*Girish Pov*

After giving me that nod, she got onto the bus and I continued to stand there to wait until the bus leaves the bus stand.

However, I didn't expect her to stare at me without looking away even after the bus started moving.

"All the best!" I shouted and she just smiled at me while I bus drove away.

"Damn!" I mumbled to myself feeling surprised to get attracted to someone like this.

I need to get to know her better and get her to know me better. With that thought, I took an auto to return to the hospital and found that they are deciding to get Aunty discharged.

I froze realizing what this means as the doctor allows a critically ill patient only when... I shook my head and reached over Vani who glanced at me with a confused expression.

"She got into the bus and I waited until it drove away." I explained and her confused expression relaxed after hearing that.

"Thank you so much!" she whispered and I shook my head before walking towards my friends as they are discussing on going with Kamal to the village.

With all the precautions taken, Aunty got discharged and Kamal along with Vani traveled in the ambulance while we all traveled with Vani's parents in the car they seem to have hired.

"I can't believe our daughter is married." Aunty suddenly whispered looking at Uncle and as my other friends are far from them, they couldn't hear them talking unlike me.

"Yes! It was meant to happen anyway and even though there was no proper ceremony, nothing is more important than Sharadha." Uncle said nodding at her.

"But it worries me... you know how she left the house to not go through this and now she..." Aunty cut her words after realizing my presence even though I am acting like I am not listening to them at all.

"Leave it! He is a good guy and Sharadha care for Vani is not something that can be questioned. I am sure it is for the good only and do you really think Vani would have been fine if he had got married to another girl. So, don't think about these things and just talk to her so that she doesn't stay away from her responsibilities." Uncle continued and didn't seem to realize that I can listen as Aunty did.

She cleared her throat to stop him and then gestured to me after which he stopped saying anything more.

"Aunty! Don't worry about Vani as we all will take care of her." I mumbled glancing at her and she smiled nodding at me while my friends gave a weird look to me.

What? You both didn't get threatened by your crush unlike me. So, I need to do it as from today I will take Vani as my adopted sister.

When we entered Kamal's house, the ambulance too reached the place after which we helped with the things of hers from the ambulance paid the driver.

"You can stay at my parent's house and there is a separate room and even mine there. It will be comfortable." Vani said after some time as we three stood in the living room not knowing what to say.

Rakesh thanked her after which we three walked out of the house while leaving Aunty with Kamal and Vani.

However, when we reached Vani's house we felt awkward but with the warmth from her parents, we got settled and decided to stay in a single room.

"What are you doing? You keep on staring at your phone like that." I asked turning to stare at David who seems to be lost in his thoughts.

"Should we inform Pallavi about Kamal's marriage?" he suddenly asked making me frown thinking why is he thinking about her right now.

"Does it matter whether she knows or not? She is anyway enjoying a holiday and let her be." I replied closing my eyes.

"But..." Rakesh cut him off saying, "Don't think about that matter and just be there for Kamal, David. Their marriage is not the important point now and being a doctor you should know what is the priority."

I shook my head before drifting off into sleep and David too kept his phone away to sleep.

#After Two Weeks#

We continued to visit Aunty and Kamal during the weekends and know well how her health is deteriorating but she seems happy than in the past.

One day just before the weekend, Kamal called me before passing the phone to Aunty.

"Is it Girish? You all will be coming tomorrow evening, right?" she asked and I frowned hearing that question.

"Of course, Aunty! We even talked to our bosses here and made sure to be there by tomorrow evening." I replied and she repeatedly asked a few more times to confirm whether we will really come before passing the phone back to Kamal.

"What is going on?" I asked him frowning.

"I don't know! She suddenly started talking about how I need to take care of Vani and be there for each other as if she... she..." he couldn't continue and he need not to.

"We will definitely come and take care." Saying that we cut the call and I leaned back closing my eyes while feeling the pain.

When we reached Kamal's place I felt really tired with the traveling as usual. I don't know why but I am very bad at traveling to other places and that's why I never went to any but still wish to travel a lot.

"We will never get used to the traveling." I said entering Kamal's place and found Kamal and Vani sitting on either side of Aunty who smiled looking at us.

"You could have slept like me." Rakesh offered to me before continuing to walk towards Aunty while I glared at him.

