~Just A Bend Not The End (AR Version)~
RECAP:
Present- Ridhima in the hospital and she refuses to be anywhere near Armaan which breaks his heart. Rahul tells him about the new doctor “Ahana” who he has assigned to Ridhima and assures him that Ridhima would be well taken care off. Armaan request Rahul to let him meet Ridhima for five minutes while she is asleep and after lot of persistence Rahul agrees.
Flashback- Ridhima gets her cast removed and Armaan makes sure that she okay. He notices that Ridhima has been very restless, moody and hasn't even been sleeping well. He tries to ask her time and again but she doesn't say anything. Ridhima on the other hand fights a storm within her, she is torn between her fear of loosing Armaan and her past where she lost her grandmother and her child. They had invited some friends over just to chill over the weekend and settled to watch a movie at home but Ridhima couldn't keep up for long as her mind was pre-occupied with all sorts of disturbing thoughts and so she excused herself with a pretext of a headache. She hid herself in the washroom and cried her out wanting to just rest her thoughts for a bit when her eyes fell on Armaan’s razor blade.
PART 14:-
~FLASHBACK~
Ridhima who was slummed on the bathroom floor with her back resting on the door slowly stood up and walked towards the counter where the blade was neatly kept with Armaan’s other shaving equipment. She wiped the stubborn tear that rolled down her eye as she slowly took the sharp blade in her hand. For a few seconds she just kept staring at the metallic piece in her hand thinking of how much peace this could bring to her. “Na…Nahi yeh sahi nahi hai” she thought and was just placing the blade back when the voice in her head spoke once again…
"Obviously he (Armaan) hates you Ridhima, tune uske bache ko maar dala…"
"Tumhare yaad hone na hone se koi farak nahi padta, Armaan ko to sab yaad hai na and he wont every forgive you for this...Tum dekhna woh chod dega tumhe... “
"Koi tumse pyaar nahi karta Ridhima...Sab chod denge tumhe…AKELE”
“SHUT UPPP…SHUT UPP” she yelled placing her palms over her ears as she cried in sheer frustration as she could no longer bare the pain that those thoughts brought with it. She once looked towards the blade and once again took it in her hand and even though a part of her kept scramming at her to let go of it but this time at the moment nothing seemed more appealing then getting some time off from her thoughts and so with shaking hands she was placing the blade over her wrist when “Ridhima tum ab tak soyi na…” said Armaan who after seeing off their friends had come back to the room expecting to find Ridhima asleep but instead found it empty and seeing the washroom door slightly open he realised she was inside and so just walked in only to find a devastated Ridhima stood in front of the counter with his razor blade placed over her wrist which needless to say left him dumbstruck.
“Ridh…Ridhima tum…Tum kya” he asked trying to form a straight sentence but right now all he could focus on was the blade ready to cut through her wrist which instantly reminded him of that unfaithful night when he found her sprawled across their bedroom floor after consuming a number of sleeping pills. Ridhima on the other hand was baffled seeing him there and suddenly felt very scared because a) she realised what exactly she was going to do and b) because she was worried of what Armaan would think. “Mai…Main woh…woh awaazein…main karna nahi…karna nahi…woh…woh awazein…tum…tum chod doge….main nahi” she blabbered as her breathing became a little irregular as a sudden bout of anxiety surged through her veins. Armaan saw her state and got really worried as he could sense her getting a panic attack and knew that this wasn't the time for him to be asking questions and specially not with that blade still on her wrist. “ Ridh…Ridhima its okay bacha…You you just relax okay…Just give me that blade hmm” he spoke trying be as calm as he could as he slowly walked towards her. “Main…Maine nahi…Mujh…Mujhe nahi karna…Pat…pata nahi kaise….I…I don’t know…” “I know…I know sweetheart, kuch nahi hua hai okay…Tum…Tum bas woh blade mujhe dedo hmm” spoke Armaan cutting her in between as he came and stood right in front of her with his eyes fixed on her left wrist were she had placed the blade. “I…I am sorry…Main…main nahi” she blabbered yet again but Armaan just cut her off again as he somehow got hold of her right hand that held the blade and very carefully pierced it away from her left wrist “Its okay baby…Its okay…You just calm down” he said as he finally managed to get hold of that blade which he immediately threw inside the dustbin and breathed a sigh of relief. “Ar…Armaan main…Sach sach main nahi…I…I am sorry” she fumbled again as Armaan just shook his head and took her in his arms hugging her tightly assuring himself that she was okay. “Shh…Shhh its okay…Its okay jaan…kuch nahi hua okay…Its all okay…You just calm down” He said rubbing her back trying to calm her down as she sobbed and shook under his arms. “Tum…Tum chodkar…sab… sab chodkar…” she panted making Armaan really worried as she slowly detangled herself from him and he could see how she struggled to speak while sweating, crying and shaking profusely…”Ridhima…its okay sweetheart just calm…RIDH…RIDHIMA…” He tried calming her down but even before he could complete what he had to say she fainted in his arms making him really really scared.
