The entire Kohli and Aggarwal families were gathered in the hospital's waiting area. The tension was palpable, the air heavy with fear and grief. Inside the ICU, Prachi was fighting for her life, her body severely burned, her future uncertain. The doctor emerged from the operating room, his expression grave.

https://youtu.be/g0eO74UmRBs

Har ghadi badal rahi hai roop zindagi

Chaon hai kabhi, kabhi hai dhoop zindagi

(Every moment life is changing

Sometimes there is shade, sometimes there is sun)

Doctor (addressing Raj): "Mr. Aggarwal, Prachi's condition is critical. We need to perform an immediate surgery to save her life. However..."

He hesitated, glancing at the silent crowd.

Doctor (continuing): "...iska nateeja uncertain hai. Burns ke cases mein infections aur complications common hote hain. Aur frankly, aise maamle mein, families kabhi-kabhi apne hi members ka saath chhod deti hain(Its outcome is uncertain. Infections and complications are common in burn cases. And frankly, in such cases, families sometimes abandon their own members.)" 

Esha: Hamaari Prachi ko kabhi koi nahi chhodega(No one will ever leave our Prachi!)😭

Har pal yahan jee bhar jiyo

Joh hai samaan kal ho naa ho

(Live every moment here to the fullest

This very moment may not be there tomorrow)

The words hit Raj like a thunderbolt. His knees buckled slightly as he leaned against the wall, memories of Prachi's childhood flooding back to him.

Raj closed his eyes, overwhelmed by emotions. He remembered the day Prachi had arrived at their home as a little girl, her eyes brimming with tears after losing her parents.

Har ghadi badal rahi hai roop zindagi

Chaon hai kabhi, kabhi hai dhoop zindagi

(Every moment life is changing

Sometimes there is shade, sometimes there is sun)

Young Prachi: "Chacha ji, mujhe mummy-papa ki yaad aa rahi hai... mujhe unke paas jaana hai (Uncle, I am missing mom and dad... I want to go to them!)"

Raj had hugged her tightly, tears streaming down his own face as he promised her the world.

Raj (in the past): "Beta, ab main tumhara mummy-papa hoon. Tumhara har dukh mera hai. Tumhare har aansu ka hisaab mujhe dena hoga(Daughter, now I am your mom and dad. Every sorrow of yours is mine. I will have to answer for every tear of yours.)"

Esha: Maine isase acha Papa kabhi nahi dekha. Usane use kabhi bhi nuksaan ka ehasaas nahi hone diya(I have never seen a better father. He never made her feel the loss...)🤧

Har pal yahan jee bhar jiyo

Joh hai samaan kal ho naa ho

(Live every moment here to the fullest

This very moment may not be there tomorrow)

Back in the present, Raj's hands trembled as the doctor handed him the waiver form.

The doctor spoke again, snapping Raj out of his thoughts.

Doctor: "Sir, humein surgery ke liye approval chahiye. Yahan signature karna hoga(Sir, we need approval for the surgery. You have to sign here.)"

Raj looked down at the paper, his vision blurring with tears. His hands refused to move.

Raj (whispering to himself): "Prachi meri beti hai... main kaise sign karoon? Agar surgery galat ho gayi toh? Agar usse kuch ho gaya toh(Prachi is my daughter... how do I sign? What if surgery goes wrong? What if something happens to her?)"

(Music)

The Kohli family stood silently, unsure of what to say. Namrata watched her Papa's torment, her own heartbreak reflecting in her tear-streaked face.

Raj (breaking down): "Agar Prachi na rahi toh main kaise jeeunga? Mujhse yeh sign nahi hoga! Mujhe yeh nahi karna(How will I live if Prachi is no more? I can't sign this! I don't want to do this!)"

Babita (pleading): "Raj, yeh waqt haath se mat nikalne do. Prachi ki jaan ka sawaal hai(Raj, don't let this time slip away. Prachi's life is at stake!)"

Esha: Babita Aunty is right! 🤕

But Raj shook his head, clutching the form tightly.

Raj: "Main kaise sign karoon? Mujhse nahi hoga, Babita! Aur waise bhi... hum kya karenge agar Kohlis ab yeh shaadi tod dein? Ranbir aur uski family kyun isse jod ke rahenge? Tum log samajhte ho, Prachi ka haal kya hoga(How do I sign? I can't do it, Babita! And anyway... what will we do if the Kohlis calls off this marriage now? Why will Ranbir and his family keep this up? What you guys think, what will be the condition of Prachi?)"

Chahe joh tumhe poore dil se

Milta hai woh mushkil se

(The one who loves you whole heartedly

Is very difficult to come by)

Naitik stepped forward, his voice calm yet firm.

Naitik: "Raj ji, kya aap humein itna kamzor samajhte hain? Prachi ab sirf aapki beti nahi hai... woh hamari family ka hissa hai. Aur meri beti bhi. Ranbir ke dil mein uska kya maamla hai, yeh aap jaante hain (Raj, do you think so little of us? Prachi is no longer just your daughter...she is a part of our family. And also my daughter. You know what matters to Ranbir in his heart.)"

