Chapter 218

Somehow she had managed to immerse herself in her work and avoid thinking about it and bad luck had decided to tag along with her and destroy her even more, even the little spirit that was left inside of her. With the diagnosis of breast cancer, what she felt was more than pain, she was in torment; there wasn’t any physical pain but she suffered emotionally. Chemotherapy had not helped to a great extent and when the only option that was given to her was surgery, she had felt like a shattered glass. She had spent sleepless nights and everything had gotten worse every time she looked at Akshar. She had worked with her doctor and had come up with options; she wanted to live, not just live, but to live her dream. She had dreamed of two things, to become an international top model and to be swept off by the man of her dreams and share her success and life with him. One of her dreams, had come true, her prince charming, they were in love and he wanted to marry her. Her other dream was at arms reach, but she never seemed to be able to reach it, but her prince charming was with her to help her out, to boost her confidence and she had it all, she had it all, until now!

Dr.Shilome smiled and asked her a couple of questions like when was her last period and if she had recently had sex and a few more like that and noted them down in her chart. “I don’t suspect anything probably a mild infection; our culture will clarify that in a couple of days. For now I would prefer not to give you anything since it might complicate things and give you fatigue. You seem to be doing well and I don’t want to add anything to it and disturb your immune system. In case if you feel pain I shall give you a prescription to comfort you. Schedule your next appointment you can cancel it if you can’t make it. Remember your health is very important. Have a good day”, she smiled and closed the door behind her. Carissa got up and got dressed, she had come in a very low profile, she didn’t want anyone to identify her, and she had picked out a baggy jeans pant and a casual t-shirt to go with it. She had carefully picked out one of the older shoes to go with it and made sure nothing popped out. She had got used to wearing a wig from the time she had started modeling so, now to hide her hair that she had lost due to chemotherapy was not a big deal to her. She was all set, but this time she knew, somehow she knew something was wrong, she felt it, she felt it so strong, all she wanted to spend some nice time with Akshar.

Chapter 217

She had been on every leading fashion magazine, worked with every top designer and had earned a special name for her. Hard working, compassionate and gorgeous. So today everyone was willing to work on her schedule and just as a command of respect, no one asked her why she won’t be available on certain days, probably everyone thought she needed some time alone after her divorce proceedings. Either way it gave her the best opportunity and means to keep her health issues a secret. All those years ago when she was young and aspiring and was planning a family with the love of her life, the severe abdominal pain had started a whole new episode changing her life completely. She was bleeding and was suffering from abdominal pain and at that time she was shooting in Chicago, USA. She had taken an appointment with Dr.Shilome as she was recommended by a coworker and she had suspected an entopic pregnancy and had done an Ultrasound that had confirmed her suspicions. Her fertilized egg had implanted outside the uterus. Since there was neither space nor nutrition it eventually burst causing severe bleeding. Complications had occurred and she had been rushed to the hospital and her life was saved. Her life came with a costly prize; she could never have children of her own.

A couple of month’s she had gone to the doctor for a follow up and she had noticed some tenderness on her breast and had asked to run some tests. After a couple of eliminations it had turned out that she was at the very early stage of breast cancer. It had devastated her, with so many things that were going on in her life. She was already having difficulty dealing with the fact that she had lost a child and she could never have another, especially she had spoken about it with Akshar before leaving for Chicago. They had spoken about so many things, like their future, their love, their life together and he had mentioned that he wanted three children, a son and two daughters and how he will play with them and take care of them. She couldn’t bring herself to talk to him about what had happened in Chicago, she had kept him in the dark, trying to avoid him and completely immerse herself in her work and staying away from him, mainly out of fear that she couldn’t face him.

Chapter 216

She looked up, once she heard a knock on the door and kept the book aside. In the mean time she had undressed herself and had put on the robe the nurse had given her. It was a new paper robe that she had pulled out from its cover. The door opened and she stepped in with a bright smile; she was about five-two, in a very high heel that added an extra inch to her height. She had a white coat on and a stethoscope around her neck with a pen and a folder in her hand with a bright red lipstick, not the right color for her, highlighting her lip lines and projecting her age. She had more than twenty years of experience in her field and she seemed to have the sense of empathy towards her patients, one of the reasons for the long wait in the waiting room and difficulty in getting an appointment. Carissa has always been able get an appointment at the last minute; they were always been able to squeeze her in the midst of busy schedule. Even though it had something to do with her profession it was more to do with her condition.

