"In conclusion, Brother Neil is in a long-term coma."
The ward was silent for a brief moment of time.
(Taking a deep breath) "According to your assumption, how long will he take to wake up?" the voice was distant.
"Umm…I can't say for sure but it will be more than a year or two in minimum and in maximum, it's indefinite." Shikhar sighed.
The silver-haired man leaned on the wall and ignites a cigarette and inhales a few puffs of smoke.
"Shikhar, I am gonna leave Brother Neil in your care. Do whatever you need to do. Your place does not lack any advanced hospital facilities so I can rest assured of this place. Maybe I won't have time to take care of him so I am delegating the responsibility to you. Don't betray my trust–"
"Sure, sure and don't start to lecture me. I will always be on your side and Brother Neil is my family too. Even if you don't say anything, still I would take care of him. I am happy at least you care about us. Smoke less if you don't want to die early." Shikhar chuckled.
"Hahh, I won't die before I take my revenge. No one is gonna live who has hurt my people. Trying to conspire against the people I care about, haha...it's unforgivable. They can start counting their days to live." the voice was full of scorn.
"I think the fate of Grasal City is gonna change. Many are going to suffer. Will there be a bloodbath?" Shikhar tried to hide his excitement but his sparkling eyes betrayed it.
"What do you think?"
"I think—" suddenly a voice cut the conversation. A doctor who was operating on the old man had rushed to the ward.
"Dr. Shikhar, not good…not good. The patient has been poisoned too. It's an emergency. We need your guidance." the doctor was panicking.
Shikar immediately rushed to the operating room while the silver-haired man walked back and forth on the door.
The situation inside seemed to be tense. Shikhar was giving a bunch of instructions to his fellow teammates.
After twenty minutes the ward turned silent, the door opened.
"How is he?"
"Bro, his situation isn't good. Godfather woke up during the operation. I will tell you the detail later, go and meet him. He may not last long." Shikar's voice was feeble and lowering his head.
The ward was vacant with only a patient in the bed.
"God…father…" his voice choked up.
"Young lord…my little boy…Arik…is that you?" the old man spoke slowly.
"Yes, godfather. It's me, Arik, your little boy." the silver-haired man nodded while holding the old man's hand.
"You have grown up and have turned more handsome than your father. It has been more than a decade and a half, I haven't seen or heard from you. Sorry Arik, I sent you far away to prepare and train you. Just don't hate me for sending you away when you needed us.
I know a day will come when you have to resume your parent's position. I was only keep-seeking it to hand over when you are qualified enough. Your mother had wished it to be grand when you assume your position but Sorry son, I don't think I can fulfill his wish." the man's expression was full of regret.
"Godfather, whatever you did was for my sake. I won't be angry with you. You are my family, in a family, everyone cares for each other. Don't talk more and rest." Arik (the silver-haired man) tried to console the old man so he won't be guilty.
"Arik, if I stop talking I think I won't have a chance to talk anymore. How is Neil?" the old man was worried about his son.
"Brother Neil is safe." Arik lowered his head.
"Don't lie to a dying man. I can handle the news, I am not as weak as you think. Say me the truth, how is he?" the man tried to look into Arik's eyes.
"It's the truth. He is comatose but still alive. His nervous system had the greatest impact so he will be in a coma for a year or two."
"That's good…that's good, he is alive... What did you say he will take a year or two to wake up?" The old man ignited. Due to the strength used, he began to cough.
"Don't be ignited. He is in coma not dying." the voice was neither soft or rude,
"No, no, no…it's wrong…a year will be late…Arik, for all these year serving your parent and being your godfather…can I ask you for something? I know I am acting shameless but please, I beg you for something…" Even the old man's eyes were pleading. He was speaking with difficulty.
Arik tightly hold the hand of the old man and nod his head.
"Find Neil's girl and take care of her until Neil wakes up. Before the incident, he was very worried about her. Something must have happened between them. I had a feeling he was trying to talk about her to me but due to some reason we didn't had a good talk. The men in our family are responsible and loyal to their partner. Don't let her down."
"Okay. I promise to find her."
The old man smiled, "Arik, I was trying to investigate your parent's death case. Someone powerful seemed to be involved in it and has link with the capital. Sometimes what you see or hear may not be the truth. When I tried to open this happened. If you can, forget the past and move ahead. Your parents and grandparents would have wanted for you to live freely, not a life full of hatred and darkness.
(Coughing a while) I know my condition and won't last long. Let me speak few words in behalf of your parents and as your godfather or a guardian,
Arik, my boy…don't dwell on the past. Assume your father's position and get hold of it. Leave the past behind and don't live only to take revenge or filled with hatred. There are lot of interesting things which would need your attention. Live happily. Do what you should do.
If possible find someone who can wholeheartedly accept you and stay by your side. Not those sort of women who will go for your money or power but the one who will love you unconditionally. If you find such a girl then don't let her go away, treat her well and love with all your heart. Don't give her a reason or a chance to leave otherwise you will regret all your life…"( the heart rate began to drop)
Arik didn't reply to the old man's word.
"Prom..ise…me…Arik…you…you…will live…for yours...elf too...Pro—" the monitor began to beep.
Arik was conflicted to make the promise as some thoughts were rounding in his mind. He didn't noticed that the heartbeat of the old man had stopped.
Beep...beep...beep...
Shikhar immediately rushed to the ward and was shocked to the situation inside...