SS; ABHORRENT BETRAYAL CHAP 26-28 Page 37 epilogue pg 38 complete - Page 23

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

Meanwhile back in the car, Abhimanyu couldn't stop smiling and curiosity was eating him up. They had been driving for a while and Ishita was lost in thoughts as she sat there silently not saying a thing. Abhimanyu on the other hand was dying with anticipation and he just had to know...

'So Ishita... What the hell was that? I thought you were so mad at him to even hear him breathe...'' Said Abhimanyu

'Yeah me too...'' Said Ishita as if she was surprised as well

'So what changed...'' He asked

'I don't know...'' Said Ishita lost in thoughts

'Well I do... You love him... You really didn't expect to be mad at him forever...'' He said smiling as he drove into the parking area of the place she was to meet Shlok

'We are here...'' Said Abhimanyu and Ishita stayed seated as if she wasn't sure whether she wanted to go in

'Ishita...'' He called put again

'Yes... Give me a minute...'' Said Ishita and Abhimanyu obliged

It took a few minutes before she composed herself and got out of the car. Abhimanyu was a bit surprised at this reaction because she seemed excited a few hours earlier

'Ishu... If you do not want to go, then don't...'' Said Abhimanyu

'It's not that... I just have a weird feeling today...'' She said

'It's just nerves... You have nothing to worry about'' Said Abhimanyu

'Yeah I hope so...'' Said Ishita as she got out of the car and walked into the restaurant

She was led through to the restaurant right outside the gardens which were beautifully decorated with white lilies and a beautifully set table in the middle of the garden. She was absolutely blown away when she saw Shlok walk up to her and take her hand in his as he said

'May I...''

'Oh My God Shlok this is... Wow...'' She said as they made their way to the middle of the garden

'Wait... Stand here and look over there...'' He said as he pointed to the projector that was playing something and alas, there all the kids and the workers from the center

'Ishima... Ishita didi...Ishita '' They said

'We would like to wish you a very happy birthday and many more to come. You have been like a mother and sister to us and we are grateful to you for that'' Said Aditya

'Ohhh we got the funding we needed so we are still in business all thanks to you...'' Said the care taker

'We miss you and we love you...'' Said Ruhi before they all screamed

'Happy Birthday...''

She had tears in her eyes and rightly so because she really did miss those kids. They were like a second family to her and they meant the world to her. This was so sweet of Shlok to do and she was over whelmed. She turned around and hugged him as she said

'Thank you so much...''

'It was my pleasure...'' He answered

'How did you manage to get them all together in one place at the same time...'' She asked

'My brother helped... It wasn't that hard really. Once we told them that it was for you everyone was willing to come forward...'' He said

'That is so sweet... Thank you so much... This is too much...'' She said as he helped her to her seat

'I promised you this one day and I was going to make sure I kept that promise...'' he said

'Yeah but that was so long ago. I cannot even believe you still remember that conversation...'' She said not believing he even remembered

'Are you kidding? I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember everything about you. You had these really big glasses on that you kept pushing in and this big sweater that could literally swallow you... It was quite adorable actually...'' He said letting out a soft laugh and so did she

'I asked your name and you said you didn't talk to strangers...'' he added

'I just really wanted you t go away. I wanted to finish reading...'' She said and he added

'Yeah... The book it was... Great Expectations by Charles Dickens...You were so concentrated on the book that I could see my being there was really irritating you...' He said

'I love that book...'' She said as she smiled

'Well after persisting... You finally let me sit with you and that was the day we met. We talked about everything ...'' He said

'Yeah I remember... It was so strange given we had just met...'' she said

'Yeah then somehow you ended up telling me...'' he said and she completed

'I had never been on a romantic date and didn't even know what that meant to which you replied...'' and Shlok completed

'I will take you on a date... A very romantic one but first let me get to know you...''

'Yeah I remember ... God it seems like ages ago... I still think you shouldn't have gone through all this trouble...'' She insisted

'Oh you're worth it... Believe me...'' He said looking at her and she with a feeling that he was a bit different today didn't say much and just went with the flow

'You look absolutely gorgeous by the way, I could barely recognize you...'' he added to which she smiled and said

'Thank you...'' as she leaned back while the waiter served her

Meanwhile back with the Bhallas, Abhimanyu had come back to pick them up as they all had to go see this girl who apparently was crazy for Shlok and she had a few things that Simmi thought would help them know Shlok better. Abhimanyu dropped then off and left leaving them making their way into the bar.

