Understanding Khushi (Chapter 49)

Chapter 49

Morning 7.30

Arnav was awake and staring at Khushi from his bed, she was still in deep sleep. His trance was broken by the nurse who came to see Khushi and her vitals.

8.30am

Khushi was still fast asleep. Arnav had bath and had a talk with NK at home.

He had told Akash to take the family home first to get fresh, have rest and breakfast as it was going to be a long day.

He went out for a while, but came back soon.

Just as he entered, he was greeted by Dr.Sifiana who had been briefed by the nurse about Khushi’s state and was here to give Khushi an injection.

Khushi winced in her sleep and murmured “Arnav………………………..It is hurting” In no time Arnav was next to her and soothing her pain by stroking her forehead lovingly. She calmed.

Dr. Sifiana: Mr. Raizada (in her all too English accent) we will be taking her for operation at 1.00pm. I have looked into all the arrangements and everything is ready. And her state is also stable, and we will do our best.

But before that please come to my office at 12.00, you need to come and sign a few consent forms.

Arnav: Ok doctor. Any thing else that need to be done.

Dr.Sifiana: Be careful, that Khushi is not to be fed anything. Not even a drop of water before operation. And just pray and relax, all will be good. We will do our best.

9.30am

Khushi had started to wake up, she was bit cranky. Her throat was dry. Arnav approached her and kissed her lightly on her lips as if soothing her.

Arnav: morning jaan.

Khushi: I don’t want this day to come.

I don’t want to be operated, it is too scary.

I don’t want to lose you again, what if you become the old laadgoverner.

What if you don’t care for anymore.

Arnav: Please stop, mrs chatter box, how can someone speak so much.

Khushi: laadgoverner

Arnav: Exactly, don’t ask useless questions. Khushi don’t fear. You have nothing to lose; it is only well being you are going to gain. And leave this fear of unkown because I know exactly what is going to happen. YOU ARE COMING BACK TO ME ALL WELL. Now even your devi maiya is with me, you know I had a deal with her.

Khushi was amused at his antics.

Khushi: what deal did you crack with her, and how do you know she agreed.

And by the way when did you meet her?

Arnav: In the morning while you were sleeping, there is a mandir (temple) nearby, and made a deal with her. I briefed her about her loss.

Khushi: loss??

Arnav: I told her that, more than anyone else, it was she who is going to be at loss because she will lose the daily huge stock of those jalebies which you offer

on pretext of ones or others welfare.

Khushi: haw…….

Only you can make a deal with devi maiya too.

You always behave in that businessman manner no matter whom you are talking. Laad governer.Now tell me how do you know she accepted your deal.

Arnav pulled out something from his pocket and put in her hand.

Arnav:  oh, I don’t know, but you all believe on it. Apparently she showered me with these flowers and the panditjee was boasting about it as some kind of good omen. Khushi touched the flowers to her eyes and then to his eyes.

Khushi: yes it is. May be DM is impressed, the great ASR bowed before her.

Arnav: I don’t know whether I still believe her or not but I believe on anything you have trust on. And for you I can do anything, even bow before her, if she is the supreme power.

11.30

The entire family had arrived. Khushi was relived to see all of them. She was so at peace. The unkown fear has subsided and slid in some dark corner.

All behaved very soberly but the atmosphere was kept light.

Around 12.45

Dr. Donic, the anthesia specialist had administered the injection into Khushi, while she and Arnav were staring at each other, promising each other. Arnav kissed her before his eyes closed.

At sharp 12.00 Khushi was pulled into the Operation theatre.

The strength left Arnav and he was about to slag, but Akash pulled him up into a hug.

Akash: bhai, khushji is going to be fine. You can not break now, it is just going to end soon. She is coming back to us.

Arnav stood silently for hours. Poorvi was sitting holding NK and Payal’s hand.

NK was in charge on Naniji and buaji who were chanting mahamritunjay jaap (holy chant for well being of patient).

Anjali was tensed; her face was trained on Arnav, not leaving him once, but had no strength to go to him.

