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Anirudh's POV

I didn't waste a single moment and started searching for her in the overcrowded hall. I tried my best to not lose my composure but something in me said that nothing is right, that Deekshya is here and suffering. But another part of me retorted that Zayn is a very good liar, he never wished good upon me so maybe he did it to mess around. All the worst possibilities started hammering my mind and it felt as if my mind will burst open in a snap. I scanned the entire hall but she was nowhere to be found. Still, I went in checking on every other face but to no avail. I checked every nook and corner of the upper floor's hall, but she wasn't there as well.

Every sort of bad thoughts has started clouding my mind no matter how hard I try to ward them off. The past and the last panic attacks of hers flashed in front of me and it struck me all of sudden that she can't be here in the middle of this mass. Her social anxiety must have forced her to find a secluded corner. Godammit! Here, I'm searching for here and losing precious time. Where are you Deekshya?

What if the Bajaj brat was just messing with me? What if she's not here at all in the first place? You need to think rationally, Anirudh. Don't let the fear take control over you. Let's call her, my conscience reasoned. 

I took out my phone and dialled her number. The ring went on but she didn't pick up. I again tried but met the same thing. Fear started crawling up my spine. Please, Lord, don't do this!

Not getting through her phone, I dialled on home's landline and hoped for her to pick up that at least. But even after a long ring, no one picked it up. Shit!

Calm down, Anirudh! She might be in the garden with her babies or the kitchen, let's try again. She will pick up for sure. She never ditches calls for more than two times. I tried boosting myself to not freak out amidst the mob.

I took a deep breath and again called on the landline. And thankfully, it got answered.

Before I could say anything, "Hello, thanks for calling the Srivastava House! This is Lily speaking, how may I help you?", I heard Lily the part-time house help asking. 

"Miss Lily, it's Anirudh sir. Is Deekshya madam at home? She's not picking...", I said as calmly as I could only to get interrupted by her, "Good afternoon sir! Deekshya madam? No, sir! She is not a home. I, myself opened the door using my keys and came in just a few minutes ago. I was going to inform you about her. Even her car isn't in the driveway or the garage. Is she okay, sir?" I cut her off in the middle, "Thanks! If she comes back home, tell her to call me right away. And you don't worry, she's fine", and ended the call hurriedly.

She's not at home!

I felt a noose tightening around my neck out of fear. She has never stepped out of home all these months so why now and that too here or where? My fears have started tuning into reality slowly and I can feel the sick feeling in my guts. Something is not right, something is terribly wrong!

I stepped into the hallway after ending the call where my security personnel were waiting. All of a sudden a chilled gust of wind carrying the same sweet jasmine fragrance swept by me sending shivers down my spine. She's not at home and this fragrance is very much familiar, she uses it, it's hers only. Instantly, realisation dawned upon me:

SHE IS HERE!

But how? I couldn't find her in both the halls and going by her anxiety issues she wouldn't be in such an overcrowded place. Urgh... how I am supposed to know? What I am gonna do now? Where to find her?

I need help... yes, I need help and my security is the best option right now. They won't spill single info regarding this in the media as I know they're very much loyal to me. And with their help, I will surely find her out in no time, yes!

"Guys!", I called them and they jogged towards me in no time. "I need to find someone. The situation is very critical and we need to find her as fast as we could. In short, we have no time. Check every nook and corner of the building, not a single place should be left out. Y'all are finding a woman in her 20s, tall slim and she must have worn a saree. She might be in no condition to converse, so the moment you find her inform me right away. Do nothing to her, I'll reach you and after that, I'll handle the rest. Got it? Any doubts?" I instructed them calmly even though on the inside I am a complete disaster.

Surya, the head of the group asked, "Sir, it's very difficult..." but got interrupted by another feminine voice from my back, "Sir, the founders are calling for you. They need to...". Here comes none other than my good-for-nothing secretary Naina. And that was it!

I roared, "Miss Naina! Can't you see I'm in the middle of something? Do hell with your founders and you. Can't you do anything without me or at least manage the mindless bunch who calls themselves founders? Why are you even my secretary? You're good for nothing... literally NOTHING!" I couldn't help the rage as it was already too much to digest for me and take so much pressure in a single day. And with the worst nightmare being so close to turning into reality is taking the worst out of me. 

That good for nothing Naina trembled hearing my shouts but I cared less. "Sir calm down! She didn't know we were busy. We've got a task at hand, let's concentrate on that", I heard Surya's voice and realisation struck me. Shit! I vented out all my anger and frustration caused by that brat on her. Damn you Anirudh! Worst boss of the award should be given to YOU, my mind chided me.

I composed myself after taking a breath and instructed her, "Sorry! Just manage the founders and if they nag you terribly then tell them that I have left due to an emergency. And I'm sorry for that behaviour, it's just... Huff! You can go now", in a straight voice and she scurried away in no time. 

