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“Be careful!” Gwaine says as he steps in, holding the door back so Merlin and Arthur could step inside. Leon was parking their car in the parking lot and will be heading up shortly. Arthur was discharged from the hospital after scans on his head revealed he didn’t do as much damage as they had feared. Though the scans came out clean, the doctor still warned them should Arthur feel any kind of pain at all, they shouldn’t hesitate to get him back to the hospital. After an ঘন্টা long discussion with the doctor followed দ্বারা some procedural check out documentation signing, Merlin brought Arthur back home. Gwaine was already at the apartment waiting for them while Leon picked the two of them at the hospital. Merlin was quiet all the way as was Arthur. Leon didn’t speak much either as he’s not the chatty type but the same can’t be ব্যক্ত for Gwaine. The moment the elevator stops in the level, he was there waiting for them. He questioned Arthur and then Merlin and then back to Arthur again, his mouth never once shutting down. Despite being angry with Arthur, Merlin still finds Gwaine amusing.
“Careful there… slowly, sit here, Arthur,” Gwaine helps his friend and pounds the বালিশ twice before placing it behind Arthur’s back before gently pushing him back to lean on it. Merlin dropped his bag on the coffee table, loosened his tie and rolled up his শার্ট sleeve up to his elbow before circling the পালঙ্ক and sitting opposite Arthur. Gwaine quickly squeezes Merlin’s shoulder but the latter just pats his friend’s hand and concentrates back on Arthur.
“Care to explain what happened yesterday afternoon, Arthur?”
“Merlin…”
“No, I want to know what happened. Gwaine, I deserve to know because his father here thinks we are responsible for everything that happens to him and Mr. Blue Eyes here has the knack to run off whenever he wishes, so I believe we all deserve an explanation, don’t we, Arthur?
“Merlin, he just got back from the hospital… perhaps we should wait until he’s fine…”
“Oh, he’s fine, Gwaine! He is very fine indeed অথবা he wouldn’t have rushed out to the streets unaided… now that’s a pretty good achievement for someone like you, Arthur. Hats off, I must say!”
“Merlin,” Leon warns from behind them as he enters, closing the door behind him. Merlin hardly tossed any look behind him. He was very angry with Arthur and isn’t afraid to প্রদর্শনী it.
“He is still injured and could do with some rest, Merlin,” Leon suggests.
“His father…” Merlin points to Arthur and turns around to meet the other guys, “Literally chewed my head off yesterday for what befell him,” Merlin says, his anger visible in his voice. “He thinks his son was on a suicide mission and none of us cared, and even went to the extent of warning me that should something like this happen again he wouldn’t hesitate to use what’s wise on us… get it Leon? His father just finished threatening days off of my life and I don’t want to spend another দিন waiting for his answer… I want them now!”
“But, Merlin…”
“It’s all right, Leon, Merlin is right. I do owe all of আপনি an apology and I better do it now,” Arthur says, picking himself up a little. Gwaine helps him to sit and steps back, folding his arms. Merlin waits patiently while Leon comes around to sit beside Arthur. “I wasn’t planning suicide like আপনি think, Merlin, I just… can’t adapt to this life! I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I tried and tried, and barely ten মিনিট after all of আপনি left I was bumping, tripping and stumbling all over the place. GOD!!!” Arthur shakes his head. Leon places an assuring arm over Arthur’s shoulder. “It feels miserable!! God damn miserable, Merlin! I couldn’t even try to pretend that I can manage because I can’t! I gave up and I was scared. I was terrified that I will lose to my father and suddenly I was overcome দ্বারা fear. Fear of losing!! আপনি know that feeling Merlin? It’s the feeling which creeps inside আপনি to warn and chill the life out of you. It’s bloody damn persuasive, where আপনি start to doubt yourself, thinking of nothing but failure. No matter how hard আপনি try to lift yourself, আপনি still end up being told that you’re nothing but a failure! And then it scared me… I was sitting down দ্বারা the corner here, thinking how did I actually end up like this and when will it end. I didn’t want it continue, I wanted to live Merlin. I wanted to get out from this mess that I weaved myself. And for once, Merlin, I wished… I wished I could see!!” Arthur tells sadly.
Leon looks at Gwaine and then at Merlin. There was sadness in each of them and it was visible enough through their eyes, especially Gwaine’s. “I was in such a mess and couldn’t think at all… that’s why I ran. I didn’t realise what I was doing; I just did it. I ran and did the unthinkable; I took the elevator myself down and rushed out to the streets. Don’t ask me how I did it, but… I only realised I was on the streets when I got knocked down দ্বারা something. I’m sorry, guys, I am really truly very sorry for putting each one of আপনি in an uncomfortable position… and on behalf of my father, I apologise. Merlin, I do with all my heart. I just wasn’t aware of my actions, that is all!” Arthur finishes and buries his face with his hands.
Gwaine reach down and pats Merlin’s shoulder, asking the latter to say something to Arthur while Leon comforts Arthur. But Merlin decides to keep mum, prompting Gwaine to speak on behalf instead.
“There’s no need to apologise, Arthur. It’s not your fault, অথবা anyone’s fault, for that matter. আপনি are experiencing a life-changing traumatic scenario and anyone in your shoes would behave exactly the same way. Right, Merlin?” Gwaine asks yet again; the latter keeps his silence. Gwaine throws his hands up in the air and looks at Leon for help. He is clearly frustrated with Merlin’s resentment towards Arthur. What has gone into Merlin’s head?
“Merlin?” Leon calls up his friend. When Merlin looks at Leon, the latter makes his sign, asking Merlin to start talking at Arthur.
“I am sorry for all the trouble I have caused আপনি since this accident, Merlin, I …”
“This is the life আপনি chose, Arthur. আপনি stamped your ground, insisting this is what আপনি clearly wanted. It’s your call and no one forced আপনি to do this except yourself, so… no matter how tough it is for you, আপনি have to accept it. Regardless of what the circumstances are, this is what you’ve chosen for yourself, so আপনি need to adapt to it.” Merlin says straightforwardly.
“That is very comforting, Merlin,” Gwaine snaps bitterly.
“He’s right Gwaine, every word of it.” Arthur agrees with Merlin.
“I mean it, Arthur…” Merlin adds.
“I know. It’s just …”
“Tough?” Merlin guesses.
“Yeah. Very,” Arthur sighs sadly.
“I know… what isn’t? Life is always tough, Arthur. আপনি can ask anyone and they’d all agree with me. But this is what the real world is made of. The world your father wants আপনি to plunge into is one made of fake promises, and imaginary world filled with imaginary people, whereas this…” Merlin twirls his finger around, “This is where আপনি learn the ways of life. The hard way. This is where আপনি become a man, Arthur. Life can be full of surprises and expectations, yet it also can be your springboard to become the person everyone would look up to. It’s your teacher, Arthur. There are plenty of lessons to be learnt and giving up now isn’t going to help much”
“Merlin!! Where did আপনি learn to talk like this?”
“I read… from a book”
“Really?”
“He’s right, Arthur” Leon chips in, clasping Arthur’s hand in his for support. “You have to have faith in yourself because without any, everything you’ve worked so hard for would be useless. Success and failure are like yin and yang, like black and white; one complements the other. We need failure to elevate us towards success, that’s how we become complete. So if you’re feeling miserable, then allow that misery to push আপনি to greater heights, make আপনি a man and someone your father will be proud of. আপনি have to teach yourself before আপনি teach others, and what better way than to start in our own life?”
“Gosh, Leon? Guys, seriously… I need to start learn to listen to আপনি both… where did আপনি learn all this, Leon?”
“From a book,” Leon tells Gwaine and smiles at Merlin who smiles back.
“You always want to be your own man, Arthur, and insist upon proving a point to your father, so this is your moment. This is your time, your stage and your play. আপনি pull the strings in this play and we’ll help আপনি as much we can. But in the end, it’s still your play. So be a man and ব্রেভ up to your decision, mate. Stand your ground and tell everyone around আপনি that আপনি are living the life আপনি chose to live. No one can dictate what আপনি should অথবা should not do, because like I said, this is your life.” Merlin advices, tilting his head a little.
