Author - Jui Purohit.

*CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUS PART(10)*  The birds started chirping as the dawn broke. Dharaa stretched her arms out of the cosy blanket. She sat up and suddenly recalled Prithvi's avowal of last night. She clutched the blanket and turned around. But was relieved to see that Prithvi wasn't on his bed. She heard people speaking so she walked to the other room near the lobby.  We need to make ammendments in our plan, she heard Prithvi discussing with two junior agents.  Good morning doctor, one of the agents said as he saw Dharaa standing in the lobby. Prithvi turned around and smiled at Dharaa. Dharaa averted her gaze and rolled her eyes, left to right. She rushed back inside the room. Exhaling deeply she sat on the sofa, fidgeting with the blanket. Why am I acting like a teenager?, Dharaa tapped her forehead.  He seems better today. No wonder servicemen are built differently from civilians, she thought.  Prithvi came in and asked, They are getting breakfast. What wil...

*CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUS PART(9)* Prithvi requested Dharaa to help him sit up. Dharaa held his arms and tried to pull him up. The tug resulted in bringing her closer to him. Dharaa felt coy and shifted back a little. He is a patient and I am a doctor, then why am I feeling this awkwardness, Dharaa wondered.  She stood up and grabbed a towel. She soaked it in warm water from the kettle and dabbed his face with the warm towel.  Gathering her chaotic thoughts, looking at him, she said,  I don't know how to react Prithvi. How are the hospital authorities involved? What's exactly your mission? I will surely help for the right cause. But I should know what's happening first.   Prithvi held her hand and put the towel down. It was necessary for me to hide. Also, you being with me, must be a secret at any cost. Else they will go after you too and I won't be able to tolerate that, Prithvi looked into Dharaa's eyes. Dharaa glanced at him and tried to figure out his feelings....

*CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUS PART(8)*  Cool breeze blew through the surroundings as the evening turned darker.  Is Sir okay? Did he sleep well?, one of the agents asked Dharaa. Yes he is still sleeping. He will feel better when he rests more. The pain is subsiding slowly. Your Sir is a tough man, he's responding well, Dharaa said as she scanned Prithvi. His arms and legs had scars from the past, probably rewards of many such missions. Mam, there's a blanket in the cupboard, you will need it. It's getting colder, said the agent to Dharaa. Dharaa took out the blanket and placed it on the sofa adjacent to the bed.  She relaxed on the sofa and her phone beeped, Where are you? You were not at the hospital. They said you're on leave. Are you okay Dharaa?, it was Ayushi's text. Dharaa stepped away from Prithvi's bed to talk to Ayushi. She didn't want to disturb him. I'm out of town for work Ayushi. Let's meet when I come back, she said.  Are you alright? Tarun ...

*CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUS PART(7)*   Doctor we are going to have lunch. What would you have for lunch?, the agents asked.  Simple dal-rice will do, Dharaa said. One of the agents stayed outside, on guard, while others left. Dharaa adjusted the flow of the IV line and looked at Prithvi who was still asleep. Prithvi's sturdy arms, his brawny abs and contrast to that his sleeping face. He looked innocent, childlike to Dharaa. She searched around for a blanket and found one. Putting the blanket over Prithvi, Dharaa thought,  I had been misunderstanding him until now. He is a national security agent, an authentic flag-waver. I was wrong. But his doubtful behaviour mislead my thoughts.... And inconsciently, she moved her hand over his head, gently. She paused, What am I doing?, she thought and drew her hand back again. She then looked away feeling conscious about her action.  She had her lunch and rested on the chair placed by Prithvi's bedside.  Prithvi slowly opened ...

*CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUS PART(6)*  Dharaa got busy with her work. She hadn't crossed paths with Prithvi, neither at the hospital nor at the college. It was out of sight out of mind, kind of a thing. As usual Dharaa was driving to the hospital when suddenly a black van stopped her car. Dharaa was confused. Four men dressed in black suits got down from the van. They asked Dharaa to get down from her car. She got scared and warned them that she's going to call the police. But one of them showed her his ID.  "National Security, special agent", she read it loud.  Please come with us Mam, the agent said. Where are you taking me? What have I done? I'm an honest doctor...I..., Dharaa was making her side clear. You haven't done anything wrong doctor. But we need a doctor urgently. Please come with us, the agent politely said.  The courteous mannerisms of the agents pacified Dharaa. The agent ordered one of the them to drive Dharaa's car and asked her to get seated ...

*CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUS PART(5)*   Please get seated, Prithvi said pulling a chair for Dharaa. Dharaa looked at his right hand as he pulled the chair. Your right palm is bleeding. Wait I'll get some first aid. Dharaa rushed to the café counter and asked for the first aid kit. It's not a big deal Dharaa. Will do it later, don't want to discommode you,  Prithvi didn't want her to take any trouble. I'm a doctor Prithvi. There's no trouble in treating a patient, that's my job.  She cleaned his wound and applied some antiseptic. Putting a bandage over it, she said, As doctors we can't discriminate. We treat everyone to our best ability. Even if you are a gangster, we can't deny you of your basic rights. Dharaa looked at Prithvi. Tchh! Doctor, I am not a gangster. Didn't I tell you the other day? I'm a professor at the engineering college, Prithvi justified himself. Then what about the fight I saw? Was he a thief? Prithvi you seemed like a trained...

*CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUS PART(4)*   We've reached, when are you coming?, Ayushi called Dharaa. It's my last round in the ward. Then I will wrap up and join you guys. Until then buy the tickets and some popcorn for me, Dharaa said. Dharaa finished her duty and reached her apartment. She stayed alone in the city because of her job in the hospital here. Her parents visited her sometimes and few times, she went to her hometown, mostly during festivals if time permitted. She got ready and left for the movie.  She stopped at a signal and to her surprise she saw Prithvi. He was chasing someone on the opposite street. He was dressed in a bomber jacket, tee and jeans. Dharaa being this inquisitive person, turned her car and parked it along the opposite street. She got out of the car and started following Prithvi.  Prithvi entered a deserted alley. Twilight made the hues darker and the ambience unlit. The street lights were flickering as they slowly switched on, along the length of...