The joy of seeing their baby still danced in Abhira’s eyes as she clutched the sonogram pictures close to her chest. The tiny, energetic life within her was thriving—a miracle they could now envision with defined fingers, toes, and an unmistakable little nose. Armaan watched her glow, his heart brimming with emotions he couldn’t quite put into words. 

As they reached the car in the hospital parking lot, Armaan fished his keys from his pocket. Just as the car unlocked, his phone buzzed sharply. The screen flashed Dev’s name. 

“Hello.” Armaan answered, sensing an unusual urgency. 

“Where are you?” Dev’s voice was tight, hurried, and the weight of it immediately sent a chill down Armaan’s spine. 

“In the parking lot. Just finished our check-up.” 

There was a pause—a silence heavy enough to make Armaan’s heart race. 

“Come back,” Dev said, his words clipped. “Seventh floor. OT Number 5.” 

“Why? What’s going on?” Armaan’s voice grew sharper, his mind already racing with worst-case scenarios. 

Dev exhaled shakily, and then one word escaped his lips like a dagger: “Charu.” 

The phone slipped from Armaan’s hand, hitting the ground with a hollow thud. His legs felt weak, the world tilting dangerously as Dev’s voice replayed in his head. 

“Armaan?” Abhira’s concerned voice barely registered. She reached for him, her hand brushing against his arm, but he didn’t respond. His breaths came in short, sharp gasps as he leaned down to pick up the phone with trembling hands. 

“Armaan, what’s wrong?” Abhira pressed, fear now lacing her tone. 

He didn’t answer, couldn’t answer. Grabbing her hand, he helped her toward the hospital entrance, his steps faltering as if the weight of the moment was dragging him down. 

The elevator ride felt like an eternity, the silence between them broken only by Abhira’s whispered questions and Armaan’s ragged breathing. When the doors finally opened onto the seventh floor, the sight before them hit like a physical blow. 

Armaan froze. 

Krish stood by the wall, his face pale and lined with tension, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. Kaira and Aryan were huddled together on a bench, their usually vibrant faces now drawn and tear-streaked. And then there was Dev. His shirt was soaked in blood—a deep crimson that seemed to scream louder than words ever could. His hands trembled as he raked them through his hair, his expression a storm of helplessness and guilt. 

Armaan couldn’t move. His feet were glued to the floor, his mind unable to process the scene before him. His chest tightened painfully as memories of Charu’s laughter, her bright smile, and her unyielding strength flashed before his eyes. 

“Dev Sir,” Abhira’s whisper barely reached Armaan as she moved past him, her steps unsteady yet determined. Her gaze fixed on the door to OT Number 5. 

Through the small glass window, she caught a glimpse of Charu on the operating table. Her face was pale, her body frighteningly still beneath the harsh surgical lights. Tubes and machines surrounded her, a stark contrast to the vibrant woman Abhira had always known. 

“No,” Abhira gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as her knees gave way. 

Krish was at her side in an instant, catching her before she hit the floor. He guided her gently to the bench, his own voice choked with emotion as he murmured, “Sit, Bhabhi. Please.” 

Abhira clung to his arm, her nails digging into his sleeve as tears streamed down her face. “She… she can’t… Krish, she can’t…” 

Krish tightened his grip on her hand, though his own tears threatened to spill. “She’s strong. Charu’s strong. She’ll fight this. She has to.” 

And Armaan…he remained frozen in place. His mind was screaming at him to move, to speak, to do something, but his body refused to obey. All he could do was stare at the blood on Dev’s shirt, at the fear etched into everyone’s faces, and at the closed doors of the OT where Charu’s fate hung precariously in the balance. 

His world, once so full of life and hope, was now crumbling around him. 

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

Jhatka Laga ???
Disclaimer: I am NOT doing kissika bhi White day, pls be rest assured.

Some drama spiced up for the upcoming chapters.

~TheLostSoul