The best arrangement: Between us...

Chapter 9 - A heartbreak and our tales

Siddharth dashed into the Y mall, running to the first floor at a lightning speed. Abhishek was following him, trying to reason with him. When they left the boxing ring, Siddharth was angry, but now, he had a worried and anxious look. His heart was pounding wildly...... And he hoped against hope that it was all an ugly lie. He searched all of the first floor, and upon not finding Riya, his heart seemed to be calming down... Perhaps it was really mere slander. He felt bad for not trusting her.

As he was about to turn back, he saw Riya, standing at the ground floor, chatting with a guy. He started getting worked up again. So, he forced a smile and told Abhishek " Must be her friend...... Even though we are dating, she has every right to see her friends, right?"

More than convincing Abhishek, he was convincing himself. Abhishek suddenly snatched his phone and rang up Riya. Siddharth seemed to be protesting, but he let him do whatever he wanted. When he saw her pick up the phone from her clutch purse, Abhishek gestured him to speak " Hello Riya....?"

" Hi baby, you won, right?"

" Yes. But it would have been better if you had come to see me win." Siddharth replied, trying to hide his disappointment.

" Oh, sorry baby. I had to visit someone in a hospital urgently" She sounded nonchalant, not apologetic.

Siddharth cooled down. So, it seems that she was innocent after all. He glanced over at Abhishek in relief. Abhishek had an 'I told you' look on his face.

" Okay then, Riya. Let's meet up. My treat. Are you free now?" He asked, eyes glued to her standing downstairs.

She was quiet for sometime. They saw her whisper something into that guy's ear. Then, she replied " No baby, I'm still in the hospital."

Siddharth's face fell. He knew where this was going. Still, he persisted " Is something wrong? I can come over. Which hospital are you in?"

" Oh, baby, the doctor is here..... Will call back later. Bye" She hastily hung up, and walked away with the guy. Abhishek's face was fuming with anger. How dare she hurt Siddharth like this. Abhishek mentally noted to confront her sooner or later. Now, Siddharth seemed to require his attention more.....

Siddharth was trying hard to hold back tears, his head bent low. He had a lost expression, and Abhishek knew that his heart had just broken into millions of pieces. He was ardently gazing at her retreating form, almost expecting her to turn back and run to him. Abhishek quickly took him into an elevator and pressed the '-1 '  button, to the parking lot. Siddharth did not realize that he had reached the parking lot. Luckily, for them, it was almost deserted.

Abhishek immediately wrapped him in his warm, tight embrace." Siddharth, it is not your fault. Just vent out your emotions, shout or cry over it. But don't be silent like this. You are scaring me."

Siddharth buried his face in Abhishek's chest. He found much wanted solace  and peace in that bear hug. Then, his grieving heart broke all restraints and he broke down into a sobbing mess. Riya meant the world to him, and he had even started planning for their future. He felt that the world around him had just crumbled down. A lot of 'why's flooded his mind and hot angry tears poured down his face. After sobbing for some time, he whimpered " Abhi....... I am tired..... Take me back.."

Abhishek looked closely at his face. The boy was really dead tired, and his eyelids were drooping. He silently took his kerchief and wiped Siddharth's face and nose clean. He then took him back to the hostel room.

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A little boy was sulking on the bed. Siddharth approached him slowly, hugging him gently from behind. He put his head on the little boy's shoulder and asked, feigning surprise " Oh! , why is my little plum's face so big?"