CHAPTER FIFTY NINE
Abhimanyu had managed to convince everyone that Ishita was fine and still needed as much rest as she could get. He told them that Raman and Romi were staying behind as well as Mihika in case she needed anything.
It was hard for everyone to go home because they were all worried especially the Iyers. They more than any other parent in that room knew that their daughter was tough and could take a lot but everyone had a breaking point and with the way Ishita had been acting, it seemed like she had hit that point.
Simmi and Santosh had come and wanted to relieve Romi and Abhimanyu and maybe convince Raman to just take a break and go take care of himself although it would have been easier said than done. They had met Abhimanyu and Mihika in the waiting room and together they wanted to go check on Raman and Ishita before they went home to have a bit of rest.
When they walked Raman and Ishita were both a sleep. Raman was sleeping in a sitting posture just beside Ishita with a blanket covering his legs while Ishita was inside the bed her head resting on his laps. He looked really uncomfortable and yet so peaceful at the same time. She was holding his one hand while the other he had placed on her head as if to comfort her.
Mihika slowly walked to where they were and tapped Raman's shoulder causing him to open his eyes
'Good morning...'' Mihika whispered to which Raman just nodded as he turned to look at Ishita who was sleeping on his lap
'They just brought you a change of clothes. Come on go freshen up and get ready to have some breakfast...'' Added Mihika still whispering
Raman looked at her and then back at his wife and it didn't need a genius to figure out why he was having reservations
'It is fine, you mom is here and your sister. They well keep an eye on her until you get back. Mean while I and Simmi will go get breakfast...'' whispered Mihika but he was still a bit hesitant
'It is okay Raman...'' Added Abhimanyu
He looked at his mother for a second before he slowly put her head on the bed slowly sliding away careful not to wake her up. He took the bag that was in Simmi's hand and slowly walked with Abhimanyu as Mihika and Simmi walked out leaving Santosh in the room
This was the first time that Santosh had actually managed to be alone with Ishita. She looked at her daughter in law and she could see how hurt she really was. Her face was still bruised even though all the swelling had somehow managed to go down a little.
Tears filled her eyes when she finally saw how expensive her mistake had been. If anything had happened to Ishita forget about Raman she was never going to forgive herself for this, how could see. Any mother would want to see her son happy and yet she, she let her insecurities cloud her judgment in a way that may have cost her, her family.
Her sons were pissed with her, her daughter barely spoke to her and her husband, she and her husband were barely talking and it wasn't because either of them was mad with each other but because they both realized that they didn't do good by their children. She wondered what might have been going through Ishita's mind when those monsters took her and how badly they had hurt her. Would she ever be able to forgive her, I mean was it even possible, was she even worthy of it?
She slowly came forward and took Ishita's hand in hers just so she could say a tiny prayer and make sure that at least God would listen and always keep her happy.
Meanwhile Abhimanyu and Raman had managed to rent a hotel room just a few blocks from the hospital and freshening up was always done from there because Raman never really wanted to go far from his wife until she left the hospital. They walking back when Abhimanyu noticed how quiet he had been since they left the hospital and detected something seriously off
'Hey Raman you want to tell me what is going on?'' Said Abhimanyu
'I do not know... But I am really scared...'' Raman answered
'Why? What happened?'' Said Abhimanyu
'She had nightmares. And really bad ones, she could barely close her eyes without waking up scared to her wits. I do not know if it is because of the injury. I actually want to believe it is because of the injury because the alternative I do not think I can take it...'' Said Raman as tears filled his eyes
'When did this start...'' Said a worried Abhimanyu
'All night! Actually when you walked in this morning I think she had just slept...'' Said Raman before he turned to Abhimanyu and said
'Don't you remember anything when you found her. Maybe there is something we are missing. She was on video the whole entire time and yes they treated her like shit but she seemed like she could take it. What happened when Tarish took her before we got to her? What did he do to her?'' Said Raman who was very worried and Abhimanyu could see it.
