Chapter 29: Chapter 29

*Palak Pov*

I shifted my head, feeling a hand caressing my forehead and I wish it can move away from my face. Who is it? A sense of panic swept into my body, making me shift away from the touch.

“David! It is better if you leave from this room.” I concentrated on the voice feeling myself completely awake from my sleep.

“Yeah!” a whispered passed, but I can still feel the presence beside me.

“Now that they both decided to give this marriage a chance, you should respect them and don’t forget their marriage status.” The voice continued.

“Yeah!” this time the person shifted away from me.

“I know it must have been hard to give up the rights. Are you okay?” I wish they were having this conversation away from me.

“She didn’t have breakfast, Mom. I will give you the diet chart her doctor prepared. Can you pass it to the cook and make sure they follow it and keep an eye on it?” he asked instead of answering her.

“Fine! But stop involving yourself like this. It will hurt you more.” I sighed, hearing her words really wishing they just step out.

“It was my request to her and she already accepted it. I will be taking care of her health, Mom.” He stubbornly replied and they are finally leaving the room when I opened my eyes.

‘Let me take care of your health. Let me take care of our… the baby.’

I still remember his pleading tone and that was his only condition for signing those papers. I know he can’t have much option because I will definitely take care of myself. So, I just agreed to get his sign without wasting anymore time.

After the door closed, I sat up quietly, feeling the regret to let my emotions control me like that earlier before everyone. I should have known better, right.

When I already decided to not let anything affect me anymore, but when I felt the worry from Di, the feeling of someone’s support just made me lose the façade I was using for myself all this time.

All this time I just wanted someone to be there to listen to me, to advise me and to just be there and I know Di is that person even though I couldn’t help but doubt her stand in this situation.

I took out my phone and messaged to her old number saying, ‘Thank you, Di. I am sorry for behaving like that. Let’s meet tomorrow, Di. You need to take some rest after the journey.’

I thought she will check it later, but she immediately messaged saying, ‘I will meet you tomorrow because you need to take complete rest for today as it is your rest day. And don’t apologize to me ever again.’

How can I not apologize when I know that I must have brought back all the memories she want to forget? I just list out and pointed out her decisions which she must be regretting right now. I should have controlled myself.

“Shall I bring your lunch, Madam?” I turned to see one of the helpers whom I found mostly walking along with Mrs. Anthony is now standing near the door.

“Yeah!” somehow I repeated his word unconsciously before clearing my throat, but she already left hearing my response.

“I heard that you were awake. Just keep it there and bring the eating table, we have in the store room.” I glanced at the door in surprise, finding Mrs. Anthony ordering the helper before walking into the room.

“I can have it while sitting there.” I gestured the small table at the corner of the room and shifted to get up, but when she sat on the chair beside the bed, I couldn’t help but stop my actions.

“It’s a new table we bought while buying for James. It is better to use it instead of storing it and you need to rest whenever possible.” I sighed, not commenting anything else except to wait for the helper to return.

Until her helper returned, there was a complete silence surrounding us. She didn’t utter a word and I don’t want to utter one.

What should I say? How is the weather or what are today’s specials? We already had a wrong step before all this and I had so many plans in my head to make her accept me after the marriage.

Didn’t I think of situations where she could be like a boss and I need to calm her down and show what I am? Now? I don’t care what she thinks of me as long as I can have peace in this house.

I can stay in this room all day after returning from work and they can just ignore me the same way. It doesn’t matter me and I am sure they feel the same.

“You can tell her whatever you want and she will help you with it. She listens well and follows the orders properly. Just tell me if there is any other problem.” She informed with a calm face, but I know she is as uncomfortable as me.

She didn’t utter a single word to me all this week and now she is suddenly talking too much. Isn’t it just like those two… of course, she is their mother after all.

“Thank you!” that’s all I replied, not wishing to waste my energy on rejecting the offer knowing well I can’t do everything on my own when I am living in this house.

When I am not even comfortable to have food along with them, how can I just move around the house for anything. I guess this is a good thing for me.

She stayed beside me even when I started having food which is exactly as per the chart my doctor made. Why did I forget to take my file from James’s vehicle that day?

I sighed in relief when she finally stood up to leave, but couldn’t help but add, “I know you feel uncomfortable about my presence because of what my brother did, Aunty.”

“But even I feel uncomfortable in your presence because of what your son did.” I added, after which I ignored her presence, but I know she stood near the door for a few seconds before leaving.

“I am fine! I will bring the dishes back.” I mumbled when the helper stayed back in silence near the bed while waiting for me to finish.

“It’s okay, dear. I will stay outside the room if you want, but just call for me when you finish.” She gave a smile before walking towards the door.

