She stared at the phone screen as her eyes welled up again. This was perhaps for the fifth time today that she was tearing up.

Ashwin texted her.

'I know you're not okay. Talk to me?'

'I can't.'

'What happened? Did Abhimanyu say something?'

'No.'
'But he didn't return home for two days.'

'Did something happen?'

'We consummated our marriage.'

'Wow! Congratulations!'
'Wait! And he disappeared after that?'

'Yes.'

There was a longer pause. Then he texted, 'I just talked to Devina Mukherjee. The psychologist I mentioned to you earlier. She has given a slot around 9 p.m tonight. Talk to her. The meeting will be held online, on a zoom meeting. If you want, I can join too.'

'Ashwin, you don't need to do all this for me.'

'You are my friend. This is what friends do.'

So, around 9 p.m. Ashwin called her to inform he had sent her the zoom meeting link. She could join it and he'd be there too.

Devina Mukherjee was a nice lady in her thirties. After listening to everything she asked a final question to Shreya.

"To diagnose an individual with SPD (Schizoid personality disorder), we have to look closely at some of his traits. As Outlined in DSM V -- the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, SPD has 7 distinctive traits. Among which, if only 4 are present in any person, then they are considered to be Schizoids."

Shreya asked, "What are those?"

"Number one, Schizoids neither desires nor enjoys close relationships. Two, they choose solitary activities. Three, they have none or little interest in having sexual experiences. Four, they take pleasure only in a few activities. Five, Schizoids lack close friends or confidants. Six, Schizoids appears indifferent to praise or criticism, and lastly but most distinctively, individuals with SPD show emotional coldness, detachment, or flattened affectivity. Now you have to tell me, Mr. Abhimanyu exhibits how many of these traits."

Shreya took a shaky breath. "Almost all of these. But..." she paused briefly before adding hesitatingly, "We've had sex."

"Of course. Schizoid personality disorder is a huge spectrum. Some schizoids do enjoy sex. It entirely varies from individual to individual. But can you remind yourself what exactly happened after you've had sex?"

"He said, I'll have to figure out his love language because he's incapable of doing the same."

"Hmm. And after that?"

"The next morning, he sent me away because he had work. I haven't seen him since then. His phone is also switched off. It feels like he has cut me off from having any kind of interaction."

"When was it?"

"Two days ago."

Devina nodded thoughtfully and noted down something. After a moment she said, "Was it your first time together?"

Shreya's face flushed at the question. But she somehow answered. "Yes."

"Seems like, he's trying to figure out this new kind of emotions he's feeling now. Ms. Shreya, it's not like schizoids do not feel emotions. They just don't want to acknowledge them. They pretend to be emotionless and feel confidant remaining that way. It gives them a certain kind of control over the fear of getting weak emotionally or their trust issues in general. In other words, you can say, they tend to bottle up their emotions. But now that he has you in his life... in some... intimate kind of way, he's trying to figure it out."

Shreya blinked and tried to understand her words.

Devina explained, "Ms. Shreya, from what I heard, your husband indeed has one of the cluster A type personality disorders. I cannot tell you the exact cause of his SPD but after listening to his childhood history, I can accept his environment played a major role. Due to the abandonment by his family at a tender age and living separately and away might have affected him. Perhaps, that was the main cause of his social withdrawal tendencies. Mr. Abhimanyu had his complete education while being away from his family. Additionally, he couldn't engage himself in social interactions, for example, making friends or finding a girlfriend. He might have developed trust issues over the years."

"Yes, he doesn't like to share many details."

"Understandable. Well, SPD can be challenging to treat. Most individuals with SPD rarely seek treatment and struggle with psychotherapy because of their obvious trust issues. Also, as they tend to stay socially isolated, it becomes difficult for them to find support and assistance. Not that they want to get treated. Mind you, Schizoids do not consider themselves unwell in anyway. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help to some extent. Because in one-on-one therapy, the therapist can help the schizoids to identify their problematic behaviour and thoughts, and which can be intimidating for them. Because it'll demand a great deal of social interaction from them which they generally avoid. The problem is, no mental health professional can push schizoids too hard. Cause, if they do, the individuals will simply run away unable to handle the excessive pressure and emotional demands."

