14. IV tubes
ISHQ IN THE AIR
DARSH
I am pretty sure the universe hates me.
I can't stand Swastika but in a cute way.
T
he bus jerked to a stop again, making me nearly hit my head on the window. We were on our way to Vrindavan, a college trip meant to be fun and relaxing. Everyone around me was laughing, chatting, and already planning what to do once we got there. But I wasnât in the mood to join in.
I glanced toward the front of the bus, where all the professors sat. Thatâs when I saw herâSwastika. She was by the window, staring outside, lost in her own world. The sunlight made her face look softer, calmer. For some reason, I couldnât take my eyes off her.
I wasnât sure why she stood out so much to me. Maybe it was the way she carried herself, like she didnât try too hard to fit in but still managed to get everyoneâs attention. Or maybe it was because she always said things that stuck with me longer than they should.
"Oi, Darsh, daydreaming again?" Arjun elbowed me, grinning.
I shook my head, forcing a smile. "Just tired, man. This bus ride feels endless."
"Cheer up! Weâre about to have the time of our lives. Vrindavan is amazing, trust me." He gave me a playful punch on the arm before turning back to talk to someone else.
I stayed quiet, my thoughts drifting back to her. I didnât know why her being here made me feel... different. It wasnât anything dramatic.
I just noticed her more than I should. Like the way she tucked her hair behind her ear, or the way she didnât join the other professorsâ chatter but still looked completely at ease.
The bus stopped at a roadside dhaba, and everyone started filing out. I stayed back for a second, watching as she stepped down. Her saree swayed in the wind, and she seemed... untouchable, in a way. Like she belonged to another world, one I couldnât quite reach.
I sighed and grabbed my bag, following the others. Maybe this trip wasnât going to be as boring as I thought.
ABHINAV
"She's fine but still unconscious, she'll be better if you medicate this to her" The nurse said to Swastika, beside me is Veda, who had been motionless all the time. And on the bed laid my jaan, wires surrounding her, the CPR machine beeping making my heart palpate.
It's all my fault. My goddamn fault to drive so recklessly.
I thought I lost her.
I thought I lost her too
Nothing prepared me for the sight of her. Palak, lying on the bed, pale and motionless, strings and an IV tube attached to her delicate wrist. Bruises dotted her face, faint but enough to make my stomach churn.
For a moment, I couldnât move. I just stood there, gripping the doorframe like it was the only thing keeping me upright. My chest felt tight, each breath harder than the last. How did this happen?
I forced my legs to move, stepping closer to her. Her face, usually so full of life, looked emptyâdefeated. My fists clenched involuntarily.
"Abhinav," came Vedaâs voice, breaking the heavy silence. I turned to her, noticing the way her hands were trembling, her eyes red from crying. Something in her expression told me I wasnât ready for what she was about to say.
"What happened?" I managed, my voice barely above a whisper, though I wasnât sure I wanted the answer.
She hesitated, her lips quivering as she tried to find the words. "Palak... she was assaulted last night."
The words hit me like a hammer to the chest. For a second, I couldnât breathe, couldnât think. The room blurred around me as her words echoed in my head.
"Kya?" I whispered, my throat dry and voice shaky. I looked at Palak again, my mind racing. Assaulted? How? When? Why wasnât I there to stop it?
"She was on her way back from her friendâs place," Veda continued, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her face. "It was late... they attacked her."
I couldnât hear the rest. The rage surged through me, blinding and hot, coursing through my veins like wildfire. My fists tightened at my sides, nails digging into my palms. I shouldâve been there. I shouldâve protected her.
I turned back to Palak, my chest tightening even more. She looked so fragile, so broken, and it killed me. My mind screamed for vengeance, but my heart ached for her pain.
I took a step closer, my hand hovering over hers, afraid to touch her. "Palak..." I whispered, my voice cracking. "Iâm so sorry."
-
Finally updated this too, hello sab, I also have started writing another book called 'Beyond The Lecture Halls' I hope you guys read that too (I won't disappoint yall)
I've never put vote targets till yet cuz I liked the amount of votes I had (I expected zero tho) anyway but since I've been losing motivation to write this book, I'll be putting vote and comment targets (pura kardena ððð»)
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