Long Chapter Ahead. I suggest you read it in one go..!

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Abhimanyu returned to his previous spot, his heart heavy with the weight of his mother's words and the fear gnawing at him for Akshara and their unborn children. He saw the medical team wheeling Akshara out of her room, heading toward the operation theatre.

His breath hitched as he caught sight of her. She looked so pale and fragile, a stark contrast to the vibrant woman he knew and loved. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he leaned forward to get a better look, trying to will his strength to her through the distance.

As if sensing his presence, Akshara's eyes fluttered open, and she looked around weakly. Their gazes locked, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Her face changed, a flicker of recognition and a plea for him to come closer. Her voice, barely a whisper, called out to him.

"Abhi..."

The sound of her calling him pulled at his heart, and the family around her also registered his presence. Despite the tension, despite everything, he moved forward, drawn to her by an unbreakable bond.

Abhimanyu came and stood near her, his heart breaking at the sight of her so frail and vulnerable. He reached out, his hand trembling as he gently touched hers. "Akshu, I am so sorry," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I should have trusted you. I should have been there for you. Please, forgive me."

Akshara looked at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of pain and resilience. A sad, almost bitter smile played on her lips. "Abhi, don't do this to yourself," she said softly, her voice weak but steady. "This isn't because of you. You don't need to carry the blame for my condition."

She paused, taking a deep breath, gathering her strength. "We all made mistakes, Abhi. We all have our burdens to bear. You did what you thought was right, even if it hurt me. But don't let this guilt consume you."

Abhimanyu felt a lump form in his throat as he listened to Akshara's words. Her resilience and grace in the face of such pain struck him deeply. He wanted to reach out, to hold her, to promise her that everything would be alright, but he knew that words could never undo the past.

As Akshara finished speaking to him, the medical staff began to prepare her for surgery. The family was given a brief moment to talk with her. Abhimanyu stepped back, allowing Akshara's family to move closer.

Akshara gave her family a brave smile, her eyes twinkling with a mixture of determination and tenderness. "Aap log dar kyun rahe ho?" she said, her voice surprisingly strong. "Don't worry, I'll try my best. Mumma papa se kahungi ke vo mujhe apne pas na bulayein, kyunki ab toh mujhe mumma bolne wale aarahe hain na!"

Her words, a delicate blend of hope and sorrow, hung in the air as she was wheeled away for surgery. Each family member broke down, tears streaming down their faces, yet her words offered a glimmer of hope in their despair.

Just as she entering the OT, she looked at Abhi, her eyes conveying a depth of emotion that words couldn't fully capture. "Subah tumne mujhe azaad kiya tha, Abhi," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Ab main tumhe apne aap se azaad karti hoon"

Tere har zakhm ka marham banne ki koshish thi,

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As everyone waited outside the operation theatre, Vansh joined them after making sure that Mimi was resting. The minutes ticked by agonizingly slow. It had already been two hours since Akshara was wheeled in, and still, there was no news. The tension in the air was palpable, each second stretching into an eternity.

Kairav sat with his head in his hands, his mind racing with worry and prayers. Bade Papa and Badi Maa clung to each other, drawing strength from their shared hope and fear. Aarohi, unable to sit still, began pacing up and down the corridor, her anxiety growing with every step.

Aarohi suddenly stopped and turned to Abhimanyu, her face etched with worry. "Why is it taking so long?" she asked, her voice trembling. "These surgeries don't usually take this long, do they?"

Abhimanyu, who had been trying to maintain a façade of calm, felt his own panic rising. He knew that the complexity of Akshara's condition, combined with her pregnancy, made the surgery particularly delicate and prolonged. But hearing Aarohi voice her fears brought his own worries crashing down on him.

He tried to swallow the lump in his throat, his heart pounding in his chest. "I... I don't know," he stammered, his voice betraying his fear. "Maybe... maybe it's just taking longer because they need to be extra careful with Akshu and the babies."

Aarohi's eyes widened, her pacing halted. The mention of the babies only heightened her anxiety. "But what if something goes wrong?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "What if...?"

