Author pov....

Rahul tried desperately to hold Ishani, his arms wrapping around her trembling body.

"Ishani... Ishani, it's me! It's Rahul! Calm down, please!" he pleaded, his voice shaking with shock and overwhelming emotion.

But Ishani kept screaming in terror, pushing him away with all her remaining strength.

Her piercing cries echoed through the silent house. Within moments, the entire family woke up and came running.

They froze at the doorway, eyes wide with disbelief.

"Ishani...?" Malini whispered, tears instantly filling her eyes.

Vaibhav rushed forward. "Ishani! You're awake!"

Rahul was still trying to calm her. "Ishani, what happened? Look at me... it's me, Rahul-" Before he could finish, Ishani's eyes rolled back and her body went limp in his arms.

She had slipped into unconsciousness again.

"Ishani!" Vaibhav shouted, panic in his voice. "Ishani, wake up!"

Devnath immediately said, "Call the doctor! Right now! He needs to see her."

Rahul's hands trembled as he pulled out his phone and called the doctor, explaining everything in a rushed, broken voice.

Malini sat on the bed, gently cradling Ishani's head in her lap. She stroked her daughter's hair with trembling hands.

"How did she wake up like this? And why was she screaming so badly?" Malini asked, tears streaming down her face.

Rahul ran a hand through his hair, still in deep shock. "I... I was just holding her and telling her how much I missed her. Suddenly her eyes opened. She looked at me and started screaming in fear. She didn't recognize me at all."

Malini hugged Ishani closer, rocking her gently like she did when she was a child. "My poor daughter... what have you been through?"

Divya stood silently in the corner, tears flowing freely down her cheeks as she watched her bestfriend fragile condition.

A short while later, the doctor arrived and examined Ishani carefully. After checking her vitals, he turned to the anxious family.

"She has come out of the coma," he announced. "But her body is extremely weak. She had a severe panic attack the moment she regained consciousness, which is why she lost consciousness again. I'll prescribe some medicines. Give them to her immediately. She needs complete rest."

Rahul nodded quickly, took the prescription, and rushed out into the night to get the medicines. When he returned, he carefully gave her the first dose with the family's help.

No one slept that night. The entire family stayed awake, sitting around Ishani's bed watching, praying, and waiting for her to open her eyes again.

The tension and hope in the room were almost unbearable.

As the first rays of sunlight entered the room, Ishani's eyes fluttered open.

She blinked slowly, looking around in complete confusion. Her body felt heavy and weak.

She tried to sit up, her movements slow and unsteady. Nothing made sense. Where was she? What had happened?

Just then, Malini entered the room carrying a glass of water. The moment she saw Ishani awake and aware, pure joy spread across her face.

"Ishani! you're awake!" she cried happily, rushing to her side. "Thank God! How are you feeling?"

Ishani stared at her mother, her voice weak and hoarse. "Maa... what happened to me? Why does my whole body feel like this? Everything hurts..."

Malini sat beside her, gently holding her hand, and explained everything with tears in her eyes the accident in Goa, the fall from the railing, the three years in coma, and how Rahul had taken care of her and Ishaan all this time.

As the memories came flooding back, Ishani's eyes widened. She remembered standing on the balcony in Goa... the railing... the fall.

Tears welled up in her eyes. Her lips trembled as she broke down completely.

"Ishaan..." she sobbed. "Maa, where is Ishaan? Where is my son?" Her voice cracked with unbearable motherly pain and longing.

Malini hugged her tightly, rubbing her back. "He's here, beta. He's safe. He's sleeping right now. You'll see him soon. Just rest a little first."

Ishani continued crying softly in her mother's arm a mixture of relief, confusion, pain, and desperate longing for the son she had lost three precious years with.

In the next room, Rahul stood silently by the door, listening to her sobs. His own eyes were filled with tears of joy and fear.

The woman he had waited for had finally returned... but the road to healing had only just begun.

