The atmosphere of the hospital was heavy with tension and a somber stillness. The air smelled faintly of antiseptics, and the soft hum of machines mixed with occasional murmurs and distant footsteps. Outside the operation room, the corridor was filled with a silence so thick it was almost suffocating, broken only by the faint ticking of a wall clock. Everyone sat or stood, waiting for news, their hearts weighed down by worry and helplessness.

Armaan and Abhira sat on one of the benches, their presence a picture of quiet resilience. Abhira had her head resting gently on Armaan's shoulder, her soft breathing a source of comfort for him amid the chaos inside his mind. Their hands were clasped tightly, her thumb gently rubbing circles over his knuckles, a silent reassurance. Her other hand rested protectively on her baby bump, as if shielding not just their child but also the fragile hope they both clung to.

Armaan's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. His eyes remained fixed on the double doors of the operation theater, but his vision blurred with the weight of memories-his encounter with Charu and the chorus gang earlier, their hopeful faces, and then the moment he had turned his back on them. The guilt gnawed at him. He had pushed them away, built a wall between himself and the family he had once cherished, and now... this.

Abhira could feel the weight of his emotions. She knew Armaan too well-his silence, his clenched jaw, the way his fingers held hers a little too tightly-everything screamed of the storm raging within him. She wanted to tell him that it wasn't his fault, that he couldn't carry the blame for everything, but she also knew he needed time to process it in his own way. So she stayed close, her presence a quiet anchor, hoping it was enough to keep him grounded.

A few steps away, Dev leaned against the wall, his once pristine shirt now stiff and stained with Charu's blood. His usually composed face was pale and worn, his eyes hollow as he stared at the floor. He felt responsible, though he didn't fully understand why. The sight of Charu lying in a pool of blood, her life hanging by a thread, replayed in his mind like a cruel nightmare. He clenched his fists, trying to suppress the wave of helplessness that threatened to consume him.

On the other bench, Kiara and Aryan sat side by side, their expressions blank but their fear evident in the way they held themselves. Kiara had her hands clasped tightly together, her lips moving silently in prayer. Aryan sat with his elbows resting on his knees, his face buried in his hands, occasionally glancing at the operation room with a mix of dread and hope. They were scared, almost paralyzed by the uncertainty of what lay ahead, but they held on to the hope that Charu would pull through.

The sound of footsteps broke the silence as Krish entered the corridor, carrying a tray with glasses of water. His movements were steady but deliberate, as if the act of fetching water was his way of finding purpose in this chaos. Aryan noticed him and quickly got up to help, taking two glasses from the tray. He handed one to Dev, who took it without a word, and another to Kiara, who managed a small nod of thanks.

Krish then walked toward Armaan and Abhira. He knelt in front of them, holding out two glasses of water. His voice was soft but filled with concern. "Bhaiya, Bhabhi... please, thoda paani le lijiye."

Armaan's gaze shifted from the operation room to Krish. His eyes were heavy with unshed tears, his lips pressed into a thin line as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. The image of the chorus gang outside his office flashed in his mind-their hopeful faces, his harsh words, and the hurt in their eyes as he walked away. The guilt was unbearable.

Sensing his turmoil, Abhira placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. Her own tears brimmed as she looked at Krish. Taking the glasses from him, she offered a soft smile, her voice filled with affection. "Thank you, Krish," she said, placing a gentle hand on his cheek.

Krish blinked rapidly as a tear escaped his eye, but he was quick to wipe it away. Mustering a small smile, he looked at them and said with quiet determination, "Charu fighter hai, Bhaiya, Bhabhi. Usse kuch nahi hoga."

Abhira's heart swelled at his words, and she squeezed his hand gently in silent agreement. Armaan, still battling the storm within, gave a slight nod, though his expression betrayed the depth of his anguish.

Krish moved to sit beside Kiara, who had grown unusually quiet. Without saying a word, she clung to his arm, seeking comfort in his presence. Sensing her unease, Krish gently rubbed her back, silently offering her the strength and reassurance she needed.