Carrying her in his arms he immediately brought her to their room and made her lie down on the bed. “Ridh…Ridhima pls akhein kholo…Ridhima…Shit…” he panicked as he sprinkled some water on her face but she remained completely unaffected. “Rahul…Rahul ko phone karta hoon” he somehow thought straight and instantly dialled Rahul’s number asking him to come back ASAP and thankfully since they had just left from his house Rahul and Muskaan (his wife) were able to come real soon. “Armaan…kya hua…Ridhima aise?” Asked Rahul as he saw a teary eyed Armaan sat beside an unconscious Ridhima. With a chocked voice Armaan somehow narrated everything that happened in the washroom and how she just fainted in his arms “Ra…Rahul pls kuch Kar yaar…Ridhima aise…I…I don’t know what to do…Woh akhein hi nahi khol Rahi main kabse Bol raha hoon but she just isn't listening, tum pls kuch Karo Rahul…Do something, do anything but wake her up, just pls wake her up” he cried almost begging Rahul and seeing him so helpless both Muskaan and Rahul were also in tears but they had to be strong for they knew that right now their friends needed them. “Oye hero…Tu shant ho ja Rahul dekh raha hai na, dekhna babaji sab theek kar denge” said Muskaan placing a comforting hand on his shoulder while Rahul checked on Ridhima…”Her blood pressure is over the roof…its a panic attack” said Rahul opening his brief case which he thankfully had with him as he had come straight from the hospital for their dinner party. “Pan…panic attack? She…She will be fine right?” Asked a really worried Armaan as he saw Rahul give Ridhima an injection. “Maine injection de Diya hai, she should come around in some time…Uhmm Armaan tu Zara do minute Bahar ayega I need to talk to you, Muskaan tum Ridhima ke pass raho” replied Rahul as he carefully disposed off the siring. “But Rahul…Ridhima ko hosh kyu nahi…” asked a perplexed Armaan as he looked at a pale Ridhima lie on the bed. “Armaan, Ridhima ko Thodi der main hosh ajayega but tu abhi pls Meer sath chal, I need to talk to you” replied Rahul and sensing the seriousness in his voice Armaan nodded and after giving one last look to Ridhima he forced himself to walk out of the room with Rahul.