One by one, the family members entered the room to meet Ishani. Each carried a mixture of overwhelming joy and unshed tears.

Divya held her hand gently. "I missed you so much, Ishani. We all did."V

aibhav smiled through misty eyes. "You have no idea how long we've waited for this moment."

Malini, Rani, and Devnath sat beside her, touching her forehead and whispering words of love and gratitude.

Everyone told her how much they had missed her smile, her voice, and her presence.

But Ishani's eyes kept searching restlessly through the crowd. Even as she weakly acknowledged everyone, her heart was beating for only one person her son.

In his room, Ishaan woke up on his own. He rubbed his eyes and looked around, feeling strange.

Papa always came to wake him gently. Why hadn't he come today?He got out of bed, wearing his little night t-shirt, and walked outside.

The moment he stepped into the hallway, he saw a crowd gathered near the room where his mother always lay. His small feet moved forward curiously.

As he got closer, Rahul noticed him.

Their eyes met.

Rahul's face lit up with a mixture of happiness and emotion. He quickly walked over and knelt in front of Ishaan, placing both hands on his shoulders.

"Ishaan... Mumma has woken up, beta," he said, his voice thick with feelings. "She's been asking for you since she opened her eyes. Go meet her."

Ishaan stood frozen. He stared at his father, unable to believe what he had just heard. For three long years, he had slowly stopped hoping.

He had convinced himself that Mumma might never wake up. And now... Papa was saying she was awake?He walked inside the room with hesitant steps.

His eyes fell on Ishani sitting up slightly, talking weakly to Vaibhav.

The same face he had seen every single day for years but this time, her eyes were open.

Ishaan couldn't move. His little heart was pounding. Was this real? Or was he dreaming?Divya noticed him standing near the door and smiled through her tears."Go, Ishaan. Your Mumma is waiting for you."

Ishaan took slow, cautious steps toward the bed. Ishani looked at the boy standing in front of her, but her tired mind couldn't register who he was. He had grown so much.

The last time she remembered him clearly, he was just a tiny six-year-old. She stared at him in confusion.

Vaibhav gently placed a hand on Ishaan's back and said softly,"Ishani... look. This is your Ishaan. Your son."

Ishani's breath caught in her throat. Her eyes widened as fresh tears welled up.

The little boy she had left behind had grown taller. His face had changed, yet those same innocent eyes were looking back at her.

"Ishaan..." she whispered, her voice barely audible, breaking with unbearable motherly love and pain.

Her voice came out soft, trembling, and full of love."Ishaan... beta, come here," she called gently, stretching her weak hand towards him.

But Ishaan remained rooted to his spot. He stared at her with wide, uncertain eyes. This woman felt familiar, yet so distant.

He didn't know how to move.

Ishani's heart shattered. A sob escaped her lips.

"Ishaan... won't you come to Mumma? Please, beta..." Her voice cracked. Seeing her own son treat her like a stranger after all these years broke something deep inside her.

Tears rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably."Ishaan... aao na, beta. I'm your Mumma."

Rahul, who had been standing quietly behind Ishaan, stepped closer and placed a gentle hand on his son's shoulder.

"Ishaan, go to her," he said softly, his own voice thick with emotion. "Mumma is calling you. She has been waiting for you."

Ishaan turned around and looked up at Rahul, searching his face for reassurance.

At the same time, Ishani's eyes also lifted and met Rahul's for the first time since she had woken up.

A flicker of recognition passed through her, but the moment was heavy with too many unspoken feelings.

Rahul smiled through misty eyes and encouraged Ishaan again."Go, beta. She's your Mumma. You used to ask me every day, 'Papa, when will Mumma wake up?' Look... your Mumma is finally awake. She's calling you."

Ishaan stood still for a few more seconds, then slowly walked towards the bed.

The moment he came within reach, Ishani leaned forward with whatever strength she had and pulled him into her arms.