Dr.Sarah Shilome looked at her and asked her how she was doing. She looked at her hair and remarked that her hairstyle was pretty nice and it matched her natural color. Carissa ran her fingers through her hair and said "Only if they were natural" and gave a smile. Dr.Shilome asked her to get in position and proceeded to wash her hands, wear a glove and was ready to do a cervical examination. She kept the conversation going asking questions about her job and all over before she knew it. She proceeded to do a breast examination and Carissa unveiled her robe revealing her breasts, the left one was real and the right one, she had got it fixed right after her surgery few years back. This time she was here because she had some problems with her left one, that was detected when she was on one of her routine checkups, which she had postponed a couple of times due to her careers heavy demand. She was undergoing chemotherapy, but this time she had an abdominal pain and had made this appointment, she remembered the symptoms her mother had before she died which she had later learned to be cervical cancer.

Chapter 215

Carissa Landri, the nurse called out her name from the charts. She got up and walked into the room with her and the door closed behind her. She was directed to a room on the far left and the nurse indicated that the doctor will be with her shortly. She knew for a fact that never happens they are always overbooked and the first part of waiting is about an hour or so in the waiting room and then once you get called in there is another half hour in the examination room. She smiled and closed the door behind her and picked up a magazine that was on the doctor’s desk. It was a fashion magazine featuring the latest styles and she turned the pages uninterested, she owns most of them and had posed for most of them. One outfit caught her eye and she stopped at the page. It was a shapely silhouette in rugged stretch denim, a fresh update of an urban classic - It was an extended-Tab Skirt. It was a Cotton/elastane standard-rise waist with extended-tab closure with front and back shaping seams with a subtly flared hem. It was paired with a Bandolino "Jordana" Tall Boot that was a ride the chic wave with an equestrian-inspired style in leather with side zip that measures about 15 inches. The model was wearing a hooded cotton/acrylic top with long sleeves, three toggle closures at front in a cable and ball knit pattern that hit at top of thigh. It also had a ribbed trim at cuffs and hem, a very delightful cardigan.

She remembered Pamela Molni, how she had designed the outfit. It was about 3 AM at Milan, she was doing a very early photo shoot with a couple of other models and it had been a cold day, or at least all the models had felt that way considering they had to pose as mermaids by floating in the water that was not quiet warm. During a short break she had stepped out and grabbed the towel and blanket and just twisted them together and covered herself up to keep her warm. When she was just about to get back to the photo shoot, Pamela had yelled "stop" and everyone had stopped what they were doing and had come running to look at her and had taken her away with her for a few minutes and had taken a few pictures and done a couple of sketches before they had continued. A couple of days later Pamela had called her to her studio and had showed her the complete outfit. The shoes, the cardigan and the skirt, - the one that she was looking at in the picture. She had agreed to work with Pamela on a couple of other designs and Pamela had introduced it into the market as the Melanie collection. She had given it Carissa's middle name as she had been the inspiration for those designs!

Chapter 214

He checked his messages, the first and the last one were from Carissa. They had been spending time on and off whenever she was in town they had been having a nice time; he very much enjoyed each others company. Akshar found himself smiling listing to her voice message; they have been talking to each other every single day for the past few months, as if they have met each other for the first time. He realized how much he adored her and how great were the times they spent together. He knew she will always have an irreplaceable place in his heart, he loved her dearly and so many things have happened and they have gone their separate ways and their lives have changed. But such affection never dies, he had felt betrayed, hurt and angry all those years ago and eventually it all went away and all he holds on to were the wonderful memories. He knew her pretty well, and to some extent her past, her passions and her desires and much much more. Something didn’t make sense to him; how come she wants to get back in touch with him all these years later and the intensity of her communication with him was puzzling him.

There were certain things that surprised him the most. All she wanted was to spend some time with him and nothing more, she didn't see to have any other hidden agenda behind it, all see wanted was some quality time. She spoke a lot about the good times they had, she even seemed to remember the color of the shirt he had worn on certain occasions, like the play they had been to see "Romeo and Juliet" and how he had spilled jelly on his shirt after she had forced him to eat the jelly on the popcorn, a odd combination of course, but somehow it had tasted good. At the same time she couldn't remember the street or address of the apartment or the name of her favorite restaurant. He knew that something was going on in her life but he had no clue and some things about her, like her frequent visits to the US and avoiding any questions about her visit etc. His instinct told him that something was wrong in her life. Every time he saw her she looked stunning, and there was no sign in her that indicated any problem. She wanted to know more about his life and asked him too many questions. She seemed genuinely interested in knowing more about him, which was not like her but it made more sense since she was trying to reconnect with him. To confuse him even more she seemed sad that there was no woman in his life, it seemed as if she felt that it was her fault that he was unable to love another. Sensing that he had assured her that his busy life and family has been interfering with that and maybe he has become too picky. For that she had even given him a mini lecture and it felt as thought she was speaking from her experience. He was puzzled, thoroughly puzzled by her. He had let go of their past, at least he thought he had, but there was something that drew him closer, much closer to her than he had ever expected.

