Chapter 10
Next day (after the incident), at the hospital
Suman was lying in bed unconscious in the hospital bed. Next to her, was Shravan, with his head on the bed and fingers intertwined with hers.
Shravan felt some kind of movement. He woke up with a start. It took him only a few seconds to register what was happening. Suman was regaining consciousness. He immediately called the doctor and was asked to step out of the room. Over the next few minutes, she was examined by the doctor and her condition was analyzed. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief when the doctor told them of Suman's condition. She was out of danger and would soon recover fully. Shravan's happiness knew no bounds. He felt a sense of relief washed over him. He immediately entered her room and went and sat next to her.
"Sumo?" he called out, whispering. She opened her eyes slowly and turned to look at him. A small smile appeared on her face. "Shravan? Is that you?" she asked, weakly. "Yes, it me, Sumo. I am here, right next to you. Let me know if you need anything." She nodded. He stepped out of the room on being asked by the nurse, who had come to give Suman her medicines and check her vitals.
The police had come to investigate last night's incident. They had spoken to everyone and none of them seemed to have a clue as to why someone would target Suman. They were about to leave when Shravan stopped them. "Hello, I am Shravan Malhotra..."
"Yes sir, we know you. You're the son of Mr. Ramnath Malhotra and a family friend of the victim. You are also an eyewitness to the incident. We will get in touch with you soon." said the police officer.
"One more thing. I want to be kept in the loop regarding this case. Also, you need to catch the culprit, and soon. Is that understood?" Shravan's tone was grave. The police officer knew who Shravan was and what was he capable of. He also knew that he was a man of his word. He nodded in affirmative and left.
"Whoever tried to harm you, Sumo, won't see the light of day. I'll make sure of that" said Shravan. He was going to make sure that the person who nearly killed his love, paid the price of his misdeeds.
An hour later, in the hospital room
"Shravan?"
"Hmm"
"There is something I want to tell you. Please, just hear me out. will you?" she said, expectantly. He nodded in agreement. "I love you, Shravan" saying this, she paused briefly and continued. "I have always loved you. I have been wanting to say this for a very long time but couldn't for a lot of reasons, namely- my sense of guilt, ego and also my circumstances. Today, when death was at my doorstep, I was filled with regret. The regret of not being able to tell you of my love. I am very sorry for all that I have said and done, Shravan. You have stood by me through everything. The good, the bad, everything. I am so grateful to god for sending you in my my life. I really am. I have loved you and I always will. And its ok if you don't feel the same way..." With this she began to look away from him.
Shravan could not believe what he heard. "She loves me". His heart was filled with both happiness and disbelief. He was in seventh heaven. He felt as though all his prayers had been answered. But he could see her withdraw. "No, Sumo. I am not going to let you go. Not this time." She felt his finger touch her chin and move her face towards him.
"Sumo, look at me. I love you. I have loved you since I was a teenager. You don't even know how deep my feelings are for you. I almost died seeing your lifeless body. Hearing you say that you love me, makes me the happiest man, ever. Don't you ever think that I can't love you. I am not capable of anything else. I know that things have been tough for both of us. But not anymore. I promise to be with you, for as long as we live."
He slowly moved towards her. He placed his forehead onto hers and both of them closed their eyes. They lay there for long. They could feel the warmth and calmness emanate from one another. They were both at peace. They had finally told each other of their love. The room was filled positivity. The lovers were now one. Their souls were united. He kissed her on her forehead and lightly touched her face with his thumb. She took in his touch and felt his affection for her. It was a silent moment which was an acknowledgement of their love and a promise of togetherness.
One doesn't always need grand proposals, flowers and diamonds to profess ones' love. Words that are heartfelt are more than enough. Atleast, for Shravan and Suman, it was enough. Two lovers separated by time, circumstances and individuals were now together. For better or worse.
They both looked at each other, with tears in their eyes, and smiled. A realisation dawned on both of them. They both realised that they were a single soul in two bodies. They were better off together than alone. They also realized that denying themselves of each other's love was the cause of their misery. But not anymore. They would not rob themselves of their chance at happiness. Rather, they would make the most of what they get and live life to the fullest.
THE END
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Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon
