Morning light streamed through the hospital’s tinted windows, casting a soft glow over the waiting area. Astha stirred, shifting slightly before her eyes fluttered open. A familiar warmth rested over her shoulders. She blinked, looking down to find a blanket draped around her.
Arin’s doing.
She turned her head and found him sitting beside her, his eyes closed, his posture relaxed but alert even in rest. He had stayed.
Astha swallowed, something tugging at her chest, but she quickly shook it off. Carefully, she adjusted the blanket and sat up, stretching. The quiet hum of hospital activity around her signaled the start of a new day.
Moments later, a nurse approached. “Mrs. Mehra is being discharged. The doctor has cleared her to go home.”
Relief flooded Astha, and she nodded. “Thank you.”
She turned to Arin, who was now watching her, fully awake. “She’s being discharged,” she said softly.
Arin nodded. “I’ll get the car.”
Astha opened her mouth to protest, but the look in his eyes told her it was pointless. He wasn’t going to leave her alone.
The Drive Home
The car ride was quiet, with only the soft hum of the engine filling the space between them. Astha sat in the back with her mother, keeping a hand on hers, while Arin focused on the road.
Every few minutes, his gaze flickered to the rearview mirror, checking on them. He didn’t say much, but Astha didn’t need him to. His presence was enough.
When they reached home, Astha’s father and Shanaya were already waiting at the doorstep. The moment the car stopped, Shanaya ran forward, her eyes shining with relief as she hugged her grandmother.
Astha’s father embraced his wife gently, murmuring reassurances, before turning to Arin. Without hesitation, he pulled him into a warm hug.
“Thank you, beta,” her father said, his voice thick with emotion. “For everything.”
Arin, momentarily taken aback, patted his back. “It’s nothing, Uncle.”
Astha stood beside them, watching the exchange with a mix of emotions she couldn’t quite name. Her father had always been reserved with strangers, but with Arin, it was as if he had known him for years.
Her mother was settled into bed with Shanaya fussing over her, making sure she was comfortable. Astha’s father lingered in the room for a while, before finally nodding in satisfaction and stepping out.
Astha turned to Arin, hands on her hips. “You should go home and rest. You’ve done enough.”
Arin raised an eyebrow. “You’re kicking me out now?”
“Yes,” she said firmly. “You have work, and so do I.”
He studied her for a moment before smirking. “Alright, Mehra. But if you need anything, call me.”
“I won’t.”
“You will.”
She rolled her eyes, but the warmth in her chest refused to fade as she watched him leave.
Once the door shut behind him, Astha exhaled and ran a hand through her hair. She walked into the kitchen, pouring herself a glass of water, but her mind wasn’t on the task. Instead, her thoughts wandered back to Arin.
The way he had stayed. The way he had silently comforted her when she cried. The way he had made her smile despite the exhaustion weighing her down.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Then, shaking her head, she muttered to herself, “Keep personal and professional separate, Astha.”
Her heart, however, wasn’t so sure.
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