The car's tires screeched as Siddharth took a sharp turn, the speedometer needle quivering at the high reading. He gripped the steering wheel tightly with one hand, his knuckles white with tension, while the other hand shifted gears with a swift motion. His eyes darted between the road and Rudraksh, who sat beside him, his face contorted in pain.

Rudraksh's eyes were closed, jaw clenched, and head lolled to the side, as he breathed heavily through his mouth. A handkerchief was wrapped around his forehead, stained red with blood that oozed from the gashes on his head. The fabric was clinging to his skin, damp with sweat and blood. His lips were dry and cracked, his throat bobbing up and down as he swallowed.

The car's interior was filled with the sound of the wind rushing past, a deafening roar that made it hard to hear anything else. Siddharth's voice boomed through the car, loud and urgent. "Rudraksh, you okay?!"

Rudraksh's response was a mere whisper, a faint hum that seemed to come from deep within his chest. "Hmm..." His fists were clenched loosely on his lap.

Siddharth's eyes flicked to Rudraksh's face with furrowed eyebrows and parted lips before returning to the road.
"Hang in there, buddy! We're almost there! Don't lose consciousness, bro."

Rudraksh's voice was barely audible, a meek whisper that seemed to carry on the wind. "Sid..."

Siddharth quickly responded, his voice softening slightly. "Yes, bro! I'm listening."

Rudraksh's lips parted, and he spoke in a slow, measured tone, as if each word was an effort. "Don't tell at home about my accident." His eyes flickered open, and he gazed at Siddharth with a pleading expression. "Tell them, I am on some business work... and will return after a couple of days."

Siddharth's face was reflected in the rearview mirror, his eyes locked on Rudraksh's. "I need to tell them."

Rudraksh's hand twitched, his fingers curling loosely into a fist. "P-please, Sid. For the sake of our friendship. I've already caused them so many problems. Not anymore." His voice cracked, and he coughed in a rough sound.

Siddharth's face contorted as he slammed on the brakes, the car's tires screeching in protest. The sudden stop threw their bodies forward, the seatbelts locking into place with a jarring click. He was out of the car in a flash, his footsteps pounding the pavement as he rushed to Rudraksh's side.

The porch light beat down on Siddharth's skin as he opened the car door, the sound of horns and chatter from the surrounding environment momentarily fading into the background. He cradled Rudraksh in his arms, the weight of his friend's limp body was a reminder of the severity of the situation. The metallic scent of blood wafted up, mingling with the acrid smell of burnt rubber and gasoline.

As Siddharth lifted Rudraksh out of the car, his white shirt became stained with crimson splatters, the fabric clinging to his torso. He pushed the door locked with his legs, the sound of the lock engaging a metallic click that echoed through the night air.

Siddharth's eyes locked onto the ward boys emerging from the ambulance, their faces a blur of concern and efficiency. "Hey! Here! It's an emergency!" he shouted, his voice carrying across the parking lot.

The medical staff's eyes darted towards Siddharth's exhausted face, their gazes lingering on Rudraksh's battered form. They swiftly approached him with a stretcher, their movements practiced and fluid. As they transferred Rudraksh onto the bed, Siddharth's arms felt the weight of his friend's body shift, the sensation sending a jolt of fear through him.

The medical staff rushed towards the hospital entrance, their footsteps echoing off the surroundings as they disappeared into the emergency department. Siddharth swiftly turned towards his car, locked it, and followed the medical staff's suit inside the hospital, his eyes fixed on the stretcher as it vanished into the chaos of the emergency room.

The sound of sirens and beeping machines filled the air as Siddharth entered the hospital, the scent of disinfectant and medicine enveloping him like a shroud. His heart pounded in his chest, and mind raced with worry for his friend.

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Anusuiya's fingers flew across the phone's keypad, her face contorted as she pressed the buttons for what felt like the hundredth time. The handset was wedged between her palm and ear, the cool plastic a stark contrast to the warmth of her skin. Her eyes narrowed, her brow furrowed in concern.

"What happened, Maa?" Antara asked, her voice soft and gentle as she approached Anusuiya, cradling Swastik on her shoulder. The baby's gentle coos and movements filled the air, a soothing background noise to the tension in the room.

Anusuiya set the handset in the base with a thud, the sound echoing through the living room like a punctuation mark. Her eyebrows furrowed, and her lips curled up. "I have been trying for the past half an hour, but Rudraksh's phone is still not connecting. And your father is also not at home."