She hugged him tightly against her chest, as if afraid he might disappear again. Loud, heart-wrenching sobs escaped her.

"I'm really sorry, Ishaan..." she cried, her voice breaking. "Mumma is so sorry, beta. I troubled you so much, didn't I? Mumma is very bad..."

She showered his entire face with desperate, loving kisses his forehead, his cheeks, his eyes, his nose all while tears streamed down her face."My baby... look how big you've become," she whispered between sobs, pulling back slightly to cup his face with both hands. "You were so small... and now you've grown so tall and strong. My brave boy..."

Ishaan stood stiffly at first, but slowly his small arms wrapped around his mother's neck. Silent tears rolled down his cheeks as he buried his face in her shoulder.

Ishani rocked him gently, crying harder, her heart overflowing with guilt, love, and three years of unbearable separation."I missed you so much,... Mumma missed you every single day."

The entire room watched the reunion in pin-drop silence, tears flowing freely down everyone's faces.

After three long, painful years, mother and son were finally in each other's arms.

After some time, the entire family quietly left the room, giving Ishani and Ishaan some precious moments alone.

The door closed softly behind them.Ishani looked at her son with eyes full of love and pain.

She gently pulled him closer and began asking him everything she had missed during those three long years.

"Tell me... what all happened while Mumma was sleeping? Did you go to school? Who took care of you? What did you like eating? Did you make any friends?"At first, Ishaan felt shy and uncomfortable.

He sat quietly, not knowing how to open up to this mother who suddenly felt both familiar and new.

But Ishani's voice was so soft, so full of love and patience, that slowly he began to speak. He told her small things about school, his favourite colour, the tree role in the play, and how Papa had bought him a new costume.

In almost every sentence, Ishaan mentioned Rahul."Papa taught me how to tie my shoelaces... Papa sits with me every night... Papa never lets me sleep without eating properly..."

Every time the word "Papa" left Ishaan's mouth, a slight shock passed through Ishani's heart.

But she stayed silent. The man who had raised her son with such devotion deserved to be called Papa. She felt only deep gratitude.

Malini entered the room quietly with medicines and a glass of water.

"Ishani, beta, take your medicines," she said lovingly.

Ishani obediently took the tablets. Malini looked at Ishaan and said gently, "Now let him go, beta. He has been with you since morning. He must be hungry."

Ishani's eyes are filled with reluctance. She didn't want to let Ishaan go even for a minute.

She looked at her son with guilt and love. "I'm sorry, Ishaan. Mumma wanted to cook for you today and get you ready myself..."

Malini smiled softly. "Ishani, you are still very weak. Let Rahul take care of him for now. Once you feel stronger, you can do everything."

Ishani sighed. Her heart didn't want to agree, but she nodded.

She caressed Ishaan's cheek tenderly. "Okay, go and eat something, beta. Then come back to Mumma quickly. Promise?"

Ishaan nodded. "Hmm."

He slowly got down from the bed and walked out of the room. Rahul was standing right outside, waiting patiently.

The moment Ishaan came out, Rahul smiled warmly and knelt down to his level."Are you okay, Ishaan?" he asked gently.

"Hmm," Ishaan replied softly.

Rahul ruffled his hair affectionately. "Come, let's get you bathed and then you can eat. After that, you can go back to Mumma."

Ishaan looked back towards the room once, then nodded. "Okay."

After bathing, Ishaan returned to his room with wet hair. Rahul was waiting for him with fresh clothes. He helped his son dress gently, buttoning his shirt with care.

Rahul looked at Ishaan's face and noticed something was missing. Even though his mother had finally woken up, the little boy didn't seem as happy as he should.

"Ishaan... aren't you happy that Mumma has woken up?" Rahul asked softly.

"I am happy," Ishaan replied in his quiet voice.

"Then why are you so serious, beta? Smile for me," Rahul said, trying to cheer him up.

When Ishaan stayed silent, Rahul smiled mischievously and started tickling him.

