#tinytales #shortstory #fiction
"Hey, what's up?" Gaurav messages.
"Hi.. Nothing. the same housework," Ankita responds.
"Same here," Gaurav says, winking.
"What do you do?" Ankita inquires.
"This lockdown made me realize how hard the ladies in the house work," Gaurav replies
"So I started helping my mom with her work,"
"Because the maid isn't permitted to come, I help her with cooking, dusting, and even washing utensils."
"Hehehehehehe," Ankita laughs.
"Liar. I don't believe you,"
"Okie. I'm video calling you right now "Gaurav responds
"Speak to my mother personally and ask her," Gaurav says, but Ankita cuts him off.
"I don't require proof, baba. I was simply teasing you," Ankita responds.
"Now that college is over, what are your plans?" Ankita asks.
Gaurav responds, "I applied for a few jobs online."
"Let's see," he says.
"Good," Ankita says.
"hmmm..." Ankita continues.
"What happened? What are your plans? "Gaurav asks.
"Haven't thought of much lately," Ankita responds.
"Will see after the lockdown is over,"
"It's simple to be a boy. Nobody expects you to do housework, but as a female living in a joint family, not doing housework is a big no-no," Ankita responds with a sad smiley.
"Hmmmm...," Gaurav says.
"What do you understand?" Ankita asks.
"Being a girl is difficult, especially in a joint family," Gaurav replies.
Ankita sends numerous laughing smileys.
Gaurav, perplexed, "did I get it wrong?"
"No, you got me right, but I love pulling your leg," Ankita responds with another laughing smiley.
"Gotta go now, catch u later," Ankita says before going offline.
Ankita and Gaurav were classmates and close friends who attended the same Ahmedabad college. They just finished their third-year exams when the lockdown was declared. Fortunately, Gaurav arrived in his hometown of Rajkot before the restrictions were imposed.
They've been communicating via WhatsApp chat and, on occasion, phone calls. They continue to discuss current situations in their respective cities and society.
"Hey," says Ankita over the phone.
"Wassup," Gaurav responds.
"My mother is covid positive and has a very low o2 level," Ankita explains.
"Oh my goodness. When did that take place?" Gaurav inquires.
"You didn't say anything about it to me. We've been talking on a regular basis" Gaurav continues with little disappointment.
"The reports arrived yesterday evening," Ankita says quietly.
"I was waiting for a report," Ankita adds.
"the doctor recommended that mom be admitted to the hospital," Ankita said, her voice mournful.
"I've been contacting ambulances and hospitals for beds,"
"Okay, then what happened?" asks Gaurav.
"There are no beds available in the hospital, and the ambulance service reports a three-day wait" Ankita's eyes well up with tears.
"I'm blank for what to do. I'm confused as to what to do next." Ankita sobs on the phone.
"My father passed away a few years ago. I can't afford to lose my mother right now," Ankita bursts into tears.
"Don't worry... Stay Strong," Gaurav makes an effort to keep her calm.
"Listen, give me a little time and let me try something" Gaurav adds.
"You are in Rajkot. How will you do?," Ankita expresses her sadness.
"I'll do something. Just have faith in me," Gaurav then hangs up the phone.
Gaurav rings the doorbell four hours later.
"What......?" Ankita is astonished when she sees him in Ahmedabad and at her home.
"Where is your mother?" Gaurav asks.
"How did you get here?" Ankita wonders.
"Questions later. The ambulance is waiting below, and I spoke with the doctor at Srishti Hospital. We can get a bed there, and the treatment will begin right away," Gaurav explains.
Ankita couldn't believe her eyes and ears.
"Auntyji, let's go," he continues while keeping a safe distance and wearing a mask and gloves as precautions.
Gaurav rides his bike alongside the ambulance and completes all necessary paperwork at the hospital for admission.
"Yes. Everything is finished. no need to be concerned," Gaurav says over the phone while standing outside Ankita's society gate.
"The hospital will provide a proper diet as well as all necessary items," Gaurav adds.
"Thank you so much," Ankita says on the phone as she stands on her balcony wanting to see Gaurav.
"But how did you get here and how did you manage?" Ankita asks.
"When you said you had no idea what to do and were getting no help in the ambulance or hospital, I didn't think twice and took my bike key and drove from Rajkot to Ahmedabad. It took me four hours to get here "Gaurav responds.
Ankita couldn't believe he'd arrived on a bike.
"Meanwhile, I took the help of my friend to get me a travel e-pass. I had a few contacts in the blood donor group, so with their support, I was able to arrange for an ambulance and a hospital bed."
"I knew I'd to be here for you, and I can't leave you alone in this situation," "So, yes," Gaurav says with a smile.
"Feel free to call me whenever you need me. I am always there for you,"
Every alternate day, Gaurav rode his bike to Ahmedabad to check on Ankita's mother in the hospital and to assist Ankita with any other home-related tasks. Finally, Ankita's mother was discharged from the hospital and return home.
"Stay happy and smiling," Gaurav says over the phone standing outside Society Gate.
"You look beautiful when you smile, and happiness on your face gives an extra glow to your skin,"
"Hey... do I ask one question?" Ankita says nervously.
"Yes," Gaurav says with a smile.
"Why did you do what you did for me?" Ankita wonders.
Gaurav didn't say anything in response.
"I mean, you drove 4 hours on the bike for me and my mom every alternate day, took care of us, and that in the midst of those restrictions and lockdown,"
"Why?"
"Because," Gaurav explains.
"Because..." Ankita repeats again.
"Because I love you with all my true soul and pure heart," Gaurav says with a smile.
"I love you with everything I have."
"I want to be yours for the rest of my life, until the end of eternity,"
"I will always be there for you until my death, and I will be there for you in every next birth,"
"Hey.. hey.. " says Ankita.
Gaurav felt he had overstated his feelings.
There was silence in between, which made Gaurav even more nervous.
"I love you toooooo," Ankita says with a kiss felt by Gaurav on the phone.
©luvvasanwal
