Chapter 17 (unedited)
1841 Words
Anaya's P.O.V
"Himanshu?" I said not believing that he is in front of me. Himanshu Tyagi was one of the doctors who stood by my side during my surgery. He would come every night to talk to me. I told him vaguely once what happened to me. Once the surgery was over and I was allowed to travel, my dad brought me to America. I thought I would never meet him again since then. But I guess I was wrong.
"Hello pretty lady." He said with a smirk. We stayed in that position for a few seconds when we heard someone clearing his throat. Himanshu let go of me and we both straightened ourselves.
"Mr Rollins, this is Doctor Himanshu Tyagi. Himanshu, this is James Rollins." I introduced them to each other.
"Nice meeting you Mr Rollins." Himanshu said as he extended his hand.
"Likewise Doctor Tyagi." James said as he shook Himanshu's hand. "Anaya, I think we should leave." James said calling me by my first name.
"What? You are leaving already?" Himanshu said giving me a silent pleading look asking me to stay longer.
"Actually, I have to attend a meeting in thirty minutes and Anaya's car isn't with her." James said before putting on his shades.
"Anaya, we could go for a coffee and then I'll drive you home." Himanshu said looking at me.
What should I do? On one hand there's James, for whom I feel butterflies in his presence and on the other hand there's Himanshu, who in somehow saved my life. I took and deep breath as both of them were waiting for my answer."Sorry James. It's been awhile since I haven't met Himanshu and I would like to spend some time with him." I said and gave him a small apologetic smile and trying to look elsewhere because I know that even though he is wearing his shades, he is still giving me an intense glare.
"Sure. I understand. It was nice having lunch with you. And also a pleasure to meet you Doctor Tyagi." James said.
"It was mine too." I said and smiled at him.
"Hope too see you soon Mr Rollins." Himanshu said and both had a handshake.
"I may take your leave now. Doctor Tyagi. Anaya." James said as we both bid goodbye to him. He turned round and walked to his car. Leaving me in thoughts of the past events.
"Is he your boyfriend or something?" Himanshu asked raising an eyebrow.
"What? No." I replied instantly.
"Well, something will be soon happening between you both." He said and winked making my eyes widen. What the hell?
"Come on, let's go." Himanshu said. I nob and we both walked to the parking.
"I listened to you." Himanshu said.
"About what?"
"Getting my driving license and buying a car." He said and gave a little smile. Himanshu always hated driving and speed. "Remember the talk we once had about it?"
"Of course I do."
Flashback:
"What's your favorite? Mercedes or BMWs" I asked Himanshu as he walked in my room.
"I don't really like cars and bikes. Right now, I just want to know how you are feeling." He said as he started checking the burns on my left hand.
"Stop acting like a doctor." I said as he chuckled a little.
"How can you be so relaxed?" He asked now checking my reports.
"I don't know. Maybe because I've got the best doctors by my side" I said and winked. Bandages and gauzes were still present on part of my face. Inside, I don't know which hurts the most; the fact that I'll never be able to be myself again or having to live with these burden events.
"Kiara, I've been talking to you about the surgery. But you don't seem to be listening. What are you thinking about?" He asked giving me a soft look.
"Please Doctor Grumpy, spare me this part. And tell me about your sudden hatred for cars and speed." I asked him in a playful voice.
"I have to tell you about that. It's important." He said as he raked his hand through his hair.
"Please, let's have a talk. You can lie to them. Pleasssseee pleaseeee." I said in a pleading voice. I don't want to hear a word about that surgery today, I just want to enjoy a bit and to distress myself from the past events.
"Ok ok. You won. What do you want to talk about?" He said siting on a stool next to me.
"What I've been incessantly asking you since you came in this room."
"Well, today there was a dreadful accident. Three cars and a school van were involved. They were all brought here. It was terrible seeing those kids covered with blood, two died. Their parents were devastated. The whole staff were running here and there. It was horrible. I'm used to witness these things here but I don't know why, today I felt weird looking at these, it was like I could feel the pain. I don't know why? Looking at this chaos, I don't want a license now, I don't want a sport car if it is to end up in an emergency room with my parents and relatives crying over my dead or unconscious body, blaming each other." He said with a lot of emotions in his voice. I calmly understood the situation.