"How are you feeling, Aunty?" David asked smiling at her.

"Perfect! I am glad that you all came when I called you." She said smiling.

"How could we not?" I asked, grinning and we all sat down joining Kamal and Vani and she sighed looking at each one of us.

"I just wanted to say that my son is lucky to have you three as his friends during all these years. No wealth can come in front of the love you all showed him." She said smiling at us fondly and her words made us emotional.

We all know the end of this but still don't want to accept it. We were not completely close to her or saw her frequently in the past but for a short period of time, we knew her was more than enough to make us like her.

"It happens both ways, Aunty." Rakesh said, smiling but his voice trembled and I hope none of us show tears to her but I found Vani letting those tears out without any inhibitions.

"I am not worried about him anymore before I know someone will be there for him. However, I want a small favor." She asked us and we immediately nodded.

"Ask anything, Aunty." David assured her.

"This girl here is silly, naïve and everything. I know I won't be here to always keep the door unlocked knowing well she would just barge inside just because someone made her happy or angry or even hurt. I want you all to look after her." She said and Vani shook her head hearing those words.

"No! You are not going anywhere. Do you understand?" Vani said suddenly raising her voice and Aunty had to assure her that she will not leave her.

"I will never leave you, Vani." She said, assuring Vani.

"So, can you take care of her?" she added glancing at us.

"Don't worry! She is our family now." I said without pausing for a second and Aunty gave a relieved expression after hearing those words.

"I never felt so secured before." She mumbled and slowly stood up while we all helped her.

"I will take some rest." She said smiling at us and walked towards her room.

"You all can take the rooms in my parent's house." Vani said after we finished having dinner.

"Can we stay here for today?" I suddenly asked not wishing to leave this house for now and stay closer to Aunty.

"Of course! I will arrange for the beds." She replied and started walking towards the door for them I guess.

"Floor is fine!" Rakesh said, stopping her, and I nodded at that suggestion after which she started arranging the sheets on the floor along with pillows she brought from her house.

"Where did you learn cooking?" I asked for which she smiled and started talking about Aunty which made all of us to laugh.

"She thought I would not learn the remaining after learning his favorites. So, she started teaching me his non-favorites and recently his favorites. She has so much patience because I always ran to my house whenever I failed to cook something." She explained.

"Tell us more about her." Rakesh ushered her and she nodded before continuing to talk about many incidents and she didn't seem to be tired from talking at all and none of us actually want her to stop talking in the first place.

Suddenly Kamal got up and turned to look towards her room. We all frowned and then I felt worried before sitting up.

When we saw Vani following him but then suddenly kneeling on the floor, we all stood up to rush towards the door and found Kamal trying to resurrect her and finally stopped.

None of us moved to let him have the last moments with her and I gave a nod to Rakesh after which he went to call Vani's parents while I knelt beside Vani to hold her and she continued to sob in silence.

****

It's been a few days since she passed away but it doesn't seem to be real and we decided to stay for the next two days after talking to our hospitals.

We all are still sleeping on the floor in the living room at the same places after that day and Vani too joined us just like the day when Aunty passed away.

"It will be good for you if you continue your work, Kamal. Your patients need you, and it will take your concentration from all this." Suddenly David suggested when we were having dinner and Vani paused hearing those words.

"He is right! We all will still be there and everything will slowly settle. I am not blaming the people here, but each time we saw them they just start talking about her demise. I know, you are not able to bear it if we stay here any longer." Rakesh mumbled.

"You will come with us, right? Or will you stay here for some more time?" I asked as I found Vani really froze after hearing those words and I felt maybe she wants to stay with her family for some more time.

"I will come." She slowly replied, glancing at Kamal.

"Ok! Why don't we pack our clothes and leave early in the morning?" Kamal asked each one of us.

"I will stay at my parent's house for this night." Vani mumbled before stepping out of the house while I glanced at Kamal who stared at her back.

After reaching the city, Rakesh offered to buy groceries for Kamal and we all decided to follow him but suddenly even Vani wished to come with us.

"I will stay back to contact with everything needed for the arrangement of electricity and some other things." Kamal said when we were about to reach the house I guess.