'Look we will figure it out. Maybe we should just give her time she will come out of it...'' Said Abhimanyu
'No! I have seen what happens when she is given space. She gets so withdrawn from everything and everyone and I do not want that. That is a very lonely place to be for anyone, even her. I think maybe we should talk to a doctor and ask him to get her some help, you know a therapist...'' Raman tried to say but got interrupted
'Yeah therapists and Ishita do not move in the same line. If you make her talk to one she will hate you for it...'' Said Abhimanyu
'What do you suppose I do? I just can't sit by and watch her go through this...'' Said Raman getting agitated
'Look we have been through this and she usually pulls through. Even after we left the compound the first time she was like this but she managed to maneuver through it. It may be hard to see but she ultimately be okay...'' Said Abhimanyu
'I know maybe you guys may have just given her space but I cannot do that. I have seen how withdrawn she can be and do not tell me that she was okay. You didn't see her talk about her time there; she was so broken it was heartbreaking to listen to her talk. I just can't sit by and wait. There has to be another solution...'' Said Raman as he struggled to keep the tears away
'Look we will figure it out. Let her get better first okay just calm down...'' Said Abhimanyu as he and Raman walked into the hospital meeting Simmi, Mihika, the Iyers and the Bhallas along the way
Meanwhile Santosh was holding Ishita's hand when she suddenly heard her crying. When she put her head up to see what was happening, Ishita's eyes were closed but she had tears streaming down her face as she let out silent sobs.
Santosh thought it was strange and wanted to maybe run and get the doctor but Ishita wouldn't let go of her hand. She continued crying and sobbing while she murmured a number of random words
'Please...No... Get... No ... I just...Please get...'' Then suddenly she opened her eyes and looking at Santosh
Santosh looked at her and how scared Ishita was when she woke up that it even scared her as well. Before she could say anything Ishita's face suddenly changed as she frowned a little almost as if she had remembered something and then tears filled her eyes and before Santosh could even assess what was happening, Ishita screamed
'Arrrggrgghhh...''
Everyone had made their way into the hospital and was just a few doors away so they all heard her scream. They all ran towards the room but the nurse asked them to stay out and let them figure out what was wrong with the patient...
'Stay here ...'' Said One of the nurses
'And you get out...'' Said the other to Santosh as the doctor also quickly rushed in after them
Everyone went into the waiting room and stayed there waiting which was the hardest thing to do. Mihika looked at Abhimanyu and could see how worried he looked and how scared he was. He was always their rock but even him, this scared him. She slowly walked over to where he was standing and took his hand in hers almost as if to tell him, she was with him.
'What did you do?'' Raman suddenly asked causing everyone to turn and look at him
'Raman calm down and do not do something stupid...'' Said Romi who had put two and two together and quickly figured out where this conversation was going
'I left you with her for barely half an hour what did you do? What did you say to her? You must have said something to her...'' Said Raman
'Raman please I didn't do anything. She just woke up and...'' Santosh tried to talk through her tears
'Raman please, I know you want someone to punish but this is not right. Let us find out what happened...'' Said Simmi
'No one asked for your useless suggestions so just shut it...'' Said Raman
'Raman not here! It is not the place or the time...'' Said Jai who to be honest was just so damn tired of the Bhalla bickering which was getting exhausting
The doctor walked out causing all of them to hurriedly ran to him and ask what the problem was
'Okay she has kind of injured her knee again so we are going to have to put it in a cast just to make sure that the screws stay in place. The trauma she is having is psychological and for that there is only so much I can do. I gave her some sedatives to help her sleep and also the pain but other than that, there is nothing much I can do. I would strongly advise you get her a therapist and a very good one. She is going to need a lot of sessions form what I can see...'' Said the doctor
'What happened?'' Asked Mrs. Iyer
'You happened...'' Answered Raman
'Raman please...'' Said Mihika
'I do not know what happened but yes also please make sure you do not upset her so much. No matter how strong she might look, she is not there yet.'' Said the doctor
'Okay thank you doctor...'' Said Romi before the nurse walked in saying
'She wants to talk to her siblings Abhi, Jai and Mihika. Make sure it is snappy I just gave her a medicine she needs to rest...'' before she walked away leaving Abhimanyu, Mihika and Jai making his way to the room
When they got there, they could see that they had put a new cast on her hand and had cleaned the wound on her head. She turned and looked at them before she said
'All of you owe me an immunity wish...'' Said Ishita
Abhimanyu was taken aback because of what she said but mostly because of how she looked. She looked in lack of a better word miserable. He felt sorry for her but didn't want to make her feel like he did so he decided to play along
Jai and Mihika were more amused that she even remembered that given how long it had been
'Ishu I gave that wish like ten years ago...'' Jai answered
'Mine was 9 years ago and I think Abhimanyu's was like what 7 years ago...'' Said Mihika
'Yeah... But why now...'' Said Abhimanyu
'Well immunity wishes have no expiry dates remember...'' She answered him
'Okay what do you want?'' Jai asked curiously
'I want you to make sure Raman doesn't come back into this room. Tell him I do want to see him or his family members, especially his family members'' Said Ishita without stuttering or blinking or even hesitating
Abhimanyu thought he had not heard her right so he asked
'I am sorry. What?''