Antara's gaze drifted to the pendulum clock on the wall, the ticking sound a steady beat that seemed to underscore the silence in the room. "It's going to be 10 p.m. He should have been at home by now." She pulled out her phone from her blue cardigan's pocket, the fabric rustling softly as she moved. "Let me try." Her fingers hovered over the black screen.

The air was thick with anticipation as Antara poised to dial Rudraksh's number. But before she could make the call, the telephone rang, the sudden sound made both women's eyes widened at the sound.

Anusuiya nodded, her body language shifting from frustration to hope. She sprang into action, reaching for the handset with a swift movement. Her fingers closed around the cool plastic, and she lifted it to her ear, her voice eager. "Hello, Rudraksh?"

"Aunty, pranam. It's Siddharth here." Siddharth's voice was calm and soothing as always.

Anusuiya's face relaxed slightly, a lighter smile spreading across her face. "Oh, Siddharth. Khush rho, beta, khush rho."

"Aunty...Rudraksh has asked me to tell you...that he has got some emergency work. So, he'll be coming home after a couple of days."

There was a pause, a moment of silence that seemed to stretch out like an eternity. Anusuiya parted her lips, but Siddharth spoke up again before she could.

"Rudraksh's phone is dead. So, he won't be able to make any contact connect. So, don't worry, he's going to be fine." His last words trailed off in a whisper.

Anusuiya's eyebrows furrowed as she repeated Siddharth's words, "Going to be?"

"I-I mean, he's fine. He's having dinner. I'll talk to you later, okay. Bye, aunty. Pranam." His words tumbled out in a rush.

As Siddharth ended the call, Anusuiya's words trailed off as she put the headset back in the base. "Kush raho, beta..." Her eyes gazed off into the distance, her mind racing with worry and concern. The room fell silent, the only sound was the soft breathing of theirs and the ticking of the clock on the wall.

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The doctor's expression was grave as he stood beside Rudraksh's hospital bed, his eyes scanning the monitors that beeped and whirred around him. "Rudraksh has significant injuries from the accident." His voice was measured and professional. "He's got two head injuries-one in back, and one in the front, a wrist fracture, and some lacerations and sprains. We're monitoring him closely and providing treatment to stabilize his condition."

Siddharth's eyes were locked ontothe doctor's unwavering as he listened to the his words. He glanced at Rudraksh, who lay motionless in the bed, his head wrapped in bandages and his wrist immobilized in a splint. The beeping of the monitors seemed to grow louder in the silence that followed.

The doctor continued, his voice steady and reassuring, "We'll be running some tests to monitor his condition and adjust his treatment plan accordingly. We'll need to keep a close eye on him for the next fourteen to twenty hours to ensure that his condition doesn't deteriorate."

Siddharth nodded, his eyes never leaving Rudraksh's face. "What kind of tests?" His voice was barely above a whisper.

The doctor ticked off the tests on her fingers. "We'll be doing regular neurological assessments to monitor his level of consciousness and cognitive function. We'll also be running some blood tests to check for signs of infection or bleeding. And we'll need to do some imaging tests, like a CT scan or MRI, to assess the severity of the head injury."

Siddharth's face paled slightly at the mention of the imaging tests. "Will he be okay?" His chest heaved and throat parched.

The doctor's expression softened slightly. "We're doing everything we can to ensure that he receives the best possible care."

As he spoke, a nurse came in to take Rudraksh's vitals, her movements quiet and efficient. The beeping of the monitors continued, a steady heartbeat that seemed to accompany the fragility of Rudraksh's condition.

Siddharth averted his eyes from Rudraksh's face to the doctor. "I'll stay with him," he said, his voice firm. "I won't leave him."

The doctor nodded, a small smile on his face. "That's good. Having family and friends by his side can make a big difference in his recovery."

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Ira stood at the doorstep, her black patiala and half-sleeve t-shirt a stark contrast to the warm peach-coloured curtain billowing behind her. The afternoon sunlight danced across her face, highlighting the puffy eyes and tangled hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall. She stretched her arms above her head, holding her hoodie in one hand. As she slid the hoodie over her head, her hands emerged on either side of her head, palms facing outward. A faint shiver ran through her body, and she rubbed her arms briskly, the friction generating warmth.

"So cold," she muttered, her breath misting in the air.

