The hospital corridor felt endless.
Cold.
Silent.
Terrifying.
Ananya stood outside the emergency room, her hands covered in Aarav's blood.
She couldn't feel anything.
Couldn't think.
Only one thing echoed in her mind—
Don't leave me…
Ayaan ran toward her.
"Mama!"
She turned and immediately hugged him tightly.
"Papa… where is Papa?" he asked, scared.
Ananya broke down.
"He's… he's inside…"
Ayaan's eyes filled with tears.
"He promised… he wouldn't leave…"
Hours passed.
Each second felt like a lifetime.
Then—
The doctor walked out.
Ananya rushed forward.
"How is he?"
The doctor removed his mask.
"The bullet missed his heart… but he lost a lot of blood."
Her breath stopped.
"He's alive?"
"Yes," the doctor nodded."But the next 24 hours are critical."
Relief hit her like a storm.
She collapsed into tears.
Because for the first time—
She realized something clearly.
She couldn't lose him.
Not again.