In A Heartbeat!

7.

After a few such 'outdoor' meetings, Kabir decides to call her home for lunch.

Kabir stays in a colossal bungalow in one of the most aristocratic areas of the city.
His mother's husband, Mr. Mehta, was a renowned businessman.
Kabir's mother became 'Mrs. Mehta' around 9 years ago.
Kabir had his own room of course; and he preferred staying in there, rather than being out with his family.

One evening, after returning back home-
"Mom! I've invited Tanishka home for lunch tomorrow! Cook well."
He said, and hurried towards his room, Mrs. Mehta followed.
"Who is this Tanishka now?"
"She's a friend! A close one actually."
"So now I'll be cooking for your girlfriends!"
"No no! We could order food from outside. But that might set a bad impression on her!"
Mrs. Mehta infuriatingly slammed the door, and left his room.

Kabir took out his phone, and called Tanishka to invite her over.
"Just be yourself!" was the only advice he wanted to give.

Tanishka started feeling the heat. Meeting your boyfriend's parents is a huge thing. She kind of started freaking out.
'Will she like me? What if I do some mistake? What if I say something stupid? What if I do something stupid?' and many other such questions kept striking her head.

At around 12, Kabir went to pick her up. She was in a very graceful looking Indian attire, with very minimal makeup.
"So that's a positive start!"
This made Tanishka blush a little,
"You sure? Or is it too much?"
"It's perfect!" He replied, and off they went.

Tanishka was captivated on seeing Kabir's house. Maids and servants were in plenty, and had their jobs well divided. Tanishka entered in the large living room which had 3 pretty large and stunning chandeliers; and Tanishka still had an incredulous face.

Mrs. Mehta was aggravated to see Tanishka like this, for the first time though. She had pictured her differently.
"So this is your girl, Kabir?" She said, bearing an obvious fake smile.
"Yes mom! Tanishka, is her name..."
He walked towards Mrs. Mehta, and faintly whispered in her ear,
"...And please behave well!"

Kabir then escorted Tanishka to the couch, while Mrs. Mehta went to the kitchen which seemed far away from the living area.

"You didn't tell me, that you live in a palace!"
"First of all, it's not a palace! And secondly, it belongs to Mr. Mehta."
Tanishka felt the emotion when Kabir said that.
She pulled out her hand, and held Kabir's hand avidly. Meanwhile, some servants had started preparing the dining table, and the food dishes were being arranged.

Mrs. Mehta somewhat expected Tanishka to help a bit. When she came out to the living area, she saw her sitting with Kabir, holding hands.

This totally annoyed her. She bellowed,
"The lunch is ready! On the table..."
She turned, and continued to herself,
"...For the prince and princess!"
Kabir got up with Tanishka, and moved towards the dining.
Kabir noticed Tanishka breathing a little hard.
"Easy Tanishka. You're doing good!"
She just gave a faint smile, and said nothing.
Even on the dining table, her hands were shaking a bit. But, she ignored and started eating.
There was complete silence, until Tanishka spoke up.
"Mr. Mehta? Doesn't he come home for lunch?"
"No." Is all what Mrs. Mehta replied.

After having a few bites, Tanishka started coughing. Sluggish and faint in the beginning, but it kept on getting harder.

"Tanishka? Are you alright?" Kabir asked, handing over a glass of water.
By the time, her face was becoming red. She was breathing heavily again, and her hand hit the table; the impact of which made the plate drop and break.

"She broke it! You know how expensive that was?" She got up nauseatingly.
"Mom stop it! She's choking! Call the ambulance."

Kabir hurried with Tanishka to the hospital. The doctors took her from there. In a while, a doctor came up to Kabir for giving her medical report's detail.

After talking to the doctor, Kabir walked in Tanishka's hospital room.
She was smiling, on herself. 'What have I done?' This was her reaction when Kabir entered in.

He had a stern look on his face, when Tanishka asked about what the doctor said.
"He said that... you... you don't have enough days left!"
Kabir said, and turned around.

Tanishka almost broke down, she wanted to ask so many questions, but words didn't come out of her mouth.
"What?" Was the only thing she could utter, softly.

Kabir moved back again, and went on to give her a hug.
Tanishka had tears flowing out, as she held Kabir very close to herself.
Kabir then started giggling slowly. Tanishka backed off a little.

Kabir then started laughing.
"What's the matter?" She asked.
"I am so sorry! The doctor said you had a trifling anxiety attack, and you swallowed something stiff. You're perfectly fine, and you'll get discharged in an hour!" He said, and continued to laugh while giving her another sweet hug.

"You idiot! Moron! I hate you so very much..." She then slapped her back hardly.
"...And I love you equally more!" He interrupted, and kissed her gently on her forehead.