The Binding String

S I X T Y - S E V E N

Two hours later, Raman and Ishita were permitted to take a glimpse of their daughter Roohi who was in the ICU for post surgery care. They were dressed in the surgical gowns provided by the hospital, the mask was on their faces and heads were covered with caps. Ishita entangled her hands with Raman unable to suppress her sobs, Roohi looked so fragile and weak on the hospital beds. Her face was covered with an oxygen mask, the tubes were attached to her body. Ishita clamped her mouth to suppress her sobs, her heart came to her mouth seeing her daughter in vulnerable state. Ishita had urge to hold her but it was not possible at this moment. She rather held Raman hand to gain his support. It's one of the overwhelming moments of her life when she is unable to figure out her emotions, the fears of weeks, the insecurities have died out. After so long she felt breathed again, after so long she felt everything she wished and desired is hers.

Raman and her daughter, her newfound love and world.

"She is going to be fine soon, nahi?"

"Hmm. I can't wait to hold her in my arms." Ishita's throat wobbled, she opened her fist and kept the holy flower on the bedside table. "Let's go back. We need to prepare for her welcome." Raman rubbed her shoulder and they walked out from the ICU with heavy steps. Ishita and Raman were welcomed by Mihir who appeared waiting for them. "Raman, you need to complete some formalities."

"Hmm. I will come up soon. Can you go alone?" Raman looked at Ishita with soft eyes, she assured him silently and walked towards their suite which appeared to be a complete mess but she couldn't help to admire her family who were decorating the room with full enthusiasm. This day wasn't less than a festival for them. Raman planned a few prompts for today which he showed her last night, Ishita took out from the cupboard and started to blow foil balloons of  Effil Towers and her favourite Disney characters. What if she didn't celebrated her birthday in Disneyland, they will make sure to make this birthday grand as possible. Ishita passed the balloons to Romi who was in-charge to decorate the entire suite. It was already early evening when the family finished decorating the suite alongside eating food. Ishita hung the balloons written, Welcome Baby Girl" on the wall and admired the beautiful looking suite.

Ishita felt her head spun when she was admiring the preparations for her daughter's birthday, she leaned herself against the wall and took a sharp breath, she kept fast today and didn't take a drop of water since she visited temple and it looks like it is taking a toll on her health. She ignored the continuous spinning and continued to hum listening to Romi and Simmi's words. She hoped this feeling would subside soon, from the corner of her eyes Ishita witnessed Raman entering inside the suite with a cheerful grin.

"Ishita, we can shift Roo back to the room by late eve. Isn't it great." Ishita hummed she felt Raman taking her hand in his, his enthusiasm was at peak and she missed this smile on his lips and shine in his eyes. "Ishita, let's change these sheets." Raman pulled Ishita along her but her legs wobble as her head spun. Raman held her in his arms, he made her sit over the couch looking at her with concerning eyes. "Ishita what happened?" Santhosh kneeled infront of Ishita, Raman worriedly looked at Ishita and than Santhosh, he dialler number and asked doctor to visit them. Few seconds later, a physician on the duty arrived and started to check her blood pressure. Raman kept his grip firm around Ishita shoulder impatiently waiting the diagnosis to end.

"What happened to my wife?"

"Nothing to worry as such Mr. Raman. Looks like she hasn't eaten anything properly since last few days. I will ask one nurse to out her on glucose, she will feel better." Raman dumbely nodded his head looking at the doctor who injected cannuela at the back of her palm and put her on the glucose. Raman rested Ishita hand on the hand rest of the couch and begun looking at Ishita pale face. "Why she isn't eating anything from last few days? Pagal hai kya yeh?"