Dil tadap k kehta hai

36

[Annika - A, Shivaay - S, Bhavya - B, Rudra - Ru]

S: how long have you been up?

A: A while. Did Sahil

Before she could ask, Shivaay was ready with the answer

S: is already at school and everyone thinks you are in Pune. Relax. How are you feeling now?

A: better

Chanda: nurse just told you to stay put and have this soup

A: no, it's too bad, mujhe mich michi mach rahi hai

Chanda and Shivaay exchanged a 'this girl' look

S: finish your soup, I'll be back

Shivaay went outside

Chanda: He's really caring

A: Yes, he is. Everyone in the family is really nice

Chanda: yeah but I'm talking about your husband.

Annika quickly changed the topic, not wanting to talk about her marriage, even though a small smile played on her lips when Chanda said 'your husband'

A: help me with the soup, he'll scold me if I don't finish it

Shivaay returned after talking to her doctor

S: Did you finish?

A: yes. Shivaay, I don't want to stay here. I'm not fond of hospitals. I was just talking to Chanda about it, perhaps I can stay over at my old house until I get better

S: you mean the house that's been locked for months, doesn't currently have an active electric or water connection, and where you'll have no one for help?

He looked at her a little annoyed, this girl was such a martyr

A: Okay, yeah electricity and water are shut off. How about I stay at Chanda's place? All these issues will be resolved

Chanda: Yeah, of course

S: and overcrowd her house? I know she doesn't mind, and her mom won't mind but sharing a room with someone when you're on bed rest, isn't really fair. What about Chanda's routine, her job?

Chanda: I can't stay over every day, I have very few leaves but Mom can stay with you

A: no, no, she loves her job. I don't want her to take any leaves on my account. Shivaay is right, I'll be fine here

S: Who said you're gonna stay here?

A: I'm not going to the Oberoi mansion yet! (she snapped)

S: Yeah I know. I've taken care of everything. Your doctor has given us the green light and they will discharge you by evening.

*****

They reached a housing society just 5 minutes away from the hospital. Shivaay asked her to wait in the car and went to unlock the door and place their bags. Then he came back and carried Annika out of the car, kicking the door close behind him.

He held her very carefully, ensuring that he didn't touch her even remotely close to her injury, her hands around his neck. He entered the expensive looking, fully furnished 3 bhk flat he had rented this morning (well his secretary did, but he selected it from the options he gave). He took her to the master bedroom and placed her gently on the bed. He arranged some pillows and cushions around her