Aaryan, who had been standing silently nearby, moved closer and leaned into the hug, his arms encircling Kiara and Krish. The vulnerability of the moment wasn't lost on Armaan and Abhira, who sat there looking at them with moist eyes. Their girp on their hands tightened, their eyes softening as they observed the trio huddled together, drawing strength from one another.

Armaan glanced at Abhira, and she met his gaze. A silent understanding passed between them-an unspoken promise. They knew they had to be there for Krish, Kiara, Aaryan and Charu when she wakes up. These four, their cherished "chorus gang," their first set of babies were as much victims of the Poddar's toxic traditions as they were. The weight of that realization hit them hard.

The Poddar family's rigid rules and suffocating expectations had left deep scars-not just on Armaan and Abhira, who had fought their battles and left behind a tainted legacy, but on these young souls too. Yet, unlike Armaan and Abhira, the chorus gang had not been given the chance to break free.

For a fleeting moment, the pain of their past clawed at Armaan and Abhira's hearts. Their history had haunted and tormented them beyond repair, but as they stood there, watching Krish, Kiara, and Aaryan hold onto each other, they realized something crucial: their past wasn't the chorus gang's burden to bear, their pain was not inflicted by the chorus gang's on them.

For a brief moment, the weight in the room seemed to lift as they shared a silent connection-a fragile thread of hope binding them together. But the waiting continued, and with it came the prayers and unspoken fears in each of their hearts.

The door to the operating room opened with a quiet creak, and a nurse stepped out, her expression tired but professional. Dev and Krish immediately sprang to their feet, rushing toward her.

"How is Charu?" Krish asked, his voice trembling with urgency.

The nurse sighed, glancing at the clipboard in her hands. "Her vitals are still not stable. There has been significant blood loss. We can't say anything for sure yet."

Dev's throat tightened as he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "But... she'll be okay, right?"

The nurse hesitated for a moment, her gaze softening. "We are doing everything we can. Just pray for her." With that, she turned and walked away, leaving them all frozen in place, overwhelmed by a storm of emotions.

Kiara, who had been holding back her tears, suddenly slumped to the floor, her body shaking as she sobbed uncontrollably. "Charu Di..." she whispered, her voice cracking with despair.

Abhira, startled by Kiara's collapse, immediately rose from her seat with Armaan's help and moved toward her. "Kiara," she said softly. With Aryan's assistance, she helped Kiara back onto the bench.

As Abhira held Kiara's trembling hands, something shifted in her heart. Looking at Kiara's tear-streaked face, she cupped Kiara's face gently, wiping her tears with her thumbs. Her voice was soft, soothing, filled with a warmth that came naturally to her. "Kiara, it's okay. Everything will be fine."

Kiara sniffled, her lips quivering as she looked into Abhira's eyes. Then, as if she could no longer hold back, she threw her arms around Abhira and broke down completely. "Bhabhi... Charu Di will be okay, right? Please bhabhi bolo na Charu Di theek ho jayegi na," she sobbed.

Abhira wrapped her arms around Kiara, holding her close as she gently rubbed her back. "Haan Kiara. Charu ek fighter hai. She'll be okay. We're all here for her. She's not alone, and neither are you."

A few steps away, Aryan stood with his back turned, his shoulders shaking as he tried to hide his tears. His fists were clenched tightly, his usual composure shattered by the weight of the situation.

Abhira noticed him, her gaze softening. She called out gently, "Aryan Sa."

At her words, Aryan turned toward her, his face crumpling as he finally let his emotions show. He walked over to them and joined the hug, wrapping his arms around both Abhira and Kiara.

"Bhout Dar lag raha hai Bhabhi," Aaryan said but his voice held a strange fear.

Abhira held them both tightly, her motherly warmth enveloping them. "We're all here for each other," she whispered. "Together, we'll get through this. Charu will come back to us."

