Chapter : A Desperate Dash

Chapter : A Desperate Dash

Rajveer's heart was pounding as he answered the phone, the familiar yet fragile sound of Vristhi's weak voice sending waves of concern through him . Her sneezing and sniffling a clear indication of her distress only heightened his worry

"Mittu , how are you? You sound absolutely terrible," he exclaimed , his tone a mix of disquietude and affection

" Veer, I'm fine. It's just a normal cold , cough and fever” She replied, her voice raspy and strained, but trying to attenuate his worries.

"Fever , but when ????Did you take medicine?" His voice revealed a palpable tension, understanding his deep concern for her well-being.

“ No.” She chuckled , a playful smile danced across her lips , teasing him for his over-the-top worry .

“What??? Mittu , you aren't taking care of yourself, are you? I can tell that much! But seriously, how did you even get into this mess ?” His mind was still pondering, envisioning all the ways she could neglect her health.

“ Veer, relax . You're sounding as if I've caught Covid or something ” She laughed, croaky giggled intertwined with air .

" Shut up Mittu," Rajveer's voice grew stronger, he could almost picture her rolling her eyes, a gesture he knew all too well .

As she heard him chuckle softly on the other end, she added, “Thanks for your concern, though. I promise I'll be fine in just a week.”

The warmth of their connection hung in the air, a comforting reminder that even in moments of illness, their bond remained strong.

" It's alright, Mittu." Rajveer reassured with warmth in his voice . " Friends never show gratitude, welcome, or apology. But that's just how it is . " He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the tension that settled in his chest. "Anyway, take care. We’ll meet soon,” he suggested, hoping to lighten the mood.

From the other end of the line , Vristhi's voice emerged, soft albeit slightly weary. “ Okay, Mr. Ariyan, I'll never forget your theory." He chuckled , her tone infused with a mix of appreciation and wit. "You take care too, Veer. Now I really need to get back to work, “ She assured him, before the call ended with a soft click, leaving Rajveer in an unsettling silence.

A wave of helplessness washed over albeit Rajveer . He couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss ; the hurried, almost malleable response of her words echoed in his ears only heightened his anxiety. He resolved then and there that he had to see her, to ensure she was alright.

Without a moment's hesitation, Rajveer pulled up his flight app and booked the next available flight to Shimla, his fingers flying over the screen. The urgency of the situation left no room for doubt; he couldn't wait, couldn't bear the thought of losing a single moment of her safety and well-being.

He hurried out of the bustling airport, the cacophony of voices and rolling suitcases fading behind him as he spotted his driver, who was waiting to whisk him away to Vristhi's hotel. The car glided through the city streets, the scenery blurring into a

Kaleidoscope of colors as Rajveer's mind was fixed on one thought - Vrishti . A knot of worry twisted in his stomach, mingling with an urgency to see her.

When the vehicle pulled up to the hotel, Rajveer's heart gained its speed . He stepped into the elegant lobby, scanning the room filled with polished marble and soft lighting, his pulse quickening as anticipation coursed through him.

And then he saw her. The door swung open, and his breath hitched as he caught sight of her fragile form. She stood there, her face pale and drawn, the weight of the world resting heavily on her shoulders. A fierce surge of protectiveness welled up within him, igniting a desperate need to care for her, to soothe whatever pain she was feeling.

"Mittu ," he whispered, his voice trembling with unrepentant emotion that threatened to spill over.

Vristhi's eyes widened in surprise , disbelief dancing across her features as she tried to process his sudden appearance.

"Rajveer...you're here. What are you doing here? she stammered, a mixture of shock and unknown relief lacing her words.

Rajveer's gaze lingered on her delicate countenance , his heart swelling with affection mingling with concern . He felt a deep connection to her, a sense of responsibility to care for her. She led him inside the room , he followed her and gently sat beside her.

Rajveer's voice was soft, "I couldn't stay away. " he murmured, his eyes searching hers. "You're not well."

The urgency in his tone mirrored the intensity of the emotions swirling within him, meanwhile Vristhi stared at him unblinking, her brian was pondering around trying to figure out his sudden appearance.

