The first pale light of dawn seeped through the narrow hospital window, soft and silvery after the chaos of the night. The storm that had raged with furious winds and pounding rain only hours ago was gone, leaving the world outside glistening and still, the sky a faint wash of gray and rose. Inside, the room held a heavy quiet broken only by the steady

beep…beep…beep

of the monitors. Cool air carried the faint, sharp scent of antiseptic. Clear IV lines trailed from the metal stand to the patient’s hand, the thin tubing catching the weak morning light. The sheets were crisp, the walls hushed, as if even the hospital itself was reluctant to disturb the fragile calm that followed the night’s havoc.

The door eased open with a muted click, and a doctor in a fresh white coat stepped in, his movements quiet but sure. He scanned the chart clipped to the foot of the bed, eyes flicking toward the monitors, then leaned over the patient who had been rushed here for emergency surgery last night . With practiced precision, drew a syringe of clear medication and injected it into the IV port, the plunger sliding smoothly as the medicine disappeared into the line. The soft hiss of the injection joined the rhythmic beeps, a subtle reminder of life continuing in the fragile calm of morning.

The door again creaked open and aiyana , Devan, vivan , aanya entered the room just when the doctor was done with the checkup .

Aiyana moved forward and stood near the hospital bed , her eyes full of worry as she looked from the doctor to the pale, unmoving figure on the bed. “Doctor,” she asked softly, “how is he now… after the operation?”

The doctor offered a reassuring nod. “He’s stable,” he said, voice calm. “The surgery went well, the bleeding has stopped, and his vitals are strong. He’s out of danger.”

Relief flickered across her face, aanya moved beside her and held her hand

And she clutched her hand tighter in return  “When will he wake up?”

“Soon,” the doctor replied, glancing at the monitor again. “He’s still under the effect of the anesthesia and sedation. Give it a few more hours—he should regain consciousness in some hours . For now, just let him rest.”

Giving instructions to the nurse the doctor excused himself out to attend other patients .

" I think you should inform uncle that he is stable now and they need not worry " Devan told aiyana .

She noded her head and moved out of room to inform ranveer .

Other side

Ranveer came down stairs only to find Amrita consoling Varsha and making her eat breakfast .

" Di agar aap khana nahi khayengi to mai aarav ko kya bolungi aur jab bhaiya wapis ayenge to apki aise halat dekke bohot dukhi honge " Amrita complained to Varsha who had tears in her eyes .

Amrita bought a morsle near her mouth and she ate this time . But there attention shifted towards ranveer when his phone buzzed . He saw who was calling and glanced at his wife and sister , left to attend the call .

As soon as he answered the call he heard aiyana's voice

" how are you papa and how is everyone and Bua " ranveer could descipher from her voice how worried she is .

" Everyone is fine except your Bua " he sighed .

" how is aarav now" ranveer questioned. 

" he is stable now and doctor said he will  regain his consciousness in some hours ." She explained him his current condition  .

" Then gudiya I'll be coming there soon . Look after aanya , stay beside her "

" Yes baba , don't rush take your time "

" And tell Bua that bhai is our of danger and will soon be home "

" take care baba "

aiyana assured ranveer and hung up the call .

And aanya came out and stood beside her keeping her head on aiyana's shoulder . Aiyana lightly patted her head

" I was so scared di . I....I..  him .m .b...bloo..d... " she broke down remembering the scene . Aiyana hugged her tightly , trying to consloe her . It was heart wrenching for aiyana to see her sunshine like little sister crying so badly .

Aiyana herself was broken seeing aarav in such condition but since last night she was being so strong trying to manage things together with Devan and handling her family .

She was having goosebumps thinking what if they were even a bit late , they might have lost aarav forever .

__________FLASHBACK ________

Aiyana and Devan both ran towards the sound of gunshots . As it was late and almost time to close the mela so crowd was less . But the people present the panicked and was rushing to leave the mela .

Guards of Devan were inside the mela from time he came . So the cleared the way and escorted the crowd out safely .

While going towards the sound of gunshot " Devan where is aanya " aiyana was panicking about aanya . Just then she came towards her . She was scared and as soon as she saw aiyana in the middle of the way searching for someone she rushed towards her and hugged aiyana .

" Di what happened here . Where did the gun sound came from " she questioned aiyana . Before she could answer .

" you both come with me towards the car , I'll look here " Devan held her hand And started taking them out being on high alert .

" Devan we can leave yet . I have to look for aarav bhai " aiyana said while going out .

" I'll look after him . First you both go hone safe " his concern was aiyana's safety first .

" no Devan I can't my family will be concerned about him . He will be nearby let's go search for him first " .

Aanya interrupted " yes di is right we should look for arav bhai first.  Now that we are safe "

" I'll look for aa.... " his words seems stuck when he saw aarav .

Following his gaze aiyana looked at her side . From a distance they can spot aarav .

gasp

" Bhai " aanya screamed and ran towards arav Devan and aiyana followed her matching her phase .

Only to find aarav lying in pool of his own blood . The wound of bullet on top right side of his chest staining his shirt . Second bullet on his stomach .

_____________________________