PHIR SE

Papa?

Chapter 38

Khushi covered her mouth with the flowing edge of her gown and ran out of the hospital. She stood under a canopy, slumped down and cried out, holding her face in her palms.

She replayed her conversation with Anjali inside the ICU, in her mind.

*************

The police officer recorded the statement he needed and came out with his cap in his hand.

" Um...Is Ms.Khushi here? Ms. Anjali has requested to meet her in alone."

Khushi got up from her seat, nodded at the police officer and went inside the ICU.

Anjali was covered from head to toe with various needles connecting her to various machines. The ECG machine beeped in slow motion on her right showing that her heartbeat was pretty slow.

Khushi became scared at this sight. Anjali's body was covered with a white bed sheet till her chest. Her fingers were clipped to some wires. Her hair was nowhere to be seen. Her head had been covered with huge white bandages which showed clear red stains of blood.

" Come here Khushi..." Anjali stuttered in a slow voice.

It was unbearable for Khushi to see her chirpy friend in this state. Anjali noticed this and said "I don't regret dying Khushi, except for one thing...my Aashi." Anjali slowly sighed.

" No,Anjali! Don't die! Aashi needs you!" Khushi pleaded holding her hands. Over these 3 years both of them had developed a sisterly bond.

" Khushi! What has to happen shall happen! Please, let me die in peace. Please make me a promise to give my burning soul some rest. I don't want Aashi to ever be alone. Please become her mother! She has no one except you. I know I am being selfish right now and loading my girl's responsibility over you but..." Anjali pleaded.

Lavanya entered the ICU tearfully and looked at Anjali.

" No buts Anjali! Of course she is my daughter!" Khushi cried.

" Yes she is! You are leaving Aashi in good hands, Anjali. But why are you leaving? Don't leave, please!" Lavanya went near her and held her hand.

" I don't think I have any time left now. But Lavanya don't worry! I shall always be looking upon you! Making sure you don't do any mischeif or get Niall into any trouble." Anjali tried to laugh but La and Khushi kept crying.
"Khushi, I am indebted to you forever. Thank you for accepting my daughter's responsibility. But...but... promise me you won't take this as an excuse to not fulfil what you said today morning " Anjali said slightly smilingly.

" What did she say, Anjali?" Lavanya scrunched her eyebrows.

" Even I don't remember..." Khushi frowned.
" Arre! You forgot so soon?
You had decided to take your relationship forward with Arnav. Don't let my Aashi become a barrier to that decision of yours.
If you yourself won't be happy then how will you keep others happy? Also, don't let Aashi see me now. Promise me, Khushi! Promise me!" Anjali painfully said as she felt her breath leaving her.

Khushi placed her palm on Anjali's tearfully and smiled to her softly.

Anjali then gave a satisfied smile and breathed her last. She was content that Aashi was now in safe hands.

Khushi cried a lot and ran out of the room.

******************

Khushi sat with her head down, covering her face with her palms, mourning over the death of her friend. She remembered all the moments they had spent together like making Aashi's birthday cake, gathering ideas for her fancy dress competition, going shopping together and what not! But today that lively friend of hers was lifeless!