I turned back to Surya, "You were asking...". He nodded, "Yes sir! By your description, it's hard to search for the lady. If you can provide us with a photograph then it will become easy to search in such a crowd".

Hmm, he's right. But where can I find a photo of hers? We have never clicked one neither I have any of hers. Oh, wait! I do have a few. I have clicked some in the morning itself, thank God! I fished out my phone and instantly sent the most appropriate one to Surya and in turn, he sent it to others. They all threw a confused stare my way but I royally ignored it and they already know better not to question me, their boss especially after my recent outburst. 

In no time, they all got dispersed in every direction in search of her while I kept staring at her little smiling peaceful and sleeping figure captured in the photo. Where are you, Mrs Srivastava? Come back to me, please. And stay put, dear. I'm coming to you.

I, myself, searched for her in the other parts of the building along with the search party but couldn't get my hands on anything. Thanks to God, the founders didn't pester Naina to meet me as I don't know what I would've said to them in a condition where I can think of nothing but Deekshya's safety and well-being. 

After a few minutes of searching, I got a call from Surya, "Sir, please come to the CCTV Control room. They've found something and we need you to confirm it". I replied, "I'm coming" and ended it. I prayed silently, Please God help me. Please send back her to me, safe and sound.

Soon, I was standing in the said room and Surya showed me few footages while saying, "Sir, we've found this. The man, Zayn Bajaj was with the lady as well. You can see-". The first footage was of the entrance CCTV Camera and it showed thousands of people entering, I waited for the one face I didn't want to see there really. A few seconds went by but there was no sign of her much to my relief and annoyance at the same time. I asked him irritatedly, "What the hell Surya? There's nothing in this". He gulped hard clearly scared to shit, still, requested, "Sir, just wait for a while". I clicked my tongue in annoyance and turned towards the screen again only to see my prayers going down the drain. There she was, Mrs Srivastava, entering the building in a saree with all her glory and utmost grace. How can someone be so perfect? But her face gave away all her inner turmoil, she was battling with herself her demons and the vicious torments of her conscience. That tiny figure of hers was enough to scare the shit out of me. 

So, that means what Zayn Bajaj said was true. She is indeed here and he has met her, even reminded her of all the crap. Holy crap! For heaven's sake, why are you here Deekshya? And why you had to bump into that bastard?

"Sir, see this as well!", I heard him say and my gaze moved to the other scene showing another footage. I felt air knocked out of me at the sight of the footage. That Bajaj brat knowingly bumps into her and even dragged her forcefully into some room that was out of the camera's preview while no one was around them. Blood rushed to my brain and I felt like killing that douchebag. How dare he touch her? He is so dead! Zayn Bajaj, you'll face the worst day of your life soon...

Her face wasn't clear in the footage as she had her back to the camera but I could feel her trembling with fear and I could do nothing. Rather, I was busy with the shitty event when she has to face so much. 

"Sir, I think we need to hurry up", Surya brought me back out of my thoughts. "Call your team, direct them to reach that place. She is definitely there. I need y'all to cover up for me while I'll handle the rest inside", I instructed calming my burning rage down and we strode immediately to the spot. Surya said as reported by his team who reached earlier that it is a ladies washroom and no one was in it when that brat dragged her in, so no one saw what had happened. Once at the washroom's doorstep, I instructed them strictly, "Don't let anyone enter. I'll handle it. And not a single word should go out about this especially to the media or else y'all will have to face my wrath. I'm sure as hell, that the one who betrays me will end up being doomed forever, remember this before doing anything stupid". The moment I finished, I could see fear in all of their eyes which I wanted the most nevertheless I continued while turning back to the door, "Make sure my car is ready at the back gate. Whenever I come out, Surya, I'll leave right away with her. Do NOT disturb me! Even if you hear a commotion in there, stay put. Do not enter, NOT even you Surya! Got it?" to which they replied unanimously, "Yes sir!"

I could feel the bewildered and confused looks directed at me though I wasn't facing them. Of course, they've never seen me so worried that too for an unknown lady but I cared less about them. Right now, my priority is Mrs Srivastava and her well-being.

Without any second thought, I entered the washroom leaving all of them behind and hoping for the best. As I entered there was no one near the cluster of basins and pin-drop silence was prevailing. I strode in quietly and saw four toilets whose doors were shut. There was hardly any sound not even the sound of running water or even the breathing. Is she really here? Did we just get into the wrong washroom? Or has he left already?

Several questions started clouding my already throbbing bain. Where are you, Deekshya? I took a long breath and knocked lightly on the first door, "Deekshya! Are you in there, dear? It's..." But before I could even complete myself, I heard a loud crashing sound as if someone fell with a thud. It came from the area adjoining the fourth toilet and I immediately rushed towards it.