Esha: Jis tarah vah kahata hai meri beti(The way he says my daughter!)😘😭

Kartik (emotional): "Prachi ne meri Naira ko bachaya. Apni jaan daav pe lagayi. Agar aap yeh sochte hain ki hum uska saath chhod denge, toh aap humein galat samajh rahe hain(Prachi saved my Naira. Put her life at stake. If you think that we will leave her, then you are misunderstanding us.)" 

Aaisa joh koi kahin hai

Bas wohi sabse haseen hai

(If there is someone like that somewhere

Then that person is the most beautiful)

Raj (still unsure): "Par Ranbir? Uski zindagi? Agar Prachi bacha bhi gayi toh woh... woh toh(But Ranbir? His life? Even if Prachi survives, she...she...)" 

Ranbir (interrupting angrily): "Chacha ji, bas kariye! Prachi meri zindagi hai. Uske bina meri life mein koi meaning nahi hai. Aapko shaadi todne ki baat karne ki zarurat nahi hai(Uncle, stop it! Prachi is my life. There is no meaning in my life without her. You don't need to break up the marriage!)" 

Esha: That's our baklu! 😭

Ranbir grabbed the waiver form from Raj's trembling hands and signed it himself, his eyes blazing with determination.

Ranbir: "Main apni Prachi ke liye kuch bhi kar sakta hoon. Aur yeh shaadi kabhi nahi todenge. Mujhe sirf woh chahiye, chahe woh kaisi bhi ho(I can do anything for my Prachi. And this marriage will never break. I just want her, no matter what she is!)" 

Us haath ko tum thaam lo

Woh meherban kal ho naa ho

(Hold that hand in your hand

That person may not be there tomorrow)

As the doctor rushed back into the operating room, the family collapsed onto the chairs, waiting for updates. Namrata, unable to contain her emotions, slid to the floor in the corner, hugging her knees.

Namrata (crying uncontrollably): "Jiji... meri jiji! Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha yeh sab kyun ho raha hai! Jiji ne hum sab ke liye apni zindagi daav pe lagayi, aur ab woh khud(Sister...my sister! I don't understand why all this is happening! Sister risked her life for all of us, and now she herself...)" 

Har pal yahan jee bhar jiyo

Joh hai samaan kal ho naa ho

(Live every moment here to the fullest

This very moment may not be there tomorrow)

Babita (kneeling beside her): "Choti, sambhalo apne aap ko. Prachi tumhare liye kuch bhi karegi. Tumhe uska saath dena hai(Little one, take care of yourself. Prachi will do anything for you. You have to support her.)"

Namrata buried her face in her hands, her voice muffled by sobs.

Namrata: "Par agar unhe kuch ho gaya toh? Kaun mujhe samjhayega ki main jiji ke bina kaise jeeungi(But what if something happens to her? Who will understand me, how will I live without my sister?)"

Kairav (hugging Namrata): "Choti maasi, Chachi theek ho jaayengi! Main pray kar raha hoon unke liye. Mujhe Chachi aur koi nahi chahiye... sirf meri Chachi hi meri Chachi hain(Little aunty, aunty will be fine! I am praying for her. I don't want any other aunty... only my aunty is my aunty!)" 

Palkon ke leke saaye

Paas koi joh aaye

(Taking the support of your eyes

When someone comes near)

Kairav's innocent words brought a bittersweet smile to everyone's faces, even as their hearts ached for Prachi.

Naitik placed a comforting hand on Raj's shoulder, his voice filled with quiet strength.

Naitik: "Raj ji, Prachi ne jo himmat dikhayi hai, woh uske apno ki wajah se hai. Aapko uska saath dena hoga. Woh lad rahi hai... aur humein uske saath ladna hoga(Raj, the courage that Prachi has shown is because of her loved ones. You have to support her. She is fighting...and we have to fight with her.)"

Esha: This is war for life! 🤧

Lakh sambhalo pagal dil ko

Dil dhadke hi jaye

(Control your crazy heart

It will keep on beating)

Raj wiped his tears, nodding slowly.

Raj (softly): "Prachi meri beti hai. Main uske liye kuch bhi karunga(Prachi is my daughter. I would do anything for her.)"

The family sat together, united in their prayers for Prachi, as the sound of the monitors and machines echoed from the ICU. Each of them silently hoped for a miracle that would bring their beloved Prachi back to them.

Par soch lo is pal hai joh

Woh dastan kal ho naa ho

(But remember that what is there now

That story may not be there tomorrow)

Couple of hours later:

The hospital corridor was silent except for the sound of Prachi being wheeled toward the operation theater. Her fragile form, swathed in bandages, was barely recognizable. The burn marks on her face and body were a harsh contrast to the glow she once carried. Her family stood scattered, each consumed by their grief and thoughts.

Har ghadi badal rahi hai roop zindagi

Chaon hai kabhi, kabhi hai dhoop zindagi

(Every moment life is changing

Sometimes there is shade, sometimes there is sun)

Babita, Prachi's chachi(aunty), stood near the wall, her hands clenching her dupatta. For years, she had harbored resentment, believing that her husband, Raj, loved Prachi more than their own daughter, Namrata. But now, seeing Prachi in this state, a deep guilt churned within her heart.

Har pal yahan jee bhar jiyo

Joh hai samaan kal ho naa ho

(Live every moment here to the fullest

This very moment may not be there tomorrow)

She walked hesitantly to where Prachi lay, her voice trembling.