“We will support আপনি all the way, Arthur. Good, bad, অথবা ugly… we’ll be there for আপনি throughout,” Gwaine chips in. The other two nod in agreement.
“Perhaps this will change your father’s perspective on you. Maybe, just maybe he might finally see আপনি for the person আপনি are,” Merlin adds.
“I very much hope you’re right, Merlin,” Arthur wishes. Frankly it’s what he wanted from the দিন he learned of his father’s hatred towards him.
“Let’s pray and hope he does Arthur,” Leon adds.
“Thank আপনি guys, all of you. I promise I will not repeat my mistakes again,” Arthur promises, his face beaming with newfound encouragement.
“We hold on to your words Arthur, better not disappoint us.”
“I swear, Merlin,” Arthur swears, holding up his casted hand much to the amusement of the other guys.
“Now I feel better,” Merlin says and leans back on the couch. But he abruptly pulls back again, his eyes sharp on Arthur.
“And one আরো thing, Arthur… please take care of your head. আপনি were lucky this time around, but the doctor couldn’t promise if you’ll be so fortunate the পরবর্তি trip, so…” he warns his friend. Arthur nods with a smile.
“I will remember that advice, Merlin, thank you.”
“Well, now that we got all that sorted out… what’s for dinner?” Gwaine asks.
“So, he’s been on your mind all night huh? Is that why আপনি look weary today?” Morgana asks as she sips her coffee. Gwen sighs, drops her head on her folded arms on শীর্ষ of the table, burying her face. Morgana reaches out and twirls Gwen’s curls playfully, tugging it a little to give Gwen a surprise jerk. As Gwen flinches in annoyance, Morgana silently laughs.
“Come on… আপনি don’t want Lancelot to see আপনি like this, do you?” Morgana says again, this time finishing her coffee.
Gwen lifts her head up quickly and whizzes around, looking for the person mentioned দ্বারা Morgana. But except for some technician and a cleaner, there isn’t anyone else. Morgana laughs and picks up her doughnut.
“You are incredible, Gwen. One মিনিট আপনি are weary because Arthur’s been on your mind and the পরবর্তি আপনি are worried Lancelot might find আপনি looking all tired and worn out. God, আপনি are definitely occupied, young lady,” Morgana says.
Gwen playfully pinches Morgana and goes back to rest on her arms again. She can hardly lift her lids. The sleepless night endured last night is weaving its magic on her now. She feels sleepy yet she’s got a briefing in another hour’s time with her working mates and Lancelot. If he isn’t involved, she would have scrapped the whole briefing thing off and be heading home. But with Lancelot still in the picture and overseeing their progress, she didn’t see it as the wisest thing to do. Besides, this will allow Lancelot to have another go at her, probably tease her all the way till the briefing ends. No, she’s not going to give him a chance to do that. Not now and not today.
“Hello?” Morgana snaps her fingers.
“Yes Morgana?”
“Still Arthur?”
“No, it’s Lancelot now.”
“Damn it, girl, how many do আপনি need? Hand me one, will you?”
“Morgana… I was thinking about Lancelot and the briefing. I am tired and if he wasn’t around, I’d be canceling the briefing and heading back home. I really could use some good hours of sleep!” Gwen yawns as if to make a statement.
“But he attends all the meetings and briefings, doesn’t he? There is no way he’ll miss this. But if you’re tired, maybe I can take over?”
“You can?”
“Yeah, but…”
“He’ll ask for me… yeah, I know that. No need to remind me of that. Bollocks!!” Gwen mutters bitterly and whacks her forehead lightly on the table.
“Is this how আপনি exercise your neck after lunch?” Lancelot asks, sitting down opposite Gwen and Morgana. Gwen jolts up like a rocket, her curls dangling around her forehead. She pushes them away and straightens up, adjusting her ব্লাউজ and the matching chain she wore. Lancelot signals for a cup of লেবু চা and looks at both of them. He smiled at Morgana and looks disturbingly concerned at Gwen.
“You look tired.”
“She didn’t have much sleep last night,” Morgana chirps in, much to Lancelot’s amusement and Gwen’s irritation.
“Working late?”
“No…” Morgana began, but Gwen cut her off abruptly.
“Yeah, আপনি can say that… hahaha!” Gwen laughs nervously while pinching Morgana’s thigh, warning her to keep quiet.
“Awww!!!”
“What happened?” Lancelot alerts himself, looking tensely worried. Morgana smiles, raising her hand up to indicate she was fine.
“Fine, fine…” she too laughs nervously at Lancelot.
Lancelot opens his mouth to ask something but his conversation was interrupted দ্বারা the arrival of the waitress with his tea.
“Thank you,” Lancelot acknowledges the waitress and returns back to the girls. “So, where were we?”
“I thought আপনি were with Gaius?”
“Should have been but he has an appointment with his dentist, so I thought I’d hang around here. It’s not a problem, is it… me hanging around?”
“No, no… of course not. Just curious to find your path leading আপনি here, usually it’s either to Gaius’s office অথবা the server room.” Gwen laughs again. Lancelot smiles back.
“Thought I get to know আপনি better, after all we didn’t get off on a good note on the first day.”
“You can say that again. আপনি were brash and arrogant, what can I say? Your attitude was hard to stomach let alone endure; your overbearing personality gave away much of আপনি as a person and in the end, we were left with little imagination of the type of a man আপনি really are.”
“Gwen?” Morgana is horrified. Only then Gwen realised she went a tad too far with her sentences. And she regrets it. Lancelot came দ্বারা probably to strike friendship with both of them and here she is, shoving the dirt back into his throat as if to say, get lost!!
“Hmm… interesting, Gwen! Very descriptive and brilliantly innovative, I must say. I didn’t know I made such a powerful impact on you,” he উত্তর calmly, much to the girls’ surprise.
‘Ouch!’ the word stings and she deserves it. “I’m sorry… I really am…”
“No, it’s all right. Please, don’t let me stop you… anything else?”
‘Is this a mock Mr. Genius?’ Gwen thinks again. Beside her Morgana seems to be unnaturally quiet.
“No, I just… I’m sorry. It’s my weariness, actually. I tend to speak my mind without sensing my whereabouts. Sorry, Lancelot, really, from my heart.” Gwen hates apologising but if she had kept her big mouth shut, she probably didn’t have to. Serves her right!
“Like I said, it’s all right. Sometimes I need to know what others think of me. আপনি were brave, I give আপনি that. আপনি definitely know how to grab a man’s attention,” he smiles and slurps his tea.
Gwen feels embarrassed so she bites her lip and holds her head down. She didn’t know if Lancelot is taking the mickey out of her অথবা is he genuinely being nice. She couldn’t think. Her head throbs with the weariness and she didn’t want to think about anything for the moment.
“What did I do now?”
“Huh?”
“I didn’t mean to hurt অথবা upset you. If my presence has caused আপনি uneasiness, I’ll leave…”
“Oh no!!!” Gwen looks at Morgana for help and the latter shakes her head, agreeing with Gwen. “Of course not!!” Gwen adds quickly. “Like I said, I’m just tired, that’s all.” she squares her shoulders and purses her lips.
“Sure? Perhaps আপনি like a moment alone?”
“Company is nice, especially yours, Lancelot. Do stay.”
“Thanks… so, how long have আপনি both been working here?”
“Almost five years.” Gwen says. “Four,” Morgana adds.
“That’s a very long time…”
“There are others who go way back longer than us. Gaius was kind enough to allow an inexperienced fresh graduate like me handle an entire department all দ্বারা myself.”
“He trusts those he works with heartfully. It’s the belief that keeps him moving all these years. Any plans?”
“On what?”
“Your life, of course. Is this where your future lies?”
“I’m not sure. I don’t know, really. I like to leave my life to fate. I trust it and whatever fate decides, I’m good with it.”