Abhimanyu felt a wave of helplessness wash over him. His mind raced with worst-case scenarios, the weight of his earlier decisions pressing down on him. His hands clenched into fists at his sides as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. His medical knowledge told him that the doctors were doing everything they could, but his heart couldn't bear the uncertainty.

The family could see the turmoil in his eyes, reflecting their own fears. The minutes stretched on, each one more torturous than the last, as they all silently prayed for Akshara's safety, hoping against hope that she and the babies would make it through.

The sterile silence of the hospital corridor was abruptly broken by the sound of the door to the operation theatre opening. Everyone's heads snapped up, hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and hope. A doctor in scrubs stepped out, his expression serious.

Kairav was the first to rise, followed closely by Badi Maa and Bade Papa. Aarohi, who had been pacing, stopped in her tracks, and Abhimanyu, who had been standing at a distance, stepped closer, his heart in his throat.

"Doctor, how is she?" Kairav asked urgently, his voice trembling with anxiety.

The doctor took a deep breath, looking around at the anxious faces. "Akshara's condition is still critical, but she’s responding to the treatment. We've managed to stabilize her internal bleeding, and the surgery is progressing as planned. It's a delicate process, especially considering her pregnancy, but so far, we're optimistic."

A collective sigh of relief echoed through the corridor. Swarna clutched Manish's arm, tears of tentative relief streaming down her face. Aarohi put a hand to her mouth, her eyes wide with hope. Even Abhimanyu felt a glimmer of hope piercing through the thick fog of his fear and guilt.

"She'll be okay, right?" Aarohi asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor gave a small, reassuring nod. "We're doing everything we can. She's fighting hard, and that’s a good sign. We'll keep you updated as the surgery progresses, but for now, please hold on to hope."

The family exchanged glances, a sense of fragile optimism settling over them. Abhimanyu took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Thank you, doctor. Please, do whatever it takes to save her and our babies."

"We will," the doctor assured him before heading back into the operation theatre.

As the door closed behind him, the family huddled together, drawing strength from the doctor’s words. With the doctor's update providing a ray of hope, the atmosphere in the waiting area lightened slightly.

Their expressions softening with tentative optimism. Kairav, trying to lift the mood, suggested, "Once Akshu's surgery is done and she's back on her feet, we should throw a big celebration. Maybe a family dinner at her favorite restaurant?"

Bade Papa nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. We can invite all our close friends and relatives to join us in celebrating Akshara's recovery."

Badi Maa chimed in, her eyes sparkling with hope. "Yes, and we can decorate the house with flowers and balloons. It will be a day to remember, a day of joy and gratitude."

Aarohi, who had been pacing anxiously moments ago, now joined in the discussion, her voice filled with excitement. "And we can bake a special cake for Akshu, with her favorite flavor and decorations. We'll make sure she knows how much we love and support her."

As the family continued to discuss their plans for the celebration, Abhimanyu stood a little apart, watching them with a mixture of determination. Despite the turmoil in his own heart, he couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth at the sight of their united optimism.

In his mind, he began to formulate his own plans. After Akshara's surgery, he vowed to himself that he would always be there for her, to support her, to care for her in every possible way. He would make it his mission to earn her forgiveness, to prove to her that he was worthy of her love and trust once again.

He imagined the look of surprise and joy on her face when he presented her with her favorite flowers, when he cooked her favorite meals, when he showered her with small gestures of love and affection. He would be her rock, her pillar of strength, her unwavering support through every trial and triumph.

As the family's laughter and chatter filled the air, Abhimanyu allowed himself a small smile. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, he knew that together, they would overcome them. And when Akshara emerged from the surgery, strong and resilient, they would celebrate not just her recovery, but their unwavering bond and the promise of a brighter future ahead.

With renewed determination and hope in his heart, Abhimanyu silently vowed to make every moment count, to cherish every precious second with Akshara, and to never let her go again.

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After another hour had passed, the family’s earlier optimism had given way to weary silence. The waiting room's tension was palpable, each tick of the clock echoing their mounting anxiety. Aarohi, exhausted by the emotional and physical toll of the day, had finally dozed off in a chair. Vansh had draped a shawl over her and was now gently supporting her head, ensuring she was comfortable despite the circumstances.