Ishaan squirmed and burst into loud, genuine laughter."Haha... Papa, no!" he cried between giggles.

Rahul laughed along with him. "There it is... that's my boy's smile."

He finished dressing Ishaan, combed his hair neatly, and took him to the dining area.

He served breakfast on a plate and was about to feed him when Ishaan spoke."I want to eat with Mumma."

Rahul paused for a moment, then a warm, understanding smile spread across his face.

His heart felt strangely light."Okay," he said softly. "Go to her."

Ishaan picked up his plate and walked towards Ishani's room on his own.

Rahul watched him go with a mix of emotions in his eyes.

When Ishaan entered, Ishani looked up from the bed. Her tired face lit up with love the moment she saw him.

"Ishaan... you haven't eaten yet?" she asked gently.

Ishaan shook his head. "I want to eat with you."

Ishani's eyes filled with happy tears. A beautiful smile bloomed on her pale face as she patted the space beside her on the bed."Come here, beta. Sit with Mumma."

Ishaan climbed onto the bed carefully and sat close to her. Ishani took the plate from his hands. With trembling but loving hands, she began feeding him small bites, one by one.

She looked at him with endless affection, her heart overflowing as she watched her grown-up son eat from her hand after so many years.

"Eat slowly, my baby" she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Mumma is here now."

Ishaan ate quietly, occasionally glancing at his mother's face. For the first time in three years, the empty space in his heart felt a little fuller.

.......................

Ishani's health was gradually improving. She could now sit up for longer periods, speak more clearly, and even walk a few steps with support.

The colour was slowly returning to her face, but her heart felt heavy with one unanswered question.

Rahul had still not come to meet her. He stayed away, watching her from a distance whenever she sat in the living room or balcony.

A quiet, painful smile would touch his lips as he saw her awake and alive, but he never came close.

He didn't know what to say. After three years of caring for her like a silent guardian, he felt strangely lost now that she was conscious.

Ishani had noticed his behaviour. She saw how he avoided her room, how he busied himself with work or Ishaan, and how he disappeared the moment their eyes met.

She had so much to tell him so much gratitude, so many emotions, and so many unsaid words. He had raised her son, taken care of her, and sacrificed everything without ever asking for anything in return.

Yet he was keeping his distance.

One afternoon, unable to bear it anymore, Ishani gently told Ishaan, "Beta, go and call your Papa. Tell him Mumma wants to see him."

Ishaan nodded obediently. "Okay, Mumma."

He went outside and found Rahul organising some files.

"Papa, Mumma is calling you," Ishaan said.

Rahul froze for a second. "Mumma? Is she okay? Did something happen?"

"She's fine," Ishaan replied. "But she wants to talk to you."

Rahul stayed silent for a moment, then said softly, "Tell her I'll come."

Ishaan returned and relayed the message. Ishani's eyes lit up with hope. She kept looking towards the door, waiting eagerly, her heart beating faster.

But Rahul never came.

After a long wait, Ishaan finally said, "Papa said he'll come, but then he left for the police station."

Ishani's shoulders dropped slightly. She forced a small smile and nodded slowly."Okay," she whispered, trying to hide her disappointment

She looked out of the window, her eyes distant.

Divya entered Ishani's room and found her staring blankly out the window.

The sparkle that had returned to her eyes a few days ago had faded again. She looked sad and lost in thought.

"Ishani... what happened?" Divya asked gently, sitting beside her on the bed.

Ishani turned to her with heavy eyes. A weak, pained smile touched her lips."Divya... Rahul still hasn't come to meet me. Not even once. He hasn't spoken a single word to me since I woke up."

Divya's eyes widened in surprise. "What? I had no idea. He's been avoiding you?"

Ishani nodded slowly, looking down at her hands.

Divya held her hand firmly and said with determination, "Don't worry. Today, the moment he returns from the police station, I'll send him straight to you. Okay?"

Ishani gave a small, hopeful smile. "Okay, Divya."

