Happily Ever After

-Gone, Forever-

Looking at my mom and dad, all the memories of the three of us flashes through my mind. It is like a slide show of past and oh, how it makes me want to cry.

The way they stood up for me every time. They are the reason I'm still alive. They have never imposed their decisions on me. Whatever I wanted, I was given. Whatever I liked, I did. They loved me so much and still do. I am too afraid to lose them. But then, I am helpless. I heard the doctors say that they are very critical and how the chances of their survival are very few.

Reena aunty sits beside me. "Arjun bete, everything will be okay." She puts my head in her lap. "You know, when we left home and were on our way, we were talking about you. Your parents were very happy. Bhabhi was telling us about you. I am proud of you beta. At least you had the guts to come out to the society. And I am really happy that bhaiya and bhabhi support you."

"They told you all? They told that I am.."

"Yes baby. We all know and it's okay. You are allowed to love, you are allowed to do anything just like the rest of us. And I am really happy for you."

"I love you, bua."

"I love you too, beta. Arjun, see, I know this is going to be tough for both of us. My husband and your parents are lying on the death bed there and there are very less chances of their survival. I know it is gonna hurt. But my kid always remember, life is never easy."

"I don't know. I still feel they are here and they won't go. And I want to pretend that everything is fine. And they are anyway with me. They will never leave me alone. "

"Yes. And did you talk to your friends? And what about that girl you went on a date with?"

"Uhmm, mom told you this too?"

"Yes beta. She's really happy that you finally moved on."

"It was good. We had good time. And my friends, I haven't talk to them in a while. Last I did was on my birthday, that was 2 days ago."

"It's okay. Call them in the morning."

"Yeah."

"Doctor... doctor.. Mrs. Sehgal is breathing very violently. Please check, come fast."

Hearing mom's name, I rush to the room. She lay on the bed breathing very fastly. The doctor comes in and shoves me aside. I land on the sofa. He injects something into her system and she finally becomes better. And then, after few minutes, she opens her eyes.

"Mom!"

"Ar..jun.. baby"

"Mom! Don't speak. You're not well. Just shush. Let me speak. Just listen, okay?"

She smiled at me and tears rolled down her cheeks, wetting the pillow.

"Mom, you know what? Me and Ahana went on out first date today. I told you about her, right? And how we had a connection? Today we kissed, mom. It was raining and the moment was perfect. She is so great mom. I will make you meet her. I know you like her." And then I hug her tightly.

"Get well soon, mom."

"I.. love you... Arjun.. take care."

She said it with a lot of efforts and pain and then she closes her eyes again.
I come out and tell this to others. There is still hope left.

It is 5 in the morning. 29 hours to go. They will decide Sehgal family's fate today.

I go to the canteen to get some coffee. I also text my friends on our WhatsApp group and tell them about dad and mom. Since it's a school night, they all must be asleep. They will check the texts anyway.

It is 8:30, the doctor walks out of the ICU.

"We're sorry. We could not save them. Mr and Mrs Sehgal and Mr Kohli passed away 10 minutes ago. Please take care."

Reena aunty falls down the ground. She can't believe what she heard. I feel something in me break. I feel empty. My support system is lost. I am practically alone. I have lost all hopes now.

"The ambulances are waiting outside for departure. We are ready to go to Gwalior. Please clear your dues at the reception. Thank you. Take care." The nurse says.

Reena aunty, the Kumars and I walk out after setlling the dues and sit in the car. We depart for Gwalior so that cremation ceremony and other rituals can be followed.

It's going to be a long day.

__________________________________

Worth the wait, eh?

Next chapter on May 27.

What are your views about the chapter, let me know in the comments section below. Thank you. :) ❤

© Anshul Maheshwari

#HEAbyAnshul
#HappilyEverAfter