Winding down with Zoya - pt23 updt pg 60 - Page 27

Part 21 Faith and hope.

The was a figure disappearing into the darkness outside. Asad saw Mrs. Kumar and Ammi standing with fright etched on their faces. Even before he could try to make sense of what was going on he saw Mrs. Kumar slump to the ground with her right arm outstretched and bleeding. Arif came running with something in his hands and only now did Asad notice the open medical kit on the table. He held the bleeding arm, made a clean incision with his thin scalpel, scooped off some flesh and the offending piece of metal. "Thankfully it's only your arm, you are not in danger but you need a hospital now" Arif decided drive her into the city after giving her a pain killer. He explained to Asad that he was going to take her to the hospital and that he should hold the fort here and take care of Zoya and may be head back in an hour or so after day break?

There were loud sobs near the entrance and the group was stunned to see Ipshita being carried in by Harish. Arif took over examined her - she had multiple fractures. A jaw bone that had taken a hit, a cracked femur and her tibia broken and poking out. His training and worst fears made him look at her hips she seemed untouched and he heaved a sigh of relief. It was a miracle that she managed to stay with just sobs he realised. He gave her something for her pain that would also put her to sleep. He loaded her in the back end of the car and immobilised her. He made Dilshaad sit next to her with specific instructions on how to minimise jolts when they were heading back.

Harish grabbed Asad - told him there was a mole in his team. He could trust no one he would have to count on Asad to drive them all to Dr.Chaaya's clinic because that was secured and not head home. Please take all of them to the hospital he repeated before he dashed out again. "Sorry Bhaijaan trust me" he said as he ran back into the darkness.

Zoya was out in a jiffy with the baby and whatever she could grab for the baby. Arif kissed Ipshita on her forehead just before she dropped off to sleep told her she had to recover fast to get take him for his hair cut. Helped Mrs.Kumar to the car. Hugged the 2 ladies before he turned to Zoya. Zoya walked slowly with the baby. He had instructions for her too. Kissed the baby before he set her on Zoya's chest. He bucked the mom and baby and told her to cuddle her baby securely and not be too anxious. "If she cries on the way that's ok don't let it freak you out. You will be in safe hands in 40 minutes" he smiled encouragingly take a nap he suggested.

Arif then walked over to Asad told him that they were all counting on him and that he would follow Harish because he would need him the rest would safe once they get to the hospital. "We will bring your sister back." A shocked Asad had to stay calm. It dawned on him the bullet that Mrs. Kumar took was meant for him , it was Zoya that was meant to be taken but why Najma. His instincts took over he refused to take orders about playing driver quietly handed Arif the key. " Asad please...try and understand if Najma had been physically troubled...I can help more..please don't delay..come back if you have to but please leave now Asad" he concluded.

Asad left reluctantly but he did realize that the faster the rest got to the hospital the faster he could get back and look for Najma. He knew that Harish and Arif would do their best. Troubled times are defining. Our responses to crisis exposes our core. Asad was always a survivor. He never had it easy in life - not with childhood, not at work not even with Zoya. Almost everything he had with him today came with a lot of dedicated and honest efforts. Life had always cast him as a person from whom a lot was expected. He hid behind duty to motivate himself; to survive and survive well. That was the real Asad strong, precise, methodical, quick thinking and gentle as a lamb when it came to his loved ones. That was the Asad he again today in the hour of crisis. The Asad that cast fear of losing aside and got on with the task on hand. Zoya was smiling a thanks to Arif but he seemed to be lost already. She looked at Asad nodded him to come close to her..he leaned across holding the steering wheel. " Asad I know we will all be safe because you are here look after us." and she kissed his shut eyes and sucked his tears away, her hands still cradling the baby. Asad kissed Zoya and his bundled baby's feet...he knew what he had to do he would with precision that was the essence of Asad.

They reached the hospital to the waiting Dr.Chaaya. Zoya and Asad were amazed at her response to seeing her daughter broken and crushed. Dr.Chaaya flicked her tears off, got into action right away. Briefed her team and the stretchers wheeled them away. She got Zoya to her exam room - got a pediatrician to take baby and sent Dilshaad with the baby. Zoya was examined thoroughly and she informed a relieved Asad that all was well with her. Zoya was to be in her private room and the baby in the nursery with Dilshaad watching over her granddaughter and the designated nurse. It was only when Asad was handed over a phone by a uniformed man did Asad notice the number of plain clothed police officers around. Harish informed him Najma was in the jungle. Ipshita and Najma were both trying to escape their captors. Ipshita was caught and then she was trashed and cast aside. Najma used the diversion and escaped her captors but was still in the jungle. Harish and Arif were searching for her and they knew the terrain well. They had to be discreet with the search because they did not want to alert the goons that she had people looking for her. Harish had asked for re-inforcements and tracking equipment that would reach Bhopal in an hour and once they reached they would pick up Asad from the hospital and he should could join the search for Najma while the team would take care of the goons.

Asad did not like the idea of waiting for an hour but he knew that finding Najma would be faster with the equipment. Asad went over to check on his Ammi and his baby. They were both asleep next to each other - the baby in the crib and Ammi on the chair with her arm across the crib. He kissed his baby and promised her she would be home in her room soon. He went back to see and tense Zoya saying a prayer. They prayed together and Asad helped her to her bed. Zoya shifted a little in her bed and held Asad's hand down. He sat down next to her, Zoya hugged him to her chest and slowly there were silent sobs wrecking his body. " Ya Allah how much can a man take in a day" thought Zoya. She bit her lip to stop her tears she wanted to be there for Asad be strong for him to let his guard down and face his fears. She kissed his tears away and looked deeply into his eyes and told him we are together Asad that is what matters. "Harish and Arif will bring back Najma I'm sure, our family will be complete again" she said. "Yes I know" agreed Asad as he barreled deeper into Zoya's neck. Sheer exhaustion overtook him and he drifted off to sleep. Zoya stayed still his weight on her waiting for the hour to be up so that he could be where he wanted to search for Najma.