Chapter 74 – A Fragile Hope

After what felt like an eternity, the storm of rushing footsteps and sharp instructions finally slowed. The machines steadied.

The doctor exhaled and looked at Veeresh and his father.

“She’s stable now,” he said softly. “But…” He hesitated, then continued, “when she wakes, there is a possibility of partial or complete memory loss. She might not remember you, your child, or even her own past. Or she might remember everything. At this stage—we can only wait and pray.”

The words hit Veeresh like a blade. His knees buckled, and he dropped onto the chair, burying his face in his palms. His body shook, the dam of strength he had held for so long finally breaking.

Raghav placed a trembling but steady hand on his son’s shoulder.

“She’s breathing, Veeresh. That’s what matters now. Don’t lose hope.”

But Veeresh couldn’t answer. His fingers dug into his face, muffling his sobs. The image of Poornima smiling, her voice whispering I love you, Veer—he clung to it with desperation, terrified it might vanish from her memory forever.

Beside her bed, their son let out a tiny whimper, as though sensing the storm in his father’s heart. Veeresh forced himself up, wiped his tears with the back of his hand, and lifted his baby boy gently.

He leaned close to Poornima, his voice breaking as he whispered near her ear,

“Even if you forget me… I’ll remind you every single day. Even if you push me away, I’ll find my way back to you. Because you are my wife, my life, my everything. Please, Poornima… wake up. See your son. See me.”

He placed the baby carefully on her chest again, her heartbeat faintly rising and falling beneath their child. Veeresh’s hand covered them both, his head bowed, tears sliding freely.

And so, he waited—half broken, half hopeful—for her eyes to open, praying her soul would remember the love that had tied them together.