Chapter 33

Chapter 33

“I used to think Love is Not

Worth Fighting for but when

I saw You, I was ready for War”

It's been two weeks now and still, Riddhima was in a hospital. Sleeping at the moment but recovering if the doctor’s words are to be believed. His gaze never left her frail form. Even though on the outside he looked strong, fearless, and menacing to others he felt weak and broken.

‘How did he let this happen’

He can still vividly remember the day he carried her to the hospital. They admitted her to the nearby hospital for immediate treatment. He refused to leave the room. When paramedics cut away her clothes the blooming purple and red patches told him that it was a serious injury. He knew it. He had been in too many fights not to know that. They again requested him to leave the room and this time he did without resistance. He could not look at her bruised and battered form or he may kill everyone in his path. 

They were the longest three hours of his life when he waited outside her room waiting for doctors to confirm her wellbeing. He saw nurses rush with X-ray machines, medicines, injections. He was sitting there through all of that with only one feeling which he never felt after his grandfather died and this time it was more intense. He felt fear; fear of losing her. He felt Aangre place a hand on his shoulder, and could hear Kabir asking around making some calls. He did not care. Nothing mattered but Riddhima’s recovery.

Sitting outside of her room like a statue he prayed to the divine power or whatever god there was if one exists. He never believed in one, but Riddhima did and he was ready to do anything just to save her.

Finally, the doctor came with the news. The left side of her ribs is broken. Few glass pieces pierced her skin. Her right hand and wrist are fractured. Her feet are cut and there were more glass pieces in them which were removed, and her feet were bandaged. They were waiting for CT scan reports to confirm she has no brain injury. She is still unconscious, and we would like to keep her under observation overnight. Without a word, he went inside. All in all, she will recover but it will take time were doctors parting words.

“Don’t kill them yet” were his first words to Aangre as he sat beside her

Aangre nodded “We will make sure they regret the day they were born”

“Riddhima” Kabir entered the room only to be stopped by “Only one family member can stay with her and right now, her fiancé is with her”

Kabir was angry but he could not say anything on the subject as another nurse came and told them to vacate the room. He demanded to know where the people were who Kidnapped and tortured Riddhima. Stating as a police officer it was his duty to question and punish them.

“They ran away” Aangre deadpanned

“What?” Kabir shouted “Your people were there. You are lying”

Aangre shrugged “so were yours but if you still feel we have any hand in it then prove it but first let’s leave this room”

Vansh kept quiet; he knew Aangre could handle the situation. Though he was still angry with him for his negligence. He can be dealt with later. First, he had to make sure Riddhima is going to be alright.

It was in the early hours of the day that he heard footsteps. Her friends and sister rushed inside. Nia and Sejal were a crying mess and Sahil barely maintained his composure. No one disturbed him and for once he did not say anything because he knew they were very dear to her. They enquired about her condition and went to wait outside.

After a while, Aangre came to inform him that the Doctor wants to have a word. He hurried to his cabin. Her friends and sister were already present. Doctor informed him that there was no brain injury and that was a relief. They all were relieved, but it lasted only for a moment as a nurse rushed in calling the doctor saying that Ms. Shastri had vomited. Doctors rushed again to the room and the picture before him struck stark terror in his heart. Riddhima vomited blood…

*****

Nia entered Riddhima's room and shook her head looking at Vansh, it's been more than two weeks now since that horrible night. They moved her to Life beat hospital, their hospital. A private room was booked for her or better yet for Vansh and Riddhima. She received the best treatment in the world. 

Apparently, one undetected small piece of glass had entered the side of her abdomen which caused internal bleeding and prolonged infection in her bloodstream... Riddhima's condition was improving now. Sure, she has still not gained a complete consciousness, but there was a significant improvement from last the week. She made small movements of her fingers and tried to look in the direction of voice sometimes though her eyes always remained shut it looked like she was trying to open them. 

Doctors were keeping her asleep with medication, so she won't try to move much and it helped heal her wounds and she looked a lot better now. It was just a matter of time that they reduce the dosage of sleep medication and stop it completely.

Nia moved forward into the room and sat by her bedside. Vansh was sitting on the sofa working on his laptop he ignored her. He always ignored them and had not spoken a word to them since this fiasco. He spoke to or better yet warned Sahil just once when he sat by Riddhima and held her hand. 

