If You Don't Come Back
Twinkle couldn't sit still.
The hospital hallway felt too small, too loud, too cruel.
She slipped away quietly, feet carrying her upward without thought—past stairwells, past warning signs—until the door to the rooftop opened.
Cold night air hit her face.
She walked to the edge.
Below, the city lights blurred through her tears.
"I knew you'd come," she whispered to the empty sky. "You always do."
Her hands trembled as she gripped the railing.
"I was wrong," she said hoarsely. "I didn't mean it. I never wanted you gone."
The wind swallowed her words.
She took one step closer.
"If you don't come back," she whispered, "I don't want to either."
Inside the hospital, Ranveer noticed she was missing.
"Where's Twinkle?" he asked sharply.
No one answered.
Panic struck like lightning.
On the rooftop, Twinkle climbed onto the ledge.
"I know you're listening," she cried. "You never let anything hurt me. You promised."
Her foot slipped.
A scream tore from her throat.
And then—
Strong arms wrapped around her waist.
A rope tightened, pulling her back from the edge.
"No."
Najma's voice was firm.
Alive.
Twinkle sobbed, collapsing against her. "I knew it. I knew you'd never let me fall."
Najma held her tightly, her injured arm burning.
"I'm here," she whispered. "I'm not leaving."
Twinkle clutched her like a lifeline. "Don't disappear again."
Najma closed her eyes.
"I can't promise that," she said softly.
But she didn't let go.
They were found moments later.
Doctors rushed Najma back inside.
Twinkle refused to leave her side.
"I'm staying," she said fiercely. "If she leaves, I leave."
No one argued.
As Najma was settled back into her room, Saraswati stood frozen in the doorway.
She stared at Najma's face—pale, fragile, familiar.
A memory stirred.
A child's laugh.
A mall.
A scream.
Her knees buckled.
"That mark…" she whispered.
The bracelet.
The scar.
Her breath caught.
"Takur," she whispered. "Call the doctor. Call everyone."
Her voice broke.
"Our daughter… is alive."