As the three of them clung to one another, Armaan sat quietly, watching the scene unfold. His eyes glistened with unshed tears, his emotions raw. Seeing Abhira comfort Kiara and Aryan stirred a mix of pride and love within him-a reminder of her strength and the unconditional warmth she carried for everyone around her.

Abhira looked up at Armaan, her eyes meeting his. She gave him a small, encouraging smile, silently telling him to hold on, to have faith. Armaan returned her smile, though the tears in his eyes betrayed the storm raging within.

Armaan walked toward Dev, who was still leaning against the wall and gently placed a hand on Dev’s shoulder, his touch firm yet filled with gratitude. 

“Dev,” Armaan began, his voice low but sincere, “thank you… for reaching on time and saving Charu. If it hadn’t been for you, I don’t know what would’ve happened today.” 

Dev shook his head, his expression stoic but his eyes betraying the turmoil within. “I just did what anyone would have done, Armaan. Don’t thank me for that.” 

But Armaan wasn’t having it. Without another word, he pulled Dev into a tight hug, patting his back as he whispered, “No, Dev. If you hadn’t brought her here, I… I would’ve drowned in guilt for the rest of my life. Charu’s here, fighting, because of you. I owe you, Dev. We all do.” 

For a moment, Dev stood still, stunned by the raw emotion in Armaan’s voice. Slowly, he lifted his arms and returned the hug, his grip tightening as the weight of the day’s events began to surface. 

When they pulled apart, Armaan looked him in the eyes, his brows furrowed in concern. “Are you okay, Dev? You’ve been through a lot today.” 

Dev let out a shaky breath, his voice breaking slightly as he replied, “I should be, but I’m not. There’s this… this feeling clenching my heart, Armaan. Like something’s stuck there, and it won’t go away. I keep replaying everything in my head—the accident, the blood, Charu lying there. And now… the fear of losing her.” 

Armaan placed both hands on Dev’s shoulders, his gaze steady and reassuring. “Dev, listen to me. Charu is a fighter. She’s in the best hands right now, and we have to believe she’ll come out of this. I know it’s hard, but you’re not alone in this, okay? We’re all here. You don’t have to carry this weight by yourself.” 

Dev’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as he nodded, his defenses slowly breaking down. “I’ve felt this helpless only once before, Armaan. That day when thing between me and charu ended taking away my almost everything. I feel the same  I don’t know how to handle it.” 

Armaan squeezed his shoulders gently, his voice soft but firm. “You’re stronger than you think, Dev. And it’s okay to feel this way. We’re human. But we’ll get through this, together. Just hold on a little longer.” 

Dev let out a shaky sigh, his lips curving into a faint, grateful smile. “Thankyou, Armaan.” 

Armaan smiled back, patting his shoulder. “Anytime, Dev. We’re family. That’s what we’re here for.” 

The nurse exited the operating room once more, her expression neutral but her voice hurried as she addressed the group. “We need this injection immediately. It’s not in our stock, but you can get it from the pharmacy. Here’s the prescription.” 

Before anyone could react, Krish stepped forward, hand outstretched to take the slip, but Armaan reached for it first. “I’ll get it,” he said with quiet authority. 

The nurse gave a quick nod and left, leaving behind a palpable tension. Krish frowned and hesitated before speaking. “Bhaiya, I can go. You don’t have to—” 

Armaan cut him off with a small smile, his voice laced with a softness that hadn’t been there earlier. “Krish, aab kya main tere sath bhi nahi aa sakta?” 

Krish’s eyes widened slightly, and he shook his head vehemently. “No, bhaiya, it’s not like that. I just…” His words trailed off, uncertainty and guilt flickering across his face. 

For a moment, the air grew thick with an awkward silence, neither brother knowing how to bridge the chasm that years of estrangement had created. Finally, Armaan motioned toward the corridor. “Let’s go,” he said quietly, and Krish nodded, falling into step beside him. 