Morgana’s phone rings in the midst of the conversation, interrupting them a while. Morgana fishes out the phone, recognises the name of the caller, excuses herself and leaves to have her private conversation.
“You were saying?” Gwen asks Lancelot.
“I believe in fate too. I think God has plans for all of us and we just need to take one thing at a time.”
“True.”
“But what if the decision isn’t one আপনি expected?”
“There’s nothing much I can do about it, can I? After all, there’s a reason behind every action, yeah. So, I’m a pretty much go-by-the-book type of a girl. I don’t defy fate, but neither will I ignore it,” Gwen explains to him. ‘Why is he being so nice to me?’ she thinks to herself, curiously.
“Interesting,” Lancelot smiles and looks away.
“What?”
“I thought আপনি and I were miles apart, never seeing eye to an eye but here we are, having আরো in common that not.”
“It’s a small world Lancelot,”
“You don’t say…” Lancelot agrees and finishes his tea. He takes a quick look at his watch and back at Gwen. “Nice talking with আপনি Gwen, it’s been a pleasure. I would like to sit longer and chat but I have some mainframes to check. So, see আপনি at the briefing?” he says and gets up.
“Yeah, thanks.”
“On the other hand, if আপনি are feeling tired, why not ask Gaius for a দিন off?” Lancelot suggests. Gwen thinks she is dreaming.
“But the briefing?”
“I’m sure canceling the briefing one দিন wouldn’t do much harm, would it? If আপনি still want the briefing to go on as planned, ask Morgana to handle it. She’s a good speaker herself and I’m sure she wouldn’t mind taking over.”
“Okay, I’ll have to consider it…”
“Do it, আপনি look like you’re going to drop off any minute. There’s nothing much আপনি can say if your head’s laced with fatigue. Think about it,” he waves off and leaves. Gwen waves back and thinks back all the words he has just told her. Could it be true অথবা is he taking the mickey out of her? How come he seems nicer to her today? Is it because he doesn’t have any other বন্ধু and needs to pass his time and chose her because she was an easy prey?
‘What nonsense are আপনি blabbering about Gwen? You, an easy prey? He must’ve known all about আপনি the first দিন he arrived… perhaps he is genuinely being nice. Maybe he changed?’ she thinks to herself. ‘Change? Him? Huh?’ she thinks again and holds the sides of her temple, the throbbing increasing inside her head. ‘No, maybe Gaius must’ve advised him to be nice with everyone here. That’s why he’s starting with her, because he needs to work with her closely’ she finishes.
“Yup, that has to be the reason, sweetheart,” she tells herself.
“Reason for what?” Morgana asks as she takes her আসন back beside Gwen.
“Lancelot being nice to us.”
“Oh that… I’ve been watching from far and though I didn’t hear anything, he seems honest in his approach.”
“Never judge a book দ্বারা its cover Morgana. I thought the same when I first met him, but in the end he was an arse.”
“But I think he changed his attitude these past few days, haven’t আপনি noticed? He’s pretty jovial with everyone.”
“Maybe he’s opting for the sympathy vote should I confront him one day.”
“Come on Gwen, you… going head to head against him?” Morgana laughs. Gwen arches her brow.
“You may never know, Morgana… anyway, I don’t care much about him. Maybe he is genuine in his approach অথবা maybe not. We’ll deal with that later. I need a favour from আপনি though, care to help?” Gwen leans back and folds her arms across her chest.
“Take over the briefing? Consider it done!” Morgana finishes, raising her hand to call for the waitress.
“Yup, thanks dear. I প্রণয় you,” Gwen says and gets up, pressing her forehead again.
“Are আপনি heading home?” Morgana asks as she hands the money to the waitress and gets up as well.
“Yeah… I need to sleep. Really do. Why?”
“Nothing.”
“Morgana?”
“Fine… don’t wander off to the hospital again all right, like yesterday when আপনি ব্যক্ত আপনি wouldn’t and finally ending up declaring yourself to be a nurse to Arthur?”
“I’m really tired, Morgana, and even if I want to, there is no way I’m dragging my arse over to the hospital again. Besides, দ্বারা now Arthur would have known I’m not a nurse and probably forgotten all about me.”
“You are not sure about that love!”
“Why would he want to even think about me when there are other things playing on his mind? He’s got his quarrels with his father to take care of, his friends, and maybe his health… I’m just a passing মেঘ in his life. After all, I lied to save my arse back there… you’re not expecting me to hold on to that lie?”
“Of course not… I’m just worried আপনি might lie further should আপনি choose to visit him again.”
“I am not visiting him, Morgana, I am heading back home, take a warm ঝরনা and head for the bed. That is all I’m planning on doing, so sorry to disappoint you, girl!” Gwen says with a tinge of mock laced on her words. Morgana chuckles.
“Right, whatever আপনি say, Gwen. Take care and call me if আপনি need anything, all right?” Morgana advises as Gwen heads to the exit while Morgana leaves to যোগদান the visual merchandising staffs, seated on the টেবিল beside hers.
“Sure thing, bye,” Gwen says, waves awkwardly at Morgana and drags herself out from there.
“Discharged? When was he discharged?” Gwen asks in shock, following the doctor from the lobby towards his room down the aisle.
“Today. His বন্ধু took him back.” the doctor informs her, nudges the door open and allows her to enter while he steps in behind her.
“Oh, I didn’t know that.” Gwen looks disappointed. The doctor points to the chair and asks her sit down while he circles the table, drops his কোট on the টেবিল and takes his own আসন opposite her.
“I thought he might still be around. Just wanted to drop দ্বারা and say hello.”
“He would have loved that, but I didn’t find anything wrong with his head and the scans came back clean, so we didn’t have much reason to keep him any longer. Besides, his বন্ধু insisted on getting him out of here as soon as possible.”
“Oh, looks like I’m a little too late then,” Gwen laughs nervously. The doctor smiles and arranges the documents on the table.
“He did ask for আপনি though,” he tells calmly. Gwen almost jumped out from the chair she sat in. Looking at the doctor in bewilderment, she is puzzled why Arthur was looking for her.
“What?” she asks, her fingers coiled tightly around her bag strap.
“He was looking for a nurse named Guinevere and I know আপনি are the one. Your friend told me both of your names and that’s how I recognised it when he asked me. He ব্যক্ত আপনি made him warmer than he felt before and requested my permission to ask আপনি to look after him.”
“Oh dear… what did আপনি say to him?” Gwen is in tense.
“Don’t worry, I told him nothing. I just ব্যক্ত আপনি resigned.”
“What?” Gwen laughs instantly. She tries to imagine what Arthur would have thought at her resignation. ‘Me a nurse? Wait till Morgana finds about this!’ Gwen shakes her head in disbelief.
“I thought it was funny too, but…”
Gwen stops laughing. “What happened?”
“He… was seriously asking for you, and first I thought he was requesting your service because আপনি mentioned yourself to be a nurse but he wasn’t looking for the nurse in আপনি Guinevere, he was looking for the friend in you. He thirsts your company, Guinevere.”
“I… what …” Gwen is speechless. ‘What is this new kind of confusion?’ she thinks to herself, scratching her head.
“You must have made quite an impression on him অথবা else he wouldn’t be asking for you. I know this because from what his friend tells me, Arthur became dispirited after the accident. He হারিয়ে গেছে his faith and will to live. Almost turning even his বন্ধু away, he isolates himself often from other living creatures around him. But you… আপনি casted some sort of magic on him, young lady. আপনি made him smile and talk. And he kept on asking for আপনি all day.”
“I… just did… what anyone… in my position would have done.”
“I believe so, but আপনি did well. That is exactly what he needs right now.”
“I’m sure his বন্ধু could give better company than me, I…” Gwen is speechless. She didn’t know what to say অথবা think. Her mind is in a muddle.
“I think so myself, and I believe they are, but আপনি can play a part as well.”
