A full week had passed since Meena's health scare, confining her within the sterile hospital walls. Today signaled a crucial turning point—the day the doctors planned to awaken her from the induced slumber that had held her in suspense. Aoom, Char, and Meena's mother had taken shifts, ensuring she was never left alone in her silent battle.
In a room fraught with anticipation, the trio listened as the doctor, a beacon of reassurance, explained the intricacies of the awakening procedure. The process, he clarified, would unfold gradually, employing medication through the IV to gently coax Meena back to consciousness and avoid any abrupt shocks.
The doctor admitted that time was tricky here. They couldn't say exactly when Meena would wake up—it wasn't about minutes but about watching for her slow and careful response. The doctor said only one person should be there when Meena woke up, and everyone agreed it should be her mom.
Back in Meena's room, everything felt like a touching scene from a movie—soft lights making a warm glow, the steady beep of machines making a quiet soundtrack. Meena, lying there, seemed like she was halfway between dreams and waking up.
Meena's eyelids fluttered as she slowly began to wake. The soft sounds of medical equipment and hushed whispers surrounded her, and her eyes adjusted to the gentle lighting in the room. Meena's mother, holding her daughter's hand, felt the squeeze as Meena's fingers responded. A tender smile formed on Meena's lips as she opened her eyes, finding comfort in the familiar presence of her mom.
"Hi, sweetie," her mother whispered, relief evident in her voice.
"Hi," Meena replied, her voice a soft murmur. Confusion lingered in her eyes as she took in her surroundings.
With a gentle touch, her mother brushed a strand of hair from Meena's face. "You've been asleep for a little over a week, dear."
Meena's brows furrowed in disbelief. "A week? What happened?"
Her mother, maintaining a reassuring demeanor, explained the events that led to her hospitalization. Meena listened, absorbing the details while still trying to make sense of the time that slipped away.
"What about everyone else?" Meena asked, her gaze searching the room.
Her mother smiled, "Just me for now, sweetie. We wanted you to wake up at your own pace."
Meena, still groggy but determined, looked around the room. "Where's Aoom? I want to see her."
Understanding Meena's desire to have her friends close, her mother nodded. "I'll go find her for you, dear. Just a moment."
With a reassuring squeeze of Meena's hand, her mother left the room in search of Aoom. Meena lay there, her mind navigating the hazy space between dreams and reality. Aoom entered the room with a soft smile, her eyes reflecting relief and affection. "Hey, baby," she greeted Meena, a term of endearment that carried a sense of comfort and closeness, "How are you feeling?"
Meena managed to give a weak smile and whispered, "My throat hurts a little, and I feel tired."
Aoom nodded and said, "It's normal to feel that way. You've been through a lot, but you're a fighter, and I know you'll get through this."
Before Meena could respond, the doctor entered the room and began to examine her. Aoom watched anxiously as the doctor checked Meena's vitals and asked her some questions. After a few minutes, the doctor declared that Meena was out of danger and could go home soon.
As Aoom and Meena engaged in their small, comforting conversation, the door gently opened once more, revealing Charlotte with a bright and relieved smile. "Looks like I'm not the only one awake now!"
Aoom turned to the doorway, her eyes lighting up at the sight of Charlotte. "Hey, Char! Meena's back with us."
Charlotte rushed over, her face a mix of concern and joy. "Meena, you have no idea how worried we all were. It's so good to see you awake."
Meena managed a grateful smile. "It's good to be awake. Aoom was just telling me what happened."
Charlotte pulled up another chair, completing the circle of friends around Meena's bedside. "Well, now that we're all here, it's time for the real party to start."
Aoom chuckled, "Party might be pushing it, but it's definitely a relief to have her back."
Meena's return home marked a significant step in her recovery. Eager to resume her normal life, she expressed her desire to go back to work immediately. However, the doctor, taking a cautious approach, warned her about the lingering effects of the mercury poisoning.
The doctor warned her that she would feel tired, dizzy, and have difficulty concentrating for the next few weeks. He advised her to take it easy and rest as much as possible. Meena nodded, her mind racing with questions about how this could have happened to her.
As she left the doctor's office, Meena made the decision to take some time off work and focus on her recovery. She knew she needed to heal not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. She returned to her apartment, where she spent the next week resting and trying to make sense of what had happened to her.
During this time, investigators came to interview Meena in hopes of finding the person responsible for her poisoning. They asked her numerous questions, trying to find any lead that could point them in the right direction. But every time they thought they had found a clue, it turned out to be a dead end.
