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Note: Sakshi is a Team Doctor here.

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Rahul (scared & shouted): Tia..

He patted her cheeks but there was no response.

Sakshi: Rah.. lay her on the sofa. I'll check her

Saying so she quickly went to get her medikit and Rahul picked Athiya and lay her down on the sofa. He was breathing quite heavily but it was unnoticed by all.

Sakshi came and started checking Athiya while Rahul was just looking at her worriedly.

Rahul: She.. she is fine right..

Sakshi: Subah se kuchh khaya Piya nahi hai isne. Iss liye dehydration aur exhaustion ki wajah se chakkar aa gaya.

She gave her an injection.

Sakshi: Abhi thodi der me hosh aa jayega. I would suggest isko room me leke chalte hai. Waha pe sahi se rest kar payegi

All looked at Rahul who sighed. He stepped forward and picked her again. They went to lift and took her to their room. Rahul made her lay down on the bed comfortably and covered her with blanket. He sat beside her and caressed her hair.

Virat: Rah.. you look tired. Go and freshen up

Rahul: Nahi bhaiya.. it's okay. Main yahi hoon

Virat: Rah.. kya hua tha? Where were you?

Rahul: Bhaiya woh...

Flashback

Rahul was doing batting practice when he was feeling quite uncomfortable in his back. He thought for a while and took a break. He sat on the bench while drinking water. He thought about Athiya. She was looking like she was not that much comfortable without him.

Rahul: Ghar hi chala jata hoon. Baki ki practice kal kar lunga

Rahul was about to get up but felt pain in his back. He rubbed it. He saw the ground manager.

Rahul: Kaka main nikal raha hoon. Baki kal aake kar lunga practice

Ground Manager: Ji koi baat nahi. Waise to koi dikkat nahi hai na ground pe?

Rahul: Nahi aap log kafi achchhe se maintain kar rahe ho sab.

Ground Manager thanked him Rahul went from there taking his stuff. He was going when he saw the Physio. He thought to have a check up.

Rahul: Doctor.. I am having issues in my back. Can you check once ?

Physio: Sure Rahul.. come

They went to the room and Physio asked him to lay on his chest. He started checking his back. He was pressing some points and Rahul was wincing in pain.. At one point he could not handle it and almost screamed.

Rahul (almost screaming): Aah...

He pressed his head in the pillow as the pain was more than he could handle and it was making him dizzy.

Physio: Calm down.. calm down..

Rahul: Aah.. It's.. it's making me dizzy.

Physio: Don't move Rahul..

The Physio instructed and prepared an injection and gave it to him. And before he could understand he fell asleep.

He woke up around 6 PM and was shocked finding himself still in the room. The Physio was also there.

Physio: How are you feeling now?

Rahul: What have you done? Why am I still here?

Physio: Rahul you have got a bad back spasm. And it was worsening. Were you having any back pain lately?

Rahul: Yeah..

Physio: Your Back has been through stress more than it could handle and it was stressing your lower back and that's why you started feeling dizzy. Your body needed some proper rest so I had to give you an injection. It helped you with some sleep and your back too got some rest. Take this balm, and massage it twice for few days. It will help your back to get relaxed.

Rahul: You should have told me earlier Doctor. Ghar pe sab pareshan ho rahe honge. Can I use your phone? My phone has broken down

Physio gave his phone and Rahul tried to call but because of the network issue, it couldn't connect. Rahul went from there quickly booked a cab and come back.

Flashback ends--

Rahul: Aur phir yaha aa gaya

Harry: Are you mad Rah? Back me issue tha to kyu uthaya Athiya ko? You both could have got hurt you idiot

Rahul looked down.

Rahul: She is my wife Harry. Usko abhi bhi sab ke sath comfortable hone me time lagega. She trusts me the most. Aise me kaise..

There was a silence for a while.

Rahul: Tia theek hai na bhabhi?

Sakshi: Haan Rah.. she is fine. Tum back dikhao apni chalo..

Rahul: Bhabhi it's okay I am fine.

Virat (in low voice): Bhabhi abhi rehne do. He is worried for Athiya. Ek baar woh hosh me aa jaye phir iska man shant hoga to co-operate karega

Sakshi (in low voice): Lekin Cheeku look at the seriousness. The Physio gave him sedation. You understand he needs rest. Aise me do baar Athiya ko utha ke baitha hai

Virat (in low voice): I know bhabhi.. lekin abhi woh co-operate hi nahi karega to aap kya check karoge. Let him have some time and space. He will treat his back.

Before anyone could say anything, Athiya woke up with jolt shouting Rahul's name.

