Author's pov
Orni returned to her home after diagnosis though she had to be on bed rest until the surgery is done. The doctor suggested a kidney transplant and that's where the problem begins. Orni has a rare blood group so it's getting difficult for her family members to find out a donor.
It's not hidden from her anymore that she is suffering from severe kidney disease. When she understood that her family isn't finding any donors, she started losing hope to live. All the time she just cries silently. She wanted to live with her parents and her children.
Roman & Rion are the worst sufferers of Orni's sudden sickness. Their innocent minds developed a fear that they will lose their mother. All the time they will be with her on the bed. They will lay on her chest, hug her and kiss her.
" Mumma, you will leave us?" Roman asked snuggling into Orni's chest.
Orni replied forcing a smile," Who said that? I will never leave you."
" Mumma, please get better soon. I promise I won't do anything to annoy you. I am sorry," Rion apologized with teary eyes.
Orni had tears in her eyes after hearing the boys. She pulled them closer to her chest. Raising her head she kissed them gently to console their little hearts that were aching for their mother.
" Shh......Shhh.. .. My baby bears. Don't cry. I am not going anywhere," she cooed in their ear.
Orni was consoling the boys when Niyati entered her room with Neela. She gave a warm smile to Orni which Orni returned politely. Seeing Neela, the boys ran towards her excitedly. Orni ordered the boys to take Neela outside and play there.
" Ms Niyati. Please be seated," Orni said trying to get up from the bed.
Niyati answered hurriedly," Orni. Keep laying down. You need rest."
Dragging a chair near Orni's bed Niyati sat there and took her thin hand in her hands.
" How are you feeling?" Niyati asked softly.
Orni only shook her head slightly indicating she is fine. She noticed Niyati's face which had a glint of anxiety. Like something was bothering her. Orni isn't a child anymore to not understand what's wrong with Niyati.
" Ms Niyati, don't punish my brother like that," Orni said startling Niyati. She remained silent looking at Orni with questioning eyes.
Orni said further," He has no one but you. Don't push him away from you. His family, father and everyone is gone. Please, don't abandon him like that."
" I forgave him. He can meet Neela anytime he wants. That's the least I can do for him," Niyati answered trying to take away her hand from Orni's hold but she didn't let her.
Orni requested," Please. Accept my brother."
" Don't request me for something which I can never give. If you can't accept VR then how can you request me to accept your brother!!" Niyati replied. This time her voice was loud and hard.
Orni answered with the same intensity," Don't compare my brother with that vile man. Tell me Ms Niyati. Did my brother raise his hand at you? Did my brother rape you, burnt your skin? Treat you like a whore when you were in the marriage with him?"
Niyati doesn't have answers to all of these questions. She just looked at Orni with blank eyes.
" He didn't. He treated you like his Queen. Yes, he was betrayed by the people th..............." Before Orni could finish her sentence Niyati interrupted.
Niyati said getting annoyed," I know how much great your brother is. I forgave him but I can not acc.................."
" It's a request from me. Just keep this request considering it as my last wish. I can't see my brother in pain. He has suffered enough. Please, don't let him suffer anymore. I beg you," Orni literally begged which was awkward for Niyati.
She wasn't understanding what she should say. She has seen Orni's situation. What if Orni doesn't survive for real? She will always be guilty for not keeping Orni's promise.
" I will try," Niyati answered giving Orni a pale answer.
Rudraksh's pov
Returning to the city the first thing I did was contact Orni. When I called her it was her mother who picked up the call. My breath almost stuck inside me when Mr Patel informed me about Orni's health. Leaving all of my work behind I rushed to her home to meet her.
" That bastard ruined my daughter!" Mr Patel cried in front of me.
I was stunned after hearing about Orni's health situation. Never in my life I felt that much anger toward someone. Never in my life I felt to kill someone. But, today I was feeling like burning that bloody Vijendra Randhawa. He shattered an angel like Orni. I thought at least now she will find some peace but I was wrong. I don't know when that bastard's shadow will stop chasing her.
" I don't know how many days she has to suffer more," Mrs Patel hiccuped pressing a hand over her mouth. Her muffled sound was telling me about the pain in her chest. A mother's pain.
They were crying in front of me and I was just standing like a statue. I know that no words can console them. No words can reduce the pain in their chest. I know this feeling. After all, I am also a father. If Raksha gets to know about Orni's health I don't know what she will do.
" Uncle," I heard Rion's voice from behind.
Seeing the kids we tried to make our expressions normal. But, the gloomy faces of the boys were indicating that they understand the sensitivity of the situation. I picked them up in my arms. I forced a smile on my face but they didn't smile back.
" Mumma is so sick. She can't eat and use the washroom," Roman said and I felt my inside twisting with pain.
Rion said looking down," She tries to smile with us but I have seen her crying."
" She will be fine, right uncle?" Roman asked with hopeful eyes.
Controlling my emotions I assured them," She will. She has to. She will be fine for you."
After comforting the kids for some time I entered Orni's room and found her half lying on the bed. She was closing her eyes. It seems like she was sleeping. Without making any sound I walked towards her and sat in front of her.
Sensing someone's presence she opened her eyes. She didn't look surprised seeing me. She just let out a weak chuckle.
" I am imagining you again," She said.
Her body trembled and her eyes widened when I took her skinny hand in my hands. Her skin was cold and pale. Her eyes were looking dull and yellowish which was the result of her disease.
" I am here," I replied.
I was taken aback by her sudden hug. Bursting into tears she mumbled something which I didn't understand. Raising my hands slowly I hugged her back. Slowly I patted her head to console her but she was crying nonstop. Unknowingly my eyes got teary. Though I tried to control my tears, I failed.
" I told you that you won't get anything by loving me. I will leave you soon. I will leave everyone," She hiccuped.
Breaking the hug I cupped her face gently. Our teary eyes met with the same pain. She was looking so broken that I couldn't describe it in words.
" You won't," I whispered.
She said with her shaky voice," I want to live, Rudraksh. I want to see my kids growing up. I want to take care of my parents when they age."
" You will live, Orni. I won't let you die," I promised wiping away her tears.
She asked emotionally," Why God is punishing me?"
" The brightest sun rises after the darkest night," Saying that I placed her hand on her heart.
I tried to encourage her," Believe in yourself. God is only taking tests."
After talking to her for some time I came out of her room. I saw her father still weeping his tears away. Getting close to him I demanded Orni's medical reports. I need to know everything in detail.
I was almost finished reading the reports when Mr Patel said," I lost her once. I can't afford to lose her again."
" You won't lose her. It's my promise to you," I promised holding his hands.