She stumbled forward, her body swayed precariously before she regained her balance. Her gaze drifted to Panchhi, who was wrapped in a plain black shawl, her eyes still closed. Panchhi's mouth stretched into a wide yawn, revealing a glimpse of her tongue, and her voice came out hoarse and sleep-roughened. "This much noise in the Roka, they'll break my eardrum at the marriage."

Ira nodded slowly, her eyelids drooping as she patted Panchhi on the back with a gentle touch. "Yeah, we need to make arrangements for our sleeping beforehand." Panchhi leaned into her, resting her head on Ira's shoulder. Ira wrapped her arms around Panchhi, holding her close as she put her head on Panchhi's head.

As they stood there, eyes closed, their breathing synchronized, and their bodies relaxed into each other. They stood like sleeping horses, their chests rising and falling in unison.

A splash of cold water hit their faces like sharp pins, sending a stinging sensation across their skin. Their eyes snapped open, and their faces contorted, deepening the lines around their foreheads and eyes.

"Wake up, sloths!" Jheel's voice was loud and mocking, her eyes narrowing and nose scrunched.

Panchhi's face twisted in annoyance as she lunged at Jheel, her hands grasping for her. "What the hell, Jheel!"

Jheel's lips pressed together, and her jaw clenched as she corrected Panchhi in a firm voice, "Jheel didi!".

"Didi my foot!" Panchhi retorted, her voice rising in the surroundings.

With a swift motion, Panchhi snatched the bowl from Jheel's grip and poured the remaining water over Jheel's head. The cold liquid cascaded down Jheel's face, and she stood frozen for a moment, her eyes widened in disbelief. Then, her face transformed into a fierce expression, and she lunged at Panchhi, gripping her hair. Panchhi mirrored Jheel's actions, and the two girls were soon entangled in a hair gripping fight.

Ira watched the commotion with a corner of her lips twisted upwards and an unblinking gaze. She raised her eyebrows, shrugged with her hand, then turned away towards the tap in the open area of the rooftop, where two unfamiliar middle-aged women were bitching about their relatives in a hushed conversation. The sound of their gossip and the clanging of utensils filled the air as Ira approached them.

She picked up a Neem stick and chewed on it until the fibers frayed, forming a makeshift brush at one end. She rubbed her teeth up and down, left and right, the rough texture of the Neem stick and its bitter taste scrubbing away at her gums and tongue. With a satisfied spit, she deposited the foamy mixture into the drain, and walked towards the tap, her footsteps quiet on the rooftop.

"Excuse me? One minute, please." Her voice was polite, but her tone was neutral.

Both women stopped their movements, their eyes locking onto Ira like hawks zeroing in on prey. One of them, her face creased into a sugary smile, asked, "You woke up very late, beta?" Her voice was dripping with sweetness that could leave honey behind.

The cold water splashed against Ira's face, and she instinctively closed her eyes, the sudden chill made her jaw clenched. She wiped the excessive droplets away with her palms, her fingers tracing the contours of her face. As she turned her head to the woman's side, she forced a light smile, her lips curling upwards in a gentle arc.

The women's gaze followed her as she walked away, their eyes boring into her back like hot needles. Ira's footsteps were quiet, her movements economical, as she distanced herself from their piercing stares.

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Navya's fingers flew across the mobile screen with precision, her eyes fixed intently on the task at hand. Her elbows rested on the desk, palms cradling the phone as she worked. The soft glow of the screen illuminated her face, highlighting the furrowed eyebrows and pouted lips. She wore a vibrant red Patiala-suit with a white dupatta draped elegantly over one shoulder, and a swollen brown sweater added a cozy layer to her outfit.

As a hand pressed down on her shoulder, Navya's body jolted, and the phone slipped from her grasp, landing on the desk with a soft thud. She spun around, her eyes widening with surprise.

"Woah, girl. What happened?" Nidhi settled into the chair beside her, smoothing out the wrinkles on her white jeans and adjusting the fit of her pink jacket.

Navya closed her eyes momentarily, taking a deep breath before opening them again. She picked up the phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she held it. "You scared me. I thought it's Ira."

Nidhi's eyebrows furrowed, her eyes narrowing slightly as she leaned in closer to Navya. "Why? Why would you be scared of Ira?"

Navya's lips stretched into a wide smile, her face lighting up. She grasped Nidhi's arms, her fingers wrapping around them as she pulled her closer. "Look at this." She held out the phone, the screen glowing with an edited image.

