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The steady beep... beep... of the monitor filled the room.

For three endless days, Veeresh had sat there — sleepless, motionless — his hand wrapped around hers. Her face was pale, fragile beneath the bandages, but to him, she was still the most beautiful thing in the world.

The doctors had told him not to expect much.

But he refused to move. He refused to believe.

Then, just as dawn painted a soft gold across the hospital blinds — her fingers twitched.

At first, he thought he imagined it.

Then again — this time, stronger.

“Ruby?” his voice broke.

He leaned closer, his heart hammering wildly.

Her eyelids fluttered — once, twice — and then slowly opened. Her eyes, tired but alive, met his.

For a moment, neither spoke. The silence between them was heavy, fragile — like glass.

Then Poornima gave a faint, small smile.

Her fingers, weak but steady, brushed against his cheek and wiped away the tears that had been falling silently.

> “I told you,” she whispered, her voice raspy but warm, “I won’t leave you so soon.”

Veeresh froze — then laughed through his tears, holding her hand against his cheek. His heart was pounding so hard it almost hurt.

> “You scared me, Ruby,” he murmured, voice trembling. “You almost stopped my world.”

She blinked slowly, a hint of mischief returning to her eyes despite the pain.

> “You’re too stubborn to live without me, Mr. Raj,” she murmured.

He chuckled softly, brushing her hair back from her face, careful of the bandages.

> “You’re right,” he said quietly. “I have no plans of leaving you either.”

Their eyes locked — his fierce, hers gentle — and for that moment, time stood still.

The nurse peeked in quietly and froze, smiling. “She’s awake, sir…” she whispered, rushing out to call the doctors.

But Veeresh barely heard her. He was still looking at Poornima like a man seeing sunlight after years in the dark.

> “Welcome back, Ruby,” he said softly.

Poornima smiled faintly.

> “Did you… cry for me?” she teased weakly.

Veeresh looked away, wiping his cheek, and muttered,

> “Don’t flatter yourself.”

Her lips curved into a tired grin.

> “Then why are your eyes still red, my don?”

He sighed — defeated — and leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

> “Because my heart finally learned what fear feels like,” he whispered.

Her eyes softened, and her fingers found his again.

> “Then let’s never feel it again,” she murmured.

And with her hand still in his, Poornima slowly drifted back to rest — alive, breathing, safe — as Veeresh held her like he’d never let go again