~Study Room~
An eerie silence lingered around the room as Armaan finished telling Rahul what exactly happened in the washroom and even during her miscarriage (Guys I don't blame anyone who doesn't remember…Its been forever *hides face*. Reference in part one and two). “Armaan…Ridhima is not well, she is sick” said Rahul breaking the silence and making a tearful look up as he had his head bowed down “Mat…matlab?” Asked Armaan with a stunned expression. “Armaan Ridhima has been suffering from depression since the very time her grandmother passed away. Tab woh Sirf ek bachi thi apne jazbat bayan nahi kar payi aur baki sab bhi sirf use kuch pal ka gam samajkar baithe the. But the fact was that she was hurt, hurt beyond words and she let that pain stay within her, waqt ke sath woh apna gam chupana to seekh gayi thi Lekin woh Apna gam nahi bhuli and trust me when I say this it's only gone worse, that pain has ended up lingering in her subconscious mind and it keeps on disturbing her. I also feel she has and anxiety disorder thats caused by the prolonged, non-treated depression. Woh su…suicide attempt bhi isi ka nateeja hai Armaan. She is sick Armaan uski dimagi halat theek nahi hai” Explained Rahul trying to be a thorough professional as he spoke without missing out on any important point. “Ho…how can you even say that Rahul? Ridh…Ridhima pagal nahi hai..” Replied a highly offended Armaan as he wiped a stubborn tear that had rolled down his cheek. “Armaan maine aisa nahi kaha…Tu…Tu dekh pehle to shant ho jao aur araam se meri baat sun aur samaj…Just hear me out okay?” Said Rahul rubbing his temple as he knew that he had to break this down for him. Hearing Rahul Armaan somehow calmed himself down and decided to actually listen to what he had to say. “Dekh Armaan sabse pehli baat to main tumhe bata Doon ki Ridhima pagal nahi hai. Yes she is suffering from a mental illness but that definitely doesn't not make her crazy, insane or any such tag that the society has found so convenient to use” said Rahul using air build inverted comas to highlight his point. “Depression, anxiety are medical conditions that need to be given the same importance and care as any other medical condition like a heart disease or diabetes…Armaan, Ridhima ko is waqt Teri bohot zarurat hai. She is fighting a storm within her and the saddest part is I don't even think she knows what exactly is it that she is fighting for. Armaan its very important ki hum Ridhima ka jald se jald treatment start Kare the depression has already gotten the better of her and that we can see with her suicidal attempts and before matters get even worse we need to get her treated…I hope ki tu meri baat samaj raha hai?” Asked Rahul only to see Armaan nod meekly. “Woh…Woh theek to ho jayegi na Rahul?” Asked Armaan in a weak voice looking toward Rahul with moist eyes. “Bilkul theek ho jayegi…You just have to be strong for her, Abhi woh khud se parehsan hai to woh tujh mein hi Apna Sahar dhundegi and I know ki woh to use zarur dega, right?” Assured Rahul as he held Armaan’s hand and squeezed it…They then sat for a little while more as Rahul told Armaan about his friend who was a phycologist and who Rahul wanted Ridhima to meet for her treatment. “Dr. Mehta se main kal subha hi baat kar lunga and ill try to get an appointment for tomorrow evening itself” informed Rahul as they both got up and moved towards Armaan’s room where both their wives were. “Thanx yaar, tu nahi hota to pata nahi…” Armaan said thankfully before entering the room “Chal oye bada Aya thanx Kehne wala, Ridhima Meri kuch nahi lagti kya?” Replied Rahul as he mockingly punched Armaan’s arm making him smile tearfully. “Khayal rakhiyo…Ridhima ka bhi aur khud ka bhi” said Rahul as he gave Armaan a much needed brotherly hug before he peeped inside the room to call Muskaan and as she came out they bid farewell to Armaan and left for their place as it was already very late.
As soon as they left Armaan sighed once and slowly walked inside the room, he found Ridhima still laid on the bed with her eyes shut, she looked so much more calm unlike the last time few hours. Getting onto his side of the bed he moved closer to her and for a few seconds he did nothing but just sit there and look at her face reading every tear stain that was still on it. He gently took her left hand in his hold and saw the slight red bruise that had come with the blade being placed and pressed onto her sensitive skin and that very sight brought a tear to his eye. He could never forget that petrified look on her face in the washroom, those ten minutes that she had the blade on her wrist were probably the scariest ten minutes of his life. “Kash main tumhare dil main dabe Dard ko samaj pata Ridhima, tum kitni pareshan thi, kitne zyada dard main thi aur main kuch nahi Kar paya…Kuch Bhi nahi” he thought as a stubborn tear rolled down his eyes as he remembered everything that Rahul tolled him. He couldn't help but also remember the time when he had found her unconscious on their bedroom floor with those sleeping pills around and the consequences thereafter made him shudder even now, “Tum mera sab kuch ho Ridhima…Sab kuch! Apne bache ko pehle hi kho chuka hoon ab tumhe nahi kho sakta main…Nahi kho sakta main…” he thought as he cried holding on to her hand with all his might…
Dil ka dariya beh hi gaya
