6~ The injury
After dropping Akriti, I had a constant smile on my face. How beautiful she is! I swear, no woman can ever match her looks, her personality. Her smell still intoxicates me, her voice warms up my heart. How can one be so gorgeous and perfect?
I couldn't focus on my work after last night. The image of her face constantly swirled in my brain, in my heart. And I can't even do anything about it. Letting my head drop on my table, I smile. She is just so beautiful. But will she ever fall in love with me?
My dreams of Akriti are broken when I hear someone knocking. I mumble a 'come in' and sit straight. The nurse stood on my door with a clipboard
Taking a pen to prepare for any appointment, I asked the nurse, "Is there any appointment left?"
She shook her head and said, "No doctor, the receptionist sent me here to tell you that the contractor called since your phone was switched off".
"Yes what's it?" I asked, dropping the pen on my table. Collecting my laptop bag, I stood up and heard her say, "He is calling you on the construction site". I nodded, wondering what happened there that he can't handle it himself.
"Okay, I am going. If any patient is left, ask him to visit tomorrow", I instructed and buttoned up my blazer.
She subtly nodded and left my cabin without saying any other word.
I took in the opportunity to call the contractor after switching on my phone.
I don't use my personal number when at work.
Either it is the hospital's or my another number.
"Hello, what happened Mr. Verma? All okay?" I asked, rushing out of my cabin. For God's sake if they ruin the architecture of my hospital, I am gonna sue them. I hear him barking some orders and then he said, "Err you better look at it yourself".
Furiously, I bark, "I am telling you that if it's another of your mistakes, I'll go to the court and sue you. Already, I have faced so many losses because of your negligence."
"S-sir-"
"Shut up, I'll be there in ten minutes", I cut him off and toss my phone in my pocket. What a way to ruin my perfect mood! I was so happy that I talked to her and even dropped her home but no, no one likes my happiness. I try so much to keep myself calm but something has to happen!
I marched towards the reception and commanded, "Cancel my appointments for today. Shift them tomorrow instead". The receptionist looked up from her book and informed, "But sir, you have three surgeries scheduled tomorrow".
I groaned, completely forgetting about the major surgeries I have to perform tomorrow. How many things do I need to manage? Construction, this hospital, then my patients, my ever ready mother who just wants to get me married and Akriti! I am getting insane!
"Oh! Evening it is then, sharp at five", I said, looking at my watch which showed one. She nodded and noted my instructions on her register. I started walking away when she yelled, "Wait sir! Dr. Mehra called. She wants to meet you at three in the evening".
I looked back at her, my eyes widening. How did I forget this!
How? I take out my phone and open the messenger app.
I reread my chats with Dr. Mehta carefully.
I thought we had to meet next Tuesday but the Tuesday she was talking about is today!
And now I can't even deny her, she is the new cardiologist I managed to find after ten months!
Ten freaking months! How many times I tried to persuade Yash to join the hospital but he always refused saying that it would seem like I give importance to my family members.
The point is fair but who cares? No one would speak anything, atleast on my face and I am the managing director, it's my choice.
I can hire anyone I want, my family included.
Anyway, he denied, leaving no space for any argument but he agreed to see the cardiac patients routinely.
"Okay, thanks for informing", I simply stated and start moving out of the hospital. Gosh! I need to be quick then. With my steps turning faster, I reached the parking area and sat in my car. Fanning myself in the warm afternoon of December, I took a deep breath.
When I reached the construction site, I felt so proud of myself, looking at the five floored building which soon will be a hospital, a huge one.
This is the biggest hospitals we are constructing.
The branch I work in is the oldest, almost of my age.
My father and my uncle built it, it was their dream project.
And last year, when I completed my M.Ch from Delhi, I was handed the sole responsibility of the hospital since, Adrija, like her husband didn't want any share in the property.
They both have their own aspirations and as she says it, they like to keep away from my father and uncle's property.
I entered in the building which was yet to be groomed with tiles and decor.
The constructor who was constantly yelling, when saw me, turned pale.
I hope it's nothing big because seeing his expressions I can already figure out the harm they have done.
I crossed my arms around my thorax and asked, "What happened now? "
Mr. Verma nervously chuckled and said, "Err they broke a few tiles". I sighed at the information, muttering, "Your men can't do a single thing perfectly. How many tiles are broken?"
"Twenty", he asked and my eyes fell out of my sockets. Twenty? He is kidding me right now? Does he even know how costly they were even though I bought them in bulk? And they ruined it!.
"And who will pay for it?" I taunted, taking my phone out. He looked everywhere but my eyes and mumbled, "Sorry sir, no such things will happen in the future".
"Future?" I exclaimed with a chuckle. "I am big giving your company any contracts in future.
Isn't one building enough? First you messed with the pith beams, then the pipe lines, then wrong measurements and now tiles.
Do you realise that I have lost lakhs because of your stupid mistakes?