Divya waited the entire night, refusing to sleep.

When Rahul finally returned home late, exhausted from duty, he was surprised to see his sister still sitting in the living room.

"Didi? Why are you still awake at this hour?" he asked, loosening his collar.

Divya looked at him seriously. "Rahul, why are you avoiding Ishani? Why haven't you gone to meet her even once?"

Rahul froze.

He remained silent for a long moment, his shoulders tense.

Divya pressed gently, "Say something, Rahul."

He let out a deep, painful sigh and ran a hand through his hair."I don't know what to say to her, Didi. If I go in front of her... she'll thank me for everything. She'll say how grateful she is that I took care of her and Ishaan. But I don't deserve any of it. It was because of me that she fell from that railing in Goa. I'm her husband... if I couldn't even protect her, then who else would? Taking care of her and Ishaan was my responsibility... not something she should thank me for."

His voice cracked with guilt and self-blame.

Divya listened quietly, her eyes softening with understanding. After a pause, she said gently, "Okay. Now go eat something and rest. You look completely drained."

Rahul looked slightly confused by the sudden change but nodded. "Okay, Didi."

He went to change his clothes.

.....................

A little later, Divya went to Vaibhav, who was reading in their room.

"Vaibhav, I think we should return to Banaras now," she said. "We've been here for many days. Ishani is much better now."

Vaibhav immediately shook his head. "No, Divya. Ishani is still very weak. I can't leave her like this."

Divya looked at him with slight frustration and said firmly, "Your sister is fine. She's recovering well. But if we stay here any longer, Rahul and Ishani will never get a chance to talk properly. They haven't even spoken a single word to each other in front of anyone. They need time alone... to heal, to rebuild their relationship, and to understand each other again. Let them have their space."

Vaibhav stayed silent for a while, thinking deeply.

Finally, he let out a sigh and nodded."Okay... we'll go back to Banaras."

Divya smiled softly. "Good."

Ishani lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling. The house had fallen silent long ago, but sleep refused to come. Rahul had still not come to see her.

Her heart grew heavier with every passing minute. Dark thoughts began to cloud her mind.

Has Rahul forgotten me?

Maybe he has found someone else... someone better.

Why would he still love me?

I've become nothing but a burden on him. Three years of coma... I ruined his life.

That's probably why he doesn't want me anymore.

Silent tears slipped down her cheeks and soaked into the pillow.

She turned to her side, clutching the blanket tightly as quiet sobs escaped her lips.

The insecurity and fear of being unwanted gripped her heart painfully.

Divya and Vaibhav announced that they needed to return to Banaras due to some urgent work.

They asked Devnath and Rani to accompany them.

Both elders agreed without hesitation.

Later that evening, Rani walked into Ishani's room with slow, gentle steps.

She sat beside her on the bed and held her hand lovingly.

"Get well soon, Ishani," Rani said, her voice warm yet emotional. "My son loves you a lot. He has waited for you for three long years. Now it's your turn to love him back with the same heart."

Ishani was completely shocked. She looked at Rani with wide eyes."Aunty... you have no objection? About me and Rahul's relationship?"

Rani smiled softly and shook her head."No, beta. I have no objection at all. For years I saw you lying unconscious in that bed. My heart melted every single day watching your condition. I realised how much pain you both have endured. Now I only want one thing that you and Rahul build a beautiful life together. Love each other, understand each other, and move forward."

Ishani's eyes filled with tears of relief and gratitude. A soft, emotional smile appeared on her lips as she nodded.

Rani gently placed her hand on Ishani's head, giving her a motherly blessing."Always stay happy, beta. May God bless your relationship with strength and endless love."

Ishani closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of Rani's blessing seep into her heart.

Next morning, everyone left for Banaras.

The house, which had been filled with voices, laughter, and the warmth of family just hours ago, now felt completely empty and silent.

Ishani sat on the sofa in the living room, quietly watching Rahul as he neatly arranged and packed away the extra bedding and belongings.

