35. Blossoming spring days

Nethra's POV.

"How did you know that I was admitted in this hospital?" I asked Rithick.

"Nethra, it is not necessary to answer all of your silly questions. We care for you really. No problem, if you don't trust but don't avoid us by faking your state. Now your body conditions are not good, please Nethra doesn't hurt me by your question. I will be with you as your own brother and it is my duty to protect my sister when she is in trouble. One day you will really understand us and you will come back to home. Waiting for your arrival..." Rithick replied.

In my life, I have never seen Rithick with such emotional words. Also, I like him a lot. He is also the only child to his parents like me. It was hard to say someone as their own sister/brother. I knew the emotions behind it so I didn't want to hurt him with my questions. Deep in my heart, I had no anger on Rithick and I was very happy that his love for me remained the same.

I didn't answer anything and I simply looked at him. I felt very much tired at that time.

As per the doctor's suggestion, I was discharged from the hospital. Rithick and Neethu took care of me very well.

Neethu became very close to me. By birth, I didn't have a sister but now I was proud to say I had her as my sister. I thought of her as my own sibling. She too loved me a lot. Once a week, she visited Mercy Home, but now daily after her college, she would visit home and take care of me. Rithick too visited the home often.

A month passed by, I felt a great improvement in my body condition, compared to the previous. I was relaxed and it was because of Neethu and Rithick.

Neethu's POV

Thanks to my Lord for helping me with enough strength to handle Nethra's issue without any problem. Rahul was not aware of anything regarding Nethra's body conditions. She accepted me as her own sister. I was very happy with the improvement of her state. Days passed peacefully. Rithick often visited Mercy Home. He had mercy towards everyone, except me.

The next day in the college,

Rithick was talking to Shantra. He didn't mind me at all. How could he change like this? I was a fool to fall for him. He thought of me as a friend, it was ok but how could he forget his friend? I hated such type of characters, who lose their interest in someone when someone special entered in their life. I never expected Rithick to be of such a kind? He and his character were really annoying.

Whenever I saw Rithick together with Shantra, it gave me unbearable pain. I knew I hated him, I hated him. Of course! I hated him to the core. I had no love for him. Then, why was it giving me such pain? Why couldn't I bear if he was close to his beloved? Did I hate him truly or did I fake my emotions? I couldn't tolerate and I didn't want to study together with Rithick. I was thinking stupidly and I was sure that if it continues, I would become mad soon.

Shantra pointed out me and said something to him. He didn't show any expression. He laughed with her. I tried to hide my emotions in front of them, but I couldn't control like before. I stood up and went out, getting an excuse from Rahul and Mithila. I reached the Green Park and spent my time there. The cool and fresh air reduced the burden in my heart. In the evening, I reached the college hostel.

That evening, I got a call from Rahul. I never imagined that this call would break me into millions of pieces. The news was Rithick met with an accident and he was fighting for his life.

I was standing like a body without life. I was in utter shock and collapsed on the floor. Tears flowed from my eyes. I cried and rushed to the hospital. Rahul was standing in front of the ICU ward. I ran towards him and was speechless.  Rahul was standing with tears filled eyes and I crushed him in a hug. I wanted a shoulder to bear my pain.

"Where is Rithick? How is he? I want to see him immediately." I cried.

"Don't cry, Neethu, He is there." He pointed his hand towards the glass in the closed door. I saw him from the small, round glass. Rithick was on ventilator and was injured severely. My eyes became blurred and I didn't know what happened to me.

I rubbed my eyes hard to open it. I came to the sense that I had fainted by seeing Rithick's condition. I started crying. I wanted to see Rithick immediately right now. The doctor and nurse were going in and out of the room. They didn't reply to any question. I shook Rahul. They asked us to maintain silent.   The doctor came out after checking him. "Please arrange for A+ blood. His condition is critical. His head was severely injured and I can't predict anything now. I am doing this risky operation only for Sanjay's friendship. Everything is in the hands of God. Pray to God."

"Don't tell like this, doctor, you have to save Rithick's life. Please, Doctor!" Rahul begged with tearful eyes.

"Doctor, please take my blood and save Rithick. My blood group is A+," I said and the nurse took me. They checked my body conditions by confirming the fitness procedures. Later they took blood and started the operation.

Rahul and I were all alone. He informed his family members. They couldn't tolerate their only son was struggling for his life. I could understand everything from their conversation.

Rahul cried a lot. "Don't cry, Rahul. Rithick won't leave us. You shouldn't cry for him. He will be back. I got new hope now. See my eyes. I will never shed a tear for him again. I know my Rithick will be back" I consoled Rahul.

Rithick's family rushed to the hospital and I couldn't console them. Rithick's mom was unconscious and was admitted in another room.

After three hours of operation, three specialists and surgical doctors came out. "The operation was successful and he is still in an unconscious state. Sorry for informing you that we can't tell anything now. After 24 hours, we can predict something. Pray to God, that's all."

Though I was strong outside, I couldn't bear it. Why did the accident happen to Rithick? Rithick, don't make to cry again. Don't make me weak. I couldn't stand there seeing Rithick in such conditions. I was scared actually whenever the doctors came out from his room.

