'Where's Ragini?' Nachiket asked when he spied Pam and RK waiting for him at the Arrival Lounge. He looked around but there was no Ragini.
Pam smiled forcibly. She knew she had to manage her Brother somehow till they reached home.
'She is not here Neil' she said quietly, as they made way towards the waiting car. Nachiket noticed that RK was also unusually quiet. Seated at the front, by the driver, he was looking out. And Pam was clutching at his fingers. Why? he thought irritated.
After a while, Pam said
'She is at the Hospital.'
He flicked at his wristwatch to check the time. This time, his voice was laced with concern
'Now? So late? What's the emergency? Is Ranbir with her?'
Pam kept quiet as she started down at her palm, and then her fingers.
'Pam?' he nearly growled.
Pam looked up at him, tears in her eyes
'She has been admitted. She had had an accident two days back. She is unconscious most of the time.'
His expressions confirmed her fears, he was going in for a shock, which they all couldn't afford at this time
'It was a car on the wrong lane. The children are at the Hospital. The Doctor said that she was haemorrhaging when they brought her in. Luckily, they have stopped it, but still ...'
None of these words reached his ears. He just leant forward and tapped the driver on his shoulder - Hospital please.
He then leant his head back on the headrest and rubbed his eyes. The world suddenly seemed darker, and he found himself floating towards a chasm.
Even before the car could stop at its indicated parking slot, Nachiket alighted and ran inside. He met Nishi in the reception area, her eyes rimmed in red, and he pulled her in his arms.
'Room No. 205' she whispered, as they ran up the stairs. He didn't have enough patience or willpower to wait for the elevator. His steps slowed down as they neared the room. He hoped that it was a nightmare and that he would wake up anytime. But his nightmare was far from over and soon his fingers were on the doorknob of Room 205. And then he was inside the room.
