THE LOVE BIRDS [COMPLETED]

37. PANCHI

   "Didi dad is coming home after spending two days at the hospital so just make sure everything is perfect" I instructed Manju didi to clean the guest bedroom downstairs and shift dad's stuff from his room. I don't want him to climb stairs and exhaust himself. Plus like this I can keep an eye on him easily. Even at the hospital he kept asking Gopal uncle for updates from office.

These two days have been the hardest for me. Seeing dad in that condition broke my heart. Ever since Gopal uncle told me about dad's previous heart attack I've been more worried. I also asked Manju didi to stay at home till the evening. I strictly ordered Gopal uncle to handle all the matters at the office and only come to dad for important stuff.

"Dad how are you feeling" I asked dad swallowing a lump formed in my throat. It was the first time I saw my father so helpless and weak. Unknowingly tears rolled down my eyes so I quickly wiped them and faked a smile. "I'm fine beta don't worry. And I'm sorry for everything my child. I pushed you away hoping one day I could stop loving you but how can a father ever stop caring for his children" he held my hand while talking.

"P?" Sid snapped his fingers. Both Sid and Vihang came to help me with all the hospital procedures and in bringing dad home. Vihang stayed at the hospital even when I insisted him to go. He took care of me while I was busy looking after dad. "Are you alright?" Sid asked me so I nodded and continued rearranging dad's new room while he rested.

I never expected Vihang to be so considerate towards me. All this while I was under the impression that he did everything to annoy and insult me. But since the past few days it feels like I'm getting to know a new side of him, which he hid from me. "Thank you so much for your help guys. Especially you Vihang, I just can't thank you enough for everything you are doing" I told them before they left.

"dad you will not leave the house until you recover completely and if you want something just press this button, Manju didi or I will come immediately" I said as I helped dad settling in his new room. He smiled and nodded in response. After my talk with dad at the hospital the other day, I feel connected to him more than ever. We shared our apologies and everything we felt for each other which none of us said over the years.

Just in two days I realized I'm more like dad than I thought. I have corrected Manju didi ten times over simple recipe of soup. Whenever dad scolded me in childhood I use make big fuss about it, and now I'm scolding Manju didi in the same way. "I told you Gopal she is too bossy. Always keeps everyone on their toes" dad joked watching me in the kitchen.

It feels good to see him happy after so many years. Finally we were a family again. I craved for this all my life and now my dream is in front of my eyes. "I can hear you" I shouted from the kitchen and everyone started laughing. When they saw me coming, dad and Gopal uncle stopped talking and acted all weird. They did this before too which made me suspicious.

"What are you hiding from me now?" I raised my eyebrows questioning the two. Dad scowled acting like he doesn't know what I'm saying. Gopal uncle shrugged and they looked at each other. I shook my head and left them alone after serving tea and soup to dad. "You better don't lie to me about anything else" I warned them before leaving.

In the evening after didi left I made myself a cup of green tea and opened my phone to check any important texts when the bell rang. It was Vihang standing with some plastic bags in his hand. His clothes were soaked in sweat and his abs were bulging out from his shirt. Sometimes I wonder if he deliberately wears such clothes to flex his body. "Don't just stare at me little sparrow take this bag and let me in" he said smirking at me.

I took the smaller bag and kept it on the dining table where Vihang kept the other bags. When I asked what is it, he said he bought fruits for dad. "Who is at the door beta" dad asked from his room. I took the perfect opportunity and told dad it was the delivery man who came to deliver the fruits I ordered.

"I didn't know you had a thing for delivery men sweetie pie" Vihang said as he took a step closer to me. I took a step back and hit the table where the bags were kept. Vihang came closer and shielded my back from his hand without touching me. He was so close that I could feel his breath and smell him. He smelled like sweat mixed with a hint of perfume.

"What are you doing" my voice was hoarse because of his actions. I couldn't breathe under his masculine body and heavy arm. He bent towards me and lowered his mouth to my ear. "Just grabbing an apple baby. What'd you thought" he said and took an apple from the bag and moved a little away from me taking a bite of the fruit.