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~~Caged~~
Chapter 12
"She's got a faint pulse. We need a doctor! please hurry! She needs to be treated right away!'' yelled Shaurya as he carried Mahek to the triage. Nurses ran with a stretcher and all the necessary equipment to do her vitals. Mahek's doctor who was with another patient heard the commotion in the hall outside the trauma room, she knew instinctively there was a code. she stripped her gloves and went out to see what was going on. As soon as she saw Mahek she knew why she was there. She took over right away. Needles were being plunged into her veins. "I'm not getting a flash, nothing. This girl's got no pressure!'' Plastic bags of fluid were being hung, and leads were being taped with remarkable precision to Mahek's chest. "We're moving her into cardiac three. Everybody together, let's go. One, two, now!" Mahek's stretcher was pushed in to OT. Doctor Nidhi who was treating Mahek for her brain Tumour from the very beginning walked towards Shaurya who was in a terrible state. "Hi I'm doctor Nidhi,Mahek's Doctor,She is under my care.'' Shaurya joined his hands. "Please save her doctor! Do whatever you can but just save her!'' Tears made its way down his cheeks. "We'll do our best Mr khanna. Just to let you know this treatment will be very expansive,and I heard you wanted a private room for her? Well that's gonna cost you even more'' "I don't care how costly the treatment will be or the room is! I'll pay any amount! I just want her to survive! And yes I want that private room too,so that me and my children can visit their mother anytime! Shaurya told her. "Alright! We'll keep her on strong medication for few days then we'll operate on her once her body gets used to the medication .'' Saying that Doctor Nidhi left towards the OT. For the first time in life Shaurya started praying. Inside the OT,doctors managed to revive Mahek. "Phew! We almost lost you there Mahek!'' Said doc Nidhi with a sigh of relief. "Shaurya..my husband...Where's is he?'' Mahek Asked feebly. "He's outside..we can bring him in now.'' A nurse left to get Shaurya who was pacing the hall restlessly. "Mr khanna your wife is asking for you..please follow me.'' Shaurya's face lit up and he hurried behind the nurse to the private room which he had paid for Mahek's treatment. Mahek who was tangled in wires smiled as soon as Shaurya stepped in the room. "Mahek..!'' He sat on the bed holding her hand and kissed her forehead. "Feeling better?'' He asked with tears in his eyes. "Much better as you are with me.'' Mahek gestured him to lower his face and he did. She kissed his cheek twice. "I need you to stay strong ..our children will need you while I'm away...and please don't cry.. when you cry my heart beat stops inside my soul When I see those tears falling from your eyes..please Shaurya I won't make it if you break down like this.'' She told him softly. "I promise I won't cry..you have to make it through this Mahek..for me,for us and for our children,can you promise me this?.'' Mahek nodded her head. "I promise!'' He kissed her fingers. "My assistant is on the phone as we speak,I'm hiring the best surgeons from all over the world who will attend to you by tomorrow night. I want you out of the hospital ASAP!'' "I know you would do anything for me Shaurya..thank you for coming to my rescue at the right time otherwise I would have died without you...'' she murmured. Shaurya pressed his finger on her lips. "I don't want to hear the word death on your lips.'' Mahek smiled. "Okay baba go home now..our babies must be waiting for you and you need sleep too. These Medications are making me sleepy ...'' Mahek's eyelids were dropping close. "Okay you rest..I'll come in the morning...and nurses will be around you if you need anything.'' Said Shaurya. "I love you Shaurya..'' she whispered. "I love you Mahek..'' Shaurya planted a gentle kiss on her cheeks and came out to give instructions to the nurses and met with Mahek's doctor before he left for home that night.
