The phone slipped from my hand, clattering on the ground as my eyes stung with tears.

For a second, I couldn’t breathe.

Couldn’t believe my ears.

And before I knew it, my legs were moving on their own, running as fast as they could. I didn’t wait for the elevator—I took the stairs. Twenty-five floors down, but at that moment, nothing mattered. My mind was spiraling with countless negative thoughts, countless what-ifs. My chest felt like it was caving in.

By the time I reached the parking lot, I was panting heavily, tears streaming freely down my face.

I jumped into the car and started driving, breaking every traffic rule. I knew it could get me deported, but I didn’t care. The only thing that mattered was reaching her—no matter the cost.

Ashvika’s voice still echoed in my ears, a cruel reminder.

"H-How could you, starlight?"

I muttered under my breath, my voice cracking.

She thought I—the man who could die at her command—cheated on her.

The day that was supposed to be the happiest of my life, the day I thought we’d finally give “us” a chance, had turned into my worst nightmare.

"Why, Kanha ji?"

"What was lacking in my love?"

"Even after loving her silently for nine years, what did I do wrong that you’re snatching her away from me again?"

"Why does she always punish me… for loving her? Why?"

I could still hear her soft, excited voice asking me about the surprise date. Just yesterday, I was taking care of her while she was sick, listening to her grumble like always.

Slamming the brakes, I jumped out of the car and ran inside.

“I—Isha Neil Malhotra! She was admitted just a few hours ago! Where is she?” I banged my fist on the reception desk, my voice shaking.

“Sir, this is a hospital. Please calm down,” the receptionist said, trying to keep her composure.

“My wife is in critical condition, and you’re telling me to CALM DOWN?” My voice rose, raw with desperation.

I didn’t care who stared.

“Tell me where she is, or I swear, I’ll burn this whole place down!” I threatened, every nerve in me snapping.

Her calm voice wavered. “Sir… second floor. Emergency Ward 208.”

I didn’t wait to hear anything else. I ran, bumping into doctors and nurses, ignoring their annoyed glares. I took the stairs two at a time.

Outside the ward, Ashvika was sitting on a bench, sobbing. Krishiv was beside her, trying to comfort her. I rushed toward them.

“Krishiv! How’s Isha?” My voice trembled as my eyes darted between him and the closed emergency room door.

“Bhai… the doctors have been operating for over an hour. When I asked about bhabhi’s condition, they said they can’t say anything yet. She’s… really critical.”

My entire body went numb. My gaze locked on the closed door, my knees buckling before Krishiv grabbed my arm and steadied me.

He made me sit beside Ashvika. She hadn’t spoken a single word since I arrived. Krishiv handed me a bottle of water. I refused, but he insisted, so I took a sip.

I sat there like a statue, elbows on my knees, hands clasped, staring at the floor.

Isha’s voice echoed in my memory:

"You know, Neil… whenever life feels unbearable, whenever you’re lost, don’t stress. Just close your eyes, fold your hands, and repeat this mantra."

“ओम कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय हरये परमात्मने।

प्राणथ कलेश नाशय गोविंदाय नमो नमः।”

[“Om Krishnaya Vasudevaya Haraye Paramatmane.

Pranath Kalesh Nashay Govindaya Namo Namah.”]

I had laughed at her back then. I was an atheist, after all. I believed in science, in facts, not in divinity. But now, I was helpless. Medical science wasn’t helping.

So, I did the very thing I once mocked.

I folded my hands, closed my eyes tightly, and began chanting in my mind.

“ओम कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय हरये परमात्मने।

प्राणथ कलेश नाशय गोविंदाय नमो नमः।”

[“Om Krishnaya Vasudevaya Haraye Paramatmane.

Pranath Kalesh Nashay Govindaya Namo Namah.”]

Again.

“ओम कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय हरये परमात्मने।

प्राणथ कलेश नाशय गोविंदाय नमो नमः।”

[“Om Krishnaya Vasudevaya Haraye Paramatmane.

Pranath Kalesh Nashay Govindaya Namo Namah.”]

And again.

“ओम कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय हरये परमात्मने।

प्राणथ कलेश नाशय गोविंदाय नमो नमः।”

[“Om Krishnaya Vasudevaya Haraye Paramatmane.

Pranath Kalesh Nashay Govindaya Namo Namah.”]

My voice dropped to a whisper.

“Krishna… I may never have believed in you, but she does. She calls you her brother, ties a rakhi to you every year. As her brother… you’ll protect her, won’t you?”

Just then, the emergency room door swung open. I was on my feet before I even realized it.

A doctor stepped out, and I grabbed

his arms, shaking him slightly.

“How’s my Isha, Doctor?” I asked, desperation lacing every syllable.