~Just A bend Not The End (AR Version)~
Recap: Still in the flashback. Armaan find Ridhima in the washroom with a blade on her wrist which makes him Panic. He somehow manages to get hold of the blade before she hurts herself but she eventually falls unconscious because of all the stress. A worried Armaan calls Rahul who tells him that Ridhima is suffering from a severe anxiety disorder coupled with depression and needs immediate medical attention. Armaan somehow convinces a reluctant Ridhima to meet the physchologists who suggests a few counselling sessions and a strict dosage off medication. Ridhima is very upset but eventually agrees with the condition that she would go for her sessions on her own making Armaan surprised but nonetheless happy.
Cut to 1.5 months later, Armaan finds Ridhima missing from their room in the middle night and eventually finds her sat in the living room in a miserable state. She has a massive panic attack and as she faints in his arms he spots a lit match stick beside her and adding to his trauma was the bright red mark on her wrist.
PART 15:-
~Still In Flashback (Reminder: its from a general pov)~
An eerie silence creeped through the corridor of the huge mansion as a teary Armaan stood outside his room with his gaze fixed inside the ajar door while Rahul who himself held a worried expression stood beside him. “Armaan tu baat samaj raha hai na main kya keh raha hoon?” Asked Rahul placing a hand on his shoulder and breaking his chain of thoughts. “Huh…Haa…Haan Rahul…I…I don't know what to say…Ridhima…woh…woh Aisa kyu karegi Rahul…She…She herself told me that she…*SIGH*…Mujhe kuch samaj hi nahi araha” said a highly frustrated Armaan as another tear rolled out of his already swollen eyes. “Armaan dekh main samaj sakta hoon lekin sach yahi hai and I know that even you know this specially after what just happened and all the scratches on her body just further prove ki Dr. Mehta is not lying” Replied Rahul in an understanding tone making Armaan shut his eyes in defeat. “I can’t see her like this Rahul…Uski yeh halat mujhse Dekhi nahi ja rahi…Aaj jab Maine use living room mein dekha…Rahul I can’t tell you how scared I was to see her in that state…Woh…Woh Ro rahi thi…Itna dari hui thi…I…Main kaise use…Aur woh chot…That burn Rahul…Woh usne khud se…She burned herself Rahul…Kitna dard hua hoga use Lekin it seemed like use woh dard mehssos hi nahi hua…Aur..Aur woh scratches…Yeh…Yeh sab meri gaklti hai Rahul I should have paid more attention…Sab meri galti hai” said Armaan as he banged his fist on the wall in sheer distress. “Armaan…Khud ko sambhal yaar, this is not the time to get weak and definitely not the time to get aggressive…Ridhima ki halat dekh raha hai na, aise main tu kamzor padh gaya to kaise chalega? She needs you Arm…” “Exactly Rahul she needs me…Aur main uske liye kuch nahi Kar pa raha hoon…Kuch bhi nahi…” said Armaan cutting Rahul in between and choking on his own words as he swallowed a painful lump. “Its not your fault buddy…In sab main Teri koi galti nahi hai…You had absolutely no idea that Ridhima was not going for her counselling sessions or even that she was skipping her medicines” “Wohi to Rahul…I should have been more responsible to know all this, I should have insisted on taking her on those sessions on my own specially after knowing how hesitant she was in the first place…It is my fault mujhe sirf use puchna nahi chaiye tha balki apne hathon se use khud davai deni chahiye thi…It is fault that inspite of knowing her the best main hi uski jhooti hasi main phas gaya…Ek Baar bhi Dhyan nahi gaya ki woh kis had tak khud ko barbad Kar rahi thi, kis dard se tadap rahi thi…” cried Armaan in utmost helplessness making Rahul’s eyes moist and without another word he took his best friend in a comforting hug. “Oye bas yaad hai na Ananya Aunty(Armaan’s mom) kya kehti hai, ki chahe koi bhi problem ho agar hum datte rahe to woh solve ho hi jati hai aur tu dekhna yeh problem bhi solve ho jayegi aur Ridhima bilkul theek ho jayegi…” Said Rahul parting from the hug and wiping Armaan’s tears. “Tu sach keh raha hai na Rahul…Ridh…Ridhima theek ho jayegi na? Rahul you know she is my everything agar use kuch bhi hua to main bhi mar…” “Chupkar…Phir aisi bakwas ki na to do kheech ke lagaunga” said Rahul cutting him rather angrily but seeing Armaan’s state he knew he had to be calm and just took a deep sigh. “Armaan, buddy just listen to me okay…Ridhima theek ho jayegi but you have to be strong agar tu Himmat har gaya na to Ridhima aur bhi toot jayegi…You have to be her strength Armaan…Agey ka waqt bohot mushkil hone wala hai Lekin agar humein is situation se nikalna hai to us mushul raste se humein guzarna hi hoga…” Explained Rahul making sure Armaan understood each and every word. “Tu sahi ke raha hai Rahul…I have to be strong for her and I will, main use kuch nahi hone dunga…I will make sure she gets better” said Armaan with a determined voice as he wiped his tears off. “Bata Rahul ab humein kya karna hoga…We will have to re-start her counselling sessions right or medicines ka course bhi phir shuu Karna hoga right?” Asked Armaan not wanting to waste even a minute anymore in her treatment. “Uhmm Armaan actually…” “Actually what? Koi…Koi problem to nahi hai na Rahul? We…We can still treat her right…Its…its not too late or…” rambled a worried Armaan as he saw Rahul hesitate. “NO, NO NO..Aisi koi baat nahi hai Armaan, of course we can still treat her but…” Rahul assured but halted once again. “But what Rahul? Pls bata yaar meri jaan ja rahi hai yaha…” asked Armaan once again. Sighing Rahul looked towards him and said in a soft tone “Armaan dekh treatment possible to hai but owing to bad the situation is I wouldn't suggest just pure counselling sessions”. “Okay…To tujhe kya lagta hai what should we do?” Asked Armaan once again. “Armaan…Dekh main jo bhi Kehne wala hoon woh sirf Ridhima ki bhalai ke liye hai aur kuch nahI. She is like my sister and I also want nothing but the best for he…” “Rahul tu pahiliya kyu bhuja raha hai just come to the point and tell me na kya Karna chahiye” said an impatient Armaan cutting Rahul right in between. Knowing how hard it was going to be for his dearest friend to hear what he had to say Rahul shut his eyes tightly and taking a deep breath finally spoke up “Armaan mujhe lagta hai humein Ridhima ko Mental Care facility main admit Karna chahiye.”
