II

*Preview*

Taking a deep breath, he grabbed the helmet and put it on before getting on the bike. Keying the ignition, he revved the bike and took it out from the parking spot. He briefly glanced at the person who was standing by the window looking at him before leaving the premises. K2 knew that person cared for him and he also knew that he was the only person that K2 could say he had in this whole world.

Chapter II

Krystle

I stretched my arm out to stop the table clock blaring the alarm. Closing my eyes for a few seconds, I continued to lay on the bed but alas, happiness is not long lived. Sighing, I got up from the bed and went to get ready for the day.

Coming out of the shower in bath robe, I looked out of the window to see that it was raining.

Nothing new.

It was the month of July and it rained mercilessly during this month in Delhi. It was a relief after June's long scorching hot summer. I opened the window to let the cool breeze in and the scent of rain and water.

Like everyone else, I also loved this scent.

Walking towards my cupboard, I opened it and thought of what to wear. Deciding on a black shirt and black pants, I quickly changed into them before closing the cupboard. I threw my night suit into the laundry basket beside the bathroom door and put on my cream coloured sandals before walking out of the room.

Comfort and style is my motto.

I worked at High Hopes Hospital as a receptionist so it was expected for me to wear formal clothes always. Of course, it was not my dream job but something is better than nothing. Few years back, I was thinking of quitting the job and follow my dreams but then mom left me. All the responsibilities and burden came on me so I couldn't afford to lose the only job I had. Therefore, I continued it. It was not a hard job but certainly not an easy one too. I had to fill out the forms of the patients, ask them questions, help them and sometimes escort them to various areas in the hospital too. However, I love helping them. Sometimes, I also talk to some old patients and they tell me their old tales when they were young. Those stories are fun to hear. Obviously, I sit with them when I'm free.

Entering the kitchen, I took out a bowl and pour some cold milk into it. Placing the milk back in the fridge, I added chocos and gave it a mix before going out to sit on the dining table.

This house belonged to my late grandfather. After his demise, mom wanted to keep it so she renovated it completely. It's a three bedroom apartment with 2 washrooms, dining plus kitchen and living room. It's a medium size house but for a single person, it's quite huge. Even though I sometimes faced financial problems, I didn't had a heart to sell or either rent this house. It was very close to me and my mom. Now, it became a house of memories of my grandfather as well as my mother.

Gulping down the milk, I washed the bowl and spoon before letting them dry. I glanced at the clock and it was 8:30 am. My shift started at 9 and I walked to the hospital.

Not wanting to get late, I quickly grabbed my phone and looked at it's battery.

71%

"It will last for the day." I mumbled as I took my bag and placed the water bottle in. Switching off all the lights, I locked the door but not before grabbing the umbrella.

It was drizzling outside now but I was sure that it would rain heavily again. I fished out my earphones from the bag and plugged them into my ears. Taking my phone out from the pocket, I connected the earphones and played the last played song from the beginning. I hopped on the side walk as I listened to the beautiful melody.

Everything looked fresh and clean. As if the rain had rejuvenated everything. Leaves of trees looked bright and green while the trunks became more dark. The sky was blue with grey and black clouds, that promised of bursting again soon. Even if the clouds looked heavy and dark, the wind was cool and light, giving a winterly touch to everything. I loved rains and winters but not when they both are combined.

Soon enough, my eyes caught the big red sign above a grey building. The exterior of the building was elegant as the interior of the building.

'High Hopes Hospital'. The name was clichè but the hospitality was finest. The doctors and nurses were highly qualified and knew their work. The staff was always there to help.

I entered the big black gates and was greeted by Chander, the security guard.

"Good morning, Krystle." He greeted, affection in his warm old eyes.

"Good morning, Uncle. How is your family?" I asked. It had become a routine of mine to ask about his family after he had told me about them once.

"They are doing great." He smiled. Anyone could tell that he loved his two daughters and wife.

"Great. I'll better be going then. Take care."

There were just few cars and bikes parked in the parking lot. Almost all of them belonged to the doctors as they had the doctor's sign or 'DOCTOR' stuck on them with red bold letters. Entering the glass doors, I was welcomed by the strong smell of disinfectant. I was used to it now though but still disturbed my nose for a few seconds.

I waved at the other receptionist, Shaira who never failed to come before me. She was way more than punctual than me or as a matter of fact, than anyone else. The hospital was huge and it was semi government so the patients were always more than any private hospital. That's why, it was considered best to have two receptionists so that one was not very burdened.

I placed my bag down by the desk and sat down on the chair. I looked at the files of the patients who would have their surgeries and operations today and separated them. I was about to open the appointment register when a throat was cleared above me. I looked up and saw Dr. Rajiv Chauhan. I immediately stood up.

"Good morning Doctor." I said with a smile. He was one of the best and senior doctors of the hospital. He was also a great man.

"Good morning Krystle. How's everything?" He asked as he looked down at the files mounting my desk.

"Great." I answered back. He was the only doctor who took out time to talk with his staff.

He nodded and went on his way.

At 9 am, many doctors and nurses leave hospitals after their night shift while the staff of the next shift comes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The day went on. It was a busy day. Heck! Everyday is a busy one. As the weather changes, many patients came with fever or cold and cough.

I stretched my arms out and looked at my phone. It read 8:32 pm.

Just half an hour more.

Soon it was time to leave. I packed my things and kept all the files of patients who had their surgeries tomorrow, on the desk, in case any doctor needed them.

I got up from the chair at the same time when the receptionist who had night duty came. She always had the night duty and thank God, she always came on time . After a long twelve hour duty, I didn't want to wait more. We talked for a bit before I left the building with my bag. It didn't rain after afternoon. Maybe, it would rain late at night.

I waited for Shaira as we went home together. We walked till the nearest metro station before parting ways. She takes the metro while I just turn left and enter my society.

"Let's go." Shaira said as she patted my shoulder and we both left the hospital premises. We talked about our day. Even though we sit opposite each other everyday we don't get to talk, given the facts that our lunch breaks are at different timings to avoid waiting time of patients.

"So, I'll see you tomorrow?" She asked while taking out her metro card. It was just a fifteen minute walk to the metro station.

"Yup." I replied "See you. Don't forget-"

"I know, I know. I'll message you first when I reach home." I smiled and she reciprocated, before hugging me and walking towards the entry of the station.

I do care about her. I can safely say that she is my only friend. She is the one who took care of me after mom passed away. She even stayed at my house to make sure I'm okay and ate properly. For many days, I was not able to work, so she adjusted her shifts and did mine too. She did double shifts everyday so that my salary won't get cut and I'm so thankful and indebted to her for that always. I pleaded her so much to let me do her shifts but she never agrees.

Stubborn.

I chuckled. Everyday, we both went our ways with a promise to meet each other again tomorrow morning at metro station but it never happens because she was always early than me.

But I didn't know that from today I would never be able to keep that promise even if I wanted to.

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XOXO

Kaur D