My Heart, Belongs too Youuu

Prposal

They entered the hospital and Viren ran to the reception.

“Room number of Mr. Rai Bahadur Singh. I'm his son”

“VIP ward room number 21. Go straight turn right, there is the elevator 5th floor. ”

“Thank you, miss”.

Both of them rushed in the told direction. Priya with some of the employees of their office stood there.

“Priya, what happened? How is dad?”

“Sir, the boss has asked for the files of the new project. When I went into the cabin, I felt as if he was breathless so I inquired. He asked me to fetch his medicine. He collapsed before I could give him his medicine. With the help of Mr. Agarwal and others, I brought him to the hospital."

“What did the doctor say?”

“He has not come out since then”.

Tears started brimming from his eyes. With hands on his forehead, he sat on the floor with a thud and started wallowing. Seeing his condition Viraj ran to him and supported him. Clutching his shirt tightly he hugged Viraj, tears were not stopping from his eyes. for what seemed like an eternity when the doctor came. Viren immediately stood up.

“The immediate family of the patient,” the doctor inquired.

“I'm his son,” Viren said, coming to the doctor.

“Patient had a severe cardiac arrest. He is in the ICU at the moment. The next 48 hours are critical. If he doesn't gain consciousness by that time he will slip into a coma. You can see him but only you and keep in mind not to cause a disturbance. Please excuse me.”

The nurse guided him to the ICU. Different tubes were connected to his arms. Seeing his father’s pathetic condition a lump formed in his throat. He sat next to his father and took his palm in his palm and started caressing just like his father used to do when he fell sick.

“Dad, please don't do this to me. I will do as you say, I will even get married, but please get well soon. I love you so much. Please dad get well soon. ” Tears were streaming from his eyes. his eyes were red and puffy from crying so much, and his heart was shattering to a million pieces seeing his father’s condition. Feeling someone’s presence behind him, he twirled to find Viraj standing behind him. Viraj gestures to him to come out. He hands Viren a cup of coffee and makes him drink it. Viraj then tells Viren that he has called Ankita and told her everything also that he won't come back for the night.

The sun rays fell on his face, and he groaned, a loud beep sound was irritating him. Upon opening his eyes he saw white walls and lots of machines around him. Then he realized he was at the hospital. He tried to remember what had happened to him, but could not remember. His throat was dry so he tried to call but his voice cracked. Suddenly the door opened and he saw someone entering.

"Dad, you are awake. I will call the doctor"

"Viren, please give me some water first ".

Viren gave him water, meanwhile, the doctor came and checked him.

"Mr. Singh, do you remember anything that happened? For the last two days, you are here. Try and remember what has occurred?"

He was in deep thought, and after some moments he spoke.

"I had asked Priya for some files and then there was a throbbing pain in my chest, then blackness engulfed me and I collapsed."

"You had a cardiac arrest and your staff had brought you here on time else anything could have happened. Your reports are fine and you could be discharged by evening. I will get your discharge papers ready."

"Dad, I will just go home and bring you a fresh set of clothes. Viraj will be with you in the meantime."

Viren was surprised to see a car in his drive-in. He recognized the car and went with the anticipation of who could have come. He took the blessings from the visitor.

"Viren, I want to discuss something important."

"Please come, we will talk about it in the study".

" Viren, I talked with the attending physician of your father. He had a major second cardiac arrest and."

"Wait uncle, what do you mean by the second. It is the first time he suffered a cardiac arrest. He must have been mistaken".

" Unfortunately he is right. Your father had his first attack just six months back. His PA had helped him with medical aid at that time. To make the long story short, his heart is very weak and can give away at any time. You should keep in mind that he doesn't get stressed or tense. As I consider you as my son I advise you that please fulfill his wish to see you settled .”

Viren was shocked on hearing all this. His father hid the truth about his medical condition, and even Priya didn't bother to tell him. He was heartbroken after knowing the truth. Promising himself that he would do anything to keep his father happy, he bids farewell to the family doctor. He goes to his father’s room. The stillness and peacefulness of the room lingered with his father's smell and had a soothing effect on his mind. He sits there for some time and inhales his father’s scent. The ringing of a mobile breaks his trance.

“Where are you, Viren? It is time for uncle's discharge. We are waiting for you.”

“I’m coming as quickly as possible . Something came up . I will explain when I will meet you”.

Hastily he takes clothes and drives to the hospital. While his father was busy changing, he confronts Viraj for keeping his father’s medical history from him. Viraj tells him that his father didn't want to tell him. Viren then tells everything he came to know about his father’s medical condition. By the time they finished, Rai Bahadur was ready. They all came home. Viren gave instructions about his diet and medicine to Maria, the house help.

“Good Morning Priya.”But he was surprised when she didn't get a reply. It was unlike Priya to not reply to him. She was not even aware of his presence. He shook her, the sudden jerk made her slip and she was about to fall when two strong hands caught hold of her. Realizing her awkward position with her CEO, she composes herself.

“I’m sorry sir. I didn't know when you arrived . I will get your coffee”. She was blabbering not knowing how to combat her embarrassment.

“You had zoned out Priya. Is there any problem.? I can help you. If that day you had not taken dad to the hospital on time anything could have happened. I Would be extremely happy to help you.”

“It is nothing sir . You are thinking too much”.

“Ok if you say so. I want to ask you for dinner tonight “.

“But sir”

“No buts, think of it as a thank-you dinner from me. We can discuss your problem there. We are not good friends but you can share with me. Maybe I can help you.”

“Yes sir. I will go from the office only if you don't have any problem.”

“As you wish. Hmmm Priya do you have a boyfriend”

This sudden question stuns Priya. She didn't trust words so she just shook her head. Both of them went in their direction.

"Priya, are you ready".

" Just give me five minutes".She went to the washroom and freshened herself up. She then knocked on Viren's door.

"Sir, I'm ready"

"Priya, since we are going out please be my friend and not my employee."

Viren took her to one of the high-end diners. It had a lavish domain. It was a little early so the diner was not too crowded but then also, Priya felt a little conscious as she was in her office wear. Viren has reserved their table. It was a private booth near the window, a little elusive from the rest of the diner. Like a true gentleman, he pulls her chair, renders her seat and then he weighs down on his chair. The server gives a menu to them.

"Please give us a minute to decide "

"Priya feel free to order anything."

"Viren Ji, please order for me. "

Viren called the server.

"Butter chicken, malai tikka masala and vegetable kofta, butter naan.Two sprites to go with it."

The server went away.

"Why are you so skeptical since the morning You can share your problems with me"

"It is nothing, Viren Ji. Just a little bit "

"Priya, you know you can trust me. Maybe we can help each other."

"I didn't get what you wanted to confide in."

"Tell me your problem then only I can give you a solution."

"My sister is pregnant and my brother-in-law want five million and then only they will take her back. My brother is in his final year, which makes me the only bread earner of the family. Not only this last month my father suffered a stroke so his medical expenses are there. My salary barely meets the end. I had applied for a loan but today the bank has rejected it as there was nothing to give them as security." she spoke in between the sobs.

Just then the server arrived with their order. Priya composed herself. The food was served. Priya ate only a little bit; she was way too depressed to eat but Viren forced her to eat. Viren ordered dessert for both of them.

" Priya, I can arrange for the money you need. For that, you have to marry me on paper. Rest are known to you as you were the one handling it for me. Dad is in critical condition and his only wish is to see me settled. You can think it over and reply to me in the next two days. As I had said we both can help each other only if you want."

Hearing this Priya was aghast and she left immediately.