Nidhi's eyes furrowed as she took the phone, her gaze shifting from Navya's smiling face to the screen. Her eyebrows shot up before narrowing into slits. "This is edited. This is not real. And, who is this boy?" Her voice dropped to a whisper, her eyes locking onto the screen with intensity.

Navya rolled her eyes, a playful smile still plastered on her face. "I know this is edited. That's what I was trying to do for twenty minutes. You just tell me how they're looking together?" Her eyes sparkled, her lips widening into a smile once again.

Nidhi's finger jabbed at the screen, her voice echoing in the empty room. "First tell me who this boy is?!" The sound of her voice bounced off the walls.

Navya's face contorted as she snatched the phone from Nidhi's grip. "That's my brother! Now tell me how they're looking together?" Her fingers drummed impatiently on the desk as she waited for Nidhi's response.

Nidhi's lips twisted into a snarl, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You're a single child, Navya. Don't fool me." She shifted in her seat, her eyes never leaving Navya's face.

Navya's pressed lips stretched into a wry smile, one corner of her mouth curling up. "Nidhi, I've cousins in my family as well. And we share a very deep bond." She gazed at the phone screen, her eyes softening as she admired the edited picture.

Nidhi's expression remained stern, her voice firm. "Whatever. But I'm asking, why have you edited Ira's picture beside your brother's? That's a bad attitude. You should delete it." She adjusted in the chair, turning to face the black screen of the computer, her eyes fixed on the dark glass.

Navya's lips pressed into a thin line, her fingers hovering over the screen before pressing the delete button. She extended the phone towards Nidhi.

"From the recycle bin as well. And, from Google photos also." Nidhi's neutral voice broke the silence in the room.

"Better?" Navya asked in a dry tone, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Much better," Nidhi replied, her voice matching Navya's intensity.

Navya placed the phone on the desk with a soft thud and turned her face to the other side, her hands folding across her chest as she leaned back. A sigh escaped Nidhi's lips, and she leaned back in the chair, her arms stretching above her head. The sleeves of her pink jacket slid down, exposing her wrists.

"Though, why were you editing their pictures?" Nidhi's voice was quiet, her words probing.

"They look good together." Navya's response was dry.

Nidhi's eyebrows shot up, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, do you want to make her your sister-in-law?" Her lips twitched in one corner, a hint of amusement dancing on her face.

Navya's eyes widened, sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight. A warm, wide smile spread across her face, illuminating her features. "Yes!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

Nidhi froze in her seat, her expression still for a moment. Then, her eyes blinked, her lips trembling as she shook her head. "W-what?!"

Navya's eyes squeezed shut, her hands fluttering in the air as she exclaimed, "Yes! Oh girl, she's so cute and pretty! And, she is so quiet and caring just like my brother! He also doesn't talk much." Her smile lingered on her face, a radiant glow that seemed to light up the room.

Nidhi's face contorted, her eyebrows furrowed in distaste. "Navya, you're sounding very weird." She nodded thrice, her eyes rolling slightly before she averted her gaze outside the classroom window, where the sunlight cast a warm glow on the trees.

Navya's hand shot out, grasping Nidhi's shoulder and pulling her closer. Nidhi's balance wavered, her body tilting precariously in the chair. "You don't know my brother. He is very handsome and intelligent!"

Nidhi regained her balance, adjusting herself in the chair with a slight huff. "I don't have any interest in knowing your handsome and intelligent brother. And I'm sure, nor does Ira like these things." Her tone was dry, her expression unimpressed.

Navya scrunched her nose, a look of distaste crossing her face. She jumped out of her chair, her movements sudden and energetic.

The chair scraped backward as Nidhi lunged behind Navya. "Where are you going?!"

Navya didn't look back, her feet already moving towards the door. "There's still fifteen minutes left for the class to start. Let's grab some Panipuri!" Her face lit up at the thought of the spicy and tangy flavors.

Nidhi slid an arm over Navya's shoulder, and the two friends made their way towards the Panipuri stall, the smell of spices and tamarind wafting through the air, teasing their taste buds.

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On the rooftop, Ira stood with her hands tucked into the sleeves of her black jacket, her elbows bent and pressed against her chest. The chill of the evening air seeped through her hoodie, making her shiver as she leaned her back against the railing. Her gaze drifted out to the vast expanse of the evening sky, where the sun's fading glow painted the clouds in hues of orange and pink. The distant chatter of women in the background receded into the background as she lost herself in the view.

