THE HIDDEN HALF

Chapter 01 : He's the one!

*** CHAPTER 01 ***

Durga Prasad impatiently paces to and fro in front of Swara's room as the doctor inspects her after her recent panic attack just an hour ago and his wife Annapurna just keeps standing in the hallway crossing her arms across her chest and her whole figure resting against a pillar as she keeps staring into oblivion, her mind devoid any thoughts in particular.

After anxiously waiting for fifteen more minutes, they straighten up their posture as the doctor steps out of the room with a grim expression etched all across his face.

Doctor: I asked you all to take care of her and please don't stress her in any way. Mr. Maheshwari, you're a very responsible person. Please keep this in mind if you don't want to lose your daughter-in-law!

The doctor warns Durga Prasad and Annapurna once again. Annapurna glares at her husband on knowing that Swara's condition has worsened and something needs to be done soon enough.

Annapurna: We are very sorry doctor. We'll keep this in mind from now on.

Doctor: I'll still suggest you to get her admitted in the hospital for a better medical care.

Annapurna: No, doctor! We can't take that risk. We won't be able to answer her questions after that.

Doctor: (nods his head thoughtfully) I'll take your leave then. Please take care and let me know in case of any emergency.

Durga Prasad and Annapurna nod their heads and the doctor leaves. For the first time in almost one and a half hours Durga Prasad looks at his wife.

Durga Prasad: Get some snacks ready. Mr. Sen Gupta is coming.

Annapurna: (sternly) Is his son also coming?

Durga Prasad gives her a rigid nod and she rolls her fist in anger. For some reasons, Annapurna can never appreciate the presence of Mr. Sen Gupta's son and especially when he is around Swara.

Annapurna: Get one thing very clear. I don't want him anywhere near my daughter.

Durga Prasad: But what's the problem in that? They have known each other since college times.

Annapurna: I don't know anything about that but I have this feeling that something is going on in his mind.

Durga Prasad: Isn't that a good thing? After Sanky, it's our responsibility that Swara gets to start a new life. After all we can't force her to stay in a non-existent relationship for the rest of her life.

Annapurna: I know and no one would be more glad than me if she gets married to someone again. But Sahil Sen Gupta is certainly not that 'someone'. I would never hand over my daughter to a reckless being like him instead I want a person who would cherish her for his entire life. I would give her to someone I could trust.

Durga Prasad grimaces his face on the thinking she holds of Sahil. He flicks his fingers signaling her to dismiss the matter for now as he sees Mr. Mahesh Sen Gupta enter through the main gate with his son Sahil tagging along.

Durga Prasad: They are here!

Annapurna: Like I care! I'll be in our room and if you need anything ask Joe to get it done.

Durga Prasad: But what's the harm in meeting them?

Annapurna: If you don't want them to get insulted and move right out of the door they are entering now, better not call me out.

Durga Prasad sighs knowing that there is no point in arguing with her as she becomes over possessive when it comes her children and after Sanky she is not ready to trust anyone when it's about Swara. He couldn't blame her either as she has seen too much already and he can understand how hard it would have been for a mother's heart.