Raahon mein yun jo tu mil gaya
Mushqil se main sambhla tha haan
Toot gaya hoon phir ek dafaa
Baat bigdi hai iss qadar
Dil hai toota, toote hain hum
He felt her lightly grip onto his fingers and saw her stir a bit and it did not take him a second to realise that she was coming back to her senses he immediately wiped off his tears making sure to clear every tear drop from his face…Fluttering her eyes she somehow managed to open her heavy eyelids and tried hard to adjust them to the light that was still switched on in their room. She then looked at Armaan who was sat right beside her with a watery smile on his face.“Hey gorgeous…ab kaisa lag raha hai?” Asked Armaan as he lovingly ran his fingers across her face. She said nothing for a few seconds but just kept looking at him as everything that happened in the washroom replayed itself in her mind making her gulp her hard and she instantly tried getting up. “Rid…Ridhima what are you doing baby? Tch tum uth kyu Rahi hoon…you're suppose to rest sweetheart” scolded Armaan lovingly as he adjusted her pillow on her back to at least give her some amount of comfort, she said nothing but just kept her head bowed sown with her fingers tightly intwined with each other which clearly gave away how nervous she was to face him. “Hey…Its okay, kuch nahi hua okay…sab theek hai. that was just a weak moment you had Jaan, kisi ke sath Bhi ho sakta hai… its absolutely okay hmm?” he said softly as he detangled her fingers and slowly took hold of both her hands in his. “I am sorry…” she chocked as she slowly looked up towards him with misty eyes to which she just shook his head and simply engulfed her in his arms “Its not your fault…” he whispered kissing the top of her head as he felt her pulling him closer to herself. “Tum…Tum pls humesha mere pass hi rehna Armaan…Just always be with me ” she said in an inaudible voice as she dug her face deeper into his chest making him tighten his hold as well. “Always…There is no other place id rather be in” he said caressing her back to soothe her. He said nothing and just let her be in his arms till he felt her relax a little. “Mujhse Bhi ek vada karogi Ridhima?” He asked parting her a little from himself but still keeping his hold firm on her “Kaisa vada?” She asked looking at him while sniffing in between. “Aaj jo hua woh tum phir kabhi nahi karogi…No matter how bad the situation is Lekin tum Aisa nahi…” he stopped midway as a tear betrayed him and rolled down his eyes “Armaan…” whispered Ridhima who was shocked seeing one of the strongest man she knew cry in front of her. “Tumhare hath main woh blade dekh kar…I have died a million times in those ten minutes Ridhima…Pls dobara Aisa kabhi, kabhi mat Karna ” he said swallowing a lump as he once again hugged her tightly. “I…I promise” she replied crying along with him as they both held each other close to themselves.
Tere bin ab na lenge ek bhi dum
Tujhe kitna chaahein aur hum
Tere saath ho jaayenge khatam
Tujhe kitna chaahein aur hum
After a few minutes Armaan somehow got a hold on himself knowing that he couldn't breakdown at that point, she needed him more than anything and he had to be strong of her. “Shh…Bas…bas bacha…rote nahi hmm?” He said softly as he gently parted her and wiped both his and her tears while she continued sniffing. “Shh…Its okay…Main hoon na apke pass…Its all gonna be okay, hmm?” He consoled her placing a lingering kiss on her head. “Chalo ab its very late and you look exhausted…Jaldi se change Kar lo phir lets sleep” he said as he saw her bright red eyes and having no other choice she just nodded her head and went to do as told and soon came out wearing her nightgown. Armaan who had also changed into his track pants and vest had been arranging their bed while waiting for her and as soon as he saw her he smiled a little and asked her to get into bed while he did the same. Armaan laid flat on his back while Ridhima rested her head on his chest. Armaan could see how tired she looked but yet sleep seemed far from her eyes as she laid wide awake just hugging him and staring emptily into space. “Kya hua Ridhima, why aren't you sleeping? You need to rest jaan…” he asked as soothingly massaged her arms. “Neend nahi arahi hai…” she replied softly as she dug her head in his chest and hugged him closer to herself while he swallowed a painful lump seeing her turn so restless. He now understood why she couldn’t sleep all those nights, what the discomfort in her eyes truly meant…He understood all of it “Ky…kyu? Neend kyu nahi arahi?” He asked while rubbing her back but she said nothing making him sigh sadly because he knew she would say nothing. “Thodi der lawn main chale…” he suggested after a few minutes as he could sense how restless she was feeling but she just shook her head against his chest making him sigh yet again. He just kept massaging her arms and kissing her he head time and again till she finally slept off which happened to be after quite some time… Armaan gently moved her fringe away from her forehead and had a good nice look at her face “Bas kuch waqt aur jaan…I promise you main is dard, is takleef se tumhe nikalke rahunga. Bohot jald tum sukoon ki neend soyogi Ridhima and I will make sure this happens” he wowed to himself as he pulled her closer and placed a gentle kiss on her hand before drifting off to sleep himself.
