Standing in the walk in closet of his room with a dark red towel wrapped around his waist. He had a built up figure with blunt body cuts all over the body, his eyes were set behind a set of silver rimmed rectangular glasses. Running his hands through a set of shirts on the cupboard for a few minutes before finally screaming, "SAANJ MERA CREAM SHIRT KAHAAN HAI? THE ONE WITH THE NINJA BLADE PRINT!
"UPAR, LEFT SIDE. he looked again and came out standing with his hands folded as he looked at the two other women in the room with him, "Khaan hai Saanj?
"I told you Arjun. Upar, left side. she sighed revealing the long dark green anarkali tops churidar with a cream embroidery work with cream leggings and duppata. On her ears were large, gold earrings with a large floral design with smaller flowers falling down from it. Her hair was left open with a light side parting, a light touch of sinduur on her forehead followed by a small stone bindhi. A set of thick single bangles were on both her wrists with intricate patterns. A set of cream heel sandals on her feet... finishing the look was the dark brown eye shadow she used with a touch of maroon lip gloss. From the plane Jane she had come a long way.
Currently she heled her hands in her hips and demanded, "Aab main kya kya dhehun? Aarohi ki party ke liye thiyar karun yaa tumhari nakre utalun?
Behind them two people giggled making Saanj turn around and her anger directed at the one's who giggled. Her usually small features suddenly seemed more "Ithni hi hi kya kare rahe ho?
"Relax Saanj I will take care. Arohi chalo tumhari kapde phir tumhari baal banadhethe hai. Thab thak Duskey aur Duffer ki laday bhi katham hojayega.
"Okay Samaya! cheated the young girl showing her few fallen teeth happily, still in a set of black denim short skirt and a yellow t-shirt with black and red dot patterns all over it. "Vo orange dress pelungi.
The elder gigiler smiled happily finally revealing her face, with small eyes set with flowing in sharp features with an abundance of lower than shoulder length hair. The pink lipgloss she wore made her lips seem a little larger especially against the naughty glint in her eyes. Her eyes had been set with dark smokey eye shadow which highlighted the glint even more. Her ears had simple small silver hoop earrings finished off with a matching set of three row, cufflink pattern bracelet on her wrist. The other, had a white detailed sports watch, dressed in a white shimmer georgette saree with petal based embroidery work in glittery white threads and a simple white short sleeved blouse. A long thick platinum three row chain around her neck in a cufflink pattern. Around her finger was a gold ring that wrapped around her finger to create a pattern of a phoenix. The feather tail pointing down towards her finger, the head up towards her wrist. A single white stone in the center... despite the oddness of the combination there was something neat flat ankle hugger white sandals that made everyone seem captivated by her. Taking her in with his eyes he smiled wishing that he realised what had happened between them especially the pain she was in! Now it was too late... his eyes trailed towards her light bump and smiled. Saanj who had followed his eyes also felt her own eyes fixated on the sight of Maya as she helped her change into a sunrise orange frock with a basic design of an umbrella cut, sleveless and close, wide neck line combination. The usage of yellow, white and ruby red thread work lillies, to create vertical vines around the lower half with the a velvet ribbon around her waist that matched the green of the veins perfectly. Similar floral work was embroidered onto the neckline too making the dress stunning. Maya gave the little girl a set of matching small, thick ring type earrings and thick plain gold bangles set on one wrist... on the other a white kids watch. "Happy? Shoes?
Maya helped the little girl into a pair of lightweight, black sandals before picking up a hair brush, "Open hair ya phir?
"Open hair, vo gold band ke saath. finished Aarohi while Maya brushed her hair, "Done! Duskey aur Duffer ka staring competition katham hogayi tho Suman aunty ko bholdena ko bholdena ki Aarohi party ke liye thiyar hai. the two of them snickered while Arjun stepped away to change of the clothes, "Kya baath hai Maya meri jaan dhar gayi kya?
"Haan apni ma se. came the quick reply, as he disappeared to change, Saanj stepped out and wrapped an arm around shoulders from behind linking it near her neck. "Thank you. Aarohi ko ithni aachi thiyar karne ke liye.
