Distance Between Us

Chapter 6

"Last week, when I got back to the room I got a call from my sister. Janaki got hurt," Rajesh started explaining.

Sheela gasped loudly with her eyes wide. Her breathing increased. Raghu stared at Rajesh listening to him. Rajesh did not look at her but still continued recalling the horrible night.

 "They took her to the hospital. Me and Jagdeesh hurried there. Doctor said she needed surgery. There was so much blood on her head." He stopped finally looking at Sheela's eyes.

"How is she now?" Asked Raghu with a Frown on his face. He liked the little girl who made everyone laugh on the engagement day. He could not imagine anything happening to her.

"She is stable now. But...but," Rajesh could not continue to tell about his niece condition. He took loud breaths to calm himself. Sheela wanted to put her hands on his shoulder and console him but her father was there and he would never approve. She did not want to create more problems in this situation.

"She cannot move. Janaki cannot move any part of her body," continued Jagdeesh seeing his Friend's state.

"She would recover in some time right? When did the doctors say she would recover" Sheela asked.

"They are not sure. They would do some tests again tomorrow," Rajesh answered looking at no one in particular.

So, that is why he did not contact her thought Sheela. There relationship may have been new but they quickly became friends. He should have informed her about Janaki. what actually happened to Janaki? There was something more he was not telling them. She wanted to ask him many things but not in front of her father.

"You should have informed us Rajesh. Where is she now," said Raghu.

"Yeah I should have informed you guys, but I was so out of it and completely busy in the hospital and adding to that my health deteriorated. Sorry uncle. Janaki is still in the hospital," answered Rajesh meeting Raghu's eyes and looking side ways at Sheela.

"it's OK boy. You were busy but we would like to visit her," told Raghu.

"Sure uncle," Rajesh said and wanted to talk about the main topic.

" what is it Rajesh? Looks like you want to say more," asked Raghu seeing the boy signaling his friend.

Rajesh cleared his throat, straighten his shoulders, looking straight at Raghu’s eyes and said in a serious tone " I would like to talk about the marriage,"

Raghu could say it was some serious talk and Sheela’s heartbeat increased seeing Rajesh. There was something else, that is why he did not contact her and nor is he looking at her now. She lowered her head and tried to listen further.

"It has been a long day and you still didn't recover. Rest now. We will talk tomorrow. Come to our house in the morning. We should take our leave now," Raghu finalized and walked out of the room. Sheela got up to follow her father.

"Sheela,"

She stopped abruptly at Rajesh's voice and turned to him saying," we will talk another time. You rest now and take care of your self."

Rajesh looked at her trying to meet her eyes. He knew there was no use talking to her now,  when her father was waiting outside. he nodded his head when she looked at him. She waved her hands gave a small smile and left the room. Jagdeesh followed them running slightly.

 Rajesh sighed and fell on the bed and took a deep breath. he stood up abruptly and felt slight dizziness he ignored it and walked out to his balcony. He could see Raghu starting the scooty with Sheela on the back seat. Sheela could see his image on her side mirror. She smiled and waved at him without turning to face him. He smiled at her and waved back knowing she has seen him. He saw her leaving the main gate and stood there, till he could not see her anymore. He sighed loudly looking up.