Hate ,Love and Everything In-Between (HLEIB)

Chapter 18: "What are we?"

Author's POV
Rohan sat down on one couch, his eyes fixed on Rehan. Rehan, in turn, sat down on the same sofa, but at a considerable distance from Rohan, his expression neutral.

Prerna, sensing the tension, interrupted. "Excuse me for a minute. I need to get some files related to Dad's health." She quickly headed upstairs, leaving Rehan and Rohan alone in the living room.

The silence between them was palpable. Rohan's eyes never left Rehan's face, his gaze piercing.
Rehan, however, seemed unfazed, his eyes fixed on some point beyond Rohan's shoulder.

Upstairs, Prerna searched through her files, pretending to search for documents related to her dad's health. She knew Rohan wouldn't suspect anything if she brought down some medical files. She remained involved in searching through the files, her attention divided between the documents and the tense atmosphere in the room.

Rohan's eyes still fixed on Rehan, broke the silence. "So, Dr. Rehan, what were you doing in Prerna's kitchen?"
Rehan's expression turned casual. "Oh, Prerna needed help with something."
Rohan's brow furrowed. "What exactly?"
Rehan shrugged. "She couldn't reach the top cupboard. I helped her out."

Rohan's gaze narrowed. "That's all?"
Rehan nodded. "Yes. Then my phone rang. My mom was calling, and I got caught up in the conversation. I didn't even notice you arrived." Rohan's eyes lingered on Rehan's face, searching for any sign of dishonesty.

Just then Prerna enters into the living area. Prerna, sensing the tension, kept her head down, focusing on the files. Rohan's voice dropped to a lower tone. "You're saying Prerna called you over just to open a cupboard?"
Rehan nodded, his expression unwavering. "Yes, that's right. She's still recovering from her ankle sprain, and I was happy to help."

Prerna's heart skipped a beat as she listened to Rehan's made-up explanation. She knew Rohan might not believe it, but Rehan's quick thinking had potentially calm the situation. Rohan's gaze shifted to Prerna, his eyes searching for confirmation. Prerna nodded, trying to appear unconcerned.

"Yeah, that's right. I couldn't reach the cupboard, and Rehan kindly helped me out."
The room fell silent once more, the tension palpable.

Rohan's eyes narrowed, his gaze shifting to Prerna. "Your ankle got sprained? Why didn't you tell me before?"

He emerged towards Prerna, his hands reaching out to cup her face.
Prerna quickly bent down, avoiding his touch. She swiftly moved towards the sofa and sat beside Rehan, passing him an assuring smile.

Rehan noticed the subtle exchange and understood Prerna's unspoken message. She sought safety and comfort in his presence. Rohan, unaware of the undercurrents, walked towards the sofa, his expression concerned. He took his seat beside Prerna.
"Why didn't you tell me, Prerna?" Rohan repeated, his voice tinged with frustration. "I would have taken care of you."
Prerna's smile dropped for an instant before she recovered. "It's nothing serious, Rohan. Just a minor sprain."

Rehan's gaze lingered on Prerna, sensing her unease around Rohan. He smirks while looking down, his eyes furrowing at the corners, but maintains a safe distance, mindful of Rohan's presence. Prerna respectfully handed Rehan the file, making eye contact. "Here are the test results, Doctor."
"Thanks, Prerna," Rehan replied, his voice warm.
Prerna leaned in, her voice soft. "Doctor, I was wondering if you could clarify some doubts I have regarding Dad's medication."
Rehan nodded, his eyes locking onto Prerna's. "Of course."
Rohan's gaze shifted between Rehan and Prerna, his expression darkening.

Prerna looks towards Rohan, a hint of attitude in her tone. "By the way, thank you for the flowers.
Umm... Can we talk about us any day later?"
Rohan's eyes narrow slightly, his jaw clenched, but he maintains a calm demeanor. "Actually, Prerna, Mujhe tumse kuchh kehna hain."
"Kya kehna hai?" Prerna asks, her curiosity sparked.
"Kya tum aaj raat mere aur meri family ke sath dinner par chalogi?" Rohan asks, his expression hopeful.