Kabir was not allowed in even though he tried a lot. That made Kabir visit her or call her often to enquire about Riddhima's health. It was kind of annoying, but she patiently answered all his calls. She owned him that much after all he did find Riddhima. From what she overheard the discussion between Vansh and his friend that Kabir reached shortly after Vansh...

She was waiting for Sahil. It was their routine now. They would visit Riddhima once in the morning and say bye before leaving for the day. 

Everyone at the hospital was surprised, they were told that she had been in an accident. The same story went to the media. Only a few knew the truth. 

She was sure about one thing now Vansh Rai Singhania loved Riddhima to the core. It was not just the obsession he really loved her...Heck, she even saw him speaking to the unconscious form of Riddhima via glass on the door. He looked at her as if she is the most precious thing in his life. Now she would have been happy that her best friend got the love of her life only if Riddhima shared the same feelings for him. Vansh's love for Riddhima was unrequited...

*****

Sahil looked at Riddhima wishing she was awake. He missed his friend dearly. Nia was no different than him. Both blamed themselves for not taking more precautions. Apparently, it seems Vansh Rai Singhania seemed to think the same. Maybe Nia did not notice it, but Vansh ignored them for most of their visit. If he did manage to take a glance at them, his gaze would be accusatory and there was something else it felt as if he was planning their murder?

"Sejal is coming to visit her in a few mins" he informed no one in particular. 

He saw Vansh frown a little but otherwise did not look up from his laptop.

Sejal was another surprise for them when she heard the news of Riddhima's condition, she cried a lot. She was worried for Riddhima as much as him and Nia. Maybe they did judge her harshly after all she is Riddhima's sister...it was just weird looking at the caring side of Sejal...

"There is one more visitor outside. You need to leave" it was one of the guards stationed outside the room. 

It seems Sejal is here. They left the room...

*****

"Hi, Aangre. I am happy you came to visit" Ragini tried to smile as she gazed at his impassive face. Internally she was terrified. Did they find out? No, it's impossible...if they did...she shuddered to think of the consequences

"Where is Ishani?" Aangre questioned

"I am here darling" Ishani entered the room

Aangre scowled at her. She was practically glowing with happiness, and he knew that meant she had something up her sleeves. "Let's leave" moving towards the door he snapped...

"I am just a call away if you need me" Sunny tried to hug her

"Sure baby" she hugged him back with a sly smile...

*****

"Why do you think he took her out? Do you think they found out?" Sunny worried

"For god's sake Sunny, no they did not. If they did know about us, we would not have stayed alive to have this discussion. It's been almost three weeks now, if they have not found out about it yet then they never will. We have covered our tracks well. Even the actual kidnappers never saw our face so even they can't identify us."

"Don't you think you are becoming overconfident? He is VRS, you never know what might be cooking in his head this instant. I stand by my previous view; we should have gone in the hiding when we had the time..."

"You know what just shut up. Your continuous talk of us getting caught makes me nervous. I don't care why Ishani and Aangre are meeting outside. I am just happy that bi**h is out of our hair for at least some time. I don't know what's wrong with her. She was sad and angry when she first came here and now, she behaves as if this is her own home. It's me who should get married to Vansh and move in his mansion instead we have got an extra headache" Ragini stormed out.

*****

"Stop doing that and can't you sit in an opposite chair?" Aangre glared at her

"Why? are you aroused?" Ishani laughed

"Mam, Sir would you like to order now? The waiter was standing by their table awkwardly.

"One Vodka..." Ishani started

"You are pregnant" Aangre looked at her sharply

"Aww look my baby loves me so much. He is worried about me. don't worry the vodka is for you. You will need it tonight. I will have a cosmopolitan mix"

As soon as the waiter left Aangre turned to her "what do you think you are doing?"

Right now, they were sitting in the bar section of one of the Rai Singhania Hotels. Aangre booked the complete floor for privacy. Anyways the topic he wanted to discuss should not take more than five minutes. But one look at Ishani and he knew it was going to be a long night. 

She wore a dress that ended mid-thigh. Instead of sitting in an opposite chair, she sat beside him on the sofa. She was practically leaning on him. And boy did he feel his privacy was being violated. Had this not been such an important matter...

A waiter placed their drinks and left

"Look stop creating an unnecessary disturbance in our work"

"What did I do?" Ishani gave a foxy smile

"You alerted Sunny that there is a thief in the house even when you knew that was my man and he was there to take and keep some important documents. You intentionally broke Sunny's phone even when you knew we were tapping it. Why are you doing this?"