But little did I know that the view that I was gonna witness will be one of my worst nightmares, that has the capacity to cut straight your heart. And it did mine too...

I reached the spot in no time and to say I'm shell-shocked will be an understatement. There she was, Deekshya, lying on the cold floor and sweating shivering horribly fast. I rushed to her side and took her head in my lap while she mumbled incoherent words. Her face has turned ash-white, hair dishevelled, sweating profusely, kohl-smudged face- all of the things that screamed about her painful ordeal. 

I tried shaking her a bit and patting her face to make her aware of my presence but she was in completely another trance. Though her eyes were wide opened, she couldn't recognise me. I called out to her, "Deekshya, Dee... see it's me, Anirudh! Don't worry, everything is fine. Calm down, dear. He isn't here. Everything is fine, you're safe", but she didn't respond to any of it. In the meantime, I tried wiping off her sweat beads but her strand suddenly flew to another place, giving away the terribly wound on her temple.

I felt the world slip off my feet at the sight. She is bleeding from that long cut on her temple. Did he hurt her? My fist involuntarily got clenched on its own as fury filled my being. Bajaj boy, you've done the biggest mistake of your life yet again by hurting her. I swear you're gonna pay for this, very badly!

All of a sudden, Deekshya started hitting me with her tiny fists and cried, "Leave me! Leave me, you moron! Get your hands off me. Just leave meeeee!", ended up screaming at my face but panted heavily to catch her breath. Oh, shit! She's getting breathless like last night. 

I immediately sprang into action and pulled her into my arms giving her enough space to catch on her breath, saying, "Hey, Mrs Srivastava! Hey, it's me Anirudh. Calm down, you're safe. It's Anirudh here. Please, try concentrating on your breath". I ran my palm up and down her back to soother her while whispering sweet nothings but still she didn't recognise me. 

"Leave me alone, Zayn!" She screamed with all her might and the next moment shuddered while struggling for air.

I again tried pacifying her, took her hands in mine and placed them on my face as she wasn't able to recognise my voice. " See, it's me, Anirudh! Talk to me. Concentrate on your breath. Don't worry you're safe. Just try to concentrate on your breath and take deep breathes. Come on!"

And thankfully, this time it worked. She stopped struggling against me and started taking deep breaths while I released her from my arms back to the former position. She mumbled after a few failed attempts to catch up on air, "Ani... I... I... can... can't... be... bre... breath... a... an... and... it... it... hu... hurts" and her half-opened eyes started closing on their own. Fear crawled up my spine, fear of losing her! No! I can't let her succumb to this. I have to keep her awake but her wound on her temple isn't helping at all. It keeps bleeding and she might faint because of this. I took out my handkerchief and placed it against the wound to stop the blood, asking, "Deekshya, don't worry! I am with you, just try to open your eyes and do what I'm saying. Okay?"

She nodded meekly in between her pain and clutched my free hand in hers tightly as if to make the pain go away!

"So, try to concentrate on your breathing pattern. Whenever I say 'breath in', inhale as much air as you can and when I say 'breath out' release it slowly. Okay? And keep your ear glued to my voice", I stated calming not wanting to give away my side that is freaking out like hell. On Inside, I am anything but calm. She has never been in such a condition in these months and this is the scariest panic attack of hers. 

I made her do the breathing exercise and she did it although at times she complained of not getting enough air. I fanned hands near her face and she inhaled quite laboriously but nothing worked.

Then an idea struck me all of a sudden to distract her away from the past and terrible memories of hers. I said, "Listen to me Mrs Srivastava, breath in! Breath out! You remember, the science park incident where we went in our second grade for a school trip where we both had a blast. Breath in, breath out! Remember how we both teased Anshu the fat boy of our class. And the teacher had scolded us both, even complained it to our respective parents. And how terribly angry Maa and Devesh uncle was with the two of us? Thanks to Papa, he saved us by pacifying them that day! The time, when we were building up our friendship. I miss that phase, Deekshu. Breath in, breathe out! We were far from all the animosities and were innocent kids. I want that Deekshu back to me! Stay put yaar. Please, come back. We've just started afresh and are even doing good. Just imagine, we haven't fought as we used to all these months except for the time when you didn't listen to me. I want this to work out, I'm with you and I know you can go past this. We will together overcome this, I promise. I swear, I will not hurt you in any way ever again. I will never leave you alone ever, I promise. And you know, I can never break promises made". 

That's it! I couldn't control it anymore and broke down. It is hell difficult to see her in this state, it pains a lot. I don't know how Bhaiya and our parents had helped her in the past but I'm failing miserably. But I don't want to lose you, Deekshu. I can't, Mrs Srivastava!

Out of the blues, her hand slipped from mine breaking my reverie. I wiped my face quickly only to see that she has fainted. Good heaven, what the hell just happened? She was breathing quite good but...