Babita (whispering to herself): "Prachi... tumne toh meri soch ko hamesha galat sabit kiya. Jis ladki ko maine apna dushman samjha, usne apni jaan tak ki parwaah nahi ki hum sab ke liye. Mujhse kitni badi galti ho gayi(Prachi... you always proved my thinking wrong. The girl whom I considered my enemy, did not even care about her life for all of us. What a big mistake I made...)" 

Esha: Akhirkar use ehsaas hua(She finally realized)😲

Har pal yahan jee bhar jiyo

(Live every moment here to the fullest)

She leaned closer, tears streaming down her face as she touched Prachi's bandaged hand.

Babita (sobbing): "Prachi, tum toh hamesha se sabse sundar thi, sabse pyaari thi... aur main tumhari iss khoobsurti se jalan karti thi. Par tumhari khoobsurti toh tumhare dil mein hai, jismein itna pyaar aur tyag hai ki shayad mujhe samajhne mein poori zindagi lag jaaye(Prachi, you were always the most beautiful, the sweetest... and I was jealous of your beauty. But your beauty lies in your heart, which has so much love and sacrifice that it might take me a lifetime to understand.)"

Joh hai samaan kal ho naa ho

Joh hai samaan kal ho naa ho

(This very moment may not be there tomorrow

This very moment may not be there tomorrow)

She wiped her tears, her voice soft but full of regret.

Babita: "Tumse maafi maangne ka mauka mile ya na mile, lekin ek baat zaroor kahungi. Tum meri beti ki tarah ho. Nahi, meri beti se bhi badhkar... tum meri family ki jaan ho(I may or may not get a chance to apologize to you, but I must say something. You are like my daughter. No, you are more than my daughter... you are the life of my family.)"

Esha: We have forgiven you🤗

Babita backed away, guilt and pain consuming her as she folded her hands, silently praying for Prachi's survival.

Namrata, the one who had always looked up to her elder sister as her world, was sitting on the floor, hugging her knees. Her eyes were swollen from crying. When she saw the nurses wheeling Prachi closer to the theater, she stumbled to her feet and ran to her.

Namrata (sobbing): "Jiji! Jiji, please aankhein kholo! Mujhe dekh kar ek baar smile kar lo, jiji... bas ek baar(Sister! Sister, please open your eyes! Smile at me once, sister... just once!)"

Her hands clutched Prachi's arm, careful not to hurt her, but unable to let go.

Namrata: "Aap mujhe chod kar kahin nahi ja sakti! Aapko meri shaadi dekhni hai, mujhe naye kapde lena hai aapke saath... aur woh lipstick jo humne Manali mein dekhi thi, woh bhi lena hai (You can't leave me! You need to see my wedding, I want to take new clothes with you... and also that lipstick that we saw in Manali!)"

Esha: Namrata! 🥺

Her words tumbled out as she cried harder.

Namrata (desperately): "Aapko toh mere exams ka result dekhna hai, na? Jiji, please mat jao... mujhe kaise jeena hai, yeh toh sirf aapne hi sikhaya hai mujhe. Aap bina kaise sambhalungi main(You want to see the results of my exams, right? Sister, please don't leave... how I should live, this you only taught me. How can I take care of myself without you?)" 

The nurse tried to pull Namrata away gently, but she resisted.

Namrata (screaming): "Nahi! Mujhe unke saath rehne do! Mujhe apni jiji ke paas rehna hai(No! Let me be with her! I want to stay with my sister!)"

Finally, Raj came forward, holding Namrata as she collapsed into his arms, still sobbing.

The youngest in the family, Kairav, clung to his father's leg, watching everything with wide, tear-filled eyes. He didn't understand the gravity of the situation completely, but he knew one thing: his favorite Chachi(Aunty) was hurt.

He walked up to Prachi, his small hands trembling as he touched her bandaged fingers.

Kairav (innocently): "Chachi... uth jao, please? Mujhe aapke saath aur cartoons dekhne hain. Aapko mujhe ice cream lana hai jaise har baar laati ho. Tumhaare jaisa kissies aur huggies dene ke lie mere paas aur kaun hai(Aunty... get up, please? I want to watch more cartoons with you. Who else do I have to give kisses and huggies like you?)"

Esha: The most beautiful relation! 🤧

His voice broke as he whispered.

Kairav: "Main aapse kabhi gussa nahi honga, promise karta hoon. Bas aap jaldi thik ho jao(I will never get angry with you, I promise. Just get well soon.)" 

He turned to the nurse, his eyes pleading.

Kairav: "Aap meri Chachi ko theek kar doge na? Unhein theek karna bahut zaroori hai, warna mujhe aur Mumma ko bahut rona padega(You will cure my aunty, right? It is very important to cure her, otherwise Mumma and I will have to cry a lot.)"

Kairav's words brought tears to everyone's eyes. Kartik picked him up, holding him tightly as the little boy buried his face in his father's shoulder.

As the stretcher paused briefly outside the operation theater, Kartik stepped forward, his face a mix of heartbreak and determination. He knelt down next to Prachi, his hands shaking as he gently held hers, careful not to hurt her already fragile body.

