Tumbleweeds ...24th Update.. Pg 45 - Page 34

This part was small yet beautiful- ArMan are finally getting closer! Am greedy for more! :-D Update sooon!

PS: Hi Sonii! *waves*

She recalled the day she was admitted for the surgery. Manav had come to Mumbai especially for it.

She lay on the bed feeling drained and empty. She had decided to go through with it because she just couldn't dash the hope she saw in her parents' eyes. She didn't care to attach much importance to it and although she was an eager to be get back to 'normal', she didn't dare to hope. She kept herself detached from all that was going around her.

Manav sensed her withdrawal and understood why. Most patients who were fatigued with their situations were like that. But, at least she wasn't sullen. He sighed. He knew what burden lay on his shoulders and he knew how much her parents wanted this surgery to work out.

He entered her room. It was past 8 in the evening. She was ready to sleep. Sedatives would take care of her frayed nerves. Tomorrow was the surgery and a testing day for everyone.

"Hi," said Manav as her entered the room. "Are you okay?"

Sulochana came forward with a smile on her lips. "Manav! Oh so good to see you!"

"Just came to see how Arch was doing. I had to finish some formalities about tomorrow. You have a good sleep."

Arch looked at him and nodded. The cell phone rang. Sulochana hurriedly went to answer it and left the room. Manav looked down at Arch who was trying to eyes closed.

"Look at me Arch," said Manav. She opened her eyes but didn't meet his. He put his finger under her chin and turned her face towards him.

"It's going to be okay," he assured her.

She closed her eyes shut for a moment and said, "I'm sure."

"You don't sound convincing but I'll let that pass." He pulled a chair and sat down. "I can however hope you keep your spirits up. Your disinterest and distrust of anything good happening is weakening my resolve and my energy is getting depleted. So how about a nice smile?"

"Goodnight." Arch wished.

"You get a good night's sleep and don't worry. How's the back, by the way. No pain?"

"No ... just a discomfort."

He gently turned her on her side and slid his arm over and slowly ran his hand down her spine. She stiffened at first but relaxed after a while since his touch was soothing. She was slowly being lulled into a sleep.

Manav looked at her face which was composed. He didn't see her like this at all. She was always on guard, never letting anyone really know what she was really feeling. For the first time he was seeing her as she really should be. She had a charming face although she was quite gaunt. He continued stroking her back. Sulochana had re-entered the room. She was so grateful to Bappa that Manav had come to give Arch a chance to live properly again. He was so caring. If things had been a bit different, she would have loved him to be a match for her daughter.

"Manav," Sulochana whispered, "I think she's asleep."

Manav turned and took his arm away. He smiled. "Yes."

"You have a long day tomorrow. Take some rest yourself."

"Yes, I am going home now. Everything will be okay." Manav touched Sulochana's shoulder in understanding. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight Manav."

Next morning before going to the OT, Manav decided to look in on Arch again. It was not in protocol but he was compelled to meet his ballerina. She was ready for surgery. Manav was going over her file and her night report.

Sachin knocked and entered. "Hi! Came to keep you company, Archana."

"Wrong, little bro ... I am going to keep her company. Only I can enter the theatre ... remember?"

"Okay, but I will be here ... with the rest for moral support."

The whole family was in the room now. In half an hour she'd be wheeled in. It was time for Manav to go for preparation. He made to leave and looked at Arch. He was surprised to see her looking at him. His eyes narrowed as he tried to read the message in hers. The unblinking look told him a lot. She was also banking on him. She didn't say anything but it was there in her eyes. They slowly turned moist.

"Manav," said Arch. She put out her hand. Manav bent down and held her hand in a loose grip. There was a sudden silence in the room. The clasping of hands was noticed by all. Manav stepped on the pedal to raise her to sitting position. He came and sat on the vacant chair again.

"Just relax." He took her hand in his. "We are going to do our best, both you and I. Besides they are all going to pray for us too. With so much positive energy, why should the operation fail?"

He looked into those soft brown eyes and tried to instil some encouragement and faith into them. She tightened her hold on his hand and covered his hand with her other.

"Manav."

Manohar ushered everyone out of the room. He felt his daughter wanted to talk to Manav in private.

"What is it?" Manav continued.

"I... I...," said Arch. "I am ..." She couldn't continue.

Manav sat on the bed and put one hand behind her back. He pulled her forward and gave her a hug. "This operation is going to work out. Just have some faith."

Her arms went round his waist and she tried to draw some of his strength. He lay her back and raised his hand in salute.

"Well, be on time for our date in 20 minutes?" He winked and smiled. He whistled as he went to the door.

Arch wondered how he could be so cool ...

The surgery took its time. Meticulous as ever, Manav wanted to do a thorough job. He was earnest about the operation. He wanted Arch to be okay and pain-free. He wanted whatever little relief he could bring her to be permanent.

His little mind snidely smiled. "Why the extra interest in your patient? Aren't you being unprofessional?" Manav wiped his hand on the towel before him. He sighed. The job was done. Now the effects would be seen.

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