Incandescence

Chapter 7

Aliza

Almost a week had passed since I'd been admitted to the hospital. One week of being pampered by the doctors and the nurses who came in thrice a day to check my vitals and progress. The first few days in hospital passed quickly because I was visited by friends and family regularly but now I was getting irritated of the constant visits and chatter going around me. The doctors had transferred me to a private room from the BICU now that my condition was under control. Mom and dad rarely left the hospital, although, I asked them a thousand times to go home and rest but they didn't listen to me. I didn't want them getting sick worrying about me. I was alright. Well, yeah physically I was strong and healthy but mentally, I wasn't sure.

I looked up as the nurse stepped inside the room, bearing yet another bouquet of roses. Who sent me these entire flowers? I smiled weakly at the nurse and turned back towards the novel I was reading. I had nothing else to do in the hospital than to lie in bed all day, reading. Sadaf had brought my favorite collection, Judith McNaught's novels.

"Time for your afternoon check up, Aliza." The nurse said cheerfully.

I smiled at her. She came towards me carrying a clip board and the sphygmomanometer in her other hand. I drew the sleeve of the hospital gown over my arm and offered to her. The next ten minutes passed in her checking my blood pressure, temperature and all that was needed for their daily record.

"So, have you changed your mind about plastic surgery, Aliza?" she asked as she wrapped all her apparatuses.

I shook my head.

"No! I don't want to get a plastic surgery, not now or ever." I said, a frown on my face showing my displeasure.

"You should think about it." She said.

"I will." I smiled at her and watched as she left. I didn't want to undergo skin grafting or plastic surgery. My face was a constant reminder of my neglect, of my carelessness and of my character. I wanted to be reminded everyday how much it costs you for a single simple mistake. I wanted to be aware of that each and every day. I thanked God that my parents understood my decision and didn't push me to undergo this plastic surgery. I knew that they thought that I would get to it eventually.

I sighed.

I hope they didn't start pressurizing me for the surgery soon. Turning back towards the bedside table where I had placed my novel I picked it up. I wish Sadaf would come otherwise I would die from boredom here in the hospital.

A knock sounded on the door and the door swung open. Sadaf stood there, grinning from ear to ear at me. Behind her, Shahmir stood with identical expression on his face. I smiled despite of myself.

"Well, look whose here." I said, smiling politely at her.

Sadaf and Shahmir greeted me in their friendly way.

"We thought before we lose our best friend to boredom, it would be better we visit her and entertain her." Sadaf said, dropping into a chair in front of the bed.

"How thoughtful of you, Sadaf." I rolled my eyes at her.

"Oh, that I am! Ask Shahmir!" She grinned at me.

"So you brought me more novels?" I asked, looking at the books in her hands. She nodded and placed them on the pile that I haven't read yet.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome." She said. I turned towards Shahmir, who was slumped on the sofa, flipping through the channels on the television.

"How is my office, Shahmir? I hope you didn't bankrupt me yet." I said jokingly.