ArHi FF: Answered Prayers - Chapter 9

- Chapter 9 -

Breakfast was a silent affair that morning. It was complete awkwardness for the two strangers who now sat not even 2 feet apart. There was an air of discomfort looming over the atmosphere. Both knew that there were many things that needed to be said. Many things that needed to be asked. But neither knew where to start. Their eyes met and their eyes drifted. The sound of forks clattering against the ceramic plates was deafening. Their hearts beat loudly, as nervousness wound around them. Arnav was especially surprised. He had never realized the feeling of being nervous. He had never felt it. And then today... in front of this girl... his heart was beating like it had never beat before. "Th-the food is nice." The girl spoke at last. Arnav could feel goosebumps on his skin. He resisted the urge to shudder at the angelic voice that spoke and instead, grunted, as if acknowledging her presence.
"You have a great house...." She added, trying to make conversation. All she received was a second grunt. Her eyes wandered to her plate, realizing that the man in front of her was obviously not one of many words. She closed her eyes, sighing. The silence was killing her. Especially since she had so many things she had to say to him. So many things she had to ask. And so, eventually, unable to resist herself, she was the first to begin the conversation.
"Why are you doing this?" She asked. He looked up, his brown eyes suddenly cold. He had expected this question from her. "Doing what?" He asked, icily. Does he really not know? She wondered. "This..." She replied slowly. "Helping me last night... saving me from the accident...allowing me to stay in your house...." He stiffened. "I'm not answerable to you." He murmured before returning to his breakfast. The girl was surprised. She had been prepared to hear anything. Any possible explanation. But how did one prepare themselves for such a response. He mouth was open. She wanted to say something. Retaliate. But her mind was suddenly blank of comebacks.
"Close your mouth." Came his curt reply. "You look like a fish."
Although she had silently obeyed his command, her eyes remained fixed on him, curiously. She didn't know how long she had continued to stare at him, but she figured it must have been a while, because she suddenly heard his voice, breaking her out of her thoughts. "I'm leaving." He pushed his seat back, standing up. She looked at him, confused. "Where?" He gave her an odd look before he threw his napkin on the table and let out an obviously exhasperated sigh. "Where does a person go, carrying a briefcase, decked out in suit and tie so early in the morning? In MY world, they go to WORK." The girl felt humiliated. Apparently it was also wrong in his world to ask questions. So when it came to asking the next question, she was unusually nervous. She wasn't prepared for another of his snide remarks. "Leaving me all alone?" She whispered. He blinked in wonderment. Looks like she's completely gone nuts after that accident. "You don't expect me to come with me do you? I see you have some high hopes." He rolled his eyes grabbing his coat and heading towards the door. "And before you think that I've let you completely off the loose let me inform you that I have cameras in every area of this house. Steal anything, and I swear it won't be pretty." He threatened, not even offering her a backward glance.
There it came. Another humiliation. Although it had only been a day since she had met him, she was starting to get a fair idea about his character. Ekdum dheela. She thought. I mean, she knew he had offered her a place to stay.... She knew he was putting food on her plate. And she was grateful for that. But were his offensive remarks really necessary? She certainly didn't think so.
"I'll be back around 6." He added before making his way out the door.
She decided to remain silent, in order to avoid his comments. Her eyes were fixed on the bowl of cereal in front of her. Strange. It tasted different. As if this was not the type of food she was usually accustomed to. She stirred her spoon, absentmindedly, through the milk. So much had happened in so little time. And somehow, she had made her way into a place she would probably never even think to go in her wildest of dreams. Destiny? Perhaps. What were the chances of her ending up here? Why was she even here? She suddenly wondered if everyone was as thoughtful as Mr. Raizada. How many people, after witnessing an accident, would not only bring the victim to their house, but also give her a place to stay and food to eat? Not many, she assumed. And then she decided it. This man was as strange as the bowl of cereal in front of her.
Sighing, she let go of the spoon and pulled back from her chair. The servent of the house immediately rushed to clean up the area. "Hari Prakash ji!" She interrupted, suddenly. "Leave it. I'll do it myself."
"Par...aap, memsaahb? (But you, miss?)" He asked, surprised. "Ji. Main dekh loongi! Waise bhi, itne badde ghar me poora din kya karoon main? (Yes, I'll see to it. Anyway, what will I do the entire day in a house so big?" He nodded. "Jaisi aapki marzi. (As you wish)"
The girl smiled. At least this would keep her occupied for an hour or so. She followed HP into the kitchen. What she saw was beyond her imagination. All the cabinets and cupboards were pure white and rimmed with gold around the borders. In the dead centre was a counter with a large, intricate glass chandalier hanging from above. The countertops were all made of marble stone and the young girl could not spot even a speck of dirt in the entire room. She scanned the entire area, awestruck. The kitchen, which she assumed would be the messiest place of the house, was perhaps the neatest and appeared completely unused.
If HP hadn't spoken at that very moment, she may have remained lost in admiration for a long time.
But he did. "Shuru karein memsaahb? (Shall we start, miss?)" She nodded, slowly heading over to the sink and dumping her bowl of cereal in it. There were no other dishes to be cleaned. In fact, she wondered if the man even HAD any other dishes! She couldn't see any! Shaking her head, she returned to the task at hand. No WAY this was going to last her an hour....
Maybe if she did it really slowly.....
"Aap theek tho hain na, memsaahb? (are you alright?)" Asked HP, breaking her out of her reverie. "HP ji, aapse ek baat puchoon? (Can I ask you something?)"
"Jee, beshak! (Yes, without a doubt!"
"Aapke saahb aapko kis baat ki paise dete hain? Yahaan tho kuch saaf karne ke liye bhi nahi hai! (What does your boss pay you for? There's nothing here to clean!)"
He chuckled. "Tho ye baat chal raha tha aapke man me! Aaj tak main ye sawaal ka jawab nahi dhoondh paya hoon memsaahb! Main tho bas ye samajh leta hoon ke ye sab bhagwaan ki daya aur maalik ki achayi ki waja se hain! (So that's what was going on in your mind! I haven't been able to figure out the answer to this question even today, miss! I just believe that it's 'Maalik's' [Arnav's] and God's kindness!"
She nodded, thoughtfully.
"Aapko lagta hai ke aapke maalik achhe hain? (Do you think your boss is a nice man?)" It was a question she was dying to know the answer for. Arnav was giving her mixed feelings. At times she felt so comfortable around him that it made her feel as if she were always meant to be here... and at others.... she felt as if she was staying with a stranger.
HP looked at her, knowingly.
"Jaante hain, mehmsaab. Pehli mulaakat me sab humaare maalik ke baareme aise hi sochte hain. Par jitne sakt woh bahar se dikhte hain na, andar se utne hi naram hain. Buhot acche hain, humaare maalik. Warna, hum jaise log, iss badi si duniya me na rahete. (I know, miss. At first sight, everyone thinks the same of my boss. But he's as soft on the inside as he is strict on the outside. He's very nice, my master! Otherwise, people like me would not be able to survive in a world like this.)"

