Ek Tu Hi Na Jaane Haal Mera

44. Touch

NK entered the room, confused and irritated as he ran his gaze around, until he finally saw the phone lying on the bed and ringing repeatedly.

"Mitali and her forgetfulness. Can't she keep her phone with her? God knows since when it is ringing!" He muttered under his breath as he reached for the said phone and received it without looking at the caller id.

"Hello, Mitali? Thank god you picked up! Where were you? And where is Khushi Di? And Payal Di? Even Bhaiya is not picking his phone.. What is happening there? Is everything alright? Now speak up..why-"

"Khwaish..

There was a pause at the other end, before he heard a stuttering whisper replying.

"N-NK?" 

NK breathed out, feeling a strange sensation.

It's been a while since he heard her voice..

He cleared his throat.

"Err ye-yeah! Everything is fine.. Umm..Khushiji has gone to hospital with Arnav, and Payalji and Kabir are, I think, busy downstairs.. It was..it was Arnav's parents' death anniversary.."

"Oh.." Was all she could mutter in response, before again going silent for a minute.

"How are-"

"Mitali must be with them. Wait a second, I'll give her the phone." He said hurriedly, distancing the mobile from his ear as he marched downstairs, in search of Mitali and as expected, she was in the kitchen, helping Payal.

He looked down at the phone in his hands, something heavy settling in his stomach. 

He has to do this.. He has to distance himself from her..

..for the sake of the promise they all made to Khushiji..

His heart felt an ache as he walked towards Mitali.

"Mitali, learn to keep your phone with you! Your friend has been calling since ages." He said, handing her the mobile and strode away before she could say anything.

Mitali pressed the phone against her ear, staring at the retreating figure of her brother with confusion at his strange demeanor.

Payal watched as Mitali drifted into the hall, engaged in her phone call, and wiped the counter one last time before turning to leave the kitchen when she halted, seeing the person in front of her.

She stepped back.

"Did you need anything?"

Manorama gulped, shaking her head sideways. "I-I just wanted to talk to you..for a few minutes only.."

Payal crossed her arms over her chest, listening attentively.

"Yes?"

Manorama inhaled, seeing the indifference dripping from her posture and tone. She knew the girl in front of her is not the Payal she used to know, not the Payal who used to help others without a second thought and she can blame solely herself for that.

"It's about Akash.."

Now she can only hope that she'll feel pity on them.

Payal nodded. "What about him?"

Manorama sniffed, reaching for Payal's hand almost desperately, her tears on the verge of falling as she spoke.

"Please forgive him.." Her voice cracked.