Fan Fiction: A Jealous Rage! Chapter Forty Five

                                                                      Chapter  Forty Five

 

   

Vakratunda Mahakaaya
Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva
Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada

  

 

 



"Your life is mine, it's mine to keep don't you ever forget it"

In a possession of love, a pro-found declaration was made by an obsessive husband to his wife, “your life is mine, it’s mine to keep don’t you ever forget it.”

Like a beautiful goddess she came dressed in her bridal finery the color of pure red, richly woven to a designer’s perfection, she was bejeweled in a masterpiece of diamonds, rubies and emeralds walking genteel steps towards him with grace and elegance. Her beautiful eyes lowered in refined dignity as she came to him to become his Queen. Underneath their controlled exterior he was in nervous tension and she was in twisted knots.  Their silence, their innocence didn't matter all that mattered they were right here fulfilling a promise in marriage, amongst their families and friends and so she welcomed him in the Jai Mala ceremony and he dutifully reciprocated her welcome by placing an identical garland of flowers to his, around her neck. 

 

 

 

 

There was cheering with claps of happiness, smiles all around as their loved ones wished the bridal couple good luck.  Their highnesses entered the beautifully decorated mandap stringed in fresh flowers as they sat seated down on the floor with their leg folded humbling themselves before god and ready for the enlightened punditji to begin chanting of the sacred scriptures of holy matrimony.

Om bhadram karnebhih srinuyaama devaa, bhadram pashye-maakshabhir-yajatrah. Sthirai-rangais-tush tu waam, sastanu bhirvya shemahi deva-hitam yadaayuh.
Om swasti na indro vriddha-srawaah, swasti na pooshaa vishwa-vedaah. Swasti nas-taark-shyo arishta-nemih, swasti no brihas-patir dadhaatu.

 

and In a secured knot tied to each other, bounded by their kin, they took the seven scared steps circumventing the holy flame.  He annotated her with sindoor leaving his lifelong trademark on her as he showered her with his blessings upon her for Happiness, Prosperity and a very Long life.

Om Mangalam Bhagwaan Vishnur, Mangalam Garuda Dhwajah. Mangalam Pundaree Kaaksham, Mangalaaya tano Harih

 

And with these holy chants he fastened the sacred Mangal Sutra around her neck making her a complete married woman, his woman for life.

 

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti Om

 

 

For them this was a comprised marriage, what they didn’t know at that time they were destined for each other in a soulful union matched to each other when life didn't even begin.  On their blessed day heaven's doors opened showering its richest blessings upon them and in time they learnt to become each other’s best friend and one day love formed, their innocence was lost to each other in candle light of flame as two bodies joined and became one and then love turned into possession, it turned into ownership that had the makings of A Jealous Rage!  

So I ask myself when we lived our lives, we lived in their dreams and made it our own, when we witnessed their lovers fights, their lover’s makeup, their lovers jokes, their lovers laugh, their lover’s care, their lover’s love, how did we ever find ourselves right here, right this moment facing the throes of death?  Our beautiful pregnant goddess lying flat on the bed under the glaring lights surrounded by a medical team of doctors fighting to save her life, for deeply embedded in her was a gunshot wound that was horrific to our hearts.  In stunned hopelessness and with an over flow of tears our hearts broke as we witnessed the obsessive possessive husband fallen in grace watching the love of his life slip away from him.  Right now he had no control over her because she forgot his very command " your life is mine, it’s mine to keep, don’t you ever forget it".   Her eyes were closed to our world while her lifeline drew to a close. How could you forget Priya, how could you forget your lover’s command?

In the final analysis of life its simple we are here born to die, the concluding question would be, what did we offer life. For hanging in the balance of life Mr Death casually stands under darkened shadows bidding his time staking out his claim and when he’s ready to knock on our door, we innocently open without guard.  He glares at us directly in the face stating with finality your time is up.  Most times we get such a fright that we crumple right there and then, but then there are times we are ready to glare right back and fight.  You think you can frighten me Mr Death think again you horrible piece of work I’m not ready to give up, so get out of my sight you lazy scumbag.

So Mr Death say’s, ok your highness  guess I caught you at a bad time, no hassles have your moment I’ll be back hahahahahaha and so Mr death walked off  laughing his way back to his hidden corner in the shadows, his most favorite place  to chill.  He adjusted the belt of his long black trench coat loosely around his waist while he lowered his black hat hiding the sides of his face further.  Leaning against the black ornate fence with his one leg resting against the wrought iron, he took out a pack of his favorite branded cigarettes lighting up a smoke.  So you want to act all strong and brave, do you? Well let’s see what happens highness?  He couldn’t stop laughing as he puffed away casually with the cigarette butt between his sarcastic lips blowing smoke into thin air, hmmmmmm you stupid dimwit I’ll be back, that’s my right not yours hahahahahaha he laughed.

