Virika: The Army Love

Chapter 3

Edited

Author
Looking up, Viren was dumbstruck. Standing before him was Jeevika, the girl he saved yesterday. She was trying to walk but it was difficult because of her injured leg. Viren stood up, went near her and offered her help by moving his hand forward. Jeevika looked at him and hesitantly accepted his hand. They slowly made their way to the bed. Viren helped her sit down and covered her with blanket . He then, proceeded to sit on the couch. There was an awkward silence which Viren didn't favoured.

"I'm Officer Vadhera from Delhi. I'm in charge here for the victims along with my colleagues" Viren started.

Jeevika offered a small smile and introduced herself. "I'm Jeevika."

Viren repeated her name in his mind and smiled lightly.

Placing his elbows on his knees, Viren leaned forward. "If you don't mind, can I say something?"

"Of course."

"I really don't think you are from here." Viren judged, his black eyes calculating.

Jeevika gave a small laugh.
"Actually, you are right. I'm not from here. I'm from Delhi,  like you."

Chuckling he answered.  "Guess I was Right."

Silence, once again was drawn on them. Being uncomfortable, they both fidgeted nervously.

Viren broke the silence again. "Your family hasn't arrived yet?"

"No. They'll reach here by night by what I was told." She sighed. Sadness clear in her eyes

"Guess, it's just you and me till then." Viren gave a small laugh to which Jeevika smiled. "So....not trying to be rude but what were you doing here? I mean work or something else.?"

"No work." She chuckled. "I was here with my friends to travel and enjoy some peaceful time but didn't know this would happen." Jeevika gestured to the hospital room.

"Yes...that's a bummer."

"Actually," Jeevika started the conversation this time."I'm here and alive because of a guy. My friends told me that they couldn't find me after the tragedy. A guy found me, you know all bloody and dirty, who then took me to the ambulance. Because of him, I'm breathing. I wish I could appreciate my lots of lots of gratitude to him" She expressed with her hands, but then sighed. "But I don't think I'll ever see him again. For God's sake, I don't even know who he is or what does he look like."

Viren's heart warmed up listening this. He decided to tell Jeevika that the guy she was talking about was he himself.
Clearing his throat, he opened his mouth to speak when the door opened.

Viren turned around and saw a woman in her 40's. He stood up and walked towards her, wanting to ask what she wanted when tears glistened in her eyes.

"Jeevika..." She breathed. Tears fell down her cheeks and she immediately hugged Jeevika. She sobbed quietly, muttering
'thank God, you are safe'.

"Mom, I'm okay. Nothing's to worry about." Jeevika spoke while patting her mother's back as she hugged her tightly.

Viren, who was watching this, went towards the table and poured a glass of water for Jeevika's mother.

Asha, Jeevika's mother, sat down on the couch which was previously occupied by Viren. She took the glass of water which Viren offered and began to calm down, assured that her daughter was okay.

"I'm never letting you leave for a vacation alone now. You scared us to death." Asha declared.

"Mom, I'm okay. Besides an earthquake is not my fault. Its nature's." Jeevika tried to reason while smiling.

"Whatever." It was then, when Asha acknowledged Viren. "Um...who are you, if I may ask?"

"Sorry for not introducing, I'm Officer Vadhera, Indian Army. I'm in charge here." Viren introduced himself.

"Nice to meet you." Asha smiled.
She turned towards Jeevika." Are your friends okay? What even happened?" She questioned.

"Yes, they are all okay. Actually we all were together in the fete until I got a call. I don't remember what happened after that.
I woke up in the morning, here. Girls told me that a guy helped me. So mom, I'm alive because of him only but I can't even thank him because I don't even know him." Jeevika told her mom, the whole story.

"It's okay dear. I know that he will know that you are grateful for what he had done. God bless him."Asha stated, folding her hands in a small prayer." Your father and siblings couldn't come as they were engaged with their meetings and exams,
respectively. "

"It's okay mom." Holding her mother's hand, Jeevika assured.

Thinking he is just intruding the mother- daughter moment, Viren decided it's best he leave as Jeevika would not be alone now.

Clearing his throat, Viren announced he should leave. Asha stood up and placed a hand on Viren's shoulder. She smiled."Thank you son for staying with my daughter."

"It's no problem ma'am and it was my duty. "Viren replied. "I'll take my leave." He stated,  nodding towards Jeevika.

"Bye Officer Viren and thank you for your time." Jeevika thanked.

Viren smiled slightly when something caught his attention. "How do you know my name. I never told you." He asked, confused.

Jeevika giggled and pointed towards his shirt pocket. "It's written there, on your name plate,
'OFFICER VIREN VADHERA',"

Viren laughed at his own stupidity. "Yeah..its...never mind. Take care and get well soon."

With a smile Viren exited the room, leaving Jeevika and her mother alone.

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Kaur D