A Wrong Move

Chapter 16

Shaurya stared at Mehek throught the translucent walls around her. "I informed you as soon as I recognised her", the Doctor informed Shaurya. He was the same person who had treated Mehek earlier when she fell ill at Shaurya's place. "How is she now?",Shaurya asked calmly but he knew he was far from it. 

Shaurya was having a tough time hiding his anxiety as he watched Mehek lying lifeless,  surrounded by machines and medicines. "Stable but recovery is difficult. Thankfully she was brought in quickly else ....", Doctor paused as Shaurya gestured his palm to stop. He couldnt hear more although he comprehended she was close to losing her life. "Give her the best treatment. Don't worry about expenses. My men will deposit enough money. When it is over just inform and it will be replenished". Doctor nodded and informed, "Mr. Khanna since she is your family friend, please inform her parents or close relatives. They need to know about her condition". Shaurya glared at him and spoked firmly, "You can tell me. For the time being, I am the only one". Doctor sighed and agreed. He invited Shaurya to sit in his cabin.

It took further many days for Mehek to gain conscious. She was in & out of her senses, owing to heavy dose of medicines injected to curb severe pain. Finally when she managed to understand her surroundings, it was almost a fortnight since the incident. When she woke up, apart from a nurse, she found none beside her. Her heart winced with knowledge that she had none who would sit beside her bed and wait for her to wake up. 

Tears adorned pale cheeks of Mehek."Are you hurt Ma'am?", the nurse rushed to her side. Mehek shook her head. Her body didn't register any pain but her mind was tormented. Nurse realised that her patient has woken up but still under effects of medicines,"How are you feeling now?". "Go...go..good", she was parched and found difficult to speak. Nurse was kind enough to grab nearby cup and held it near her lips. She greedily drank from it and thanked the nurse.  After few quick words, nurse penned down something on the patient's chart and left to fetch doctor.

While left alone, Mehek finally glanced around to study her room. She was definitely not in any general ward. Infact her room appeared to be private and exclusive with a 24 hours staff support. She wondered why they have put her in an expensive room. Soon she started to worry how she will be able to pay the bill. She was unsure whether those robbers stole her money after she met with an accident. She back tracked events of that night. In few moment, everything flashed before her eyes ; Her parents, Ajay's wife... and she started to cry bitterly. 

"Don't cry my child", an aged Doctor wiped Mehek's tears, "I know you are in lot of pain. But you survived a major accident". "I wish I didn't", she spoke and started to sob. Elderly man has seen enough life to understand her sorrow. "God has been merciful on you", he consoled her, "you are lucky to be alive. Considered this as a second life". Mehek wanted to believe but she felt as if cursed to live a horrible life and had no liberation from her agony.

Shaurya gazed at Mehek through the glass wall. It been weeks since she gained conscious but he was avoiding her. He was eager to meet her and ask about her condition. Yet somehow he was unable to face her. He didn't even know what to tell her. His words of consolidation will only bring her more tears. But today when Doctor had informed that she is aware of her condition, Shaurya couldn't hold himself back. He knocked softly on the door to gather her attention. She looked at him. He was unable to find any emotions in them. She was always submissive beside him but still had a lingering glow in her eyes. It was a distant hope that one day, it will all be fine. But today her eyes were empty. He didn't dare to ask if she is feeling better. So apart from a curt nod, he didn't utter a word and sat on the chair beside her bed.

"Doctor told me that I will never be able to walk without an aid", Mehek stated but Shaurya chose to remain silent. She didn't wish to hear his hollow consolation but needed to vent her sorrow. It was his time to be just a listener. Slowly she poured out her entire story, her parents' condition, Ajay's marriage and the attack that lead to the accident. Even if he knew it all, he heard it all attentively. 

"I lost everything", Mehek wept bitterly and heaved for breath. Fearing that she may end up having a panic attack, Shaurya quick held her in his arms. "It will all be fine. Calm down else you will harm yourself", he tried to consoled her, nevertheless he let her tears flow freely. She needed it. A shoulder to cry, even if it belonged to her tormentor. At that very moment, Shaurya was ready to be whatever she needed him to be.

