Chapter 33

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Pete arrived quite early to the hospital. Angelina was still drowzing. Her chin almost touched her chest. A very uncomfortable position indeed.

Pete walked as soundlessly as he could and sat beside her. Carefully placing the breakfast on the side chair, he draped his arm around her shoulder bringing her closer to him. He then carefully put her head on his shoulder.

Angelina felt comfortable after a long nearly sleepless night. She moved a little and settled herself in a better position.

Pete was gentle patting her shoulder, hoping she would get some nice sleep.

Angelina woke up after nearly one and half hours.

"Good morning" Pete said.

She lifted up her head, "Good morning. When did you arrive?"

"Not very long ago. Was everything alright during night? Oh, and here is the breakfast."

"You really brought it! Come, let's visit Maa."

Mrs. Ray was a habitual early riser. She was awake a long time ago, just stayed in bed watching the beautiful morning view outside window.

All her past memories came flooding in. Her school days, her college life, how she met Angelina's dad, their wedding... everything. It's been a while since she last looked back on all those golden memories. She missed her husband. Only if he was there with them today. Time is really funny.

She smiled remembering all those memorable, lovely and happy times she spent with Mr. Ray. He was like a shield protecting her and daughter from every harm. That's what he did even in his last moments on this earth.

Her smile disappeared thinking about that accident. Angelina was three years old then. The family of three went out for having dinner. It was a happy weekend. Mr. Ray has just received a promotion.

Angelina had a plushie in her hand. It was her favourite, she liked carrying it everywhere. While crossing the road it somehow slipped from her hand.

"Papa, Dori uuu- " she had pointed towards the toy on the zebra crossing.

Mr. Ray looked at the digital timer, not enough time to retrieve it. So he said, "Leave her there. I will buy you a new one." Soon, car movements resumed. And they started walking away towards the restaurant.

But little Angelina didn't want to leave her friend there. She let go of her dad's hand ran towards the middle of the road.

Mr. Ray was taken off guard. He returned to his senses and ran to save her. Had he been a little late, the speeding motorbike would have hit their daughter. But he was... Robin, the shield, the roof over their head. He embraced her away from the danger, but lost his life in the process.

Life was unpredictable. We desire something, plan something and get something else.

Angelina was too small to understand that her father has left them. She kept calling him, laying in his embrace. "Papa..."

That was the only word she spoke for nearly 2 years. My poor child, she went through so much.

The sound of door opening brought her back to present. She quickly blinked a few times to adjust her emotions.

"Maa, good morning." Angelina said, walking in.

"Good morning" the older lady replied.

"Ah, you are here as well. Aye, my son-in-law is so responsible. Haha!" Mrs. Ray let out a happy laughter.

"Maaaa.. what are you saying?" Angelina whinned looking embarrassed.

"Thank you, Maa." Pete replied.

Angelina nudged at him. He ignored and walked forward, "Tadaaaa... Here is your breakfast!!!" Pete placed it on the bedside table.

Mrs. Ray cupped Pete's face with her hand. " I am entrusting my precious to you, Son. Keep my daughter happy and safe. She has been through a lot." she sniffed.

"Maa.. what are you guys talking about? We are new to this relationship. No marriage discussion now." Angelina was blushing hard from their discussion. She was also afraid that Pete would be pressurised from all this awkward conversations.

The charming smile from Pete's face disappeared for a few moments. Angelina knew her words might have hurt him.

It's not like she was thinking of just a casual relationship at this moment. It's not like she was going to dump him in near future even if everything remains okay between them. No, she wasn't like that. She just didn't want him to feel pressurised. 'Guess, he misunderstood me. ' Angelina thought to herself.

She stepped forward and kept her hand on his shoulder and spoke, " Maa, will I be lucky enough to be with him forever?"

"Why are you spouting nonsense?" Mrs. Ray asked frowning.

"I want to be the lucky one, maa." She spoke to her mother but was staring into Pete's eyes and continued, "I just.. don't want to jinx it."

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Sorry for not being able to update for last few days. I was suffering from fever. Still not fully recovered, but hope to update more frequently in future.

Thank you for bearing with me.

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