Chapter 11: Chapter 11

*Nitish Pov*

I groaned with the way it feels like someone is hitting my head without pausing for a second and opened my eyes only to close them again not able to keep them open.

However, hearing a doorbell, I tried my best to open them and looked around before remembering that I am in Shrishti’s hotel room.

Shrishti! God! I thought covering my face but shifted my hands to check the time and give a call to grandma before facing what happened yesterday.

“I talked to Grandma a few minutes back. She is having her breakfast.” I got startled hearing Shrishti’s voice and glanced to find her standing near the door with her hands folded.

“Do you remember the things you used yesterday? Get freshen up and then we can have breakfast. We need to travel a bit today to reach our destination. Are you fine or shall we postpone?” she asked casually while I just stared at her.

“Do you want to sleep longer?” she added after a few minutes of silence with a smile.

“I… Yesterday…” I trailed off and her smile slipped before she sighed and started walking towards me and sat before me.

“Do you like me?” she asked staring into my eyes.

I got startled with that question and slowly shook my head in negative to which she nodded.

“If you were not drunk then would you have tried to kiss me?” she continued and I again shook my head in negative.

“Then? We can just blame the alcohol and make sure you don’t drink too much with anyone present near you. I understand that you don’t have any ill intentions but everyone will not be like that. So, take care about it later.” She added patting my hand.

Wait! Does she think this is my habit or something? I thought frowning but I don’t know what to say. Even yesterday night when she told me to forget about everything I really didn’t know why I even tried to kiss her in the first place.

“You are taking it too lightly. Aren’t you angry?” I asked frowning and she smiled before taking a deep breath.

“Do you know what I want the most and also make sure I work hard for it?” she asked back and I shook my head.

“I don’t want any kind of disturbances between people and do not want a situation to drag too much which could harm the relationships between two people. I always try that everyone in my family and not limited to my father to have good moments with each other and if there is any disturbance between any two then I feel uncomfortable. So, if you were not a special friend then I would have completely ignored you and never met you again like ever.” I stared at her hearing those words.

“So, right now I want us to forget that anything happened and just be casual and not let it disturb our dynamics.” Saying that she just stared at me while I calmly tried to understand before nodding at her.

“Fine! Let’s forget about it until you bring it out.” She shook her head hearing those words.

“That won’t happen unless I like you and there is no chance for that to happen.” With that, she stood up before gesturing to the washroom and then at my clothes arranged on the table near the bed.

Why? Because of your first love? I thought shaking my head and decided it is better to change out of her clothes as they are kind of tight but we didn’t have any other option yesterday.

I sighed freshening up and at the same time letting go of yesterday’s incident. By the time I stepped out of the bedroom, I calmed down and talked to her casually which made her smile.

“Do you want to rest today or shall we go?” she asked passing the bread and the juice glass.

“Let’s go! We only have a few days and it is better to cover as many things as possible.” I replied and she nodded smiling.

“You leave the hotel first and I will meet you at the hospital.” She mumbled finishing her breakfast.

“Why? We can go together.” I offered but she shook her head clearing her throat.

“I… I will meet you at the hospital and you need to change your clothes at your hotel, right?” She stressed to which I frowned but followed her wish. Why didn’t she want to leave the hotel with me?

After reaching my hotel, I changed my clothes and felt that GH hotel is really good rather than the previous grand hotels I stayed in. Well, right now I am here for the sake of the distance from the hospital and nothing else.

That brings me back to the question of why did Shrishti send me back first and didn’t come with me. I mean she could have gone to the hospital or something until I change my clothes.

Maybe she is not completely casual about what happened and needs some time. I shrugged but felt a relief which is kind of weird when I think about how it actually affected her.

What am I even thinking? I shook my head and left the hotel to reach the hospital where I found my Grandma’s room filled with her neighbors again.

They are coming here frequently after I told them what Doctor told me that day. They are really close and one of the reasons for her decision to stay in this city’s hospital instead of where her son is staying is to meet them regularly.

So, it is the right thing to share the news with them so that they can spend more time with her.

“Where is she? Will she be late?” Grandma asked looking at me.

“She didn’t come yet.” I replied and she nodded while others asked who is she talking about.

“My Granddaughter!” I got surprised hearing Grandma’s reply and they all started talking about Shrishti as they remember meeting her two times.

