THE LOVE BIRDS [COMPLETED]

36. VIHANG

   I dropped Panchi home and went to see Naina. She agreed to give me her notes after requesting her several times. I was already behind in my studies due to the game and the performance with Panchi. Sid decided to stay home and sulk over his argument with Abheer.

Though nothing happened between me and Panchi but still I could feel her presence. I slept peacefully last night after a long time. I saw the way she was looking at me last night. I was thinking about her when my phone rang. It was Panchi so I picked up immediately.

"Miss me already little sparrow" I answered her call. She was crying so I panicked. "Vihang my dad...hospital...I don't know what to do" she kept repeating those words. I asked her to calm down and send me her location.

As soon as I got her location I rushed there. I called Sid on the way. I was closer to her location so I reached in about ten minutes. She hugged me and started crying when she saw me. "He's in a surgery and it's all my fault. I said all those things which I shouldn't have. It's all my fault Vihang" she said and kept crying. I hugged her tighter and didn't let her go till was stopped.

Her Maami and cousin kept staring at us but I don't give a dam about them. Panchi is my priority and always will be. I sat her and consoled her. By the time she stopped crying Sid and Abheer came in. I asked them to stay with her. I went to talk to her cousin to ask her what happened exactly. Panchi for some reason blames herself for her father's condition so I had to know the truth for myself.

"Why are you so concerned about her? I told bhaisaab this girl is getting out of hand. Hugging boys openly and wearing short dresses. Only God knows what else she has done behind his back. No wonder he's in a hospital because of her" with each word her Maami said my anger went on a different level.

I knew from the day I saw her that she was not too loving towards Panchi. But who gave her any right to comment on Panchi's life. "What do you even know about her? Just because a girl has male friends doesn't make her characterless. In fact Panchi is one of the purest girl I know. She is selfless, loving and a kind soul" I told her. But I realized not to waste any more energy on her so I went to check on Panchi. She was talking to her father's manager.

After about one hour the doctor came out of the operating room where they took her father for the procedure. Although uncle was out of danger but still unconscious due to the effects of anesthesia. "With his history, I told Mathur ji to avoid stress. It's not good for his condition" doctor told her and advised her not to let uncle take any stress.

After the operation Panchi asked us to leave since everything was handled. She insisted Sid and Abheer to go since the staff said so many people were not allowed to stay for so long. She assured me she can handle everything now but I stayed regardless. "But Gopal uncle is here and dad will be awake any minute now" she said but I refuse to leave her side for even a single second.

"You can go home and pack your stuff to leave. I can take care of my father and his health. And Maami don't bother coming back" Panchi asked Maami to leave. They left cursing Panchi and still saying bad things about her. This again made me furious so I stood up to shut them up once and for all but Panchi held my wrist to stop me.

"Let her say whatever she wants. Her words won't define my character. I know my dad trusts me and that's what matters to me the most" She said holding my hand. When the nurse told her that she can see her dad she held my hand even tighter. "Its okay sweetheart you can do it" I encouraged her. She was nervous to see her father like this but after hesitating for a few seconds she went in to see him.

She asked me go in with her but it didn't feel right so I asked her to go in first. I waited for her outside the room uncle was shifted to. His managed Mr Gopal also waited with me. "You are a good friend to Panchi. Don't ever leave her. She'll need someone like you in future" he said but I was confused to what he said so I asked him to explain. But he just smiled and left to get some medicines the nurse asked for.