Why would you and your company care though?
You are getting your money on time. Customer is a fool right? "
I stormed after furiously shouting at him, my pent up frustration taking the best out of me.
I fisted and unfisted my hands trying to calm myself down and climbed the stairs of the structure.
When I reached on the second floor which was now completely covered with machines and other equipment, I took a deep breath.
"Calm down Adhyay, calm down", I mumbled to myself and looked around for any mistakes. If I find one other mistake, I am going to the company and unlock my devil side which I do not show often. I walked around and to my surprise, there were no workers around. Are they even working?
I walk to the end of the floor and peek down. When I don't see anyone, I climbed down.
I spent one hour seeing the work going on and when I was almost done with my inspection, I decided to go to meet Dr. Mehta. I dialled her number, standing in front my hospital.
She didn't pick the call at once. It took me three rings before she picked up the call.
"Hello? Dr. Adhyay? I am so sorry, I was busy with some work. I am so sorry", she blabbered as soon as she lifted the call.
"No, it's okay, you might be busy. I just wanted to ask if we are still meeting to decide your salary and work contract", I straightforwardly said, not wanting her to get other messages.
No, really! I have encountered a few females who take me otherwise.
Little do they know that my heart is already taken by a beautiful writer who doesn't believes in love.
"Yeah! Let's decide the location and meet", she said with a tinge of enthusiasm.
From my peripheral view, I saw a worker picking up the tiles and I glared at him, warning him to be careful.
He lowered his eyes and softly picked my precious tiles up.
I smiled and on the phone said, "You text me the location and I'll be there.
It will take just half an hour maximum."
"Okay sure", she answered back and I disconnected the call. Sighing, I started walking towards my car when I heard a huge blow. I turned over to see that these guys were throwing the left iron bars like maniacs. My mobile pinged with a location of a restaurant and her message, 'Let's meet here?'
I quickly typed an okay and looked at the workers again. I think they have made their mind to just anger me by ruining the things I bought with my hard earned money.
"Hey! Be careful, you'll make impressions of that", I yelled but no one paid heed to my words.
With anger, I marched back into the building but before I could give them a good earful, my right hand was slashed by a sharp end of a metal bar.
I winced, looking at my blood covered hand.
It was a huge wound! And blood was seeping out non stop.
I sat down on the floor and with my left hand took out my handkerchief.
I wrapped it around my wound, applying pressure so that no more blood seeps out of it.
I winced at the burning sensation and bit my lips.
"What happened sir? How did this happen?" Mr. Verma's anxious voice infuriated me more. Can Atleast one thing in this world can be right for me? Something is always happening with me today, can I get a moment of peace?
"Can't you see?" I gritted showing him my right hand. He gasped, it was like he had never seen blood. As absurd as it sounds, it was true. More than me, he was panicking and acting like I was going to die.
"Should I call a doctor?" He stammered making me glare at him. Doctor? Who do I look to him? What else am I? Should I call a trauma surgeon to operate on my wound? Fucking ridiculous!
"Just bring me a clean cloth and water", I ordered, seeing how my handkerchief was completely soaked in blood.
He quickly scurried away and after a while, came back with a dirty red coloured cloth which did not look clean to me.
I wanted to yell at him but instead, I said, "Leave it, I am fine".
Wrapping the handkerchief more tightly, I sat in my car. I wish I was a leftie like my father.
I pushed open the glovebox of my car to take out the first aid kit, I just keep for situations like this.
With much difficulty, I opened the plastic box and took out the savlon bottle, all with my left hand.
I grunted as I couldn't open the cap of the bottle with my left hand and my right hand, well, it was almost frozen.
With the help of my teeth, I rolled the cap and kept the opened bottle on the dashboard.
I tore a stab of cotton from the packet and dipped it slightly with the liquid.
Unwrapping my hand, I started to sanitise my wound.
It did burn a lot, I swear. In my whole career, I have coaxed people to get their wounds cleaned but never had I ever imagined that it would be this painful. I hissed at the burning sensation.
I took out the bandages roll and tore a long piece of it with my teeth.
Wrapping it on my right hand, I tightened it.
The blood had stopped seeping but it was paining like hell.
Keeping back all the items in the box, I tossed it inside the glovebox again.
Thank God, I keep my first aid kit with myself.
But how do I drive now? Without my right hand's support, it's almost impossible to drive especially during day when the crowd is on its peak.
Gathering my strength up, I closed the driver's door and start the car. Steadily bringing my right hand on the steering wheel, I pushed the accelerator. I decided to keep my speed low so that I don't get into another accident.
I reached the restaurant where Dr. Mehta had decided for us to meet.
I locked my car and went in, my sole attention on my right hand which was burning like hell.
Why do bad things happen with me on the same day?
First a complicated surgery, then bearing the loss of broken tiles and now my hand!
I wish, Dr. Mehta agrees to join our hospital or else this would be the forth thing I loose today.
