ONE WEEK LATER
I was sitting in the hospital corridor waiting for Vayu who was inside in the doctor's cabin for his weekly checkup. Maa went to the temple to worship the God for Vayu's Reports.
There was a little anxiety surrounding the air around me. I was anxious about his reports and was continuously tapping my foot on the floor in stress.
It has been almost half an hour since he went inside. My adrenaline level was continuously increasing many folds with every passing minute. My eyes were fixed on the entrance of the doctor's cabin as I bit my nails in tension.
After another 15 minutes of toe tapping, finally the door of the cabin opened revealing Vayush and the doctor. I ran towards him and stood just in front of him as he was sitting on the electric wheelchair.
“How's the reports?” I immediately asked the doctor but my eyes were fixed on him.
The doctor smiled a little gazing at Vayu and replied, “Pretty good, Dr. Sharma! His reports are normal and his recovery rate is fabulous. I must say you've been doing your best to cure your fiance.” He chuckled.
A pink hue adored my cheeks as I bent down and kissed Vayu's forehead. “Anything for my love!”
“But..” I heard the doctor's voice again and I stood up straight.
My brows twisted in confusion as I nodded.
“We're still concerned about his knee, Dr. Sharma!” His tone was serious this time.
“We need to pay even more attention to his knees now. I'm afraid he might have to rely on the wheel chair for life.” He continued while I listened to him quietly.
“I'll text you some more medicines and exercises that will eventually help him to lessen those chances. Thank you!” Saying so he left and went inside his cabin again.
I gulped at his words. My hands curled into fist and my nails dug my own skin as I closed my eyes to prevent the tears from falling out.
“Sunflower!” Vayu called out holding my hand into his.
I composed myself because I couldn't afford to break down in front of him in this situation at least.
I smiled as I opened my eyes and knelt down to his level. “Don't worry Vayu! We'll fight for it, hmm?” I tried to sound as calm as I could.
“I know, Sunflower!” He replied with a smile and caressed my hands.
I sighed and stood up. We made our way outside the hospital and meanwhile booked a cab. I was not planning to take him home right now.
It has been so many days since we went on a date. Despite unsettling thoughts in my mind, I maintained a normal look on my face. I didn't want Vayu to witness any sort of vagueness in my behaviour.
He wasn't aware of the date. It was a kind of surprise for him. And why not? He deserves a treat after all.
The cab arrived and we settled ourselves into the car. All through the ride, I kept talking to him about random things to avoid my mind from going back to the same things and tensions.
It was a little surprising for me that despite the doctor's harsh words, Vayu was behaving so normally. I mean he was way more tense about his knee injury than me. But now, he didn't seem bothered.
Anyways, it was a good thing. He needs to stay positive. And I'll not leave any stone unturned to help him in the best way possible.
We reached Starbucks and I helped him to the inside of the cafe.
“Why are we here, Sunflower?” he asked me in the most innocent way.
“It's a date Mr. Kashyap!” I grinned at him and went to the counter to place orders. I ordered his favourite coffee for both of us.
Coming back to the seat, I settled beside him and noticed him lost in his own thoughts. But what caught my attention more was that he was grinning all the time.
“What's making you smile like an idiot? Is it a girl?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
“Yeah! You're right. A girl!” He replied nonchalantly.
“Cool! Give me her address and I'll kill her right there!” I replied in the same way, making him chuckle.
“I dare you to touch my girl, Reya Sharma!” he warned.
We continued our banters until our order arrived and I forwarded it to him.
“Is it for me?” He asked me with shining eyes.
“Yeah, a little treat for eating Khichdi for almost a week!” I chuckled.
He took a sip of the coffee and closed his eyes while tasting it. “Heaven!” He whispered in between.
“You're like a kid!” I smiled looking at him with love and affection.
“Sunflower!” He called me as he finished his coffee while I was still not able to finish even half of it.
I hummed at him as he continued, “Let's get home!” His face was literally brightened like a newly bloomed flower.
