Silent Love

| 22 |

Shehnaaz

"You're leaving now?"

Ever since he arrived, his revelations had done a lousy job at clarifying my confusion. Right from the moment he declared to me that his sister was in a surgery as we spoke till now, everything he did was in a haste. He barely paused to spare me glance, let alone explain to me about everything in detail.

When Sidharth returned home, although he tried his best to maintain his composure, I knew instantly that he was feeling off. After he had told us that Shanaya met with an accident, I was glad that my friends volunteered to leave us alone.

I was completely taken aback by the news. Although I didn't know his family that well, Shanaya was the only person that genuinely tried and succeeding in making me feel comfortable and welcomed into the family. Knowing that she was hurt only reminded me how I actually liked her more than I had originally believed.

"Not right now." He said, shooting a sideways glance at my figure. He was packing his clothes as we spoke. "But tonight. I have a few hours before I need to start."

I frowned in disbelief, "You are going alone?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"I thought I was going with you!"

He paused his actions and threw me a confused frown, "Why?"

"Why?" I asked, incredulously.
"Because I want to go with you."

He leaned down to zip up the suitcase. "Shehnaaz, I don't think that's a good idea."

"I don't care if that's a good idea or not. I want to be there for you and your family. I can't imagine you spending an entire ride alone."

His lips thinned into a grim line as he shook his head, unconvinced. Once he came to stand before me, he placed his hands on his hips and gazed down at me with tired eyes. "Don't get me wrong, I know I'd really like your company but I can't act selfish when I know that you need to stay here and study. Your boards are coming up."

"I can manage that."

"I know you can, but I don't want to risk it when I know that I can prevent it." He put his hands on my shoulders and gently pressed to give me some sort of assurance. "It will be fine, I promise. I'm sure she's going to be alright."

"Are you going to be alright?" I tilted my head sideways to see if he genuinely meant what he said.

A sad smile took to his face but I knew he was just forcing it to assure me. "I am." He said, blowing his cheeks out. "Don't worry. I'll be fine."

I nodded, "I hope." I said. "Is she out of surgery yet?"

"No." He shook his head, leaning down a little to reach his eyes to mine. "I think it's going to take a few more hours."

"She is going to be alright." I said, as I planted my palm atop his arm and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I could really come, you know?"

"I know." He said and took his hands off of me. "I'm sorry your friends left. You didn't have to kick them out."

"They realized that we needed some space so they volunteered to leave. Don't worry about it."

"Are you okay being alone tonight?"

"Yes. Why? Should I be worried?"

"Not really. But I'd prefer if you called someone over." He said. "It'll just, you know, help me be at peace knowing you're not alone."

A faint smile took to my face upon hearing his words, "Right. I think I can stay with Deepika and karan for a while. I'm sure they wont mind."

"They live together?"