The doctor informed that Pari had acute endometriosis, stage 4, and that she would need surgery. He also added that there would be little to no chance of her bearing a child in the future.
Everyone in the room gasped in shock at the doctor’s words. Pari hung her head low, and Kajal immediately hugged her daughter.
“No… we should test her again, or maybe go for a second opinion. We can even fly abroad if required. Let’s not hurry,” Varun said, and everyone turned to look at him.
Ishaan lost his cool and stepped forward, facing the doctor.
“Prepare for the surgery immediately. She shouldn’t go through any more pain.”
Varun and his parents were stunned at his words. Their eyes shifted to Mithun and Reyansh, who silently nodded their approval.
“How could you rush into this surgery? Didn’t you hear what the doctor said? He clearly mentioned that she may never be able to bear a child in the future. This isn’t something simple or easy to decide. This is Varun and Pari’s future. Varun is our only son, without this, there won’t be an heir to our family,” Varun’s mother said firmly.
Pari’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at Varun, who stood silently, not opposing his mother’s words.
But Ishaan was not one to keep quiet. He turned towards Varun’s mother, one hand tucked casually into his pocket, his presence suddenly intimidating.
“We own this hospital. People from other countries fly here because our doctors are efficient and provide world-class treatment. Her life, her health, her being pain-free—that is more important than worrying about an heir in the future.”
Before he could say more, Reyansh pulled him back, but Ishaan stood his ground. The doctor, sensing the urgency, finally agreed to schedule the surgery for the next day.
Mithun informed everyone that Pari needed rest and asked Kajal to stay by her side, so the others quietly walked out of the room. A few minutes later, Varun returned and sat next to Pari, gently holding her hand.
“Pari, I think Ishaan still hates you and is using this situation to ruin our life. We could wait and try other options instead of rushing into surgery. Don’t you want to have children in the future? Please… talk to your father and let’s put a stop to this surgery drama for now,” Varun said with utmost care. Anyone else would have thought he truly loved her, and even Pari might have fallen for his words—if she hadn’t already seen his true colors.
“I can understand your worry, Varun. But the pain is unbearable. What if something happens and you lose me? I want children too, but I’m also the only daughter to my parents. If anything happened to me, everyone in my life would be devastated,” Pari said, wiping her tears.
“I truly understand your state, Pari. In fact, I spoke to my grandma, she wants to meet you before we decide on the surgery. She’s old, and maybe she’ll guide us toward a better solution,” Varun replied.
Pari paused, studying his face. A thought crossed her mind, was this grandma the same woman Ishaan had hinted at, the one pulling strings behind everything? She didn’t want to miss the chance to find out.
“I’d love to meet her, Varun. But why do you keep introducing your family one by one, like they’re characters from some mystery novel?”
Varun chuckled. Pari closed her eyes, pretending to sleep. Once he walked out and the sound of the door shutting echoed, she opened her eyes again. Varun and his parents left, promising to return the next morning.
Just then, Ishaan entered the room. Kajal gave him a knowing look and quietly walked out, leaving them alone. Ishaan lay down beside Pari and spooned her from behind.
“Why do you want me to go through the surgery, Ishaan? What if I can’t bear a child in the future?” she whispered.
Ishaan sighed, turned her to face him, and pressed his lips gently to her forehead.
“You will be my child, and I will be yours. I only want you to be healthy and free from pain for the rest of your life. We can raise Ishi, Adhvika, and Ayaan’s children as our own. And if you still feel we need one, we could adopt a hundred babies and love them as our own. But Pari… I can’t risk losing you. You’re my everything.”
Tears rolled down Pari’s cheeks as she kissed him. Ishaan wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her back, pouring all his passion into that moment.
“I’m fine, Ishaan,” she whispered.
Ishaan smiled softly. “Of course, baby. You’ll be fine. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“Ishaan,” Pari said, looking into his eyes. “I said, I’m fine. This pain, this hospital, this entire drama… it was all fake.”
Ishaan was stunned by her words. He propped himself on his elbow, staring at her in disbelief. Pari moved closer and wrapped her arm around his torso.
“I wanted to show him what my Ishu could do for me, and I wanted to draw out the woman behind all this. If his grandma really is the one, then she wants to meet me,” Pari whispered.
Ishaan got off the bed and rubbed his palm across his face. Pari leaned back against the headboard, worried he might be angry that she had lied. But instead, Ishaan returned and sat beside her.
“I slipped a note into Papa’s pocket, asking him to play along. And when I was taken to the emergency room, I spoke to the doctor, he only said what I told him to. I’m sure Varun is planning something big this time. I don’t want to drag this out any longer, Ishu. I want to end it soon. I’m sorry… please forgive me.”
Pari laid her head on his shoulder, and Ishaan interlaced their fingers tightly.
“I wasn’t in control, Pari. I didn’t know what to do, but I knew I’d do anything to keep you safe and healthy. I nearly lost it when I got the call from Mamu this morning,” Ishaan admitted, his voice thick with emotion.
Pari smiled faintly and tilted his chin so he would look at her.
“Now that you know I’m fine, do you regret missing the meeting with the minister?” she asked as she slipped off the bed and walked to the couch.
“Fuck the meeting and the minister,” Ishaan muttered, following her.
He caged her in with his arms on either side and kissed her fervently. They only pulled apart when a knock sounded on the door, and their family walked in, smiling.
