Aarush × Aishwarya

AARUSH POV

The dark night with the long road , a little soothing wind started hitting my face from the window ...

Returning home from the hectic work ,  A home which isn't any home. A mere piece of castle with no emotions , caring.

In the middle of the night , my thoughts retreated to my childhood .

My mom waiting for me to return from school . Oiling my hair in weekends , going to vacations in holidays , everything I missed!!

When I'm in my deep thoughts , suddenly I heard a voice !!

" Help ! Help "- the girl shouted..

My car tires screeched and I halted .

I saw a girl , maybe in her early 20's ..
Running towards me in white anarkali.
Her half sleeve is torn and the kajal smudged around her eyes .

Someother men may be rowdies are chasing her and she approached me for help...

In the next second, I informed the control room to send vigilance officers to my location .

I didn't step out of the car.. she came to me asking for help with her hands joined...

"S sir Sir. Please help me . They are coming , please!"- she stammered.

In the next second I stepped out of car .
There 5-6 rowdies coming towards us and I took my gun.

Even they have knifes and gun! And I started firing them..

2 head shots , I finished them and 1 scroundel ran into the woods .

Still 2 more bastards . someone suddenly hit my head from back with iron rod on my head.. in the next minute two bullets fired into my abdomen and one in my shoulder.

I heard that girl screaming , and the last bullet I fired was in the air.. I fell on ground with blood oozing out of my head..

She came to me , covering my head and shoulder with her palms..

Still i'm in conscious, I saw them approaching us and they fisted her hair , and she screamed with pain !

They dragged her and her gaze tied to me.. Her eyes pierced me. Pleading me to save her from those monsters.

With each ounce of energy left in me , I took my 357 Magnum ,  which I kept in my back  and fired it ..

2 headshots done..  my target never misses . I laid on the road and that girl came to me running ! With my head in her lap , her tears rolling down like pearls  on cheeks ..
everything blurred .

                      Aishwarya POV

There came my saviour.. I sat down there , in the middle of the road with his head in my lap and blood is oozing out from his abdomen and head.

Taking my scarf  , i tightly wrapped around his abdomen and searched his phone for contacting others..

Nothing worked out.. cardoors are locked and I don't even know how to open it.

Bad thoughts hovered my mind , and my aunt words echoed in my head..
"I'm unlucky . I'm unworthy , A bad omen " .!

The next moment I heard the siren of the police Jeep and thanked God for sending them to save us .

2-3 Men came to us , and held him in backseat of  Jeep and I sat with him .

"Sir , please take us to nearby hospital . He had gunshots  "- I pleaded them with my uncontrollable tears.

"Don't worry ! ACP sir informed us about this .. we will make it ASAP" - one of the police said.

Then I came to know that , the man who saved me is ACP ...

I glanced at his face for saving me from those monsters and I prayed god to save his life..

I can't even imagine , if anything happens to anyone because of me..

I can't bear that guilt .. I'm having enough guilt in my life ..

We rushed to the hospital and there doctors shifted him to operation theatre.. I sat down there outside of OT.

Then I came into my senses when others gawked at me . My hair dishelved , my sleeve torn out . I tried to cover it.

Nurse came out with his belongings and asked me to hold them.

His white shirt and grey pants covered with blood , his watch , belt and purse .

One of the police officer came to me and asked for ACP sir's mobilephone..

"I don't have his mobile sir.. it's stuck in the car "- I said in a low voice.

"Okay ! I'll inform about this to  sir's family members. "- officer said and I nodded .

2 hours the Operation went and I prayed god for his wellbeing .. And prayed lord Venkateshwara, if everything goes well , I'll visit tirumala and pay my offerings .

Why everyone who tries to save me , ends up in this situation... First I lost my parents , then my grandfather.. And now --- NO ! I can't take another life !

The police officer came to me and interrogated me and took my signatures .. they arranged 2 constables for our safety .

With heavy heart , I waited outside OT and doctor came after 3 hours. Another police officer came to me introducing himself as Varun .

We stood up on doctor's arrival
"We took out the bullets from his shoulder and  abdomen ,. he's out of danger . 1 week observation is necessary " - doctor said to us  and Varun sir indulged in talking something to doctor..

Nurse came out with medical file and asked me to bring medicines.. I took the medicine file and walked towards medical store !

