Chapter 7

#After Four Months#

*Palak Pov*

“Are you still thinking about him?” I got startled hearing those words and the coffee cup shook a little, but somehow I managed to not let it spill over the table.

“Give me a warning about your presence before saying something, Tina.” I frowned releasing the cup and glanced up to see her standing beside my chair along with Veer.

“Okay! But you were just thinking about him, right?” she asked, pulling out a chair and sat down.

Of course I am thinking about him, but I can’t let her know about it, right. So, I just ignored her question and took another sip, but groaned when I found both of them just staring at me without looking away.

“It’s okay to admit it, Dr. Palak. Even I am thinking about him a lot.” Tina’s words this time caused me to cough over the sip I just took.

“Exactly! Even though I didn’t like him when he was here, I couldn’t help but think about him the whole day.” I stared at Veer in shock hearing his words.

I think it’s for the best if I just forget my coffee until the whole conversation stop. No matter how much I need it right now to push away this fatigue, I can’t let them cause some other accident with their words.

“Why are you both thinking about him so much?” I asked them frowning not able to stop myself.

From morning everyone is bringing up his name and talking about his memories which is causing nothing but trouble for me. I don’t even know why is everyone thinking about him like this and talking near me just about him whenever they don’t have any work to do.

After he left, I thought of him in just passing moments. Why would I think about him continuously in the first place after the way he behaved before leaving?

I will be very happy if I can say that all those passing moments is just because of the curiosity to know the reason behind such behavior before he left. However, I can’t be so dishonest to myself and I know that he had the effect on me against my wishes which I definitely can’t ignore.

It was fine until today to just think about him in that way, but before of these people I am losing the composure completely and all the memories are just displaying themselves before my eyes.

“Don’t tell me you didn’t see yesterday’s racing. No matter what he was somewhat different for you too, because of his actions. Even we feel different about him by his actions towards you then why wouldn’t you.” Tina asked frowning at me.

“I never watched it before and I need not do it now. If we try to get involved in all the professions of the patients we treat then I don’t think we will have any time to actually do our work.” I pointed out smiling.

“She is right! She need not watch that.” Veer said, nodding and I stopped myself from rolling my eyes.

When will he stop this persuasion? Oh, right! He said he will if I am actually committed to someone instead of being single which seems too childish for me. But I just let him be not wishing to disrespect his feelings as he is being an even better friend after the movie incident.

“So, what happened yesterday that is causing everyone to talk about him?” I asked not able to stop my curiosity.

“Well, he got third place in yesterdays race.” She replied sighing.

“That’s a good one, right. He has been recently out of the therapy and what he achieved is something big.” I mumbled frowning.

“We know that and that’s why none of us commented when he was even worse in his first race after he left which was like last month. But he got first in the last week’s one and now it is third.” She explained.

“He can’t be first all the time. Why are you guys talking so much about this simple matter?” I asked, frowning still not understanding the reason behind everyone’s reaction.

“That’s because yesterday’s was a simple one for a charity purpose and the other participants were kind of rookies.” Veer explained this time and they both are looking at me in confusion.

“Maybe he wants to give those rookies a chance and didn’t try enough. I think it’s better if everyone just forget about him and realize he was just one of the patients.” I added the last sentence for my sake more than others and stood up before walking away.

I can’t believe everyone is causing all this trouble to my mind just because this small incident. I thought the reason would be even worse, like he got into an accident or something else. And those thoughts just scared me to even open my mobile and search about him.

This just shows how screwed up I was in showing my professionalism towards him. I just hope there will not be another incident like this with any other person.

I paused for a second reaching the room where I need to go through a file of one of my new patients when a new thought entered my mind. What if this incident everyone talking about is something more than what I am making of it?

So what? Why should I think or even worry about him? We both are strangers, right? I shook my head, wishing all these thoughts can fall out of my head with this shaking and continued to walk towards my chair and sat down before concentrating on my work like I should.

****

“Hello?” I called back the number from which I got five missed calls in the past one hour.

I couldn’t check my phone after reaching home and I didn’t even remove the silent mode. I should have checked my phone instead of getting freshened up and cooking my dinner. I really hope it was not some emergency from the hospital or a patient for guidance.

“Dr. Palak! Thank god you called me.” I frowned, hearing a male voice which definitely felt a little familiar.

“Who is this?” I asked, arranging food on my plate.

“I am Satish! You don’t remember me?” he asked and he is definitely impatient right now from his voice.

“Mr. David’s manager? Why are you calling me at this time?” I asked, glancing at the clock to see its past nine already.

“He is in the ICU right now and I need you to…” I cut him off asking, “What? What happened? How is he right now?”

I moved away from the table and glanced around not knowing what to do hearing that. He must be in Mumbai right? But what is the race was not there and he was somewhere else.

