Chapter 8 Matured

Trigger Warning : Mention of abuse and abortion

Tara lay in the ward, her mind reeling with possibilities.

"Tara!" Dhruv's kind voice caught her off guard. She quickly wiped the tears off her face. "How can you be so irresponsible, Tara?" His voice was gentle even when he was chiding her.

"I didn't know." She admitted, looking away from his eyes. "But how is it even possible?"

"Well, if you have drunk unprotected sex then-"

Tara shook her head, her voice was cold. "I've not been touched. I know it."

"Since you're not virgin Mary, the only possibility is -" Sexual assault.

"Shut up!" Tara maintained her cold tone. She was not raped. There would be signs, she would have known it. Pratap. What have you done to me? "I need an abortion. Right now. Just get this thing out of me."

"Okay but the child-" Dhruv wondered if she was angry or just apathetic towards the situation, it didn't make sense.

Tara cut him short, "No. It's just a bunch of cells. Do not call it a child. Just how did I not realise it sooner?" She said the last bit to herself but he heard it.

"You don't track your cycles?"

"My cycles have been quite irregular for a while now. But I did have some spotting two months ago."

"Well, you should be more careful."

"Yes." Tara eyes around, searching for something. "Where's my phone?"

Dhruv handed her phone from his pocket. "You left it unattended in the conference room. Your brother called a few times."

"Thanks, I'll talk to him later." She gulped some water. Then quickly dialled the number, waiting for the person to answer.

After three calls, the phone was answered. She put it on speaker, turning on the recorder.

"Hello?" Her voice was icy cold.

"My my, babydoll." Pratap said haughtily. "I didn't realise you would come crawling back to me this soon!"

"Pratap," Tara continued calmly. "What have you done to me?"

"Babydoll, there's a lot of things, you'll have to be specific."

Tara took a deep breath. "How am I pregnant?"

"Oh you are? Congratulations, babydoll!" Pratap mocked her, "who is the baby daddy?"

"You tell me," Tara's icy cold voice scared Dhruv. "What did you do?"

Pratap laughed again. "Babydoll, I'll have my parents come over to your house this weekend and we'll get married within 15 days okay? Does that work for you?"

Tara clenched her first, stay calm. "Stop fooling around Pratap, answer my question."

"Alright, I'll tell you. Don't worry I didn't do anything. It's just some artificial insemination, third time's a charm I guess. I can't believe it actually worked! Anyway I'll send my parents..."

She disconnected the call. Third time's a charm.

Pratap, Tara called out in pain, I think we need to go to the doctor. The pain is unbearable.

It's just cramps, Tara. Your period is late again, there's nothing to worry about.

She closed her eyes, letting the tears fall down.

"Tara," Dhruv waited for her to respond. Her tears were eating him on the inside. Please stop crying, his heart pleaded. He wanted to punch that stranger. Punch? When did you become so violent, Dhruv?

She wiped her tears, opening her eyes to look at Dhruv. Was that anger in his eyes? "I'm sorry, you had to be a part of this drama."

"How can you be so calm Tara? Who was that man and why was he talking to you like that?"

"My ex. Don't worry about it."

"Well he sounds like an asshole."

"I didn't know you could curse." Tara smiled, it sounded cute. A sharp pain shot up her abdomen. She gasped.

"Are you okay?"

"There's this recurring pain." Tara clenched her fists.

Dr. Shital entered the ward. "Tara, I have some news for you." She said solemnly. "Your foetus is dying slowly. That explains your sudden pain. We will have to perform a D&E."

"Sure. I'm ready." Tara replied without missing a beat.

Dr. Shital gave her a tablet. "You'll be fine with local anesthesia?"

"Yes, that's fine."

"You can call your family to be there. We will start in an hour." She instructed the nurse before leaving.

"D&E is an abortion procedure." Dhruv explained.

"I know." Tara nodded. "You don't have to explain it."

"Oh, okay. Let your mother know."