'I don't understand how you even came to know about her'' Raman asked

'I told you. I just paid the guy who cleans his house and he told me about her. He said she and Shlok were dating and she was practically staying with him. But somehow all that changed when he went to college... So he told me if anyone knows anything, it had to be her...'' Said Simmi

'So what is she doing here in Mumbai...'' Asked Romi

'Because Shlok leaved here... Like this is where his family leaves or leaved. He just wanted his independence that is why he found an apartment and not stays at his parents' house. But that was before they relocated abroad'' Said Simmi

They made their way inside and they could see this girl who was in the VIP section in the corner of the room with all sorts of expensive liquor at her disposal. Once she saw Simmi she put her hand almost as if asking them to join her and they did

Pleasantries were exchanged and everyone introduced each other while Raman was anxious and nervous as if he knew this was definitely not going to go as planned

'Okay... So your Raman...'' She said

'Yeah...'' Said Raman

'Huh... I see... I am Sarika...'' She said as she put out her hand greeting Raman

'So... Tell me come on...'' Said Simmi

'Relax... Have a drink with me...'' she said as she poured Simmi Champagne

'I don't drink...'' Said Simmi

'Since when...'' Said Romi

'Not now...'' Said Simmi

'Give it to me...'' Said Raman grabbing the glass as he chugged down the alcohol before he said

'Now can you just tell us what you wanted to say...''

'Okay so what do you want to know...'' Said Sarika she said as she held the waiter who came and carried all the bottle of liquor away leaving only a bottle of champagne which was weird because their first impression of her had suddenly changed and Sarika noticed they were looking

'Oh I had a meeting with clients who love their liquor so I can here to please them... Anything to get an account ...'' She added

'Right...'' Said Romi who was impressed at how composed she seemed and also self-confident

'Hey... You ...'' Raman heard her call out

'Are you going to stare at me all night or are you going to ask what you want to know...'' Sarika said as she smiled

'Everything...'' Said an impatient Raman

'Before I answer, mind me asking why all the questions? I mean what exactly, do you hope to achieve in all this...'' Asked Sarika

'We are just trying to look out for our friend...'' Said Simmi causing Sarika to look at them before she began

'Where do I begin, Shlok and I have known each other since we were kids, our families are, or were good friends. He and I were friends and every one kept on saying how good we looked together and it was going to be a matter of time before we started dating. I developed a crush on him and he I think out of obligation thought he had to do the same so he asked me out. We dated for about two years and it was good for a while before he moved to Delhi to go to college.'' Said Sarika

'Meaning...'' Said Romi

' I mean our relationship was so volatile, cheating on each other wasn't new and at the end of the day we always somehow made up. We didn't really love each other but he is blindly loyal and doesn't like hurting people so he never broke up. That is his biggest weakness if you ask me. Our relationship was an obligation of some sort. Anyway when he left for college, it was good for a while because I couldn't see him and he wouldn't come see me. It was good because I felt relieved. That relationship had become a burden'' She said

'What do you mean...'' Asked Simmi

'You we were together because everyone expected us to be together and he was not ready for a relationship. He wanted his freedom, he is a guy after all and a relationship is something he never really wanted plus I always felt he was too immature for me. But then he came back from college and everything changed...'' Said Sarika

'What happened...'' Asked Raman

'When he came back he had changed a lot. He had good grades, he was concentrating more on himself, and he was polite and kind and understanding. He was considerate and more grown. It was so strange it was like he had suddenly become more of a man, you know. And I knew only a woman would do that to him. I knew he had met someone there that was causing all this.'' Said Sarika before she poured another glass of wine for Raman who she could see was beginning to freak out but Romi drunk it instead

'I don't get how any of this helps...'' Said Romi

'Just wait... Did you know who this woman was...'' Simmi asked

'Yeah... I followed him to Delhi on his father's behest and I wanted to who she was, I mean anyone who would tame that wild Shlok I had to see. At first I met this sexy girl that he was always with and I thought to myself maybe he just found someone more fun but something just didn't add up. I mean the only difference between me and that girl was the fact that maybe she partied more than I do...'' Said Sarika laughing as she drunk some more champagne before she added

'I mean she was a bitch in her own right, she was a know it all and selfish. So it wasn't adding up. Then one day he takes me to this rehabilitation center for some charity event and I met this girl... She was so nerdy and she had these big glasses and these really big clothes that did nothing for her figure like seriously... But that was not the strange part. When I saw him look at her My God I knew, it had to be her...'' Said Sarika

Ishita...'' Said Romi

'Yeah... That is her...'' Said Simmi much to Raman's irritation

Meanwhile back in the gardens, Ishita and Shlok had finished having their dinner and had ordered deserts. It was turning out to be an amazing time than Ishita had first feared. They talked about everything and anything and it was like the last couple of weeks did not happen. He was freer in a general sense even though she could see that he seemed a little nervous today.

