"A collision of rough souls"

CHAPTER 19

*SAME DAY AT HOSPITAL*

(Hrihaan remained by hiya's side, his heart aching with regret and sorrow. He held her hand, hoping for a sign of forgiveness, but hiya's expression stayed blank)

Hrihaan (pleaded, his voice cracking) : Hiya ,please, talk to me. I need to know what you're thinking.

(But hiya turned her head away, her gaze shifting to the sterile white ceiling. She pulled her hand from his grasp, folding it protectively over her chest. The gesture felt like a dagger to hrihaan's heart, but he didn't pull away)

Hrihaan (softly) : Hiya, I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I need you to understand how sorry I am. I need you to know that I... that I care about you deeply.

(Hiya's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes still avoiding his. The silence stretched, heavy and oppressive, as hrihaan's desperation grew)

Hrihaan (whispers) : Hiya, please...Please don't shut me out.

(Just then, the door opened and hrihaan's mom stepped in, her face a mix of concern and sadness. She saw hiya's turned face and hrihaan's broken expression, understanding the gravity of the situation)

Mom (softly) : hrihaan ,maybe it's best if you give hiya some space. She's been through a lot.

(Hrihaan looked up, his eyes red and swollen)

Hrihaan : But, Mom, I need to make this right. I need her to know how sorry I am.

(His mom walked over, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder)

Mom : And she will, but right now, she needs time to process everything. Come on, let's give her some peace.

(Hrihaan stood up, his gaze lingering on hiya's averted face)

Hrihaan : I'll be back, hiya,I won't give up on us.

(Hiya didn't respond, her silence speaking volumes. Hrihaan's mom gently guided him out of the room, casting one last, worried glance at hiya)

(As the door closed behind them, hiya's eyes welled up with tears, but she blinked them away, her heart hardened by the betrayal she felt. She wasn't ready to forgive. She wasn't even ready to listen)

(In the hallway, hrihaan leaned against the wall, his emotions overwhelming him. His mom wrapped him in a comforting embrace, trying to soothe his shattered heart)

Mom(whispers) : Give her time, ree..she needs to heal.

(Hrihaan nodded, wiping his eyes)

Hrihaan : I just hope she can find it in her heart to forgive me one day.

*NEXT MORNING*

(Hrihaan returned to the hospital with breakfast for hiya.He found her sitting up in bed, still staring out of the window. He placed the food on the bedside table)

Hrihaan (softly) : Good morning..

(Hiya glanced at the food but didn't respond. Hrihaan sighed, sitting in the chair beside her bed)

Hrihaan (gently) : hiya, you need to eat something..

(She remained silent, her face blank. Hrihaan felt a pang of sadness but didn't push further. He opened the breakfast container and placed the food on a plate, then set it in front of her)

Hrihaan: I'm not leaving until you eat.

(Hiya finally looked at him, her eyes dull. She took a small bite,  hrihaan watched her, relieved that she was at least eating something)

(After a while, hiya finished the breakfast and placed the plate back on the table. Hrihaan took her hand again, this time feeling a slight squeeze in return)