Kartik (softly): "Prachi, tum meri chhoti behen ho... mera ghar tumhare bina adhoora hai. Tumne hum sab ke liye jo kiya hai, uska karz toh kabhi chukaya nahi ja sakta(Prachi, you are my younger sister... my home is incomplete without you. What you have done for all of us can never be repaid.)" 

His voice cracked as he tried to stay strong for the family, but his eyes betrayed the tears threatening to fall.

Kartik: "Tumhe yaad hai, jab tum pehli baar Kohli mansion aayi thi, kitni sharma rahi thi? Hum sab soch rahe the, yeh chhoti si ladki apne dukh kaise sambhalegi... par tum toh sabki himmat ban gayi, Prachi. Ab tumhari himmat mat tootne dena(Do you remember, when you first came to Kohli mansion, how shy you were? We all were thinking, how will this little girl handle her sorrow... but you gave everyone courage, Prachi. Now let your courage not break.)" 

He leaned in closer, his voice a little firmer now.

Kartik (encouraging): "Dekho, tumhe wapas aana hai. Sirf apne liye nahi, Kairav ke liye bhi. Tum uske liye maa se kam nahi ho. Agar tumhe kuch ho gaya na, toh uska dil toot jaayega. Tum wapas aana, Prachi, warna mujhe zindagi bhar afsos hoga ki main tumhe bacha nahi saka(Look, you have to come back. Not just for myself, but also for Kairav. You are no less than a mother for him. If anything happens to you, then his heart will break. You come back, Prachi, otherwise I will regret for the rest of my life that I could not save you.)"

Esha: Her older brother! 😍

He kissed her bandaged hand softly, his tears finally escaping as the nurse indicated that they needed to move her. Kartik stepped back, his fists clenched, silently praying for her survival.

As Kartik stepped aside, Naira approached, her heart heavy with gratitude and guilt. She looked down at Prachi's motionless form, the burns on her body a stark reminder of the sacrifice she had made. Naira knelt beside the stretcher, tears streaming freely down her face.

Naira (sobbing): "Prachi... tumne mujhe aur mere Kairav ko bacha liya. Apni jaan daav pe laga di sirf humare liye. Tum jaanti bhi ho, tumne kitni badi cheez ki hai? Tumne meri poori duniya ko bacha liya hai(Prachi... you saved me and my Kairav. She risked her life just for us. Do you even know how big a thing you have done? You have saved my whole world.)"

Her voice broke as she clutched Prachi's hand, her fingers trembling.

Naira (pleading): "Lekin Prachi, ab meri baari hai tumhare liye kuch karne ki. Main tumhe khona nahi chahti, Prachi. Tum sirf meri nanad nahi ho... tum meri behen ho, meri sabse achhi dost. Tumhare bina mera ghar, mera Ranbir, aur sab kuch adhoora lagta hai(But Prachi, now it is my turn to do something for you. I don't want to lose you, Prachi. You are not just my sister-in-law...you are my sister, my best friend. Without you my home, my Ranbir, and everything feels incomplete.)" 

Esha: Poor Naira! 😞

Naira's tears fell on Prachi's bandages as she whispered brokenly.

Naira: "Tumhe wapas aana hoga, Prachi. Tumhari jagah yahan hai, humare saath. Aur mujhe tumse ek aur baat karni hai... tumne Ranbir ke liye jo pyar chhupaya hai na, mujhe pata hai woh kitna gehra hai. Tumhe uske saath apni poori zindagi jeeni hai. Tumhe usse shaadi karni hai, uska ghar basana hai(You will have to come back, Prachi. Your place is here, with us. And I have to tell you one more thing... the love you have for Ranbir, I have come to know how deep it is. You have to live your entire life with him. You have to marry him, build his home.)" 

The nurse gently touched Naira's shoulder, signaling that it was time to move Prachi. Naira broke down, leaning over and pressing her forehead gently to Prachi's.

Naira (whispering): "Main sirf ek aur baar tumhe hansti hui dekhna chahti hoon, Prachi. Sirf ek baar. Tum mujhe itni aasani se chod kar nahi ja sakti. Tum waada karo, tum wapas aaogi(I just want to see you laugh one more time, Prachi. Just one time. You can't leave me that easily. You promise, you will come back.)" 

As the stretcher began to move again, Naira stepped back, clutching her hands together in silent prayer, Kartik coming to her side to support her. Both of them stood there, watching helplessly as Prachi was wheeled into the operation theater.

Naitik knelt beside her, gently holding her hand. Her lifeless fingers felt cold against his warm, trembling ones. He leaned closer, his voice soft but laced with emotion.

Naitik (softly, trembling):

"Prachi... beta... tumhe yeh sunai de raha hai na? Mujhe pata hai tum abhi kuch bol nahi sakti, par tumhe meri baatein zarur sunni chahiye. Tum meri family ki roshni ho, Prachi. Tumhe pata bhi hai, tumhare aane ke baad Ranbir kitna badal gaya hai? Woh tumhare bina ek pal bhi nahi soch sakta, aur tum dono ka rishta... woh sirf ek shaadi nahi, ek misaal hai sabke liye (Prachi...daughter...can you hear it? I know you can't say anything right now, but you have to listen to me. You are the light of my family, Prachi. You also know, how much Ranbir has changed since your arrival? He cannot think even for a moment without you, and the relationship between you two... is not just a marriage, it is an example for everyone.)" 