"No problem Saanj. Suno us raath exactly hua kya tha? asked Maya, Arjun who had overheard it and felt his mind wander to
that night
Arjun Sharma the businessman went to stand in the balcony of his vila and looked out wanting to get some fresh air. That was when he saw it, she was laying on the ground in black sneakers and dark blue three fourths. A blue and white checked shirt... laying on her back... her hair had grown out again and now braided tightly, but even from the distance he could see her pain filled face. He felt the heart suddenly thump onto his heart ears! He knew that it was Maya... he also knew she was in pain. Her eyes were filled with pain though slowly closing, what scared him most was the growing pool of blood above her chest. The sight was enough for him to rush over to her... the sound of his heart continuing to burn his ears. "Saanj, Aunty - Maya back gate. Ambulance ki zarurath padegi.
"Got it. yelled Saanj as the other two ladies rushed in after him. When he reached her he felt it... the burning sensation of fear. Fear of losing her all over again, a chance to never ever earn her forgiveness. Kneeling down next to her ignoring the possible disruptions to the white kurtha and pyjama's his focus purely upon her till Saanj's words popped up bringing him down to reality, "Hume usko kudh lekar jaana hoga. Not enough time. Aayan gadi nikar raha hai. Aunty ko lekar jaana, main aathi hoon!
Nodding Arjun instantly picked Maya up and placed her in the back seat with Janvi who placed the little girl on her lap as Arjun got in front next to Aayan. "Main doctor ko inform kardunga step on it.
That was what Aayan did and they were glad they had the car ready as a backup at all times... for the first time in his life the ford SUV meant more than just luxury. That was exactly what they did, rushing her to the nearest hospital making the biggest fears a reality. "DOCTOR. DOCTOR. She is...
"I know who she is. came the prompt reply from the doctor who pressed his fingers to his lips and sent out a sharp whizzle. "Samaya - bullet wound shoulder - OT and blood to be prepared AB negative. Uski contact ko kabhar dhedhena.
Arjun, Aayan, Saanj and Janvi stared at the doctor like he had grown another head. None of the other did have the same effect upon the others who had gathered up quickly. A young looking doctor added, "Doctor, bullet wound. Physical clotting procedure implemented.
"Good job. Once I am in the O.T go check for blood stalk. After that get Samaya Parth run in the system. Finally get a single room ready, ICU main bilkul nahi rahegi. the man added, again the family stared at the man as they rushed her into the operation theater. He knew her as much as they knew her, the light switched on and so did the conversation, Saanj was first to speak, "Samaya? Aur yeah doctor isko ithni achi thara jantha kaise? Kya se kya ban kar aayi hai?
"Maya zinda tho bach jayegi na? Janvi asked her eyes filled with tears when Arjun gently rubbed her shoulder, "Bach jayegi aunty. Humari solder hume chod kar nahi ja sakthi hai.
The chifon saree was soft against hands... the light blue somehow calmed him. the dark blue colour was set off further by the dark blue blouse with abstract patterns in light blue. Saanj was in the a silk cotton purple anarkali chudidhar with a light yellow and purple marble printing duppata. Her hair was left open just like Janvi mathurs except for the small amount of sindoor and a bindhi. The typical wife image out and out! Staring at her family she finally voiced the concern that was pumping through her heart, "Maya ko gholi kaise lagi thi? Kar kya rahi thi vo bhi humare ghar ke bahar?
"Ek minute, Maya ko address nahi patha tha. Usne kaha kabhi contact karna nahi, sari property aur paise tume dhechuki thi. She was actually very upset... not serious was she?
"Ek minute, Maya ne kabhi us letters ko nahi use kiya. Maine kudh check kiya, koi aur kar rahe the. added Arjun, hot tears filling his eyes and flowing down as Janvi pressed her hands onto her forehead... continuing to cry. "Mathlab Maya ko adress nahi patha tha. Aunty Maya humse madhath mangne nahi aaayi thi. She had no idea we were around, humari Maya ko humari koi zarurath hi nahi thi.
