link
Two weeks later …
Gwen plugs the network cable at the back of the POS and waits for the signal to shoot back into the system. Tapping her fingers impatiently on the counter, she looks around the mall and finds the customers intriguing. It was Friday, yet customers are already flocking the mall as if it was Sunday. Smiling to herself, Gwen waits for the two colours at the back of the POS to appear, indicating the system is back on line.
“How much longer?” Morgana asks from underneath the POS counter, holding the network cable straight, avoiding the signal to break down.
“Five minutes!”
“Better make it two… my fingers are aching!” she shouts from underneath.
“Right…” Gwen says and bends low just enough to inspect on the cable. The green colour flashes consistently but it was the नारंगी, ऑरेंज that matters most and at the moment there isn’t any colour appearing. Sighing in frustration, Gwen taps the table.
“Yeah?” Morgana जवाब from beneath.
“There’s no नारंगी, ऑरेंज yet… check the point”
“Damn… when are the contractors getting here? This is their work and now it falls on our heads!! We are not technicians, आप know… especially me!!” Morgana mumbles angrily and enters deeper underneath the तालिका, टेबल to inspect the line. She pulls the point, uses a cutter to snip off the clip, adjusts and arranges the wires properly and using a clamper, she clamps the clip of the cable. She then plugs it back into the point and pulls back enough to दिखाना Gwen a thumbs up. Gwen switches on the POS and waits for the signal to reappear.
“Is it working?” Morgana asks from underneath.
“Wait.”
“I’m hungry… I can’t wait. There are two और counters to go but if this goes on like this for another hour, I’m going to be gobbling on these wires!”
“I know, I know… wait, Morgana,” Gwen calls and bends low to check the signal. Both the lights are up now and the system is back on line. Gwen sighs and smiles to herself.
“It’s working, sweetheart… आप did good.” she tells Morgana.
“Great, now tell Gaius to hire me as his backup tech…” Morgana mumbles again and crawls out from underneath the table. Gwen laughs to herself and picks the remaining cable, the clamper, cable tie, scissor, चाकू and पेंचकस, पेचकश and drops them into the basket she brought along with her. Morgana wipes her hand and dusts off the dust from her jeans and adjusts her blouse. Gwen instructs the cashier to carry on operating the POS as usual and walks around the तालिका, टेबल to शामिल होइए Morgana.
“Two more… where first?” Morgana asks and before Gwen can answer her, her mobile rings. Gwen lays the basket down and fishes out the mobile but her expression changes when she notices the unknown number on the screen.
“What is it?”
“I don’t recognise this number… do you?” Gwen shows the number to Morgana and her friend shakes her head. Gwen wonders if she should answer या not.
“Go on… answer it”
“But I don’t recognise this number!” Gwen argues.
“Neither do I… but who knows, it might be important,” Morgana tries to reason.
“Most of the people I know have my number…”
“So do mine yet I still get calls from unknown numbers… go on, answer it!!” Morgana urges Gwen to answer the phone. Gwen clicks on the receiver and brings her phone to her ears.
“Hello?”
“Gwen?” the voice seems very familiar yet Gwen can’t bring herself to recognise it immediately.
“Who’s this?”
“It’s me, Merlin”
‘Ahhh, no wonder the voice sounds familiar,’ Gwen thinks and smiles. Morgana pinches Gwen’s arm and asks who it is. Gwen silences her with her hand. “Oh, Merlin… how are you?” she asks, enthusiastically.
“I’m fine… am I interrupting you?”
“No, not at all… is everything all right?” Gwen finds Merlin’s सवाल quite surprising.
“Hmm, I need a favour”
“What kind of favour?” Gwen steals a look at Morgana.
“Are आप sure I’m not interrupting your work? Because if I do, then perhaps I can call later,” Merlin says cautiously.
“Of course not, I’m absolutely free. What’s your problem?”
“Hmm, I don’t know how to start, but it’s regarding Arthur,” Merlin उत्तरों hesitantly.
“Hmm… go on,” Gwen urges.
“I have to take him for an appointment today and unfortunately I am held up in a meeting and at the moment I can’t get myself excused at all. The other lads are all have their hands tied so I don’t know anyone else to do this favour for me. I was thinking, is it possible for आप to get to the appointment and back? Please?”
“Oh…”
“I couldn’t get the appointment rescheduled because the doctor who treats Arthur is leaving for Jordan in two weeks time, his calendar if full and he is actually clearing up all the appointments before he leaves. And Arthur has to get his head checked before they decide if he needs another scan so this appointment is kinda important. So… please Gwen?”
“Ahhmm…” Gwen doesn’t know what to say या how to react. This is a heavy favour and it’s not the task that bothers her but the person it is directed to whom Gwen is worried about.
“Please… I know this is too much to ask and if दिया a choice I wouldn’t trouble you, but I haven’t anyone else to turn to. I can’t ask his father, आप know Arthur’ll never approve of him.”
“Does he approve of me?” Gwen needs to be sure.
“He will, I will ask him to.”
“But Merlin, it’s been two weeks and I haven’t… I mean, we haven’t talked with one another. How… am I to… आप know, face him?” Gwen didn’t know what to say at all. The quarrel which ended up nastily between her and Arthur is still fresh in her mind and she bets it’s in his too. With that misunderstanding still hanging between them, how can Merlin expect her to help him?
“Perhaps now is that opportunity. Please Gwen, I wouldn’t be asking आप this favour if it isn’t necessary. Just this once, please,” Merlin pleads on. Gwen was split. She wants to help Merlin yet she’s concerned about what Arthur’s reaction will be. After all, they didn’t exactly part on good terms and she knows Arthur must be holding a grudge against her for those lies she told him, and even if he doesn’t she’s still feeling guilty for lying to him. But this is an urgent favour and though she’s willing to help, she doesn’t know how. सवालों and doubts plague her mind as Merlin continuously pleads from the other side of the line.
“What is it?” Morgana सवालों her softly and Gwen simply shakes her head to her.
“Are आप still angry with him, Gwen?” Merlin’s voice was disappointed.
“What? Huh… me, hmm… no. No. Why would आप ask that?”
“Because I suspect you’re seriously considering meeting Arthur and not the request I made. Sorry, I had to know.”
“No, no I’m not angry with him but I’m thinking he must be with me. Is he not?”
“Well, I can’t be sure of that but he made peace with me a week ago. I’m sure he’ll come good. After all, didn’t आप convince me that Arthur won’t stay कड़वा for long? Do आप doubt your own words?”
“I don’t but… frankly speaking, I’m worried what he might say या how he may react.”
“Are आप afraid he may turn hysterical again?” Merlin laughs.
“You’re laughing, Merlin!”
“Sorry, couldn’t help it,” Merlin laughs. “Sorry… sorry Gwen. Please don’t misunderstand me, but I still remember आप saying if he’s going to throw another tantrum, you’re definitely going to slap him so… I was just imagining it, sorry,” Merlin laughs again and Gwen admits, it did sound pretty funny. She smiles.
“Fine, Merlin, I’ll do it.” Gwen finally agrees.
“What? Really?”
“Better stop asking me that before I change my mind. Tell me where to pick him up, what time… all the details.”
“Thank आप so much, Gwen. I knew I could count on you. Thanks.”
“I’m doing it for you, Merlin,” Gwen says and looks at Morgana. “And one और thing, Merlin. I don’t drive, so I may need to bring another friend of mine to pick him up, is that fine?”
“Sure… just make sure आप introduce that person to Arthur.”
“Sure… now, the details please?”
“I’ll send आप the address in a while, the appointment is at four and it’s the same hospital he was admitted to before. Look for Doctor Alvarr; he’s the one who treated Arthur right from the beginning. Meet him and he’ll know what to do next. I’ll give him a ring and let him know you’re coming. Anything else?”
“At the moment this will do… oh, wait! How did आप know my number?”
