Social Distancing (COMPLETED)

Chapter 15

The whole month passed quickly, and soon it was already March. Amulya has been working at the hospital for almost two months. The days are getting busier, a lot of emergencies, lot of people needing attention.

"How are you doing, Dr. Natraj?" Dr. Pierce asked when they got a few minutes off.

"Holding it off" Amulya smiled tiredly. She has been working longer shifts then before. Starting early and leaving late. She barely has time for herself anymore. She was about to say more, but she heard her name over the intercom. "Duty calls" she told the smiling doctor who was also about to leave to tend to another patient.

It was almost midnight when Amulya got home. She was so tired, standing and running around. She could barely stand. She wanted to sleep, nothing else. But personal hygiene was important.

She took a long bath, her muscles relaxing momentarily. She came out wearing her pyjamas and was looking around in the fridge if she can find anything to eat. She hasn't eaten since morning.

There were a few apples in the fridge that she bought last week. They should pass. She walked over to the sofa, and was just sitting down when the doorbell rang.

She frowned. Who could it be at this hour?

When she opened the door, there was no one standing there. Was this a prank? She was just about to close the door when the package on the floor caught her eye. It was a bag with a plastic container which smelled amazing.

She took it in and opened the bag to see a hand written note. It was from Alaric.

It was so selfless of you to sacrifice your sleep and health to keep others safe. It is my duty, to make sure that you ate. I am right. Aren't I? You haven't eaten yet.

I think this works better than whatever you are eating right now. Have a great night, Amy. Take care of yourself.

And yes, I am aware of the health measures I have to take. I am washing my hands more frequently now, and I hope I don't have to do this for long, and we survive this Pandemic.

I hope you don't mind I assumed you'd like Indian food (you haven't grown bored of it. Have you?) . There is this Indian restaurant a few minutes away, and the food there is amazing. After this is over, maybe we should go? Just you and me.

Stay safe, Amy

Alaric

Amulya almost swooned at the gesture. He noticed she was coming home late, and he bought her food. Even though it would seem a bit racist of him to get her something Indian, like offering donuts to police, she found it sweet. She did miss home food. This is not the same, but it works.

She quickly opened the package to find Vegetable Pulao and some pakoras, along with Gulab jamun, which was her favourite. She inhaled the food with inhuman speed and was ready to call it a day.

She put the leftovers in the fridge and went to her bedroom. She was about to sleep when she remembered to text Alaric.

Thank you very much for the food, Rick

It was very thoughtful of you

I loved the sweet, it is my favourite.

And of course I would come to the restaurant.

I miss home food, and this is the closest I could get.

Also, it's good to know you are following personal hygiene

It would suck if you were to go to the hospital

Also please try to stay at home as much as possible, don't interact with people much

I'm too tired to text anything more, I hope you would understand that you have to keep your distance from me the most, because I'm exposed highly, and the chances of you getting sick because of me is high.

Take care, Ricky

Goodnight

The reply was almost instant, as if Alaric was waiting for her to text.

Take care of yourself, Amy

Who would I bake biscuits with, if you were sick?

I'm really glad you liked the food

I know you have been working long hours, all day dealing with people who are fighting for their life, so the stress must be very high

I may not be of much help, but if you need someone to speak to,

I'm just a text message away.

Now go take rest,

Sleep tight, Amy

Alaric waited for her reply for a few more minutes but when it didn't come, he realised she must be tired and already asleep.

He sat down in front of his laptop again, this time to determine the chapter he was writing. A few more words it will be done.

But what should he write? He already wrote about how the lead characters are neighbours, and how they were attracted to each other. He also added the brief case of the pandemic in it, just to keep it new and interesting. If he wrote anything more, he would literally be writing his own story.

But if his story was similar to the book, why was he writing that the main leads are attracted to each other and are in the process of falling in love?

If not, then why was he thinking whether Amy was attracted to him, like he is and if she was ever going to reciprocate the feelings he was not yet ready to accept he has?

Why was he not ready to accept to himself, that she might be driving him a tad bit crazy from all the What if questions he was asking himself?

He was not at all making sense anymore. What was he talking about? Does his rant at least have a meaning?

He wasn't sure. But he was okay with it. 

~*~

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21.04.20