She was here, again. Giving me those foreign feelings and goosebumps while looking at her tear filled eyes.
Wordlessly, i shifted a bit on my bed to cover my shivering body avoiding hissing pain as a stitch was stretched on my shoulder. She sped near to help me with the task.
Some things about her had changed. She was dressed modestly as usual and her clothes were oversized like always but i could see her figure was more defined than it used to be.
The curves that i had always tried to overlook, seemed to make my eyes stuck right on them. It was all the way more difficult as her subtle body fragrance was all i could smell around myself as she adjusted the beddings around me.
Probably, it were just my feelings that were way intense than before.
She adjusted my pillow and my failed attempts to inhale her unique scent as less as possible made my breath grow heavier and the heart monitor to beep crazily and making her lose caution stepping even nearer.
"Are you alright?
What happened, Rajveer? Please look at me. Calm down, i'll call the doctor right away.
Don't die on me, please. I won't be able to take it again."
The tears that hung on her lashes earlier began to flow unceasingly as she pressed the emergency button in hurry. I was powerless against her. Her overthinking mind getting better of her, always imagining the worst. I wasn't even planning to leave her anytime soon, much less die.
There were times when i was thinking how worthy i would have been, had i died saving her that day. It would have made her free from this unwanted marriage, she always wanted to avoid.
But i was still worried, not for my parents as they still had Ranbeer, but her, if she could survive without me. I know she felt the same way for me as i does for her, hopefully not so intense to sacrifice herself for my sake. She was just stubborn and insecure to accept them. I am positive about it.
The door was pushed open, as the team of specialists rushed their way in. The doctor injected a tranquilizer in the IV, which was making me feel hazy and her figure blur as she stood their joining her hands in silent prayers.
"It was just BP fluctuations.
He will only feel drowsy for a while, rest assured."
She sent the doctor back with a thank you and took her seat by the stool nearby. Few minutes passed in silence and i continued to observe her. She had gotten smaller and feeble. Looking so delicate that i wanted to envelope her in my arms and protect her even from the harsh winds fearing her break. But her cheeks appeared sunken and the dark circles underneath her eyes were clearly visible. She was tired and stressed.
"What are you doing here? Hadn't you left with your mother."
I asked emotionlessly trying to break her out of negative thoughts.
"No.
I was staying the night with you. But now i feel i should have gone back, you were so restless earlier and i didn't even know what to do. Thank god you were still at the hospital, otherwise.."
Leaving her sentence hanging she began to cry again. I was feeling guilty for losing control and becoming the cause of her worry as i slowly sat up.
"Maybe, you were right. I shouldn't have agreed with our mothers."
"There is a reason why i'm still admitted here. It's not your fault so stop bawling your eyes out. The atmosphere of hospital is already depressing enough."
I cut her off and turned my face in the other direction.
"What?
Now you won't even look at my face, you infuriating man."
Oh please, Tivali. You don't even know the things i'm going through.
"Why?
Can't bear the thought?
Ms. Dhillon, you shouldn't be so worried when you can't even trust me enough to put your signature on some damn papers."
I spoke grittingly, this was the biggest grudge i was holding. At the moment it was best way to distract myself.
"I signed those, Rajveer only because i trusted you and they were not some damn papers for me, they were our marriage contract.
Infact you are the one who broke my trust.
Did you think i will sell your secret information to some stupid agencies for money or what. Did you actually think i will ever betray you.
And then you tell your mother about sending you in the arms of a cruel woman.
Who do you think i am?
A traitor or a vicious woman?
Why don't we let go permanently? Things will get lot easier for you."
Stupid woman, every word leaving her mouth was making my blood boil.
Here i was worried sick for her and she was brewing all this against me. And she had heard everything too.
"Stupid woman,
That was an operation and it was confidential. Why would i even doubt you? I have no secrets in my life to keep you from. Stop thinking things by yourself i was just distracting mom, even she understood i was trying to protect you and look at this dense woman."
"And we were going to get married anyway then why not a few days earlier. You put all that trouble just to escape signing them but you ended up doing that anyway.
Now you make me think that you just wanted to see my undying love for you before giving in, isn't it?"
"Who said i'm giving in? You must earn that chance, mister."
She huffed at me rolling her eyes as if the person crying about my difficulty earlier was somebody else.
"That is what you have to say to me.
Woman, i took two bullets for you.
What do you want to see before my baraat, my bloody cremation ceremony?"
It was getting difficult to control my rage. I don't even i whether I should be happy about surviving the shots or not after hearing her opinion about me.
"You are using that incident to make me feel guilty and give in to you when you clearly know it was all that Laila who was the cause behind it. "
She cried out. But...
Obviously, i knew that too.
But if not for him, i would still be thinking about numerous other things, other than her yes to move in.
Truthfully, i had planned to give her an experience of live action movie but the bullets were out of plan.
I don't regret, though i will every bullet directed at my Tivali without thinking twice.
"What's the use?
You are still adamant as ever."