*updating*

 

ArHi FF: Answered Prayers - Chapter 8

 

- Chapter 8 -

Dreams. Everyone had them. Arnav didn't. He had nightmares. In fact, his entire life was a nightmare. From the time he had lost his parents, till date, when he, the mighty Arnav Singh Raizada, had been shamefully dumped. Sometimes he wondered what his life would have been like if his past was not as gruesome as it was now. He wanted to feel normal. He wanted to live like an average man. But he couldn't. He was Arnav Singh Raizada. He had never listened to his heart. In fact, he had managed to form such a hard barrier around it that he barely ever felt the pain that he had once endured. Or so he liked to believe. Only he knew his dilemma. First Kiran... and now this.... Only he was stupid enough to bring a strange girl into his home and let her into his life. I thought you wouldn't become moved by emotions, Arnav. He thought, finally, before he gave a last look at the sleeping angel before him and closed his eyes.

Where am I?

Ir was the first thought that entered her mind as the bright sunlight fell on her face. She winced, feeling her head throbbing with pain. She didn't recognize the place. But she was inside. On someone's bed. How did I get here? But she had no answers to her questions. Suddenly, her eyes fell upon the strange form that was resting his head on her lap. She had an urge to push him away, frightened at her new surroundings. His face was hidden amongst the kurta of her suit. She couldn't see who he was. But whoever he was, it was clear that he had brought her to this place. Should I be scared of him? She wondered. Fear was the most logical reaction at such a situation, wasn't it? But somehow she was nothing but awestruck, looking at the sweet figure huddled against her. Slowly, she brushed her hand through his hair, sighing at the feel of it. This felt so strange...and yet so perfect. She heard a slight moan escape his lips and froze instantaneously. What am I doing? She thought, pulling away, horrified. She slid out from underneath him, awakening him in the process. Her knees weakened when her eyes fell upon him.

"You?!" She gasped. "How did you get here? It was you who brought me here, isn't it? How did you find me?!" He looked at her, his eyes widening and then hardening in anger. How dare this chit of a girl question HIM?! Suddenly, her hands reached for her neck, feeling the emptiness against it. Her face paled and her heart was sinking. Her dupatta was missing. "I knew it." She murmured."I knew it the moment you asked me to come home with you in the hospital. I had guessed your intentions then and there. Hai devi mayyia! God knows what happened last night." Hot tears welled into her eyes as she moved away from him, frightened and angry all at once.

"Listen to me." Arnav whispered, clenching his fists. The girl fell on her knees, sobbing. "What's left to listen?! How could you...? How could you even think of me like that?! All bloody men are the same." She screamed, making a futile attempt to cover her neck and chest with her arms. She knew it was only a dupatta. She knew it didn't mean anything. But somehow, she felt as if she had endured all of this before.... That she had experienced this very same situation.... with him...? Or with someone? She didn't know. But all this was reminding her of memories that were aching to be brought back. "I hate you. I hate you so much Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada!" She screamed at last. And that was it. That was the last straw. Arnav rushed to her, clutching her by the arms and pulling her to her feet. "Look at me." Her eyes remained fixed to the ground, defiantly. His fingers reached under her chin, lifting her face and ensuring that her eyes were locked onto his. "First, when I tell you to do something, you do it - no questions asked. Second, learn to shut up. Give your mouth a rest and listen to me, dammit." She looked at him, furiously, stupefied by his behaviour. "Nothing happened last night." He said, finally. "I just... I was looking for you. You left the hospital." The way he stated the final sentence sounded less of a fact and more of an accusation. "Do you have ANY idea of what I went through when I couldn't find you?!" He shouted, shaking her fiercely. "I was going crazy thinking about where you could possibly be while shunning the frightening thoughts about what might have happened to you! And you know what the worst part of it was?! That I felt responsible for losing you!" The girl's brown eyes were widened in shock. But Arnav was too furious to stop there. "And you?! You actually thought I would take advantage of you?! OF YOU?! You think too highly of yourself. What do you have? Nothing. Not the looks, not the personality. Just, NOTHING! And yet, you dare to think that I might want to do such a thing to you?!" Arnav was heaving with anger. For a second, he thought he might explode. He was known for his fury after all. "You know what, leave. Maybe I was wrong to bring you here. Just...go away."
He pushed the stunned girl away from him and strode out of his bedroom, leaving her alone once again.
For the longest time, he stood staring at himself at the enormous wall mirror that hung in his stylish washroom. He couldn't believe himself. What had gotten into him last night? Had he really slept with his head in her lap? Why? Why had he not been able to stop himself? Even in his most sober state, he had behaved as if he was drunk. How could he have gotten so carried away? And then this morning. Why had he been so hurt at her accusations.
I would have been hurt if anyone had said that to me.
He thought, trying to find comfort. But he knew he was lying to himself. He had never bothered about what others thought about him. He was a self-made man - ruthless and heartless. Then what now? Why had he felt so affected by her words? And perhaps it had not been the best of ideas to tell her to go away. From what he had learned about her so far, he knew that she wouldn't hesitate to walk away once again. He didn't want to face her. He didn't want to talk to her. But he couldn't just let her leave!
Besides, she's not completely alright yet.... She still looks feverish. He would keep her in his house will she strengthened, and then that was that. Destiny would decide her fate. Groaning in defeat, he strode grudgingly out to inform her of his decision.
The girl sat on his bed, holding her knees in her hands, feeling shocked. What had just happened to her? Why was she so scared of him one minute and so... so close to him the next? Why had she gotten so upset when he had insulted her? When he had told her that she had nothing to offer him? Was she hurt? And there came the question again: why? Who was he to her?! No one. Someone who claimed to have saved her from the accident. She closed her eyes, sighing. Claimed to have saved me? Why am I not able to trust him? Why would he lie about saving me? And then it struck her. She owed this man her life. If he hadn't come to her rescue on time.... She shuddered, thinking about what could have happened. And here I am, She thought, Yelling at the man who saved my life! She buried her head in her hands, feeling the tears spilling down her cheeks. What has gotten into me? Was I always like this? A new bout of fear came over her. She still couldn't remember who she was. And how long exactly had it been since her accident? A day? Maybe more? This wasn't normal.... I need to know what's going on with me. She thought, frightened of herself. Suddenly she felt a rough hand land on her shoulder. "Hey..."
Her heart fluttered in her chest. It was him. "Hey..." She replied back, trying to keep her voice steady. He sighed. "Look. I'm not good with all this... apologizing business. The point is... I didn't mean what I said before... about never wanting to see you again.... I mean... you can stay... until you get better. But that's it. Then you're on your own. Got it?"
She shook her head. "No. You were right. I was wrong. I've bothered you enough already.... You had to go through so much trouble for me... saving me twice... first getting me to the hospital and now bringing me to your house....I can't accept anymore favours from you. I should go."
The words escaped her lips regrettfully. She had no idea what was to come next. How would she survive in such a large city with no money, no family (at least not that she knew of) and no shelet? Heck, she didn't even know her name! The fear she felt at that very moment was overwhelming. But she had truly meant what she said. He didn't deserve this. What had he ever done to get a girl like her behind him? It wasn't fair to him.
In the very next moment, thankfully, Arnav voiced her fears. "And where exactly are you planning on staying?" The young girl's eyes were laced with tears. She didn't know. She didn't want to think about what would happen next. Most likely, she would find herself on the streets, in no time at all, hungry and tired. Who would bother offering her even a job in a city with so much competition? And had she ever had any work experience in her life? She couldn't remember. Of course, a shabby looking, exhausted girl asking for work would not exactly be a plus point for her. Most likely, the person whom she was asking the job to would kick her out. She didn't have a chance.
"I...I don't know." She admitted. "But I'll figure something out." Would she? She was not certain.
He sighed, folding his his arms on his chest. "Who are you trying to kid? Have you seen yourself in the mirror?" Somehow, the girl felt offended.
"But I can't possibly allow you to let me stay.... I'm not so selfish Mr. Raizada." He looked at her, surprised at her behaviour. She was surely an original piece. How could anyone, who practically looked like they were dying, refuse such an offer? It was truly astounding. "Look. I'm not interested in keeping you in my house either. But I don't want to be responsible if anything happens to you after you leave, because guess what? If something DOES happen to you, I'll be the first person that the police come after. And trust me, I DON'T plan on living the rest of myself in jail. So you are not leaving, and that is FINAL." His eyes were flaring red with anger. No one refused Arnav Singh Raizada. No one.
The young woman gazed searchingly at him for a few moments. What was this man made of? At times, he was so angelic... the way he had laid his head on her lap and slept. And then the very next, from he transformed into a devil, anger literally reverbrating through his form. At last, she gave a sigh of defeated relief and followed him out of the bedroom.
House? Scratch that. More like a mansion. Almost like the ones shown in movies. Except those were sets, made of plastic and styrofoam. This? This was the real thing. The moment she entered, she felt as if she were a peasant, walking in to meet the owner of the mansion - the king. She felt almost insulted. This was not the place for someone like her. She didn't belong.
It wasn't that she didn't like the house. In fact, it was far from it. She adored the house. The way he had decorated it, with just the perfect touch of serenity. The abstract art that lined the walls.... the water fountain in the middle of the main hall with  two stone angels at the top. It was downright gorgeous. But a person like her would never feel entirely comfortable in such an enormous mansion. It was just too much.
Nevertheless, the appreciation she felt for Arnav had grown ten-fold. Despite being of such high standards, he had never really made her feel... less in value than him. And she doubted many people had that skill. She continued her walk through his house, awed at every aspect of it.
"Freshen up." She was shaken out of her thoughts by Arnav's voice. "I'll have Hari Prakash get breakfast on the table. You should get something to eat." The girl nodded, wondering where she would find a bathroom in such an enormous palace of a house. And then, as if he had read her thoughts, he responded. "The washroom is to the left, right down that hall." She gave him another nod, moving in his mentioned direction.
She almost fainted when she saw the washroom. Washroom? Forget that. The room was big enough to live in. Every inch of the room was spotlessly clean. Not a speck of dirt in sight. As if it hadn't been used at all. From inside the exquisite glass shower, she could smell fine perfumes of different soaps, making her feel light headed. Slowly she walked to the large, ovular wall mirror. So this is how she looked? Not ugly... but not exactly beautiful either. The lines of her face were soft and her skin was a palish brown - as if she hadn't seen the sun for a few weeks. They were her eyes that caught her attention. Somewhere along the lines of black and brown. She wasn't sure exactly which. But those eyes.... Were they really her own? She felt as if she were looking at her body through someone else's shoes. She sighed, leaning against the countertop. It was so horrible... the feeling of not knowing who you are.... How was she ever going to figure anything out? She turned the metal handle of the tap to the left.
Cold. The water pounded against the skin of her hands. She closed her eyes, ignoring the shiver that raced up her spine. Slowly bending down, she leaned her head into the sink, splashing her face with the icy water. It felt nice. Ironically, comforting to her confused mind. I need to know who I am. She thought. I need to remember. This is not right. Who was she? Who was her family? Did she even have one? How did the accident happen? Why didn't she remember anything? Why wasn't Arnav telling her more? Why was he behaving so... strangely around her? The hurdle of questions whirring around her mind were dizzying to say the least. I'll figure it all out. She promised herself. But first... I have to thank him. Properly. He had already done a lot more than necessary for her. She reached for the towel next to her and buried her face into it. Why was her life so complicated? And there it was. Another question that she had no answer to. Sighing, she returned the towel to its rightful spot and made her way out.

