The hospital room hadn't seen sunlight in hours. The only glow came from the faint city lights outside and the muted hum of the machines that monitored Vihaan's fragile state. Mehul sat by the door, eyes locked on the still figure lying on the bed.
Vihaan's parents had never left the room. Not once. His mother sat on one side of the bed, holding onto Vihaan's hand like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. His father stood by the window, silent but visibly worn down by worry.
Arjun and Riya were already there, quietly keeping vigil near the foot of the bed. Neither of them had said much, just sitting there, lost in their own storm of emotions. Riya kept her head resting on Arjun's shoulder, while Arjun fidgeted nervously, unable to look directly at Vihaan without tearing up.
Mehul watched helplessly as time moved at a snail's pace. His chest ached, not just from fear, but from guilt and longing. Every slight shift from Vihaan made Mehul flinch, hoping it was him waking up — only to be let down again and again.
The room, despite being filled with people who loved Vihaan deeply, remained painfully still and silent, save for the beeping of machines.
And then—
A weak sound.
Mehul sat up straighter.
"...Mom?" Vihaan's voice, hoarse and barely audible.
His mother jolted awake, eyes wide as tears instantly flooded them. "Vihaan! Beta, you're awake!" she cried, clutching his hand tighter.
His father hurried to the bedside, blinking rapidly, trying to mask his own tears.
Arjun and Riya shot to their feet, both of them simultaneously gasping.
"Vihaan!" Riya sobbed.
"Dude, oh my god, you're awake," Arjun said, voice cracking as he rushed to the other side of the bed.
Vihaan blinked, confused and groggy. His eyes scanned the room—his mother, his father, Riya and Arjun visibly trembling, and then Mehul, sitting frozen by the door.
It took a second for Vihaan to piece it together.
And then he whispered, "Mehul?"
The relief Mehul felt? Unbearable.
But he didn't move. Not yet.
Because Vihaan's family had found him first.
And Mehul would give him this moment.