"Deekshya! Wake up! Please, wake up! Open your eyes, goddammit! You can't... wake up Mrs Srivastava. I'm ordering you, you can't hear a few good words and just... Wake up!!!!" I shook her fragile frame vigorously but nothing happened. Not a single reaction. I felt as if someone had splashed cold icy water on my face and tied a noose around my neck tightly while punched my guts harder. No! She can't lose it. I screamed, "Wake up, Deekshya! Wake uppppppp!" while patting her face and sprinkling some water from the basin repeatedly but met the same end.

No! I can't lose her. She has just fainted. Anirudh! Everything is right. Let's get her home and call him. He'll surely help me. Yeah, calm down. She will be okay! She has to, I don't know anything!

I picked her up with one arm supporting her back and the other one under her legs and rushed out of the washroom immediately. "Surya drive the car. Take us home! And others cover us so that no one can get a glimpse of her or even us. Hurry up!" I instructed loudly to them whose face was bewildered as hell. We all strode quickly towards the back gate before anyone in the crowd could notice us.

Once there, I gently laid her on the back seat and got seated by placing her bleeding head on my lap while Surya took the wheel. I wiped the sweat off her upper lip and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead after mumbling, "Don'twory, dear! Everything will be fine Mrs Srivastava". Though I said the words to her fainted figure but it was actually for me and my moral strength. Gazing at her pale face sent a chill down my spine and I felt a lump rising my throat as the same fear gripped my heart. Please, God, please let her be fine. Nothing serious should be there, I can't see her like this. What will I answer to Papa and Maa? Please, have some mercy on her!

We zoomed off the place towards home and in between, I tried waking her up in every other way possible but nothing worked. It was as if she didn't want to open her bewitching orbs. I have always seen her emotionless eyes and I'm very much used to it but right now I can give anything to see those pretty eyes. Those deep black doe-shaped eyes have always had something unfathomable buried in them that has always shifted something in me but right now I want to see any kind of thing in them even hate will do except these kohl-smudged closed ones. My gaze landed on her wounded temple and by now the blood has stopped although she must have lost a good amount of it. This is the second time I'm feeling this helpless.

I can do nothing about it and her condition. The first time, I was terribly helpless was at the time of Bhaiya's untimely demise and somehow I gathered myself. But this time, it's gonna be difficult. Sorry Bhaiya, I couldn't take care of your Priya. I don't know how Maa and Papa are gonna react to this, I'm such a terrible person. It's all my fault, I should have checked up on her before leaving or contacted her in between. I should've filled her pills bottle in the morning itself. I should've been at home when she woke up in the morning. It's all your fault, Anirudh! Only yours!

Suddenly my phone went off with a loud noise. Now, who's this? Can't anyone leave me alone! I carefully took out the phone to not make her uncomfortable, it showed his name. How could I forget about him? He is the one, who can help me! I instantly picked up the call and asked right away without wasting time on pleasantries, "Hey! She has got another panic attack and it's very bad. I need you right now! I don't know how to handle her, she has fainted and isn't waking up even after several attempts. Come over right now to my home. No... no, I don't care how busy you are. You're coming that's final. Bring your things as well, I think you'll need them. Please, help me out". 

And to my luck, he agreed in a few moments without much persuasion. Thank God! Now, I want her to be okay. I know she will be but what about the past wounds that have got wide opened mercilessly by that douchebag. 

I don't know why I had befriended that scum, Zayn Bajaj, all those years ago. Everyone including Bhaiya had warned me against him back then but it was as if I was blindfolded. I couldn't see the real colours of that pathetic brat until that night that changed everything in my, Bhaiya's and her life as well. If at all, I would have heard Bhaiya's caution at that time, things would have been so different now. Deekshya wouldn't have to bear the pain again today because of that night. It's all my fault. Yes, I'm the sole reason behind it, the reason she met that bastard. Zayn was my friend and he stabbed me at my back that cost me Bhaiya back then and now Deekshya. If at all, I wouldn't have been a jerk that night or all these years, she wouldn't have been suffering so much. Damn you Anirudh! The real scumbag is you not him. It's all your bloody fault.

"Sir, we've reached!", Surya's voice broke my reverie and I immediately looked down at her pale white ashen face. She is breathing quite good at least now and I thanked God silently. I felt wetness on my cheeks and touched it only to realise I was crying all this while. Shit, Surya had seen this. Dammit!

But I was wrong as he looked straight and said, "Sir, there's another car in the driveway. I think someone is in the house. Should I  check it before you enter?" I peeked out through the front glass at it, it was the one car I was expecting. I dismissed him in response, "No need! Just open the front door for me. Afterwards, bring Madam's car from the exhibition building. You're dismissed". He obliged and did what I instructed him.

