37. Blossoming Spring Days

Rahul's POV

Rithick was not on the bed. I called out and searched him in the rest room and living room. He was found nowhere. I went upstairs and noticed him standing on the balcony. I stepped closer to him. By hearing the footsteps, he became smart and wiped off his tears. I knew he had lots of hidden worries. If he shared them to me, I would definitely help him to sort them out.

"Rithick... Are you okay? If you have any trouble, please share them with me" I said

"It is not a problem to be shared right now, Rahul. I am waiting for the day to solve all the problems. Please don't ask anything regarding it, Rahul."

"Ok, Rithick. I have confidence in you. I want to make it clear. How did the accident happen that day? Were you so careless on that day?" I asked him to clarify my doubts.

"I drove slowly on that day as compared to other days. A lot of issues were running in my mind. I was about to turn right and I used indicator to make it clear to the car that came behind me. I noticed another car was parked at the right side where I had to turn. Unexpectedly, the car that came behind me crashed on my bike. I fell down, losing my control. I flew and fell in front of the car parked to the right side. I lost my consciousness there. I never thought that I would get my life back." Rithick sighed. It made me want to cry.

"I am sorry, Rithick, forget about the incident. Life is filled with sorrows and happiness so don't worry about anything," I requested him.

Rithick's words matched dad's doubt, it was a perfectly planned accident. Someone came to know about our residence here. Manoj was in jail and then who was the culprit? I asked multiple questions to myself.

"What are you thinking, Rahul?" he asked.

"Nothing."

I got a call and picked it up. It was Neethu.

"Rahul, How is Rithick? Is he alright?"

"Yes, Neethu."

"Our college management has planned for one-month project tour in Malaysia. It is a project-based tour so it is compulsory for all the final year students. I am not interested to go leaving you and Rithick here. I informed to the management but they don't permit anyone leave without a proper reason," she said.

"Ok, Neethu. You enjoy the trip. Don't worry about us. I will inform to the management about Rithick," I said and hung up the call.

"What trip?" Rithick asked me.

"Project-based Malaysian trip, it's compulsory for all the students."

"Is Neethu going?" he asked me in a serious tone.

"Yup."

"No! She shouldn't go there alone. Call her and stop her from going," he said, his eyes clouded with fear, or so I felt.

"Why, Rithick? I didn't get you, what do you mean?" I asked him.

"Or else we should go there?" he said, surprising me. "I am perfectly alright, Rahul. You are there for me, then why not?" he asked me.

Meanwhile, my dad and Sanjay uncle came to the balcony to see Rithick.

By seeing us, Sanjay uncle asked, "What is the serious discussion going on? How are you feeling now, Rithick?"

"I am alright, dad. Will you let me go to Malaysia for about a month?" Rithick asked.

"For what, my dear son?"

"It is something important, dad. The tour was arranged by our college," he said.

"Ok your wish, but be safe wherever you go," Uncle said, shocking me.

"Ok, thanks dad," Rithick said.

Uncle patted Rithick's shoulder and signalled me to meet him. I came down to meet him. He put his hand on my shoulder. "Rahul, there is no proper clue regarding Rithick's accident. There is a struggle in finding the culprit. Our Rithick reached to the tip of death and returned back to us. We should take proper care of him from protecting him from the culprits. I talked about everything to the doctor. He said that Rithick is perfectly alright. So as per Rithick's wish, you both go to Malaysia. We had a plan for it" the uncle said.

I was confused, I nodded and came back to Rithick. We informed regarding the tour to our family members. They accepted hesitantly. We both were packing our things for going to Malaysia tomorrow.

Neethu's POV

The bitter days passed by. I had confessed my love to Rithick but unfortunately, Shantra's presence ruined everything. I came out of the hospital without informing Rithick. It killed me, leaving him in such a situation. I consoled myself that I should visit him daily without anyone's notice.

Being a good friend of mine, Rahul helped me to visit the hospital daily to see Rithick. Some days, Rithick might sleep due to a heavy dosage of medicine given to him and be unaware of my arrival. Now, my bitter days turned to beautiful days because my Rithick was back with his full health.

Frankly, I didn't want to be there when Shantra was. It would irritate both of us. I didn't know what would happen there. I would be happier if Rithick and Rahul accompanied us to the tour. After knowing Rithick's conditions, I couldn't compel Rahul. Though I was not interested to go leaving them, my friends convinced me. We packed our clothes and I prayed to God to make some miracles to happen to stop the tour.

The management booked everything regarding the tour including the travel, accommodation, and places, which we were going to visit. They even arranged the passports for students, who didn't have them. I was really lucky to study in this college. Still, I hated going to the tour leaving Rithick and Rahul. There was no chance of cancelling going on. How could I stay there without seeing Rithick for about a month? It was my fate to suffer there all alone.

We were asked to assemble in one place. I didn't know what happened to me. Memories of Rithick filled in me. Wherever I saw, I could see his face. Had I gone crazy? I rubbed my eyes to make it clear that I was daydreaming.

I joined my friends. We were discussing general topics. I was surprised to see Rithick and Rahul with luggage in their hands. I patted my head, thinking I was daydreaming.

"What happened to you, Neethu?" Mithila asked.

"There is a problem in my eyes, Mithila. Wherever I look, I see Rithick there. I have become completely insane nowadays," I said. A frown formed on my face.

"You are right, Neethu. Rithick and Rahul are standing there and I hope they will accompany us."

I was so happy to see them. I stepped towards them. "Rithick, are you alright?" I asked.

He averted his gaze from me and held Shantra's hand. "I am alright. I came here because of your compulsion, Shanta. Do you know? It was hard to convince my family members but I did everything for you," he said without looking at me. I backed away one step. Tears started flowing from my eyes like heavy rain. I wiped them off immediately without anyone's notice.

"Neethu... wait a minute," Rahul said, holding my arm. "Please, don't worry. I am with you always. Please, don't cry, Neethu." He patted my arm...

I got excused from him and rushed to the restroom. I cried a lot as I couldn't control myself this time. Why did Rithick hurt me? I knew he was in love with me. Was I fooling myself that Rithick was in love with me? He hadn't confessed his love for me yet. Then why was my stupid mind thinking that he was in love with me and getting hurt? I cursed myself for my innocence.

After some time, I joined my friends. I didn't want to go on the trip and get hurt. My heart was warning that something bad was about to happen. Was I that weak to run away after seeing  problems that ruined my life? No, I shouldn't run hereafter, I should face everything. Love taught me, How to become strong. Now, I was ready to face anything. Some unknown strength could be felt in my soul.

Two hours later, we stepped in the flight. I remembered my first meeting with Rithick... it happened in a flight. I had mistaken him as a dumb person. An unknown smile appeared on my lips. I looked at him but he didn't. Why should I waste my tears and love for the person who didn't love me? I cursed myself.

Rithick and Rahul took their seats and Mithila and I took the seats opposite to them.

Shantra looked at Rahul awkwardly. I could see bitterness in her eyes. She couldn't make Rahul get away. She sat on the seat reserved for her. The journey was quite enjoyable as I saw Rithick often. Rahul talked to me and Rithick. I never knew before that this tour would break my heart and become the most unforgettable life-changing moments...