“WHATT??” “Armaan dekh meri baa…” “Tu sun bhi raha hai tu kya bol raha hai? You think main Ridhima ko mental asylum…How could you even say this Rahul?” Said a rather agitated Armaan as he turned his head away from Rahul making him sigh hard. “Mental Care Facility Armaan not a Mental Asylum” he said trying to make his friend understand. “Does it really make a difference Rahul? Ridhima waha nahi jayegi…Tu aisa soch bhi kaisa sakta hai? Ek taraf tu kehta hai ki Ridhima teri behen jaise hai aur dusri taraf yeh…” “BEHEN JAISI HAI ISLIYE BOL RAHA HOON…If you could just stop with your nonsense and listen to me for once then you will know why exactly am I saying this” said Rahul while raising his voice a little clearly irritated at how Armaan was not only not listening but also accusing him for not caring about Ridhima. Seeing Armaan stop talking Rahul too calmed down and finally said what he had been wanting to “Armaan, Ridhima ki halat tujhse chupi nahi hai…This burn, this panic attack is a clear pictured of how bad her condition has become and not to forget those scratches all over her body, Armaan woh sari Chote usne khud ko pohochai hai in a state of complete helplessness which she most probably feels more times than we have record off. She has clearly chosen the path of self destruction to soothe her anxieties but its definitely not the way, rather its caused her more harm than relief aur yeh tu khud dekh chuka hai..Aaj to tu time se pohoch gaya, kal agar usne koi aur bada, drastic step uthana chaha aur God Forbid tu time pe nahi pohocha to socha hai kya ho sakta hao…” Armaan instantly looked up towards Rahul with a fearful look, which instantly mellowed Rahul down as well. “Dekh Armaan main tujhe dara nahi raha but her condition is getting from bad to worse and before it deteriorates any further we need to take some action and we need to do it fast. Care centre main har waqt koi uske pass rahega…Doctors will be there who will observe her 24/7 and help her, patients who are genuinely trying to get better are there…She will understand that she is not alone in this struggle…And most importantly since there will always be someone around we can make sure that she doesn't resort to any form of physical damage to herself…Dekh main samaj sakta hoon its a difficult decision to take but I am sure seeing her condition even you know its the best thing to do right now “ Explained Rahul as he assuringly kept a hand on his shoulder…Before any of them could say anything Muskaan, who had accompanied Rahul to Malik Mansion after Armaan called him urgently post Ridhima’s Panick attack walked out from AR’s bedroom. “Muskaan? Kya hua…Ridhima the…theek hai na…Koi problem to nahi???” Armaan went on seeing her suddenly walk out from the room where Ridhima lay unconscious while Armaan had stepped out to talk to Rahul. “Arey…Hero relax. Ridhima theek hai Abhi hosh nahi aya use…Main woh actually uhmm Rahul Mummyji (Her mother in law) ka phone Aya tha woh Mayank (their three year old son) ki aankh Khul gayi and uhmm he is getting really cranky to…” she said hesitantly as she obviously understood the matter at hand and felt horrible for even having to intervene but Mayank was just a baby who probably got up from the middle of his sleep and freaked out on not finding his parents. “Ohhh Uhmm…” “Rahul I think tum dono ko ab jana chahiye its almost dawn aur Mayank ko bhi tum logon ki zarurat hai” replied Armaan seeing Rahul hesitate for obvious reasons. “Armaan lekin tu yaha Aur Ridhima…I am feeling horrible “ said Rahul to which Muskaan agreed as well. “Don't worry Guys main sambhal lunga and please don't feel bad in fact I should say sorry tum dono ko beech raat main Aisa bula liya aur itni der roke rakha yeh bhi nahi Socha that you guys must be tired as well or for that matter that you have a small child…I am really sorry but Ridhima ki halat dekh Kar mujhe kuch Suja hi nahi aur ma…” “Thapad khayega agay kuch bola to, bada Aya sorry kehne walla…Bhai hai tu mara Samja” said Rahul rather sternly clearly cutting out his apology making Armaan give a small but true smile. “Khayal rakhna okay Ridhima ka bhi aur khud ka bhi…” Said Rahul taking him in a brotherly hug while Muskaan smiled a teary smile seeing their bond. “Kuch bhi hoga to call karna, don’t think twice…Aur haan jo maine kaha uske barein main sochna Armaan it really is important” said Rahul one last time making Armaan nod slightly and soon he bidding both his friends goodby he turned to go back to their room.
