MehRya SS: Forbidden - Ch5 Teaser pg 14 04/08 - Page 5

Chapter #2

"Pack it in, Laddoo love, your day is done"

"Sir...wait...why?"

The watch leader gazed sympathetically at his lifeguard: his former lifeguard, that was, now that he had issued what was to be his final instruction to her. He further clarified his order to the befuddled young woman who had not heeded his words "I've upped the rotation schedule; your replacement is en-route and should be here in less than five minutes. You are officially relieved of your duties, Mehek."

"Then that means that I am on the clock for ten minutes or however long it takes for my cover to show up and the formal handover is complete."

The senior rescuer smiled but shook his head to deny her. Mehek's level of dedication would be sorely missed in his team once she left, but he knew in this case that the call he was making was the correct one. "No Mehek that won't be necessary, I will serve as Ben's second for the interim. I'm sorry, Laddoo, but clearly, and quite understandably, you have been compromised." He placed his hands on her shoulders in response to her adamant denial that the rescue hadn't adversely affected her. "You are still shaking, Luv...even now some forty minutes later."

The young woman's eyes suddenly brimmed with tears on being made to confront what she considered her failure. Finally, the feelings she had kept bottled spilled out "It shouldn't have ever happened... I should have stopped him; had I been more forceful; If I hadn't allowed him access..."

"Stop...Let's make one thing perfectly clear. None of what happened is your fault, Ladoo. If there is any grain of truth to what has been suggested about the victim's intentions, then nothing would have stopped him. If, however you wish to claim responsibility for anything, the fact that he now has the opportunity to rethink such a decision then he has only you to thank for that. If not for your actions he would not be here at all. Never underestimate the difference you have made here, if not for him than at very least for those who love him. He..."

"Vicky" Mehek interrupted. "His name is Vicky Agarwal from India. He is here for the Hotelier Conference at Fairmont Southampton Princess. His credentials indicated that much," she added.

The older man smiled. It was just like the young rescuer to have made some sort of connection with a random stranger.

"Well young Vicky has much to be grateful for today; he has been rescued by one of my finest. But none of this changes the fact that your day has to come to an end, Laddoo. At the risk of sounding completely sexist: I truly believe you need to get back to your kitchen."

To an outsider listening in, that would have sounded extremely chauvinistic, but to both Mehek and the man who made a point of knowing and understanding his protegees, it was more of an apt presumption.

"Thik hai," Mehek finally conceded. "Will you let me know if you receive any news on his condition, Sir" she asked as she gave him a quick hug, before she gathered her things to depart. She waved farewell to her partner, who turned from his watch to blow her a kiss. "You rocked today Laddoo," her supportive colleague called out to her as she left the beach, officially closing this chapter of her life.

******

Instructing Nehal to go and arrange with the Police official for the videoed footage to be sent to him, Shaurya took the last steps to his mother who stood with the physician who had come to give then the update of Vicky's condition.

"Dr Saab, how is he?"

"Mr. Khanna, I was just informing your mother how very fortunate Vicky was today. The elevation that he fell from is renowned for being one of the most dangerous on the island, and unfortunately it was at one of the worst times of day for this mishap to have occurred. He entered a depth of no more than five feet and had his angle of entry been even a fraction off, then my news would probably be no where as good as it is."

"He is okay then?"

"Not exactly, but all things considered..."

"Do not say he is paralyzed," Karuna whimpered, before breaking into noisy sobs. "Oh Shaurya..."

Supporting his mother, Shaurya asked her to calm down so the doctor could give his assessment. Already his mind was spinning with the contacts who could put him in touch with the expertise to aid his brother's recovery. Boston, he surmised would have the closest facility to Mid-Atlantic island he determined, but he would need the full scope of Vicky's injuries to make a determination. "Doctor," he urged the man over his mother's weeping.

"There has been some compression of his spine, which has resulted in some incapacity that hopefully proves temporary. Normally, extra care is taken with suspected spinal injury, however in light of your brother's condition this was deemed a secondary priority. Unfortunately, in some cases, this can exasperate the injury The doctor paused when an expression crossed the hotelier's face that made him uneasy.

"So not only did these so-called lifeguards, not prevent my brother from getting access to an area that should be off limits, but they provided insufficient care?

"I am not saying that at all, the doctor retorted. He couldn't help but hear the man's earlier vitriolic comment to the police officer about the lifeguards' summation that this may have been a suicide attempt and felt that Mr. Khanna was erroneously pinning his frustrations on the rescuers. "The lifeguards did no less than save your brother's life, Mr. Khanna, I completely stand by their course of action in securing him once he was brought out of the water. Even if, and this has yet to be ascertained, his condition was somehow compromised by their handling of his body once he was on dry land, the fact remains that their efforts have given you your loved one today. To put it clear, Vicky had flat-lined, and only their resuscitative actions gave him the second-chance he has now.