"It is ok! We will make sure that she is safe." I assured him.

"This is not my first time in the city." Vani mumbled when we reached the entrance of the apartment building.

"We are not saying anything about that. We just thought you will get lost as the roads are new to you." David snapped and I glared at him along with Rakesh.

"David!" Rakesh said, glaring at him.

"I... I was just letting you know." Vani mumbled looking away.

I glared at David and gestured to her to which he frowned at me but I continued to glare at him after which he apologized to her.

"Come on! The flat seems to be on the top floor." I said smiling and she nodded following us.

"We will first leave for the groceries and them you can freshen up." Rakesh said looking at Vani to which she nodded but concentrated on the door as Kamal was busy in opening the door.

"First time?" Vani asked as we all joined her in looking around the flat to which I nodded at her.

"Yes! He got this as rent on that day, but never shifted here from the room he was living." I explained.

"Maybe it is better if David brings the stuff of Kamal from his old rented room." Rakesh offered.

"Ok!" David said before leaving the house and after a few minutes, we all left with Kamal staying back.

"Don't give any attention to David. We don't know what happened, but for the past few weeks he is just acting crazy with all of us." I said the moment we stepped out of the house.

I am actually not doing this just because I promised Rupa and also not because I promised Aunty.

I am doing this because I genuinely consider her as my family now. She loves Kamal, is sweet, and really respects us just because we are his friends.

I want their relationship to work because Kamal needs someone like her in his life and now after what happened with Aunty... he needs her more than in the past.

When we meet at the restaurant near to my hospital, I couldn't help but ask Kamal how is everything going on and suddenly Pallavi reached us smiling before looking at Kamal with sad eyes.

She gave condolences before sitting down and suddenly David talked about how Kamal needs to go back to his wife now which surprised me as he was hell bent on letting Pallavi know from the beginning.

Of course, Pallavi didn't expect this and that wouldn't have mattered but she suddenly said how Kamal's Mom is not alive to force him then how can this marriage happen.

After Kamal left the place in silence, I scolded her along with Rakesh while she sat there stunned and stood up to leave but David followed her out to drop her.

Somehow after Rupa mentioned about Kamal maybe having a lover as per Vani, I immediately thought of Pallavi as she never seems to like Vani at all and is very defensive with Kamal's issue.

I even feel like she likes him and if she really does, she needs to give up for sure.

And to my surprise, we met again the next weekend and this time with Pallavi. Kamal and she seems to have resolved their issues already.

"You should have brought Vani too." I said the moment they both sat down to test the waters and as expected Pallavi stiffened.

"I came here directly from the hospital and I can't call her to be here as she doesn't know the city much." Kamal replied shrugging without any hesitation and so it must be one-sided.

"Shall I order something for you?" I heard David asking Pallavi to which she glared at him before ordering herself.

"What happened between you too?" Kamal asked them frowning and even I want to know as it doesn't seem to be normal at all.

"Just a small fight." David said shrugging.

"Remembering about the fight, I think it would be better if you don't behave rudely with Vani." Kamal said in a serious tone.

"I am so proud of you, Kamal. You finally got your brains." I said slapping his shoulder.

"He was rude?" Pallavi asked in a surprised tone.

"I am sorry and I will never be. Why don't we all meet at your house tomorrow and I will apologize personally. It will be good for a nice meeting between Pallavi and Vani too." David said before throwing a glance at her.

What is he planning now? I thought frowning at him and I suddenly heard a voice which I didn't hear for a few weeks now but still remember it.

"Kamal?" She said reaching our table.

"Rupa?" I said staring at her in shock.

I was about to ask Vani for her contact soon after she settles down but never expect to see her like this and I couldn't but grin at her.

"What a surprise! I never thought I would see you guys. Where is Vani? I have a piece of news for her." She asked looking around.

"She is not here and what are you doing here?" Kamal asked her frowning.

"Well, I thought people came here to eat." She replied so casually that Kamal blinked at her and didn't understand her remark at all.

"Fine! Seems like you don't have the wit she has. Give my number to her." She said, shaking her head in disappointment before writing down her number on a paper before passing it to him but completely ignored me.

"Hi!" she finally said, glancing at me before walking away.

"Vani has witty responses?" Rakesh said with bewilderment.

