Author's Note : Okay, first of all I am not related to any of the artistes portrait in this fanfic, secondly I am not an Hindi but a fan of Bollywood movies and thus it inspires me to write this story purely based on my imagination. ALL LYRICS that I have posted in this chapter and upcoming ones are 100 my creation and I am collaborating my 3 favourite actors/actresses in this story : Amisha Patel, Arjun Rampal, Hrithik Roshan because of their onscreen love chemistry between Amisha & Arjun or Amisha & Hrithik. The one movie that truly inspires me to make this is Humko Tumse Pyaar Hai and this one goes out to all Bollywood fans.
Your reviews and comments are highly appreciated! thank you...
Humko Tumse Pyaar Hai
Flashes of lightning were seen slicing through the dark chest of the night. As predicted from the news broadcast centre, the clear and calm weather started to change. Howling of winds could be heard each time the automated sliding door opened by itself for people to make their way in and out. Occasionally the loud siren added on to the already deafening noise at the parking lots as people were rushing to get out as fast as possible to avoid being caught in the upcoming heavy rain. The drizzling forced some of them to seek shelter and stay put at the entrance causing further human traffic congestion along the narrow alley towards the operation theatre.
In a glimpse, no one would have thought it was a hospital with people standing in between of the staff at work and the way they chattered happily among themselves made it looked like as if they were in a market. Screaming coming from small children as they tried to run after their parents triggered more turbulence in his already confusing mind. His head hung low as he leaned his back against the walls next to the OT doors. Never in his life he felt so much fear gripping his heart. Not even when he failed his examinations in school or even at the first experience of taking a flight to further his studies in UK. When he was afraid to tell his parents the truth about his love and intention to get married, she was the one who stood by him throughout the entire time as they sounded their disapproval. She was the one who convinced his parents about his choice and how they eventually relented and agreed to meet his love interest.
In her words, sparked a magical touch. In her ladylike nature, stored a firm and stern side of her inside her heart. In her courage, he found strength to make decisions on his own in life. In her prayers, he found solace in facing the stirring reality and when she started to sing and humming to her favourite music, he was not sure why but he felt very peaceful. She loved music, as much as he did and she loved dancing the most. He remembered of watching all her performances in school and how it always received standing ovation from the audiences as they were mesmerized by her sleek dance movements. Her presence always left an impact on anyone who saw her for the first time. She was afterall, the sweetheart of the family.
He wanted to see her back on her feet and dancing again. He wanted to see her smile, to hear her laughter and singing. It was painful to see such a lively girl lying cold and motionless on the steel operation bed. If given a choice, he wanted to be the one inside the operation theatre and not being the one with guilty conscious. He wanted to be the one who was hurt and not being the surviving one. Each time he looked at his hands covered with her blood, flashes of her images began to play in his eyes. An image of her sitting next to him as she placed her hands on his, like she always did to comfort him. The glow in her eyes assured him that everything would be fine. When he tried to touch her, the image vanished into thin air. The pressure was too much for him as tears began to roll down his cheeks.
Time seemed to freeze and it felt like forever she was inside the operation theatre. Whenever he asked about her condition from the doctors and nurses who rushed out from the theatre, they will push him aside and advised him to sit and wait outside. Waiting has never been so frustrating in his life before. Not when he was on the verge of losing everything. Losing her meant losing everything he had and he knew he cannot afford to lose her. Not at that time and never at all.
"Arjun…" A husky voice snapped into his deep daze as he looked up and saw a figure approaching him. Without uttering another word, the figure gave him a hard pat on the shoulders and took the empty seat next to him.
"How's your hand?"
"Its okay now… I've got it bandaged… how's Eisha?"
"She's still in there… doctors refuse to tell me anything… its all my fault! I should have protected her! Its all my fault!" There was a pang of regret in his tone as he wiped off the clear water from the corner of his already swollen eyes.
"Don't be so hard on yourself Arjun! Nobody wants this to happen… I… myself regret for whatever is happening… should have stayed with her in the car, should have controlled myself-"
"No Rohit! Those scumbags deserve the beating but not Eisha… she doesn't deserve this at all… she should have just let it be me. She should have just stayed away. Why Rohit… why must she save me? I should be the one inside and not her."
"Maybe because… she doesn't want to see you in there either… trust me Arjun, Eisha will be fine." Consoled Rohit as he continued to pat on Arjun's shoulders.
"She has to be fine Rohit! She has to be fine! If anything happen to her… I can never forgive myself… never…" That day was the first time Rohit ever saw Arjun losing his head and most surprisingly, that was also the first time he ever saw Arjun shedding tears. As far as he could remember during his stay with the Rampals, Arjun never showed or displayed such emotions publicly but the way Arjun wiped off the dripping tears with the back of his palm as he continued to hold on to Eisha's shawl, which was previously used to press on the stab moved him.