Athiya (shouting): Rahul.. Rahul..

All looked at her with quite shocked expression. Rahul tried to hold her

Athiya (shouting): Rahul.. Rahul..

Rahul (shouting): Tia.. look at me.. I am here only..

Athiya was still in daze. Rahul held her and made her look at him.

Rahul: Tia see.. main yahi hoon.. I am here okay..

Rahul held her hand and kept her hand on his cheek.

Rahul: See.. see.. I am here..

Athiya was breathing heavily but she kept her other hand shakily at his other cheek.

Athiya: Rah.. Rahul

Rahul nodded in yes.

Tears fell from Athiya's eyes. She hugged him tightly crying hard.

Athiya (crying): Rah.. Rahul.. aap.. aap theek ho.. aap theek ho.. pata.. pata hai main... main kitna dar gayi thi.. mujhe.. mujhe lag.. laga aap.. aap bhi..

She trailed off sobbing hard. Rahul held her tightly rubbing her back.

Athiya (crying): Aap.. aapko pata hai.. Papa.. papa bhi aise hi.. aise hi.. aur.. aur Maa.. Maa bhi.. main.. main buri.. buri nahi hoon na..

Rahul: No Tia.. you are not bad..

Athiya (crying): To.. to phir kyu.. kyu gaye? Kyu? Kyu? Kyu?

She was hitting him with her fists though there was no force in them but she was venting out. Rahul allowed her to do whatever she was doing. It's a month now to Mahesh uncle's death and her dam finally broke.

Athiya (crying): Kyu Rahul? Kyu?

All were getting emotional though they were not able to understand why she was venting out like that except Rahul.

Rahul just kept rubbing her back and she kept crying. The kids like Shubhi, Ishu were getting emotional whereas Rishu, Siri, Jassi, Harry and Virat were able to understand what she was going through.

Rahul (softly): Tia..

He softly called her once her sobs turned into slight sniffing. She looked at him. He gently wiped her tears and shook his head in no.

Rahul (softly): Calm down okay..

Athiya again burst into tears. She again burst into sobs keeping her head on his shoulder. Rahul held her protectively.

Virat (in low voice): I guess we should leave. She is in safe hands

Others nodded and went from there.
Virat ran to his room followed by Anu. Jassi ran to garden Ash went after him. Siri was handled by Bhuvi. Rishu hugged Mahi whereas Rohit handled a broken Harry.

Sakshi: Sab log sambhalo khud ko. Aise hum kaise sambhalenge Athiya ko. Rah is already not well.

Ritz: Apke dimag me kya chal raha hai bhabhi?

Sakshi: Tum logo ne notice Kiya the way Athiya was venting out as if..

Mahi: As if she was doing it for the first time

Sakshi nodded in yes. Rest all were surprised but composed themselves.

Jassi and Ash too came inside. Virat and Anu too came there in a while. Virat sat on the sofa burrying his face.

Mahi: Kya hua Cheeku?

Rohit sat beside him and put his hand on his shoulder.

Rohit: Vi..

Virat: Mujhe Rah ki chinta ho rahi hai.

Mahi: Cheeku.. Rah ka back pain theek ho jayega bachcha

Virat: No Bhai.. it's not about back pain.

Rohit: To??

Virat: Rah is hiding a lot Bhai.

Rohit: We will be with him Vi. Hum sab usko sambhalenge okay. You please don't worry. Calm down okay

Virat sighed and nodded in yes.

Athiya was still crying silently while Rahul held her protectively and kept rubbing her back. They didn't say anything. They heard a sudden voice of firecracker and Athiya flinched.

Rahul: Kuchh nahi hai kuchh nahi hai

They heard the sound of bollywood songs. Someone's Baarat was going from the main road. They were bursting fire crackers and Athiya was shivering out of fear.

Rahul: Tia.. calm down baba. Main hoon na. Kuchh nahi hua. Inn logo ko abhi fodne hai phatake.. Main abhi inko bol ke aya ki Yaha se Jaye tum ruko..

He was about to break the hug but she held onto him more

Athiya: Aap mat jao na..

Rahul: Tia..

Athiya: Please mat jao na..

She sobbed lightly. Rahul held her with one hand and pulled the blanket with the other hand and covered her.

Rahul: Tia.. tum awaaz pe dhyan hi mat do. Main hoon na yaha. Koi kuchh nahi karega okay..

Athiya: Sab.. sab mujse.. mujse door kyu chale jate hai Rahul?

She asked between her sobs.

Rahul: Main hoon na Tia. Main nahi jaunga kabhi hmm. Bas.. bas..