Entering in the room his heart ached seeing the person he loved to death lying so pale and lifeless on the bed. Slowly making his way towards his side he sat on the bed and for a few minutes he just sat there looking at Ridhima who’s face still had dried tear stains on them, she looked visibly thiner and her eyes bags just gave away the sheer exhaustion that her body and mind was going through. His eyes then landed on the small burn mark on her left wrist which forced a stubborn tear to roll down his eyes and just as he was gonna wipe it off he saw the bright red mark on her shoulder blade which was peeking through her nightie and that was the last straw for he could no longer hold himself back and just broke down. He cried hard holding on to her, he cried for her, a cry so painful that even the coldest of hearts would get teary. He remembered how Rahul told him that while coming to their house he had called Dr. Mehta to inform him about Ridhima’s condition only to know that she had never gone to him post their first meeting during which he had prescribed her those sessions. Armaan for once wouldn't have believed him but while injecting Ridhima when Rahul came across those scratches Armaan was forced to believe him. Apparently she had reached such a bad stage of anxiety that self destruction was the only way she felt correct, Rahul instantly asked Muskaan who was also a doctor to check her throughly to know how bad the situation was and they found that that there was almost no place in her body leaving her hands that she hadn’t scratched/harmed. He then asked Armaan to check her pills to know if she had been taking them and having no choice Armaan went through her bag only to find the bottle of her medicine absolutely intact.
“Kyu Ridhima? Kyu kiya tumne aise…Aik baar mujhse baat karke to dekhti” he sobbed hard still hugging her tight as if she would vanish if he left her….After a few minutes he somehow controlled himself and getting up he pulled out an antiseptic ointment from the first aid box kept in the drawer of his side table. Moving the blanket aside he first started with her legs which had the maximum amount of wounds, gently lifting her nighty up he whined seeing the bright red and raw scars that glazed through her skin. Swallowing the lump in his throat he took some of the ointment on his two fingers and tenderly applied it on all her wounds blowing time and again to soothe her even though she was unconscious to feel anything.
Roothe roothe se savere
Jaage jaage hain andhere
After carefully applying the ointment to all her scars he wiped his hands with a sanitised tissue and leaned back on the bed post with his one hand still holding on to hers and the other arm went around her head while his teary gaze was still fixed on her pale face. Her scars, every single one of them stung him to no ends, he was angry on her for for hiding these things from him but was more angry on himself for not paying attention to all these things specially when there were so many instances for him to know.
~Flashback in flashback (Even if Armaan is remembering it, its from a general/narrator pov)~
-Three weeks post their meeting with Dr. Mehta: The last two weeks had been considerably very busy at Malik Enterprises, the project that they got sometime back was at its peak with all the marketing activities just about to start. Both Armaan and Ridhima had their hands full but even amidst all this Armaan made sure to regularly ask Ridhima about her medicines and counselling sessions. “Sweetheart I hope tum apni medicines time se le rahi ho…I am sorry I have not been giving them myself…Yeh project ke chakar main itne time clashes ho rahe hai na…” he said while buttoning his shirt as the both god ready for work. “Ha…haan le rahi hoon na…Of course le rahi hoon” she fumbled while nervously combing her hair. “Thats good…Acha Ridhima kal Rahul mila tha mujhe…He was asking about you counselling sessions aur janti ho Maine use kya kaha?” He replied as he snaked his arm around her waist as she stood in-front of the dressing table mirror. “k..kya? She asked rather anxiously keeping her gaze away from his. “Maine use kaha ki meri Ridhima itni strong hai ki woh akele apne sessions pe jati hai…Apne davai bhi khud time leti hai…And I am so proud of you for this Jaan…So so proud” he said placing a loving kiss on her neck making her sigh in relief but at the same time feel guilty as well. “Ek baat puchu…’’ she asked slowly “hmm…” “Tum mujhe Dr. Mehta ke pass kyu lekar gaye the?” She asked slowly meeting her eyes with his through the mirror. “Kyu matlab?” He asked surprised by the sudden question “Ar…Armaan tum Jante ho na us din…Us din washroom main jo bhi hua…I…I didn't mean to…Phir kyu tum…” She asked dejectedly while turning around in his hold and her tense body gave away her restlessness. “Ridhima yeh tum…We have spoken about this already right? Aur ab to tum khud willingly ja rahi ho unke pass phir suddenly yeh sab? Are you okay sweetheart ? Koi baat hai jo tum mujhse karna chahti ho?” He asked in a concerned voice as he thought that she was now very much convinced regarding her treatment and the need for it. Just as she was about to say something his phone rang. “Damn ise bhi abhi bajna tha…” he said angrily but seeing the client calling he couldn’t ignore it “Ridhima just give me two minutes jaan..I have to take this but tum…tum bas yahi rukho” he said annoyed at the blazing phone but eventually just stepped aside to take the call. In the meanwhile Ridhima realised that her behaviour almost gave away the fact that she was not okay for the treatment…Even while on call his eyes were fixed on her, he just wanted to end the call asap and ask her what the matter it but unfortunately the call lasted for a good thirty minutes and by that time she had gone down to check over the breakfast arrangements. Coming down he saw her setting the table “Arey Armaan tum agaye…Ajao maine breakfast laga diya hai…Late bhi ho raha so jaldi akar khalo” she sounded as casual as possible but his mind was still racing with a million thoughts so without waiting for another second he grabbed her wrist stopping her in her tracks and pulled him towards himself. “Ridhima yeh sab chodo…We are not yet done talking…Upar jo sawal tumne pucha…What was that?” He asked rather seriously and genuinely worried, he had seen her anxiety levels and definitely wanted to know of the treatment was helping her or not because her sudden question genuinely arose many questions in his head. “Oho Armaan tum bhi na…Miane to bas aise hi kuch bhi kaha or tum itne serious ho gaye…” “Itni si baat nahi thi Ridhima…This is important Jaan I really need to know if you're okay with the treatment and if not then…” He stated worriedly but this time she cut him “Armaan I am fine…If I wouldn't have been okay to main khud se thodi jati…I really am fine” she tried her best to convince him with a forceful smile that did not really help but again before he could react his phone rang this time really making him want to bang it somewhere…”Yeh phone bhi…” “Dekha Faltu main time waste mat karo aur jaldi nashta karo aaj tumhari meeting bhi hai na chalo, come” she cleverly diverted the topic before he could further question her and started to serve him while he once again got busy in the call.