I went to Anjaneya temple near to the hospital. I prayed for Rithick's life. My mind became peaceful and I returned to the hospital.

I asked Rahul with hope but everything went in vain. Rithick's body conditions were still worse.

The night passed in the hospital. We stayed together in a separate room allotted for us. No one was allowed to see Rithick. As time passed, it was killing me and no more tears came out. It was painful to see Rithick's mom too. She was still in an unconscious state. Rahul, Riya, and I were waiting for the next news from the doctors.

That miserable night passed by but there was no positive response from the doctor's side. My body was aching and I rubbed my eyes hard to open them. I had slept on the chair itself. My mind struck about Rithick's accident. Suddenly, tears filled in my eyes. I was dying inside, I never expected this moment in Rithick's life. I never hated him from my heart. I wanted my Rithick back. I had adjusted everything for him. I had given Rithick to Shantra only because of his love for her. Hereafter, I can't give him to anyone. God! Please save my Rithick and give him back to me. I wish to have a happy, everlasting life with him.

I remembered the happy days with him. Painful tears flowed from my eyes spontaneously. Rahul and Riya were discussing something about Rithick. I stepped towards them. "Do you know any information about Rithick?" I asked with tears in my eyes.

"No, Neethu. I was waiting for the doctor's reply. It is killing me, Neethu," he said and started sobbing like a child. I knew how much it would be hurting. I had no words to console Rahul.

"One anna is in the ICU and the other is standing outside like a body without life. I can't control myself, Neethu. I want both my brothers to be happy always." Riya choked back another sob.

"Don't worry, Riya. Rithick will be alright and your both brothers will be back to you," I said. Riya hugged me at once. I rubbed her back.

Rithick's accessories were given to Rahul by the nurse. He asked about Rithick but they didn't respond properly. My body shivered.

Rahul looked at Rithick's wallet and mobile phone emotionally. I could only shed tears, God! What was happening? Please save my Rithick. Please God, save him.

Rahul's POV

Rithick, who was more than my life, was in the ICU ward begging for life. Did I protect you to see you like this? Why did you move away from me, Rithick? I was a fool to leave you alone yesterday. Because of Shantra, I got irritated and left you. How can you do this to me, Rithick? How can you punish me in such a way? Please Rithick, come to me. Don't make me cry. Rithick, don't test our patience, come to us. The doctors are not replying properly, it is giving me unbearable pain. I can't imagine my life without you, my brother.

I put my head on the nearby pillar. The nurse gave Rithick's mobile phone and wallet to me. I became weak right at that moment. What had happened to my Rithick? I won't allow anything to him.

"Sister, How is Rithick now?" I asked the nurse.

"The doctors will inform you about his condition within an hour. Be patient, sir. Please," she said.

How could I remain patient after seeing my Rithick like this? God, if you want anything to do to Rithick, please do it to me. Save my Rithick, please.

Rithick's mobile rang in my hand. The screen displayed Sanjay uncle's picture. We hadn't informed the news to Sanjay uncle and my dad. They went to the U.S for business matters. Tomorrow they would reach India. How could I say to my uncle that Rithick met with accident and aunt was admitted in the hospital? To protect him from his enemies he made him stay in the Bengaluru guest house. I was a fool, I didn't take care of my Rithick. I was careless so that Rithick was in this stage. Unknown tear drops arose in my eyes. I didn't pick up his call.

I switched off his mobile. His wallet fell from my hand. There, I saw a photo in which Rithick was standing in the middle. Riya and I were standing on his right and left side. I hugged my Rithick's photo. I need you, Rithick, immediately... right now.

I was surprised to see the keychain, "Blossoming Spring days" which was presented by Neethu during their first meeting at the airport. I was not shocked because I knew how much Rithick loved Neethu and till this minute he loved her. This was the proof. I felt happy for him and Neethu.

I kept his wallet and the mobile in my pocket. I felt a bit relaxed like Rithick was together with me.

After some time, the doctors came out running. "Rahul, we are sorry. We tried a lot but he is still in an unconscious state. He is murmuring your name and one more name," he said.

"Who is Neethu?" asked the other doctor.

"Neethu is his friend, doctor," I said

"Rithick's unconscious mind remembers only you and Neethu. Only you both can try to bring him back. It is in your hands. You both can try for the last struggling minutes of Rithick. Both of you go and see him for the last time. Please, inform to everyone, especially Sanjay," the doctor said.

"Please, doctor, don't tell us that it is the last minute of Rithick. We will save him. I want to see my Rithick," I said and informed Neethu, regarding his condition

First I entered the ICU ward. My eyes were flooded in tears but I developed a confidence in me. I stepped towards him. Rithick! Rithick! I can't see you like this. I moved closer to him. His mouth was covered with an oxygen mask. His eyes were closed. I held his hand tightly. My hand and his hand, which were glued together, brought some strength in me.

"Rithick, can you hear me? I know you can hear me, Rithick. I am your Rahul. Fight it and come back to me. Rithick, please don't leave my hand. Come back, you can. Our family and I need you,  Rithick. Please don't leave us alone. I can't live without you. Fight back and come to us." I cried and let my head rest on his hand.