26. Chandini visits sick Prutvi

CHAPTER 26

Chandini visits sick Prutvi

Danalakshmi made strong kashaya and gave it to Prutvi. He drank it slowly and then lay down on the bed again.

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At the college, Chandini was not able to concentrate on anything. She was thinking only about Prutvi. She got up. “Sir, I have a very bad headache. I want to go home.”

Her teacher nodded and she left the college and went home.

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Danalakshmi looked at the ladies standing around Prutvi and said, “The boy is sleeping. Nobody should disturb him. Let him sleep till 2 o’clock. Let the door remain open for the air to come in.”

She opened the door wide.

All the ladies went to their houses to take rest.

Meanwhile, Chandini reached home and looked towards the compound. She was wondering whether to go to her own house or to visit Prutvi’s house. Her mind was very unsteady. She entered the compound. All the doors were closed. Only Prutvi’s door was opened. She peeped inside.

Prutvi was sleeping on the bed. Unconsciously, she went near him and stood there.

Chandini thought, “He is always so energetic and laughing. Now he looks so tired.”

Tears appeared in her eyes. She kept her hand on his forehead to check the fever. Then she closed her eyes. Tear dropped fall on Prutvi’s face. He opened his eyes. He was shocked to see Chandini. She tried to remove her hand.

Prutvi caught hold of her hand. “Chandini, please don’t remove your hand. Let it be there only. My fever will go down. But why are you crying? Smile. Just once.”

Chandini was not able to smile. “How can I smile now? You have such a high fever.”

Prutvi said, “Eh Signal, please smile. If you smile, my fever will disappear. Sorry I called you Signal. You are Chandini, isn’t it?”

She laughed. “No. I am not Chandini. I am Signal.”

Prutvi got up and sat comfortably.

Chandini said, “Please don’t get up.”

Prutvi smiled. “You touched me and the fever is gone.”

He started swinging his arms and doing exercises.