“Gaius gave it to me… don’t worry, I will not give it to anyone else. Promise.” Merlin says quickly before Gwen can warn him.
“Well, guess that’s all for the time being… I’ll call आप once we get there,” she tells him and hears him sigh in relief.
“Thanks, Gwen.”
“You owe me, remember that.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Bye, and thanks, love,” Merlin ends up the conversation and Gwen lowers her phone, looking at Morgana expressionless.
“What? Who is it?” Morgana asks, looking eager to know what was discussed.
“Merlin”
“Merlin? Arthur’s friend?”
“Yeah… he wants a favour from me. He wants me to take Arthur to his hospital appointment because he wasn’t to do it himself”
“That’s ridiculous! Couldn’t his friends, the other lads help him?”
“They are all busy Morgana, that’s why he asked me.” Gwen says and walks over to the other POS counter with Morgana hurrying behind her.
“And I assume आप are not busy?”
“Morgana,” Gwen stops and turns around, taking her friend द्वारा the shoulder. “I understand what you’re saying but it was a favour and I couldn’t say no.”
“Why?”
“Because I owe Merlin, Morgana. Because of me, Arthur was pissed with Merlin and found out his friend told me all about him. God knows what happened between them both but if Arthur has the tendency to frighten the hell of me with his tantrums imagine what he must have done to Merlin. And I still feel guilty for what happened that night. That’s why I agreed to this favour.”
“Really?”
“What?”
“Are आप trying to get me believe this bullshit, Gwen?”
“Oi! This is the truth!”
“Really… Gwen, you’re funny,” Morgana laughs, turns and walks away from Gwen. Gwen is confused, and now this time she runs after Morgana. She grabs hold of Morgana’s arm and swings her around, stopping her.
“What in the world is that suppose to mean?”
“I don’t believe your reason to help Merlin,” Morgana informs her casually.
“And what’s your justification in that?”
“I think आप have personal agenda to help Arthur.”
“What? That’s bollocks, Morgana. Me, personal agenda… rubbish!” Gwen waves her hand.
“I think आप want to see him again, that’s why आप agreed… am I right?”
“No!”
“Yes!”
“No!”
“Yes, Gwen… yes आप do!”
“NO, Morgana!”
“Yes…”
“Morgana!!!” Gwen cannot believe her friend is actually right. Yes, she does want to see Arthur again, at least for one और time. She’s been longing for this opportunity ever since Lancelot cleared some air about the way she feels for Arthur, weeks ago, when she couldn’t get him out from her system. She didn’t know where he lived या how to get in contact with Merlin. She could ask Gaius but she didn’t want to rouse the old man’s suspicion so she kept her wish all to herself. Now opportunity seems to be there at her doorstep and there’s no way she’s going to miss it. Except she doesn’t want anyone to know how desperate she is to see him. All except Morgana, who manages to sniff her intentions well.
“Right, aren’t I?” Morgana snaps her fingers in front of Gwen’s face.
“What… no, you’re not!” Gwen tries to hide the blush forming on her cheek. If Morgana finds out, she’ll tease her for life.
“Aw, come on, Gwen… you’re a bad liar. It’s obvious on your face and you’re still trying to make me believe in your crap? I don’t buy it, sweetheart, not one bit!”
“Mor…. ahhhh!” Gwen gives up convincing Morgana otherwise. There’s no way her friend will believe her anymore. She’s good, Gwen thinks.
“Right, आप win!” Gwen walks away but Morgana holds her back, her eyes gleaming with happiness.
“Tell me that once again!!” Morgana demands of Gwen.
“What?”
“That आप want to see him.”
Gwen sighs. “Morgana!!”
“Go ahead and say it!” Morgana demands again.
Gwen knows there’s no way she’ll get out from her फ्रेंड्स clutches if she doesn’t do what Morgana says. Sighing deeply, she says “Right… I want to see him!”
“I told आप so… there is a personal agenda hidden somewhere. I’m good… really good!”
“Yeah, you’re good… now that आप know the truth, can we get back to work?”
“Don’t ever try to pull my leg, it never works,” Morgana warns playfully. Gwen shakes her head laughing.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah… Look. I have to take Arthur to his appointment and I need your help.”
“You want me to drive आप there?” Morgana guesses. Gwen playfully twitches Morgana’s nose.
“Yes, can you?”
“Anytime. What time?”
“We leave at three sharp. Merlin will आगे the address to me in a while and we pick Arthur, take him to the hospital, take him back and come back here. Good?”
“Fine with me.”
“Thanks, dear.”
“Anytime… except don’t think आप can lie to me,” Morgana teases as the walk to the other POS counters.
“Not anymore,” Gwen जवाब with a smile.
Arthur taps the cane he holds in his hand lightly, his mind deep in thought. He has just received a call from Merlin saying he won’t be able to take him to his appointment but will be sending in a replacement. Arthur didn’t have the slightest idea whom Merlin has called in as his replacement because he understands the other guys are quite busy as well. So when the name popped from Merlin’s lips, Arthur was filled with a kaleidoscope of emotions. Arthur remembers the conversation well.
“Arthur, I may not be coming in to take आप to the appointment but I will a send a friend of mine. Will that be all right?”
“A friend? But does he know me?”
“Hmmm… it’s a she and yes she knows आप very well.”
“Oh, well if she has no problem with that than neither do I… but, who is she and how does she knows me? Have we met?”
“Its… ahmmm… it’s Gwen,” Merlin say quickly and shortly, waiting for the response from his friend. Arthur keeps mum for a while.
“Arthur?”
“Why her, Merlin?” the tone was flat, emotionless.
“There’s no one else I can seek for help, Arthur. I don’t know anyone else… unless आप wouldn’t mind your father.”
“No, not him, please!” Arthur says quickly.
“So… better her than him?”
“Just… आप think she’d agree?” Arthur isn’t sure if Merlin’s idea was right या wrong but if it involves his father, he’d go for her anytime. Now the सवाल is, will she help?
“She already has.”
“What!” Arthur is stunned.
“Yeah… I’m calling आप to inform she’s arriving in another thirty मिनटों time. She will take आप to meet the doctor, wait and see आप home. Once you’re घर she’ll give me a ring and I’ll meet आप back here. Is it fine?”
“She agreed, Merlin? I can’t believe it,” Arthur is still shocked द्वारा Merlin’s information and he couldn’t get anything else into his mind.
Merlin laughs. “I knew she would, Arthur… she’s not cruel, आप know, and though she might have been pissed with आप before, she isn’t anymore.”
“It must’ve been hard to persuade her,”
“Not really… though she was hesitant in the beginning.”
“Hesitant?”
“Just like you, she was afraid आप may not approve but later she gave in, saying she’ll do it.”
“Ohh…”
“So, will आप promise to be good with her, at least for me?”
“I wouldn’t do anything to her Merlin, I did give my word week ago, didn’t I but… I just… don’t know how to face her.”
“I don’t believe it!” Merlin laughs from the other side of the line.
“What?”
“She told me exactly the same Arthur! How can आप both be mirroring each other and yet claim आप can’t get along! This is not coincidence Arthur; I seriously believe आप both have some sort of connection… seriously!”
“Yeah right… fine, I’ll be good, I promise.” Arthur replies.
“Good… don’t fret, you’re in good hands,” Merlin ends the conversation, leaving Arthur thinking if what he agreed is a good idea या not.
The doorbell rings. Arthur flips in his seat, almost sending the cane under the तालिका, टेबल but he holds on to it tightly, gets up and taps his way to the door. The घंटी, बेल rings again and he reaches it, unlatches the lock and turns the knob, pulling it back slowly.
“Hello?” he calls, a procedure the guys made him follow since his accident.
“Hello Arthur.”
Arthur recognises the voice immediately. It was like a song in his head, the way Gwen pronounces his name. The softness of her tone and the sweetness of her voice incorporate to create a संगीत so lovely, Arthur could go on hearing it all day.
“Arthur?” Gwen calls again.
