The Hospital Scene
Prem was holding her in his arms and reassuring her that all would be well. They were standing in the hospital corridor outside of Preeti's room where she lay unconscious. "Tejaswini, we have to do this. We have less than 24 hours to prove my innocence. If we don't find this proof, they will send me away for a long time. The weight of that possibility hung between them. "We will be apart," he said as he gazed intently at her, his eyes filled with emotion.
"Nay, Prem. We will find the proof and you will NOT leave me, " she said with conviction as she grabbed tightly to his arms. "We are the strongest when we're together and the truth will save us. Believe in that!"
His love for her shone forth as he placed his hand gently along her face. "You are my strength."
The doctor walked passed them and Prem said to her, "I will go speak to the doctor and see what he can do. You go to Preeti's room."
She nodded her head in acknowledgement and turned to walk down the hallway.
"Tejaswini!" he called to her.
"Yes?"
"Be careful!"
Teja walked into Preeti's hospital room where she was lying unconscious from a hit to the head. Prem was being accused of the crime and she knew that he was innocent and had to do everything in her power to clear his name.
She walked up to her and called out her name. "Preeti! Open your eyes. I'm sure you can hear me." Teja just stared at her cousin's sleeping state and shook her head. "What has happened to you? We grew up together as sisters and we shared our each other's dreams but now...now... I don't know who you are. Where is all this wickedness coming from? You are destroying an innocent man. You are ..."
Teja's words were cut short as she heard some voices in the hallway. She quickly looked around the room looking for a place to hide in case it was mamaji returning to the room. She ran behind the hospital curtain and stood there out of sight as she tried to slow down the rapid beating of her heart. She heard footsteps walk towards the bed then stop. "You little fool. I'm not finished with you yet!"
Teja's head snapped up and her eyes widened with recognition. It was Mandira Boa! Teja quickly took her phone and turned the camera to the video setting and placed it between a small opening in the curtain and began recording Mandira's conversation.
Preeti's head began moving from side to side as she moaned with pain. She placed her hand on her head and slowly opened her eyes. Mandira snarled at her, "You're wise to wake up when I come into the room!"
Preeti's eyes focused on Mandira Boa and groaned. "You stupid old woman! Why did you have to hit me on the head? I thought we were partners!" she said as she rubbed the side of her head.
"Watch your tone with me little girl," she snapped. "I had to hit you in order to advance our plan. You see, while you've been sleeping a dreamless sleep, your precious Prem has been arrested for your attempted murder and I have managed to make that interfering snit, Tejaswini, cause another wedge in Dharam Singh's family." Her eyes glazed over with darkness. "I will destroy him!" she promised. Mandira laughed an ugly sound, sending shivers up Teja's back.
Mandira looked back at the pathetic Preeti in her bed. "Now listen to me carefully, you foolish girl," she said as she leaned in closer to Preeti's face. "You get yourself out of this bed and make sure you get the sympathy of that husband of yours and I want those papers signed by Dharam Singh."
Preeti's smile reflected an evilness in her that startled Teja as she let out a gasp.
"Yes, Boa."
Mandira looked suspiciously around the room as she was sure she heard a noise and started walking towards the curtain. Just then, the doctor walked into the room and demanded that his patient rest. Mandira looked one more time at Preeti and smiled. Then walked out of the room.
Teja smiled with confidence behind the curtain as she turned the recording off.
CID
Anupamaa
