Pratvik's Pov

I didn't imagine such a thing would happen to them. I felt sorry for Arica George. They were quite a pair. I don't know how she is going to get over it. On the other hand, My Shakshi, I couldn't take her crying. My life is just like, when a rainbow appears in my sky, there hits the lightening, kinda thing!

I took Shakshi with me to the hospital.  She was crying all the way. How can I console this girl for his friend's death? I just said everything is gonna be okay, that I'm there for her, that she needs to take care of Arica... all those words never seems to go into her ear!

When I pulled over the campus finally, Shakshi ran into the hospital not bothering to wait for me. I understand. After I parked my car and head to the ICU, I saw her in Varun's arms sobbing. They didn't see me coming. Varun was whispering some soothing words trying to calm her down and kissing her hair. Seriously? Can't you just be in a friend zone man!

I sighed and walked to them. Varun tightens his grip on her, seeing me. I don't have time for this.

"Shakshi?"

Hearing me, she turned and unclasped from his hold, reaching for me. Sorry baby. Not now. I crossed my arms and asked,

"How is Arica?"

She just sobbed, unable to speak. Her whole body is quivering. I hate that she cried on Varun's arms, but she had no choice and I shouldn't act like a possessive kid. I held her waist and made her sit in the chair.I squatted on the floor infront of her. I wiped her tears and tucked a hair behind her ear. She has no energy right now. She just lifted her finger and pointed to the Operation theatre.

"They asked us to wait. They are not letting us in." Varun said standing behind.

"They would let me. I will check on her. Please don't cry Shakshi. You might end up in fever." saying this to her, I stood and kissed her forehead, reassuring her. I gave Varun a hard glance and went in the OT.

I wore the OT dress and enter into the theatre. Some of my collegues were conducting an surgery on her. It looks like the operation was done and a doctor was sutturing the skin of her arm. There were bandages on her head and leg too.

Once the doctor finished his work. I went and asked for her status. He is the chief of Surgery department. He was conducting the surgery for Sharath's absence.

"How is she doing, sir?"

"Oh... Dr. Pratvik! Yeah, she is fine. There was a fracture in her leg and minor injury on her head. A laceration on her arm was just taken care of."

"Stephan?..." I hesitated.

"He.. He didn't seems to have luck like her. Some people brought them this morning from hill. He was already dead. I don't know how it happened. They said a truck hit their car in a slope. What surprise me is that how she got away with such minor injury when he lost his life?"

"Where is he now, sir?"

"His parents came for him. They were in a great shock. The procedures were completed and they took the body with them."

I felt my eyes brimming tears at the word 'body'! This is life right? There is no perfect schedule or plan to live a life. We will never know what god has planned next. It reminds me that we need to cherish each and every moment with love!

"Thank you, sir! Thats all I want to know."

"Then, I will go off my duty. Inform Dr. Sharath."

I just nodded at him and went to look on Arica's report. After that I exit from there. Shakshi came running towards me. What am I gonna say to her? I informed such sad things to some of my patient's relatives, but not to someone I loved so much. Her face was all pale, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Ho- How is sh-she?" trembling all over.

"She just got some minor issues dear. The surgery went good. She will be doing okay sooner."

"Ca-can I se-see her?" her feet failing her to stand straight, and her frame was sliding towards me. This time I didn't defy her. I grabbed her waist and held her closely.

"She is unconscious now. We can see her, once she gets shifted to ward."

She just nodded and rested her head on my chest. Sobbing heavily. Seeing this, Varun handed her his kerchief. We don't need your help, little boy! I gave him a stare and whisked my hand 'no' at him.

"Use my shirt!" looking down at her.

With all the stress, and cryings she managed to get a fever. I placed my palm softly on her forehead. She was burning up. Oh little one!

"Shakshi. You are hiking up a fever. You haven't eaten anything still. Come with me!"

"No. I-I will stay here." wiping her nose with the back of her hand.

"Waiting here doesn't work dear. Come. I told them to inform me, when she is awake."

"I-I'm not hungry. Its fine."

I sighed. I knew she would act like this. I made her to sit again.

"Stay with her. I will back shortly." I still can't believe that I let Varun with her. But she gave me no choice. For now, I want her to be safe.

I was about to walk to the canteen but turned back towards him and mouthed at him 'Touch her and you're dead!'