~Pause on flashback in flashback~
“Kash us din tumahri bechaine ko padh leta main, Janta hoon you were never happy with my decision but it was needed jaan…Ek Baar mujhse keh deti to shayad main tumhe samjha pata…Shayad halat itne bure nahi ho jate” he thought to himself as he recalled Rahul’s words of sending her to the care centre.
Roothe roothe se savere
Jaage jaage hain andhere
~Flashback in flashback~
-A few nights before: It was around eleven in the night when Armaan and Ridhima after a hectic day of work were finally ready to get some much needed sleep. “Jaan itni gharmi main tumne yeh full sleeve wala nightie kyu pehna hua hai? It's literally burning outside” asked Armaan casually going through his phone while laying in bed and wetting for her as she quickly brushed her hair. “Ais…Aise hi woh raat ko AC main thand ho jati hai to…” she replied while hurriedly keeping the brush back on the dressing table. “Hmm…Acha chalo ab Jaldi ao na jaan…I am very tired” replied Armaan keeping his phone aside and turning his attention towards her. “Haan…bas lo agayi” she replied climbing on her side of the bed and giving him a smile as he pulled out his arm calling her closer. “Ssss…” she hissed rather loudly as he placed his arm around her shoulders while she kept her head on his chest. The hiss unfortunately was loud enough for him to hear and get him worried. “Ridhima kya hua? Tum aise….Are hurt or somewhere? He asked instantly getting up and checking her shoulder with utmost concern. “Oh my God…Sweetheart yeh chot kaise lagi tumhe…Sss…Its so red, infection na ho jaye…Tum…Tum ruko main Abhi davai lagata hoon” he rambled in a terror stricken tone not even bothering to hear her out as he quickly got the first aid box out. “Sss…” she hissed as he gently applied the cream over the deep, red scratch. “Shh…Its okay…Abhi theek ho jayega okay…” he said assuring her and himself as well as he blowed over the wound to soothe her. After tending over the wound properly and cleaning his hands he faced her and asked her once again as they now sat face to face on the bed. “Ab Batao mujhe…yeh chot kaisi lagi tumhe?” “Uhmm woh…Actually office main na…Mere cabin ke window ke waha koi keela nikal sa gaya hai and I was walking around while on a call…To…To Dhyan nahi gaya and I ended up walking there and leaned for a bit….Phir…Phir galti se I brushed past it to bas yeh scratch…” she fumbled somehow trying to form a correct sentence and almost mentally slapped herself for blurting out such a rubbish story but fortunately for her he believed it. “Tch you should be careful na baby dekho kitni zor se laga hai Aur tumne kuch lagaya bhi nahi us pe…Woh to acha hai ki cut nahi hua… Anyway ab tum soja main kal subha hote hi Lisa se kehdunga ki carpenter ko bulakar office ke sare areas ko check karde” he said laying down and once again taking her in his arms but this time being more careful. “You okay?” He asked her making sure she was comfortable and seeing her nod he smiled and placing a light kiss on her head drifted on to a much needed sleep.
~End of flashback in flashback~
“Woh chot tumhe kis keele se nahi lagi Ridhima…Tumne khud ko hi woh…” he thought as another bout of tears rolled down his eyes thinking of the amount she must have been suffering for her to be harming herself like that. “Ek Baar Ridhima…Sirf ek Baar mujhse baat to karke dekhti…I would have been with you at least…Tumne Akele Kaise saha hoga yeh sab…Itne dukh…Itni takleef hui hogi tumhe…” he thought painfully as her empty eyes and sobs of earlier when she had a Panick attack came flashing ion-front of him. “Lekin I promise Ridhima main woh sab karungi Jisse ki tumhara dard kaam ho…I wont let you suffer anymore…Main hoon tumahre sath jaan…Aur main apni jaan ko kuch nahi hone dunga…Kuch bhi nahi” he thought with a determined mind as he gently bent down and placed a kiss on the top of her head before shutting his eyes to a very disturbed sleep knowing that she wont be waking up for a few more hours as Rahul before leaving had informed him that he had specially given her a sleep injection to let her rest.
Leharon ko kinare
Mil jayenge saare
Paas hain jo lagta hai door
Barely two hours later Armaan’s sleep broke because of the blazing alarm that was set on Ridhima’s phone and on a reflex he took the phone and switched of the alarm before glancing at Ridhima who was still sleeping under the effect of the injection that Rahul had given her. Lightly caressing her hair all of last night’s events came in-front of his eyes including Rahul’s final advice which involuntarily made him sigh. “Kiase maan jau tumhari baat Rahul…I know you mean good Lekin Ridhima ko care centre…Nahi main yeh nahi Kar sakta…Main khud Ridhima se baat karunga…Use samjaunga why this treatment is needed…Main…Main bas nahi bhej sakta use…” he thought while rubbing his temple as his head throbbed with pain. Looking at her one last time he got up to take a medicine for his headache and also to make some breakfast for her.
