After hours of waiting, as the evening shadows lengthened, the red light outside the operation theatre finally flickered off. The doors opened, and Dr. Mehta stepped out, pulling down his mask.
Both Gauri and Gayatri rushed forward, their eyes searching his face.
"The surgery was successful," Dr. Mehta said, his tone steady yet gentle. "Charvi is safe. She's already started regaining consciousness. It will take her some time to fully recover her strength, but for now, she is out of danger."
Gauri clasped her hands together, tears streaming down her face. Gayatri leaned weakly against the wall, whispering a prayer of gratitude.
"Can… can we see her?" Gauri asked, her voice trembling.
Dr. Mehta gave a small nod. "Only for a few minutes. She's still very weak, but when she opened her eyes, the first word she whispered was… Didi."
Hearing that, Gauri broke down completely, covering her mouth to stifle her sobs, while Gayatri placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Inside the recovery room, the soft beeping of machines filled the air. Charvi lay on the bed, pale yet peaceful, her chest rising gently with each breath. Gauri stepped forward slowly, her hands trembling as she reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her sister's forehead before kissing it tenderly.
"Charvi…" Gauri whispered, her voice breaking.
As though responding to her touch, Charvi's eyelids fluttered open. She blinked weakly, her gaze trying to focus, and when her eyes finally settled on Gauri, a faint smile touched her lips.
"Didi…" Charvi murmured, her voice fragile but filled with warmth.
Tears slipped down Gauri's cheeks as she clasped Charvi's hand tightly. "You did it. You're safe now. And from this day forward, you'll never be held back by your condition again. You can laugh, dance, live your dreams… all the things you missed, you can finally do them."
Charvi's eyes grew wet as her lips quivered. "Really, Didi? I can finally live like everyone else?"
"Yes," Gauri nodded firmly through her tears, pressing her forehead against Charvi's hand. "You'll live the life you deserve. I promise you."
Both sisters broke down in quiet, overwhelming emotion, their bond stronger than ever.
Gayatri, standing silently near the doorway, wiped her tears with the edge of her saree, her heart swelling with both relief and gratitude.
As the sisters held each other's hands, Gauri's phone buzzed on the side table. She reluctantly pulled away to check it, and her face stiffened — it was a message from Vihaan.
Be home before the Janmashtami celebration begins.
The words weren't a request. They were an order.
Gauri exhaled deeply, her heart torn in two. She leaned forward and pressed a long kiss to Charvi's forehead. "Take rest, my little one. You've fought enough for today."
Charvi's weak fingers clutched hers. "Didi, will you stay tonight?"
Before Gauri could answer, Gayatri placed a hand on her shoulder. "Go, beta. Don't worry about Charvi. I'll be right here with her. You've already done more than enough."
Gauri nodded, her throat tight. She cupped Charvi's cheek gently. "I have to return to the Kotharis, but I'll come back tomorrow morning. That's a promise."
Charvi gave a faint smile, closing her eyes with relief, and Gauri stood, brushing away her tears before walking quickly out of the room, her heart aching with every step.
Meanwhile, Gauri reached the Kothari mansion just as the decorations glittered under the evening lamps and the sound of conch shells echoed — the Janmashtami celebration was about to begin.
Veena's sharp eyes immediately fell on her. "Look at the time. This family's daughter-in-law chooses to return home only when it pleases her. Such behavior only reflects the kind of upbringing she has received."
The guests nearby turned their heads, but Gauri, composed and calm, lowered her gaze. "I am sorry, Mother-in-law."
Before Veena could add more, Dadi intervened, her voice warm yet firm. "Enough, Veena. You're being too harsh." She smiled gently at Gauri, reaching for a decorated thali filled with clothes and jewelry. "Here, beta. Go upstairs and get ready. Tonight, you will perform the aarti for our Kanha."
Gauri's eyes softened with gratitude. She accepted the thali respectfully. "Thank you, Dadi."
Holding it carefully in both hands, she turned and headed upstairs, her heart still heavy from the hospital, yet determined to carry her role in this family.
Gauri entered the room, still holding the thali, and paused. Vihaan was already there, dressed in an elegant cream kurta with golden embroidery, his presence commanding as always. He glanced at her through the mirror while adjusting his cuffs, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
"So, at last, you decided to return," he said, his voice edged with mockery. "For a moment, I thought you wouldn't live up to your promise."
Gauri clutched the thali a little tighter, her eyes lowering to avoid his piercing gaze. His taunt stung, but she refused to let her emotions show.