“Sorry, come in,” Arthur replies, pulls the door ajar and steps back to allow both Gwen and Morgana to enter. They do and Morgana seems fascinated द्वारा Arthur but Gwen remains silent.
“Merlin tells me आप have agreed to take me to my appointment?”
“That’s right.”
“I’m sorry to place such a burden onto you. To spare some of your time for me, knowing how busy आप are… I’m sorry,” Arthur says regretfully.
“It’s all right. Merlin asked a favour and I couldn’t say no. He’s a friend and this is what a friend does for another,” Gwen replies, eyeing Arthur sharply. Arthur’s expression quickly changes but he says nothing in return. Gwen purses her lips and turns at Morgana who seems to be minding her own business.
“Arthur, I brought a friend of mine with me. She’s a colleague of mine, a programmer like myself and we work in the same mall. Her name’s Morgana.”
‘Ouch!’ Arthur feels the bite and smiles painfully. “Pleasure to meet you, Morgana,” he greets Morgana.
“Same here,” Morgana smiles and turns towards Gwen, her eyes widening and her mouth lip synching the word, ‘He’s hot!’.
Gwen couldn’t believe Morgana just कहा that but she keeps her laughter to herself
and steps closer to Arthur. “Are आप ready?” she asks.
“I need to get my कोट and scarf and we are good to go,” he says.
“Let me, where are they?”
“It’s all right, I’ll get them.”
“No, there’s no trouble at all… where are they?” Gwen insists.
“In my room,” he tells her as Gwen walks to his room and enters. “They’re on my bed,” he adds from his distance.
Gwen steps in and takes in the fresh smell of the after shave still lingering in the room. The aura of masculinity emanating from the smell sends her emotion and feelings into a whirlwind. She is intoxicated द्वारा the smell. It was doing crazy stuff to her mind. She liked it yet she was afraid of it. Shaking her head to dismiss it, she quickly searches for Arthur’s कोट and scarf. They’re on his बिस्तर and she walks over, picks them up and leaves the room. She needs to get out of here as soon as possible.
“Here आप go,” Gwen nears Arthur and without realising what she is doing, she helps Arthur into his कोट and wraps the scarf around his neck. Stepping back she smiles happily and watches Arthur all geared to go.
Her touch stuns Arthur and he stands petrified; he doesn’t know what to say. Morgana too finds the situation awkward and she reaches out and squeezes Gwen’s elbow. Only then did Gwen realise what she did. Clasping her mouth, she looks back at Morgana. But her friend smiles and assures her everything is fine. Gwen removes her hand and clears her throat.
“Can we… go now?” she asks, relieved Arthur couldn’t see her now.
“Sure,” he too feels a little uneasy but thankfully he is glad he couldn’t see.
“Let me help you,” Gwen reach and clasps his hand but he pulls away immediately.
“Don’t get me wrong, please, but… आप lead and I’ll follow. That’s how I’m used to doing it,” he says and extends his hand.
Smiling, Gwen takes his hand and wraps it around her arm and leads him out, with an amused Morgana trailing behind them.
Gwen twirls her fingers and looks around. The hospital isn’t busy like it used to be, but there is continuous flow of people coming in and going out. She leans her head against the दीवार and rests her eyes, still heavy with the lack of sleep she’s been enduring these past weeks. She is feeling bored and wishes Morgana was with her. She would have been if Gaius didn’t call and request that one of them get back as soon as possible. The contractors to reinstall the network lines have arrived and he needed either one to guide them around. Morgana offered herself to leave but did promise to return after the appointment is done. Gwen needs to give Morgana a call after Arthur is done with his checkup and she will take them both back home. Gwen coughs and straightens up. With Morgana gone and Arthur with the doctor, Gwen is feeling really bored and sleepy. She wishes the appointment would be over soon so that she can take Arthur घर and get back to her work. A commotion at the end of the corridor wakes her up and she lifts her lids in irritation. What now! A woman is arguing with a nurse and looks like she isn’t satisfied with the खाना served for her husband and demanding an explanation. Typical. Gwen sighs and shuts her eyes again. But someone tapping at her leg sends her jolting in her seat. Gwen sits up in a fright and finds Arthur standing अगला to her, being assisted out from the doctor’s office द्वारा a nurse.
“Oh, Arthur… sorry, आप startled me,” Gwen says and quickly stands up. The nurse helps Arthur to sit down.
“All done?” she asks the nurse.
“Yes, we wanted to check on his head injury and it looks to be fine from the scan we just did. The wounds are healing and I believe the doctor wants him to rest fully for another couple of months.”
“Is there anything I need to tell Merlin?”
“I think the doctor is on the line with him right now.”
“Oh, so can I take him back home?”
“Yes आप can… goodbye Arthur.” the nurse bends and touches Arthur’s knee and with a quick goodbye, she leaves. Gwen watches her leave and turns back towards Arthur.
‘Great .. what am I going to say?’ Gwen thinks and sits down slowly beside him. Morgana won’t be back for another half-hour या so, that means she is stuck with him all alone. Why on earth did the appointment finish this early? Isn’t it supposed to be at least an घंटा long? That’s what Morgana and she anticipated and with that in mind, her friend left. Now that is it finished early, she doesn’t know what to do with him until Morgana arrives.
“Do आप want anything to eat या drink?” she tries to start a conversation.
“No thanks,” comes the crisp reply.
“Morgana might be a bit late because she had to run back to the mall, work, आप see,” Gwen laughs nervously. Arthur smiles. “But she will be here in half an hour’s time,” she adds. He nods and keeps silent. Gwen didn’t know what else to say. So she decides to keep quiet as well.
They both remain quiet for almost five minutes. Arthur keeps his head down and clutching his cane tightly as if it was his life support while Gwen resting against the chair and watching him, not knowing what else to say या do. The patients and visitors at the hospital starts to increases with the visiting time approaching and along with the crowd, noise increases as well. After five मिनटों या so, Arthur straightens up and turns around.
“I’m sorry, Guinevere,” the way he calls her name hums like a melody in her ears. She had been longing for this voice, for the way he calls her name and the way it makes her दिल flutter. It’s been just two weeks yet she feels like missing him forever.
Gwen thinks she heard him wrong but she didn’t. He कहा it, really did and her दिल soars. She didn’t anticipate that feeling but it was there. Why, she didn’t know. Neither did she care.
“Guinevere?”
“I’m here, Arthur”
“Did आप hear me?”
“Yes, loud and clear.”
“I’m sorry for shouting at आप and for… everything that happened,” it’s obvious he’s still hurt from what happened and he doesn’t want to talk about it anymore. He wants to apologise and quickly be done with the matter.
“I’m sorry, too,” she apologises shortly. Arthur shifts in his seat.
“No, it’s never your fault… आप were trying to help me and I didn’t listen… it’s mine to bear… sorry.”
“Mine too Arthur. I shouldn’t have lied… I am sorry, too.”
“But…”
“Arthur, listen,” she reaches and clasps his hand in hers while the other reaching up and clipping his chin, turning his face to meet hers. “I lied, all right? I shouldn’t have done, but I did and I am sorry. I wanted to tell आप how sorry I am since the दिन we fought, but I didn’t know your number या Merlin’s. I also didn’t know where आप lived so I was just hoping we bump into each other one दिन so that I’d get my opportunity and thankfully it arrived today. I am ashamed of everything that occurred and wish we had it settled back then. But it’s not too late now. Please forgive me for all the hurt I have caused… it must have been hard for आप and I was a fool not to realise that. I am truly sorry, Arthur, truly sorry,” Gwen finishes and waits. As Arthur keeps quiet, she slowly releases his hand.