  

ArHi FF Answered Prayers - Chapter 7

- Chapter 7 -

 

The rain poured over the streets of Delhi unceasingly. The wipers in almost every car visible on the road (which was not many, mind you) were working in a furious attempt to overpower the rain. With an enormous storm on the way, however, this was not an easy task.

Arnav squinted through the thick glass of his equisite black car realizing that it was going to be much harder to reach his goal than he had once presumed it to be. Dammit, she could be anywhere right now! He thought feeling a thin lace of guilt line his worry. If anything happens to her, I won't ever be able to forgive myself. But it wouldn't come to that. He wouldn't let it come to that. He had to find her.

His foot pounced on the accelerator with an increased vigour.  With every sound of thunder that tore the sky, Arnav's worry grew ten-fold. In a few moments, it would begin to rain like never before. That meant road blockages. It meant accidents. And who, amongst the speeding cars on the dark road would be able to spot a woman not even his shoulder height with barely enough energy to walk down the street? He knew the answer. No one. Not a chance. And that meant that she could be anywhere. That meant that she could be in any state. Possibly hurt.

He had been searching for her a good four hours. He had looked everywhere that he could think to go, searching every corner for the girl who had etched herself into his brown irises. But each time, he was left disheartened. 

The sound of water slipping under the tires of his car was prominent. And he decided to concentrate on it, instead of the worry that was nagging away at him in the back of his mind. Khushi, where are you...?
He didn't know why she meant so much to him. He didn't understand then why a girl he had met not even two days ago held so much importance in his life. Why was he so desperate to find her? She was not his responsibility after all, and he had clearly mentioned this to the doctor in charge of her. And yet... and yet he had gone to the trouble of enquiring about her from the hospital staff and now was spending not one or two, but four staggering hours trying to find the same girl. Why?
He didn't know. How would he find her? He didn't know. How long could he continue to drive in the deathly darkness of the night? He didn't know. He didn't care. He would continue to try with all the strength in his body as long as he didn't find her. Because he knew that even though she hadn't come out and said so directly to his face, she still needed him. Now, with a storm approaching, with no clothes, no money and no shelter, she needed him even more. And it was this fact that kept him motivated to continue his search.
Suddenly, he heard felt the loud vibration of his cell phone. Quickly attaching the bluetooth to his ear, he clicked on his phone, murmuring a tense greeting to his caller. "Arnav?" Was the response he got. His hand grew cold. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, in order to avoid doing something he was sure to regret later. He wanted to say so much to her. He wanted to do so much to her. But he didn't. He reached for his phone, and was just about to click the "end" button when the voice broke through once again. "Before you cut the phone, just listen to me once...." She pleaded. Arnav felt a coldness arise within him that he never knew existed. "Don't you think that the three years I've wasted with you are more than enough?" He spat into the phone, still trying (and failing) to keep his cool. "I know, Arnav! I know I was wrong and I wanted to tell you, but-" It took all of Arnav's inner strength to control himself. "But what?" He murmured in a deadly whisper. "But you were too busy seducing him to talk to me, right? But you forgot? But you didn't think this was important enough to let me know? But you were having too much fun spending my money? But WHAT dammit?!" He asked, fury ignighting his very soul. "Arnav please, it's not what you think! I...I wanted to tell you! But I was scared... scared that-"
"You know what, Kiran? I just. don't. care. You can do whatever you want with whomever you want. You didn't bother to tell me? Fine. But it's over between us. We're done. I'm done...with you." With that, Arnav at last clicked the button that he had been desperate to click since the beginning of the conversation - "end".
His eyes were moist. He didn't know when he started to cry. The tears rolled unstoppingly down his cheeks. The one woman that he had trusted. The one woman he had truly loved. And this is the betrayal that she gave him. Ditching him for another man. He felt his heart break at the thought. She's not worth it Arnav. She's not worth you. Said a part of him. But his heart refused to listen and the tears continued to fall. If he hadn't spotted the pale figure crouched on a nearby bench, he may never have stopped crying. It was her. The same girl he had been searching for like a mad man. His foot hit the breaks as if by reflex action and a flood of relief came over him. He had never liked lightning. Truth be told, he was slightly scared of it. But today was different. It was solely thanks to the burst of sudden light that had illuminated the girl's face that he had seen her. He parked the car, quickly unbuckling his seatbelt and rushing over to her side. She looked exhausted. No, exhausted had to be an understatement. She appeared as if she hadn't eaten for days straight and he could tell she had given up all hope of survival. She sat on the park bench, head facing upwards and eyes closed. Her pale blue salwaar kameez was drenched and clung to her body like a second skin. And there she sat, shivering, hair unbrushed, dark circles under her eyes with the palest of skin he had ever seen in his life. He felt choked up. Suffocated. This was all because of him. No one was to blame but him. He cursed himself for letting her go...for letting his ego come between righteousness. A new round of tears fell from his eyes - this time from the relief of having her in front of him.
His hand reached for her cheeks, subconsciously. He heard her sharp intake of breath as his hand came in contact with her skin. She was colder than ice. "I'm here...I'm here now..." Arnav whispered, soothingly. He shook her slowly, trying to awaken her. But she lay still. Her eyes were closed. Her lips quivered and her skin continued to deprive itself of colour. Arnav felt his breath hitch. Why isn't she waking up?! He shook her with vigour. But she was motionless. Oh my god. Oh my god. This is not good. He thought to himself. Heart thudding violently in his chest, he lifted her into his arms, quickly rushing to the shelter of his car.
"It's going to be ok, I promise!" He whispered to the silent girl, while changing the gear on his car from parking to drive. He stepped on the accelorator, knowing full well that it was now or never. He had to get her home - get her changed as soon as possible. Despite the fact that he was driving as if his life depended on it, the journey home seemed to be unusually long. Throughout the drive, he stole quiet glances at the unconscious girl next to him. Everytime he looked at her, she seemed to weaken. So when he stopped the car next to his enormous guest house at last, a mixed feeling of worry, concern, guilt, regret and relief took over him. He lifted her gently in his arms, as if she was more delicate than porcelin. He strode into the guest house, while gazing into her white face. For the first time in a long time, Arnav Singh Raizada was terrified. For her. He picked up a dry towel from the washroom cupboard and tossed it over his shoulder before softly placing her on the grand four poster bed.  I won't let anything happen to you. He whispered, sincerely meaning it. He took the towel in his hand, gently wiping the drops of water from her face. His hand ran from her forehead, to her eyes, to her nose, to her lips, forbidding even a single drop of water to adorn her face. His hand lowered then, to her neck. He slowly pulled off her dupatta, patting the area dry. She is beautiful. He thought, in spite of himself. He lowered his hand, running the towel on the exposed skin just above the neckline on her suit. He lingered, feeling entranced. How can a girl be so beautiful and so innocent at the same time? He wondered. His hands moved to her arms. He caressed her gently, leaving the towel aside and taking her wetness on his own fingertips. His fingers left a hot trail from her shoulder, covered by the blue kameez to her arm, all the way to her hand. He paused, feeling a new kind of emotion arise within him. He had never felt a desperation like such. Slowly, hesitantly, he entwined his fingers with her. It felt so breathtaking...so heavenly....so..so perfect. She looked so peaceful when she slept. So angelic that he wanted to continue to gaze at her, simply transfixed.
Wait. What??!