Poorav was on nerves too but he forcefully pulled away Anjali di to the cafeteria. He ordered a sandwitch and shake for her.Anjali refused to eat.

Poorav: I know di, it is difficult for you, but trust me, it is more difficult for me, but we can not lose it. You need to eat di, your health is tender. Jijaji ia already on nerves, if something happens to you, who will handle him. Think, if Khushi jiji would have been here, she would have forcefed you.So please eat for her. I don’t want her to get tensed when she wakes up and not finds you and champ in front of her because you got ill because of starving.

Anjali ate after that and soon Poorav was helping her back onto the chair outside the Operation Theatre gathering Arnav’s attention and in a flick of a second Arnav and Akash were there at her side.

Arnav: what happened di?

Are you alright?

Are you uncomfortable?

Akash: You must be tired?

Long sitting intervals are not good for you?

I will take you home, we can come back later.

Anajli put a finger on both brothers’ lips.

Anjali: I am absolutely fine.

Poorav just blackmailed me into stuffing me with sandwhich and shake.

I feel even more energetic now.

And I am not leaving till Khushi comes out.

And nothing is happening to me.

At around 6.00pm

Two doctors came out, one was Dr. Sifiana, and she seemed worried. She called Arnav into her cabin. Arnav told Akash to not let anyone panic. He followed the doctor.

Dr. Sifiana: Mr. Raizada, the operation went just fine, but there is still a slight danger. A small complication has arised; we need to treat Khushi for that. The specialist is coming in 5 minutes to assist us. You just need to sign one more consent form. And his fee too will be added. I think it is not a big issue, and we will try our best. You guys just pray.

Arnav felt tormented, pained. NK had just heard everything. He handled Arnav. He made him sign the consent form.

NK: nannav, the doctor told it is just a small complication. Do not worry Khushi ji is a fighter. If she is fine through the operation, she will pull through this too.

It is time to gather our strength and pray.

NK informed as well as calmed the family. They all sat and stood silently. All were praying. But with passing time their anxieties were increasing. The first to break was Poorvi. She was sobbing uncontrollably. Poorav held her close, but his eyes too teared up, joining her soon.

No body was having the strength to console other. NK was holding Anjali di tightly.

1 hr later

As time passed, Poorvi and Poorav were still crying. Arnav snapped out of his trance and went to them, pulling Poorvi out of a more stable Poorav’s arms he said wipping away her tears.

Arnav: Stop crying. I said just stop crying.

Khushi is fine, I can feel it, so just stop crying.

Crying is a bad omen, please don’t cry.

With that he hugged her hard. Poorvi had calmed a bit, infact everyone had calmed. After all his was the head of the family their protector and all trusted him. After a while he pulled exhausted Poorvi with him next to NK, who now sat between Anjali di and Poorvi.

Arnav: NK, you better handle them both. If they cry a single tear more. You are gone. You are a clown, prove it now.

NK was scared and did best what he could.

2 hours later

The team on doctors moved out of the operation theatre. Dr.Sifiana even before been hounded with questions answered.

Dr. Sifiana: Congratulations. The operation is successful. As of now Khushi is stable. We will keep her in ICU till she gains conscious. Though next 15 hours are critical but we are hoping for best seeing the success of the surgery. She should gain conscious by next 15 hours.

She saw a wind of relief spread across so many faces. She was exiting when nani stopped her.

Nani:  God bless you my child, my you get all you desire. I will pray to God to keep all pain and any misery far away from you and your family.

Though the doctor did not understand much, but she could catch the vibes. Soon NK translated for her.

She thanked Naniji, but stated that it was her duty.

She before leaving told Arnav “Mr. Raizada, you can see Khushi after we shift her to ICU, but only for few minutes. And only you

Arnav: I will be grateful doctor. Thank you. Thank you

After few minutes…….

Arnav saw Khushi, laying paled on the bed all cuddled with so many wires attached to her, but the relief was the heartbeat monitor showed a strong beat.

Later he assured the family and sent them all home. He did not have the mood to have dinner, but inorder to keep his diabetis in control; he ate a sandwhich and large cup of coffee before dozing off.