The machines beeped unevenly, each sound pulling Veeresh deeper into a reality he didn’t want to face. Pavan’s breaths were shallow, his eyes searching desperately for strength he no longer had.

“Listen… I don’t have time,” Pavan whispered, clutching Veeresh’s hand with surprising force.

“Don’t talk nonsense,” Veeresh snapped, his voice breaking despite the steel in it. “Poornima will be waiting. You’ll be there—for her, for the baby. This is nothing, you’ll recover.”

A faint smile curved Pavan’s lips, but his eyes held only sorrow. “Promise me, Veeresh.”

“Pavan—”

“Promise me,” he interrupted, his tone urgent, final.

Veeresh’s chest tightened. For the first time in his life, words failed him. His throat burned, but he nodded. “I promise.”

Pavan’s hand trembled against his. “You can’t back away. Ever. No matter what comes.”

Veeresh swallowed hard, but said nothing. The silence itself was his oath.

“Then listen,” Pavan whispered, his breaths ragged now. “Don’t leave Poornima… and my baby. Take care of them as your own. Marry her, Veeresh. Protect her, protect my child. I’ve already transferred Shekhawat Industries in your name—I know you’ll handle it better than anyone. My stepmother… she will create problems, but never—never—let Poornima and the baby face it alone.”

Veeresh’s eyes burned. He shook his head furiously. “Stop this. Don’t say such things. You’ll tell Poornima yourself.”

But Pavan only tightened his grip. “Tell her… I love her. And the baby. Tell her I’m sorry… that I couldn’t stay. Tell Anaya… I love her too.” His gaze softened, a single tear escaping. “I love you, Veeresh. You’re my best friend. Thank you… for being my brother.”

With trembling fingers, he pushed a folder into Veeresh’s hands—company documents, signed and sealed. Then, with the last of his strength, Pavan leaned forward, pressing a weak kiss against Veeresh’s cheek.

“Thanks… for being my best friend.”

The monitors gave a long, piercing sound. The room seemed to freeze. Doctors rushed forward, but Veeresh already knew.

His best friend—his brother—was gone.