Beyond Friendship

Chap_1

Arnav's POV

Getting back from college, I took a long cold shower and hit the bed feeling somewhat tired.

Kaiden was already out for his part-time job. The more I was trying to get him a peaceful life without struggling too much to survive, the more he was doing it. Too much to my irritation.

Having him staying with me felt like living with a family. A family that I didn't really have. I didn't know what would have happened if I really had a sibling but turning back and looking at my parents, I was glad they didn't consider it.

He or she would also have to face cruel fate like me. And I really didn't want it to happen to anyone.

I was happy now with my life now. I have grandparents who cared for me and a friend who had become more like my brother with time.

While thinking of this and that, sleep engulfed me. I was so sure I only slept for an hour or something but when I opened my eyes, the sun had already made through its journey and the moon was shining brightly.

Wondering if I really slept this long, I took the phone from the nightstand. The time showing it was late in the evening.

I got up from bed and walked to the washroom. Getting freshened up, I got ready to get out of the apartment.

Not having any other preference, I chose the cafe where I spend most of my free time. Not because I like their coffee or something though.

The only reason, Kaiden was a part time worker there and I_

My phone rang off interrupting my thinking process.

I took out my phone. My grandfather's smiling face greeted me.

I answered the call and settled down in the driving seat of my car.

I heard his soft voice, "Arnav, where are you, dear?" and I sensed something wrong. His voice wasn't the normal one.

"What happened? Is everything okay?" I asked somewhat worried.

"Your grandmother isn't well. I have brought her to the hospital." He said, his voice broken. At that moment something bitter stirred in my guts.

"Don't worry too much. Grandma will be okay. And I am coming." Saying, I hung up on the line and revved the engine.

There was no flight available at this time. Otherwise I would have chosen a flight.

It was supposed to be a three and half hours journey by car but I wasn't intending to take that much time.

I needed to reach there as early as possible. I never felt loved with my parents but with my grandparents only.

Though I didn't express it, I loved and cared for them. Moments spent with them started coming to my mind making me nostalgic. Something bad happening to them wasn't something, I saw coming like this.

It was almost midnight when I reached the hospital my grandfather mentioned.

I barely made it out of my car when my phone rang off again.

It was Kaiden I knew and I was right. Answering the call before I could say something, Kaiden spoke up, "Where are you? You didn't even come to the cafe today."

"I am at Granny's." I said as I walked to the entrance of the hospital.

"All of a sudden? Is everything okay there?" I heard Kaiden's worried voice.

"Granny is ill, Kaiden." I said shortly.

"What happened? Is it that bad?" I heard him asking again.

"I don't know. The doctor was checking on her when I last heard of her." I said and entered the building. "Will call you back." Saying I cut off the line.