Silently Shaurya nodded.

"We will need a few days to ascertain the extent of his injuries, and the degree of rehabilitative care he will need, but I am happy to advise that he has regained consciousness, and you may visit him, one at a time for fifteen to twenty minutes. I would ask that you not put any pressure on him in the form of any questioning. He may or may not recall the incident.

Here tears dried now, Karuna spoke up. "Thank you doctor. Shaurya, I will go in first, and then Nehal.

"Nehal, Maa, Shaurya queried.

"Haan, beta, the older woman answered steadfastly. "Ideally by then you will be in a better position to meet your brother.

The physician observed the interaction between mother and son, surmising that the woman had got her point across when the man acquiesced to her.

"Ji Maa, I will wait my turn.

"Nehal, beti, Karuna mentioned to the young woman who had returned to join them. "Once I have returned, you may visit with Vicky. Do be sure to take the full time you are allotted.

The young woman glanced nervously at her boss, "J..ji Aunty. Together she and her employer watched the older woman's path to the hospital room her nephew lay in. "Shaurya Sir, I have no problem if you wish to go in before me...

"Do not concern yourself Nehal, we will proceed just as Maa wishes. Did you get the video sent to us?

His PA immediately shook his head and took the iPad that she retrieved from her handbag and brought the footage up. It was clear that she did not want to view it, when she stood and gave the excuse of going to the nearest washroom, and left, leaving Shaurya once again with the opportunity to see what had befallen his brother.

******

Mehek had expected to come home to an empty house, knowing that at this time her mom would be busy collecting the twins from their summer-camp to then take the just turned ten-year-olds to their weekly martial arts class, but for once she wished she hadn't. Even beyond her parents' comfort, the presence of her rambunctious little brothers would have definitely taken her mind off her misgivings of the day. However, even after taking what she had hoped would have been a long, indulgent cool shower, she found that she had more than an hour, before it even being a possibility of company. Therefore, it was to the kitchen she headed, needing the solace that creating in the kitchen would bring her. If nothing else, she would be alleviating some of her mother's work load, while also pampering her beloved Dad who would be thrilled to partake of his daughter's cooking in the days before she left home for culinary school in New York. Perhaps, Mehek thought, as she scoured the fridge for her ingredients, if she created a masterpiece today it would convince her Dad that New York should be her first step in her culinary career, not her last, as he was of the mindset to believe. But that was another story. First things first, Mehek thought, she would need to get dinner going.

******

Whoever she was; she was, Shaurya had to admit, very impressive. While it was true that she had been met by another guard, who assisted her to bring Vicky to the shore and placed him on a backboard, the female guard proved her stamina when after confirming that an ambulance was on its way, immediately began CPR on the stricken man. While a small pool of blood stained the sand below Vicky, Shaurya straight away saw for himself that this wasn't the most pressing issue. Nor did he need the commentary of the person filming who fatalistically announced that the man was a goner: it was clear for anyone to see that Vicky was not breathing. However, to the fit young woman working feverishly on his brother, none would dare speak those words. Engrossed by what he was seeing, Shaurya witnessed when the male guard started to doubt that they could bring Vicky back, only to have the woman demand they switch roles, with him taking over the chest compressions while she focused on the rescue breathes. Smoothly at her command, they did so, and for the first time Shaurya heard the voice of this angel of mercy.

"Come on Vicky Bhai, don't you dare give up on me.

********

Hurriedly scribbling a note for her mother, Mehek turned the slow-cooker to the keep warm setting and rushed to her bedroom to grab her jacket and helmet. Locking the door behind her, she jumped on her moped and ranged down the private driveway onto the main road. She hadn't expected a call so soon, but evidently her boss' connections had come through, and had sent word that their water victim had come to. Better still, was the news, that provided she could reach there in twenty minutes that the physician on duty would allow Mehek to meet with the patient. Naturally Mehek jumped at the chance to see for herself that Vicky was indeed okay, and with five minutes to spare found herself at the admitting office of the local hospital. Giving the doctor's name she had been told to ask for, soon had her up on the ICU ward where Vicky was presently located, and meeting with the man in question.

The doctor could scarcely hide his surprise. He had been advised to expect a young woman, but the appearance of a girl who looked to be all of twenty even threw him off. "You are the lifeguard, he asked. Mehek held out her hand. "Was, I've finished up today. The doctor smiled genuinely at her. "Our patient is very fortunate indeed then. I am Dr. Tucker.

"Laddoo, Mehek replied. "I mean Mehek, but everyone calls me Laddoo.

"That's an Indian sweet, distributed on auspicious occasions if I understand correctly, the doctor replied. His smile broadened when Mehek nodded. "Quite fitting, he added before asking Mehek took a seat. "I understand that you have been quite troubled over your actions today, and whether you bear some responsibility for any of this.