What is the matter with you today? You seem uneasy...'' She asked innocently

'Nothing... I am fine... Actually I am slowly getting fine...'' He answered

'Yeah... I really am sorry about...'' She began to talk but he interrupted

'Uhhh aahh, no more talk about that person here. Let us just enjoy this...'' he said and she smiled as she nodded in the affirmation

'I do however have one question...'' He added

'What...'' She asked

'Why did you say yes? I mean, why, did you agree ...?'' He said

'Say yes to what...'' she asked

'Me and Shagun... Why did you say yes...'' he asked

'Wow you ask that now... Three years later ...'' She said letting out a soft laugh

'Well yeah, I figured now you can tell me since she and I are no more...'' He said

'I don't know... When we met I wasn't really high on self-esteem so when she asked you out, I knew you would say yes so I just beat her to it and figured instead of the humiliation of rejection, just give them your blessing...'' She said

'You could have said no... You could have told her No...'' Said Shlok

'So could you...'' she said looking at him before looking away finding this part of the conversation something she didn't want to get into. Let sleeping dogs lie

Back at the bar, Raman was beginning to feel like this conversation with Sarika was quite taking a turn none of them was expecting.

'Wait... You're telling me that Shlok has a crush on Ishita...'' Said Romi

'No... I am saying he is in love with her. Has been for three years...'' Said Sarika

'So this whole thing from the beginning was just a love triangle between friends. What the hell Ishita. Your life is far more interesting than you lead on. It is like she is in some telenovela...'' Said Simmi

'I don't get it. If he met Ishita first, why not ask her out instead of dating her best friend...'' Said Raman

'Actually the night he asked Shagun out, he had come to take Ishita but Shagun is way too forward. When she saw he was cute and a bit well off, she developed a crush on him or become infatuated with him depending on how you see it. Ishita is not very forward and she really doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve. When he came that night, Shagun was all dressed to go out. He had been trying to convince Ishita to go with him and Ishita being Ishita turned him down. Shagun asked that he take her instead. He told me he asked Ishita repeatedly if it was fine and Ishita kept on telling him it was fine. He asked for her permission and she repeatedly said yes...'' Said Sarika

'Still do not get the point...'' Said Romi

'He thought that it meant she wasn't interested. So when he goes with Shagun that night, they had a little too much to drink and he ends up... You know... spending the night with her. Once Ishita found out, that pretty much brought what they could have had to an end.'' Said Sarika

'Oh My God...'' Said Simmi

'Okay you need to elaborate...'' Said Raman holding his breath hoping what he was thinking wasn't true because if it was, it just made his work harder

'Look Shagun may have thought she was the lead in the show and for the most part she was, but she was always just a shadow, it was Ishita from the beginning.'' Said Sarika

'Then why didn't he break up with her... She wasn't a very good girlfriend anyway...'' Said Romi

'Loyalty means a lot to Ishita and to him too. Besides if Shlok was ever to break up with Shagun there was no way Ishita would have dated him because with all the flaws Shagun had, she was still her best friend. Shlok is a very patient man and he knew it was going to be just a matter of time before Shagun messed up in a really bad way...He tried to love Shagun, even took her to meet his parents and everything but... Sometimes the heart just wants what it wants...'' Said Sarika as she watched them squirm

'Okay this is not helping our cause one bit...'' Said Romi

'Yeah... I don't even know what to even do with this information.'' Said Simmi

'Does Ishita even know...'' Said Raman

'That Shlok loves her, maybe... I mean there has to have been inkling because he does a very good job at hiding it but if she knows him as well as I think she does, she must have known...'' Said Sarika

'This is bad...'' Said Simmi

And Sarika who had been enjoying watching them squirm had had enough.

'Okay... This is a bit depressing to witness, can I just say something...'' Said Sarika

'Okay...'' Said Raman

'I have known Shlok since he was 10 years old. If there is one thing I have learnt about him is that he will do everything and anything for the people he loves even if it is at his own expense. The day he found out that Ishita may have been developing feelings for you; he came home drunk out of his mind miserable and heartbroken. I didn't get it so I asked him why wouldn't he just go tell her and he said if the tables had turned, she would want him to be happy and he saw how she glowed when she talked about you so he kept his distance. It hurt but he kept his distance. That is why through all Shagun's shenanigans, he stayed ...'' Said Sarika much to everyone's shock

'He even tried to mend your relationship with her because he knew she really cared about you.'' She added as she looked at Raman