Suspense surrounded my senses, I doubted why he was feeling so happy and enchanted.
“Yes, let me just use the washroom before we leave, hmm?” I said and left for the washroom.
My eyes followed her until she turned towards the washroom. It was getting so difficult for me to prevent the happiness from getting visible on my face. I'm so happy right now! Why!
My knees are getting better dammit. Yes! The doctor scanned my bones and he was surprised to see my knee joint shifting back to its initial position on its own. He said it's a miracle.
Was it a miracle? No, it's my Sunflower's hard work and care which made it possible.
But what about the things that the doctor said? Oh god it was all a lie! Planned by me.
When he told me about my knees, I was on cloud nine. Why shouldn't I? I could walk on my own without that shitty wheelchair. I could lift my Sunflower in my arms and twirl her around.
Though it will take me a few more days to recover fully, yet my injuries are almost 90 percent cured.
But why did I lie to my Sunflower?
Because I want to surprise her. I've planned in my mind how I would tell her about it. But before this, let me just enjoy this state of her and bother her more.
I knew she was worried about my recovery but it's fun witnessing her caring side for me.
She has done a lot for me in the last 15 days. She even compromised her studies so that she could take care of me. From helping me do my routine tasks to cooking healthy food for me, she never failed in giving her best for my healing.
Now it's my turn to make her feel special. And therefore, I've lied to her. And so the doctor also acted accordingly. I was glad he agreed to my plan and maintained serious features on his face while telling her about my reports.
I hurriedly grabbed my phone and called my mother.
As soon as she picked up the call, I almost screamed in excitement. “Mummyyy” I called and people sitting on the adjacent chairs literally gave me a look.
Fuck it! I don't give a damn right now.
“Vasu? Are you okay?” Her concerning voice followed.
“Mummy, my knees are getting better!” I blurted out while grinning like an idiot.
“Oh my god! Where's Reya? She must be so happy…let me talk to her…” she was saying but I cut her in between.
“Noo! Mummy suno meri baat..” I stopped her. “She doesn't know anything about it!” I declared.
“But..” mummy started again.
“Listen to me…” I said making her quite. And then I told her the plan. She listened to everything with attention and hummed in between.
“...so let's fix sunday for the Roka, okay?” I concluded.
“But Vayu, I think we should ask the priest for an auspicious date.”Mummy made a suggestion.
“Mummy, each dawn in my journey has bloomed with blessings since her ethereal presence graced my path.” My eyes noticed Reya approaching and my lips automatically curled into a smile.
“Mummy, please make sure Reya doesn't get to know about all this. It's all a surprise for her. Okay she's coming, let's not talk about it.” My mind was already living those moments in imagination while I said to her.
“But I need to go to Bangalore to do the preps beta!” She let out her query.
“I'll ask Navi to book your ticket for today evening, okay?” I suggested and she agreed happily.
“Don't worry beta! I'll talk to everyone. Chalo tum dono aajao ghar, tabtak main packing kar leti hu.” Saying so she disconnected the call.
“What tickets Vayu?” Reya asked in doubt, settling beside me.
“Nothing Sunflower, there's a family function in Bangalore, and Papa wants Mummy to come along with him. So she needs to go. But she'll be back before Sunday.” I explained.
Her lips formed an ‘o’ and I wanted to kiss that pout until she pushed me away out of breath.
I smiled back at her while wiping my face with tissue.
We soon left the cafe and headed back home. The ride was quiet. It has almost been afternoon since we came back home.
Luckily my Sunflower didn't ask much questions to Mummy otherwise mummy must have said something to her.
I called Navi when Reya was busy in the kitchen preparing my lunch and explained everything to her. She was way more excited about the surprise and I warned her not to reveal anything to Reya.
Soon mumma left for the airport in a cab.
Things seemed suspicious to me. I mean suddenly a family function, Maa left for Bangalore, Vayu was utterly happy!
