BALH Paanch Saal Baad Part 102

All the way back to the villa, Ram tried to get Priya back to her senses. Her medical condition from past alerted him. There could be something to bother about, from last few days she is having a very tough time, even he has managed to put her into mental trauma, which she has nothing to do with. Now like a guilt torn husband, he holds her in his arms, calling her by her name repetitively. She will look for some seconds and again dozes off, as if she is in deep sleep. As moments passed he didn’t know what to do or how to handle. Had it being Mumbai, a handful of doctors would have queued up after his single call. But being in a foreign country, though his business house is there successfully running for years, he do really knows few people, maximum from the work. He never thought he has to shift his family to a foreign country, even if anytime this kind of thought crossed his mind, things would have been different today.

Apeksha. He called her name in his conscious. Did she have any idea of what happened? Did that Dev tell her anything? He pulled his phone to call. Shit he uttered there is no charge, when the hell this happened? He cursed himself. Looking out to chauffer he asked for a favor. He asked him if he can use his phone once. Agreeing to the employer he shoved his hand to reach his mobile, he dialed Apeksha’s number.

“Sir, you must be thinking to call Apeksha Ma’am. I have called her. Please speak. I am trying to avoid the traffic as much as I can.” He was more polite than that of Ram thought to be.

“Thanks.” He held the phone pressed between his ear and the shoulder. He tried to wake up Priya again. Now, after so many jerks from her husband she now lies conscious in sub conscious state. She can hear her husband calling her by her name. She can feel the heaviness inside her head, but she can’t speak. Ram. Very feebly she called out his name once. Her health worsen, she hide her face on his broad chest, which Ram can feel. She tried to clutch his coat’s cuff and failed miserably. As if blood stopped rushing through her veins. She toppled whenever she tried to speak or see.

“Apeksha. Did you learn anything?” Ram said.

“Yes Bhai. We are on our way to home. Where are you now?” Apeksha sounded worried too.

“Don’t have an idea. “ Ram asks the driver and updates the exact location to Apeksha.

“Listen to me carefully Uncle.” Advik spoke from the otherside, while he could hear Apeksha trying to console Pihu. She must be crying he thought. “Listen to me carefully.” Advik’s voice took him back to reality, “Just do one thing, check if she is in her senses.” Ram checked as answered Yes. “Good. Keep her awake. Do anything to keep her awake and if possible.” He paused when Apeksha updates her something. “Give her some water and Doctor will reach before we will, just keep her awake. We are on our way.”

“Priya.” Ram held tried to move her head up by chin. “Look at me. Priya.” She can again hear her name, she tried to say something, the dryness of her throat the thrust against her head detained her badly with chains.

Ram grabbed the bottle of water that laid there on the car and tried to make her gulp some.

“We are home Sir.” The chauffer said. Knowing the urgency of the situation, he almost jumped off from the driver’s seat and held the door open for Ram. Very carefully he brought Priya out of the car and tried to make her stand, she even managed to walk three or four steps but he body gave up somehow. Swinging her into his strong arms, Ram walked to his bedroom, instructing the chauffer to get the doctor in as soon as he is there. He added “Please”. Carefully placing her on the bed, he now sits by her, rubbing her palm against his, which is somewhat cold. He saw little droplets of sweat accumulating on her temple.

“Priya” he called her again and again. Every time she would open her eyes for a while and then again slumber engulfs. “PRIYAA” he shook her very badly, somehow it worked. Now she looks at him. For 5..6..7.. winching her face she held his hand tight. Ram could feel her nails digging into his skin. It pained but he didn’t complained. He again called her.

“Ram.” His name escaped very feebly, only he could hear it, “ I am…..”

“Sir.” The chauffer called, standing at the door with the housemaid appointed. “The doctor is here.” An old man, in his early sixties walked in. Introducing himself he sat on the chair offered. Ram carefully places his wife’s hand back to the bed, which she momentarily refused and stood up. The impression of her nails are prominent on his hand, it left red marks on the skin.

“Any medical history of Madam?” Asked the doctor checking the pulse.

“Yes.” Ram hurried to the changing room and walked out with a file quickly.

