Night of 25TH

CHAP 63: Hidden Battle

Past:

Shubman

The following morning, I awoke with a sore back to find Chucky peacefully asleep in my arms. Her fever had subsided, and she lay there, snoring intermittently, occasionally blowing air onto my t-shirt. The team management had given me a rest for the upcoming series and a few subsequent matches due to my wedding which was now called off.

Feeling a newfound lightness, I no longer faced pressure from Anika, who wanted nothing to do with me after her true self was revealed to the world. Yet, a different burden now rested on my shoulders – my best friend and love was in a critical state.

Her arms were wrapped in a bandage while leg had a cast on it and her face was covered with scratches and scars. I gently traced the large scar near her eyes, causing her to flinch and awaken with a groan. She peered into my eyes with a sleepy gaze as I continued to trace the scar, attempting to soothe its pain. The nurse's cough startled her, and Chucky, wide-eyed, promptly pushed me down the bed. Uhh, this lady! I rubbed my back getting up. I looked at Chucky who was hiding her face under the blanket as the nurse checked her vitals. The nurse chuckled looking at her "It's fine I have seen many couples like you taking care of each other"

"He is not my boyfriend" Chucky shouted hoarsely in her morning voice.

I frowned even though knowing the reality but on the idea of why she always defended the idea of us being together.

"Okay okay he is not but don't shout your health is not right now" the nurse patted her head moving out of the room to attend to others.

Chucky peeked out from under the blanket, her eyes meeting mine briefly before she looked away. I couldn't help but chuckle at the situation, despite the pain in my back. "You really don't have to go to such lengths to deny it," I teased, trying to lighten the mood.

She peeked out from under the blanket, shooting me an annoyed look. "It's not denial. It's the truth. You're not my boyfriend."

"Alright, but since I'm your best friend, let me help you up and get you ready to brush your teeth," I said, extending a helping hand to assist Chucky in getting up. However, the moment she tried to stand, her legs gave way, causing her to start falling. Reacting quickly, I reached out and caught her, preventing her from hitting the ground.

"Easy there," I said with a concerned smile, ensuring she regained her balance before attempting to stand again.

I supported her entire weight as her body struggled to move, dragging her slowly to the bathroom. She clutched her toothbrush, attempting to bring it to her mouth, but winced in pain, ultimately giving up due to the overwhelming discomfort.

"I can't, Shubman," she cried, leaning on me, utterly exhausted.

"Hush, wait. I'll help you," I reassured her, wiping away her tears. With a heavy heart, I assisted her in brushing her teeth and washing her face, mindful of her tired attempts to stand. The female attendant took over, bathing her, and changing her clothes, and, by the end of it all, when she lay back on the bed, she was visibly drained, breathing deeply.

My heart ached witnessing the contrast between the girl who used to run tirelessly during matches and tours, and the one now weakened by basic activities. Chucky, feeling helpless and frail, sobbed uncontrollably.

"Shh, it's okay," I whispered, gently caressing her head as she continued to cry. My own tears mirrored hers as I looked at the once-strong individual reduced to vulnerability.

"It's my fault; I should never have let you go," I confessed, crying as I rested my head on her forehead.

She lifted her hands to hide her eyes and sobbed, "I don't blame you. I blame the circumstances and stupid alcohol of yours for making your brain fuzzy. But still, your accusations hurt."