Feeling frustrated and helpless, Meena decided to take matters into her own hands. She started to actively search for any information that could lead her to the culprit. She spent hours scrolling through social media and asking her friends and colleagues if they had noticed anything suspicious. But despite her best efforts, she couldn't find any solid leads.
Feeling defeated, Meena decided to take a break from her quest and focus on something positive. She remembered how much she used to enjoy exercising before the incident. So, she made the decision to start working out again and get back into shape.
Meena joined the gym in her apartment complex and started taking it easy. She didn't want to push herself too hard, knowing that her body was still recovering from the effects of the mercury. But as she continued to exercise, she found herself feeling stronger and more energized every day.
The gym became Meena's safe space, a place where she could forget about her worries and focus on her physical well-being. She started to enjoy her workouts and even made a few friends at the gym. It was a welcome distraction from the stress and fear she had been feeling.
Today Charlotte was going to accompany her in her workouts since she wanted to start exercising more, and Meena offered to train her. It was a nice way for them to spend some time together and clear their minds. They had made plans to meet at Meena's condominium, where Meena had obtained permission for Charlotte to use the gym on the premises. As Charlotte arrived at the gym, she was greeted by Meena with a big smile on her face. Meena was already dressed in her workout gear, looking energetic and ready to take on the day. Charlotte couldn't help but feel motivated and excited to start her fitness journey.
"Hey, girl! You made it!" Meena exclaimed as she gave Charlotte a tight hug.
"Of course, I did. I wouldn't miss this for the world," Charlotte replied, returning the hug.
As they walked towards the treadmill, Meena casually mentioned, 'So, I heard there's a cute guy who works out here every morning. I thought we could use some eye candy while we sweat it out.'
Charlotte laughed at her friend's teasing and replied, "Well, I hope he's not too cute or else I'll be too distracted to work out."
They both laughed and began their warm-up. As they started jogging on the treadmill, they chatted about everything and anything. Meena's infectious energy and positive attitude made the time fly by.
"I can't believe how unfit I am," Charlotte huffed as she slowed down her pace.
Meena responded with a light chuckle, her encouragement evident. "Hey, it's all about progress. Take it slow, and you'll get there. Besides, you've already got those killer abs," she remarked, casting a teasing glance at Charlotte's well-toned stomach.
Charlotte decided to keep the banter going, throwing a mischievous smile into the mix. "Oh, you like them?" she teased, "Want to touch them?"
Meena, responded with a playful smirk. "You would like that, wouldn't you?"
Instead of blushing or playing coy, Charlotte responded with another flirty line, "Oh, honey, you have no idea how much I would like that."
Their laughter echoed as they continued their training, each set becoming a blend of fitness and friendly conversation. Towards the end of the workout, with beads of sweat glistening on their foreheads, Charlotte made a practical suggestion, "How about we grab some takeout and call Aoom for a casual hangout? It's been a while since we had a relaxing evening together."
Meena's eyes lit up at the idea. "That sounds perfect! Count me in. It'll be great to unwind and catch up with everyone."
With the promise of a casual evening, they wrapped up their workout, energized not just by the exercise but also by the prospect of a delightful night ahead. As they left the gym, Charlotte couldn't help but express her excitement, "Looking forward to some good food and catching up. It's been too long since we did this."
Meena grinned, "Absolutely. It'll be nice to unwind and enjoy some downtime together."
"I'm gonna call Aoom," Meena announced while Charlotte pondered the takeout menu, contemplating their dinner options. Meena walked a little away to dial Aoom's number, giving herself some space for the conversation. It had been a while since she had seen Aoom, and despite the daily check-ins and supportive texts, a lingering sense of something missing persisted.
The hospital stay had been a challenging time for Meena, and Aoom's unwavering concern and care had been a constant source of comfort. However, since her discharge, the in-person connection had been absent. Texts could only convey so much, and Meena felt an unspoken need for the warmth of a friend's presence.
Meena chose not to dwell on it, rationalizing that Aoom might need some time for herself. After all, they had been through a lot together, and the recovery process could be emotionally draining. Still, a part of Meena longed for the companionship that only a friend like Aoom could provide.
She pushed aside those thoughts and dialed Aoom's number. The phone rang, and Meena's anticipation grew as she waited for Aoom to answer. Each ring seemed to amplify the silence around her, heightening her eagerness to hear Aoom's voice.
Then she finally heard Aooms voice at the other end of the line "Hey! How is it going?" Aoom greeted her as soon as the call connected.
Meena couldn't help but let out a shy smile at the sound of her friend's voice. "It's going alright, you know," she replied with a small laugh. "I was wondering if you would like to come over to my apartment and join Char and me for some takeout."