The next morning shone upon the couple but there seemed to be nothing bright to the both of them, although neither of them spoke about what happened the previous day but the topic was not forgotten and that was something they both knew…It was around two in the afternoon when both Armaan and Ridhima were having their lunch when suddenly Armaan’s cellphone started ringing and seeing Rahul’s name flashing on it he quickly answered it…” Haan Rahul tune baat Kar li?” “five p.m.? Yes its fine hum pohoch jayenge” “Thanx yaar…acha baba nahi Bol raha thanx chal rakhta hoon ”Ridhima who could only hear this one sided conversation was a little confused at what was happening but even before she could ask Armaan himself spoke up “Sweetheart Jaldi se khana kha lo phir tayar ho we have to go. Abhi Rahul ka phone tha he has already spoken to Dr. Mehta aur uhone aaj panch baje ki appoin…” “Dr. Mehta? Woh kon hai? And why do we have to go to him Armaan?” Asked a baffled Ridhima as she cut Armaan in between making him shut his eyes for a second because he knew he had some explaining to do. “Ridhima…Dr. Mehta is a well renowned phycologist, kal jo Bhi hua uske bad Rahul ne suggest kiya that I take you to him…” “Phy…phycologist? Armaan mai…main pagal nahi hoon…ka..kal jo hua Tumne hi kaha tha na ki it was just a weak moment…phir ab kaise…main pagal nahi hoon…main…nahi” “Ridh…Ridhima Meri baat suno…Ridhima just listen to me…” he tried to stop her as she went on blabbering but she just seemed to lost and upset to hear him out. “RIDHIMA…listen to me” he said rather loudly as he got up from his seat and standing right in-front of her he shook her shoulder to snap her out and as soon as he did that she finally stopped blabbering and slowly looked up towards him with teary eyes. “Main…pagal nahi hoon Armaan” she whispered as a lone tear slipped of her eyes. “Ridhima…nahi bacha shh…just calm down and listen to me hmm?” He said softly as knelt down in front of her and soothingly took both her hands in his. She did not reply but in turn just held his hand tighter and the look in her eyes was enough to voice out for fears which he did not like one bit. “Ridhima…Ham sirf ek baar Dr. Mehta ke pass ek opinion lene ja rah…” “Par kyu chahiye opinion Armaan…Main…main nahi karungi phir Aisa….Maine promise Kiya na to tum kyu…” she cut him off highly upset at how things were turning out. “Ridhima tum…Tum pehle shant ho jao okay. Bas ek baar thande dimag se meri baat suno, hmm?” He asked gently leaving her hands and cupping her face forcing her to look into his eyes and the immense love that his eyes held somehow calmed her down a little. “Ridhima kal jo Bhi hua, jaise bhi hua…Happened for a reason sweetheart. Yes it was a weak moment but why did you have that weak moment? Kyu itne dino se tum so nahi parahi, theek se khati nahi baat nahi karti…” “Main Pagal nahi…” “Absolutely NOT Ridhima…Tum Pagal bilkul nahi ho and mind you just because we are going to a phycologist doesn't make you insane in anyway. Haan pareshan ho…Naraaz ho apni life ke kuch incidents ko lekar and thats why we are going to this doctor Ridhima so he can help you sort your thoughts a little, to give you the closure on everything thats been bothering you. Aur ismein kuch galat nahi hai Ridhima…Jab humein kahi takleef hoti hai to hum doctor ke pass jate hai na then whats the difference now.” He completed moving a small fringe that waved its way near her eyes. She kept staring at him blankly not knowing what to say he could definitely see that she wasn't convinced and so sighing deeply he made a deal “Acha lets do one thing, Rahul Itna Bol raha hai to ek baar mil lete hai agar tumhe Kuch Bhi acha nahi laga to we will not go back…Okay?” He said knowing he couldn't drag her to such a place this was one place she had to be willing to go to herself else the treatment too would be absolutely useless. Seeing her give a half hearted nod he smiled a little glad that she at least agreed to this. “Chalo ab finish your food Phir chalte hai okay?” He said patting her face lovingly before getting up and sitting back on his seat. “Uhmm nahi…I am done tum finish karo main change karke ati hoon” she said and even before he could stop her she got up and went away making him sigh sadly.