He opened his eyes (which he hadn't realized were closed) shuddering at what he had just felt...at what he had just done. He immediately released her fingers, picking up the towel and quickly drying her other arm. He felt shaken up. How could he have thought of her in such a way?! Especially after such a bad break up with Kiran. Hadn't he promised himself the very same night that he would not allow himself to trust any woman again? So what was he doing now?! And to top it all off, he didn't know a damn thing about the girl that was now sleeping on his bed! She could be a murderer or a prison runaway for all he knew! Looks can be decieving could they not? But then...there was a part of him that knew she could be trusted. A part of him that said that the innocence on her face was not a mask, but a mirror of what lay inside her.
He was broken out of his thoughts by the pained moan that escaped her lips. Her mouth moved, creating inaudible syllables. Her face was controrted and he could tell that she was having difficulty breathing. Quickly, he stood, reaching for his cell phone. Almost instantaneously, he had reached the person on the other end - a doctor. He described her symptoms rapidly, barely taking a moment to breathe in between. "...She's trying hard to get oxygen, but the colour is draining from her face pretty quickly!" He announced, feeling the tension rising. "What should I do doctor?" He finished at last.
"Is she still unconscious?"
Arnav gazed at her form, feeling warm tears line his eyes. "Partly. She's awakening now."
"She needs air." Was the response he received from the other end. Arnav felt a bout of frustration. As if he didn't know that already! "She won't make it to the hospital. She's suffocating. You have to get her out of the house. Into the fresh air. But she'll still need to be examined. She's faced a lot and this incident could have caused a lot of trauma to her brain. I'm coming over there right now."
Arnav looked at her, his entire body quivering. What was he saying? She was suffocating? Examinations? Head trauma? His mind whirred in a whilpool of thoughts. But out of them all, there was only one that was knawing at him each instant. He hadn't planned to voice it. He hadn't planned to ask it. But he did. "D-doctor, she has to be ok. She will be ok. You can save her, right?" He didn't know if it was a statement of a question. Maybe both. But the answer he got was far from the comfort that he had been searching for.
The doctor was hesitant. And in those two seconds of delay, Arnav died a thousand deaths.
"...we will try our best Mr. Raizada."
And saying so, the line was cut.
Arnav's actions were almost robotic. He didn't even have to think about it. He went to her side, picking her up in his arms as if she were weightless and proceeded out of the room. It was only upon hearing her muffled moans that Arnav eased the tension in his arms and resolved to a gentler grasp on her. She was in pain. And something about her being in pain caused him pain.
She had already been hurt enough because of him. She didn't need any more of it.
The burst of cool air felt comforting to his hot skin when he pushed open the front door. The girl lay limp in his arms. She tried to move. Tried to fight the force of his arms away, but she was too weak.
"Shh..." he whispered soothingly. "I'm not going to hurt you." And although she didn't entirely stop struggling in his arms, she began to relent. There was something about his voice.... It was so familiar.... As if she had known it for ages. She suddenly wondered who the owner of the husky voice was. She knew him. Or at least... it felt like it. Something about his voice was comforting, telling her that he was being honest...that he wouldn't hurt her....
Even in her subconscious state, she was fighting a battle within herself. Should she trust him? Would he help her, or hurt her? Who was he? She wanted to know. She needed to know. But her eyes felt as if they weighed a thousand pounds. She couldn't open them if she tried.
And then she heard him.
"It's ok.... You need help. And I'm here to help you! Don't be scared...."
It felt as if he could somehow control her mind. Control her heart. Somehow, she didn't feel frightened anymore. His voice had an unexplainable calming effect.
But that wouldn't change anything. She still had to know.
"P-Pl..ea..se... wh...o are...y..ou...?"
Her voice escaped as a mumbled whisper. "No...not now. Just relax. Breathe."
Slowly, he helped her down on the decorative porch swing that adorned his guest house. Her breath escaped in ragged gasps. But the initial paleness that he had witnessed on her face was dispersing. He decided to take it as a good sign. He didn't know what was helping her more - the fresh air, or his soothing voice. Whatever it was, he would go to any length to put her out of her pain. "You'll be ok.... I'm right here...right beside you.... I won't let anything happen to you.... I promise...." Her eyes were still closed but a calmness was overshadowing the look of fear he had seen earlier. A sudden pain stabbed his heart. He knew he was responsible for her state. If only he hadn't acted out of anger in the hospital. If only he hadn't left her alone like that. If only he hadn't wasted so much time. If only....
"I'm sorry...." He said. It was barely a whisper. He himself could barely hear
Suddenly, he felt a light squeeze on his hand. When he gazed downward, he was dumbfounded. It was her. Even in her subconscious state, she was holding his hand, almost forgivingly. Had she heard him? But how could that be? His words had barely been audible, even to himself! Shaking his head with disbelief, he admired her sleeping form, full of inquisitiveness. She was really something. Suddenly he heard the deafening noise of an ambulance approaching. Quickly snapping himself out of his thoughts, he turned, moving towards the speeding vehicles.
"Over here!" He yelled, running towards them, although he knew his cries over the sound of the ambulance alarms would be inaudible. Still, he would try. Two doctors rushed out, followed by their assistants to examine her. She was losing air by the moment. Arnav closed his eyes, memories from the past filling his mind. He remembered how his mother had passed away. He had seen the colour drain from her face the same way. He shuddered. He couldn't see another person die in front of him. He wouldn't be able to bear it. It would surely be the end of him.
He was shaken out of his thoughts by the words of the doctor. "Oh my god. She has a very high fever. I didn't know this when I asked you to take her outside. Nurse!"
He called, turning to a young woman behind him. "Get the stretcher over here now. We're going to need to hospitalize her." Arnav felt his heart skip a beat. Hospitalize? "N-No! I won't allow that!" He exclaimed, surprised at his sudden outburst. The doctor turned, shocked. "Excuse me?"
Arnav's mind was blank. Why had he refused it? "Uh... Mera matlab hai... I mean... if the treatment could be done from home.... I would like to keep her near me actually..." The minute the words escaped his lips, he knew it had come out wrong. He hadn't meant that. At least not in this way. But he remembered what happened the last time he had left her at the hospital. He resisted a shudder at the thought. The doctor gazed at him silently for a moment, before nodding. "That's fine. But keep in mind that you'll have to take extra care of her here. She's worse than she looks." Arnav's heart skipped a beat for some godforsaken reason. He nodded. "You don't have to worry about that, doctor. She'll be receiving the best care here."The doctor smiled. "Something tells me I can count on you for that. Nurse! Take her inside!"
"No." Arnav shook his head. "Let me do that." Without waiting for a response, he bent down, taking the frail girl into his arms. Her body was limp against his and he could feel her struggled breath caressing his neck. He sighed, at the proximity. Having her close gave him a feeling of utmost serenity. But as much as he loved the feeling, he hated the way his body was reacting at that moment.
His eyes lingered a moment longer before he set her down on the bed.  He heard her utter a soft whimper of pain which sent his mind into complete fear mode. He moved away, allowing the doctors to examine her. Please... He prayed. Let her be alright. He thought, although he was not entirely sure as to whom this prayer was being sent. He closed his eyes, sinking down onto a chair beside her bed. It had been such a long day. He had never received so many shocks all at once... first being insulted, and then losing her at the hospital... and then finding her in THAT state... outside...sick.... And now, of course, how could he forget the strange reactions that his body was experiencing by merely looking at her? He turned away, disgusted at himself. Stop being such a pervert Arnav. He admonished himself. He had never looked at any woman till date in such a way. And then she had come along. Just the way she looked at him seemed to turn him on. What is wrong with me? He thought. This type of behaviour was definately not his type.
Sighing, he bent down on his knees, gently resting his head in her lap as he watched her. She was the definition of serenity. Even after all that had happened, she looked peaceful...calm...unaffected...just like a lotus on water. She was beautiful.


