"I didn't see this coming," Prabir sighed as they slowly walked towards the hospital canteen.

"Nobody saw it coming Prabir. You know Maa might have just freaked out and..."

"How the hell did things turn so ugly between Ishaan and Bhawani? And I am wondering if she is using Sekhar as a mere replacement to fill in the void in her life. I mean...why is it taking her so long to understand that choosing a life partner is not as easy as choosing ripe tomatoes?"

He noticed Bhargavi carefully pick up two rotis ( Indian bread), paneer curry and some curd on a plate for her and she gestured for him to do the same. Even before Prabir could return with his food, she had already started stuffing her mouth.

Placing the food on the table, Prabir gently dragged a chair to sit down and asked," Are you mad at me?"

He was met with only quizzical looks. "I am the only one talking," he replied calmly.

"I am listening," she said with a smile before stuffing in more food in her mouth.

"Oh! I see," he whispered and started to dig in his plate.

"Prabir, umm...don't get me wrong but you know, I learnt it the hard way that we should not go overboard trying to help others if they do not ask for help because in the end I was left with scathing remarks like "Who even asked for your help in the first place? My life was a lot better without your so called help."

This time Prabir held a perplexed look on his face unable to decipher what was being said and why?

"Look," Bhargavi murmured slowly placing her right palm on his left." I know you only want to help her but this is her personal life, she needs some space and I don't think we should get involved. She needs to deal with this on her own. I know I asked you to find out what kind of a person Ishaan is... out of my own concern. I wanted to ensure that she's safe," she sighed deeply."You see it all just backfired on me. I...I just don't want you to get hurt."

He sat up straight after finishing his meal and started," Alright! I won't get involved in her blossoming love life." His eyes mocking her. Then slowly his gaze shifted from her eyes to her lips and he was mesmerized, when he noticed her biting her lower lip. She was absent mindedly fiddling with the spoon on her plate as he held her wrist smiling." Let's go!"

She squeezed her eyes shut as if in embarrassment and swiftly followed him.

He draped an arm around her waist and pulled her close to him, as they strolled towards Ms. Nalini's cabin.

"This is the price of happiness Prabir," she sighed. "Each time I feel happy, strange things happen. I really am cursed."

"Don't you dare say such things," he scolded her." You are the joy of my life Bhargu. See if you are unhappy that our marriage had to be postponed under the present circumstances, there are multiple reasons why you should be happy."

"Yeah! Go on. Why should I be happy?"

He swiftly pinned her on a wall and softly kissed her. "No matter what happens, I am always here for you."

"What? Are you out of your mind?" She had begun when he claimed her lips again, and pulled her as close to him as possible. She tried to push him away pressing her palms hard on his chest. Though he parted his lips lying on her's, he refused to let her go.

"People are watching Prabir, let me go," Bhargavi pleaded, with her eyes fixed on two nurses pacing quickly in their direction.

His arms languidly slipped down and he moved away. "I am sorry," he murmured from a distance with his face turned away from her.

She gently tapped on his left shoulder from behind and inquired," Are you okay?"

"Yeah! Absolutely. I am absolutely fine," he said smiling with tears.

She knew he was hurt. It was evident in his voice. She tried to pull his arm but he jerked it away and moved farther away from her.

"I shall take your leave. You can sleep with Maa in her cabin as they allow only one person to stay as an attendant," he stated breathing heavily and strode away.

"Wait! Where are you going?"

"Not your concern, love," he said, an edge to his tone and walked away.

She ran out behind him and embraced him from the back." Please don't leave me Prabir," she urged.

He tore her arms away and whispered ," Oh! Are you not worried now, that people might be watching? If I am not asking for too much, could you please now just move aside." His voice sounded like he was trying to subside in his anger without hurting her.

She couldn't hold back the tears welling up in her eyes. She felt as if his words ripped a hole in her chest. She stumbled, unable to steady her balance and before she could hit the ground, two strong arms gripped her. She wailed in his arms like a child.

"It's okay! It's okay. I got you," he whispered.

"Prabir. I...I... shouldn't have tried to push you away, when all I had to tell you was that I am not feeling well. I pretended to be hungry...to be okay. I was dreadful that I will throw up on you. With Maa in this state...I didn't want to add up to your concerns and worries."

"You are going to bed now and no more words please," Prabir urged carrying her in his arms towards Ms. Nalini's cabin. He gently placed her on the bed and tucked her in, as Ms. Nalini slowly observed him with wide eyes.

