Author's POV:

Vaani, who had been lying unconscious on the hospital cot a few minutes ago, suddenly stirred. Her lashes fluttered weakly as the blur before her began to clear. The first thing her eyes fell upon was Viyaan lying pale and weak on the bed, tubes running from his frail body, monitors beeping steadily beside him. For a moment she couldn't comprehend, but the sight of her son in that condition sent a jolt through her heart. Her chest tightened and a cry escaped her lips, raw and broken.