“He is completely fine. And please listen to me before asking another question. I will not have much time to explain everything if you cut me off like this.” I stopped moving hearing those words and waited patiently to hear him.

“He got drunk at today’s party and I drove him to the place he wanted to go. But when I got down from the car to get some water for him near a petroleum bunk, he got beaten up by one person by the time I returned. And he is giving the reason behind it, saying Mr. David assaulted his wife.” I opened my mouth and closed hearing his words and couldn’t help but say the first things that entered my mind.

“Are you playing a prank right now? You are telling me about the two incidents that can never happen. He will never get drunk in the first place and assaulting someone is like out of the question.” I pointed out in a harsh tone.

“You are right about one thing. He didn’t assault her as she was just his fan and hugged him by herself when he stepped out of his car, but because of his drunken state, the husband misunderstood and did all this.” He explained and I rubbed my forehead realizing now is not the time to think whether he got drunk or not.

“Fine! Just tell me what did the doctor say about his condition.” I asked and just hoped he is not severely injured.

“He is not injured that much except for a few bruises and cuts on his face and scrapes over his hands but is unconscious because of alcohol. I just rushed him to the hospital and made the doctor to place him in the ICU so that no one can know about his condition except him and rushed to the police station to take care of this matter. If this comes out in the media, the racing career will be blocked for him for a longer time and yesterday’s incident just helps more for that blockage.” He explained making me frown.

“Okay! Now, why did you call me? To just inform me about the incident?” I asked him, frowning but not believing that to be the reason at all.

“Of course not! I just can’t leave him in the ICU as it will be trouble for the doctor to all this for a long time and keep it secret. I am still struck taking care of the matters in the police station and I need someone to help him out of the hospital and stay with him until I can come for him.” He explained which is not clearing the main question.

“And?” I asked letting go of all the worry I felt just from the moment he started talking.

“And you are the only one I know who can help him right now without letting the press know.” He replied and I frowned hearing those words.

“You want me to come to Mumbai right now and do all this? Will it not be too late by that time?” I asked frowning.

“He is not in Mumbai. He is in Lonavla and it is easy for you to get him out there without anyone knowing as you know the hospital too well.” I stood there in shock hearing those words.

“He is here? Like right here?” I asked, not able to believe his words.

“Yes! And it is Dr. Rohit who is keeping an eye on him right now. So, please bring him out and keep him with you until I can call you again after finishing everything here.” Saying that he just hung up.

“Keep him? Are you serious?” I shouted in reaction, even though he already cut off the call.

Oh God! What is happening now? I rubbed my forehead still not believing the conversation I just had with this man and the request he out across. Request? In no way it was a request, but an order which I must do. It’s not like I don’t want to but I can’t help but feel scared to come across him again thinking about the destruction he already made with my mind.

It will not help to just stand here and think about all this for sure. I took out my coat and purse before stepping out of the room thinking I should first reach the hospital before planning for the next step.

****

“Palak! Is something wrong?” Senior asked the moment he lifted my call.

“Where is Mr. David, Senior? Can you tell me which floor’s ICU is it?” I asked while hiding near the parking lot so that no one can see me.

“How do you… right! The new one, Palak. I found it empty with just two patients and placed him here. Are you coming here?” I started walking into the hospital through the emergency entrance and started climbing the stairs hiding my face while using my hair.

I sighed in relief finally reaching the floor where the new ICU is present and walked towards the door passing the attending nurse.

“Dr. Rohit is waiting for you inside, Dr. Palak.” She informed and I gave her a nod without asking any question or acting suspiciously.

I walked into the ICU and I found him immediately standing away from the bed while staring at the door. I rushed to the bed, he is standing near and flinched, looking at David’s face.

“I know! He will be in a lot of pain when he wakes up.” Senior said nodding after seeing my reaction.

“Did you tell the nurse about him, Senior?” I asked him frowning.

“No! I just told her one of my friend is hurt and needs to be here until his guardian can come.” He replied and I nodded smiling before glancing at David’s face.

“No one can recognize his face right now. And I think the bruises will be more by morning.” I mumbled before glancing at his hands.

“I did the first aid. He needs to take lots of rest and of course stay away from alcohol.” I nodded hearing his suggestion.

“I will take him with me, Senior. We can’t let him stay here like this and it will trouble you if many people find out that you are doing something like this for your friend.” I pointed out.

“But I appointed him with the form I had. I will not have any problem if he stays here, but others will find out about him soon. Three patients will be here soon.” He explained, taking out the form from the bed.

“He needs his guardian’s signature, right?” I asked and he smiled nodding.

“After that I will just file it myself. With that we will not be doing anything against the rules.” He replied, frowning while glancing at the door.

