Early morning around 4.30am, Shad decided to leave. He wanted to disappear before Eifad woke up. He didn't want to face her. Shad hadn't slept whole night and so waking up at this odd hour wasn't difficult. Before anyone, even Dheem Kaka woke up he packed his bags and left. Luckily, he knew about the spare key being in the drawer few distances to the main door.

Shad's father opened the door and frowned at him. He isn't liking this coming and going out from home. Shad has completely forgotten himself for Eifad. But he didn't say anything.

Shad was thankful that his mother was still asleep. He dropped his luggage and fell on the bed. He closed his eyes and within seconds slept.

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

Shad had slept for hardly fifteen minutes, when his phone rang. He woke up with a jolt. He sat up straight and stared at his mobile screen.

Shruti's name flashed on it. He panicked fearing for Rhea.

'Hello?' he said, his voice hoarse.

'Shad...Rhea has gained consciousness.' Shad froze. He didn't know how to react. He was scared to be happy lest it's a dream. He simply nodded and said 'I am coming.'

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

Eifad woke up with a smile, Shad loves her. She knew it all long and yesterday after knowing her feelings for him he didn't leave her. He stayed back. Eifad smiled widely and swayed little under the shower. After ages, she felt alive. After ages, she felt happy from heart. She bathed, blow dried her hair and dressed for work. Today, also for the first time she over-slept her jogging session. But that doesn't matter. Shad loves her, everything else is trivial.

Eifad conveniently ignored the fact that Shad had in clear words said that he doesn't love her in the way she loves him.

Aisha is surprised to see Eifad skipping her way down stairs, she looked ready for work, dressed in Red kaftan top and white jeans with red stiletto. Aisha smiled, she is relieved. Shad was simply panicking, she thought.

'Good morning, Mom.' For the first time in so many years she greeted her mother happily. Aisha's eyes moistened instantly. She felt emotional.

'Have breakfast, beta.' She said

'Sorry Mom, getting late for work.' she said and turned around leaving the room. Tansen, the driver is also amazed with her changed demeanor. She smiled at him and sat at the back seat.

'Take to Shad's apartment.' She ordered.

Eifad rang the doorbell, she is nervous. She nor Shad's parents like each other. She combed her hair with her fingers and took a deep breath. She tried to smile and make it look genuine, she doesn't want to greet whoever it is on the other side with a scowl.

Minutes later, Shad's mother opened the door. Eifad smiled but Shad's mother frowned.

'Good morning, Aunty.' Eifad said trying to sound positive. Shad's mother continued to frown.

'Where is Shad?' Eifad said trying to look for Shad from behind his mother.

His mother shifted and smiled 'He has gone to meet Rhea.' She said.

Eifad's smile disappeared instantly and a dark expression overtook her happy glowing face.

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

Shad arrived at the hospital as fast as the auto took him. He hurried to the Accidental and Casualty ward. His heart beating fast with each step. He paused outside the ward and took a deep breath. His heart thumping loudly now.

He entered the ward and froze. Rhea is sitting on the bed, her back resting against the bed rest. The IV dip still pierced in her forearm. She looked pale and very fragile, deep dark circles under her eyes.

Shruti stood beside her and a middle-aged man sat on the stool beside her. He is feeding her cut apples which she is refusing to eat.

'Shad!' Shruti exclaimed. Rhea looked at the door. Looking at Shad, a small meek smile appeared on her face. Her pale face glowed slightly. Hashim is surprised with the sudden change in his daughter.

He turned around looking at what Rhea is looking at. Shad stood at the door, he didn't move. He doesn't even blink nor move his gaze from her. The two kept staring at each other. Shruti smirked while Hashim looked on confused.

'Shad.' Rhea said in her meek voice, she nodded her head gesturing him to come to her. With baby steps Shad walked towards her. When he stood at the edge of the bed, Shruti made an excuse and took Hashim out of the ward, giving the two lovebirds alone time. Hashim is confused but nevertheless, doesn't protest.

'How-How...are you...feeling?' he said softly, after a while, breaking the silence. Rhea looked at him, her eyes moist.

'Better now.' she said. Slowly, she extended her hand and held his. Shad inhaled sharply, her hand soft but weak. Her touch brought him to reality, he leaned forward and hugged her.

'Rhea!' he said kissing her forehead, cheeks, nose and again her forehead; Rhea smiled widely. Shad hugged her tightly. He found his breath back, he found his life back.

After good five minutes, he broke the hug and sat on the stool still holding her hand.

'I was so worried for you.' Shad said placing his palm on her cheek. Rhea closed her eyes, smiling. She was arching for his touch. The moment she opened her eyes, first name she called was Shad, the first person she wanted see was Shad. And now, that he is in front of her, she is feeling much better already. It is like she never had an accident nor that she was in coma for two days.

'How did this happen?' Shad asked. Rhea bit her lower-lip. She recollected clearly Eifad being the one behind the wheel of the car which had hit her. But she doesn't want tell this to Shad. Rhea knows very well how close Eifad and Shad are, and how important Eifad is to him. Maybe, she had some confusion; perhaps it wasn't Eifad. Whatever it is, Rhea doesn't want to break their friendship.

'I was riding on the wrong side. I got hit by a speeding car.' she said not looking at Shad but staring at her lap.

Shad realized Rhea is hiding about Eifad. Respect for Rhea elevate a notch higher in his heart. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. He looked at her. Slowly, Rhea looked at him, their gaze getting locked.

'Ahem...' Rhea and Shad moved away on hearing someone clear their throat. Shad gulped on seeing Eifad stand at the door. He quickly moved his hand from over Rhea. Rhea looked confused.