"Do you guys know why was I hell-bent on protecting Vani? That girl threatened to kill me if I didn't take care of her." I suddenly said.

"And?" David asked, staring at me.

"And I like her. So, this number is for me." I said taking the paper away from Kamal's hand.

"Be careful with her then." Kamal said before laughing at me and we all stared at him in surprise as this is the first time he laughed after knowing about Aunty's health issue.

*Rupa Pov*

I smiled after stepping out of the restaurant and took an auto to reach the bus stand as I need to go back to my village and let my family know about the new job I got.

Along with that when I found a notification about hiring a receptionist with computer knowledge, I immediately thought of Vani.

She should start at some point and even though it is part-time, this will help her to grow in her career and can have on-hand experience.

So, when I talked to HR, they asked for her resume and I passed the one I had with me before when she was joining for the course.

They asked me to let her attend the interview and it will depend on her performance. I smiled walking out of the office and realized I didn't feel Vani's number on my new phone that bought last week.

I shrugged thinking I can just go home and call her using my Mom's phone or take it from her phone to call Vani from mine.

When I stepped into a restaurant and finished my lunch, I heard a familiar voice and turned to find Girish sitting at the corner of the restaurant.

I found Kamal with him and immediately walked towards them but tried to be natural and at first didn't call Girish's name thinking maybe he completely forgot but when he called my name, I felt happy even though it is silly.

I don't know why but I suddenly wrote down my number and passed it to Kamal. I know I can message her by evening but it was purely not for Vani but to just let him know that I got a new phone and my own number I guess.

And as expected within a half-an-hour, I got a message but it was just mentioned about how beautiful I am.

'Who are you?' I messaged back.

'Your admirer!' I rolled my eyes and didn't reply to those messages and just like that day when he continued to have a one-sided conversation, he did the same with one-sided texting.

I completely ignored him and reached my house to tell my parents about the new job and they got so happy for me.

I have already chosen a place to stay in a ladies' hostel near to the hospital and I just have to pack my things.

I didn't get a call from Vani even after two days and as there is still time for her interview, I thought I will meet her directly and inform her.

After I nearly finished packing my things, I finally got Vani's call and I asked her if Girish finally gave her my number.

She suddenly stated that I like him and I didn't reject it but just asked her to tell him not to send such messages instead of calling and then I talked about my new job and then immediately informed her about the interview which made her pause.

I frowned thinking maybe she doesn't want to have a career now as she is married and maybe she solved her issues but I still wish she have a career to be independent.

She said she wants to attend the interview after a few seconds as I questioned what she wish to do and I sighed in relief.

I opened my eyes groaning and checked the time to see it is past ten and why is he calling me at this time.

"Hello! Why are you calling me at this time, Girish?" I said picking up the call and he didn't say anything for a few seconds.

"By mistake? Should I cut the call?" I asked sighing.

"You were sleeping? I just returned home from Kamal's place and so couldn't call you immediately." He replied as if giving an excuse.

"Wait a minute! Why are you explaining all this to me? When did I ask you to call me? And when did I say I will wait for your call?" I asked while my sleep left me completely.

"So many questions and the answer simply lies in the fact that you know who is calling you without them letting you know." I froze hearing his teasing tone and cleared my throat.

"So, finally got a phone of your own now." He added while changing the topic.

"Yeah! As I was going around for jobs, I thought I need one and bought it a few days back." I explained sitting up and leaned back to the wall.

"And I got the job too. So, I did the right thing." I added glancing at the door to make sure it is locked.

"Really? I need a huge treat from you." I smiled but didn't say anything.

"Where did you get the job? Maybe I can come and find you." He added and I smirked at his words.

"Why would I tell my details to a stalker?" I asked back and he laughed hearing those words.

"By the way, because you called me stalker, I want to say something which would cross the line. So, don't ignore me even if you hate me for it." I frowned hearing those words thinking what could he actually say to anger me.

"When you picked up the phone and said those words in your sleepy voice, it was so sexy. And mainly when you said my name." I froze completely hearing those words and I even stopped breathing.

"Too much, right? Don't worry! I will not say such things anytime soon but just wanted to say without hiding." He continued and I still don't know how to react.

