Chapter 3 - Hospital

As the taxi came to a halt, the door swung open, and Srijana stood before me, extending her hand as a silent invitation to exit the vehicle. With a gentle yet firm touch, she guided me out onto the pavement. But as me feet made contact with the ground, it felt as though my strength had evaporated, leaving me unable to stand on my own.

In that vulnerable moment, another pair of hands reached out, steadying me from the other side. Startled, I turned to see my Papa, his presence offering unexpected support. Though he avoided meeting me gaze, his silent strength spoke volumes. It was clear that he, too, was struggling with his own emotions, his calm demeanor showing how he wanted to protect me from his own pain.

Despite his efforts to conceal his vulnerability, I could sense the weight of his sorrow, the unspoken bond between us growing stronger in the face of adversity. With Srijana and Papa by my side, I found a semblance of stability amidst the turmoil, knowing that together, we would navigate the challenges ahead.

          It was still early morning, with few people around. The darkness enveloped everything in silence. As I neared the hospital, the faint cries of women pierced the quiet. With each step, the sounds intensified, making my heart race with nervousness. Finally, I spotted the staircase leading upwards.

          I stood at the bottom of the staircase, listening to the cries echoing from the top. By then, my body had started to shiver, reluctant to climb the steps, fully aware of what awaited me on the top.

          Finally, as I reached the last step, I could see a group of people, gathered, engaged in conversation. Their faces turned towards me as they noticed my presence and gradually, the chatter ceased. One by one, they all turned to look at me, their gaze heavy with anticipation. The world around us fell into a hushed silence, except for the sorrowful cries of a woman somewhere behind them.

          In the next moment, someone came running and embraced me. It was Aakancha, Askash’s younger sister.

          “Look Bhauju (sister-in-law), what happened to Dada (brother)”, she asked, pointing towards the door amidst the crowd. I gently pushed her aside and hurried towards the door. As I opened the door, my eyes fell directly on him lying on the bed. He appeared as though he were sound asleep. Rushing up to him, I gazed at his face intently.

Holding his face, I pleaded, “Wake up, Chucha (Aakash’s nickname).”

“Why are you still sleeping?”

“We have to get ready. You promised, right? This vacation you will take me to Mustang.”

Wiping my tears, I urged “Faster… Faster…. We have lots to plan and pack. You promised!!”

Aakash’s mum was holding me and turned me towards her. “Selung. Get hold of yourself!! My son is no more!!!.”