I spoke under my breath.
My consoling words remained stuck in my throat as a knock resounded continuously on the door. Without waiting for reply it was already pushed open.
"Oh god. What are you guys even doing? Atleast stop for the sake of other patients."
It was my father who strode in her direction patting her head softly.
"Nivi.
It was really helpful that you were here. This brat wouldn't even let anyone accompany him here.
I just talked with the doctor.
He was clearly stressed bout such changes.
You did good puttr. If not for you who knows how long Rajveer would have suffered?"
He spoke looking at her red face without even giving me a glance.
Was he even worried about me?
He even eavesdropped on our conversation. Seriously whats wrong with people these days.
"No uncle. The staff here is really attentive. I'm sure he is basking in 24*7 care of the nurses here."
She jabbed at me. But why though? Nobody even mentioned that.
"Nothing is comparable to personal care of loved ones, dear.
You look exhausted why don't you use some air while i discuss some business with him. The weather is really nice today."
"Ofcourse uncle. But please don't stress him too much.
He's being overly sensitive."
She suggested while passing a polite smile to him and went out.
"Why is she so stressed? Why did you argue with her again?"
He asked.
"What business dad?
and what are these documents?"
I asked extending my hand to take the file from him.
"Why don't you tell me about your sudden medical emergency instead?"
He counter questioned.
"It was just a blood pressure fluctuation. Nothing serious."
I told, feeling my ears heat up in embarrassment.
"This is your wedding certificate.
I collected it on the way here. You are making me hide things from my wife and making my daughter miserable for the same."
He said handing me over the file. I haven't yet gotten used to his dramatics.
I was not surprised though, as i knew Vihaan wouldn't be able to keep it for long once my father starts to question about the turn of events, specially after I got shot for the first time.
"Seems like I should get annulled it soon."
"Dad? "
I shouted exasperatedly, hearing his words.
"What?
Don't look at me like that. You could've just shot him first and saved all the trouble specially those tears she shed over the past days.
You not only mulled soil on being my blood but also punished that poor soul."
He scolded me exaggerated.
"She has lost so much weight worrying about you. I hope seeing you today will put a break on her daily trips atleast."
He spoke in a slow voice while shaking his head.
"What?
She was visiting me daily?
Why would she not come inside, that woman."
My face lit up, feeling over the moon at receiving the news.
But why didn't anybody tell me about it?
I wouldn't have been so harsh on her.
"Look at how happy you are at her inconvenience.
I knew you were not a good choice for her."
He spoke against me again.
He makes me doubt our kinship?
"Dad I'm your son and she is your daughter-in-law."
"But remember this, i won't mind finding a better person for her if things continue the same way.
She doesn't want to stay with you anyways."
He scoffed.
"If you forgot the facts, we are already married and I'm not divorcing her ever."
"You can think that way as long as it exists."
"But i think in it's better to marry the person who loves you.
And there's a girl i remember from Aman's wedding, she was head over heels for you.
As for Navneet i will announce her as my god daughter, then I'll see if you will not look well after your younger sister well."
"Dad. Don't think I can't kidnap her and
You are not allowed to speak these words again, especially in her presence.
She is Navneet Randhawa and she is my wife which is not going to change in this lifetime.
You are making me restless so it's better for you to leave.
Please close the door when you leave and send my wife in."
With that i laid down once again and turned away not wanting to face him. Soon after the door was closed post his departure.
I never wanted to be rude to my father.
But that was the most serious and intimidating threat i have ever received in my life.
I wonder for how many times I'll go hell and back for this woman.
"Rajveer?
Rajveer..
Are you alright?"
Navneet pried peeling the covers off me.
She is worried about me and her worry relaxes me.
"I'm fine.
Will you tell me one thing honestly?"
I asked seriously.
"Yes, anything."
She told me confidently.
"Do you really want to do nothing with me? "
"I'm sorry, what? "
She was confused.
"Did you speak with our families about our marriage and our prospective divorce? "
"No, i didn't.
Infact i don't think they even know about all this."
She was shocked at my question.
"Then, what do you plan to do about it?"
Though I know what her answer is going to be, i want her to be vocal about it.
" Well, earlier i was thinking about organising a private wedding ceremony at local gurudwara sahib.
But I'm not so sure about it anymore. "
Her reply left me spellbound even more agitated at the later part.
I sat up hurriedly and she rushed to support me.
"Leave all the doubts behind. Will you?"
My voice turned into a softer one.
" Maybe. "
She shrugged.
"I will arrange for the discharge tomorrow and get our appointment fixed on the earliest dates available.
Do you have anything to add?"
I asked again getting the words of her approval, i had long realised this was the biggest yes i could receive after our earlier argument.
"Why though?"
She asked lowly.
"Tivali please.
Just let us get done with it already, we will solve the issues later when you move in."
I proposed, there were not many issues between us anyways.
" It's not like i have any options left. Once my family gets to know about it, my choice won't be asked either way. "
She spoke sulkily.