Freshly bathed and changed into a casual day wear Armaan walked in the room with a well platted tray in his hands. Keeping the tray on the small centre table kept in the room he made his way towards Ridhima’s side of the bed. Sitting beside her he gently caressed her face in order to try and wake her up. She was no longer unconscious but yet she hadn't woken up because of Rahul’s injection and frankly he was glad about it as she really hadn't been sleeping since quite sometime and this rest was much needed for both her mind and body. “Ridhima…Baby….Wake up…” he spoke softly sliding his fingers through her face. She squirmed her face but nonetheless as he continued to whisper sweet nothings she slowly opened her heavy sleepy eyes. It took her a minute to adjust to the sudden light but as soon as she saw his face she remembered all that happened the previous night and suddenly felt very scared did he find out about her not going to the doctor or even skipping her medicines. Armaan could very well understand her fear but had decided on not telling her that he knew everything already. She was already going through a rough state and the last thing he wanted was to make her more scared about the whole situation. He had to be calm, moreover knowing how bad she had been hiding the truth from him there was a high chance that she would try and escape it once more. “Hey…Did you sleep well? Feeling better now?” He asked her gently as she gradually sat up on the bed while he adjusted the pillows on her back. Shocked was an understatement, why was he so calm, maybe he did not call Dr. Mehta, did he not see her burn or any other wound she thought still worried. “Hey…kaha khoyi ho main tumse baat kar raha hoon?” He asked after fixing her pillows and seeing her still lost. “Na…nahi kuch nahi…Ya…I…I am feeling better” she replied giving him a small smile which he returned as well. “Thats good chalo ab Jaldi se nashta Karlo maine apne hatho se banaya hai…Your favourite pancakes” he said rather gleefully as he picked the tray from the table and brought it to her. “Kaisa hai?” He asked himself cutting out a piece and feeding her “Bohot acha…” she replied smiling as she chewed on to it making him smile as he continued to feed both her and himself. “Uhmm Armaan…” she hesitated “Yes sweetheart?” He replied “Woh uhmm…Woh kal raat…Maine…Maine jaan kar nahi…I…I am sorry” she spoke timidly as a tear slid through her eye not knowing what to say, she did not know what he knew and she most definitely did not want him to be upset with her or worse hate her. “Hey…Shhh…Its okay bacha…There is nothing to cry about and absolutely nothing to be sorry about…It was just a small Panick attack aur ab to tum theek ho na to bas…Rona nahi okay” he spoke affectionally as he wiped her tears and took her in a warm hug side hug. “*It was just a small Panick attack* Iska Matlab Armaan doesn’t know anything else…Thank God…Lekin phir bhi yeh Panick attack nahi ana chahiya tha…God why is this happening to me” she thought relieved in a way but still upset with whatever was happening and just dug her head further in his chest, trying to just run away from everything if that was even possible. “Shh…Its okay…Sab theek ho jayega” he whispered pulling her closer to himself and planting a kiss on her messy morning hair….They stayed in the same position for a while before Armaan parted and smiled at her….”Chalo ab tum Jake nah lo phir if you’re upto it to thodi der garden main chalkar baithe hai…Aaj mausam kafi acha hai…” he told her while tucking a loose tendril behind her ear. “Office?” She asked while sniffing…”Aaj no office…Maine already Lisa ko call karke inform Kar diya hai that we both wont be coming and are not to be disturbed unless absolutely necessary…I think we both deserve a small break, right?” He said with a small smile making her smile and nod in response. “Ab chale batein bad main karo pehle jaide se fresh hojao…Goooo” he said smilingly playfully pushing her off the bed making her giggle a little which unknowingly brought immense peace to his heart. “I wish ki yeh hasi tumhare hothon pe har pal aise hi Khilti rahe..Har pal” he thought to himself while wiping off a quick tear as she went inside the washroom.
Ke maana dil da hi mera hai kasoor
Aise koyi vi na hove majboor
Maana dil da hi mera hai kasoor
Aise koyi vi na hove majboor
Amidst the morning freshness and the light winter winds they strolled hand in hand through the luscious green grass talking randomly about a few things here and there. Seeing Ridhima a little more at peace Armaan decided to try and somehow bring the topic regarding her treatment. “Ridhima…” he called as she had her head rested on his chest “Hmm…” she replied without looking up as she snuggled closer to him while they continued to walk around. “Jaan…Dekho tum pls galat mat samjna but I was just thinking ki humein ek Baar Dr. Mehta ko inform karna chahiye about the Panick attack you had yesterday…In fact main to tumhare uthne se pehle hi call Karna chahta tha but I felt it would be better if you be there in the conversation as well…After all tum sessions pe ja rahi ho to I am sure you will understand what he says better, right?” He said keeping a tone as normal as possible specially as felt her body go stiff in his arms. “Dr…Dr.Mehta…I…I don’t think…I…I mean ky…kya zarurat hai…” she fumbled pulling her head up from his chest and now standing a little apart. “Jaan zarurat kaise nahi hai? It's a part of your treatment and he being your doctor should be informed about it…” Said Armaan once again hoping that she now at least tell him the truth. “Le…Lekin ma…main keh rahi hoon na its not needed…Ai…Aisa bhi kuch nahi hua tha…I…I was just tired…Isliye woh batein…We…We dont need to call him…” she replied visibly getting upset and defensive which Armaan obviously noticed but still he decided to tried one last time. “Ridhima bacha baat yeh nahi hai but the treatment has a specific course that has to be followed na…Hum Aise apne Mann se thodi decide Kar sakte hai…What part is important and what is not…We have to keep the doctor infor…” “Haan to…maine…maine kab apne mann se kuch change kiya…Sab…sab kar rahi hoon…Tum…Tum aise kaise bol sakte ho…I…I follow everything…” she said cutting him in a really agitated tone but that was the least of his worries. What actually broke his heart or to be more accurate what actually scared him to death was her fingers that were visibly itching to crawl over her arms and scratch/hurt herself. “Its okay…Its okay…Nahi karte call…Tumhe jab sahi lagega to bata dena, hmm?” he replied trying hard to control his tears as he gently took her hands in his. “Tum…Tum…Pakka…pakka nahi karoge na” she asked still unsure as a tear glided down her cheek. “Nahi…” was all he could say while shaking his head and without a second thought just pulled her in a tight hug….
