The Bond Of Threads

23. Reports

Karuna sat down on a bench helplessly.
Her child was jinxed. Never had he seen a day of relief in his life. She wished she had died before her child saw this unfateful day. All these years, she had waited for one glance of the boy, and now seeing him in the hospital broke her to the core.

Shirom guided Rishinn to a bench and made her sut down. She clinged to his arm, horrified. Never had she seen Nakul lay lifeless. Lost in her fears she did not know from whom she was seeking comfort.

It was after an eternity that Nakul's reports came out.
The results were relieving yet disheartening for the family.

There was an unusual swelling in Nakul's back. Though there was nothing more serious, his blood reports were not good. That could be the primary cause of his weakened muscles.
Rivaan suddenly recalled a moment when he first met Nakul. He had observed how Nakul had winced while he tried to get up from the chair.
While Vikram and Vishal were discussing next course of treatment, he came out to meet his mother and Shirom and to relive from the distress.
He was taken aback by the way Rishu was disheveled. The girl had cried the whole time and was not herself. She had clinged to Shirom for her dear life.

Rivaan came forward and gently pulled her closer. He stroked her head as he held her in his protective embrace. He knew, no one could make her feel better than Nakul himself.
"He is fine. Nothing to worry about." He whispered in to her.

She looked up at him with teary hopeful eyes. Rivaan managed a small yet genuine smile.

"Rivi? Is he really fine? Are you hiding something?" Karuna asked, not believing him.

Rivaan shook his head in denial.
"He is fine. Mom. Nothing to worry about. He just has some swelling in his muscles. Medicine and some rest should help." Rivaan said and Rishinn looked at him confused.

"Swelling? How? Was it because we were playing? Is he hurt?"

"We did not find any visible injury. He would be able to answer a few questions after he wakes up." Rivaan replied.

He then looked at Shirom and the latter understood that there was something more that Rivaan did not want to reveal Infront of Rishinn. He blinked in anticipation and looked at the girl, who was lost in her thoughts.
Shirom gently held her hand and she looked up at him, startled.

"You haven't eaten for long, Rishu. Let's get something for you to eat."

She shook her head in denial. "I want to meet Nakul Bhai."

Rivaan sighed.
"He is still under the influence of medicine. It would take 6-8 hours for him to wake up. You should eat something and go home. You can come back tomorrow morning."

She widened her eyes in horror.
"He wont come back home now? You said he was fine." She protested.

"Yes, Rishu, he is fine. But he still needs treatment for the swelling. If everything is alright, he will be discharged by tomorrow." Rivaan tried to explain.

"So, he will stay in the hospital?" She whispered, with fear laced voice, to which, Rivaan nodded.

"Then, I can stay here too." She said with determination.

Rivaan pursed his lips and looked at Shirom who was expected to intervene.

"No, Rishu, kids are not allowed to stay here. You can meet him tomorrow. I will bring you here as soon as the visiting hours start." Shirom said and she looked at him offended.

"Mom, you too, should leave him to me. I will be here with him. Go home and rest. He is fine now." Rivaan said to Karuna who just looked away.
She could not leave her child unattended and Rivaan could understand. He looked at Rishu, who was holding back her tears.