The grin returned and she started walking like a diva in a fashion show. Chin raised high and heels clicking on the floor with each step.

She looked at the signal and when the lights were red, she started crossing the road. But one car, probably in an emergency, came whooshing towards her. 

The guard Rihaan had sent was distracted because a little of about 6 was crying because she got separated from her parents in the street.

He was torn between the girl and Himani when she was still walking in the street. The moment he decided to quickly help the girl first and then rush back to following, Himani, she stopped to wait for the signal.

The guard wasn't there to witness the accident. No! She didn't die. The car, fortunately stopped right in front of her but she fell due to the suddenness and shock.

Her ankle twisted because of the heels and she fell on the road, trying to stop the impact with her palms.

She clutched her foot in pain and closed her eyes as tears fell from them. The car driver came running out and bent in front of her.

“I am so sorry, miss. I was in a hurry to reach my wife. She is in labour. I'm sorry. Are you ok, miss?”

The man asked and Himani tried nodding before she shook her head.

“I think I broke a bone.”

That was all she whispered before the man called the ambulance. And because it was not India, the services were quick and she was in the ambulance, being carried to the hospital in the next 5 minutes.

By the time the guard returned, Himani was gone. He tried looking around for her but she wasn't anywhere to be seen. He knew her itinerary because Himani had told her mother, her mother told her brother and her brother told the guard.

Himani was helped to change into the hospital gown. It was a gown till knee length so that they could inspect her leg properly.

The doctor checked her and did some x-rays and checks of her leg.

“Thankfully, not a broken bone. Just a minor hairline fracture. You need a plaster and complete bed rest for some time and you'll be fine.”

She sighed. That was not how she imagined her first solo trip to go. In the hospital. And she couldn't tell her family because then her brother would get to know and she would get scolded a lot.

Moreover, it was nothing serious. She was fine. Just some rest.

“Nurse Amelia will show you your ward. You will be discharged in a week.”

And there goes her entire holiday. Himani nodded solemnly and let the nurse help her in the wheelchair. Her phone rang indicating a call from her brother and her eyes widened.

She clicked it shut, not picking up the call. She bit her lip thinking about the excuse and story to make up.

The nurse helped her on her bed. It was dual sharing room and the curtain was drawn hiding her from whoever was on the other side.

“Thank you.”

Himani thanked the nurse who smiled. She was a young woman like herself. And she had a beautiful smile.

“Let me know if you need anything. I’ll be here to check on you, every two hours. This door right here, is the restroom. Do you need me to call anyone? Your family, friends?”

“No! No, that will not be needed. I have my phone with me. I’ll talk to them myself.”

Himani said with a smile and the nurse left. She huffed and looked at her phone. It was ringing again. And it was her mother this time.

“Hello? Himani? Kaha hai tu? Phone kyu nhi utha rhi thi?”

(Where are you? Why were not picking up your phone?)

Ofcourse! It was her brother, calling from her mother’s phone.

“I’m in my hotel room bhaiya. Washroom mai thi.”

(I was in the washroom.)

She heard him heave a sigh of relief.

“You scared me.”

“I’m fine bhaiya. Ab phone rakho mujhe dinner krne jaana hai. Bye!”

(Disconnect the call I want to go and have dinner.)

She quickly disconnected the call because she knew the more she talked to him, he would have figured out something was wrong.

Himani slumped back on her bed but her eyes snapped open in alarm when she heard a door slam open. She relaxed when she realised it was from the other side of the room. 

The other patient might have just come out from the washroom.

“Fuck!”

She heard a deep voice curse and her ears perked up. Oohhh! She cleared her throat to let the person know he wasn’t alone. 

The shuffling suddenly stopped and she assumed that the person realised she was here too. She looked at the time and realised that it was almost nighttime. But sleep was far away from her eyes.

She could hear harsh breathing of the person on the other end. He too couldn’t sleep.

“Can’t sleep?”

She asked and mentally prayed that she didn’t embarrass herself and he would reply.

“Nah! You either?”

“Ummhmm! I’ve never broken a bone before. And this hurts. Can’t sleep.”

She answered and he chuckled.

“I’ve broken my bones multiple times but trust me, it hurts like a bitch every time.”

She laughed at this. He did too and she observed that he had a very sexy laugh. Ok! She needed to stop. She didn’t even know if the man was a 40-year-old married man with two kids.

“So, where are you from? Are you a local?”

She asked him and he clicked his tongue.

“I’m actually a tourist here. I’m from India.”

Her eyes widened in surprise and she sat straight in excitement.

“What? Sachi?”

(Really?)

That got his attention and she heard him also sitting up judging by the way the bed creaked.

“Yeah! You too?”

“Haan!”

(Yes!)

“Wow! What a strange coincidence.”

He chuckled and she giggled.

“What’s your name?”

“Arjun Birla. And you?”

“Himani Mittal. India mai kaha se ho?”

(Where are you from in India?)

“Delhi.”

“No! Mai bhi!”

(Me too!)

She chuckled in excitement. She wouldn’t be bored for a week here now.

“Seriously? Kaha se?”

(From where?)

“I live in Defence Colony.”

She answered and heard his surprised voice.

“You’re kidding me! I live in Panchsheel Park. That’s like 15 minutes away from your place.”

And they didn’t even realise how long they talked. Both of them finally slept a few hours after midnight.