Part 13 Closeness

RM

Ratna was waiting for Arnav without sleeping.

*Mom... why are you waking up for me?*

*Leave it... how was the party?*

*So awesome...*

*What is that?* she asked, pointing to the box in his hand.

*Appreciation award for my work...* he extended the box to Ratna.

Ratna was excited as it was a Rolex watch.

*You had never got it before...?*

*This is Khushi ma'am's idea...*

*She should have come to India a few years ago... then you would have gotten many awards like this...* she said with a smile.

Arnav chuckled.

*It looks costlier... How much this watch cost would be?*

*One lakh thirty-five thousand...*

*My God... that means, your company would have gotten a very good profit...*

*It always gets profit...*

*You guys scolded Khushi ... see, how sweet she is...*

*Yeah, she is... and we are going to Bengaluru for all India conference*

*WE means?*

*I and Khushi ma'am*

*But you never went to any conference...*

*Shashi sir wants me to accompany Khushi ma'am because she is new to India...*

*Oh... when are you going?*

*Next week...*

*Oh ok...*

Arnav came to his room and kept the watch on the side table. Getting fresh, he laid down on the bed. He smiled, seeing the watch. Ratna was right. Khushi ma'am was a nice woman. How beautifully she tricked...! From the next program, every GI staff will work hard to get the watch and other gifts. Anyhow, she made the workers happy. He closed his eyes and slept.

In the meanwhile

Shashi and Khushi were on the way to GH.

*How did you get such an idea to gifting people?*

*Just like that Dad...* she said while driving the car.

*I know your skills. You want our staff to work hard to get such awards... this is a good idea than being a rude Boss* he smiled.

Khushi said nothing but concentrated on the road. Because she didn't do that to make the workers work hard. It's for Arnav... just Arnav.

*I never thought you will move casually with Arnav like a friend*

She gave a soft smile as an answer to Shashi.

*I hope you have no problem going to Bengaluru with Arnav*

*I would have had a problem if it is someone other than Arnav* she said

The answer surprised Shashi. What made her so fond of Arnav?

*Dad I need a contact number*

*Who's number?*

*The doctor who treated Mom...*

*You mean, the cancer specialist?*

*yes*

*But why?*

*Just... I need it*

*Ok...*

Shashi sent the number to Khushi.

*Sent it, beta...*

*Thanks*

They reached GH.

Coming to her room, Khushi called Dr Rawat, the cancer specialist. He attended the call.

*Dr. Rawath...* He said.

*This is Shashi Gupta's daughter... Khushi Gupta...*

*Oh, yeah... how are you beta?*

*I'm fine uncle...*

*Tell me, what the matter that you called me is?*

*I need a suggestion from you*

*What suggestion?*

*Is there any way to treat a cancer patient without his knowledge?*

Rawat wondered... Cancer is a dangerous disease. Not everyone can be saved from cancer even though people get regular treatment. Then how could a patient get treated without his knowledge?

*It's not possible beta... however he gets to know*

*Can't you give tablets or something...?*

Rawat smiled softly.

*You know very well how a cancer patient gets treatment... I don't know why you are asking...*

*It's almost nine years mom got treated... I thought you have advanced technology to save cancer patients*

*Of course, we have... but the patient's co-operation is important...*

*Ok, doctor... thank you*

They disconnected the call.

Khushi wanted to treat Arnav at any cost. But she didn't know how because Shyam said he didn't like to talk about it. She wanted to treat him. At the same time, she didn't want to make him upset as well. She sighed irritatingly.

The next day

As usual, Arnav came to Khushi's cabin to sign the register. Before Arnav wished her, Khushi did,

*Good morning...* with a smile.

Arnav was stuck for a second and came to the composure.

*Good morning Ma'am*

He signed the register.

*Assist me with the trip...*

Arnav raised his head.

*I thought to talk to you about it...*

*Sure Ma'am...*

*Take your seat*

Arnav pulled the chair and sat in front of her.

That's when someone knocked on the door.

*Come in...* Khushi said.

Shyam entered in.

*Good morning Ma'am* he wished Khushi.

Khushi nodded yes and Shyam signed the register. He looked at Arnav but it seemed he was not ready to leave Khushi's cabin. Shyam pretended like leaving the cabin and overheard their talks.

*I know nothing about Bengaluru and its climate...*

*Its climate will be cool and misty...*

*Ohhh...really?* she was excited.

*yeah... but it won't be like the Swiss climate...*

*That's not a problem... I'm bored of Air Conditioner. It will be a little change if I can roam freely...*

*Yeah... you can do it in Bengaluru... but I definitely need a sweater...*

*Oh... will it be that chilled?*

*Yeah... I think I won't think of taking bath in those days in Bengaluru...* he said controlling his laugh.

Khushi laughed at him.

*Don't search for an excuse not to take bath...* she teased.

*I will try...* Arnav chuckled.

Shyam who heard their laughter gulped down. He left the place silently. He waited for Arnav in his cabin.

After five minutes, Arnav came to his cabin and surprised, to see Shyam.

*Shyam...?*

*I need to talk to you about something very important*

*Tell me*

*You should be careful...*

*I didn't get you*

*Keep distance from Khushi Ma'am*

*What do you mean?*

*She gave us gifts doesn't mean she is concerned for us...*

Arnav was looking at him letting him finish.

*We are middle-class people... Rich people know how to use us... Don't get close to her just because she behaves with you casually.*

*What's wrong with you Shyam? She is our Boss and I'm a mere employee... I ought to do what she wants... that's all...*

Shyam nodded yes.

*Are you all right? Why do you look disturbed?*

*Nothing is like that...*

*Ok... take care...*

Shyam left his cabin with disappointment. He didn't know how to stop Arnav from going to Bengaluru. It seemed he was fixed about Khushi. Don't know when the truth was going to be out. It will be good if he searched for a new job before Khushi threw him out of GI. Shyam sighed. Arnav and Khushi's closeness was frightening him.

To be continued...