A stillness washed over Mumbai, the air was gripped in grief that was tragic indeed. The shock, the anguish, the anger, the fear, the sadness, all these were emotions that told a tragedy that should never have happened.   As the world waited for more news; right here, right now a lifeline had reached the end of its line.  In the emergency room of the Seven Hills Hospital the medical team fought flat out to revive its highly profiled patient.  Dr Anrudha Mehta one of India’s renowned, Obstetrician/Gynecologist refused to believe that Priya Kapoor her patient was dead.   She tried till she could try no more the anxiety , the tension had no place in her right now, only she knew she had to go on because she was driven by a need to fight for this life. So she went on and on, don’t you dare give up Priya, come on fight she shouted at her.  Pressing down upon her heart she counted one, two, three, four, five  while she pumped the heart with the balls of her wrist. Not satisfied she took the defibrillator  to send electric shock to the heart.  Stand back she yelled and counted one, two, three  clear launching the electric heart device, hoping the pre-set voltage would trigger a pulse with the shock, Priya’s lifeless sari clad body jumped of the bed like a rag doll but still she remained unresponsive, I’m not letting you die, you hear me.   This is not happening come on Priya come on sweetheart show us how strong you are, fight Priya , fight this damn it she yelled at her but the stubborn green line did not budge it continued to beep a flat green line.  The sickening sound of death final, this precious life was over, what a tragic end to a beautiful heart while silence of de-feat washed over the entire medical team. 

Ram Kapoor stood against the cold hardened wall inside the emergency room, the clinical smell of the room hitting his nostrils as the severity of where they were a constant reminder of his ordeal.  His eyes shut, squeezing them tight he couldn’t bear to see his Priya being shocked for her life, his life.  Unknowingly of the tragedy ahead he had clearly warned her this morning your life is mine, its mine to keep, don’t you ever forget it.  How could you forget Priya, How could you forget the most important rule, you are mine, mine to keep. Praying with all of his being he pleaded to god that by the time he opened his eyes his Priya would be perfectly fine and that they would continue to live the beautiful life that they had together.   Maybe this was just a bad dream, yes, yes he was right it was a bad, bad dream because he felt her right here with him they were lying in their bed she safely cocooned in his arms, her head resting on his shoulder while he held her close to his heart.

 But this tightening in his chest wasn't going away the pain ripping through him burning his heart into balls of flame.  With his fisted hand he clutched his chest between his breast bone, his throat was parched, his airwaves was blocked restricting his breathing.  Feeling the rapid quickening of his heat beat with each severe knock hammering against his chest wall, reminding him of his precious heart lying here in this emergency room on this hospital bed with no beat in her heart, his heart which she was ripping apart.   

 You can’t do this to us he sobbed as he fell to his knees, a fallen man.

Vikram’s heart broke for his friend, no not his friend, his brother for he was the Laxman to this Ram how could he ever bear to see his Ram suffering like this?  He was hurting so much for Ram and he cried for their Priya, for their Sita, tears flowing down uncontrollably.   Right next to this brother of his heart he comforted him the only way he could, with his hand on his shoulder he took this big warm hearted man into his embrace while they both cried in their pain.  But around the bed a different turn of events was taking place, the doctors shouted we found a pulse, we got a pulse oh my god, oh my god she’s coming around , she’s coming around quick, quick they shouted as the greens lines on the heart machine moved in its jagged line  across the heart machine.  They worked speedily to get to the bullet and the next moment all that could be heard was an emergency wheeling of the bed with machines attached whizzing past a shocked Ram and Vikram, the medical staff hitting the double doors racing it’s patient into the operating theatre.  

Oh my god what just happened, Vikram helped a weakened Ram up from his crouched position oh my god there was still hope, she was alive.  They walked out into the passage to find themselves surrounded by grief stricken family members and on seeing Ram there was an over wrought of emotions that couldn’t be controlled.  Recovering herself Neha found the  strength to take control over the situation urging everyone to keep calm and let Ram have some space.   Neha's eyes clashed with Vikram sending a hidden message of support for him, while Vikram led Ram to a seat as they both sat together in waiting and waiting, not a word spoken just silence and prayers.

Three anguished hours later Ram’s mind shut down, his heart skipped a beat while a shiver ran down his spine, his ears catching the sounds of feet walking through the hospital corridor heading straight towards him.  Was this a sound of death, was this a sound of life , the three doctors walked in silence their eyes lowered, shoulders hunched by a stressful tension.  They approached the grief strickened husband every heart stopped in silence, all eyes focused without even a blink as the families joined the closest hands of comfort.

Ram woke up from his seat a bit unsteady on his feet,  a questioning eagerness of hope while he addressed his wife’s doctor, is my Priya ok  he asked please tell me doctor that she’s fine that everything is fine with both my wife and baby.  He took gasping breaths mixed with choked emotion ready to come apart but trying hard to stay in control.  Dr Mehta's heart was breaking in heaviness no matter how many times she witnessed death in the face, it hurt like the very first time.  She was crestfallen but was duty bound to be dignified and compassionate to the loved ones, as she chose her words carefully.  We are so sorry Mr Kapoor we tried everything possible but we couldn’t save your baby, your wife had severe complications due to internal bleeding and the baby could not survive the trauma it was strangled within the umbilical cord.  Ram's body went into shock stillness his hand touched his face what was coming next?  Your wife is in ICU on life support fighting for her life we managed to remove the bullet but there was lots of damage in her muscle area around her heart there is a possibility that she may not make it.  Shocked sobs echoed around but the husband didn’t even breathe all he could see was the doctors mouth moving as she said the next 24hours is extremely crucial, its only prayers that can help right now.

