Chapter 8

• Vikram's POV
• They finally stopped near a building and I could not get anything.
• What?? Why is she here?? What are they up to?
• I looked at the board on the building. It was an old-age home.
• What was going on? What were they there for??
• Just then, a man came out and said hello to both of them very enthusiastically. A few men came out and helped them with the stuff they brought.
• They went to the garden where arrangements were made for some kind of party and many old people were waiting for them. They all looked so happy to see them.
• Everything they brought was laid on the table and both of them helped the workers to serve all the snacks to all of them.
• Then there was a large cake which was also there. They both cut the cake and distributed it as well. She was getting very emotional and she was trying to hide her watery eyes.
• Why was she crying? Was it her birthday today?? But then why was she crying??
• Everybody was enjoying the food but she was smiling with her eyes filled with tears. That guy saw her condition and hugged her hard.
• She buried her head in his chest and cried. he was trying to soothe her.
• I was getting uncomfortable by looking at her crying in the arms of another man. But why?? I don't care...
• A lady came and drew her out of his arms... Her face was drenched with tears. The old lady wiped her tears.
• Thank God !!
• " Sandhya please, it is his birthday. We should celebrate it, don't cry, he would not like it." He said and she nodded. He kissed her on her forehead.
• I was not liking that he was touching her or that she was crying.
• She tried to smile. All the old ladies hugged her one by one. They all started enjoying. Her face was glowing now. All the people seemed were well acquainted with her.
• That man, Shubh was smiling as well. Who was he?? He also seemed to be coming here very often.
• A lady insisted that both of them must have some food too. They nodded and had their food. He took a piece of cake and offered her to eat, she took a bite and feed him too.
• Who was he to her??
• They all were enjoying. It was such a sweet gesture to celebrate somebody's birthday with the old people abandoned by their families. Their family's abandoned them, but this beautiful young lady is celebrating her happiness with them. This girl is beautiful from inside as well as outside.
• But what bothered me was, who was that man beside her. She was very close to him. I felt very uncomfortable to see her with someone else.
• A man thanked them for the party and everything and said,
• " Beta it is so nice of both of you, that you come and share your happiness with us. We just love your visits. You both bring light and hope to our lives. We all look forward to your monthly visits. We are touched that you celebrated your grand father's birthday with us. Our children don't bother to even call us. While you both come here every month and bring tasty food and all the happiness and positivity you. The food was awesome.. the party was very good. God bless you." He became very emotional and everyone was smiling with their eyes wet.
• Just then an old man said,
• " Sandhya beta the food was awesome today but we missed the delicious food made by you. We all feel touched when you make food for us with your own hands. It feels that you care for us so much. " He became very emotional. She smiled and patted on his back. Shubh hugged him.
• " That is not fair uncle. I also help her with cooking food. But you all only praise her. " He made a puppy face and everybody burst out laughing. She hit him on his arm and hugged him.
• I turned to go and came to my car. I didn't know what I was feeling at that moment. I was speechless.
• That girl is so sweet. I mean who does so much?? Cooking so much food for these people... Awesome. It was such a nice thing that she celebrated her grandfather's birthday with them. But she visits them every month, Incredible...
• I drove back to my home. I called my parents that night. They were so happy to hear my voice. My mom wanted me to come home as it has been very very long since I went home. I promised that would come soon.
• I kept thinking about her and I didn't realise when I slept.
• ***********
• Sandhya's POV
• I reached the hospital, Pooja, Ruchika, Chirag and Ajay were talking.
• Everyone was already very excited about the birthday invitation they got from Dr Aakash Khanna.
• Dr Rathore came to the department and we greeted and followed him to his cabin.
• Dr Rathore had OPD, so we were free for some time. He gave us the instructions for the day. We were going out of his cabin when he said, " Ms Sandhya, Please wait. " I nodded and stood there. He asked me to take a chair, I did so.
• " Can I ask you, what urgent work you had yesterday? " He was looking into my eyes as if he was trying to read my mind.
• " Sir, I had to go somewhere. "
• " But you could have done that today also. "
• " No sir, I could not. It was my grandfather's birthday yesterday and I had to go somewhere. "
• " To meet him and celebrate his birthday? " He was looking intensely.
• " I wish, I could. He is no more. I miss him so much. " A single tear escaped my eyes and I wiped it.
• " Then, what did you do? " He asked but I didn't want to tell it was my private matter and I don't want him to know that I went to an old age home. I didn't want him to think that I was trying to impress him.
• " Sir, I rather not talk about that. Please... " He just nodded.
• " So you are going to Dr Akash Khanna's party? "
• " Yes sir, I guess I am going. everybody is going as it would be rude not to go when he personally invited all of us. " She replied.
• " Ok, you may go now. " I came out of the cabin and went for the rounds. The little boy was resting he gave me a long list of what he likes.
• He wanted me to make anything out of them. I grinned at him and promised that I would make something out of it. I just finished my rounds. I was sitting with all of them when a nurse came and said that Dr Rathore is calling me.
• Dr Rathore had two patients, who wanted to have a diet chart as one of them had a very high cholesterol level.
• And another one had to reduce weight.
• I asked them their food habits, their daily routine and their medical history and made a diet chart for both of them.
• When I finally came back everyone had already had their lunch. So I had to do it alone. I settled down in the cafeteria to have my lunch when Dr Rathore also came there. He ordered coffee and sandwiches. He was coming towards me.
• " Hi !! Do you mind if I join you? "
• " Ji... I mean, no sir..." I was startled by his sudden question.