'So what he is a saint and faultless, we get it...'' Said Raman

'Oh no... He definitely is no saint. He plays dirty when he wants to win and Ishita is someone he will do anything win over especially after what you did. I think he is more hurt that you screwed Ishita over than anything else and he thinks you do not deserve Ishita so that is why he is doing this. He really plays unfairly, kind of like now. He knew you would come asking about him so he sent me here while he spent uninterrupted time with her. You see, he knows how impulsive Raman is and he knew that it would eat you up if you had nothing to do while Ishita spent time with him so he sent me here while he did his thing.'' Said Sarika looking at Raman

'What...'' Said a surprised Sarika

'Yeah... You see today is a big deal for them. It is Ishita's birthday and it is also the day they met. It is their three year anniversary'' Said Sarika

'You bit...'' Romi said but she interrupted

'Uhhh Uhhh aahh... Don't insult me and watch your mouth. You all are fools. Do not blame me for your idiocy.'' Said Sarika as she smiled

'Why are you doing this'' Said Raman

'This is not even your war to fight...'' Said Simmi

'Oh you mean like it isn't yours? And by the way Ishita is not some colony that you want to conquer, she is a girl who your brother duped into falling in love with her while he banged her best friend. You have spent this entire time trying to find a way to make Shlok look like the bad guy and all the while all he has done is to make sure she is okay and well. ' Said Sarika as she got up from her seat saying

'I will give you a small piece of advice, instead of sitting here trying to counter everything Shlok does and try and find dirt on him, maybe you should try being remorseful for what you did and try sweep her off her like Shlok is doing. Is he going to tell her how he feels tonight...? Maybe... Will she say yes, I hope so? But this night is important and knowing him, he is going to make the most of it. Just pray and trust that she will have feelings strong enough for you to say no because we all seem to forget one thing, she did have a massive crush on him for so long. Those just do not disappear...'' Said Sarika as she picked up her wallet to pay

'He doesn't love her, he is just using her to get to me...'' Said Raman

'You give way more importance to yourself Raman, he told me about the hospital incident and even if I was in his shoes, I would have said the same thing. You screwed his girlfriend, made her fall in love with you, then turned around and broke her heart. And as if that wasn't enough, you also broke the heart of the one girl in this whole scenario that didn't deserve it.'' She said looking at Raman who was a bit taken a back

' You want to find something wrong with Shlok such that it becomes easy for you to win her back because then somehow your betrayal seems less but you're wrong. You need more than just an am sorry and I love you. You need to earn her back and spying around on Shlok will not help...'' Said Sarika before turning on her hells and walking away leaving them their shocked

'Oh and one more thing, Shlok is a really good man. He is a good person who deserves nothing but the best and I do hope in the end she chooses him because from where I am standing, from what I have seen he deserves her. You are just a really spoilt brat who is so used of having things going his way that you think somehow you're entitled to having it all. You can't even fight your own battles you need your big sister to do that for you...'' Added Sarika before she finally walked out leaving Raman with a very unanticipated reality check

Meanwhile back in the gardens, Shlok and Ishita were having a ball and it was fun time that she needed badly and so did she.

'Okay I still cannot believe Aditya did that...'' Said Shlok

'Well he is a straight forward boy. That is what I love the most about him...'' Said Ishita as she laughed

'I had an amazing time. Thank you so much...'' She added

'You're so welcome...'' He said

'I really needed this...Thank you'' She said

'Anytime you know that...'' he said smiling before he said

'Abhimanyu told me about this new project of yours...'' He added

'Oh My God I am having a blast. We have been given freedom to do everything we want. I am so excited because I get to do something from scratch...'' She talked and went on and on but all Shlok was doing is hearing echoes as he listened to her talk.

Sights like these had become a really rare thing to see and when it did happen, he took full advantage and enjoyed the view

'What are you doing?'' She asked smilingly

'What... ' he said coming out of his stance

'I mean... Why are you looking at me like that...'' She said

'It is just really peaceful to see you this happy...'' He said smiling

'Ohhh... Okay... You acting a bit weird ...'' She said letting out a nervous soft laugh

'Oh Sorry... Didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable...'' he said

'Its fine...'' she said

'Here comes cake...'' he said as the waiter made his way to where they were seated

Back at the bar, Raman, Simmi and Romi where still recovering from some unexpected revelations that neither of them saw coming, Raman had ordered some more alcohol since the champagne that Sarika had left he had gulped down everything and needed more. He and Romi were drinking so much because none of them had answers on what to do

'Oh God that man has been in love with her for close to three years...'' Said Romi

'I knew it... No man is that forgiving, it only happens in romantic movies. He knew it would be a matter of time before Shagun screwed up and he would have the window.'' Said Simmi

'I don't get why just not break up with Shagun. She was a horrible girlfriend anyway'' Said Romi