"Don't worry Arjun… Eisha is such a strong girl… she will make it through… have a little faith." Rohit wanted to say more but seeing how dejected and remorseful Arjun was at that time, he let go of the idea and leaned back to his seat.
Arjun continued to hold the shawl tight and closer to his lips. The blood on the shawl has taken over the sweet scent of Eisha's favourite perfume. The black shawl was a gift for Eisha on her 18th birthday. She had wanted to buy that shawl ever since the day she had her eyes on it but the price was way out of her budget so she slowly put it back and looked for a cheaper one. Though the family would lavish her with all the luxuries in life and she could have whatever she wanted without much difficulty, yet Eisha never took advantage of that specialty and preferred to work to get what she wanted. So when Arjun presented her with the said shawl, she was on cloud nine. From that day onwards, Eisha always matched her other Salwar suits or traditional Ghagra Choli for special occasions with the shawl and he admitted that Eisha looked beautiful whenever she wore it.
Its always amazing how Eisha looked beautiful in everything she wore and when he thought of the past, how he never tried to compliment her, how he took her company and presence for granted, and how he always win in pulling her nose made him more inconsolable.
Oh dear wind
Please carry this strength
For she who is fighting
In a battle of surviving
Oh dear wind
Please bring along this light
To brighten up her pave ahead
And bring her back to us
To me…
Oh dear wind
Please whisper these words
That she is never aloneAnd shouldn't be afraid
For I am here with and for her
"Arjun!"
"Huh?"
"The doctor is out." Upon seeing the doctor making his way towards them, both Arjun and Rohit quickly rose up from their seats to intercept the doctor's fast walking pace.
"Doctor-saab! How is Eisha?" Asked Arjun as he stood in front of the doctor.
"You are…"
"I'm Rohit and this is Arjun… we are her family members… how is she doctor?" Seeing how frantic and depressed the two gentlemen, the doctor took off his thick spectacles and turned to Rohit before he turned back to Arjun.
"She's in a pretty bad shape and lost a lot of blood-"
"Sorry doctor-saab but this is important! We just received a fax from Angel Hospital. They said they don't have sufficient supply of the requested blood type. So what do you want me to do now?" The nurse then showed the fax transmission to the doctor. Both Rohit and Arjun exchanged glances at each other before they turned back to the doctor for his further instructions and status of Eisha's condition. The doctor took the papers and read in great concern.
"This cannot be! What about Shakti Hospital?"
"No news from them yet. We have sent two faxes for the last five minutes."
"Well then send another fax and tell them we need the blood urgently and immediately!"
"Yes doctor!"
"Wait doctor-saab! What is going on here?" Asked Arjun as he pulled the doctor back.
"Look son, I don't have time to explain everything right now –"
"Is it about Eisha? Something is happening to Eisha? What is going on here doctor-saab? Please answer me! I need to know what is going on in here, please?" Arjun's voice displayed a forceful demand in wanting to know Eisha's condition and that made the doctor stopped for the third time as he looked up at him and started to give in.
"She is in a pretty bad shape and lost a lot of blood. She needs to have blood transfusion immediately or at least as soon as possible to avoid further complication but… we don't have sufficient supply of her blood type in this hospital and… you heard it yourself that one of the nearest hospital lack that blood type too so right now I'm hoping for Shakti Hospital to come up with good news… but you don't have to worry my son, we will try our best to save her."
"Her blood type is O+ right?"
"Well… yeah-"
"Mine too! I want to donate my blood to her, please doctor-saab! We have the same blood type so you can take as much as you want for as long as you can save her… please doctor-saab! Please, I'm begging you! Please save my Eisha-"
"But-"
"No more buts doctor-saab! You said it yourself, Eisha is in a bad shape and lost a lot of blood. Time is running out and if we continue to argue on this, she will lose more blood right? Please doctor-saab? Please?" Arjun did not give up in pleading for the doctor's consent to his request to donate his blood.
"Alright… but we need to make some test on you before we proceed on-"
"Sure! Anything you say doctor-saab, I will do anything so long you can save her!" The doctor admired Arjun's determination and willingness to sacrifice for the girl inside the room, despite of him suffering some cuts and abrasions on his forehead, arms and legs due to the earlier incident. Even Rohit admired his guts. Perhaps seeing Eisha in such a state has eaten up his own pain.
"Don't worry son, we will try our best to save her… the rest is up to God and… Eisha's will to make it through."
"Then, I can donate mine too-"
"No Rohit! You are seriously hurt yourself… don't worry I'll bring Eisha back at any cost even with my life."