"Don't talk like that.
I very well know things were never one sided between us.
If you still think you were forced that you are free to leave and never look back. I will handle the things on my own.
Live your life well."
That's the most i can do for you. Afterall, relationships can never be forced. I gave my final words and laid down to sleep my grief away.
I was exhausted.
"Nooo."
She shouted.
"I can just give in once you know."
She said looking down.
"Really?"
I asked doubtfully.
"But don't think you will always get submission from me. It'll be impossible to survive an overbearing person like you then."
I guess reverse psychology worked on her. I nodded at her answer with a frown.
"So.
When are you getting the dates? "
She repeated my question.
"When do you want them to be? "
I questioned.
"As soon as you get discharged. "
"Your shopping?"
I asked, she must have lists.
"You wouldn't buy me things later?"
She questioned me instead.
"Anytime, sweetheart.
But what about your family?"
That was the most nerve wrecking part.
"They will agree, eventually.
If they know all about the things that occurred."
"Right.
It's not like it can be reversed or something.
So, ready to pack your bags, Mrs. Randhawa?"
I asked with a smile as she adjusted the level of bed into a flat one.
"Uhuh,
as ready as i will ever be, Mr. Randhawa."
She answered with her beautiful shy smile.
Our conversation was interrupted when the door was opened again.
"Hi, Navneet.
You are finally here to meet your saviour, huh."
It was my doctor. Talking animatedly to my wife without even being concerned about the presence of patient.
Their familiarity with each other was enough to convey that he was the one she was meeting in my place, while i waited for her in this damn patient clothes.
I cleared my throat to grab their attention. Which was unsuccessful.
I tried calling her name again numerous times but was ignored as their laughter echoed inside the walls.
"Ms. Dhillon."
I shouted with full force this time which startled both of them.
"Rajveer."
She turned in my direction abruptly and started checking my body for any signs of discomfort.
"Mr. Randhawa, you shouldn't be exerting yourself like that. "
Just when i was basking in her attention, the damn doctor had to open his mouth.
" He is right, Rajveer. Please don't overwork yourself. "
Tivali agreed with him.
" If you were aware about the things that might happen, why were you not paying attention in the first place."
I spoke grittingly looking at his face turning pale.
"I'm sorry, sir. I was just comforting the lady."
He spoke.
"Save them when you are going to be summoned by your seniors. "
I couldn't help but threaten him.
" Shush, you are not doing my such thing. Now tell me what is the problem."
Tivali scolded me while widening her eyes like my mother.
"My wounds are hurting badly. I can't move my arm without feeling pain."
I gave an excuse.
"Let me check them. Ms. Dhillon, if you will step outside."
The doctor said.
"Why will she leave? She is my my wife.
She can see freely, no matter how much she wants."
I marked my territory holding her hand firmly.
As the doctor stood there shell shocked.
" I won't. The sight of blood nauseates me. Call me when you are done. "
She freed her hand and left without looking back.
"Sir."
He called again.
"What?"
I asked coldly.
"Your upper clothes need to be removed."
He requested.
"You can leave. I'm alright. "
" Sir.
Please co-operate. "
Sighingly i completed his instructions and he was packing his stuff soonafter.
" Remember.
She is Mrs. Randhawa and you will only call her that."
He nodded and turned to leave.
" Wait."
I stopped him.
" You don't need to speak with her at all. Just tell me whatever it is and I'll convey.
And whenever she visits she must straight come to me.
Now you can leave."
He practically ran through the doors and Navneet stepped in holding numerous paper bags.
" I brought food."
She said smilingly as i quickly adjusted my clothes.
"Basically, it was our respective mothers and they sent our favourites alternatively."
She was smiling all the time. I wonder how she would have reacted if i had asked her to help me with clothes.
She wouldn't have straight away denied, right?
We ate in silence over the next few minutes.
And taking the medication instructions she fed me those.
Everything felt so natural about us, as she put the medicine in my mouth and held the glass of water.
I was a moment away thinking her switching the lights off and snuggling by my side.
She changed and took out the pillow and blanket out from the cupboard.
"Wouldn't you be cold?"
I couldn't help but ask looking at her thin clothes.
"It's April, Rajveer. I'll be fine."
With that she laid down on the couch and covered herself.
" You can join me, you know, If you uncomfortable there."
"Sure and then what? "
She passed me a teasing smile and raised her brows.
"I meant it in a decent way."
I hurriedly explained.
"I just don't want you to leave unannounced."
"Don't worry and Sleep tight. I'll be right here, when you wake up."
Her words sounded assuring and calmed my heart in an instant.
Atleast i had her with me though not nearest, but nearby. I was content for now and lulled into sleep just by looking at her.
*****_____*****_____*****__
Heya Guys,
I hope you are doing well and enjoying the Rajvi moments.
I'm really making efforts and you all are even reading it, then what's so difficult about pressing that small ⭐ down there.
Please vote and comment in loads to expect the next update soon.