“What… what is your name?” I asked in a hesitant tone as she looks as old as Mrs. Anthony.

“Lakshmi! I have been working here for the past twenty years. So, you can ask for anything.” Saying that she stepped out.

Am I bad if I feel surprised for a second regarding her name and the time span of her working? I shook my head before concentrating on my lunch still getting the pictures of my actions from the morning in my head making me flinch every time.

****

“What are you doing here?” it’s good that James voiced out question before I can when we found David waiting near the vehicle which is supposed to drop me at my place before James leave for his work.

“Driving!” he replied, starting the engine and I found James driver sitting in the passenger seat with a calm expression.

“I heard you are ignoring all the assignments from the agency and you still didn’t return to work. Now are you going to come to work along with me?” I turned to stare outside, ignoring their conversation when the vehicle started moving.

“No!” he sighed from my side hearing that reply before clearing his throat.

“I will not be coming for therapy today. My work increased because of his absence.” James commented and I know it is directed towards me.

“Your wish! I will be meeting your doctor by the end of this week.” I commented back before closing my eyes, wishing to reach the hospital as soon as I can.

“Are you going to stay here?” I ignored their conversation as usual and continued to walk into the building to concentrate on my work.

I was definitely waiting for the day to finish so that I can go and meet Di to apologize properly. What if she had to revive all the memories because of me? Don’t I know how painful it will be?

The moment I finished my last patient, I rushed outside at the same time thanking James for skipping his therapy for the day. I already sent her a message to meet me at the particular time while she suggested to pick me up at the hospital.

However, I didn’t expect so many people actually waiting for me to walk out of the building. I ignored one person while feeling confused with the presence of other two and at the same time wishing they just leave before Di comes here.

“Dad! What are you doing here?” I asked, approaching him and ignored my brother who is standing beside him with the same attitude.

“Your brother is here to apologize for everything. Just return home with us, Palak.” He replied in a pleading tone.

I turned to stare at my brother waiting for him to say those words like my Dad said, but all he did was to just stand in silence ignoring my presence.

“Prakash! Why are you silent?” Dad harshly asked him.

“Fine! I guess I am sorry.” He replied, making me sigh and what exactly I am doing before these two.

“It is better if you both leave.” I mumbled checking the time.

“See? You want me to apologize to someone who is so stupid?” I frowned at his words but decided to ignore them.

Am I not becoming an expert in ignoring the people and their words these days? I thought to myself while deciding to call Di and ask her to meet somewhere else.

In the end, I sent her a message and started walking away, but Dad stopped me saying, “You know him! I will try to make him realize. You need not get yourself tired like this. We will discuss about your situation.”

To discuss about my situation? When will he realize that I am not having a situation and just want a person to be just there for me.

“She is just stupid, Dad. She let them succeed with their plan and you are making me apologize.” Bhai huffed and this time I turned to glance at him along with Dad in confusion.

“We all got fooled, Prakash.” He pointed out.

“No! I already know something is going on after meeting Shruthi. You seem to have forgotten her, but I saw her a few times in the pictures Sandhya showed. This idiot, just fell into their plan and I waited to see when will she realize. And we were going to get benefited too. What I didn’t expect was for them to attack me like that.” He huffed shaking his head.

“You!” Dad suddenly shouted with anger I never saw him expressing towards Bhai but I couldn’t help but take a step away from them listening to those words.

Wow! I can’t catch a break for a single day, can I? I thought before controlling my step when I staggered a little, but felt someone holding my waist before I can fall down.

“Palak!” I heard Di’s voice from a distance, but turned to find the person holding me to be that person, whom I immediately pushed away before walking towards the side from where I heard Di’s voice even though I felt out of place for a second.

“Are you okay?” she asked, reaching my side when I reached the car before helping me to sit inside.

She stayed silent while driving and I couldn’t help but thank her in my head even though I wish she can say something too. Because the silence is nothing but making his words, repeating in my head.

We both ordered juice and I finally opened my mouth saying, “I am sorry for talking about past like that, Di.”

“Stop saying that, Palak. I don’t even know how to apologize. I should have thought of something when you told me the guy was a racer. I should have thought about this situation.” She mumbled shaking her head.

“No one could have thought about this ahead.” I said shaking my head.

“Actually, Shruthi and I felt guilty after that accident. If I had controlled my emotions then she wouldn’t have called them back and everything would have been fine. Or if I had just stopped him from leaving in that drunk state or expect of him actually driving and not using a driver, we could have escaped this incident. Sometime I even felt if I was not hospitalized at all then also everything would have been fine.” I held her hand when I saw the tears forming in her eyes.

“I can understand that thinking, but we can go long back with each step if we follow that path, right?” I asked passing the tissue paper.

