Siren of Hearts

31. His Longing

The next few days felt like an agonizing stretch of uncertainty for Siddharth. Despite his dedication to his work as a firefighter, the inability to reach Ishita was taking a toll on him. Each unanswered call and unresponded text heightened his frustration and worry.

As someone accustomed to facing challenges head-on, this emotional turmoil was a different kind of battle—one he couldn't fight with his usual resilience and determination.

In the midst of firefighting duties and the demands of his profession, Siddharth found himself constantly checking his phone, hoping for a reply that never came.

The lack of communication with Ishita left him feeling restless, a feeling he rarely experienced in the face of danger or adversity. The contrast between the controlled chaos of firefighting and the chaotic silence in his personal life was disorienting.

In the midst of firefighting drills, emergency responses, and the camaraderie of his team, Siddharth's mind kept drifting back to Ishita.

He couldn't help but wonder about the cause of her sudden withdrawal. The conflicting emotions of frustration, worry, and a growing sense of helplessness added a layer of complexity to his otherwise composed demeanor.

The fire station's kitchen, usually a space filled with the clatter of pots and pans, became an unexpected battleground for Siddharth's patience.

Lost in his thoughts about Ishita, he found himself absentmindedly handling a pot of hot oil. In a moment of distraction, a few scalding drops splattered onto his hand, prompting an involuntary yelp of pain.

Vinay, a keen observer, noticed Siddharth's sudden discomfort and concern etched across his face. Sensing an opportunity to tease his friend, Vinay inquired about the injury.

Siddharth, using the situation to his advantage, decided to play a trick. Looking at Vinay with a slightly mischievous glint in his eyes, he declared, "Drive me to the city hospital."

Vinay, perplexed by the unexpected request, questioned, "For what? It's just a minor burn."

Siddharth, maintaining his facade, responded with a sly grin, "Dr. Raichand will treat my hand."

Vinay's confusion deepened as he tried to make sense of Siddharth's peculiar request. It didn't take long for the realization to dawn on him. He raised an eyebrow, understanding Siddharth's underlying motive. "You miss her that much, huh?" Vinay remarked, astonished at the lengths Siddharth was willing to go to see Ishita.

In agreement, Siddharth nodded like an eager child, acknowledging the truth behind Vinay's words. Unfazed by the triviality of the burn, Siddharth was determined to seize the opportunity to be near Ishita.

Vinay, still shaking his head in disbelief, took the wheel and drove Siddharth to the hospital, unintentionally becoming an accomplice in Siddharth's quest to see the woman who occupied his thoughts.

The emergency ward buzzed with activity as Siddharth and Vinay entered, their eyes scanning the room for a familiar face. Dr. Mira, recognizing the duo, approached them with a friendly greeting. "Hello, Captain. Any injury?" she inquired, ready to attend to their medical needs.

Siddharth, nudging Vinay discreetly, signaled him to keep an eye out for Dr. Ishita. Vinay sighed, realizing the mission he was about to embark on. Dr. Mira, observing the silent exchange, couldn't help but sigh. "Any injury?" she repeated, directing her attention back to Siddharth.

Siddharth, taking a seat on one of the hospital beds, nodded, presenting his left hand. Dr. Mira, inspecting the small blisters, questioned with a mix of amusement and concern, "What are you playing, Captain?"