Chapter 213

Too many things have happened in the past three months. She had been so busy she had not realized what day it was and was getting ready to get to work. It all started after with her being engaged to Pryag after his surgery. A new business proposal, Pryag actively participating and helping her out, was spending more time at work and so many things, all good things but too many things happening too fast. She had hardly had any time to breathe since she had to be on alert at all times to get things going smoothly. Last Friday had been the big day when she had finalized a proposal that would bring in excellent revenue. It had all happened at a restaurant where she had been waiting to meet with a client and to her surprise he had someone accompanying him and the meeting had lasted two hours. In the next couple of days with conference calls and Lisa helping her out and with Mike's unexpectedly leaving the company due to personal health reasons, it had all been too hectic. Pryag had started to feel much better and had slowly got back to him normal life which had made her a bit comfortable. As an icing on the cake, looking at her hectic schedule and he had stepped in and helped her out, spending late nights with her to get her work done. The roles were reversed, in occasions she had been so exhausted, she had fallen asleep right at work table and couple of times on the couch and he had covered her up with a blanket.

She was slowly starting to realize that Pryag will be more of an asset than a hindrance for her life and her career. She loved him very much and all the doubts she had been having about how her future was going to be was slowly dissipating and she was realizing that he had always been a support to her and the best advisor whenever she need one. He encouraged her understanding her potential even when she had doubts about certain things. Slowly the fact that taking him as a life partner was going to be beneficial to every aspect of her life, especially when he loves her so dearly and his family had practically been hers all along and his father Chari, who loves her so much as his own daughter, she knew she couldn't ask for more. Not a lot of people knew about their engagement and she had neither had the time to let everyone know nor did she intend to since she had too many things to think about, but now she thought that maybe she can let some close family and friends know about it; she hadn't even told her brother yet, she had wanted to but they couldn't get hold of each other. She knew she had made the right choice and now that Pryag was almost back to normal and his bi-weekly visits have been changed to six months and can resume a normal life she was thinking of discussing about their future plans with him after all her business ventures.

Chapter 212

When they pulled into the driveway, Chari’s wife came out with an “Aarthi” and invited them in. She asked Diya to come in with her right foot and at that moment Diya knew that she was the only one who had been out of the loop. Of course someone has to pay for the ring. She didn’t know how much he spent on it and she was not sure about this insurance and financial situation. Her mind was preoccupied and she hardly noticed the festive look that adorned the house. Chari’s wife exclaimed, “Diya, the light, the light that has brought life back into my son’s life and in ours, come on, I want you to light this lamp today”. Someone in the background said “A beautiful name, so meaningful”. She remembered the remark and the expression she had seen on Akshar’s face when he had heard her name for the first time. He had said he had always loved the meaning of the word Diya, and he could see the spark in her eyes just as a Diya would lighten up everything around it. She remembered what her father used to say, “Diya, as per the meaning of your name, the purpose in your life should be to brighten the life of others surrounding you”. She smiled and did what she was asked to do. She was happy to be there, happy to be engaged, happy about the fact that she doesn’t have to worry about her carrier since it was Chari and Pryag, they were already a part of her life, the idea of her being engaged was new but exciting, yet a little confused and slightly scared unable to figure out if she can continue to be a “Diya” on her own, or have to blend in and disappear.

There was excitement and happiness throughout the house. Pryag's mom had arranged for a pandit to come and do some rituals and Pryag had to be there for the initial few minutes. He was taken upstairs and Diya accompanied him along with Chari. He was surprised to see that his room has been transformed and looked like a spa retreat, especially in comparison with the hospital room and surroundings he had been in. It was very relaxing and it didn't take him long to fall asleep. Chari gave a warm smile and took Diya's hand and gave a pat expressing how he felt about everything. She could see he was more than happy, she sensed some kind of satisfaction, relief and heartfelt thanks and blessings and the assurance and warmth of a father. She had known him for so long she can read his expressions without any exchange of words. She also noticed a slightly disturbed eyes and she knew exactly how he felt and gave him a hug. He kissed her on her forehead and said now you are officially my daughter and smiled and both of them walked down the stairs, Diya following Chari. Even though she was not into all the rituals she participated in it knowing she probably might have to get used to it. She remembered giving up chicken and other foods after moving into Chari's house all those years ago due to the principle of the house and she was not sure why she never went back to eating them even after she started living on her own. She was not sure about other things she might have to get used to now and how it was going to affect her career. She understood what the pandit was saying since she was quiet familiar with Sanskrit, the sacred language used for rituals. He was praying for the welfare of the family in general and especially for Pryag. As per Chari's wife’s request he was praying for Pryag and Diya and their future. She picked up on what he was saying partially and knew what pressure she was going to be under from his mother for an offspring. She was starting to get scared and decided she has to find some excuse to be alone and think things through.