~In the bedroom~
A very upset Ridhima walked inside and slummed herself on the bed angrily. Somehow the fact that Armaan wanted her to see a phycologist, wasn't he the one who said that it was just a weak moment then why did he think she needed a doctor.She was deeply hurt by this choice but was somehow affirming with herself that she was fine anyway and the doctor would just say it and prove her point so somehow with a heavy heart she changed herself in pair of pale blue coloured churidar. Walking out of the restroom she found Armaan also in the room and he too had changed himself in a light blue coloured shirt with dark denims. Seeing her ready and walking out he gave her a warm smile “Chale?” He asked walking towards her to which she just nodded her head while keeping her eyes casted down. “Ridhima…Bacha main har pal apke sath rahunga, you don't have to worry about anything” he assured entangling her hand with his and planting an affectionate kiss on her forehead but all he got in response which made him quite as well. Not saying anything else he just squeezed her hand a little and walked out of the room along with her.
~Doctor’s Office~
A very nervous Ridhima sat across the doctor’s chair knotting her fingers in tight knots while the doctor kept asking her some questions so as to familiarise himself with her. “So Ridhima tell me aap marketing field main specialise karti hai right?” He asked trying hard to break the ice but all he got was a monosyllable reply. He observed how fidgety she was and how constantly her eyes would wander towards the small window on the door through which she could see Armaan as if checking if he is still there. “Ridhima its okay you need to relax main bas apko Jane ki koshish kar raha hoon aur kuch nahi aur Mr. Malik bas Bahar hi hai he wont go anywhere…” the doctor tried soothing her but she seemed just as restless. “Okay…Thats absolutely alright hum Phir kabhi baat karlenge…Nurse please call let Mr. Malik in” said the doctor with a polite smile and he could visibly see Ridhima relax a little. “Hey…” Armaan said taking her in a warm hug as the very moment he entered she got up and rushed towards him. “How was it?” Armaan tried asking but she just held him closer making him a little worried but before he could say anything else the doctor spoke up “Aiye Mr. Malik pls take a seat mujhe apse Kuch baat Karni hai…Ridhima would you mind helping the nurse fill out your file.” Getting the cue Armaan slowly detangled Ridhima from himself “Ridhima baby tum nurse ke sath jao ill come okay?” Spoke Armaan urging her to go ahead and not left with any choice she did just that….Once she left Armaan came and sat in-front of the doctor. “Mr. Malik I am afraid that what Dr. Rahul suspected is right, Ridhima is undergoing severe anxiety and its extremely necessary to help her through it. Aise main patients aksar ghbarat ke karan kuch bhi kar baith the hai…Half of which they don’t even realise at that moment. Woh do suicide attempts is a good enough example of how severe this illness can go.” Explained the doctor. “But…Doctor Iska koi treatment to hoga na…I…I mean Ridhima woh…woh theek ho jayegi na?” Asked an extremely worried Armaan to which the doctor nodded reassuringly. “Of course Mr. Malik…We will get onto her treatment immediately. Hum isi week se counselling sessions start Kar denge and I am also prescribing some pills you pls take care that these are taken on time. Also pls be sure to follow the dosage correctly, don't assume anything and decide to increase or decrease it as it can have some rather adverse reactions”. Said the doctor. “I…I will be careful, aap pls treatment chalu Kar dijiye aur bas Ridhima ko theek Kar dijiye I cannot see her like this…Her mental health and stability is of utmost importance and specially after what happened yesterday…Aap pls bas use theek Kar dijiye” pleaded Armaan but call it luck or anything else just at that point Ridhima entered and happened to hear only what Armaan said. Hurt was a small statement, keeping all rationalities aside she felt so bad that Armaan felt that she wasn't mentally stable, how could he think like that, did he really think that she needed to be ‘treated’. All these things went around