"Prabir," Bhargavi called his name in a whisper.

"Yes!"

"I am sorry," she apologized making a sad face.

"Okay!"

"Prabir," she called out his name the second time even more softly.

"What is it?"

She mouthed the words 'I love you.'

"Me too kitty! Now stop meowing and go to sleep," he said amazed.

"Wait! Are you still mad at me?" She held his arm and quizzed.

"No!" He said and gently caressed her face. "Goodnight!"

"Lie down," she said patting on the bed moving away to make space for him that only made him laugh. "What? Will you be sitting on that stool throughout the night?"

"Don't worry about me. When I feel the need to rest my back, I will lie down on one of the benches placed outside," he said assertively. "Now close your eyes." He left the cabin after Bhargavi was soundly asleep and his phone buzzed. He had assumed Ms. Nalini to be asleep all this time.

"Yes! Paru. Is Baba alright? Did you have dinner?"

"Yes! Bhaiya. Baba is fine. I asked Mayank Bhaiya to share his room tonight and I am sharing my room with Bhawani Di. We had dinner. Did you and Di have something? Are you both okay?"

"Yes! Yes! We are fine. We had our dinner from the canteen," he informed and was stunned when he turned around to see Bhargavi standing right behind him.

After a little while, when he had disconnected the call he asked," What are you doing? Keeping an eye on me?"

"Yes! Umm...kinda. I was worried about you. I didn't tell you that I was not feeling well since evening as I knew that you would definitely send me home. I...I...did not want you to stay here alone in the hospital with Maa. I know it's..."

"You think I am obsessed with sending you away? Would I have peace of mind...sending you away when you are sick?" He asked annoyed before embracing her.

" Yes! Obviously you are Prabir. You fought with me for more than twenty minutes wanting to send me away when I wanted to stay here...in.. in the hospital.Wait! What if I throw up on you?" She asked in a whisper.

"Do what you can," he smiled and pulled her close. She felt his warm breath on her cheeks. She could listen to his heart beat. This was his way of wanting her not to worry about him, of letting her know, ensuring her that he was fine. She drew back to look at him. He opened his eyes and cast a spell on her. Hardly, did she know what happened next.

When she woke up in the middle of the night, she found herself lying on his back. They were laying on the same bed, that was next to Ms. Nalini's. She left a gasp of shock and wonder. What would Maa think? She thought. She sat up straight and ran her fingers in Prabir's hair, her heart in a turmoil.

The next instant, he was gone, the bed was empty with only her seated. She jumped out of the bed scared. Where could he go? How could he disappear?

"What are...Are you okay?" Prabir asked concerned.

"Where did you go? You were...you were lying next to me," she said almost sobbing. He quickly dragged her out of the cabin not wanting to disturb Ms. Nalini.

"What are you talking about? I was sitting there," he said pointing to the stool placed beside Ms. Nalini.

"But I saw you. I touched you. You were..."

"It was a dream Bhargu. Okay! Just calm down," Prabir insisted.

She threw herself in his arms crying," I...I...Prabir. It must have been a dream. I am sorry."

He knew she was mentally disturbed, she had been crying and sobbing as a child which was unlike her.

"Bhargu. How are you feeling now?" He softly asked pushing away a strand of hair away from her face.

"Mmm...hmm...yeah! Better"

"You are not feeling well, are you?" He demanded softly.

"No! No.I am fine. It...it was a stupid nightmare."

"Is there something you need to talk about? You seem to be pretty anxious and worried."

"I Prabir...I made so many mistakes. I saw Bhawani smoking several times but said or did nothing as I thought that my objections would only increase her determination and all this ...all this you know... happened because of me. Had I stopped her from smoking, Maa wouldn't have to see this day. Maa will never forgive me ...when she finds out that I did nothing as an elder sister when Bhawani was busy ruining her life. You know when everyone hated me Maa, Bhawani...all I had was you but even you were so furious at me yesterday." Her voice trembled,"I could feel the hatred for me in your voice."

"Look at me," he insisted and began."I was angry, yes furious that you tried to push me away but I don't hate you. I never will."

"You almost left me alone Prabir and you sounded so angry...I guessed you wouldn't ever come back."

