Wrecking Ball | 𝒎𝒂𝒂𝒏

chapter 35

Anupamaa stood outside the door of the Operation Theatre looking inside through a blur of tears. The doctor had said Anuj was very critical, there could be a broken arm, maybe even a rib. They were not sure about the damage to the cranium. 
She  heard the slow paced beeps on the ECG as she watched the doctors at their job.

"Anupamaa, you need to sit for a moment.", Vanraj said softly. His voice was drained, so was his colour. 
"I-I can't.. You-you can't see.. he-he is so serious..", She mumbled, her gaze fixed on the ECG machine, that indicated his pacing heart. 

She felt like she was torn apart, shattered into a million pieces. That if that ECG machine stopped, her heart might give up as well.
All these years she thought that "saath jeeyenge saath marenge" was for movies, but at the moment it all seemed real.

Vanraj gulped as he watched her cling onto the door, look in through the little transparent thick glass, in hope that her love would revive into his senses.
And he realised he had put the last nail to the coffin of his affections.
He had no justification, he knew what he did and it's consequences quite well. He did what his people would have done for him. 
To him, it looked like his duty. 
In the underworld, revenge was also a part of duty.

"Bhabhi!", This was Malvika. She ran down to Anupamaa. Anu turned and looked at her as if a very old friend had returned.
Malvika instantly pulled her into a tight hug.
Her accusatory glance fell on Vanraj, he stood watching them.
She knew he had done what he had to, and she knew yet again, he was wrong. 

"Please.. Nothing should happen to him.. nothing..", Anu mumbled in helplessness.
"He will be fine, Anu.. Calm down..", Vanraj said, his voice croaked.

She smiled a strange smile, the irony of the situation was overwhelming. 
Vanraj noticed it and drew in a deep breath.

The Operation Theatre door opened.
"He is alive now, but he needs to be kept under observation.", The doctor stated.
"Can-Can I meet him-", Anu stammered.
"No.. We need to keep him in absolute rest.", The doctor stated. Anu drew in a deep breath, rubbing off her tears. 
She was feeling slightly better.
The doc nodded and walked off.

She nodded and stood up straight, trying to hold onto herself.
"I-my kids-they-"
"Bhabhi..", Mukku said caressing her back comfortingly, "My boyfriend Surya is here as well, we took a flight. He's picked your kids up and will take them to a hotel room. You don't need to worry."

"Thank you so much.. I-I can't thank you enough..", Anu mumbled wiping off her tears.
"Vanraj might want to leave.", Malvika said softly, looking at Vanraj bitterly.
Vanraj knew what she was about to do, anyways there was no escape.
"Why? You know he got me here because I was so afraid..", Anu mumbled.
Malvika's lips curved in a cryptic smile at the irony.

Somehow she felt Anupamaa should know the truth, that she deserved it, and that Vanraj would also want it to be told.
"Did he mention he is also the one who caused this to Bhai?", She asked, looking right at Vanraj. Vanraj looked down, drawing in a cold breath.
"Caused this? What are you saying Mukku?!", Anu asked in sheer disbelief.

"Why? Vanraj haven't you mentioned how you shot the tire of Bhai's car with your perfect aim?", Malvika asked with an accusing tone.
Vanraj stood in silence.
Anupamaa looked at him, her composure changing instantly.
She walked down to Vanraj. 
"What is she saying?", She asked very softly. Her voice spoke of uncertainty.

Vanraj did not have the guts to look up at her, he looked down at his shoes, unmoved.
"What is she saying, Vanraj?!", She said a little louder.
This section of the hospital was rather empty, it was heavily raining outside. There was a constant noise of pitter patter as they spoke.
His silence pierced her soul.