Amulya stayed up the rest of the night over thinking things. Alaric kissed her. But it was just a kiss on the cheek. A friendly gesture, it was common for people here, right? Just like Reagan did, that morning.

But it was not something Amulya was raised to do. She felt like she betrayed her parents. They would surely be disappointed with her. They trusted her and sent her all this way to a different continent and she broke that trust. Even though they don't know about it, her conscience was killing her.

On the other side of her brain, when she wasn't thinking about how she broke her parent's trust, she was thinking about Alaric. About the kiss; cheek kiss. Did he like her? Or was it just a friendly move. Just a few minutes before that, he was almost going to kiss her. She knew he was going to do that. They had a moment. Thank god Hilary called.

But would I have let him kiss me? She thought.

Absolutely not; she would not do that. She was not that kind of person. She wasn't judging someone who kisses the ones they like or love. But she definitely would not kiss someone just like that.

She somehow managed to fall asleep for a few hours before she woke up when her alarm rang. She had thirty minutes to start to work. That was more than enough.

Exactly twenty minutes later, Amulya was ready to leave. If she walks fast enough, she could get to the train on time. Just as she opened the main door, she saw a package on the floor. The same kind she found the other night.

This time it was coffee, still hot; and a plastic container of wrapped food. She had no time to look what's inside. She took it and rushed to the train station.

Once on the train, she took out the note that was as usual attached to the plastic box inside the bag.

Staying healthy is important doctor. Sorry I made you stay up late last night, hope that did not make you late to work. I am making up to you my making breakfast. Hope you like my omelettes. I made them just like my mum used to make for me and Hilary as kids.

Have a great day, Amy

Yours

Alaric

She could not help but read it again; and again. Yours. She liked the sound of that. Amulya shook her head, and forced herself not to think of that.

She ate the omelette quietly, occasionally sipping the coffee. The food was delicious. Maybe it was made by someone she liked.

Shut up.

The rest of the day went by slowly. Dr. Stone gave her the green too get home after her shift that night. And there was almost two hours before that.

"Dr. Natraj" A nurse peeped into her office, "There is a patient in the ER. Dr. Stone told you to handle it"

Amulya stood up, and walked out with the nurse, taking the file of the patient she was going to treat.

"It's a domestic violence case. Miss Owens is Twenty six. She is currently unconscious, possible fractures in the ribs, her left wrist was broken; probably bent backwards with force" Amulya winced at that one. "And a few bruises on her face, and glass stuck to the side of her face."

"Are the police here?"

"Yes ma'am. Waiting for her to wake up; they took the man into custody, just waiting to take official statement."

"Okay, Thank you" Amulya said and entered the emergency room. There she saw the woman laying on the bed, unconscious, her body and face drenched in blood.

Her once blonde hair was now red, Matted with blood from the cut on the side of her face. Her face held so many bruises, it was almost impossible to recognise her.

Amulya's head spun; just by looking at the woman that was laying unconscious on the bed.

She took out the file and read out her details.

Reagan Owens.

Amulya couldn't even recognise the woman now. She definitely did not look like this when they last talked.

"She might need some blood. Can you arrange it? Did you check her blood group?" She questioned the nurse.

"Yes, ma'am it'll be here in a few minutes. I already contacted the blood bank."

"Good thank you" Amulya said snapping her gloves and started to clean the wounds.

After it was done, the blood was attached and the vitals were checked, Amulya went to the two police officers who wanted to talk to her. They asked about the woman's condition, when she was going to wake up and took an official statement to support the case.

Reagan wouldn't wake up until tomorrow. She was pumped with painkillers. She was going to be fine till tomorrow. She quickly scribbled down on the notepad to talk to a physiatrist tomorrow and refer Reagan to them. She needs some therapy.

She was about to leave when the same nurse as before came into the room.

"We checked the patient's history ma'am. There were a few times she was admitted into the hospital in the last two months; every time with some sort of accident like falling down the stairs, or slipping on the wet floor. She doesn't have an emergency contact listed." The nurse said.

"I know her, don't worry. I'll call someone she knows. I'll be off now, can you just call me if there are any complications? I'll check up on her, tomorrow when i come in"

"Yes ma'am. Have a nice ride home"

Amulya smiled at the nurse.

"Good night"

As soon as Amulya was home she showered, made some green tea and went to Alaric's house.

"Amy, hey" He said opening the door, surprised she came to visit.

"I got some tea, Can we talk?" she came directly to the point. He nodded talking the mug from her hand, taking a sip of the hot liquid, humming when the taste hit him. He could never make good green tea; it's always either too bitter or too sweet. But this one was... perfect.

"Sure, what is it about?" He sat them on the couch, turning off the television. He sensed this was something serious.

"Reagan. How do you know her?" she asked with a blank face. Sure, she was there to tell him about her being in the hospital, but she could always calm the jealous fires.

"She is a friend, one of the only few I have" he chuckled "I met her on tinder actually. Three months back"

"Oh" Amulya couldn't deny that her heart dropped a little.

"Oh, don't be disappointed" he smiled, taking her hand in his. "I don't like her that way"

Amulya's eyes widened at his straightforwardness. She looked down at her hand, which he was still holding. He interlocked their fingers and squeezed her hand. That felt good.

She cleared her throat before she got side tracked.

"Why was he here the other night?" She asked him.

"She was having... a few problems in her relationship. She needed to get away." Amulya was shocked.

He knew about the abuse? And he still didn't tell anyone?

"Alaric..." she started, trying to see any changes in his expressions "Did you know about the abuse?"

He was startled. He knew about it.

"Yes I did. She was going to leave him. He did this− how do you know about the abuse?"

She was sure her solemn expression gave away.

"Shit. She is hurt?" He asked, his voice shaking. Amulya just nodded.

"It's my fault. I knew she was in this relationship. I should have gone with her today. I should have" he shook his head. "Was she hurt badly?"

"Fractured ribs, broken wrist, and a few bruises; she is fine now."

"It's my fault. I should have known"

"There was no way you would have known. He is going to jail and hopefully rot there for the rest of his life. Reagan is doing fine, and you can visit her tomorrow. I'll add you to the visitors list. Don't beat yourself, Rick"

He just nodded as he ran his hands in his hair.

All Amulya could do was stare. Is it weird to find that beautiful?

She was going crazy. She had to leave.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" She said getting up.

"Wait, did you uh" he stuttered. "Did you have dinner yet?"

"No, I was going to cook"

"Will you have dinner with me? I am trying to get out of writers block and I read somewhere that cooking helps. I was planning to make Italian, but it's okay if you want to eat something else. If you−" she shut him up by pressing her hand to his mouth. Chuckling at how adorable he was being while ranting.

"Yes, Alaric, I'll eat dinner with you and I like Italian" She smiled at him. 

~*~
I cannot believe I have been posting this daily for 18 days... That's probably the most committed I have been in my life!

Thank you guys for all the votes and comments I habe recieved, hope I am not disappointing you with this story!

Happy reading!!

24.04.20