Time Changes Everything

Twenty First

As Jassi's voice trailed off, the room fell into a heavy silence, filled with the weight of the revelation and the palpable concern for Rohit. Jinks and Jaddu sat close to Rohit, their eyes fixed on him, both lost in their thoughts and guilt. The only sound was the soft rustle of fabric as Jassi continued to hold Rohit's hand. A sudden, subtle movement from Rohit broke the stillness. Jassi felt a slight tightening of Rohit's hand, and his heart leaped in response. He looked down with a mix of hope and apprehension, his eyes searching for any sign of awakening.

Jassi "Look... bhaiya is waking up."

Jinks and Jaddu leaned in closer, their faces reflecting a mixture of relief and tension. Rohit's eyelids fluttered, and a low groan escaped his lips, barely audible but unmistakable. The tension in the room heightened as they watched, their breaths held in anticipation.

Slowly, Rohit's eyes opened, revealing a haze of confusion and exhaustion. He blinked a few times, trying to focus on the faces around him. His gaze settled on Jassi.

Rohit(voice hoarse and barely a whisper)"Jassi..."

Jassi squeezed Rohit's hand, his own eyes brimming with tears. He struggled to maintain his composure as he replied, his voice filled with relief "Yes, Bhaiya... You okay ?.

Rohit's expression softened as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. He looked at Jinks and Jaddu, his eyes clouded with uncertainty and a hint of the vulnerability he had kept hidden.

Rohit:"Wha---what happened?"

Jinks: "You tell us Ro, what-------"

Jassi cut off Jink in between and said " Bhaiya, Jink bhai is asking why you woke up so late today ?"

" I woke up lat--" Ro looks at watch on side table" OOh god its already pass noon, why didn't anybody woke me up until now" said Ro. 

Jink was staring at Rohit in disbelief and concern. Taking the hint, Jaddu said, "Ro, we tried waking you up, but you didn't wake up. When I thought about throwing water on you. Jink mentioned that you had a headache yesterday, so we figured you might not be feeling well. We just sat here waiting for you to wake up. Now that you're up, go freshen up, and we'll have lunch together."

Once Ro had gone to the washroom, Jink turned to Jassi with a questioning gaze. Understanding his concern, Jassi sighed and said, "Adi messaged me saying that the injection has side effects that can cause a person to forget recent events. When bhaiya woke up, he had a hazy look. I realized he doesn't remember, and Adi suggested we shouldn't force him to talk or stress him out. He hasn't fully recovered yet."

Jink's brows furrowed in concern as he processed Jassi's words. "So, he really doesn't remember what he did yesterday?" he asked quietly.

Jassi nodded, a hint of worry in her eyes. "Exactly. Adi said it's common with those types of injections. We need to be careful about what we say around him for now. He might get overwhelmed if we push him to recall too much too soon."

Jink ran a hand through his hair, as he said. "What if he starts remembering on his own? Shouldn't we be ready for that?"

"We will be," Jassi replied, trying to sound reassuring. "But for now, we just need to be supportive and give him space. It's the best thing we can do for him right now."

As Rohit came out after freshening up, their lunch had also arrived; Jaddu had ordered it to the room so Rohit could rest properly.

Once Rohit came back, his gaze moved from one face to another, taking in the concern and care reflected in their eyes. Despite the lingering effects of the medication and the remnants of his distress, there was a glimmer of solace in realizing that he wasn't alone.