Tara widened her eyes. "No. My family can't know about any of this. I can't risk-"

"Tara," Dhruv said emphatically, "You have to tell them. And your mother being here would be good for you. You don't have to do this alone. It's a surgery."

"No Dhruv. I will not tell them anything."

"You can't do this all by yourself, Tara. Trust me. Just call your parents-"

"No. If you're so worried, you can accompany me. I'm not calling my family."

Dhruv raised his eyebrow. "You want a stranger to be there? Are you serious?"

"You're not a stranger Dhruv, you're my soulmate. I don't know why you won't believe it but-"

"Tara, we barely even know each other."

"I know, but there are things beyond us. Tell me you haven't felt that invisible thread pulling us together." I need you right now, please Dhruv.

Dhruv sighed. "I'll ask Dr. Shital, if she permits. Chances are less but I'll try."

"Thank you Dhruv. You really are my life saviour."

He nodded, leaving the ward as the nurse came in.

Tara dropped a text to Arjun.

Bhaiya, my friend has an emergency, I'm helping her out, won't be answering calls for a few hours. Don't worry, I'm fine. My phone's battery is low, so it might be switched off.

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Dhruv washed his face with cold water. What is happening to me? Why can't I keep myself away from her? Those eyes. Why does my heart ache seeing her in pain?

You're my soulmate.

Soulmate? Do you really believe in her words, Dr. Dhruv? His brain asked.

Why won't you give her a chance? His heart asked.

She's nothing like the woman in your dreams. That princess who feels like a ray of sunshine, her melodious voice, the jingle of her anklets. That's your true love, Dhruv.

But what if she is that princess? The heart wasn't ready to back off today.

Dhruv sighed again, gulping a glass of water.

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ETF Headquarters

"Aisha!" Shree called her. "Tara hasn't returned yet."

Aisha nodded. "Yeah. I tried calling but her phone's switched off. I hope she's not in trouble."

"Yeah. Arjun sir seems worried too." Shree sighed.

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Sanjeevani Hospital

A few hours after the procedure was completed, Tara lay in the ward. An IV drip keeping her awake. She looked at the droplets falling through.

"Tara," Dhruv voiced softly. "How are you feeling now?"

She turned towards him, "Fine, when can I go home?"

"Once the drip completes. But you'll have to take bed rest for three days at least."

"Three? That's too much." She pouted. It was boring.

"No, it's not. Your body needs to rest."

"Thanks for being there. I know you weren't comfortable but you did it anyway." She smiled warmly despite the pain.

"It's okay. Please take care of yourself. Don't ignore what your body says."

"You know, I don't like doing that."

"What kind of idiot are you?" Dhruv wondered when he got so comfortable with her. Maybe it was when she held his hand during the painful procedure.

"The best kind." She smiled.

Dhruv shook his head. Is she okay or just pretending to be? It must have been traumatizing. "So, who is coming to pick you up?"

"You don't have a night shift today?"

"Not this week. Why?"

"Can I come with you, then?"

Dhruv frowned. "Where do you want me to drop you?"

Tara clicked her tongue. "With you, at your place."

"Why? You don't have any friends?"

"I have. But most of them stay with their family or partners. I don't wanna go home and don't feel like staying alone. So, please?" She pleaded with her eyes.

Dhruv failed to look away from those eyes. How can I refuse those eyes? So you're gonna take a stranger home? But she's my soulmate. Shut up heart, don't speak her words. Stranger. Soulmate. He sighed. "Fine, let's go."

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They entered Dhruv's apartment, a neat and cosy place that seemed warm and welcoming to Tara.

"What made you trust me? I mean after everything that happened, if it were another girl, she wouldn't trust any man like this." He asked.

She rested her head on the couch.
"You really think you're that untrustworthy? I am a cop, I can fight. And I can see through people's minds. I'm not a naive baby or a delicate damsel."

"Then how did you trust Pratap? Didn't you see through him?" Dhruv wondered if the question was too personal.

"I did, but it was too late. He was so good at pretending that I failed to," Tara sighed. "People like him are the reason they say if something is too good to be true, it is."