Her smile faltering, Mehek nodded.

"Well from a medical standpoint allow me to tell you that you were the only thing that stood between Vicky and a certain death. I doubt that any of our trained EMTs could have done any better. However, I expect that none of that will matter until you hear from our patient himself, which is why I am authorizing this visit today, before you leave for your studies.

Acknowledging that some real strings had been pulled, Mehek folded her hands in thanks. The doctor looked at his watch. "His family should be finishing their visits shortly, so I will get you in to see him then.

Relieved just to know that Vicky wasn't alone, Mehek smiled and nodded.

"Excellent, I will just check to see how things are getting along and come back for you, then. He stood and went to the door of his cabin, before he stopped and addressed the young woman. "There is one thing I would like to forewarn you about...

******

Unsure as to why Nehal left from visiting Vicky more emotional than when she had gone into see him, Shaurya looked to his mother for an answer. Not that she would be able to provide one, as the older woman immediately stood up to follow his tearful PA who had cut a trail down the corridor.

"Maa?
"Not now beta. Go...go see your brother...and please be calm and show some understanding, she stated before turning back to follow Nehal.

A twinge of guilt settled inside him, but he knew his mother's words were warranted. He was hotheaded, and impatient when it came to him brother, and often than not did not allow the younger man the chance to explain himself. However, recognizing finally how close he had come to losing his cousin, he was feeling remorse for all of the times he had browbeaten Vicky, especially if his actions had any baring on what had happened today. Feeling very unlike himself, Shaurya stood up, and prepared to enter the hospital room where his brother lay after his harrowing experience. He was about to take a step inside when suddenly his mobile rang. Tensing when he registered the number, he backtracked to a quieter area to take the call, knowing he would need it for sure, and after ensuring he was alone, connected the call.

"You bas***d! You've killed my son!!!!

******

Feeling overheated, Mehek removed her jacket and hung it over the chair that was beside the bed. Contrary to the doctor's news, it looked as Vicky had drifted off to sleep. She took her seat anyway happy enough to utilize the time she had been allotted to just visit with him. Of course, she would have loved to assure herself that he was truly alright by speaking with him but seeing that he didn't seem to be attached to any major medical equipment was encouraging in itself. A minute after she had been there, she was proven wrong, when his weak voice reached her. "The suspense is worst than my pain Bhaiyaa, come on let me have it.

"Does that mean you have some confession that is sure to anger everyone Vicky bhai?

Mehek watched as slowly Vicky's eyes opened and followed the direction of the feminine voice that had questioned him. She jumped up to get in his line of sight, so he wouldn't unnecessarily move his head, and by virtue his neck which was encumbered by the rigid brace. Reaching down, she grabbed his hand, and held her breath when the bedridden man raised the same hand to his lips and kissed it.

"Hey Angel, he whispered. "I hear that I have you to thank for me still being here, he added with a slight smile. "Thank you.

His words relieved her more than she ever expected and silently she began to cry. "So, it truly was an accident, she asked.

"Haan, an accident. One that has caused me all manner of trouble now, he voiced sadly.

Without removing her hand from his, Mehek pulled the chair closer to the bed. She had no understanding of this compelling need to help Vicky, but it just wasn't in her to abandon him when he was so troubled

"Well I don't have much time, either for this visit or before I leave for school, but perhaps if you tell me what's wrong maybe I can help in some way.

******

In the end the only relief Shaurya was to get from Svetlana Mami was to turn off his mobile. However, that meant that he would need to seek out his mother and Nehal to advise them that he had done so. Bypassing Vicky's room in his search he caught the glimpse of a female form sitting with brother, and assumed that Nehal had gone back in. Consequently, he was mightily confused a few minutes later when he met his mother and a still teary-eyed Nehal coming towards him; his PA holding his mother's hand for dear life. His eyes narrowed and then his head rotated back the way he had come. If Nehal was here, then who... Wordlessly he turned around to head back to his brother's room. He blinked in disbelief when he walked in to find only Vicky there being attended to by one of the nurses who was checking his IV. The woman, with her hair pulled back in an austere bun, was definitely not who he had glimpsed not five minutes ago.

He approached the sister at the doorway as she was about to leave. "Who was the last visitor here, he demanded.

"That would have been your assistant, Mr. Khanna,

"Granted my assistant is very talented, but I am certain she has not mastered the ability to be in two places at the same time. Who was here after my assistant?

"The only authorized visitors were your mother, Miss Nehal and yourself, Mr. Khanna as per Dr.

Tucker's orders.

"Maybe you are seeing things bhaiyaa, Vicky called out from his bed. "Or maybe it was just an angel coming to see how I am faring. His joke fell flat, but his heavy sigh got Shaurya's attention. "I suppose you want to know what happened today right Bhaiyaa?

Chapter3