The party was on its full swing with mild western music and people in their most expensive attire talking and whispering to each other.

It was my first experience to be a part of such upper class functions which I only had seen in the movies.It was unexplainable.

My thoughts came to a halt when everything went pin drop silent . The lights too were off.Suddenly a man in his late seventies came to the podium and the spot light focused on him.The man had an alluring glaze on his crinkled face that I could not blink

my eyes from him.

Then he started addressing his guests.Being curious to know more about this migrant family,who came back to their roots .I squatted in a corner near a piller so no one could notice my presence there.

Then I came to know that it was his dead wife's death anniversary two days ago . They came here to merge her remains in the Ganges.I felt amused by his love for his wife and culture .He could have sent someone else or just indulge hinself in the materialistic world but he kept

his promise.

The other shocking piece of news for me was that the party was organized for an auction.The family owned a haveli in the city.The old man wanted to turn it into a heritage hotel with the help of some native business family of the state as it was his

wife's last wish.

Then the bidding started.I was least interested in that business of money and stood up straightening my posture to resume my service before anyone could see me taking an unofficial break during my

working hours.

I didn't who won at last neither I was interested to know . Anxiety filled my mind when the night started rolling.My working hours were up a hour before.I should have reached to my home til now.The thought of my sick mother was making me more worried .She must be thinking about my well being and safety.

So I decided to ask my boss for the leave.I hoped he would let me go as the party wasn't going to get over soon.

Hoping for a positive answer from my boss,I approached him.He was talking to a man of my father's age.His features resembled the old man's .He must be the old man's son.

I stood behind my boss and softly cleared my throat to gain his attention but both the men turned

to me.I felt a little embarrassed for intruding in their conversation.

"Sanyukta is everything alright..?"my boss asked me in a worried tone.

I took a glance of that man through the corner of my eyes.He was giving me a confusing stare.I diverted my gaze again to my boss.

"Sir...I am..sorry but can I go now..it's getting very late . My mother must be waiting for me...and..if I will stay here for a longer time..it will hard to find means of transport at the late hours..."I explained him.

"Ohh..sorry Sanyukta..it's totally my fault that I caught you up since morning..you can leave now.."he replied with a smile.

"Thank you so much Sir.."I showed my gratitude to him and turned to leave when his voice again

stopped me.

"Sanyukta...your hard work didn't go waste.. everyone is praising our or can say your hard toil..so you owe a reward from the hotel authority..."

my boss told me.

My lips curved into a contented smile.I felt extremely happy .

"Thank you so much..Sir.. please tell me if there is something else for me

to do.."I said .

"Sure..my dear but as for now you must go to your mother and brother.."he said.

I bowed my head to the men and set off from there hurriedly to catch an auto rickshaw.The clock was showing the arrival time of my father.My heart beat rose thinking about the possibilities.Definitely he would shower me with different names.

I was passing through the long outer porch of the building when my eyes caught something very dreadful.The man whom I commend some time back was dithering on the floor.

He was drenched in sweat.The sublimity of his face was replaced by pain wrinckels .His one had was clutching his the left side of his chest.I looked round finding no one there .It didn't take me another second to understand what should I do then.

I scram up to him as fast as my body could.My muscles were turning stiff due to unknown fear.In no time the man had spelled his influence on me.I could see a father figure in him though we didn't know each other.

He was looking at me with so vulnerability and helplessness.Stumbling falling in my way to him.Finally I was sitting beside him on my knees.I patted his cheeks to make him to hold consciousnesses

"Sir...are you fine...?"I asked him like a stupid .Of coarse he wasn't fine.

"C..Ca..call..m..my...gr..a...nd.s..son.."he hardly uttered but I was unable to grab his words.

"Don't worry Sir..I am here.."I tried to comfort him and wiped his face stricken face with the free end of

my saree.

"Help.!!.somebody help please... help!"

I screamed out of my lungs and turned my attention to him again.

Taking out the water bottle from my hand bag,I held his nape and pour some water in his mouth as he was coughing.

"Sir..calm down.try. just breathe..just breathe.."I advised him.

He inhaled deeply but again coughed.Til then two security guards,probably they heard me

came there running.

"Please help me to let him inside our private lodge as there are so many people inside there.."I pointed to the main hall.

They nodded their heads in approval and picked up the old man in their strong arms.

"Lets go from entrance no 6..we'll directly reach to their booked rooms.."I instructed them who were following me.

My own heart was sinking due to fear.His symptoms were of a heart attack which was not a sign of relief for anyone from his family.

Wait...! Family..I forgot to inform them .How could I act so carelessly.If I have informed them at first place,they would have arranged best medical facilities for him.

We reached to their rooms.I opened one of the door and the men layed him properly on the bed.

"Sir..I am going to tell your family about you.. they will be here with you..okay..just relax.. nothing will happen to you..."I said to him who was looking at me pitiably.

As I turned to move out his weak yet firm voice stopped me.

"W..wait.."

I looked at him.He wanted to say something.Something inside me pushed me to sit beside him and

listen him.

"Sir..let me go..you seriously need medical help...more delay means you will suffer more pain Sir..I can't see you like this.."my should spoke

this time.

"Please..stay .. here.."he pleaded.

I couldn't say no to him.His condition was worsening.I took his soft wrinkled hands into mine and squeezed them reassuringly.

"Go and tell everything to Mr. Chauhan..about him..but do fast..."I ordered those men.

They quickly moved out of the room to inform our boss .My hands went to his forehead.He closed his eyes in relaxation when my fingers caressed his frowned forehead.

"Everything will be alright.. Sir..I am here..and your family must be here any time.."I said to divert his mind.

"You won't go anywhere...?"he questioned me.

"I won't until somebody from your family arrive .."I said.

He didn't say anything further as he was exhaust and weak.His breathing was fluctuating.

Suddenly the room door flunged open and a man barked inside looking totally devastated with red eyes and heaving breaths.He stared at the old man with dreading eyes.

My heart skipped for a second when his dark chocolaty orbs which content pain and fear met with mine.

He was looking at me questioningly .O gulped down the forming lump in my throat.His eyes were captivating.

He was a perfect tall muscled figure which was fitted into three piece suit but the tie was hanging loosely in his neck and the black hair locks were falling on his sweaty forehead.I had a doubt that he used stairs rather

than lift.My trance or can say our was broken by few other people who entered inside the room.