Forever: The phone call | Part 2 | Complete

Chapter 23

The blaring sound of ambulances encompassed my mind as we neared the hospital. There were many people in need of serious medical care at this time, and to know that Abhaas was one of those people caused a short circuit in my system. I was in Ishaan's car with Snehal and Kunal. The others might be in Nihav's car. Yash said something about following us in his car but I can't recollect much. I saw Snehal holding my hand tightly as I struggled with every breath I took in. The worst possible scenarios of Abhaas' condition were appearing in front of my eyes and I was trying hard to wipe them off.

The yellow bulbs on the street  were throwing us into a series of light and darkness as we passed them. Abhaas’ life was hanging like this, going into darkness, springing back into light and then falling back into darkness. The scene before me was constantly going blur as my eyes welled up. I tried pushing the tears back but the efforts were futile.

The ringtone of a phone reverberated through the car and Kunal picked it up. He said,
“We're on our way, we'll soon be there………..”

Yes, we're coming. We're reaching Abhaas. Please hold on. You can't let anything bad happen to you, I'll be there soon and everything will be fine. I know you'll be sitting next to me in less than an hour and I'll lecture you on how irresponsible you are. I'm coming, just few more minutes.

I wanted to make a pillow out of him,

Make him a pillow and punch him hard.
Make him a pillow and cry on it.
Make him a pillow and snuggle it in sleep.
He is this sweet melody oh hope that was back in my life, I don't know why and I don't know how but it is back, he is back. I can't let go of him now. Life has blessed me with another chance to make things right with Abhaas. The only joke is that this last hope of mine is hanging on the verge of life.  But now that he's here, I don't want to lose him again.

As soon as Ishaan pulled into the parking lot, I jumped out of the car and ran straight to the hospital. I entered in and turned left. I didn't know why I was in that corridor, but something inside me believed that he was there. The third door in that corridor opened and a nurse came out. She looked at me weirdly before she left.

The closing door gap focused on one face, that was Abhaas. I opened the door and took in his form. My Abhaas was lying helplessly on those white sheets. He had so many devices attached to him, a needle was piercing his hand and an oxygen mask was on his face. There were many bruises and bandages on him, he lay there like an angel.

I couldn't help walk straight at him. I bent down and placed a kiss on his forehead. The warmth on his head, feather touched my lips and the longing of all these years came rushing back. I was so close to him yet so far. I loved him so much and yet hated him. I wanted him but was pushing him away.

A lonely drop of tear escaped my eye and landed on his cheek. My loneliness always found a way out of my soul when he was around. You see, the demons of vulnerability can't live long with Abhaas guarding me.

The door to his room opened suddenly and Mrs Kale entered. She was shattered. The fear of mishappening and the shock of this news was already eating her alive. I remembered Ishaan calling the Kales in the car. I'm thankful for him to have informed them.

Mrs Kale looked pale, her hair were out of place and her face was sad. She sat next to Abhaas and placed her hand over his. Silent tears made their way out of her eyes and soon she was crying.

Does she not know that he's going to recover? Why is she crying so much? Nothing is going to happen to him, he's out of danger. Isn't he? He is. Yes, of course he is. He has to.

I felt a material brush my right cheek. I turned and saw Mr Kale. He was holding a handkerchief. He placed his hand on my head and said,
“ Don't cry, he'll be fine.”

I wasn't crying. Why will I cry if I know that Abhaas is fine. See he's right here, infront of me. Yes he's unconscious but he's here. I touched my cheek and realized it was all wet. I wasn't supposed to cry. He's fine, he's recovering. My Abhaas isn't going anywhere.

Mrs Kale got up and was wiping her tears. A strange kind of emotion took over me and spread throughout my body creating goosebumps all over. I walked towards her and in the next moment she embraced me tight. She didn't cry but the emotions could be felt in the air. Even the air had gone salty like our lears and heavy like our hearts.

The doors opened again and my friends came in. Ulka quickly hugged me tight and that was followed by Snehal. With Nihav, Kunal and Ishaan in, the one person that was left was Yash. But he didn't come alone, he came in with Tara.

Tara was in tears and she clutched Yash's arm real tight. She didn't say anything nor did she come forward. She just kept herself to the door. The nurse and doctor came in and asked us to move out. The Kales stayed back to talk to the doctor.

Outside in the corridor, the time had stopped and silence threw a blanket on us. Nobody spoke, nobody listened. We just breathed. After what seemed like a minute and a year at the same time, some commotion occurred.

I saw mom enter the left corridor and she was practically running at us. On the other side Mr and Mrs Kale came out and my mom hugged Mrs Kale. Their hug was very urgent, one that Mrs Kale needed to fight back with this situation.

I always knew they were best friends but I saw that for the first time. I was expecting dad to come but I didn't see him. Mom saw me and hugged me too.
“Your dad is at the reception.” That's all she said and took Mrs Kale somewhere.

A man came to meet the doctor and we realized he was the one who admitted  Abhaas. We thanked him dearly and then he with the doctor and Mr Kale went straight down the corridor. Once again, we were left to wonder what life was serving us next.

A few moments later, dad came to us. He was wearing the same suit and tie that made him look intimidating but the expressions didn't match his attire. He said,
“The doctor has told us not to worry. Abhaas is out of danger. His wounds are deep but he will recover. There isn't any brain damage either. He said that Abhaas was talking on phone while driving. He lost control and rammed into the roadside railing. I don't think Abhaas will be so careless about driving.”

Dad turned around and saw Mr Kale passing through the main corridor. He called out,
“Prabhas, wait for me.” He turned back at us and said,
“Kids, go have something. Abhaas is given a heavy dose of medication so he won't be regaining consciousness for the next few hours. You can eat something and come back later. I'm not asking you to go home and leave your friend here but be reasonable with the situation. Understand?” He asked looking at me in particular.

I just nodded my head and he left. He gently placed his hand over Mr. Kale’s shoulder like a true buddy and they both left.

In a sudden movement, Snehal shot up her seat. She looked angry and in mood for some serious lecturing.
“I want everyone out. We need to talk." That's all she said and started walking down the corridor. With the authoritarian tone and her angry stance, we took no time to get up. For once I turned back to see if Abhaas was up and looking for us. He wasn't. But it's okay. Dad says he'll be fine, the doctor says he'll be fine. I know he'll be fine. That's enough for me.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Snehal took us walking right outside the hospital and near the benches in the shade of a giant peepal tree. She turned back on her heels and said with venom in her mouth,
“So Tara, would you like to speak or shall I spill your beans?”

Something big was about to happen now, and I had no idea about what was that.

*****

Any guesses?