There was a very brief pause and then Aoom answered "Of course I want to, I'll put some confy clothes and be there in 20 mins"
There was a moment of silence, and Meena held her breath, hoping Aoom would say yes.
"Of course, I want to!" Aoom's response came, and Meena's face lit up with joy. "I'll change into some comfy clothes and be there in 20 minutes."
Aoom had promised to arrive in 20 minutes and true to her word, she did. Although the food was not yet there, the three friends didn't let that dampen their spirits. They caught up on each other's lives, cracked jokes, and laughed until their sides hurt. The last time the three of them hung out was during Meena's hospital stay, and Meena knew she'd miss these moments when Aoom had to leave in a few weeks. So, they made the most of their time together.
Charlotte started telling the story of their workout early that day, how Meena joked about wanting to touch her abs, and they all burst into laughter. They teased Meena, saying she's a natural flirter. Aoom even said, "Meena could have anyone she wants with no complications."
Char chimed in, "I completely agree. If we weren't friends, I would have already fallen for her."
Meena playfully pouted and asked, "So, does that mean I don't stand a chance?" The three friends erupted into another round of laughter. Meena then added, "But hey, if only winning someone over were that easy," while discreetly looking towards Aoom.
The food finally arrived, and the girls eagerly dug in. As they neared the end of their meal, Meena piped up, "How about we mix things up? I can whip up some cocktails, and we can play a board game," she suggested, a playful smile lighting up her face as she looked at her two friends.
"What games do you have?" Aoom inquired, glancing over at the shelf where Meena kept her collection of party games.
Meena began listing them off, "We've got Monopoly, Pictionary, Cards Against Humanity, Truth or Dare, Jenga, and Meen got me a deck of Never Have I Ever Cards." As she mentioned Meen's name, Aoom couldn't hide the subtle grimace on her face. She didn't exactly like him, and who was she kidding? She couldn't stand him.
"How about Jenga, and whoever makes it tumble has to take a shot?" Char suggested, casting a knowing glance at Aoom.
Meena grinned, loving the idea, "Perfect! Tequila shots and Jenga it is. None of us have work until tomorrow night, so we can enjoy ourselves without worrying about early mornings. As Aoom headed to set up the Jenga game, Meena took a quick detour to grab the bottle of tequila from the kitchen. She returned, brandishing the bottle with a playful twirl. "Tequila shots, ladies!
The trio gathered around the table, Jenga pieces stacked precariously, and shot glasses lined up in anticipation. Aoom, displaying determination, skillfully extracted a block from the middle, maintaining the tower's delicate balance. As Aoom successfully added her block to the top, a collective sigh of relief echoed through the room. The tower, though swaying slightly, stood resilient.
Char, with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, boldly extracted a tricky block from the tower's lower corner, leaving the room in suspense. To everyone's relief, the tower, though challenged, managed to withstand Char's audacious move, and she celebrated with a triumphant grin.
The Jenga tower had survived lots of moves, but now it was Meena's turn, and there weren't many easy blocks left. She knew that whatever block she picked would make the tower fall. Meena, with a sly smile, carefully took out a block, and everyone watched as the tower started wobbling. Laughter filled the room—it was a mix of surprise and fun.
Aoom, in good spirits, teased Meena, "Oh, come on! After all my careful moves, you're the one making me lose?" She playfully gave Meena a shove, adding to the fun.
"Oh, come on, don't be a sore loser and take a block out," Charlotte chimed in, sipping from her cocktail.
With a steady hand, Aoom pulled the block, and for a moment, it seemed like the tower might defy gravity. But reality set in, and the Jenga blocks tumbled, their clatter filling the room. Aoom, laughed and shook her head. "Guess I'll take that shot," Aoom admitted, reaching for the bottle. She took a shot, then a sip of her drink to wash it down, adding to the fun.
But as they played more games, Aoom kept losing, and the tequila shots became a fun penalty. Taking it all in stride, she downed two more shots, each sip accompanied by laughter from her friends.
Not wanting to be left out, Meena and Char, who also faced their fair share of losses, joined in on the tequila tradition. Meena grinned and took two shots, while Char, embracing the fun, matched Meena's count with two shots of her own. With the taste of tequila lingering, they decided to switch up the game.
"Alright, let's switch things up," Aoom suggested, "I've had enough shots for now. How about we play truth or dare?"
Before they could start, Meena excused herself to get some snacks while Aoom and Char prepared the game. When Meena returned, she overheard Char asking Aoom what made her so sure that she wasn't going to drink. Aoom replied with a playful smile, "I've got nerves of steel, Char. Watch and learn." Meena couldn't help but laugh at their banter and joined in on the fun.