'You heard me... This is what I want or better yet tell him I want a divorce and Abhi start proceedings...'' she answered as signs of weakness began to show, tears filling her eyes
'What the hell? What kind of nonsense is this? Ishu look I know you're tired and you're not thinking straight...'' Mihika tried to say but Ishita interrupted
'Shut it Mihika and just do as I say. And do don't talk to me like a child. I hate it when people patronize me. I am not 10 years I am a full grown woman...'' Said Ishita wiping the tears with the back of her hand
'Well right now you're not acting like it...'' Said Jai to which Ishita just looked at him
'Why are you doing this? Why do you want to do this to him?'' asked Abhimanyu
'The whole point is to have a no questions asked favor hence the immunity wishes. So do not ask questions and just do. If you won't tell me I will find other means...'' She said
Jai looked at Ishita and couldn't believe what he was seeing. How the hell did it change from being so in love with him to asking for a divorce, it was not adding up?
'Ishu at least help us understand, how do you change from cuddling with the man last night to asking for a divorce? What happened?'' Asked Mihika
'This is what I want. I do not need to explain anything to you because that is not how the wishes work and you know that. I have fulfilled all yours and so I thought maybe you would...'' Said Ishita
'Okay fine I will... Just... Okay...'' Said Abhimanyu looking at her
'What! NO! I will not be party to this. What nonsense... This time I will not just bend to you demands...'' Said Mihika
'For once I agree with Mihika. That poor man hasn't left this hospital in three days, he has barely had sleep in the last 8 days. He is so broken, tired and shattered and now you want me to go out there and tell him your wife says she is done with you? Are you kidding me...'' Said Jai who was getting really pissed
'How will that conversation even begin? Hey Raman sorry but Ishita says you can go f**k yourself...'' Said Mihika in an animated manner
'Mihika that is not what I am saying and you know it...'' Said Ishita
'Oh do I? You're practically getting his love, throwing it right back in his face and telling him you never really needed him...'' Said Mihika
Mihika was really miffed with the way Ishita was acting. Raman didn't deserve this, he deserved better than this, he deserved much more than this. He was the reason they even found her and she is sitting here on her high horse like none of that matters
'Abhi I know she has you on drive control but please you cannot possible be considering this...'' Said Jai
'Okay what do you suppose I do, tell me...'' Said Abhimanyu
'Say NO! Is she wants to do this, she can do it herself. She is going to have to look him in the eye and tell him herself...'' Said Mihika
'Mihika please...'' Said Ishita as tears filled her eyes
'No I am not doing this...'' Said Mihika
Abhimanyu looking at Ishita could tell this was really harder for her than she was leading on and that just made it more difficult to understand why she was doing this. But she needed him and like always he would be there for her
'I will do it...'' Said Abhimanyu
'What? What are you saying?'' Said Mihika
'Abhi... Abhi... What the hell...'' Said Jai
'She is not forcing anyone, she is asking us to fulfill her wish like she had done for us numerous times. I know how hard this must be for her I mean look at her. It doesn't have to make sense, it just has to be a wish that she wants that's it'' Said Abhimanyu pointing at Ishita
Mihika and Jai turned at looked at Ishita who was looking at Abhi as tears flowed down her face and for the first time since the whole bizarre conversation started they could see it, the torment in her eyes and the pain. Mihika came forward and took Ishita's hand in hers and said
'Ishu at least give me where to start, what do I say to him?''
