uncovering her legs. The doctor took position, instructing the assistants to begin removing the old bandages. The air inside the room was now still—thick with anticipation and clinical focus.

The moment the dressing was pulled from her injured skin, a searing jolt of pain surged through Naina's body.

“Aaaah!” she screamed, her fingers gripping the bedsheets tightly.

Her entire body arched in response as tears streamed down her cheeks “Nahi! Dard ho raha hai! Please... ruk jaiye!” she cried out, her voice cracking with pain.

The nurse tried to soothe her “Bas thoda sa aur beta, himmat rakho... dressing zaroori hai”

But Naina’s cries only grew louder as the doctor carefully cleaned the wound. Her chest heaved with every breath, sweat forming on her forehead despite the air-conditioned room.

“Mujhe bahut dard ho raha hai... please... maa... papa...” she whimpered, calling out instinctively for her parents.

Outside the room, Prema flinched at her daughter’s cries, her hands instinctively clutching her dupatta to her chest. Ranjan closed his eyes for a moment, guilt and helplessness washing over his face.

Inside, the doctor remained focused but gentle “I know it’s painful, Naina... but you’re strong. Yeh dressing karni zaroori hai taaki infection na ho. Just a little more, okay?”

Naina bit her lip to muffle another scream, her eyes squeezing shut. Her fragile frame trembled under the weight of pain and fear. The memory of how she got hurt was still a blank. But her body remembered every ounce of pain—and now, it was screaming.

The nurse quickly finished applying the ointment and wrapping the fresh bandage around her fractured leg.

“Ho gaya beta… bas ho gaya. Ab aap araam kariye” the nurse whispered gently, brushing the hair away from Naina's damp forehead.

Naina collapsed back into the pillow, exhausted, her sobs now reduced to quiet sniffles. Her voice barely audible, she asked again—this time to herself more than anyone else—

HOSPITAL CORRIDOR – OUTSIDE NAINA’S ROOM

The hallway was quiet except for the faint hum of machines and the occasional footsteps of passing staff. Suddenly, a scream pierced through the silence.

“Aaaah! Nahi! Dard ho raha hai... please...!”

Ved froze mid-step as he approached the corridor outside Naina’s room. He had just arrived at the hospital, still slightly out of breath, having rushed there the moment he received the call. In his hand, he held a small bouquet of white lilies—her favorite.

But now, his face turned pale.

“Naina...?” he whispered to himself, eyes widening in shock as her voice echoed through the closed door.

He took a few hesitant steps forward, his heart thudding wildly in his chest. The bouquet slipped slightly from his grip. Her cries were raw, desperate, filled with pain—and it shattered something inside him.

“Please... aaaa... ruk jaiye...” her voice cracked again.

Ved looked toward the door, where Prema stood motionless, her hands trembling, tears rolling silently down her face. Ranjan stood beside her, jaw clenched, fists tight.

“Ye andar kya ho raha hai aunty” Ved asked “Naina aise kyu chilla rahi hai” his voice low but urgent.

Prema turned toward him “Ved beta... woh dr. dressimg karne aye hai.” she began, her throat choking with emotion.

But before she could say more, another muffled scream came from inside. That was all it took.

Without waiting for permission, Ved walked quickly to the room’s glass window, his eyes searching for her. Through the slightly open curtain, he saw Naina—curled up, crying, her face contorted in pain as the nurse finished the dressing.

His heart broke.

“Naina...” he whispered again, barely holding back the storm of emotions building inside him. He had never seen her like this—so fragile, so vulnerable.

Ranjan stepped beside him and placed a hand on Ved’s shoulder “Tum andar nahi ja sakte abhi... thoda waqt lagega doctor abhi dressing kar rahe hain”

Ved didn’t respond, his eyes still fixed on her.

Inside, Naina lay still now, her breathing uneven, her cheeks wet. As the nurse adjusted the blanket back over her legs, her eyes fluttered weakly toward the door.

A shadow moved beyond the glass—familiar, comforting, protective.

“Mr. V-ved...” she murmured, almost inaudibly, before closing her eyes in exhaustion.

A LITTLE LATER

The room was quieter now. The dressing was done, and the nurses had left after giving instructions. The curtains had been pulled back, and soft light spilled in, painting the room in a calm hue.

Naina lay back against the pillow, still drained, her legs now freshly bandaged. Her eyes fluttered open as she heard the gentle creak of the door.

Ved stepped in slowly, holding the same bouquet of white lilies—now slightly crumpled from his clenched grip. His eyes instantly locked with hers.

The moment Naina saw him, her breath hitched. Her heart clenched—not from pain this time, but from the overwhelming relief of seeing him. Despite the ache in her body, a small, genuine smile broke across her lips.

“S-sir...” she whispered, her voice fragile, yet full of unspoken emotion.

He walked closer, his steps careful, his eyes never leaving hers. There was a storm of worry in his gaze, but also something gentle... something that said I'm here now.

Ved reached her side and sat gently on the chair next to her bed. He placed the bouquet on the side table.

“Mujhe laga aap...” he started, but the words caught in his throat. He looked away, swallowing hard “Apki awaz mera matlab chikhna sun ke mai to dar gya tha”

Naina blinked back fresh tears, her fingers wrapping tightly around his. She had felt so much pain today, but in this moment, everything softened.

“Aap aa gaye naa ab sab thik ho jayega” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes shimmered with unshed tears after seeing Naina’s legs condition.

“Kabhi nahi jaaunga... main yahi hoon, hamesha ke liye,” he said that no one heared.

