ARiya FF: Memories Part 7 (UPDATED 26/09) - Page 7

Another day passed. Much to the surprise of everyone, Arjun showed remarkable progress. Despite enduring such extensive injuries, he not even for once showed any weakness or other signs which would point to anything detrimental. The doctors were thoroughly impressed by his test results. Except for the fact that his right hand was now supported by a sling and many parts of his body were covered with bandages, he was good. Though he would have to attend physical therapy sessions, three times a week.

"Mr. Rathore, these are the discharge papers. Let me again remind you- no work, no unnecessary pressure. Usually, such patients are not allowed to leave before a fortnight, but considering the nature of this case and of course, Mr. Arjun's tenacity, I had to concede. Although in case something unnatural happens, inform me immediately." He handed over the discharge papers to Rathore who then, proceeded to fill them. Once, they were filled, he handed them back. "Thank you, doctor," he gave him a polite smile. Then, weaving his way through the oncoming patients and hospital personnel, he reached Arjun's room.

As a blow to his already too worked up brain, he gaped at the scene in front of him.

Shree, Chotu, Riya and the man in question were having an animated discussion. And Arjun was laughing. Laughing?!

"Hey, Sam- uh Rathore, what are you doing over there? Come… Shree, here, is narrating the most hilarious story! You have got to hear it!"

Rathore was momentarily transfixed. In the most impossible of situations, Arjun was seated on his bed, Riya beside him as Shree and Chotu implanted themselves on the hospital chairs in front of his bed. And just a minute ago, they were talking and Arjun was laughing!! He still could not get over that fact.

Though now, they were gawking at him. Disbelief written clearly on their faces.

He puffed up his chest, squared his shoulders and entered inside albeit a bit warily with the confidence and poise of the ETF chief. His team except Arjun immediately stood up and wished him good morning. But his attention was solely on Arjun.

He tried glaring at him but it was futile considering Arjun was looking at him with nothing short of amusement.

"Do we do this every day? I mean are we always formal around each other?"

"Yes, Raute. That's what some people call professionalism."

"In the hospital? I promise, I would behave absolutely professional in ETF."

"You better 'cause we don't tolerate non-sense."

As an afterthought, he added, "You know, someone in your situation would be worried, not laughing their heads off."

His team had entirely fallen mute. For them, it was an unimaginable case of role reversal.

Abruptly, "You know I tried, I tried prying answers from them. However, it was no use. They don't know much about me. And the things that they do know"- he swept his eyes at the culprits with a raised eyebrow- "they refused to divulge. So, I was actually hoping you could fill me in."

"Sorry, no chance. You have to try to remember yourself."

Arjun pouted in response. "C'mon… what if the information brings back my memory? You have no idea how frustrating it is to not remember anything."

Rathore grumbled, "You sure as hell don't look frustrated to me."

Unfazed by his sarcastic remark, Arjun continued, "Did I really use to do what they are saying? I cannot have been that khadoos…"

You have no idea. Rathore faced his team members who merely shrugged. "Whatever. The reason I came here… The discharge papers are signed. You are free to go. The wheel chair would be brought here any time to pick you up."

As if on cue, a hospital attendant with a wheel chair reached. Chotu and Rathore helped Arjun onto it. Then, Rathore asked Chotu to lead him to the parking area where he, along with Shree and Riya, would meet them within two minutes.

As soon as Arjun and Chotu were out of earshot, he whispered urgently, "What the hell was that?!"

Riya and Shree exchanged silent glances as Shree spoke up. "Sir, we went in to check with Arjun sir this morning. He was awake at that time. Thereupon, he barraged us with questions. Obviously, we could not answer most of them. He was disappointed. After that, he asked us how we work in the ETF, who does what, what is his role and all that stuff. Let's just say, while we were at it, um… we told him how he was strict with us and how he demanded full concentration. He-

"He was amused. He said and I quote "Really? Did I really have that kind of sadu and akdu nature? How did you tolerate me?" Riya finished, breathless.

Now, even Rathore's interest was piqued. "What did you say?"

"We just offered him uneasy smiles. And as soon as possible, changed the topic. There was a moment when I thought that he hasn't forgotten anything and he is just screwing with us." Shree shuddered.

Rathore offered the two of them sympathetic looks. Arjun Suryakant Raute, suffering from Amnesia or not, is a force to be reckoned with.

"Fine… Riya, the instructions which I gave you earlier, are they clear?"

Riya nodded in affirmation.

"Good. Let's go, they are waiting for us in the parking lot."

With it, the three of them left the room, Rathore in the front while Riya and Shree at the back, murmuring all the way.

***

"Okay, Arjun, let's get you in the car," Rathore announced, once the car arrived.

What he didn't expect is for Arjun to raise his hand. "Do you mind if I try?"

Damn that man!

He braced his left arm on his wheelchair and pushed himself upwards. Simultaneously, he placed his feet shakily on the ground. His expression was visibly contorted and Rathore could see that it was taking all his strength. He rose an inch too but suddenly, he sunk heavily on his wheelchair, emitting an unpleasant grunt. Rathore was about to lunge forward when he repeated the whole procedure again. He tried and tried and tried. After several attempts, he landed up half perched on his seat.