All the things felt strange to me. I shook my head in disbelief. Maybe I'm just overthinking! God knows!
“What're you thinking, Sunflower?” My thoughts halted at Vayu's voice.
I was sitting at my study table but my mind was not concentrated on the subject. My hands were playing with the pencil while my eyes were fixed on the plain wall in front of me.
“Hmm..” I hummed while turning back to face him.
I stood up from the chair and moved towards the bed where Vayu was laying. “Are you hiding something from me?” I questioned sitting beside him and holding his hands with warmth.
“Why do you think so, Sunflower?” he interrogated.
“Vayu..just don't worry about anything hmm? Everything will be alright babe! Just stay positive. You know na, I'm with you always. We'll conquer all the stands together! You don't need to cover up your emotions in front of me, atleast. Stop smiling when it's already aching in your heart.” I whispered in the softest voice.
His eyes softened at my words as he leaned forward and pecked my nose lovingly. “With your presence beside me, the possibility of everything happening good increases many folds.”
I chuckled and hugged him, spreading my arms around his torso.
He hugged me tightly and kissed between my hairs before speaking, “Can you do me a favour?”
I nodded without pulling away, dipping my face more into his neck.
“I want to eat sandwiches!” He requested like a kid and to be honest I didn't want to deny. I kissed his cheeks pulling away and said, “As per your wishes, Mr. Kashyap!”
I moved out of the room to enter the kitchen and started making sandwiches for him. I made sure not to make them too oily and unhealthy. I added a lot of veggies and mixed them with mayo. Sprinkling a little bit of black pepper, I added salt to taste and spread it over the bread before tossing it on the pan.
I hoped that they would turn up to his expectations.
After the sandwiches were ready, I prepared mixed fruit juice for him. Plating everything in the tray, I went inside the room.
Placing the tray beside him, I sat in front of him. He was reading a book at that time, so I snatched the book from him and kept it away.
“C'mon, your sandwiches are ready!” I said with excitement.
“The aroma made my mouth water!” he said inhaling the air around us.
“Then start eating, what are you waiting for?” I said gesturing towards the sandwiches.
“Not like this baby!”he replied, pulling me towards himself.
I sat close to him and frowned my brows. “Apne haatho se khila!” He demanded placing the tray on my lap.
My eyes darted at him while he pouted like a baby, “Pleaseeeeee!”
“Okay fine! Nautanki mat kar!” I took a sandwich and forwarded it to his mouth.
He took the first bite and closed his eyes as he tasted it. “Mmm..it's delicious!” He said, licking his tongue over his lips.
“Oh god! Stop being so dramatic!” I shook my head and chuckled.
He finished the sandwiches and juice and I kept the tray on the side table and took a cloth to clean his face.
“You like it?” I asked keeping the cloth away and arranging the pillows beside him.
“It was fabulous!” He exclaimed.
“Okay, now lean against the headboard, let me dress your injuries!” I said as I left the room to keep the tray in the kitchen.
Coming back I saw him looking at himself in his phone's camera.
“You look handsome anyway!” I said taking out the antiseptic from the drawer.
“I need a haircut!” He said all of a sudden, making me gasp.
“At this hour?” I looked at the wall clock.
“And a clean shave too! I'm looking like a monster!” He blurted out scratching his chin.
“I think you need some good sleep!” I replied as I cleaned his wounds with the cotton and antiseptics.
“Will you help me in trimming my hair, Sunflower?” He asked me in a cute voice. Obviously he was cooing at me so I won't deny it.
Asshole.
“Kashyap! Stop acting as if you're getting engaged in two days! Your head had injuries, let's not risk things okay?” I said out of nowhere, making him choke on his breath.
Why did he choke?
“Please na! Just trim them short. Please..” He requested again.
“Okay! But not now! Sunday ko dekhenge!” I said, my voice was bold.
“SUNDAY? NOOO!” he literally screamed.
His face turned all red and later gulped making his Adam's apple visible.