Naina closed her eyes for a moment, her heart finally at peace. Pain still lingered, but his presence was a balm—reminding her that she wasn’t alone. That someone had come... just for her.

VED’S HOUSE – EVENING

The sun was setting outside, casting an orange glow through the living room curtains. Inside, the house was quiet—until the main door opened with a soft creak.

Ved stepped in slowly, his steps heavy, his shoulders hunched. He didn’t switch on the lights, letting the warm dusk shadows swallow him. His eyes were red, face pale, and his jaw clenched tightly—as if holding back something that had been threatening to break loose for hours.

From the kitchen, Shobha emerged, wiping her hands on her pallu. The moment she saw her son, she paused.

“Ved?” she called out softly “Itni der ho gayi, beta... sab thik toh hai na?”

Ved didn’t answer. He simply looked at her. One look. That was enough for Shobha to understand—his eyes were red, swollen, filled with unshed pain.

She hurried toward him “Beta... kya hua? Aankhon mein aansu kyun hain? Kisne kuch kaha? Kahaan gaye the tum?”

Ved opened his mouth to speak—but the words didn’t come. Instead, his expression crumbled, the strength he had held onto in front of Naina finally collapsing.

Without saying a word, he dropped to his knees and buried his face in her lap.

“Maa...” he choked out, his voice breaking “Main usse aise nahi dekh paaya... itne dard mein thi woh”

Shobha's heart clenched. She sat down quickly on the couch and held him close, running her fingers through his hair like she used to when he was a child.

“Kaun beta kiski baat kar raha hai tu” she whispered, her voice trembling with feared emotion.

Ved’s sobs grew louder now, muffled into her lap.

“Uske pairon pe plaster tha, Maa... woh chillaa rahi thi dard se... aur main sirf dekh raha tha... kuch nahi kar paya uske liye...” he said, his body shaking with guilt.

She cradled his head gently “Ved” made him looked at her “Beta tu kisaki baat kar raha pehle wo to bata mera dil baitha ja raha hai”

Ved gripped her saree tightly “N-naina”

Shobha gently stroked Ved’s hair as he remained curled into her lap, his breathing uneven, his face still buried as though hiding from reality. The weight of his pain was heavy—but so was her confusion.

She frowned slightly and asked softly, “Kaun Naina...?”

Ved froze for a moment.

Shobha looked down at him, trying to see his face. “Beta... tum jis ladki ke liye itne kamjor pad rahe ho... woh kaun hai?” Then, something clicked in her mind. Her eyes widened slightly “Yeh wahi Naina toh nahi... Prema Taneja ji ki beti?”

Ved slowly lifted his head and gave a faint nod, his eyes still glistening.

Shobha's expression shifted—from confusion to disbelief.

“Wahi Naina? Wahi Naina jisase hum us din party me mile the” she asked, trying to confirm.

Ved whispered “Haan Maa wahi Naina”

Shobha sat back slightly, stunned “Par ye sab kaise hua?”

Ved wiped his face and sat upright beside her, still clutching her hand like a lifeline. His voice was hoarse, but he began speaking.

“Uska accident hua Maa... aur uske dono pairon mein plaster hai aur ek pair me rod bhi and dressing ho rahi thi jab main wahan pohcha. Uski cheekhein ab tak kaanon mein goonj rahi hain....”

Shobha’s expression turned grave, her maternal instincts stirred “Hey bhagwaan... bechari bachchi...” she murmured.

Ved looked away for a moment, lost in the memory “You know Maa, maine Naina ko humesha bindass andaz me dekha hai aur aaj aise dekha to-”

The silence between mother and son had stretched for a while. Shobha sat beside Ved, still holding his hand. The flickering light from the lamp cast long shadows across the room. But it couldn’t hide the growing tension on Ved’s face—his restlessness, the storm inside him.

Shobha watched him carefully. His fingers kept fidgeting, his jaw clenched tight, his eyes blinking rapidly as if stopping more tears from spilling.

Unable to hold back any longer, she finally asked, her voice laced with a mix of concern and curiosity—

“Tujhe Naina se itna fark kyun pad raha hai, Ved?”

Ved froze.

The question hit somewhere deep—too deep. He turned his face slightly away, not meeting her gaze.

“Main bas... w-woh Maa” he stuttered.

Shobha didn’t let go of it. Her voice became firmer.

“Itne saal ho gaye tujhe kisi ke liye itna bechain nahi dekha, Ved. Tumhari aankhon mein dar hai... aur dil mein kuch aur. Toh sach sach bata... kya hai Naina tere liye?”

Ved looked down at his joined hands—fingers tangled nervously. His throat worked hard to swallow an invisible lump.

He opened his mouth, then shut it. A sigh escaped his lips instead.

“Mujhe khud nahi pata...” he finally whispered “Bas jab woh takleef mein thi... toh dard mujhe hua” He stopped “But you know Maa jab woh hasti hai toh dil halka mehsus karta hai a-aur jab woh door hoti hai... toh sab kuch bejaan sa lagta”.

There it was. Raw. Real. Unfiltered.

Shobha’s eyes softened. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder “Toh jawab mil gaya beta? Shayad tere liye Naina sirf ek dosti nahi rahi”

Ved slowly turned to her. His eyes glistened under the lamp’s golden hue.

“Mujhe darr lagta hai, Maa... ki agar maine maan liya, toh kahin usse kho na doon.”

Shobha gave a small, heartfelt smile.

