Kasmakash

Chapter 5

" Maan Betay , nurse told me that you spent all the time, sitting in the corridor..In the morning you were with me..Abhi Geet k pass thy na...I know you have's had anything since morning.." Daddi trailed down her fingers along his check..He looked to other side.Wiped a lone tear dribbling down..from the corner of eye with his thumb.



Maan sniffed " Daddi how much you paid to this staff ?" with his same choosy smile he asked..Maan pressed her hand in his fist.." I am not getting Beta ? Which payment you are talking about.I don't think, anyone keeps wallet at hospital bed.." She sensed, he was pretending to be normal, getting witty.But why he said so ?



He giggled at her puzzlement " Wahi walli ! same your promised to hospital staff ,to keep eye over my all activities..Just like Nakul n Deepak do 24 for 7. You need not wallet na, money could be included in hospital bill?" he winked..On his silly joke, even Daddi cracked up too.Or she was pretending to be happy ? Only she knew..But couldn't let his efforts go in vain..When he himself in agony.


" Not a bad idea ? " teasing him back , she tapped on his arm, with free hand.


" I know, its too easy to ask, that take care of yourself too.." sighed deeply, then rolled her head to other side  " As a mother's its my duty to look after child.Instead of me, its u r sitting beside.." her heart ached, she said gravely


" Like you are following my all orders, without arguing, so go for it too..I mean just go back home, freshen up and have some food..Rest bhi jaroori hai..You can't ignore your health, if you have to look after your family single-handedly" in low tone, she tried to convince him, holding his hand..



But he nodded in denial..Like a stubborn child " I am fine Daddi Maa, ll have  something from hospital canteen , I can't leave you both alone.Aur wo pagal ladki..She is not any easy stuff, as I thought"  he chucked 


" She will ask for me, after waking up...torturing hospital staff " His smiling eyes, how much he got excited discussing Geet, filled Daddi with little ray of hope..Shrewd businessman Maan could read minds, not hearts..His few words, were reflection of his heart, which was overpowering mind now.


"Time you have wasted, messing up with Daddi..You may have reached home..Betay Daddi knows, you don't like eat outs, either stay here or outside India. You appoint a cook, or like to prepare meals by own Nakul is here as well..He accompanied me..So go home and have a proper meal, who knows your taste better than him ? " physically they were far apart, during these years..but their heart never moved an inch apart still..She knew well, what her child needed n when...



He gazed her unblinkingly..Then put his head down..Very next moment he exploded Maan couldn't seize his grief..He hugged Daddi n cried out his pain.



" Na, na mere bache, rote nahi..What you want ? Another heart attack for Daddi, or wanna c that mad girl targetting staff within your absence  So before something like this happens go and come soon...Everything ll be all rite..Tears this word is not in Mann Singh Khuraana's dictionary " she kissed his forehead, then his palms consoling him...When she herself had been shattered down from inside...



"I ,I mmm.mmm sorry Daddi, sorry ." he stuttered..sniffing..with mild hiccups Daddi wiped his tears..



" For what my child ? Why you seek sorry ? Its better to bare your heart Daddi is with you always...I know you better, more than yourself..You ll never regret..Dekhna " she boasted, his morale...He never been a weak person. In business he never stepped back after taking bold steps..By hook or crook he got what he wanted...But never cheated in relations, uttering lies..It was too hard to accept...



"Do you remember, your play station ?" She ruffled his hair..Maan gave a confusing look " My son had full trust on self, never to loose..And yes you never lost.This is a game, destiny playing.I know you will also win " flashing old memories, could bring back, his vanishing self confidence, she thought..



" Even I hope not to let you down..Before I get new Parvachans from you. Its better to slip from here." giving sheepish smile, he got up " But Daddi , woh !" dominant feelings n conflicting emotions put Maan to awkward situation...She awed getting reflection of his heart, Her Maan was coming back, in return of loosing Dev..




Daddi gave a roguish smile  " ohh....fohh Betay , Don't worry about her. leave it on me. I know how to tackle her. Now when my son is with me. I get back, my loosing hopes" she giggled, comparing Geet n Maan's reversed behaviour. Maan is hesitating to speak. Geet was opening up now.



" Daddi , I ll be back soon..but take good care of yourself huh " he kissed her on cheek and rushed out..In a jiffy he peeped again "I ll also give instructions to staff, before leaving. Still in any need , ring me.ok.." he flashed his teeth foolishly.



" Maan, go away right now ! Fir mat kehiya k Daddi tapad kyo maara.? " she raised her hand, posing like to slap him next moment.He left making baby face, covering his puffy cheek with hand.



Its been 2 hours now, since Maan returned back to home, Khuraanas own from long..After a warm shower n tummy filled with favourite food Nakul cooked.He felt fresh and energetic..



In between, he had dialed hospital thrice in 2 hours, to get health updates for family. Every single time, he got exact answer" Sir, your GM is in good health and Ms. Geet is still sleeping "



" Like they have diverted my number to automated reply." Frustrated Maan threw phone over sofa, before bending down to tie his laces.