The gravity of the situation slowly sinking in made him tremble with an unknown fear and he knew something had to be done and fast, specially after the reaction he saw from her today. After a few minutes of assuring both of them he somehow parted from the hug and gently wiped off her tears “Shh…bas…bas…I am sorry I got a little too pushy…Tum…Tumhe jab sahi lage tum khud hi unse baat Kar lena…I wont force you okay?” He said softly to which she just nodded relieved at the topic being closed for now at least. “Chalo andar chalkar kuch deir rest karo, it's been quite a long week for you, I think you need some rest…” he suggested caressing her now dry face. “Hmm…Lekin tum bhi ana…Please meer sath hi rehna…I…I…” “I will…Main humehsa tumhare sath rahunga…I promise” he replied cutting her off as he saw her fumble for the right choice of words. “I love you…” he said honestly still seeing her a little shaken “I love you too…” she replied in an almost inaudible tone as he lightly pecked her lips before guiding her back inside the house.
Khoya hai jo woh mil jayega
Toota hai jo woh jud jayega
With his back resting on the bed post Armaan glanced down at his lap where Ridhima lay fast asleep, unfortunately though for him sleep was miles away the look that he saw in Ridhima’s eyes earlier that day was an image that he could probably never get rid off. Her tense body language, the tremble in her voice and most importantly the way she was so close to harm herself yet again…Just the thought of that brought another layer of mist in his eyes.
“Dekh Armaan main tujhe dara nahi raha but her condition is getting from bad to worse and before it deteriorates any further we need to take some action and we need to do it fast.”
Suddenly Rahul’s words rang in his ears making him very uncomfortable. Suddenly he felt Ridhima stir a little and on a reflex his hand went on to her head to sooth her back to sleep, she looked so peaceful right now and all he ever wanted was to maintain that look on her face but somehow he was failing and failing bad. “Kyu ho raha hai yeh sab Ridhima…Main chahkar bhi tumhare liye kuch nahi kar pa raha hoon…Tumhare dukh kam hi nahi kar pa raha hoon” he thought as his tears threatened to spill out. “Rahul ki baat sahi hai main janta hoon…Lekin apne dill ko kaise manau?? Kaise tumhe khud se dur kardun?” he thought painfully as he kept his tearful gaze fixed on her face. Carefully placing her head on a pillow he walked towards balcony to get some clarity on his thoughts.
Boggling his mind with a million solutions he knew the only way out this problem was to actually go through it and so with a bleeding heart he finally made up his mind as to what was to be done. “Main nahi janta Ridhima ki jo faisla main lene ja raha hoon woih sahi hai ya galat lekin main bas itna janta hoon ki main tumhe kuch nahi hone de sakta aur agar uske liye mujhe yeh karna pade to main peeche nahi hathunga because absolutely nothing matters to me more than you jaan…Nothing else” he thought wiping a tear off his face as he looked at her face one last time from the balcony door before deciding to finally call Rahul.
Khoya hai jo woh mil jayega
Toota hai jo woh jud jayega
“Hello…” Spoke Armaan as soon as the call got connected
“Haan Armaan bol, Ridhima kaisi hai ab? ” replied Rahul while going through a patient’s file but was met with an alarming silence on the other side.
“Armaan? Sab theek hai na? Tu kuch bol kyu nahi raha?” Asked Rahul while keeping the file aside.
“Rahul…” Said Armaan with a deeply chocked voice getting Rahul really worried.
“Haan…Haan Armaan bol na yaar kya hua? Sab theek hai na? Ridhima theek hai?” Asked an extremely concerned Rahul.
“She…Use…use jana hoga Rahul…She has to go…” he replied no longer able to hold himself as he Burt into tears.
“Armaan…” whispered Rahul feeling utterly helpless for his best friend cum brother.
“Tu…Tu sahi tha Rahul…Tune sahi kaha…Main…main janta hoon but its just…its just so bloody hard…” cried a really upset Armaan while punching his fist on the railing.
“Armaan…Armaan shhh calm down…Dekh pls shant hoja aur mujhe bata hua kya?” Asked Rahul trying his best to calm him down and soon enough Armaan narrated the whole garden incident to him without bothering to stop his tears as he spoke.
“Rahul…She…She really needs help…Tu…Tu pls kuch Kar Rahul…Main use Aise nahi dekh sakta…Nahi dekh sakta main…” he spoke chocking back on a sob turning even Rahul’s eyes misty. For a few minutes nobody said anything not even Rahul for he knew it was extremely important for Armaan to cry and let it all out of his system.
“Armaan dekh main samaj sakta hoon tujhe bohot takleef ho rahi hai and I swear mujhe bhi bohot bura lag raha hai but buddy this really needs to be done…” Spoke Rahul after a few minutes when he felt Armaan’s cries decrease.
“I know Rahul…Na chahte hue bhi mujhe yeh Karna hi padega for Ridhima, for us…Anyway tu bata when do we need to get this done?” he asked now wiping off his tears and calming down a bit.
“Well…I suggest we do it as early as today…” replied Rahul.
“Today? Rahul Itna Jaldi I mean…” said Armaan in a perplexed tone.
“Armaan, Ridhima ki halat tujhse chupi nahi hai and aaj hua uske bad…I just feel we shouldn't waste anymore time because thats just gonna increase the risk of her getting worse…” Explained Rahul trying to make him understand.
“Hmm…Rahul sab theek to hoga na?” Armaan agreed reluctantly and finally voiced his biggest fear.
“Jab tak tu Ridhima ke sath hai use kuch ho hi nahi sakta…Tension mat le sab kuch theek ho jayega bas tu himat mat har, okay?” Assured Rahul.