“Kisi Ladki ko paane ka darr tab hota hai jab pyaar sach hota hai. Aur agar pyaar sach hai na, toh woh khud raasta bana leta hai. Chahe dard ho, ya dooriyan.”

Ved didn’t reply—but something shifted in his eyes. A clarity. A realisation he had been avoiding for far too long.

He finally leaned back on the couch, resting his head.

And for the first time that evening—his heart accepted what his soul already knew.

The hospital corridor was drowned in silence, with only the soft hum of machines and the occasional beeping of monitors breaking the stillness.

Inside the dimly lit room, everyone was asleep—Prema dozing lightly on the couch, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. A faint breeze filtered through the half-open window.

But Naina lay wide awake.

The dull ache in her legs throbbed beneath the plaster, yet that wasn’t what kept her from sleeping. Her eyes slowly blinked open, then shifted toward the side table where her phone lay.

With some effort, she reached for it, careful not to strain her bandaged arms. Unlocking the screen, the soft light illuminated her face.

1 new message – Ved

"Get well soon Naina"

– Ved

Her breath hitched.

And thumb lingered over the message, and unknowingly, a small smile tugged at her lips. She opened his profile picture—Ved standing casually in a hoodie, looking away from the camera. There was something raw and real about him. Something that made her heart ache in the quietest way.

She stared at his photo for a long time.

Then her expression slowly changed—from soft to confused, to slightly pained.

“Kya woh... mujhse pyaar kar sakte hai?” she whispered into the dark.

Her eyes drifted down to the thick plaster around her legs. Her fingers brushed the edge of the bandage. A bitter thought crept into her mind.

“Ek ladki... jiske dono pair fracture ho gaye ho... jiske chalne ka bharosa bhi nahi raha... kya woh kisi ka pyaar deserve karti hai?”

Her throat tightened.

“Ved jaisa ladka... caring, smart, strong... uske life mein toh koi bhi ladki aa sakti hai, koi perfect si, koi normal si”

Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away. She didn’t want to cry again—not tonight. Not after she had smiled today because of him.

She clutched the phone to her chest, her voice barely audible—

“Mai nahi khona chahti unhe” she cried Pa-par wo mujhse acchi ladki deserve karte hai”

But deep inside, her heart knew she was lying—to herself.

As the night deepened and the pain in her body numbed for a while, another ache bloomed quietly in her chest.

The ache of wanting someone... but being too broken to ask for love.

The night had deepened, and the world outside had gone quiet, but inside Shobha’s room, the storm was far from over.

Ved sat on the floor, his head resting in Shobha’s lap, arms wrapped around her waist like a child seeking shelter. Tears flowed freely now—tears he had tried so hard to hold back the entire day.

His voice came out broken, trembling like a thread barely holding on.

“Maa... wo bahut acchi hai…” He sniffled, pausing for a moment before continuing “Main usse pyaar karta hoon.”

Shobha looked down at her son, stunned at first, but then her eyes softened with motherly warmth. She gently caressed his hair as his body shook with silent sobs.

“Uske jaise koi nahi hai, Maa... itni seedhi, itni masoom…aur main... main usse khush dekhna chahta hu aur apnaa banake use khush rakhana bhi chahta hu”

He slowly lifted his face and looked up at Shobha, his eyes red and filled with desperation.

“Wo thik ho jayegi na, Maa?” he asked, voice cracking.

“Kya Naina is ghar ki bahu ban payegi Maa?”

Shobha's heart clenched at the vulnerability in his voice. She cupped his face in her hands, wiping away his tears.

“Haan beta... wo thik ho jayegi. Naina….matlab tumhari Naina ek strong ladki hai aur bhagwaan ne itni takleef di hai, toh usse sambhalne ki himmat bhi denge” she cupped his face “Agar mere bete ki pasand Naina hai to thik par kya Naina ki pasand tu hai Ved?”

Ved's eyes welled up again, and he buried his face back in her lap, seeking the comfort only a mother could give.

“Mujhe uska saath chhodna nahi hai Maa… kabhi nahi…..par mjhe lagta hai maa wo bhi mujhe pasand karti hogi”

Shobha kissed the top of his head, her own eyes glistening.

“Karti hai aur karti hogi me bhut bada difference hota hai baccha” She smiled “Tu usase baat kr lena sahi time ane pe….fir hum families milke baat karenge”

A heavy silence settled in the room, filled only by the soft sobs of a boy in love—a love he never planned for, but now couldn’t live without.

Sunlight peeked through the curtains, casting a soft golden hue over the room. The nurses had just finished their morning rounds. Prema stepped out briefly to bring breakfast, leaving Naina alone.

Naina sat quietly, her back slightly propped against the pillows. Her eyes were swollen from a sleepless night. She looked down at her plastered legs, covered in white gauze and bandages, and then slowly turned her phone screen off without replying to Ved’s latest message:

“Good morning”

“I’m bringing something special.”

She exhaled sharply, placing the phone aside and clutching the blanket closer to her chest—as if trying to protect herself from her own thoughts.

Her eyes welled up again.

“Ap yeh sab kyun kar raha hai?” she whispered to herself “Mujhe pata hai aap mujhasd pyar karte hai par aap mere jaisi ladki deserve nahi karte”

“Mujhse pyaar karne ka matlab samajhte bhi hai aap? Ek ladki jo…jo pata nahi chal bhi payegi ya nahi aur kya ap waaqai aise kisi aise ko chahate hai?”