"I do believe there is goodness in people but this one felt like a reality check." Dhruv shook his head. "Anyway, I'm going to prepare dinner. I'm tired so it won't be elaborate but what will you eat?"

"I'm not hungry."

"You have to take your meds and you haven't eaten anything since morning. The options are soup, pulao and whatever veggies are available." Dhruv walked into the kitchen.

Tara eyed him preparing her meal from the couch. The spicy tangy aroma of tomato sweetcorn soup filled her senses as Dhruv placed the bowl in front of her. "Careful, it's hot." He cautioned.

"So are you." Tara bit her lip, looking into his eyes.

Dhruv looked away, "Do you flirt like this with everyone or just me?"

"Everyone but that's just for fun. With you it's intentional. Hoping it leads to something. You can flirt back. It's cute."

"Don't try your luck so much."

"The soup is good. Thanks." She took another sip. The warm soup calmed her senses. She wasn't sure that trusting this stranger was a good idea but it made sense. That unknown feeling lingered. It felt nice. He was nice.

She finished the soup and stepped into the kitchen. Dhruv was preparing the vegetables to be cooked. "Shall I help you?" She offered.

"No, it's fine." He smiled. "If you're too hungry, you can have this paneer I just sautéed."

"You said that you were tired, and here you are preparing a three course meal."

"Well. You've come to my house for the first time, I have to feed you properly. My mom will be angry if I don't."

"That's so sweet of you. I don't know how I'll repay this favour but thanks a lot, Dr. Dhruv."

"It's alright, Tara. Don't think about it too much. You need to rest well."

Tara returned to the couch as the cramps began hurting again.

She picked her phone, calling a friend. "Hey Juhi! How have you been girl?"

"I'm good! How have you been! Are you in India?"

"Yes, I am. Are you still in Ooty?"

"Yeah. You're coming here?"

"I was planning to-"

"Wonderful, great! When are you coming?"

"Morning flight, tomorrow?"

"Wow! Girl this is the best surprise! Send me the flight deets, I'll pick you up! OMG I can't wait to see you!" Juhi squealed happily.

"Yay, same here babes! See ya!" Tara disconnected the call and booked a flight for the morning.

Dhruv set up the dining table. "Tara, the dinner is ready."

Tara walked over, looking at the spread - pulao, mixed vegetables, paneer and raita.

"You made all of this in less than an hour? How, masterchef?" Pratap never made any meal for her, not even tea or coffee.

"It's a trade secret. Hope you like it." Dhruv served their plates.

Tara tasted the first bite, although she had no appetite after everything that happened, the food was too delicious to not eat.

"It's really good." Tara had a mouthful.

Her cell buzzed as they finished the dinner. Arjun. She turned on the TV on high volume. Dhruv frowned. She held the phone at a distance. "Hello bhaiya, I can't hear you, I'll drop a text."

"Where are you?" Arjun asked.

"It's my friend's wedding party. I'm texting. Wait." She disconnected the call and dropped him an elaborate message.

"Why are you lying to him?" Dhruv asked.

"If he knows the truth, Pratap will be dead meat. I don't want that." Tara stated in a matter of fact tone.

"So, what are you planning to do?"

"Not thinking about it now. Maybe later. But he is getting punished, that's for sure." Tara's fiery eyes mirrored her resolve.

Dhruv felt a chill down his spine as he looked into her eyes. She was scary. "Now take your meds and I'll prepare your bed."

Dhruv walked into his study room. He opened the couch, turning it into a bed. He arranged the cushions, and sheets. "I hope it's comfortable for you."

"Looks cosy." She smiled. "Thank you Dhruv. You've really helped me a lot."

"Sleep well. And if there's anything, any discomfort, extra bleeding, cramps or any pain, wake me up, okay? If I don't wake up by your voice, just turn on all the lights, that will definitely wake me up. Don't suffer in silence." Dhruv said with an authority that surprised himself.

She nodded softly.

Pratap, please wake up. I'm in pain. Help me.

Just your cramps Tara, take the painkiller and sleep. I'm not waking up. He said irritatedly.