'I do not know, anything you want. Figure it out, just do it gently ...'' Ishita answered as she turned to look at him
'I do not know how such a thing can be done gently...'' Said Jai as he joined Mihika taking the seat by her bedside
'What about the children? Do I tell them you do not want to see them too? Do I just chase them away? How does that work'' Said Jai
'It is up to him, if he wants me to see his children, he will permit it if he doesn't, then it is fine too. The contract is done now and I fulfilled it down to the last wire...'' she answered as tears filled her eyes
'Ishu please help to me to help you. Give me something...'' Said Mihika
'I am not forcing you to do this. If you do not want to then I won't force you and you know it...'' She said
Her siblings looked at her experiencing all sorts of emotions. They were really pissed off at how stubborn she could be sometimes but they also understood that this was much bigger than just being mad at the Bhallas. She was not one to do things without thinking it through.
Ishita knew that it was wrong to make her siblings fight her battles for her but she didn't have it in her to look at Raman and tell him she and him had to separate. It was not how she wanted thing to go or how she wanted them to end but this was the only option. She wouldn't have him give up everything he held important to him for her, she wouldn't allow it.
She thought if he knew the truth, he would embrace her and take her because his love for her was not that weak but that was a problem in its self. Given the chance if he was to choose between her and his family, it would be her all day long and that is a choice she was never going to make him have because it was a price too high to pay, at least she thought it was.
'I know that this is hard for you but it rather be you than anyone else. You know how to handle him because I honestly can't right now. Please help me...'' Said Ishita tears filling her eyes as she broke down
Her siblings knew that if she was doing this, then in her head it was the right thing and they knew more than anyone if they tried to explain otherwise, right now she would not understand it. Whatever happened, whatever Tarish had done was seriously clouding her judgment and they could see how much this was hard for. She needed them to be there for her, and that is something they would never turn down.
If she needed them, they were going to be there at least until she realized her mistake. Abhimanyu came forward slowly putting his arms around her as he hugged her whispering in her ear
'What happened to you Ishu?'' which caused her to break down and cry as he held him back
'I love him Abhimanyu. I love him more than anything, more than he knows that is why I am doing this...'' Said Ishita
They stayed with her for some time until she finally managed to calm down and fall asleep. This was going to be a hard task no matter how one looked at it but it was one they had decided to take on and do for the sake of their sister.
They all walked out of the room each having a million things going through their minds as they made it to the waiting room. The Iyers had managed to come as well and Raman had managed to fill them in on what had happened so they all were anxiously waiting to see what Abhimanyu, Jai and Mihika would tell them.
'What happened? Is she okay? Like how is she feeling? Does she need anything, what...'' Said Raman when he saw them walk out but none of them said a word
'Why are you people quiet? Say something...'' Said Romi
'Mihika honey, tell me if Ishita is fine...'' Said Mr. Iyer
'Yes Papa she is okay...'' Said Mihika
'Then why do you have that look on your face...'' Said Mrs. Iyer
Abhimanyu, Jai and Mihika looked at each other all hesitant to say anything to anyone.
'Mihika please take mom and dad outside and try and explain what is happening...'' Said Jai to which Mihika obliged and left with her parents
This was an easier task to try and explain to her parents what Ishita wanted than explaining to the Bhallas
'Fine... You guys won't say anything then I will just go ask her myself...'' Said Raman as he walked Ishita's room
'You cannot go in there...'' Said Jai standing in his way
'What sort of nonsense is this? What do you mean I can't go in there...'' Said Raman
'You can't go in there, period...'' Added Jai as he stayed standing in his way
'What the hell! She is my wife, I have a right to see her...'' Screamed Raman as he went and stood in front of Jai saying
'Get the hell out of my way or else...''