“Get ready, finally the woman will be coming out,” Ishaan said, glancing at Reyansh and Mithun, who both smiled knowingly.
“Now that we’re together, let’s celebrate our Ishu and Pari” Reyansh announced, and everyone cheered in excitement.
They turned the hospital room into their own private lounge, sharing dinner and watching a movie together.
The next morning, everything returned to normal. Pari was still in bed while Kajal fed her fruits. Ishaan entered the room, dressed casually in a T-shirt and jeans, and Pari whistled at him. Kajal gasped and playfully smacked her daughter’s arm, while Ishaan chuckled, took the plate from Kajal, and continued feeding Pari himself.
“What should I do when the woman comes?” Pari asked, her eyes on him. Instantly, Mithun and Reyansh turned toward her.
“You don’t have to do anything,” Ishaan replied firmly. “I believe she’ll be the one doing most of the talking today, and we’ll act based on that. Just let her feel like she has the upper hand in whatever game she’s playing.”
Pari nodded. Just then, Mithun received a call from the guards informing him that Varun and his family had arrived at the hospital. Ishika, Adhvika, and Zara had already returned to the mansion, while Ayaan, who was on a call with Zara, immediately cut it short and switched on the TV. News channels were already buzzing with speculations about the two families gathering at the hospital.
“She’s started the game even before stepping into the room,” Ishaan remarked, his jaw tightening. Reyansh chuckled in response.
Ishaan moved to the couch, pretending to be absorbed in his phone, when the door opened. Varun walked in first, followed by his parents. Finally, his grandmother entered, and both Reyansh and Mithun smirked upon seeing her. Kajal and Vaishu instinctively clasped each other’s hands as old memories resurfaced.
Lavanya and Nitin’s mother, walked in gracefully, wearing a crisp cotton saree. Her grey hair was tied into a neat bun, and the firm thud of her cane echoed with authority.
(For those who haven’t read Billionaire’s Angel, Lavanya was one of the antagonists in Reyansh and Vaishu’s story.)
“Good to see you, Mrs. Giridharan,” Reyansh greeted. The old woman smiled and settled into a seat opposite the intimidating men.
“Good to see you too. I never thought we’d meet again in this lifetime. Life and the world truly are too short,” Mrs. Giridharan replied before turning her gaze to Pari with a smile.
“We didn’t know you were related to Varun, let alone his grandmother,” Mithun added, his voice edged with sarcasm. The old woman didn’t miss it.
“Life has given me a second chance. Varun’s father is my nephew. He took me in when I was left all alone, and I’m grateful. I’m happy that we’re family now.”
Ishaan, on the verge of exploding, clenched his jaw, but Reyansh shot him a warning look to calm down.
“So, why didn’t you attend the engagement?” Reyansh asked.
Mrs. Giridharan rose to her feet, and Varun rushed to support her. She lowered herself into the seat closer to Pari’s bed.
“I was planning to attend the wedding. You see, I’m too old to walk, let alone travel. But when I heard Pari wasn’t well, I had to come. Am I right, Mr. Reyansh Badrinath?”
Reyansh moved to stand beside Varun and casually draped an arm over his shoulder. For a split second, Varun stiffened at the dangerous glint in Reyansh’s eyes, though Reyansh quickly masked it with a smile.
“Of course, you are too old, Mrs. Giridharan,” he replied smoothly, patting Varun’s back.
“You look beautiful, Pari. Don’t let all this stress get to you. Rest well, and we’ll decide about the surgery later. I’ll also speak with your parents. Everything will be fine,” Mrs. Giridharan said, then turned to Reyansh and Mithun. “Let’s not stress the poor child. We’ll move to another room and talk in private. She needs her rest.”
Everyone began to leave. Ishaan squeezed Pari’s hand reassuringly before following the others, leaving Kajal behind to care for her.
In the private room, Reyansh, Vaishu, and Mithun sat at the table, facing Mrs. Giridharan and Varun’s parents. Ishaan and Ayaan stood behind their parents, leaning against the wall, silent and watchful.
“Being a celebrity comes with its perks and its curses,” Mrs. Giridharan began smoothly. “The paparazzi never let you breathe in peace. I’m sure you’ve already seen the news about both families gathering here. Soon, people will start speculating why. Pari doesn’t deserve to be the center of gossip. I’m a woman, I understand the pain she must be going through. That’s why I suggest we plan the wedding immediately.”
Ishaan’s fists tightened, but before he could lash out, Ayaan caught his hand and shook his head, urging him to wait.
“Of course you’d understand her pain,” Vaishu said coolly. “But why the rush? It was decided that Varun and Pari would have time to know each other before marriage. What has changed now?”
Mrs. Giridharan gave her a practiced smile.
“Mrs. Vaishnavi, Central Minister… surely you value Pari’s well-being above all else. If word spreads that she can’t bear a child, your family’s reputation will suffer. She will be judged harshly by society. Do you think she’ll be happy enduring that?”
Vaishu shifted in her seat, crossing her legs. The atmosphere thickened as she rested her forearm on the chair and placed her palm firmly on the table. Her smirk signaled that she was ready for battle.
“So, you think our daughter is a failure and you’ve come here to save her? Or is it pity you’re offering her? Good, Mrs. Giridharan. If that’s the case, I’m sure you’ve already planned everything. Tell us, what is your demand for the wedding in return?”
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