her head making her feel extremely hurt and angry as well. Armaan who was unaware of Ridhima hearing his conversation thanked the doctor and stood to leave. “Arey Ridhima…Main tumhare pass hi araha tha, actually Dr. Mehta was suggesting that you come for him for some counselling sessions and…” “Par main to bilkul theek hoon Armaan Phir yeh counselling sessions kyu?” She asked cutting him straight through. “Of course Jaan tum bilkul theek ho but Ridhima a few sessions would do no harm right? Bas kuch time ana hai apni mann ki feelings share karni hai aur kuch nahi…Right Dr. Mehta?” Armaan replied caught a little off guard by her sudden tone. “Bilkul Mrs. Malik vaise to aap bohot hi strong ho we all know that but koi aise baat jo shayad apko pareshan karti hai woh aap mere sath share Kar sakti ho and I can help you…” “I don’t need your help” cut Ridhima rather curtly. “Ridhima! I am sorry doctor she did not mean it that way” apologised Armaan giving Ridhima a disapproving look. “Its okay Mr. Malik…Ridhima main apko force to nahi karunga but I do suggest that you do consider your decision once again till then ill take your leave, I have another patient waiting” said the doctor and giving the both of them one last smile he walked back towards his cabin. “Ridhima tum…Tum suno meri baat…What’s the matter Jaan kyu Itna gussa ho rahi ho we are doing all this to help you only right” said Armaan trying his best to maintain his calm as he slowly took hold of her hand. “Armaan yeh sab…Yeh sab kyu…Kya zarurat hai…Kal jo bhi hua, I am sorry it was just a weak moment tumhi ne kaha tha na to Phir why all this…” she said in a rather dejected tone as a stubborn tear rolled down her eye. “Zarurat hai bacha…Yes it was a weak moment but we don't want such moments to repeat itself right? Please Ridhima mere Khatir maan jao…Its for your own good sweetheart” he explained softly wiping that tear drop from her chin. She did not know what to say, she was hurt that Armaan felt that she needed some kind of external help all sorts of negative thoughts creeped into her mind with the main one being that he soon would be fed up of her and that was not something she could afford. Not having any choice she nodded her head slowly making him smile widely. “I love you” he whispered as he moved ahead and took her in a warm hug genuinely satisfied that things would now get better but little did he know the turmoil he ended up causing in her mind.
~1 Week Latter~
“Ridhima are you sure you want to go alone? Main chalta hoon na tumhare sath…” asked Armaan for the hundred time as she got ready to go for her first counselling session. Now he was very happy seeing her get ready to go but what bothered him was the fact that she insisted to go alone and though she convinced him that it was for her betterment as she would need some privacy yet he couldn't help but worry. “Nahi Armaan jaungi to main akeli hi jaungi pls…” she instead as she picked up her purse and came and stood in front of him. “Okay fine…Call me as soon as you get done and take care okay?” He took a deep breath and finally agreed as he lightly patted her face to which she just nodded with a small smile. “Acha haan main puchna bhul gaya…Did you take your medicine? Sorry woh us time call agaya tha to Maine khud nahi Diya but tumne kha to liya tha na?” He asked suddenly as he remembered about her anxiety pills that the doctor had prescribed. He normally would make sure that she have them in front of him but today he got an urgent call at that time and since the timing of the medication was super important so he left her to have them on her own. “Ha…haan of…of course Maine davai…davai liti…Tum…Tum check karlo” she stammered nervously. “Arey baba relax tum ghabra kyu rahi ho…Main to bas isliye puch raha tha because we have to be careful with the doses of these pills…Khair ab tum niklo its getting late…Make sure to call me when you're done, main ek ghante bad office ke liye nikal jaunga” He said lightly pecking her head before he left to attend his phone which had been ringing once again. As soon as he left Ridhima’s eyes immediately wandered to the small dustbin placed under the study table of their room and an instant sigh escaped her lips.
