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“Aunty, did Roshni wake up?” Sheetal asked.
Aunty updated Sheetal on all that had happened after she left. She looked at Roshni. “She is very tired and weak. God knows how long it will take for her to recover.”
Sheetal had already given Akash all the details as to how the accident had happened. While this conversation went on, Roshni overheard them and opened her eyes. She saw Akash and attempted to smile. She lifted the weak hand and bade him to come closer. Akash moved closer to her and cupped her cheek with his hand, sitting next to her in the chair.
“Roshni, how are you feeling? I’m so sorry for what happened.” He gently moved his hand over her head, soothing her.
Roshni had tears in her eyes and tried to smile.
“Roshni, please…please…calm down. Sheetal gave me all the details, and I had to come see you.”
Roshni nodded her head gently. “Akash bhaiya, how are Sashank bhaiya and Kusum didi?”
“They are doing well. Both of them are very concerned for you. They wanted to come, but I suggested that I will let them know of the situation before they decide.”
“Please ask them not to come. I will be okay. Let them not trouble themselves. Even you…I am happy you came, but it wasn’t necessary.” She looked at Sheetal. “I know I troubled you a lot; sorry, Sheetal,” she said in a very feeble voice.
Sheetal came closer to Roshni and placed her hand on Roshni’s head. “Roshni, what are you talking about? I am so glad I was with you when this happened; otherwise…who knows what the outcome would have been?”
“Roshni, we are happy Sheetal brought you to the hospital immediately; we are grateful to her,” Akash agreed.
Roshni felt very exhausted.
“Roshni, you are tired. Close your eyes and rest. I will be here,” said Akash.
And as he talked, Roshni closed her eyes. Akash gently wiped her tears. He’d controlled his tears while he talked to Roshni, but now he was unable to. He knew her to be full of energy and active, and now to see her in this state was very painful.
Akash called Sashank bhaiya and bhabhi to update them on Roshni’s condition. He also explained how weak and tired she was. Sashank and Kusum asked him several questions. He assured Sashank that it wasn’t necessary for him to come and that he would stay there for a couple more days so he could give support to Sheetal.
They discussed informing Deepak. Akash said that he would like to talk to the doctor before they told Deepak, and everybody agreed. Akash also updated Sashank that Roshni was in a good hospital and that a good team of doctors attended her. Sashank and Kusum were relieved to hear this.
Sheetal asked Akash if he would like to relax at home and come back in the evening. Akash agreed.
“Sheetal bete, you can move my stuff and let him use my room. I left food in the refrigerator. Please warm it up and both of you have dinner, and then come back,” Aunty suggested.
Aunty asked Sheetal to bring some clothes for her so she could stay with Roshni in the hospital. Sheetal was unsure and was worried for Roshni. If Roshni needed any emergency help, would Aunty be able to call the doctors? Aunty assured Sheetal that if there was an emergency, she would call the nurse and doctor immediately and that Sheetal should not worry.
Sheetal agreed, and they left.
~ ~ ~
While having chai at the girls’ apartment, Akash asked Sheetal about Aunty, and Sheetal explained the entire story of how Roshni helped this woman and brought her here. Akash listened to the whole story and nodded his head in appreciation.
“Akash ji, Roshni is such a wonderful person, very kind hearted and compassionate. She has taught me so many things in just these few weeks. I really have a high regard and respect for her,” Sheetal said.
“Sheetal ji, we, both Sashank bhaiya and I, had no respect for women and treated this girl so rudely and insulted her several times, but she was so patient with us. Now, Sashank bhaiya treats her like his daughter, and for me…she is more my little sister. You’re right; she has a magnanimous heart, very caring and kind.”
A few minutes later, Akash went to the family room to relax. He turned on the TV and flipped through the channels. Nothing seemed interesting. In the meantime, Sheetal packed a few items for Aunty – her clothes, a towel, her brush – and joined Akash in the family room.
“Sheetal ji, do you think Roshni is being taken good care of here in this hospital? I’m worried for her,” said Akash, being very concerned for Roshni.
“Akash ji, this is one of the best hospitals here in Bangalore, and it has very good doctors. I don’t think you should worry about that. The doctor who has been attending Roshni seems like a nice person. You can meet him this evening or maybe tomorrow morning,” Sheetal assured him.
“I would like to meet him, certainly. Sashank bhaiya asked if we could move Roshni to Mumbai. What do you think?”
“Akash ji, you saw Roshni, right? Did you see how weak she is? She has casts and bandages all over her body. I don’t think it would be a good idea to move her at least for a couple of weeks. Let’s wait and see how she responds to the medication and then decide.” She continued after a pause, “I know you can’t wait here for a couple of weeks, but if at any time I feel she would be better in Mumbai, believe me, I will let you all know.”
Akash nodded and agreed.