Her eyes followed his every movement.

She tried to stand up slowly to get some water. The moment she rose, Rahul noticed and immediately rushed to her side.

He gently held her arm to support her."Where are you going?" he asked, concern clear in his voice.

"I just need some water," Ishani replied softly.

Rahul shook his head. "You should have called me. Sit down, I'll get it for you."

He helped her sit back comfortably, then went to the kitchen and returned with a glass of water.

He handed it to her carefully. Ishani took small sips, her eyes still on him.

"The house has become so quiet, hasn't it?" she said, her voice carrying a hint of loneliness.

Rahul gave a small nod. "Yes, it does feel empty. But in the afternoon, Ishaan and Mannat will come back from school. Then it won't feel so silent."

Ishani hummed softly in response. "Hmm."

Rahul looked at her for a moment, then asked gently, "Shall I turn on the TV? You can watch something nice."

Ishani nodded with a faint smile. "Yes, please."

Rahul switched on the television and put on a light, soothing channel before returning to his work.

He continued folding clothes and arranging things around the house with quiet focus.

Ishani, however, wasn't watching the TV. Her eyes remained fixed on Rahul. She observed him with deep affection and gratitude the way he handled every small thing with such care, the way he managed the entire house without complaint, the way he still looked after her even while keeping his distance.

Rahul soon returned from the kitchen carrying a plate of warm, home-cooked food.

He sat beside Ishani and carefully handed it to her.

Ishani took the plate and began eating slowly. After a few bites, she looked up at him.

"You're not eating?" she asked softly.

Rahul shook his head. "No. I'll eat with Ishaan when he comes back from school."

Ishani paused, her spoon hovering in the air. "Then why did you make me eat so early? I could have waited and eaten with both of you."

Rahul gave her a gentle look. "You have to take your medicine after food, Ishani. That's why."

"Oh..." she whispered, understanding dawning on her face.

She continued eating quietly.

When she finished, Rahul handed her the medicines and a glass of water.

She took them without protest, her eyes occasionally glancing at him.

After she was done, Rahul stood up and said softly, "Come, let's go to your room. You should rest for a while."

Ishani nodded. "Okay."

Rahul helped her up, supporting her gently as they walked to the bedroom.

He made her lie down comfortably, adjusting the pillows behind her back and pulling the light blanket over her.

All the while, Ishani kept looking at him her eyes filled with a thousand unspoken emotions.

Gratitude, affection, longing, and a quiet pain.

Rahul straightened up and asked tenderly, "Do you need anything else?"

Ishani shook her head slowly. "No."

"Okay," he said, his voice low and soft.

He stood there for a moment, as if wanting to say something more, but eventually turned towards the door.

He closed the door quietly behind him, leaving Ishani alone in the room.

As the door clicked shut, Ishani stared at it for a long time. Her heart felt heavy.

As evening settled in, Ishani slowly opened her eyes after a long rest. For the first time that day, her body felt a little better, lighter than before.

Taking a deep breath, she carefully stepped out of her room.

The sight waiting for her outside instantly brought warmth to her heart.

Ishaan and Mannat were sitting together, busy with their homework, while Rahul stood in the kitchen preparing something.

The moment Rahul looked up and noticed her, his expression changed.

He immediately rushed toward her.

"Ishani!" he said anxiously, gently holding her before she could take another step. "Where are you going? You should have called me. I would've come to help you."

A faint smile appeared on Ishani's lips."I just wanted to sit with Ishaan and Mannat."

Rahul's worried expression softened.

"Okay."

Carefully supporting her, he walked her to the couch and helped her sit comfortably beside the children.

Mannat and Ishaan looked up from their books, happy to see her.

"What are you two studying?" Ishani asked softly.

Excitedly, both of them began explaining their lessons and showing her their notebooks.

"Oh? Let me see your book," she said.

Ishaan immediately handed it to her.