Shreya sat back. So, there was literally no chance?

Ashwin spoke for the first time since their session started. "So, what can she do to make this relationship work?"

"To be honest, I am sorry to put it like this, but compassion and understanding is the only way."

Shreya's heart dropped. So, she always had to be the stronger one? Emotionally.

"What you can do is, never do something that can discourage him. Don't pressurize him to overshare. He might take it as a survival danger. Also, never react inappropriately if he shares something to you which seems eccentric. He'll close off more. You have to be his confident. Don't be intrusive. Give him time and space. He will tell you only when he wants to tell you. Be understanding. Don't push him into telling you more. And most importantly, trust him when he tells you something no matter how illogical or messed up, they may sound. At least, show him that you believe his words. Try not to judge him. I know, it can get stressful at times, but it's what you can do to stay near him. Otherwise, he might push you away."

Ashwin frowned. "This seems too unhealthy for a relationship."

Meanwhile, Shreya couldn't move from her seat. She suddenly felt numb. As if, she was sitting in the middle of a room with no doors or windows while the walls were closing in on her.

"I'm sorry. But it is nearly impossible to treat SPD in full extent. Simply try your best, but not more. You cannot cross his boundaries. If you want to be with him, simply be there for him. And, it may sound harsh, but don't expect him to be a romantic with flowers, songs or lots of luxury dates. Once he comes in terms with your presence in his life, it'll be easier. His love language will be some genuine actions which will convey his care for you." She smiled compassionately, "If you want to stay in this relationship, simply accept the fact that your significant other is a weirdo. And love him like that."

Her eyes stung and heart shattered into pieces with an excruciating pain.

She was doomed with a love so undeniable.

After the video call was over, she sat there motionless for half an hour, pondering on every little detail about their almost impossible love. Could she really stay with him? Would she regret it after some years? What'd be the foundation of their relationship?

But he cared for her. He freed herself from her past with Naveen. He saved her.

If she became honest with herself, she never got scared of loving him. But her fear resided on not being loved back. She knew it was difficult, and yet, she took the risk. One thing she knew for sure. She could accept the pain, but she couldn't accept the separation between them. She wanted him in front of her eyes all the time. It was the only thing capable of giving her the assurance that he was her man-who makes her heart flutter every time she lay eyes on him.

It wasn't his fault that he had this condition with him. But still... he proved how he cared for her-and that, should be enough for now until he learned to trust her.

She leaned back on the chair as a deep sigh left her. 'I love you, Abhimanyu. I hope you accept this sooner.'

A sudden scream from the hallway made her jump up in alarm. She sat up quickly and heard it clearly that Ritu was yelling Gyan's name from top of her lungs. Her voice wasn't that of annoyance, it was of panic.

She sprang on her feet and rushed to the hall and noticed Gyan was also running downstairs while Ritu was staring on her laptop; her face was damp from non-stop tears. Chaya has also come out along with Dev. Dona and Ram too.

"What the hell, Ritu? Why are you screaming senseless?" Gyan scolded as he rushed forward and glared at Ritu, sitting thunderstruck.

Ritu looked up with teary eyes straight at Gyan.

"What's wrong?" Gyan asked, now slightly worried.

"Didiya..."

"Didiya? What about her?" He asked anxiously.

Ritu's eyes strayed towards others before they settled back on Gyan, as if pleading for some privacy. Gyan turned towards Chaya and asked her to leave. Dona and Ram left on their own, except Shreya. Gyan looked at her and said, "Leave."

"Let her stay." Ritu interrupted.

Gyan frowned and asked again, "What's wrong?"