“What???” I raised my brow in doubt.
“Vo..vo..amm..I..I mean bahut time hai yaar Sunday mein. Do it now na! I'll tell you how to use a trimmer, okay?”
“You're impossible, Kashyap!” I stomped my foot on the floor and opened the almirah to take out his trimmer.
I followed his instructions carefully while using the trimmer in his hair. I was literally playing cautiously to ensure a perfect haircut for him and taking care of his injuries.
I didn't know why he was behaving this way all of a sudden but deep inside I was happy anyway. Maybe he was trying to divert his mind from those stressful situations.
Later I trimmed his beard clean, the way he preferred. Once I was done, I brought a wet cloth and wiped his face with it followed by applying moisturiser.
He was literally enjoying all the grooming. He looked himself in the mirror as I held it in front of him in my hands at a good distance.
“Satisfied with your haircut?” I asked keeping the mirror away.
“You're amazing, Sunflower! I loved it.” he grinned while ruffling his hands through his hair.
I gave him a swift smile and went to the bathroom to take a shower. I did my skin care and washed my hair. While scrubbing the lavender body wash over my body using the loofah, my mind was wandering around Vayu.
He has never behaved like a kid before. The way he demanded for a haircut, then looking at himself in the mirror as if he was trying to look his best. All these things are making my heart ache. What if the doctor's words had triggered his brain?
No, I couldn't let it happen to him. I'm there for him in all the odds life would throw towards us.
I turned off the shower and dried my hair using a towel after wearing a thin t-shirt and shorts.
I know she was worried about me. The strange look on her face was clearly telling me about her concern for me. To be honest, I was dying to tell her about all of it, but on the other hand, I was loving the way she was behaving all restlessly because of a sudden change in my behaviour.
All this was necessary so that I could surprise her in a perfect way and witness her happiness once she would get to know about the reality.
I know she would surely slap me for troubling her this much and lying to her causing her anxiety to peak, but all this would be worth it for the smile I'm gonna bring on her pretty face.
She would surely jump off her place once I would reveal everything to her.
And about the haircut? C'mon I'm getting Rokafied finally, I need to look handsome! And what could be better than getting a haircut from your fiance!
The door of the bathroom opened revealing my beautiful girlfriend standing in all her glory. Her lavender body wash reached my nostrils as I inhaled the air deeply.
My lips curled up while my eyes were continuously gazing at her. I so wanted to run to her and lift her up in my arms but I controlled my excitement.
Vayush you can't spoil your own surprise.
She had worn her shorts after a long time, maybe she was too shy to wear them in front of my mother.
She came towards me keeping her towel on the chair and took my medicines before forwarding them to me.
“Take your medicine!” she ordered and I nodded like a kid taking them into my hand and gulping them down my throat.
She was about to go away again, when I grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards me. She fell on the bed beside me and said, “Kya kar raha hai?”
“Kahan jaa rahi hai baar baar? Mere paas reh ab!” I demanded making her sigh.
“Vayu mujhe kaam…”she was about to speak, but I kept my palm over her lips.
“Should I kiss you, until you pass out?” I asked, making her eyes bulge out.
“Idiot!” She blurted, patting my chest softly.
“Come here!” I spread my arms gesturing to her to come into my embrace.
She happily leaned against my chest resting her head over it and pulling the comforter over us.
I inhaled deeply, feeling my heart at peace as I caressed her hair. “I'm sorry, Sunflower! I keep bothering you every now and then. You must be feeling irritated with me.”
She pushed herself more into my chest, her actions speaking of her disagreement.
“Once I'll be fine, I won't trouble you more, I promise!” I whispered, kissing her earlobe.
And this time, she pulled away and glared at me for some time before leaning forward and kissing my lips. She took my face in her hands as she caressed my cheeks with her thumb, her eyes shining bright.
Her pink lips curled up to smile as she spoke,
“I know our journey isn't perfect. But it's ours. And I'll stick with you till the end.”
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