Pratap we need to go to the doctor, please.

Shut up Tara, stop overreacting and go sleep already. He turned around, pulling the sheets over his head while she cried to sleep with the unbearable pain despite having painkillers.

Tara's eyes teared up as the memory flashed in her mind.

"Tara, please don't hesitate to wake me up, okay?" Dhruv said emphatically.

Tara stepped ahead, putting her arms around his torso, resting her head on his chest. Dhruv hesitated for a moment before putting his hands around her back, as her tears soaked his shirt.

He patted her head, comforting her as she cried in his arms. A few minutes later she stepped back. "I'm sorry, I -" she wiped her tears.

"You're very brave Tara. It's okay to cry. You are a strong woman. Don't let this dim your shine."

"I'm tired of being strong. I was with that monster for a year, he really toyed me like a doll. I swear he is going to regret every single scar he gave me, he will pay for it." Her eyes were fiery. "He made me bear three of his children and didn't even tell me that I lost the two. Those were not painful periods, they were miscarriages. And I suffered without knowing about it."

"I don't understand why you suffered in silence when you have such a supportive family?"

"Because he blackmailed me. I was an idiot who believed his lies and I couldn't tell my parents. Our families have been friends for three generations. How could I let all of that go in vain? And I didn't even think he would stoop so low. A baby trap for marrying me? Just when I thought it couldn't be worse, it was." She sighed. "Anyway, thanks for all your help, I'll be leaving tomorrow morning and won't bother you for a while."

"Take care of yourself Tara, if there's anything you can always call me."

"Sure, thanks a lot Dhruv. lt really means a lot."

Dhruv smiled. "Goodnight Tara."

"Good-" her phone buzzed again. She took a sharp breath and chuckled before answering the call. "Hellow broski!" She said in a drunken manner. "'sup?"

"Tara? Where are you and what's going on?"

"Me? Hehe. I'm at Juhi's house. We had a party and literally had the besht time. I got a lil' just a lit bit drunk. No no. I'm just chotto tipsy okay. Ittu bittu. Umm. It's so much fun. Haha."

"Tara!" Arjun was sure she was lying. But why?

"Shh. ACP sir I'm not your suspect. Don't question me like umm. Come on my girls are waitin'. I'mma shleeppp."

"Ta-"

"Goodnight broski. Sleep tight, let the bugs bite. Hehe. See you tomowwo. Don't forget my travel bag, airport 7am." Tara disconnected the call. Sighing loudly. She looked at Dhruv who seemed perplexed at her acting.

"Why did you pretend so dramatically?"

"So that he thinks it's true. My brother knows me inside out. You know how difficult it is to lie to him?"

"You could have told a different lie? Something more believable?"

"Nah. He knows I'm a party animal. He won't question it. Anyway you go, sleep. I've bothered you a lot today."

"It's alright. Sleep well." Dhruv smiled at her which she returned.

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My soulmate. Dhruv's lips curled into a smile as her voice replayed in his head.

So, we're falling in love now? His brain countered.

She's our soulmate, what else is supposed to happen? Heart asked.

We don't even know her. She's just a patient. Right, Dr. Dhruv?

Just a patient? Heart chuckled. She's definitely a lot more than that.

That's why the three course meal. What next? I was expecting you would share the bed.

The heart gasped. Shut up. We have manners. Not that I mind it. When she hugged us it was like-

I remember those goosebumps. It happens when you've not touched a woman in ages. The brain rolled his eyes.

How is she so strong and soft and...
Dhruv sighed, closing his eyes as his heart and mind continued to bicker. You guys need to shut up, I need some sleep. He said to himself.

Maybe sleeping in her arms will help. The brain teased.

Sounds good actually-

Tara. Dhruv Tara.

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This chapter was loaded with Dhara moments! Hope you enjoyed it.

Is Dhruv falling in love or still in denial?

Pratap is an asshole, right? Any ideas to torture him?

Tara is pretending to be strong. What happens when her family finds out?

What was your favourite moment?