Abhira always took his calls. Always. There are no exceptions to that rule. They fought, they annoyed each other, they were annoyed at each other, they had spent hours in the same room, pissed at each-other and not saying a word but they had never ignored calls.
It was not a new development, and it was hard work on Armaan's part that had coaxed the hyper independent Abhira Akshara Birla into constant communication.
Armaan didn't need to think much to figure out that something was wrong when Abhira's texts stopped coming, abruptly a few hours ago. She was notorious about keeping a check on him with her texts.
She said it was payback for making her so dependent on himself, but Armaan couldn't care less what inspired it, if it kept him in the loop about Abhira's every waking second, and assured him of her safety.
He grew even more worried when he found out that none of the people in his family, (particularly people cared about her and loved her), her brother, no one had heard from her since that morning.
Chachi Sa promised to go check on her soon, but Armaan told her not to worry.
He'd be with her before Chachi Sa can excuse herself from the mountain of work Dadi sa had thrusted upon her, trying to keep her extra busy.
Everyone who didn't like his Ira, had made it a point to leave her alone. It didn't surprise him that his family had bailed on his wife. Frankly, it had even stopped hurting at this point.
Armaan stepped into the outhouse, slightly breathless and worried. The place that was usually bustling with life was unusually silent.
Armaan's eyes furrowed as he made his way towards the room. It was safe to say that the room was an absolute mess. In the middle of everything, Abhira lay on the bed, curled up and covered in a thin blanket.
She was shivering slightly, causing Armaan to rush up to her, and pull her into his arms.
She was practically burning up.
"Abhira.." He gasped, shaking her slightly. "Baby.. tum theek ho?"
Abhira moved, a small, pained groan escaped her lips as she tried to peel her eyes open. "Armaan.."
Armaan rubbed her back, soothingly. "Idhar hi hoon mera baccha, bilkul tumhaare paas."
Abhira's face contorted, a soft mewl escaped her lips, "Pukish lag raha hai." Her voice sounded whimperish, her eyes watered.
"Mmm.." Armaan pressed her knuckles gently. "Medicine liya?"
She shook her head, "Sar ghum raha hai." She pouted. "Bahot dard ho raha hai."
Armaan gasped, genuinely worried for his baby girl who was obviously very sick. "Aw. I'll get a doctor for my silly girl. Kabse tabiyat down hai meri Ira ki?"
"Subah tum early morning nikal gaye, uth-te se hi nausea ho raha tha. Neembu Pani piya, thoda kucch khaaya aur ek medicine liya tha. Thoda theek ho gayi thi, toh breakfast mein lagg gayi."
"Genius." He mumbled sarcastically.
Abhira sighed, closing her eyes and leaned heavily against him. "Bhookh lagi thi." She explained cutely. "Poha banana tha."
"Maa ko phone kar leti."
"Maa ko kaise.. I know woh aa jati but—?" Abhira chuckled weakly.
Armaan glared at her. Abhira hid her face in his chest, hiding from the man's wrath "I'm sorry."
Armaan chuckled, pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Tu kinni buddhu hai baby."
Abhira sighed softly, "Maa mujhe aise dekhti toh yaheeen ruk jaati. Agar— agar nahi rukti toh mera dil tut jaata. Mene unhe choose karne ka mauka hi nahi dia."