“What? Oh, no. No… you’re not suggesting…”
“No, I’m not suggesting anything. আপনি and he are complete strangers, I know that, but sometimes the company of a stranger heals our wounds faster than those close to us. Arthur is shattered and broken but he has incredible বন্ধু around him and আপনি can যোগদান that rank too. From what I heard, he looks to আপনি as his friend though he couldn’t see আপনি and there’s no harm in becoming friend, is it not?”
“No, of course not…”
“He needs this right now, Guinevere. He needs warmth and প্রণয় to heal, not our medication. He needs his friends… because his real wound is not up here,” the doctor points to his head, “but here.” He brings his finger down to his হৃদয় and pokes it lightly, looking at Gwen. “This is what will bring him back from his despair,” he finishes.
Gwen is in turmoil. Her mind is clouded with all sorts of emotion right now and she can barely think properly. She heard what the doctor ব্যক্ত yet she is helpless to promise অথবা utter anything back. She didn’t know what to do; she really didn’t know what to do.
“I understand your silence and I’m not pushing you. I wouldn’t have told আপনি this if আপনি didn’t return today. Since আপনি did, I have a feeling আপনি care, and out of courtesy, I’m telling what I feel. But again, it’s up to you. Should আপনি choose to heed my advice, আপনি know what to do,” the doctor informs her and smiles.
Gwen smiles back, almost halfheartedly, and wonders what sort of mess she’s gotten herself into again.
“Elena called while you’ve been in the hospital, Arthur,” Gwaine informs Arthur as they spend the দিন in Arthur’s bedroom. Arthur is perched at the edge of the bed, leaning against the দেওয়াল with both his feet up on the বিছানা while Gwaine went through Arthur’s documentation.
“What did she want?”
“She wanted to know how are you? She seems worried”
“Didn’t her father tell her anything?”
“About?”
“Me being blind… doesn’t she know?”
“I think she does, but…”
“She doesn’t care, is that what আপনি want to tell me?”
“Hmm” Gwaine keeps the files and documents properly back in its place and twirls the pen in his hand. “Something like that,” he finishes.
“Of course she doesn’t care, Gwaine, all she wants is me. She wanted me from the দিন she set her eyes on me; of course she doesn’t mind how I’m presented to her.”
“It can’t be that bad, Arthur! She seems like a nice girl,” Gwaine tries defending Elena but Arthur waves his hand.
“She is a nice girl, Gwaine, a lovely girl if I may add, but… I don’t have any feelings for her. She claims she loves me but it’s infatuation, obsession, and God knows what else, but love… nah! I don’t think so.”
“How do আপনি know that? আপনি hardly spent any time with her, so how do আপনি know আপনি don’t like her?” Gwaine sets the pen back on the টেবিল and turns around to face Arthur.
“Because I don’t feel it here!” Arthur points to his heart. Gwaine agrees. “Arthur do have a point there.”
“I want to fall in love, Gwaine. And I want the girl I প্রণয় to make me fall in প্রণয় with her… I don’t need to be told to fall in প্রণয় like my father tells me with Elena! The feeling must be there genuinely, spring out to surprise you… maybe like, out of blue it just strikes আপনি and then আপনি start to feel it in your হৃদয় and mind. Your head and হৃদয় must be in consensus in this matter. There shouldn’t be any differing statements; must be mutual… get what I mean?”
“Phew, Arthur… sounds like you’ve watched some pretty old romance চলচ্চিত্র to me,” Gwaine jokes. Arthur smiles.
“I’m not the romantic type, Gwaine, but if there’s one thing in my life I want to do right is find the girl I প্রণয় and who loves me back for the person I am. I know my father loved my mother dearly and she must’ve loved him back equally too. Their প্রণয় might not be the greatest অথবা rarest like in the চলচ্চিত্র but it must have been genuinely honest. I know it must be because my father became a torn soul after my mother died. His প্রণয় for her prevented him from sharing it with me and I appreciate how much he loved her. I know I can never শীর্ষ their প্রণয় but I want it to be just like that. I want to enjoy falling in প্রণয় Gwaine, feel the excitement, cherish the sensation with the women I am in প্রণয় with and I want to tell how much I প্রণয় her every day. I want to go through that moment, naturally. Not like this… I’m sorry if আপনি disagree but I can never bring myself to প্রণয় Elena.”
“I get it Arthur, but… she’s been promised to আপনি since আপনি both were teenagers. She never loved another and do আপনি think it’s fair to her?”
“She’s still young, Gwaine, and if I can talk to her perhaps she might understand.”
“I doubt it, Arthur,” Gwaine plays with Arthur’s chess collection, set upon the marble টেবিল beside the study table.
“Why?”
“She might be young, but from what Merlin tells me, it looks like she’s quite obsessed with you. She wants no one but you, Arthur. Hear that, just আপনি alone!” Gwaine উত্তর without looking at Arthur, still playing with the chess set.
“It can be dealt with, Gwaine. Just need the right type of word, that’s all,” Arthur is still determined to change Elena’s mind.
“What about her father and… yours?” Gwaine looks up, holding the knight in his hand, stroking it with his thumb.
“I don’t care about them, any of them. This is my life and I deserve to chose the person I’m going to fall in প্রণয় with অথবা marry. Elena will be hurt for a দিন অথবা two অথবা perhaps weeks but she will eventually get over it. There are plenty of guys out there for someone as pretty as her,” Arthur says with certainty. Gwaine nods and places the knight down and moves the bishop from left towards its right.
“Maybe আপনি should tell her fast, Arthur. Not everyone deals with the truth maturely. And in her case, the hurt can be a devastating blow, especially if kept for too long, get it?” Gwaine advises.
“Yeah, you’re right. Did her father tell আপনি when she is visiting him next?”
“No, he didn’t, but she did though, when she called in here asking for you. I think she’ll be here পরবর্তি week. Maybe আপনি need to talk with her then. Don’t wait too long.”
“Yeah, need to.”
“Good luck with that, you’re going to need it.”
“Thanks, Gwaine.”
“Pleasure’s all mine, Arthur,” Gwaine says with a smile and moves his king to claim checkmate. Smiling triumphantly, he walks across the room and nears the window, looking out. His hands were firmly tucked inside his pocket, eyes fixed firmly on the scenario out there.
“How long have they been gone?” Arthur asks, massaging his neck.
“I think almost an hour, why?”
“They are not back yet?”
“It’s not easy finding a teacher for the blind, Arthur. It requires patience,” Gwaine informs without looking down at Arthur.
“Sorry, just … getting a little agitated. Call it excitement!” Arthur tells Gwaine and laughs himself. Gwaine smiles watching Arthur feeling much better now than he has the past few days.
“Once আপনি start learning, things are going to be much easier for you. আপনি can stop depending on others.”
“That’s what I like to hear.”
Gwaine opens his mouth but the telephone rings in the living room. “Excuse me, Arthur. Will be back shortly. আপনি need anything just shout, all right?” Gwaine informs Arthur, turning around.
“Yeah, thanks”
Gwaine pats Arthur’s legs and leaves the room. Arthur leans back against the দেওয়াল and recollects every single event occurred in the past twenty four hours. He sighs regretfully thinking of the accident, his father’s quarrel and the short misunderstanding he had with his friends, especially Merlin. And then his mind flies over to the nurse, Guinevere. He smiles thinking about her, her name cemented permanently in his mind. He remembers everything about her; her voice, the nervous giggles and the determination in her voice. She was a nurse, yet she treated him like a friend আরো than a patient. She listened to him and questioned him only when necessary. She was supportive of his father yet she wasn’t pushy. Arthur didn’t know how to describe what he feels right now about her but he likes her company. She makes him warm, warmer than he’d felt for ages. He would like to meet her again but unfortunately she’d resigned. That’s what the doctor told him. It made him sad but there’s little he can do about it. None of his বন্ধু have met her before so there is no way they can help him track her down and he isn’t much of a help himself, either.
“Damn!!” Arthur curses under his breath. He finally found someone who understands him and now she’s gone. Maybe one দিন their paths will ক্রুশ again, Arthur thinks. And when it does, he isn’t going to lose her again.