ArHi FF Answered Prayers - Chapter 6

- Chapter 6 -

 

"I asked for a coffee dammit, not tea!" roared Arnav Singh Raizada at his petrified secretary.

Her face suddenly controrted into a pained expression. But this was only to be expected. Everyone at AR companies was well aware of Arnav's anger. When he was angry, he transformed from the business tycoon Arnav Singh Raizada to the devil itself (minus the stereotypical horns on the head and the fiery tail of course). Lucky were those few odd people who managed to avoid him in his times of anger. And those poor souls who faced Arnav's wrath were scarred for the remainder of their employment at his company. Unfortunately, it seemed that today was simply not a good day for the employees of AR.

"Next time you bring me what I ASK you to bring, got it?!" He continued, fury swimming in his eyes. The young woman stood trembling in front of him. She was certain that he had told her to bring tea. In fact, most of the her co-workers had heard him say the same. But she had not completely lost her mind yet. She knew better than to argue with Arnav Singh Raizada.

"Y-yessir! I-I'm sorry sir! Right away sir! Will there be anything else?" Lisa felt more like a waiter at a hotel rather than Arnav's secretary. But if she wanted her job, she would have to stick with being a waiter for now. "Did I ASK for anything else?!" He screeched. Lisa's heart was at her feet. She seemed to be doing everything wrong today. She bit her lip, tasting her own metallic blood as she shook her head. There was another moment of silence before Arnav smacked his hand on the table. "Well then?! What the hell are you waiting for?! Go get my damn COFFEE!" She could feel the tears brimming in her eyes. In all her six years of working at AR, she had faced Arnav's anger numerous times. But nothing like today. The frustration seemed to be pouring out of him to such an extent that it was becoming unbearable to even be near him let alone speak to him. His secretary nodded before making a hasty exit out the door lest she be scolded once more.

