Chapter Seven.

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Maanga jo mera hai
Jaata kya tera hai?
Maine konsi tujhse jannat maang li..
Kaisa khuda hai tu
Bas naam ka hai tu
Rabba jo teri,
Itni si bhi naa chali...
Chahiye, jo mujhe
Karde tu mujhko adaa..

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...

Lakshya accompanied Nayanthara to the hospital, fulfilling his promise to meet her ailing mother. The doctors' grim expressions and hushed tones outside the room prepared them for the worst. Aaradhana's condition was critical, and surgery was imperative.

As they entered the hospital room, Nayanthara's eyes locked onto her mother's frail figure, propped up against the pillows. Aaradhana's tired eyes sparkled upon seeing her daughter, and a warm smile spread across her face.

"Come, beta," she whispered, her voice weak but full of love. Nayanthara's gaze faltered as she glanced at Lakshya, her fake boyfriend. Aaradhana's curious eyes followed hers, and she asked, "Who's he, beta?"

Nayanthara's cheeks flushed as she took Lakshya's hand, her voice barely above a whisper. "Maa, this is... Lakshya, my boyfriend."

Aaradhana's face lit up with joy, her eyes shining with tears. "Oh, beta, I'm so happy for you!" She extended a frail hand, and Lakshya gently took it, offering a reassuring smile.

"Namaste, Aunty ji," Lakshya said, his voice warm and respectful. Nayanthara's mother beamed at Lakshya, her eyes brimming with gratitude. "Thank you for taking care of my daughter. I was worried about her being alone."

Lakshya's gaze met Nayanthara's, and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I'll always be there for her, Aunty ji."

As they chatted, Nayanthara's guilt gnawed at her. She knew this charade was necessary to secure her mother's treatment, but the weight of her deception threatened to overwhelm her.

Aaradhana's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she gazed at Lakshya. "Tell me, beta, how did you two meet?"

Nayanthara's mind raced, but Lakshya smoothly intervened, "We met through mutual friends, Aunty ji. I was immediately drawn to Nayanthara's kindness and intelligence."

Aaradhana smiled, her eyes shining with happiness. "I'm so glad you're taking care of my daughter. She deserves all the happiness in the world."

As they chatted, the doctor entered the room, his expression somber. "We need to discuss the surgery, Aaradhana ji. It's the best option to ensure your recovery."

Aaradhana's gaze faltered, and Nayanthara's grip on Lakshya's hand tightened. He gave her a reassuring squeeze.

"I'll take care of everything, Aunty ji," Lakshya said, his voice confident. "Don't worry about the expenses. We'll get the best treatment possible."

Aaradhana's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at Lakshya. "Thank you, beta. You're a blessing to our family."

Nayanthara's guilt intensified, knowing she was deceiving her mother. But Lakshya's kindness and generosity had eased her conscience.

As they left the hospital room, Nayanthara turned to Lakshya. "Thank you for today. I owe you one."

Lakshya smiled, his eyes warm. "No need to thank me, Nayanthara. I'm just keeping my promise."

Their gazes met, and for a moment, Nayanthara forgot about the contract. She saw a glimmer of genuine connection in Lakshya's eyes.

As they walked out of the hospital, Nayanthara couldn't shake off the feeling that Lakshya's words held more meaning than just a simple promise. She glanced at him, but his expression was neutral, revealing nothing.

"Let's get the paperwork done for the surgery," Lakshya said, breaking the silence.

Nayanthara nodded, following him to the hospital's administrative office. As they filled out forms and signed documents, she couldn't help but notice the way Lakshya's eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled at the nurse.

A flutter in her chest caught her off guard. Was she developing feelings for Lakshya?

No, no, no. She couldn't afford to get attached. This was just a contract, a business arrangement.

But as they left the hospital, Lakshya's hand brushing against hers sent shivers down her spine.

"Want to grab dinner?" Lakshya asked, his voice low and smooth. Nayanthara hesitated, unsure if she should spend more time with him outside the hospital.

"Just dinner, Nayanthara," Lakshya said, as if reading her mind. "No strings attached." She nodded, and they walked to a nearby restaurant.

Over dinner, Lakshya shared stories about his childhood, making her laugh with his silly impressions. For the first time, Nayanthara saw him as more than just a fake boyfriend – she saw a genuine person.

....

As they stepped into the quiet house, the soft glow of the nightlights casting shadows on the walls, Lakshya turned to Nayanthara. "Wanna grab some coffee? I'm wide awake." Nayanthara raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you sleepy? It's 3 am."

Lakshya's expression turned serious. "I'm nervous about tomorrow. Aunty's surgery... I just want everything to go smoothly." Nayanthara's heart swelled at his concern. "Of course," she said, smiling.

As they sipped their coffee in the dimly lit kitchen, Lakshya's curiosity got the better of him. "Hey, can I ask you something?" Nayanthara nodded, her eyes locked on his.

"You mentioned your parents got divorced, but you never talked about your father... except that he and his family don't get along with you," Lakshya said gently. "I mean, it's okay if you don't want to share—"

Nayanthara's gaze intensified, her voice firm. "I'll tell." Lakshya's smile was encouraging, his eyes warm with understanding.

"So, when I was 5, my grandma and mom had a massive argument," Nayanthara began, her voice laced with a mix of sadness and detachment. "Dadi gave my father an ultimatum: choose between me and her or my mom. He chose the royal seat, of course." Lakshya's eyes narrowed, his expression disapproving.

"After the divorce, he promised to pay my tuition fees until I finished my studies, but with one condition: no contact with them whatsoever." Nayanthara's voice was flat, masking the pain.

"And that's exactly what happened. My grandma made sure he kept his distance. Now, he's remarried to his best friend, a royal who had a son two years older than me. They have two sons and a daughter together. Their son, Avnish would be the next king as in my father's wife's eldest son."

Lakshya's gaze never wavered, his attention fully on Nayanthara. "Have you ever met them?" he asked gently.

Nayanthara's response was firm. "No, and I don't wish to." Lakshya nodded thoughtfully, his expression empathetic.

As the next morning dawned, Nayanthara, Lakshya, and Chirag headed to the hospital, their hearts heavy with anxiety. The doctor's words echoed in their minds: "The chances are slim, but we'll do everything possible to save her."

In the hospital room, Nayanthara clutched her mother's hands, her eyes brimming with tears. Aaradhana's frail smile broke Nayanthara's heart.

"Go get my favorite chocolate, Nayu," Aaradhana whispered. Nayanthara nodded, trying to hold back her emotions.

Aaradhana turned to Chirag and Lakshya, her eyes pleading. "If something happens to me today, promise me you'll take care of Nayanthara. I trust you. Don't break her heart, please?"

Lakshya's grip on her hand tightened. "No, Aunty, don't say that. Nothing will happen to you." Aaradhana's gaze locked on Lakshya and Chirag's. "Promise me."

Chirag's voice cracked. "We promise, Aunty. You're not just Nayanthara's mother; you're like a mother to me too."

Nayanthara's tears flowed freely as hospital staff wheeled Aaradhana into the operating theater. The uncertainty of the future loomed, leaving Nayanthara feeling lost and vulnerable. No one knew what the future held.

....

I think I will miss you forever
Like the stars miss the sun
In the morning skies..

- Lana Del Rey.

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Hey hey! New chapter is here!

Tho my exams are still going on, I couldn't help but write a new one!

Hope you all will love it!

Do vote and comment and also follow!

Words count - 1268