I again gently carried her in my arms, whispered, "We are home, sweetheart! Don't worry, you'll be fine" and for a second I thought a small smile broke on her face but it was not the case. She was still as rock and cold as ice, which broke my heart. Still, I strode through the driveway amidst the garden with Surya on his toe behind me.

Once at the doorstep of our home, he rang the bell for me and I acknowledged his action with a strict nod. I have already shown a lot of emotions to him today but not anymore. Suddenly, he asked in a low polite voice, "Sir, pardon me! But I have to ask this: Who is she?"

I knew it, he had been dying to ask me this question and I was waiting for him to ask. Right at the same moment Lily opened the door and saw us like this she got shell-shocked. As expected. God, they're so predictable!

I took a glance at her worn-out face but somehow a smile broke out my face as I uttered admitting it for the very first time, "She's my wife, Deekshya!" And I entered in before any more questions could be asked.

"Get her to the bedroom, now! We don't have much time, Anirudh!"

I heard a voice across the hall and as expected he is there. Dr Yash Verma!

I instantly obeyed him and carried her upstairs to her room.

She'll be fine, finally...

End of POV

"Psst... you're not going do that, are you?" Anirudh's horrified and pissed voice boomed in the completely silent room. But the raised eyebrows holding a challenging look from the famous psychiatrist of the town, Dr Yash Verma, was enough to shut him up. As soon as he saw the grownup noisy manchild got silenced, he pushed the needle inside the supple skin of his patient injecting the whole liquid that will help her get back her consciousness in an hour or so. He again heard the noisy husband, "Are you done? You could've given her some pill or anything, not this big fat injection. It must have pained her, man!" to which he shook his head at the childishness and caring nature of his friend. Yash replied smiling, " Oh, so now I should learn from you how to treat my patients! Hmm... go on Anirudh Srivastava! The so-called noisy husband who doesn't let a professional do his job. Huh!", and mocked him to knock some sense into the over-protective mind of his friend.

Dr Yash Verma, the renowned psychiatrist of Mumbai but right now the dearest friend of Anirudh. They had met first at a medical science conference two years back which was managed by Dream Eventrra and Yash was one of the chief speakers. They had instantly hit off with each other, thanks to the same age group and common intent of achieving something on their own. Since then they are good friends or more aptly put buddies but hardly get the time to meet each other due to their busy schedules. 

But seven months back, Anirudh had knocked at Yash's door at midnight with a girl in his arms asking for help and to treat the girl who was supposedly his wife. It was a humongous shocker for Yash when he heard that Anirudh had a wife but he started the treatment instantly as it was the need of the hour. But when he learnt the circumstances of his friend's secret unplanned wedding, he was left even more aghast for his friend has married his late brother's fiance and most importantly the girl he despised the most. He knew quite a bit of Anirudh's life, after all. Since then he had been treating Deekshya, his friend's wife anonymously and much to his displeasure because his patient doesn't have a single idea about her own treatment, courtesy of her dumbass husband. It was against his work ethics and most aptly against his profession but his hand got forced to do this for sake of this sicko friend of him named Anirudh who had a sudden change of heart after his secret marriage.

All these things are done just because of stupid reason i.e. Mr good-for-nothing Srivastava is unable to convince his unmovable determined and sick wife who has a lot of things buried in her. As much as, he hates going against his morals and ethics, he wants to save Deekshya as well from sinking into depression. So, he came onboard to treat her without letting her know any of it and putting all the brainstorming of how to keep this a secret on Anirudh. Of course, this kid in the body frame of a grown-up man needs to do some hustle for putting him in such a situation. He always, wonders whenever Anirudh rushes to him for help that why on earth he befriended this man? What had bitten him that day? Only God knows!

"Oye, Yash! Earth to man! I have been calling you for ages but you're not responding at all. Chuck it, will she be okay? Was that too harsh for her? Is her wound okay? Or is that gonna make further problems? You know she was a mess when I reached her. I told you earlier about yesternight na. It's the second time in 24 hours. A freaking panic attack! Please tell me she will be okay... Please!", Anirudh went on without letting Yash speak anything that he literally had to forcefully seal his mouth using his palms. "Now, please shut the hell up and listen to me, dumbo!", Yash glared at him making him calm down with confusion written all over his face.

He continued, "Let her sleep, she needs rest. Stop screaming and freaking out here, you will disturb her or maybe trigger another attack", at this Anirudh's eyes widened in horror and he frantically shook his head in a 'No'. "Oh, yeah... I know! You don't want to do that... So, please let's move to somewhere else where we can talk", Yash completed while removing his palms from Anirudh's mouth and he nodded positively. "Let's go".

They climbed down the stairs while Anirudh instructed Lily to make some coffee for them before leaving. She obliged and scurried off to the kitchen after asking and getting positive answers about her mistress's well-being.