Ishani took a sip of her drink "We will circle back to that but first answer my question even though Vansh Bhai knows that it's Sunny and Ragini who kidnapped his precious toy, why are you still not doing anything? I mean how come there is no blood bath"

"Those are Boss's orders. You don't need to worry about it. You just stop interfering in our work. If you are doing this for money since you are broke now. I will give you some. But stay out of it"

"Hmm... you know right there is someone else who is involved in this aside from Sunny and Ragini?" Ishani gave a wicked smile

"You know about this?" Aangre turned to her shocked

"Of course, I even know who is that person. I even have the proof of it" 

"Who?"

"If I tell you the name what's in it for me?” she countered

Aangre knew Ishani was a wily negotiator. He opened a vodka bottle and drank a large sip. She was right he needed this today.

"What do you want? Money? Let me clarify If it's about your entry in that house, then it's not in my hands" Aangre questioned her even though he knew it wouldn't be as simple as money when it came to Ishani

"Of course, I know that. Actually, I want..." Ishani took a pause for a dramatic effect before she linked her arms around his neck and announced "I want to marry you"

"No" Aangre was quick to refuse 

Ishani felt hurt at his refusal recovering quickly she said "Then I can't help you"

"You know what keep the name to yourself. I can find it on my own. Just don't interfere in our work or I know how to put people down who come in my way."

Aangre got up and started to leave when Ishani grabbed his wrist "You know right I am going to marry you by hook or by crook?"

Aangre looked at her distastefully

"What? If my brother wants to marry that bi**h against her wishes, then you are okay with it

 In fact, you help him so don't look at me like that" 

"You are right Ishani. But you forgot one thing. You are not VRS and neither I am like his fiancé, so you can dream on but this won't be the reality"

After Ishani stormed out he sat there once again thinking about Ishani's words. In a way she was right, Vansh is forcing Riddhima for marriage. But he can't help her. Had it been anyone else other than Vansh, he would have gladly killed him without a second thought. But that man is Vansh, his boss, his friend, his brother, and his savior. He will never be against Vansh at least in this lifetime...

 "Like brother like a sister" Aangre shook his head and headed for the hospital...

*****

"Ishani knows who helped Ragini and Sunny. She is not ready to divulge any details" They were waiting outside of Riddhima's hospital room. This was a floor for VIP rooms where only three patients were admitted including Riddhima so they can discuss the matter without having to worry about someone listening to them.

"Hmm..."Vansh replied while looking at the scene before him

Aangre followed his gaze to see that he was looking at Riddhima's sister who was crying

"Boss..."

"Later"

Angre nodded and left him alone

*****

Sejal looked at her baby sister with tears in her eyes.

"Riddhima please get well soon. I want to speak with you. Look I forgot to tell you, I had to vacate our apartment our tenant did not agree with stay extension..."Sejal complained. 

"But don't worry I found us another apartment just in time and I am sure you will like it because your best friend helped me select this place...all is sorted...just" Sejal chocked on a son "please come home soon...I miss you..."

A nurse entered the room and gave her a sympathetic smile "Don't worry she is going to be fine"

Sejal nodded her head at the nurse gratefully and waited till she left.

Sejal stood up to leave "Riddhima, I want to tell you something...I...I am sorry"

*****

"I have decided to go ahead and tell you the name...and I am not asking you to marry me instead of this"

"Really what changed your mind?" Aangre asked her sarcastically

"Well, I thought the sooner you know the name of the person who is involved with Sunny and Ragini the sooner you can take them out and I can have this home for myself. Both are irritating" 

"I need the proof, not just name"

"Go ahead check your email. By the way, how is Riddhima?"

"What?" Angre was befuddled

"I asked you how is Riddhima? Any improvement?" 

"I don't have time to play your games Ishani..." Aangre disconnected the call 

*****

Vansh gently grazed her cheek. "Wake up Sweetheart. I need you to wake up so I can apologize for not coming sooner. I need you to wake up so that you can try to kick me out of this room" he chuckled

"I am going to punish them who put you through this. I promise they will pay the price..."

"Riddhima... Please come back to me sweetheart" He blinked a few times as tears lined his eyes. A lone teardrop fell on her hand

*****

Sejal sat on a bench in a park. She was worried for her sister and scared of VRS. What if he gets to know that she was involved in Riddhima's kidnapping? He smashed her head when she scratched Riddhima in her anger. What will he do when he gets to know her involvement...?

