Virika: Agent K2

II

Krystle
I stretched my arm out to stop the table clock blaring the alarm. Closing my eyes for a few seconds, I continued to lay on the bed but alas, happiness is not long lived. Sighing, I got up from the bed and went to get ready for the day.

Coming out of the shower, I looked out of the window to see that it was raining.

Nothing new.

It was the month of july and it rained mercilessly during this month in Delhi. It was a relief after June's scorching hot summer. I opened the window to let the cool breeze in.

Walking towards my cupboard, I opened it and though of what to wear. Deciding on a black shirt and black pants, I quickly changed into them before closing the cupboard. I threw my night suit into the laundry basket and put on my cream coloured sandals before walking out of the room.

I worked at High Hopes Hospital as a receptionist so it was expected for me to wear formal clothes always. Of course, it was not my dream job but something is better than nothing. Few years back, I was thinking of quitting the job and follow my dreams but then mom left me. All the responsibilities and burden came on me so I couldn't afford to lose the only job I had. Therefore, I continued it. It was not a hard job but certainly not an easy one too. I had to fill out the forms of the patients, ask them questions, help them and sometimes escort them to various areas in the hospital too.

I took out a bowl and pour some cold milk into it. Placing the milk back in the fridge, I added chocos and gave it a mix before going out to sit on the dining table.

This house belonged to my late grandfather. After his demise, mom wanted to keep it so she renovated it completely. It's a three bedroom apartment with 2 washrooms, dining plus kitchen and living room. It's a medium size house but for a single person, it's quite huge. Even though I sometimes faced financial problems, I didn't had a heart to sell or either rent this house. It was very close to me.

Gulping down the milk, I washed the bowl and spoon before letting them dry. I glanced at the clock and it was 8:30 am. My shift started at 9 and I walked to the hospital.
Not wanting to get late, I quickly grabbed my phone and looked at it's battery.

71%

"It will last for the day." I mumbled as I took my bag and placed the water bottle in. Switching off all the lights, I locked the door but not before grabbing the umbrella.

It was drizzling outside now but I was sure that it would rain heavily again. I fished out my earphones from the bag and plugged them in my ears. Taking my phone out from the pocket, I connected the earphones and played the last played song from the beginning. It was Dil Diyan Gallan. I hopped on the side walk as I listened to the beautiful melody.

Everything looked fresh and clean. As if the rain had rejuvenated everything. Leaves of trees looked bright and green while the trunks became more dark. The sky was blue with grey and black clouds, that promised of bursting again. Even if the clouds looked heavy and dark, the wind was cool and light, giving a winterly touch to everything.

Soon enough, my eyes caught the big red sign above a grey building.
'High Hopes Hospital'. The name was clichè but the hospitality was finest. The doctors and nurses were highly qualified and knew their work. The staff was always there to help.

I entered the big black gates and was greeted by Chander, the security guard.

"Good morning, Krystle." He greeted, affection in his warm old eyes.

"Good morning, Uncle. How is your family?" I asked. It had become a routine of mine to ask about his family after he had told me about them once.

"They are doing great." He smiled. Anyone could tell that he loved his two daughters and wife.

"Great. I'll better be going then. Take care."

Entering the glass doors, I was welcomed by the strong smell of disinfectant. I was used to it now though.

I waved at the other receptionist, Shaira who never failed to come before me. She was way more than punctual. The hospital was huge and it was semi government so the patients were always more than any private hospital. That's why, it was considered best to have two receptionists so that one was not very burdened.

I placed my bag down by the desk and sat down on the chair. I looked at the files of the patients who would have their surgeries and operations today and seperated them. I was about to open the appointment register when a throat was cleared above me. I looked up and saw Dr. Rajiv Chauhan. I immediately stood up.

"Good morning Doctor." I said with a smile. He was one of the best and senior doctors of the hospital. He was also a great man.

"Good morning Krystle. How's everything?" He asked as he looked down at the files mounting my desk.

"Great." I answered back. He was the only doctor who took out time to talk with his staff.
He nodded and went on his way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The day went on. It was a busy day. Heck! Everyday is a busy one. I stretched my arms out and looked at my phone. It read 8:32 pm.

Just half an hour more.

Soon it was time to leave. I packed my things and kept all the files of patients who had their surgeries tomorrow, on the desk, in case any doctor needed them.
I got up from the chair at the same time when the receptionist who had night duty came. We talked for a bit before I left the building.

I waited for Shaira as we went home together. We walked till the nearest metro station before parting ways. She takes the metro while I just turn left and enter my society.

"Let's go." Shaira said as we both left the hospital premises. We talked about our day. Even though we sit opposite each other everyday we don't get to talk, given the facts that our breaks are at different timings.

"So, I'll see you tomorrow?" She asked while taking out her metro card.

"Yup." I replied "See you. Don't forget-"

"I know, I know. I'll message you first when I reach home." I smiled and she reciprocated.

I do care about her.

Saying bye once again we both went our ways with a promise to meet each other again tomorrow morning which never happened because she was always early.

But I didn't know that from today I would never be able to keep that promise even if I wanted to.

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Soooo long...
I'm really very sorry guys....just sorryyy.....
Love you all
XOXO
Kaur D