Hey all...surprised to see me back so early...well i was under a time limit for this one given by my lovely esha...so enjoy 😊
Ch. 22
Re-cap:
Just then the Dr.Mehta came out with a defeated expression. Everyone stood up as soon as they saw him.
"How is he doctor? Is he okay?", Geet asked with hope.
Dr. Sharma shook his head sadly, "I am sorry but due to excess blood loss, Mr. Khurana has slipped into coma."
Ch.22
"c--coma, he is in coma.", I said slowly. The doctor nodded sadly and i shook my head negatively refusing to believe it. I started walking backwards slowly almost numb; trying to escape this nightmare. Vicky and Dadi Ma tried to reach out to me but I stepped away as I repeatedly shook my head negatively denying the doctor's words.
"No, It can't be. My Maan can't leave me like that. He can't", I screamed as the hospital stared. "My Maan can't do that.", I screamed as I started running.
"Bhabzz, please wait", Vicky called out.
"Geet beta, where are you going? Geet beta, listen.", Dadi ma said
I ignored everyone as I ran out of the hospital. I ran aimlessly on the streets as tears blurred my vision. I ran until my lungs burned with the demand of oxygen.
Just then, the sky joined in on my sorrow and it started to pour. Defeated I went down on my knees at a desolated park as the rain drenched me to the core. My tears blended together with the rain as I sobbed my heart out. "Maan, Maan, Maan", I said repeatedly. Sitting there in the rain, I remembered the moments I spent with him; the magical moments we spend together.
I closed my eyes and soon I felt someone holding my hand; I opened my eyes quickly to see my Maan right in front on me smiling. I came down on his knees to be at the same level. He held my face in his hands.
"Don't cry my Misiti, Maan doesn't like it when Misiti has tears in her eyes. She should always be the bubbly HP Express.", he said with a smile.
Not believing my eyes, I came closer and cupped his face, "Maan"
He held my hand before he wiped my tears with his thumb pad, "Don't cry Misiti. Smile, you have the most beautiful smile, the smile that always brightens my day ", he said as he ran his thumb over my lower lip very lightly.
I lunged myself forward to hold him tight but suddenly he disappeared. I looked around wildly but he was nowhere in sight. He was only in my heart.
"Come back Maan, come back to me", I cried softly.
I sat there for the longest time not noticing that the rain had stopped and the sun came out. I suddenly remembered that l left the whole family worrying for me when they were already worried about Maan. Looking at my drenched wedding attire and smudged makeup; I realized what a horrible sight I made. I have to go back to the hospital, I thought. Gathering myself together, I hauled a taxi to take me back to Delhi hospital.
I made my way back to the emergency ward where Maan was but only Vicky was there. As soon as he saw me, he rushed forward.
"Bhabzz, are you okay? What were you thinking just running out like that by yourself? What if something were to happen to you? What answer would I give BB if something were to happen to his Geet? ", Vicky asked as he held my shoulders and I immediately regretted my actions.
"I am so sorry Vicky. I know it was stupid but--", I started but he cut me off.
"It's okay, you are here safe and sound; that's all that matters.", he said rather calmly.
"Vicky, take me to Maan. I need to see him", I said bravely trying to hold my tears in.
"Bhabzz, they shifted him upstairs to ICU. But let me take you home first. BB wouldn't want to see you like this. I will tell Anna to inform D that you are okay. But she would be even more upset if she sees you like this. ", he said as he took my arm.
I looked down at my disheveled appearance and realized he was right. I nodded and we headed out.
We headed into Khurana residence and I couldn't help but notice the outhouse. I shivered as I felt goose bumps on my arm remembering the events of last night. I shuddered and closed my eyes to block the images out. But one image that refused to leave my mind was when Maan turned around to shield me and took the bullet; the way his body had jerked in my arms. I closed my eyes and tears slipped out. I felt Vicky reach over to silently comfort as he lightly squeezed my hand.