“Exactly! So, don’t think about the conversation. All I want to know is how can I help you. I am still ready to do something.” She pleaded.

“How is your work, Di? We didn’t talk like this before, right?” I asked skipping her question and she just sighed before talking about her work and even about someone actually proposing her.

“I don’t think I am ready for a new relationship. So, I just rejected him a few weeks back.” She replied, but she looked away while answering that.

“Di! You left this place to move on and not to get stuck to the past. Give him a chance if you really feel something.” I mumbled and she gave me a smile.

“How are you doing, Palak?” she asked staring at me.

“I… I don’t know, Di. I think I am just ignoring everything to enter my head and just passing the days. But I am thinking too much about the baby, which is not that good, right? I shouldn’t feel this scared too.” I replied sighing.

“Just take care of yourself and the baby. Don’t think about anything else. And take advantage of everything that can help you. Don’t hesitate for a second.” She advised in a serious tone.

“I am doing exactly that, Di.” I gave her a nod and she nodded back.

“And… did he really gave up the rights?” she asked after hesitating a bit.

“Yeah! I think a burden lifted from my mind after that signature. Now, I need not worry about that matter.” I replied, still remembering the relief I felt when he finally signed the document and James got it notarized.

She didn’t comment about it and changed the topic to my work where I talked about James therapy too. She listened to it calmly before we finished our dinner.

“Did he follow us?” she asked when we found him waiting outside with his vehicle.

“Will it be fine to drop me, Di? I can take a cab.” I offered, but she just shook her head before driving me back to James’s house.

“Is it fine that you had dinner from outside? You need to take care of your diet, right?” she asked in a worried tone suddenly realizing it.

“I took proper food only, Di. And once or twice is fine. I am already having canteen food during my lunch time.” I pointed out after which she calmed down.

“Until when can you stay here, Di?” I asked frowning.

“Just two weeks, Palak. I had to fight with my boss for this leave too.” She replied sighing.

“If possible, let’s meet every day.” She added and I gave her a nod smiling.

I walked inside after she drove away and today I didn’t walk into my room directly. I looked around for Lakshmi aunty and finally found her in the kitchen along with Mrs. Anthony.

“I had my dinner, Lakshmi Aunty.” I informed her after clearing my throat, and she slowly nodded but not before glancing at Mrs. Anthony.

“What about milk?” she asked after looking behind her and it surprised me to see that it is my diet chart.

I felt speechless and moved seeing that, but in the end, I cleared my throat asking, “I will take it to my room.”

After that I stood there while she started boiling the milk and I know we three are feeling awkward right now because of the silence, but I just glanced around to note down where are the things placed in the kitchen if I ever have to get something from here.

“Is something wrong?” I ignored his voice while his Mom explained that I was waiting for the milk.

“I will bring it to your room.” He mumbled to which she frowned.

“Why are you not going to work, David? Even Satish is worried about you. He came here to find you and you didn’t even pick up his call it seems. Don’t forget that you have other works too. They cancelled today’s shoot because of you.” She started scolding him and I thought of a way to somehow just leave, but the I don’t want to make Lakshmi Aunty to come to my room just for this.

Finally, she passed the glass and I turned around only to pause when he is actually blocking the way. When I stood in silence for a few seconds, he finally moved and I walked to my room.

For how many days do I have to spend like this? I asked myself locking the door before getting freshened up and finally worked on the new patient records to find a perfect procedure and plan.

****

“What is the success rate for this operation, Dr. Gode?” I asked the first question when we met to discuss about James.

“It is not about the success rate, Dr. Palak. He needs to accept for this and as it just extends his time, he is more than against about this.” She replied before explaining the procedure a little.

“I thought if he comes to the hospital every day and get some therapy then he would change his mind, but he stopped coming completely during this whole week.” Chief commented shaking his head.

“He just says that he is busy with work and hangs up.” He added before glancing at me.

“He is saying the same to me.” I mumbled and he just sighed.

“He needs to come for his check-up too. He can’t go on with the same medication, but he is ignoring this matter too.” Mrs. Gode added to her husband’s comments.

“It’s like he gave up completely on everything.” I mumbled and they both nodded.

“I don’t have the power to get him to accept this surgery, but I can try to make him continue his therapy. It will be a relief for him.” I finally said and they both decided to talk to him after he returns to the hospital for the therapy.

I don’t know when to have a word with him because in the morning that person is present with us. And in the evening, I am returning early before locking myself in my room.

But I need to try somehow and today should be that day. After returning home, I tried to stay away and finally found him returning home when it’s nearly midnight based on his Mom’s voice I can hear.

