Shalini and Mohit tales #2 : The helping hand!

It is early Sunday morning, and Shalini is lying awake, tossing and turning in her bed, smiling as she thinks of her fiance, Mohit. They had a short yet sweet encounter last weekend, albeit in the company of his friends (you can read about it here). Despite not having any ‘alone’ time together, the memory of it is refreshing and worth preserving. Just then, her reminder rings, and tone of it shakes her out of her reverie. “The promotion exam is in 1.5 hours, at 10.00 am," it says. 

Shalini has prepared for this exam thoroughly. She is determined to move forward and climb the ladder of success in her career. Being an ambitious woman, she aspires to have a career filled with dignity and respect. Moreover, the icing on the cake would be if she is transferred to Bangalore, Mohit's city, which is an added incentive for acing this promotion test. Taking a deep breath, she fills herself with energy on this otherwise lazy Sunday, ready to tackle the challenge ahead.

She jumps out of bed and quickly gets ready. It is 9.00 am, and the cook has not arrived yet. Hence, Shalini prepares a quick breakfast of bread, butter, and coffee for herself. She has breakfast while revising the topics for the exam. Just then, Rhythm comes out of the room, looking sad and with eyes that seem to have been weeping all night.

“Hey! You woke up so early?” asks Shalini, without raising her eyes from the book. 

"Yep! I am not feeling well," Rhythm replies. 

"It must be last night's hangover. Here, take my coffee. You will feel better," Shalini says, sliding her coffee mug towards her, still looking in the book. 

"What are you reading?"

"I have a promotion exam today. Remember? I am revising, " Shalini finally looks at her. Shalini notices dark circles around her eyes, her sweating forehead, and her swollen eyes. 

"Are you feeling well?" Shalini asks in a concerned voice.

"Can you do me a favor? Can you please take me to the doctor?I am really sorry I don't want to ask you today, but I need this favor, " Rhythm asks in a broken, stammering voice. 

"What? I have a promotion exam at 10.00 am and it is already 9.10 am. Can you ask Aakash, please?” Shalini says, looking away from Rhythm, fixing her gaze to the blank TV screen, a tinge of guilt reflecting in her eyes. 

"I asked him, but he refused to take me to the hospital. We had a big fight last night. I am feeling dizzy, have a fever and nausea too. Please help me," Rhythm pleads in a weak voice. 

“You can ask Shikha.” Shalini's voice turns heavy. Shikha is the other flatmate of Shalini and Rhythm.

“I called her about 100 times and banged her door about 50 times, but she is not replying. I do not want to disturb you but nobody is there to take me to the doctor. Please!” Rhythm comes and sits near Shalini’s knees, pleading with folded hands and tears in her eyes. 

Shalini wants to help her friend, but she feels helpless in the situation. She contemplates the option of giving Rhythm a paracetamol medicine before leaving for the exam. If she takes the medicine, Rhythm might feel better, and her promotion exam is only 1.5 hours long, so Shalini should be able to make it back within 2 hours with the travel time included. Then, she could take her friend to the doctor, if required. However, suddenly, Rhythm passes out, leaving Shalini in a state of shock. 

Shalini panics as she is now left with no option but to help Rhythm. Confused and worried, she picks up her phone to search for a nearby hospital. She hurries to call the hospital and requests an ambulance. Meanwhile, Shalini frantically tries to revive Rhythm, but her efforts prove futile. She feels a surge of distress and helplessness as she watches her friend's unconscious form. Although the thought of missing her promotion exam crosses her mind, she quickly dismisses it, realizing that Rhythm's health is far more important. After helping Rhythm into the ambulance, she sends a message to Shikha and also requests her to inform Aakash since she does not have his contact number.

Mohit calls at 9:50 am. She hesitates and considers ignoring the call, knowing that Mohit may not call her again due to her last-minute preparation for the supposed promotion test at 10:00 am. In a relationship, lying is hard only the first time. Moreover, she can not bear the thought of lying to Mohit and adding to the stress and anxiety she is already feeling.With a knot in her stomach and fearing the conversation ahead, decides to tell him the truth then and there and picks up the call.

"Hey!" Mohit says merrily, his voice ringing, like the birds chirping in her ears.

"Hi!" she responds, her voice tense. 

"Don't get stressed, you will do well in the test," he tries to cheer her up. 

Sensing his excitement, the voice sticks in her throat and her heart starts to race faster. Mustering all her courage, she informs him in a broken voice, "I am not taking the exam today." 

