Siddharth left her hand and took a step back. He saw tears in Vaishnavi's eyes. Her eyes were red because of fear maybe? Her eyes were wide open because of shock. He stared into her eyes for a few seconds to see fear.
He looked away and took her dupatta in the sink. He kept it in water and turned towards her.

Siddharth (angrily): Have you gone mad or what? Dikh nahin raha tha dupatta gas par tha and aag jal rahi thi? Reemi aawaz de rahi thi tumhe. Mujhe uski aawaz room tak aa rahi thi. What's wrong with you?

He then noticed her hand which was bleeding. She hurt herself with a knife and her hand started bleeding. Vaishnavi was standing there numb.

Siddharth first took Reem in his arms as he noticed she is scared. He went towards Vaishnavi. She took a step back. Siddharth sensed her behaviour isn't normal. He stood on his spot. He again looked into her eyes. Her eyes were holding fear.

Siddharth (calmly): You okay?

Listening to his voice, she looked at him. She came back to her senses and looked around.

Siddharth (pointing at Vaishnavi's hand): Keep that knife. Your hand is bleeding a lot.

She looked at her hand. Slowly, loosed the grip on the knife. The knife fell from her hand.

Siddharth: You need aiding. Co-

Vaishnavi (cuts him, scared): I will manage please let me go... Please

Siddharth nodded not knowing what to do. She ran away from there. She locked the door and fell to her knees. She broke down.

Vaishnavi (sobbing): He was trying to help me. How can I do such a thing? It was all my fault. I was being careless. Also, Reem was near me. It was all my fault.

Voice: No, it's not. Now you aren't around monsters. Give sometime. Everything will be fine and everyone will be your family. Calm down. Always, remember one thing now you are safe. No one will harm you. Calm down.

Vaishnavi shivered listening to the voice. It's been a long she heard a voice. She was looking around.

Voice: Calm down. You are safe. Calm down.

Like always slowly Vaishnavi calmed down as heard the voice.

Voice: Great! Aid your wound and change your dress. Reemi is waiting for you. Go and yes don't worry. He won't harm you.

Vaishnavi took a few breaths and did as the voice said. She went out of the room. Siddharth was in the kitchen preparing lunch which she left in mid. Reem was sitting on her chair, playing with her toy. Siddharth already cleaned the blood from the floor.

Vaishnavi (scared and nervous): I am sorry bhaiya.

Siddharth frown listening to her voice. He turned to see her and nodded.

Reem (wiggling on her chair): Maa...

Siddharth smiled looking at excited Reem.

Vaishnavi (nervous): You please wait. I will cook.

Siddharth: It's okay. Anyways, your hand is also not fine.

Vaishnavi (calmly but still nervous): I will manage

Siddharth: No... It's okay. You be with Reem. She is looking for you for a long.

Vaishnavi nodded. She went towards Reem.

Reem (trying to stand up): Maa...

Vaishnavi smiled widely and took her in her arms.

Vaishnavi: If you need any help. Please call me.

Siddharth: Hmm...

Vaishnavi went out with Reem. They sat on the sofa. Both started playing their game. Soon, their laugh, and giggles were echoing in the house. Listening to Reem's cheerful voice. Siddharth couldn't stop himself and went out.

His heart flutters looking at an over-excited Reem just like her mother (Reem).

Siddharth's subconscious mind: Maybe not for others but for little Reem. Just accept it Vaishnavi should be part of her life as her mother. Reem is really happy around her. Her calling Vaishnavi maa and being around Vaishnavi is so hurtful but Reem needs someone Vaishnavi to be her mother.

Siddharth stared at Reem who was hiding her face in her palms like hide and seek and Vaishnavi is searching for her.

Siddharth went back into the kitchen with the same thoughts when the doorbell rang.

To be continued...