Ayaan and Ahana's eyes were on the door. Both brother sister were sitting on the sofa waiting for their daddy to come with news on their mommy. "Your dad will be late,try to sleep..I'll wake you up once he's here.'' Said Sonal. "No masi..we will wait for dad.'' Replied Ayaan. "And we are not sleepy yet.'' Added Ahana. Just then the doorbell sounded. "That must be daddy!'' Both Kids Ran to the door. Sonal opened the door for them and Shaurya stepped in. "Daddy!'' Screamed the kids. He forced a smile. "How's little man and my princess doing?'' He picked them up in his lap. "Not so good dad..how's mom?'' Asked Ayaan. "Is she gonna be okay?'' Asked Ahana. "She's perfectly fine..I'll take you to meet her in the morning ok? Now let's thank Sonal masi for taking care of you then we'll go home.'' Shaurya and the kids thanked Sonal for keeping them company. "Anytime...just keep me posted on Mahek's health.'' She told Shaurya. The trio left. "Dad,take us to moms place please..'' insisted Ayaan. "We can all sleep on moms bed,her room has her smell..that way we will feel her presence around us..'' Said Ahana. Shaurya did what his children requested. He parked his car outside their house and took them inside. He just blinked back his tears as he brought them to Mahek's bedroom. They crawled in the bed and asked Shaurya to join them. He got on the bed and both kids rested their heads on his chest. "Now tell us what's wrong with mom? Why is she in hospital?'' Questioned Ayaan. "Yeah daddy I wanna know too..'' added Ahana. Shaurya took a deep breath in and out. "I'll tell you if you Promise me not react but stay calm.'' Children nodded their heads. "Your mom has a tumour in her brain,that's why she's feeling sick and in hospital. The doctors are treating her with medications and in few days she will have the tumour removed. Once the tumour is out,she can come home to us.'' Both kids were in shock. Ayaan slowly got out of bed and walked to his mommy's closet. Shaurya and Ahana sat up and watched him. Ayaan opened the closet and picked one of Mahek's top and inhaled her scent. "Please mommy come home..I can't live without you..'' Ayaan broke down and cried badly. "Bhai!'' Ahana jumped out of bed and ran to her brother. She hugged him as her tears also flowed. "Please don't cry bhai..you are my strength...and we both are daddy's strength..he's missing mom too..look he's quietly shedding tears..'' Ayaan looked at Shaurya who was wiping his tears. With his mommy's top in his hand,he came back to bed,Ahana trailed behind him. "I'm sorry I reacted..just promise me you'll bring Mom back to us safely.'' Said Ayaan. "I promise I'll bring your mom back in your lives very soon..and we can all live happily ever after.'' Forcing a smile Shaurya opened his arms for his kids. "We are counting on you dad!'' Ayaan told him between his sob. They hugged their daddy,Shaurya comforted them with kind loving words. Finally the kids dozed off. "Please Mahek..we need you..you have to come back to us...'' Shaurya too inhaled the scent on Mahek's top and broke down silently. He was on the phone for the entire night,talking to doctors.
Before the kids could wake up,Shaurya had made breakfast while kaki did other chores. When the kids woke up,he showered them,dressed them for school then fed them. Kids couldn't eat that much as they were sad for their mom. "Alright cheer up now! We are going to see to your mom before I drop you off to school!'' Announced Shaurya. "Yay! Thanks dad!'' Both children clapped their hands in utter joy. They quickly finished their breakfast and wrote something for their mommy to read. In no time they were on the road to the hospital. Mahek was up and talking to Sonal and Simran who had paid her a visit that morning. Just then Shaurya entered the room with his kids. "My babies!'' With tears Mahek opened her arms for them. Ayaan and Ahana dropped their bags on the floor and ran to their mom. "Mommy!'' They crawled on the bed and slept on their mommy's chest. "Hey mommy! How are you? You know we missed you a lot!'' Said Ahana while Ayaan just hugged his mommy tightly and tried not to cry. "I am good baby..aww I missed you both...'' she kissed the crown of their heads. "How's the man of the house doing?'' She asked. "Not good mom..I want you home..please get well soon and come home to us..life is empty without you..'' Mahek just blinked back her tears. "We'll visit you in the afternoon,take care Mahek.'' Saying That Sonal and Simran left. Ayaan and Ahana rained kisses on their mommy,making her laugh. Shaurya walked towards them and sat down beside Mahek. He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. "Doing okay?'' Mahek nodded her head and Shaurya planted a feather like kiss on her forehead. "Ayaan and Ahana,why don't you show your mom what you wrote for her?'' Shaurya reminded them. "Oh yeah! We forgot!'' They ran to get their bags. "How are you managing them?'' Asked Mahek. "So far I'm okay..I have explained them about your health and they are very understanding Mahek..they are sad,worried but they are strong kids. They know you'll come home to them safe and sound.'' Said