Arthur is intrigued. He didn’t expect this from her. To forgive him after all that dirt he hurtled at her takes a big दिल and she definitely has one. It’s never easy to forget those harsh words; they were all nasty and menacing. He should know better. His father used to taunt his bruised ego with words worse than what Arthur said. It didn’t just hurt him but shredded his दिल as well. And it leaves a कड़वा taste too. Arthur knows he left a scar in her. Anyone in her place, why, even he in her position would think twice about forgive him but she did. And isn’t that proof enough that she has kind spirit in her? And what a fool he’s been; thinking she was using him as her device for her own scheme. Yes she lied, but she did it in a good spirit. She has no intention in hurting him neither did she ever want to. All she wants was his friendship and he screwed it up, well, almost did. There’s still a slim chance for him to repair the damage he caused, if he chooses his words properly.
“Arthur?”
“Oh, sorry… been in my own thoughts,” he says and rakes his hair, careful not to touch his wounds. Though the bandages have been removed and his injury healing, the stitches on his wounds have yet to fall off. And he didn’t want to disrupt the healing process द्वारा accidentally tugging the stitches.
“Sorry, if I’m interrupting…”
“NO!!” he says quickly and searches for her hand in the air. Gwen hesitates but after a while, she reaches out and grabs his hand, holding it warmly. “No, you’re not interrupting at all. I was thinking about… you”
“Me?”
“Yes, and me of course. Thinking what a fool I’ve been and what good दिल आप have…”
“Arthur…”
“No Guinevere, please allow me to talk. आप कहा your part and it’s time I कहा mine,” he says and sighs deeply. “You were right. I am an idiot.”
“Arthur…”
“I didn’t realise आप were trying to teach me about myself. I didn’t realise I was making mistakes and kept on holding to the lies I made myself believe. I was a fool, Guinevere, and आप made me realise that.”
“No,” Gwen says but he reaches up and places his fingers on his lips, asking her to be quiet. Gwen stops talking.
“I don’t know where your lips are, Guinevere, so I used mine as an example. Please, let me talk Guinevere,” he pleads with his fingers still attached to his lips.
Gwen peels his fingers away from his lips and listens.
“You are right about me, Guinevere. I am insecure. But trust me, it isn’t what I wanted, but I didn’t have any choice. I didn’t have anyone with me, around me and I was all alone. I grew up without my parents’ प्यार and didn’t know how it feels to have someone caring for you. I was deprived of that kind of love, Guinevere, and would आप trust me if I’d कहा I’d believe anything या anyone offered me for that type of love? If someone tells me today that I had to give up my wealth so that I can receive my parents’ love, I’d give it up in a second, without a सेकंड thought. I was desperate, Guinevere, very desperate, and I’d believe everything that comes my way. And that’s how I fall prey to a lot of people. They started lying to me and it worked, at least in the beginning. When I found out, it broke my heart. Then I swore I’d never allow people to lie my face again. I swore never to believe in anyone blindly. I started feeling insecure about everything. That’s why I took your lies so to heart.” he says and swallows. “I lied when I कहा I was in control, Guinevere. I never was and never will be. Not as long as I live in my father’s shadow. That’s why I started spiraling out of control; I wanted to make him प्यार me and I didn’t know how. I didn’t know to whom to turn. I have friends, आप might say, but they have their lives, Guinevere, and I can’t be their burden.”
“But they would never consider आप a burden, Arthur!”
“I know they wouldn’t, but they’ve done so much for me, especially Merlin, and I haven’t done anything back in gratitude.”
“Merlin never expects anything back, Arthur.”
“I know, and that’s why I can’t continue to be his burden,” Arthur says and looks away. “I never had anyone telling me about myself Guinevere, you’re the first,” he says softly, turning around.
“I shouldn’t…”
“You did right, because I realise my mistakes now. And I’ve been wrong all this while, thinking I’m running my life well when I actually wasn’t. But thanks to you, now I know. And there’s still time to change all the mistakes I’ve made.”
“Arthur, I didn’t want to hurt you…”
“No, Guinevere, आप didn’t. आप saved my life. If I had carried on pledging my belief on the lies I’ve created myself… I don’t know how I’d survive या for how long. And God knows how many और I might have hurt. So thank you, Guinevere. Thank आप for changing my life”
“Arthur, I didn’t change anything in your life. I blew my चोटी, शीर्ष and called आप names. I was tearing आप to pieces and thinking it about it now, I feel ashamed.”
“No, don’t be. You’re my lifesaver,” he says with a smile. Gwen’s दिल leaps with joy at the sight of that smile.
“I wanted to apologise immediately myself, but I didn’t know where आप lived either, and all दिन I prayed for a chance, just one chance for me to ask for your forgiveness. I didn’t know it would arrive like this, but something is better than nothing. Until आप forgive me, I’ll never be able to sleep peacefully,” he replies.
“You know I have forgiven आप already.”
“Now I do, but please do not think I’m a good-for-nothing sort of scoundrel, Guinevere. I want to live an ordinary life but I never had an ordinary childhood, let alone upbringing. I had to endure endless disappointments in my life to be where I am now but I never want to give up. My father might hate me for reasons only he knows, but I will make him realise what he is missing.”
“Then आप must allow yourself to be heard, Arthur and आप must listen, या what आप wish for will remain that… just a wish”
“I know that now, and that’s why I let आप in first,” he says with a smile.
“I thought your फ्रेंड्स were already in… are they not?” she asks with a teasing smile. Her thumb strokes his hand softly.
“Oh they have, but आप are different, Guinevere.”
“Different?”
“Hmmm… let’s say your input plays a different role for me than theirs,” Arthur smiles. Gwen smiles and her hearts beats rapidly. She doesn’t know what he means and she likes the suspense. She doesn’t want to know the truth yet; there’s still plenty of time for her to find out. First, she wants to know him better and explore their relationship. Arthur might say what he wants about himself but she wants to find out about him herself. There’s no fun in hearing everything from him. And she wants to help him. It’s obvious he’s suffering and it pains her to see him hurt. She didn’t know what transpired in her, but somewhere deep within her heart, in a small corner, her दिल weeps for him as well.
“Guinevere?”
“Yes, Arthur?”
“Have I कहा anything wrong?”
“No, Arthur, आप didn’t… I was just wrapped in my own thoughts, that’s all.”
“Oh. Were they about… us?” Arthur asks softly.
Gwen smiles shyly. “Yes”
“Wow, that’s really nice to know… us.” Arthur repeats and laughs. Gwen watches him laugh and she feels happy as well. Why she would have these feelings in her about the man who accidentally killed her father baffles her. To be honest, the past two weeks were a torture for her. She’s been longing to meet him and when she couldn’t find him, she was heartbroken. To hide her hurt, she buried herself in work. Only after Merlin’s call earlier did she find herself back again. And now that they’ve mended the fences and became friends, Gwen feels like she’s found happiness all over again. How could someone she just met have such a deep impact on her? Is this supposed to happen या is it co incidence? या like they say in the old times… is this destiny? It’s still too soon to anticipate anything so only time will tell.
Aredian lowers his binoculars and hales his cigarette before puffing out the smoke in circles. Tapping the cigarette lightly he scratches his chin. He is leaning against the पेड़ outside the hospital and has a splendid view of both Arthur and Gwen. He has been watching them for almost half an घंटा द्वारा now and though he didn’t hear their conversation, he knows they’re intimately close, based on their gestures and postures. This is exactly what he wanted and he doesn’t believe how quickly his job is done for the day. This is easy, way too easy for him. Smiling triumphantly he flicks the cigarette away and takes out his digital zoom camera from his backpack and starts zooming his focus. When he gets the target like he desires, he clicks his शटर and gets his shot going. He takes in as much as ten different shots and lowers his camera. Sweat trickles down his neck and he looks at his watch. ‘Perfect’ he thinks and fishes out his hand phone. He searches for a name and dials the number. He waits for a while and hears the voice answering from the other side of the line. A very recognisable voice.
“Hello,” it sounds almost like a growl.
a“You’re right, Uther… she’s with him and they are very, very close indeed,” Aredian says with a smile and looks back at the direction where Arthur and Gwen are still seated, talking with each another.