The women, huddled in a corner of the rooftop, their breath visible in the cold air, chattered and laughed. One of them, her mouth twisted in a sly smile, spoke up, "Hey Vaidehi, I heard your daughter was taking medical entrance exams. She didn't pass, did she?" Her voice was like a pin dropping in the stillness.

Ira's ears perked up at the mention. Her expression remained impassive, but her eyes narrowed slightly. As she turned, the wind whipped her hair across her face, and she brushed it back with her fingers. Her eyes scanned the group, her gaze lingering on the woman who had spoken, before returning to the view.

The woman's contorted face doesn't match the excitement in her voice. "I mean, it's not like it's the end of the world or anything." Her voice dripped with insincerity.

Ira's hands remained tucked into her sleeves, her fingers curling into fists as she listened. The smell of wood smoke wafted from a nearby house, mingling with the scent of damp earth and cooked food. Her gaze remained fixed on the sky, but her ears remained attuned to the conversation. She didn't flinch, her eyes never leaving the horizon, as she waited for Vaidehi's response.

Vaidehi's voice was laced with a mix of frustration and resignation. "She has not studied, so what should I do? I gave her three years, and I did whatever I could." She raised her eyebrows and shrugged, her palm lifting in a helpless gesture as she adjusted the fabric of her saree. The rustle of the fabric was the only sound that broke the silence that followed.

Ira's lips curled into a dry, mirthless smile as she listened to Vaidehi's words. Her eyes began to well up with tears, and she felt a lump form in her throat. She gulped hard, the ache in her throat making her wince. The taste of bitterness flooded her mouth as she struggled to keep her emotions in check.

The woman's voice cut through the silence, her tone dripping with condescension. "Yes, yes, parents are only responsible for their expenditures. Studying, they will have to do it themselves." Her eyes flicked towards Ira in a side glance like a dart, before returning to Vaidehi.

As the woman's words hung in the air, she continued, her voice probing, "So, have you thought about her marriage?"

Ira's jaw clenched, and teeth gritted together. She jerked her head towards Vaidehi, her eyes locking onto hers with an unyielding gaze. Vaidehi's eyes met hers, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.

The wind picked up, rustling the clothes hanging on the rooftop, and Ira's hair whipped across her face, but she didn't flinch, her gaze still fixed on Vaidehi's.

Vaidehi's eyes met Ira's, and a gentle smile spread across her face. "No, not now. I've shown her astrological chart to our village's priest. He has said not to get her married before twenty-four." Her voice was calm, but her hands fidgeted with the pallu of her saree, betraying a hint of anxiety.

The woman's head tilted upward, her eyes rolling in a mixture of surprise and skepticism. "Oh..." she exclaimed, her voice drawn out like a howling wolf in the moonlight. "So, how old is she now?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned forward, her hands clasped together in her lap.

Vaidehi's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "She is twenty-one." Her voice was steady, but her eyes darted towards Ira, who stood frozen, her gaze fixed on the woman with an intensity that made the air vibrate.

The woman's eyes flicked from Vaidehi to Ira, and she flashed a wide, forced smile. Ira mirrored her expression, her lips stretching into one corner. The woman's smile wavered for a moment before she continued, her voice dripping with condescension. "Your daughter doesn't look twenty-one, Vaidehi. She looks like fifteen-sixteen with her thin frame and childlike face. Doesn't she eat?" Her eyes narrowed, her gaze raking over Ira's body.

Vaidehi's hand rose to her head, her fingers massaging her temples. "Yeah, and the disease has caused her body so much loss. She has always been ill since childhood." Her voice was laced with worry, and her eyes clouded with concern. "Don't know how she will get married."

Ira's eyes closed tight, her jaw clenched. This is why I don't wanna be a part of these so-called family gatherings. She turned on her heel and walked away, the sound of her footsteps echoing through the silence.

The woman's words hung in the air, a toxic cloud that lingered long after Ira's departure.

A/N: How's it? I felt bored while writing this. Are you feeling bored while reading this? Are the descriptions here able to make you picture the scenes written in this story?

1. Is Rudraksh going to be okay?

2. What do you think about Ira's interaction with the relatives, and her mother conversation with the relative?

3. What is your opinion about Navya's actions?

Some questions from the first couple of chapters will be answered in the next chapter. So, stay tuned!