He paused, his voice breaking as he looked at her still face.

Naitik (with a small, sad smile):

"Mujhe yaad hai, jab Ranbir pehli baar tumhare baare mein batata tha... kitni excitement thi uski awaaz mein. Tumhare saath rehkar uska har dukh chhup gaya tha. Tum dono ek doosre ke bina adhoore ho, beta. Tumhe yeh ladai jeetni hogi... tumhare liye nahi, tumhare Ranbir ke liye. Woh andar se toot jayega agar tumne haar maan li(I remember, when Ranbir first told me about you... how much excitement there was in his voice. By talking to you, all his sorrows had gone away. You two are incomplete without each other, daughter. You have to live this life... not for you, but for your Ranbir. He will break from inside if you give up.)" 

Esha: He understands them alot! 😌😢

He brushed a strand of hair from her forehead gently, his hand trembling with emotion.

Naitik (pleading softly):

"Main tumhare papa jaisa nahi hoon, par tumhe apni beti se kam nahi samajhta. Tumhari maa aur papa agar yahaan hote, toh woh bhi yahi kehte ki tumhe ladna hoga. Par ab yeh zimmedaari meri hai. Tumhe wapas aana hoga, Prachi... Ranbir ke liye, hum sab ke liye. Main tumse vaada karta hoon, jisne bhi tumhe yeh dard diya, uska hisaab zarur hoga. Par abhi tumhe sirf ek cheez karni hai—wapas aana(I am not your father, but I consider you no less than my daughter. If your mother and father were here, they would also say that you will have to fight. But now this responsibility is mine. You have to come back, Prachi... for Ranbir, for all of us. I promise you that whoever caused you this pain will be held accountable. But now you have only one thing to do—come back.)" 

A tear slipped down his cheek as he gripped her hand a little tighter.

Naitik (with a broken voice):

"Tumhare bina hum sab kaise rahenge, Prachi? Tum toh is ghar ki beti ho. Tumne mujhe apna hone ka ehsaas dilaya hai, aur ek baat yaad rakhna... tumhara Ranbir tumhare bina kuch bhi nahi hai. Agar tumhe kuch ho gaya... toh woh kabhi khush nahi reh payega. Tum wapas aaogi na, beta? Mujhe pata hai tum waapas aaogi(How will we all live without you, Prachi? You are the daughter of this house. You have made me feel like you belong to me, and remember one thing... your Ranbir is nothing without you. If anything happens to you... he will never be happy. Will you come back, daughter? I know you'll come back.)" 

His voice faltered, but he managed a weak smile through his tears.

The nurse touched his shoulder gently, indicating they had to move. Naitik stood up reluctantly, still holding her hand. He leaned down one last time and whispered into her ear.

Naitik (softly):

"Main yeh soch ke khada hoon ki tumhare paas ek nayi shuruaat ka waqt hai. Apni aankhein kholna, beta. Hum sab tumhara intezaar kar rahe hain(I stand with the thought that you have time for a new beginning. Open your eyes, daughter We are all waiting for you.)" 

As they wheeled her away, Naitik stood in the hallway, his hands clenched into fists and his heart heavy with prayer.

Raj was the last to step forward. His face was pale, his emotions barely contained. His mind replayed every memory of Prachi—how she had grown up in his house, how she had brought joy into their lives despite her own sorrows.

He knelt beside the stretcher, holding her hand gently.

Raj (choking on his words): "Prachi, tumhe yaad hai na, jab tum chhoti thi aur apni maa-papa ki yaad mein raaton ko rota karti thi? Main tumhe apni god mein le kar kahaaniya sunata tha, tumhe samjhata tha ki sab theek ho jayega. Tumne tab bhi himmat nahi haari thi, Prachi. Aaj bhi mat haarna(Prachi, do you remember when you were a girl and used to spend the night remembering your parents? I used to tell you stories, taking you in my lap, making you think that everything will be okay. You still did not lose courage, Prachi. Don't lose even today.)" 

He paused, tears streaming down his face as he gripped her hand tighter.

Raj: "Tum mere liye sirf ek bhaanji nahi ho, tum meri beti ho. Agar tumhe kuch ho gaya, toh main apne aap ko kaise maaf karunga? Tumhare bina toh yeh ghar, yeh zindagi sab suna ho jayega (You are not just a niece to me, you are my daughter. If something happens to you, how will I forgive myself? Without you, this house, this life will all be destroyed.)" 

His voice cracked as he leaned closer, his words trembling.

Raj: "Prachi, meri baat suno. Tumhe wapas aana hoga... tumhare chacha ji ko apni beti ki zaroorat hai(Prachi, listen to me. You have to come back... your uncle needs his daughter.)" 

Esha: Not Chachaji but Papaji! 😭

The hallway outside the operation theater was quiet, save for the muffled sound of family members sobbing in the distance. Ranbir stood frozen, his breath uneven as he saw Prachi being wheeled out. Her fragile body, wrapped in bandages, looked nothing like the vibrant, fiery girl he had fallen in love with. His legs felt like lead, but his heart was in turmoil—every memory of them together flashing before his eyes like a film.

https://youtu.be/s0ksvPulHt8

Bhula dena mujhe

Hai alvida tujhe

(Forget me

This is my goodbye to you)

"Prachi... meri Prachi. Yeh kya ho gaya? Tum toh hamesha mujhse ladti thi, mujhse door bhaagti thi, aur ab... ab tumhare bina toh kuch bhi nahi bacha(Prachi...my Prachi. What has happened? You always used to fight with me, run away from me, and now... now without you there is nothing left.)" 