'Because Ishita would never be with him I mean he even helped Raman with Ishita on the engagement, who would have thought he was eyeing her all along...'' Said Simmi looking at Raman but he just stayed quiet lost in his own world

'But l understand. Loyalty and it means a lot to Ishita, she wouldn't have dated him if he broke up with Shagun...'' added Simmi

'Until now...'' said Romi

'Until now...'' Added Raman as he drunk some more

'So what do we do'' Asked Romi and the answer they all got, none of them was expecting

'You go back to Delhi...'' he said

'What... Whoa...'' Said Romi

'Don't let her get to your head Raman, Stay strong...'' Said Simmi

'Simmi thank you so very much for your help but I need you to stop. Do not do anymore and go back to Delhi, I will handle it from here...'' He said

'Raman you do not have time to be sentimental. There are two weeks left for this internship to come to an end if you don't fix this she is gone...'' Said Simmi

'I know that... But I need to do this my way...Sarika is right, I have to earn the right to love her because right now, I do not have it and I do not deserve it'' He said disheartened and Simmi knew his brother had given up

Back in the gardens Shlok and Ishita enjoyed cake as the continued enjoying each other's company

'So what are you most grateful for this year...'' Ishita asked

'You...'' He answered to which Ishita laughed softly saying

'Come on be serious...''

'I am serious. You have been the best thing that happened to me since I joined college. And if I am being honest, the most consisted too. Somehow you're always here for me so thank you...'' He said

'That so sweet of you to say... Besides don't thank me, you have returned the favor plenty of times...'' She replied

Shlok looked at her as if anticipating whether or not to say something and she noticed

'What...'' she asked

'Can I ask you something...'' he said

'Sure...'' she said

'Promise me you won't freak out...'' He said

'I won't just tell me already...'' she said

He stood up and took her hand in his as he said

'You and I have been friends for the longest time Ishita. I know you better than anyone, better than myself. You made me a better version of myself in a way that even you couldn't have guessed. ' He said

'Shlok... What is this...'' Said Ishita as she smiled

'My God that smile... You know I could watch you smile all day because it is the most peaceful thing. I just... Don't know how to say this without sounding weird or unserious... I am in...'' He said keeping quiet as he hesitated

'You're what...'' Said Ishita

'I am in ...'' And before he could finish, her phone began buzzing causing her to turn and look at the table where it was

'Leave it...'' he said

'It could be important...'' she said as she walked to where her phone was smiling as she said

'It won't take long I promise...'' and she picked up

'Hello...'' she said only to hear Simmi frantically talking at the end of the line

'Ishita... Raman... Bike... Romi... Fallen... It is...'' said Simmi

'Whoa Simmi calm down, tell me what the hell happened'' Said Ishita

'Raman... He was in an accident...'' she said crying

'What...'' Said a very shocked Ishita

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CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE; SCROLL DOWN

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

'I am in ...'' And before he could finish, her phone began buzzing causing her to turn and look at the table where it was

'Leave it...'' he said

'It could be important...'' she said as she walked to where her phone was smiling as she said

'It won't take long I promise...'' and she picked up

'Hello...'' she said only to hear Simmi frantically talking at the end of the line

'Ishita... Raman... Bike... Romi... Fallen... It is...'' said Simmi

'Whoa Simmi calm down, tell me what the hell happened'' Said Ishita

'Raman... He was in an accident...'' she said crying

'What...'' Said a very shocked Ishita

Ishita heard Simmi say a number of things after that but they all sounded like echoes from that point. She felt like she couldn't breathe and someone was sucking the air from her lungs

'Where are you...'' Said Ishita

'We are taking him to hospital...'' Said Simmi telling Ishita the name of the hospital they were going to and as soon as Ishita heard that, she turned to Shlok grabbing her bag as she said

'I am so sorry for leaving like this and I had an amazing time but I have to go...'' she said as she begun to tear up and Shlok could see she was visibly shaken up

'Ishita what happened...'' he said

'Nothing, I can handle it. Please go home I can take care of the rest...'' She said as tears began to flow uncontrollable down her face

'Ishita calm down, you're not leaving until you tell me what happened...'' Said Shlok

'It is Raman, he was in an accident. I am sorry but I have to...'' Said Ishita her voice breaking as she began to cry

'It is fine just, tell me the name of the hospital. I will drive you there...'' Said Shlok as he grabbed his jacket and drove Ishita to the hospital

Ishita knew it was unfair to keep on roping back Shlok in her life every time it seemed like he was moving on and she felt horrible about it. But tonight even she didn't anticipate this and her heart as much as she wanted not to care so much she couldn't help it.

When she heard Simmi tell her about Raman's accident she just become so sacred and worried that something really horrible would happen to him and she didn't know what to do about it.

