Falling in Love : I love you, Today and Forever

In the hospital.

Aria's face had flushed red and she was embarrassed. The old man in front of her had spared no efforts in asking her for grandkids. This was the first time they were meeting correctly, although they had met before when he fell sick and he had already proclaimed her as his daughter-in-law. Unable to control her embarrassment, she had run away from the ward.

Jonathan laughed looking at Aria scamper.

"Such a cute kid." He commented.

"She sure is. But grandpa, there is something you must know." Rachel said. She was contemplating whether to tell Jonathan about Aria or not. It was not her matter to speak in the first place.

"What dear?" He looked at her, waiting for her reply.

"Ah, nothing." Rachel said after much thinking. It would be better if Noah said it to grandpa in person.

"You kids are weird." He commented. "I'll get going now. Your parents would have created a ruckus in my absence."

"Take care grandpa."

"You too dear." Jonathan kissed her on the forehead and took his leave.

Rachel lied down, although she was not sleepy. She thought of calling Daniel, but then she remembered he had the hearing of his case. So, she did not disturb him. She was truly bored, but she did not know what to do. She fumbled with her phone and thought of pestering Joshua.

"Hello," Joshua answered her call on the first ring.

"Don't you have work to do? Why did you pick my call on the first ring?" Rachel teased, rendering Joshua speechless.

"Madam, you were the one to call me." He retorted back.

"And you are so jobless, that you picked it up on the first ring."

"Yes, I am jobless. So what? Do you want to give me a job?"

Rachel picked up the actual meaning in his words and she chocked on her saliva.

"You dirty man. Is this the way to speak to me?"

"What are you saying? I am completely innocent, it was you who misunderstood." Joshua said innocently. But in actuality, he was smirking mischievously.

"Is it? Don't lie."

"I am not you. I don't know how to lie. Anyway, tell me the reason you called me. I am busy."

"Busy with what?"

"Work," Joshua answered.

"You work? That's great." Rachel sassed and smiled inwardly. It was always fun to talk to Joshua.

"Madam, if you were to refresh your memory, you will remember that I own a software company and a video game design company. Unfortunately for you, your memory is worse than a pig."

"You.."

"Yes me."

"Have you tested a pig's memory skills?"

"No."

"Then why did you compare mine with a pig's memory."

"Oh that. Because it sounded great and funny."

"You..." Rachel seethed.

"Yes me. Remember Rachel, I'll always have the last say."

"No way. I might have lost to you. But remember that there will be someone who could win you over."

"I doubt that."

"Trust me, it will happen soon."

"If you have nothing to say, I am going to cut the call. I have work to do."

"Fine." Rachel cut the call. Now even Joshua was busy.

An idea came in her mind. She could take a walk in the hospital. At least, she could drive her boredom away. She got up slowly and took slow steps. It had been two days since she actually walked on her own. Whenever she had to go to the washroom, there was always a nurse to escort her.

At first, it was difficult for her to balance herself. But once she got the hold of it, she could walk comfortably without any difficulties. She stepped out of the ward and she saw a nurse walk in her direction.

"Nurse, I want to take a walk."

"Do you want me to help you, Miss?" The nurse asked gently.

"No. No I am fine." Rachel smiled at her and started walking.

After two days of bed rest, the feel of being able to walk again was amazing. It was like she was flying in the sky. She did not wander in the hallways of the hospital. Instead, she went to the beautiful garden in the backside of the hospital. There were a lot of patients taking a walk in the garden. It looked lovely. She sat on one of the empty benches admiring the many people around her.

But her moment of peace was broken when someone tapped on her shoulders. Rachel turned to look at him and she scowled.

"Rachel, love what are you doing here?"

"You took my question, Jared." Rachel lamented. She was feeling utterly disgusted by the way he was staring at her. By now, she had become a hundred percent sure what his intentions were.

"I am here to see you." He smirked and sat beside her.

"May I ask you something?"

"Definitely love."

His words of endearment made her cringe. She wanted nothing but to stay as far away as possible from him.

"What do you want of me?" She asked him directly.

"I don't understand." He looked at her innocently.

"Why are you behind me? If I remember correctly, you and I are mere acquaintances. In fact, to be precise, we are nothing but strangers. So, what do you want of me?"

"I.." Jared stared but Rachel interrupted him.

"Look, if you are doing this because I rejected to handle your project, then I am not going to change my mind."

"What if I want something else from you?"

"What?" Rachel stared at him and folded her hands.

"You. I want you, Rachel."

"That's not possible."

"Why? I like you Rachel."

"Then you can forget about it."

"Why? Is there something in me you are not satisfied with? Tell me, I'll rectify it."

"I am not ready for relationships right now." Rachel lied. She could have told him about Daniel. But something from within was stopping her. She was getting bad vibes from him and she was definite that he was the kind of person to use all sorts of despicable methods to get what he wanted. She did not want Daniel to get involved with him and suffer.

"There is no perfect time for a relationship. You just have to find the right person."

"Then you are not the one for me." Rachel rejected him right away.

"Who is the one for you? Daniel Adler?" Jared said with a creepy smile.

"How?" Rachel was dumbfounded. How did he find out about Daniel?

"Do you think I wouldn't know about the affairs of the woman I like?" Jared raised an eyebrow.

"Don't you dare touch him." Rachel pointed a finger at him in rage.

"Oh, I won't. But I can't guarantee that my men won't."

"You..." Rachel was agitated.

"Calm down love. You need to take care of your health." He held her hand, but she pushed him away immediately.

"Don't touch me." She shouted and darted towards her ward. She was scared now for Daniel. She had to inform her brother about Jared's threat.