"What are you talking about Arjun? You have to let me do this-"
"No Rohit… Eisha saved my life and now let me do my part to save hers. At least I know I won't have to feel guilty all my life. Once my parents come, just tell them everything is going to be okay… promise me that will you?" Rohit went speechless. Arjun was too stubborn and in fact too emotional to listen to anything. Nothing could stop him. His stubbornness and determination forced Rohit to nod without much choice. In his heart, he wanted and prayed for everything to be back to normal.
"He is right. You are hurt yourself and needs to rest. Nurse, please take this gentleman to the lab for some blood test."
"Yes doctor-saab. Sir… this way please." There were tears in Rohit's eyes as Arjun gave him a short brotherly hug. Arjun knew Rohit had feelings for Eisha and even willing to do anything for her, just like him. If it was not for his condition and bandaged, Rohit would have begged the doctor to let him be the blood donor as well. Eisha was very fortunate he thought.
"You don't have to worry Rohit… I promise you… I'll bring my Jon and your Eisha back… she'll be okay."
"No Arjun… I want you two to come back to us, not just her." Rohit said in his shaking voice as he used his free hand to pat on Arjun's shoulder. It was hard yet comforting. Without uttering a word, Arjun reciprocated that with a smile and followed the nurse to the laboratory.
It did not take long for the results of the blood tests to be released and the positive outcome clearly indicated that Arjun was fit to go through the blood transfusion procedures. The moment the results were printed out, Arjun was hurried to the operation room where Eisha was lying on the cold metallic bed with all kinds of tubes and needles poking her delicate skin. When he first stepped inside the room, he could hardly recognize her. Her once radiant face looked pale and almost whitish. Her red luscious lips had turned colourless and dried. They were so dried up that he could see cracks appearing on them. Even though she looked peaceful with her eyes closed, deep inside he could feel her battling hard for her life; and just the way he wanted it to be. He wanted her to fight and made it through. She has to make it through and not giving up on him. Not yet, he thought.
"Mr. Arjun… I am applying the antiseptic now, then I'm going to put in the needle… its going to be painful but slowly the pain will go away. Are you okay? Do you need anything before I start?" The doctor's voice broke into his daze as he turned only to see the uncertainty around him. As much as he believed and wanted Eisha to make it through but somehow, seeing her in such a state forced him to be prepared for the worst.
Will Eisha make it through? Will Eisha give up on him? Will he be able to save her? Will he be able to see her smiling, laughing, singing and dancing again? The questions kept on coming and hitting his head as he tried to calm down. No, not because of the insertion of the syringe but the thought of losing Eisha made him restless.
"Mr. Arjun? Are you okay?"
"Yes… yes doctor-saab… I'm fine… how is she doing?"
"I can say that she's still in a mid-critical condition that its more like either she can pull it through or … its hard to tell anything right now. I can only help her in terms of medication but spiritually, she needs to have that strength inside her. Right now… I think its best that apart from depending on the equipments here, let's all pray for her. She needs that too."
Arjun nodded his head weakly.
"Well Mr. Arjun, if you need anything or feel anything like nauseating or extreme headaches, shout for the nurse alright. You don't have to worry because we have nurses here to monitor yours and Eisha's condition closely. Any questions?"
Arjun closed his eyes and shook his head lightly.
"Alright then, I'll leave you to rest now." He was about to leave when Arjun called out to him.
"Doctor-saab…"
"Yes?"
"Thank you so much… for your help…"
"Don't mention it… its my duty to try my best to save my patient. Now, you have to stop worrying about her and get some rest. My staff will come later to clean up your cuts and bruises." Then the doctor walked up to check on Eisha's condition before he turned back to examine Arjun's pulse once again to make sure that Arjun did not endanger his own life while trying to save the other.
In one deep breath, Arjun braced himself up to turn his head slightly in a slow motion to face Eisha.
"Hey Jon… you can't leave me, not now… do you hear me? You can't give up on me now Eisha… I still need you. You've got to make it through… for daadi-maa, maa-ji, papa, Saif, Rohit… and even me. You can't leave me Eisha… please don't leave me." Eisha remained motionless. There were no reactions or movements from her, causing another round of nervousness and uneasiness hitting him as he tried to control himself from drowning in his own emotions.
Outside the operation theatre, Rohit was pacing up and down along the corridor hoping to get some good news from the doctors or nurses who kept coming in and out for different purposes. Each time the door was pushed open, he could see a glimpse of the sight inside the room. His heartbeat will then start to race fast and pumping hard. It was pumping so hard that the he could almost feel his heart exploding at any second. Due to the extra work in his head and heartbeat, he had to occasionally held on to the wall for support. His head was spinning and his legs were giving in to the exhaustion and pain.
He was about to sit on the empty seat when he heard some commotion of familiar voices coming from afar.
"Maa-ji? Maa-ji! Ram-ji! Here! Over here!" Called Rohit as he waved his hands for them to come over.