Getting a grip on self Nakul laughed inwardly, on Maan's stupid expressions.  "Maine koi joke maara, that you are flashing your dirty teeth ?" already in foul mood, he glared Nakul.



" Nahi Chote Saab , main to aise he " he gulped his next sentence.. Maan   raised his brow giving  "oh really  " expression



Nakul never left any stone unturned to frustrate Maan, as per his nature. Then he placed a food basket on front table " Yeh kya hai aab ? " Maan yelled.




" Arrey Chote Saab, you can forget, not me. You don't like eat outs .Its long till dinner,so you can have some light snakes.Don't be ignorant to ur health..You have lots of responsibilities on you. Take this along.I can't call you to ask, as you instructed, nor you will ring. " he was the one , who watched growing up brothers. Especially Maan, who was like a coconut, with tough exterior n soft heart. Giving whole life to Khuraanas, Nakul knew it was his moral n emotional duty, to stay beside Maan. When he was all alone.



His gesture melted Maan. It was his habit to shout over Nakul, but both knew, what great bonding they shared always..He realized,some one was there, to care for him, in Daddi's absence..



But how could he spare Nakul without throwing taunters on him.  " Nakul ! What you think ? I m going for a picnic..Aur main saara din hospital main basket lekar ghumta fir-uga...Then you are the stupidest person on earth. A masterpiece God created.." furious he picked his phone , n was about to leave..When Nakul blocked his way.




" Chote Saab, when I said so, that you are going for picnic..Deepak is gonna drop u. He will deposit this basket in VIP catering service, You can ask staff, ever you feel hungry. " with same deadpan look over face , Nakul didn't forget to counter reply him.





Maan glared him for a while..He was in hurry, to reach hospital.. Didn't want to mess with Nakul..Whose silly but logical explanation, could leave anyone helpless in front of him.



Maan reached hospital within 20 minutes.Deepak took basket to hospital catering department. He rushed to VIP section.But reception desk, he found some staff, gossiping..Which was totally unprofessional..Still, he could term himself mannerless, paying attention to someone's personal convo.




But anyone among them mentioned Geet's name.It startled  Maan..His feet glued to the spot." He really heard right, But why ?  During their leisure  activity, they were discussing a patient..Especially when they were , " on duty" staff ? " she laughed.



Receptionist was on computer, possibly entering daily reports, ans now it was Geet record. she was working on. But why she n her other two fellows were laughing at Geet's name came.



" Charu ,What about her? I mean Room number 108 patient? Nothing is mentioned about  her marital status or surname, except first name Geet " Feeding some Data on computer receptionist asked her fellow named Charu..Who was examining some random file, for name sake..Their gossip session was in full swing, including a medical staff along.




This desk was set to provide informations to visitors n patients' families, or to keep updated medical records for doctors., was not any gossip corner..





Yes Maan heard right..A casual chat turned to serious one instantly..He wanna find out , why a general patient like Geet, turned to be hot topic of discussion. 



He took few steps towards turn, directing to corridor. No one could catch him..But they were audible to Maan..He rarely saw 1-2 people around. Still  pretended to be busy with phone..Its VIP sections, so less patients n least crowd..Without much work load staff was free to gossip.





" She had lost her memory of past two years.She might have married during this time, as she is preganat. Precisely neither she knew about husband nor pregnancy " Getting judgmental Charu( R2) shrugged her shoulders, answering Receptionist 1 (R1) named Reena.



Male Medical assistant named Vipan also jumped in..Who had some lists in hand " But Charu ( R2) , she is some close one to Mrs. Savitri Devi Khuraanas, n was with her Grand son Dev Khuraana, who is in Coma."



" Its also true. Khuraans new her well..So her full identity too.We didn't saw any one visiting her. Neither any family, nor husband " actually he had everyday's prescription lists, medicines doctors need as per required in treatment. And his duty was, delivering all to patients room, including Geet n Dev's . Which he showed to two ladies. He was here to submit lists to be added in records. But got busy in this dirty talk.



They stared that list curiously. Like some big scandal was exposed in front of them. But for Maan the harsh reality..Where his relying on medical support, for every single breath.His blood boiled..Maan tighten his fist..Very next moment he could beat that assistant black and blue..How dared they to bring Geet in his disgusting topic.



But the bitter truth is, Maan's one wrong step could turn, their doubts a reality If he got out of control, then even could kill that man...Also those two women taking Geet's name from their filthy tongue n with dirty mentality..



At this very moment, he was most helpless creature, presently in this whole universe.He couldn't cross his self created limits. Where one side his family was n other side his patience...In no time, it would turn media n legal issues, to tackle it was not his cup of tea this time.When these things were his part of life since his birth as being Khuraana boy.



" Maan you have to think sincerely with consciousness..getting grip over emotions.." he mumbled, gathering himself.



