Neha
" you're blood pressure is low ,Neha. Why did you skipped dinner? "
Neel asked. I looked away and replied .
" I didn't. I ate "
" do you think I am stupid or you forgot that I am science student? "
It slipped from my mind that he was a science student and wanted to become a doctor in future.
" and if you ate then who is this for? For me? "
He asked pointing at something. my eyes followed his hand and it fell at the plate on the nightstand. I exhaled knowing it was useless to lie to him. I looked down at my lap, not knowing what to say .
I heard him sigh. He took my hands in his and held them like gently like if he put a little pressure on them, they will break.
" Neha ,look at me "
He pleaded. I did what he said. His eyes were saying something, something that I couldn't figure out.
" Neha, don't punish yourself like this . It wasn't your fault. We can't change what happened . We can't stop living our life either . Don't let the past ruin yourself, your life. I know it's hard to forget. I can't imagine what you're going through, only you know it . I can't imagine how much you're hurting and trust me i never felt this much useless in my life before . I can't do anything to lessen your pain "
Tears slipped from my eyes . This boy was making me cry . It wasn't his fault. He shouldn't felt that . Infact he saved me . If it wasn't for him , I didn't know how long I would be caught there and how many time I would get insulted.
" no, Neel . Don't say that - "
" shh..let me speak "
He shushed me .
" I promise you Neha , I will never leave you alone again , no matter how much he argue. If I didn't leave you that day , you wouldn't go back home alone , you wouldn't get kidnapped and it wouldn't happened .."
I shook my head . I never blamed him , he shouldn't too. He was guilty for something he didn't caused. It was my destiny .
" I can't change what happened. I can only be there for you , I can be there to support you , to comfort you and to help you to get out from this . No matter how deep the wound is , it will heal by time . Just don't give up , don't stop living you're life like the way you used to , don't give up on me ....I want my bestfriend back "
Then I realized what his eyes said. It said I am here for you . I knew he meant everything he said. He warmed my heart . I needed that. I needed every word that left his mouth. Cause , it gave me comfort. I wanted to feel safe and he was my safe place.
I hugged him , wanting to share his warmth ,wanting him to take me in his arms and he did.
" okay enough crying Neha , you're already sick. I didn't give a whole motivational speech to make you cry "
I laughed between my sobs . He pulled away from the hug and wiped . I noticed his eyes were red . The tip of his nose was red . He was controlling his his tears . He was trying to be strong for me. I felt lucky to have him as my bestfriend.
Neel removed the lid from the plate. He stared at the food for some seconds before looking up at me.
" you can't eat this. You have allergy from brinjal. This curry looks spicy and you should avoid spicy food."
" it's fine , Neel. It's just a mild allergy, nothing serious. Besides, a little spice once in a month won't kill me. "
He furrowed his brows . His eyes never left mind. He had look that said be-serious-and-dont-lie .
" Did you consult to a doctor for your allergy ? "
" no "
" when was the last time you ate brinjal ? "
He asked raising his brows.
" I can't remember. Maybe few days ago "
" seriously ? ! "
" Neel. The reactions are mild . I just had some rashes last time I ate brinjal. "
" I can become severe, Neha ."
He shook his head at my carelessness.
I sighed and closed my eyes as I leaned on the headboard.
" did to tell your parents? "
" no "
" why? "
" I don't think my health is one of their priorities. My health doesn't concerns them. Their priorities are their images and this so called society. So, I didn't bother telling them ."
I replied looking at him.He sighed and brushed his hair back.
" I am not letting you eat this .you're already sick . "
" I am not even hungry. I just want to sleep. I'll feel better when I wake up "
" I am not letting you starve yourself either. Plus your need to take medicines."
I scowled at him.
" now you're annoying me . Just let me sleep "
I pulled the blanket above my head and closed my eyes . The headache was killing me.
After some minutes of silence, I heard him mutter something . I peeked from the blanket and saw him standing near the window.
I removed the the blanket from my face.
" you're leaving already? "
I asked him. I felt sad thinking he was living. I wanted him to stay beside me. I didn't know why. I just wanted .
" I'll be back in a while "
" where are you going? "
I asked being confused.
" To get you something to eat "
" it's past midnight!! Neel! Come back! "
I wishper yelled. I got up and stumble a little cause of the dizziness while walking to the window. But he already left .
I returned to my bed defeated. I wished if my parents showed me half of the affection that Neel showd me as a bestfriend . If my parents cared for me like Neel did.It would be enough for me. Did I asked for too much? Maybe.
Isn't it funny how a boy, who had been a stranger to me three years ago, cared for me more than those with home I had been living since birth , who gave me birth.