97 Confused reactions

Peering down in concentration, Abhirath and Mriga found a narrow staircase going downwards. They quickly went down and reached a large hall. The place was lit well. Mriga turned her gaze upwards in confusion. Why hadn't the light shone on the darkened area above?

It took her a second to figure out the reason for the same. A small arch had been constructed just before entering the hall in such a manner that it obstructed the view into the room if one was standing at the landing and the stairs directly above it.

"Cleverly done!" she thought, impressed beyond measure despite her mind being in turmoil about other things.

But she got no further chance to explore the place because the Vaidya and Abhirath had already entered one of the rooms.

She hurried after them and almost… slipped.

So much blood! She gasped. When the old man had described Shaurya's condition, he had made it sound like it wasn't a big deal. But Mriga stood in horrific fascination as she saw the bloodbath on the floor.

Oh My God... Shaurya! A pale looking Shaurya laid prone on the rough bed. A cut had been made at the base of his neck and there was a thick paste of sickly green colour on it. Mriga wanted to rush to his side and feel his breath to assure herself that he was breathing. But she controlled her impulse and waited for instructions.

"Boy, you take a cloth out of the cupboard there. Wet it and use it as a towel to wipe the blood and grime off Shaurya's body. You, little girl – go get the mop from the kitchen and wipe the floor. Then disinfect it. Make sure that the patient and his room are completely sterile else he may catch an infection in this state. I am going now to inform Saraswati. Till then, make sure that you don't leave him alone. Do you both understand?" the old man peered intently at them.

Nodding his head, Abhirath assured him that they will take care of the situation. As the old man left the room, Abhirath went upto Mriga and patted her back. He could see her overwhelmed expression and just wanted her to concentrate on the task for now.

At his gesture, she released the breath which she didn't even know that she had been holding in, till now. Shutting her eyes for a bit, she willed herself to become focussed and strong. Even though the room had a metallic stench to it, she was determined to not let it deter her. She dared not look at Shaurya again because… she just didn't want to look at him like this.

She walked outside the room swiftly and went in search of the kitchen and supplies. In a couple of minutes, both of them were ready to start their assigned duties. Abhirath hesitated before reaching for Shaurya's clothes. Even though he was injured, he was still a GUY! How could he do disrobe him in front of Mriga?? He shifted his gaze to the girl who had diligently started cleaning the room from the farthest end. Her eyebrows were furrowed in concentration and gaze remained focused on the floor.

Sighing, Abhirath went to look for a bed sheet to cover Shaurya's body. Under the circumstances, there was no other option.

They worked in complete silence for the next twenty minutes, both immersed in their own thoughts. By the time Mriga came back after cleaning her hands, Abhirath had managed to make Shaurya wear new clothes.

Looking at her exhausted face, he said softly, "Why don't you take rest for a while? I will go and see if there is anything to eat or drink in this place. We need to keep our energies up."

Mriga wanted to tell him that even the thought of food was making her nauseas right now but she didn't say anything and nodded her head.

Left alone in the room, her feet walked towards the bed where Shaurya was lying, despite her mind screaming not to go there. She stopped by his bedside and bent down. As if the body had formed its free will against her mind, her fingers found their way to his forehead. It was burning.

Somehow, that made her feel infinitely relieved. She remembered how cold he had been to her touch when she had first dragged him in to the building.

She stared at his face. During all their past encounters, she had never seen him from this close a distance. 'He is really good looking!' What was wrong with her? A second ago, she couldn't bear to look at him because it hurt her so much to see him injured and now she was ogling at him. Had her brain finally malfunctioned? Embarrassed at the weird thoughts, especially under such circumstances, she shied away and got up.

"W…water," his hoarse voice had her turning back swiftly.

Her head whipped in his direction upon hearing his voice. She ran to the other side of the bed where a glass and an earthen pot were kept. Pouring some water into it, she came and sat down beside him. His eyes were still shut.

"Shaurya, I have got you water. I am going to help you get up. Tell me if it hurts," she said softly to him before slipping her hand around his shoulders.

He blindly sought the glass and drank the first few sips thirstily.

"Easy… slowly, you have a wound on your neck," her voice was a whisper in his ear.

She wasn't sure if he heard her or not, but he stopped drinking and lay in her arm, limply.