"Oh never mind, thank you!" Said Amarjeet as he led his wife and Rya over to Rohit.
"Rohit! Rohit-beta… are you alright? Are you okay? Do you know how worried we were just now when you called us about this?"
"I'm fine… just a little sprained and the doctor has bandaged it… hmmm…" Seeing how worried and freaked out Arjun's mother was upon seeing his state, he wondered how she will handle the truth about Eisha's critical condition and Arjun's heroic act of trying to save her in the OT at that moment.
"Glad to hear that… we are sorry that this has to happen to you… I shouldn't have let Eisha bring you there. By the way… where is Eisha? Where is Arjun?" Suddenly Rohit felt awkward at that question as the old lady's eyes lurked around searching for them.
"Hmmm… they… eeer…"
"Arre Rohit-beta… why are you stammering? Where are they? They are fine… right?" The old lady asked again as she looked at Rohit's restless expression.
"Eisha… she's… she's in the operation room-"
"What? What do you mean she's in the operation room? You said everything was okay just now right?"
"Yes… Arjun told me to call you and said that everything is okay here… when actually… Eisha is in the operation room and doctor said… she's in a critical condition and… lost a lot of blood due… due to the stab." It felt like releasing half of the huge tension inside him when he managed to tell them about Eisha. Another half would be the moment when he told them about Arjun.
"What? Stab? Eisha was stabbed? Oh my God! How did this happen? How… why… why Eisha? Amar… did you hear that? Our Eisha… what if anything happen to her? What are we going to do? What are we going to do? Oh God… please save our Eisha… please dear God…" Rohit did expect a reaction from the lady but her loud cries were something uncalled for as she dropped down to the floor. Amarjeet quickly helped his wife to the empty seat with Rya's assistance while Rohit continued to hold and massaged the old lady's hands.
"What about Arjun? Where is he? He's fine… right? Rohit?" Rya who was keeping all quiet began to show her concern over Arjun's disappearance from the scene.
Rohit looked at Eisha, then to Amarjeet before he turned back to the poor old lady who was still crying.
"Arjun… because of the shortage of Eisha's blood type in their blood bank, Arjun decided… he decided to be the blood donor for Eisha."
"What? Arjun… Arjun donated his blood for Eisha? But why? I mean… they could have just requested the blood type from other hospitals right? I… I just don't get it… why Arjun has to do this… is he hurt?" Rohit was not sure how to comprehend Rya's unfounded worries on Arjun's decision to save Eisha. In fact, she should feel proud that Arjun was trying to save a life, instead all the vibes he got from Rya's words were not anywhere near being nice and concern. He was not sure whether Rya was befuddled at the fact that the hospital's inadequacy in providing sufficient blood type for their patients or at Arjun's decision to donate his blood for his best friend.
"Arjun escaped the mishap and its all thanks to Eisha for pushing him away to get that stab… I'm not sure about the blood type at other hospitals but they do receive fax from one of the hospitals that they too don't have enough blood type in their own blood bank. But maa-ji… Ram-ji… Arjun wanted me to tell you that everything is going to be okay. He promise to bring Eisha back to us… so we don't have to worry about him and I trust him. He will be okay and he will bring Eisha back to us but right now… I think its best that we pray for their safety."
"I agree with what Rohit said Gaya… be patience… now is not the time to mourn them but to pray for their safety… that Eisha will pull through and Arjun will be okay… you've got to be strong for them Gaya, for me." Consoled Amarjeet as he wrapped his arms around his wife's shoulders.
"Be strong maa-ji… I trust in Arjun too… if he had promised to bring Eisha back then he will do it. If he said everything is going to be okay then everything will be okay." Rya placed her hands on the old lady's trembling hands.
"Rohit-beta…"
"Yes maa-ji?"
"I want to know… how did this happen? Can you please tell me… what exactly happened?" Gayatri's question made Rohit to slowly pull his free hand away from the old lady as he covered his mouth, unsure if it was the right time to blow her away especially when she was in such fragility mannered.
"Rohit… are you okay?" Amarjeet asked when he saw a change in Rohit's facial expression.
"I'm fine Ram-ji… I'm fine… its just that…" Rohit took a long pause before he turned to face the teary old lady and looked in her eyes. The same warmth eyes that used to welcome him in her house when he came to Jaipur for the first time in his life. How she reminded him so much of his late mother. She had the same virtues as his mother of being such a caring and loving figure, someone who always had that smile on her face and to see tears flowing down her cheeks did not suit her at all, he thought.
"Rohit?" Rya's voice snapped into his deep thought as she placed her hands on his shoulder. Rohit looked up and wet his lips before he started to narrate what had happened that morning.
"We… we reached at the market early that morning… the place was crowded and Eisha said… it's a normal view of a market early in the morning… everything was fine at first until…"