Rahul continued patting her head and rubbing her back. She fell asleep while crying. Rahul saw her sleeping and made her lay down on the bed properly. He continued caressing her hair.

Virat, Mahi, Sakshi and Anu came there to check on them. They were talking in low voice.

Anu: So gayi?

Rahul: Abhi abhi aankh lagi hai.

Sakshi: Rah.. bachcha ab back dekhne doge please.. aise neglect nahi karna chahiye

Rahul nodded in yes and tried to get up so that he can sit back facing her but as soon as he tried to get up, he winced in pain making others ran to him.

Sakshi: Don't move Rah.

He sat still. Virat and Mahi gently lift his T-shirt up and could see the swelling. Sakshi saw his back and touched his lower back to check but he stopped her.

Rahul: No please. It's.. it's making me dizzy..

He said while swaying a bit. Virat held him and Anu held the T-shirt. All looked at Sakshi with tensed face. She took out the balm from Rahul's bag and massaged his back. It though gave him a quite burning sensation but was also helping him with the back pain. Once done, Mahi and Virat helped Rahul sit properly on the bed with support of headboard and cushions.

Virat: Better?

Rahul nodded in yes.

Virat: Your body needs rest Rah. Thodi der tum bhi rest kar lo. Nushkie iska dinner yaha bhijwa do

Rahul: Nahi bhabhi.. Tia ne kuchh nahi khaya. Usko khilaye bina mere gale se ek niwala nahi utrega

Anu: Rah.. Athiya ne aise.. I mean..

Rahul: She didn't cry till date. Na jab Bidai hui aur Na jab Papa..

He trailed off.

Rahul: Aaj Mera gayab rehna triggered her and she got her much Needed Breakdown.

Rahul caressed her hair.

Virat: Achchha hum chalte hai. Tum rest kar lo theek hai. Do you need help in laying down on the bed?

Rahul shook his head in no. Rest all went from there. Rahul sighed and rested his head on the headboard.

**********************************

Ritz: 9 baj gaye hai. Rah aur Athiya abhi bhi room me hi hai. Unka khana waha de aye kya?

Mahi: Haan wahi sahi rahega. Let both of them have some rest.

Anu and Ritz served the food and took the plates in RahIya's room. They found them both asleep. Athiya was sleeping keeping her hand over Rahul and he was sleeping in sitting position while resting his head on the headboard with his one hand over Athiya's head. They put the plates at the side table and went from there as they were not having heart to wake them up as both were looking exhausted.

Athiya woke up around 10 PM and her movements woke up Rahul too. He helped her in sitting on the bed.

Rahul: How are you feeling?

Athiya: Better

Rahul nodded.

Athiya: I am sorry..

Rahul: Kis liye?

Athiya: Mujhe.. mujhe apko aise.. aise hug nahi karna chahiye tha

Rahul: First thing first Tia. You are my traditionally and legally wedded wife. It's your right to hug me. And more than that You are my friend too. Aur friends to ek dusare ko hug kar hi sakte hai na..

Athiya: Lekin aap uncom..

Rahul: I am comfortable with you Tia.

Athiya looked at him surprisingly .

Athiya (surprised): Sach?

Rahul: Ab jo insaan mere comfort ka itna dhyan rakhega uske sath comfortable feel nahi hoga to kiske sath hoga

Athiya smiled hearing this

Rahul: One more thing.. You are my wife Athiya aur mujhe normally touch karne ke liye tumhe mujhe sorry kehne ki ya meri permission lene ki zarurat nahi hai.

Athiya: Aap Dil.. Dil se keh rahe ho na ? Main.. main ro di aaj iss liye to...

Tears again fell from her eyes. Rahul took her in the hug. She sobbed a little. Her fears were now at front of him. His words has actually made a huge impact on her

They broke the hug and Rahul cupped her face and looked straight into her eyes.

Rahul: Tia.. maine abhi Jo bhi kaha woh sab apne pure hosh me aur apni marzi se kaha hai.. Dil se kaha hai..

Saying so he gently wiped her tears.

Rahul leaned forward towards her to which she just closed her eyes in anticipation of what is coming. Her breath hitched when she felt his lips touching her forehead kissing it.

Rahul: I am with you Tia.. hamesha

Athiya (fumbling): I lo.. I know Rahul..

Rahul then took the plate and forwarded a spoonful towards her mouth.

Rahul: Chalo it's dinner time now.

Athiya: Apne khaya?

Rahul: Main khana kha lunga. Abhi pehle tum kha lo. Muh kholo chalo..

