Next morning, Shad woke up with a bright smile on his face, he is really excited for his date tonight with Rhea. Date? 'I guess I can call it that' He shrugged.

He took a hot shower and quickly dressed in his jogging attire and left for Eifad's place. He kept debating himself if he should ask Eifad to come along, but then it is his and Rhea's date, perhaps the girls won't like it. Knowing Eifad so well, Shad frowned that he even thought of this. He glanced at his wrist watch.

5:00am, he is exactly on time. Shad's smile widened. Today is going to be the best day of his life and he is super excited.

He rang the door-bell and stood at the door waiting patiently for someone to open the door.

Soon, Dheem Kaka opened the door. Shad smiled at him, but his smile faded when he noticed that Dheem Kaka looked visibly worried.

'What happened?' he asked frowning. Dheem Kaka shook his head.

'Eifad Baby...'he said sounding sad and worried. With his tone, Shad panicked. He rushed in without letting Dheem Kaka finish. He is silently praying that Eifad isn't in much trouble.

He hurriedly climbed the stairs ignoring Amaad who had just come out from the living room.

'Eifad!' he called once he entered her room.

There is Eifad lying on the bed wearing a sweater and completely wrapped up in woolen duvet. Her eyes are closed but lips trembling.

Shad looked around and found Aisha speaking to a doctor. She is looking panic stricken while the doctor has a grim expression. He is shaking his head and saying something. Shad hurried towards them.

'Shad!' Aisha looked relieved once she saw him. Shad looked at Eifad and back to Aisha, he is worried and confused.

Aisha hugged him and began to sob 'Please save my daughter' she cried. Shad didn't know what was going on. It is looking like Eifad has done one more stupidity. He asked the doctor as Aisha doesn't seem to be in her senses to talk.

'Ms. Hooda, had been drenching in cold water since 2am in the morning. She had fainted. Around 4am she was pulled out from there' the doctor explained. Shad's mouth dropped open. Eifad had been soaking in cold water whole night? Why?

'She is suffering from hyperthermia, she has high fever. Possibility of pneumonia is high.' The doctor further said. Aisha's cries grew louder. Shad is dazed, but not in a good way.

******************

'OMG! This is perfect. Babes, let's go shopping' Shruti said excitedly, after Rhea had said about her conversation with Shad last night.

'No, I will wear something from what I have' Rhea said, her gaze focused on the Aloo Paratha she had made for breakfast.

Shruti shook her head and rolled her eyes

'You are going on your first date, at least don't be a Behenji now' She said placing her palm on Rhea's. Rhea looked up, a faint crimson red color adorned her cheeks.

'It's not a date' she mumbled looking away. Shruti rolled her eyes. She told her that, she needn't act like a Behenji and get proper clothes. Rhea shook her head but one deadly glare from Shruti and she gulped nodding

'No offense, but you don't have proper "modern dress" sense so I will come along and help you.' Shruti decided. Rhea smiled and nodded her head. She is happy to find an unlikely friend in Shruti.

*******************

'Not even God will be able to save Eifad, if you don't get her some psychiatric treatment' Shad yelled slamming his palm on the table.

It's been fifteen minutes since Shad is trying to explain to Aisha- now it's high time she gets Eifad treated.Shad had been trying patiently to convince Aisha not only in these fifteen minutes but also from past few years now. But Aisha kept denying and refusing. After today's incident, Shad has lost his patience. No normal person will drench themselves in cold water all night. Because of Aisha's irrationality, he might lose his friend and that he will never let that happen.

Aisha flinched with his tone and looked down, more tears pouring down her cheeks.

'Shad, relax man' Amaad said placing his hand on Shad's shoulder. Shad shrugged his hand away and turned to glare at him.

'Don't tell me you don't agree with me' Shad said

Amaad sighed 'Of course, I agree with you. But everyone will know the truth about Eifad's mental condition. People will call her mad, lunatic. I am sure you don't want that?' Amaad said calmly. Shad gaped at him in disbelief.

'My...Daughter...isn't mad' Aisha said slowly. Shad shook his head

'I am not telling that Eifad is mad but she needs help. All mental illness isn't being mad' Shad explained. He is struggling to be calm. Aisha looked up at him, her eyes red and swollen, and her cheeks stained with dry tears and fresh tears brimming in her eyes.

'We know that, Shad. But people? They will label her mental. They will boycott and treat her like she is from outer space and also at the hospital...the staffs and doctors and patients will not take her seriously...' Amaad said.

Shad shook his head, for sake of some random people and the society they can't risk Eifad's life. Her life is more important than "What will they think/say". And the hospital, they will never know. Shad has decided to get her treated elsewhere.

Aisha stood up kicking back her chair. 'My daughter isn't mad. Stop labelling as one. End of discussion' she said sternly glaring at Shad. He sighed in defeat. Aisha climbed up stairs into Eifad's room.

Eifad is lying there, she looked disturbed. Aisha sat next to her and caressed her forehead. It is burning with fever. Her heart sank

'You aren't mad. Please beta, don't mind what others say about you. I will not let anything happen to you' she said softly. She looked lovingly at her daughter.

*************

After having breakfast, Rhea and Shruti left for shopping. Shruti drove to the most famous and a large mall in Delhi. She said it is the best.

Rhea looked around and she is awestruck with the beauty of the place. The place is huge with many shops and sea of people shopping, chatting, some kids playing around. Rhea has been to malls back in Lucknow, but none of the malls are so large as this one. She is relieved that Shruti is with her, else should have been lost here.

Also, there are so many shops, Rhea isn't able to decide which one to go first. Then again, Shruti is with her. She knew which shop has the good stuffs, that will also come in the budget. Shruti took Rhea's hand and dragged her to one shop, she said has the good stuff.

***************

Shad is with Eifad, in case she woke up or incase her condition worsened. Being a doctor and her best friend he considered it to be his duty to stay by her side. He waited patiently. Around, 2pm or so, he felt Eifad shift in her place. She is seemed to be in pain.

'Eifu' he called softly. She groaned as response. He held her hand from over the duvet. Slowly, her eyes flickered opened. Shad is relieved. One day, this girl will give him heart attack he thought. He leaned forward and placed his palm on her forehead and caressed her head gently.

'Sh-Sha-Shad' Eifad said meekly. Shad nodded his head.

'Why you did this Eifu? What is wrong? Please tell me?' Shad asked. This pathetic condition of Eifad is too much for him to bear. Eifad looked at him, her expressions blank. She looked pale, her lips are now slightly less blue.

'Is it something to do with Amaad?' Shad asked. Eifad stiffened. Shad observed her carefully. He had been noticing her behavior change ever since Amaad has come. She has been behaving very vulnerable.

Eifad doesn't reply, simply stares at him. She has no doubt in her mind, she will not tell Shad anything. If she said him what Amaad had done to her, what will Shad think of her? he will think her to be dirty, he will leave her. And Eifad can't let that happen. Some secrets are best buried. She couldn't shake her head either. Shad looked confused with her reaction.

'Please stay with me...'Eifad said softly. Shad nodded. Right now, only Eifad mattered everything else left his mind.

Shad forgot to inform his parents that he is here. In fact, he even forgot about Rhea and their supposedly date.