Chapter 42 - It is my responsibility of chasing your demons away and I would. (1/2)

|Innaya|

”First thing- you are not staying here.” My head whipped in the direction of Eshan, as those words fell out of his lips. It took me some time to believe, that he refused having Arjun stay. The feeling that he did not want me, went away as soon as it came as his words registered in my mind and instead something overpowered my senses, hope.

”Second thing, you are explaining right this instant, what made you lie regarding something that is, so beautiful and precious... I did not expect this from you Arjun. Why would you play with their feelings?” Eshan's eyes were so furious that for a moment I was scared.

”Play?” Arjun mocked, his eyes turning hard as he glared Eshan. ”Why did I need to play with anyone's feeling? You have mastered in that department, haven't you?” he spat those words furiously.

”And, what did you say- hmm, I remember. You did not expect this from me. So tell me Mr. Eshan Singhaniya, what do you expect from me? Tell me honestly, we all want to know, right guys?” However, his voice was calm, but the clenching of his jaw, and the way his fists were clenching, anyone could say he was far from being calm.

Eshan lowered his eyes as guilt flashes in them before he turned his head in opposite direction. I looked up to others only to witness some sort of understanding crossing over their faces. I couldn't understand, why was Arjun blaming Eshan. It wasn't like, he fell ill on his own, anyone could fell ill. Why no one was stopping or interrupting Arjun?

”Arjun, can we please do this later, please. Eshan needs rest.” I requested, upon noticing Eshan's tired face and the conversation was not going anywhere. Honestly, my mind was not ready for more stress, or drama.

Ayush dragged unwilling Arjun from the room, who struggled in Ayush's hold. Sameer, Barun and Sahil too left behind them but not before they all shared a look with Eshan. I couldn't decipher the look exactly, it was close to disappointment but their eyes held concern too, for Eshan. I felt awkward not knowing about what just transpired between Eshan and his friends.

I just stood there, not knowing what to do. I should have left when I had time. I had no courage of looking at him without feeling utterly emotional. Somehow, he always managed to bring the rapid change of emotions within me.

”Innaya.”

I looked down at my feet unable to meet his eyes. I couldn't decipher myself, what was I feeling. Somehow, I held myself responsible for not looking after him. Anything could have had happened to him because of his carelessness and somewhat mine too.

”Innaya.” Eshan's voice dropped a notch below and it was almost desperate for my attention. It pained me physically to hear the hurt in his voice.

”Ahhh.” His anguish cry had my full attention. I was by his side as soon as Eshan being in pain registered in my mind.

”What happened? Are you in pain? Let me call the doctor.” Frantically, I bombarded him with the questions, simultaneously, checking for the reason of his pain. His left hand that was free of IV came to rest on mine on his cheek. He entwined his fingers with mine from back and brought it closer to his lips before pressing his lips on inside of my palm.

”Shh... I am fine as now that you are talking to me.” He smiled as he gazed at me with relief.

He faked it. How could he? He was amusing himself on the expense of my plight. Oh, right! It was his revenge for all the distress, he felt due to me. What a way to get back at me, for something, which was not in my hand. My temper increased as the thoughts started piling one by one in my mind.

”How could you? Do you think this is some sort of joke? Oh, now I get it, you are doing this to take revenge on me because you think that I made you worried knowingly. You think all those episodes, nightmares were my way of gaining your attention. Oh, God! You... you think I am... liar. I... am liar...” I chocked on my own words as the harsh realization slapped me brutally. I tried pulling my hand back from his hold. It became extremely painful to stay in the company of the man who I had assumed to be the one to understand my unsaid words and emotions and yet here we were, the reality was more than hard to digest.

The hot tears stung in my eyes but I held them, not wanting to shed them in his presence. I doubled my efforts of removing his hold on my palm only to get him tighten his hold.

”Quiet.” His voice boomed in the empty room. With a one powerful pull from him, I almost landed heavily on his chest if not for my other hand that held my weight above him. I refused to be close with him and struggled to get away from him. He left my palm for a split second, only to pull me back on his chest wrapping his arm around my back almost caging me by his only one arm. My struggle instantly ceased as my eyes landed on the needle inserted in his skin. I would never want to cause him slightest of pain. I closed my eyes tightly holding back the tears that were so close to start falling.