They walked to the pharmacy, their footsteps echoing in the sterile, dimly lit hallway. When they reached the line, Armaan noticed Krish fidgeting slightly, his hands trembling as he rubbed them together. His strong, composed exterior seemed to be faltering, and Armaan’s chest tightened. 

Without a word, Armaan stepped closer and pulled Krish into a firm hug. The sudden gesture caught Krish off guard, and for a second, he froze. But as the warmth of Armaan’s embrace registered, the walls he had so painstakingly built began to crumble. 

“Bhaiya…” Krish’s voice cracked as he gripped Armaan’s shirt tightly. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry for everything. For whatever happened back then. For not being there when you needed us. I—I missed you so much.” 

Armaan’s throat constricted as memories of the past surfaced—the rift, the misunderstandings, the years spent avoiding one another. He held Krish tighter, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. “Shh, Krish. It’s not your fault. None of this was your fault. I pushed you all away, and I’m sorry for that. I was trying to protect Abhira and myself, but I didn’t realize how much I was hurting you in the process.” 

Krish broke down, his sobs muffled against Armaan’s shoulder. “I tried to be strong for Kiara and Aaryan, but bhaiya… I don’t know how to handle this anymore. Charu… What if… what if she doesn’t—” 

“Stop,” Armaan interrupted firmly, pulling back to look Krish in the eye. “Don’t think like that. Charu is a fighter. She’s going to pull through this, I promise you. We won’t let anything happen to her. You’re not alone in this, Krish. None of you are.” 

Krish nodded, his tears still streaming down his face but his breathing slowly evening out. “I’m just so scared, bhaiya. I don’t want to lose her.” 

Armaan placed a comforting hand on Krish’s cheek, much like a parent would. “You won’t. I’m here, Krish. No matter what happens, we’ll face it together.” 

They stood there for a few more moments, sharing a quiet but profound moment of reconciliation. Slowly, they pulled away, wiping their tears as a semblance of calm returned. 

When their turn came, Armaan collected the medicines and handed them to Krish. “Let’s go back. Everyone’s waiting.” 

Krish nodded, a faint smile breaking through his tear-streaked face. “Thank you, bhaiya… for everything.” 

Armaan patted his back, his own smile faint but genuine. “I am sry for today Afternoon, Main jaise react kiya....” 

“Please Bhaiya, Aap Sry mat bolo” Krish said as they walked back to the waiting area, the invisible weight between them lighter than it had been in years.

An hour passed with heavy anticipation lingering in the sterile air of the hospital waiting room. Each second seemed to stretch endlessly until the sound of footsteps drew everyone’s attention. The doctor emerged from the operating room, his calm demeanor immediately commanding silence. 

“Charu is stable now,” he announced, his voice steady yet reassuring. “The surgery went well. Her vitals are stable, but she will remain unconscious for the next 12 to 16 hours. She’s still under observation, but for now, the worst has passed.” 

The weight that had been suffocating everyone lifted slightly. A collective sigh of relief escaped, and for the first time in hours, a faint hope lit up their faces. Abhira closed her eyes, whispering a silent prayer of gratitude, while Armaan squeezed her hand, his own expression softening. Kiara wiped her tears, her lips trembling with a small, shaky smile, and Aaryan exhaled audibly, placing a hand on his chest as if steadying himself. 

Aaryan stepped forward, his voice laced with concern and eagerness. “Doctor, can we meet Charu di? Just for a moment?” 

The doctor shook his head gently. “Not yet. She needs rest, and visitors right now could disrupt her recovery. You’ll be able to see her once she regains consciousness.” 

Everyone nodded in understanding, though it was clear they all longed to see her. Before turning to leave, the doctor added, “Only two people will be allowed to stay with the patient tonight. The rest of you can visit during tomorrow’s visiting hours.” 

