Night of 25TH

CHAP 32: Chucky's Medical Mischief

Past:

Shubman

As Chucky and I raced up the stairs in our playful chase, the excitement in the air was palpable.

However, just as Chucky and I were nearing the top of the stairs, disaster struck. Chucky lost her balance on the landing, her foot slipping on the polished floor. With a gasp, she tumbled forward and landed awkwardly, letting out a sharp cry of pain.

I immediately stopped in my tracks and rushed to her side, my heart pounding with concern. "Chucky, are you okay?" I asked, panic evident in my voice.

Chucky lay on the ground, cradling her injured hand, tears welling up in her eyes. She winced in pain but managed to nod. "I-I think I hurt my hand," she stammered.

At that moment, my mother, alerted by the commotion, appeared at the top of the stairs. She looked down at the scene, her expression shifting from surprise to concern. "What happened here?" she asked, quickly descending a few stairs to join us.

Chucky sniffled, her eyes filled with tears, and pointed to her injured hand. "I fell, aunty. It hurts," she whimpered.

My mother knelt down beside Chucky, her maternal instincts taking over. "Let me see, beta," she said gently, carefully examining Chucky's hand for any signs of serious injury.

I watched with a mixture of worry and guilt as my mother assessed the situation. Chucky's hand appeared to be swollen, and there was a visible scrape on her palm. It was clear that she was in pain, and I couldn't help but blame myself for our reckless chase.

My mother's expression grew stern as she addressed both of us. "This is what happens when you behave like children," she scolded, her tone firm but concerned.

"Anya, you really need to go to the doctor; your hand doesn't look good," my mother said, after examining Chucky's injured hand. At the mention of the dreaded word "doctor," Chucky's face twisted into a teary expression, clearly reluctant to go.

"Beta, it's important, or it will get worse," Mum gently added, wiping away Chucky's tears with the back of her hand. Chucky, still shaking her head in disagreement, clutched her hands to her chest and pleaded, "A hot pad will work, Aunty, but no doctor," as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"But, beta, it will only get worse," Mum tried to explain, stroking Chucky's hair, but her efforts seemed futile as Chucky clutched her hand tighter and continued to shake her head.

My mum sighed and turned to me, saying, "Shubman, what should we do now?" I glanced at Chucky, who was still crying and shaking her head, her determination clear. I knew what I had to do, or else Chucky would never get the treatment she needed, given how stubborn she was.

"Mum, could you please take her bag to Shahneel's room and also fetch my wallet and phone?" I asked, handing Chucky's bag to my mother. As I did so, I stood up, facing Chucky. Her teary, brown yet red eyes were filled with curiosity and overflowing tears

"I'm sorry, Chucky, but I have to do this," I whispered softly. Despite her resistance, I picked her up and cradled her in my arms. She wriggled and squirmed like a child, protesting with all her might.

"Aram se jaana, Shubman," I heard my mother advise, watching Chucky's theatrical display, all while slipping my wallet and phone into the pocket of my shorts.

Fortunately, there was no one else in the building premises except for a watchman who observed us with wide-eyed curiosity. I shot him a reassuring look, indicating that there was nothing to be concerned about. He understood when he saw Chucky's swollen hand and helped me call an auto.