I made my way into the guest room, (which is technically my room in the main house )unable to face the outhouse. Quickly showering; I dressed myself in a simple salwar suit trying to keep my appearance normal for Maan and everyone else. I came out to see Vicky sitting on the sofa with his eyes closed. I observed him closely to see how exhausted he really was. The man had just gotten married last night and he spent the entire night comforting the family and being strong for us unable to spend even a moment with his wife.
I decided to leave him sleeping while I got one of the drivers to drive me to the hospital but unfortunately he woke up, "Where are you going Bhabzz?", he asked as he got up.
"You look so tired Vicky. Why don't you take a nap and I will get Raju Bhayia to take me?", I suggested.
"Absolutely not Bhabzz", he said and was already walking out. Left with no choice, I followed him.
As we settled in the car; Vicky grabbed a Tiffin and on-the-go cups from Nakul. He handed me a cup and the tiffin. I opened my mouth to say something but he stopped me.
"Don't even try arguing with me Bhabzz, it's useless. I am not driving you to the hospital unless you start eating.", he threatened in a serious tone I rarely saw on him. Knowing the fight was already lost; I started to eat and sipped my tea. With a satisfied nod, he started driving.
Once there, Vicky led us to the 3rd floor where the ICU was. Dadi stood up as soon as she saw me. I ran to her and hugged her tight.
"Oh Geet beta, you had me so worried.", Dadi said as she held me.
"I know Dadi ma, I am so sorry.", I apologized.
"It's okay beta. It's okay. Go in and see Maan.", she said.
I wiped my tears and faced my family. "Okay I am going to see him but Vicky , take everyone home."
"But Geet---", Dadi started and I shook my head at her.
"No Dadi Ma, everyone has to go home and rest. You can come back in the evening. But rest is needed for your health."
"But Bhabzz, what about you? You need some rest too. You have been up all night too", Vicky said.
"But someone has to be with Maan. I will rest later in the evening. I promise.", I said.
Just then Dr.Mehta came, "Hello everyone, I am just heading in to check on Mr. Khurana." He went in with a nurse and then came out after a few minutes later.
"So how is he Doctor?", Vicky asked.
"There has been no change. But don't lose hope. If there is no change, that means nothing has worsened in his condition."
We all nodded and held onto his words for reassurance. "And now, if you don't mind, could I speak to Vicky and Geet in my cabin?" And instantly everyone tensed up. Seeing the tension, Dr. Mehta hastened to add, "Nothing serious, I just want to inform them of the treatment Mr.Khurana is receiving."
"Sure", Vicky said and we went to into his cabin.
He gestured for us to take a seat, "So as a doctor, my duty is to be honest with my patient's family but seeing the condition of Dadi Ma, I couldn't explain everything to her."
Vicky and I exchanged a worried look. "Look Vicky and Geet, it's true that Mr.Khurana is in a coma right now. It may take him days, it may take him months for him to come out. There is no guarantee on that. But there is also another worrying issue, and that is that the bullet was logged near his spinal cord and there is a very high chance of paralysis."
I gasped in shock of the new information the doctor gave. I reached to grip Vicky's hand tight.
"But we won't know that until Mr. Khurana gains conscious. Until then ,all we can do is monitor him because we have removed the bullet. And all you can do is pray." Just then his pager went off, "Now if you will excuse me, I have to attend to another case."
"Thank you", Vicky said as he held my hand to lead us outside.
I walked numbly unable to get over the shock as Vicky held me. My Maan could be paralyzed. That thought kept running in my mind again and again.
"Come on Bhabzz, get yourself together. We can't let Dadi Ma find out. She is already under so much stress.", Vicky whispered as we approached the family.
I pasted a smile on as I waved goodbye to everyone.
Once they were gone, I took a deep breath and gathered myself together to see Maan.
I pushed open the door and stepped into the dim room. And there lay the man I loved; the man who was unconscious and oblivious to everything going around him. Tears started sting my eyes but I stepped forward to walk to his bed. I looked at him and he looked like he was at peace; just sleeping. I held his hand quickly to reassure myself with his touch.