I am supposed to cut this call right now and block the number after hearing those words from him but somehow I am not able to move.

"Shocked? Disgusted? Want to kill me?" he asked and this time I can feel nervousness in his tone.

"I don't know! I am going back to sleep." I mumbled cutting the call and he didn't call again.

However, he continued to message me but every time I see his message, all I can remember is his words and still feeling confused about what to feel about it.

So, I couldn't reply back normally but didn't ignore all messages and greeted him back in the mornings and replied to his wish for goodnights.

"Vani!" I shouted when I found her looking around at the entrance and without my knowledge I shouted using a loud voice.

I really missed her as we didn't stay in contact for a long time after that day. So, after finally seeing her, I couldn't stop my excitement but I controlled it.

However, she seems to have changed within a few weeks and I can understand a part of it because of her loss but she really seems to have lost a light.

I frowned at her but didn't say anything except to hug her before walking with her into the hospital.

We both sat on the waiting chairs as there is still time for the interview and I felt her hands shaking a bit.

"Don't worry, Vani! You will get this job for sure." I said assuring her but she shook her head at my words.

"You don't know how scared I got to reach here on that bus. I checked a lot of times the number on it before getting inside. After sitting inside, I checked your message again and again. It was thoughtful of you to give me the bus number." She said holding my hand and I held them back not knowing what to do.

"Someone gave me like that which helped me. We are new to this and are learning. So, even if we make mistakes, then it will never matter." I said shrugging off.

"Anyway, just feel confident and talk in English if you can. We got the coaching of it and I am sure we can cope with it. All the best!" I added and her name got called by that time.

I gave her an assuring nod and she finally walked inside and this time I felt nervous. I really hope she gets selected and this can be a change for her.

I need to talk to her about her life and why did she change so much. If it doesn't go well, then I can't ask her and will also feel guilty to give her such hope.

And on top of all these things, I want her to have a secure life in any form possible. I sighed pacing the corridor for the next few minutes.

"So?" I asked the moment she walked towards me.

"It went fine and they said I will get the answer after some time." She replied smiling and I sighed in relief.

"Great! Let's go for lunch." I said dragging her towards the canteen and got food for both of us and chose a table at the corner to not get disturbed by anyone and have a proper conversation with her.

I opened my mouth and closed them a few times not knowing how to ask her about this matter and I finally opened my mouth asking whether everything is fine to which she simply replied it is fine.

"Ok! I think I am really bad at subtleness. Now, you will tell me whether you asked your husband about that girl and how close he is with her." I demanded not able to stop myself and she stared at me in shock.

"I need not ask him at all, Rupa. She is one of his best friends." She said sighing and leaned back.

"What? You mean the same girl I saw with the group on Saturday at the restaurant?" I asked with wide eyes as I remember seeing a girl who seems to be the only girl among the group and she nodded at my words.

"You don't know how it was to see them so close, Rupa. I turned a blind eye regarding that matter until I get to know about his friendship status and everything." She suddenly said before covering her face.

As I expected, her state is because of her husband only. I stopped myself from suggesting any kind of weird ideas like leave him and just lead her life on her own as I know she really loves him. So, I took a deep breath and changed the words I want to tell her.

"Hey! Don't worry about it and we will see what happens. Why don't you ask him?" I asked frowning as I remember Girish's confident words that Kamal doesn't have a lover.

"If I do, giving him the explanation of her call then he may think I am trying to make him leave her or spoil their friendship. Or worse, he may accept it. I can't bear it in direct words and I am waiting for him to tell the truth by himself. It is not like he likes me or something. I am in his life because of his mother." She said fisting my hands.

"Are you sure?" I asked frowning.

"He didn't even talk to me until last week or shall I say until the day that girl returned from her holiday. His happiness is linked with her as it seems." She replied shrugging.

"I hope you get the happiness and if he is cheating on you then leave him after confronting." I adviced not being able to stop myself in the end and she frowned at me.

Oh well, I can't say more than this otherwise it will be wrong. All I can do is to be there for her as support and also kill Girish at the same time for lying to me about Kamal and his lover.

After finishing lunch, we both walked out of the hospital and I made sure she got into the right bus before walking towards the hostel which is just a ten-minute walk from the hospital.