She blinked away a tear, but another followed, stubborn and silent “Ap deserve karte hai ek strong, healthy, khush ladki... na ki koi aisi jo khud se hi haar gayi ho”

Her heart throbbed painfully, not because of the injury—but because of the ache of wanting someone she thought she no longer deserved.

“Agar main door ho jaungi, toh shayad ap bhool jaye mere liye apka pyar” She bit her lip, trying to hold back a sob “I hope apko bahut acchi ladki mile”

NEXT DAY

– LATE MORNING

Naina sat upright, dressed in a fresh hospital gown, her hair gently combed back into a loose braid by Prema. The morning sun had brightened the room, but there was a dullness in Naina’s eyes. She had been quiet, lost in thought.

Suddenly, the door creaked open.

Aryansh barged in with his usual dramatic flair, carrying a box of chocolates and a helium balloon that read “YOU GOT THIS!”

“Abbeee o Naina maina tu thik hai na” he shouted with a grin “Abhi agar tujhe tapli maar ke bhag Jau to dauda degi mujhe” he laughed while Naina gave him bombastic sode eyes.

Isharth followed behind calmly, holding a bouquet of white lilies. His eyes met Naina’s, and a warm, reassuring smile spread across his face.

“Apke liye di” he said softly, placing the flowers beside her “Hospital ka vibe thoda khushnuma ho jaaye”

Naina smiled faintly, her heart warming at their presence.

“Tum dono pagal ho nahi nahi bas tu pagal hai mera ishu to samjhdar hai” she said, her voice soft but laced with affection “Chocolates? Mujhe fracture hua hai, diabetes nahi”

Aryansh dramatically clutched his chest.

“Oye! Emotional touch samajh nahi aata tujhe? Yeh chocolate tujhse zyada mujhe pasand hai, but dekh... laaya hoon.”

Isharth chuckled, pulling up a chair.

“Ignore him di iska drama quota subah subah hi shuru ho jata hai” Prema excused herself.

Aryansh kept rambling excitedly about how boring his college days were without her, mimicking professors and making silly jokes.

But Naina’s attention drifted toward the door—again and again—as if she were expecting someone.

And then... he came.

Ved entered the hospital with a bag in his hand—homemade soup and a soft shawl for her. His steps were hesitant but hopeful, eyes searching for the girl who hadn’t left his mind all night.

Naina’s heart skipped a beat.

Aryansh was the first to notice him.

“S-sir Ved sir aap yaha?” he whispered with a grin.

Ved gave a soft smile, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her. But before he could speak, Naina quickly turned away and winced.

“M-mujhe thoda headache ho raha hai... main thoda so leti hoon,” she said hurriedly, avoiding eye contact.

Ved’s smile faltered slightly.

Isharth stood up slowly and walked to Ved, giving him a silent nod of understanding.

“Sir aap baithiye na, w-wo naina di kabse jagi thi to use headache ho raha hoga” he smiled.

Ved looked toward her again—she had turned her face to the wall, pretending to close her eyes. His hand gripped the bag tightly.

“Main...s-soup laaya tha” he said, softly.

Aryansh, surprisingly sensing the tension, stayed quiet for a moment before forcing a grin.

“Thodi der baad uske khane ka time hoga sir tb pi legi wo”

Ved nodded once and slowly walked out, the door gently clicking shut behind him.

The moment he left, Naina opened her eyes again, a tear slipping down her cheek.

Isharth noticed, but said nothing. He just quietly held her hand.

HOSPITAL – DAY FOUR

The sharp scent of antiseptic had almost faded for Ved now. For four days in a row, he had walked through the long hospital corridor, the sound of his footsteps echoing alongside his heartbeat — full of hope that maybe today... she’d meet him.

But every day, it was the same.

“Naina abhi rest kar rahi hai.”

“Uski tabiyat theek nahi hai.”

“Aaj thoda pain zyada hai.”

Each excuse was spoken with polite sympathy by the nurses, or sometimes by Prema herself, who always looked away quickly as if guilt danced on her eyelashes.

Ved never argued. He never forced.

He simply nodded, left the soup, or the warm cardigan, or a handwritten note with the nurse… and walked back down the hallway, a little heavier than before.

But today — something felt off.

He sat outside Naina’s room, holding a small white paper bag in his lap. Inside it was her favorite almond barfi from the shop near her college — the one she once told him reminded her of childhood. He thought it might make her smile.

As he waited, voices filtered through the door.

Laughter.

It was unmistakable. Aryansh’s booming, over-the-top jokes, followed by a subtle, amused chuckle — Isharth, calm and composed. And in between them… her. Naina’s soft giggle.

She was awake. Laughing. Talking.

Ved’s lips curved into a soft, relieved smile. Maybe today was different.

Just then, a nurse walked by, stopping as she noticed him.

“Aap fir aaye, Ved ji?” she said kindly.

Ved nodded, standing up “Haan… kya main Naina se—”

The nurse’s tone shifted “Abhi thoda rest kar rahi hain. Aap kal try kariye…”

That was it.

Ved gently raised his hand, cutting her off mid-sentence.

“Har din jab main aata hoon, tab wo ‘rest’ kar rahi hoti hai?” His voice wasn’t angry. It was hollow — lined with a quiet ache that even the nurse could feel.

The nurse looked guilty. She offered no reply.

Ved turned away from her and slowly walked toward Naina’s room. He didn’t enter, just stopped at the small glass window in the door and looked inside.

His heart thudded painfully.

There she was.

Sitting up, hair tied loosely, face paler than usual but glowing as she softly smiled at Aryansh’s antics. Isharth was seated near her, sipping from a hospital tea cup. She wasn’t asleep. She wasn’t resting.

