THE LOVE BIRDS [COMPLETED]

35. PANCHI

  Dad and Saroj maami were already having breakfast when I reached home. As soon as I entered the house all eyes turned towards me as if I committed a crime. "Sorry Dad I'm late but Zoya didn't let me leave without breakfast" I apologized but he ignored as he always does.

I was about to go to my room when Saroj maami spoke. "Look at her clothes bhaisaab. This is what you wear at your friend's house. I'm sure there must be boys also at the party. And is this the time to come home" she said but I tried to ignore her. When she kept on saying unacceptable things about my character I decided to jump in.

"What's wrong in my clothes and why do you care anyways if my Dad has no problem" I said but didn't realize my voice was above the normal level. I calmed myself before speaking anything else but Maami had already raised so many issues on manners and my upbringing.

Dad stood up and everyone went silent. I thought he'll say something and take my side. But instead he went and sat on the sofa. Both I and Maami followed him. She sat at the sofa across him. "Bhaisaab I think you should start finding a suitable boy for her now" she said sipping her tea. I wanted to dip her hands in that hot tea but I controlled my anger and kept looking at dad still hoping at least he won't let this stupid thought affect him.

"You can't be serious" I protested when Dad spoke. "I think your maami is right" he said. I thought dad was finally accepting me but I was wrong. I stood there disappointed by my father. But I was not letting him win this time. I was not allowing him to make this decision for me. It was the most important thing of my life after all.

"Dad I know you don't like me let alone loving me but if I'm that much of a burden for you, you can just tell me directly. Ever since ma" I paused before continuing because there was no way I was crying infront of them.

"Ever since she left you have also distanced yourself from me. It feels like both my parents left me that day and today suddenly you are worried about my marriage when you know I want to work and do something in life" I said everything I felt since childhood without realizing how it'll affect dad.

I wiped the tears from my face when I saw dad who was clearly hurt from my words. As soon as he stood up he clenched his chest and fell down on the sofa. I realized a few seconds later that he might be having a heart attack. I ran towards him and held his hand. "Call an ambulance. Fast" I shouted and Kavya took out her phone in panic.

I decided to drive myself since that would save time. With everyone's help I settled dad in the backseat. I drove as fast as I could to reach the nearest hospital. We were at the hospital in about fifteen minutes. I had already made a call at the hospital on my way.

"It is all your fault" maami said when they took Dad to the emergency room. Since I didn't want to make a scene at the hospital and I was in no state to argue with her I ignored her and waited outside for the doctor.

I don't know why I called Vihang when I couldn't understand what to do accept for waiting. I also called Gopal uncle since he was the one I could trust after Dad. "He suffered a heart attack and we have to take him in for a minor surgery stat" the doctor said. His words scared me to death. I regretted every word I said earlier and wished if I could take it all back.

A nurse asked me sign some consent forms anddeposit the amount at the counter. Thankfully Gopal uncle came and handledeverything from there. As soon as I saw Vihang I lost it and started crying inhis arms. "He's in a surgery and it's all my fault. I said all those thingswhich I shouldn't have. It's all my fault Vihang" I kept repeating and crying.