Kissing A Devil (Complete and Continuing In The Sequel)

Chapter 34

"What did the doctor say?"
Martha asks after entering the room. Sana has made Sidharth sit on the chair. He removed the sun glasses and she could see his eyes red and blisters on skin near them. An urge to touch him rises inside her heart but she controls it. Although she had been more than a mother to him, she has maintained a distance with him. This was not because she held him guilty. But because she was broken after Andrew's death. And then he moved away from all after Richa left.

As if reading her mind, Sana comes closer and touches her arm. Holding her hand she takes her to him and makes her touch his head.
She says,"Martha aunty, see the blisters he has got from the chemical burn."
Sidharth does not lift his head on her touch and doesn't say anything. Martha gives out a deep breath and runs her hand over his head.

"When will Sid baba get his eyesight back?"
Sana, still looking at him, says,"By tomorrow, hopefully. His eyes are better but he can't see anything clearly yet. The doctor has prescribed some drops."
She then turns towards her, "I need to get something to eat. Really feeling hungry. SRji will you have something? Chai?"
He does not reply while she smiles and goes out of the room.

"Sid baba! Are you alright?"
He smiles, "Remember, whenever Dad used to beat me, you used to run your hand over my head while applying medicines. I had seen tears in your eyes for me."
Martha still runs her fingers over his head, "I can never see you in pain. I have always loved you like my own son."
"I know, Mary. You didn't leave me when everyone had. But you were not close as well. I am not blaming you, I never can. I am the culprit. I took away Andrew. It's just that I missed being your Baba."

Martha touches his cheek, "I am sorry Baba. I am sorry if you felt like that. I said it before and I am saying it again. You are not responsible for Andrew's death. I was broken after that, so I just went into a shell. And then you suddenly grew apart after Richa Mam left. "
Sidharth closes his eyes and a drop of tear escapes his eye.
"I know you don't blame me anymore. But I can't stop myself from feeling guilty. I couldn't really face you after that day."
"Don't blame yourself for it. It was destiny. You shouldn't think like that. Your Andrew won't like it. Remember what he used to say."
A smile appears on his face, "Happiness is my other name.."
Martha gives a sad smile, "He wanted happiness for you. If you blame yourself, he will be hurt."
She takes a pause and then says,"You rest now. Let me go and see what that crazy girl is doing in the kitchen."

Sidharth leans on the chair, resting his head on the back and closing his eyes. A few minutes later, Sana enters the room with a huge packet. She puts it on the table and turns towards him.

"SR ji, kya kar rahe ho?"
Sidharth without opening his eyes answers, "Movie dekh raha hun."
Sana makes a face, "Yeh joke tha?"
"What to do? I didn't have any better answer for your brilliant question. "
"Very funny! Chodo."
"Maine pakda hi kab tha?"
"Ha.. ha.. ha.. Tumhare jokes tumhare attitude jaise ho rahe hain. Sadhu."

Sidharth smiles and stays quiet. She continues, "Martha Aunty is bringing your tea and she has made some sandwiches. She makes tasty sandwiches. Yum."
"You came to tell me that?"
Sana shakes her head and points at the package, "No. I came to give you this."
"And what exactly is it?"
"I don't know. Petter gave this to me. Koi Guptaji ne bheja hai. This is heavy. I think there are books. Should I open it?"

Sidharth stands up and says, "Give it to me."
"Why?"
"Shehnaaz, I said.."
He stops then gives out a deep breath.
He then says, "Let it be.. I can take it myself ."
He takes a few steps towards the table and lifts the packet. He then starts walking towards the door.

"Where are you going? Wait!"
Sana asks but Sidharth doesn't reply and keeps walking slowly towards the door.
Sana goes and holds his arms, "Wait! Let me come with you."
"Why? I can go myself. I am not blind. I can still see a little. Okay."
"I know that. By tomorrow you can see everything better. However, today you still have difficulties. So, I will be with you. You may like it or not. I will hold you while you go."