151 It's you, not me

"He wants to see you, Ira," Tara said in a hurry and closed the door. After the surgery, the first thing Vivan asked for was to see his wife. He got restless because he had seen her faint before him.

They had transferred him from OT to adjoining ward a while ago.

Ira dashed to it but hesitated when she stood at the door. She closed her eyes and gasped a few breaths forcing herself to calm down. Vivan needs me now. I won't wallow in guilt.

She wiped out the tears and forced back the ones welled in her eyes.

The last thing she saw before losing her conscious was his assuring smile. Flesh in his right leg had burst open, splashed blood. His expression said he's fine while the paramedics were treating him.

"Are you okay?" Vivan asked when he saw her. His face still held a weak beam.

"It's who operated not me." Why is this man so stupid? Don't he blame me? Why was he unconditionally good? Even in such a state, his first thoughts are about her.Her determination to not cry in front of him broke down. She bit her lip but choked as the tears like opened dams fell on her cheeks.

"Hey," When he saw her standing at the same place, he gestured her to reach near him. "Come here."

Her messy footsteps, somewhat fragile, gave away her anxiety.

She scooted to the bed. He took her hands in one and other caressed her cheek brushing off the tears.

"Look at me." With her gaze focused on the floor, she avoided his eyes.

"I am fine," he reassured her.

"Don't worry." She continued to sob. He pulled her hand.

"Do you want water?.... Are you in pain... anywhere?" she stammered and blinked at him.

Why was the woman there? When he called her, he didn't mention a word about the accident because he didn't want to stress her.Who would have known, the girl is at the site itself, mourning for him?She already knew he was one of the collapse victims.

------

"Amputate the leg?"

"No, Reeya amputate."

In fact, Reeya thought the wall was sturdy enough to hold for a few hours. So she took the risk. They overlooked the debris on the beam as not considerable.

It collapsed the moment they raised the concrete.

What if he dies while they lift the beam?

"He is my....husband."

In the basement, the ceiling caved in. Dust fell like rain.

"Save me.." An unfamiliar voice fell on her ear. "Will I die?"

"Not Viv.." She staggered back a step and leaned on the firetruck.

Looking up in silent prayer, she thanked the Gods.

"Ira?" Reeya voiced out.

This bought her back to her senses. Reeya was still in danger. She regained her composure.