"Excuse me you must be Janvi . That makes you Arjun and Saanj Sharma am I right? asked the man, stretching his dark tanned hand... Janvi got up confused but struggling to take in the sight in front of her. He was dressed in a silver gray, slip fit set of trousers with an open cut based formal suit with a black turtleneck top. On his wrist was a silver rolex and an Iphone. A bluetooth earphone on his right ear set in black, his eyes fixated upon his left ear. His wide forehead with the close-together eyes had a sharp set against a long sharp nose with small lips against a tall frame. His italian cut shoes and sox matched the outfit perfectly with the shining black... Against the black sox. A look which woosed authority and approachability both seemed to apply... but despite all there was familiarity. "Aap hume?
"Haan main aap ko jaantha hoon, Mr. Arjun Sharma and Mrs. Saanj Arjum Sharma. I am Dr. Shashthri Paarth. Been meaning to meet you, question though may I know what are you even doing here? Ithna khoon behechuka hai kya? Did she need blood?
"Kisko? Janvi asked the man surprised, "Kid-o ko I mean... leave it Rhipshi what is her status?
"Sir bullet removed. Blood is being given and she will be shifted to a room within half an hour. came the reply, from the young female doctor. Her green eyes were filled with tiredness against her pale skin against flowing facial features and a tightly braided brownish hair. Though she was plain in a simple white leggings and purple kurtha with white thread work. The lab coat over her! She wore no makeup nor jewellery except for the small gold studs. "Thank you. Rhipshi, meet Arjun Sharma, Saanj Arjun Sharma and Janvi Meherothra.
"Hello. Hope to get to know you better over coffee sometime. Sir, she needs compulsory physical rest and fiber rich foods and proteins too will help. Pain killer has been administered. Dev needs paperwork to be filled, excuse me.
"Kya hum Maya se mil sakthe hai? Janvi asked, Arjun demanded at the same time, "Kya main raath main uske saath ruk saktha hoon?
"First sure aap use mil sakthe hai. Second, sure you can stay the night. I will see you around. he nodded and left the place, "Vo adhmi kaun tha? Hume koi paper work kyun fill nahi karna pada?
"Taken care of! came the reply they turned around to find a doctor dressed in a set of dull brown trousers with a dark green formal shirt with a cream tie with it worn loosely set down to the fourth button. Green diamond pattern all over it. The lab coat was set neatly and with his hands inside its pockets wearing a set of black canvas shoes with black lace with black socks. "If you are expecting coffee or something of that kind - please help yourselves in the hospital canteen. You have approximately another hour before she is in the room and ready to see you. Basement floor, then right from the lift or left from the stairs your wish. "She will need a cup of tea though. Herbal tea with one sugar with masala cookies and tea cakes.
"Herbal tea with one sugar with masala cookies and tea cakes. Arjun repeated to the cafeteria incharge who poured it for him in a paper cup smiling, "Kithna hua?
"Samaya ma'am ki account par dhaldhetha hoon. When Arjun looked suprised the lady simply smiled, "Doctor Zahidh ne call kiya saab aap ko.
"Thank you. Arjun replied picking up the package repeating to Janvi, "Saabhi usko Samaya kehekar bulathe hai.
"Dhek parahi hoon. Janvi snapped, it hurt that she changed the name even if she continued to have the Maya aspect... but it was the first ever gift she had given to her little girl. Unsure of how to deal with it she moved through the white phale hospital floor her heart uncertainty feeling a sense of pain within her heart as she moved towards the room her daughter was now shifted to. Dread slowly mixing with it as Arjun knocked on the door, especially when the voice replied, "Yeah come on in.
Arjun stepped in first tightly holding her hand. Saanj was behind her her hands on her shoulders tightly leading her inside between them. That was when she felt it, his hand shivering as his eyes met with hers... a light smile on his lips though fake. "Umm Hi Maya kaisi ho?
"Arjun tum yahaan - oh vo ghar tumhari thi kya? Kyaa phir uss rasthe ke aas pas? she asked moving a bit as the nurse in the room began setting up the the blood. "Mera ghar tha jiski back gate main tum behosh hogayi thi. Humne hi use yahaan par hospitalise kiya tha.
She nodded understanding still laying down on the bed, "Aah thank you. Ma... aap kaise hai?
"Teek hoon Maya tum? Tume bahoth dhar ho raha hai kya? she asked suddenly leaving their body and stepping closer slowly letting go of their hands. "I will be all right. Hmm are those for me?
