Chapter 6
Shaan's closed friend Natasha was outside that hospital, she finally talked with her friend who's walking there as a nurse, she was reaching for the information they wanted for a week. This place remain painful for both Natasha & Shaan, 8 years ago they lost his best friend, well her brother inside that hospital, it was such an emotional to come there again. In fact Natasha used to come there for her parents' check-ups but Shaan never came there, he was just waiting outside for Natasha. She finally came to her, he would see nervousness in her face, she was pale, seems like he has to face a bad news. Shaan stopped thinking once she came in front of him.
They got into his small white car, Natasha then revealed to him that in fact the girl who was their victim in the other car was in fact admitted next to Sam's bed on that night. Shaan recalled the moments where he saw that young girl screaming inside the car after the car accident happened, then he remembered of her face covered by an oxygen mask which he saw in his recent nightmares. Natasha warned him to not to forget about the accident case as the victim's side considered it as a hit and run case. Shaan was completely aware of those 3 victims on that car which got hit by Sam's car where Shaan was driving on that day. He then remembered that apart from the driver on the other car the other 2 victims survived with injuries.
Moreover today Natasha got to know more about the two other victims but she wasn't sure if she had to disclose about them to Shaan, she knew that he'll be badly affected by her answer.
Natasha: - Well don't worry both the lady & the girl survived from our accident as you already know.
Shaan: - But what about the girl?
Natasha: - The young girl wasn't able to walk since that day...
Shaan: - Phir...I mean do you know her name, how she is doing now. Tell me everything Natasha otherwise I can't breath peacefully, all those nightmares, guilt & pain...I'm just fed up!
Natasha was really hesitant to answer. Despite the silence & tension, Shaan recalled the moment where he met Khanak for the 1st time, then the night where she talked about her accident which happened on a same date as Shaan's accident but maybe in some other year. After that he remembered about the uncle of her who died from that accident. There were so many questions going on, it was as if his brain was going to explodes, he then looked at Natasha with red eyes & requested him to tell everything she knows about that girl.
Natasha: - I'm sorry yaar...It's someone you know.
Shaan: - Woh ...woh Khanak Mehra hai naa?
Natasha: - She was registered as Khanak only but everything was taken care later on by Mr.Mehra who claimed to be her biological father as her mother couldn't afford all the expenses for the treatments after the accident.
Shaan's doubts were right, he was shattered, Natasha suggested him that she should drive instead of him. They switched the seats, she started driving the car. Shaan was silent the entire time, he slowly realized why all those time he felt some protective feelings whenever he was around Khanak. Surprisingly after he met Khanak that image of the girl in the hospital started to appear in his nightmares.
Natasha: - Don't be upset yaar, we all know it was not your fault or a hit and run case as they acclaimed. Yes we did run away out of fear but later on my parents called an ambulance right telling them to reach the place, right from then the case was over.
Shaan: - But still we left them there, it was a mistake maybe if we we reported them earlier things would have been better for them... Why does it have to happen with me yaar? Why, that too with Khanak, my friend? I just feel like being more concerned, sorry about her now...I have to do something.
Natasha: - Relax Shaan don't get involved with it anymore, you endured it enough all those years blaming for yourself & feeling guilty. I don't want you to be after this anymore & if it hurts you then better take some distance from her, the choice is yours!
The entire afternoon Shaan couldn't go to work but he went to the radio program, well he was so off that day, it didn't went well like the other days. He came back from work, he couldn't even eat with his family. He didn't even went to their shop this morning. He entered into the bathroom to take a shower, the hot water was covering his face & his bare body, he had his face turned down full of anxiety & deception. After putting his pyjamas on, he went to the window of his room to take a look of the outside. He didn't want to think about anything but he knew that he couldn't face Khanak like nothing happened at all. Does he have to reveal her everything & apologize or he just let it be & ignore her...
The next afternoon after working at the shop, Shaan decided to pass by Khanak's home to see how she is doing. Soni welcomed him, she was worried as today he wasn't at his best as an RJ. Shaan wasn't even listening to her, he asked her where was Khanak, she said that she was in the bathroom washing some clothes. Soni was preparing tea for all of them, suddenly a scream came from the bathroom. Shaan immediately rushed towards the bathroom, the door wasn't closed thankfully as she was just washing clothes, Khanak who was sitting in the small bathroom chair felt down the slippery floor, the soap felt down from her hand before she reached the floor.
Shaan saw that she was hurt & couldn't get up, he then had those moments of the teenage Khanak back then in the car during the accident day. Khanak called by his name, he then came back to his senses & went to help her. Shaan was hurt to see her that too in that situation, he lifted her up & went to put her in her bed. Khanak saw a sad expression in his eyes for the first time, when he came back to her with a towel to wash her feet she refused as she was embarrassed. She took the small grey towel & helped herself. Shaan went to the living room. With the help of Soni, Khanak reached the wheelchair & both finally to have some tea with Shaan.
