It has been a week since I met with Parth. He isnt coming to classes for the last 4 days. The homeroom teacher said he is sick. At first I didn't want to know the details but now I can't pretend not to care anymore. So I head to the teachers room to ask him about Parths whereabouts. The teacher gave the hospitals cabin number instead of his address . I wasn't expecting this. He has been this much sick? Does he even have anyone here to look after him?
I am now standing in front of Cabin 403, having trouble making up my mind if I really should go inside or not.
"You should go, Tari. But you better explain to me later why you are even here", says Siya.
I go inside.
"How did you get so injured?"
He gets truly shocked seeing me beside his bed.
"Why are you here? How did you know?"
"The teacher told me. Did you forbid him to tell anyone?"
"No, but my mom did. She loves keeping secrets anyways."
"What happened?"
"You really want to know?"
"Parth, I'm really sorry for that incident at Library. I judged you badly when I learned you were at the rehab."
"You couldn't believe I was a crackhead?"
"You definitely didn't look like one."
"Sorry to let you down. Must have kept it a secret too", he smiles, dryly.
" Please, Parth. You don't really have to do this to me. Can you now tell me what happened? "
"Some thugs beat me up as I tried to stop them from bullying a kid."
I get surprised hearing it. I can feel a sharp pain in my chest as well as my sweaty hands. I can still picture Parth slapping a boy in junior high school two years ago. Maybe I once saw him bullying a kid there too. The memories are still fresh. I was so blinded by my love that always tried to believe in his kind and generous side. The only side I can see in the Parth here lying on the hospital bed. Did he really change this much? Or I'm still hallucinating his best version?
"You're gonna hurt your hand. Stop clenching like that."
"Oh. Yeah. W-when you're gonna be discharged? "
"It will take another week I'm guessing. You brought those for me?"
"I remember, you loved blueberries. Though I'm not sure if you still love them."
"I do. Thanks. But do help me with notes after I go back to school. Fine?"
"Sure. Where's your mom?"
"Abroad. Keep the berries there. The nurse will wash them up. I'm gonna sleep now," he turns back instantly.
The uneasiness is overwhelming. He doesn't have his mom here to look after him. I wonder where she is now. What's more valuable than her son? Maybe I'm just being possessive now.
Siya comes running at me as I walk out of the cabin. I hug her immediately. Tears roll down my cheeks. I'm relieved. I'm at peace. I didn't trust the wrong person. It was just the wrong time.
"You need to rest. Come to my place. We will talk later," says Siya, holding me tightly.
I'm so grateful to have Siya with me. An explanation is never important to her more than my peace. Just the opposite of my mother.
Siya, will you always stay by my side?