This is for Waqt Zaya who gave me the prompt đ¤
Rishab called them again as he was being rushed to the JFK terminal. Neither Kukki nor Prerna was picking up since he sent the doctor for check-up. Rishab had has a icy feeling like they were hiding from him how serious the fire's effects were. He was rushing to Calcutta in the next flight, but a sick sense of forboding lodged in his heart. What him they were both significantly burned?
He blinked away the tears, his chauffeur from the hotel was looking at him on the rear view mirror. He couldn't weep like he really wanted to, the desparation was growing every hour that they he could not reach them.
He called the doctor's office, no one picked up, just the annoying message in Hindi about leaving a voicemail. There was no emergency contact number even.
He called Mehra in the Calcutta office and also his home phone. Nothing. God, god help me. The hair on his arm stood up from the chills running through his body. He cursed himself for not taking it more seriously when Kukki delivered the message so casually that she and Prerna was out of the fire. Of course she would make it sound casual, wouldn't she? She would try to suppress the seriousness of their troubles because he was so far away. What kind of a father was he that he did not ask more details and just sent a doctor. It was a fire for God' sake, a fire had killed Prerna's second child in Calcutta during their last time there. What was to stop fate from it happening a second time?
Bajaj, impatiently: Could we be quite quick please?
The chauffeur spoke with a strong New York accent: Trying me best here dude. This is the world famous JFK traffic, not much I can do at this point.
Rishab raced through the terminal with his carry on as soon as they arrived.
TSA stopped him at the counter just as someone from the airport administration intervened.
Airport administrative from Etihad Airlines: I wouldn't do that, Steve. This is a VIP customer.
TSA let him go: Sorry sir, it's just that there is no running in the airport.
Bajaj couldn't care less: I need to leave for Calcutta ASAP.
Admin: Yes sir, we have been expecting you. Please if you will come this way, Mr. Bajaj.
Rishab had pulled all the strings he could, including his middle east relations to make this chartered trip happen on an hour's notice. He fretfully sat through the journey that seemed to take forever.
The air hostess went out of her way to make him comfortable with offers of snacks and drinks and other amenities, but nothing could really set him at ease. All he could think about was being unable to use his cell phone during the flight.
Airhostess: I will show you to your car that will take you straight home upon arrival sir, in the meantime, perhaps some refreshment.
Rishab was a getting a bit annoyed at this point. Yes, he may be the only passenger on the flight, but could she really not see that he wanted to be left alone!?
Rishab burst through the door of Prerna's room and startled her awake somewhere around 7 am.
Prerna in sleepy surprise: God, what happened to you Mr. Bajaj!? You didn't tell us you were coming?
Rishab: What happened to ME!? Why aren't you picking up your phone!?
He tried to take off her robe to see her.
Prerna giggled: What are you doing? You missed me, didn't you!
Rishab's face was strained with worry to understand her meaning: Where did you burn yourself? Where's Kukki!? I have been worried sick!!!
Prerna sobered up: You rushed here because of the fire?
Rishab was breathless, he has pulled down her robe, and checking her bare arms now: What else!? Where is Kukki!?
Prerna took his face in her hands: Calm down, we are both fine. No burns, nothing. You have just worked yourself up to a frenzy. Come I will show you. I had inhaled some fumes, but the doctor said it will be okay if I slept with all the windows open, so I did last night. Kukki is fast asleep in her room, come.
She took Rishab by the hand and gave him a peek of Kukki sleeping in the next room.
Prerna: It's okay, see? It was not that serious.
Rishab: Kukki said you were trapped inside, how can you take it so lightly. And why, for the love of God, did none of you pick up my calls!? Do you know what I have been through chartering a plane here? I have been worried sick!
Prerna ushered him into the master suite: We were asleep, Rishab. It's nighttime when it is day time in New York, that is all.
The simple realization dawned on Rishab now. He took the glass of water from Prerna as he sat on the corner of the bed and drank deeply. He breathed a sigh of relief as Prerna crouched in front of his knees, beaming up at him.
Prerna: I have never seen you so frantic, the unflappable Mr. Bajaj.
Rishab took her hand his shaking one: I am not unflappable when it comes to you and Kukki. We have already lost one child to a fire in this god-forsaken city, what if it happened to you too?
Prerna wiped away the tears that flowed freely down his cheeks now. She kissed him by his cheekbones and lay her head on his lap.
Prerna, more seriously now: We are here for a purpose, Rishab, to avenge our daughter. Nothing will happen to me until I have had my revenge. Nothing. And Kukki, I couldn't never risk her life.
Rishab put his hand on her head: Don't jeopardize what you have in your quest for revenge, Prerna. That is all I ask.
Prerna got up and got herself into his possessive embrace: I wouldn't trade you or Kukki for anything. (She breathed deeply) I love you.
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