Ramesh was humming as he caressed his daughter's head. Nisha had finally fallen asleep. She was exhausted, both mentally and physically by her breakdown. Lakshmi sat on the other side of her daughter holding her hand and patting it softly.
It wasn't easy to calm her down this time. The couple realized that Nisha's ability to stay strong had broken down a little since her heartbreak. It was hours before Nisha had agreed to sleep and that too with both her parents assuring their presence.
Ramesh noticed Nisha breathing softly and slowly got off her bed and headed to the balcony. Lakshmi decided to get some more water just in case Nisha wakes up from another nightmare. Ramesh could hear a soothing song from a house nearby. He was trying to calm himself down but every time Nisha shuffled in her bed Ramesh snapped his head to see if she was fine. He couldn't imagine the kind of pain she was going through. He couldn't stand to see his happy wala gana traumatized like this.
Lakshmi returned with water and noticed her husband standing at the balcony trying to remain calm and composed for the two important women in his life. She walked towards him and laid a hand on his shoulder. Lakshmi expected to see a worried man but she saw more than that when Ramesh looked at her. She saw the pain and guilt through his eyes which was like a window to his heart.
"Am I a bad father?", he asked.
" Never ", his wife says instantly," Why would you think that? "
"Being a father I couldn't protect my daughter from the evils of the world. I call her my happy wala gana when I couldn't see how broken and sad she is."
"That's not your fault", Lakshmi said," She made sure that none of us found out about her troubled past. She was just too good at hiding her pain and discomfort. "
Ramesh nodded trying to believe Lakshmi.
"The proposal has been withdrawn", he stated," but that only assuages the pain Nisha is going through. It's not a permanent solution. "
"I know", Lakshmi said," Which is why I called up the counselor who helped me when I was trying to find out about Nishu's past. She can help us. "
"Do you think she's ready to open up to someone like that?"
"She should be... at some point of time. She needs some closure. Someone who can help her move on, and as her parents we should be there to help her get through this. We should help her fight away the awful nightmares she has."
Ramesh nodded again.
"I'll call her and get an appointment", Lakshmi said.
" What if Nisha doesn't open up? "
"She will, sooner or later", Lakshmi said with an assuring look.
Ramesh smiled at her. He was so lucky to have such and understanding and supportive wife.
" Let's get our Nishu back ", he said and looked up at the sky.
The night sky which was cloudy was clearing up to reveal the twinkling stars.
" The clouds will clear up for us too", Ramesh said and looked at his daughter who was now in a dreamless slumber.
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