"So, what were you asking?" Yash asked him while they got seated on the plush couch in the hall with evening breeze coming through the opened wide french doors that opened into the garden and sea ahead.  Anirudh replied, "Will she be okay? You know, it's her sixth time in ten months and second in a row in 24 hours. That too a disastrous and major painful attack. You should've seen her. Her horror-stricken and panic-ridden state was enough to scare the shit out of me, both yesternight's and today's fiasco as well", clearly agitated at the memories of those sufferings of her. 

A slight smile started blooming on Yash's face but he was quick enough to erase it. He adorned his professional demeanour leaving his friendly face and said, "See Anirudh, I will not lie to you. Both are major panic attacks in comparison to last moths ones. Last night, it happened because she didn't take her pills prescribed by me and it's understandable. But today's one... I freaking don't understand what triggered this sort of heavy major attack? So much that she fainted quickly and haven't conscious yet. It's gonna be evening and she's still unconscious for nearly an hour. I need to know the reason behind her trigger to treat her. Also, I think we can't keep this treatment a secret anymore, going by the recent happenings she might sink into depression and therapies are needed to kick off by now. And the answer to your question is, she will be okay. That big fat injection will do the work. Also, she will get back to her senses on and I will down some more meds. Make sure she takes them". He scribbled something on a piece of paper and handed it to Anirudh. Hearing his last sentence, Anirudh sighed a breath of relief and sent a 'thanks' to the almighty above but what made him uncomfortable was the question posed by Yash. What triggered her attack? He knows the answer but how can he share the details with him, he wondered.

Yash knew better. He already knows Anirudh isn't gonna disclose the reason this time, it was clear from his demeanour. And he didn't get surprised at his answer, "It's the past, you already know. Leave it! Just treat her and make her fine. You said she will be okay then she will be. I trust you, brother!" ended up with a fake reassuring uncomfortable smile. But who was he kidding with? 

Yash instantly snapped, "What the hell Anirudh? I have been hearing your crap for long that it's the past. I know she has faced major losses in form of her parents and fiance, your elder brother. But as a psychiatrist, I can totally see that the social anxiety issues and the fear of losing people are certainly not the triggers here. If it would have been, then it would have happened in the home, here and not at a crowded place where she has willingly stepped into dismissing her social anxiety. I must say, she did have the courage to face her fears and it is commendable but this time it is something else that is the trigger. And you being silent about it isn't helping me at all nor it's gonna help her or make her fine either. If you want her to be treated in every aspect, not slip into depression and get back to you, fit and fine. Then please, I beg you, tell me what is it? What triggered it?"

All this while Anirudh avoids meeting his eyes with him and tries even walking out of the convo but Yash forcefully makes him sit own again. He felt helpless. As much as he wants to tell him that: that Zayn Bajaj is the reason she is here, but he can't tell him. He can't betray Deekshya, he had promised her. If she would like to share the darkest thing of their lives then she will do it herself, it wasn't his place to do so or make a decision on behalf of her, and he knows it. But the problem is she's unaware of her own treatment and he can't say the reason to Yash without her consent. He knows he's being a hypocrite as he had decided on her treatment all on his own with keeping it a secret but this thing, he can't. He knows that it's for her betterment only but...

'Anirudh, say it. Dammit!" Yash shook him slightly breaking his reverie. He responds after composing himself, "Yash, I told you na! It's the same past and how can I know the trigger? I am as much as clueless as you are. Deekshya can only tell about it and as per her track record, she's gonna forget all of it. So, stop bugging me and interrogating me as if I am some criminal or your patient", finally dismissing him. 

Yash snorts, "You're lying through your teeth, I can see that. But okay, I'm buying it for now. I'll wait for you to come around", and ends up smiling. He can't remain angry with Anirudh for a long time, he is his dearest friend. He continues, "Oh yeah... when are you planning to tell her.." only to cut short by a glaring Anirudh. "Oh, Lily... keep the mugs and tray n the table. We will help ourselves. Now you can leave". On listening to the word 'leave' from her master, she hoped out of the house in no time. Of course, who doesn't want to leave after a busy day at work?

Anirudh gave a mug to his friend and sipped himself while Yash continued, "By the way, when are you planning to tell her about her ongoing treatment? You know, she should be aware of it and I don't think I can bend my ethics so much just for you. Also, if anyhow this secret will break out, then I'll be doomed, Mister!" and ended up making a fake glaring face.

Anirudh' face turned serious hearing the question, "Well, I don't know. I have told you already, we've become friends in these past months only even though we used to live in the same household all these years. I don't know how she's gonna react. But I guess, I would have to talk to her soon. So, yeah, the answer to your question is: SOON. You stay rest assured!"

Yash's face lit up at his answer and he instantly replied, "Oh thank God! At least, in this department, I'm going to have some relief shortly. Thank you, my so-called friend!" Anirudh laughed at his weird antics. It seems even Dr Yash has mood swings, at one moment he's angry with Anirudh and in another, he is thanking him...

