In her eyes..

Chapter 35 - What if?

Dev got visibly nervous when she said that. He wanted to say something but choked instead. Dev didn't think she heard what he said last night. He thought she would be asleep.

"Are you alright?!" Pari asked worried.

"Yes, I'm fine.. it's just you weren't supposed to hear that, I mean, you what?" Dev said after he calmed down.

"Dev did you listen to me? I mean did you hear what I say?"
Pari had practically admitted her feelings for him as well. Pari didn't know whether they were strong or if it was true love, but she knew something was there that she wouldn't mind exploring. She still remembered the kiss they shared. Her heart beat fast at the thought. Even though it was super wrong for them to kiss, nothing had ever felt so right before in her life.
Dev wasn't sure how to handle the situation either. He was sure she didn't reply his feelings the way he would like her to do. Dev tried to brush off the situation. It would save everyone the pain. If she didn't love him back then, why would she love him now? And as a matter of fact Kabir wasn't off the table completely. It was no use.
"I'm hungry? Are you hungry? I bet you are I'll be right back!" Dev said and got up quickly and left her room. Dev wasn't ready to face the situation. He didn't want to get hurt again. He went to the cafeteria to get something to eat for the both of them. Dev felt bad just leaving her like this, but he had to get his mind set straight. Of course he loved her deeply, he always had. But there was just too much to think about and still a lot that kept them apart.
Pari on the other side was hurt. Why would he just leave her like that. She feared she said something wrong. She was scared he wouldn't come back. Pari hated to admit that, but in this condition she depended a lot in him. Especially since she feared Kabir popping out of nowhere any minute now. She tried to avoid her tears. She had cried enough for someone. She wouldn't do it again. Pari looked out of the window and just let her thoughts be free. Sometimes Pari thought about how her life would have looked like if she had never met Kabir. Like what would have happened if she accepted Dev's feelings back then? Would they be married? What would have happened? One thing was sure, she wouldn't be in the hospital covered with multiple bruises, cuts and a shot wound.

Dev bought some food and went into the gift shop. He still needed some time to think about what happened. He looked around and searched for something suitable to give to Pari. He felt bad that he left her alone in her room. She didn't even say anything wrong! It was just his mind playing tricks on him again. Maybe Dev was just jumping into conclusions. Maybe she did love him back. Maybe it was their time to be finally together, but all that maybe brought him to nowhere. Suddenly Dev's gaze met a little teddy bear. Pari used to have a teddy bear looking exactly like that one on the shelf as a child. He wondered if he should get her that one or not. But Dev was tired of listening to his brain so he listened to his heart instead.
He took the bear and a box of praline and went to the cashier to pay for it.
After he bought the things he went up to her room again. Dev quietly knocked on her door and went inside.

Pari felt relieved when Dev walked into her room.
"I'm so sorry for leaving you just like that." Dev apologised.
"It's alright, I'm just glad you're back." Pari admitted. She really was glad.

"No let me apologise properly." He said while he sat down on the chair next to her bed.
"I just got nervous when you said you heard what I said last night, because I didn't think you would hear it."

"But Dev.."

"No let me finish please."

Pari nodded.
Dev took out the food he bought and put it on the tray attached to her bed.
"Not only did I bring food but also something else."
Pari looked curiously at the bag.
"It wasn't fair of me leaving you like that making you think you did something wrong, I guess I was scared of rejection. So I hope you'll accept my apology with this."

Dev took out the bear and chocolate as well and handed it over to her.
Pari was taken back. She was overwhelmed. The stuffed bear Dev had bought her looked exactly like one she used to own as a kid. She was amazed.

"Dev you really didn't have to, I mean I'm just shocked because I used to own a teddy like this." Pari explained.

"I know. That's why I got it for you."
Dev proudly said and gave her a big, warm smile.
Pari replied the smile. How he remembered she did not know, for she did not care. It was the sweetest thing someone had ever done for her.
"How did you remember?" She asked and looked at him.

"Well I just did! So do you accept my apology?"

"Of course I do! Come give me a hug!" She giggled.

Dev stood up from his chair.
"I don't want to crush you." He said.
"Don't worry, I do feel a little better."
"Alright then."
Dev gave her a tight hug. It felt good to hug her. It made him feel relieved that she was doing better and was safe with her. Nothing should ever happen to her again. Pari was just flooded with emotions. No one ever showed her so much love and care like Dev did. Pari thought about what she had done to deserve him. Even though they were not together or anything like that he still showered her with love. Pari looked him deeply in the eyes. Those chocolate brown eyes had something special about them. And Pari could have sworn they were extra sparkly today. Maybe it was time to admit she did have feelings towards him. Feelings that were long gone for Kabir. And maybe there were never as strong as what she felt right now in the first place. Dev couldn't take his gaze off her as well. She had him under her spell. And honestly he didn't mind.

"Dev?"

"Yes?"

"I-I.. lo" before Pari could finish her sentence Dev carefully put a finger on her mouth.

"Don't say something you don't mean." Dev said. He didn't want to hear those words if they weren't true.