Chapter 211

She loved the way it felt on her finger. She felt happy about the exquisite ring that was meant for her; she didn’t want to take it off, at the same time she didn’t know what it would mean about her future, she knew how she felt about Pryag, she has never felt like that about anyone in her life, she knew she loved him, but didn’t know if she were in love with him. She heard some noise and turned around and he was there in a wheel chair, wheeling towards her with the help of his brother in law. He would have preferred to have walked but doctor’s instructions, so he had agreed to it. He smiled and said “ I knew you would wear it, I would have loved to ask you to spend the rest of your life with me in an island or something, and I know this is not the greatest place on earth to be right now, but the time is right, at least for me it couldn’t be better. I have wasted away so many years thinking about consequences, how others would feel and so many unanswered questions and all, but no more, not anymore. I had almost lost you forever which made me realize that life is too short for mistakes and questions and delays. I knew you would like it.” He turned towards his brother-in-law and said “I gave him a clear description of exactly what I wanted, what you would like, with your birthstone in the middle”. He looked at Diya and smiled, “I would to kiss you but the fact is I can’t at least not for a couple of days and I am glad you like it. I knew you would take it. Let’s just share the good news with everyone. “


All three of them stepped out of the room and there was a great applause for the two of them followed by many congratulations and wishes. She turned towards Pryag and his brother-in-law and she could see that she was the only one who was surprised by this since every out there seem to know that he was going to pop the question. She generally likes surprises but this was a little unexpected, she had never thought of the idea of being married before, for many reasons, even now she was not sure, and didn’t really had any time to think about it, nor did she expect it but everything had happened so suddenly she was still a bit puzzled. They walked towards the elevator and in just a few minutes, while she was waiting with Pryag, his brother-in-law brought the car around. After fifteen minutes they were on the high way driving towards his home. The drive was quiet silent as every one was in their own world. Diya thought about everything that had happened she understood that everyone in the hospital knew this was going to happen, the nurse’s comment and his brother-in-law and the doctor distracting her. She now knew exactly what went on between Pryag and his brother-in-law before his surgery that had puzzled her quiet a bit. She wondered if Chari knew about this. More than that she was not quiet sure how he would react and what her relationship would be with him from now on?

Chapter 210

She was not into poetry, but she clearly understood what the note meant and she knew it was more than a simple note; every word that was written in there came from the heart. She knew how much she meant to him, she knew their chemistry, their history, what they mean to each other is something not everyone can understand, a connection, that goes beyond physical and intellectual; the words that were written were so true, there was a bond between them, one that can’t be explained, there have been there for each other, in time of happiness and distress and in the last few months they have grown closer, just as the note said a bond wove by a silk thread, one very delicate yet strong, something that bonded them together for eternity. She was a vivid reader so she was able to appreciate very much about what he meant when he quoted Shakespeare and she read the last two line of the note again.

In your eyes, I see... me.

Marry me!

A smile cracked onto her lips, she knew it was true, he could see himself in her eyes and in the last few months they had practically become a part of each other; she had been with him every step of the way and he had used it as a proposal. She would have preferred a completely different environment but under the circumstances it felt right and it was genuine and she knew it. Her eyes noticed the beautifully decorated gift box that was right next to it. She knew what was in there, there was no surprise. The box had a red silk ribbon forming a tiny bow, carefully tied in such a way it doesn’t hide the beauty of the box itself. She picked it up and untied the bow and gently opened the box. She knew it was a ring, she had expected one in there; in spite of offering a ring not being in his custom, he had got a ring for her, knowing her all his life, it was a ¼ Ct Diamond & Peridot Three Stone Ring in 18K White Gold.

A beautiful three stone ring with peridot princess cut center and round diamond on both sides left her spellbound. She picked it up and looked at it. She knew they had something that really can’t be explained, but she didn’t really know if she was ready for it. She looked at it enjoying its beauty for a few minutes and the beauty and temptation and how she felt about him all the thoughts overpowered her and she slowly slid it onto her finger and looked at it. It looked as if it was designed with her in mind.

Chapter 209

He was elated to see Diya walk in and the feeling was mutual. His brother-in-law asked the nurse if there were any formalities that have to be completed and she nodded and both of them stepped out leaving the two to catch up on their emotions. She sat on his bed right next to him and rested her right hand on his left cheek, in seconds his hand was on hers and they spent the next couple of minutes starring at each other. She slowly withdrew her hand, holding his right hand and gently stroking it asked him how he was doing. Words struggled to come out of her mouth, as id they were a frog stuck inside a well that was slippery. Her words drained in her emotions and she stammered even to ask him how he was doing in the mean time trying to control her tears. Her tear droplet formed a thin layer on her eyes and one was just hanging in the corner of her right eye that was more like a rain drop that was hanging by a tiny thread on a spider’s web and was desperately trying to reach the earth and join its family and disappear into nowhere. He took her hand and kissed it and added "I knew that I had too much to loose and it was not my time to part with my life. I am here and right in front of your eyes and i am not going anywhere" with a smile that reflected his passion to live. She swallowed her tears of joy and hugged him, very carefully and gently and the nurse and his brother-in-law and his doctor walked in. She got up and turned towards the doctor and gave him a hug and thanked him for all he had done. He smiled and assured her that he is going to be fine but they might have to run some tests once a week for the next several weeks. He also indicated that he needs some rest for the next couple of weeks and gave her a sheet and explained to her about the tests they will be doing on him and about the care that has to be given to him and the symptoms that they have to look for and on and on. Both Diya and his brother-in-law followed him carefully and registered every instruction in their minds. And after about twenty minutes he said that Pryag was ready to go home.