“Be careful!” Gwaine says as he steps in, holding the door back so Merlin and Arthur could step inside. Leon was parking their car in the parking lot and will be heading up shortly. Arthur was discharged from the hospital after scans on his head revealed he didn’t do as much damage as they had feared. Though the scans came out clean, the doctor still warned them should Arthur feel any kind of pain at all, they shouldn’t hesitate to get him back to the hospital. After an ঘন্টা long discussion with the doctor followed দ্বারা some procedural check out documentation signing, Merlin brought Arthur back home. Gwaine was already at the apartment waiting for them while Leon picked the two of them at the hospital. Merlin was quiet all the way as was Arthur. Leon didn’t speak much either as he’s not the chatty type but the same can’t be ব্যক্ত for Gwaine. The moment the elevator stops in the level, he was there waiting for them. He questioned Arthur and then Merlin and then back to Arthur again, his mouth never once shutting down. Despite being angry with Arthur, Merlin still finds Gwaine amusing.
“Careful there… slowly, sit here, Arthur,” Gwaine helps his friend and pounds the বালিশ twice before placing it behind Arthur’s back before gently pushing him back to lean on it. Merlin dropped his bag on the coffee table, loosened his tie and rolled up his শার্ট sleeve up to his elbow before circling the পালঙ্ক and sitting opposite Arthur. Gwaine quickly squeezes Merlin’s shoulder but the latter just pats his friend’s hand and concentrates back on Arthur.
“Care to explain what happened yesterday afternoon, Arthur?”
“Merlin…”
“No, I want to know what happened. Gwaine, I deserve to know because his father here thinks we are responsible for everything that happens to him and Mr. Blue Eyes here has the knack to run off whenever he wishes, so I believe we all deserve an explanation, don’t we, Arthur?
“Merlin, he just got back from the hospital… perhaps we should wait until he’s fine…”
“Oh, he’s fine, Gwaine! He is very fine indeed অথবা he wouldn’t have rushed out to the streets unaided… now that’s a pretty good achievement for someone like you, Arthur. Hats off, I must say!”
“Merlin,” Leon warns from behind them as he enters, closing the door behind him. Merlin hardly tossed any look behind him. He was very angry with Arthur and isn’t afraid to প্রদর্শনী it.
“He is still injured and could do with some rest, Merlin,” Leon suggests.
“His father…” Merlin points to Arthur and turns around to meet the other guys, “Literally chewed my head off yesterday for what befell him,” Merlin says, his anger visible in his voice. “He thinks his son was on a suicide mission and none of us cared, and even went to the extent of warning me that should something like this happen again he wouldn’t hesitate to use what’s wise on us… get it Leon? His father just finished threatening days off of my life and I don’t want to spend another দিন waiting for his answer… I want them now!”
“But, Merlin…”
“It’s all right, Leon, Merlin is right. I do owe all of আপনি an apology and I better do it now,” Arthur says, picking himself up a little. Gwaine helps him to sit and steps back, folding his arms. Merlin waits patiently while Leon comes around to sit beside Arthur. “I wasn’t planning suicide like আপনি think, Merlin, I just… can’t adapt to this life! I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I tried and tried, and barely ten মিনিট after all of আপনি left I was bumping, tripping and stumbling all over the place. GOD!!!” Arthur shakes his head. Leon places an assuring arm over Arthur’s shoulder. “It feels miserable!! God damn miserable, Merlin! I couldn’t even try to pretend that I can manage because I can’t! I gave up and I was scared. I was terrified that I will lose to my father and suddenly I was overcome দ্বারা fear. Fear of losing!! আপনি know that feeling Merlin? It’s the feeling which creeps inside আপনি to warn and chill the life out of you. It’s bloody damn persuasive, where আপনি start to doubt yourself, thinking of nothing but failure. No matter how hard আপনি try to lift yourself, আপনি still end up being told that you’re nothing but a failure! And then it scared me… I was sitting down দ্বারা the corner here, thinking how did I actually end up like this and when will it end. I didn’t want it continue, I wanted to live Merlin. I wanted to get out from this mess that I weaved myself. And for once, Merlin, I wished… I wished I could see!!” Arthur tells sadly.
Leon looks at Gwaine and then at Merlin. There was sadness in each of them and it was visible enough through their eyes, especially Gwaine’s. “I was in such a mess and couldn’t think at all… that’s why I ran. I didn’t realise what I was doing; I just did it. I ran and did the unthinkable; I took the elevator myself down and rushed out to the streets. Don’t ask me how I did it, but… I only realised I was on the streets when I got knocked down দ্বারা something. I’m sorry, guys, I am really truly very sorry for putting each one of আপনি in an uncomfortable position… and on behalf of my father, I apologise. Merlin, I do with all my heart. I just wasn’t aware of my actions, that is all!” Arthur finishes and buries his face with his hands.
Gwaine reach down and pats Merlin’s shoulder, asking the latter to say something to Arthur while Leon comforts Arthur. But Merlin decides to keep mum, prompting Gwaine to speak on behalf instead.
“There’s no need to apologise, Arthur. It’s not your fault, অথবা anyone’s fault, for that matter. আপনি are experiencing a life-changing traumatic scenario and anyone in your shoes would behave exactly the same way. Right, Merlin?” Gwaine asks yet again; the latter keeps his silence. Gwaine throws his hands up in the air and looks at Leon for help. He is clearly frustrated with Merlin’s resentment towards Arthur. What has gone into Merlin’s head?
“Merlin?” Leon calls up his friend. When Merlin looks at Leon, the latter makes his sign, asking Merlin to start talking at Arthur.
“I am sorry for all the trouble I have caused আপনি since this accident, Merlin, I …”
“This is the life আপনি chose, Arthur. আপনি stamped your ground, insisting this is what আপনি clearly wanted. It’s your call and no one forced আপনি to do this except yourself, so… no matter how tough it is for you, আপনি have to accept it. Regardless of what the circumstances are, this is what you’ve chosen for yourself, so আপনি need to adapt to it.” Merlin says straightforwardly.
“That is very comforting, Merlin,” Gwaine snaps bitterly.
“He’s right Gwaine, every word of it.” Arthur agrees with Merlin.
“I mean it, Arthur…” Merlin adds.
“I know. It’s just …”
“Tough?” Merlin guesses.
“Yeah. Very,” Arthur sighs sadly.
“I know… what isn’t? Life is always tough, Arthur. আপনি can ask anyone and they’d all agree with me. But this is what the real world is made of. The world your father wants আপনি to plunge into is one made of fake promises, and imaginary world filled with imaginary people, whereas this…” Merlin twirls his finger around, “This is where আপনি learn the ways of life. The hard way. This is where আপনি become a man, Arthur. Life can be full of surprises and expectations, yet it also can be your springboard to become the person everyone would look up to. It’s your teacher, Arthur. There are plenty of lessons to be learnt and giving up now isn’t going to help much”
“Merlin!! Where did আপনি learn to talk like this?”
“I read… from a book”
“Really?”
“He’s right, Arthur” Leon chips in, clasping Arthur’s hand in his for support. “You have to have faith in yourself because without any, everything you’ve worked so hard for would be useless. Success and failure are like yin and yang, like black and white; one complements the other. We need failure to elevate us towards success, that’s how we become complete. So if you’re feeling miserable, then allow that misery to push আপনি to greater heights, make আপনি a man and someone your father will be proud of. আপনি have to teach yourself before আপনি teach others, and what better way than to start in our own life?”
“Gosh, Leon? Guys, seriously… I need to start learn to listen to আপনি both… where did আপনি learn all this, Leon?”
“From a book,” Leon tells Gwaine and smiles at Merlin who smiles back.
“You always want to be your own man, Arthur, and insist upon proving a point to your father, so this is your moment. This is your time, your stage and your play. আপনি pull the strings in this play and we’ll help আপনি as much we can. But in the end, it’s still your play. So be a man and ব্রেভ up to your decision, mate. Stand your ground and tell everyone around আপনি that আপনি are living the life আপনি chose to live. No one can dictate what আপনি should অথবা should not do, because like I said, this is your life.” Merlin advices, tilting his head a little.