They made their way to the hospital as Ishita rushed in with Shlok not so far behind meeting Simmi in the parking lot

'Simmi what happened...'' Said Ishita

'We were at the bar drinking and then he left. He was a bit upset when he hopped on Romi's bike but then as he made a turn from no where came this car and then... Oh My God I hope he is okay...'' Said Simmi

'Stop freaking out already...'' Said Romi in a careless manner surprising Ishita

'What happened to him'' Said Ishita looking at Romi

'Nothing... I am cool...'' He said again in a careless manner

'Don't mind him, I think he is drunk too...'' Said Simmi freaking out

'Where is he...'' she asked

'The doctor is in checking him...'' Said Romi in giggles and as if on cue the doctor walked out

'Okay... He had a little too much to drink so he is a very luck fellow. This could have turned out worse than this. He has a broken rib, a fractured hand and he needed a few stitches on his knees other than that, he is okay. We will just keep him here for observation...'' Said the doctor

'Can we see him...'' Said Ishita

'I will only allow one family member since he needs rest...'' Said the doctor

'I will go...'' Said Ishita hurriedly

'And who are you...'' Said the doctor

'Ishita... Ishita Iyer... His fiance ...'' Said Ishita without hesitation, or stutter or even care in the world as to who was there

This was the first time the Shlok was getting his reality check and it finally dawned on him, no matter how long Ishita prolonged this, no matter how angry she was, it didn't change one fact, she was in love with Raman, there was no doubting that and angry as she was, it was never going to change.

It broke his heart there was no doubting that but he also knew maybe part of the reason she was holding back was because she thought she owed it to him not to be with Raman and he in a way contributed to her confusion. He walked back and sat in the waiting area

'What do you want...'' Said Romi

'I came with her and until she walks out and says she is okay. I am not leaving...'' Answered Shlok

'Leave him alone... Said Simmi

Ishita walked inside and saw Raman sleeping with his fingers hand bandaged up and his knee as well. He had some sort of brace around his rib area and his hand was in cast. He was sleeping and seemed so peaceful oblivious to the turmoil he was causing her.

She looked at him and broke down as she took the seat next to him. The thought that something might have happened to him sacred her and even with all their problems, it scared her to think he might have gotten really hurt or worse. She took his hand in has and said a little prayer and she was going to stay with him all through the night to make sure he was okay.

Raman woke up to Ishita sitting by his bed side with tears in her eyes and he had to adjust himself a little to make sure he wasn't seeing stuff that wasn't there

'Ishita...'' He called her and she looked at him causing him to smile a little

'What are you doing here...'' He said and she out of fear and anger or worry ended up slapping him

'What the...'' He said as he sat up with all that pain holding his cheek

'What is the matter with you? What is wrong with you? Are you mad?'' She cried much to Raman's surprise

'Ishi...'' He tried calling her

'I don't get you. It is like you take pleasure from torturing me. I do not understand why you always do this. I don't get it; do you enjoy seeing me in tears? Why do you fill me with all this worry Raman, Why...'' She cried.

He knew what the problem was and he ended up holding her hand and pulling her in causing her to crush on his chest

'Let me go... ' she cried as she struggled to get out of his hold

'I am okay... ' he said but she struggled more

'Ishita... I am fine...'' He whispered in her ear causing her to finally let go and she put her hands around him and cried

'Oh My God I thought something ... Oh God...'' She cried

'Shhsss... It is okay...'' He said

Raman was in a lot of pain there was no refuting that but right in that moment it didn't matter. She worried for him, she cared about him and that was something on injury or amount of pain was going to stop him from enjoying.

Ishita pulled him in some more as she sighed with relief that he was okay. She remembered how injured he was and she pulled back saying

'I am sorry about the slap and this...'' She said as she tried to rub her tears.

Raman beat her to it, lifting his un-bandaged hand as he wiped her tears with her thumb saying

'It is okay and your right I am an idiot.''

'Why did you drink so much and drive? Simmi said you were upset, why... What happened...'' She asked and he just kept quiet and looked at her not saying anything and she knew straight away what the problem was

'It was because of me isn't it?'' She said but he kept quiet

'What did you think I was doing? You know what do not even answer that...'' She said slightly upset

I never said you were doing anything and I am not blaming you for anything either. Today was your day and you deserved better than this so, I apologize for spoiling it. I was a bit jealous and acted like a kid and I apologize... It won't happen again... I will even apologize to Shlok for spoiling whatever he had planned for you...'' Said Raman

'No... You're not doing anything of that sort. In fact I need to go out and see him, he must be waiting for me.'' She said

'Wait... Shlok is here...'' He asked surprised

'Yeah... He drove me here...'' She said before getting up from the bed

'Should I get you anything...'' She asked

'No... Thank you... And please thank him for me as well...'' Said Raman genuinely

'I will...'' Said Ishita before she walked out

Back in the waiting area, Ankit and Abhimanyu had managed to make their way to the hospital and they all were there waiting to know if Raman was alright and help in any way they could. Abhimanyu was a bit surprised to find Shlok seated there quietly and he was also a bit impressed.