The nurse helped him out of his bed and to the bathroom where he indicated that he can get dressed on his own and he asked if the ladies could step out and requested that his brother-in-law stay with him. Confirming that he was going to be fine and indicating that she was going to be right outside the door in case he needs anything the nurse stepped out along with Diya. Outside Diya thanked the nurse for taking good care of him and to her surprise the nurse told her that she was a very lucky woman to be with a guy like him. Diya was quite amazed and wondered how much she and Pryag had connected in the past few days and even wondered if she was so sympathetic towards every patient in order to make them feel better or it was just with Pryag. Right at that time, the door opened and his brother-in-law asked the nurse if she could help him out and he stepped out and asked Diya if she could bring the car around. She agreed and took the key from him and walked towards the elevator. When she was just about to take the elevator, she saw his doctor and he wanted to have a word with her and he took her to his room. Diya walked with him a bit puzzled and worried not knowing what he was going to say. He handed her over a couple of X-rays and assured her that everything was going to be fine and asked her how his family was doing. She was happy to find out it was just a casual chat and nothing more and thanked him again and stepped out of his office. Pryag's brother-in-law called her and asked her to accompany Pryag and he will get the key. She was happy to hear that, since she had wanted to accompany him. She walked towards his room and there were quiet a few people around this time than a few minutes ago. She opened his room door and it looked quiet different. There were no monitors, the bed was more of chair now and there was a beautiful vase with some lilies and chrysanthemum with a note next to it with her name on it. She was surprised and confused and picked up the note. It read

A special world for you and me

A special bond one cannot see

Like silken thread it holds us fast

Bonds like this are meant to last.

I know now why Shakespeare could not

Compare his love to a summer’s day.

Whether it physical or spiritual

You - is an ensnarement

From which there is no release.

I wish to stay entrapped forever.

With you for all eternity.

Our hearts, always as one.

In your eyes, I see... me.

Marry me!

Chapter 208

As per the plan, Diya was ready on time and was waiting for Pryag’s brother-in-law to show up. He was delayed by about seven minutes and they were on their way to Stony Brook University Hospital. They talked about Pryag through out their drive and they didn’t realize how long it had really taken them to get there and before they even knew it, they were pulling into the hospital’s parking lot. Construction activities were going on in front of the hospital. One could guess that over the next couple of weeks, a new sidewalk will be in place connecting to a temporary bridge providing access to a new entry with a small lobby and reception area. Inside the hospital, demolition was ongoing on Levels 3 and 5 and electrical work was being performed on the new Level 6 roof top unit. There was a sign indicating that the construction on Level 5 will provide a new temporary entry and lobby. The First Lane of the hospital parking garage was the new drop off area. A board indicated that the Patient and staff should utilize this area for short term parking, free of charge, up to 15 minutes. That area was indented to a substitute for the main traffic circle. They both agreed that one of them could bring the car around to pick him up while the other stays with him. The referred to the message board and confirmed how to access the drop-off area. It indicated that, to access the drop off area, simply, pull a ticket from the parking gate closest to the garage, enter the lot and follow signs. Once in the lot the security guard will stamp your ticket for validation. When exiting, hand your validated ticket to the parking attendant.

They took the elevator and reached Pryag’s room in just a few minutes. He was up and seemed comfortable. For a minute it looked like he was flirting with one of the nurses. She wore a nurse’s uniform that had a classic look and feel with short sleeves that had elastic back with small back belt and A-Line with front & back princess tailoring with her name tag pinned just above her left chest enhancing her curves. Her legs look quiet luscious, sort of a reassurance for any man coming out of an ordeal that there is a brighter future outside. She had grey eyes shaped like a deer’s. She had a slim waist and slender arms with perfectly manicured finger nails. He head was still covered in white and looked a bit tired but his eyes had the spark, the one that had been missing for a while. His eyes were more into their sockets indicating it will take time for his recovery; his long eyelashes and his sleek nose were more prominent in his face and he even looked like he was a mummy at the Halloween party. When he smiled, it was quiet clear that he was no mummy since his white teeth and the broad smile brought out the spark in his eyes, the sign that he was back, the worst was behind him and he was there to stay!