“We will support আপনি all the way, Arthur. Good, bad, অথবা ugly… we’ll be there for আপনি throughout,” Gwaine chips in. The other two nod in agreement.
“Perhaps this will change your father’s perspective on you. Maybe, just maybe he might finally see আপনি for the person আপনি are,” Merlin adds.
“I very much hope you’re right, Merlin,” Arthur wishes. Frankly it’s what he wanted from the দিন he learned of his father’s hatred towards him.
“Let’s pray and hope he does Arthur,” Leon adds.
“Thank আপনি guys, all of you. I promise I will not repeat my mistakes again,” Arthur promises, his face beaming with newfound encouragement.
“We hold on to your words Arthur, better not disappoint us.”
“I swear, Merlin,” Arthur swears, holding up his casted hand much to the amusement of the other guys.
“Now I feel better,” Merlin says and leans back on the couch. But he abruptly pulls back again, his eyes sharp on Arthur.
“And one আরো thing, Arthur… please take care of your head. আপনি were lucky this time around, but the doctor couldn’t promise if you’ll be so fortunate the পরবর্তি trip, so…” he warns his friend. Arthur nods with a smile.
“I will remember that advice, Merlin, thank you.”
“Well, now that we got all that sorted out… what’s for dinner?” Gwaine asks.
“So, he’s been on your mind all night huh? Is that why আপনি look weary today?” Morgana asks as she sips her coffee. Gwen sighs, drops her head on her folded arms on শীর্ষ of the table, burying her face. Morgana reaches out and twirls Gwen’s curls playfully, tugging it a little to give Gwen a surprise jerk. As Gwen flinches in annoyance, Morgana silently laughs.
“Come on… আপনি don’t want Lancelot to see আপনি like this, do you?” Morgana says again, this time finishing her coffee.
Gwen lifts her head up quickly and whizzes around, looking for the person mentioned দ্বারা Morgana. But except for some technician and a cleaner, there isn’t anyone else. Morgana laughs and picks up her doughnut.
“You are incredible, Gwen. One মিনিট আপনি are weary because Arthur’s been on your mind and the পরবর্তি আপনি are worried Lancelot might find আপনি looking all tired and worn out. God, আপনি are definitely occupied, young lady,” Morgana says.
Gwen playfully pinches Morgana and goes back to rest on her arms again. She can hardly lift her lids. The sleepless night endured last night is weaving its magic on her now. She feels sleepy yet she’s got a briefing in another hour’s time with her working mates and Lancelot. If he isn’t involved, she would have scrapped the whole briefing thing off and be heading home. But with Lancelot still in the picture and overseeing their progress, she didn’t see it as the wisest thing to do. Besides, this will allow Lancelot to have another go at her, probably tease her all the way till the briefing ends. No, she’s not going to give him a chance to do that. Not now and not today.
“Hello?” Morgana snaps her fingers.
“Yes Morgana?”
“Still Arthur?”
“No, it’s Lancelot now.”
“Damn it, girl, how many do আপনি need? Hand me one, will you?”
“Morgana… I was thinking about Lancelot and the briefing. I am tired and if he wasn’t around, I’d be canceling the briefing and heading back home. I really could use some good hours of sleep!” Gwen yawns as if to make a statement.
“But he attends all the meetings and briefings, doesn’t he? There is no way he’ll miss this. But if you’re tired, maybe I can take over?”
“You can?”
“Yeah, but…”
“He’ll ask for me… yeah, I know that. No need to remind me of that. Bollocks!!” Gwen mutters bitterly and whacks her forehead lightly on the table.
“Is this how আপনি exercise your neck after lunch?” Lancelot asks, sitting down opposite Gwen and Morgana. Gwen jolts up like a rocket, her curls dangling around her forehead. She pushes them away and straightens up, adjusting her ব্লাউজ and the matching chain she wore. Lancelot signals for a cup of লেবু চা and looks at both of them. He smiled at Morgana and looks disturbingly concerned at Gwen.
“You look tired.”
“She didn’t have much sleep last night,” Morgana chirps in, much to Lancelot’s amusement and Gwen’s irritation.
“Working late?”
“No…” Morgana began, but Gwen cut her off abruptly.
“Yeah, আপনি can say that… hahaha!” Gwen laughs nervously while pinching Morgana’s thigh, warning her to keep quiet.
“Awww!!!”
“What happened?” Lancelot alerts himself, looking tensely worried. Morgana smiles, raising her hand up to indicate she was fine.
“Fine, fine…” she too laughs nervously at Lancelot.
Lancelot opens his mouth to ask something but his conversation was interrupted দ্বারা the arrival of the waitress with his tea.
“Thank you,” Lancelot acknowledges the waitress and returns back to the girls. “So, where were we?”
“I thought আপনি were with Gaius?”
“Should have been but he has an appointment with his dentist, so I thought I’d hang around here. It’s not a problem, is it… me hanging around?”
“No, no… of course not. Just curious to find your path leading আপনি here, usually it’s either to Gaius’s office অথবা the server room.” Gwen laughs again. Lancelot smiles back.
“Thought I get to know আপনি better, after all we didn’t get off on a good note on the first day.”
“You can say that again. আপনি were brash and arrogant, what can I say? Your attitude was hard to stomach let alone endure; your overbearing personality gave away much of আপনি as a person and in the end, we were left with little imagination of the type of a man আপনি really are.”
“Gwen?” Morgana is horrified. Only then Gwen realised she went a tad too far with her sentences. And she regrets it. Lancelot came দ্বারা probably to strike friendship with both of them and here she is, shoving the dirt back into his throat as if to say, get lost!!
“Hmm… interesting, Gwen! Very descriptive and brilliantly innovative, I must say. I didn’t know I made such a powerful impact on you,” he উত্তর calmly, much to the girls’ surprise.
‘Ouch!’ the word stings and she deserves it. “I’m sorry… I really am…”
“No, it’s all right. Please, don’t let me stop you… anything else?”
‘Is this a mock Mr. Genius?’ Gwen thinks again. Beside her Morgana seems to be unnaturally quiet.
“No, I just… I’m sorry. It’s my weariness, actually. I tend to speak my mind without sensing my whereabouts. Sorry, Lancelot, really, from my heart.” Gwen hates apologising but if she had kept her big mouth shut, she probably didn’t have to. Serves her right!
“Like I said, it’s all right. Sometimes I need to know what others think of me. আপনি were brave, I give আপনি that. আপনি definitely know how to grab a man’s attention,” he smiles and slurps his tea.
Gwen feels embarrassed so she bites her lip and holds her head down. She didn’t know if Lancelot is taking the mickey out of her অথবা is he genuinely being nice. She couldn’t think. Her head throbs with the weariness and she didn’t want to think about anything for the moment.
“What did I do now?”
“Huh?”
“I didn’t mean to hurt অথবা upset you. If my presence has caused আপনি uneasiness, I’ll leave…”
“Oh no!!!” Gwen looks at Morgana for help and the latter shakes her head, agreeing with Gwen. “Of course not!!” Gwen adds quickly. “Like I said, I’m just tired, that’s all.” she squares her shoulders and purses her lips.
“Sure? Perhaps আপনি like a moment alone?”
“Company is nice, especially yours, Lancelot. Do stay.”
“Thanks… so, how long have আপনি both been working here?”
“Almost five years.” Gwen says. “Four,” Morgana adds.
“That’s a very long time…”
“There are others who go way back longer than us. Gaius was kind enough to allow an inexperienced fresh graduate like me handle an entire department all দ্বারা myself.”
“He trusts those he works with heartfully. It’s the belief that keeps him moving all these years. Any plans?”
“On what?”
“Your life, of course. Is this where your future lies?”
“I’m not sure. I don’t know, really. I like to leave my life to fate. I trust it and whatever fate decides, I’m good with it.”