They had tried convincing Aarohi to go home, at least for the sake of the baby growing inside her, but she had adamantly refused, her resolve unyielding. The family had given up the argument, understanding her need to be there for Akshara, no matter the toll it took on her own health.

Kairav, ever the caregiver, had made sure everyone ate something, though the meals were more perfunctory than nourishing. Now, he sat a bit apart from the rest, clutching a small, framed photograph of their parents, Naira and Kartik. His eyes were red and weary, but his expression held a fierce determination.

"Papa, Mumma," he whispered to the photo, his voice thick with emotion, "I need you both here. Akshu needs you. Please watch over her. Guide the doctors' hands and bring her back to us safely."

He paused, his fingers trembling slightly as they traced the edges of the photo. "I can't lose her, not like this. She's been through so much already. She deserves happiness, not more pain."

Kairav glanced over at Abhimanyu, who was standing at a distance, lost in his own world of guilt and regret. Kairav's expression hardened. He couldn't bring himself to forgive Abhimanyu, not after everything Akshara had suffered. The thought of what his sister had endured because of Abhimanyu's decisions was a bitter pill he couldn't swallow.

"Akshu, you've always been the strong one," Kairav murmured, his gaze returning to the photo. "But this time, you need to be even stronger. We’re all here for you, and we’re not giving up. You hear me? We're not giving up."

As the minutes dragged on, the family sat in a somber silence, each lost in their own thoughts and prayers. The earlier discussions about celebrations seemed a distant memory now, overshadowed by the grim reality of the situation. But despite the fear and uncertainty, there was a silent, collective determination to hold on, to hope, and to fight for Akshara’s recovery.

Kairav's silent plea to their parents hung in the air, a testament to the family's enduring bond and their unwavering faith in each other. They would get through this, together, no matter what it took.

The hour stretched unbearably long, each second feeling like an eternity. The family, already on edge, felt their anxiety spike as sudden flurries of activity erupted from the operation theater. Nurses began rushing in and out, their faces grim and focused, but no one answered the family's desperate questions.

Aarohi, jolted awake by the commotion, looked around in a panic. "Kya ho raha hai? Akshu theek hai na?" she asked, her voice quivering with fear.

Vansh, still supporting her, tried to soothe her. "Calm down, Aarohi. They're doing everything they can."

But the reassurance did little to ease the tension. Swarna clung to Manish, her expressions a mix of hope and dread. Abhimanyu approached one of the nurses, desperation clear in his eyes.

"Please, tell us what's happening. Is she okay?" he implored.

The nurse, her face tight with concentration, only shook her head. "I'm sorry, I can't say anything right now. Please wait here."

The family's restlessness grew with each unanswered question, each unreturned glance. Aarohi, feeling helpless, clutched her stomach, her tears flowing freely. "Ye kya ho raha hai Vansh bhaiya"

Vansh wrapped his arms around her, his own eyes wet. "Shaant ho ja Aarohi, Hamari Akshu ko kuch nahi hoga"

Kairav paced back and forth, his frustration boiling over. He looked at Abhimanyu, who stood apart, his face pale and strained. The tension between them was palpable, but in that moment, their focus was singular – Akshara.

Suddenly, the door to the operation theater burst open, and a team of doctors and nurses rushed out, pushing a crash cart. The sight sent a wave of panic through the family.

"No!" Abhimanyu shouted, rushing forward. "What’s happening?" He went in a panic mode seeing the crash cart.

But no one stopped to answer. The flurry of activity continued, the medical staff moving with urgent precision. The air was thick with the beeping of machines and the hurried footsteps of nurses.

Then, as abruptly as it began, the chaos subsided. The medical team re-entered the theater, leaving behind a heavy silence. The only sound was the soft hum of the hospital machinery, echoing in the stillness.

Aarohi, unable to hold back her fears any longer, sobbed into Vansh's shoulder. Manish and Swarna held each other tighter, their silent prayers filling the void. Kairav stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest.