"The medicine bill is 28,000/- mam "- pharmasist said..

My hands shivered , as I don't have any money with me . But guilt engulfed me , as I'm the reason for his suffering.. this is atleast I can do.

I unhooked my chain from my nape- which is the last memory of my mother.
Tears pooled out of my eyesacks ..

"Can you keep this chain? It's a gold one.. you can return me once I pay the bill.. " - I said and pharmasist checked it and agreed ..

I have nothing in this world ..literally  nothing to claim it as mine..

I went to nurse and gave her medicines..

"The patient is shifted from OT to ICU.. wait outsude the ICU . If anything emergency I'll inform you " - nurse said and gone.

I peeped through the door .. Some pipes and machines are attached to his body .
Laying unconsciously.. with a bandage on his forehead and abdomen.

The night is really long for me and my eyes deceived me .. They took rest , but my thoughts still hovered in my mind - making me restless even in my sleep..

I drew into sleep outside ICU with his holdings in my lap..

Someone shook my arm , and called out.. then i realised it's morning.. sunrays are piercing through window.
Varun sir called me again and I came out of my trance.

"Hm. Goodmorning ! Aishwarya "- Varun sir said and I wished him back

"I got to know about you from the investigating file ... Did you stay here the whole night ?" - he asked.

"Yes sir."- i said.

"You can go to your home and get fresh up . We will take care of ACP sir"- he said.

(How to tell that I don't have any house to go!! I don't have anyone to go ... Maybe after thanking ACP sir and checking whether he's fine or not , I'll go to my parents ... I don't have anything leftover to live ..)- I thought.

"It's ok sir. I'll once check on ACP sir health  and I'll thank him for saving me .. then I'll leave "- I said and he nodded.

"I've already informed ACP sir's family about this attack last night .. they said they are on the way . We might expect them at any moment " - Varun sir said and I nodded..

"Come let's have breakfast and then we will meet ACP sir "- Varun sir said .

"No sir.. I'm not hungry . I'm not having an appetite ..please you caryon "- I said.

He insisted for 3-4 times and i gaveup to have cup of coffee .

After finishing my coffee , we returned to ICU corridor and there I saw a man and women in their late 60's discussing..

"See! I can't take care of your son . Enough is enough..I'm done with it .
It's not my responsibility, if your child gets injured and I'm not any maid to you or your son "-  the old woman snapped..

"Please listen to me.We will take him to our home. He just has 3 bullets operated .. he needs someone to take care " That old man tried to convince his wife and failed In it..

" The government already gave him some workers to work for him.. let them do their duty.. or else search for a maid "- she snapped back.

"He needs his family .. we are his family . Please "- That Oldman most probably ACP sir's father , pleaded to his wife..

"Find a maid "- she snapped and gone away..

I listened to the conversation , and I saw varunsir beside me listening their words..

He huffed a little with his fingers rubbing his forehead in annoying and walked towards corridor .

"Varun!! How did all this happen ?" - ACP sir's father asked Varun .

"It happened in duty uncle..don't worry ... We are here to take care of him .. I'll arrange something! "- Varun sir said..

They went to see ACP sir who is conscious now..

I followed them and saw him with his eyes just opened. His father with tears struck in his eyes.. No words left his mouth..No conversation between them.

I just stood near door at corner of the room..

After a good 5 min of silence , ACP sir's father saw me and went out .

Then Varun sir sat on the couch .

" Why are you standing there ? Come and take your seat ,"- Varun sir said to me .

I slowly walked towards the ICU bed and stood there beside the bed..

I lifted my head to see him.. but my eyes deceived me .due to guilt I'm not able to see into his eyes..

my eyes travelled to the bandages in his abdomen , shoulder and forehead..

Tears threatened me to flow free and I controlled them.. i sniffed

"Sorry sir.. this is all because of me.. "- I said.

He just nodded and I said thanks for saving me .. I kept all his belongings in rack beside couch.

"I'll  wait outside  " - I said and went out .

stood near the window , seeing the sunrays and the busy city traffic..

After a few minutes Varun sir cleared his throat to draw my attention .

" Aishwarya ! I came to know about your guardian phone number  . Can I call your aunt and inform  about this..they will take you with them " - Varun sir said.

My hands shivered , hearing my aunt's name and I never want to see her face and never want to go back to my past life..

