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"Doctor, she's been in this state for two days now! When will she regain consciousness?" I asked for the umpteenth time that day.
"Allah ka shukar hai that the venom didn't spread and we managed to get them all out, but recovery from a snake bite takes time, you must understand this. Her vitals are in working condition. Her heartbeat has now stabilised and she's out of danger. And the wound is healing too. Don't worry Major, your wife is recuperating, her body needs time to recover. We need to give it some time. I'll come back again to check on her later. I suggest you do the same, go home take some rest, freshen up and then you can come back, maybe by then she'd have been up? Take my advice, go home. The nurses are here, we'll alert you if there's any news."
"You dont understand. How can I leave her, doctor. I'm all she has. And she'll be looking for me, and if I'm not there...if I'm not there, she'd be so scared...and..and...I can't, I just can't-"
"The doctor is right, beta." I turned to the sudden voice. Phupho. "You do need to rest. Look at yourself! At this rate, even Jannat won't recognise you!"
"But Phupho-"
"I know, I know. You won't leave her side. That's why I brought you your things. Now go get cleaned up and take a shower too. And look at you. Your clothes. This-this blood." She frowned.
"Phupho..."
"Shaad, I'll be right here. And how long will it take you?" Phupho shakes her head.
"Ji, Phupho. But if she wakes, just call out okay?"
"Yes, I will. Now go. She's right here, she's not going anywhere." Phupho smiled faintly.
True enough, when I came back, Jannat was still unconscious and Phupho was holding her tasbih reciting prayer words, blowing on Jannat every now and then.
Jannat...
Just how easily she's made a place in our lives. Our hearts. My heart. This is wrong I know, but recent events have forced me to realise just how I've fallen for her. Wake up, Jannat. How I long to just hear your infectious laughter. To know that you're alright. Then maybe..maybe then... Maybe then I can be out with the truth. Then, even if you hate me, I know you'll find it in your heart to forgive me. And...I promise. I'll find your family. Find your...Aahil.
Just then Jannat stirred in her unconscious state. I hurried next to her, replacing Phupho's hand on her with mine. "Jannat," I breathed. She stirred some more, eyes slightly flickering.
Just looking at her serene face, and holding on to her dainty fingers, an overwhelming feeling of protection surged through me. All that it takes, Jannat. I'll do all that it takes to bring a smile not just on your face, but for it to also be reflected in your ever questioning eyes. No more lies, Jannat. No more.
As I held her hand in both of mine, rubbing soothing circles at the back of her palm, I heard her groan. I looked up to see her trying to open her eyes. I felt a sense of relief and with it warm tears of happiness rolled down my cheeks. "P..p...paani...paani," she said, her voice hoarsed. I quickly poured her a glass of water and Phupho came forward to help her up, and I brought the glass near her lips. She took sips at first but before long, she started gulping, finishing the glass. "More?" I asked her, already filling up the glass. Her eyes flickered to meet mine, and she nodded tiredly. After that second glass, I see her wiping her lips and looked as if she wanted to say something.
She looked at me and Phupho and then her eyes went to her self, a frown etched on her forehead as if confused to see herself in this condition. Her eyes darted to her foot. The bandage wrapping her wounded skin showed visible blood stain.
"Yeh sab. What happened! Why am I here? And what happened to my foot. I remember the pain..." She questioned, jolting up from her leaning position. She quickly held her head stopping herself from the sudden movement.
I instantly held her free hand. "Jannat, woh..you.. It's all my fault! I shouldn't have left you alo-"
"Beti, you got bitten by a snake and-"
Her head suddenly turned to us causing us to stop mid-sentence.
"Ji, aap...aap log kaun?"
My heart stricken as I felt a lump grew in my throat. And my hand froze on hers, I looked at her, her eyes. And just like that, just like that I let go of her hand as if it was on fire.
*****
Agar Mile Khuda To
Poochhoonga Khudaya
Jism Mujhe Deke Mitti Ka
Sheeshay Sa Dil Kyon Banaya
*****
Thanks for reading.
Farz ⭐️
Anupamaa
