‘~•~’
Denotes the switch in Povs.
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A U T H O R ’ S P O V
“There are no severe external injuries on him. However the hemorrhage is quite bad. A clot has been formed. There is no option other than surgery. There are risks. But don't you worry, we will do our best.” The doctor concluded, Prakash and DD thanked him and walked out of the doctor's cabin.
“Khanna saab, how is tillu? He's okay na? Dd you at least tell me something.” Shweta cried, hyperventilating. "Shweta.. shweta listen, don't panic okay, let Sunny speak.” Bebe told her cupping her face.
“Nothing to worry about Shweta ji, he will be okay. The doctor would try his best.” Prakash calmed her down, gulping the other words of the doctor so it wouldn't worry her too much.
“Aunty... If that's the case, I’m going to the station. I have only taken a half day leave.” Mitali stated in an apology manner and turned to leave when Shweta nodded. Prakash sarcastically chuckled lightly.
"Dd, can you please pick up Neivi from home. She’s alone there with Bheema and she’d be scared.” Prakash requested and Dd nodded, “Of course Uncle I will do.”
“Uncle, Avni Bhabhi is also here.”Dd whispered, almost hesitantly only to Prakash after they walked a little further. “Really? Where?” Prakash asked, his eyes gleaming a little further. “She’s been here for a long time. I told her to come and sit there but she said no.” Dd replied and led the way to where Avni was sitting. He then bid on his departure as he ran to pick Neivi.
Avni was there, in a corner, away from anybody's eyesight.
Prakash’s heart ached as he saw her. “Avni beta,” He called out to her lightly. Avni shuddered and looked in the direction of voice, immediately standing up. "Papa ji,”
“Avni beta why are you sitting here alone? Come there.” Prakash asked politely, his voice laced with concern. “Nahi Papaji. There are Shweta Aunty and Mitali... And I don't.. I don't really want to be a sore sight. I'm fine here.” Avni looked down as she said that. “How... How's Neil?” She asked after a pause, looking at here Papaji with hope in her eyes.
“He has to undergo surgery. A blood clot has been formed but the doctor said he’d be okay and they'd try their best.” Prakash trailed off. “He will be fine, right?” Avni asked again. Prakash smiled painfully. How could she love him so much after all this?
“Ofcourse he will be. He has always fought when you were there. He will come back, hmm? And nothing is your fault.” Prakash said, knowing exactly what is running on his daughter's mind as he pulled her in for a delicate hug. After awhile, Dd arrived with Neivi in his arms. As soon as she saw her Mommy she jumped from Dd’s arms and ran to her Mommy who engulfed her in her motherly embrace.
“Mommy..” The little girl whimpered, snuggling into her mother’s chest as much as she could. “Shh don’t cry bacha. Mommy is here..” Avni cooed her babygirl as she felt wet drops on her chest. Avni sat on the chair with Neivi on her lap.
“Why are you crying bacha?” Avni asked, wiping her baby tears away. “Mommy...Dada?”Avni’s heart clenched at the tiny voice that was filled with pain. The little girl was scared. She was just getting adapted to a surrounding where her Mommy is not. And hence, Neil played a very crucial role in her adaptation and today, when she woke up and did not see him, she was scared.
“Dada will be fine bacha. Don't worry, hmm?” Avni softly whispered to her, caressing her baby hairs. “I see him,” (‘I wanna see him,’) Neivi hiccuped. “Just a few more hours and Dada would be there with you.” Avni assured her, holding her tears back.
