Her Choice but not His love

Understandings and comforts

*Infront of the hotel*

A grumpy Abhimanyu successfully reached the hotel with Aarohi.

Aarohi: *mimicking a childish voice* Yaayyy Papa! We've reached the destination.

A shocked Abhimanyu turned to glare at Aarohi.

Abhimanyu: The heck?? Are you addressing me as Papa? *grumpiness overload* I'm just a couple of years elder to you.

Aarohi: *raising eyebrows* Well, Dr. Birla. Do you even realise that you've dragged me all the way from the bus stand by holding my arm like a parent!

Abhimanyu lets go of Aarohi's arm and clears his throat. He then takes a look at the hotel and turns towards Aarohi. A beat of silence falls upon the duo, but it was broken by Abhimanyu.

Abhimanyu: *sighs* Aarohi, I...

Aarohi: *intrupts him* Don't want to meet your father. So you're planning to leave this place as I've reached safely.

Abhimanyu looks down and chuckles softly. Then he brings his eyes to look at Aarohi.

Abhimanyu: *smiles* Trust me when I say this Aarohi. *takes a deep breath* No one has ever understood my feelings and thoughts this perfectly for the last whole decade.

Aarohi felt her cheeks warming up at the most genuine compliment, she has got in a while. But she also wanted to punch herself in her stomach to stop the growing flutterings in her lower belly.

Aarohi: *sighs* Listen to me carefully Dr. Abhimanyu Birla.

Abhimanyu: *chirps in* Please drop the formalities.

Aarohi gives him a look that asks "Why now, after everything that happened between us?". But Abhimanyu simply shrugs. Aarohi blankly stares at Abhimanyu and he stares back at her.

Aarohi: I'll stick with "Sir" then, *nonchalantly* the interns are expected to address their seniors as such.

Abhimanyu's eyes widened at her reply, but did not drag the issue. As he understands the stupidity of his request. Why Aarohi would want to have any personal connection as simple as calling each other by first name? Abhimanyu thought to himself. But he did understand that just because he's getting comfortable around her, does not mean that she'll have to reciprocate it. He sighed.

Aarohi: *sternly* Now back to my point. Harshvardhan sir loves you so much. So atleast he deserves a phone call from you.

Aarohi downright shoves her phone into Abhimanyu's palm. Abhimanyu was still lost on many things.

Aarohi: Sir, make your father understand that you're safe and you just need a break. Once he agrees, for god's sake stay in this hotel till sunrise. I've some basic medicines with me, so make it fast.

Abhimanyu: Basic medicines?

Aarohi: For your stress induced fever.

Abhimanyu: How did you know??

Aarohi: *huffs* Are you having memory loss episodes now? You literally dragged me here, by holding my arm.

Abhimanyu rubbed his head sheepishly. Aarohi raises her eyebrows at him.

Aarohi: *comforting* Talk to your father, Sir.

Abhimanyu phone called his father. Harsh picked up the call within seconds.

Harsh: *anxiously* Is everything okay there? Is Abhimanyu alright? I've started from the Birla house and...

Abhimanyu: *calmly* Sir.

Harsh: *loudly* Abhimanyu!!

Abhimanyu could hear the screeching sound of the car stopping suddenly.

Harsh: *deep breath* I'm sorry Abhimanyu.

Abhimanyu: *confused*  Why are you apolozing, Sir?

Harsh: For not being there for you. For not making you comfortable enough to share things with me.

Abhimanyu stayed quiet, so Harshavardhan continued.

Harsh: I should've understood that everyone deal with trauma in different ways. I should've been more patient with you. *Chocking* I'm sorry Abhimanyu. Please forgive me. Even if you can't forgive me, atleast come back home. We'll start therapy. I'll support you with everything I can as a father. Why are you not saying anything?

Abhimanyu's mind went blank. How did his father caught hold of his past? He felt a sudden shiver run down his spine. He could feel his nerves going haywire. And finally his knees gave out. He falls on the ground with a thud and tears prickled his eyes as his brain was mercilessly supplying him with memories. He felt numerous emotions washing over him like a wave. He's been holding on to his sanity for the past three hours. But he could not anymore. That is how Abhimanyu ended up having a full blown panic attack infront of the hotel. Harsh was petrified by the distressed breathing of his son, from the other end of the ongoing call. Dr. Aarohi came to the rescue as she successfully managed to calm Abhimanyu down, but he fainted due to mental exhaustion and his current rising fever. The list also consists of prolonged intense sweating and dehydration. The hotel watchman who saw Abhimanyu's laboured breathing informed the reception area. Both the watchman and receptionist helped Aarohi to bring Abhimanyu into the hotel lobby and settle him in the couch.

Receptionist: What happened to him? Wait I'll call the Ambulance 🚑!

Aarohi: No not needed! It's just a panic attack and stress induced fever. I can bring it under control. Both of us are doctors. He's my senior at work.

Watchman: But Madam, he's unconscious. Are you sure we don't have to take him to the hospital?

Aarohi: *confidently* Yes! It's not needed. I'll book a room, can you both help me to take him into the room.

Both the receptionist and watchman eagerly agreed to help. Aarohi finally took the phone from Abhimanyu's solid grip and brought it to her ears.

Aarohi: Hello sir?

Harsh: *who was listening to his son's sufferings* My words triggered him, didn't it.

Aarohi: *comforting* You did not mean to hurt him.

Harsh: *determined* I'll be there as soon as I can!

Aarohi: *sighs* Sir, Abhimanyu has made this phone call to request you not to come here.

Harsh: *sadly* But I want to be there for him!

Aarohi: *compassionately* Sir, I sincerely suggest you to wait till he gets his consciousness. Even it's not good for you to drive this late at night. I'll keep you updated on his status.

Harsh: *sighs* I understand. Thank you so much Dr. Aarohi.
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Dear readers, thank you so much for voting my work 💟
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Dear readers, I've just now realised that I've written 11 whole chapters for a describing a span of 3 hours (It's actually 12, because it started at the end of "Post credits"). Seriously, what the heck??? Omg!!! Drop your thoughts 💥💥