So, they really made her a Granddaughter to Grandma. I shook my head and stood in the corner in silence until Shrishti reached the room with a smile.

“Where are you going today?” Grandma asked looking at us.

“Water world!” I replied to which Grandma chuckled.

“Aren’t you scared?” she asked and I frowned at her words.

“That was when I was a kid.” I replied but she shook her head while Shrishti glanced at me.

“Really! I was scared when I was a kid for such things but not now.” I assured her and she slowly nodded before glancing back at Grandma.

“I will take some pictures to show you, Grandma.” She said smiling and Grandma nodded.

“You can show me tomorrow.” To which Shrishti didn’t agree as every day we are coming to the hospital twice. Once while leaving to go to the places and second when we return from them and Shrishti just give a wide explanation on what and all we visited and also show the pictures.

“What do you do, dear?” one of the neighbors asked Shrishti smiling.

“Event Management!” she replied smiling back and he nodded before glancing at me.

“I can contact her when anyone needs her work?” he asked looking at me.

“You can ask her and need not ask me at all.” I replied and he smiled but didn’t ask her.

Seems like they are still misunderstanding us but I kept quiet realizing it doesn’t matter what they think now as they are not ready to think otherwise. At least Grandma knows and that is enough.

“We will be leaving, Grandma.” I mumble checking the time and she nodded after which we both left.

****

“You are really fine with coming with me today, right? You can stay back and I can go alone.” She asked when we stepped out of the room.

“I am completely fine, Shrishti.” I assured her but she still gave me a disbelief look.

“I will show you at the place. Let’s see who will go for more rides.” I stated and she nodded smiling.

“Let’s go! I am so excited. It’s been so long because of my work and also because my family members were busy with all the things.” She said holding my hand and we walked towards the elevator.

“I went two years back.” I mumbled and she glanced at me with a raised eyebrow.

“Until certain someone left the country.” I glared at her for saying those words which are true.

“Will I damage the memories you have with her? I should go alone.” She mumbled nodding to herself.

“Shut up! You are not doing anything. Don’t think about her anymore and I will not tease about your full crush friend and half-crush friend.” I mumbled and lifted her hand to punch on my shoulder.

“Give me her number and I will just call her saying you are crying here for her.” She said forwarding her phone.

“Why don’t I give your friends a call?” I asked forwarding my hand to take her phone and she immediately took it away.

“When did you start learning to irritate me?” saying that she let her hand go but I chuckled before holding it back.

“Sorry! Let’s stop it then.” I pleaded to which she gave a look and nodded but gave a surprised look.

“I think we just acted like teenagers just now.” She whispered staring at me.

“How old are you?” she suddenly asked making me laugh.

“Why does your mind jump from one thing to another like this?” I asked to which she shrugged.

“Thirty-Two!” I replied and she stared at me before nodding.

“Okay! We have four years age difference.” She mumbled and I shook my head getting into the elevator.

“I thought the people of your age will be too serious and all but I guess that person is just like that from the time he is a kid then.” She added sighing.

I didn’t comment on her words not knowing what to even say and changed the topic to discuss whether we will be taking a cab this time and she said let’s go with the cab as I could still be hungover and it is better like this.

These few days, every day feels good to spend and I can see even Grandma is also happy but the days are ending and she needs to return to her city soon.

I don’t know how will it be when she leaves this place and I don’t even want to think about it. At least we can contact her through the phone and also she can come here sometimes but still, it will feel weird for her to not be here every day.

“Are you okay?” Shrishti asked sitting beside me with a concerned look.

“Yeah! Maybe I shouldn’t have tried it after getting drunk yesterday.” I replied after taking a sip from the water bottle she brought.

“I am fine now.” I mumbled after a few minutes and then heard her laughing from my side.

“Sorry! I tried to control but I just couldn’t.” she said in between her laughs.

“Are you even my friend?” I asked frowning and she nodded but still continued to laugh.

“At least it’s a good thing that this was the last ride and we can leave otherwise it would have been worst for you.” She consoled me.

“Let’s go! We will go back in a cab itself.” She added holding my hand to help me up and I slowly walked with her still feeling uneasy.

“I won by the way.” She whispered when we sat inside the cab.

