Khushi

My feet felt heavy as I approached towards my destination. This was it. I knew I am entering in a dangerous territory. I knew it through every fiber of my body. Rich men are my forbidden territory. But I am helpless. Either I have to take this up or I should prepare myself to let go of my home. I can't let the second to happen so I have to go with the first. My gut instinct said to stay away, turn around, but my heart poked me every time my steps flattered.

My small office that I share with other administrative employees of the orphanage was not far from my little room. So it didn't take much time to reach. But those 2 mins were the hardest if you ask me. Confused, unfocussed, and slightly shaky I turned the knob to enter. I flinched feeling the cold metal against my fingers.

The moment I entered the room, I was greeted with a tall man probably in his late twenties. He was fair complexioned, strongly built. My initial fear washed away seeing this man. He was nothing what I assumed him to be. He stood up to greet me and something about his looks calmed me. Strange, but true. He was wearing a black-rimmed glass and there was something angelic about his presence. I extended my hand to shake his.

"Akash Raizada", he said with a smile, a smile that reached his eyes. His smooth voice helped to settle my jumpy nerves.

"Khushi Gupta", my reply was curt and professional. Please take your seat Mr Raizada.

He waited for me to take my seat then he made himself comfortable.

Few seconds passed between us. Both of us quiet. I was just giving a final look to the detailed analysis when his voice tore my concentration.

He apologized for intervening me then pushed his finger towards his ear. I frowned unable to understand what he meant then I realized he was asking me if he can take the call. The moment his removed his finger from his ears I saw a black device attached to his ears. Bluetooth.

"Please go ahead Mr Raizada, I would take a couple of minutes before we can discuss".

He muttered thanks and then stood up and walked towards the window.

Between my reading I could hear him getting panicked then ordering something pretty fast. I was unable to concentrate so thought of leaving it. It is better to talk and get this over. To be honest the file which I was reading, I knew it by heart. I read it so many times. It was my nerves that were making me nervous, so I was delaying the whole thing.

With a frustrated sigh he came and sat in front of me. I gestured him to take some water if he wants to.

Without any question he uncovered the glass and drank the whole thing bottom's up. That moment I realized, the man was more nervous then I am.

"I am so sorry Miss Gupta, I apologize for taking the call in the chamber".

"No offence taken Mr Raizada".

"The call was from home, if you are wondering. My brother, you patient... I mean if you agree to work with him that it".

I leaned against the back rest and closed the file. The one obvious question that was troubling me finally unable to control came out.

"Why me Mr Raizada?"

Momentarily he looked bewailed. Looked like it was an unexpected question. What did he think if he throws money on me I will come wagging my tail?

Then he composed himself and told the most unexpected thing.

"It is you or no one".

What the hell does that mean?

"If anybody can cure my brother it's you Miss Gupta".

"You are rich, you can buy anything. You can get best of the best treatments", I knew why he was here, and because everyone, everything failed but still I wanted to know how much did he believe in me. That's how I take up my work. I need hundred percent trust on my treatment and me.

"Certainly Ma'am, but money cannot buy dedication and sincerity, the two things that you posses Miss Gupta, if I am not wrong".

The guy can sweet talk I thought. But at the same time I know why he was doing. He was doing it for his brother. Who in todays would think about his sibling when everyone in his world is selfish? I knew where my thoughts were going and I immediately put a stop to it.

"Mr Raizada, firstly I don't take up such kind a projects, you know...", before I could complete.

"That's the reason I tried to contact you since long...umm three times if I am not mistaken?"

I tired to keep my poker face but I know my cheeks started heating up. The first two times I totally ignored. Did not even reply to him, well actually I deleted it seeing the very first page. The third time I read the case and gave him few references. When he asked the fourth time I couldn't avoid because of the owner of the orphanage passed away two days prior to his request.

"I am sorry Mr Raizada, but I don't do rich people. I prefer to help those who cannot afford A-class treatment. But well something came up and I cannot afford to reject it this time".

"Having said that I want to be pretty clear. I am taking this up before this orphenge is in danger. The owner passed away few days back and his son wants to sell this property to a well-known builder. I want to buy this and the only way I can do this is to take up what you have in offer".

"You are ready to pay far more than what market rate is and it will not only save 36 little lives but also give them all the amenities what a normal child deserve".

I can see he is once again speechless. I had to tell him the truth before he thinks I am an arrogant bitch.

"What's with not treating rich people?"

"I am sorry Mr Raizada, I think that's doesn't concern now that I am ready to take this case". What the hell? Who the hell does he think of himself asking me personal questions?

"Please accept my apology, I didn't wanted to get personal".

I could see him exhaling his breath, which he was holding for long. Then his lips curved up and he looked away, trying to stop himself from crying? To be honest I was shocked, a six feet man crying in front of me?

"Please excuse me Miss Gupta, you don't know what you have given. I have known you for long. Read about all your success and I was hoping that one day you treat my brother and bring him back to life".

Wait a minute, now this is getting emotional. Sorry mister, I cannot handle emotions not when it is from a young lad. But what kept on stunning me was his love for his brother. I wonder why his brother refused to get cured when he has such a supportive brother.

Feeling uneasy I spoke "do you want some more water?"

"No..no I am perfectly fine...just a bit overwhelmed. Never thought I would be able to convince you".

I just wanted to kick his brother for some reason. This man is doing so much for him and he was being a stubborn a**. I knew from his file that most of his wounds were healed and that if he tries it will take at the most three months to stand on his own feet.

After few tormenting moments he spoke. "My brother is a difficult patient. He doesn't respond to any therapy. Doctors say he will be able to walk if it religiously follows the guidelines and regular exercise but he doesn't. I want my brother back Miss Gupta...please bring my champion brother back".

"Mr Raizada..."

"Akash, call me Akash".

I gave him a small smile and did another unexpected thing.

"Provided you call me Khushi".

"Khushi it is then". He said with a smile. "Khushi" something rings I guess. He blabbered. "Khushi, I wish you bring back our happiness just like your name".

The little did he know, I don't have any happiness inside me. It was taken away long back. I am just a leaving soul who doesn't feel anything for herself, let alone giving happiness to others. The only thing she will ever cherish if she can save her home and those thirty five kids.