Will Die In Love

Chapter 60

Paro stood outside the hospital, her heart pounding. She glanced around nervously, afraid someone might recognize her or, worse, that Adi might find out. She didn't want to think about that. She already took the step. 

“ I have to do it,” Paro told herself and took a deep breath before walking in, trying to look as normal as possible.

Looking around she approached the receptionist, her voice trembling slightly. 

"Excuse me, can you tell me the room number of Rishabh Gupta?"

The receptionist acknowledged Paro with a plastered smile on her face. “ Sure ma'am! Just give me a minute.”  checking her computer she set her gaze on Paro again, "Rishabh Gupta, age 22?” She asked to confirm. Paro nodded yes in response.

“Room 312, fifth floor."

"Thank you," Paro whispered, her heart racing. 

She made her way to the elevator, each step feeling heavier than the last.

When Paro reached the third floor, she hesitated outside room 312. She couldn't bring herself to go inside. Instead, she found a spot where she could see through the small window in the door. Her heart broke when she saw Rishabh lying there, hooked up to machines. His eyes were closed and Paro didn't know whether he was in his senses. 

Tears welled up in her eyes as guilt gnawed at her insides. She wanted to rush in, to hold the hand of her friend, and to beg him to forgive her.  It was all her fault. If only she had found a way to stop Adi, to protect Rishabh. Only if she weren't friends with Rishabh, only if she wouldn't have been unlucky enough to attract the gaze of that devil, Rishabh wouldn't have been here today. 

“I’d just go inside for once and leave silently.” 

Paro decided in her mind. She didn't know whether she was courageous enough to face Rishabh now. 

Looking around once more, Paro entered the chamber. No one was present there much to her relaxation. Taking a few steps forward, she stopped near Rishabh's bed silently. 

“ I am sorry Rishabh, I’m so sorry.” Paro thought in her mind as tears welled up in her eyes. As if feeling a presence in front of him, Rishabh suddenly opened his eyes slowly, and when he saw her, they were filled with warmth. Rishabh couldn't believe Paro was actually standing there.

"Paro," Rishabh whispered, a weak smile forming on his lips.

“ Rishabh.. I…” Paro didn't know what to say. She didn't plan to face him directly. 

"Please forgive me, Rishabh. This is all my fault. But…tru….trust me Rishabh I didn't know anything." her voice trembled.

(As if you could've done something by knowing) Her inner mind mocked her. 

Rishabh looked at her, puzzled. "What are you saying, Paro? You are not to be blamed, are you crazy?" He couldn't believe that Paro was taking responsibility for what that jerk did. 

"It is," Paro insisted, a few silent drops of tears streaming down her face. " You wouldn't be here if it weren't for me. If.. if only I knew it, I could've stopped him somehow." Paro whispered. 

Knowing him the monster he was, could she? The only way to stop him was by agreeing to his delusion and for her friend Paro would've happily done that.

Her words made Rishabh uncomfortable instead of comforting him. Why did Paro have to say all these? Why would she take it on herself? What that bastard did to her wasn't her fault. It irked Rishabh in a way he didn't want to address.

Rishabh squeezed her hand weakly, "Paro, you can't blame yourself, Please don't." His voice was determined. 

Paro realized Rishabh didn't like to talk about that. She quickly tried to change the topic.