I got into a cab and went to the hospital. The receptionist gave me a warm smile and handed me the register. By now, I knew everything by heart: Room 203, third door on the left from the main corridor.
His mother was already there. I opened the door slowly and stepped inside. She looked up, offering a small smile. The room was quiet except for the steady beeping of machines.
I sat beside her. She took my hand and gently rubbed circles on my skin as we both looked at him—still, peaceful, too still.
"Any improvements?" I asked.She shook her head.
"The doctors say they've done everything they could. It's up to him now... if he wants to live," she whispered. A tear slipped down her cheek.
"Why does it always have to be us? Aju has already suffered so much. Why is God testing him again?"
I hugged her tightly, at a loss for words.
"I'm sorry," I whispered.
"Don't be. After what that boy said... I know it happened because he tried to do something good. Khana protects the good people." She cupped my face and smiled. "No wonder he talked about you so much."
I walked over to the bed. His scars were healing. His face looked calm.
I brushed his hair back and kissed his forehead.
"Wake up, you jerk," I whispered.
I sat back down. "You really are a jerk," I muttered.
His mom chuckled behind me.
"It's been so long. Why are you making your loved ones suffer? Jerk."
"Damn you, heartless woman."
I froze.
His lips curled into a crooked smile. He peeked through one eye.
His mother laughed louder.
"Look who the real jerk is," he said. "Causing trouble for people just trying to mind their business."
"You knew?" I spun toward his mother.
She just smiled. Unbelievable.
"And you, Ms. Janki," he said to her. "That dramatic monologue? I thought I'd have to comfort you next."
I was so lost for words.He was still attached to the machines and...
"When did he wake up?" I asked."A few hours ago," he replied. He took my hand in his and held it gently.
The door opened.Dr. Gokul walked in, already smiling, followed by a nurse.She went over to the machines and started unhooking them.
"Thank you for waiting," Arjun told her.She just smiled and nodded.
"How are you feeling now, Mr. Vasudevan?" the doctor asked, stepping to the side of the bed."Never been better," Arjun said, smiling.The doctor did a quick check-up.
The door opened again.I turned, and my breath hitched.A familiar face.
"What the hell are you doing here?" I blurted.
He spotted me and blinked.
"Run for your life, mate," Arjun said.
But before he could, I was on him.I grabbed him by the collar and slammed him against the wall.
"Were you in this too?""In what?" Shade asked, utterly confused.
"Why are you not in Paris?" I snapped.
"I had to pick up a few things here," he said, trying to loosen my grip.Even though he was stronger than me, he never made me feel weak.
"When I came, I heard he woke up. So I came to see him.""Why didn't you tell me?" I hissed, my face inches from his.
So even my brother was in on this prank?Unbelievable.
"I couldn't ruin his fun. The guy was asleep for a while," he smirked.
I let go of his collar.He calmly straightened it.
"Did he tell you about what happened?" I asked Arjun's mother.She shook her head.
"That boy... he was younger. Green eyes. Poor thing always looked like he was about to cry," she said softly."He'd stand by the door. He came often."
I knew who she meant.
"Sounds like Skyler to me," Arjun said."Any other guesses?" he asked.
I shook my head.
"I'll be leaving in three days. Already booked my flight," Shade said.He looked at Arjun."Good to see you alive, mate. But I should get going."Arjun nodded.
"Can I come too?" I asked.
Shade just shrugged and walked out.
I looked back at Arjun. He smiled.
I smiled back.
Then I walked out the door.