And then — she saw him.

Just a glimpse of his silhouette through the door. Her body stiffened. Her eyes locked with his for only a second… and she immediately looked away.

She turned to Aryansh, laughing at a joke she barely heard.

And Ved knew. Right there.

She wasn’t resting. She was hiding. From him.

He stepped back..

But this time, something inside him cracked.

INT. VED’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

The lights were dim, the silence heavier than usual.

Ved sat at the foot of his bed, still in his hospital-visit clothes. He hadn’t changed. The diary — his most sacred place, filled with words only Naina inspired — lay open in his lap. Pages fluttered under the fan, covered in ink and emotion.

Shobha, his mother, stood quietly at the door. She didn’t need to ask anything. She could see it on his face.

“Phir nahi mili?” she asked softly.

Ved shook his head slowly, biting the inside of his cheek.

His voice was raw “Wo milna nahi chahti, maa”

He finally looked up at her. His eyes, red and tired, shimmered with unshed tears.

“Main har din gaya. Har din ek naya bahaana mila. Aaj maine usse hasti dekha. Meri taraf dekha... aur phir... mooh modh liya” Shobha walked toward him and sat beside him.

Ved dropped his head into her lap, and for the first time in days, let the tears fall freely. His voice broke with every word.

“Maa… maine socha tha uske liye bas hona kaafi hoga. Par shayad… main hi nahi kaafi hoon.”

Shobha ran her fingers through his hair gently, trying to absorb his pain.

“Tujhe lagta hai tu kaafi nahi hai… par mujhe lagta hai wo ladki kisi dard ke saath lad rahi hai.”

Ved looked up at her, confused.

“Lad rahi hai... mujhse?”

Shobha gave a small, sad smile “Nahi beta apne aap se….koi aise chiz hai jo ander hi ander use khaye ja rahi hai”

After that, he stayed awake the entire night, Shobha's words echoing in his mind. The next morning, he decided that he would clear everything between them.

HOSPITAL CORRIDOR – OUTSIDE NAINA’S ROOM – NEXT DAY

Ved’s grip tightened around the bouquet in his hand — white lilies, her favorite. He had bought them not to impress her, but because they reminded him of her — soft, pure, and quietly strong.

Today was the day.

No more excuses.

No more waiting at the door.

No more guessing.

“Main usse milunga aur aaj sab kuch keh dunga” he whispered to himself as he reached her room.

But just as he lifted his hand to knock, a soft sound made him stop.

Her voice.

Muffled but desperate… broken.

He froze.

His breath hitched as he stepped back slightly, the half-open door letting her voice spill out like a secret.

Naina sat on the bed, one leg elevated, phone pressed to her ear with trembling hands. Her face was wet, her eyes red — not just from pain, but from everything bottled inside.

“Pyaar?” her voice cracked.

“Ye to maine bas Ved ko hi dekh ke jaana hai…”

She choked, tears flowing freely as she tried to speak.

“Mai bahut pyaar karti hoon usse, Avni…” she whispered into the phone “Par tu jaanti hai na… wo itne sundar hain, itne acche hain… aur ek taraf main… jo pata nahi… chal bhi paaungi ya nahi”

She inhaled sharply, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand.

“Mai Ved ke liye kaise perfect ho sakti hoon?”

A pause. Then a sob escaped her lips.

“Par mai unhe khona bhi nahi chahti…” she added, looking toward the door cautiously as if afraid someone might hear.

Ved stood frozen, the bouquet slipping slightly from his grasp.

His world went still.

Her words echoed in his head — not the part about beauty, or the pain — but that one raw confession:

“Mai bahut pyaar karti hoon usse…”

His heart clenched.

“She loves me” he said to himself and a smile appears on his lips “Yes yes yes m-my Naina naina loves me” a tear escaped from his eyes.

But she was hurting. Trapped in the belief that she wasn’t enough for him. That her wounds made her less. That he would see her as broken.

Ved stepped back, unable to breathe, eyes filled with both relief and ache. He wanted to rush in, take her hand and say "Tum mere liye perfect ho, Naina. Tumhare jaise koi nahi"

But he didn’t.

Not yet.

Instead, he quietly walked away from the door — not because he was giving up, but because he had heard her heart.

And he knew now, she needed healing before confessions.

But one thing was clear as crystal in his mind “She loved him”

And he would fight the whole world — even her fears — to remind her she was never, ever less.

The air was unusually still as Ved stood near the window, the sunlight casting golden lines across his face. He had made up his mind.

“Bas ab aur nahi” he whispered to himself, his eyes burning with determination.

“Jaise hi Naina hospital se discharge hogi… mai uski sari galatfehmiyan mita dunga aur use ye realise karaunga ki wo hi mere liye perfect hai”

He turned toward the living room where Shobha and Ashish were seated, quietly sipping tea. The silence was broken by Ved’s calm but firm voice.

“Main aapse dono se kuch zaroori baat karni hai” he said softly yet firmly.

Shobha looked at her son, concern flashing across her eyes. Ashish put the cup down “Kya hua, beta?”

Ved walked closer, his hands folded in front of him. No hesitation. No fear. Only love “Main N-naina se shaadi karna chahta hoon”

There was a beat of silence. Shobha’s brows lifted, not out of shock but something deeper — perhaps fear… or realization. Ashish’s face remained unreadable.

“Tune soch liya sab kuch?” shobha said softly.