Two weeks later …
Gwen plugs the network cable at the back of the POS and waits for the signal to shoot back into the system. Tapping her fingers impatiently on the counter, she looks around the mall and finds the customers intriguing. It was Friday, yet customers are already flocking the mall as if it was Sunday. Smiling to herself, Gwen waits for the two colours at the back of the POS to appear, indicating the system is back on line.
“How much longer?” Morgana asks from underneath the POS counter, holding the network cable straight, avoiding the signal to break down.
“Five minutes!”
“Better make it two… my fingers are aching!” she shouts from underneath.
“Right…” Gwen says and bends low just enough to inspect on the cable. The green colour flashes consistently but it was the नारंगी, ऑरेंज that matters most and at the moment there isn’t any colour appearing. Sighing in frustration, Gwen taps the table.
“Yeah?” Morgana जवाब from beneath.
“There’s no नारंगी, ऑरेंज yet… check the point”
“Damn… when are the contractors getting here? This is their work and now it falls on our heads!! We are not technicians, आप know… especially me!!” Morgana mumbles angrily and enters deeper underneath the तालिका, टेबल to inspect the line. She pulls the point, uses a cutter to snip off the clip, adjusts and arranges the wires properly and using a clamper, she clamps the clip of the cable. She then plugs it back into the point and pulls back enough to दिखाना Gwen a thumbs up. Gwen switches on the POS and waits for the signal to reappear.
“Is it working?” Morgana asks from underneath.
“Wait.”
“I’m hungry… I can’t wait. There are two और counters to go but if this goes on like this for another hour, I’m going to be gobbling on these wires!”
“I know, I know… wait, Morgana,” Gwen calls and bends low to check the signal. Both the lights are up now and the system is back on line. Gwen sighs and smiles to herself.
“It’s working, sweetheart… आप did good.” she tells Morgana.
“Great, now tell Gaius to hire me as his backup tech…” Morgana mumbles again and crawls out from underneath the table. Gwen laughs to herself and picks the remaining cable, the clamper, cable tie, scissor, चाकू and पेंचकस, पेचकश and drops them into the basket she brought along with her. Morgana wipes her hand and dusts off the dust from her jeans and adjusts her blouse. Gwen instructs the cashier to carry on operating the POS as usual and walks around the तालिका, टेबल to शामिल होइए Morgana.
“Two more… where first?” Morgana asks and before Gwen can answer her, her mobile rings. Gwen lays the basket down and fishes out the mobile but her expression changes when she notices the unknown number on the screen.
“What is it?”
“I don’t recognise this number… do you?” Gwen shows the number to Morgana and her friend shakes her head. Gwen wonders if she should answer या not.
“Go on… answer it”
“But I don’t recognise this number!” Gwen argues.
“Neither do I… but who knows, it might be important,” Morgana tries to reason.
“Most of the people I know have my number…”
“So do mine yet I still get calls from unknown numbers… go on, answer it!!” Morgana urges Gwen to answer the phone. Gwen clicks on the receiver and brings her phone to her ears.
“Hello?”
“Gwen?” the voice seems very familiar yet Gwen can’t bring herself to recognise it immediately.
“Who’s this?”
“It’s me, Merlin”
‘Ahhh, no wonder the voice sounds familiar,’ Gwen thinks and smiles. Morgana pinches Gwen’s arm and asks who it is. Gwen silences her with her hand. “Oh, Merlin… how are you?” she asks, enthusiastically.
“I’m fine… am I interrupting you?”
“No, not at all… is everything all right?” Gwen finds Merlin’s सवाल quite surprising.
“Hmm, I need a favour”
“What kind of favour?” Gwen steals a look at Morgana.
“Are आप sure I’m not interrupting your work? Because if I do, then perhaps I can call later,” Merlin says cautiously.
“Of course not, I’m absolutely free. What’s your problem?”
“Hmm, I don’t know how to start, but it’s regarding Arthur,” Merlin उत्तरों hesitantly.
“Hmm… go on,” Gwen urges.
“I have to take him for an appointment today and unfortunately I am held up in a meeting and at the moment I can’t get myself excused at all. The other lads are all have their hands tied so I don’t know anyone else to do this favour for me. I was thinking, is it possible for आप to get to the appointment and back? Please?”
“Oh…”
“I couldn’t get the appointment rescheduled because the doctor who treats Arthur is leaving for Jordan in two weeks time, his calendar if full and he is actually clearing up all the appointments before he leaves. And Arthur has to get his head checked before they decide if he needs another scan so this appointment is kinda important. So… please Gwen?”
“Ahhmm…” Gwen doesn’t know what to say या how to react. This is a heavy favour and it’s not the task that bothers her but the person it is directed to whom Gwen is worried about.
“Please… I know this is too much to ask and if दिया a choice I wouldn’t trouble you, but I haven’t anyone else to turn to. I can’t ask his father, आप know Arthur’ll never approve of him.”
“Does he approve of me?” Gwen needs to be sure.
“He will, I will ask him to.”
“But Merlin, it’s been two weeks and I haven’t… I mean, we haven’t talked with one another. How… am I to… आप know, face him?” Gwen didn’t know what to say at all. The quarrel which ended up nastily between her and Arthur is still fresh in her mind and she bets it’s in his too. With that misunderstanding still hanging between them, how can Merlin expect her to help him?
“Perhaps now is that opportunity. Please Gwen, I wouldn’t be asking आप this favour if it isn’t necessary. Just this once, please,” Merlin pleads on. Gwen was split. She wants to help Merlin yet she’s concerned about what Arthur’s reaction will be. After all, they didn’t exactly part on good terms and she knows Arthur must be holding a grudge against her for those lies she told him, and even if he doesn’t she’s still feeling guilty for lying to him. But this is an urgent favour and though she’s willing to help, she doesn’t know how. सवालों and doubts plague her mind as Merlin continuously pleads from the other side of the line.
“What is it?” Morgana सवालों her softly and Gwen simply shakes her head to her.
“Are आप still angry with him, Gwen?” Merlin’s voice was disappointed.
“What? Huh… me, hmm… no. No. Why would आप ask that?”
“Because I suspect you’re seriously considering meeting Arthur and not the request I made. Sorry, I had to know.”
“No, no I’m not angry with him but I’m thinking he must be with me. Is he not?”
“Well, I can’t be sure of that but he made peace with me a week ago. I’m sure he’ll come good. After all, didn’t आप convince me that Arthur won’t stay कड़वा for long? Do आप doubt your own words?”
“I don’t but… frankly speaking, I’m worried what he might say या how he may react.”
“Are आप afraid he may turn hysterical again?” Merlin laughs.
“You’re laughing, Merlin!”
“Sorry, couldn’t help it,” Merlin laughs. “Sorry… sorry Gwen. Please don’t misunderstand me, but I still remember आप saying if he’s going to throw another tantrum, you’re definitely going to slap him so… I was just imagining it, sorry,” Merlin laughs again and Gwen admits, it did sound pretty funny. She smiles.
“Fine, Merlin, I’ll do it.” Gwen finally agrees.
“What? Really?”
“Better stop asking me that before I change my mind. Tell me where to pick him up, what time… all the details.”
“Thank आप so much, Gwen. I knew I could count on you. Thanks.”
“I’m doing it for you, Merlin,” Gwen says and looks at Morgana. “And one और thing, Merlin. I don’t drive, so I may need to bring another friend of mine to pick him up, is that fine?”
“Sure… just make sure आप introduce that person to Arthur.”
“Sure… now, the details please?”
“I’ll send आप the address in a while, the appointment is at four and it’s the same hospital he was admitted to before. Look for Doctor Alvarr; he’s the one who treated Arthur right from the beginning. Meet him and he’ll know what to do next. I’ll give him a ring and let him know you’re coming. Anything else?”
“At the moment this will do… oh, wait! How did आप know my number?”