'Shlok...'' Abhimanyu called him

'Oh hey man... How is she...'' Asked Shlok who hadn't seen Ishita since she walked in

'She is fine considering... You can go I will keep you updated and also make sure that Ishita is fine...'' Said Abhimanyu

'No... It is okay, I will wait for her...'' Said Shlok and he sat back don

'I don't understand what he is even doing here. You should leave. You're not welcome here...'' Said Romi

'Romi... What is the matter with you...'' Said Abhimanyu

'It is fine. He has been going at it all night, I am used to it by now besides I think he is still a bit drunk...'' Said Shlok

'Don't talk to me like that...'' Said Romi who was getting agitated

'Aren't you ashamed. You want to steal another man's wife. That is the most cowardly thing I have ever seen...'' Added Romi who thought he was standing up for his brother

'Romi stop being an ass... He hasn't done anything wrong, back off...'' Said Ankit

'Romi come on... You're bigger than this... Your acting like a girl right now ...'' Said Abhimanyu

'Whatever he is not welcome here...'' Said Romi

'That is fine, if he is not welcome here then I will leave as well...'' Said Ishita who had just walked in

'Ishi...'' Romi tried to talk

'What gave you the right to start deciding for me who should or who shouldn't be here...'' Said Ishita

'I am just looking out for my brother... Clearly your loyalties are not in the right place...'' Said Romi and Ishita looked at him shocked not knowing how to even respond

'Romi... Get a grip... What is the matter with you...'' Said Simmi

'Shlok I am so sorry about all this. Just ... Come with me...'' Said Ishita taking Shlok's hand and they walked out

'I am...'' Said Ishita but Shlok interrupted

'Stop apologizing... I am glad you're okay. I just wanted to make sure your okay that is all...'' Said Shlok who was slightly upset and Ishita could see that

'Shlok... Please do not be upset I apologize...'' Said Ishita

'What do you see in him...'' He suddenly asked

'What... Where is this coming from...'' Said Ishita

'I mean... What is it? I do not understand. He doesn't deserve any of it and his family... My God do not get me started...'' Said an irritated Shlok

'Okay... You are clearly up set about something so I will say goodnight and will talk when you calm down...'' Said Ishita as teary filled her eyes

'Do not bother because I am done being a part of this drama of yours. What do you even want...'' Said Shlok

'I do not even know why we are arguing so I am sorry that I am not able to answer your questions because I do not understand them. Plus I am sorry that I feel the way I do. Raman is not some writing in pencil that I will just erase him. I am sorry it is unfair to you but I do not know what to do.'' Said Ishita tears filling her eyes

What did you think tonight was about?'' he asked

'We always have dinner together so I figured it is as always. Will you just tell me what you're so upset about...?'' Said Ishita

'I love you Ishita that is why I am upset because you can't even see that...'' He said tears filling his

'Well I love you too, what has that got to do with anything...'' She answered

'No... You are not hearing me. I am in love with you Ishita. I have been since the day I met you.'' He said letting out a sigh of relief that this was finally out in the open

'What... What do you mean...'' Said a very shocked Ishita as she took a step back

'I am completely in love with you and I tried not to be. I even left you alone when you said you had no feelings for me. I ended with Shagun who cared less about me than her garbage. I even helped you and him on your engagement because I thought this is what is right. I stayed not because I cared so much about Shagun but because I wanted to be close to you. To be around you...''He said making Ishita all the more shocked

'What...'' She said

' I love you... And the fact that you are with that liar... that loser... it just makes me so mad. Why are you even still with him? I can love you so much better than he can, like they way you deserve. You have feelings for me Ishita, I know you do. Those feelings you had for me were more than just a crush and you know that. I am so sorry that I didn't understand them and I took so long to come forward but here I am. I will make this better...'' He said as he tried to walk forward and hold her hand but she instead moved back

'Oh My God...'' she said shocked to the full

'Ishita please you need to say something more than that...'' Said Ishita

'What do you want me to say? You dated my best friend for 3 years Shlok? Were you just stringing her along just for the ride?'' Said Ishita much to Shlok's surprise because this is not how he envisioned this conversation going

'What... No...'' He replied

'Then what...? How do you expect for me to see all this. So you just lied to her for three years with the hope that what??????????????'' She asked

'Ishita... Please you're not understanding...'' He sad

'Then please help me understand. Assuming we never found out about her and Raman, or assuming she never cheated and I was getting married in a few weeks, then what... What would you have done?'' She asked

'Ishita... please I am... Listen I am so sorry because I know this is a very confusing time for you but I am not apologizing for how I feel. You knew how I felt do not pretend you didn't...'' He said and he was right.