" No sir ! Please.. I don't want to go back to them . Please don't inform them about my existence " - I said with tears pooled up in my eyes ..

"But where will you go ?? You are still an undergraduate .. it's hard to get a job and where will you live ?" - Varun sir questioned me .

" I don't know sir.But I'll find some other way"- I said and in the middle of the conversation I saw ACP sir's father coming towards us with his wife..

She gave me a stern look and I lowered my head seeing the ground..

"Did you find any caretaker Varun?"- that aunty asked .

"I'm searching aunty... Don't worry , I'll arrange "- Varun sir replied

"I'll be waiting in the car . Come soon" - she said to ACP sir's father and  we saw her walking away from us..

"Ufff"- I saw both of them scoffing and they indulged in a talk.

( he is in this position, because of you.. it's your responsibility to take care of him until he's is normal person ) - my mind mocked me

But what about my plan , to go to my mom and dad ?? I don't wanna live anymore .

Did you forgot to visit tirumala .. and give offerings ? - my mind mocked me.

Hmm..once ACP sir is normal with good health , I'll visit tirumala and then I'll go to my mom and dad.- I planned. )

"Sir , if you don't mind .. I can take care of ACP sir. I mean I have guilt that this is all because of me... Let me pay this way .. I'll take care of him,until he's normal "- I said to Varun sir .

"No aishwarya..that's not necessary..you are here whole night .. I'll manage "- Varun sir said.

"Did you stay whole night here?"- Acp sir's father asked and i nodded.

"Ok..take care of him..I'll trust you with him"- ACP sir's father said and Varun sir nodded ..

"I'll visit in the evening . Make sure to give him home food " - ACP sir's father said and gone away.

"Come , I'll drop you in ACP Sir's house , get fresh up and cook something.we will return to hospital later "- Varun sir said and I nodded.

He guided constables about something and we sat in car to reach home.

After a good 30 min of journey , car stopped near a bunglow .. and we entered home..

"I have to collect an ID card  and other files . You go and fresh up "- Varun sir said.

"Sir - i - I don't have .."- i hesitated

He looked at me and I stammered

" Varun sir , I don't have any extra pair of clothes with me " - I said.

"Ohh. Sorry . I forgot . I'll arrange something .let me check in his cupboard "- he said a i nodded.

After a good 10 min Varun sir came with a saree in his hand ..

"Aishwarya , see we don't have time to go and purchase new clothes.. if you don't mind , can you adjust with this for today."- Varun sir asked.

I took the saree and sir showed the direction of my room in groundfloor.

I locked the door and glanced at it..

I went to mirror and saw myself. Handprints on my cheeks , my hair dishelved and my dress torn..

I don't have energy to think about it and I stripped my anarkali and took a quick bath.

The blouse is loosefitting . But this cottony soft saree looked good .. it gave me a sense of comfort..

I felt the blouse was too loose for me. I adjusted it with safety pins

After untangling and braiding my long hair , I went  to kitchen to make a light meal for ACP sir.

After finishing the cooking , I packed them . Varun sir and I retreated to hospital.

I just entered the hospital room and ACP sir  turned his head towards me..

"What the hell ? How dare you to touch my things ?? Who the hell gave you this saree ?"- ACP sir shouted at me.

I stood in the same position near the door and fear engulfed me seeing his angered red eyes .

                        AARUSH's POV

What type of family I have ... My mom left me when I was a child , my father's second wife doesn't even consider me as her family , my father and I don't have any conversation with us.

I got indulged in heavy thoughts , when someone entered the room with some bag .

"That girl ?? The girl I saved yesterday "

What the hell?? What is wearing?? That's my mom's saree!!

"Who the hell gave you that saree?"- I shouted at her.

I looked at her , her head lowered to flooring and her fingers tightly gripped on bag .

In the next second , Varun entered the room and asked me why I'm shouting ?

He took bag from that girl and asked her to wait outside..

She went out without lifting her head and Varun came and sat beside  me.

"Hero ACP sir.. how are you feeling now ?"- he asked in a  cooing voice ..

"Varun !! Don't provoke me.. what the fuck ? Why you gave my mom's saree to her ?? " - I asked in loud tone.

