The Three Threads

Sick

After the shopping spree the girls were extremely tired and overslept the next day.

But later in the afternoon saachi received a call from Aarav

The call was to let her know that Aadvik was sick and alone at the apartment and was too adamant to go to work today but somehow aarav convinced him to stay home.
After the call she rushed to his place.

Aadvik lay sprawled on the couch, a crumpled blanket half-heartedly draped over him.

The coffee table was littered with empty tissue boxes and half-eaten packets of instant noodles.

The faint sound of Saachi humming a tune wafted from the kitchen, punctuated by the occasional clatter of pots and pans.

“Aadvik! Do you want chicken soup or vegetable?” she called, her voice brightening the dreary atmosphere.

He groaned, shifting under the blanket. “What do you think? I’m sick, not a contestant on MasterChef,” he replied, his voice muffled.
“Okay, fine. No more special meals for you,” she teased, peeking her head around the corner with a playful grin.

“I’ll just stick to my secret recipe: hot water with a side of sympathy.”
“Sounds delicious,” he muttered, smirking despite himself. “Just make sure you don’t accidentally add any of your ‘special ingredients’—like your terrible singing.”

“Hey! My singing is a gift! Just ask my showerhead. It’s my biggest fan!” Saachi laughed

Aadvik watched her disappear, feeling a soft warmth despite his feverish state.

It had only been a few days since he’d nervously asked her to be his girlfriend, and now here she was, tending to him like a pro.

He couldn’t help but smile, even though every little movement felt like a marathon.

Saachi returned with a steaming bowl, the aroma wafting through the air. “Okay, Mister Grumpy Pants, here’s your soup.

Eat it before it gets cold—and before I change my mind.”
He took the bowl from her, his fingers brushing against hers. “Thanks, Saachi. You’re like my personal superhero, minus the cape. Or the superpowers.”

“Oh, I have superpowers. Like the ability to turn your frustration into laughter.

Watch this!” She leaned in, her face a mix of seriousness and mischief. “Aadvik, you look like a zombie who just lost a beauty contest!”

“Ugh! I’m telling Maaya you said that!” he shot back, chuckling as he slurped the soup.

“You wouldn’t dare!” She narrowed her eyes playfully. “What do you think she’ll do? Throw a surprise party for you?
Aadvik rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “Right. Because nothing says ‘I love you’ like getting sick during your best friend’s anniversary preparations.”

“Just think of it this way: you’re doing it for love,” she said, leaning back on the couch beside him.
“And I’ll do my best to nurse you back to health. You’ll be the picture of health in no time.
Or at least a well-fed zombie.”
“Great. Now I’m a zombie with a sidekick,” he said, shaking his head.

Picture this—a cake that looks like a brain, and party hats that resemble decaying flesh!” Saachi burst into laughter, and Aadvik joined in, the sound of their voices echoing through the small apartment.

“Okay, okay, you win. But if that happens, I’m showing up in full zombie attire,” he teased, pointing his spoon at her like a weapon.
“You’ll regret this!”
“Bring it on! I’ll just make sure to have plenty of tissues on hand for all the crying you’ll do when Maaya sees your costume,” she retorted, nudging him playfully.

As they laughed, the doorbell rang, interrupting their banter.
“Who could that be?” Saachi asked, getting up to open it.
“Probably the zombie apocalypse,” Aadvik replied, stifling a cough.
When Saachi swung the door open, Aarav stood there, holding a large pizza box, his face splitting into a grin.

“Did I hear zombie-themed parties? I brought snacks!”
“Who knew the world was ending and we were having pizza?” Aadvik quipped.
“Only the best for my sick buddy!” Aarav declared, stepping inside. “But you owe me one, Aadvik. This pizza better not be the last meal I serve you before you turn into an actual zombie.”
“Deal,” Aadvik said, feeling a surge of gratitude. Surrounded by laughter, food, and the warmth of friendship, he realized that even in sickness, family could be found in the most unexpected places.