“Hmmm.” Said the doctor. Placing it aside he put on the automatic machine around Priya’s arm to check her Blood Pressure. “there is something serious happened to Ma’am in past and is she having her medicines regularly?”

Ram has seen Priya gulping medicines time to time; though he never tried to know if she was taking the medicines prescribed to her, but he remembers once when he asked she replied the regular one. So he nodded a yes to the visiting doctor.

“It’s hypotension.” The doctor declared. “Is there something special today? That might have put pressure on her.” The Doctor started putting back his things to place.

“Are you done with the checking?” Ram was surprised. He cursed himself for not knowing or never trying to know much about the place where he owns a business. What kind of a Doctor you are? He wanted to shout. But this is the best he can have for his wife right now. So, he decided to calm down.

“Look Mr. Kapoor. Right now I can only suggest you to answer what I asked? Is there something special today? Any Occasion? “The doctor narrowed to Ram.

“Yes. A traditional festival.” He said.

“Bhai…” Apeksha came running in. “Oh Doctor you are here.” She shook her hand with him, “Wh.. what happened to her?” She pointed towards Priya.

“Right now I can say stress and fatigue has put her into hypotension. She might have felt light headed and passed off. Though the preliminary symptoms and diagnosis tells it.” The Doctor looked back, “when I came in she was holding your hand or you were trying to wake her up.”

“She was.” Ram extended his hand to show how badly she clutched his hand.

“Ma’am Ma’am” the doctor called Priya sitting on the chair, “Looked at me.”

“Y..yes..” Priya looked at him with her eyes almost closed.

“Can you hear me and see me.” He asked again, now raising her voice little, “Can you get up and sit?” Priya responded to the doctor, she tried to pull herself up to a sitting position, but she failed. Ram ran to her to hold her. She ended herself resting on his chest. Digging her head on his chest she said, “I am feeling very dizzy. I think I need some sleep. I didn’t sleep for some good time.”

“Please feed her and get her this medicine only. I will come to visit her again tomorrow morning. She is recovering I think it is just the jolt that she couldn’t handle. I think she will be fine by morning. But take care of her. She needs some rest and the last word she said, not slept much, if it is true there is something to worry, there is medicine for sleep as prescribed, which you showed to me.” The doctor said.

“If there is any urgency call the emergency helpline number. Then me. We will be taking care of everything then.” The Doctor took the permission to leave. Apeksha walked out with him. Advik also follows.

Pihu walks upto Ram and sat on the floor with her one hand on her father’s and other on her mother’s.

“I can never forgive, if I lose Priya.” Ram said.

What did he mean to say? Pihu questioned her in mind. Did he just pointed to me or. Pihu stopped thinking. She looked nervously at the pale face of her mother, who now lies on her father’s broad chest. She has seen her mother lying on death bed at Mumbai. She was petrified then and today she is confused. How to react?

“Pihu leave your mom dad alone.” Authoritatively Advik said, who stood there without being noticed by Ram or Pihu. She denied to leave. “Come with me.” Advik almost dragged Pihu out of the room. Ram could hear Pihu lashing out at Advik. He can hear Advik retorting but he sits there with his wife in his arms knowing that Advik is the right person to get his daughter back and his wife needs him most that time.

“Bhai.” Apeksha places her hand on his shoulder, “Let me change Priya’s saree.”

“Thanks Apeksha. I will do that. Please serve the food here.” Ram stopped and looked blank, “today I guess we were supposed to have dinner there? Shit! Please order something healthy quick. Please.” Suddenly the calmness turned into wordiness.

“Calm down Dev has managed everything he got the food parceled. Maid must have been done with reheating it I will bring it to you.” Apeksha left with quicker steps.

“priya Can you come with me?” Ram asked.

She sat almost this time, but at last she gave up, “I think..” she didn’t complete it,”No”

“Okay. Wait here.” Ram stood up adjusting pillows by her so that she don’t topple. He came almost running back to the room. Apeksha entered almost the same time. Just be here I will be back in a moment Ram ran out of the room. While Apeksha didn’t have any idea, Ram knew what he was doing. He picked up Priya’s medicines from the guest room and headed back.