“Hmm…Thanx yaar! To main aaj Shyam ko hi ajaunga…Ridhima ko…Ridhima ko tumhare care centre main admit karane…” CRASH….before Armaan could complete his sentence he heard this huge crashing sound that right away caused him to turn around only to be left absolutely stunned as there on the entrance of the balcony stood Ridhima who he had no idea had gotten up, beside a now broken flower vase.
“Ridhima…” he whispered still shocked at seeing her there and hoping against hope that she had not heard anything because he definitely did not want to break this news like this to her. As he saw her watch him with a blank expression his heart sank further and without wasting another second he quickly disconnected his call and literally ran towards her. “Ridh…Ridhima bacha aap…aap kab uthe? Mujhe Awaz kyu nahi di? Aur…Aur yeh vase..Tch just step aside jaan kaanch na chubh…” “Tum…Tum mujhe mental…mental asylum bhej rahe ho?” She whispered cutting his rant mid way making him close his eyes knowing that it's going to be one task to explain things to her. “Ridhima ek baar meri…” “Tum aise…aise kaise kar sakte ho? Tum…Tum mujhe mental…mental asylum…” she spoke still dazed cutting him yet again. “No…No jaan you’re getting it all wrong…Tum Galat samaj rah…” “DON’T LIE…Maine tumhari baat sun li Armaan” she yelled cutting him of guard yet again as an angry tear rolled down her eye. “Tum mere sath aise kaise kar sakte ho Armaan? Tumne soch bhi Kaise liya ki tum mujhe mental asylum…” “ITS NOT A MENTAL ASYLYM GOT DAMMIT…” yelled back a frustrated Armaan before sighing hard and trying to calm himself because he knew he had to handle this situation and not make it more bad than it already is. “Ridhima…Please…please jaan sirf panch minute ke liye meri baat sunlo…Just…Just hear me out once baby…” he almost pleaded seeing her turn her head away as a fresh set of tears rolled down her face. “Ridhima bacha sabse pehli baat I am not sending you to a mental asylum…I could never do that jaan…Never” he said earnestly as he gently took hold of her hands seeing that she was at least listening to him. “Lekin yeh baat bhi sach hai that…that I am getting you admitted in a mental care facility…” he said in the softest of tones. “Mental care facility? How could you??? How…Tum…tumhe lagta hai main…main pagal hoon…” she replied highly offended and deeply hurt. “No…No jaan tch….Aisa kuch nahi hai Ridhima tum pagal nahi ho your just going through a bad phase mentally and require some help…” “I DON’T REQUIRE ANY HELP…MAIN BILKUL THEEK HOON…I AM NOT GOING THROUGH ANY PHASE….”She yelled angrily cutting him midway. “Okay fine…Then can you explain how did you get this burn on your left wrist…Or even better can you explain the nth number of scratches and wounds you have all over your body…” he replied now equally frustrated as she was just not willing to budge or listen. “Bolo na Ridhima…Chup kyu ho gayi if you’re fine then why were you so scared for me to call Dr. Mehta? Kahi tumhe yeh dar to nahi tha ki mujhe pata chal jayega ki tum apne ek bhi session ke liye nahi gayi ho ya yeh dar tha ki mujhe pata chal jaeyga that you haven't even been taking your medicines…” he said now looking at her straight in the eye while she stood stunned at how he knew all this. “Kya hua? Yahi soch rahi ho na mujhe Yeh sab kaise pata hai…Mujhe kal raat hi pata chala jab tumhare panick attack ke baad maine Rahul ko phone kiya…” he replied reading the question in her eyes and went on to narrate all that happened the previous night. “You have no idea Ridhima…I have died a million deaths since last night…Aur yeh faisla mere liye bhi asan nahi hai Ridhima but I cannot afford to take a risk…I just cant” he said as a little tear finally slid off his eyes. “I am sorry…I…I am very sorry” she whispered as her tears continued to pour down her eyes. “Maine…Maine jaan ke nahi kiya…I…I Did not…Woh matches…Pata nahi kaise…Maine jaan kar nahi…” she fumbled trying hard to find a valid explanation making his heart melt as well but just as he was gonna take a step forward to take her in his arms and comfort her he heard her speak once again making him stop right in his tracks “Par…Par Armaan main…main sach keh rahi hoon…Main bilkul theek hoon…I…I Don’t need any kind of treatment…Woh bas kabhi kabhi aise thoughts…But…But I promise ki Aisa phir nahi hoga…I Promise ki main kabhi…Kabhi khud ko chot nahi pohochaungi par tum please…Please mujhe waha mat bhejo na…” she pleaded. “I am sorry Jaan…Agar yeh mere hath main Hota to main kabhi Aisa nahi hone deta but right now you have left me with no choice…” he replied keeping the biggest rock over his heart. “Choice nahi hai matlab…Main…Main keh rahi hoon na main theek hoon…Tum…Tum samaj kyu nahi rahe…Main…Main kahi nahi jaungi…” She replied getting a little hyper at how he would just not get her point. “Sorry Ridhima…Jana to tumhe padhega…Wether you like it or not…” he said in a slightly firm tone making sure to not let his true emotions come on his face and without hearing anything from her he simple stormed out of the room….Shutting the bedroom door he leaned against the door and finally let his tears fall. “I am sorry jaan…I am so so sorry…” he chanted amidst his cries as her crestfallen face when he announced that she has to go came in-front of his eyes.
Tera mera yeh safar
Jaane le aaya kidhar
Khaab dekhe the jo
Ho gaye hain choor
Armaan just sat leaning against the door for a good two hours, this decision was already so difficult for him to take and to add to it Ridhima’s reaction just made it all the more hard for him. “Kaise samjhau tumhe Ridhima? Kaise batau ki yeh sab jitna tumhare liye mushkil hai utna hi mere liye bhi hai…I wish…I really wish there was some other way out Ridhima…I just wish” He thought painfully while lightly banging his head on the door. Lost in his thoughts he only came out if his reverie when he felt his phone beep and checked it to find Rahul’s message to confirm wether they would be coming today or not? Sending a quick yes to him he wiped his tears and got up with a determined look, this was not the time for him to be weak, he had to hold himself for the both of them and most importantly for her.
