The ICU doors opened slightly, and a nurse stepped out, adjusting her mask.
"One person can come in," she said calmly.
Everyone looked at each other for a moment.
Nagaraju's wife immediately stepped forward. "I'll go."
He nodded. "Go… but don't disturb her. Let her rest."
She walked in slowly, her steps careful, almost afraid of the silence inside.
Inside the ICU, machines beeped softly.
Akshatha lay still, her breathing steady, her face pale but peaceful—like she was in deep sleep.
Her mother's eyes filled instantly.
She moved closer, her hands trembling slightly as she touched Akshatha's fingers.
"Akshatha…" she whispered.
No response.
She gently brushed her daughter's hair away from her forehead.
"You scared me so much…" her voice broke, but she tried to stay quiet.
The nurse gave her a small warning look.
"Please don't wake the patient."
She nodded quickly, wiping her tears.
"I won't…"
She stood there for a few more seconds, just watching her daughter breathe.
Then slowly, she stepped out.
The nurse stepped out again.
"Next person."
This time, Nagaraju hesitated… then looked at his son.
"Go… quietly," he said.
The little boy nodded and walked in, holding the door carefully as if even the sound might hurt his sister.
Inside, the room felt too big for him.
He slowly walked toward the bed.
"Akka…" he whispered.
Akshatha didn't move.
He frowned slightly.
"You said you'll teach me that game…" he murmured, his small voice filled with confusion.
He reached out and gently touched her hand.
It felt cold.
He quickly pulled his hand back, scared.
"Why are you sleeping so much…?"
No answer.
His lips trembled a little, but he didn't cry.
Instead, he stood there for a few seconds… then turned and walked out quietly.
Outside, Nagaraju looked at him.
"Did you see akka?"
The boy nodded silently and held his mother's hand.
One by one, the rest of the family took turns.
Nagaraju sat down for the first time since morning. His shoulders finally dropped slightly, as if the weight he had been carrying all day was beginning to show.
His wife sat beside him.
"You should rest a little," she said softly.
He shook his head. "Not until she opens her eyes."
Inside the ICU—
Akshatha continued to lie still.
But now, the outside noise had reduced enough that she could clearly hear the smaller things…
The steady beep… beep… beep… of the monitor.
The faint hum of the air conditioning.
The occasional footsteps of nurses.
And her own breathing.
Slow. Controlled.
Alive.
The System spoke again—
"Host… your body is stabilizing well."
Akshatha replied silently—
"How long do I have to stay like this?"
"A few more hours at least," the System answered.
"Your condition has improved… but sudden movement may attract attention."
She understood.
Right now, being "weak" was safer.
Visiting hours slowly came to an end.
The nurse stepped out one last time and said firmly,
"Time is over. Patient will be shifted to the general ward in some time. Please wait outside."
One by one, the family members began to leave.
Nagaraju looked at his wife and son.
"You both go home," he said gently. "Freshen up. I'll stay here. After she's shifted, I'll come, eat, and return for the night."
His wife hesitated.
"But—"
"I'm here," he said softly. "Don't worry."
She nodded slowly.
Holding her son's hand, she turned back once… looking at the ICU door… then left.
The hospital corridor grew quieter.
Nagaraju remained seated, eyes fixed on the door.
After some time, the nurse came again.
"We are shifting her now."
He stood up immediately.
Inside, Akshatha was carefully moved onto a wheeled bed.
Her eyes were slightly open now.
Weak… but aware.
As she was rolled out, her gaze slowly shifted—
And stopped at her father.
"Nanna…" she whispered faintly.
Nagaraju's eyes filled instantly.
"I'm here… I'm here," he said, walking beside her.
"Don't try to talk. Just rest."
She gave a very slight nod.
In the general ward, she was settled into a bed near the window.
The machines were fewer now.
The atmosphere felt less heavy… more human.
The doctor checked her briefly.
"She's stable. Let her rest. Start with light liquids only."
Nagaraju nodded.
After making sure everything was arranged, he stepped outside and called his wife.
She picked up immediately.
"Hello? How is she?"
"She's better now," he said, relief clear in his voice.
"She's awake… she can speak a little."
There was a pause… then a soft sound of relief from the other side.
"Thank God…"
"Doctor said only light food," he continued.
"Prepare some ganji… it will be easy for her to eat."
"Yes, I'll make it," she said quickly.
At home, she wasted no time.
She took a quick bath, tied her hair, and went straight to the kitchen.
The house still carried the tension of the day… but now there was movement, purpose.
She washed the rice and put it to boil.
The flame flickered steadily.
Her hands moved fast—but her mind was still at the hospital.
Back at the hospital, Nagaraju returned to the ward.
Akshatha lay quietly, eyes half-open.
He pulled a chair closer and sat beside her.
For a moment… neither spoke.
Then softly—
"Are you okay?"
She looked at him.
There was weakness in her body… but clarity in her eyes.
"Yes…" she whispered.
A pause.
Her gaze stayed on him.
Different from before.
Deeper.
The System spoke faintly within her—
"Host… phase one recovery complete."
Akshatha didn't react outwardly.
But inside—
"I know," she replied.
Her father adjusted her blanket carefully.
"Your amma is making food," he said gently.
"I'll bring it soon."
She gave a small nod.
Nagaraju sat beside Akshatha for a while, watching her breathe more steadily now.
He had planned to go home, eat, freshen up, and return.
But the thought didn't sit right with him.
What if something happens suddenly?
What if the doctor needs a signature… or she calls out?
He looked at his daughter again.
No… I shouldn't leave.
He immediately took out his phone and called his wife.
She picked up quickly.
"Are you coming home?" she asked.
Nagaraju shook his head slightly, even though she couldn't see him.
"No… I don't think I should leave the hospital."
A small pause.
"Why? What happened?" she asked, her voice tensing again.
"Nothing happened," he said calmly.
"She's fine. But still… in this situation, someone should be here at all times."
His wife understood immediately.