"Thanks for paying for my treatment", Mehek spoke after she drank an entire glass of water that Shaurya had offered her. It took some time but she was feeling better. Slowly she pulled her bag that the nurse had given to her recently. Even when she knew it won't cover anything, she extended the envelope he had given her. He was defiant to accept but she insisted, "please accept it. That's all I got". With a sigh, he took it from her. 

"Please get me discharged", Mehek informed keeping her head low, "I cannot afford to be here anymore". "Are you out of your mind?", Shaurya roared, "You need constant round a clock support. Look at yourself, Mehek. You cannot even reach out for a glass of water without aid". Although not intended, his sharp words made her cry again. He looked here & there, to avoid facing her. It was getting more & more difficult to handle the situation. "Stay here until you are better. Then you can leave where ever you want", he spoke softly but quickly reverted to his cold attitude, "my company does many charity words. I will consider your case as one".

"What is your relationship with Mehek?", Doctor who was treating Mehek asked Shaurya. It's been almost a month since Mehek was under his treatment. "Dr. Malhotra, I believe you have a good reason to provoke me", Shaurya retorted back. "My reason is her declining mental condition", Doctor gave back in vigour. Eventhough aged, Dr. Malhotra is passionate about his work and cared about his patients. "Mehek's physical condition is not hidden from you. Perhaps with consistent treatment, she may be able to walk on her own. But she is too shattered to even give a try", he explained to Shaurya who had already suspected the same. She was deeply wounded; not just physcially but emotionally too.

"What do you want me to do?", Shaurya asked being frustrated, "A better facility where she needs to go? Perhaps therapy from a reputed psychologist?", he suggested, "Tell me what to do?". "She needs care and support", Dr. Malhotra told him. Shaurya was baffled, "Aren't you and your staff supposed to give her both?". Despite their serious situation, Doctor chuckled and clarified, "Care from a family. Support of friends". Shaurya shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Hope you have already perceived that Mehek has none. Her family and friends have disowned her". 

Dr.Malhotra kept his eyes on him as if probing further so Shaurya added, "you can't expect me to provide those to her". Evenif he had kept farce of family friend, in truth he was neither her friend or family. "Well then I am afraid, she will not improve much. Already she is showing signs of depression. It just a matter of time for mind to take over her weakened body", he sighed, "soon Mehek will be just a memory". Shaurya was appalled by the way Dr. Malhotra predicted Mehek's doom. But before Shaurya could rebuke, Dr. Malhotra walked away.

Shaurya's mind was in turmoil. He wanted to do better but couldn't. If anything happens to Mehek, then he will be burdened with guilt for life. Although they are others who are equally responsible for her plight, he couldn't shake away his share. It was his stubbornness and creulty that ruined her life. He was ready to spend any amount of money for her treatment but it seemed to be pointless. Perhaps it is true that Money can't get it all. 

Shaurya rubbed his temples to relax and think properly. Finally after much deliberations, he reached a conclusion. He looked at his phone and took deep breaths to compose himself. He was going to do something that was extremely difficult for him; asking help from someone. He dialled the number and waited it to be answered. By the time the person greeted him, Shaurya has gathered himself. So he without beating around the bush, he asked outrightly, "Father, I need a favour".

After their conversation, Harish summoned Awara to inform about Shaurya arrival. They were happy that after long Shaurya was coming to stay in Khanna mansion. "He is bringing someone with him", Harish informed Awara. Although curious, Awara kept his queries professional, "I will ensure that guest room ready". "Not the guest room", Harish corrected Awara and spoked as if he was reflecting his own thoughts, "she may not be a mere guest". 

"I don't understand, Sir", Awara was doubtful. Harish smiled at his snoopy valet but didn't give him a satisfied reply. "She will be staying for a long time. Perhaps even when Shaurya may leave", he tried his best to explain to Awara, "she seems to have a medical condition so ensure that Imli is stays with her always". "Okay", Awara nodded and was about to leave but curiosity got best of him. "May I know whom will my wife be spending most of daytime henceforth?", he asked with a tint of humour to mask his interest. Harish laughed and spoke, "it was you who first told me about her, Awara. Her name is Mehek".