Avani pvo///

“She has a pulmonary embolism, a large blood clot in her lungs. Unfortunately, it’s severe, and medication alone won’t be enough to resolve it. She needs immediate surgery to remove the clot and restore proper blood flow,” the doctor explained.

I nodded, trying to absorb his words, but then he continued, his tone shifting to something more formal. “However, before we proceed with the surgery in two weeks, you’ll need to deposit the required amount in advance. The estimated cost is ₹ 25-26 lakhs”

My heart sank, a cold wave of fear washing over me. I felt my hands tremble as I asked,"… I don’t have that kind of money. My mom is all I have. Please, isn’t there something you can do? Some way to help her?”

The doctor’s gaze softened, but his response was firm. “I understand this is difficult, but the hospital policy requires payment before surgery can be scheduled. I suggest you speak to the billing office. They may provide you with information on payment plans or assistance programs.”

I stood there, frozen, my mind spinning. Where will I get that kind of money ?,Who could I ask for help?

I turned my gaze to my mother, lying pale and fragile on the hospital bed. Her chest rose and fell weakly, and I could feel the fragility in her every breath. The sound of the machines monitoring her was a constant reminder of how little time we had. Tears threatened to spill, but I blinked them away. I couldn’t let her see my fear.

I felt a crushing weight on my shoulders. I had two weeks to figure out how to save her. I can’t fail her. No matter what it takes, I’ll find a way.

I clenched my fists, determination surging through me. No matter what, I’ll find a way. She’s all I have, and I won’t let her go.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After completing the formalities at the hospital, I supported my mom as we made our way home. Her steps were slow, and I tightened my grip  her, my heart aching with every shaky movement she made. Once inside, I guided her carefully to her room, helping her onto the bed.

“You rest,” I said softly, tucking the blanket around her. “I’ll go make dinner.”

But as I turned to leave, she caught my hand, her weak fingers holding me in place. “Avani, sit with me for a moment,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

She gently pulled me closer, and I rested my head on her lap, feeling the warmth and comfort I’d always associated with her. She stroked my hair with trembling hands, her touch tender but frail.

“Don’t take so much tension, beta,” she said softly. “It’s okay… if I’m not in your life anymore. You’re strong. You’ll manage without me.”

Her words sent a jolt of pain through my chest. I clenched her saree tightly, my breath hitching as I shook my head vehemently. “Stop it, Maa!” I said, my voice breaking. Tears streamed down my face as I clung to her, my body trembling. “Why are you saying this? First Papa left, and now you want to leave me too? Do you think I can survive without you? I can’t!”

She tried to soothe me, but I pressed my forehead harder against her lap, gripping her hands in mine. “I’ll do anything to save you,” I choked out, my voice filled with raw desperation. “ But I won’t let you die, Maa. I’ll fight for you, no matter what.”

Tears fell silently down her cheeks as she cupped my face, lifting my head to meet her gaze. “Avani,” she whispered, her voice filled with both pain and love, “you’ve always been so brave. But I don’t want you to lose yourself in this fight. Promise me you’ll take care of yourself too.”

I shook my head again, pressing her hand to my cheek. “No, Maa. You’re all I have. Don’t ever say you’ll leave me. You can’t leave me.”

Her arms wrapped around me as I broke down, my tears soaking into her saree. She held me close, her frailty evident, but in that moment, her embrace felt as strong as ever.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author pvo///

The morning sun streamed into the room, but there was nothing bright about the day. Avani sat at the edge of her mother’s bed, watching her pale face as she struggled to sit up.

“Maa, please lie down,” Avani pleaded softly, her voice tinged with worry. “You’re not feeling well. You need to rest.”

Her mother shook her head, her determination evident despite her weak frame. “I can’t, Avani. There’s work to do. This is important for us, for our survival. I have to go.”

Avani’s heart clenched as she reached for her mother’s hand, holding it tightly. “Maa, you can’t even stand properly. How will you manage the whole day at work? Let me go instead.”

“No” her mother said firmly, her voice trembling but resolute. “You are not going anywhere. That’s my work, my responsibility. You’ve studied so hard for your future; I won’t let you throw it away for me.”

“Maa, please listen to me,” Avani said, her tone urgent as tears welled in her eyes. “What’s the point of all my studying if I can’t even take care of you? You’ve done everything for me, sacrificed so much. Let me do this for you now.”

Her mother’s face softened, but her resolve didn’t waver. “Avani, you don’t understand.

Avani’s voice broke as she moved closer, resting her forehead on her mother’s shoulder. “Maa, you’ve carried every burden for me my whole life. I can’t watch you push yourself to the brink like this. I can’t lose you.”

Her mother’s hand gently stroked her hair, her own tears falling silently. “You’re my daughter, my pride, Avani. Seeing you succeed is the only thing that keeps me going. If you take on my struggles, what will happen to your dreams?”

Avani pulled back, looking her mother in the eye. “You are my dream, Maa. Nothing matters to me more than you. Please, let me do this, just this once. I promise I’ll handle everything. Trust me.”

Her mother hesitated, her resolve beginning to falter under the weight of Avani’s words. After a long pause, she nodded reluctantly, her voice soft. “Fine, but you must promise me you’ll be careful and come back home as soon as possible.”

Avani smiled through her tears, wrapping her arms around her mother in a tight embrace. “I promise, Maa. I’ll make sure everything’s okay.”

As they held each other, the unspoken love between them filled the room, a bond so strong that it transcended words. For Avani, this wasn’t just about stepping into her mother’s shoes—it was about showing her that she wasn’t alone, that no matter how hard life became, they would always have each other.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Avani approached the mansion, her steps faltered for a moment. The grand, imposing structure loomed ahead, its vastness almost suffocating. Memories of the previous day flashed vividly in her mind—the piercing grey eyes, the overpowering presence, and the fear that had gripped her.

She shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away. I’m here to work, finish quickly, and leave. Nothing else. No distractions, no trouble.

But her chest tightened. Trouble seemed to find her no matter how much she tried to avoid it. The very thought of encountering him again made her stomach churn, but she squared her shoulders.

As she walked through the mansion gates, her eyes focused on the ground, trying to blend into the shadows, someone suddenly crossed her path. Distracted by her thoughts, Avani didn’t notice until it was too late.

“Oof!” she gasped, stumbling backward as she bumped into a figure.