“Let me rest first.” Saying that I leaned back closing my eyes.

“Here!” she mumbled and I opened my eyes to see her pointing her shoulder.

“It’s fine!” I shook my head but she smiled placing her hand on my cheek and adjusted my head to lay on her shoulder.

“You already used it yesterday and why feel shy now.” She whispered patting my cheek and I closed my eyes not knowing what to say to her words.

She kind of changed and that is just making me go stunned a few times in a single day. Before when we were spending time or talking there used to be a line that just separates us but now it feels we are closer after spending these few days roaming around.

I wouldn’t say it is more than friendship because it is still that but it is also beyond that. I sighed letting go of my thoughts realizing I am just confusing myself.

“We are here!” I opened my eyes to find that the cab is still moving.

“We will be reaching the hospital within a few minutes. I thought it is better to wake you up now instead of waiting until we reach the entrance.” She explained and I nodded smiling but didn’t shift my head.

“Move! My shoulder is kind of numb now.” She added and I immediately shifted.

“You should have woke me up earlier.” I said when she massaged her shoulder.

“It was fine! How are you feeling? We can spend a few minutes out before going in. It is better to not make Grandma worry about you.” She said staring at me and I smiled hearing her words.

“It’s fine! I will not worry her.” I assured her and she nodded.

When we entered the hospital room we found Grandma sleeping while her friend is reading a book.

“Should I wake her up?” she asked and we both shook our head.

“Doctor said he needs to talk to you.” She added and I thanked her before we both walked out of the room.

“I will wait for you here.” Shrishti said pointing to the benches at the end of the corridor and I gave her a nod before leaving to reach the doctor’s cabin while hoping it is not bad news.

*Shrishti Pov*

I glanced up hearing the footsteps and found him walking towards me but is looking down on the floor.

He calmly sat beside me before letting out a sigh but I didn’t ask him anything not knowing whether it will be rude of me.

“Do you need to go back now?” he suddenly asked after a few minutes of silence.

“No! I can stay back for however long you want me to.” I replied staring at his face and he glanced up meeting my stare.

“Doctor said they are going to increase her dosage as otherwise, she will not be able to bear it anymore.” He stated with a blank look.

I closed my eyes feeling crushed to hear that and I don’t even know what he must be feeling right now.

“I am scared, Shrishti!” he whispered making me open my eyes.

This is the first time I heard him saying those words and I nodded shifting closer to hug him and patted on his back while he hugged me back.

It scares me too and it is pushing me to images my Mom but that will just put me back onto the weak path and he would end up taking care of me which is not the right thing. I can take care of others instead of drowning in my own feelings.

With that aim, I caressed his back hoping he will feel better and didn’t move until he shifted to let go of me.

“Will you be okay to stay alone?” I asked and he nodded giving a smile which is not at all the real smile.

“Give me a call if you wish to talk to me or can’t sleep.” I added when we walked out of the hospital.

“Okay! I should drop you at your hotel.” He mumbled checking the time.

“It’s okay! I will message you after reaching my place but you do the same.” I stressed the words and he nodded before I took a cab to return to the hotel.

After a few minutes, he messaged me that he reached the hotel and when I reached my room, I messaged him back.

I freshened up and sat on the bed thinking about Grandma’s condition. She is always smiling no matter what and… and I can’t even imagine how must she be feeling and what is Nitish going through.

I checked the time and it’s past midnight but also closer to the date I will be leaving this place. I wish I could stay with them but I already took a long break from my work and Dad is already calling me to ask when I will return and why am I staying this long without contacting him or anyone else.

I sighed rubbing my face and laid down on the bed trying to push these thoughts away and drifted off into sleep after trying a bit more to let go of these thoughts.

“Did you sleep well?” I asked him in a whisper when we reached the hospital at the same time coincidentally.

“Yeah!” he mumbled smiling but of course a fake smile.

“Nitish! I know it’s hard but don’t force yourself to smile. It will hurt her more to see that than your sad expression.” I mumbled staring at him and he sighed looking down.

“It’s okay! I will take over to talk to her about yesterday’s trip and you can take time to control your expression.” I assured him holding his hand and we both walked into the building before reaching her room.

“Grandma!” I said entering the room first and she smiled turning her head.