Ishani flipped through the pages, listening to them with genuine interest.

Watching the scene Rahul couldn't stop smiling. Seeing her sitting there with the children made the house feel complete again.

Rahul disappeared into the kitchen and returned carrying a large bowl.

He placed it on the table.

The aroma instantly caught everyone's attention.

"Chips!" Mannat exclaimed.

Both Mannat and Ishaan quickly grabbed handfuls and started eating happily.

Ishani glanced at the bowl, then looked at Rahul, who was watching her expectantly.

"You should have some too," Rahul said with a smile.

Ishani picked up a single chip and

took a bite.

The crunch echoed softly.

Her eyes widened slightly in surprise.

"You made these at home?" she asked.

Rahul nodded proudly.

"Yeah."

A genuine smile spread across Ishani's face as she took another bite.

"They're really good, Rahul."

For a moment, Rahul simply looked at her, and hearing those words felt like the greatest compliment he could have received.

The warmth in her voice made all the effort worthwhile, while

Night slowly settled over the house.

Rahul prepared dinner, and the three of them sat together and ate quietly.

The atmosphere was peaceful, filled with a comforting sense of normalcy that had been missing for so long.

After dinner, Rahul tucked Ishaan into bed in his room, making sure he was comfortable before leaving.

Then he returned with Ishani's medicine and handed it to her.

"Take this," he said gently.

Ishani swallowed the medicine while Rahul waited beside her.

"Come on," Rahul said after a moment. "Let's go to your room. You need to rest."

Ishani shook her head."No. Sit down. I want to talk to you."

Rahul hesitated before taking a seat beside her.

For a few moments, neither of them spoke.

Silence filled the room.

Finally, Ishani broke it."Why have you been avoiding me all these days, Rahul?"

Rahul looked at her but remained silent.

"I even asked Ishaan to call you to me several times, but you never came. Is there some problem?" Ishani asked

"No," Rahul replied quietly. "There's no problem."

Ishani nodded slowly."Have Ishaan and I become a burden to you during these three years?"

Rahul's eyes widened immediately.

"No, Ishani!" he said firmly. "Why would you say that?"

A sad smile appeared on her face.

"Then why didn't you come to see me? Why didn't you talk to me?"

Rahul lowered his gaze."I didn't stay away because of that."

"Then why?" she asked softly.

He took a deep breath."Because I was afraid."

Ishani looked at him in confusion.

Rahul continued, his voice heavy with guilt."I was scared that one day you'd tell me that I had done enough for you and Ishaan over these three years. I didn't want to hear those words."

He paused before looking directly into her eyes."You are my wife, Ishani. And Ishaan is my son. Taking care of both of you isn't a favor it's my responsibility."

Ishani listened quietly, her heart tightening at the sincerity in his voice.

Rahul swallowed hard before speaking again.

"The real reason I couldn't face you..." he whispered, "...is because you went into a coma because of me."

Ishani's eyes softened.

"I kept thinking about it every day. I didn't know how to stand in front of you. I didn't know how to look you in the eye after what happened."Rahul said.

The guilt he had carried for three long years was finally spilling out.

Without saying a word, Ishani reached for his hand and gently held it."Rahul..."

He looked up at her.

"That's not true," she said softly. "What happened was that girl's fault, not yours."

Her grip on his hand tightened slightly."You never treated me badly. Not even once. You've always respected me, cared for me, and loved me. You've done so much for me."

Her eyes filled with emotion."I can never repay everything you've done."

Rahul stared at her for a moment before shaking his head."You don't have to repay anything, Ishani."

A small smile touched his lips."We're married. If I don't stand by you, then who will?"

Tears threatened to gather in Ishani's eyes, but she smiled instead.

"Yeah," she whispered.

For a while, both of them sat in comfortable silence, sharing a peace they hadn't felt in years.

Then Ishani suddenly remembered something."How did Ishaan start calling you Papa?"

Rahul chuckled softly."You really want to know?"

