Two Brothers: Shadows of Deception

Chapter 70

Chance Encounter

Vedant

I struggled to fight off the heaviness that weighed down my eyelids, but with a determined effort, I managed to open them. The soft morning light streamed through the window, casting a pale glow on the white curtains gently swaying in the breeze.

As I tried to rub my eyes, a sharp sting shot through my chest, instantly reminding me of the events that unfolded. Panic surged within me, and I attempted to sit up, but the pain in my chest was too intense, forcing me to groan in agony.

"Ved?!!" A raspy voice called out, and I turned to see Sid standing up from the nearby sofa. His appearance was disheveled, and it was evident that he had gone through an emotional ordeal. His shirt was wrinkled, and his eyes were bloodshot, bearing the marks of sleepless nights.

Relief washed over him as he rushed towards me, enveloping me in a tight embrace. My initial scoff at his concern dissolved, and I hugged him back, ignoring the pain.

"Don't ever. Never do that to me again," he said with a trembling voice, tears brimming in his eyes.

I cupped his face, wiping away the tears that escaped. "Hey, don't worry. I'm okay now. I promise," I reassured him, my voice filled with genuine concern.

He seemed hesitant to believe, taking a deep breath to compose himself before nodding, albeit unwillingly. It pained me to see him in such distress.

Changing the subject, I asked about Priya and the events that transpired. He shared the details, and it was evident he was deeply worried about Priya, trying hard to hold back his emotions in front of me.

"Don't worry, Sid. Give her time. She'll get through this," I said, patting his cheek gently, trying to offer some comfort. He managed a half-hearted smile, though the weight of his worries was still evident.

With a sigh, he got up from the bed, telling me he'd get the doctor to check on me. As he walked away, I observed his tired figure, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt for everything he had been through on my account.

Soon, a group of doctors and nurses came in, checking on my condition and taking my vitals. After their thorough examination, they left, leaving me alone in the room.

Despite my desire to rest, I found it difficult to do so peacefully. My thoughts kept wandering to the doors, hoping to see a face that haunted my dreams. Sid mentioned the news was all over the media, and I wondered if she knew. But if she did, why hasn't she come? Does she hate me so much that she doesn't even care?

A lump formed in my throat as I contemplated whether she would ever forgive me. How could I even begin to explain everything when she seemed to want nothing to do with me?

My musings were interrupted when the doors finally opened. For a moment, I thought it might be her, and a smile appeared on my lips. However, my hopes were dashed when I saw a nurse entering with a tray of food.

She kindly set the tray on the table and approached me. "The doctor instructed that you should only have light food for now," she informed me with a smile, to which I nodded in response.

"Would you like some help?" she offered as she uncovered the soup.

"No, thank you. You can leave," I replied, wanting some time to myself.

"Alright, Mr. Aryan. If you need anything, just press the button, and someone will attend to you," she said before leaving the room.

Sitting alone with the unappetizing soup, I sighed. My stomach protested, and hesitantly, I began eating, my mind still burdened with worries about her, and the future that lay ahead.