Chapter 207

After a thirty six hour observation period, Pryag was released to go home. It was a delight to everyone and Chari's wife was home preparing for her son's arrival. Chari had planned to visit the hospital and take Pryag home but due to all the happening his blood pressure went up and it had been an anonymous decision that he stay back home. He was not left with much choice but to wait stay back home. Pryag's room was almost getting a makeover transforming it into a serene sanctuary. Sheets in soothing tones of aqua and stone in a leaf print giving it a refreshing feel as a nature stroll with pillow sham covers that were reversed to a micro dot print for varied, layered look. The collection included a duvet, pair of standard shams and pair of European shams. The curtains were pulled and tied back to let as much light into the room through the transparent white sheer giving a refreshing look that was a definite plus in welcoming someone returning from the hospital.

Chari's sister was busy in the kitchen cooking a feast for her brother's return from the hospital, that was seen as a rebirth and their home adorned a festive look. Chari's wife was glad that there were not too many restrictions on his diet, but it was expected that he may not have a very good appetite due to the medications. She was just happy that her son will be home soon and was moving around the house like a humming bird trying to get as much as nectar it could from the million flowers in the garden before the sun sets. Chari was excited but was constrained to a chair by his family members in order to keep his blood pressure under control and was flipping through the channels on the television in between his eyes wavering over to the clock to check the time every ten minutes.

Chapter 206

Diya really didn’t know what to say. Every time she comes across someone they seem to top the previous story she had heard about Akshar. She was amazed and surprised at how he has touched people’s lives. She didn't really know much about him, but from her experience she can definitely say that he is a person who would go beyond his means to help others. She remembered how he had helped her in two different occasions, he had been so wonderful, she wondered why she was even surprised to hear such things about him, and she should have probably expected that. She sat there wondering long after Jennifer left, she was glad she got to know her and Sam and was also relived that Sam was not Akshar and Jennifer's son. He was just Sam's godfather and had been a part of his life. She had picked up on the fact that Jennifer was single and wondered why, she was still curious but well she now knew what the relationship between Sam and Akshar was.

She had not realized that quiet some time had passed and she had been chatting with Jennifer. She rushed towards Pryag's room to see how he was and what was going on and to her surprise he was not there and she hurried over to the nurse's station and enquired. She was relieved and extremely happy to hear the news that he had been moved out of the ICU and his family was with him. She hurried towards the direction the nurse pointed her, she felt guilty not being there when he would have opened his eyes, she had promised him she would be there, but she got carried away and had to know about Sam. She cursed herself for her curiosity. She saw Chari and others stepping out of a room and Chari told her that he was asking for her.

Chapter 205

She slowly turned around and she could see someone walking towards the room. When they got closer she could see that they were two of them. She had an IV on so she decided that she has to wait for them to get closer. All she could think of was her baby. She remembered the previous day’s incidents. Everything came back to her; She didn’t know what happened to her baby, she didn’t know if it were a boy or a girl, she couldn’t remember, but she remembered the strangers face, the one who had broken the door and rescued her, she remembered his face very well.

A smile slowly sneaked into her face. She could see the nurse with her baby and the stranger walking towards her room. She was grateful that her baby was alive and well, she tried to move but something pulled her back and the nurse greeted her with a smile and looked at the baby and said, “Look who is up! It is your mommy!” and she asked her if she wanted to hold him. She was delighted, it’s a boy, she had always wanted a boy, and he had blue eyes like his father and blonde hair just like hers. She looked up and smiled at the stranger, her eyes were flooded with tears of joy, gratefulness. Her lips quivered unable to say anything. He walked towards her, kept his hand on top of her right hand and stroked it. He said, “You and your baby are safe now! It is all over, everything is going to be fine.”

Chapter 204

Her head hurt. She tried to lift her hand, but it felt as though it didn't belong to someone else. Slowly she opened her eyes and little by little everything came into view. As she was lying on her back she could only see the ceiling and it was STARING back at her! Or was it? No it was only a painting, a painting of a father holding his hand up as though giving a speech. And then she began to notice her surroundings. It was definitely a hospital ward, she tried to move a little to get a better view of the room but her back seared with pain. So she had to remain at this pitiful posture as she took in everything of the room.

The mattress was covered in plastic not so comfortable; in time the plastic had began to loose its texture and had formed wrinkles with hard ridges where the bed folds to go up and down. She could clearly hear the plastic as she moved in the bed. The pillows were also covered in plastic and were very flat. The pillow case easily slid off of the pillow. The room had a TV up high near the ceiling; on the wall were the suction equipment, call light fixtures, and an oxygen outlet. Other than that, a bedside stand, a chair and over bed table and there was not much in the room which was not very big. She was not sure if it was day or night, the hall outside the room was dimly lit and she could hear voices from the nurse’s station and the hall-the voices sounded very loud in the dim lighting.