“Uncle.” Advik stopped, “Here is the medicine that doctor prescribed only for today, to make her feel better, he will come tomorrow again and I have informed my parents I am staying back here if there is any problem please knock me. I will do my best and need to speak to Pihu too.”

Ram nodded in agreement and paced up to his room. Apeksha again tried to help him, which he denied. Apeksha heard the noise of the bolt behind her. She walked to Pihu’s room then.

“Priya.” Ram called her, “Get Up a little. You need to change.” Ram said and helped her to sit with her legs hanging from the bed. “Can you stand? I will help you for it.” Ram asked. Priya feebly stood as asked by Ram, but her legs shook. She pleaded to let her be. Ram held her by her waist, “Just undrape this saree and put this gown, that’s it.” Ram saw Priya to struggle with her saree, “Okay wait. Just hold me as tight as you can.” He ordered almost. Priya reached out to his neck and draped her hands around, she was getting back her senses but not the confidence to let him go. Ram undraped her saree and wrapped the gown around. He threw the saree on the couch and made her sit resting her body on the bed rest.

Touching the food he thought that it needs to be reheated again, but time in not there. Priya must sleep sooner. He served some Paneer and two chapattis from the serving bowls and container respectively, When he tried to feed Priya she denied at the first hand. He almost pushed each and every bite and made her eat. Ram quickly took the medicine and made her gulp the same. Lying her down, he took two chapattis out from the container and gulped in almost less than a minute. He was quick in changing himself in his night suite. He slipped under the duvet and looked at priya. Her face was much calm now.

Feeling his presence by her, Priya tried to snuggle to him, but the physical weakness stopped her from doing so. Ram helped her a bit. He moved close to her so that she can feel safe. She curled up to him.

“What I have done to you Priya?” He said in a lower voice than a whisper holding her in his arms. He felt that Priya snuggled even more close to him, leaving no space between them. She knew that only one person can be her shield when she stands most vulnerable and that is her husband. He didn’t move a bit that night from his own but adjusted himself like Priya wanted him to.

~~

When Apeksha walked into Pihu’s room she was sitting at the corner of her bed, crouched. “Pihu” she caressed her hair. “What happened?” she tried to make her look to her. “Tell me beta what happened?”

“All this happened due to me. Even Papa thinks so bua.” She wept hugging Apeksha.

“Nah! Never Pihu, nothing happened due to you.” Apeksha said. Immediately Pihu retorted, “You are lying bua. You also feel I am responsible for all this.”

“Good for you Miss Potato Wedges.” Advik dropped in between.

“Advik.”Apeksha scolded.

“Let me handle this.” He stepped in and walked straight to Pihu, “What if there was not Dev uncle to hold your mom at the right time, what if here today your father is not present, would have ever minded to look after her. Pihu just think carefully it will be good for you if she dies.” Advik pushed her back with a jolt allowing her to escape his hold. “It is good for you.”

“Advik she is disturbed what are you saying?” Apeksha scolded him, “Please don’t .”

He flatly ignored her, “Miss Potato Wedges, just think, if your mom is not there in this good earth, there will be no restrictions, you can do whatever you want, clubbing partying everything a life that you dream for. So pray that your mother never recovers.” Pihu looked sharply at Advik this time as he ended.

“Dare you speak about my MOM THAT WAY AGAIN DR ADVIK.” Her voice rose with the passing words. “She will go nowhere leaving me she promised me.” Pihu broke into tears. Apeksha wanted to hold her. Advik stopped her again.

“Do you really wanted that or you wanted her to leave you with your lavish life that you dreamt for?” asked Advik “If you want the first one, it’s late Pihu. I am afraid it is really late.”

This time there was no reply from Pihu, she kept on weeping digging her head in between her knees. Advik was stopped by Apeksha as he stepped to leave. “Bhai will give you a peace of mind when he will be knowing all these.”

“I don’t mind. It was my duty to let her know the truth what she wants. I did that and now it is the time she must be knowing from her parents that she is not well. She is not doing good.” Advik said.

“You mean we have to say … you have lost it Advik, I think it’s your over confidence about being a jewel as everyone call you is speaking.” Apeksha retorted.

