RaBir FF -A Cast of Characters chapter 97/98 & Epilogue pg121/2 (4 - Page 61

Chapter 48

Pleased with the findings of his examination, Dr. Verma focused his attention on the young woman who awaited his prognosis. "There is no reason to believe that your son will suffer any residual effects from the accident that the pain relief medication will not take care of, Mrs. Tripathi. There is absolutely no sign of infection of any of the abrasions and his bruises will fade in a matter of days. I can have an email sent directly to your husband if he is insistent on hearing from me."

Rachna shook her head, "No that won't be necessary Dr. The fact that you reconfirmed Sanjay's condition will be more than enough to allay my husband's concerns." Her attention turned to the child who sat quietly on the bed; he had been such a good boy, readily submitting to the doctor's examination because his Papa had told him that he should.

The physician turned to address the young boy. "Beta, I want you to listen to your mother and get some extra rest. If you do, in a few days you will be ready to go back to school to see your teacher and friends, thik hai?" He smiled when the little boy nodded seriously, and then bidding the young woman goodbye, he followed the child's grandmother out.

"That wasn't too bad, was it Sanjay?"

He shook his head.

"Rachna Aunty, why did the doctor call you mummy?"

The unexpected question brought pause to Rachna's gathering of Sanjay's clothing so that he could change out his pajamas. She hadn't even noticed, but it was apparent that the little boy had.

"I think it was just a mistake beta. I'm sorry if it upset you."

Sanjay looked across the room at his sister who was playing in her crib with one of her soft toy.

"But you are sort of like my second mummy because you're my sister's mummy right?"

They were definitely entering interesting territory here, and Rachna knew that she had to tread carefully. "Well actually you are right, Sanjay but I know you love your mummy very much, and that no one can take her place. While you are here with me I promise I will take care of you as good as mummy would, but I'll still be just Aunty for you." She turned her attention back to the items that Gunjan had purchased yesterday and chose an outfit for the little boy. "Now beta, if you can get ready we can go to the hospital to see how your mummy is doing today; you would like that won't you?"

"Are you certain that you don't want me to carry the flowers for you?"

"I can carry it Aunty."

"Thik hai, beta. Your mummy is going to love them."

Guiding Sanjay through the hospital corridor, Rachna hoped that they would find Sonal in better condition than she had been yesterday. Since they had not heard otherwise from the hospital, Rachna could only assume that Sonal had passed a restful night, with no further set-backs to her condition. Out of necessity, Rachna would seek out the attending physician, but for Sanjay's sake, she hoped that they would find Sonal in a more alert state. They reached the room, and Rachna plastered a reassuring smile on her face as she spoke to the child beside her.

"Here we are Sanjay, let's see how mummy is today, shall we?"

They entered the room and the sight of his mother awake today brightened the little boy's expression considerably. "Mama!" Headed directly for his mother who had been propped in an upright position, Sanjay faltered momentarily when he saw the stranger in the room holding his mother's hand.

"Sanjay beta, come to Mama."

Overcoming his hesitancy when Rachna Aunty placed her hand on his shoulder, and ushered him closer to the hospital bed, the little boy, proudly presented his gift. "I brought you flowers Mama," he announced.

The visitor, who had been looking down at the little boy, raised his head. Surprise clearly registered on his face, on identifying in whose care, his assistant's child had been placed in.

"Mrs. Tripathi, how very unexpected to see you here!"

"Namaste Mr. Patel, how are you?"

"I am thankful that my assistant appears to be on the mend, although truthfully, I am at a loss, as to how I shall manage for the duration of her recovery."

Sonal, in a decidedly weak voice responded. "I shall be back before you even have chance to notice my absence, Sir."

"Now Sonal dear, it won't do you for you to push yourself. You take all the time that you need to recuperate. Your health must take precedence to anything else."

Rachna watched as the other woman smiled gratefully at her employer. Evidently for all of her foibles, it looked as if she was considered a valuable employee of the company.

"If there is anything else you need, contact me as soon as possible Sonal, but for now I will leave and let you enjoy the company of your son."

As he turned to depart, Mr. Patel turned his attention to the young woman who apparently was caring for his assistant's child.

"Mrs. Tripathi, I recognize that this may seem a most inopportune time, but I was wondering if we may have a word."

Her curiosity piqued, Rachna nodded. "Sanjay beta, I am just stepping outside thik hai?"

"Okay Aunty, I'll stay with mama."

Rachna smiled at the child, before turning back to the older gentleman. "Why don't we step out into the hallway?"

The word frustrated didn't do the emotion justice, Naomi thought as she checked her email again. She couldn't believe that other than a cursory acknowledgement of the message she had sent confirming her arrival that her parents hadn't contacted her.

Glad that you arrived safely...will see you soon...Love you.

That was it. A single text message to her mobile, received after she had fallen asleep had been the only response. How on earth could her mother not have responded to her email? How would she even begin stating her case if she couldn't get in touch with them,' she thought. Looking at her watch she, contemplated for half a second calling home but considering how early it was , figured that it wouldn't do to get off on the wrong foot by waking her parents up too early either. She huffed her displeasure and sat back on her bed, hugging her knees to her chest. Beside her, her mobile sounded and she anxiously picked it up, nervous to see who was making contact so early.

