The hospital room felt different that day. Not heavy. Not lifeless. But… hopeful. Machines still beeped softly.
But something had changed.
"Doctor!" a nurse called urgently.
"He moved his hand!"Within seconds, doctors rushed in. Monitors flickered. Eyes focused. Hope returned.
Outside the room— Riaan stood frozen.
"What happened?" he asked quickly. The doctor stepped out. A small smile on his face.
"It's a good sign."
Riaan's breath caught.
"He is responding. He might regain consciousness soon."
Riaan's mother covered her mouth, tears falling instantly.
"My son…" she whispered. Her hands trembled as she folded them in prayer.
"Thank you…"
She entered the room slowly. Sat beside her son. Held his hand tightly.
"You will be fine… you have to be," she whispered through tears. Her voice broke—
"But come back soon… I can't see you like this anymore…"
Later—
She stood beside Riaan in the corridor. Her eyes still moist. But her voice… calm.
"Riaan…"
He looked at her.
"Yes, Maa?"
She placed her hand on his shoulder.
Softly.
"If you truly love someone… you don't destroy them." He froze. Her words sank deep.
"I don't want to see another son of mine break," she said. Her voice trembling slightly.
"I've already lost one to pain…"
Her eyes met his.
"I can't lose you too."
"If that girl… if Aanya…" she paused,
"…if she matters to you even a little—"
"Then don't punish her anymore." Silence. Heavy.
Riaan looked away. His mind restless again.
"I don't know what's true, Maa," he said honestly.
"I don't know who to believe."
His mother nodded slowly.
"Then find the truth." A pause.
"But don't lose yourself in the process."
Her words stayed. Echoing. Unsettling. Do I love her…? The question felt unfamiliar. Uncomfortable. But real.
🌑 Meanwhile – Aanya
Outside the hospital building— Aanya stood with Advik and her sister. They had just received the news.
"He might wake up soon," Advik said.
Aanya's eyes softened slightly. Relief.
Because somewhere— She still cared.
💭 Her Thought
If he wakes up… everything will be clear. That was her hope. Her strongest chance.
"We don't stop here," she said firmly. Her sister nodded.
"We won't."
At that moment— Both of them stood in the same place. Same hospital. Same truth approaching. But on different paths.
Riaan stood outside the ICU. Looking at his brother. Thinking about Aanya. Confused. Restless. Changing.
And somewhere nearby— Aanya stood under the open sky. Waiting. Preparing.
Because very soon—The truth…
Would no longer stay hidden.