Heart wrenching adoration Part-22

“Khushi I’m so...”

“Stop it Arnav! Just stop berating yourself!” Khushi chided, silencing me just as she had over past one hour. She hadn’t even let me voice out a proper apology.

I had helped her in and now we were seated in the sick room as the elderly nurse gently cleaned her wound. Khushi winced as the nurse applied the ointment and I winced too, my hands fluttering uselessly.

“Can’t you treat her a bit gently? You are going a bit too rough!” I nearly wailed earning a disapproving look from the nurse.

“I know my job well Arnav and it is going to hurt a bit, that wound. There’s no need to get so worked up. She’ll be fine, though I suggest you take a few pain killers dear. It may hurt a bit.” The nurse continued as she turned towards khushi, smoothing a band-aid on her forehead.

“Thank you.” Khushi muttered, still eyeing me.

“There. I’ll get you some pain killer.” The nurse said, getting up to go up to her cupboard and I immediately flashed to khushi’s side.

“Don’t start all over again Arnav.  I told you I’m fine! Its just a small cut, hopefully wouldn’t even leave a scar....No seriously! Stop harping! Don’t beat yourself up for it. Its not your fault. In fact, I was seriously thinking that I should increase my diet...to put on a bit of wait, you see. Nobody should get jostled up so quickly!” She joked as I groaned in protest.

 I opened my mouth again, but I was again beaten to that as the nurse returned, brandishing a strip of capsules.

“There you go dear. Take them after you have something and get back to me tomorrow for fresh dressing or if it hurts, ok?”The nurse directed. I took the medicines from her, pocketing them.

“Thank you so much. I’ll take to that.” I promised, pulling khushi up and helping her out.

The walk down the corridor was a silent affair except for our echoing footfalls in the deserted corridor- awkward and repentant on my part and convenient on khushi’s. We didn’t meet anyone in the corridors. It seemed everyone had retired to the hostels.

 I wondered what she inferred of today’s happenings, but I was much too a chicken to question her. Besides that will really be putting my foot in my mouth as I had absolutely no idea how I was going to answer her questions even if she did. But then again, I didn’t want her to get a wrong impression regarding me or rather specifically, my mother. After all the vile things that dratted Ranveer had said about her. The idea was almost unbearable! I was abruptly anxious to clear any misunderstanding that she might be harbouring.

“Khushi, about today, you know about what he said...about...about my mother, you know I...I..”

“Shh!” She hushed my chocked flow of words. I gazed at her, pained.

“You don’t have to reason out anything with me Arnav! And you don’t have to talk about it if it hurts you so much. Just don’t upset yourself over the rubbish that creep said, alright? Nobody should pay attention to barking dogs because there is no point in that.”

“But khushi he was  gibbering about my mother. You know she wasn’t like that. She is innocent!” I tried to reason out anyway.

“I told you Arnav I don’t need any explanations! I may not come across as someone too bright, but I am definitely not naive enough to trust that wicked slimeball over my best friend!” She smiled softly and then added on a serious note.

“Though I would like you to do me a favour .” Khushi hesitated, and I nodded quietly, relieved that she didn’t take Ranveer’s words seriously.

“   I can empathize with you, Arnav. I can understand the pain that you’re going through and trust me I too would’ve beaten the crap out of the guy had I been in your place, but really you should ignore him. That’s what he wants! He was goading you to do something really stupid, that’s what he’s hoping for, but you mustn’t really allow him any chance of having pleasure. I could wager that he’ll leave no stone unturned in trying to hit you at your weak nerve and really there’s no treatment for such thickheads, but to not to let him have his savage pleasure. I know its very difficult to control anger sometimes, but you shouldn’t allow him to get you because it may land you into trouble. Besides, he may be playing foul, trying to distract you since the tournament is just round the corner. So just keep your head down and nose clean, please!” Khushi implored and reached forward suddenly, impulsively as if unable to resist herself.

Before I could make out anything she did something that surprised the hell out of me...something which she had never done. She reached for me and for the briefest moment, her arms went round me, her soft body pressing into mine and before I could process enough to raise my hands even slightly to return her hug, she pulled back ,all too soon for my liking.  I had to work really hard to not let the disappointment show on my face. 

“Thank you so much khush!”I rumbled fervently, feeling all hot in the face.

“Anytime, but already know it!” She smiled and then appended seriously.

“ And Arnav, you can still pay that nutter back...in a way. Just beat him in the match and beat him so bad that he should think at least twice before picking up bat and ball ever.” Khushi trilled her eyes dancing with pleasure and I had to laugh at that.

“You are right! I’ll definitely see to it!” I grinned, feeling me spirits lift considerably. 

We both traipsed back to the hostels with sun shining brightly over our heads, laughing and joking.

 That was our stroll towards greater friendship, trust and the foundation of our love!

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Hi guys,

I got my class 11th Annual Exam results today and I got 92% again! This number seems to be sticking to me, you know. I'm feeling so annoyed! I got the same in 1rst Term exams too! Anyways, I thought you guys ought to know since you waited entire one month for me to get back here.

Love