The next day, Advik stood in front of the hospital entrance longer than he expected.
He told himself he just came to check on her condition. Nothing more.
As he walked down the corridor, he noticed her parents standing outside her room. Their voices were low, but the tension between them was clear.
"We're taking you home," her father insisted from inside.
"No," she replied firmly. "I need to stay here. I still have something to finish."
Her mother sighed in frustration. They weren't convinced by her words. To them, it sounded like stubbornness. To her, it felt like necessity.
Just then, her friend Elena stepped out of the room and gently called, "Uncle, Aunty… she's asking for you."
As her parents entered, Elena paused for a second. Her eyes shifted down the corridor.
A young man stood there… watching.
Advik quickly looked away, his heart skipping. For a brief second, he felt like he didn't belong there. Like he was intruding into something personal.
Instead of going inside, he stepped back.
He didn't visit her.
He simply turned around and left.
Later that day, the doctor came in and gave her discharge papers. Her injuries were minor scratches on her hands and legs, and a head injury that needed rest.
Her parents and friends took her to her rented house. After making sure she was settled and repeating "Take care" at least five times, her parents finally returned to their hometown, still worried.
That evening, she and Elena sat on the bed, replaying the accident.
"There was something strange," she whispered. "For a few seconds… everything felt frozen."
Elena nodded slowly. "And there was a guy. He came near your room earlier. He was just… staring."
Her heart skipped slightly.
"A stranger?"
"Yes," Elena said. "I've never seen him before."
She didn't know why… but that thought stayed with her.
Meanwhile, at Advik's apartment
He paced around the living room, running a hand through his hair.
"I went to the hospital…" he muttered under his breath, preparing to tell his friend.
But before he could speak, his friend Ryan suddenly interrupted with a grin.
"Ohooo… that accident girl? You went to visit her, didn't you?"
Advik froze. "Who? What are you talking about?"
Ryan smirked. "Don't act innocent. You're falling for her, right?"
His heartbeat quickened. "No. I just went for a blood check-up."
Ryan burst into laughter. "Sure. Blood check-up. Very convincing."
Advik looked away, slightly irritated… but more confused than annoyed.
Later, sitting alone on the sofa, the truth slowly surfaced in his mind.
Why did I go to the hospital?
It wasn't for any check-up.
He closed his eyes.
I only know one thing…
I'm interested in her.
And that realization scared him more than the frozen time ever did.