Raat Akeli Hai

XXX. heartless birthdays

Same day - 17.02.2024.
At 11 pm.

anupamaa :

I had been sent back home.
As in Sumedh's mansion by him.
The doctor had said Mister Shah's health was miraculously improving.

Baa had immediately apologized accepting that she had overreacted in stress.
I hugged her and reassured that I knew how stressful it was, and it's completely fine.
Toshu and Pakhi had decided to not show me their faces.
A great relief it was.

Sumedh was at the hospital for now.
And everyone suddenly decided to go to sleep early.

I sat back on the bed, drawing in a deep breath.
He had been year just a day ago, taking care of a fever struck me.
The vision of blood in hands still haunted me.

My mind was buzzing, so many thoughts, so many questions and so many answers.
He was only begging for another chance. Even on his death bed he was asking for forgiveness,
And I had moved on from him so heartlessly that all of it hurt but couldn't change my mind.
I still didn't wish to be his wife again.
And I didn't know why.

I shut my eyes holding my head.
Just then my phone buzzed.

I picked up the call without checking.
"Maa.. Papa ki tabiyat kharab ho rahi hai. You need to come here immediately.", It was Sumedh.
I immediately got off the bed.
"Aa rahi hu..", I said before hanging up and jogging out.

I asked the driver to take me to the hospital.
It took almost an hour.

When I rushed into the hospital the clock struck 11:49.
I spoke at the reception and they sent me upstairs to the ICU cabin.
The second floor seemed eerily dark and quiet.
I drew in a deep breath and walked down to his cabin.

I was about to open a door when I heard,

Mai koi aisa geet gaoon...

I paused, a little taken aback.
They was my favourite song, but more than that, the voice.

Ki aarzoo jagau..
Mai koi aisa geet gaoon..
Ki aarzoo jagau..

I pushed open the door and the lights came on.
I stared, completely taken aback.

Agar tum kaho..

The wall right opposite to me was decorated,
There was writing with those golden alphabet shaped balloons -

Happy Birthday Anupamaa
And colourful balloons stuck all-around.
The room was packed with people.
The whole family.

Mister Shah was still on the bed, but the machines were off him for now, with the mic, connected to a small speaker nearby. Baa Bapuji, Toshu, Pakhi, Sumedh, Dimpy and Kinjal.
Everyone looked happy and cheerful.

I had myself forgotten my birthday, but somehow they remembered.
Mister Shah cleared his throat. He was obviously straining.

Ye Palkhein Bichhaoon
Kadam Tum Jahan Jahan Rakho
Zameen Ko Aasmaan Banaoon
Sitaron Se Sajaoon
Agar Tum Kaho