Ranbir forced himself to move forward, each step heavier than the last. His hands trembled as he reached out to touch her hand but stopped mid-air. She looked so fragile, as though she might shatter if he so much as breathed wrong.

Tujhe jeena hai mere bina

Safar yeh hai tera

(You have to live without me

This is your journey)

Ranbir (voice trembling): "Prachi... tum meri baklu ko itna dard kaise sehne diya, yaar? Tumhe toh sirf mujhe pareshaan karna tha... mujhe sabse zyada pyaar se irritate karna tha... aur ab dekho, tum yahan ho, aur main kuch nahi kar paa raha hoon(Prachi...how could you let your baklu suffer so much pain, man?All you wanted to do was tease me... irritate me with the most love... and now look, you are here, and I can't do anything.)"

His voice cracked, and he dropped to his knees beside the stretcher, his head hanging low as tears spilled freely.

Yeh raasta tera

Tujhe jeena hai mere bina

(This is your path

You have to live without me)

"Mujhe yaad hai sab kuch, Prachi. Tumhara pehli baar mujhe woh chai dena, jisne meri duniya badal di thi... tumhara woh sharmaana, woh gusse se aankhein dikhana... tumhare bina toh main kuch bhi nahi hoon(I remember everything, Prachi. You gave me what you wanted for the first time, which changed my world... you made me blush, showed me that angry look... I wouldn't have done anything without you.)" 

Esah: Stop making us cry! 😭

Ho teri saari shoharaten

Hai yeh dua

(May you be well reputed

I'll pray for it)

He lifted his head slightly, looking at her pale face as if willing her to wake up. His mind wandered to every moment they had shared:

The First Conversation:

Prachi: (gentle and curious) "Hello?"

Prachi: (gentle and curious) "Hello?"

Ranbir froze. His breath hitched as if the word had stolen every ounce of air from his lungs. He wasn't expecting this—was this her? His mind screamed at him to say something, anything, but his voice refused to cooperate.

Tujhi pe saari rehmaten

Hai yeh dua

(May all the blessings be with you

I'll pray for it)

Ranbir: (stammering internally, thinking) "Yeh... yeh Prachi hai? Oh God! Yeh toh uski awaaz hai... kya bolun? Kuch bolna hoga!" (This... this is Prachi? Oh God! That's her voice... what should I say? I have to say something!)"

The silence stretched for a beat too long, making Prachi frown slightly on the other end of the line.

Tujhe jeena hai mere bina

Bhula dena mujhe

(You have to live without me

Forget me)

Prachi: (a little hesitant) "Hello? Kaun hai?" (Hello? Who is this?)"

Ranbir: (finally blurting, his voice cracking) "H-hello!"

Hearing his voice made Prachi pause. She didn't recognize it, but there was something warm and kind in its nervousness.

Hai alvida tujhe

Tujhe jeena hai mere bina

(This is my goodbye to you

You have to live without me)

Prachi: (politely) "Ji, aap kaun bol rahe hain?" (Yes, who is speaking?)"

Ranbir's brain felt like it had short-circuited. His mouth opened and closed, but no coherent words came out. He could feel his palms sweating as his heart pounded in his chest.

Ranbir: (barely audible) "W-w-woh... m-main..."(T-This...m-me)"

Tu hi hai kinaara tera

Tu hi toh sahara tera

(You're your own shore

You're your own support)

The First Meet:

And there she was. My heart stopped for a moment, and the world seemed to blur around her. Draped in a yellow and gold saree, her elegance was breathtaking. Her steps were hesitant yet graceful, her eyes lowered with shyness but brimming with depth. For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

She wasn't just beautiful; she was divine. The kind of beauty that left an ache in your heart. Her braid, adorned with jasmine flowers, swung gently with each step. Her anklets jingled softly, echoing like a melody. And when she finally looked up for a brief second, her eyes met mine. My pulse raced.

Tu hi hai tarana kal ka

Tu hi toh fasana kal ka

(You're the melody of tomorrow

You're the story of tomorrow)

She's walking toward me. My heart had been thudding since the moment she descended the stairs, but now it was like a drumroll in my chest. She was a vision, a literal dream in yellow and gold. But what struck me most wasn't just her beauty—it was the softness in her eyes, the shyness in her movements, as if she wasn't aware of the sheer magic she carried.

When she stopped in front of me, holding out the cup, my mind blanked. Completely.

Khud pe yakeen tu karna

Banna tu apna khuda

(Have faith in yourself

Become your own god)

"Y-y-yeh... chai(T-t-this... tea)," I stuttered like an idiot, my hand hovering in the air awkwardly before finally grabbing the cup. The warmth of the tea seeped through the porcelain, but all I could feel was the heat rushing to my face. Why can't I speak like a normal person?

She nodded slightly, still looking down. Her lashes cast shadows on her cheeks, and for some reason, my throat tightened. I wanted to say something, anything. Compliment her. Thank her. Make her laugh. But instead, I said the stupidest thing possible.