'She doesn't want to see you...'' Said Abhimanyu
'What did you just say to me?'' said a shocked Raman
'She doesn't want to see you, any of you...'' Said Abhimanyu as he looked at Raman and his parents
'Abhi you are not making any sense...'' Said Romi
'Look maybe there is a misunderstanding. Maybe she meant me and mama, you know it is understandable and we shall leave just please let Raman go see her...'' Said Simmi as she began to tear up
'She was very clear, she really doesn't want to see any of you or your family'' Said Jai
Raman turned around from where Jai was and walked straight to where Abhimanyu was standing and said
'Abhi this is me, you know how much I care about her, you know how much I love her and how I can go to the ends of the world for her. I also know how stubborn she can be, come on it is me you're talking to. What happened?''
'I don't know, she didn't tell me. She asked that I tell you this that's all I swear...'' Said Abhimanyu
'What do you mean you do not know? What does that mean? Is this all she said, like what I am just supposed to walk away... What does she want exactly'' Said Raman who was getting agitated
'A divorce... She said she wanted a divorce...'' Added Jai
Raman looked at Abhimanyu and couldn't believe what he was hearing in fact it took him a second to understand what Jai was telling him. It felt like someone had just plucked his heart out of his chest and crushed it. Like there was nothing beating in his body anymore, he felt like he was dying
'I am so sorry...'' Said Jai who was honestly feeling sorry for Raman
Raman looked at Jai and just turned around and sat down. He had a million things going on in his mind trying to figure out how he was going to do or get out of this fit and how little hope he genuinely had
'You know what is funny...'' He suddenly said which caught everyone's attention
'I don't even blame her for wanting that. My family has given her nothing but pain, worry and disrespect...'' he added
'This has nothing to with you Raman believe me...'' Said Abhimanyu
'No I get it. As much as it hurts I get it, trust me...'' he said letting out a small chuckle as tears flowed down his face
'I really wanted to make a mends and make it up to her, not that it will ever be enough. She gave me a new lease on life, a new reason to live, zeal to look forward to the future and she has every right to take that away at the same time...'' he added
'No this is not right Abhi. She is not doing right by my son. This is ...'' Mr. Bhalla tried to talk but Raman interrupted
'You're talking like you did right by her, Did you? Did I?'' He said as he began to second guess himself
'Jai please, this had nothing to do with him, did you tell her that. I will leave and go so far away that she will even never be able to listen to my voice let alone see me, I swear just go back in there and talk to her. This is a punishment too cruel for Raman he doesn't deserve this and the kids, what about Ruhi and Aditya'' Said Simmi as she begun to cry
'They will be fine, I know they will because they get a pass isn't it...'' said Raman as he looked at Jai as if waiting for an answer but Jai just nodded
'Huh... I know my wife more than she thinks...'' He said laughing a little as he wiped his tears
At this point Mr. and Mrs. Iyer had come back into the room and they could see that Jai and Abhimanyu had somehow managed to tell Raman what happened. When Raman looked up and saw the Iyers were back which caused him to get up and say
'I will leave; we will leave just like she wants. I will bring the kids tomorrow they are going to want to see her. Don't worry, I will stay here I won't try and sneak in and see her...'' He said as he grabbed his jacket
'Raman what are you saying...'' Said Romi
'But do tell her this... I will not, I will never, in a million years grant her that divorce. That clause that she thinks I put in our marriage papers is actually not there, I told Kushan to remove right before he signed them...'' Said Raman as he came forward and stood in front of Mihika
'I need you to tell her that my love was never weak and I have seen her at her most vulnerable, so I know her through and through even when she is trying to hide under false anger. I know in fact I can bet my life on it that she loves me more than anything in this world, even you, her siblings and that whatever she is going through I will wait until she is ready. If she STILL wants a divorce from me, she has to come to me and ask for it to my face. I will not make it easy for her...'' he added before he walked passed her and out of the hospital causing her siblings and parents to follow suit
Abhimanyu looked at him and smiled thanking God that for all the wrong that had gone with Ishita and her past, she managed to land Raman because he was exactly like her. A person who would go to the ends of the world for the people they loved.
'Why are you smiling?'' asked Jai
'Because Ishita won her demons the day she met him...'' Said Mihika as tears formed in her eyes
'This is not a mirage, she actually gets to have a second chance, even if she doesn't know it yet...'' Said Mr. Iyer
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CHAPTER 60; http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4241564&TPN=126&#p122585264
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