It was a new morning. I was lying beside Anvi, who had cried all night. Each of her tears felt like they were tearing through my chest — it hurt to even breathe. There was a time when I used to cry, and she'd console me by cursing Sarthak just to make me smile. But today, seeing her like this… my heart sank. Why does everything painful always find the kindest people? I'll never forgive uncle for doing this to her — never.
I sat up, rubbed my swollen eyes, and walked to the bathroom. When I came back, I froze — Anvi was on her knees.
"What are you doing? How did you get on your knees?" I rushed to her and touched her. She was burning up. "You've got a fever, Anvi! Let me check properly."
"I can't move my legs," she whimpered, tears streaming down her face.
I measured her temperature — it was so high. "You've got a bad fever. Lie down, I'll call the doctor!" I ran out, but I didn't realize uncle had overheard everything. He rushed to her room, kneeling beside her, his voice trembling.
"I didn't cheat on you, Anvi. That woman was my friend, Tia. I asked her to make a special ring for you — that's all. You misunderstood, my love. I've only ever loved you, in this life and every one before it," he cried endlessly, holding her hand.
I stood frozen at the doorway, listening. My heart sank even deeper. "Uncle… what are you saying? She was your friend?"
He looked at me, tears in his eyes. "Yes. I never cheated on her. How could I? I waited for her to grow up, to be ready, so I could introduce her to my parents. Recently, I was away on a business trip. Between work, exhaustion, and the ring, I barely had time for anything. My secretary? She's my assistant's sister — she's married. There was nothing between us."
"Then why didn't you explain all this last night?" I asked, my voice shaking.
"Because you didn't give me time to," he said weakly. "Everything happened too fast. But I love her, and I even told my father about her."
I stared at him. "Did you tell him about me and Sarthak?"
He nodded slowly. "Yes. He was furious… because she's so young, and I'm not. But that's it. I never meant to hurt anyone."
"Uncle," I said quietly, "she's planning to leave you. She thinks you cheated. She wants to go to her grandfather's house. She loves you, but she's broken."
The moment I finished speaking, he clutched his chest and collapsed. My eyes went wide — "Help! Somebody help!" I screamed. Everyone came running. Anvi woke up too, panic all over her face. We rushed him to the hospital.
Anvi cried the entire way, and I didn't know how to calm her. My heart was racing too fast. When the doctor finally came out, I jumped up.
"Doctor, what happened to him?" I asked breathlessly.
The doctor sighed, adjusting his stethoscope. "He has Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy."
"What is that?" Mom asked softly.
The doctor explained, "It's a heart condition where the muscles, especially the wall between the lower chambers, become thicker than normal. Because of that, the heart has to work harder to pump blood — sometimes the flow even gets blocked. It's usually genetic, something people are born with. But stress, exhaustion, or emotional trauma can trigger dangerous complications, like what happened today."
"Will he be cured?" Mom asked again, her voice breaking.
"It can't be cured," the doctor said gently. "But it can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. He's stable now and resting. He'll wake up soon."
Everyone sat in silence, tears falling quietly.
After some time, Sarthak came rushing in. "I'm sorry I'm late — what happened to uncle?"
"He has Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy," I said, trying not to cry again.
Sarthak froze. "What? He also has it?"
"Also?" I looked at him, confused.
He nodded slowly. "My father and grandpa had it too."
"What?" My voice trembled. "Why didn't you tell me? Sarthak, what if you—"
He shook his head quickly. "No, Samira. I don't have it. I got tested years ago. It's genetic, yes, but not everyone inherits it. Don't worry. He'll be okay. You should take Anvi home and let him rest."
I nodded slowly. "Okay… bye."
Back at home, everyone was still on edge. Uncle Max had just finished making soup for Anirudh. "Soup's ready, ma'am. I've packed it," he said gently. I took it and left with Manya and Anvi for the hospital.
When we arrived, he was awake. The moment Anvi saw him, she ran and hugged him tightly, sobbing.
"Why didn't you tell me you had Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy? You collapsed, and I heard everything you said earlier. I'm sorry for not listening, for slapping you, for not trusting you. If you hadn't woken up, I… I don't know what I'd do," she cried into his chest.
He cupped her face softly. "It's okay, baby. Don't cry. I'm okay now," he said, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
Manya and I quietly left to give them space.
When I got home, Sarthak was in his study. I walked in, sat on his lap, and kissed him softly. "He's okay now. Anvi cried a lot. Are you okay, Sarthak? She's staying there tonight, so… it's just us."
He looked at me for a moment, then smiled faintly, stood up, and lifted me into his arms. He carried me to the bedroom, kissed me deeply, and we spent the night together. Before falling asleep, he pressed a kiss to my forehead — and whispered, "I love you."