“Gaius gave it to me… don’t worry, I will not give it to anyone else. Promise.” Merlin says quickly before Gwen can warn him.
“Well, guess that’s all for the time being… I’ll call आप once we get there,” she tells him and hears him sigh in relief.
“Thanks, Gwen.”
“You owe me, remember that.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Bye, and thanks, love,” Merlin ends up the conversation and Gwen lowers her phone, looking at Morgana expressionless.
“What? Who is it?” Morgana asks, looking eager to know what was discussed.
“Merlin”
“Merlin? Arthur’s friend?”
“Yeah… he wants a favour from me. He wants me to take Arthur to his hospital appointment because he wasn’t to do it himself”
“That’s ridiculous! Couldn’t his friends, the other lads help him?”
“They are all busy Morgana, that’s why he asked me.” Gwen says and walks over to the other POS counter with Morgana hurrying behind her.
“And I assume आप are not busy?”
“Morgana,” Gwen stops and turns around, taking her friend द्वारा the shoulder. “I understand what you’re saying but it was a favour and I couldn’t say no.”
“Why?”
“Because I owe Merlin, Morgana. Because of me, Arthur was pissed with Merlin and found out his friend told me all about him. God knows what happened between them both but if Arthur has the tendency to frighten the hell of me with his tantrums imagine what he must have done to Merlin. And I still feel guilty for what happened that night. That’s why I agreed to this favour.”
“Really?”
“What?”
“Are आप trying to get me believe this bullshit, Gwen?”
“Oi! This is the truth!”
“Really… Gwen, you’re funny,” Morgana laughs, turns and walks away from Gwen. Gwen is confused, and now this time she runs after Morgana. She grabs hold of Morgana’s arm and swings her around, stopping her.
“What in the world is that suppose to mean?”
“I don’t believe your reason to help Merlin,” Morgana informs her casually.
“And what’s your justification in that?”
“I think आप have personal agenda to help Arthur.”
“What? That’s bollocks, Morgana. Me, personal agenda… rubbish!” Gwen waves her hand.
“I think आप want to see him again, that’s why आप agreed… am I right?”
“No!”
“Yes!”
“No!”
“Yes, Gwen… yes आप do!”
“NO, Morgana!”
“Yes…”
“Morgana!!!” Gwen cannot believe her friend is actually right. Yes, she does want to see Arthur again, at least for one और time. She’s been longing for this opportunity ever since Lancelot cleared some air about the way she feels for Arthur, weeks ago, when she couldn’t get him out from her system. She didn’t know where he lived या how to get in contact with Merlin. She could ask Gaius but she didn’t want to rouse the old man’s suspicion so she kept her wish all to herself. Now opportunity seems to be there at her doorstep and there’s no way she’s going to miss it. Except she doesn’t want anyone to know how desperate she is to see him. All except Morgana, who manages to sniff her intentions well.
“Right, aren’t I?” Morgana snaps her fingers in front of Gwen’s face.
“What… no, you’re not!” Gwen tries to hide the blush forming on her cheek. If Morgana finds out, she’ll tease her for life.
“Aw, come on, Gwen… you’re a bad liar. It’s obvious on your face and you’re still trying to make me believe in your crap? I don’t buy it, sweetheart, not one bit!”
“Mor…. ahhhh!” Gwen gives up convincing Morgana otherwise. There’s no way her friend will believe her anymore. She’s good, Gwen thinks.
“Right, आप win!” Gwen walks away but Morgana holds her back, her eyes gleaming with happiness.
“Tell me that once again!!” Morgana demands of Gwen.
“What?”
“That आप want to see him.”
Gwen sighs. “Morgana!!”
“Go ahead and say it!” Morgana demands again.
Gwen knows there’s no way she’ll get out from her फ्रेंड्स clutches if she doesn’t do what Morgana says. Sighing deeply, she says “Right… I want to see him!”
“I told आप so… there is a personal agenda hidden somewhere. I’m good… really good!”
“Yeah, you’re good… now that आप know the truth, can we get back to work?”
“Don’t ever try to pull my leg, it never works,” Morgana warns playfully. Gwen shakes her head laughing.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah… Look. I have to take Arthur to his appointment and I need your help.”
“You want me to drive आप there?” Morgana guesses. Gwen playfully twitches Morgana’s nose.
“Yes, can you?”
“Anytime. What time?”
“We leave at three sharp. Merlin will आगे the address to me in a while and we pick Arthur, take him to the hospital, take him back and come back here. Good?”
“Fine with me.”
“Thanks, dear.”
“Anytime… except don’t think आप can lie to me,” Morgana teases as the walk to the other POS counters.
“Not anymore,” Gwen जवाब with a smile.
Arthur taps the cane he holds in his hand lightly, his mind deep in thought. He has just received a call from Merlin saying he won’t be able to take him to his appointment but will be sending in a replacement. Arthur didn’t have the slightest idea whom Merlin has called in as his replacement because he understands the other guys are quite busy as well. So when the name popped from Merlin’s lips, Arthur was filled with a kaleidoscope of emotions. Arthur remembers the conversation well.
“Arthur, I may not be coming in to take आप to the appointment but I will a send a friend of mine. Will that be all right?”
“A friend? But does he know me?”
“Hmmm… it’s a she and yes she knows आप very well.”
“Oh, well if she has no problem with that than neither do I… but, who is she and how does she knows me? Have we met?”
“Its… ahmmm… it’s Gwen,” Merlin say quickly and shortly, waiting for the response from his friend. Arthur keeps mum for a while.
“Arthur?”
“Why her, Merlin?” the tone was flat, emotionless.
“There’s no one else I can seek for help, Arthur. I don’t know anyone else… unless आप wouldn’t mind your father.”
“No, not him, please!” Arthur says quickly.
“So… better her than him?”
“Just… आप think she’d agree?” Arthur isn’t sure if Merlin’s idea was right या wrong but if it involves his father, he’d go for her anytime. Now the सवाल is, will she help?
“She already has.”
“What!” Arthur is stunned.
“Yeah… I’m calling आप to inform she’s arriving in another thirty मिनटों time. She will take आप to meet the doctor, wait and see आप home. Once you’re घर she’ll give me a ring and I’ll meet आप back here. Is it fine?”
“She agreed, Merlin? I can’t believe it,” Arthur is still shocked द्वारा Merlin’s information and he couldn’t get anything else into his mind.
Merlin laughs. “I knew she would, Arthur… she’s not cruel, आप know, and though she might have been pissed with आप before, she isn’t anymore.”
“It must’ve been hard to persuade her,”
“Not really… though she was hesitant in the beginning.”
“Hesitant?”
“Just like you, she was afraid आप may not approve but later she gave in, saying she’ll do it.”
“Ohh…”
“So, will आप promise to be good with her, at least for me?”
“I wouldn’t do anything to her Merlin, I did give my word week ago, didn’t I but… I just… don’t know how to face her.”
“I don’t believe it!” Merlin laughs from the other side of the line.
“What?”
“She told me exactly the same Arthur! How can आप both be mirroring each other and yet claim आप can’t get along! This is not coincidence Arthur; I seriously believe आप both have some sort of connection… seriously!”
“Yeah right… fine, I’ll be good, I promise.” Arthur replies.
“Good… don’t fret, you’re in good hands,” Merlin ends the conversation, leaving Arthur thinking if what he agreed is a good idea या not.
The doorbell rings. Arthur flips in his seat, almost sending the cane under the तालिका, टेबल but he holds on to it tightly, gets up and taps his way to the door. The घंटी, बेल rings again and he reaches it, unlatches the lock and turns the knob, pulling it back slowly.
“Hello?” he calls, a procedure the guys made him follow since his accident.
“Hello Arthur.”
Arthur recognises the voice immediately. It was like a song in his head, the way Gwen pronounces his name. The softness of her tone and the sweetness of her voice incorporate to create a संगीत so lovely, Arthur could go on hearing it all day.
“Arthur?” Gwen calls again.