With that, the doctor departed, leaving the group feeling lighter than they had in hours. The cloud of despair that had loomed over them began to dissipate, replaced by cautious optimism. 

Krish and Aaryan exchanged a glance before approaching Dev, who had been leaning against the wall, his shirt still marked with dried blood. Krish’s voice was low but sincere as he spoke. “Dev bhaiya… thank you. For everything. If you hadn’t brought Charu di here in time…” 

Aaryan added, his voice choked with emotion, “We don’t even want to think about what could’ve happened. You saved her. We’ll always be grateful.” 

The unexpected gratitude caught Dev off guard. He blinked, unsure of how to respond, but eventually managed a small, polite smile. “I did what anyone would have done. Charu’s strong… she fought her way through.” 

Krish and Aaryan nodded, their respect for him evident. Though Dev remained composed, their heartfelt thanks left a flicker of emotion in his usually stoic eyes. 

Armaan turned his gaze toward Dev and noticed his shirt stained with dried blood. The exhaustion on his face was evident, though he tried to mask it behind a stoic expression. 

Armaan rose from his seat and walked over to him, placing a firm yet gentle hand on Dev’s shoulder. “Dev, you should go home. Get some rest, change out of those clothes, and take a moment for yourself. You are exhausted.” 

Dev shook his head almost immediately. “No, Armaan. I’m staying. You and Abhira should head home instead. She needs to rest, and you—” 

Armaan cut him off, his voice calm yet resolute. “Dev, I appreciate everything you’ve done. But you’ve been here all day, and you’re running on fumes. You need to rest, not just for yourself but so you can be here for Charu tomorrow. Besides, Krish will be here with me. You don’t have to worry about anything.” 

Dev hesitated, his jaw tightening. “But Abhira…” 

Armaan glanced toward his wife, who was seated nearby, her head leaning back against the wall. She looked just as tired, her hand instinctively resting on her baby bump. The exhaustion of the day finally catching on her.

Turning back to Dev, Armaan reassured him, “I’ll take care of her. She’s stronger than you think, and right now, she’d want you to take care of yourself, too. Please, Dev. Go home, clean up, and get some sleep. I’ll keep you updated on everything.” 

Dev exhaled deeply, the fight in him wavering. Finally, he gave a reluctant nod. “Fine. But you’d better keep me in the loop, Armaan. The moment there’s any news…” 

“You’ll be the first to know,” Armaan promised with a small smile, squeezing his shoulder. 

With that, Dev gave Krish a parting nod, muttering a soft, “Take care,” before leaving the hospital corridor, his footsteps echoing faintly as he disappeared down the hallway. 

Once Dev was gone, Armaan turned his focus to Abhira. He walked over to her and lowered himself to his knees in front of her. Taking her free hand in his, he looked up at her with a gentle but serious expression. “Abhira…” he started, his voice soft.

Armaan held Abhira’s hand tightly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles as he looked up at her. “Abhira, you need to go home and rest,” he said softly, his tone firm yet gentle. 

She frowned, her other hand resting protectively on her baby bump. “I’m not leaving, Armaan,” she replied, shaking her head. “Charu needs us, and so do you. How can I leave you alone here?” 

Armaan sighed, shifting closer to her, his eyes filled with warmth and concern. “I’m not alone, Abhira. Krish is staying with me, and Dev will be back first thing in the morning. But you…” He paused, placing his free hand over hers on her belly. “You and our baby need proper rest. You’ve been on your feet for hours. You can’t push yourself like this.” 

Abhira pouted adorably, leaning forward slightly. “But I’ll miss you…” she murmured, her lips forming a small, childlike pout that made Armaan’s heart soften instantly. 

He let out a faint chuckle, his smile tugging at his lips as he reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re not playing fair with that pout,” he teased lightly. “But I’ll miss you too, every second you’re away. Still, this isn’t about just us. It’s about our baby too. Don’t you want them to be safe and sound?” 

