BALI 100 KM (Book 1) ✔

Chapter 33

As Samar had described, they come across the glass building and entered it. The lobby was spacious, and Bandu scanned the place for the reception desk to inquire about Miss Sakhi. 

Finally, he noticed few people standing at a corner and taking turns in talking to two ladies sitting behind a counter. He walked towards them and stood in the queue.

"I have come to meet Miss Sakhi," Bandu told when his turn came.

"Miss Sakhi, who?" the lady asked, looking at Bandu.

"The patient admitted here,"

"Yes, I know that. I need the second name, please,"

"Oh, I don't seem to remember," Bandu regretfully informed her after he tried raking his brains, "She was shifted from Goriyon some days back," Bandu provided the additional information for identification.

"Ok, so you are talking about Miss Sakhi Rajput," she said, looking at the computer and then at Bandu.

"Yes, yes Rajput, how could I have forgotten it?" said Bandu, who nodded his head in agreement and mentally reprimanded himself for his forgetfulness.

"You will have to wait since the visiting hours are over now. I will have to take miss Sakhi's permission for any visitors. May I know your name, please?" she explained to Bandu.

"My name is Bandu Raghav. Please do mention that I have come to visit her on inspector Sarathi's request,"

"Ok, please do wait here until I have inquired with her,"

After whispering something to her colleague sitting next to her, she evacuated her seat and took the stairs to the next floor. After 10 minutes, she was seen returning and walked straight up to Bandu.

"Miss Sakhi has agreed to meet you. You can stay only for 10 minutes. See that you don't extend the stay as she is still weak and tires easily," she politely requested.

"No, No, I won't take up much of her time. I want to say hello to her and wish her a speedy recovery," Bandu assured the lady, "Can you please direct me to her room?" Bandu asked.

"Room number 25 on the second floor. Take the stairs from here," she said, pointing in the direction she had taken and returned to her seat.

Bandu thanked the lady and took hold of Nand, who stood gaping around the big lobby and hurried towards the stairs.

Again Bandu suppressed the unpleasant odor of the medicines and disinfectant drifting in the air. They reach the second floor getting a little out of breath. The corridor was U-shaped, and there were numbered rooms on both sides. Bandu walked, trailing the numbers until he reached room number 25. There was a table and a chair beside the door to this room. A lone register occupied the table.

Having no one in sight, Bandu stood for a few seconds and contemplated his next move. Finally, he knocked on the door twice and waited. A soft voice from the other side of the door commanded him to enter. Bandu twisted the doorknob and pushed the door inwards to enter with Nand. The pink-painted room got his attention first and on the bed in the middle of the room sat Miss Sakhi observing them keenly.

Bandu stepped forward with Nand. Miss Sakhi was all changed now. She had now some color on her face-her black hair has grown a bit longer, and she looked healthier. She smiled at both of them. Bandu's heart fluttered, making him nervous so much so that he wanted to run out of the room. He did not know why he felt that way but returned the smile.

"So you are Bandu. You look different now than before," Miss Sakhi spoke first, "And who is this charming fellow? Your son?" she asked.

"Namaste," Bandu found his voice and greeted her, "Yes, I am Bandu, and this is Nand. He is not my son but stays with me," he corrected her about Nand. A slight surprise shone at her face at that. He didn't know what to say as to why he looked different. Maybe she liked his appearance before the makeover.