When a mother saw the pain of her child and she couldn't do a think to help, it hurt the most for a mother’s love was always the most comforting place to turn too and right now Krishnaj Kapoor took her eldest born into her arms and hugged him wanting to protect him from all this hurt.  He hugged her right back for his mother’s comfort was all that he needed right now while his world came crashing down upon him from a dizzy height.  I’m sorry beta, I’m so sorry she cried with her son for their Priya  who was fighting for her life, for their lost treasure the heir to carry forward the Kapoor history into the next generation.  A few minutes later Ram took control of himself taking a deep breath he took his already crumbled handkerchief  and wiped his eyes.   He turned to the doctor as the Ram Kapoor in control and asked what baby did we have?  She lowered her eyes to the ground, it was a little boy Mr Kapoor.  He nodded his head sniffling his nose, in silence he sat down again resting the back of his head against the chair rest, his eyes closed shutting the world around him.
 
While in a place of Mumbai a lover played this song on re-peat longing for his forbidden love.
 

Do pal ki thi, ye dilon ki daastaan

This story of hearts lasted only a few moments,
Aur phir, chal diye, tum kahaan, ham kahaan

and then where did you go, and where did I?

Aur phir chal diye, tum kahaan, ham kahaan

 

Dr Mehta took a deep sigh and went to sit next to Ram, placing her hand on his she said Mr Kapoor I can not express to you how very sorry I am for what you going through right now and I know this is not the ideal time to discuss this but the hospital is being hounded by the press wanting some sort of a statement.  The decision is left entirely up to you whether we go ahead, I know you have your own public relations people so before we act we are asking you first, do we go ahead and hold a brief press conference?  Off course we don’t expect you to be there and trust me we will say as little as possible, our patient confidentiality is always at the forefront.  Not bothering to open his eyes he nodded his head in agreement, the doctor squeezed his hand in re-assurance I won’t give up so easily Mr Kapoor.   He appreciated her words for he knew she was talking about his Priya before she woke up to leave, he asked Doctor can I see my baby?  The Doctor looked at him with sympathy and said when you ready to do this I will take you to see your baby. He nodded his head and my wife am I allowed to see her.  It's a bit too soon for that Mr Kapoor maybe in a few hours.  He nodded his head again as the doctor gave him a reassuring smile and headed back to the management office.

 Ram spoke to Vikram I need some air.  Ok Ram sure no problem we can go right now.  Ram shook his head no Vikram I need to be alone. I just need some time please and he woke up as Vikram looked at him in despair, taking his phone he called Ram's driver Shankar and said meet Mr Kapoor at the back entrance of the hospital, he also called Ram’s head of security to ensure that they never left his side.  The family raised concerns about Ram being left on his own and Vikam said let’s give him the space that he needs.

Ram got into the back seat of his luxurious vehicle and instructed Shankar to drive, where they were heading he didn’t know all he knew he needed to get out of this death forsaken place, drive Shankar, just drive till I tell you to stop.
 

Tum the ke thi koyi ujli kiran

Was that actually you, or was it a ray of light?
Tum the ya koyi kali muskaayi thi

Was that actually you, or was it a smiling flowerbud?
Tum the ya koyi kali muskaayi

was that you, or was it the rain of dreams?........

 

 

 

The night sky in Mumbai felt beaten, Its morning was filled in so much love, its day was tainted in blood, its early evening was hanging in the balance of life and its night opened its doors to death, what would tomorrow bring?
 
They had so many plans together for their baby who was created out of love for each other, theirs was a union so blessed, but here he was mourning the loss of his son, a dead son that he didn't even have the courage to face while his wife was fighting for her life in ICU.  He had all the money in the world to make things happen by his will,  God knew he was a wealthy man but right now he felt like the poorest man in the world.  Where did he hear that before, with all the money in the world I could not save my wife and then he remembered his conversation with Sheikh Mohammad Bin Hussain Al Khalifa in Dubai when he shared his sorrow about losing his beloved wife of over fifty years to breast cancer and how their lives changed when they least expected it too.  Right now Ram thought what was there in his money when his unborn son was dead and his wife was fighting to live , so what did that I tell us about money, not even money or wealth can save us from death. Lost in his thought Ram Looked out the window and saw them passing a beautiful ornate church.  Something urged him to stop, Shankar please stop the car.  They stopped outside the beautiful church of St John also called the Afghan church built by the British in memory of their soldiers killed in the first Afghan war in the year 1838.

 

  

What did Ram Kapoor know about churches, only what he’d seen inside a few times when he attended weddings or a funeral, but did he know anything else apart from that.  He walked into the enormous church, it’s tall arched pillars adding a dramatic touch to it. While right in front high up was a beautiful stained glass window that formed the backdrop for the altar.   There was quite solitude of peace that made him sit at one of the back rows while in front , rows of wooden pew's told the vastness of this church.  What was he doing here, what was he hoping to get from being here?  He sat alone for a good 30 minutes not thinking but just mindful.   He felt a touch on his shoulder, he turned to see the warm smile of a priest looking at him.  My son why do I feel like you have the whole world on your shoulders?  Ram looked at him and sadly said that’s because I do, my whole world has fallen apart in a matter of hours.