He giggled and said smiling,"Do I even know you? What the hell is wrong with you girl? Are you crazy?" He quizzed shaking her lightly as she looked at him with wide eyes."You thought that I'll leave you alone, when you need me the most? You might not always want a public display of affection, I understand and I was wrong. I shouldn't have forced you. All I wanted was for you to realize what you mean to me. And if I am not wrong, you sounded sad. You almost believed that you are cursed. Look I was hurt, not because you physically pushed me away but because you wouldn't tell me why you had to blame yourself for everything? This isn't how my Queen behaves. Even now you are trying to put all the blame on yourself. Bhawani isn't a two years old kid, she's old enough to distinguish between good and bad. So please. Please stop blaming yourself. Now don't give me that confused and alarmed look, let me know if I have the permission to hug you once, Your Majesty."

She instantly took his arms and placed it around her neck as he quickly pulled her close to him.

"Prabir?"

"Yes! Your Majesty!"

"Please stop it Prabu. Stop teasing me." She could feel his soft breath on her face as he giggled. "Did you even sleep for an hour last night?" She asked and looked at his face.

"Hmm...I did. You're so cute and adorable while you sleep."

"Were you clicking my pictures all night?"

"Yes! I did click some but be assured I rested well."

"Don't be mad at me like yesterday ever again. The way you jerked out your hand... See everyone hates me and I can't..."

He placed his index finger on her lips. "I know they have hurt you but... no one hates you Bhargu. I can't promise that I won't be mad at you for anything ever again but I am sorry," he said gently.

He remembered exactly the dread on her face, the tears streaming down her cheeks, the look in her eyes as she pleaded him to stay. He had never seen her this scared before. She had had an emotional breakdown and then her legs gave in. She had lost her balance.

She cuddled close to him, burying her face in his chest. She didn't depend on anyone for emotional support earlier, but now she had changed a lot. She wept and murmured," Please promise me that you won't leave me alone. Please. Prabir."

He stroked her hair softly and kissed on the crown of her head."I'm right here. Don't be scared. I will never leave you alone okay!"

"I know it breaks your heart to see me cry. I just..."

"Nah! Nah! Nah! It's okay. I am actually happy that you are crying. You usually burry all your emotions in your chest and cry... blabber at night while you are sleeping...I don't want you to have any of those nightmares. You need to let out your emotions. Umm...it's 4.30 in the morning, you want to sleep for a little while? I'll wake you up at around 6.30."

"What am I Prabir ? A scoundrel? Now you will lie down on the bed and sleep while I sit beside Maa."

"A scoun...Ugh! When did I say that? I'll love to take a nap on your lap but that is only if you are feeling better and not wanting to throw up anymore."

"I am totally fine!" She exclaimed excited and pulled him inside the cabin. She sat down on the bed and gently laid his head on her lap. She started to run her fingers softly in his hair while he played with the fingers of her other hand. He was overjoyed to see her happy after what seemed to him like an eternity. The very moment, Ms. Nalini met with the accident and they had to postpone their marriage, she had wilted like a flower. He soon drifted off to sleep as she patted him like a child.

Ms. Nalini woke up around 5.30 in the morning, though she felt thirsty she wasn't allowed to drink water as she would be undergoing a surgery a little later. She however was amazed to see Prabir's head lying on Bhargavi's lap. Bhargavi wasn't asleep but was carefully observing his face as he slept.

An hour of sleep was enough for Prabir, as he woke up fresh and sat up straight. "What time is it? How long did I sleep?" He whispered.

"You slept for less than an hour Prabir. Lie down, please," she urged.

"Bhargu. For me it was like a year of sound and peaceful sleep."

He saw the disappointed look on her face and again placed his head on her lap. Only to please her, he closed his eyes pretending to sleep. Even with closed eyes, he could see her smile in his head.

The loud chirping of birds, huge amounts of light invading the room and a soft voice calling out his name,
" Prabir. Prabir," finally woke him up. He opened his eyes to meet
Bhargavi's soft gaze resting at him. He sat up and jerked out his phone to see the time. He couldn't believe what he saw. It was 8.30 in the morning.

"Why did you let me sleep for so long? Your legs will be hurting?" He asked instantly concerned.

"Nah! It was a pleasure to see you sleeping so peacefully," she replied back with a smile. "I had to wake you up as Maa's surgery is supposed to be held at sharp 9. The doctor wants to get this over as soon as possible."

Author's note:

So yeah! Here's another chapter. Hope you enjoy reading 😊

There's nothing eventful in this chapter but it's like a bridge, connecting the dots together as we proceed towards the end of the story.

Kindly leave comments and let me know your thoughts.

I'll be happy if you could vote for me.