Inside the operation theatre, the cold air felt heavier than ever. 

Navya lay on the table, her fingers trembling despite the warmth of the blanket tucked around her. 

Fear coursed through her veins faster than the blood itself — her mind and heart locked once again in their endless debate.

Was she doing the right thing?

Her heartbeat echoed in her ears, loud and uncertain. Doubts whispered at the edges of her thoughts, each one louder than the last. 

But then, amidst the storm of emotions, a single thought anchored her — she wasn't doing this for the present moment. 

She was doing it for the woman she would become, for her future self who would one day look back and be thankful for this courage.

A nurse's gentle voice broke her thoughts, asking her to relax. Navya took a deep breath, her lashes fluttering as she looked once more at the bright lights above her. The anesthetist leaned over, reassuring her softly.

She closed her eyes.

The cold sting of the injection pricked her arm, and the world around her began to blur — lights fading, sounds muffling, her fear slowly melting into the dark.

And as consciousness slipped away, the procedure began — the delicate, life-changing process of IVF that marked the beginning of a new chapter in her story.

_________________

Some time later, the doors of the operation theatre opened quietly. Navya was wheeled out, her body exhausted and aching, every muscle heavy with weariness. 

Her vision was still blurred, but the world around her was beginning to take shape again. With the nurse's gentle support, she managed to sit up, her breaths shallow yet steady.

Her mind was hazy, but one thought glowed clearly amidst the fog — she was no longer alone. Somewhere within her, she was carrying a piece of him. 

His genes. His life. And soon, if fate was kind, there would be a tiny heartbeat growing inside her — a symbol of everything she had endured for her future and of their emptiness.

As she stepped out into the waiting area, Aditi rushed toward her, worry etched across her face. She clasped Navya's hand softly.
"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice trembling just a little.

Navya gave a faint nod and sank onto the nearest couch, her body grateful for the rest.

Advait stood a few steps away, his expression unreadable. His voice, calm yet cold as always, broke the silence.

"Was it successful?" he asked the doctor, his gaze fixed and sharp.

The doctor exhaled lightly before answering, his tone professional but kind.
"Sir, I can't confirm anything yet," she said.

 "We'll need to wait for some time to see how her body responds. Until then, all we can do is hope for the best. I've written down her full routine, diet, and necessary precautions in the prescription. Please ensure she avoids any kind of stress for at least a month — or until we confirm the implantation has been successful."

With that, the doctor offered a reassuring nod and walked away to check on other patients. 

The nurse stayed behind, patiently explaining each detail of Navya's care to Aditi and Advait — the medicines, the rest she needed, the quiet she must keep.

Aditi bent down beside Navya, brushing a stray strand of hair from her forehead. "No stress, okay? You need to rest now. Sleep properly tonight," she said softly, her tone a mix of concern and command.

Navya looked up at her helplessly, her voice trembling. "But... I have exams soon. I haven't studied enough, and the teacher said the papers will be tough. I need to revise all—"

She didn't get to finish.

Advait's deep, firm voice cut through the air like a blade. "Get the car ready," he ordered the driver, his expression unreadable as he turned and walked out toward the reception to make the payment.

The sudden silence that followed left Navya shrinking back against the couch. Aditi sighed, slipping an arm around her for support. 

"Come on," she murmured. Together, they walked slowly toward the car waiting outside.

Once seated inside, Navya leaned her head back against the seat, her body still weak and her mind spinning. The reality of it all was finally sinking in. 

This was going to be harder than she'd thought. How was she supposed to prepare for exams when her body needed every ounce of energy just to protect the tiny embryo now trying to settle inside her? One wrong move, one moment of stress, and everything could fall apart.

Aditi glanced at her from the open car door. "You study graphics, right?" she said thoughtfully. "Advait can help you. His company is tech-based — he knows enough to get you good marks."

Navya blinked, startled. Him? Teach me? The idea itself seemed impossible.

Aditi noticed the disbelief on her face and smiled faintly. 

"Don't worry, I'll talk to him. He'll agree. Or else I'll divorce hi—" She stopped mid-sentence, the truth crashing in on her. 

She was already divorced. The IVF had bound him and Navya together only in name, only until the baby came into this world.

She looked away, swallowing hard before forcing a smile. "Take care, okay?"

Gently closing the car door, Aditi stepped back as the driver started the engine. 

Navya watched through the window as Aditi turned and walked back into the hospital, her figure merging with the sterile white corridor — where Advait was waiting, silent and distant as ever.

The car pulled away from the curb, carrying Navya home — to rest, to uncertainty, and to the fragile hope she now carried within her.