Silver Lining | Grooms #3

XXI. Honest Conversations

Nikhil rushed to the hospital's emergency care, looking around for Esha while calling her cell. His parents were right behind him. They hadn't even reached home when they received a call of Esha's accident.

Seeing her at one of the beds, getting ready to step down, he rushed over to her. "Hey, whoa, take it easy."

"It's fine. I'm okay." She told him, still stepping down with a limp, keeping her balance on one foot.

Before she could explain the accident, he gave her a bone crushing hug. "You scared the life out of me." He whispered in her ear, well-aware of his hammering heart beats and the adrenaline pumping throughout his body.

"Nikhil," She repeated, moving her hand from his back to his neck and leaning back slightly so she could look into his eyes, "I'm okay." He swallowed and started to confirm that she was in front of him, alive. After he pressed a kiss to her forehead, she continued, "I'm sorry I scared you. All of you." She added the later, noticing his parents.

Rasika asked, "Are you sure you are fine?" coming up to her and Nikhil stepped aside to stand next to her.

Esha nodded, "Yes, just a small sprain."

The doctor added, coming up to them, "Don't forget, a concussion as well."

Nikhil stiffened and questioned, "You said the accident wasn't serious."

Esha put her hand on his arm in an effort to calm him, "It wasn't. As soon as I saw the car, I swerved and hit the side of the road. That ended up hitting my head on the wheel. I'm fine. Really."

He scolded, "What was so important that you had to answer your phone, hmm? I told you to drive safe. There's still ice on the road from the blizzard!"

Before he would continue, his mother put her hand on his shoulder, "Nick, relax. She's saying she's fine, right?"

"I know it was stupid to answer." Esha told him, "My sister was calling so I figured I could talk to her on Bluetooth. Speaking of, guess what?"

He noticed the spark in her eyes. "She's mad at you for being reckless?"

She rolled her eyes in exaggeration, "Yeah, but more importantly, she's pregnant! I'm going to be an aunt!"

Nikhil knew the importance of her sister in her life. He grinned, joining in her happiness and giving her a hug, "That's great news." She nodded, and when they pulled apart, he made it known, "But that doesn't mean you're forgiven for the accident."

Rasika asked the doctor, "Are we allowed to talk her home now?"

The doctor nodded, "Yes, ofcourse. Just be careful to not put much pressure on the sprain for next day or two." He instructed Esha before speaking to others, "And make sure to stay around Ms. Shah, in case of side effects from the concussion. Someone will need to wake her up every two hours to be on the safe side."

Rasika answered, "Sure, doctor. Thank you." The doctor left, and then she asked Esha, "Is your roommate back?"

Esha shook her head, "No, but don't worry. She'll be back tomorrow."

Kirtan instructed, "You're staying with us then."

"What?" Esha questioned and then tried to convince them, "No, seriously. I'm fine. I'll just get a ride home and then straight to bed. By the time I wake up in the morning, Reba will be back."

Rasika gave her a sweet smile, "Dear, that's all good, but it wasn't an offer. When Kirtan speaks in that tone, it's an order. No one can change his mind."

Esha looked at Nikhil, who nodded back, confirming Rasika's words. She realized she had no option but to let them take her to Nikhil's apartment.

Since when did she start letting others dictate her decisions?