Like that the two friends bickered and catch up about each other's lives, as it has been long they've talked with each other. People say when two women who are friends meet, their talk will never end but it is a typical stereotypical notion. Men who are friend, their talks are never-ending as well. Because meeting friends after a long time feels the same irrespective of gender. They talked for hours and lost the track of time. 

All this while, Yash saw how happy Anirudh sounded whenever Deekshya's topic comes in between, of course, except the panic attacks part. For few moments, he kept talking about her only: how great she is, how good a housewife she is, how she manages their parents well sitting here in Mumbai, how she does and does that & how she does everything easily. It would be difficult for anyone who knows about the past the couple shared to even digest Anirudh praising Deekshya. Before marriage, he was equipped with all sorts of negativities about her and often used to crib in front of him about how much he hates her but now things are changing slowly for good. Of course, Yash had an idea of the detestation they've shared between them but he never knew Anirudh had got secretly married to her in such circumstances until the day he showed up at his doorstep with his sick wife. But now, Yash can see and feel the changes she is bringing in his friend and he has a feeling that they'll become a power couple in every sense soon. 

Out of the blues, Yash interrupted Anirudh who was going on and on about his Mrs Srivastava, "Anirudh... is that you? Is this the same Anirudh who used to come to me before the sudden marriage cribbing about the woman he hated to his core. You're totally smitten by her man!", catching him off guard. Anirudh squinted his eyes to catch some humour in Yash's face but found none and replied in a careless tone, "Are you mad or what? Of course, it's me, the same Anirudh Srivastava. It's just I've started watching her in a new light and nothing else. I haven't still forgiven her for all those years, for your information, it's just due to Papa's advice. Also, I can't forever harbour the enmity, we need to co-exist. Now sop your nonsense, I think that coffee has got hold of your head like alcohol", and ended up laughing hard after pulling his friend's leg.

But Yash knew better. He had a plan in his mind already and started playing his cards tactfully. If Anirudh hasn't realised the changes yet then why not make him aware of them, at least, a little for the starter. He started, "Enough of this leg pulling now! Let's talk business. As you know Deekshya had dared to step out alone today though we still don't know the reason she did and it's a positive sign. It shows she can overcome all these and she knows how to fight them. She has done it in the past and this time she can do it as well. It's just, she needs a little push. And I know how we can do that!", and successfully made Anirudh curious as he asked immediately on reflex, "How?"

Yash smiled victoriously internally as his little plan is going on the right path. He also did a victory dance in his head, then said, "Her problems are social anxiety and the fear of childhood traumas that haunt her always especially after your brother's death. She knows that she's not the cause of all the funerals she has faced till now but a small part of her holds herself accountable to it which is the problematic factory and needs proper attention. Also, the reason you're not sharing with me and maybe a few other things about which only she knows, are deeply buried inside her. All of it has been suppressed by her but has resurfaced again for obvious reasons. And all of it needs a few things that can make her bounce back as she did at the tender age of ten or so along with the medication, of course. Those things are support, care, kindness, safety feeling, understanding her, happiness, self-confidence regeneration, away from all sorts of negativities and most importantly make her feel loved". 

He purposely stopped at this point to gauze in Anirud's reaction and it was the same thing he expected. Anirudh's curiosity turned into understanding and then finally got turned into agitation at the last mention. Guess, he hasn't reached there yet, Yash thought.

Nevertheless, he continued, "Make her feel loved, Anirudh. This will help her a lot. You love her, right?" and dropped the bomb in the end. He got the reaction he has expected. Anirudh was left heavily agitated and started cracking his knuckles along with avoiding his gaze, all of it is the signs of Anirudh being anxious. 

He stammered while replying, "Yash... you... you... know! I don't... It's complicated from the very start", and avoided meeting his gaze. It was as if he will sin if he even mistakenly meets Yash's scrutinising gaze.  And he himself doesn't know why he was feeling like a culprit. Of course, he doesn't love her. He can never! He had hated her in past and some animosity is still there. Also, he can never take his Bhaiya's place. Never!

"Anirudh, you're home! Why didn't you wake me up?"

A sweet voice resonated in the hall from upstairs while the sui generic exquisite jasmine fragrance took over the warm ambience of the home. It was none other than Deekshya standing on the top of the stairs while twisting her long wavy hair in a knot at the back. Once, her eyes fell upon the unknown figure, she got even more worried and hurriedly climbed down the stairs saying, 'God! We've guest in the house and I was sleeping. Shit! I'm sorry. Anirudh, you should have woke me up". In no time, she was standing in the hall with one leg desperately wanting to get into the kitchen and grab something to offer to the guest but Yash made it easy for her.