“Sorry, come in,” Arthur replies, pulls the door ajar and steps back to allow both Gwen and Morgana to enter. They do and Morgana seems fascinated द्वारा Arthur but Gwen remains silent.
“Merlin tells me आप have agreed to take me to my appointment?”
“That’s right.”
“I’m sorry to place such a burden onto you. To spare some of your time for me, knowing how busy आप are… I’m sorry,” Arthur says regretfully.
“It’s all right. Merlin asked a favour and I couldn’t say no. He’s a friend and this is what a friend does for another,” Gwen replies, eyeing Arthur sharply. Arthur’s expression quickly changes but he says nothing in return. Gwen purses her lips and turns at Morgana who seems to be minding her own business.
“Arthur, I brought a friend of mine with me. She’s a colleague of mine, a programmer like myself and we work in the same mall. Her name’s Morgana.”
‘Ouch!’ Arthur feels the bite and smiles painfully. “Pleasure to meet you, Morgana,” he greets Morgana.
“Same here,” Morgana smiles and turns towards Gwen, her eyes widening and her mouth lip synching the word, ‘He’s hot!’.
Gwen couldn’t believe Morgana just कहा that but she keeps her laughter to herself
and steps closer to Arthur. “Are आप ready?” she asks.
“I need to get my कोट and scarf and we are good to go,” he says.
“Let me, where are they?”
“It’s all right, I’ll get them.”
“No, there’s no trouble at all… where are they?” Gwen insists.
“In my room,” he tells her as Gwen walks to his room and enters. “They’re on my bed,” he adds from his distance.
Gwen steps in and takes in the fresh smell of the after shave still lingering in the room. The aura of masculinity emanating from the smell sends her emotion and feelings into a whirlwind. She is intoxicated द्वारा the smell. It was doing crazy stuff to her mind. She liked it yet she was afraid of it. Shaking her head to dismiss it, she quickly searches for Arthur’s कोट and scarf. They’re on his बिस्तर and she walks over, picks them up and leaves the room. She needs to get out of here as soon as possible.
“Here आप go,” Gwen nears Arthur and without realising what she is doing, she helps Arthur into his कोट and wraps the scarf around his neck. Stepping back she smiles happily and watches Arthur all geared to go.
Her touch stuns Arthur and he stands petrified; he doesn’t know what to say. Morgana too finds the situation awkward and she reaches out and squeezes Gwen’s elbow. Only then did Gwen realise what she did. Clasping her mouth, she looks back at Morgana. But her friend smiles and assures her everything is fine. Gwen removes her hand and clears her throat.
“Can we… go now?” she asks, relieved Arthur couldn’t see her now.
“Sure,” he too feels a little uneasy but thankfully he is glad he couldn’t see.
“Let me help you,” Gwen reach and clasps his hand but he pulls away immediately.
“Don’t get me wrong, please, but… आप lead and I’ll follow. That’s how I’m used to doing it,” he says and extends his hand.
Smiling, Gwen takes his hand and wraps it around her arm and leads him out, with an amused Morgana trailing behind them.
Gwen twirls her fingers and looks around. The hospital isn’t busy like it used to be, but there is continuous flow of people coming in and going out. She leans her head against the दीवार and rests her eyes, still heavy with the lack of sleep she’s been enduring these past weeks. She is feeling bored and wishes Morgana was with her. She would have been if Gaius didn’t call and request that one of them get back as soon as possible. The contractors to reinstall the network lines have arrived and he needed either one to guide them around. Morgana offered herself to leave but did promise to return after the appointment is done. Gwen needs to give Morgana a call after Arthur is done with his checkup and she will take them both back home. Gwen coughs and straightens up. With Morgana gone and Arthur with the doctor, Gwen is feeling really bored and sleepy. She wishes the appointment would be over soon so that she can take Arthur घर and get back to her work. A commotion at the end of the corridor wakes her up and she lifts her lids in irritation. What now! A woman is arguing with a nurse and looks like she isn’t satisfied with the खाना served for her husband and demanding an explanation. Typical. Gwen sighs and shuts her eyes again. But someone tapping at her leg sends her jolting in her seat. Gwen sits up in a fright and finds Arthur standing अगला to her, being assisted out from the doctor’s office द्वारा a nurse.
“Oh, Arthur… sorry, आप startled me,” Gwen says and quickly stands up. The nurse helps Arthur to sit down.
“All done?” she asks the nurse.
“Yes, we wanted to check on his head injury and it looks to be fine from the scan we just did. The wounds are healing and I believe the doctor wants him to rest fully for another couple of months.”
“Is there anything I need to tell Merlin?”
“I think the doctor is on the line with him right now.”
“Oh, so can I take him back home?”
“Yes आप can… goodbye Arthur.” the nurse bends and touches Arthur’s knee and with a quick goodbye, she leaves. Gwen watches her leave and turns back towards Arthur.
‘Great .. what am I going to say?’ Gwen thinks and sits down slowly beside him. Morgana won’t be back for another half-hour या so, that means she is stuck with him all alone. Why on earth did the appointment finish this early? Isn’t it supposed to be at least an घंटा long? That’s what Morgana and she anticipated and with that in mind, her friend left. Now that is it finished early, she doesn’t know what to do with him until Morgana arrives.
“Do आप want anything to eat या drink?” she tries to start a conversation.
“No thanks,” comes the crisp reply.
“Morgana might be a bit late because she had to run back to the mall, work, आप see,” Gwen laughs nervously. Arthur smiles. “But she will be here in half an hour’s time,” she adds. He nods and keeps silent. Gwen didn’t know what else to say. So she decides to keep quiet as well.
They both remain quiet for almost five minutes. Arthur keeps his head down and clutching his cane tightly as if it was his life support while Gwen resting against the chair and watching him, not knowing what else to say या do. The patients and visitors at the hospital starts to increases with the visiting time approaching and along with the crowd, noise increases as well. After five मिनटों या so, Arthur straightens up and turns around.
“I’m sorry, Guinevere,” the way he calls her name hums like a melody in her ears. She had been longing for this voice, for the way he calls her name and the way it makes her दिल flutter. It’s been just two weeks yet she feels like missing him forever.
Gwen thinks she heard him wrong but she didn’t. He कहा it, really did and her दिल soars. She didn’t anticipate that feeling but it was there. Why, she didn’t know. Neither did she care.
“Guinevere?”
“I’m here, Arthur”
“Did आप hear me?”
“Yes, loud and clear.”
“I’m sorry for shouting at आप and for… everything that happened,” it’s obvious he’s still hurt from what happened and he doesn’t want to talk about it anymore. He wants to apologise and quickly be done with the matter.
“I’m sorry, too,” she apologises shortly. Arthur shifts in his seat.
“No, it’s never your fault… आप were trying to help me and I didn’t listen… it’s mine to bear… sorry.”
“Mine too Arthur. I shouldn’t have lied… I am sorry, too.”
“But…”
“Arthur, listen,” she reaches and clasps his hand in hers while the other reaching up and clipping his chin, turning his face to meet hers. “I lied, all right? I shouldn’t have done, but I did and I am sorry. I wanted to tell आप how sorry I am since the दिन we fought, but I didn’t know your number या Merlin’s. I also didn’t know where आप lived so I was just hoping we bump into each other one दिन so that I’d get my opportunity and thankfully it arrived today. I am ashamed of everything that occurred and wish we had it settled back then. But it’s not too late now. Please forgive me for all the hurt I have caused… it must have been hard for आप and I was a fool not to realise that. I am truly sorry, Arthur, truly sorry,” Gwen finishes and waits. As Arthur keeps quiet, she slowly releases his hand.