~1.5 months later~
It had been nearly two months since Ridhima was on going the treatment, Armaan was really pleased as she had taken it upon herself to go for the sessions all by herself and take the medicines on her own as well however somewhere he felt something to be a little off as he still found her jittery at times, also she would often seem low but every-time he asked she would brush it off saying the pills are just too heavy and workload was too much so maybe thats why he felt so. Further she assured him that as per Dr. Mehta she is improving so he decided to not dig in too much…It was around two in the night when Armaan habitually spread his arm on the bed but frowned even in his sleep as he felt Ridhima’s side empty. Slowly opening his tired eyes he found that she indeed was missing from bed and looking around he found the bathroom lights switched off which instantly made him get up. Looking around he found the balcony door shut as well which needless to say got him a little worried. “Ridhima is waqt kaha…” he wondered as he got out of bed and walked out of the room but stopped near the staircase as he found Ridhima sitting on the floor by the huge French window in the living room. He let out a breath that he did not even know he had held back. “Ridhima…Tum is waqt yaha kya kar rahi ho? Itni raat ho gayi and its freezing cold here” he scolded lovingly as he came and sat beside her on the ice cold floor rubbing his arms to get some warmth. On getting no reply he looked up to find her gaze still stuck on the window “Ridhima…Baby I am talking to you, Kya hua? Yaha kyu baithi ho is waqt?” he asked her again in a softer tone while placing his palm on her shoulder and forcing her to turn towards him. “Ridh…Ridhima kya hua? Tum…Tum ro kyu rahi ho?” He asked perplexed as he saw her whole face covered in tears. “Ridh…” even before he could ask anything else she flung herself in his arms and sobbed hard against his chest making him really tense. “Shh…Shhh bas bacha…Why are you crying Ridhima? Kuch to bolo jaan” he asked while rubbing her back as she found it hard to breath amidst her cries. “Ar…Armaan tum” she chocked as another sob escaped her mouth making him teary eyes as well. “Ridh…” “Ar…Armaan tum…tum humehsa mere sath…mere sath rahoge na…tum…tum mere sath” she stammered in between her sobs making him frown hard at her words. “Of course Ridhima…Main humehsa tumhare pass hi hoon jaana…” he soothed while dropping a lingering kiss on her head. “Nahi…Tum…Tum nahi…Mujhe lag raha hai ki tum…Tum mujhse door ja rahe ho Armaan…Tum jaoge…jaise sab gaye the…tum bhi….” She cried fisting his vest in her tiny palms. “Nahi Jaan….I swear, main kahi nahi jaunga Ridhima…Tum to meri zindagi ho na how I can leave you Ridhima?” He asked trying his best to calm her down as he could feel her heart pound against her chest and he knew that she was having an anxiety attack. “Na…nahi tum…tum jaoge…sa…sab jate hai…no…nobody wants me….nobody wan…” even before she could complete her sentence she felt limp in his arms making him really scared “RIDHIMA…Ridh…Oh My God” he instantly picked her up in his arms and was just going towards his room when he saw a match box placed on the floor right beside where Ridhima had been sitting and to top it up was that one lit stick which was sticking out from the box. Before he could react he saw a bright red mark on the front of her right arm and whatever little life he had left within him was drained out as he realised that she herself had caused that burn on herself.
~End Of Part~
Note: Tandada okay so first off all a very big sorry to my selected loyal readers who have been waiting and messaging me non-stop to update this story. I know its been forever and I am extremely sorry guys but more so I am grateful that you guys have still kept the story in your mind. I hope this part compensates at some level for the delay (al though I know its not a super amaze part).
So pls do read the part and leave in your comments below as that will definitely be an indicator of how soon I update the next part :)
ALSO VERY IMPORTANT…ALL THE ABOVE MENTIONED MEDICAL FACTS ARE PURELY FOR FICTION BASIS, NOTHING IS VALIDATED BY ANY MEDICAL EXPERT.
-Tanishka (Tani)
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