Athiya: Do plates hai na. We can have dinner together. Mujhe plate do.

Rahul gave her the plate. She forwarded a spoonful towards his mouth.

Rahul: Yeh sab kya hai?

Athiya: Khana.. chaliye muh kholiye.

She fed him with so much love that Rahul kept looking at her for few moments before he too started feeding her. They finished their dinner while feeding each other.

Rahul: Ab tum rest karo chalo.

Athiya: Aap bhi rest karo. Bahut thake hue lag rahe ho

Rahul: Haan bas.. ek kam karo tum change kar lo. Main plates rakh ke aaya

Athiya: Aap yahi raho na

Rahul: Theek hai. Tum change kar lo main yahi hoon

Athiya went to washroom and Rahul slowly got up from the bed and went to keep the plates but she met Ritz and Anu in the lobby.

Ritz: Khana kha liya na dono ne?

Rahul nodded in yes

Anu: Hum wahi check karne aa rahe the. Yeh hume do hum le jayenge. Ab tum rest karo okay. You too need rest Rah.

She said last line softly to which Rahul just gave her a small smile which looked more like a sarcastic one. Rahul gave them plates and went to his room.

Ritz: Was that a sarcastic smile?

Anu: I thought so too.

**********************************

Rahul was massaging his back when Athiya came out from the washroom. She saw the swelling and gasped. Rahul quickly put his T-shirt down and looked here and there. Athiya too looked here and there but then she composed herself and went to bed.

Rahul: Woh.. main..

Athiya: Apki back me kafi swelling hai Rahul. Aise sirf massage se kuchh nahi hoga. Balm ya koi tube laga ke massage karna chahiye

Rahul: Physio ko dikhaya tha aaj. Unki wajah se hi late ho gaya. My phone broke down aur contact nahi kar paya. I am sorry Tia tumhe dara diya

Athiya: Dar ko maro goli. Aap ka hath nahi pahunch Raha theek se aise me kaise massage karoge khud se.

Rahul: Woh uper tak swelling hai to hath uthata hoon to..

Athiya: I understand. Um.. apko sahi Lage to main massage kar doon?

Rahul (unsure): Tia..

Athiya: Araam milega to theek se so paoge aap. Massage Kar doon?

Rahul was not sure whether he was ready or not. It's not like he was never shirtless in front of ladies but they all were his bhabhis or his mom, and he was never shirtless in front of any other lady except for his social media images but in that he was shirtless in front of his friends.. his brothers..

But then the person who was in front of him is hell bent on taking care of his comfort. She really doesn't want to make him feel uncomfortable and he knew that. Besides, she has all the right to see him shirtless still she was asking for his permission that too to help him only.. He found himself nodding in yes before he could even realise it.

Athiya smiled and sat in front of him. She helped him in lifting up his T-shirt and kept it reversed over his shoulder. Rahul was just looking down with his raised heartbeats. Athiya hugged him and started massaging his back while staying in front of him only. Rahul looked at her who was peeking at his back from his shoulder only and massaging.

Athiya: Aapko na thoda rest Lena hoga Rahul. Aise swelling ho to bed rest hi bolte hai ho sake utna

Rahul: Physio ne bola bed rest ka.

Athiya: Hmm.. bolenge hi na. Aap na dhyan hi nai rakhte ho apna

Rahul: Ab better lag raha hai. Thanks

Athiya broke the hug and helped him putting down his T-shirt.

Athiya: Abhi chalo lay on the bed main uss side pe cushions and pillows rakh deti hoon lekin..

Rahul: Kya hua?

Athiya: Itne hi cushions and pillows hai. Agar apke back ke support me rakhenge to border nahi ban payegi

She was making faces and thinking of a solution on what should be done. Rahul was just looking at her with a fond smile on his face.

Rahul: Ek pillow beech me rakh do aur cushions back ke side pe set kar do

Athiya: Great idea. Main abhi set karti hoon

She set the cushions and placed the pillow between them.

Athiya: Ab aap rest karo chalo.

She helped him in laying down on the bed. She too layed down at her side. They both soon fell asleep due to tiredness of the entire day.

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Rahul's sleep broke around 12:30 as Athiya's phone was ringing. He picked it up instantly seeing his mother's call. Rahul instinctively hold Athiya's hand tightly which was on the pillow between them. Athiya's sleep too broke as she felt the tight hold on her hand. She saw Rahul was talking on the call.

Rahul: Hello Mom..

Athiya (in mind): Maa..

She too quickly got up and sat on the bed.

Rajeshwari: Rahul..

She audibly sighed.