“I will talk to you later. If you don’t mind can you please show me the guest room, I need to freshen up.” Advik denied to flow away with the emotions that Apeksha was reflecting towards him and what he started having for Pihu.

“Downstairs to the Right , first room.” Apeksha said without looking at him. She walked to Pihu and tried to console her.

~~

That night almost everyone except Priya and Pihu spend a sleepless night. At about 3 am in the morning Dev also landed there at Kapoor’s place after signing off the party. In the master bedroom, Ram kept looking at his wife as she twirled from one side to other searching for him when she failed to find him, after an hour almost she was calmer, she didn’t twirled anymore since she kept her head near her husband’s heart. Might be that helped her to sleep properly. Ram remembered how he got scared when Priya had hypotension earlier, when she was pregnant. The days memories remains still crystal clear.

“what! When?” Ram jumped up from his seat, in between the meeting, “I am sorry ladies and gentlemen” he addressed. “I have to leave; there is a medical emergency at home. I need to be with my wife.”

Almost no one other than him Priya and the family knew about Ram, becoming the father. There was a strict instruction from the elders not to disclose the same to the office or media before she enters 2nd trimester. Ram kept the same under covers as instructed. Before leaving he asked his secretary to cancel every appointment even if it is hell of important. He rushed towards the hospital where Priya had been taken by the family.

All thanks to Mumbai traffic it took him double the time to reach. He cursed himself for not being there on time. Rushing to the reception, he introduced himself. The Patient Relationship Executive acknowledged the same saying that his wife has been shifted to cabin. Ram requested him to lead him. He did as asked. Thanking him Ram looked disappointingly to the family, “App sab the na ghar pe, then how did this happen?”

“Ram please we can discuss this later.” Sudheer ji asked him to go inside to Priya, as doctors were there for visit. Ram pushed the door and found his wife lying calm on the treatment bed and surrounding her stood three doctors and two nurse. One of the nurse identified the intruder and whispered the same to the doctors.

“Oh! Sir you are here. Nothing to worry we have done few check up and mother and baby is fine. Just you need to take care of her good. She has gone through some real trauma in recent past.” The doctors could understand the last few words has offended the man. “As we read in the newspaper.”

“I will take care of her, what happened to her tell me that only. Please.” He was not in a good mood, it was eminent from his body language. Clenching his fist, he cursed himself for not being with her, for giving the meeting preference to her request to stay back at home. He was upset with his family whom he asked to be around her all the time. He looked upset with the doctors who pieced the IV into her sleek hand, for which he definitely going to hate them for rest of his life. After the doctor left, he sat on the bed carefully, they informed him that she is sleeping. He placed his hand on her belly which hide under the blanket. Papa will never let anything happen to mamma and you baby. Caressing her head he sat there for a long time till Vikram rushed in with the information that someone from the hospital has broke the news to the media. Few media executives want official statement from the Kapoors.

“Is this time for all this nonsense.” Ram retorted. “Where they are, show me?” he was ready to give them a peace of their mind. Vikram stopped him and took him out and after discussing and consent from both the families it was decided Vikram and Rishab will release the official statement on behalf of the Kapoors.

Ram went inside and sat on the couch, looking at his wife.

Hours passed he moved from one corner to the other but Priya was still in deep slumber, which according to the doctors is good for her. In this time Neha came with his change and Ram denied it.

“She will be fine Ram.” Neha said with confidence, “Even I had gone through some low bp attacks when I was pregnant with Ridhima.”

“Look at her age. At this becoming a mother is not easy.” Ram retorted, “and all these happened, why can’t one person be with her all the time?” he sounded really upset.

“Ram..” Neha was about to speak, when Priya came out of her sleep calling Ram.

“Priya…” he almost ran to her, “Are you okay priya.”

“Mr.Kapoor..” she looked worried, “Ou..Our baby Mr. Kapoor?” She traced her hand hurryingly over her belly. “Our Baby Ram..” she asked again.

“It is fine. It is doing good.” Ram said calmly which surprised Neha, she had left the couple alone in the cabin and walked to the families to inform them about the same.

“You are not lying naa.” Priya asked.