Coming Back to conversation


" Mr. Dev Khuraana n Geet, were on their way to Delhi, when they met with that mishap..Mrs. SD Khuraana was in Delhi n Mr. Maan Khuraana  returned back to India after attack,  from London  two days back." going in depth of investigation on this case, Reena asked.




" I smelt something fishy.I think she got pregnant before marriage " resting hand over waist Charu, gave her verdict , narrowing her eyes, she was in serious thoughts.



" Fir bache ka baap kon hai, Kahi honor killing jaisa mamala to nahi tha, is attack k piche..Uski family ka bhi haath ho sakta hai " Vipan male assistant cracked up.Followed by both women. " sheeeew..." Reena put finger on lips " If some one overheard this na, it will be our last day on job. Such a influential Khuraanas are you know."




Maan couldn't take it more.They could stoop such low ? How dare they raise finger over Geet's character..He grinned his teeth..A inner turmoil was going on, to act like  rational or realistic." Yes you are right. Who we r, Noh ! who I am, You will find it out soon. This business world curse me for silent cards I play. Without giving prior warnings. You people made me realize how to use same cards, for my real submission towards relations."




He looked around who area was vacant. He tucked his shirt properly again in jeans. Combed hair back with his hands..Kept his Phone in hand. Ready to present himself like nothing happened..That staff didn't catch him, from where he appeared. As they were still engrossed in talks in whispering notes.




Sudden raid of Maan at desk, turned them pale. Their mouth went dry. But Maan behaved like nothing happened. Taking advantage of Maan's total attention toward Reena ( R1), male staff Vipan slipped silently from scene. She was searching for words. Like a student do, getting caught red handedly by teacher, doing any mischief.



" Sir wo..." she peeped from corner of eyes toward Charu ( R2). Her condition was same.. They were looking for some place to hide or to escape.




" Miss, I think you are not in good health. You should take leave " he taunted. Both ladies stared Maan confusingly..He behaved calmly toward them  " However, plz inform neurologist Dr. Khan that Maan Singh Khuraana wants to meet him. I wanna discuss something related to wife's case "


Struck dumb both ladies boggled, hearing wife. Even Male staff's Vipan's condition was same too. Who was watching everything from far. Away from their sight.Their mouth were wide open.



" Sir your wife ?" Charu (R2) asked hesitatingly..Now from where his wife appeared..They just saw him alone, tackling everything..They didn't know he had wife and admitted here.



" Kyon ? he is looking after my wife Mrs. Geet Khuraana's case. Woh Room Number 108 main hai jo.." their condition sooth Maan's volcanic mind a bit 



Reena searched for words " Sir, wo Geet Ji, wo unka  name, wo file...Dr Khan haan haan , abhi, abhi inform karti hi " her hand trembled picking up receiver.



Maan wanna to be beside his laides, but to teach a lesson to these uncivilised   n inhuman creatures, in own way was also important. He gave one more jolt to them. Demanding file of Geet's case " Geet, file..What you wanna say..Sab theek to hai na uski file main..You make me worried. If she is in good health "




" Sir, its not like that.. " Charu tried to cover up.



" No no, I am worried give me her file. Mujhe abhi doctor se milna hai. Till the doctor arrives, I am gonna check on my wife and GM. Give me her file." adamant Maan ordered.




Finding no other option Charu handed file to Maan. Where only Geet was written at cover. Maan just went through random pages, without giving much attention. In reality he could read text only but medical terms stated on papers. Went over his head. " You people gonna keep this file in hospital record too. "




Girlz nodded in yes.



" Why her first name is mentioned on this only? Instead of Mrs. Geet Maan Singh Khuraana. You people know well, she has lost her memory. Until when she ll need treatment, we don't know. It is obvious these records will be needed for reference in future. How will you search accurate ones without full name?  Some one else's name also be Geet. Please correct it in her medical files. For copies we r gonna keep , as well on hospital ones too " he was reading their plights n confused minds. Actually they were nothing in front of such a clever man. Who was back in action again. Even thanking to these people. 



Staff didn't reply back. Or dared to ask , that when she was brought here, why she was admitted as Geet only ?  Instructing them to correct mistake n to make appointed with doctor, he left. Maan smirked n left the place.



Maan played his silent card well. Some where it calmed his burning inside n he took his first step for the reality, world would gonna get same jolt in few days. 




It was real side of  Maan Singh Khuraana. Only he could gather, everything which had shattered, per Daddi's  full trust on him.. What about his own self ? He was for them, But who was for him ? In attempt to join pieces of pain, which his family beard,and by joining them for happiness, how much he could give... Letting shatter himself bit by bit...Khud se Kahsmakash karte karte..


Love 


Sonia


Please ignore editing mistakes. Shower ur love, its called give and take. Give more comments, get quick updates.



Precap : Will the point of honour killing, male attendant point out unintentionally. strike Maan's mind. What about start of a journey called marriage.