The Priest found a space next to him, sitting down he said would you like to speak about it, and Ram asked can you make it go away if I do.  The priest smiled no my son but I can listen to what’s in your heart. A few silent minutes passed, and just from somewhere within himself, he finally had the courage to speak, to share his burdens of the day, speaking his grief to this kind priest. My wife is fighting for her life and we lost our unborn son. What did I do in my life to deserve such a harsh punishment, why is god making us suffer?  I had to watch my wife get shot and then fight to live and here I am knowing that just as easily I could get a call at any minute to tell me that she’s dead.  Tears couldn't stop flowing I didn’t even have the courage to stay back at the hospital because I don’t want to know.  He shook his head with sobs I don’t want to know that my wife is dead all I want is my wife back with me alive and healthy.  How can god do this to us, I love her so much, we were so in love and so looking forward to our first baby.  How could god give her to me and then want to take her away from me, he took my baby too.  The Priest listened silently to this broken hearted man letting him pour his heart out while he cried, till he could cry no more.  Then there was just silence and silence but only breathing.  The Priest placed his hand on his shoulder with comfort and said my son let me share something with you, maybe you will understand, maybe you won’t but I trust that you should be able to draw up your own conclusion and so the Priest continued to share a beautiful story called, Foot Prints in the Sand.

 

 

After the Priest had finished his story Ram turned to him, a peace within himself knowing god was with him and he will carry them through these turbulent times. How do I thank you for this?  The Priest laughed and said my son, thank you is not needed. Can I give you a donation for the church, Ram asked?  The Priest shook his head and said my son the house of god is free, you are welcome at anytime.  In the eyes of understanding the Priest said come let’s go and light a candle for your dear wife and pray for the soul of your son to rest in peace.
 



 

 In times of grief, in times of trouble, In times of needing comfort, in times of finding solitude, when your whole world is falling apart all you need is GOD and just god alone. No matter what religion, cast, or creed the house of god in any form will open its doors to you never forsaking you. Have faith god is light and the power above all.  He is there to comfort you in any way that you may come to him, be it a Hindu, be it a Christian, be it a Muslim you will be a better Hindu, a better Christian, a better Muslim when you know god is everywhere, he resides in your heart, right next to you all you need to do is look deep and you will find him right there, the father of your soul.  


With my life, I will protect our baby with my life!


God Bless!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Fan Fiction: A Jealous Rage! Chapter Forty Four

 

 

                                                                                Chapter Forty Four

 

 

 

Currently from the Mumbai news desk on NDTV live, Nidhi Kulpati spoke to the nation. News just in, there are new developments surrounding the hostage crisis at St Marks College, we’ve just been informed the attacker holding Mrs Priya Kapoor hostage is also holding up a group of students. He is said to be strapped with explosives, the police are requesting for the public to keep away from the the scene.  The area is on high alert and extremely dangeous we urge you please do not venture in an around the area of St Marks College we will bring you the news as it unfolds right here on NDTV.  The attacker’s demands are not clear as yet, through visuals coming in we’ve just seen him fire two gun shots into the air. At this stage we not sure if there are any casualties but right now we crossing over to Barkha Dutt in our Delhi newsroom to try and get the Minister’s reaction, over to you Barkha.

 

 

Thanks Nidhi yes this is indeed sad and shocking news, Sir if I can just quickly ask you what is going through your mind right now?  Shaking his head in a blank confused look the minister said Barkha I’m speechless and horrified, I’m just horrified that this young man is capable of acting in this manner, he was in a state of disbelief.  Sir what do you think could have driven this youngster to react so violently I mean we’ve never seen anything like this happening in India before?  I know Barkha we’ve heard of hostage crisis happening in schools of other countries, take the US for example but having this happen in our own country, in our own college it is just unbelievable, Barkha please clarify for me is he a student of the college or not, the minster asked her?  Well sir according to reports coming in he is  definitely a student of the college.  With his hand on his bearded chin the minister shook his head I’m just really saddened by what’s going on and I pray to god this does not end tragically I off course will ensure that we do everything in our power to assist in this situation.  Sir I express your sentiments it’s really sad especially for what the hostage's families have to witness seeing their loved ones held up. Our hearts most certainly go out to them and especially to the Kapoor family. Focusing her very serious face into the camera she said, Mrs Priya Kapoor is a teacher at St Marks College and the wife of Mr Ram Kapoor India’s richest industrialist, what’s alarming is that Mrs Kapoor is pregnant and according to reports she could be at least 5 months pregnant expecting their very first child.

 We have to unfortunately say goodbye to the minister, he’s on his way out of the studios but we’ll try to get more from him later but for now let’s cross back to the news desk in Mumbai, Nidhi over to you. Thank you Barkha well If you haven’t already heard Mrs Priya Ram Kapoor together with a group of students was taken hostage by a single gunman on the roof top of St Marks College.  Right now the scene is such that the army was called into this hostage crisis, the young assailant is said to be strapped with explosives.  He could very well be a suicide bomber his demands have not been made yet.  We’ve also just been informed that Mr Ram Kapoor arrived at the scene just minutes earlier and through the visuals we can see a very disturbed looking Mr Kapoor.  Certainly our thoughts and prayers are with him and all the families of those students being held up.  We want to try and get more from the scene so let’s cross to our news correspondent giving us an up to date feel on what’s happening out there.   The news also filtered through to other parts of world from the international news desk across with the likes of BBC worldwide news, CNN world report and Al- Jazeera broadcasting live images streaming in from its Indian counterpart NDTV.   Within minutes they had their own freelance reporters who were already stationed in Mumbai on the scene reporting to their respective audiences as the hostage crisis became a worldwide focus with the epicenter of this drama being St Mark’s college.