Abhimanyu, his face drawn and ashen, felt a crushing weight in his chest. He closed his eyes, silently begging for a miracle, for Akshara's survival.

As the family waited, every second felt like a lifetime, the uncertainty and fear gnawing at their hearts. The storm of activity had left them shaken, their hope hanging by a thread as they clung to the faintest glimmer of faith.

Aarohi, still exhausted, rested her head on Vansh's shoulder, her hand protectively over her growing belly. Kairav clung to his parents' photo, whispering silent prayers, while Abhimanyu stood apart, his eyes red and swollen from unshed tears.

The hallway outside the operating theater was again filled with an eerie silence, broken only by the occasional beeping of medical equipment and the soft hum of fluorescent lights.

Suddenly, a nurse emerged from the theater, her face pale and her expression grave. Before anyone could ask, she hurried away, leaving the family in even deeper dread.

Abhimanyu, who had been silently praying, was gripped by an overwhelming sense of helplessness. Aarohi stood up, her legs shaking. "Something's wrong. I can feel it," she said, tears streaming down her face.

Kairav clenched his fists, his knuckles white. "We have to stay strong. Akshu needs us to be strong," he said, though his voice wavered.

Just then, the doctor emerged, his scrubs stained and his face a mask of exhaustion. He approached the family, and they could see the sadness in his eyes. "We need to prepare you for the worst," he began, his voice heavy. "Akshara is critical. We've done everything we can, but her injuries are severe."

The words hung in the air like a death sentence. The family's hearts sank, and their eyes welled up with tears. Kairav shook his head in disbelief. "No, you have to save her. You have to!"

The doctor continued, his voice steady but filled with sorrow. "Her internal bleeding was extensive, and the pressure on her brain was too much. Her body couldn't handle the stress, especially with the pregnancy."

Aarohi gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "No, this can't be happening. Akshu can't leave us.. Nahi, nahi....." she whispered, her voice breaking.

Abhimanyu felt his knees buckle. He staggered backward, leaning against the wall for support. His heart was breaking. "No, doctor, please. She has to make it. She has to..." His voice trailed off as he struggled to hold back his tears.

The doctor shook his head, his eyes filled with regret. "I'm so sorry. We're losing her."

Inside the operating room, the frantic activity had reached a fever pitch. Nurses and doctors were working tirelessly to stabilize Akshara, but the monitors showed a grim picture. Her heart rate was dropping, her blood pressure plummeting.

"Clear!" The defibrillator pads pressed against her chest sent another jolt of electricity through her body, causing it to convulse slightly. The heart monitor showed a brief spike, then flatlined again. The room fell into a hushed silence.

"She's not responding. We need to call it," one of the surgeons said, his voice filled with sorrow.

The lead surgeon looked at the clock. "Time of death, 03:47 AM."

Outside, the doctor turned to the family, his face grave. "I'm so sorry," he said, barely able to get the words out. "We lost her."

A collective gasp rose from the family. Aarohi collapsed into Vansh's arms, sobbing uncontrollably. Kairav fell to his knees, clutching the photo of their parents, his cries echoing down the empty hallway. Manish staggered back, Swarna held on to him, their tears flowing freely.

Abhimanyu, still against the wall, slid down to the floor. The weight of the news crushed him. His world, already shattered, now lay in ruins. The love of his life, the mother of his unborn children, was gone.

"No... no... Akshu, Aisa nahi ho sakta.. please come back. Please..." he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. The pain was unbearable, tearing through his chest like a physical wound.

As the reality of the loss settled in, the family was engulfed in a wave of grief. Their cries filled the hallway, a chorus of heartbreak and despair. The world outside continued to turn, indifferent to the tragedy that had befallen them.

In that moment, everything felt meaningless. Akshara's laughter, her dreams, her love – all snuffed out in an instant. The hope they had clung to so desperately was gone, replaced by a void that nothing could fill.

Abhimanyu's mind raced through memories of Akshara – her smile, her kindness, the way she had loved him unconditionally. He had failed her in her final moments, and now there was no way to make amends. He had lost her forever, and with her, a part of his soul