Rahul: Mom.. kya hua? Aap.. aap ne iss time kyu call Kiya? Sab.. sab theek hai na? Dad is fine right. Sab theek hai na Mom?

Lokesh: We should ask this to you Rahul. What is this?

Rahul sighed in relief hearing his father's normal voice. He got scared seeing the call at this odd time and moreover his father was under weather from past two days so he genuinely got worried for him and was literally scared seeing his mother's call. He still was..

Rahul: You.. You both are fine right..

Rajeshwari: Rahul what are you asking? What are you doing? Tia ke sath rehna chahiye abhi tumhe aur tum bahar chale gaye? Bahar hi Jana tha to usko leke jaate. She would have felt so alone without you. Tum samajte kyu nahi ho ki usko abhi tumhari zarurat hai. Jhooth bolna usko aata nahi lekin phir bhi bola jhooth usne ki sab theek hai. Sach sach batao kya kiya hai tumne ki woh itna pareshan thi?

Rahul (scared): Mo.. Mom.. I.. I didn't..

Lokesh: Sach sach batao apne doston se milne gaye the na?

Rajeshwari: Dosto se ya uss Nidhi se? Rahul you know We don't like her and now you are married. Stay away from that girl

Rahul (stammering): Yo.. you kn.. know wh..what.. I.. I.. I don.. don't wan.. want to expl.. explain..

He disconnected the call breathing heavily. Athiya started rubbing his back.

Athiya: Kya hua aapko?

Rahul blinked quite rapidly. Athiya observed him. Rahul again blinked but more rapidly this time. His breathing was still uneven. His hold on Athiya's hand was still intact.

Athiya (softly): Rahul..

He looked at her. His eyes were becoming red. He just ran from there and went to terrace. Athiya ran after him and came to terrace as well. MahiRoRat with their wives were already at the terrace but RahIya didn't notice them.

Rahul sat on his knees with a thud. Athiya sat beside him.

Athiya: Rahul kya hua apko? Maa Papa ne call kyu Kiya tha?

She asked while rubbing his back.

Virat was about to go to Rahul but Mahi and Rohit hold him and shook their heads in no.

Rahul (stammering): Un.. unko ai.. aisa lag.. lagta hai ki.. I.. I don't.. don't ca.. care ab.. about you. Th.. they don.. don't tru.. trust me. The.. they don.. don't.. tru..

A sob escaped from his mouth. Athiya instantly took him in a tight hug to which he broke into tears hiding his face in the hug. She was continuously rubbing his back and caressing his hair.

Athiya: Bas.. bas.. main baat karungi unse Rahul. Aap chinta mat karo.

Rahul snuggled more as more sobs escaped from his mouth. He was hurt.. more than anything else he was more hurt with the way things happened and are going on between him and his parents. Them not believing him completely on that Nidhi rumour and now they didn't even allow him to explain.. he was not able to understand what he should do now to make them understand that he was trying so hard to make that unwanted marriage to be a successful one.

Athiya broke the hug and wiped his tears gently. She has still held him. He was quite shivering.

Athiya: Aap chalo niche chalo. Yaha pe thand lag jayegi apko.

Rahul didn't even move a bit.

Athiya: Rahul..

Still there was no change. Having no other option, Athiya played her master stroke.

Athiya: Rahul.. niche chale? Yaha pe thand lag rahi hai mujhe..

Rahul instantly nodded in yes and she helped him in getting up and they went downstairs.

Anu: Vi.. Aunty ka call aa raha hai

Virat: Tell her everything that happened. Mujse baat nahi ki jayegi unse bina awaaz unchi kiye

Saying so he went from there. Rohit went after him.

Athiya made Rahul have some water. She helped him in laying down on the bed. He was not crying now but was all silent. Athiya knew he was holding back a lot.

Athiya: I trust you Rahul

He looked at her.

Athiya: I trust you the most.

Tears fell from his eyes but Athiya wiped them gently.

Athiya: Abhi aap rest karoge bina kuchh soche okay.

She kept his head in her lap and started massaging his forehead while occasionally caressing his hair.

Athiya: Sleep Rahul. Your body needs rest. You need rest. Baki sab hum sath me manage kar lenge. We are friends na. Sab ho jayega manage okay. Sleep.

He fell asleep after a while as the exhaustion of everything took over him. Athiya sighed and slept in sitting position only. Rahul has hold one of her hand near his heart as if it's the only possession he has and Athiya was sleeping while keeping her hand still over his forehead to make him feel she was there and will always be there with him.. No matter what..

...............................................................

Finally the dam broke for RahIya.. They let out their pain upto certain extent.

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