The Distance Between Us

Track Two - I'll Be There For You

"Hey, guys. Sorry to cut this short, but I have to go to the hospital. Jaanhavi's been in an accident," he announced to the room.

Nikki gasped.

"Will she be okay?" Abhi asked.

"Hopefully," Rahul replied.

"I have to go. But please, get comfortable. And, I'm sorry, but I don't think anyone is going to be home till she's released."

"I'm coming with you," Nikki declared, not giving him a chance to object.

"I think we should all go," Atul said.

"Champ, you guys must be tired. Don't stress yourself out."

"Rahul, we want to be there for you."

"I can handle myself, thanks."

"I would have believed you if your hands hadn't been shaking so badly," Atul replied.

Rahul looked down to see that his hands were indeed, shaking.

"You won't be able to get to the hospital like this. We'll go with you."

"Thanks, thank... thank you."

They made to leave, but Rahul stopped them. "Just a second." He picked up a bottle of pills kept on the table. "Okay. Let's leave."

They piled into the car in which Rohan had gotten everyone home. Abhi took the wheel and Rahul sat beside him giving him directions.

The entire ride was tense. Nikki was sobbing hysterically and Muskaan was trying her best to console her. Rahul was literally trembling, mumbling and murmuring all the way.

The others didn't know who this girl was to garner such strong reactions from both Rahul and Nikki. Riddhima was completely heartbroken. The brief conversation between Rahul and Nikki had made it clear that this Jaanhavi was really important to Armaan. Who was she to him? Did he love her? Had he finally moved on? Would he be there at the hospital today?

The last thought made her giddy. Would she finally be able to see him after 7 years? 7 years of pain, tears, longing and heartbreak. The longest 7 years of her life. Would he be there? Would he want to see her? What if he hated her for what she had done to him?

That was too much to bear. She didn't know what she would do if he hated her. It was the least she deserved but she couldn't bear the thought of Armaan feeling anything but love towards her. She was spoilt, she knew. But Armaan had loved her so completely and wholly that she couldn't ever imagine a time when he didn't love her. Maybe that made her sound arrogant, but she didn't care. She wanted to be the only girl he loved. She hoped that hadn't changed in the past 7 years. She hoped she wasn't too late.

"We're here," Abhi announced, bringing Riddhima out of her thoughts. Rahul rushed out of the car.

"Jen... Jenny. Where, where is she?" He asked the receptionist.

"They've taken Dr. Jenny to the private rooms on the 4th floor, Dr. Ray," she replied. Rahul nodded gratefully and rushed upstairs, the others hot on his tail.

Nothing could have prepared Riddhima for the sight that greeted her outside Jaanhavi's room.

There he was, her Armaan. He was sitting on the floor, his back resting against the walls. There was no way to describe his condition other than distraught. His mouth was covered in a frown and his forehead was full of lines. His shoulders were hunched as he rested his chin on his knees. There were tracks of tears on his face.