The Blissful Knot

Normally, cars would have jammed the streets as people went to their relatives. Spreading happiness and love all around. It was Raksha Bandhan after all.

But the scenario now was different. Due to the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, the whole country was in lockdown. Even though it was the brightest and the most important day of the Indian culture, there was an odd silence on the streets. The shops were closed and not a single soul was to be seen.

But some people still had to work.

Shruti Thakur's profession came under this list. Being a doctor came with the responsibility of other people's lives. So, that was exactly what she was doing. Saving other people's lives.

She sat by the window seat of the cafeteria, sipping her coffee silently as she gazed out of the window. She sighed heavily looking outside at the empty roads.

" When is all this going to end?" She mumbled to herself as she sipped her coffee. 

" Soon." chirped a voice from behind. She turned around and saw the face of her best friend Ria. Shruti smiled at her as she turned back around and looked out of the window.

" Yeah. I hope so too." She said with a small smile on her face.

Ria walked up to her as she sat infront of her.  They both started to chat like always. An hour passed by and their break was over now.

Shruti stood up as she finished her coffee, ready to meet a special someone.

Her hand went into the side pocket of her white coat as the Rakhi which she had bought came in contact with her hands. A smile instantly made its way to her face. 

She didn't notice that she had been standing in the same position, in front of her best friend, who looked at her with sad eyes.

"You know he won't make it." Ria said in a quite voice as she looked out of the window avoiding her best friend's gaze. Shruti looked at her with sad eyes as she nodded mindlessly at her. 

She turned around and made her way to the ICU area for infants.

She could feel the tighteness in her chest as she repeated the words Ria had said ,in her head. She knew it, but she refused to believe it.

She made it to the room. ROOM NO.402

The room in which a certain 6 year old boy laid in bed with a ventilator attached to his body, helping him breathe. He was also one those unfortunate kids who got the virus, but he was a strong one.

Everyday she came to check up on him she was greeted by a bright smile which would shine brighter than the sun. 

Shruti was the only child of her parents, but over time she had developed a sibling relationship with this 6 year old. So much so, that the thought of loosing him caused a pain as painful as loosing your family, to surge through her body.

She opened the door and was, as usual, greeted by the cheerful voice of Ryan.

"Good morning Shruti didi!" He said with a bright smile.

"Good morning bro." She greeted back with a big smile. Then she proceeded with her regular check up. After checking his vitals and all the necessary things she came and sat beside him.

"Ryan, I have got you something." She said in a soft voice.

"Really? What have you brought for me?" He asked with a confused expression. She smiled as she took out the Rakhi from her pocket.

" Rakhi?!!" He said with surprise laced in his tone as he looked at her. She nodded her head at him as she motioned him to bring his left wrist to her. He did as he was told and brought his left wrist near her as he saw her tying the Rakhi on his wrist.

"Today it's Rakshabandhan. It is said that sisters tie this on their brothers wrist as a symbol of their love for them. While in return the brothers pledge to protect them." She said as she finished tying the Rakhi on his small wrist.

"But how will I protect you when I am trapped in this room?" He said pouting in disappointment.

She laughed lightly as she stroked his hair lovingly to which he hummed in happiness. Tears started to build up in her eyes as she thought of the worst. She inhaled deeply as she swallowed down her tears and then looked up at him lovingly.

"It's not necessary for brothers to protect their sisters always. Sometimes sisters protect their brother's too. So, I will always protect you. No matter what. After all it's all about love, right ?" She said with a soft smile on her face . Ryan nodded his head at her words as he looked up at her with respect, love and happiness clear in his eyes.

She didn't say anything as she stood up and went outside the room not forgetting to give him light kiss on his forehead. 

The moment she stepped outside, tears started to roll down her cheeks as she prayed to God on the inside. 

Hoping that he would make it through the day.