Meenakshi

C32: Happy Birthday

As her breathing failed and pulse dropped, they heard a gasp.

Maybe fate decided to give her and the people around her one other chance. Aditya was the first one to react. He quickly lifted his head and looked at her trying to move. Her breath came out in small pants as she wiggled around trying to move. Aditya chuckled, helpless tears finding their way out from his eyes, as he saw her moving.

She was alive.

She was awake.

Everyone around them rejoiced letting out tears of joy, happiness and surprise. Meenakshi's mother hugged herself as she found her daughter moving. Her father wiped tears discretely that had escaped his eyes. Her brother let out a small sigh of relief. The soldiers around hugged each other letting out cries of joy while the physicians around looked up to the sky and mumbled small prayers of gratitude. Meenakshi was finally safe. Her destiny had given her a new fate and it was now up to her to write her own story.

Meenakshi choked on her breath and let out a cough trying to fill her lungs with much needed air. Aditya, Chitrama and Vaidh ji helped her into a sitting position, only for her to let out a painful groan. Chitrama quickly placed two pillows behind her helping her support her back, while she whispered sweet nothings into her ear explaining what happened to her. Meenakshi slowly tried to open her eyes, trying to adjust to the light around from the flames of the torches. She winced as she felt immense pain in her limbs and torso. Her gaze fell on Chitrama who looked at her with a loving smile which she reciprocated with a faint smile of her own. Vaidh ji had prepared a small portion of an energy drink to sooth her parched throat as well as provide her strength. She quickly gulped the liquid, quenching her thirst.

Her gaze then fell on Aditya who was standing by the bed, waiting awkwardly. He badly wanted to run to her and collect her in his arms and shower her with his love and kisses. He couldn't be more grateful for seeing her like this. But he composed himself and stood silently waiting for her to take in everything. But much to his disappointment, Meenakshi lowered her head in respect and silently looked away. Her eyes scanned the others in the room, taking in everyone's form and expression. Her Guruji, her father, her mother, her brother, a few soldiers and Aditya's father, physicians. She was shocked that her mother was here and in tears but she quickly masked her expression. She looked at Aditya's father and silently begged for his forgiveness through her eyes. His father only smiled in assurance, denying her forgiveness.

"I think we should let her rest for some more time before we overwhelm her with our concern." Her Guruji spoke before anyone else could speak up. She gave him a grateful smile and got one in return. Slowly one by one left the tent, wishing for her speedy recovery and mentioning how their prayers were answered by the gods. Aditya's father patted her hand and smiled at her. Aditya stayed by her side along with Chitrama and Vaidhji. Aditya looked at them requesting them to give them a moment of privacy to which they readily agreed. Chitrama affectionately kissed her forehead before she followed the Royal Physician out of the tent. Aditya slowly walked towards her and sat by her side on the bed maintaining a comfortable distance between them. He knew that she was observing every moment of his even though her eyes were lowered.

"Will you not talk to me?" He spoke, breaking the silence.

"Pranam Maharaj!" She spoke in a low hoarse voice. Aditya was hit by a blow hearing her words. He quickly composed himself.

"I get that I am not forgiven. I won't trouble you any longer, now that my mere presence hurts you. I—I just wanted to wish you Meenakshi. Happy Birthday." He got up from his side and cupped her face delicately. He placed a kiss on her forehead ignoring her tensed form and left the place.