“No I am not. alls is fine.” Ram kissed her forehead. “How can I let anything happen to my two babies? But you have to take care of yourself from now very well.”

“Had anything happened Ram, I would have killed myself.” Priya said pulling Ram close to her, who was sitting on the hospital bed then.

“Never say that again.” Ram softly kissed her forehead, “Never ever. I can live without everything else not you.”

Thinking about the past Ram’s eyes where almost burdened with sleep and tiredness. He jerked himself out of his sleep and looked at his wife. How can he said all those things to her, he thought. The mother who only thought about her child first, even when she was inside her, how can he even think about all those non sense that he said to Priya. He lied there amazed at his past statements.

~~

Apeksha sat by Pihu, who slept in her party outfit and without having any food. In her dreams she has screamed out calling and searching for her Mom. Apeksha held her close and calmed her down putting her back into slumber again. “What you did Advik?” Apeksha cursed him.

At the guest room, Advik lied down, whenever he tried to close his eyes he found Pihu drowning. Her sweet voice, her brown eyes and her attitude somehow managed to attract him towards her. He has never shown interest in any of his patients ever, but in this case it was different, he wanted to handle the case on his own, that’s why he kept the senior doctors away from her. First time in his career he took some unethical steps to get Pihu back to her normal life as quick as possible. He was selfish he knows but he wanted Pihu to know his feelings only when she will be in her senses properly. He didn’t want to make fun of his feelings. He decided if Priya Kapoor her mother does good next morning, he will ask them to let Pihu know that she is ill. She needs help, medicines.

Dev comforted himself on the chesterfield chairs. Resting his hands on its he leaned back, closed his eyes. He could not feel anything. He stood up and looked at Advik, who lay there peacefully, he must have slept in a little, because all the night he kept on typing on mobile, soundless, but the illumination from the mobile screen told the story. He didn’t invade his private place. Dev walked to the living room and he could hear some birds chipper, looking at the wrist watch, he found the time to be 5 in the morning. Sooner or lesser Ram, Apeskha and Pihu will come there. Among the three two really don’t like him so he thought to leave with a note behind for Apeksha. But he dropped the idea because he wanted to know if everything is fine with Priya’s health. Otherwise that should have been rude at his part.

~~

Next Morning Ram lied lazily when Priya stretched out her hand and opened her eyes. Ram’s hand was still wrapped around her shoulder, while she had her head rested on his chest, just near his heart. She remembers few things from the previous night, after she fainted. When Ram looked at her his mind was hit with the nuclear bomb almost, hinting towards the devastation that will happen in moments. But nothing worse happened. Priya sat up on her place, and looked at herself. “I need to change..” Priya tried to move.

“Wait.” Ram stopped her clutching her wrist. “Don’t lock the changing room, if needed I can help you.” He needed much courage to speak (tough) yet he looked confident. He reminded her about the last night and mentioned it as the reason of demand.

“I know.” She replied in a low voice, “I will call you if needed.”

Ram kept his eyes on his wife, as she walked and vanished inside the changing room. To his surprise she did’t even closed the door. He sat on his place with his hands covered his eyes. They were giving up, all through the night he kept on checking Priya and time. He wanted that night to end quick but it lasted more than expected. His eyes wear burning almost. He needed to sleep but for him priority is Priya’s check up. He dialed to the kitchen and asked the cook to serve tea to their room. Next thing he walked to the changing room. He found Priya infront of the mirror in a cream salwar suit. He didn’t said anything but walked to the washroom. Priya’s reaction was not recorded by him, who sighed out after he went inside. She walked to the room and looked at her saree that still lay on the couch from last night.

She just picked up the saree to fold it, Ram stopped her. The saree slipped out of her hand as he took it in his. Priya looked at him surprisingly, as he folded the saree almost perfectly.

“App yeh.. I mean you never.” Priya looked surprised.

“I wanted to tease you all those time that I need more lessons on this things. Tum baitho.” Ram kept the saree on the couch and walked to the door, unbolting it he found Apeksha and Advik there.

“How are you Priya now?” Asked apeksha.

“Okay.” She smiled, “I disturbed you guys a lot last night.”