Lieutenant Colonel Rohit Singh of the Indian Army was on the roof top speaking in his moderately toned voice into his ear piece, advising the team who were listening in on their radio actives and ear pieces. Carefully observing the situation he said, the assailant is extremely agitated and in his rage he is capable of doing just about anything. Right now we got to calm him down and win his trust over so that he releases the hostages.  I think for now get our men out of sight but station yourselves for line of fire.  Do you think that's a wise choice sir the voice spoke into his ear?  off course it is I just don’t want to piss him off any further but whatever happens do not fire,  I re-peat do not fire we have no idea how the explosives are wired  on him. Get the bomb squad positioned   up here we need their expertise.  The priority is to get Mrs Kapoor away from him she's in a rather delicate condition right now, I’m just not sure how long she’s going to be able to withstand this so i'm going in now.  Ok lieutenant the voice on the other end said, but we need you to keep him in clear view of us.  Rohit said yes sure, but I re-peat do not fire until I say so also get me whatever information you can get on his family and relay it back to me.  The sounds of the helicopter circling the area made Rohit look up, he said get that damn helicopter out of here it’s too risky having this on air right now. Yes sir we on it, the voice then shouted the order to someone else, we need that helicopter out of here pronto, speaking to Rohit the voice said,  good luck sir.

There was a shuffle at the trap door as the police tried blocking Ram Kapoor from entering the roof top, my wife for god sake that’s my wife he shouted at them. Rohit was about too move forward into the hostage scene when he heard the shouts, my wife the voice screamed, my wife he turned around to see Ram Kapoor pushing his way through the line of policemen.  He quickly went over trying to bring some order in the situation and shouted Mr Kapoor to get his attention and to the police he shouted leave Mr Kapoor, taking hold of Ram himself he said I’m Rohit Singh remember me we met last night at the Taj Hotel.  Ram looked at him and recognition passed.  Rohit said Mr Kapoor  you are putting yourself into risk and a bigger risk for everyone else, we trying to get your wife away from him.  Ram said for god sake I just need to know that my wife is ok please tell me that she’s ok I heard the gun shots. 
 
His heart went out to the distress husband, don’t worry Mr Kapoor he shot in the air no one was injured. Ram staggered in relief covering his face he took a deep breath re-moving his hand from his face releasing his breath while his heart beat pumped rigorously.  Look Mr Kapoor I know you want to be here to save your wife but that’s what we are here for and I promise Mr Kapoor I’m not going to let anything happen to her but for the safety of your wife and all off those people that are being held up I need you to stay away. Ram was confused what do you mean by those people, well he’s holding a gun to your wife but there are others he’s got held up lying flat on the floor so please just stay here and let us do our jobs.

Ram was shattered but at the same time a temporary relief broke through his body knowing that his wife was still alive and nothing happened to her. Just as relieved Vikram put his hand around Ram’s shoulder I think he’s right, we are risking Priya’s safety and if he see’s you we don’t know what he could do.  Let the trained people handle this, Rohit looked at Vikram and said thank you, we will do our best but now I got to get in there so please I beg of you and he looked at Ram to emphasize his point, do not and I really mean it do not over step the security line. Ram silently nodded in agreement, his eyes blood-shod with grief while his hair was dampened in sweat.  Rohit Singh was in his army uniform covered by a bullet proof vest over his chest, he turned to leave speaking into his ear piece he said, ok all clear. Putting his hand on his back holster he ensured that his gun was  secured, I’m going in he said.

You see that bitch, you see what I can do, I can finish you and the whole lot of them just like that he clicked his middle finger and thumb to emphasize his point.  Priya felt the heat from the gun pointed right back against the side of her head, her skin burning from the heat of the recently fired pistol  while at the same time she could feel movement in her stomach overlooking the gun stabbing at her for a moment, Her one hand covered her mouth in shocked surprise while the other covering her stomach as she witnessed the feeling of her baby kick her for the first time. Oh my god, she cried silently her body shaking into shudders as the vigorous movements passed inside her stomach like tiny flutters.  Beneath her palm on her swollen stomach she felt the beat of the kick oh my sweet baby don’t be frightened, mama is ok.  I promise you baby nothing is going to happen to you, you are my strong baby and I love you so much. We are going to be fine and just now we going to be with papa, you know how much papa loves us she sniffled as she tried in her own little way to re-assure her baby and herself.  The baby was in fear, frightened by the vibrating fear in Priya’s body; it reached into its lifeline wanting to feel secured all it could feel was its mother's overwhelming distress.