"Of course."Ishani said

Smiling, Rahul began telling her the entire story from the small moments they had shared, to the day Ishaan had finally accepted him as his father and called him Papa for the first time.

As Ishani listened, her heart filled with warmth.

Every word made her happier.

Knowing that her son had found a father in Rahul, and that Rahul had embraced him with all his heart, was one of the most beautiful things she had ever heard.

...............

A few days passed, and Rahul took Ishani to the hospital for a follow-up checkup.

The doctor asked her several questions about her health, her recovery, and how she had been feeling lately.

Ishani answered each one calmly while Rahul sat beside her, listening anxiously.

After reviewing the reports, the doctor smiled reassuringly."Mrs. Ishani, your condition is stable now. There's nothing to worry about. You're still a little weak, but that's completely normal after everything you've been through. The weakness can be treated with medication, proper nutrition, and rest."

A wave of relief washed over Rahul's face.

The tension he had been carrying for so long finally eased, and he let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding.

Just then, Ishani hesitated before speaking."Doctor... I want to ask something."

"Of course," the doctor replied.

Ishani looked down at her hands for a

moment before raising her eyes.

"After I woke up from the coma, all of my memories became incredibly clear every detail, every moment. It's as if nothing is blurred anymore. Is that because of the coma? Did something happen to my memory because of it?"

The doctor listened carefully."Sometimes after a treatment event or a long recovery period, patients become more focused on certain memories. The brain is very complex."

Ishani frowned slightly."So... the coma could be the reason?"

The doctor leaned back thoughtfully.

"It's possible that the experience affected how your brain processes memories. But what you're describing isn't necessarily dangerous. In fact, if your memories are clear and accurate, it's generally a positive sign that your cognitive functions are working well."

Ishani slowly nodded, but her eyes drifted away.

Because those memories weren't just ordinary memories.

They were the memories of betrayal... pain... loss... and the man sitting beside her who had never left her side through any of it.

Ishani found herself reliving the holi day she had married Rahul while under the intoxicating influence of bhang.

She remembered looking at him through her tear-filled eyes, a bittersweet smile forming on her lips.

A soft laugh escaped her as she thought about the cruel twists of fate.

"So, God had already destined me to be yours, Rahul..." she whispered in her heart. "If we were always meant to belong to each other, then why did He make us suffer so much? Why did He put us through so much pain before bringing us back together?"

After that Rahul and Ishani returned home.

The moment they entered, Ishani quietly began searching through drawers, shelves, and old belongings, as if she were looking for something precious.

A few minutes later, Rahul walked into the room and watched her curiously.

"Ishani, what are you looking for?" he asked.

"Nothing," she replied softly, without looking at him.

But she continued searching.

Rahul frowned and stepped closer.

"Tell me what you're looking for. I'll help you find it. You'll tire yourself out like this."

Ishani didn't answer. Instead, she pulled out an old bag and carefully opened it.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she searched through its contents.

Then suddenly, her eyes lit up.

There it was.

Rahul's chain the very chain he had placed around her neck during Holi, on that unforgettable day when she had been intoxicated by bhang.

A gentle smile spread across her face as she held it in her hands.

Rahul noticed her expression and smiled."Did you find it?" he asked.

Ishani looked at him, her eyes filled with emotions he couldn't quite understand.

"Yes, Rahul," she said softly. "I found it."

Then, clutching the chain close to her heart, she added in a voice full of meaning,"I found everything. Now all that's left is to cherish it with love and keep it close to me for the rest of my life."

Rahul blinked in confusion, unable to grasp the depth hidden behind her words.

"What do you mean?" he wondered.

But Ishani simply smiled a beautiful, knowing smile that carried years of lost memories, unspoken love, and the happiness of finally finding what she had unknowingly been searching for all along.

The truth was simple, yet it felt impossible for Ishani to say aloud.

She had fallen in love with Rahul.

.......................................................................................................

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