"What? Why?" he asks, his tone unbelieving.

"Rhythm fainted in the dining hall and only I was there to help her" Shalini says sadly, looking at her unconscious friend and fearing for what is about to come next. 

"You have misplaced priorities. You never know where you are heading? What do you want? I am so tired of you. Are you her only friend in Jaipur? What about her boyfriend? Why didn't he come?" he shouts, unable to control his anger and rising disappointment in his voice. 

"It all happened so suddenly, Mohit. I didn't even get a chance to process what was going on. What could I have done in such a situation?" she explains, her voice cracking with emotion. "And you always blame me for everything. Can't you think about how this affects me too? This promotion meant so much to me. It was a golden opportunity for my career, and also a chance for me to stay near you. I'm tired of you always making me feel like I'm the one with misplaced priorities. Can't you just be there for me and understand what I'm going through?" She pours out all her frustration on Mohit, trying her best to control her voice and composure in the ambulance. 

"It was important for both of us that you get promoted. Mistake is yours, you have no right to shout," He says in a calmer yet bitter tone. Before Shalini could open her mouth to reply, she hears the dial tone as he hangs up the phone. 

Shalini attempts to call him, but his phone is switched off. Overwhelmed with feelings of loneliness, frustration, and guilt, she begins to sob, continuing until they reach the hospital. Despite the nurse's attempts to comfort her, Shalini completely ignores her, shaking her head in refusal on the offer of water.

After Rhythm gets admitted, the doctor orders a battery of tests. Two anxious hours pass before Shikha and Aakash finally arrive at the hospital. They praise Shalini for her quick thinking and thank her profusely for her help.  The stress of the situation had taken a toll on her, and she is feeling lightheaded and dizzy. She can't stop thinking about Mohit. His angry words are still echoing in her mind, yet she is missing him by her side. Her ego is motivating to take revenge while her heart is pleading her to make a call to check if he had switched on his mobile. She knows she has done the right thing by helping Rhythm, but she has missed an fantastic opportunity today towards the advancement of her career. She needs the comfort, she knows only he can give. 

After a while, Shalini's phone chimes, indicating a message from Mohit. She hesitates before opening it, not knowing what to expect. To her surprise, the message reads, "You did the right thing, Shalini. I don't think I could have been as brave as you. I understand that your promotion was crucial, but you prioritised humanity over your own career. You made the tougher choice, and I respect you for it. I'm sorry." Shalini's heart swells with relief and gratitude as she reads the message. It feels as if a weight has been lifted off her shoulders, and she is grateful for Mohit's understanding and support.

She despises the overwhelming feeling of frustration that engulfs her whenever Mohit gets angry. She finds it difficult to focus on anything else when he is upset. However, his  one message or one call manages to soothe her nerves, lightens her heart and bring her back to herself. "This is not a good situation," she thinks and smiles as she reads his message. She immediately dials his number. "Thank you for understanding. And, I have some good news. When I couldn't appear for the exam, my manager called me. I explained the situation to him, and he postponed the test to tomorrow. I still have a chance for the promotion," she says joyfully.

"Great," says Mohit, trying to control his voice but feeling exhilarated inside. Shalini is surprised by his reaction, as if she had expected more. "That's it for my hard work?" she asks with a hint of disappointment in her voice. "yes! That's it," Mohit responds quickly. 

 "I am proud of you, Shalini. You did the right thing, and I am sorry for being angry earlier. I know how important this promotion is for you, and I am happy that you are still able to take the exam tomorrow," He thinks. 

"What has happened to Rhythm?" Mohit asks, before Shalini could intrigue further, changing the topic to hide the feeling of increased respect and liking towards her. 

"Unfortunately, Rhythm has a history of severe migraines. She took her medication, which is high in caffeine, and then proceeded to drink excessively, compounding the effects. As a result, she's got unwell. However, the doctor assured us that she'll recover in a day or two," Shalini explained in a calm tone.

"Oh! Your careless friends!" Mohit said in his usual knowing- all tone. 

Shalini chuckled, admitting the truth in Mohit's words. As the tension between them dissipates, she remembers to ask an important question. "I'll be going home in a fortnight, and I heard your parents and brother will be visiting. Are you planning to come too?" she asked, hoping for a positive response, of course. 

Don't miss the next installment of our gripping story! Find out what Mohit replies to Shalini and what happens when Shalini returns home after a long absence and Mohit's family comes to visit.