Morgana’s phone rings in the midst of the conversation, interrupting them a while. Morgana fishes out the phone, recognises the name of the caller, excuses herself and leaves to have her private conversation.
“You were saying?” Gwen asks Lancelot.
“I believe in fate too. I think God has plans for all of us and we just need to take one thing at a time.”
“True.”
“But what if the decision isn’t one আপনি expected?”
“There’s nothing much I can do about it, can I? After all, there’s a reason behind every action, yeah. So, I’m a pretty much go-by-the-book type of a girl. I don’t defy fate, but neither will I ignore it,” Gwen explains to him. ‘Why is he being so nice to me?’ she thinks to herself, curiously.
“Interesting,” Lancelot smiles and looks away.
“What?”
“I thought আপনি and I were miles apart, never seeing eye to an eye but here we are, having আরো in common that not.”
“It’s a small world Lancelot,”
“You don’t say…” Lancelot agrees and finishes his tea. He takes a quick look at his watch and back at Gwen. “Nice talking with আপনি Gwen, it’s been a pleasure. I would like to sit longer and chat but I have some mainframes to check. So, see আপনি at the briefing?” he says and gets up.
“Yeah, thanks.”
“On the other hand, if আপনি are feeling tired, why not ask Gaius for a দিন off?” Lancelot suggests. Gwen thinks she is dreaming.
“But the briefing?”
“I’m sure canceling the briefing one দিন wouldn’t do much harm, would it? If আপনি still want the briefing to go on as planned, ask Morgana to handle it. She’s a good speaker herself and I’m sure she wouldn’t mind taking over.”
“Okay, I’ll have to consider it…”
“Do it, আপনি look like you’re going to drop off any minute. There’s nothing much আপনি can say if your head’s laced with fatigue. Think about it,” he waves off and leaves. Gwen waves back and thinks back all the words he has just told her. Could it be true অথবা is he taking the mickey out of her? How come he seems nicer to her today? Is it because he doesn’t have any other বন্ধু and needs to pass his time and chose her because she was an easy prey?
‘What nonsense are আপনি blabbering about Gwen? You, an easy prey? He must’ve known all about আপনি the first দিন he arrived… perhaps he is genuinely being nice. Maybe he changed?’ she thinks to herself. ‘Change? Him? Huh?’ she thinks again and holds the sides of her temple, the throbbing increasing inside her head. ‘No, maybe Gaius must’ve advised him to be nice with everyone here. That’s why he’s starting with her, because he needs to work with her closely’ she finishes.
“Yup, that has to be the reason, sweetheart,” she tells herself.
“Reason for what?” Morgana asks as she takes her আসন back beside Gwen.
“Lancelot being nice to us.”
“Oh that… I’ve been watching from far and though I didn’t hear anything, he seems honest in his approach.”
“Never judge a book দ্বারা its cover Morgana. I thought the same when I first met him, but in the end he was an arse.”
“But I think he changed his attitude these past few days, haven’t আপনি noticed? He’s pretty jovial with everyone.”
“Maybe he’s opting for the sympathy vote should I confront him one day.”
“Come on Gwen, you… going head to head against him?” Morgana laughs. Gwen arches her brow.
“You may never know, Morgana… anyway, I don’t care much about him. Maybe he is genuine in his approach অথবা maybe not. We’ll deal with that later. I need a favour from আপনি though, care to help?” Gwen leans back and folds her arms across her chest.
“Take over the briefing? Consider it done!” Morgana finishes, raising her hand to call for the waitress.
“Yup, thanks dear. I প্রণয় you,” Gwen says and gets up, pressing her forehead again.
“Are আপনি heading home?” Morgana asks as she hands the money to the waitress and gets up as well.
“Yeah… I need to sleep. Really do. Why?”
“Nothing.”
“Morgana?”
“Fine… don’t wander off to the hospital again all right, like yesterday when আপনি ব্যক্ত আপনি wouldn’t and finally ending up declaring yourself to be a nurse to Arthur?”
“I’m really tired, Morgana, and even if I want to, there is no way I’m dragging my arse over to the hospital again. Besides, দ্বারা now Arthur would have known I’m not a nurse and probably forgotten all about me.”
“You are not sure about that love!”
“Why would he want to even think about me when there are other things playing on his mind? He’s got his quarrels with his father to take care of, his friends, and maybe his health… I’m just a passing মেঘ in his life. After all, I lied to save my arse back there… you’re not expecting me to hold on to that lie?”
“Of course not… I’m just worried আপনি might lie further should আপনি choose to visit him again.”
“I am not visiting him, Morgana, I am heading back home, take a warm ঝরনা and head for the bed. That is all I’m planning on doing, so sorry to disappoint you, girl!” Gwen says with a tinge of mock laced on her words. Morgana chuckles.
“Right, whatever আপনি say, Gwen. Take care and call me if আপনি need anything, all right?” Morgana advises as Gwen heads to the exit while Morgana leaves to যোগদান the visual merchandising staffs, seated on the টেবিল beside hers.
“Sure thing, bye,” Gwen says, waves awkwardly at Morgana and drags herself out from there.
“Discharged? When was he discharged?” Gwen asks in shock, following the doctor from the lobby towards his room down the aisle.
“Today. His বন্ধু took him back.” the doctor informs her, nudges the door open and allows her to enter while he steps in behind her.
“Oh, I didn’t know that.” Gwen looks disappointed. The doctor points to the chair and asks her sit down while he circles the table, drops his কোট on the টেবিল and takes his own আসন opposite her.
“I thought he might still be around. Just wanted to drop দ্বারা and say hello.”
“He would have loved that, but I didn’t find anything wrong with his head and the scans came back clean, so we didn’t have much reason to keep him any longer. Besides, his বন্ধু insisted on getting him out of here as soon as possible.”
“Oh, looks like I’m a little too late then,” Gwen laughs nervously. The doctor smiles and arranges the documents on the table.
“He did ask for আপনি though,” he tells calmly. Gwen almost jumped out from the chair she sat in. Looking at the doctor in bewilderment, she is puzzled why Arthur was looking for her.
“What?” she asks, her fingers coiled tightly around her bag strap.
“He was looking for a nurse named Guinevere and I know আপনি are the one. Your friend told me both of your names and that’s how I recognised it when he asked me. He ব্যক্ত আপনি made him warmer than he felt before and requested my permission to ask আপনি to look after him.”
“Oh dear… what did আপনি say to him?” Gwen is in tense.
“Don’t worry, I told him nothing. I just ব্যক্ত আপনি resigned.”
“What?” Gwen laughs instantly. She tries to imagine what Arthur would have thought at her resignation. ‘Me a nurse? Wait till Morgana finds about this!’ Gwen shakes her head in disbelief.
“I thought it was funny too, but…”
Gwen stops laughing. “What happened?”
“He… was seriously asking for you, and first I thought he was requesting your service because আপনি mentioned yourself to be a nurse but he wasn’t looking for the nurse in আপনি Guinevere, he was looking for the friend in you. He thirsts your company, Guinevere.”
“I… what …” Gwen is speechless. ‘What is this new kind of confusion?’ she thinks to herself, scratching her head.
“You must have made quite an impression on him অথবা else he wouldn’t be asking for you. I know this because from what his friend tells me, Arthur became dispirited after the accident. He হারিয়ে গেছে his faith and will to live. Almost turning even his বন্ধু away, he isolates himself often from other living creatures around him. But you… আপনি casted some sort of magic on him, young lady. আপনি made him smile and talk. And he kept on asking for আপনি all day.”
“I… just did… what anyone… in my position would have done.”
“I believe so, but আপনি did well. That is exactly what he needs right now.”
“I’m sure his বন্ধু could give better company than me, I…” Gwen is speechless. She didn’t know what to say অথবা think. Her mind is in a muddle.
“I think so myself, and I believe they are, but আপনি can play a part as well.”