Vristhi's gaze drifted to his, her eyes searching for answers. "Why did you come?"

Rajveer's smile was gentle, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're not well . So I couldn't stay away, Vristhi. I was worried about you."

Vristhi's heart skipped a beat as she processed his words, "You came for me !!

“ Yes , did you think this handsome creature just came here to watch the snow fall !" He joked , his tone light and teasing.

Vrishti didn't react. Her mind was still roaming around everywhere. "Veer, you left your work to come see me?"

" Yes ! The response came immediately. Rajveer leaned back on a sofa just before bed and asked, "Forget about me now. Tell me how you are doing now?"

Vristhi felt a lump in her throat as she met his gaze. No one had ever looked at her with such concern, such care , to prioritize her needs above their own.

She took a deep breath, the soft rustle of her curtains filling the silence. "Just a little bit better than yesterday," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But the fever still comes in the evening."

Rajveer's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowed in concern.

Vristhi shifted uncomfortably, the softness of the bed a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her. "You could've asked about my well-being over the phone, too, don't you think?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of curiosity.

His eyes never left hers, a sly grin danced across his lips , his eyes sparkling with amusement." Yes, I could've . But I want to see it physically ..I need to ensure that you are healthy " The sincerity in his voice sent a warmth spreading through Vristhi's chest.

Nevertheless she did not pay attention to her feelings and she rolled her eyes realizing his irredeemable efforts" Veer , you really are an impossible piece of God , you know that " A soft smile crafted on her lips as she finished her words

"Yeah I know. " He responded with quite confidence as if she was praising his good qualities. Nevertheless Rajveer's smile grew, his eyes crinkling at the corners , but that was the surface, he was relieved to see her in good condition

But I'll be here."

"Veer, no," she protested, her voice weak.

Rajveer's expression turned resolute. "I won't hear anything, just for tonight," he insisted, his voice firm but gentle. Vristhi gave up finally.

At that moment, she knew she was safe, that Rajveer would be there to watch over her, to care for her.

Rajveer's smile was gentle, his fingers stroking her hair. "Rest now. I'll be here."

Vristhi's voice barely whispered, "Okay..."

As Vristhi drifted off to sleep, Rajveer's eyes never left hers. He felt a deep connection, a sense of purpose.

As Vristhi drifted off to sleep, Rajveer's eyes never left hers. He felt a deep connection, a sense of purpose. He knew, at that moment, that he would do anything to protect her, to make her happy. The soft rise and fall of her chest and the gentle whisper of her breath all blended together to create a sense of tranquility.

The night wore on, and Rajveer took a nap on the sofa , his ears to Vrishti's slightest moment . But the rest was fitful; his mind was alert about Vristhi's colleagues gossiping, who seemed to watch them with a hawking gaze.

He took only one opportunity to check on her , watching her sleep peacefully. Before a blink of each hair on his nape went erect , his eyes even went wide with fear or astonishment - he couldn't comprehend.

Vristhi was lying on the large matrix of the hotel room however she was looking terrific. Her limbs contorted , squeezed as if someone had forcefully fit her into a box.

Her entire body was shuddering on the bed like a fish on a boat gasping for water . Her free hands were shaking, twisting , scrabbling in search of something to cling to for safety. White froth gathered in the corner of her lips, making an unclear strange voice. Her eyeballs rolled inside the eye socket.

Rajveer stared at her for a brief moment, forgetting to think rationally. The sound of her labored breathing, the sight of her convulsion body, and the smell of her sweating

all combined to create a sense of chaos.

It was then that his trance of horror smashed down, and he gathered the courage to step towards her without thinking back for a second.

" Vrishti!!!" He called out her name, his voice trembling with horror. "Vristhi, can you hear me?"

However, there was no response from her side, except for her strange, guttural phonations.

Without any hesitation, Rajveer picked her up in his arms, cradling her like a child, and headed for his car. The cool night air rushed past them as he drove to the nearby hospital, the only sound being Vristhi's labored breathing.