"Aarush . Just don't shout .. do you think I'm mad to give her your mom saree after knowing about you... She's doesn't have any clothes to wear. And it's not possible now to go to shopping.. And moreover your father appointed her as your caretaker until you gets back to the normal "- Varun said.

"What? Caretaker for me?? " - i confused.

"Yes..! Your father wants to take you to their home..but your stepmom disagreed to take care of you.. "- Varun said.

I just hummed..

"When uncle and me are discussing, that girl said she will take care of you until you become normal person "- Varun said.

"No need..I already have workers to take care of me.send her away "- i said.

"Just shut the fuck up and listen to me once in your lifetime aarush."- Varun shouted at me

Only this man has audacity to question me .. my bestfriend from childhood..

"Let her take care of you .. she's feeling guilty about yesterday night .. "- he said and I nodded.

"Ask her to don't touch my things without my permission . And I need my mom's saree back.."- I said and he nodded with a smile..

"Okay .. I've meeting to attend..I'll visit you in the evening "- he said and went out.

I can't see someone touching my personal things .and that too my mom's saree...

                     Aishwarya's pov

I sat outside with tears and broken heart.. I took my sarees phallu to wipe my tears and after 10 min Varun came to me .

"Just don't mind his words.. he's little possessive about his things. I'll visit him in the evening . Take care of him."- Varun sir said and I nodded.

"Go and sit in the room.. don't sit here..your presence is needed to him.

I arranged 2 constables for security.if you need anything ask them to go . Don't leave him alone"- Varun sir said and I nodded.

I entered the room by knocking the door and I didn't get any reply .. so , I just opened..

I saw ACP sir sleeping and I switched off the lights and closed the curtains .

I took the couch and I felt like sleeping due to exhaustion..

Due to cool temperature , I shivered a little and covered myself with phallu and drifted into sleep..

After a good 30 min I woke up and saw him still sleeping...

May be due to medications , he's in deep sleep.

Nurse came and asked me to make him eat some light meal and went out after checking the saline bottles .

I switched on the lights and I heard small groans from him.

" Sir "- I called standing beside the bed.

"Sir - wakeup " - I said

He just opened his eyes and looked at me blankly.. i diverted my gaze and looked down the floor.

"Sir - nurse asked you to have a light meal . I prepared dal rice  and rasam without any spices "- I said .

He tried to adjust to headboard and groaned a little in pain..

"May I help you sir ?"- I asked

He gave me a sharp look with a huff.

"Why are you here?? To gawk at me ??"- he asked and I shook my head negatively ..

"What's the reason to appoint you as my caretaker? To help me .. ! Do that "- he said in angry tone..

I just nodded my head saying "Sor - sorry sir ".

I held his other shoulder and gave him support to sit ..

He groaned in pain and I quickly held his other  shoulder and looked at his abdomen ..

"Is everything ok sir ? Can I call a doctor? "- i asked.

" No need "- he said .

I took out the carrybox and kept infront of bedstand before him..

He gave me a stern look and I shivered a little..

"Where is the spoon ? "- he asked and i mentally cursed myself for forgetting the spoon..

"I'm - I'm sorry sir..I forgot the spoon "- I said and I listened his huffing.

"Then how should I eat?? With my left hand ? "- he shouted at me making me shudder .

"I'll make you eat sir..do n't--  don't get angry on me "- I said and went to wash my hands ..

I took the box after washing my hands and took a morsel of dal rice and forwarded it to him.

I looked at him , for the first time in his eyes and it have a different expression hard to decipher..

"Sorry sir .. please adjust for today .. from tomorrow I'll makesure everything goes right . Please "- I pleaded and he ate the morsel from my hands .

I stood there beside him , making him eat dalrice and after finishing I made him drink some rasam..

I went to wash the carrybox and my hands...

I came out of washroom and saw rice granules stick to his side of beard..

I wiped my wet hand on his mouth and took my phallu to dry the wet.

Suddenly I saw his eyes which are sending daggers..

"Sorry sir.. i forget handkerchief in home . I just tried to remove the rice granules on your beard "- I said and he hummed.

I gave him the tablets and he took them with water.

I held his other shoulder and made him lay in bed ..

adjusting the comforter on him , I switched off the lights..

I took the couch beside him and sat there gawking at window..

I'm feeling bore and nothing to do ... I just sat in couch and saw his sleeping figure..