“What? Oh, no. No… you’re not suggesting…”
“No, I’m not suggesting anything. আপনি and he are complete strangers, I know that, but sometimes the company of a stranger heals our wounds faster than those close to us. Arthur is shattered and broken but he has incredible বন্ধু around him and আপনি can যোগদান that rank too. From what I heard, he looks to আপনি as his friend though he couldn’t see আপনি and there’s no harm in becoming friend, is it not?”
“No, of course not…”
“He needs this right now, Guinevere. He needs warmth and প্রণয় to heal, not our medication. He needs his friends… because his real wound is not up here,” the doctor points to his head, “but here.” He brings his finger down to his হৃদয় and pokes it lightly, looking at Gwen. “This is what will bring him back from his despair,” he finishes.
Gwen is in turmoil. Her mind is clouded with all sorts of emotion right now and she can barely think properly. She heard what the doctor ব্যক্ত yet she is helpless to promise অথবা utter anything back. She didn’t know what to do; she really didn’t know what to do.
“I understand your silence and I’m not pushing you. I wouldn’t have told আপনি this if আপনি didn’t return today. Since আপনি did, I have a feeling আপনি care, and out of courtesy, I’m telling what I feel. But again, it’s up to you. Should আপনি choose to heed my advice, আপনি know what to do,” the doctor informs her and smiles.
Gwen smiles back, almost halfheartedly, and wonders what sort of mess she’s gotten herself into again.
“Elena called while you’ve been in the hospital, Arthur,” Gwaine informs Arthur as they spend the দিন in Arthur’s bedroom. Arthur is perched at the edge of the bed, leaning against the দেওয়াল with both his feet up on the বিছানা while Gwaine went through Arthur’s documentation.
“What did she want?”
“She wanted to know how are you? She seems worried”
“Didn’t her father tell her anything?”
“About?”
“Me being blind… doesn’t she know?”
“I think she does, but…”
“She doesn’t care, is that what আপনি want to tell me?”
“Hmm” Gwaine keeps the files and documents properly back in its place and twirls the pen in his hand. “Something like that,” he finishes.
“Of course she doesn’t care, Gwaine, all she wants is me. She wanted me from the দিন she set her eyes on me; of course she doesn’t mind how I’m presented to her.”
“It can’t be that bad, Arthur! She seems like a nice girl,” Gwaine tries defending Elena but Arthur waves his hand.
“She is a nice girl, Gwaine, a lovely girl if I may add, but… I don’t have any feelings for her. She claims she loves me but it’s infatuation, obsession, and God knows what else, but love… nah! I don’t think so.”
“How do আপনি know that? আপনি hardly spent any time with her, so how do আপনি know আপনি don’t like her?” Gwaine sets the pen back on the টেবিল and turns around to face Arthur.
“Because I don’t feel it here!” Arthur points to his heart. Gwaine agrees. “Arthur do have a point there.”
“I want to fall in love, Gwaine. And I want the girl I প্রণয় to make me fall in প্রণয় with her… I don’t need to be told to fall in প্রণয় like my father tells me with Elena! The feeling must be there genuinely, spring out to surprise you… maybe like, out of blue it just strikes আপনি and then আপনি start to feel it in your হৃদয় and mind. Your head and হৃদয় must be in consensus in this matter. There shouldn’t be any differing statements; must be mutual… get what I mean?”
“Phew, Arthur… sounds like you’ve watched some pretty old romance চলচ্চিত্র to me,” Gwaine jokes. Arthur smiles.
“I’m not the romantic type, Gwaine, but if there’s one thing in my life I want to do right is find the girl I প্রণয় and who loves me back for the person I am. I know my father loved my mother dearly and she must’ve loved him back equally too. Their প্রণয় might not be the greatest অথবা rarest like in the চলচ্চিত্র but it must have been genuinely honest. I know it must be because my father became a torn soul after my mother died. His প্রণয় for her prevented him from sharing it with me and I appreciate how much he loved her. I know I can never শীর্ষ their প্রণয় but I want it to be just like that. I want to enjoy falling in প্রণয় Gwaine, feel the excitement, cherish the sensation with the women I am in প্রণয় with and I want to tell how much I প্রণয় her every day. I want to go through that moment, naturally. Not like this… I’m sorry if আপনি disagree but I can never bring myself to প্রণয় Elena.”
“I get it Arthur, but… she’s been promised to আপনি since আপনি both were teenagers. She never loved another and do আপনি think it’s fair to her?”
“She’s still young, Gwaine, and if I can talk to her perhaps she might understand.”
“I doubt it, Arthur,” Gwaine plays with Arthur’s chess collection, set upon the marble টেবিল beside the study table.
“Why?”
“She might be young, but from what Merlin tells me, it looks like she’s quite obsessed with you. She wants no one but you, Arthur. Hear that, just আপনি alone!” Gwaine উত্তর without looking at Arthur, still playing with the chess set.
“It can be dealt with, Gwaine. Just need the right type of word, that’s all,” Arthur is still determined to change Elena’s mind.
“What about her father and… yours?” Gwaine looks up, holding the knight in his hand, stroking it with his thumb.
“I don’t care about them, any of them. This is my life and I deserve to chose the person I’m going to fall in প্রণয় with অথবা marry. Elena will be hurt for a দিন অথবা two অথবা perhaps weeks but she will eventually get over it. There are plenty of guys out there for someone as pretty as her,” Arthur says with certainty. Gwaine nods and places the knight down and moves the bishop from left towards its right.
“Maybe আপনি should tell her fast, Arthur. Not everyone deals with the truth maturely. And in her case, the hurt can be a devastating blow, especially if kept for too long, get it?” Gwaine advises.
“Yeah, you’re right. Did her father tell আপনি when she is visiting him next?”
“No, he didn’t, but she did though, when she called in here asking for you. I think she’ll be here পরবর্তি week. Maybe আপনি need to talk with her then. Don’t wait too long.”
“Yeah, need to.”
“Good luck with that, you’re going to need it.”
“Thanks, Gwaine.”
“Pleasure’s all mine, Arthur,” Gwaine says with a smile and moves his king to claim checkmate. Smiling triumphantly, he walks across the room and nears the window, looking out. His hands were firmly tucked inside his pocket, eyes fixed firmly on the scenario out there.
“How long have they been gone?” Arthur asks, massaging his neck.
“I think almost an hour, why?”
“They are not back yet?”
“It’s not easy finding a teacher for the blind, Arthur. It requires patience,” Gwaine informs without looking down at Arthur.
“Sorry, just … getting a little agitated. Call it excitement!” Arthur tells Gwaine and laughs himself. Gwaine smiles watching Arthur feeling much better now than he has the past few days.
“Once আপনি start learning, things are going to be much easier for you. আপনি can stop depending on others.”
“That’s what I like to hear.”
Gwaine opens his mouth but the telephone rings in the living room. “Excuse me, Arthur. Will be back shortly. আপনি need anything just shout, all right?” Gwaine informs Arthur, turning around.
“Yeah, thanks”
Gwaine pats Arthur’s legs and leaves the room. Arthur leans back against the দেওয়াল and recollects every single event occurred in the past twenty four hours. He sighs regretfully thinking of the accident, his father’s quarrel and the short misunderstanding he had with his friends, especially Merlin. And then his mind flies over to the nurse, Guinevere. He smiles thinking about her, her name cemented permanently in his mind. He remembers everything about her; her voice, the nervous giggles and the determination in her voice. She was a nurse, yet she treated him like a friend আরো than a patient. She listened to him and questioned him only when necessary. She was supportive of his father yet she wasn’t pushy. Arthur didn’t know how to describe what he feels right now about her but he likes her company. She makes him warm, warmer than he’d felt for ages. He would like to meet her again but unfortunately she’d resigned. That’s what the doctor told him. It made him sad but there’s little he can do about it. None of his বন্ধু have met her before so there is no way they can help him track her down and he isn’t much of a help himself, either.
“Damn!!” Arthur curses under his breath. He finally found someone who understands him and now she’s gone. Maybe one দিন their paths will ক্রুশ again, Arthur thinks. And when it does, he isn’t going to lose her again.
Long Live the Queen.
