Page 142 of Entangled Vows

With a nod, the medic permitted him to come inside. Vikram climbed in and looked at Mahika. She looked so fragile, drenched, and bruised as if she’d been dragged through hell. But none of it mattered… because she was safe now.

His body went rigid before the tremors began. Subtle at first, but then his jaw ticked and his chest started rising in heavy, uneven bursts. His hand clenched into a fist as he fought the sting in his eyes. He pressed his hand to her forehead, inhaling her scent like he would oxygen. A violent shudder ran through his shoulders, and then he broke down. He took her cold, limp hand and kissed it, his lips trembling against her skin. Silent tears streamed down his face, unstoppable now.

His voice sounded wrecked as he rasped, “I’m sorry, my love. I’m so sorry. I should’ve protected you. I failed you…”

He closed his eyes and let the tears fall, each drop carrying all the fear, pain, and love he had been holding back ever since he received her alert.

45

Mahika stirred, her eyelids fluttering open to a blinding white light. The sharp smell of antiseptic filled the air, while the steady beeping of monitors echoed around her. Her body ached, her head throbbed, and panic rose in her chest as the memories came rushing back.

Then, she saw Ishika sitting beside her, clutching her hand tightly, her eyes swollen from crying. Her mother was on the other side of her bed, silently wiping away her tears.

“Mom…” Mahika’s voice was hoarse, barely a whisper.

Her mother leaned in instantly. “Mahi. Thank God, you are okay. You’re in the hospital, darling.”

“How long… long have I been here?” she whispered, her voice breaking, her throat so dry it hurt.

“One day. You were in and out of consciousness,” Varsha said softly, brushing Mahika’s hair away from her face. “Now that you’re awake, I’ll update Vikram. He made me promise to call him the moment you opened your eyes. I’ll also let Ratan know. He’ll be so relieved. You rest, my sweet girl.”

Mahika watched her mother leave, then closed her eyes, whispering a silent prayer of gratitude for saving her.

“Hey, Mahi…” Suraj’s voice came from the corner, and she turned slowly towards him.

“Sunny…” She hadn’t even noticed him sitting quietly on the couch, tucked into the far corner.

He crossed the room and gently brushed his hand across her forehead as if trying to soothe her. “You’re so brave, Mahi. So incredibly brave.”

Tears filled her eyes, and when he bent down to kiss her forehead, she saw that his eyes were glistening too.

“I was so stupid to go with him,” she whispered.

“No, darling. None of this is your fault. That bastard was a predator. A sick, dangerous man. The police have him in custody on multiple charges. Vikram wasn’t bluffing when he said he’d make sure that monster never walks free again.”

“Where’s Vikram? And Mohit? What time is it?”

“It’s eleven in the morning. They’re both at work, doing everything they can to destroy the Excel Group. Vikram’s been by your side the entire time. He only left because Mohit needed him. He didn’t want to go.”

Before she could respond, there was a knock at the door. A young woman in her twenties entered with a clipboard and a kind smile.

“Good morning. I’m Dr. Heer. How are you feeling, Mahika?” she asked softly.

Her throat was parched, but she managed to speak. “Okay… I guess.” Her voice faltered. “Doctor… am I alright?”

“Yes. You’re safe now,” the doctor said gently. “Just a few scratches on your hands and some bruises on your face. Internally, everything looks fine. You’ll heal fast.”

“I mean… am I pregnant?” Mahika whispered, her voice uncertain.

The doctor nodded with a smile. “Yes. I was going to talk to you about that. The baby is safe. You both are perfectly fine. All you need now is rest. Sometimes, trauma can slow down healing, so it’s important you give yourself time.”

The doctor continued explaining recovery care and told her she’d be discharged the next day. But Mahika barely heard the rest. Relief hit her like a tidal wave, and a sob escaped her lips as she placed a trembling hand over her stomach.

Ishika climbed into the bed beside her and hugged her. “Now that it’s confirmed by the doctor, I’m so happy, Mahi. You’re going to be a mom, and I… I’m going to be the coolest aunt ever.”

Suraj froze for a beat, his eyes going wide. For a second, he just stared at her. And then a huge grin spread across his face. He sat on the edge of the bed, his voice filled with wonder. “Wait… you’re… you’re pregnant? Mahi, that’s…” He broke off with a laugh, shaking his head like he couldn’t believe it. “I’m going to be an uncle. Oh my God.”

He pulled both women into his arms and held them close. Then he looked at Mahika and asked, “Does my brother know?”