PART 21

''Chote!''a frantic Anjali came running down the corridor,her eyes blurred with her ceaseless tears.

Khushi stood up from the couch.She was covered in bloodstains and her forehead,elbow and palms were heavily bandaged.

''Chote!''Anjali sobbed.Raizadas entered,close on her heels.

''He's in the Operation theater....Doctors are removing his bullet.He'll be all right!''she reassured Anjali.

This made Anjali and others notice her.

''Khushi!''Akash gasped.

''Khushi are you all right?''he asked anxiously,immediately rushing to her side.

''Of course Akash!I'm absolutely fine!''she soothed his anxiety.

Everyone's eyes teared up looking at her condition.They all had been so impatient to meet her,but they had never thought that they will meet her in such grave situation.

''How did this happen?..Who were they khushi?''Akash questioned her.

Khushi took a deep breath and began narrating the fateful incident.

When she finished,Anjali pulled her in a fierce hug not bothering about her bloodstained,dirty clothes.

''Thank you so much for saving my chote's life...I can't thank you enough!''she chocked.

''Our entire family owes you for saving our chote's life khushiji!''Armaan said gravely.

Khushi was embarrased.

''You don't have to thank me Anjaliji!In fact I should be grateful!Arnav sir saved my life.''she said earnestly.

Suddenly she swayed gently on the spot.Exertion finally taking toll on her en mass.

''Khushiji,you are dead on your feet!Akash drop her at her home,she needs rest!''Anjali said anxiously,holding khushi by her shoulders.

''No its Ok,really!I'll manage!''Khushi protested.

''No,bitiya,its not safe to travel so late in the night!Besides you are unwell...Akash will drop you!''Nani ordered,putting an effective end to the arguments.

''Yeah come khushi!''Akash held khushi by her elbow and gently supported her out of the infirmary.

A glorious dawn chased the blemishes of the previous night away.

ASR regained consciousness in the early hours to immense relief and joy of the Raizadas.

''Chote!Thank God you are safe!''Anjali sobbed,embracing him tenderly.

''You gave us  such a scare!''Armaan muttered,beaming down at him.

''Thank God khushi bitiya was there to...''

''Khushi!''her name triggered the previous night's memories ans ASR looked around,searching for her.

''Where is she?..How is she?''he asked anxiously.

Raizadas gaped at him fuddled.It was hard to believe he was the same condescending,rude ASR who never gave a damn about anyone but his family.

''She's at her home Bhai.''Akash answered.

 

''By the way Arnav bituwa,you being so anxious for a girl is literally a news for us!''Mama commented innocently.

ASR flushed.

''Oh its nothing!I just wanted to thank her.Had there been anyone else in her place,they would have made a run for your life,but she didn't leave my side even when I urged her to do so...She saved my life!''ASR said gratefully.

His family stared at him flummoxed.Khushi had altered ASR for good.....