As the first light of dawn crept into the hospital, Rajveer's eyes still locked onto Vristhi's peaceful form. He felt a sense of peace wash over him, a sense of belonging. He knew, at that moment, that he was exactly where he was meant to be.

The beeping of the monitors, the soft hum of the machines, and the antiseptic scent of the hospital all blended together to create a sense of sterility. But Rajveer's heart was filled with a sense of warmth, a sense of connection. He knew that he would do anything to protect Vristhi, to keep her safe.

Vristhi's eyes fluttered open , the fluorescent light above her bed piercing through her lids like a thousand needles. She winced , her head throbbing with a dull ache.

As her gaze cleared, she saw the stark white ceiling, and then the person sitting in the chair in front of her. Rajveer's face was etched with concern, his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep.

She looked at him with a weak gaze, her voice

barely above a whisper . “ Vee.." Her voice was feeble and groggy, like a rusty gate creaking in the wind

Rajveer stared at her without uttering a word, his questionable gaze confusing her. He thought, at that moment, that he had found something special, something worth fighting for.

Vristhi tried to sit up, her body protesting with a wave of dizziness. Rajveer's arms, which had been crossed over his chest like a shield, loosened gradually as he bent gently to prevent her from rising. "Don't, don't rise, stay lying down," he said, his voice low and soothing.

Vristhi's confused glance met Rajveer's calm demeanor. "Where am I?" she asked, her voice growing stronger with each passing moment. "I was in my room..." The memories of the previous night were hazy, like a watercolor painting in the rain.

Studying her confused glance he clarified “ “You're in the hospital, Mittu," he said, his voice gentle

" Hospital…but why?" She asked. This time, her voice grew stronger, her words more insistent.

"You had a fits last night. But you're fine now, thanks to..." He paused, his voice trailing off as if he couldn't bear to think about what could have happened.

Vristhi stared at Rajveer, her mind reeling with questions. But before she could ask any of them, he continued. "The doctor will be here soon. They'll ask you if you've had any similar episodes before." His words were laced with concern, his eyes scanning her face for any sign of distress.

Shs felt a wave of gratitude, a sense of owe to him. If he hadn't been there , anything could happen to her . “ Veer , Thanks!"she said, her voice filled with emotions .

Rajveer's smile was warm, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "For what, becoming an ass in your life?" he teased, his voice light.

Vristhi chuckled, the sound weak but genuine. "No, for everything," she said, her voice laced with gratitude.

The day passed away; the sun dipped down on the horizon, painting the vast sky with an orange glow.

"I'm fine, Veer," she said, trying to reassure him. "You should leave now. My team is here to take care of me." But Rajveer's expression was resolute, his jaw set in determination.

"I'm not leaving you alone, Vristhi," he said, his voice firm. "You're still weak, still recovering." Vristhi's smile was gentle, but firm.

"Veer, I appreciate your concern, but I'm okay. You should leave now. You have already done a lot for me .You have to go back to Delhi and attend your business. And moreover I'm fine, really. My team is here to take care of me."

Rajveer's eyes darkened, a storm of determination brewing within him . "No way leaving you alone, Vristhi. And don't show these fu*king formalities with me . If a friend doesn't step up when another needs support, then what’s the point of friendship at all? You're still recovering, and I can’t just walk away."

Vristhi's smile was gentle, but firm. "I appreciate your concern, Veer, but I'm okay. Really. You have to go back to Delhi and attend to your business."

Rajveer's gaze lingered on her face, searching for any sign of weakness, any hint that she might be hiding something. But Vristhi's eyes sparkled with determination, her voice steady.

Rajveer's eyes flicked to the colleagues sitting in the corner of the room, their faces sympathetic but detached. He knew they couldn't replace his presence, his care.

"I'll stay and that's final " he said finally, his voice firm.

Vristhi's sigh was soft, but resigned. "Veer, please..."

He cut her off, his voice gentle but insistent. "I'll stay, Vristhi. Just for tonight. Please."

Vristhi's eyes searched for him, then nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Just for tonight, then."

Rajveer's face relaxed, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice filled with relief.