After a few minutes, I walked out of my room before crossing towards his room. Before I can knock, the door opened making me stand right before their sister who is staring at me with wide eyes.

“You… came to meet, Bhai? He… he just went to take a shower. You… you can wait, uhmm… sister-in-law.” She was so hesitant while saying the last words, but before I can react she rushed away.

I sighed, standing near the door instead of stepping inside which caused me to even meet his Mother but she just left without asking about anything.

“Is something wrong?” he asked the moment he found me standing near the door after wheeling out of the bedroom along with his helper.

“I need to have a word with you.” I replied, entering the room while his helper walked out before closing the door behind him.

“When will you return for the therapy? It’s been a week.” I asked, frowning at him.

“As you can see I am very busy right now to waste my time like that. Even David stopped working as you know because of him becoming your bodyguard all the time.” He replied shaking his head before opening a file.

“I didn’t ask for that.” I pointed out fisting my hands and he sighed.

“I know! But I am not skipping just for the sake of it. I am really busy because your Dad’s company is forcing too much to make mine somehow crumble.” He promised and I don’t know what to say after that and calmly left the room.

****

It’s been ten days after that conversation and so much happened. Di returned after promising that Shruthi will never trouble me again.

I even started my medication for this condition during my recent check-up which was accompanied by that person along with James.

That day I tried to get James to stay for the therapy or a talk with his doctor but he just rushed off. Now, I know I can’t sit quiet as a doctor and as a person who knows his condition.

No matter what, he was at least the one person who was honest with me about everything along with his feelings. I considered him as my friend at some point too. And… we both are humans.

“James! You need to come for therapy today, no matter what.” I called and asked him with a serious tone.

“I am busy! If you want me to return, then just send my brother back to work. Wait! Just forget that I said those things.” Saying that he hung up while I sat at my place tapping on the table.

For how many days can I actually ignore that someone is following me like this skipping everything else? I closed my eyes, wishing I need not take the next step.

With a sigh, I stood up before walking out of the building with my bag finishing for the day, but this time I walked towards the spot where he stands everyday along with his vehicle and I don’t want to know how it reaches here when he actually drives with us in the morning but then there is Satish always for him, right.

“Are you planning to do this for the next six months?” I asked after stopping at a distance from his spot and he stared at me with complete shocked look.

“Wh… what?” he asked, clearing his throat.

“This! Following me 24/7 and ignoring everything else.” I replied, gesturing with my hand between us.

“Yes!” he replied without any hesitation making me pause and I already should have expected after knowing him all this time.

Wait! I actually don’t know him, right? I sighed, taking a deep breath, realizing I need to make him back away somehow.

“So, even though my brother is the one who is the culprit, all you wanted was to punish me and give him a small warning?” I asked, folding my arms before staring straight into his eyes.

“What?” he asked in a confused tone.

“You spent a year to punish the family of the culprit, but ignore the main culprit completely. Why? Because the said family is easy to punish?” I asked, taking a step forward to which he took a step back in shock.

“No! In the beginning… and then at one point… but… I really love you, Palak. I don’t want anything else. Just… give me one chance.” He pleaded, taking a step forward, but I took one back this time making him pause.

“Then prove it! Prove it with your actions because even I want my revenge on my brother. Prove it by using the correct means and hit him where it hurts. Prove it by supporting your company and make sure you hit back. I don’t want to be the scapegoat for him and bear the consequences while he goes on without realizing his mistake and not get any kind of punishment. Even my Dad needs to realize what he did was wrong by supporting my brother and saving him. Can you prove it?” I asked fisting my hands and I can feel them shaking, but I tightened them even more not wishing to show it.

“Can you?” I repeated when he stayed silent and just staring at me.

“Yes! Yes, I can do that. I will do that.” He shouted nodding his head before taking a step forward, but I showed my hand to stop him.

“You need to make sure that James comes here every day for his therapy.” Hearing my words he finally took a step back and stayed silent for a few seconds.

“Okay! But I want to take care of you in any way possible.” He mumbled, not glancing at me at this moment.

“You need not worry about that because that is my priority too. I will take advantage of anything or anyone that can help me. All you need to do is what you just accepted and take care of your own responsibilities without worrying James.” I informed before opening the back door of his vehicle.

“Palak!” Satish whispered from his driver seat.

“You are going to drive him to the house, right. Drive me too. I don’t want to walk out and wait for the cab.” Saying that I leaned back before closing my eyes to ignore them.

After a few minutes, he finally started driving with that person sitting beside me, but far away leaving space between us. Do I really want revenge on my brother?

No! But I want him to know that he is wrong and if it is achievable like this then it’s fine for me. By this even James’s issue will settle somewhat and I can just forget about my conversation with this person and everything will be like normal.