PART 22

ASR was staring out at the twilit grounds of the hospital.His thoughts a stark contrast of its beatific serenity.He was confused.

Nobody knew about the meeting except the some officers at top echelons.His doubts of infiltrations.

The enemy was vicious and fierce and was really desperate to finish him off.Last night had been an irrefutable testimony to that.Had it not been for khushi's selflessness and unparalleled bravery,he would have surely died.

She had put herself in mortal danger to save him.

He still remembered how she had supported him,encouraged him and had hugged him.He still remembered her warmth,her sweet smell clinging to him.

Her memories made him crave for her.ASR so very badly wanted khushi to be beside him.He missed her badly.

Lost in thought ASR didn't notice a nurse slip in and give him morphine.The medicine efficaciously triggered drowsiness.

ASR slept off dreaming of khushi.

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''Namaste bhabhiji!''Surinder Manohar Jha said folding his hand.

He was Shashi Gupta's childhood friend and an entrepreneur.A man in his early sixties,he was as monochromatic as anyone could be.He was formidable and quite eccentric.

''Namaste bhaisahab!Please come in!''Garima and Madhumati said politely,leading him in.

Surinder sat on the couch followed by a smartly dressed young man.

''Ah,he's my so Shyam.''

''Namaste !''he greeted them,touching their feet.

''Hi rey nandkishore,such a well-mannered and sweet boy!Have a long and happy life my dear child.''Buwaji was highly impressed with his decorum.

''Are payaliya,khushi just see who has come!''Buwaji called in her usual wail.

Payal and khushi came in and greeted them politely.

''Khushi what happened to you my child?''Surinder asked concernedly.

''Arey this parmeshwari is absolutely crazy!Keeps on jumping around here and there!''

''Buwaji!''khushi muttered embarrased,highly aware that Shyam was staring at her unblinkingly.

For some unknown reason she felt as if she were tainted.She somehow wanted to remove herself from his vicinity.

She wasn't the only one who had noticed this.Apparently buwaji too had noticed Shyam's gaze.She was happy to see that he had intrest in khushi.If only they were married!

What she didn't realize that the thing she thought was infatuation was actually a deadly obsession.....