Days turned into weeks as Naira, Arjun, and Vaibhav worked closely on Kirti’s complicated pregnancy. Despite the professional atmosphere, the tension between Naira and Kairav lingered. Neither spoke outside of what was necessary for Kirti’s treatment, but their strained relationship was evident to everyone around them.

Kirti’s Panic Attack

One afternoon, Kirti experienced a sudden and severe panic attack at home. She was gasping for breath, her hands trembling as she clutched her chest. Kairav, who was by her side, tried his best to calm her down, but his efforts were futile. Fear gripped him as Kirti’s condition worsened.

In desperation, he called Arjun and Vaibhav, but both were in the middle of procedures in the OPD and couldn’t leave immediately. With no other option, he dialed Naira’s number.

Naira’s Arrival

When Naira received Kairav’s call, her heart sank. She hesitated to return to the house she had left behind years ago, the house filled with memories she had been trying to bury. But the urgency in Kairav’s voice overpowered her doubts.

When she arrived at the house, she paused at the door, uncertain. The place felt both familiar and alien. But then, Kirti’s piercing screams snapped her out of her thoughts. Without another moment of hesitation, Naira rushed inside.

She was shocked to see Kirti in such a state—pale, shaking uncontrollably, her breathing shallow. Acting quickly, Naira knelt beside her, speaking in a calm and soothing tone.

“Kirti, it’s okay. I’m here,” she said, gently holding her hand. “Breathe with me. Slowly. Inhale... exhale…”

Kirti’s panicked sobs subsided slightly as she focused on Naira’s voice. Naira continued until Kirti’s breathing stabilized. Just as she seemed to calm down, Kirti fainted in Kairav’s arms.

“Kairav, she’ll be okay,” Naira reassured him. “But we need to get her to the hospital immediately.”

At the Hospital

Once at the hospital, Kirti was admitted and thoroughly examined. Thankfully, her vitals stabilized, and the panic attack hadn’t caused harm to her or the baby. The medical team praised Naira for her quick actions.

“If she hadn’t calmed the patient in time, the situation could have been much worse,” one doctor said.

Kairav’s Outburst

But instead of expressing gratitude, Kairav’s anger flared the moment they were alone.

“Do you feel proud now?” he spat, his voice laced with bitterness. “You stepped in like a savior, but this wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for you in the first place! You stress everyone out—me, her, everyone! You think being a doctor absolves you of everything?”

Naira stood there, silent but visibly hurt. His words, each like a dagger, reopened old wounds.

“You’re the reason she’s in this state!” Kairav continued, his voice rising. “And don’t think for a second that your ‘heroics’ today change anything.”

Naira Stands Up for Herself

This time, Naira didn’t stay silent. She took a deep breath, her voice steady but firm.

“Enough, Kairav.”

Her words caught him off guard.

“I’ve stayed quiet for years, letting you blame me for things that weren’t my fault. But not anymore.”

Her eyes met his, unwavering. “You think I caused Kirti’s condition? Let me remind you, this isn’t about me or you—it’s about her. She needed help, and I was there when you couldn’t handle it. Instead of being grateful that she’s safe, you’re lashing out at me? Grow up, Kairav.”

Kairav opened his mouth to argue, but Naira cut him off.

“I’ve spent years wondering what I did wrong, why my own brother turned his back on me. But I’m done blaming myself for your inability to see the truth. I’m here for Kirti, not you. And if you can’t accept that, that’s your problem, not mine.”

Her words were like a slap to his face, forcing him to confront the anger and guilt he had buried beneath his ego.

A Shaken Kairav

Kairav stood frozen, her words echoing in his mind. For the first time, he saw the pain in her eyes—the pain he had ignored for years.

Before he could respond, Naira turned and walked away, her head held high. She wasn’t going to let his bitterness define her anymore.

The Aftermath

That night, as Kairav sat alone in Kirti’s hospital room, he replayed the day’s events in his mind. He couldn’t shake the image of Naira rushing in to save Kirti, her calmness under pressure, and the strength in her voice when she finally stood up to him.

Deep down, he knew she was right. But admitting that—letting go of his ego and guilt—was a battle he wasn’t sure he was ready to fight.

In the meantime, Naira focused on her work, determined to prove herself—not to Kairav, but to herself. For the first time in years, she felt a glimmer of self-worth that no amount of blame could extinguish.