I spotted her sitting exactly in the middle of the restaurant with the menu book in her hand. I rushed towards her and said, "Hello, Dr. Mehta". I couldn't extend my right hand up due the injury, she too noticed it and said, "Dr. Bansal! What happened to your hand?"
I sighed and tried to draw the chair, but couldn't because it was wooden and hence was heavy. For my left hand only, it was difficult. However, I applied more force and pulled it. Sitting on it, I replied, "Just a minor accident, nothing to worry about".
She wriggled her eyebrows and worriedly looked at my hand saying, "It doesn't seems like a minor accident Doctor". I nervously laugh and replied, "Really, it's nothing. Don't worry Dr. Mehta."
She nodded, though she didn't look even a bit satisfied. It's difficult to convince doctors, I know. They literally know everything about human body and if they find something wrong, they'll go to the depth of it.
"So? As you know we are short of interventional cardiologists, and just on time, I got your mail. Before you decide to join the hospital, let me once tell you about what the hospital has to offer", I professionally said, keeping back my pain aside for a while. She nodded, signalling me to continue.
"We shall be providing you with a few benefits like, if you or your family gets sick, we shall be compensating for half the expenditure.
Second, you shall be given full security of you decide to live in the doctor's colony adjoined near the hospital.
Third, for every extra case you handle, you will be paid extra money.
The rest of the clauses are mentioned in the contract that I mailed you", I informed her.
"I have read all of that and I wholeheartedly agree. Our work ethics are at par and I am looking forward to work with you and my other colleagues. However, I won't be able to do night duties because I have a two year old son to look after", she said honestly.
"That won't be a problem", I said, subtly nodding my head.
She smiled at me and forwarded her right hand to shake with mine, as a custom.
I helplessly looked at her, trying to communicate that I can not lift my right hand up.
She realised her mistake and began, "Shit!
I am sorry, I totally forgot about it. I am so sorry Dr. Bansal".
I chuckled and said, "Calm down, it's fine."
She nodded with an apologetic look in her eyes and said, "You really should get it mend up. It looks bad".
"I will, I am just a lot busy today", I said.
"I get that, I too tend to forget myself amid work, husband, son and house. We doctors manage so many things together that we leave ourselves behind", she said, shaking her head at the universal fact.
I chuckled and nodded, saying, "True, but I didn't thought that a young doctor like you is a mother." When I realised what I just said, my eyes widened. I shouldn't have said that, she will take it in the other way! No no! Shit!
She laughed and replied, "I know, everyone says that. It's just that my husband and I got married a little early. His relatives didn't like how we were focusing more on our studies and they pressurised us, the rest you know".
My mouth fell into an O and I carefully said, "I shouldn't comment on this but you know what? I totally get you! I am myself on that stage of my life. My parents, relatives, friends, all of them want me to get married!"
"Wait! You aren't married? I thought-
"That I was married, I know, everyone says that", I said with a chuckle. She too giggled at my statement and asked, "That only means that you are in love, am I right?"
My eyes widened, astonished how she correctly guessed the reason of me still being unmarried.
"I know, your eyes tell it all. But a small advise, tell her before it's too late", she whispered the last part with a teasing smile. I smiled back at her and nodded.
"I plan to do it very soon", I affirmed, making her giggle, as if she was more excited for my marriage than me. She is not even the bit I was thinking her to be.
"That's amazing! But, now, since we have come to an agreement, I need to go. I have left my son with a maid and I really don't trust her. It was so nice talking to you Dr. Adhyay. See you tomorrow at work", she informed and stood up with her purse. I nodded and smiled at the doctor.
When I was left alone at the table, I decided to order something to eat.
After all of the work , I was starving. The waiter took my order, asking me to wait patiently for fifteen to twenty minutes.
While I was waiting for my food, I took a good look of my wound which absolutely was not good.
It does needs attention and maybe rest. That means I would have to cancel my surgeries because I can't operate when my right hand isn't working properly.I sighed at the increasing pile of my problems.
The food arrived soon and I ate my noodles with my left hand, it was difficult and I might be looking like a crook but then, my right hand isn't working. I don't understand why bad things happen to me when I require my health to be the best.
I paid the bill and exited from the restaurant.
I was going to unlock my car when I saw her, red with anger, bustling and talking to someone on her phone.
I was actually surprised at the co incidence.
However, all the pain I was experiencing vanished when I saw her face.
She looked cute with her nose red and cheeks puffed with anger.
She too saw me, her eyes nose turned more red, like I was the reason she was angry, but what did I do?
I didn't tell her about my feelings yet, then why is she furious?
Her eyes then travelled to my injured hand and her eyes softened with worry.
She took steps towards me and took my hand in hers asking, "How did this happen? "
Hey guys! How was the chapter? I hope you liked it! If you did then don't forget to vote, comment and follow.
And do follow me on Instagram as well?