He interrupted her, "I'm fine, Deekshya Bhabhi. I was just leaving. You were tired and fast asleep when we reached, so we didn't wake you up. Anirudh insisted on you waking up but I denied him. After all, the house chores, you were resting, I didn't have the heart to disturb you, Bhabhi! Ooops, I have called you Bhabhi. Do you mind calling you that?" and asked her diverting the topic. He purposely didn't tell her about the panic attack for obvious reasons and also it wasn't his place to do so. Anirudh thanked him internally for coming to his rescue from Deekshya's wrath and sighed in relief. Of course, he can't afford to fight with the attorney Deekshya ever!

Deekshya, who was worried a while ago about her guest, smiled heartily at Yash's words and found his presence along with his talks pleasant and welcoming. She replied smiling, "Oh, then it's okay, Devar Ji! I won't mind you calling me that if you'll let me call you Devar Ji" and beat him in his own game. Yash got heavily impressed with his patient's wit, "Waah! You were right Anirudh! No one can win from Attorney Deekshya. I beg your pardon, your ladyship. I won't call you Bhabhi. Deekshya is perfect and please call me by my name", and praised her making her smile even broader. She laughed a little, "Hmm... so you know already it's better to not mess with me. And I'm very much happy with it. Apologies accepted, Counsel! By the way, I don't know your name yet, sorry..." only to get cut short by him, "Oh, yeah... I forgot. I'm Dr Yash Verma. Anirudh's friend and now yours as well. And it was nice to meet you, Deekshya. Now I should get going". 

He signalled Anirudh to say something through his eyes secretly without letting her know it and he immediately sprang into action. "Oh yeah... he has some work, Deekshya. Don't worry, he will come later", he finished and both the partners in crime hurriedly moved out of the house to the driveway leaving a bewildered Deekshya in the hall.

Yash said after getting seated in his car, "That was close and super crazy. Thank God, we escaped before she could suspect anything. But I'm warning you Anirudh, tell her as earliest as possible. Before it becomes too late". To which Anirudh nods understandingly and says, "I'll see. Drive safe. Bye!" Soon Yash drove out of the gates of the new Srivastava home after bidding goodbye.

Anirudh enters back and hears commotion coming from the kitchen. She has got back to the kitchen yet again. This woman, I tell you, is impossible, he wonders. Soon, he reached the kitchen-cum-dining area where his Mrs Srivastava is busy brewing coffee. 

She asks sensing his presence without turning back, "Do you want some coffee? I am making it for myself" and he replies tilting his head, "No! We had it together", implying to Yash. She nods and gets back to her coffee. 

A few moments passed by but Anirudh was still there which was unlikely of him. He felt nev=rvous as he knows what she must be thinking and then he heard the question he expected her to ask. "How come Yash knows that we are married when no one except our immd=ediate family only knows about it?" She couldn't keep herself from asking as it was getting confusing for her and she didn't want to complicate more things in her mind. Her life is already too much equipped with complexities.

Anirudh replied, "Actually, Yash is a dear and close friend. So, he knows about us since the very start. He was attending to a patient of his nearby so dropped off her to meet you. I hope you are okay with it" in an awkward manner leaving her bewildered. She got a feeling that he was lying but she dismissed it as she knows there can be no reason to lie about such a petty issue. But she was wrong, this time though. She nodded and replied, "Yeah, It's completely fine. It's just I didn't expect you to disclose this to your friend circle... that's why", leaving him guilt-ridden.

Soon, her coffee was ready and she pours it in her mug when all of a sudden he declares, "We need to talk, Deekshya", taking her by surprise. She knows, he uses such a tone when he is fully determined to do something. She squirms in response to his words and doesn't face him while saying, "What? There's nothing to talk about!" Then she purposely tries to the conversation after dismissing him but Anirudh was fast in both stopping her and asking by catching her off guard:

"You remember, what happened to you this time, don't you?"

8472 Words. Pheww!

Tell me how's it? Honest reviews, please!

What do you think is gonna happen now? Will Deekshya share her day with him and let us know what Zayn said to her? Will Anirudh be able to tell her about her treatment? So, introduced Yash as well, the trusted ally of Anirudh. How's he? 

TARGET: 10 votes yet again! This time I am expecting more responses that too quick ones. Please don't make me regret this...

If you have any suggestion or any type of view you've about this book then please drop it in the comments section. I am open to everything. Just don't be a silent reader!

I'm so sorry for making y'all wait so much. But I'm not happy with the last chapter's response. The target hasn't been fulfilled yet, still, I updated because it's my duty. And the reason for being so late is I've tested positive for COVID-19 which drains me a lot. But don't worry, I will update the next chapter quicker this time as nowadays I have plenty of free time. 

Another long update! No matter how much I try to curb the chapters I always fail. Urgh...

Updating Chapter 9 soon...

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~Signing off: Akankshya~

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