"Hey Maan", I said softly as I touched his cheek. I hoped he would say something back or at least look at me but he kept sleeping. I sat at the edge of the bed holding his hand.
"Look, who is here? Your Misiti is here; won't you get up to see your Misiti? Huh Maan", I said as tears fell on his cheeks. I wondered if he felt them; I wiped them of his cheeks. They said that coma patients could hear you. He wouldn't like it if I was crying my eyes out. With that thought in mind, I wiped the last of my tears off.
"Look Maan , it's so dark and gloomy in here. We need to let the sunshine in.", I said cheerily as I rose to push the curtains aside to let the bright sunlight in.
"Look, so much better.", I said looking back at him. I went to sit next to him and held his hand. "You know, it was raining earlier but I don't seem to like the rain without you.", I said as I ran my hand along his growing stubble.
Just then a thought came to my mind; I quickly pressed the button to call the nurse. A few seconds later, a middle-aged nurse came in.
"Can I help you? You rang the nurse station."
"Yes, I was hoping you could stay with Maan for a few minutes.", I requested politely. "It's just that I don't want to leave him alone.", I added.
The nurse smiled briefly despite my odd request, "Sure honey", she said with a smile.
Giving her a thanks and a smile, I walked out and took the elevator downstairs. Once downstairs, I went straight to the gift shop. There, I looked at the bouquets of flowers. Buying what I needed, I went back to Maan's room.
"Thank you so much nurse. I appreciate it.", I said once I got back.
"No problem honey, just pager if you need something.", she said before she walked out.
"Look what I got Maan", I said as I held up the bouquets. "A red bouquet because it's my favorite color and because you always get me red roses. A white bouquet because it's your favorite color and last but not the least a yellow bouquet because they are happy flowers.", I said as I set them in a vase on the table next to his bed.
I sat at the edge of his bed and held his hand again, "Do you like them?", I asked even though I knew I wouldn't get an answer. And I talked and talked about anything and everything knowing he wouldn't say anything back but I hoped.
**************
Delhi hospital 7:00 pm
Vicky and Anna walked back into the hospital and made their way upstairs. Once they opened the door, they saw Geet sleeping with her head on at the side of the bed but she was still in a sitting position. They stood there smiling for a few moments observing the way Geet was lighting holding Maan's waist and one of his hands.
" Look at her Vicky, unable to stay away from him even in her sleep.", Anna said.
"I know, this is the hardiest on her. I don't blame her for breaking down earlier this morning. She loves him just as much as he loves her. It's a shame that someone's negative actions affected these two.", Vicky said. And Anna nodded knowingly.
They walked up to Maan's bed and nudged Geet's shoulder softly, "Geet", Anna said.
*************
I slowly opened my eyes and looked at Maan before I noticed Vicky and Anna.
"Hey you two", I said as I got up and stretched holding my back for a moment.
"Probably hurts from sleeping like that.", Vicky said.
"No, it's okay. Don't worry about it.", I said quickly removing my hand from my back. Vicky chuckled quietly and I glared at him.
"let's go Bhabzz, I will drop you home while Anna stays with BB.", Vicky said
"But---"
"No Bhabzz, that was the deal that's why everyone went home this morning. If you don't go home to rest, I will have Dr.Mehta ban you from seeing BB.", he threatened.
I gave his angry glare but he smirked which reminded me of Maan. "Okay, I guess.", I said knowing I wouldn't win.
I bent over to caress Maan's cheek lightly and kissed his cheek, "Okay Maan I don't want to go but my brother-in-law won't listen plus I did make a deal, Misiti will be back in the morning. Miss me...I love you." I gave his hand a tight squeeze before I turned around to leave.
We headed back home and Vicky dropped me off. After Dadi made sure she fed me every bite on my plate, she took me to the guest room I always use.
"Dadi Ma, do you think I can use Maan's room? Only if it's okay.", I asked hesitantly.
Dadi smiled, "Of course you can beta , it's your room too."