Arthur is intrigued. He didn’t expect this from her. To forgive him after all that dirt he hurtled at her takes a big दिल and she definitely has one. It’s never easy to forget those harsh words; they were all nasty and menacing. He should know better. His father used to taunt his bruised ego with words worse than what Arthur said. It didn’t just hurt him but shredded his दिल as well. And it leaves a कड़वा taste too. Arthur knows he left a scar in her. Anyone in her place, why, even he in her position would think twice about forgive him but she did. And isn’t that proof enough that she has kind spirit in her? And what a fool he’s been; thinking she was using him as her device for her own scheme. Yes she lied, but she did it in a good spirit. She has no intention in hurting him neither did she ever want to. All she wants was his friendship and he screwed it up, well, almost did. There’s still a slim chance for him to repair the damage he caused, if he chooses his words properly.
“Arthur?”
“Oh, sorry… been in my own thoughts,” he says and rakes his hair, careful not to touch his wounds. Though the bandages have been removed and his injury healing, the stitches on his wounds have yet to fall off. And he didn’t want to disrupt the healing process द्वारा accidentally tugging the stitches.
“Sorry, if I’m interrupting…”
“NO!!” he says quickly and searches for her hand in the air. Gwen hesitates but after a while, she reaches out and grabs his hand, holding it warmly. “No, you’re not interrupting at all. I was thinking about… you”
“Me?”
“Yes, and me of course. Thinking what a fool I’ve been and what good दिल आप have…”
“Arthur…”
“No Guinevere, please allow me to talk. आप कहा your part and it’s time I कहा mine,” he says and sighs deeply. “You were right. I am an idiot.”
“Arthur…”
“I didn’t realise आप were trying to teach me about myself. I didn’t realise I was making mistakes and kept on holding to the lies I made myself believe. I was a fool, Guinevere, and आप made me realise that.”
“No,” Gwen says but he reaches up and places his fingers on his lips, asking her to be quiet. Gwen stops talking.
“I don’t know where your lips are, Guinevere, so I used mine as an example. Please, let me talk Guinevere,” he pleads with his fingers still attached to his lips.
Gwen peels his fingers away from his lips and listens.
“You are right about me, Guinevere. I am insecure. But trust me, it isn’t what I wanted, but I didn’t have any choice. I didn’t have anyone with me, around me and I was all alone. I grew up without my parents’ प्यार and didn’t know how it feels to have someone caring for you. I was deprived of that kind of love, Guinevere, and would आप trust me if I’d कहा I’d believe anything या anyone offered me for that type of love? If someone tells me today that I had to give up my wealth so that I can receive my parents’ love, I’d give it up in a second, without a सेकंड thought. I was desperate, Guinevere, very desperate, and I’d believe everything that comes my way. And that’s how I fall prey to a lot of people. They started lying to me and it worked, at least in the beginning. When I found out, it broke my heart. Then I swore I’d never allow people to lie my face again. I swore never to believe in anyone blindly. I started feeling insecure about everything. That’s why I took your lies so to heart.” he says and swallows. “I lied when I कहा I was in control, Guinevere. I never was and never will be. Not as long as I live in my father’s shadow. That’s why I started spiraling out of control; I wanted to make him प्यार me and I didn’t know how. I didn’t know to whom to turn. I have friends, आप might say, but they have their lives, Guinevere, and I can’t be their burden.”
“But they would never consider आप a burden, Arthur!”
“I know they wouldn’t, but they’ve done so much for me, especially Merlin, and I haven’t done anything back in gratitude.”
“Merlin never expects anything back, Arthur.”
“I know, and that’s why I can’t continue to be his burden,” Arthur says and looks away. “I never had anyone telling me about myself Guinevere, you’re the first,” he says softly, turning around.
“I shouldn’t…”
“You did right, because I realise my mistakes now. And I’ve been wrong all this while, thinking I’m running my life well when I actually wasn’t. But thanks to you, now I know. And there’s still time to change all the mistakes I’ve made.”
“Arthur, I didn’t want to hurt you…”
“No, Guinevere, आप didn’t. आप saved my life. If I had carried on pledging my belief on the lies I’ve created myself… I don’t know how I’d survive या for how long. And God knows how many और I might have hurt. So thank you, Guinevere. Thank आप for changing my life”
“Arthur, I didn’t change anything in your life. I blew my चोटी, शीर्ष and called आप names. I was tearing आप to pieces and thinking it about it now, I feel ashamed.”
“No, don’t be. You’re my lifesaver,” he says with a smile. Gwen’s दिल leaps with joy at the sight of that smile.
“I wanted to apologise immediately myself, but I didn’t know where आप lived either, and all दिन I prayed for a chance, just one chance for me to ask for your forgiveness. I didn’t know it would arrive like this, but something is better than nothing. Until आप forgive me, I’ll never be able to sleep peacefully,” he replies.
“You know I have forgiven आप already.”
“Now I do, but please do not think I’m a good-for-nothing sort of scoundrel, Guinevere. I want to live an ordinary life but I never had an ordinary childhood, let alone upbringing. I had to endure endless disappointments in my life to be where I am now but I never want to give up. My father might hate me for reasons only he knows, but I will make him realise what he is missing.”
“Then आप must allow yourself to be heard, Arthur and आप must listen, या what आप wish for will remain that… just a wish”
“I know that now, and that’s why I let आप in first,” he says with a smile.
“I thought your फ्रेंड्स were already in… are they not?” she asks with a teasing smile. Her thumb strokes his hand softly.
“Oh they have, but आप are different, Guinevere.”
“Different?”
“Hmmm… let’s say your input plays a different role for me than theirs,” Arthur smiles. Gwen smiles and her hearts beats rapidly. She doesn’t know what he means and she likes the suspense. She doesn’t want to know the truth yet; there’s still plenty of time for her to find out. First, she wants to know him better and explore their relationship. Arthur might say what he wants about himself but she wants to find out about him herself. There’s no fun in hearing everything from him. And she wants to help him. It’s obvious he’s suffering and it pains her to see him hurt. She didn’t know what transpired in her, but somewhere deep within her heart, in a small corner, her दिल weeps for him as well.
“Guinevere?”
“Yes, Arthur?”
“Have I कहा anything wrong?”
“No, Arthur, आप didn’t… I was just wrapped in my own thoughts, that’s all.”
“Oh. Were they about… us?” Arthur asks softly.
Gwen smiles shyly. “Yes”
“Wow, that’s really nice to know… us.” Arthur repeats and laughs. Gwen watches him laugh and she feels happy as well. Why she would have these feelings in her about the man who accidentally killed her father baffles her. To be honest, the past two weeks were a torture for her. She’s been longing to meet him and when she couldn’t find him, she was heartbroken. To hide her hurt, she buried herself in work. Only after Merlin’s call earlier did she find herself back again. And now that they’ve mended the fences and became friends, Gwen feels like she’s found happiness all over again. How could someone she just met have such a deep impact on her? Is this supposed to happen या is it co incidence? या like they say in the old times… is this destiny? It’s still too soon to anticipate anything so only time will tell.
Aredian lowers his binoculars and hales his cigarette before puffing out the smoke in circles. Tapping the cigarette lightly he scratches his chin. He is leaning against the पेड़ outside the hospital and has a splendid view of both Arthur and Gwen. He has been watching them for almost half an घंटा द्वारा now and though he didn’t hear their conversation, he knows they’re intimately close, based on their gestures and postures. This is exactly what he wanted and he doesn’t believe how quickly his job is done for the day. This is easy, way too easy for him. Smiling triumphantly he flicks the cigarette away and takes out his digital zoom camera from his backpack and starts zooming his focus. When he gets the target like he desires, he clicks his शटर and gets his shot going. He takes in as much as ten different shots and lowers his camera. Sweat trickles down his neck and he looks at his watch. ‘Perfect’ he thinks and fishes out his hand phone. He searches for a name and dials the number. He waits for a while and hears the voice answering from the other side of the line. A very recognisable voice.
“Hello,” it sounds almost like a growl.
a“You’re right, Uther… she’s with him and they are very, very close indeed,” Aredian says with a smile and looks back at the direction where Arthur and Gwen are still seated, talking with each another.