“He still has things to settle at the police station and make sure the news is not spread. It will take more time for him.” I explained and he sighed shaking his head.

What should we do now? It will not trouble Senior now as he appointed him properly, but if others find out, then all this work will be nothing but waste.

“Senior! I will be his guardian.” I said, looking at him.

“You can’t do that, Palak. What if it gets worse and you will be put into trouble?” he asked frowning.

“I don’t think it will be that bad. No one knows and it is better to keep it that way. Mr. Satish will make sure there will be no trouble for me because of this.” I replied assuring him.

“Then I will do that.” He said taking out his pen.

“No, Senior! You have already done so much. We will plan something if there is trouble for me. You will be the one filing it and it will add disadvantage if you are the one signing it too.” I pointed out taking the pen away from his hand and signed my name before he can say anything else.

“Okay! Just give me a call if there is any problem.” He said looking at me with a serious look.

“Sure! Should I take him in an ambulance?” I asked him, frowning and glanced at David only to take a step back finding his eyes staring at me.

“You are awake? Why didn’t you say anything?” I asked after tapping my back.

“I… I didn’t want to disturb you both.” He whispered in a hoarse tone.

“I didn’t give him any medication as he already consumed too much alcohol. I will give you the prescription and give him the medicine after he is completely sober.” Senior instructed passing the prescription and I gave him a nod before stepping towards David’s side.

“Can you get up and take a few steps to downstairs?” I asked looking at him.

“Yeah! But I need support.” He mumbled, sitting up and groaned holding his head.

I held his hand and helped him to get down from the bed along with Senior and we both walked him out of the ICU. With my free hand, I turned his head to my side so that the nurse can’t see his face as a precaution and finally reached the elevator.

“Thank you for your help, Dr. Rohit.” He whispered, taking his hand away from Senior’s when I assured him that I will be fine.

“Don’t forget to call me if you need any help.” Senior said, looking at me and I gave him another nod smiling before the doors closed.

“We will directly go to the parking lot. You need to walk a little from there until we can find a cab. Will you be fine?” I asked, turning to look at his face.

“Hmm…” he made a small sound with his eyes closed and put his head on my shoulder.

“Shall I cook up some story and get you an ambulance?” I asked him in a worried tone.

“No! I am just taking rest until we need to walk.” He whispered and I didn’t say anything to let him have the silence which he needs right now.

When the doors opened, I tapped on his waist with my hand, which I am using to give him support and started taking steps slowly towards the entrance of the parking lot.

We had to stand for a few more minutes near the cab stand before we got one. After reaching my home, I contemplated how to make him climb these stairs now.

“Will you be fine to climb all these stairs?” I asked him frowning.

“Make sure I will not fall down.” Saying that he slowly started climbing the stairs while holding onto the railing and I climbed while staying behind him to hold him if he slips.

“I am thirsty!” he whispered when we finally reached the door.

“Just a few seconds.” I mumbled unlocking the door and let him in before locking it behind us.

He glanced around and directly took steps towards the bedroom and I walked to the table to fill water in a glass before following him into the room.

He just laid down on the bed by the time I reached. I should be glad that he at least removed his footwear near the door itself.

“Have some water.” I said, patting on his hand and he slowly sat up before taking the glass from my hand.

“Mr. Satish said he will take you with him after settling everything. I am waiting for his call to inform him that you are staying at my home.” I informed to which he paused before passing the glass back to me.

“I don’t want to go anywhere with him.” Saying that he laid down before turning to his side, showing his back to me.

“But why?” I asked him frowning.

“I don’t want to meet him. I don’t want to meet anyone.” He just continued and I slowly sat beside him with the space that’s left after he turned.

“Mr. David! You can’t say something like that.” I pointed out not knowing what else to say in this situation.

“My guardian need not be this polite to me.” He whispered, turning around and this time his hand ended up over my lap.

“I am not your guardian. We will talk after you get sober.” I mumbled shifting to get up, but he took hold of my hand which paused me from moving.

“My eye will get swollen by tomorrow, right?” he asked, staring at my face with a complete innocent expression which made me to hold his hand back.

“It’s okay! You will get better within a few days if you take proper rest. You will be handsomely again.” I joked at the end, hoping he will feel better.

“I think for the first time I am assured that I look handsome.” He mumbled closing his eyes.

“Why is that?” I asked him frowning.

“You don’t tell lies.” He replied and before I can react to that statement after coming out of the shock, he already slept off.

What a turn of events? What and all I was thinking just today about him and about the decision to just put him completely away from my thoughts. And now, he is right here. I sighed, getting up and slowly placed his hand on the bed before stepping back. I can just imagine how he will feel by tomorrow when he wakes up with hangover along with the pain.