Ved (nodding):

“Poore dil se. Maa, main usse sirf pyaar nahi karta… main uske liye jeena chahta hoon. Uske saath har musibat, har khushi… sab kuch jeena chahta hoon”

There was no argument. Just the silence of understanding. A moment passed, and then Ashish finally said:

“Toh phir unke parents se baat kar lete hain” Ashish said while smiling.

Ved looked at him confusingly “A-aap gussa ya naraz nahi hai na papa?” He asked.

Ashish laughed “Areee bhai apne bete ki shadi ki baat sunke koi baap naraz hota hai kya? Aur mai to khush hu ki mere bete ne apne man ki baat btai mujhase aur wo saksham hai apne liye life partner chunane me” he again smiled.

Ved immediately ran to him and hugged.

“Hum kal hi jayenge Taneja sahab ke yaha aur rishte ki baat karenge” he said.

His word felt like heaven for Ved.

Prema was in the puja room, lighting a diya. Her face was calm, but her heart was turbulent. Her mind had been whispering the same wish over and over again…

“Kaash Ved hi ho Naina ki zindagi ka humsafar”

She had seen it in his eyes — the worry, the pain, the unspoken love. And she had also seen her daughter’s efforts to hide her tears every time Ved's name came up “Maine Ved ki aankhon me Naina ke liye aur Naina ki ankhon me Ved ke liye pyar dekha hai” she smile “Hey bappa ji is baar meri arzi sun lijiyega” she said while joining her hands infront of Ganesha idol.

Just as she turned to place the aarti thali down, she heard Ranjan’s voice call out from the hallway “Prema aaj Mehta ji humse milne aa rahe hain kal… unhone bola hai important baat karni hai.”

Prema's hands stilled and her heart skipped. She quietly nodded, hiding the flicker of hope blooming in her chest.

A sense of mild confusion hung in the air. Ranjan sat upright, eyes moving between Ved, Shobha, and Ashish, who had just arrived and were now seated across from him. Prema, slightly more aware of the purpose behind their visit, quietly served tea, her hands trembling just a little.

Ranjan said with a polite smile “Ved beta, Shobha ji, Ashish ji… achanak subah subah yeh mulaqat kaise?”

Ashish glanced at his wife, then at Ved, and finally looked Ranjan in the eye.

Ashish, warmly but directly “Ranjan ji, hum yahan ek khaas baat karne aaye hain”

Ranjan raised a brow, intrigued.

“Humein lagta hai… ki waqt aa gaya hai rishte ki baat khul kar karne ka” Shobha said while gently joining them.

“Rishte ki?” Ranjan frowned slightly “Kis rishte kii”

Prema paused while placing the tea tray down. Her heart began beating faster, sensing the moment she had silently hoped for was unfolding.

Ashish (with a light smile):

“Ved aur Naina ke rishte ki baat karne aaye hain. Hum chaahte hain ki ye business partners ke rishte ko sambandhi ke rishte me badal diyq jaye”

Ranjan’s eyes widened in disbelief. He looked at Ved, then Shobha, and finally at Prema — as if checking if this was all real.

“Shaadi? Par—Ved aur Naina? Kab? Kaise?” He was completely shocked.

Seeing his reaction, Ved hesitated but spoke “Uncle… main Naina se pyaar karta hoon”

The room fell quiet.

Prema looked down, hiding the overwhelming emotion rising within her.

Ved continued, his voice sincere and calm:

“Main jaanta hoon abhi uska waqt accha nahi chal raha hai… lekin main humesha uske saath rehna chahta hoon, hamesha. Mujhe usse shaadi karni hai, sirf isliye nahi kyunki main usse pyaar karta hoon… balki isliye kyunki main usse apne jeevan mein har haal mein chahata hoon”

Ranjan (still surprised, hesitant):

“Par beta, Naina abhi… uski condition… uska pair—”

Shobha (gently but firmly):

“Humein sab pata hai Ranjan ji. Lekin Ved kisi dard se darr kar nahi aaya yeh faisla lene, who Naina se bahut pyar karta hai”

Prema finally spoke, voice low but steady:

“Ranjan ji… main jaanti thi yeh baat, mera matlab mujhe pata tha ki ved Naina se pyar karte hai” she looked at Ved “Aur jo pareshani aur dard maine inki ankhon me dekha Naina ke liye, wo bas ek saccha pyar krne wale ki hi ankhon me dekha ja sakta hai aur main chahti hoon ki hum Naina ka sukh chunein… uska pyaar chunein”

Ranjan sat back in stunned silence. The protective father in him fought the fear of society’s gaze, of Naina’s brokenness, of what lies ahead — but beneath it all, he saw the truth: Ved loved his daughter beyond conditions.

After a long pause Ranjan looked at Ved “Tum sach mein uske saath ho na? Uski har halat mein?

“Uski har saans mein” he said while looking down.

A silence filled with quiet emotions spread in the room.

Ranjan finally nodded, a small smile breaking through.

“Tayyari shuru karte hain…”

And in that moment… two families silently agreed to a bond stronger than society, appearances, or fate — the bond of unconditional love.

The air was heavy with emotions. A moment ago, a lifelong decision was agreed upon. But Ved, still seated in front of Ranjan and Prema, fidgeted with his fingers, nervousness evident in his posture. Shobha and Ashish watched their son, sensing he had something more to say—something that was holding weight in his heart.

“Ved beta… sab theek hai na?” Ranjan said while noticing his hesitation.

Ved looked up at him, then at Prema, and finally back at his own parents. He took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly but laced with truth “Uncle… Aunty… main aap sab se ek aur baat kehna chahta hoon.”