Shaurya. "Hmm..i can see you haven't slept last night.. are you worried about me?'' She asked. Shaurya buried his head on the crook of her neck. "I'm very much worried about you and it hurts me deep down..how can I sleep there when a part of me is here?'' Tears formed in Mahek's eyes and she caressed his cheeks and hairs lovingly. "Few more days and I'll be home to my family.'' She assured him. "Mommy look! This is for you..we made it this morning.'' Ayaan handed her his messages and drawings. "Wow! This is beautiful! Thank you love!'' Mahek caressed his chubby cheeks. "And this is from me to my sweetest mommy!'' Ahana presented her drawings and little messages. "Thank you baby doll! These are very precious to me.'' Ahana was very happy to hear that and she flashed her teeth. Shaurya helped them to pin the drawings and writings on the wall. Kids were really very happy. "Mommy,did you eat?'' Asked Ayaan. "No bacchey..I'm not allowed to eat until I have surgery.'' Kids countenance fell. "Oh..are you hungry though?'' Asked Ahana. "Not really..see the bag of fluid hanging by the bed? That keeps me full.'' Mahek told them. "Oh mommy! I can't see you like this..but daddy said doctors needs to fix you before you can come home.'' Said Ahana. "Your daddy is right. Promise me one thing,while mommy is away..you both will behave like big kids..you will shower on your own,dress on your own,tidy your rooms,and help daddy to make your meals and won't give him a hard time.'' "We promise mom..but dad does everything for us..he doesn't leave anything for us to do..'' said Ayaan. "And daddy will not go to the office until you come home.'' Added Ahana. Mahek threw a questionable look at Shaurya. "You just gonna leave your projects and stay home?'' Shaurya sighed. "Yes..for now. Get well and come home then I'll concentrate on my work..not now ..and the other thing is my kids needs me.'' He told her strictly. Mahek looked worried suddenly. Shaurya kissed her head. "Don't worry..I have people working for me..they'll manage without me for a while..can you give us your killer smile now?'' "Please mommy?'' Insisted the kids. Mahek finally smiled,Ayaan and Ahana clapped their hands while Shaurya was once again lost in their mother's smile. "Now go..have a great day in school and come to see me in the afternoon.'' She told them. "Okay mommy! We love you!'' They hugged and kissed her. Grabbing their bags they walked to the door but Shaurya was still lost in Mahek. "Daddy! You can do that later! We are running later!'' Hollered Ayaan. Shaurya came back to earth at once. Mahek laughed,with a sheepish smile Shaurya left towards his kids. "I'll see you soon!'' He told her from the doorway. Mahek waved to them and they left.
On the way to school Ayaan Asked his dad. "Dad,why haven't you told mommy that you gave your two projects away because you have taken time off from work?'' Shaurya Parked his car by the school. "I didn't wanted to be in trouble that's why.'' Children laughed and Shaurya joined them. "Aww daddy you are sweet!'' Ahana kissed his cheek when he helped her out of the car. "Thanks dad! You can Go to mom now and pick us up after school.'' Said Ayaan as he hugged his dad good bye. "I will do that..now go inside!'' Shaurya kissed them good bye and left from there as soon as they were inside. Shaurya went back home. Gave instructions to kaki on what to cook for dinner. "Beta,you haven't eaten since last night..you have so much on your shoulders right now and to carry on you need energy..Mahek won't like it if she finds out you are not eating.'' Kaki scolded Shaurya. "I lost my appetite kaki..I can't really eat with Mahek lying in hospital...I'm good with my energy bars.'' He told her. That day he received a call from his assistant that the doctors have arrived from various parts of the world to examine Mahek and they were at the five star hotel which Shaurya had booked for them. Shaurya Asked them to meet him at the hospital. He was already with Mahek when the doctors stepped in the room. After meet and greet they examined Mahek and went through all her test results. "We have to remove the tumour out as soon as possible or else we'll lose her.'' The doctors told Shaurya once they were done with the investigation. "Do it then! Let's not waste anymore time!'' He begged. The doctors made arrangements for the surgery and booked a time. Shaurya spent rest of the day with Mahek. Talking about how they met at his factory and gradually fell in love. Mahek was smiling while Listening to their love story. Her lips turned to a dusky rose, slightly parted, as if blooming for him, and the sight sent a jolt through him. His mind ceased functioning, and for a moment all that existed for him was her.
Mahek dozed off as the medication kicked in. Later that day Shaurya had brought the kids from school to spend some time with their mommy. "Tomorrow night your mommy is going for surgery..'' Mahek told them. Her children sat by her just holding her hands and comforting her with sweet loving words. For the first time in life Shaurya was afraid and scared for the one he loved with his heart,mind and soul.
