Aashi pressed her lips tightly, she pushed past Himanshu and walked into the living room angrily.

'What are you doing out of the room, and the bed?' She asked Rishabh sternly.

'Hey, I was getting bored.' His voice didn't sound cheery, instead, he sounded and looked distracted.

'But-'

'Hey, Aashi, let the poor guy move a little.' Suchitra said holding Rishabh's arm.

Aashi watched as Suchitra helped Rishabh sit on the sofa.

'Smells nice, what's cooking?' Rishabh asked removing his crutch and stretching his legs.

'Aashi is cooking.'

'What? Really?' Rishabh looked astounded. He looked at Aashi who rolled her eyes folding her arms.

'God bless us.' Rishabh joked and Suchitra roared with laughter. Aashi sighed.

'Hahaha, very funny.' She said, no one bothered to stop laughing and, so she added, - 'Idiots.' She turned around and walked into the kitchen. To her surprise, even Himanshu joined in their laughter. Aashi tried ignoring but looking at Rishabh laughing wholeheartedly, she smiled as well.

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

'Here. Come everyone.' Aashi called. Rishabh, Himanshu, and Suchitra who were sitting on the couch, finally stopped chatting and looked up.

'Finally, I am starving.' Suchitra jumped from her seat and rushed towards the table. Himanshu helped Rishabh stand.

'Here, sit.' Aashi said pulling a chair for him. Rishabh sat there, Aashi adjusted his sling and overturned his plate. Suchitra nudged Himanshu and gestured towards them. Himanshu smiled looking at Aashi plate dinner for Rishabh.

'Bas...' Rishabh said sticking out his palm.

Aashi looked at him, 'Bas? No way, you have to eat stomach full.'

'But-'

'I made it with so much love.' Aashi pouted and Rishabh sighed giving up.

'Fine.'

Aashi smiled brightly and continued to plate food for him.

She took her seat beside Rishabh who was seated in the head chair. Aashi looked expectantly at everyone as they tasted the food made by her.

'Awesome.'

'Tasty.'

'Wow.'

All three complimented in unison and with their mouth full. Aashi felt her chest rise with pride, she looked at her food happily. As she took a bite of her own cooking she loved it. She was amazed how she managed to cook so well considering this was the first time she has made this dish.

The rest of the dinner they all spend chatting happily. Later, Suchitra served them some sweets and they spend some more time chatting happily. Later, Himanshu took their leave.

'Rishabh take care, okay... no need to stand.' Himanshu advised Rishabh as he was about to stand.

Himanshu hugged Suchitra and Aashi and bid them good night. Suchitra walked with him till the door while Aashi helped Rishabh stand and guide him.

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

Later that night, Aashi changed into her PJs and stepped into the bedroom looking lost.

'What happened?' Suchitra asked as she sat on the bed. Aashi bit her lower lip.

'I think the water jug in Rishabh's room is empty.' Aashi thought out aloud. Suchitra smiled watching her hurriedly leave the room. She wasn't surprised seeing the concern Aashi has for Rishabh.

Aashi filled the water jug and walked towards the room. She thought for few seconds before knocking the door.

'Come in.'

Aashi entered the room and was surprised to see Rishabh struggling with his sling, the buttons of his shirt completely open, and one sleeve out of his hand. But the bandaged hand was creating trouble for him.

'For how long have you been struggling.' Aashi chuckled.

Rishabh looked up embarrassed.

'Wait.' Aashi said placing the water jug on the bedside table.

'Thanks, Aashi. Like always you are my savior.' He said.

'Of course.' Aashi said walking towards him. She removed his sling and raised his arm little. He winced and she immediately chanted apologies. Rishabh smiled at her and she frowned at him.

'Why are you smiling?' She asked.

Rishabh placed his palm on her shoulder, - 'I have been a total jerk to you and you are...'

'Don't start again.' Aashi warned him. Rishabh nodded and gestured to zip his lips.

'Good boy.' Aashi said and then swiftly removed the sleeve from his other hand. Aashi arranged his shirt and placed it neatly on the bed and turned around. Rishabh had his back towards her as he took out his clothes. After he took out his night clothes he turned around. Their gaze met and suddenly there was awkwardness between them.

Aashi managed to look away from his bare torso. She felt her cheeks burn.

'Aashi, if you don't mind- can you-?' Rishabh sounded hesitant himself. Aashi gave a small nod. She stared at the floor as she grabbed his Tee from his hand. Rishabh stood there little uncomfortably. With his free hand and with Aashi's help he managed to pull down the Tee over his head, he slipped his free hand easily while there was some difficulty with the other one. Aashi looked at him once he was dressed.

'Uh – this -?' he forwards his track pants to Aashi. Her eyes widened, and she looked at him shocked. Looking at her expressions, Rishabh began laughing.

'Chill I am joking. I can manage it with one hand.' He said. Aashi was inwardly relieved but outwardly she glared at him.

'Okay, I will take your leave. Good night.' Aashi said.

'Good night.' Rishabh smiled

She smiled back and turned to leave, as she reached the door Rishabh called her, she turned around.

'Thanks... for everything.' He said

Aashi smiled nodding.

Later as she lay on her side of the bed, sleep eluded her. The image of shirtless Rishabh kept flashing before her eyes. When they were teens, they had gone to a beach in Goa for a family trip, then Aashi had seen Rishabh shirtless but that time he was only 13. She felt nothing, it was normal. But tonight, seeing Rishabh shirtless made her blush and feel tingly. Rishabh has maintained his body well, complete athlete body. All though Rishabh has given professional football and cricket he must be regular at exercising and gym. Perfect chiseled chest, abs, and biceps, everything was perfect. Aashi blushed and buried her head in the duvet.