Kashmir [BxB]

Chapter 29 - Coming and going

If you missed it, here's the tea: currently updating "Kashmir" every other week, "Kade" in the weeks this novel doesn't get an additional chapter!

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I wince as the needle is pulled from my hand, stopping the steady flow of gloriously numbing meds. The heart monitor is unclipped as the duvet folded back as mum helps my stale body slowly rise to a sitting position as the room spins.

"The doctor said you should lay down, Kash.", she reminds me, clearly trying to keep me in my place. But there was no way I was peeing in a potty, or using a catheter.

"I'm going to the bathroom. What's the worst that can happen?"

"You could fall. Hit your head on the sink."

Still a better alternative to having a needle shoved down my urethra.

"I'll be fine.", I reassure her, facial muscles straining as I force a smile. Mum dutifully walks me the few feet it takes to get to the bathroom, arguing to follow me inside to which I refuse.

Well inside, I sit down on the cold porcelain and rest my head in my palms. I was so tired. Every part of my body screamed at me, head hanging heavy on my shoulders.

At least I could go to the bathroom on my own.
I fumble with the soap, dragging the bar across my sensitive hands. The old, muddled light above the sink feels too bright, the sound of the running water equivalent to that of a raging waterfall. I try to inspect myself in the mirror, but the light makes it impossible.

And so, I'm helped back into bed.

•••

"He's recovering as expected. We only need to keep him for a day or two, but it's important he rests when he gets home."

I keep my eyes closed as the doctor speaks with mum as if I wasn't even there. They were so loud, words digging their way into my skull.

"Thank you, doctor."

A flash of sunlight sneaks its way into the room as the doctor leaves, disappearing in a flash once the door is closed. It returns but a minute later, another squeak from the hinges followed by the unpleasant stinging of my eyes.

"Is he awake?", Ravi asks. I don't know what mum responds, don't have the energy to care.

A warm hand grasps mine.

"C'mon, Sleeping Beauty. How are you feeling?"

I grunt, shifting under the covers. A light smack and an ouch from Ravi, followed by mumbled words from our mother.

"Like I got run over.", I groan, squinting at my brother's face. He looked rough, and yet he probably didn't hold a candle to my appearance.

"Over exaggerating, as always.", he chuckles, soft eyes telling all. Fear that I'd be worse off. Exhaustion from the long night. Hope that it would all be better soon.

"Mum? Can I talk to Ravi alone? For just a minute?", I croak out. She strokes my hair, contemplating. I can tell that she doesn't want to leave, never would unless I specifically asked for it. She probably hadn't slept at all.

"I'll be just outside."

I make sure to close my eyes properly before she opens the door, bathing the room in light before it swings shut. It's dark again, so I squint, shuffling to try and face Ravi.

"I'm sorry. About our fight."

Ravi sighs, looking down at our entwined hands.

"Yeah. Me too.", he says, pausing to look up before a smile slowly grows on his face, "But you were right. Kade's favorite is Mongolian beef."