Shlok on the other hand was enjoying every bit of it. And her apprehension didn't go unnoticed by him either.
His heart was doing back flips and somersaults with just her proximity.
But Astha, didn't have a choice, she had to do her job, she's his doctor and she needed to be professional about it. And she was. She put everything before her obligation towards her patients. What ever apprehensions she felt towards this one particular patient she put it a side.
Astha, just checked to see if there is any discharge.She was satisfied with the the progress, plus he wasn't feeling much pain. She asked the nurse to help her to get Mr. Agnihotri off the bed. Astha asked him if he's feeling up to it and he was willing to give it a go. Astha asked him to slowly turn to his side and put his legs down and he was having difficulty managing his weight, so she instinctively gave her hand for support.
He was able to stand but he held her hand for support. He was feeling bit giddy. After few minutes he was able to take few steps. He was happy to be back on his feet again after being made to stay laying down for more than two days. He felt a sharp pain when he took his first step. She looked at him with concern. But he assured her he's ok.
Astha was amazed at the sheer size of this man. She felt like a midget standing next to him. She didn't realise just how tall he really is. And she was even more shocked at how she was feeling. Due to her past She has been extremely uncomfortable scared mostly to be even near men. But she didn't feel any of that. What she was feeling with him next to her, him leaning on to her for support was totally new to her. She felt an unexplainable calmness. For the first time in her adult life she was intrigued by a man. What's happening to her. She didn't know what's so special about this one man.
He's not the first Indian Guy she's met. In fact there were many Indian guys at the University. Some even tried to date her. But there was never a chance in hell of that happening with any guy for that matter. She just wasn't interested. None knew the real reason.
He was thoroughly enjoying the closeness. He loved it. He would've run a marathon for her if she had asked him to. Why is he willing to do anything for someone whom he's just met, knows nothing but her name and that she's a doctor. He's never been this effected by any girl.
Astha told him to take things slowly, not to make any sudden movements of his upper body as the wound is yet to heal fully. She also told him that the IVs will be removed and he can start with semi solid food.
Shlok wanted to strike a conversation with Astha, he wanted to know more about her. But there always seems to be somebody else in the room. But he was determined to full fill his quest. He knew he had few more days.
She said "Mr.Agnihotri, you're making good progress. Few more days and you'll be stable enough to travel back to India".
"I'm in no hurry to go back. I like it here" he answered back.
"And please call me Shlok. Every time you call me Mr. Agnihotri I expect my father to be standing behind me" he said with a mischievous look on his face.
Astha just said " Ok. From now on its Shlok" and turned to leave.
He didn't want her to leave just yet, Shlok asked " When will I see you again, I mean...ehh...Doctor, when are you coming to check on me again?" His eyes kept looking at her for a reaction. She just looked at her wrist watch and said "tomorrow morning" and gave him a soft smile. His heart just skipped a beat. How is it possible. She didn't agree to spend the rest of her life with you or anything. she just smiled at you out of humanity. Get a grip of your self man. You're loosing it. He told himself.
But there was no stopping Shlok. He had already lost it. He just didn't know it yet.
Astha, wanted to get away from that room ASAP. She was feeling confused. Why? She didn't have any answers. Her heart was beating so fast. She remembered what Shlok said " when will I see you again" he wants to see me again. Of course, I'm his doctor... What's the big deal?
She was 8 years with a tray in hand looking for an empty seat in the school cafeteria. Then she sees Colby... Her Colby. And her heart jumped with joy when he shifted to the side so that she can sit next to him! He was her first ever crush. And why was she feeling like that 8 year old. You're a 29 year old mother of two and a successful surgeon. Working at a reputed Hospital in Los Angels. Not a 3rd grader Snap out of it woman. She slapped her self in her mind.
Meanwhile, Anjali had come back with Varad, he stayed for a while went back to the hotel.
Anjali spoon fed Shlok his dinner. She was very happy to be taking care of her son. She noticed that he, in spite of the ordeal her son has been through, his eyes had a spark that she's never seen. She wanted to know what's the reason. Or rather who's giving him this spark.
She decided to wait for the right moment if he himself doesn't say anything to her first. Shlok shares everything with his mother. Even about girls. He's been very comfortable discussing anything with his mother. So she knew if there's anything to be shared he would surely do.
After the whole Swati fiasco, she and Nirajan didn't discuss with him the subject of Shlok finding a girl and settling down. They couldn't. They felt as parents they failed their son who's never hurt them even with a word, did everything to fulfil his parents wishes. Usually it's the children that hurt their parents by marrying the he or she as per their wish and end up giving heartache to the parents. But what happened with Shlok was the other way round. He married the girl his parents selected for him. He trusted them with the biggest decision of his life. And they failed him miserably. He suffered for no fault of his. Anjali and Niranjan never forgave themselves for their error in judgement, they felt immense guilt for the emotional pain their son endured. But even then he never even once blamed them. If he had maybe they would've felt little better. But Shlok, just blamed it on fate. He kept saying it was meant to happen like that. He's come out of it stronger and wiser. He took it all in his stride and survived the "Hurricane Swati"
Chapter 9
Rules & Announcements
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