Tu hi hai kinaara tera

Tu hi toh sahara tera

(You're your own shore

You're your own support)

She glanced up at me for the briefest moment, her lips twitching like she wanted to smile but held back. "Chai toh garam hi hoti hai(The tea is always hot)," she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Farewell:

As they moved towards the car, Prachi turned to Ranbir, holding a small brass tumbler filled with water. "Ranbir ji, yeh jaal pee lijiye. Yahan ki thandi mein safar karte samay yeh aapke liye achha rahega(Ranbir ji, please drink this water. It'll be good for you while traveling in this cold.)"

Ranbir accepted the tumbler, their fingers brushing ever so briefly. Her gaze was steady, but there was an unmistakable sadness in her tone. He drank silently, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Dhanyavaad, Prachi ji(Thank you, Prachi ji)," he said softly, handing the tumbler back.

Tu hi hai tarana kal ka

Tu hi toh fasana kal ka

(You're the melody of tomorrow

You're the story of tomorrow)

Everyone moved towards the car, but Ranbir lingered for a moment, his steps hesitant

Everyone moved towards the car, but Ranbir lingered for a moment, his steps hesitant. Prachi stood rooted to her spot, her heart hammering in her chest. Kya woh mujhe miss bhi karenge? Ya bas chale jayenge, bina mud kar dekhe(Will he even miss me? Or will he just leave without looking back?)

Her eyes stung with tears she didn't want to shed. She clasped her hands tightly, whispering to herself, "Aap nahi mudenge, Ranbir ji... Shayad aapke dil mein koi jagah nahi hai mere liye(You won't turn back, Ranbir ji... Maybe there's no place for me in your heart.)"

The car started. Kartik waved enthusiastically from the window. Naitik and the others exchanged final goodbyes.

Khud pe yakeen tu karna

Banna tu apna khuda

(Have faith in yourself

Become your own God)

And then it happened.

Just as the car pulled away, Ranbir turned. His eyes searched for her, desperate and filled with a vulnerability he couldn't hide. When he found her standing there, her dupatta blowing in the morning breeze, tears rolled down his cheeks.

Prachi gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. He... he was crying too.

Their First Fall

He remembered the first time they'd accidentally fallen on top of each other, her wide eyes meeting his in shock. The awkward laughter that followed, and how her hair had brushed against his cheek, leaving him strangely breathless.

Fiza ki shaam hoon main

Tu hai nayi subah

(I'm the air of evening

You're a new morning)

The Boots on Her Feet

 He had kneeled in front of her, putting boots on her feet despite her protests. The warmth in her eyes that day had been enough to melt his heart.

Tujhe jeena hai mere bina

Tujhe jeena hai mere bina

(You have to live without me

You have to live without me)

Flight Moments

Their first flight together had been filled with banter and arguments over the window seat. She had clutched his arm during turbulence, pretending it was nothing, but he'd held her hand anyway, just to tease her.

Snowball Fights and Laughter

The snow-covered hills where she'd initiated a snowball fight, catching him off guard. Her laughter echoed in his ears as she darted around, giggling like a child. He'd finally tackled her, the snow in her hair sparkling like diamonds.

Khilengi jahan baharen sabhi

Mujhe tu wahan payega

(Where all the springs blossom

You'll find me there)

"Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon"

That quiet evening by the fire when he'd sung "Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon" for her. She'd pretended not to be impressed, but the way her eyes softened told him she was.

Rahegi jahan hamari wafaa

Mujhe tu wahan payega

(Where our trust resides

You'll find me there)

The River Incident

The day he had almost lost her to the river's rushing current. His heart had stopped when she slipped, and he had jumped in without hesitation. Holding her in his arms afterward, he'd felt an overwhelming fear of losing her.

Miloonga main is tarah

Vadaa rahaa

(I'll meet you in this way

It's a promise)

Fights and Apologies

The fights that had left both of them in tears, followed by heartfelt apologies. He recalled how she had gifted the snowglobe and how much she cared for giving him a second chance. 

Dances Together

Their impromptu dances—her gown trailing as they twirled under the moonlight. She had often stepped on his toes, but he'd never minded, as long as she was smiling.

Rahoonga sang main sadaa

Vadaa raha

(I'll always be by your side

It's a promise)

Carnival Memories

The carnival where he'd played the Bahubali and Devasena gun-shooting game just to win her a teddy bear. How they had struck the perfect show. 

Zipline Mischief

Prachi's mischievous grin when she had decided to go for ziplining alone. His heart had nearly stopped when she pretended to let go halfway, laughing at his terrified expression.

The Dance for Him

That breathtaking moment when she'd performed a dance for him, her movements graceful and her eyes locked with his. It was her way of saying she cared, even if she couldn't put it into words.

Tujhe jeena hai mere bina

(You have to live without me)

The Jeep Ride

The bumpy jeep ride through rugged terrain, where she clung to him for support. Her laughter filled the air every time the jeep jolted, and he couldn't help but laugh with her.

Kashmiri Festival

The colorful Kashmiri festival, where they'd tried traditional food together and shopped for her favorite dupatta. He'd draped it over her head like a bride, imagining a future they never spoke of but both secretly longed for.