Arnav sank down in his revolving chair after hearing the door come to a tight close behind his secretary. He let out an exhasperated sigh. He was upset, hurt and furious all at once. Not a good combo. And when it came to Arnav Singh Raizada? DEFINATELY NOT a good combo. The worst part of it was that he himself wasn't sure of the reason behind his bad mood. He would never admit that the girl in the hospital could have played a part of it. A part of him was anxious. Maybe it hadn't been the best idea to leave her behind - especially when her mental state was not exactly what one would describe as "stable". Another part of him was angry at the absurd accusations that had been thrown upon him by the girl. Had she really thought that he was just waiting to take advantage of her? OF HER? She thinks too highly of herself. His hand was fisted so tightly that his knuckles had turned a strange shade of white. Me - Arnav Singh Raizada - interested in that...that THING of a girl?! She obviously hasn't seen her face in the mirror. Messy hair, swollen lips, fat nose...oh yeah, that's just BEGGING for her to be taken, isn't it? But he knew that she wasn't completely wrong to doubt him. She barely knew him after all! He was just a stranger to her! So it was only natural for her to misunderstand him...right? But after all I did for her.... I stayed up the whole night for her, dammit! And then a sudden burst of guilt filled him. And who was the one who brought her to such state in the first place? Me.... He closed his eyes, rubbing his temples meekly. You're the one who caused the accident Arnav. You're the one who took her entire life away from her. He thought, in spite of himself. You have absolutely no right to believe that you did a favour for her by staying up the whole night. And what did she say, anyways that made you so angry?! All she told you was to leave. And it was becuase YOU suggested to HER that she should live in your house. Any sane girl would misunderstand it! But instead of correcting your mistake, you decided to WALK OUT OF THERE because your damn ego was so hurt? What kind of a man are you?! Arnav felt his head spinning with thoughts. Was he right or was he wrong? Should he have left her or should he have not? Should he have brought her home with him or not? Was she safe right now? Was she feeling better? Should he go to the hospital now? Should he talk to her? Try to correct her misunderstanding? Try to convince her to come home with him? To say that he was totally confused would be an understatement. But right now, the only thought he had was whether or not the girl he had seen this morning was alright. He had to know.

Quickly, he picked up the phone, searching in the directory for the hospital number. He had just about managed to find the page when he heard three light raps on the door. "May I come in, sir?" It was his secretary. "Come in." He declared, gruffly. She walked in, balancing a mug of coffee with a plate of biscuits on the silver tray. Arnav glared at the coffee and then at the cookies, as if they had committed a sin simply by existing. "I...I know you like these biscuits... so... so I brought them along with the coffee." She answered, meekly. "B-But if you don't want them, I'll take them away right now, sir." She added, seeing his eyes harden. There was a moment of silence, as Arnav contemplated on whether to send another round of fiery insults at his employee or not. After moments of thinking, he finished with, "No. Leave them here. You may leave." Lisa gazed at him, surprised. She had expected something more...erm...dramatic to say the least. With papers flying, some screaming, loud enough to break the glass walls around his cabin and perhaps a few tears as well. And upon not receiving any of them, his secretary was left with quite a shock. She nodded, not wanting to push her luck as she stepped out the door.
Arnav's eyes trailed back down to the directory as he scanned the page for the hospital's number. In the next two minutes, Arnav had efficiently found the number, dialed it, and had already begun conversing with the hospital staff. "Hello, is this City Hospital?" Upon receiving a confirmation, Arnav continued. "I need details about a patient in your hospital." He bit his lip, feeling suddenly nervous. But the response he heard next, reignited the fire within him. "We are sorry sir, but we cannot give you personal information about any patient in this hospital unless you are a relative of that patient." Arnav stood up, shocked. Who the hell had the audacity to refuse an order from Arnav Singh Raizada himself? "Do you have any idea who I am? I can close down your hospital in 30 days, I can get all the workers of your hospital jobless in 3 days and I can get YOU fired in 3 SECONDS flat. So you might want to put a little more thought into it before you refuse me." There was silence. And then he spoke. "Alright sir. Which patient do you want to know about?"  Arnav smirked to himself, satisfied with the reponse. "There was a woman in room 306. She was diagnosed with retrograde amnesia. Came in yesterday. I need to know how she's doing." He could hear files being opened and closed and also the rustling of papers. After some brief moments of wait, the man answered. "It says in her file that her physical state was perfectly fine...no change in mental health.... She's been prescribed with some antibiotics. They'll help with the pain that she'll be experiencing these next few days. She was discharged about an hour ago." Arnav almost choked on the coffee that he was sipping. "WHAT?! DISCHARGED?! WITHOUT INFORMING ME?!" His rage escalated to a new level altogether. How could they have been so irresponsible to have done such a thing?! Not one phone call to him? Was that even legal?! Where would she go? What state would she be in right now?! She had no money, no clothes, no food, no shelter, no nothing! How would she survive?! And then he felt his heart sink. It's your fault. He realized. All your fault Arnav. You're the one who told the doctor not to inform you of anything to do with that girl.... That's why they didn't call. That's why she's been discharged without a word to you. Because of your own stupidity. But it was time to correct matters now. If he had created problems, he would fix them as well. He wouldn't let her suffer. He wouldn't see her be hurt by his foolishness anymore...first with the car accident... and now by simply letting her go.... He would have to find her. No matter what it took he would find her and he would protect her. No Matter What. Hang in there, sweetheart.... he thought. I'm coming. 

ArHi FF Answered Prayers - Chapter 5

- Chapter 5 -

He gazed at her sleeping form. The large, brown eyes that he had seen earlier were now closed. Locks of her black hair caressed her pink cheeks lovingly as she slept. The rise and fall of her chest, and the small smile playing on her lips were enough to melt him. And oblivious to the flurry of emotions arousing him, she slept. She was truly an angel.

And because of his sheer ignorance, he had managed to hurt her. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

But he knew that words were not going to reverse the damage that he had already done.

It was 2:30 in the morning.

He sat near her bed, waiting for her to awaken. The doctors had given him permission at last to stay beside her. And since the moment he had entered the room, his eyes had not left her face. He didn't close his eyes for more than a second at a time, afraid that she might just dissappear into thin air if he did so. But she slept peacefully. Undisturbed and uncaring of his presence.

He didn't know how long he had been staring at her. Simply running his eyes over every part of her face... her pink cheeks... the mole near her mouth... the curve of her lips... But when he finally looked away, at the window in the corner of the room, he noticed the first rays of light make their way inside.

The girl winced, sensing the sudden brightness in the room. It was the first movement he had seen in her for hours. His heart fluttered. I'm just nervous. That's all. He told himself, trying to find a solution for the way his body was reacting. But nervous of what? He had yet to find out.

Arnav stood, stiffly, walking towards the window. He reached for the thin thread of the curtain, pulling the blinds further down. Darkness filled the room once more. He turned to her. The brows which had been furrowed only moments ago were as peaceful as the water on a still lake. Arnav exhaled, feeling relaxed. His head felt heavy from the lack of sleep and the over-indulgence of alcohol. But he didn't want to fall asleep. Not yet.

He walked back towards his place on the stool, resting his head on the girl's pillow. I won't fall asleep. He thought. I won't fall asleep. I won't fa-

***

It was about mid afternoon when the girl awoke. She looked around her, confused. Where was she? And then it hit her. The hospital... The man. Her eyes slowly fell on the side of her bed. And there HE lay. His head on her pillow, sleeping soundly. She was shocked. Who was he? At first he had told her that he didn't know her. And then he had said that he saved her from the accident. And now? Here he was, lying on her pillow. She shifted, trying to maintain distance. Slowly, hesitantly, she touched his shoulder, trying to awaken him.

His head shot up. "What?! What happened?!" He looked at her, stunned. And she looked right back at him. His heart raced. Her heart raced. Arnav cleared his throat. "Ahem. Uh... Sorry about that." He mumbled, referring to his light nap on her bed. She nodded, waiting for him to continue. "H-How are you feeling?" He stammered. She was silent. He looked away, feeling slightly embarrased. How could he have fallen asleep like that?! He hadn't meant to. He had made the situation all the more awkward. "I...I still don't remember anything." She whispered.

