Chapter 8

"Tanvi, I am glad you are safe, child", Shikha said caressing the tear-stained face of Tanvi as soon as the trio reached the trauma centre.

The hospital was reeking in bitter smell of antiseptic cleaners. Since there was a high profile accident case, the hospital was under tight security. The police officers were very much present at the site and statements were already taken. Vinayak Singhania and the doctors had released the statement that Arjun was not a drunk and drive case as it was necessary to protect the family’s reputation and market shares of the business.

Tanvi was expressionless for the moment. She wondered how she should react. On the other hand, Shikha questioned her, "I thought you were with Arjun, child?"

"Dadi, Ar.... he asked me to take the cab as he was getting late. It was some work related call." Tanvi lied perfectly as her father's words rang in her ears. Being a docile daughter, she could never imagine going against her father.

Having lied perfectly, she realized she did not call Arjun by his name in front of the Singhania family so that they were not hurt by her modernized thoughts.

"It's okay. Tanvi, baccha don't worry. He will be fit and fine around your engagement." Vinayak chortled welcoming his would-be daughter as he caressed her forehead.

"Much to our relief, doctors said despite he was trapped in the steering wheel, thankfully, he is not hurt much." Vandana told the Raos.

Madhurshankar Rao thanked the Almighty as he prayed for the well-being of his would-be son-in-law. He knew about the differences between Tanvi and Arjun but he also knew that Tanvi would have a bright future with him.

Soon the doctor arrived with reports in his hand and told, "I am really glad to share the fact that Mr. Arjun Singhania is perfectly alright. The CT-Scan and MRI reports show nothing major except a blood clot in the brain which shall be dissolved with medicines over time. There is nothing to worry about."

Everyone was relieved at the newly found information. "When can we take him home?" VIinayak asked the doctor.

"After two days. He is under observation as of now." The doctor told him and scurried away.

"Is he conscious?" Tanvi asked impatiently to no one in particular.

"He gained consciousness a while ago but he is sedated as of now", Vandana answered.

"Mummy, let's drop you home", Vinayak told Shikha who was adamant to be by the side of her grandson.

"Mr. Rao, you also please take rest and don't worry. I will be here." Vinayak announced. He did not want to bother anyone.

Tanvi was growing impatient for every moment. She realized she had lied perfectly and Arjun was not aware of the lie. She did not want him to character assassinate in front of his family. She needed to wait and talk to him. She needed to tell him that they should part ways mutually.

"Uncle, I will stay with him", Tanvi chimed in with a horror-struck face. Obviously she did not want to be caught lying.

"No, I will manage", Vinayak told her.

"Uncle, let me, please", she said pouting, with tears in her eyes.

"Only one person can stay in the hospital and I will manage", Vinayak explained to her. He was glad that his would-be daughter-in-law was so concerned for his son.

"Uncle, please", she pleaded while her father spoke, "Let her, Mr. Singhania".

Ultimately Vinayak gave in. Both the families departed to their respective houses. Only Tanvi was there to tend to the needs of unconscious Arjun along with few security personnel of Singhanias.

Having nothing to do but wait, Tanvi entered the private ward where Arjun was shifted after the requisite tests. She chuckled realizing that Singhanias were powerful enough to arrange a five star suite in a hospital after all, the VIP ward of the hospital was nothing less than a magnificent hotel.

The patient's bed was arranged neatly and Arjun was peacefully asleep, with an IV connected to his arm. On the bedside stool, there was an alarm that could be used in case of emergency along with few medicines. The room was equipped with well-maintained monitors for monitoring the patient's vitals.

The room was stocked with a mini fridge. Tanvi walked towards the refrigerator and saw the contents that included fruits, juice and other healthy eatables. She glanced at the tanned leather couch, along with huge LED screen. All she needed was a bucket of popcorn and a good Bollywood movie!

Tanvi was no doubts, tired. She poured a glass of juice for herself and sat on the couch. She stretched her legs and lied there.

She kept scrolling her insta feed. She checked the local news which was covered with the news of the accident. She was horrified to read the rumor that said,

The leading businessman was drunk and driving.

It was then she realized, the lives of affluent people is not that easy. They are constantly under radar of media hawks and gossip-mongerers. Thankfully, the statement of the police and hospital had clarified that Arjun Singhania was not drunk as he bumped into the electric pole.

A fresh stream of tears trickled from her dark brown orbs as she wondered what would happen if the electric pole had fallen on the car. Perhaps, Arjun might have never seen the dawn of other day because of the strong electric shock. She was devastated at the mere thought of death of Arjun.

"Can you forgive him?" Her inner voice asked her.

"I don't know. I just can't see him in pain." She mumbled wiping her tears.

She got up to see Arjun sleeping peacefully on his back. She bent down to his level and caressed his forehead. She bent down further and placed a chaste kiss on his left cheek.

"Get well soon", she mumbled as she pecked his rough lips. She had made her decision, she realized.

Though he was a monster, yet she wanted him. Though he treated her like a commodity, yet she did not want to leave him. She did not know the reason but perhaps, the man she met twice was world to her.

She made up her mind to talk to him and explain him that she demanded respect but at the same time, she also decided she wanted to stay with him. Instead of breaking off the relationship, she wanted to give him a chance, a single chance to repent and not repeat the things he did to her.