After Eifad relived her past through her nightmare, she desperately needed Shad. Normally, she would have gone into her study and spend some time with his portraits, made one too if she had the mood. But the thought of dashing into Amaad terrified her.

So, she picked up her phone and browsed through the gallery but it wasn't working. So, she decided to stalk his social media profile. She knew his password and so she easily signed in. What she saw upset her further- she read the message exchanged between Rhea and Shad. She didn't know what to do? She desperately wanted this date to fail. Shad is hers, and only hers, he can't spend time with others especially not Rhea. She stood up and angrily paced in the room. Shaking with anger and with fear- the nightmare still lingering in her thoughts. And Rhea and Shad's conversation making her angry. She grabbed a pillow and yelled into it, her scream muffled. She took a deep breathe. No matter what, but she can't let Shad slip away from her.

After much pacing and thinking she got an idea. She remembered Shad's words, that she is his priority and no one else mattered. She remembered how he completely forgot about Rhea when her hand was injured. If she has to hurt herself for Shad she will do it, anything for him.

Eifad twisted the knob and stood under the shower still fully clothed. She let cold water drench. Half an hour later, she trembled in cold but she didn't step out of the shower, instead she smiled. Shad will find out eventually and the date will be canceled. The thought of having Shad all to herself was giving her the feeling of warmth and strengthened her will power.

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

Next day,

'Why are you wasting your time there?' Shad's mother expressed her displeasure over her son's decision to stay at Eifad's place for one week.

'She is my childhood bestie' Shad reasoned buttoning his checked shirt's sleeve. His mother shook her head

'So? You aren't her babysitter' she frowned. Shad turned around and grabbed his Doctor's coat.

'Bye, Ma' he said placing his stethoscope around his neck. He bid his goodbye to his dad, who too didn't look pleased with Shad's decision. Shad left his house dragging with him a small luggage. He will be sharing rooms with Amaad. Shad is happy; he will get to know him better. For some reason, he now feels there is more to Amaad than what meets the eye. He is determined to find out.

Aisha is happy and relieved to see Shad here with his luggage. Amaad, on the other hand, didn't look too pleased. But he faked a smile and greeted Shad. Dheem kaka took his luggage to the guest room. Shad doesn't know if Amaad is unhappy because he has come or because he is sharing a room with him. Shad hurriedly climbed stairs. He wanted to meet Eifad, whole night he had stayed with her, and she seemed at peace and happy. He hoped she is happy even now.

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

'Give that rascal a piece of your mind...and kick him too' Shruti said angrily. Rhea didn't bother replying; she sadly kept munching on her cornflakes. Last night, till 12 am Rhea was waiting for him. She kept giving random excuses like traffic, no network, car breaking down to Shruti but even in her heart, she knew Shad had ditched her. Shruti had given up by 10.30 and retired to her bedroom but not Rhea. She had a small hope he would come. She had sat on the sofa looking out through the window.

Rhea is upset, and very hurt with Shad's irresponsible behavior. If he had some work, at least he could have called or texted. He shouldn't have made a fool of her by ignoring her. Rhea has decided to keep her distance from Shad to express that she is hurt.

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

'What happened? All good?' Imran asked Rhea. He had been watching her since few minutes and observed that she looked sad. Unlike her usual happy and chirpy self, she was quiet. Rhea shook her head sideways. She didn't even look up at Imran and continued to examine Mrs. Desai. Imran shrugged and left.

'You had a fight with Dr. Shad?' Mrs. Desai interrupted Rhea's concentration.

'Huh!' Rhea is taken aback by her statement. She shook her head sadly

'Dr. Shad is a good boy. Very friendly and caring. You are very lucky to have him' she commented. Rhea looked at her confused. She doesn't know why Mrs. Desai is saying what she is saying.

Mrs. Desai smiled and extended her hand; she held Rhea's hand 'you like him don't you?' she asked.

Rhea couldn't lie to her, so she nodded her head. Mrs. Desai smile widened.

'But I don't know if he likes me too' Rhea said sadly. Last night's betrayal came flashing before her eyes.

'Oh, he does...he does' Mrs. Desai said, For split seconds Rhea looked happy, but then her smile faded

'The way he looks at you, I can tell. His eyes, I read in them the love for you. You try it too; you will see' She explained.

Rhea didn't know what to make of this, should she take Mrs. Desai's opinion? She loves Shad; she really does, but that doesn't mean she will forgive him for last night. It is a matter of her self-respect.

Shad entered the cardiology ward, the first thing he saw was Rhea, and he remembered about the supposedly "date" he had with her. He noticed her fallen face and sunken eyes and mentally kicked himself. How can he be so irresponsible? He is ashamed of himself. Because of the guilt, he couldn't face Rhea and so walked towards Imran ignoring her. Rhea looked at him walk away, and her heart pinched with disappointment. Is he ignoring her? In her heart she wondered if he is upset with her, perhaps unknowingly she offended him somehow. She thought of apologizing. She took a step but quickly stepped back. Still, he could have answered her call, texts. If he is showing her attitude for something she might have unknowingly done, she is not interested in massaging his ego. They continue to ignore each other, but their hearts longed to be together. Mrs. Desai observed them with a smile on her face.

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

Lunch time, Imran and Rhea are sitting at a table in a corner. Rhea is silently eating her food while Imran is getting bored. He looked around and saw Shad enter the café along with Dr. Joseph from the neurology department. They both are talking something.

'Dr. Shad' Imran waved at him, and Rhea froze. Shad turned and looked at Imran. Oh no, how will he face Rhea? Should he make some excuse and dodge? Rhea felt nervous; he will come here and sit beside her, how will she control her urge to look at him. Shad turned back to Dr. Joseph and together with him sat at the table in the opposite corner. Imran frowned, and Rhea felt even more offended.

'Dr. Malthi Singh, she is the best psychiatrist in Delhi' Dr. Joseph said.

'Can you give me her address?'

'Sure, I will text you. But who needs her treatment?'

'Someone from family' Shad replied. Dr. Joseph nodded

'But why not here? get them treated here?' He said. Shad shook his head. He didn't reply and respecting his privacy Dr. Joseph didn't probe further. Shad continued to eat. After few minutes, he looked up, his gaze met Rhea's. She looked at him; his heart sank noticing her eyes moist. She quickly looked away.

Shad felt even more guilty.

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

'Rhea...Rhea...' Shad called running behind her. She turned around and quickly turned back, her pace increased. Shad ran and finally caught up with her, he held her hand and turned her around. She tried to free herself, but his grip was strong.

They stand alone in a quiet corridor on the fifth floor, where the cardiology department is just around the corner.

It is now 8 pm and Shad couldn't stay away much longer, he needed to apologize to her for his behavior.

'Rhea, please listen to me' he pleaded

'Leave my hand' she said sternly. He shook his head

'I am sorry' he said. She looked at him, for split seconds her expressions soften but she composed herself quickly.

'Why are you apologizing? I am not that important anyway...'She said, her voice cracked towards the end. Shad felt guiltier than he already was.

'You are absolutely right on your part to be mad at me. But please listen to me' Shad said softly. Rhea stopped struggling and looked into his eyes. Shad is relieved as she relaxed. He left her hand and took a step back.

Shad took a deep breath and narrated everything that happened yesterday; Rhea is stunned.

'Please don't tell this to anyone' Shad completed. Rhea nodded. They stood in silence facing each other. Rhea looked at him; Shad had his head lowered. Suddenly, something came over her. It's now or never she thought. Rhea looked around; they are alone. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

'I love you...' she blurted out.