Chapter 26

In the morning, I woke up and checked my phone for Vihaan's reply. He texted, 'Thanks for informing me. I am taking mom to the hospital. See you at the college.'

I felt relaxed after seeing his message and got ready for college, finished my breakfast in a hurry since I woke up late today and soon left.

During break time, I looked for him in front of his class, when Aarav said, "he didn't attend college today."

I took my phone to check if he left a text for me. However, he didn't bother to text me at all. I attended the rest of the classes being worried about him. Staring at my phone constantly hoping I could hear him, but he didn't call me for the whole day. I was missing him and worried as well, wondering, Is everything fine? and decided to visit his home if he didn't call me or text me until the next morning.

The next morning, I woke up early since I couldn't get sleep, worried about Vihaan and his mom. I got out of bed, took a bath, and got ready. I had to leave for the cooking contest since the semi-final and the final rounds would be conducted today.

I searched for my phone and found it on my bed, was relieved after finding Vihaan's text, 'Sorry, I forgot my phone at home and was tired when we returned so I slept early.' Even though I feel better after reading his text I was still worried. I hoped everything was okay with him and his mom.

'Are you coming to support Sanjay with his semi-final, and final rounds today? ' I texted him.

'Absolutely.' He replied.

'See you at the venue.' I texted back and took a cab to the venue.

After I reached the venue, I saw Annie and Aarav had already arrived. We went inside and got settled. I was checking the entrance frequently for Vihaan.

Sanjay came to us and we wished him good luck. He talked with us for a while and left when he got called.

As the competition started, everybody watched their cooking closely on the screens. Meanwhile, my eyes were searching for Vihaan. Is he coming or not?

I texted him again to know where he was and he replied that he couldn't make it. He asked me to meet him in the park later. Something felt wrong when I heard him, he sound low, decided to ask him personally when I met him and I replied 'Okay.'

Soon, the competition came to an end. We waited eagerly for the results and were happy when Sanjay got selected for the final round which would be held in a while.

I noticed that he was nervous. I took his hand and told him to be calm and perform well. He took a few deep breaths to relax and nodded. When they gave a call for the contestants to be on stage on the mic, he left. I hope he gives his best in the final as this stage can be the stepping stone for his dream to become a chef. To ensure his parents that he possesses the talent to become a brilliant chef.

After cooking, the contestants presented their dishes in front of the judges and they tasted them. We waited eagerly for the results to be announced.

The judges announced the results and Sanjay made it as a runner-up who will get admission to the Cooking Academy in Italy as a prize.

We congratulated him but he looks a little sad. I asked, "Are you sad about not getting the first position?"

"No, not for that. I truly wish to go and learn more, but my parents won't accept it. I'm a bit confused about what to do now." He said sadly.

We went to a café to celebrate and to refresh his mood. We took our coffees and got settled at a table. Everyone was happy except Sanjay as he was in a dilemma.

"Talk to your parents. Make them understand your passion for cooking. Ask them to trust you and give you a chance to prove yourself. As parents, they will understand you." I said to Sanjay.

As my words sank in, he looked a bit confident and said, "I'll talk to them and make them understand my dream."

After finishing the coffee, he excused himself to go home. Annie left and Aarav insisted to walk me home but I told him that I was going to meet Vihaan. He nodded and left.

I reached the park and waited for him on the bench where we regularly meet. After a while, he settled next to me. I noticed the sadness on his face, and I knew it was about his mom.

"What happened? Is everything alright?" I asked him worriedly.

He told that his mom was sick and needed emergency surgery. Even after that, the doctor couldn't assure her life. I was broken hearing about her, could only imagine the pain he might be in.

I noticed his eyes brim with tears that he could shed at any moment, wanted to make him feel better so I took him in my arms. He held me back and hid his face in my neck as I rubbed his back gently. "You can cry in front of me. Don't stop yourself." He cried, tightening his hold.

We stayed like that for a while until he calmed. I pulled back and wiped the remaining tears as I ensured him that I was with him and he need not deal with this alone.

"Did you inform your father about your mom's situation?" I asked.

"Not yet." He said looking away.

I ran my fingers through his hair as I spoke, "You have to talk to your father about it soon since she needs emergency surgery. Your mom might want to meet your father before surgery. Perhaps, she needs him right beside her at this tough moment."

He nodded and took his phone. He called his father right in front of me and talked with him.

"What did he say?" I asked him after their conversation ended.

"He is coming on the next flight."

I nodded. "Be strong. If you need me, I'm just a call away. Don't hesitate. Now, go and be with your mom. She needs you as well." I said. He thanked me and left for the hospital in a hurry.

Later, I reached home. Mom must've noticed my sadness as she asked, "What happened? Why do you look upset?"

I hugged her and cried as I told her everything. Mom made me sit on the sofa and took my hands in hers as she spoke, "Don't worry. She will be fine. Right now, Vihaan needs your support. I'll cook something for him and we can visit them." I nodded.

We visited the hospital. Vihaan looked at us surprisingly as mom and I reached his mother's room. I introduced my mom to her and they both instantly took a liking to each other. They started talking about each other. I took this as a chance and took Vihaan away. We reached the canteen and got settled at a table. I opened the food which mom prepared and asked him to eat.

"I'm not in the mood to eat." He said, looking away.

I sighed. I knew he was hurting but he needed to be healthy to take care of his mother. I took the spoonful of rice and reached out to him. He looked at the food and then at me. We stared at each other and he finally gave in as he ate it. After eating, we sat there in silence. My heart broke into a piece each time I saw him in pain. I grabbed his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, "Don't worry. I'm with you."

We returned to the room and saw mom was ready to leave. I took her aside and asked her if I could stay for the night. I was not sure if she would agree but she surprised me by agreeing instantly and asked me to call Aarav for extra help.

Later, I called Aarav. I informed him about the condition briefly and he said he would come to the hospital. Shortly, he arrived and talked to Vihaan. He comforted him as best as he could and I was happy to see his care.

It was late at the night so I asked Vihaan to rest for a while but he disagreed. His mother insisted as well and when he was not budging, Aarav spoke, "I'll look after your mother. You need to rest so, go with Siya." Vihaan agreed.

We left the room and got to the waiting area. I patted my lap, asking him to sleep. he slowly laid down and put his head on my lap. I ran my fingers through his hair as he took my other hand and closed his eyes. Soon, he fell asleep and I closed my eyes as well and leaned back in the seat.