A day went by. Finally the day arrived for Mahek's surgery. "All the best mommy! We'll be right here waiting for you to come back.'' Ayaan planted a kiss on Mahek's cheek. "I'll be praying for you mommy and you know what? You won't feel a thing! Believe me! Come back fast! Your Pihu loves you very much!'' Said Ahana as she kissed her mommy's cheeks and wished her well. "Daddy,it's your turn now!'' Hollered Ahana. Shaurya sat beside Mahek,took her hands in his and just stared at her face. Mahek stared, not breathing, as she looked into his face, so strong...and yet, so vulnerable at that moment. Words did not come, so she only uttered his name,never taking her eyes off his. Mahek was seeing fear in his eyes. "I will come back I promise..I cannot die when my beautiful family is with me..you..your love is with me..I have to come back.'' She told him softly. He sucked in a breath before letting it out slowly, the touch of her hands on his as she gave a little squeeze, warming his heart. Sucking in a shuddering breath, she attempted a smile, but it wobbled as Shaurya lowered his head and kissed her lips. Kids covered their eyes with their hands. His lips curved slightly, and he gently rubbed his thumb over her fingers. "I know you'll come back..and I'll wait for you with our children.'' He said as he kissed her again. Holding herself together, she forced her face to adopt the serene expression she was so used to giving now. She stared at him for a moment, unblinking, then, shook her head. "You know, Shaurya, I swear, sometimes it's like you drop a screen down over your face, hiding what's really going on behind your tricky eyes. Jerking, as if his mask slipped as he stammered, "Don't be silly. I...I don't know what you mean. He kept studying her for another minute, the seconds ticking by interminably. Finally, he nodded, "Ok fine you are right..but I can't tell you anything now..you have to come home first to know what's been cooking in our minds,right kids?'' He looked at Ayaan and Ahana. "Right dad!'' Both said in unison. "So I was right! Whatever it is I'm looking forward to it.'' She said. Just then the nurses came in to take her to the OT. "Shaurya I'm scared..what if I can't make it..'' Mahek's eyes welled up. Shaurya blinked back his tears. "You will make it because you live here,' he repeated, taking her hand and drawing it against his chest, right above his pounding heartbeat. In my heart. Somehow, you crashed your way into it when I wasn't looking. The same way you barged into my office back in Delhi, I suppose. But you're here now, inside of me. Mahek, you're the very life of me..you think you can leave me and go? No I won't let you!'' In that single moment, everything melted away. The walls melted, all the things that kept them apart for 6 yrs dissolved like sand in the sea. Lifting her head, She found his eyes, and he smiled, smoothing his palms along her cheeks, tracing her jawline with his thumbs. "I want you back,Mahek Shaurya Khanna! And I'm waiting right here until you come back. Mahek nodded, her eyes heating. "I will come back..take care of yourself and our kids Shaurya. Leaning forward, he kissed her softly, just a nip of his lips against hers gave her relief. Shaurya kept holding her hand as the nurses pushed the stretcher out of the room. He kept on walking with the bed. Their kids joined them and touched their mommy. Mahek forced a smile. "Mommy will be back soon..daddy will be with you Okay..'' children nodded with tears. "Mommy loves you...'' Nurses stopped before entering the OT and gave them few minutes. "We love you too mommy!'' Kids cried. Mahek kissed them and looked at Shaurya who was already in tears. She gestured him to lower his head and he did. She pressed her lips to his and whispered through the kiss. "I love you my love...'' Shaurya brushed her lips with his. "I love you too my love..'' And then the bed was pushed inside..parting them. "Daddy!'' Ahana cried and ran to her dad,Ayaan followed behind her. Shaurya took them in his arms and carried them back to the room. "Mommy will be back in no time okay? We have to be strong.'' He told them. There was an extra bed and sofas for the family to rest in the private room. "We will stay here until mom comes back.'' He sat on the sofa with his kids on each side and rubbed their backs until they fell asleep thinking about their mommy.
Eight hours later,Mahek's surgeons entered the room. Shaurya stood up,his lips trembled..he was having a hard time forming words. The doctors smiled. "Mr khanna,I'm pleased to let you know the surgery was a success! We have removed the tumour out and your wife is doing great. She may not be awake for a day or so but eventually she'll gain her consciousness.'' Shaurya took a deep breath of relief. "Thank you doctor! Thank you so much! I'm the happiest man on earth!'' Shaurya was laughing like he had never laughed in his entire life. "You are very welcome! Mahek will be in recovery ward for now,she'll be shifted here when she's awake.'' The doctor told him. Shaurya shook his hand. "My manager will see you at the hotel.'' He told all the doctors present there who were hired from abroad. They nodded and left. Shaurya didn't wake the kids. He gave the news to Sonal and Simran then went home with the kids. That night he slept peacefully.
Next chapter :- Mahek recovers and goes home with Shaurya. The kids are waiting with happy surprises. And then the celebrations begins! MehRya's love story flourishes and blooms once again. Happy times are back! More love,more romance will be seen as Shaurya once again cages her not in the villa but with his love.
Stay tuned romance lovers.. 😳
Seher Hone Ko Hai
Cricket
