cross road

Chapter-13

"Who were you talking to?" he asked, his voice low but curious.

Pallavi hesitated, her heart racing. "Just... checking in with a friend," she replied, trying to sound casual, though she could feel the tension thickening in the air.

Raghav stepped closer, his expression searching. "About what? You know I'm here to help, right?"

She swallowed hard, the weight of her secrets pressing down on her. "It's nothing important," she said, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Raghav wasn't convinced, but he let it go.

He stayed until the movie ended, then prepared some food for her. After they ate, he told her about his meeting the next day. Her entire demeanor shifted. She nodded, but he could sense her fear.

"I'll ask a few people to keep an eye on you, just to make sure you're safe," he said.

Pallavi looked at him and replied, "There's no need for that. If someone guards me, people will think I'm overreacting, and it'll be obvious I'm the one who was in the forest."

Raghav sighed and said, "The people who attacked you are still out there. They might come back."

Pallavi replied, "I live just 2 kilometers from the hospital. I walk through crowded areas to get there, and if I need to go anywhere else, I take my car. So you really don't need to worry about me."

"It's your choice. If you need me, just call. My number's on speed dial," he said, his frustration evident. He gestured toward the kitchen. "There's a door that leads to the hall, and next to it are the stairs that go directly to my room upstairs. You can come up if you need anything." With that, he stormed off, his anger palpable in the air.

As she lay in bed, She realized how much she had pushed him away, even when all he wanted was to help. A sense of loss washed over her.

As sleep began to take over, her thoughts swirled like a storm. Images of their earlier conversations replayed in her mind, each word filled with regret. Eventually, the exhaustion pulled her under.

When Pallavi woke up in the morning, she still felt tired, the weight of her emotions lingering. Raghav had already informed the hospital about her leave until the next day, which brought her a small sense of relief. Yet, the absence of anyone to care for her weighed heavily on her heart, especially knowing how difficult she found it to manage food on her own.

After a refreshing bath, she changed into a comfortable outfit and made her way to the kitchen, hoping to grab some fruits. To her surprise, she found a note waiting for her. It read, "Have breakfast and don't forget to take your medicine." Beside it was a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and a neatly arranged breakfast spread.

Her heart swelled as she realized he must have woken up early to prepare everything before heading off to his company. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. The gesture was simple yet profound.

With tearful eyes, she sat down and savored her breakfast. After finishing, she took her tablet, feeling both grateful and remorseful for how she had treated him. Picking up her phone, she considered calling him but ultimately decided against it. Instead, she sent a message "Thank you for breakfast."

Meanwhile, Raghav was in a meeting, focused on a crucial presentation. Yet, in the back of his mind, he couldn't shake thoughts of Pallavi and how she was doing. Once the presentation concluded and he returned to his cabin, he noticed her message. A smile crept onto his face as he quickly replied with an "OK" before diving back into his work, comforted by the knowledge that she was all right.

Pallavi, on the other hand, felt a twinge of disappointment. An "OK"? It felt so impersonal. She sighed, trying to console herself. Maybe he was busy, Still, a part of her wished for more—a longer message.