Chapter 203

What really shocked him was she was pregnant. He couldn’t believe his eyes. He immediately dialed 911 and tried with all his might to open the door. But it wouldn’t budge. He remembered that he might have a screwdriver in the tool compartment along with his spare tire and ran downstairs to check it out. After searching for a couple of minutes he found it and came running back and it took him about a complete eight minutes to get the door open and the ambulance was still not there. He ran inside and helped her out of her misery only to find that her water had broke earlier and she could go into labor anytime. He tried calling 911 again and the operator indicated that they should be there any minute and he heard the noise of a police car in the background.

A cop had heard the call and was there. He gave him a briefing of what he had seen and the cop asked him to assist since she had gone into labor. She was struggling to breathe, she was sweating and could hardly speak and the ambulance arrived in time for her to deliver the baby. Akshar stepped back with the officer and narrated how and what he had heard and seen. She was unable to speak and was in total shock. She had been in that state for at least three hours and the officer asked him to come to the police station to do a report and he complied. After about a solid two hours, he was on his way to the hospital to see how she was doing since he felt so much pity for her and just couldn’t believe how someone could do such a thing to a anyone, in fact to a pregnant woman!

Chapter 202

After an hour or so Akshar was on his way with his date while Harvey and his fiancée decided to spend some time alone. She seemed very excited about her sister getting engaged and was making calls to everyone and was sharing the news. Akshar sat there quietly with a smile on his face, since there was not much he could do since she was dropping him off since he came with Harvey. The ride back to Harvey’s place was very boring since he had nothing much to do or say and he said his good byes and she was too excited in making calls she barely acknowledged his thank you and whisked out of the parking lot.

He walked towards the parking lot and he heard some noise, as if some one were calling for help. It was kind of late and he looked around and didn’t really see anything or anyone, but his instinct told him something was wrong, so he walked slowly towards the direction of the sound and it was getting clearer as he got closer. It was someone calling for help, more like a women and it was next to Harvey’s building, the one in the corner and he squinted his eye and he could see someone through the window and he hurried upstairs. Someone was hurt and he tried to talk to them through the window and could hardly make out what the person was saying. He peeped through the key hole and realized that her hands and mouth were taped, and the shoes were tied together making it difficult to walk.

Chapter 201

Akshar realized that Harvey’s girlfriend’s sister doesn’t go out much and he was there to keep her company so the two love birds could disappear in the crowd. He also understood that it was not Harvey’s idea and in spite of his company being very timid and quiet they did strike a common ground on books and music and the evening wasn’t bad at all. All of a sudden there was pin drop silence and Akshar couldn’t make out what was going on. He turned around and he couldn’t see Harvey and his girl friend either on the dance floor and when he could take a peek he couldn’t really believe his eyes. It was Harvey who was causing this silence, and it instantly brought a smile on his face.

Now he knew why he was so tense and was extremely picky and specific about what he wanted. He had everything planned and in the last minute his girl friend had suggested that her twin will be tagging along and he had convinced Akshar to be her date. Harvey was out there expressing his proposal with love and sincerity, and letting her know how much she meant to him. It was very clear it all came from his heart. His focus was on her, and the special moment they were sharing. He was on his knees, expressing his love and his desire to become lifelong partners. Akshar knew he had planned and rehearsed what to say well in advance, to make a statement that would capture all that's special about her. It was a beautiful sight, and the whole room clapped and cheered when she took his ring with tears rolling down her eyes and kissed him.

Chapter 200

It didn't take too long for the flowers to be delivered and Harvey joined him when he was about to leave. He complemented Harvey on his selection of flowers. They were beautiful and for him to order flowers and get chocolates, Akshar knew he must really like the girl. One of them was a beautiful bouquet that had five blue iris, four stems of pink Stargazer lilies, lavender chrysanthemums in three, and to complement them were the stems from lemon leaf with a note that said "Happy birthday to you", in the melodious combination of fragrant pink lilies, willowy blue iris, and lavender chrysanthemums that was sure to bring a smile or maybe a blush when one receives. The other one was long stem yellow Asiatic lilies where each stem had multiple blooms and ten beautiful blue irises which upon seeing it one would probably think that this bouquet is purely spectacular.

Harvey had been very specific about the chocolates, He had given a very detailed description of the chocolates and it had to be one of the excellent quality ones and he had preferred Godiva or Lindt. He had insisted on a box of truffles. Akshar had agreed to it and had purchased the decadent assortment of milk, dark and white chocolate truffles, including Extra Dark Chocolate, Hazelnut Praline, Double Chocolate Raspberry, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Smooth Coconut, French Vanilla, Cappuccino, Strawberry, and Roasted Almond, all delicately presented in its signature box.