 Her mind flew back to what her doctor said, “your baby is experiencing the same emotions that you are going through” she then remembered the conversation that she had with Ram only a few hours earlier in the car, "take care of our baby he said, and she said with my life I will take care of our baby with my life".  The baby kicking her for the first time should have been a special moment that she shared together with Ram but here she was being dragged against this sickening body holding her hostage while her back was pressed against his chest rubbing against something hard.  Feel that bitch I’m going to blow us up he laughed into her ear that sickened feeling of disgust and panic past through her. You going to die bitch all of you and no one can save you not even god he shouted laughing.  The other grief stricken hostages cringed in fear for their lives,  Priya shook like a leaf was this her last wish, was this her last breath has she silently cried oh my god and prayed most earnestly, Ganapati bappa please be with my Ram protect him, I love him so much please tell him I love him.  She sobbed while her heart broke into a million pieces as thoughts of her blowing up  right here with their unborn baby inside of her overcame her in fear, while tears spilled down her face like a fountain as she stood here facing her death unable to keep her promise, I will take care of our baby with my life, those words resonated within her.

 Above in the skies the NDTV news helicopter hovering above turned away heading back to its base.  Lieutenant colonel Rohit Singh walked towards the assailant who was holding Priya his hostage in front of him like a shield.  Stand back the gunman shouted at Rohit, stand back or I will blow her brains out.  Rohit said ok, just calm down I’m not doing anything lifting his hands in the air see I’m not holding anything my hands are free. The gunman was on edge Rohit looked at Priya the softening in his eyes pleading for her to trust him hoping that his familiar face here would give her some relief.  He cautiously stepped closer, the gunman taking the gun away from Priya’s head  pointed it directly at Rohit then lowered it slightly to the ground. Did you not hear me stand back, stand back he shouted firing a third shot that missed Rohit’s foot by a millimeter has he jumped out the way in a split second of the bullet passing through, there was screams and shouts.

 Jesus Christ Vikram I can’t watch, god I cannot watch.  Vikram had his hand around Ram’s shoulder take it easy Ram ,it’s ok he’s just scaring everyone.  Vikram was dripping in his own sweat he was so damn scared but he needed to be calm and brave for Ram or he knew Ram would completely loose it.  Ok, ok Rohit shouted with his hands in the air I’m not moving, calm down I’m standing right here all I want to do is talk to you.  The gunman laughed, yeah right you wanna talk, what do you want to talk to me about? Tell me what is it you want? Why Mr Army man are you going to get it for me he laughed harshly.  Well if you don’t tell me what you want how will I know if I can get it for you or not. Yeah right Mr Army man when I blow this whole fucking place up, you going to wish you had given me what I want.  Information was relayed back to Rohit  in his ear piece and using that same information he said to the gunman how will your family feel knowing what you doing?  My family what fucking family they dead, they all fucking dead he cried harshly.  Listen Rajesh, that’s your name right, Rajesh?  He nodded his head, your sister is downstairs wanting to see you.  I don’t believe you,  yes she is,  but she’s dead he said, No Rajesh she’s not dead she is downstairs worried about you she wants to speak to you.  Rajesh was confused but she’s dead I know she’s dead he re-peated.

 Priya could feel him softening when he heard that his sister was here, why did he think she was dead, did he kill her. These questioned went through her distressed mind. Finding courage in her shaky voice she said I know how much your sister loves you, how do you know that, he asked?  Priya was frightened for her life but she didn’t want this young boy to end his life like this, she said to him because I have a brother too and I know how much I love him and I wouldn’t want to see him ruin his life like this killing innocent people.  You've got your whole life ahead of you don’t do this please, your family needs you, who is going to be there for your family? They love you very much please don’t put them through this.

Rohit decided to capitalize on this moment and said she’s right you know, Rajesh come on let her go, put the gun down and let these people go.  I promise you we’ll get you whatever help you need.  The boy was stilled hailed in confusion as he thought about his family, he slowly said but they killed my family, they said they were going to kill my family.  Who Rajesh, who was going to kill your family?  After a few nerve wrecking seconds he said, the drug lords they were going to kill my family he looked spaced out as the memory surfaced.  Priya said I’m sorry you had to go through that but I’m sure your family is safe, look how worried they must be for you.  The drugs that he'd taken earlier this morning was slowly wearing of his body, bringing his mind to some sort of sanity. Rohit said, look buddy we can work through this I’m here for you and can get all the help that you need, we’ll ensure your family is safe and trust me your family is safe right now, but they really concerned about you so how about we end this now, let these people go.

Can they go Rajesh, can you let them go? Rohit asked pleading with him, finally the boy said ok they can go. He pointed to the ones lying on the floor they can go.  Rohit speaking into his earpiece ordered his men hold your fire, hold your fire the hostages are being released as he spoke the sharp shooters were on alert watching for any movement from the attacker while the hostages on the floor , quickly woke up scurrying for safety crying in relief but Rajesh still held onto his main hostage Priya not letting her go.  Ram was sweating watching this scene unfold before his eyes, but why wasn’t he letting his Priya go, speaking under his breath Ram said let her go man, come on just let her go he pleaded softly.  Vikram I’m going in there I can’t bear to see Priya like this,. For god sake Ram are you crazy you could  put her life in danger,  that Rohit guy knows what he’s doing out there just pull yourself together and have faith buddy, come on its going to be ok.

