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AarYa: A Fatal Encounter
Yash rested his head against the cool metal of the bench in the waiting area of the hospital outside the operation theatre. In his hands he held a styrofoam cup of tea that had gone cold, but he could not bring himself to put it down or dump it in the dustbin.
Almost five hours ago Aarti had been stabbed. Yash could remember the early pregnancy scare and all the close calls of injury and falls that he he had protected and pulled Aarti through. Yet this was the first time Yash had not been able to do anything but press down on the wound in an attempt to make the bleeding stop.
It was Aayu's naming ceremony and the priest had been invited to perform the havan for Aayu naming ceremony, good health and long life. As per the Scindhiya custom the astrologer pandit had also been called to draw up Aayu's kundali (horoscope) that day. The guests were being received by all the family members and Aarti was mingling among them but then Aayu demanded to be fed. So Aarti and Aayu retired to their room so that she could nurse him in privacy.
Ansh and PayPal the proud siblings of Aayu were explaining to everybody how Aayu was being named after their parents Aarti and Yash. When Ishita started correcting them and telling them that Aayu's name would be changed. Then an argument erupted between her and PayPal-Ansh that resulted in Ishita going beserk, taking a knife from the kitchen and rushing to the bedroom and stabbing Aarti.
He trembled as he recollected hearing Aarti's shriek followed by a loud wail from Aayu. Panic had gripped his heart but he had rushed to the room thrust Ishita out, picked Aayu and laid him on bed while tending to Aarti. His throat ran dry and tears clouded his vision as he remembered Aarti's blood seeping through his fingers. But Aarti had been her usual brave and strong self ---- even amidst the pain she had given him that special look and smile albiet a weak one and whilst clinging to him had whispered she would be fine.
Yash smiled as he recalled Aarti's brave words, it was so typical of Aarti to be optimistic and say something like that. It had given him the courage and strength he needed to take charge of the situation. Immediately he had asked Prateek to call a doctor and ambulance. Aakash was holding on to Ishita until the doctor arrived. Radha ma had taken Aayu with her and Vidhi bhabhi was taking care of Ansh-PayPal.
The wait for the ambulance, ride to the hospital and finally getting the required medical attention for Aarti were moments that had driven Yash almost insane. Yash now understood what the saying bleeding to death meant. He recalled his frustration at watching Aarti losing more and more blood ... blood soaking and seeping through the cloth he was using to staunch it! The memory of Aarti's bleeding made him feel helpless and weak.
In this one year they had been together -- Yash had not only lost his heart to Aarti but was also well aware that without her life would be meaningless for him. He thought of the time he had first told her 'I love you' ... now will he get the chance to say that to her again? He did not know but he knew he would do all he could to make her live. He closed his eyes and fervently and reverently resumed his prayers to God.
Because Aarti had lost a lot of blood before she was brought to the hospital. She had barely been conscious when examined by the doctor. Her heart beat was slow, blood pressure too low and pulse weak. She was whisked away to the operation theatre immediately and here he was waiting for the nurse and doctor to give him some news.
Yash rubbed his stubbled chin. It was eleven in the night -- Aarti was still in the operating theater. The adrenaline rush that had sustained him since 5:00 pm had waned and worry was gripping his insides.
Suddenly he realized the surgeon was standing in front of him. "Mr Yash Scindhiya?"
"Yes" Yash replied feebly as he stood up to face the doctor.
"Your wife is out of surgery" the doctor continued smilingly "She is one fighter. I am confident she will make full recovery. It will take some time though."
Yash slowly released his breath --- he hadn't realized he had been holding it. Aarti his beloved - his soul mate would be alright. He closed his eyes for a second as he sent a silent thank you prayer to God. He suddenly felt dizzy with relief and joy.
"Thank you doctor for all you have done for my wife -- that's wonderful news. Will it be OK if I see my wife now?" Yash asked.
The doctor nodded and indicated the room. Yash rushed to Aarti's bedside and clung on to her hand and whispered soothing words in her ear -- telling her everything is alright. Aarti was still in stupor from the anaesthesia but he knew she could hear him and feel him.
Finally after about 10 mins or so Yash walked away from Aarti's bed towards the window and phoned SM. Pankaj picked up the phone. He gave Pankaj the good news and asked him how kids were faring and the going ons at SM.
Pankaj informed him that Radha ma was taking care of Aayu. Ansh was with Prateek and PayPal with Vidhi. The doctor had advised that Ishita be admitted to a mental institution for intensive care. Akaash and Bauji had just returned after getting her admitted.
Yash could hear SP's voice in the background enquiring about Aarti's condition.
SP got on the phone and Yash assured him that Aarti would be recovering fully. Before hanging up SP said "Beta please tell Aarti bahu that we are eagerly awaiting her return home. Aayu needs her ... if the doctor permits then get her discharged so she can recoup at home".
As Yash cut off the call and turned to face Aarti. He realized he was much calmer and the rhythmic sounds of the heart monitor were soothing. He pulled a chair to the bed and sat on it fighting all tiredness to stay awake. The next thing he knew was that it was early morning and some one was running their fingers through his hair. He suddenly remembered where he was -- he was still holding Aarti's hand and Aarti had entwined her fingers through it.
"Yashji, I know you are awake" Aarti said.
"Aarti, I did not know you were awake though" said Yash. He slowly lifted his head, cupped her face and gently kissed her on the forehead.
Both looked at each other tenderly -- it felt like coming together after a long separation. "I love you Aarti. All I want is for you to rest and get well soon. We will talk later --- now let me hold you while you rest."
"I love you too Yash and I would very much like you to hold me"... said Aartiji before drifting off to a drugged sleep again!
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