She tucked me in and kissed me good night leaving the lamp on. I tossed and turned unable to get any sleep. I soon gave up and sat up leaning against the bed rest and picked the picture frame with Maan's picture. I ran my fingers along his face. "I miss you Maan." I missed the warmth of Maan's arms, which I cuddled in many nights. I eventually fell asleep as exhaustion got the best of me.
****************
One week later and 4 days later: Delhi hospital
There was a routine that developed; Geet spent the entire day with Maan with occasional visits from Dadi Ma. Vicky took over in the evening and stayed thru the night while Geet rested at home. The doctors and nurses tried to assure the Khurana family that Maan would be looked after even at night but they refused to listen wanting to stay with him.
I walked into Maan's room in the morning with a bouquet of yellow tulips in my hands and a smile just for him; a smile he couldn't see.
"Good morning Maan", I said as I set the flowers down and leaned over to kiss him lightly on the lips. I quickly replaced the vase with fresh flowers before I went to sit next to him.
"How are you this morning?" i asked the same question he never answered. The only sound I ever got heard were the machines beeping indicating there was still a heart beating; his heart that needed to beat for both of us because without Maan, there could never be Misiti "You know, I am missing you Maan.", I said as I held both his hands. "Do you miss me? Are you missing your Misiti? Or are you enjoying the peace and quiet from my non-stop chatter?" I asked and laughed at my own questions. "You better missing me Mister", I threatened in mock anger before I bent down to kiss his stubble. "This can't be called a stubble anymore Maan. It's more like a beard now. You are going to hate it if you see this when you wake up."
Just then the same nurse came in, "Good morning Geet honey, how are you this morning?", she asked with a smile.
"I am good Nurse Aarti. What about you?", I asked making the same talk we did daily.
"Good, I am good honey. So fresh flowers again; love the choice of the tulips today.", she said.
"Thanks Aarti. Umm, could I ask you for a favor?", I asked hesitantly.
"Sure honey"
"Could I get some water and stuff so I can give Maan a sponge bath myself?", I asked.
She smiled, "sure, I will be right back."
I quickly pulled out my phone to text Vicky
To: Vicky
Hey brother-in-law, I need a favor. I know you are due at the hospital later but could you please please bring me Maan's trimmer he uses? And don't ask questions, just bring it.
Thanks
Send------------------
Soon Nurse Aarti brought the sponge bath items and Vicky came in with Maan's trimmer. He gave me a funny look when I explained that I need to his help to get Maan's stubble back to normal but he still agreed to help me like I knew he would.
Once Maan's stubble was actually stubble again, Vicky was gone promising to be back at his regular time. I then gave him a sponge bath running the sponge over his face, neck and arms grazing lovingly at him. I laughed quietly to myself think how naughty he would have been if I was giving him a sponge bath while he was awake. "I rather take your naughtiness over this silence", I said out loud as I cupped his face and kissed his nose.
Once I finished, I looked at the new Maan who looked more like my Maan. "You look absolutely perfect; you look like my Maan again.", I said sitting on the chair next to him.
I rested my head on his chest lightly putting no pressure wishing he would run his fingers through my hair like he always did. I looked at his handsome face and suddenly the tears came from nowhere. Putting up a cheerful pretense finally got to me. "Maan, please come back. I miss you so much that it hurts. Please come back to me. Your Misiti is trying but she doesn't know how to live; she doesn't know how to be without her Maan, his embrace, his husky voice, his laugh, his smile; his everything. Misiti wants her Maan back; she wants her Maan back. ", I whispered quietly with my tears. I kept whispering his name until his name rocked me to sleep.
I woke up as I held a very low, and soft voice, "Misiti"
"Maan", I bolted up straight and stared at him but he still had his eyes still closed. He hadn't moved an inch. I felt a sense of sadness and disappointed thinking I had gotten my hopes too high.
"Geet", he said again softly and lightly moved his hand, which was intertwined with mine.
Pre-cap: "Geet, could you step out for a minute? I need to check Mr.Khurana", Dr. Mehta said. And even though he didn't say it, I knew he was talking about any signs of paralysis.
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Thread 2:
https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/42521577
Edited by maankigeet4ever - 13 years ago
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