He felt his heart sink. So what did you expect? He asked himself. To be perfectly honest, he himself didn't know what he expected. He just wished that she would remember. That she would remember something of her past. Make some progress. So that the massive guilt holding him each minute might lessen. It's hardly been a day. He reminded himself. He would have to go easy on her. Not have too many expectations.

"Don't worry. It's normal. It happens." He declared comfortingly. Tears began to line her eyes. "Really? This..." She whispered, waving her hands, "is normal? This is what happens after an accident?" She raised her knees up to her chest and wound her arms around them. "I feel like I've lost everything. Or maybe, I've never had anything to begin with. I feel... so alone... Like I don't have anything to live for... like my life doesn't have any meaning left..." She buried her head in her knees and began to cry. It was small sobs at first, ending with loud, full-fledged crying.

Arnav didn't know what to do. He wanted to comfort her. But what could he do? And then he did it. He said something which he himself did not expect to say.

"I'm there for you." Her muffled cries stopped at once. "Wh-what?" She asked. She was as stunned as he was. What had he just said. "I...I mean, don't worry. You can come to my house. I'll...uh... i'll take care of you." Khushi's eyes widened in shock and hardened soon afterwards. "Who the hell do you think you are, sir?!" She screamed. Her chest heaved. "All men are the same. Taking advantage of women just so that they can fulfill their own pleasures. Disgusting." She looked away, ashamed. "Get out." Arnav was bewildered. "Wha-at?! No! I mean- You're getting me all wrong! Please!"

Her eyes roamed over him in distaste. "Didn't you hear me? Get. the. hell. out. of. here." For some reason, Arnav felt a zing of pain jolt through him. "Please, just hear me out once..." He pleaded. But the girl was unrelenting. She looked away in sheer disgust.

Feeling his heart sinking, walked towards the door, turning one last time to look at her. Trying to motion with his eyes of her misconception. But her expression was as hard as it had been moments ago.

Slowly... hesitantly, he took the few remaining steps and headed out the door. He sighed, shoving his hands in his pocket to retrieve his sunglasses. He was Arnav Singh Raizada. THE Arnav Singh Raizada. The one who didn't beg for the mercy of anyone. Especially not a girl. Especially not after what had happened last night with Kiran. He winced, feeling the pain resurface.

Forget it Arnav. She's not worth it. He thought to himself, fiercely as he masked the expressions in his eyes with the glasses.

"Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada?!" The voice came from behind him. A male's voice. He stopped. The man walked forward with a smile on his face. He wore a white coat and had round wire-rimmed glasses. "Hi. I'm Doctor Anand." Arnav didn't smile back, nor did he raise his hands to meet the doctor's outstretched ones. A cold uncomfortable silence followed.

"Erm... I..uh... I presume you're a relative of the patient in room 306?" He asked, motioning towards the room Arnav had just come from. Arnav stiffened. "Consider it something like that. What about it?"

He smiled. "Well, my fellow doctors and I were expecting another episode of yesterday..."

Arnav remembered the panic attack that she had faced upon losing her memory the day before. He forced back a shudder. "Look, Doc. I'm a busy man. And I don't like having to repeat myself. But for your sake, I'll ask again. What about it?"

The doctor's smile faded. He coughed, clearing his throat. "Erm... I... just wanted to tell you that you handled the situation pretty well. She seems much calmer than she was yesterday." Arnav shrugged. "It's got nothing to do with me. Anyways, I've got to go. If you need anything - "

He was about to say, If you need anything, you can inform me. But remembering the events that occurred that morning and the insult that he faced he finished with "If you need anything, don't bother to call me."

"But Mr. Raizada!" Called the doctor. "She is being released from the hospital tomorrow! Where will she go?" Arnav shrugged. "Not my business. Not my problem."

And saying so, he walked away without a second thought.

ArHi FF Answered Prayers - Chapter 4

- Chapter 4 -

It took him a moment to stabilize himself.

What was she saying?

What did she mean she didn't remember anything? How was it possible?

He gazed at her, with utmost shock in his brown irises.

Her hand flew to her head, in a frantic attempt to remember her past. Tears flooded down her red eyes, scarring her pink cheeks with their presense.

And then he knew.

He knew that for her sake, he would have to remain calm. He would have to pretend that nothing was wrong. That she was perfectly fine.

"Well... of course you don't remember anything!"

He began. She paused briefly, looking at him pleadingly for the answers that he didn't have.

"I mean, after an accident like that, it's only natural..."

He sputtered, feeling thankful for fishing out a half logical answer.

"You're tired. Plus, with all the medications the doctors have given you, you can't possibly be expected to remember anything straightaway."

He forced a smile on his lips and neared her. "Give it some time..." He said while helping her to lie down. "Just watch, you'll be perfectly fine by tomorrow morning!"

His explanation seemed to have worked. The imminent worry that was once in her eyes had morphed into a relaxed exhaustion.

She closed her eyes, a slow smile forming on her lips. He gave a sigh of relief before proceeding to the door. Just as he was about to leave the room, he heard her voice call out.

"Uh, th-thank you..." She whispered. "But... wh-who are you...?" His heart stopped. Who was he? He was Arnav Singh Raizada, of course. But who was he to her? He had just told her moments ago that she did not know him. Then... what excuse could he give?

"I...I..." He was frozen. What could he say?

"I saw the accident happen. So.. um... I... I brought you here." She was silent. He closed his eyes, praying that she would believe the lie.

"Accident..." She rolled the word around her tongue. "What happened to me?"

Another question that he wanted to avoid.

"We... We'll talk tomorrow. When you feel better."

He rushed out the door. The relief of being away from her was overwhelming. For some reason, he couldn't bear to see her in such a state. He couldn't bear to lie to her... She was too innocent.

He sank down, onto the floor of the hospital, wishing to drown in his own tears. He had hurt her so much... He had killed her from within. She couldn't remember anything now. She couldn't even remember herself... And she was so young. He had ruined her life.

The guilt was destroying him with every passing moment.

But what had happened to her? How had she lost her memory?

He sat up straight. He had to know. He had to help her. He had to save her.

And he would do so at any cost.

***

"Retrograde Amnesia."

Declared the doctor, reefing through the scans.

"What?"

"She's suffered retrograde amnesia." He repeated. "It means that she's lost all memory prior to her accident."

Arnav's heart sank. "But... but how is that possible...?"

The doctor nodded. "Take a look at these scans. The accident has caused a lot of trauma in the brain. And from what you've told me about her, she's clearly facing retrograde amnesia."

His heart was thumping in his chest and he could feel himself growing hot as he asked the next question.

"Will she...Will she ever regain her memory...?"

The doctor shrugged.

"It's possible. But there is no way to be sure. She could get her memory back in the next instant, in the next week, month, or year. But there's also a good chance that she may never regain her memory at all."

Arnav felt himself crumbling. How had it come to this...? How had all this happened...? If only he had listened to Kiran. If only he hadn't driven out in the raging storm. If only he hadn't been drunk. If only...

ArHi FF Answered Prayers - Chapter 3

- Chapter 3 -

"Where is she?"