Abhira sighed in defeat, her resolve wavering under his gaze. “Fine,” she mumbled reluctantly, her pout still intact. “But only if Kiara and Aaryan come with me. They shouldn’t be staying here all night either.” 

Armaan smiled at her compromise, leaning in to press a tender kiss to her forehead. “That’s all I ask,” he whispered against her skin, his lips lingering for a moment before he pulled back. “Thank you for listening, Abhira.” 

She nodded, her eyes brimming with emotions. “Promise you’ll call me if there’s any update?” 

“Promise,” he assured her, brushing his thumb along her cheek before helping her stand. “Now go home, rest, and take care of yourself. I’ll handle everything here.” 

As they stood, Abhira leaned into him briefly, wrapping her arms around his waist for one last hug. “I love you,” she whispered against his chest. 

Armaan held her close, his voice equally soft. “I love you too, always.”

As Abhira stood up, Armaan knelt back down, his gaze softening as he placed his hand gently over her baby bump. He leaned forward, resting his forehead lightly against it, and let out a small sigh. 

“Hey, little one,” he murmured, his voice full of affection. “I know you can hear me in there. Your mommy’s being really stubborn, you know. She doesn’t want to leave, but I’m making sure she gets some rest for both of you.” 

Abhira smiled down at him, her heart melting at the sight of Armaan talking to their baby. 

“You’re going to be the most spoiled baby in the world, aren’t you? Because I’m already in love with you,” he continued, his fingers brushing softly over the curve of her bump. “But you’ve got to promise me something, okay? Be nice to your mom and let her sleep when she gets home. No football for today. Deal?” 

Abhira giggled softly, watching as Armaan tilted his head, pretending to listen for a response. 

“Oh, what’s that?” Armaan teased, glancing up at her. “Did someone just say, ‘Okay, Baba’?” 

Abhira shook her head with a laugh. “You’re ridiculous,” she said, though her voice was laced with warmth. 

Armaan smirked and placed a soft kiss on her belly. “I love you, baby. Take care of Mommy for me tonight, okay?” 

He stood up and cupped Abhira’s face, his thumb brushing her cheek. “You two are my everything,” he said, his voice low and full of emotion. “Now go home and rest, and I’ll see you both in the morning.” 

Abhira nodded, her eyes glistening with tears as she leaned up to kiss his cheek. “We love you too, Armaan,” she whispered, her voice full of tenderness.

Abhira smiled softly at Armaan, her gaze lingering on him for a moment before she spoke up. “Armaan, I will take Krish along to drop us off. And he can bring food and some change for both of you back. I’ll call Rama Aaji to inform her.” 

Armaan nodded, his expression full of understanding. “Alright, I’ll make sure Krish stays on top of it.” He reached out to gently tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. 

As Abhira turned to leave, Krish by her side, she hesitated for a moment, her hand instinctively reaching for the sleeve of Armaan’s blazer. She tugged at it lightly, her fingers grazing the fabric, a silent plea for something more. 

Armaan instantly recognized the unspoken request in her gesture. Without a word, he removed his blazer, folding it carefully, and then walked over to her. Wrapping it around her shoulders, he pulled her close for a brief, tender kiss on her temple. 

“Happy now?” he whispered against her skin, his breath soft and comforting. “And take care of yourself... and the little one.” 

Abhira closed her eyes at the warmth of his touch, savoring the moment. “I’ll, Armaan. But this little one is going to miss you…” 

His heart tightened at her words, but he forced a smile. “I’ll miss this little one too, but I’ll see you soon.” 

With a final kiss on her forehead, he stepped back, watching as she left with Krish, knowing that despite everything, he would keep his promise to her and stay strong for their little family.

*..*..*..*..*..*..*

Chorus Gang and Abhimaan will have better conversations next chapter onwards.

Excited for the Poddar Fam and Abhimaan face off ??

Also just to know is the pace of the story fine or u want me to speed up a little bit ??

~TheLostSoul