“Kaho beta, hum sun rahe hain” Prema said softly.

Ved stood up, walking a few steps forward as if gathering courage with every step.

Ved:

“Main jaanta hoon Naina aaj kal mujhse milna nahi chahti. Main har roz jaata hoon, par woh… koi na koi bahaana bana leti hai.”

His words silenced the room. Prema lowered her eyes, guilt washing over her because she too had noticed Naina’s withdrawn behavior.

Ved (emotionally):

“Kal maine usse phone pe rote hue suna. Apni friend se keh rahi thi ki… ki main uske liye ‘perfect’ nahi hoon… ki uske pair mein chot ke baad main shayad usse waise na dekhun jaise pehle dekhta tha.”

He paused, his jaw tightening.

Ved:

“Par usse kaun samjhaye ki mere liye uske pair nahi… uska dil, uski muskaan, uska saath zaroori hai. Main uski aankhon mein woh dard dekh nahi paata… aur isliye… main ek faisla lena chahta hoon.”

Ashish leaned forward, eyebrows raised “Kya faisla?”

Ved turned around, facing all four of them now.

Ved was determined but hesitated “Main chaahta hoon… ki main aur Naina… jab woh hospital se discharge ho… usi din court marriage kar lein”

Prema gasped softly, while Ranjan looked visibly taken aback. Shobha and Ashish exchanged glances, startled but not entirely surprised.

He continued, but voice slightly shaking “Mujhe pata hai, yeh thoda achanak hai. Shaadi ek celebration honi chahiye, dhol hona chahiye, mehfil honi chahiye… trust me uncle aunty ye sab bhi hoga…par Naina ke liye main ek saaf aur certain rasta chaahta hoon… jisme usse yeh na lage ki uski chot uske rishte se badkar hai”

He looked at Prema, eyes moist “Woh mujhe khone se dar rahi hai aur main usey khone ka soch bhi nahi sakta”

Prema whispered emotionally “Woh tumse bahut pyaar karti hai, beta…”

Ranjan was stunned “Ved, beta… tum jo keh rahe ho woh... bada faisla hai, tumhelagta hai Naina tayyar hogi court marriage ke liye?”

Ved hesitated again, his voice barely above a whisper now “Pata nahi… par main ready hoon usse rokte-rokte haar jaane ke liye. Bas ek baar… usse batane ke liye ki main uske liye shaadi mein delay nahi, pyaar dikhana chahta hoon”

The room fell silent again—this time, not with shock, but with a profound understanding.

Shobha placed a hand on Ved’s shoulder “Shaadi ki tareekh nahi… niyat zaruri hoti hai. Aur teri niyat saaf hai”

Ashish nodded “Hum tumhare saath hain, beta”

After a long pause, Ranjan finally spoke “Agar yeh sab Naina ke liye hai… toh main apni beti ke liye haan keh sakta hoon”

Prema’s eyes welled up “Mere liye toh yeh sabse bada sapna hoga... uska apna pyaar uske dard se lad raha hai”

Ved finally exhaled, as if a huge burden had been lifted.

AFTER 5 TO 6 DAYS

The warm glow of the lamps barely softened the tension in the room. Ved sat with his parents and across him were Ranjan and Prema, their expressions puzzled but curious.

His tone was serious but gentle “Main aapse sabse ek baat share karna chahta hoon… kal jab Naina discharge hogi… main usse court le jaake shaadi karna chahta hoon”

There was a pause. Even Prema, who secretly wished for this, looked up in surprise.

Ranjan looked at him in disbelie “Yeh... yeh sab itni jaldi? Par beta, Naina toh...”

Ved looked at him and said calmly “Naina mujhe chhoti chhoti baaton mein avoid kar rahi hai. Usse lagta hai ki woh mere laayak nahi hai... bas is liye. Uska fractured pair uski pehchaan nahi hai uncle… uska dil hai. Aur main usse bina kisi shabd ke, bina kisi pressure ke...use apni patni banana chahta hoon”

Shobha smiled softly, eyes moist with pride “Mera Ved jtna samajhdar ho gaya hai….akhir kuch to baat hai Naina me jo hum na dekh paye wo sirf isne dekha air Naina ne ise kitna badal diya hai” she smiled while thinking.

Hearing him, Ranjan looked at Prema “Main kuch nahi keh rahi hoon, par agar meri beti khush rahe toh mujhe aur kya chahiye…” she simply replied.

Everyone exchanged a look of understanding and the plan was now set.

THE NEXT MORNING

Naina sat on a wheelchair, her discharge papers signed. She was dressed in a simple peach top, her hair open, her eyes searching the corridor for someone.

Before she could ask anything, Prema bent down beside her and smiled gently “Beta tere liye ek chhota surprise hai to in aankhon pe kapda bandhna padega?”

Naina looked at Prema, confusingly “Maa, ye kya bacchon jaisi—”

Seeing her Ranjan came to Naina and bent to her level “Bas bas, is baar maa ki baat maan le”

Naina hesitated but eventually smiled and nodded. Prema gently tied a soft cotton dupatta over her eyes. Her fingers gripped the handles of the wheelchair instinctively.

Naina was hesitated about this she felt like panicking but she managed herself and asked “Par... hum jaa kahan rahe hain?”

“Ab yahi bata denge to surprise ka aura minus me chala jayega na” she laughed.

After a while she felt herself being wheeled slowly, hands holding hers gently but protectively. After some time, someone lifted her from the chair, carefully placing her inside a car.