The game was simple; a deck of cards with different categories ranging from "funny to extreme" and a pair of dice. The rules were straightforward – if you failed to answer the question or complete the dare, you had to take a shot.
They decided to start with the funny category, to ease into the game. Aoom rolled the dice and picked up a card. The question read, "What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you in public?" Aoom couldn't stop laughing as she narrated the incident when she found herself in a hurry and rushing through a crowded shopping mall. In her haste, she slipped on a wet floor sign and executed an unintentional but impressively choreographed dance routine to recover her balance.
Next up was Char's turn, and she rolled the dice to reveal a dare card. It said, "Do your best impression of your favorite celebrity." Char, being a natural at impersonations, flawlessly imitated her favorite actress and had her friends in stitches. Meena, rolled the dice for her turn and picked up a dare card that read, "Do the chicken dance in the middle of the room." Meena stood up and did the dance with such enthusiasm that the girls couldn't stop laughing.
As they moved on to the next category, daring, the dares became more challenging. Aoom, the first to face the daring challenge, drew a card that commanded her to consume a spoonful of hot sauce. The room erupted in playful laughter as the gravity of the dare set in.
She sat there contemplating whether she should do it or not, her friends cheered her on, goading her to take the challenge. After a few moments of hesitation, Aoom finally gave in and took a spoonful of the fiery sauce. As soon as the hot sauce touched her tongue, she started to sweat, and tears welled up in her eyes. But with determination, she managed to swallow it, much to the amazement of her friends.
A mad glint sparkled in her eyes as she looked at her friends and said, "I don't wanna see any of you back down now." Her friends, witnessing the intense expression on Aoom's face, couldn't help but be impressed by her daring feat. The room was filled with a mix of laughter and applause, punctuated by Aoom's triumphant grin.
Meena, had taken a shot for not completing a dare that involved her going outside. The rest of the group laughed and cheered as she downed the shot, but they all knew that the game was far from over. That's when Meena suggested they move to the extreme category.
The first one to roll the dice was Char, who was known to be quite reserved and shy. But as the dice rolled and landed on "Truth," Char's expression changed. She took a deep breath and prepared herself for the question.
"Okay, Char. Truth. Who in this room would you kiss?" Meena asked with a mischievous grin on her face.
Char's cheeks flushed as she hesitated for a moment before answering. "I think I can take both of you" she declared proudly, eliciting raised eyebrows and questioning smiles from Meena and Aoom.
Not one to let the moment lose its vibrancy, Meena countered with a wicked grin, "Bold move, Char! But we're not letting you off the hook. Now, Aoom, it's your turn. Roll the dice, and let's see where fate takes us next."
Aoom eagerly rolled the dice, and the atmosphere in the room became even more charged. The dice landed on "Dare," and Aoom's eyes widened in excitement. Meena wasted no time in reading her the challenge, "Alright, Babe, here's your challenge," Meena said, her eyes scanning the card in her hand.
"Take the person to your left to a secluded room and tell them something you have always wanted to tell them, you have five minutes," Meena said with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Aoom's heart raced with anticipation as she realized that the person to her left was none other than Meena.
"Oh! It's me, I'm the one to your left," Meena laughed, "So what is it going to be? Are you going to take a shot?"
Aoom's cheeks turned pink as she nervously glanced at Charlotte, who was sitting on her right. "I might have to, because we are not going to leave Charlotte, out here for five minutes," she said in a dramatic tone, trying to cover up her true intentions.
"I think she's very independent, right Char?" Meena asked Charlotte, with a hint of something in her eyes.
Charlotte, who was always perceptive, knew exactly what was going on between Meena and Aoom. She decided to play along and give them some privacy. "Come on! You said you weren't taking any more shots, just tell her something stupid— or are you scared?" she teased Aoom.
As a self-proclaimed 'shipper,' she couldn't resist playing cupid and fostering an environment where feelings could blossom. In fact, her dedication to their connection went so far that she maintained a secret 'meenbabe' fan account.
Aoom's heart was racing as she took Meena's hand and led her to the bathroom. Meena followed, curiosity evident in her gaze. Aoom's touch sent shivers down Meena's spine as she closed the bathroom door behind them. Meena's breath caught in her throat as she saw the determined look in Aoom's eyes.
"You don't have to say anything," Meena began, her voice barely above a whisper. But before she could continue, Aoom gently placed a finger on her lips, signaling for silence. "Here," Aoom said, pulling out her phone and setting a countdown for five minutes.