Shaan: - You must be careful while doing such things alone.
Khanak: - Arre, it's not like I can't use my hands or I'm a kid, I can manage myself.
Shaan: - But still, what if you get badly hurt. Whether it's at home or outside you must be really careful Khanak.
Khanak was carefully observing him while he was having his tea & being concern about her, she felt good to see him like that. It made her happy but she was surely hiding her happiness, she wanted to say something but she felt nervous for the first time to talk to him. She just wanted to go near him & to talk with him for hours but she wouldn't dare to do it that too when her roommate Soni is there. Soni felt some tension between the two, she wanted to let them talk together privately for a moment.
Soni: - Both of you are so silent today, it doesn't match you. Anything happened?
Khanak: - There's nothing Soni.
Soni then went to the bathroom. Khanak asked Shaan if he is alright as he seems to be unwell. Shaan got up from the chair, he was going to leave, he said again to take care well of herself. Khanak was sure that something was not right with him, he is not himself today but she also knows that he wouldn't share much his sorrows with her. Then she tried to make up his mood.
Khanak: - You are talking as if I'm a kid or unable to do anything at all. I don't like how you are treating me right now Mr. Shaan! And what with your face today, looking so bad! Are you sick, did someone scold you at work or...Let me guess...hme...you had a rift with your sister?
Shaan wasn't even listening to her as he was busy thinking, he feels sorry, he wants to apologize but how, he doesn't want to hurt anyone anymore or to loose their friendship. Khanak trusts him, she finds a protector in him so how can he deceive her, he thought. Then he unconsciously said "sorry" to her to which Khanak smiled, thank god he reacted, she thought.
Khanak: - It's ok Shaan by the way I was joking. Ok then, if something is wrong you better share it with me instead of keeping it inside cause it will only make you more upset, remember you once told me that!
Shaan gave her a small, forced smile & was leaving the place saying "goodbye", but this time it was an empty farewell as if he'll never meet her again. Shaan's footsteps were heavy as he was constantly thinking about Khanak & the accident, he thought that from today he'll be at peace now that he's not going to meet her anymore but he was not convinced by that thinking.
Valentine's day was coming soon, at the working place Soni & Khanak were chatting with each other while having lunch. Soni asked her what is the reason behind her lovely smiles these days as she seems so happy & lively these days. Khanak was blushing, she didn't know if she has to answer right now.
Soni: - Oh, someone is blushing. You & Shaan are dating right?
Khanak: - Not at all yaar but...actually mujhe who pasand hai.
Soni: - Awesome yaar, I knew it since you got interested on that so called girlfriend of him. Seriously both of you are so cute together, so you told him about your feelings?
Khanak: - Not yet, I don't know how to say, how he is gonna react...
Soni: - Arre yaar, we both know how much he cares about her & he's such a sweet guy, seriously I envy you. Can you believe it, so many girls are mad for RJ Shaan!
Khanak: - Mere liye who sirf Shaan hai, I like him in all of his aspects & most importantly I know that he sees me as who am I. You know how he cheers me up, how he give me the right advices & his small gestures make me smile, makes me feel special. I...I think he's perfect for me Soni.
Soni was so touched that she gave a tight hug full of happiness to Khanak.
On the Valentine's day there was a special music program done by Shaan & his RJ colleague. Both Khanak & Soni were listening to it, a fan called Shaan & asked about her Valentine girl. Khanak was excited to hear his answer but she didn't wanted to keep so much expectations after all he is unaware of her feelings. Shaan on the other hand was thinking about his answer, he said that there is not a special person in his life but he is ready to dedicate a beautiful ever-green hindi romantic song to all his dearest fans out there. Khanak & Soni were a bit disappointed but they were anticipating the song. The program ended with the handsome voice of Shaan & the song Tumse Milkey Aisa Laga playing on.
While listening to it Khanak was completely lost in her dreamland, it was as if Shaan was addressing for someone through this song & somehow she hoped that it was her. She closed her eyes to enjoy the song, she was imagining herself dancing to this romantic song with Shaan in a garden full of red roses & candles. Khanak was on her feet, wearing a red saree & Shaan was wearing a nice blue suit. He then lifted her up, after making a full turn, she was back on her feet, he came closer to her & gave a kiss on her forehand. Song ended, Khanak came back to reality, Soni asked her where was she lost, Khanak just started laughing. She doesn't know how & when it happened but yes she was in love with Shaan.
To be continued...
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