Hate ,Love and Everything In-Between (HLEIB)

Chapter 10: Dream of Forbidden Comfort

The Next Day
Prerna's POV
Raindrops pattered against the windowpane, casting a soothing melody. I sat on the couch, lost in thought, staring out into the gray morning. Khushi slept peacefully in her room, oblivious to the anxiety brewing inside me.
Yesterday's events replayed in my mind like a broken record. Parth's words, Rehan's confrontation, and the unsettling feeling that my life was about to change.

I couldn't shake off the memory of Rehan's piercing question: "Is there something going on between you and Parth?"
His words had struck a chord, exposing my vulnerability.
The rain intensified, mirroring my intense emotions. I felt trapped, unsure how to navigate the complex web of feelings.
My gaze drifted to the coffee table, where my phone lay. No messages from Parth, but I knew he'd be expecting me at the office today.

I sighed, making a decision.
Not today.
I'd take a leave, escape the chaos for a day. As I reached for my phone to send a message to HR.
The rain continued its gentle patter, but my mind remained restless.

I settled deeper into the couch, grabbing the book beside me. "Twisted Lies" by Ana Huang. Khushi had recommended it, and I needed an escape.
As I looked into Stella's journey, the rain outside created a cozy ambiance. My mind began to unwind, leaving the chaos of Paragon Corporation and Parth's revelation behind.
Rehan's words still lingered, though: "Is there something going on between you and Parth?"
I pushed the thought away, focusing on the words on the page.

But my mind kept drifting back to Rehan - that so-called cardiologist with piercing eyes and a sharp tongue. Our rivalry at certain events had always been intense, but lately....
I shook my head, refocusing on the book. This was exactly why I needed an escape.
As I read on, the rain's soothing melody and Stella's journey began to calm my nerves.
But the sound of my phone buzzing broke the spell. I hesitated, wondering who it could be.
I tried to ignore the buzzing, sinking deeper into the couch and Stella's journey. But the phone persisted, vibrating again. Khushi roused in her room, calling me out, "Prerna, tera phone."

I reluctantly set the book aside, picking up my phone.
My eyes widened as I checked the caller ID: Rehan.
Why was he calling me?
My curiosity piqued, I hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Hello?" I said cautiously.
"Where the hell are you, Prerna?!" Rehan's voice boomed through the line, laced with worry and frustration. "Why aren't you answering my calls? Are you okay? Are you fine?"
His sudden outburst caught me off guard.
"Rehan, what's-"
"Tell me you're safe!" he interrupted, his tone urgent.
I took a deep breath, trying to process his frantic questions.
"Rehan, calm down. I'm-"
"Answer me, Prerna! Are you at home?"

His shouting made me pull the phone away from my ear, wincing.
Khushi's concerned voice came from her room, "Prerna, everything okay?"
"Rehan, calm down," I said firmly, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm fine. I'm at home."

There was a pause, and for a moment, I wondered if the line had gone dead.
"Prerna?" Rehan's voice came through again, softer but still laced with concern.
"Yes, I'm here," I replied. "What's going on? Why are you calling me?"

Rehan took a deep breath, his words spilling out in a rush. "I've been trying to reach you since this early morning. I couldn't shake off the feeling that something's wrong. And you weren't answering my calls."
His anxiety was palpable, even through the phone.

"Rehan," I said gently. "I was just...reading and didn't hear my phone."

Another pause.

"Are you okay?" Rehan asked, his voice still tinged with doubt.
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.
Khushi walked into the room, concern etched on her face. "Everything alright?" she mouthed.
I nodded, gesturing for her to stay back.