The Seven Hills hospital, a private hospital was already on red alert for an emergency, its air ambulance was ready and waiting while Dr Anuradha Mehta and a team of highly specialized emergency doctors were also on standby for this high profiled hostage drama. Back on the news desk, Nidhi spoke to the nation we’ve just been informed the hostages have been released but unconfirmed reports coming through indicate Priya Kapoor is still being held captive. Let’s cross over to our news correspondent for the latest update.  Well Nidhi it’s true that hostages are being released she pointed in the direction of the entrance to the college, as you can see the hostages are coming out of the building some 15 to 20 of them.  Right now they will be given whatever medical treatment they require and taken to hospitals in and around the area for more specialized care. Do you know if there are any serious injuries? well Nidhi it’s not confirmed yet but I think so far there are no severe injuries probably just some treatment for shock and minor  injuries.  Can you tell us if Priya Kapoor has been released? At this stage it seems the attacker is still holding her captive everyone off course is just hoping and praying that she is able to get out of this safely  and can you tell us of the where about of Mr Ram Kapoor?  Well right now it seems he could be on the roof top just earlier I managed to get a glimpse of him.

While the reporting continued on the news front, back on the roof top Rohit said to Rajesh why don’t you let Priya go, she looks tired and needs some rest?  The boy was hesitant and said not yet he tighten the hold on her she can’t go yet.  Look can I at least get her some water to drink she looks like she’s dehydrating, the boy looked at her and thought for a while then changed his mind he said ok she can go. Ram was in the sidelines ready to run out for her but Vikram held him back. Rohit said that’s good, I’m really happy that you agreed. Now I want you to slowly release her and step back with your hands in the air, promise me you will not detonate the explosives on you.  He was silent look Rajesh don’t do anything you will regret, don’t disappoint your family please.  He laughed yeah right Mr Army man like they not disappointed already.  I’m sure your family love you very much Rajesh and will help you get through this. Trust me Rajesh, trust me that I’m a man who keeps to my word.  There was something very honest and comforting by the army man’s word Rajesh said to Priya, i'm sorry I didn’t mean to do this, you a good teacher. She was choked with emotion as he released his hands from her and said you free to go.  She stood frozen as he stepped back with the gun in his hand.  Put the gun down Rajesh, put the gun down, Rohit calmly pleaded with him a nervous tension passing through his body, put the gun down he said again. 

Snapping out of his blank silence Rajesh was placing the gun on the floor when it accidently slipped from his hand falling to the ground. Has it hit the ground a bullet dislodged itself ricocheting off its surface. Two things happened; nothing could stop Ram Kapoor running out into the clear open while the swat teams ran in surrounding Rajesh the gunman, bomb experts worked quickly to remove the explosives of him cutting its connection from exploding. Friday seemed to stretch as its astrological forecast aligned itself in its destiny while the earth’s axis continued on its rotation passing through many time zones.  Mumbai twisted and turned for most part of the day with nervous tension. Go back Friday we don’t like you right now, I’m warning you Friday trouble us not for we were happy living in our perfect world of dreams.  Uncaring for in-significant us or our wants, Friday simply had its own agenda speeding through on a rollercoaster of emotions that was deeply rooted in volatile aggression. Wouldn’t this hold its own consequences, I asked myself, as we wondered aimlessly our hearts fearful, our eyes tearful but then I remember, fear not for what destiny has in store what’s meant to happen will happen. Be strong, be faithful  and remember to breathe.  While in the distance somewhere, some place, a lover’s heart wrenched out lyrics that was sadly somber in mood, on this damning Friday.

 

 

Do,pal ruka,khwaabon ka kaarvaan   

The caravan stopped for a few moments

Aur phir, chal diye,tum kahaan, ham kahaan

and then where did you walk off, and where did I?

Do pal ki thi, ye dilon ki daastaan

This story of hearts lasted only a few moments,

Aur phir, chal diye, tum kahaan, ham kahaan

and then where did you go, and where did I?

Aur phir chal diye, tum kahaan, ham kahaan

 

 

She had beautiful simplicity in her attire standing like a true heroine in her red sari, her hair was left open while loosely flying strands stuck to her like a magnetic pull over her tear stained face. Her movements were hindered has her hands lay clasped on her stomach as a protective guard.  In stilled images she looked an angelic goddess while her normally bewitching eyes caught in slow motion a view of her Ram, running, running towards her like a hero it was more than all of her dreams put together. Her lion prince charming came to rescue her, how handsome he looked with a gentle smile passing her lips she thought he didn’t have his haircut today.  A burning sting shattered inside her shoulder, with the force she staggered back her eyes rolling as waves of dizziness passed her weakened head.   The heat in her shocking the breath of her.

 

 

Tum the ke thi koyi ujli kiran

Was that actually you, or was it a ray of light?
Tum the ya koyi kali muskaayi thi

Was that actually you, or was it a smiling flowerbud?

Tum the ya tha sapnon ka tha saawan

Was that you, or was it the rain of dreams?
 

Echoing of her inner soul a tender smile glowed on her face your life is mine, it’s mine to keep don’t you ever forget it.   She stood proud for her life, she stood proud for her Ram as he came for her. Her smile of pride, her eyes of pain seared gut wrenchingly through his inner being. Her Ram, Ram the name silently left her lips. He grabbed her has she collapsed into his arms.

Screaming from the inner depths of his soul, Priyyyyyyyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa  Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The screech in his voice vibrated, crackling the air as the sound carried a lover’s cry.  Holding her weakened body like a limp lifeless doll, he dropped to his knees with her head over his bent arm he lowered his head rubbing his cheek against her forehead, his tears mixing with her blood  as he rocked her back and forth in his arms. He yelled into the air for the blue skies to hear why, why did you do this? The deep wrenching sobs broke through his body.

