FADING DARKNESS

CHAPTER 8: IT HURTS...A LOT

"Okay, there's a bad news and good news!! Which one do u want to hear first?" Misha's excited voice reached her ears.

Piya pressed her forefingers and thumb to her temple, closing her eyes in pain. She had a very bad headache since the morning. All a result of last night's drenching in the rain. She wanted to forget last night forever. She felt feverish today, but had told nobody about it. Arnab was busy preparing for a business meeting and Arjun was out of station for an important deal. Madhu had gone to her aunt's place after receiving news that she was not very well. So in a way, Piya had no one to tell that she was not feeling well. She had been woken up by Misha's call, but did not have the heart to say that she was not in a mood or condition right now hearing her happy and excited voice; Piya could never snatch away that happiness by telling that she was unwell.

"Bad first, I guess" she managed feebly.

"Yeah" said Misha laughing. "That's the answer I expected from u. Well here's the bad news. Kabir is joining the Dehradoon Hospital. Good for his career. Bad for us.. Its sad that we won't meet as often, but as a doctor, hey it's a part of life" she finished with a smile. "So I guess the bad news is actually good-bad mixed huh?"

"Yeah, I guess" Piya managed feebly. Her head was pounding badly, as if someone was hammering her skull.

"And good news is'.Piya I got this coming weekend off!"she screamed, making Piya wince slightly at her loud voice. "I'm coming to Dehradoon with Kabir, help him settle and stuff'.and I'm defo meeting u. I'm so excited!"

Inspite of the headache, Piya's heart soared. Misha was her best friend and in the state she was currently in, meeting someone with whom she shared such a special bond looked like the only silver lining.

"That's great Mish'can't wait to see u again" she said.

"I bet u can't "said Misha grinning. "And by the way, how're things going with ur Prince Charming? How'd ur date go day before yesterday?"

Piya's heart hammered painfully as Misha's words brought back memories of the night before. She suddenly found it difficult to speak, and it was not because of the headache.

How could she answer Mish?

But she didn't have to answer as just then Misha spoke up. "Piya, I gotta go. Urgent work. Will continue talking later, kay? Bye" She cut the call.

Piya kept the phone on the bed beside her, closing her eyes in relief. However, her relief soon turned into a grimace of pain as the killer headache worsened. She needed to have a medicine immediately. But the medicines was kept in a cupboard in the drawing room downstairs. She frowned. Wouldn't her dad be downstairs, busy with some businessman for an important deal or something? Would it be allright to go now? But the cupboard was just by the door, behind the sofa, maybe she could enter unnoticed..?

Piya managed to stumble out of the bed, her head spinning. She somehow made her way to the door, leaning on the walls for support. Once outside, she gripped the railings as she walked forwards, unable to keep her eyes open.

As she was on the last flight of stairs, she heard her father saying. "Well, I'm glad we can go ahead with the deal. I'll bring the papers for signing shall I?"

Piya froze momentarily as she heard the answering voice. "Yes, Mr.Dobriyal, I will wait."

Oh God, no, Piya thought leaning against the banister for support. Not him, not now..

She forced herself to open her eyes, ignoring the blinding headache. He was there, his back to her, but she would recognize him anywhere.

She gulped, praying that he wouldn't notice her. She didn't have the strength for this right now. She need take out the medicines quickly and go back to her room without him noticing. But just then , she stumbled on the carpet, and gripped the banisters again for support, unable to stop that involuntary hiss of pain that escaped her lips as she felt a fresh bolt of pain shoot through her head accompanied by blackness. She could sense him turn around, but she couldn't see him now as the darkness descended before her eyes. She felt her grip loosen on the banister and start to fall. That's when she lost consciousness, unaware of the two strong arms that gripped her, preventing her from falling to the ground.