C5 Chapter 4

Manju's POV

It was six in the evening and I had just returned from college. "Hi Princess" My dad gazes at me in warmth running his hand on my head lovingly. "Dad, stop doing that to me in the presence of Vansh." I crib with my eyes directed on my little brother who seems to have a good time watching our daddy-daughter show. "Oh, did I do something wrong princess?" Dad takes an innocent side as I give him a hard glare. He pulls my nose least bothered about my antics and my brother bursts to laughter that he was controlling all the while. "See, you made me a joker in front of Vansh." I complain pointing to my brother who was now rolling on the ground getting dyspeptic in a hysterical laughter.

"We are going to the dinner party of Mr and Mrs Sharma. It's their anniversary today. Would you wish to join us, Princess? You could also meet your friend Jessie." My dad asks me in expectation. I contemplate on his attractive offer but the loads of homework I brought from my college seem to peep at me in mockery. I also have to prepare for my monthly tests to uphold my scholarship for the next term. "Dad, I will meet Jessie some other time. Presently I have a lot of home work to do." I mumble inactive. "It is okay Princess, there is always a next time and you are not staying at home idling away watching TV." Dad cheers me with his encouraging words. Vansh tails me to stay home as he was not interested in going to parties.

It was ten in the night. I completed all my home works and was on the verge of dozing off. Putting on the night lamp already surrounded with the coziness of the comforter I set my alarm for the next day and closed my eyes to welcome the dream world. Dad has a set of spare keys, so I need not worry about opening the door in the middle of the night. My brother was already fast asleep in the bedroom next door.

I walk along with my parents on a deserted road. Something about the atmosphere was screaming danger but I put my meaningless thoughts away. My parents are going to shield me from every danger. Dad will protect me. My conscience was all the time assuring. I turn besides and suddenly note the losing form of my mother. There was an arrow pierced on her chest and she gradually succumbs to the floor.

I reach her with tearing eyes as she mumbles almost inaudible. Take care of your little brother, my princess." I look at my father for help but a bullet already pierces his chest and he was losing his conscience. "You need to be bold and stay strong for your brother, my princess." He repeats the words of mom in a dim voice and closes his eyes completely. I gaze at the resting form of my mother. Holding her hands in mine I urge her to wake up but she wouldn't budge, there was not even a movement.

I get out of the bed like a zombie holding my breath. What sort of a terrorizing dream was that? Calm down Manju. Everything is going to be fine. My face was covered in sweat. Looking at the mirror in front of me I wash my face in the wash basin and rush to my parent's bedroom to find their bed empty. Walking ahead, my eyes capture the wall clock hanging on one of the walls. The clock struck exactly two in the night. Why is it taking so long for mom and dad to reach back home? I check on the adjacent bedroom and Vansh was sleeping peacefully drooling on his pillow. I shake my head looking at my little brother with a smile and pull the blanket to his chest.

No sooner do I reach my bedroom, I hear my phone beeping. "Yes this is Manju Bhatnagar speaking." I answer the call. The voice on the other line was in a rush. "Miss, we are speaking to you from Breach Candy hospital. Mr and Mrs Bhatnagar are admitted in the hospital for an accident. You are requested to reach the hospital at the earliest as we are supposed to perform some urgent tests on your parents which require your immediate consent."

My throat felt dry unable to register the information the woman gave me in a rush. "What? Are you dialling the right number?" I ask her going half insane. "Come and check for yourself madam..." She replies morosely and I felt the blood drain out of my face. Grabbing my cell phone and some cash for emergency purposes I ran to my car as fast as my feet could carry. I reached the hospital within half an hour and rushed to the receptionist enquiring about my parents. She plastered a fake smile over her face and started checking the register. I drum my fingers on the reception desk in anxiety waiting for her answer. “Please make it fast...” She then raises her forest green eyes to mine and spoke with over sweetness. “You are supposed to meet Dr Trivedi.”

I scampered to the doctor's cabin in haste and knocked my leg at the door in the process. "Careful young lady..." The gray haired man looked in between his glasses raising his head slightly from his desk filled with papers. He looks at me nodding his head in acceptance and beckons me to come in. "How are my parents doctor?" My throat goes to a constriction as I enquire about their accident. Adjusting his black rimmed glasses the doctor assesses me careful. He asked me to take a seat and hands me a glass of water. As I sip the first drop of water the aged man stares ahead towards the entrance and looks at my quizzical. I got the hint and told him that I was the only one to come and visit my parents and we did not have any relatives in Mumbai. He hesitated at first to speak and I was on the verge of getting an anxiety attack. My lips start trembling as I take small sips of water from the glass. Understanding my braced state, he starts speaking.

"I am sorry child. We could not save your mother. She was brought dead to the hospital." He halted his lines for a second to decipher my reaction. Emotions drained out of my face as I stare stolid at the old man. Being aged and experienced he understood my shaking stature. Patting my shoulder he gazes at me in a fatherly affection and starts giving a pep talk. After I regained my composure, he speaks the gospel truth. "Child, I am sorry that you had to cognize this dreadful incident at such young age but your father is in no better status. He has broken ribs, a fractured knee and a major head injury. Presently he is in coma. Though we would always pray for the best to happen, I am sorry that we cannot guarantee you about his life."

"The vehicle your dad was driving was not covered under a security so I regret to inform you the insurance would not be covering for the damages. It was a drunk and drive case, an exhibition of sheer negligence on the other side. Today's youth..." He shakes his head odious. The driver on the other car is declared dead. We still do not have any information about his family for you to claim any compensation though he appears to be from a well to do background. Dr Harshwardhan is handling the case. You can speak to him and... "He contemplates thoughtful watching me but anyhow continues. "maybe claim for the damages?" I stare at the doctor devoid of any emotions. I had no words to speak. My rationality stopped functioning and the world came to a halt for me. I dragged my feet to my parent's room shaking unperceivable and cried my heart out.