He was pulling his leg inside the car when he somehow lost his balance and the very next second, he was falling…

***

Thankfully, Rathore was quick. Just as he was about to fall, his strong, manly hands held his shoulder blade. The rest of the ETF heaved a sigh of relief.

Chotu came forward and both of them finally strapped Arjun securely on his seat.

"Thanks man," Arjun gave a sincere nod.

"Be careful, Raute. You could have had landed into even deeper trouble," Rathore replied, noncommittal.

"Sorry," Arjun replied quietly. He wished everyone good bye as Riya started the engine. Then they were gone.

Shree muttered, "Well, that was something. If I didn't know better, I would think that I am dreaming. Who knew Arjun Sir can actually be so normal? It's almost unnerving."

Chotu chuckled, "Tell me about it!"

However, Rathore remained silent. They didn't know but he knew. He knew that the man he saw today was the real Arjun Suryakant Raute. His partner. His best friend. His family.

***

Riya's heart was a pathetic mess for the last three days.

She had seen the man she loved lying motionless like a corpse on a hospital bed. She had heard the doctor inform them about his ruthless agony. That thing in the upper left of her body had literally shattered to many pieces then.

She had prayed and prayed and hoped that he survived. Because she didn't know what to do if he didn't.

That by far, had been the most tumultuous of all nights.

Then, came the morning and with the morning came hope. Hope that he will be okay. Hope that God wouldn't be so merciless to take him from her.

And she was right. Her God listened to her prayers. Granted her Arjun back.

But, but, but… Arjun had to lose his memory.

It had been so hard for her to accept that Arjun didn't remember her. Didn't remember his past. Didn't remember the man that she loved.

And just like that her hopes had been shattered as well.

But now, now she didn't know what to feel anymore. She didn't know whether she should be elated or sorrowful. Because now he looked at her in a different way, talked to her in a different way, touched her in a different way. The way that was not the Arjun she knew but way which was him and him only. Was she even making any sense?

Confusion. Yes, confusion was what she experienced.

As if to put a further dent in her fragile heart, he had done what he had done moments ago.

Just a while ago, when he was trying to sit on the front seat, her heart had leapt to her throat. She saw him, trying again and again and again. And every time, he couldn't, tears, stupid tears welled in her eyes.

Because she was not used to him being weak. She was used to him being arrogant, strong, know it all, brave… This… This just broke her heart.

She just wanted to hold him for once. Hold him close to her heart. Feel his hot breath on her neck, feel his heartbeat under her palm. But she couldn't. Because he was not her Arjun. Or was he?

"You are crying," he observed.

Jolting from her reverie, she glanced at Arjun who was having a melancholic expression on his face. Averting her gaze, she quickly grabbed the tissues from the dashboard and dabbed at her eyes.

"No… I guess… something went in my eyes."

"Enough with the lies. Tell me, why were you crying? Was it because of me?"

She could not bring herself to look into those piercing coal black eyes. So she stared at the road. "I-I am not used to seeing you weak."

And before she could stop herself, and think from her brain and not her heart, she blurted, "Please don't do something like this again…" She wanted to say more, probably hug him. But she resisted.

"Okay… By the way, can I ask you something?" He sounded anxious.

"Um… okay… what is it?"

"I had this dream. This strange dream. I saw this beautiful woman clad in a sari. But she was in pain. So much pain. And I was there. But I was helpless. I tried but I couldn't reach out to her. Do you- do you know who she is? And please don't say no." He implored with her, breathless by his narration.

Just then, the red light appeared and thus, Riya stopped the car. She turned towards him, regarding him with her chocolate eyes.

"I think I know who you are talking about. Wait…" She opened her handbag and searched for his belongings. She found exactly what she wanted.

His wallet.

She quickly opened it, feeling a little guilty for doing so, but a moment later, retrieved the item that she was looking for.

"Is she the one?"

Arjun took the picture from her. He scanned it for a minute before replying, "Yeah, that's the one. She is the woman I saw in my dreams." He looked more carefully, noticing the exquisite eyes, the mangalsutra, the beatific smile, the straight nose, the curly jet black hair and everything else. The woman was exceptionally beautiful. So angelic.

"Who is she, Riya?" He stared once more, before handing it back to her.

A frown marred her lovely features, her upper lip was held tightly between her teeth. There was silence for a long time as the red light turned green and she sped off.

"I-I am sorry, Arjun sir. I can't tell you." She said, her mind reverting back to the conversation she had with Rathore.

"Why?"

Because it will hurt you. It might cause you to lose your memory permanently.

Instead, she said, "I have orders from Rathore sir. Please try to understand."

This time Arjun pursed his lips and stayed quiet. He looked out to provide solace to his turbulent musings.

He was still staring outside, when he felt a soft brush of fingertips on his hand. He did not have to look at her to know that she was offering him a sympathetic and kind smile. Rather, he pulled at her hand and entwined their fingers. It provided him the solace that he needed.

The smallest of smiles lit up Riya's face as she stared ahead. Maybe, she found her solace too.

~~~