"You are scared." I said.
"What? No. It's just that I don't want to give my loved ones such a grief."
"Manshu Manshu Manshu. Everything you are running away from is in your head. Who can predict whether you will have a car accident or not, huh? You are the only one deciding it, once you have the steering wheel in your hand." I said.
"How can you be so mature at your age? Giving advices and lectures like elders do." He said looking into my eyes.
I giggled a little and said; "I just saw the though part of life at a young age."
"You're a little warrior, I must say." Himanshu said and chuckled. "I have to leave now, my shift is over and you need some rest for tomorrow." He said as he stood up from the stool. "Goodnight Kiara." He said as he was about to walk out.
"Goodnight and do think about getting a driving license." I said with a smile.
"I'll." He said with a smile as he walked out.
-End of Flash back.
"So where is your car?" I asked, impatient to see it.
"There." He said as he pointed towards a black BMW M3. I always loved BMW's 3 series and the M3 is my favorite. I was even thinking of buying one after selling my Audi.
"Wow! She's beautiful!" I said standing in front of this radiant stunning beauty.
"Yeah. I know. She is mine anyway." Himanshu said, he can flaunt himself so much at times.
"Yeah." I said and rolled my eyes.
"You haven't changed that, right?" He said playfully. Rolling my eyes? Everyone does it!
"What?" I asked innocently.
"Come on Kiara, let's go. I know we have a lot to catch." Himanshu said unlocking the car and opening the driver's door. I only nob and opened the front passenger seat.
We talked a lot in the car. I came out to know that he has been promoted as the head of the burn unit and so, he has been shifted to the North Hearth Clinic.
"That's fantastic! We should celebrate!" I exclaimed being proud and happy for him. He only grinned showing his dimples on his perfect jawline. Himanshu is quite good looking but not as much as James. What the hell!? Why am I comparing everyone to him!?
The car soon stopped in front of a coffee shop. We both got out of the car and walked in the coffee shop. There were red walls and chestnut brown tables throughout the small area. The sound of small-talk filled the air along with the smell of vanilla. It was indeed a nice place. I wonder why I never tried this place before!
"What will you have? A hot chocolate?" Himanshu asked.
I shook my head in denial. "A coffee would be fine." I said while he gave me a weird look. I didn't understand why. I gave him a questioning look but he only shook his head and walked to the cashier.
I walked to a table for to and sat on one of the chairs. Life has changed so much for me, a few years back, I would never imagine myself here. I changed from the joyful and shy girl to Anaya Khan, a top rated dancer, a girl with charisma who men drool over. A lot of persons think that I've got everything I've ever wanted. A girl being successful after the death of her parents but deep inside I know I lost myself, my identity. I often miss being Kiara Agniothri but what can I do change it? I just wish I could have convinced my dad to leave by myself that day. If only...
I was brought out of my thought by a smiling Himanshu bringing our drinks.
"Hey I was wondering if.... have you been crying?" Himanshu's smile changed into a caring and concerned face.
"No. I'm fine." I said as I wiped the tears away.
"Are you sure?" He enquired. I only nob.
"Anyway. How's life been going on since Delhi?" Himanshu said as he took a sip of his coffee.
"Well, my dad and I moved to America. Here I started studies in economics and I also started working as a dancer." I said briefly, not mentioning the most challenging part of it.
Our conversation was a simple and casual one. We brought back a few memories. He then asked about my dad and all. I came to know that he broke up with his girlfriend with whom he had been in a relationship for the pas five years. It's so sad, these two made a cute couple. I also told him how I met James and all. I then asked him a question which was bothering me since our encounter at the restaurant.
"How did you recognize me? I mean I left Delhi before we got the chance to meet. I remember you weren't on duty that day." I asked him and he gave me a half smile.
"In the last photos I brought along with me was one of the sample we did before the surgery. Last week, I was with my sister searching for a few choreography for her friend's wedding and as she clicked on one, I quickly recognized you." He explained.
I can't believe that he still remembers it. It's seriously unbelievable.
"And you still remember?" I asked still in disbelief.
His smirk was the only answer.
After a few minutes, we left the café. Himanshu drove me to the campus to fetch my car. He was on duty tonight. I drove off to Amborium after that.
- Writer