"I was checking the mailbox. Along with the letters, there was this pen drive."

"Pen drive?"

Ritu nodded, wiping off her eyes. "I got curious because there was no name on it. And when I opened it, there's this one clip only. Of Didiya. I- I think... you should take a look at it first." Ritu broke down again.

Gyan frowned again and went ahead to take a look. Shreya invited herself and went beside Ritu to take a look at the screen. Ritu replayed the clip. All blood left her face as she noticed Tiyasha, bound to a bedpost. She looked thinner and paler. A side of her forehead and a corner of her mouth was bruised. Several other proofs of abuse were clearly visible. Below the screen, a short message popped up. The amount of ransom money was huge quite predictably. Gyan's frown deepened as he saw the message. They mentioned specifically, if police were informed, there'd be life threat on Tiyasha. They'll contact again to let know how to transfer the money.

Gyan cursed loudly.

"What're we gonna do? Dadabhai isn't home. Should we inform Papa?"

"No stop. Maa-Papa isn't here. They'll get anxious which may harm their health."

"Then what're we gonna do?" Ritu cried out in frustration.

Gyan sat down with closed eyes and holding his temples. A panic surfaced on Shreya's mind. Tiyasha was pregnant too, and no one knew about that. Should she reveal that?

"Uhm- Didiya is pregnant," she said quietly.

"What?" The twins exclaimed in unison. Gyan stared at her with disbelief while Ritu looked worried.

"My friend, he's a nurse. A few days ago, he saw Didiya giving a visit to a Gynae for abortion."

"What?!" Gyan exclaimed again.

"Oh my God! Rishida! Does he know?" Ritu asked to no one particularly. A shadow of panic crossed her face. "It's definitely him."

Gyan replayed the clip twice or thrice before closing the laptop lid. His clenched jaws and furrowed eyebrows screaming his agitation.

Shreya suggested, "Should we inform Rishi?"

Hearing those words, Ritu looked at her horrified while Gyan shook his head. "No wait. They specifically mentioned if we inform others, they'll hurt Didiya." He was about to say something more when his phone rang.

He arose from his seat and pulled it out from his pocket. As soon as he looked at the screen, a crease formed in his face immediately. He glared at the screen for a few seconds before answering it.

"What?" He barked at the caller, and then met with a long silence. His expression changed from annoyed to surprised, before it settled on attentiveness. He clenched his jaws before saying, "Why me?" There was a small pause as he listened to the other side. A frowned formed on his forehead when he responded with a curse followed by an 'okay'. His eyes strayed over to Ritu before it shifted to Shreya and lingered there for a moment.

"Who is it?" Ritu questioned.

"Dadabhai," was Gyan's clipped response. Shreya'a heartbeat quickened in a beat. Gyan must've noticed the change in her disposition as he blinked and turned his head away.

"Okay fine!" He barked on the phone before hanging up.

"Dadabhai? He called you?! Why did you hang up? Where is he?" Ritu showered question after questioned. "I want to talk too!"

Gyan tsked at Ritu. His eyes strayed towards Shreya as he said, "Wherever he is, it seems he's doing alright."

She blinked and looked down.

Gyan plopped down on the couch while Ritu turned towards Shreya and asked, "Did he call you?"

She shook her head while fidgeting with her fingers. Her lashes swept up to look at Ritu. Her face showing an expression between questioning and accusing. Shreya's gaze shifted to Gyan who was already staring at her intensely. She asked quietly, "What did he say?"

Gyan tilted his head backward. "He knows everything. The kidnappers contacted him for the money. They didn't know that he's not home. But what's surprising me is, they asked for me to bring them the money."

"What? Why?" Ritu asked, flabbergasted.

He shrugged, "I don't know!"

"What did Dadabhai say?"

"He asked me to wait for his next call," Gyan declared quietly. "Now we wait, until they contact again."

~~~

Author's note: Don't forget to vote. :)