Walking back to the room he found her laid in bed curled up in a foetus position, she looked so vulnerable that all he wanted to do was take her in his arms and shield her from all the problems in the world but he knew what he was going to do was what would actually shield her from her problems and so swallowing a painful lump he walked past her and grabbed a small travel bag kept on the upper shelve of their closet. She looked at him confusingly till he finally placed the bag on corner of the bed and came bag with a few of her clothes. “Yeh…yeh tum kya kar rahe ho?” She asked in an alarmed tone as she instantly got up and sat up on the bed. “Packing kar raha hoon tumhari…Rahul ne kaha hai ki aaj hi admit hona padhega…Tum bhi jaldi ready ho jao humein ek ghante main nikalna hai” he replied while continuing with his work without bothering to once look up at her. “Pa…Packing? Ar…Armaan tum…tum sach main mujhe bhejna chahte ho…Tum…tum aise kaise kar sakte ho…Main…main nahi jaungi” she replied now getting up from the bed and standing in-front of getting all worked up. “Ridhima…I have already made myself very clear…Tum ja rahi ho and thats final…Is baat par main aur koi behes nahi Karna chahta…It would be better if you go and quietly get ready” he replied without even sparing her a glance as he continued to pack in all her essential stuff. “NAHI…Nahi main…main nahi jaungi…Ar…Armaan tum tum meri baat suno” she cried holding him through his biceps and forcing him to look at her. “Tum…tum chahte ho na ki main treatment karwao…Main…Main karaungi….Main jaungi Dr.Mehta ke pass…I promise is Baar main pakka jaungi…Tum…Tum bhi chalna mere sath okay??? Main…main davaiya bhi lungi…Tum jo bologe main…main sab karungi…I promise…lekin please mujhe…mujhe waha mat bhejo…Main…main tumhare bina nahi reh sakti….please” she cried literally folding her hands and pleading in-front of him making his heart bleed. His heart ached seeing her in such a miserable condition, she was his princess, his life and here she was pleading in-front of him, only he knew how difficult it was for him to not engulf her in his arms and just take all her pain away. Sighing he looked up trying to hold back his tears before once again looking at her “I am sorry Ridhima…Lekin mein is Baar kuch nahi Kar sakta…Trust me main jo bhi Kar raha hoon sirf tumahe bhale ke liye kar raha hoon….Janta hoon tumhe takleef ho rahi lekin main kuch nahi kar sakta…I am sorry lekin tumhe jana hoga” he whispered feeling his own voice choke. “Ar…” “Tumhein meri kassam Ridhima…You have to go” he said in a final tone looking at her straight in the eye as he cut her in between. Shook was understatement, she was not only angry but deeply upset that the one person who meant the world to her was the one asking her to leave. Having absolutely nothing else to say she walked away in trance her with here eyes defining the agony that her heart was going through. “I am sorry…” he whispered with a tear hoping that someday she understood why he took this decision and forgave him.
Parking their car at the care facility he could feel his heart thump against his chest, this was it the decision that was going to change so much in their lives or maybe it already did change so much. Glancing at Ridhima he found her looking at absolutely nothing in particular. She hadn’t spoken a word since their last confrontation the room and when he tried to ask her for lunch she simply walked out of the house and stood by the car leaving him in a pool of guilt. With a nerve wrecking fear they finally walked inside the care facility and were instantly greeted by Rahul “Hi Ridhima…How are you? I am so glad ki tumne yaha ane ka decision liya I assure you you’re not going to regret it and plus that gives me more time to spend with my most favourite friend right?” He greeted them trying his best to cheer her up but she said nothing not a word making Rahul look towards Armaan who had his head bowed. He at once understood that something was not right between the couple and so decided to not. pull the matter further. “Ridhima hum pehle tumhare routine checkup karenge aur phir tumhein admit karenge, Sister Tara will be accompanying us to help you out okay? “ He informed and on getting no response again he just sighed and spoke again “Theek hai phir lets go” the moment he said that Armaan held her hand in his wanting to go in with her but before he could do so she simply left his hand and walked ahead with the nurse. No turning back, no goodbye, no nothing while all he could do was watch her retreating figure and with each step that she took he felt his heart sink more and more.
Ke maana dil da hi mera hai kasoor
Aise koyi vi na hove majboor
Maana dil da hi mera hai kasoor
Aise koyi vi na hove majboor
~END OF FLASHBACK~
NOTE: Hi guysss…Surprise!!! So as we all know times have currently been really bad for all us around the world and I just hope that all of you and your loved ones are at home and safe. So to get through this dull face I thought kyu na ek update ho jaye (well also cuz this gave me some free time to finally write :P)…So I know its been forever but I hope hope hope that you guys still like the part…I have written after ages so pls do forgive me for some mistakes here and there.
Some important points for the story: First and foremost just a disclaimer, I am not a doctor or a medical professional so all medical things written over here are purely based on fiction and my imagination of the story. No fact is verified by any source.
Second we have finally completed the entire flashback section and post this the story will only focus on the present track.
Lastly pls do leave in your feedback as it really motivates us to write better and write more…If you guys give a good amount of feedback I might just update the nect part soon :)
Again Most importantly all of you pls remain indoors, positive and safe and sooner than you know this phase too shall pass :)
-Tanishka (Tani)
Edited by TaniDMGlover - 5 years ago
Love Friendship Dating and Relationships
Bindi
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