"I'm not taking any time for granted after the scare we had, Meena," Aoom declared, her voice low and husky. Closing the distance, she stepped closer to Meena, trapping her between her body and the sink. Meena's breath caught at the proximity, and goosebumps formed on her skin.
"Then don't," Meena replied, her voice barely audible. She looked at Aoom with a gaze that granted permission to draw closer. Aoom's lips brushed against Meena's, creating a spark that surged through her body. Meena gasped, and Aoom's hands trailed down her back, pulling her in.
"Meena, Meena," Aoom murmured, mere millimeters away from Meena's lips, each word grazing them. "What have you done to me?" she asked, more in a rhetorical manner, as the tension between them lingered. The room seemed to shrink around them as they stood in that suspended moment, the countdown on Aoom's phone ticking away like the heartbeat of their shared anticipation.
Aoom, unable to resist the magnetic pull between them, closed the remaining distance, capturing Meena's lips in a lingering kiss. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in the warmth of each other's embrace, the outside world fading into insignificance.
As their lips moved in perfect harmony, Meena couldn't help but wonder if it was the alcohol or her own needs that were driving her crazy. But in that moment, it didn't matter. All she knew was that she wanted to devour Aoom, to feel her body pressed against hers, to explore every inch of her being.
Aoom's tongue teased Meena's lips, seeking entrance, and Meena eagerly granted it. Their tongues danced in a sensual battle, each one trying to take control. Meena let out a raspy moan, unable to contain herself any longer. She wanted this, maybe even more than she expected. And as the timer ticked away, she was determined to make this five minutes last.
Meena pulled Aoom closer, if that was even possible, and their bodies were now pressed against each other. She could feel the heat emanating from Aoom's body, and it only ignited her desire even more. She wanted to memorize every detail of this moment, to etch it in her memory forever.
Her hand started to move down Aoom's body, tracing every curve, every dip, every inch of skin. Aoom's breathing became more erratic, and her moans louder as Meena's lips traveled down her neck, leaving a trail of kisses. She reached Aoom's ears, and with a flick of her tongue, she started to lick them, sending shivers down Aoom's spine.
As Aoom tried to stifle her moans of pleasure, she couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability. Her body was tingling with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, knowing that Char was just on the other side of the door. But at the same time, she couldn't resist the pleasure that Meena was giving her.
Meena, with her skilled tongue, was tracing a path from Aoom's neck all the way to her lips. Aoom's body was responding to every touch, her skin becoming more sensitive with each passing moment. Meena's tongue felt like a thousand needles, sending fire through Aoom skin.
As Meena continued her exploration of Aoom's body, she could feel her own wetness pooling inside her underwear. She couldn't believe the effect that Aoom had on her, making her lose control of her own body. But she didn't mind, not when it felt this good.
Aoom couldn't help but let out a gasp, followed by a soft moan, as the pleasure became too much to contain. Meena smiled against her skin, knowing that she had the power to make Aoom lose control. Aoom's skin was soft and smooth under her touch, and Meena reveled in the sensation.
Aoom's eyes were darker than ever, filled with desire as she looked at Meena. She couldn't resist the temptation any longer and grabbed Meena's neck, pulling her away from her face. She propped her up on the sink, her knee between Meena's legs, and pressed her body against her.
The sudden change in position caught Meena off guard, causing her to moan out loud. She felt Aoom's knee pressing against her most sensitive area, sending waves of pleasure through her body. She couldn't help but look into Aoom's eyes and see the intense desire burning within them.
Aoom pressed her knee even harder, causing Meena's head to fall into the crevice of her neck. She could feel Aoom's hot breath against her skin, making her shiver with anticipation. Meena's labored breath echoed in the room, and it only fueled Aoom's desire even further.
As Aoom's lips pressed against hers, Meena could feel the passion and hunger in the kiss. It wasn't a soft or gentle kiss, but rather filled with raw desire and aggression. Meena bit her lip so hard that a small trickle of blood escaped, leaving a metallic taste in Aoom's mouth. But even that didn't stop them from indulging in the passionate moment, on the contrary.
Aoom half-moaned grabbing Meena's chin and deepened the kiss, while at the same time, moving her knee in a teasing manner. Meena could feel her body responding to Aoom's touch, her heart racing and her breathing becoming more erratic. She wanted Aoom, and she wanted her now.
Just as Meena was about to give into her desires, they heard a knock on the door. It was Charlotte's voice, interrupting their intimate moment. "Guys, it's been like ten minutes already," Charlotte's voice echoed through the door. "Is everything okay?" she asked.