I bought her a sandwich, water bottle and her favourite apple juice. I took my blanket and pillow from my cabin. When I went back, nurses was shifting Arica from OT. I arranged a special ward for her. As I know Shakshi would be with her, I want them to stay comfortable. After completing the paper procedures, I took Shakshi to the special ward.

Varun was with us all the time. He looks more concerned and responsible. Not that bad as I thought!

Finally he take his leave and waving Shakshi a bye.

"Call me if you need any help at any time. I will be there for you." he gave me a sharp glare and went off. There I could see jealous in his eyes.

Shakshi was sitting on the chair by her side. Arica was still unconscious with the anaesthesia. I don't how she would take the news of Stephan's loss. I closed the door behind Varun.

I took the blanket and drapped over Shakshi. She looked at me still tears on her eyes. Does she has a river in her eyes? I 'm already getting sick seeing her crying.

"You are shivering. Stop crying." I raised my voice to make a point which she would never listen.

"Shakshi! Stop!" No use. So, I hugged her from back, rubbing her arms and rested my chin over head. She leaned back against me.

"Calm down, sweetpie. I know this is too much for you to handle. But you should be in good health to support your friend. Everything is gonna be fine." I kissed her head.

"But... But Stephan?" more tears rolled down.

"Somethings happen. We better accept the destiny than crying over it. Take care of her. Its what you can do, dear."

"This is not fair. Why him?"

I had no answers for that. I picked up the sandwich and handed it to her which she refused.

"Look Shakshi. I know you're worried about her. But if you don't take care of yourself, I will not allow you to come here again. Understand?" I threatened her to make her eat.

"I hate you." she grabbed the sandwich and munched it fast.

"I know." I know how much she likes me and how much she felt safe around me.

"And drink this juice. I will get you a paracetamol." she didn't respond, still mad at me.

I went to her and kissed her head. She tried to push me away.

"Okay! I'm sorry! I just care about you. I.."

"I know." she cut me off.

I rolled my eyes and went to the pharmacy to get her paracetamol. When I went back, Sharath was already there, checking on Arica's vitals. I texted him before.

"It was such a disaster. I just knew about the accident. The truck..." Sharath started to explain looking me.
I could sense Shakshi's small frame trembling at my side.

"Lets talk about this outside." I cut him off abruptly.

"I-I wanted to know..." Shakshi's voice was barely a whisper.

"I will tell you later. Stay here." I dragged Sharath out with me.

He said that the pair was actually not in the car during the accident. They were standing at the edge parking the car at the side of the road. It seems that they were there since night waiting for what the informer had no idea.

"Since last night?" I interrupted.

What was there in the cliff to wait for whole night? The accident took place in the mountain slope where the road has wide turnings rather than hairpin bends. Thats quite unmatching to the situation.

"Hmm... The answer is only with Arica george. It seems that Stephan pushed her away when a truck hit them, so that Arica had escaped with some minor injuries. He has got a true love for her."

"Yeah. But his loss would definetly shake her! What about the truck?"

"He has been arrested. He was drunk and lost his control in one of the turnings in the hill, where he hit them. I'm really feeling sorry for them."

"Hmm... And don't tell these things to Shakshi. I will explain it slowly. And she might be staying here. Just take care of them both if I absent myself from here for some work. I will text you."

"I hope that is not gonna happen doc. Anyways I will help you with that. I will come check on her after an hour."

I went inside to see Shakshi was slept holding her hand with Arica. I carefully took her in my arms and placed her in the attender's cot. I supported her head with the pillow I brought and adjusted the blanket over her.

The tears were dried over her cheek. She looks miserable. She was broken again. Her face was frowned and a knot was formed between her eyebrows. Its not a peaceful sleep but a sleep of tiredness.

I gently caressed her face and gave a kiss on her cheek. She stirred to her side facing me and gripped my hand tightly. "Please don't leave me!" was the only thing came from her mouth. Her eyelids were drooping again with tired.

"I won't dear. Just take some rest." I kissed her again and gently stroked her back, comforting her. She went back to sleep.

I sat on her side in the cot stretching my legs out parallel to her and supported my back on the bed frame. She slowly snuggled into me her head resting on my chest, adapting into a sitting position just like me. I snaked my arms around her pulling her tight to me.

This is what she need the most right now. Comfort. And I 'm happy that she feels secure around me. I gently kissed her head and murmurred "I love you sweetpie."

I saw towards Arica. She was still unconscious and the moniter shows normal status. I closed my eyes and took a deep breathe.

A cold time is waiting for everyone.

******

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