And what about Riddhima will she save her if she gets to know about this? It was never her intention to hurt her. She just wanted her to go away from here so that she can live peacefully without Riddhima flaunting her engaged status time and time again. And hopefully, try to gain Vansh's favor...

And one such opportunity walked up to her when Sunny contacted her the day he came to meet Aryan in the office. He left his card on the table. She called him and from then on, they were waiting for a perfect chance. She gave Sunny and Ragini all the updates on Riddhima.

The medical seminar was a perfect location but there will be Vansh's security they were trying to find a way out when Riddhima herself presented her with the opportunity.

One day Sejal followed Riddhima on their society terrace. She was perplexed with Riddhima's frequent visits on the terrace. She heard Riddhima talking about her escape plan with her friends. She was happy and told Sunny that they need not pursue this as Riddhima is going away on her own. But he reminded her that VRS can easily track her...

Her deal with Sunny and Ragini was simple they were supposed to lock her in another house and will not let her come back till they deem fit. But instead, what happened was a complete disaster. 

She tried calling Sunny, but he ignored her calls and Ragini warned her that she was equally involved in this so if she tried anything...

No truth must not come out...

*****

She was standing in a large room maybe it was banquet hall. Wherever she was the place looked magnificent. The scenery before her took her breath away. The room was decorated with flowers, balloons, and fairly lights. There was a large table placed in the middle of the room. The table was filled with gifts. Maybe this was someone's birthday? 

Slowly she walked towards the table her hand itching to touch the gifts. She shook her head what was she doing? They must be for someone else... She brought her hand down making her bangles jingle a little in an otherwise silent room.

She was surprised she was wearing red bangles with a cute design and then she observed she was wearing a Saree. And not just any Saree, the saree she was wearing was a gift from her father to her mother. Her mother loved it and made her wear that to her school's farewell party. She wore it after throwing a lot of tantrums. The saree was lovely. She looked beautiful in it no doubt. But wearing a saree was not her cup of tea. She still did not know how to wear one. So, who made her wear it today? Riddhima's eyes widened what was going on where was she?  

"Where am I?" whispering she looked around once again. The room looked oddly familiar. 

"How are you, Riddhu?" She turned around in shock, they were standing before her with a warm smile on their face. Her parents...her ma and pa...

"Ma? Pa?" She hugged them "oh my god, I am so happy..."

"So are we" Her mother smiled at her

"Did you like the gifts?" Her father asked her

"Gifts?" She followed her father's gaze "oh they are for me?" Her parents nodded in affirmation.

"But today is not my birthday...is it?" She looked doubtful

"No, but they are for you" it was her mother once again.

"I...I don't need them. I have you that is the biggest gift for me" she looked at them with a beaming smile

"Don't be like that. We want you to have them. You have done so much. We are proud of you tiger. Besides, they are for you no matter what" her father gave her a playful smile "go get them"

"Okay, but don't leave," she told her parents and moved towards the table again.

She reached the table and turned to make sure her parents were still there. They gave her an encouraging nod. With uncertainty, she picked up a small, wrapped box and tried to open it but could not...

"It's not opening..." she looked at her parents for help. 

"It will but first you need to open your eyes?" Her mother answered

What? Her eyes were already open what did she mean by that? Her frown deepened

"Maybe you can ask for help" her father suggested

"Yes, but who?" She looked at her parents unsure of why can't they help her? She was not going to question them though. Them being here was enough...

"There is a door behind you. Try that maybe you will find some help"

Riddhima turned indeed there was a door behind her she saw that when she entered but somehow ignored it. There was a lot of white light coming from that door.

Moving towards the door she asked her parents "What is that light?" 

No one answered. She turned to see them still standing there. She reached the threshold of the door and then she realized exactly where she was. This was the place where she attended that masquerade ball with her sister and right now, she was standing at the threshold of the door which led her towards the garden...

"Go Riddhu" her parents smiled at her. She gave them a slight smile and stepped into the garden…

She felt a splitting headache, some parts of her body hurt. She could not move her right hand. She tried to move her left hand, but it felt as if a heavyweight was placed on her hand. 

Slowly her vision came in focus to see the white painted walls. The smell of hospital...how did she end up here? She again tried to move her hands. She glanced down at her right arm, which was in a sling. She turned to her other hand only to find someone sleeping there holding her hand. 

Not just someone it was Vansh Rai Singhania...

*****

Note: 

Merry Christmas Everyone ...Hope you like update