“I heard you both came yesterday night but I was sleeping.” She commented and I nodded before sitting on the stool.

“You don’t know what happened yesterday, Grandma. He couldn’t ride any of it properly and got sick.” I reported laughing and she chuckled.

“And then…” I continued to chat with her while he sat on the couch saying one word in between but kept quiet most of the time.

I really don’t want to leave them under these conditions. I thought taking a deep breath but ignored that for now before hearing her talk about her past memories with her friend.

****

“I am sorry!” he frowned at me hearing those words.

“Why are you apologizing?” he asked holding my hand to pull me a bit to let the wheelchair pass.

“I know I should be here but I have to go.” I replied and he smiled shaking his head.

“Why would you apologize for that? You are not doing something wrong here.” He pointed out and I nodded.

“I don’t know! I just wanted to say that. Remember to call me whenever you need me and don’t think you are disturbing me.” I stated and he nodded chuckled as I just repeated those words from the morning.

“I will go and apologize to Grandma once.” I said shifting but he pulled me back.

“Don’t! She will not mind and you already spent an hour saying goodbye to her. You will miss your flight.” He said gesturing his watch.

“I will miss her.” I mumbled looking down.

“I will try to get a contract to this city so that I can come here and spend time with her again.” I added and he suddenly pulled me into his arms.

“It’s okay! Just live your life and I will call you frequently. I don’t want to call anyone except you when I need to talk to someone.” He whispered and I hugged him back.

“Thanks for thinking of me like some special friend.” I whispered and he released me after a few seconds.

I didn’t let him come with me to the hotel and he didn’t pressure me much after two times. After getting my things packed, I left the hotel and reached the airport.

“I just reached the airport. I will give you a call after reaching my place.” I said waiting for the flight as I reached a bit earlier.

“Okay! Don’t forget!” saying that we both cut the call.

When I reached the city, I got startled when someone called my name and I turned to find my Dad’s chief secretary walking out of the departure.

“You went somewhere, Uncle?” I asked smiling and he nodded.

He worked for my Dad for so many years and finally is working as his secretary from the lowest position he started in the beginning.

“Did you called your driver?” he asked glancing at my bags.

“I will just take a cab, Uncle.” I replied and he immediately made me sit in the car he got to the airport saying he will drop me.

“You look tired, Uncle.” I commented when he kept on yawning but continued to check his phone.

“Hmm… if not for today’s event, I would have stayed for another day to take rest.” He replied.

“Event?” I asked staring at me.

“Right! You are not in any groups related to GH, right?” he said nodding, and I smiled at his words.

Exactly! Generally, Prathap and I need not be there but Prathap’s Dad made an issue which made Prathap stay back while I left all the groups and even the ones that are related to me as my Dad can just tell me anything that is important or Vikranth.

“With Vikranth’s accident, many things got paused and everyone is pushing themselves more. Even with his hand and leg like that, he is still working from home but still it is pressuring everyone.” He said sighing while I stared at him with wide eyes.

“Accident?” I asked and he turned around to stare at me with a frown before pausing his expression.

“That… you don’t know?” he asked in a low tone.

“Is it serious? Where is he? Hand and leg? What happened?” I rushed out the questions while trying to control my breathing.

“Shrishti! Take a deep breath.” He mumbled asking the driver to stop.

I covered my ears before pushing my head down to control my breathing while scared about Vikranth’s condition.

“Don’t worry! He got discharged and is at his home right now.” He assured me in a worried tone but I couldn’t believe it.

“Please drop me at Vikranth’s place and get your driver to drop my things at my place.” I whispered still controlling my breathing.

“Okay! But please don’t get stressed.” Saying that he ordered his driver while I felt my hands shaking.

Accident? I hope he is fine. I don’t know what to do if it is serious. Please be fine, Vikranth.

I rushed towards the main door after thanking Uncle and found the door open. Without thinking twice, I walked into the house and shouted his name.

“Vikranth!” I shouted again but there is no response.

I reached the stairs but paused realizing I can’t just barge into his room. I stepped back and shouted his name again before deciding to give him a call.

Walking towards the couch I sat down when I felt my legs shaking a bit and found a file on the table. I ignored it and took out my phone to call Vikranth but my hand fell down when the words on the first page of that file caught my attention.