Kidnapping Incident

The sheer terror of her kidnapping, the sleepless moments,, and the moment he'd finally held her in his arms again. That day, he realized just how fragile life could be without her.

Rain and Almost Kiss

The rain-drenched evening when they'd come so close to a kiss, her lips trembling as he leaned in. But the thunder had interrupted them, leaving the moment incomplete.

Dhavani's Entry and Distance

Dhavani's entry into their lives, creating a chasm between them. Prachi's silent pain and his inability to bridge the distance had haunted him. He had watched her retreat into herself, and he hated that he was the reason.

The Fire

And now, the fire that had almost taken her away from him. The way she had rushed back inside to save Naira, her selflessness overwhelming him with pride and fear. Her unconscious body, covered in soot and burns, was an image he could never erase.

Bhula dena mujhe

(Forget me)

Ranbir's eyes opened as tears rolled down his cheeks. Each memory was a dagger to his heart, but also a reminder of the love they had once shared. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against her hand.

Ranbir (whispering):

"Prachi... tumhe kuch nahi hoga. Tumne mujhe hamesha apna hone ka ehsaas dilaya hai, aur ab mujhe tumhe dikhana hoga ki main bhi tumhara hoon... hamesha(Prachi... nothing will happen to you. You've always made me feel like you belong to me, and now I have to show you that I'm yours too... forever.)" 

Hai alvida tujhe

(This is my goodbye to you)

The weight of their past was heavy, but in that moment, Ranbir vowed to protect her, no matter the cost. Their love had endured so much—it could endure this, too.

Ranbir's thoughts were interrupted by a faint movement—Prachi's eyelashes fluttered weakly. His heart stopped as she opened her eyes slightly and looked at him.

Tujhe jeena hai mere bina

(You have to live without me)

"Ranbir... tum yahan ho. Tum hamesha mere saath ho, na? Maine tumhe jitna dard diya hai, uska koi hisaab nahi hai, lekin tumhare bina toh main kuch bhi nahi hoon(Ranbir... you are here. You are always with me, right? There is no count of how much pain I have given you, but without you I would not have been able to do anything.)" 

Prachi tried to speak, but her voice was a faint whisper. Her eyes filled with unshed tears as she looked at the man who had always been there for her, even when she pushed him away. "Main tumse door kyun bhaagti thi, Ranbir? Tum toh hamesha mere paas rehna chahte the(Why did I run away from you, Ranbir? You always wanted to be with me.)" 

Tujhe jeena hai haan mere bina

(Yes, you have to live without me)

She remembered every moment—his teasing, his care, his affection. How he had always made her feel special, even when she tried to keep her heart locked away because of the pain Kunal had caused her.

Prachi weakly lifted her hand, trembling as she struggled to reach for something beside her. Ranbir quickly noticed and helped her, his hands trembling as much as hers. She pulled out a piece garland of marigolds from the inside of her pocket—the garland he had accidently put on her neck by the gust of wind. 

Prachi (whispering): "Ranbir... garland."

Esha: The same garland! 🌸

Ranbir froze. His breath hitched as he looked at the garland in her hand, the same one she had once given him all those months ago, back when their story had truly begun.

Ranbir's lips quivered as he tried to speak but failed. His voice cracked as he stammered, looking like a fool in front of the love of his life.

Ranbir (stammering): "P-Prachi... tum y-yeh... k-kahaan se(P-Prachi... you y-this... wh-where from...)" 

He couldn't finish his sentence, overwhelmed by the emotions surging through him. His heart shattered at the sight of her trying to smile, despite the pain she was in.

Prachi (weakly): "Ranbir... tum hamesha kehte ho na ki tumhare bina kuch adhoora lagta hai? Par tum samajhte kyun nahi... tumhare bina main bhi adhoori hoon(Ranbir... You always say that everything feels incomplete without you? But why don't you understand... I am also incomplete without you.)" 

Her voice was barely audible, but every word struck Ranbir like a bolt of lightning.

Ranbir leaned in, his tears falling freely onto her bandaged face. He kissed her cheek softly, his lips lingering for a moment.

Ranbir (softly): "Tum mujhe chhod kar kahin nahi jaa sakti, Prachi. Tum wapas aaogi. Tumhe wapas aana hi hoga, meri Chikchiki(You can't leave me and go anywhere, Prachi. You will come back. You have to come back, my chikchiki.)" 

The nurses came to take Prachi away, but Ranbir didn't move. He stood there, watching her disappear behind the operation theater doors, his hands clenched into fists as he whispered to himself:

Ranbir: "Prachi... yeh baklu ke jeene ki wajah ho. Tumhe wapas aana hi hoga. Tumse zyada zaroori kuch bhi nahi hai. Agar tum chup rahoge to main bolna band kar doonga. Agar tum sun nahi sakate to main bhi sunana band kar doonga. Yadi tum mar jaoge, to...tab main tumhare peeche chaloonga(Prachi...the reason for this baklu to live. You have to come back. There is nothing more important than you. If you are silent, I will stop speaking. If you cannot hear, I will stop listening too. If you die, then...then I will follow you!)"

Esha: Oh God! Listen! 😭

Tujhe jeena hai haan mere bina...

(Yes, you have to live without me)

As the doors closed, Ranbir fell to his knees, his heart breaking, yet holding on to the hope that his Prachi would return to him.