PART 44

The night went on sluggishly and wait seemed eternal.Everyone waited in the lobby impatiently with forced calmness,yet their was no news to ease their despair.

Khushi awoke to an annoying beeping sound and sterile smell.There was something covering her nose and mouth .She tried to raise her hands to remove the covering but her hands were stiff,it was as if she were stultified!She slowly dragged her eyelids open and looked around at unfamiliar surrounding as her mind thrived to recollect what had happened.

She dimly rememgered the blinding,sickening pain as she was shot and then ASR's worried face that had stood out in ongoing chaotic bedlam.That meant that she must be in some hospital.

''Oh good you regained consciousness.Your family will be so relieved.''Khushi's reverie was broken by a soft voice and suddenly a kind,plump nurse appeared on her bedside.

''Don't strain yourself dear.Everything is Ok!''The nurse assured and went out.

She was nearly flattened as soon as she emerged out of the ICU.

''How is khushi?''

''Is she Ok?''

''Did she gain consciousness?''

''Please sir,ma'am relax!She's Ok and she just now came around.''The nurse tried to pacify the frantic lot.

''Wait,please wait.Let the doctors examine her first and then you guys can meet her.''The nurse stopped Guptas from pillaging the ICU.

Khushi stared at the white ceiling,trying to grapple with her despairing surroundings.

''Hello there!''A voice called.

Khushi looked around to see a middle-aged doctor standing near her.

''I hope you're fine Ms.Gupta?''He asked smiling at her.

Khushi nodded slowly,bobbing her head sideways.

The doctor checked her carefully.

''Hmm,well Ms.Gupta,you're quite lucky to survive injuries of this magnitude and its lucky for us too!...If anything had befallen you,your boyfriend would've hamstringed us.Mr.Raizada truly loves you a lot.He nearly went berserk!''The doctor chuckled.

Khushi's eyes widened as she contemplated the doctor's words and it didn't occur to her to put him right.

He was just being a responsible chief.The doctor is entertaing a misapprehension! She reasoned.Whom are you kidding khushi?Another voice in the back of her head refuted.

''Khushi bitiya!''Garima called and next second she hugged khushi fiercely.

''How are you my child?Do you know how worried we were?What if something had happened to you?I would've died!''She sobbed,kissing khushi repeatedly.

''Maa,I'm fine!''Khushi assured her mother in a bare whisper and it went on for another hour.

Khushi was smothered by kisses and tears of her family members and the only difference was her father.

''You made me so proud,my dear child!''He told her,and the glint of pride in his eyes appeased khushi.

When Shashi emerged from ICU,he went straight to ASR.

''I don't have words to thank you son.You've saved my daughter's life twice!Our entire family owes you for that!''Shashi said,folding his hands together.

''Please don't say so Uncle.It was my responsibility!''ASR said,embarrased.

''Still,it doesn't subdues what you did for us.Go and meet khushi.I'm sure she ould want to thank you personally!''Shashi said smiling.

ASR wanted to thank him,but he didn't want to give away his desperation and eagerness to meet khushi.Slowly,he turned the latch and entered the ICU,leaving behind a smiling Shashi and Akash.

''Khushi,are you Ok?''he choked,a lump rising to his throat at the sight of several tubes piercing khushi's frail arms.

''I'm fine!''Khushi whispered.

ASR went and sat beside her,holding her hand gently.

''Thank you!''Khushi said.

''You don't have to thank me khushi.You're my li....I mean,you're my responsibility , my team member.''ASR glibed,berating himself for his slip of tongue.He needed to give khushi some time and space.

But khushi caught his words and promptly turned red.

ASR stared at for a prolonged period and the very air seemed to be electrified. His eyes roved hungrily,taking every nuance of her pretty face,imprinting it on his soul.His reverie was broken by khushi's drooping eyes.

''You should take rest khushi...I'll be back soon!''ASR added hastily,on seeing her drooping face.

Then unable to help himself ,he bent down and kissed khushi's forehead,pouring all his love and adoration for the petite girl in it.