Apart of her did know and maybe that is why she was feeling sick to her stomach because in a way, she did string him along and it made her happy that maybe sometimes she got more attention from him than Shagun did which made it even worse.

Shagun may have slept with Raman behind their backs but in a way, she was also doing the same with Shlok. Shagun got him physically while all along she knew she had him emotionally even though she always blew it off as just a friendship.

'I think you need to leave...'' Said Ishita

'Ishita please...'' He said as he walked in front of her taking her hand in his as he held the nape of her neck with the other his forehead on hers

'Please... Do not shut this out...'' He said his voice breaking

'You need to go Shlok please...'' She said teas filling her eyes before she walked in leaving Shlok outside the hospital with tears in his eyes

Shlok knew, Ishita may have felt something for him three years ago and maybe if he had acted on those sooner the maybe it would have turned out differently. She had some feelings for him and she did care about him but that feeling that he so wanted her to have for him, she didn't and he knew it.

All the guilt she had where he and her and in a way Raman was because she thought she was obligated to do so as Shlok was her friend or something close to that. Abhimanyu was right, he was holding her back. She may have been angry with Raman for what were he did but Shlok played a major role for her not to forgive him and if she was taking long not to let go, chances were high it was because she knew she would hurt his feelings.

He turned and left the hospital knowing full well he had opened a can of worms that had the possibility of destroying a friendship that he held so dear

Ishita walked back inside confused and hurt in some ways. It felt like these two men were playing ping pong and she was the ball. They kept on sacking her from one direction to the other with disregard about her feelings or how hard this was.

She blamed herself in a way because she knew that maybe she subconsciously encouraged it and now it was coming back to bite her in the ass. She walked back into the hospital and into Raman's room where she found Romi and Simmi talking to Raman while Ankit and Abhimanyu were standing at the end of the bed.

Romi was drunk and that coupled with the worry his brother as going through may have began clouding his judgment. It would have been wiser for Simmi to take him home because everything was about to go south. When Ishita walked in, Romi turned to her and said

'Oh wow... Welcome back. I thought you were leaving with your boyfriend...''

'Excuse me...'' Said a surprised Ishita

'Oh no you're not acting dumb right now. I mean what sort of girl strings a man along even knowing she is engaged.'' Said Romi

'Romi shut your mouth...'' Said Raman who knew once his brother become drunk, he had no filter

'Raman please ... You put her on a pedestal like she is some sort of saint. I mean look at her walking in here like she is the victim. I mean at least with Shagun we knew what we had...'' Said Romi before turning to Ishita and saying

'You are just a very hypocritical wh**e...''

'Romi...'' Called Simmi who was shocked

Ankit put her hand in her mouth not believing Romi had just said that and Abhimanyu just looked at Raman was if telling him to do something.

Ishita just stood there too angry to even respond and Raman, he knew if they had taken 5 steps ahead, they were now 10 steps back

Ishita let out a soft laugh before she turned to Shlok who was standing just beside Raman's bed and said

'You know what you're right. I will make this easy for everyone, Raman we are done... I am so done with you. I surely do not need this...'' and with that she turned on her heels and began walking out

'Ishita wait... Ishita...'' he called out as he tried to get up hurting himself in the process

'Ishita please...'' he called again and Abhimanyu knew he needed help so he walked quickly to the door and stood there stopping Ishita from walking out

'Just wait... Please, you owe me that much...'' Said Raman and Ishita stopped and looked at him as tears filled her eyes

He lay back on the bed and took a deep breath given how painful it had been for him to sit up

'Raman...'' Romi called him

'DO NOT...'' Yelled Raman before he turned to Simmi and said

'Please, I want you all to go home, get ready and go back to Delhi. Thank you so much for you help but I need you to leave...'' He said

'Sure... We will... Just ...'' Said Simmi who understood where her brother as coming from and the truth of the matter was, if they stayed, it was just going to make it worse

She grabbed Romi's hand and together they walked out of the hospital. Abhimanyu who knew Raman and Ishita needed this time alone signaled Ankit and they also left them all the while Ishita was just standing in the same place not saying a word

'All I am asking... All I am begging of you is to please hold off on your decision until the end of this period.'' He said but she just looked at him and walked to where he was and sat next to him not saying a word

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CHAPTER 26-28; CHAP 26-28