Night Changes

CHAPTER 25

  "No, Aly, no. You can't be serious!"

Ritz screamed in surprise as I told her the incident that took place over the days we lost touch.

I had called her this morning to apologise and as expected, she inquired about what kept me this isolated these days.

"I know, Ritz. It's unbelievable, but that's true. Jasprit and I fell in love with each other and now he isn't ready to even talk to me.."

"Aly, I understand that but I ain't worried about you and Jassi at all. I know you guys will evolve, you're made for each other, "

"Hope so," I sighed.

"But Aly..what about Shreyas?"

"I was about to talk to him..I think I'm gonna end it. Jassi and I come together,  or not, I can't betray him. I like Jassi and I should let him know,"

"That's fine..but...I don't know, Aly. Just feeling bad about him. He loves you and all, it's pretty harsh if he sees you with Jassi,"

"I'm completely aware of that, Ritz. But do I have any other option? I can't fake my love just to make a promise I can't fulfill,"

"Yeah, when are you gonna do it?"

"I guess I'm gonna tell him to meet me somewhere,"

"Hmm.."
That's all Ritz said.

I called Shreyas.

"ALY FOR GOD'S SAKE ARE YOU ALRIGHT? YOU FINALLY CALLED! I'M WORRIED SICK ABOUT YOU!"

"Relax, Shreyas. I'm fine,"

He sighed.
"Thank God...I was so afraid. But..what happened?"

"A lot,"

"What do you mean? "

"I can't explain it to you over the phone. Can you meet me please?"

"Of course. When and where?"

"Tomorrow noon, 12.30 at Café Gloucester,"

"Okay, but can you at least tell.."

I hung up. I felt nauseous.

So much was going on in my life. Everything was so usual, untill one day Shrey asked me out on a date.

And the rest is history.

I sighed and went to bed.

As I woke up in the morning, I looked at the alarm. Oh no! It's already 11:30!

I dressed up in my black hoodie and denims. I tied my hair into a pony tail and decided to avoid makeup that day.

I was about to reach for my sneakers when my phone rang.
Ritz.

"Ritz, wish me luck. I am going to talk to Shreyas today,"

I only heard a crying Ritz on the other end.

"Ritz! What's...what's the matter- why are you crying! Please tell me, I'm freaking out,"

"Jassi..Jassi's mom..had a brain stroke,"

I froze.

"Me and Rohit are here...he got her addmitted last night..her condition was really critical, they've taken her for a surgery an hour ago. And Jassi..is completely broken,"

"I'm coming, send me the location,"

I drove as fast as I could.

I looked around to see a woman, probably in her late twenties, crying at a corner, being consoled by a man slightly older than her. Ritz and Rohit sat on the chairs in the waiting room, and on their side sat

Jasprit himself.

My heart broke. Jasprit was sobbing like a little baby.

"Jassi, I-"
I didn't know what to say.

He looked above, only to break down even more.

Ritz and Rohit went away to a distance, leaving us alone.

I sat beside him and put my hands on his shoulders.

"Jassi, your mum..she'll be fine. Have faith,"

"How can I? She's...she's never fine. I always believe she will get better, but she never does. The same fits, the same medicines, treatment since the last 3 years- I guess Paralysis keeps haunting you till  you take your last breathe, "

Paralysis.

At Sam's welcome home party.
"You look beautiful,"
"Like your smile?"
"I wish it was true,"

At the restaurant that day,
"Sometimes I feel I should just let things out, "
"Me too,"

All of these made sense.

He was struggling within himself, seeing his mom in pain every day. Still he put that beautiful smile on his face. Kept his pain to himself.

I felt so bad for him, I couldn't resist giving me a tight hug.

To my surprise,
He hugged me back.

"I'm sorry, Jassi. I didn't know you were dealing with so much. You're so strong, and you have to be, for your mom's sake. I know how it feels when your loved ones are in pain. But it'll be fine,"

"I don't wanna be alone, Aly, please. Mom might be paralysed but she is still there..always. I can't handle so much of loneliness,  Aly... I just can't take this anymore, "

"You aren't alone,Jassi. Rohit, Ritz and me-we're here, always. I'll be there for you, Jassi. Always, I promise,"

He kept crying and we pulled apart as we saw the doctor coming out of the Operation Theatre.

He ran to the doctor, and so did the woman I saw before.

"How's my mum? Will she be okay?"

"Thankfully, the surgery was successful. She isn't conscious though, but she will be tomorrow, hopefully. She had a stroke, and we were afraid her paralysis might have extended from her right limbs to the left, but thankfully, it didn't. We will have to run some tests, the reports are yet to come and if everything goes well, we can discharge her after a week or so, "

Jassi nodded silently.

"Jasprit, Juhika, I know you both for almost 3 years now. I know how difficult it is for you to handle your ailing mom and these sudden attacks after every few months. But the way you're handling all this deserves respect. We're always trying our best, don't lose hope,"

He nodded again.

Two of my friends lost their mothers, and I understand how hard life can be. This chapter is dedicated to Sneh and Fabs, you guys are really strong, you deserve a lot.♥

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