Smiling Arjun nodded stepping closer to her as a plump nurse helped Maya sit up. Handing her the stuff he smiled watching as she pulled everything out enjoying the snacks on the food table which had been pulled up in front of her. The memory of the first hospital experience... the moment when he had been trying to feed her the tea and biscuits. The need to have her remember it suddenly. Voicing it he asked her in a way only she will be able to understand, "Tumne apni private ward tho khol dhya hai kya
"Doctor Shashthi knows me. the nurse laughed, "The entire hospital knows you sweetheart you practically live here.
"That's true. Oh umm this is Arjun, the younger one is Saanj and the elder is Janvi. Everyone meet Rita head nurse, mere liye meri dusri ma hai. she added lightly, as Janvi's eyes grew both wide and moist when Arjun and Saanj could not control the widening of theirs. The nurse gave her an affectionate squeeze on the shoulder and replied, "I am always proud to be your mum honey. Come on, Mr. Sharma aaj tumhare caretaker bane vaale hai.
"All right, get him some reading materials. When you are at it meri Ipad aur headphones lekar aayenge please? Deed saara kaam hai, upar se pain killers bhi dhiya jayega. she added when the nurse caught her ears and twisted them her round, plump face with large features filling with love and laughter. A pang of ran through Janvi's heart watching the two of them interact when Saanj lightly touched her hand in comfort. Arjun's eyes continued to stay glued on the girl and her lack of response to them or their presence. The way her words past across them simply made things seem more scarier and yet he stood his ground, "Saanj aunty ko ghar lekar jaana.
"Teek hai. Kya koi bhi restrictions hai? Main breakfast lekar aathi hoon. she replied, the nurse scoffed lightly, "Hospital main ek white elephant ko maintain karne ki koi kwaish nahi hai. Why don't you give this fine lady your breakfast order Maya?
"Waffles, fruits, egg salad sandwich with onions, pickles, mayonnaise, honey mustard and coffee? That possible? Saanj stared at her like she was crazy but simply nodded, "Toss in a glass of milk instead of coffee and I totally can approve that.
"Hay sexy. she smiled allowing the others to finally see the guy in detail. Unlike most men he had a thick and growing beard with hair running all over the place. Despite which his cat like eyes and sharp features made him look a little older than his original age. His smile though said a different story, "Hay hotness tanda paani nahi, use the bathroom before you go to sleep and when your at it grab a nights rest. Need a help with it?
"I am around usually Maya meri paas aathe hi sojathi thi. Arjun offered looking apologetically at Saanj who simply nodded, "Aaah vo problem aab nahi hai Mr. Sharma so babes need some help?
"Can you? he walked further into the room and brushed her hair back, a sashaier cat smile forming on his face, "Sure bhas jakar Thara ko buladun uski micro surgery lecture dhene ke liye.
"Muje koi microbiology ka lecture nahi chahiye. she groaned when Zahidh pinched her cheek affectionately, "As much as I love you it's micro surgery not biology. We have your phone, charge nahi tha jaise charge hoga main tumare liye gaana set kardunga. Your I.Pad is on the way, meri pen drive bhi thiyar hai zyada der thak math dhekna I am on duty today. Breakfast ko kya chahiye?
"By ma, by Saanj umm kuch bhi jo Silviya banakar dhelegi though I could use a snack. Ahh sandwich with extra onions and pickles? she asked as Arjun felt his words just pop out of his mouth, "Tum kab se onions aur pickle kane lagi ho?
"Muje onions aur pickles bahoth pasandh hai. Lekin bad breath ki dhar se kabhi nahi kathi thi, when I have company. she shrugged, "Aowww... maine aise nahi socha.
"Expected. Do you need something? Arjun shook his head as Zahidh began checking her vitals. It was that moment he was able to actually take her in realising that he had indeed missed her. She looked different in the purple hospital dress and her hair was braided tightly and no makeup but her eyes spoke a lot as usual. It was clear, she was in her state... a space were she could actually feel safe and nothing was looming over her head. In short she had the nearest thing to a smile, "Vitals are fine, so far, blood will continue to go on for some time.
Watching the man brush her hair back making her smile was the toughest action in his life. He had indeed spent the night with her in the hospital... That was when it happened, the beginning of their friendship.
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