ViBha OS ~ "Taking care of a sick Vikram"
(For ViBha Os Dare Contest 😊)
He was ready to bang his head on the nearest pillar he could see in his room. No he wasn't slightest interested in its implications, all he just wanted was the pain to stop. Unbearable it was. The utter dead air in the house, the constant ticking of the clock and intense throbbing of his head. Not to forget the weakness. It was getting irritating and annoying.
He kicked open the door and took a few fumbling steps. His feet came to a sudden stop as his eyes stared at the genuine endeavor before him. Those huge, dark black stairs... They intimidated him.
He gulped.
With great effort, he came down the stairs one at a time. One hand lightly grazed the balustrade while the other dug deep into his silky hair clutching them as if he'd pull them out anytime soon.
Suddenly, a wave of shiver shook him violently. He shuddered and collapsed on the floor.
Damn it!
He rolled on his chest and propped his head on his elbows. A weird, exasperated yet harrowed expression adorned his face.
Urgggh! He groaned.
...
I'll drop this file and enjoy my hard earned holiday! Shobha thought smiling.
She reached his apartment and pressed the doorbell a couple of times.
No answer.
She frowned. Why isn't ayone answering!? She tried again, but in vain.
Just as she was about to leave feeling dejected she noticed the door ajar.
She narrowed her eyes and with confusion, pushed the door with all her might. The door opened and banged.
The house was eerily quiet, Shobha noticed. She gazed around, not a living creature to be seen. Something is not right.
"Are you an idiot?! "
Shobha jumped and dropped the file on the floor hearing the trembling voice of Vikram.
" Sir? Vikram..? "she couldn't see him anywhere. She moved around a bit and noticed him lying on his back, on the floor, his hand up in the air, waving.
" I am here..."
Eyes as wide as saucers, she rushed to him.
"What are you doing?"
"Studying the intricate designs over the ceiling. The cracks and colors have caught my fancy. " Vikram retorted.
For a second, Shobha actually believed him. Afterall, He was known to have quirky tastes. She had almost looked up to the ceiling when he snapped back, his voice low yet angry.
" God Damn Shobha! You...! You really thought I'd be interested in those stupid designs? Can't you see? I collapsed and I am not..." he gulped, "not able to get up.. Don't have the strength..." He heaved a sigh, and closed his eyes momentarily.
In a state of shock, Shobha blinked a couple of times.
Never in her dreams had she thought she'd see Vikram in such a pitiable state. His words now really didn't affect her, still when he closed his eyes, her heart skipped a beat.
Vigorously she shook him, teary eyed.
"Wake up Vikram! I mean Sir! WAKE UP!! " she shouted, her voice shrilly.
He opened his eyes and glared at her.
" I am not dead Shobha and definitely not deaf! "
Shobha rolled her eyes. She made him sit up, her hands firmly supporting him. Their faces were just a few centimeters apart.
Suddenly her expressions changed.
" I am sorry. Jokes apart, How did you let your condition worsen to such extent? How could you? "
Her voice held certain authority which he refrained from questioning. He noticed, her eyes, they showed a feeling.. ... Was it concern? Yes, and care.
" Oh God! You are hot! " Shobha exclaimed, shocked.
Vikram instantaneously flinched, his face turning a shade of pink. What did she just say?
She realised her mistake and quickly rephrased herself, "No, I mean, you are burning... FEVER!"
Oh, Fine. What was that? Did I feel happy just now?
Using whatever energy he had, he laughed before dropping his head on her shoulder in exhaustion and tiredness.
...
"Here, " Shobha said, handing him a glass of water. " Take these tablets. "
In his room, Vikram was now cosily settled in his bed, with an immense effort from Shobha. He looked at her with awe. She is incredible! He sat up and wordlessly took the glass.
He always felt comfortable around her.He knew he could fight with her, still share his deepest fears and secrets with her. She knew everything about his past, yet she hadn't uttered a single word that would hurt him. A relationship of deep understanding and trust had shaped up. Surprisingly, he was glad for it.
He shrugged and then spoke,
"Sorry, for being rude earlier... I wasn't thinking straight.."
She sat besides him.
"Why are you apologising? That's so unlike you! These words coming from you, you still are not thinking straight!"
He smirked." Maybe, maybe not... " saying he laid back on the soft mattress."You should get going. I am already better. Thanks to you! "
" No you are not. " She said firmly and left. He raised his eyebrows.
After a few minutes, Shobha returned with a bowl of cold water. " I'll need cotton napkins.. "
He pointed at the cupboard," Second door, left corner. "
Shobha dipped the cloth in cold water and folded it and laid on his burning forehead.
"This'll help. "Shobha said smiling. "Try getting some sleep. You'll feel better."
Taking the first strip off, she put on another.
Vikram couldn't describe the way he was feeling right now.
"Why are you doing this, Shobha!? You could have left after making me settle in the bed, yet you stayed. Why?"
She exactly knew why he was asking her such a dumb question. These feelings, she knew, he was alien to them. In fact, he chose that option himself. The scars of his past compelled him to do so.
He longed for love, care and affection, yet his mind persuaded him everytime to block and isolate himself to avoid these feelings to penetrate into him.
Not entirely his fault. Betrayals in trust and faith create a certain hollowness. She knew how that felt.
"Who can understand you better than me? " Shobha chuckled, taking his hand into hers.
His heart skipped a beat at the touch. Still, he let her hold.
" You know what Vikr-- I mean Sir - "
" You can call me Vikram. "
" Um, Vikram, " She felt weird, his name sounding so flawless. " You have to let go of your past now. Those past scars are dead. Instead of digging them open, leave them be. Forget them. I can't see you suffer for someone who doesn't care a damn about you. You have such wonderful people around you who care for you, love you. There's Naani, caring friends like Ketan and Mahesh, even Jiyu, Rehaan, m.. " She cut off abruptly, realising what she was about to say.
" Who? "
"I mentioned all the names, didn't I? Nevermind. Oh God, you need to sleep now. C'mon! " she hastily tried to change the subject.
Vikram chuckled heartily.
"What? " She asked.
" I am not dumb, Shobha, " he said.
"Sleep already! " shobha muttered, flushed.
He closed his eyes, hugging his blanket.
Within moments, she could see him breathing soundly. He's asleep.
She lightly caressed his hair. A smile appeared on her face.
"I'll be there for you when you need me..." She softly muttered to the sleeping form of Vikram.
He felt her touch. He was awake, yet kept his eyes closed.
It was different and fascinating feeling for him. She truly cared.
He smiled internally. He was profoundly enjoying this new feeling of being loved and taken care of by someone whom he deeply admired and adored.
Edited by SuperChillz1 - 10 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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