 

 

From a spaced distance she heard his over wrought heartbeat against her ear. In her weakened breath she lifted her finger sliding it across his handsome cheek, smiling at him as her mouth moved slightly and the most precious words rolled off her tongue I Loveeeee Youuuuuuuu . Her eyes felt tired, slowly she blinked needing to close them while destiny sang a lullaby for her. 




 

Tum the ya tha sapnon ka tha saawan

Was that you, or was it the rain of dreams?
Tum the ke khushiyon ki ghata chhaayi thi

Was that you, or did a cloud of joy pass overhead? 


 

Baby please don't close your eyes on me,  please open your eyes. Don’t close them he cried. Please keep them open for me, for us. Somebody he screamed help me please , he begged with his hand pressed between her breast and shoulder to stop the blood flow. Vikram dropped to his knees shattered watching a very bad dream, unable to comprehend. A medical team rushed in to stabilize her and in the air the sounds of an air ambulance helicopter could be heard as it landed on the roof top of St Marks College making its way back to the Seven Hills Hospital. 

Tum the ke tha koyi phool khila

Was that you, or did a flower bloom?

Tum the ya mila tha mujhe naya jahaan

Was that you, or did I find a whole new world?

 

 

 

 
 


 

 

 

It was a five minute journey to the hospital and in all that time Ram held onto her hand for dear life, squeezing her hand he lifted it up to his mouth as he broke into unbearable sobs.  The emergency staff worked around him as they tried to stop the blood flow, her heart rate was dropping and her blood pressure rose. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back at the news desk, Nidhi Kulpati broke the news to the nation, breaking news just in Mrs Priya Kapoor has been shot in a hostage crisis on the roof top of St Marks College.  At this stage we not sure how serious she is, but right now she’s being airlifted to the Seven Hills Hospital for medical treatment. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Kapoor family during this very difficult time.  We've got live visuals coming through from the grounds of the Seven Hills Hospital where the helicopter has just landed. As you can see there’s a team of doctors and nurses ready and waiting to receive Mrs Kapoor. She looked thoughtful into the screen and said, just really sad news indeed Mrs Kapoor is five months pregnant.  Looking at these visuals you can quite clearly see them carrying out the stretcher ready to wheel her into the hospital and behind them a very distraught and blood stained Mr Ram Kapoor coming out of the helicopter followed closely by we think his right hand man, Mr Vikram Shergill who is said to be extremely close to the family. These are really disturbing images coming through and judging by what we seeing right now it does look rather serious.  Let’s try and cross over to our new correspondent at the Seven Hills Hospital to get a clearer understanding of what’s going on.

 

 

The situation at the Seven Hills Hospital was deathly serious as the doctors and nurses raced the patient to the nearest emergency room in the trauma unit.  They pushed the huge double doors ajar with force as they rushed in to attach a life support machine to her.  The staff were so involved in trying to stabilize the patient that they didn't even have time to care for Ram Kapoor and Vikram Shergill standing inside the emergency room by the door hopelessly watching the activity.   Her blood pressure and heart rate was dropping, the black screen on the heart machine showed an erratic pattern in the lines that moved across. I can not find her pulse we loosing her quick get me the defibrillation we loosing her,  Don't u dare die on us Mrs Kapoor


Ram Kapoor stood in a stunned state of shock his face deathly white as his heart skipped a beat he covered his face with his hands a deep sob stuck in his throat as he staggered back against the wall in hopeless despair, unbearable pain gripped him all he could hear don't die on us Mrs Kapoor , what did that mean she can't die he cried oh my god Vikram my Priya cant do this to me.

Do pal ruka khwaabon ka kaarvaan

The caravan stopped for a few moments,
Aur phir chal diye tum kahaan ham kahaan

and then where did you walk off, and where did I?

At the count of three the doctor ordered, stand back one, two, three and clear the electric shock was discharged,all Ram could see through his tears was her body jerk up like a rag doll and hit the bed again. They repeated the process stand back one, two, three clear and her body jerked again like a rag doll the green line on the heart machine still flat.  Dr Mehta shouted I'm not giving up on you Mrs Kapoor come on, come back to us. Stand back one, two, three she discharged the electric shock for the third time

Do pal ki thi, ye dilon ki daastaan

This story of hearts lasted only a few moments,
Aur phir chal diye, tum kahaan, ham kahaan

and then where did you go, and where did I?

Aur phir chal diye, tum kahaan, ham kahaan

 

How often have we looked at our lives with all its imperfections and thought if only, if only.  In our life If only thoughts should have no importance to how we live, for the bitter truth is that we are here destined to face imperfections and in trying to beat the odds to attain perfection we can unknowingly miss the value of our dear life.   How often complacency sets us in our comfort zone and we forget trepidation that comes along to shake us up. In wanting a life of perfection we may achieve happiness for a few seconds, a few minutes, a few hours, a few days, a few months or even a few years but sadly life cannot guarantee us all the happiness that we think we may deserve for the beauty of our life lies not in its adjectives and what it can offer us but in our acceptance that our imperfections are our greatest strength, when we are able to overcome our stumbling blocks in our lives we can then truly be called a hero of life. 


 God Bless!