His heart thumped violently in his chest, threatening to break free.

Was she hurt? Had he killed her?

He suddenly felt nauseous. It was as if someone had ground a knife through his skin. He rushed forward, clutching the doctor by his arms.

"Answer me damnit!!!"

The man looked petrified. "B-Behave yourself sir. Sh-she's two doors over."

Arnav quickly released his hold and made his way, as quickly as he could, out the door.

 

"But you can't see her yet!" Called the doctor after him. "She's serious!"

His heart sank. It felt as if he had died a thousand deaths. If something happened to her... whoever she was... because of him, he knew he would never be able to forgive himself.

The door to her room, sure enough, was closed. Hesitantly, he limped forward, peering through the round glass window, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.

The room appeared much like his own. The decor was a blinding white. Colourless and bland. Large machines snaked around the room, connected, here and there to plug points.

Suddenly, he saw her.

The girl he had very nearly killed.

She looked so frail. Childlike. Innocent. And in so much pain. He winced.

If only I could take it away... He thought to himself. If only I could heal your wounds. He thought, as he gazed helplessly at the bedridden figure in front of him.

He wasn't sure why he felt so strongly for a girl who was nothing but a stranger to him. But everytime his eyes fell on her form, he felt a strange pull at the strings of his heart. A yearning.

He closed his eyes as he backed away from the window, all the while consoling himself that it was just the guilt taking effect.

He took a seat on the bench, waiting for the doctor to deliver the news. His heart thumped rapidly in his chest. She had to be alright. She had to come back. He didn't know why. But she had to.

There was a need. A desperation in his heart that he hadn't felt in years.

It was as if there was some sort of connection between them. He sighed, resting his head against the wall behind him.

A wave of pain coursed through him.

It's nothing compared to the pain you've given the girl in there.

If something happened to her... If she died... He knew he would kill himself the very next instant. He wouldn't be able to live, knowing that he had been reponsible for her death.

He closed his eyes.

Her angelic face was haunting. In the one instant he had peered through the window, he seemed to have gone crazy.The eyes... there was so much innocence... Her face... controrted with pain.

So much so that his pain seemed minute in comparison.

I deserve worse than this. I deserve to be in that hospital bed. She shouldn't even be here.

A lone tear rolled down his eyes. He felt scared. As if something precious was leaving him forever. It's the guilt. I'm probably just feeling responsible for her state.

As much as he tried to persuade himself to believe it, he knew it was a lie. There was more to it than that. But he was too exhausted to analyze his emotions any further.

It's probably nothing.

He concluded.

Suddenly, he felt a light tap on his shoulder. He sat up immediately, startled.

Another doctor.

"Are you a relative of the patient?"

He hesitated a moment before replying that he was. "How is she, doctor?"

The doctor nodded. "She's better. Much better actually. But of course, she's still weak. We've been giving her medicines, but after an accident like that, she's bound to be a little shaken up."

"Can I... Can I see her?"

The doctor shook his head. "Not yet."

"Please doctor." He begged. He felt desperate. He had to see her. To ensure that she was alright.

The doctor sighed. "Are you going to die this very moment if you don't see her?"

Arnav knew he was being sarcastic, but he replied with utmost honesty, "I won't die, but I'll get pretty close to it."

He frowned, scanning Arnav's form with curiousity. "Well... we don't normally allow this sir... But I'll make an exception this once. Five minutes."

Saying so, he walked away, reefing through a bundle of files along the way.

Blinking back the tears, Arnav rushed into the room, wanting, simply, for a moment's view of the perfect stranger.

He felt his heart stop at the sight he witnessed.

She was beautiful to say the least.

Despite the scars on her forehead, her skin seemed to glow. Her round brown eyes grew wider as they fell on Arnav. She was thin but not unhealthy. With every movement she made, her hair flowed behind her, grazing her waist tenderly. As he made his way towards her, he noticed her chest heave with nervousness.

She was perfect.

She sat up slowly... Suddenly, the colour from her face began to fade. She closed her eyes, clutching her head as she let out an agonizing scream.

Her lips were quivering with fright and hot tears rolled down her eyes.

Seeing her in such a state sent a searing pain through his heart.

"It hurts!!!!" She wailed. "It hurts so much!"

He knew she needed help. But his mind felt frozen. What should he do? Should he try and comfort her? He wanted, so badly, to simply rush to her side and take her in his arms.

But the more alert part of his mind willed him to call the doctor.

She needed help.

He rushed outside, in a hysterical attempt to find a doctor.

She needed help.

***

...Ten minutes later...

The orders were flying. Nurses were pinning the girl to the bed, trying to gain control of her. Machines whirred around him. Doctors were swarming around the girl, some holding down her arm and surpressing her screams with injections and others flipping through medical records.

She was frightened. Her eyes flew across the room, never lingering for a moment too long on any object. She seemed confused.

At last she turned to me.

His breath caught in his throught.

For a moment, it felt as if nothing existed. As if the world was no longer the same. All the pain in his limbs were melting away...simply by looking at the girl in front of him.

But the feeling lasted only for a brief moment.

Her eyes quickly changed from a look of confusion to helplessness. It was as if she was pleading. Begging him to rescue her. To save her.

He died a thousand deaths.

"Let her go..."

He whispered. But his voice escaped as an inaudible sigh.

"Let her go." This time, he sounded more confident. But the bustle of doctors were too busy examining their patient to even toss a fleeting glance in his direction.

"I SAID, LET HER GO DAMNIT!!!!"

Pindrop silence.

The crowd of people in the room turned towards him, shocked. "Excuse me, sir. But it would be better if you didn't advise us on how to do our job properly. Now, do us all a favour and please leave the room."

"How much money do you want?"

He hadn't even meant to say it. He didn't know why he said it. All he knew, was that he would go to any extent to help this girl. He didn't know why. He didn't care, frankly.

"How much money do you want to leave her alone?"

There was no reply. An uncomfortable silence lingered in the room.

"You realize, sir, that your behaviour is extremely inappropriate..."

It was a murmured response.

"You don't know the kind of power that I have..."

Arnav whispered, dangerously.

"Didn't you hear what she said? She doesn't want you to touch her. Dare you even place a finger on her, and I swear, I'll make your life HELL. And trust me. I'm a man true to my words."

Hesitantly, the doctors shuffled their way out of the room, leaving Arnav alone with the girl.

She was beautiful. Everytime he looked at her, he felt all his worries cease to exist.

He gave her a small smile before sauntering to her side.

"Hi."

He began. It felt awkward. But at the same time, it felt so right. She looked at him. Her eyes were a mixture of emotions. She was lost... confused... scared.

"I-I don't remember anything..."

It was the first time he had heard her speak. He closed his eyes, shivering. The velvety tone to her voice was soothing...angelic.

"You don't remember me because you don't know me." Chuckled Arnav, softly. She shook her head. Her hands flew to her head, holding it with desperation.

"No... I - I don't remember anything..." her voice was shaky. Slow tears made their way down her cheek. "Wh-where is my family..? D-Do I have a family...? Wh-where am I from..? What's...what's my name...? Who am I?!"

She began to grow hysterical. She was rocking back and forth on the bed, holding her head, trying to remember. "I don't r-remember anything! I... I don't know... I don't remember... I need to remember! I need to know! How is this possible? How can I not know?"