And then... she smelled it.

That faint, musky, unmistakable scent she had memorized—the perfume Ved always wore.

Naina’s lips parted slightly, whispering to herself:

“V-ved...Sir?”

But no one replied, then Ranjan replied her “Beta tera surprise ane wala hai”

But before Naina could say something, the car was alreay started and Prema put airpods in her ear “Beta gana sun apna”

AN HOUR LATER (in court room)

The blindfold was finally removed.

Naina blinked rapidly as the soft light of the court building's waiting area came into focus. Her eyes widened. She looked around — the registrar’s table, two garlands, simple witnesses, and...Ved.

In a crisp white kurta, standing still, nervously fidgeting with the sleeves, but his eyes only on her.

Naina was completely shocked “Yeh... yeh sab... kya ho raha hai, aur s-sir aap yha”she looked at her parents “Maaa papa ye hum court kyu aye hai?”

Ved stepped forward and sit on the ground and hold her hands “Tum mujhe har roz chhup kar chhod rahi thi… par main tumhe kabhi nahi chhod sakta, Naina. Tumhara pair fracture hua hai, dil nahi... aur mujhe usi dil se mohabbat hai”

Naina’s eyes welled up and her voice breaked “Par main—main aapke laayak nahi—”

He wipped her tears and said “Tum meri zindagi ho, Naina mujhe nahi pata tum nere liye itni jaruri kabse ho gai” he kissed her palm “And you know tumhari kami ho toh sab adhura lagta hai aur agar tum hi na rahi toh... main poora kaise ho sakta hoon?”

Her tears now flowed freely. Aryansh and Isharth stood to the side, cheering silently “Yeh banda toh sach mein hero ban gaya” he looked at Isharth “Dekhaaa us din maine jab inhe Jiju bulaya tab bhgwan ji ne bhi meri sun li thi”

Isharth smiled and said softly “ Bas Naina di khush rahe aur in dono log ki khushiyo ko kisi ki nazar na lage”

The air inside was quiet, almost reverent, filled with the scent of fresh marigold garlands and the faint scratch of pens against paper. The court clerk adjusted his spectacles, sliding a thick ledger forward.

Registrar said formally “Naam batayein dulha aur dulhan ke”

Ved cleared his throat slightly “Ved Mehta” He looked at Naina “Aur yeh... Naina Taneja”

Naina’s voice was soft, still recovering from the overwhelming moment “Naina…M-mehta” she laughed.

The registrar looked up briefly and smiled, then motioned them forward.

Their hands gently brushed as they leaned in to sign the papers. Ved’s fingers found hers—offering silent strength. He signed first, and then, with a deep breath, Naina picked up the pen with slightly trembling hands and completed her signature.

Isharth and Aryansh stepped forward to sign as witnesses.

Aryansh said with excited expression “Mujhe nahi pata tha meri zindagi mein yeh din bhi aayega… main kabhi kisi shaadi mein legal proof banoonga!”

Isharth teased him “Chup kar, tu toh khud court-worthy case hai”

Everyone laughed softly, including Naina, who looked at Ved with a mix of disbelief and admiration. Her eyes sparkled despite the redness of her tears.

The registrar closed the file with finality and declared “Ab se aap dono pati-patni hain, Congratulations”

Prema rushed forward and enveloped Naina in a tight hug, her hands trembling slightly as they wrapped around her daughter “Bas ab tujhe zindagi bhar khush dekhna hai”

Naina, already emotional, melted into her mother’s arms, nodding against her shoulder.

At the same time, Ranjan walked up and gently placed his hand on Naina’s head—a father’s silent blessing, his eyes filled with unspoken emotions “Khush raho, meri beti... ab meri nahi, kisi aur ki amanat ban gayi hai”

Beside him, Shobha stepped forward, wiping the corner of her eye discreetly. She took a bit of kajal from her own waterline and dabbed it behind Naina’s ears, just the way mothers have done for generations “Tumhe bhagwan ji har buri nazar se bachaye, beta”

Naina looked at her with moist eyes, overwhelmed by the unexpected warmth from her mother-in-law.

Ashish now moved closer with a rare softness in his voice “Humesha khush raho dono... aur mere liye jaisi Kaushiki hai, waise hi tum bhi ho ab se, Naina”

Naina blinked back tears again and gave a slight nod, touched by his words.

Just then, Kaushiki decided to lighten the mood. With a mischievous grin, she moved to Ved and Naina, looking between them with mock seriousness “To kaisa lag raha did—oops! Sorry sorry... Bhabhi!”

A soft giggle escaped Naina’s lips, and she looked down shyly, cheeks glowing with a blush.

The room burst into gentle laughter, and for a moment, it felt as though the weight of the past few days had lifted, replaced with joy, love, and new beginnings.

Ved bent down in front of Naina, pulling out the mangal sutra from his pocket, and looked up “Shaadi court mein ho gayi... par pyaar se yeh bandhan bhi zaroori hai”

He gently tied the mangal sutra around her neck as she looked down with tears slipping quietly. Then he picked up a small sindoor box, opened it, and applied it delicately to her hairline and their heads leaned in, resting together for a moment—relieved, overwhelmed, and entirely wrapped in the safety of each other.

✦·┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈·✦

𝑺𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓??

𝑫𝒊𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 17?

𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 ✨❤️

𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒔.

𝑩𝒚𝒆𝒆𝒆𝒆𝒆𝒆!!

𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 💖

𝑳𝒐𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 💕

~𝑵𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒙𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔_