• Eternal Night •

27

"What are you thinking?" asked Om.

Shivaay kept his eyes on the trees outside his window. "Do you think I have the mental capacity to think right now?"

Om felt like punching someone. Maybe even himself.

Tej shook his head. "If I was in Shivaay's place, I would have said no. I mean, sochna kya hai? Right, Shakti?"

"Don't ask him," Pinky made a face. "I know him and Shivaay. They both will try to look the good in this too."

"You are right Pinky..." he nodded. "But the fact is that this is nothing but stupidity. I have seen a lot in life but this tops everything. One day, she does not want anything to do with Shivaay. The next moment, she is here, all the way from India to see him. What is this sick Bipolar behaviour? It's making my skin crawl."

"To be honest," Shakti mused. "This time around, even I don't get it either. It's weird. I did talk with Harsh and he does not know anything too. This girl is going to drive everyone crazy."

Om kept his hand on Shivaay's cold hand. He dropped his voice to a gentle whisper and asked, "Do you want her back?"

Shivaay's fingers slowly wrapped around Om's fingers. Om kept his eyes on them and his eyes welled up. They had always been so close. For the past few months, a few issues had cropped up between them. He had felt like Shivaay had started to question his decisions, meddle unnecessarily. He had no idea that Shivaay was doing it because he was fighting another battle. If only he had not remained angry with him. If only he could bring back all the months he had wasted. Om sighed and clutched Shivaay's pale fingers.

"Guys," Mallika spoke. "I think you all should go home and rest now. We all are tired."

Shivaay nodded limply. "Yes."

Tej rose up and walked towards the bed. He peppered Shivaay's hair with small kisses.

"Listen, there is no pressure on you. We just told you what we think. You do whatever you want. Yeah?"

Shivaay smiled and then Tej burst into a random chuckle. "Any which way, Annika is doing whatever the fuck she wants. So why should you be behind? Karo mannmani. Theek hai?"

It made everyone laugh. Shivaay acknowledged Tej and bid everyone goodbye.

When everyone left the room, Mallika and Om turned towards Shivaay. Seeing his worn-out face, Mallika took him in a hug. She whispered, "Bade Papa is right. You do you. No one is going to say anything to you."

"I didn't say it aloud in front of Mom and Dad but I think it is weird too..." Shivaay sighed. "She left me at my lowest. How can there ever be redemption for that? But then again, it feels stupid to not try. It might never mend my heart but it might bring peace to all of us, you know?"

Om straightened Shivaay's frowns and urged, "Sleep over it. Don't stress. Please."

Mallika smiled. "Yes, please. We all saw what happened yesterday."

"I am okay you guys..." Shivaay mumbled as heavy lids fluttered. Then he looked at Mallika. "You also go home and rest. Eye bags don't suit your pretty face. I don't give a fuck about Om."

Om growled. "Shut up. Because of you, my hair fall has multiplied."

Mallika laughed. "Aw, bloody murder. And it's okay. I am going to sleep here only so I can keep an eye on your pretty face."

Shivaay chuckled. "Be my guest, love."

Om smiled at them. "Okay, good night Shivaay. Sleep now before I knock you out with a chair. Or a horse tranquillizer."