The room doors opened, and as the doctor stepped out, the three of them stood up, anxiety etched on their faces. The doctor, clasping his hands together, offered a reassuring smile. "Nothing to worry about," he said. "She must have not eaten properly and has exerted herself too much. She'll return to her normal self with some rest and proper nutrition soon."
Shubman let out a sigh of relief, running his fingers through his hair as the doctor continued, "She might be awake in a few minutes. You can meet her then." Mumma Bajwa nodded and quickly moved inside the room. When Shubman was about to follow, Papa Bajwa stopped him, his voice firm but not unkind. "Please, for the time being, stay out. I don't want my daughter to be more upset because of you."
Shubman pleaded, holding Papa Bajwa's hand tightly. "Uncle, please don't do this. I don't want to stay away from her any longer. Please, I love her." Papa Bajwa shut his eyes and sighed, "Stay out for an hour at least."
But Shubman cried out, "No more, Uncle."
Kuljinder Bajwa, coming face to face with Shubman, seethed, "My daughter waited years and months and days and was ready to wait forever. Can't you wait for an hour?"
Shubman nodded reluctantly and took a seat in the waiting area. He pulled his knees to his chest, trying to stay calm as he waited.
Hours passed without anyone coming out to give him the news. The silence was broken only by the occasional footsteps of hospital staff and distant murmurs. Shubman's exhaustion took over, and despite his attempts to stay alert, he eventually fell asleep in the chair, his head resting on his knees.
As Shubman slept, he felt a gentle hand caressing his hair. He heard a soothing voice, muffled but familiar, saying, "Kuljinder, you shouldn't be so harsh with the boy. He's not at fault."
Shubman stirred from his sleep, feeling the gentle touch of Mumma Bajwa's hand caressing his hair. He blinked, trying to shake off the grogginess. "Puttar, you can go and see Noor now," she said softly.
Shubman looked towards Papa Bajwa, whose expression was still stern. Mumma Bajwa cast a sharp glance at him, signalling for him to be silent. "Don't worry," she said reassuringly to Shubman. "You can go in now."
Shubman wiped the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, nervously clearing away the remnants of his earlier emotions. As he stepped into the room, he saw Noor lying in bed, her eyes on the ceiling. When she turned her gaze toward him, her lips trembled, and she called out softly, "Kaake..."
Shubman rushed to Noor's side, gently holding her hand as she winced in discomfort. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she whispered, "It's hurting, Kaake. The IVs..."
He looked at her, feeling a deep ache in his chest. Her lower lip quivered as she struggled to keep her composure, a sight that tugged at his heartstrings. Even as a child, Noor had always loathed doctors and clinics. She'd cling to her father's leg, her small frame trembling with fear. Whenever she had to visit the doctor, she would drag Shubman along, insisting that he accompany her. Her aversion to being alone in those sterile rooms was so intense that she found solace in the presence of her loved ones, especially her Kaake, who had become her steadfast support through every fearful visit.
Pressing kisses to her hand, Shubman muttered, "I'm here, Noori. I'm right here. It's going to be okay. Just breathe, and I'll stay with you until it gets better."
Noor cried, "I did everything but it still hurts." Shubman sighed, trying to lighten the mood. "How about some ice cream after you get out of here?"
Noor scrunched her nose in anger. "I'm not a kid that can be lured by ice cream, Kaake."
Shubman chuckled, "But you're acting like one."
Noor pouted, her face red from crying, and turned away from him, not wanting to talk. Shubman climbed onto the bed beside her and hugged her from behind, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. "Okay, okay," he whispered gently, "what do you want me to do?"
Noor hesitated for a moment, then mumbled, "Just stay with me. Don't go anywhere."
Shubman tightened his hold around her, resting his chin on her shoulder. "I'm not going anywhere," he promised. "I'll be right here, as long as you need me."
Noor, after a moment of contemplation, asked, "So, did you revise the version of 'Denied Destiny'?"
Shubman nodded, pulling her closer with his chin resting on her shoulder. "I did, and now I deny every destiny without you."
Noor held onto his hands, her voice soft as she asked, "And how did that happen?"
Shubman smiled, his eyes warm as he continued, "Thanks to my fame, I found our photo through a page and my heart, it never could truly be removed because even if I lost my memories-"
Noor finished the sentence softly, her eyes meeting his, "You will always be in my heart."
Shubman leaned in to kiss her, but Noor gently placed her fingers on his lips, stopping him. "Not now, Kaake. Mum and Dad could come in any minute."
Shubman whined, glancing towards the door where Noor's parents were talking to someone, possibly his. He turned back to Noor and said, "I'll be quick, don't worry." Then, with a determined smile, he leaned in for a swift, tender kiss.
As Shubman leaned in, the world outside seemed to dissolve into the background. His lips met Noor's in a kiss that was more of a promise than a simple gesture. His fingers, careful and gentle, traced the outline of her IV line. Noor's hands, warm and reassuring, cupped his face, their fingers weaving through the slight stubble on his cheeks.
The kiss was not hurried but deliberate, a blend of longing and relief. It was as if they were trying to make up for a lost time, savouring every second of their reunion.
Shubman gently pulled away for a moment, allowing Noor to catch her breath. His gaze lingered on her face, his eyes reflecting the intensity of his emotions. When he kissed her again, the touch was more urgent, driven by a need to reconnect deeply. His hands slid around her waist, holding her closer as if he wanted to merge their hearts and souls through that kiss.
Noor pulled back, breathing heavily but with a faint smile. "Control, I guess I'm hydrated enough," she said, chuckling softly.
Shubman chuckled, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "You've always had a way with words, even in the middle of a hospital room."
Noor grinned, her eyes twinkling despite the exhaustion. "And you've always been my favourite distraction," she teased.
Shubman's expression softened. "I'm sorry for the mess, Noor. I just wanted to be here, to hold you, and make sure you knew how much you mean to me."
She squeezed his hand gently. "You've done more than enough. Just having you here is all I needed."
Shubman nuzzled his nose against Noor's cheek, his voice was soft and hopeful. "So, Noor, as far as I know, you need a break, and I do too. All your orders for this month are done, and you won't start anything new until next month. How about you come on tour with me? We can make new memories, maybe even remember some old ones. And we need to give the paparazzi some new pics. What do you say?" He finished with a teasing grin.
Noor smirked, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, Prince, if we're doing this, what should the internet call me?"