In the end, the doctor gave Rithik a thin plaster to wear temporarily and prescribed some medicines. The four of us had a hearty meal together. Rithik & I thanked the couple for today and resigned for the night
“Sorry,” Rithik spoke once we laid down in bed. He placed a hand over his forehead, sighing. “We were doing so great today and I just had to ruin it all.” 
“Come on, that's not true. None of us could have predicted this. I'm the one who's sorry,” I said, brushing his hair from his forehead while he cast a questionable glance. “You picked me up at the beach back then. I think that's what caused it.” 
“Natasha,” Rithik said, making a face while looking me in the eye. I couldn't help pout back at him.  “Didn't you enjoy the beach?” 
“I did. Best day of my life.” 
“Mine, too. I just hope we stay like this forever. Don't run away,” He said, kissing my smile away. I was about to add something when he blinked his heavy eyelids.  Something about the medicines being strong as fuck. I heard him mumble a quick ‘sorry’ before he  snuggled me close to him. I let him. He fell asleep within minutes. 
I peered up at his tired face. I could tell that the activities from the past few days had taken a toll on his body. We had a few things pre-planned for tomorrow but guess I'd have to cancel. His health took more priority. I didn't mind though. Not when we had the time of our lives in the past three days.
“We will stay like this forever, my Rithu darling. You just wait and see.” I whispered. I knew what I had to do now. I just hoped he came around to accept it. 

                                

                                    
                                
                                  
                                      
                                  
                                  
                                    
                                      
                                      
                                    
                                  
                                 
                                
                                
                              
                              
* * *
Returning to Boston from LA was like falling down from the heavenly clouds. And returning to the office was like returning to jail. It fucking sucked. 
I was in a foul mood. Moreover, I missed Rithik. Seemed like he shared the same sentiment as he kept messaging me all day. Not that I minded. 
The next few days breezed by in a similar loop. Rithik would drop me to the office in the morning and pick me up in the evening. Either that or I'd run to his arms before the designated time. It was like we caught each other's fever in California and were unable to stay away from each other. I wanted him to be around me all the damn time. 
I guess Kylie got an inkling of the sick virus Rithik and I caught and wanted to steer clear from us. She graciously offered us privacy by heading out for the weekend. Said she had to meet a dear friend or something. For a second, I wondered who that dear friend was and for whom she got dressed stylishly in a pale green dress and strapped sandals. Alas, I was too unbothered right now. I made a mental note to ask later.
I wished Kylie wouldn't have been so considerate since Rithik and I weren't. We shamelessly turned her apartment into a whore house by shagging every fucking where. Kitchen, bathroom, living room, terrace-- you name it. We contaminated it all (except for Kylie's bedroom). We even used toys. Although we were mindful not to move his right arm much. We took a breather by laying under the covers in front of the TV, watching Brooklyn nine o' nine. Never once did we bother to wear our clothes. It was literally Netflix and Chill.