As Nisha's eyelids fluttered open, the dim light of the hospital room settled around her, and she realized Aarav was seated beside her, his hand gently holding hers. The weight of the last few hours hit her all over again, and she broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.
"Aarav, my father is innocent!" she cried, clutching his hand tightly. "Please, you have to believe me. He didn't do this; he could never do something so cruel."
Aarav's brows furrowed with concern. He didn't know how to take away the pain in her eyes, but he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I believe you, Nisha. But we need to get to the bottom of this, for Meera's sake and for yours. Right now, we can't give up—we need to find answers."
Nisha took in his words with a shaky breath, his determination comforting her. But the thought that her father was being accused was a weight she could hardly bear. "How could Rohit even think that? We were all family…."
As if her words summoned him, the door creaked open, and Rohit entered. His face was pale and conflicted, his gaze shifting from Aarav to Nisha. Her eyes filled with pain as she met his gaze, but she stayed close to Aarav, feeling his presence like a lifeline.
Aarav's tone was cold and cutting as he spoke. "You come here throwing accusations at Nisha's father, without any proof? Do you have any idea what that's doing to her?"
Rohit's face softened slightly, his anger seeming to fade. "Nisha, you know I'd never want to hurt you," he started, his voice filled with regret. "But I found him there…in Meera's room, covering her with a blanket. It just…it didn't look right."
Nisha shook her head in disbelief. "Rohit, he loves Meera like his own daughter. How could you even think—how could you let your mind go there?" Her voice broke, tears streaming down her face.
Aarav's gaze sharpened, filled with intensity. "Look, Rohit, we need proof, not baseless assumptions. All you have right now is fear, and throwing accusations won't help Meera or Nisha."
Tension hung thick in the room as silence settled between them. Nisha's heart felt like it was in pieces, torn between the people she trusted most. She took a breath, willing herself to be strong.
"Then I'll prove it myself," she whispered, her voice steadying. "I'll speak to my father. He deserves the chance to be heard, and I know he's innocent." She looked at Rohit, her eyes filled with pain and determination. "Meera deserves justice, but so does my family."
Aarav's expression softened as he reached out to her, a silent promise that he'd be by her side. But Nisha wasn't done. She looked at Rohit, her resolve clear. "Where is my father? I want to see him."
Rohit's face hardened with anger. "He's at the police station. Where he belongs. You know why."
The words struck her like a blow. "The police station?" she choked, disbelief flooding her features. "How could you—he's innocent, Rohit! I have to see him; he's alone, he needs me!"
Before she could rush out, Aarav caught her by the wrist, his calm voice steadying her. "I'll take you there, Nisha. But first, let's talk to the doctor. We need to know what we're up against." He looked into her eyes, silently urging her to breathe, to focus.
They walked together to the doctor's office, Nisha trembling by his side. Doctor Disha met them with a grave expression.
"She still hasn't gained consciousness," Disha began softly. "It means…she's slipped into a coma. We're monitoring her closely, and she's receiving the best care possible. But right now, it's in fate's hands."
Nisha's heart clenched painfully as she heard Meera's parents sobbing quietly in the corner of the room. Aarav approached them, placing a comforting hand on Meera's mother's shoulder. "I promise, Chachi, I'll do everything I can for her. We'll bring her justice, but you have to stay strong."
Meera's father looked up, his eyes red and worn. Aarav met his gaze with fierce determination. "I'll support you both, no matter what. But right now, Meera needs us to be brave."
They all exchanged a solemn nod before Aarav took Nisha's hand gently, leading her from the room.
During the drive to the police station, the weight of everything hung heavy in the silence. Nisha couldn't stop crying, her tears a steady stream of worry, grief, and rage. As they passed a convenience store, Aarav suddenly pulled over, running inside and returning with a bottle of water.
"Here," he said softly, offering her the bottle. "You need to stay hydrated."
Nisha shook her head, her voice breaking. "No, Aarav, please. Just take me to my father. He needs me now; please, I can't—".
"First drink this water, hmm" saying he made her drink water.
He looked at her with deep understanding, and instead of pressing further, he nodded and started the car again. As they neared the station, Nisha's heart raced, knowing that every step closer brought her closer to facing the harsh accusations her father faced.
But no matter what waited for them there, she knew one thing—she wouldn't stop until her father's name was cleared.
Author's Note:
Hey, wonderful readers! 🌸 If you're enjoying the story so far, please don't forget to vote! Your support truly means the world to me and encourages me to keep writing and sharing more chapters with you all. Thank you for being here on this journey! 💖