Akshar knew his friend long enough to know that this is more than a date, but he was not sure why he insisted on a double date. Moreover Harvey seemed a little tense. After a few exchange of words they were on the road and the restaurant wasn't too far from there. They parked their car and they were there before their dates. It was a cozy Mexican restaurant that was decorated in the typical style as expected bringing out the highlights of South American countries. Their dates arrived a little late about twenty minutes and as soon as Akshar saw the women he knew why Harvey insisted on a double date. One couldn't tell them apart if it weren't for their dress and hair style. One of them stepped forward and kissed Harvey and he introduced them to Akshar and they all took their seats.

Chapter 199

Akshar and his friend Harvey had a double date, Harvey had made all the arrangements; they were to meet at Harvey’s place and the women will meet them at the restaurant. Harvey was to get some flowers for the women and Akshar was to confirm the reservation and get some fine chocolates for their dates. Akshar was in a golf pant that's a hole-in-one no matter what you're playing! It had a double pleat front, double belt loop detail and double side pocket at right with two back pockets, one with button tab closure in cement with a black half sleeve Ralph Lauren shirt that was tucked in with a stylish imported Nappa leather and nickel flat leather belt with a Square plaque with rounded corners with Nickel and gunmetal plaque with SJ logo that just didn’t tighten his look but added an elegance to his stride.

A golf pant for a date, not everyone would dare to try it out, but he knew what to pair with it and make it work. He had to get to Harvey's house since Harvey was stuck in traffic and someone had to be there when the flowers get delivered. Harvey’s' apartment was on the third floor and his home was a typical bachelor pad. It was a single bedroom apartment, with hardwood floors all over. His bathroom could use some scrubbing and his microwave a replacement and other than that it was not in such a bad shape. The front closed had a collection of out door equipment from skiing to rafting and shoes that would equip all kinds of sports indicating that he was very much into sports. Akshar realized he didn't have a key and waited in front of the house leaning on the door patiently waiting either for Harvey or the flowers to arrive.

Chapter 198

It was enchanting; she felt how much passion the singer must have for music. It was an absolute melody, she has never really been drawn to any music nor paid any attention to lyrics, but today, this song, she had no idea who the singer was, what the album was, but she was totally mesmerized by the lyrics and the music. She was completely lost in thoughts and was disturbed when someone asked her something. She just turned around and it was Sam and his mother. She had not expected to see them; she was startled a bit but managed herself and smiled at them. She smiled back and asked her if they have met before and she seemed so familiar. Sam pulled his moms shirt and whispered something in her ear. She recognized her and enquired how she was doing; she didn't remember her name either.

Both felt a little awkward not remembering each other’s name. Diya pointed her to the direction of the bathroom and for some reason; mostly curiosity joined her while Sam waited at the receptionist desk. She asked Diya how long she and Akshar had known each other. Diya had not expected a question from her, a long straightened haired, tall, close to six feet; Caucasian maiden with an elongated face, grey eyes, sharp long nose and naturally peach colored lips all that needed was a simple lip gloss to highlight it adoring a brilliant smile exposing her recently cleaned sparkling white teeth. Since they had already reached the bathroom it was easier not to answer her question until they stepped out which bought her some time to think about.

It was just the two of them and before Diya could answer her question she continued her conversation with her by adding how much Sam loves Akshar and on and on. Diya couldn’t hold on anymore, she went right ahead and asked her about Sam’s father since she had mentioned that Akshar was like a father figure to him while washing her hands. She smiled and said, “Long story short, if it weren’t for Akshar, Sam and I won’t be alive today. He saved our lives.”

Chapter 197

Diya was surprised to see that woman and the boy. She wondered why they were there. Their face had registered so well in her mind after her first encounter at Akshar’s friend’s house. She remembered that car accident and the bad rain, but she was more curious to find out who she was. She couldn’t remember her name, but remembered the boy’s as Sam. She controlled every urge she felt to walk over and talk to them. She was very curious to find out who he was and what his relationship with Akshar was.

She couldn't explain why she was feeling so compelled to find out more about them. She also realized that she was starring at them and watching their every move until they disappeared into a room. She decided to avoid the temptation and walked towards Chari and his wife, but her mind was lingering over the thoughts of Akshar and Sam. She heard a gentle music on the radio when she walked by the reception desk. It was so soothing, the lyrics was so beautiful she was so drawn to it, and just slowed down her pace to enjoy it.

Who mixed such beautiful honey in the Cuckoo's voice?

A cuckoo doesn't sing in on a stage to showcase its music that is so beautiful!

My heart soothes itself this night, in this beautiful music

Even a broken heart can be mended by melody

History says that one can make it rain with music

I can sing in my room, within these four walls

No one can stop me...

I am singing this song today, to make myself happy

Music is everlasting and this is a new song....