Countdown to our skype call in 3...2...I hope you're decent, Bhabhi...and 1...

Quickly tying the sash of her robe, Naomi adjusted her laptop monitor where she had placed it on the bed. She connected the call, greeting Vihaan before the screen came into focus. Her eyes widened on sight of his business attire.

"Vihaan are you sneaking a skype call at work?"

"Don't worry Bhabhi, it's all on the up and up. I've taken an early lunch. Since we didn't get to speak yesterday, I figured you may be ready to hear a friendly voice. And by contacting you now, I know that I've got the jump on bhaiyaa, since he would have started his day when you're were sleep, and now that you are up, he won't be home yet. I can't wait to tell him how beautiful you look first thing in the morning; I'm sure he will most upset with me."

She couldn't help but laugh, he was a first rate joker. "Aacha, so it's not only me you plan on antagonizing today, Vihaan?"

"Wow, listen to you Bhabhi, getting the language down and everything!" He laughed along with her, and she could help but notice that his smile made him even more attractive.

"I'm glad you called Vihaan, although you may be bringing me into bad habits of needing to speak to you whenever I'm not feeling up to par."

"Hmm, jet lag got you out of sorts?"

"It probably isn't helping, but truthfully, I'm just feeling tetchy over the possibility of things just not working out the way I want."

"And what indication do you have that they won't?"

She looked away, unable to meet his stare. "None."

"What was that Bhabhi; I didn't quite get that." Vihaan watched as she blew one of her curls that had fallen over her face and blocked her vision - she was truly adorable and he couldn't be happier for his brother.

"I said none; nothing has happened that makes me going home a certainty."

"So why exactly are you starting your day in such a foul mood then?"

"Because, as your brother says, I'm a little excitable, I guess. Others less charitable would say I'm a bit of a drama queen."

Vihaan didn't respond, and watched as Naomi got increasingly disgruntled that his silence meant that he concurred with this opinion.

"Isn't this the part when a good Devar would assure his Bhabhi that nothing could be further from the truth, Vihaan?"

"Ah well in truth Bhaiyaa would know your temperament better than I, so it may be safest to defer to his wisdom."

Naomi gasped and automatically grabbed the nearest pillow, irrationally threatening the man on her screen. He flinched defensively, and then joined her hilarity over her absurd actions. When their laughter subsided she looked at him affectionately. "Thank you Vihaan, somehow you have made a bleak morning seem a lot brighter."

He smiled and nodded his head. "Do you have a busy day ahead, Naomi?"

"Busy days you mean. I have fittings and then a couple of photo shoots, a complete run through of the launch. And then the real fun begins."

"Well just concentrate on your work first and then you can focus on the really important things, thik hai?"

"Definitely." Peering at her computer clock she realized that she would have to end their conversation to begin her day. "I've really have to go now. I know that I'm getting repetitive, but thank..."

"No thanks are necessary, Bhabhi; we're practically family and this is just what family does."

"And now you've provided more ammunition for my argument not to go back home. Not only have I found the very best guy for me, but I'm also getting the very best Devar a girl could ask for." She sighed dramatically. "How can I walk away from such a package deal?"

Definite possibility that she may not return to India post trip, family issues may be brewing.

The man typed the message and forwarded it to the contact. It had been slow going, but after all it was just the start of the first day. There would be plenty of opportunities, but as per the new instructions, special attention was to be paid to the young model, and any pertinent information relayed immediately. The read-receipt was immediate as was the response to continue to closely monitor her conversations for this topic.

Rajeev had just arrived home and was about to enter the house when his mobile vibrated at his side.

What a mess you have on your hands...an absolutely beautiful mess...I would be lying if I didn't confess to being the tiniest bit envious...don't let her go Bhaiyaa.

His mouth turned up slightly at the insightfulness of his brother's message; he was never more determined than nothing nor no-one would separate him from his love. He entered the house and immediately sought out Rachna in her workroom. He noticed that both children were with her: Sanjay occupied with a computer game and Aryia fast asleep in her playpen. A million miles away, Rachna sat a far-away expression on her face.

"Rachna, are you okay?"

Rachna blinked rapidly, and pasted a bright smile on her face. "Ha Rajeev, everything is fine. How was your day?"

"All things considered it went well; how about yourself?"

"Enlightening, I had a very enlightening day."

"Were you able to get to the hospital to see Sanjay's mother? How is she faring?"

"Much better actually which naturally is a great relief. I expect that she will be released in a couple more days, which will give me ample time to make the necessary arrangements."

There has been a slight inflection in her response that had the coach studying his former pupil carefully.

"Is there anything you need my assistance with Rachna?"

"Nay Rajeev not at all." Her smile became more genuine. "I think you l have enough to concentrate on in your own life. You can leave everything else to me; I will see to Sonal.