Ram gave her medicine, which she took and gulped without asking for. “And you guys don’t need to get tensed so much.” She said thanking Ram, “Actually I missed medicines yesterday due to fasting and I suddenly felt light headed and then I remember when I am here only.”

“Then why you kept fast?” Ram asked furiously. “Medicines are important for you, you know that.” Now he almost shouted.

“Shhh..Shh..” Priya gestured him to calm down. “I know” she said, “ it is important Karvachauth was also important. You are impor…”She stopped. Apeksha and Advik looked at each other, while priya chose to look other side.

“Let it be Jo hua wo ho gaya. Where is Pihu?” She asked.

Just then the doctor arrived. “I hope all is well with the Lady. Good Morning Ma’am. How are you feeling today?”

“Absolutely fine. I am really sorry that you have to bother for me that late yesterday.” She said apologetically.

“It’s my duty Ma’am. Let me check your Blood Pressure.” Putting the arm band around her arm he waited for the machine to show the results. “It has not yet got normal. But will get soon and what bothers me from last night is that you had hardly slept in recent.”

“Ya. But yesterday I had a sound sleep doctor. It has compensated the earlier sleeplessness.” She said with a smile.

“Did you take every medicine prescribed all those days or you have missed any one or two of them?” He asked seriously.

“I didn’t take the sleeping pill.” Answered Priya.

“That makes me comfortable now. She is perfectly fine Mr. Kapoor.” The doctor stood up looking to Ram, “As I suspected she has a hypotension that’s it but as she has a harsh medical history she will take time to regain the normal BP may be two days or three in maximum. I will ask my assistant to come three times a day and check with her few vital stats if you are okay with it?”

Ram said that there is no problem from any of their end. Only he requested him to visit once in two days, which he accepted without any argument. Ram walked out with the doctor while Apeksha sat back to Priya.

Priya again asked for Pihu, none of the present people answered. When she said that she should go and check on her own. Apeksha looked at Advik and said that she has left for the college. She has once came to see her, but as the bedroom was locked she didn’t bothered you and left.

Though it sounded like there was nothing to worry about, Apeksha looked worried, “Advik will you or shall I?”

“What?” Priya asked.

Advik waited for Ram to walk back to the room, this time Dev was also with him. Advik stood and briefed the last night to Ram, Priya and Dev. Priya looked at Ram and found him calm, would it have been the over protective father having filial love for his daughter, he must have reacted worse. Instead he surprised everyone by asking what they should do next.

“Medications has to be started and for that we need to tell Pihu that she is not well.” Advik announced.

“Are you Mad?” Priya retorted, “I am not letting you do this. I will make sure she takes every medicine but I will not allow anyone to tell her about her medical condition. This time I really fear. I don’t have any courage left to face my daughter telling her about the medical condition.”

“Okay, though I don’t agree, what you will tell about the counseling sessions that I will be starting with my senior?” Advik Asked.

“Bol dungi.. bol dungi…I will somehow convince her.” Priya didn’t have any answer to fight back.

“Okay that also can be managed. You do something.” Advik pulled out a medicine and extended it towards Priya, “Just have it. It is good for you. Trust me.”

“Why should I take this medicine? And what good there in it?” Priya asked furiously.

“Exactly this Pihu will ask when you or uncle or Apeksha Aunty or anyone will be trying to give her medicine. What will you tell then” the doctor asked, waiting for an answer.

Advik. Called Ram. “Let it be. Tell us what we have to do. I want ..” he paused to correct the phrase “My” that clouded his lips even before uttering to “Our” “Our daughter back to normal. I am ready to help you in any manner and Priya we have to tell her that she is ill.” Ram sounded sensitive this time.

“I don’t know how I am going to handle this.” Priya said.

“Don’t worry I have chalked out everything only need your permission to execute it.” Advik looked at them for permission. Ram and Priya looked at eachother, in unison they said, “Yes we are ready for it.”

Good. He looked at Dev, with whom he chalked out a plan that morning when later was in the living room. Dev hesitated first but he promised to be the part of his plan only if Ram Priya allow him to do so. Now with Ram and Priya’s permission, though if the first person has a little hint of Dev getting involved in this, he might have never agreed. But it was too late to react.