In a Heartbeat

Hi, Sid !!!!

Siddharth stood outside the hospital room, his arms resting on the high window railing. He forced himself not to cry, but he was powerless. This was the very least he could have hoped for. He wasn't expecting to arrive in India at first. Second, he didn't anticipate to meet her in such a poor mood on that particular day.

He didn't have a single regret. He, too, desired to start a family with her. He desired that they raise their children together. He desired a tranquil family. As a man in his early thirties, all he wanted was a family to help him survive. But the Universe, which had once been a fairy in their lives, had turned into a witch, casting witchcraft over their lives.

Ryan who saw standing alone, excused himself from Sarakshi and rushed towards Siddharth. He gently placed his hand over Siddharth's shoulder, making him to wipe his tears.

Ryan: Machan... Ava kooda poi pesu da...

Siddharth didn't utter anything.

Ryan: Please da... I know ne avnagala evlo miss panna nu... Aprm edhuku indha distance.. please poi pesu.. avanga already romba kashta padranga...

Siddharth: ...........

Ryan: Sonna kelu da... She's hurt.. Rendu perum manasu vitu pesunga... Elam seri aagidum...

Siddharth: Enna da pesa solra? He yelled.

Ryan was taken aback for a moment. He has never seen this vulnerable side of him. Atleast he hasn't shown it to Ryan.

Siddharth: Neeye sollu... Aniku night en uyira kaila pudichutu thedunen avala... Ella second um avaluku edhachu aagirkumo nu bayandhu bayandhu vaazhndhen.. Idhelam avala anga oru oarama paathadhum ellam marandhu pochu...

Aasaiya hug panen... En life en kaila kedachuduchu nu.... Ava kai uh pudika ponen.. Tha... Thatti vita da ava.. Enna poga sollita Machan ava.

Ryan held Siddharth's shoulders for support as he was leaning and plopped on the floor.

Siddharth: Avaluku na ava full name solli koopta pudikadhu da.. Aana do you know what she said?

Sarakshi... That's my name!

Siddharth: Ava kathunadhu vida.. ava sonna Ela words um evlo kashtama irundhuchu theriyuma? Stay away nu sollitu poitaa Machan. En paiyyan um enna vitutu ava koodaye poitaan.

Na apo lam romba sandhoshama irundhen da.. enkita oru velai iruku, money iruku.. appa, amma ve nalla paathukiten.. adhu elathukum mela.. I had Sarakshi and Snow. Aana adhu ellathaiyum ore night le enkita irundhu eduthutu poita.

Siddharth composed himself, taking deep breaths.

Siddharth: Ivlo nadandhadhu ku aprm enna poi pesa solriya avakita? Poi hug panna solriya avala?

Ryan hugged him tightly, the least he could do.

Siddharth: Aana ne avala pathi thappa nenaikadha da... She's an angel... Ava kooda irukravanga elam romba lucky.. May be I'm not worth it.

Ryan: Please da... Ipdi solladha... I'm there with you.. I know un life le avangaloda place yaralaayum replace panna mudiyadhu... But unaku na iruken da.. oru nalla friend uh...

Siddharth hugged him more and sobbed uncontrollably.

Ryan: Idha ipdiye vita seri varadhu... Ryan!!!! Action le erangida vendiyadhu dhan...

~

Ryan excused himself to take a phone call, leaving Siddharth alone.

Siddharth stood outside her room's door, peering in through the viewable section of the door. As the medications began to take effect, she appeared drowsy.