Siddharth

I don't know when I fell asleep. The opening and closing sound of a door woke me up from my slumber. I rubbed my eyes and slowly opened my eyes to get them adjusted to the bright tubes in the hallway.

I looked sideways hearing the squeak of wheels and the nurse was pushing the wheelchair with Aami on it.

SHIT!!

I fell asleep and forgot to leave there before she comes out.

I think I was too tired to keep my eyes open. I don't remember when was the last day I slept peacefully.

The first two days after she woke up were pure torture, I thought she would go insane like forever.

The nights were sleepless with her screams and cries. I hate myself because I could do nothing to help her. They had to sedate her to calm her down.

Luckily the medicines they were giving her were working. Her violent behavior has stopped. But nightmares and panic attacks often occur. She is hesitant to have any males around her.

She went into a panic attack when one of the visitors accidentally entered her room.

It took a lot of time, for Niharika to calm her down.

All I could do was watch her from afar and wish for her to recover.

I didn't know what to do or whom to call.

I am grateful to Niharika, she is the one who is staying with her most of the time. Aami loved her company and Niharika was happy to help.

And two days ago, Gautham's mom arrived. And, I must say it is a blessing.

Her testimony is really important so we started her counseling soon.

She was hesitant at first. She was not willing to speak about it. It scared her, I know but she has to face it. The soon she is willing the better.

It took a whole night for Niharika to convince her.

I was afraid of how she will react during the session.What if she goes into a panic attack again? What if she gets violent?

My mind was in chaos but, she surprised me.

She did cry a lot during her session but, she was also composed.

She looked calmer after her first session.

Niharika told me that she did have nightmares again but, she was okay.

I hope she gets well soon.

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I stood up immediately and turned around to leave. But a voice stopped me.

"Sid."

Her voice was soft and low and, it does not have the usual cheerfulness but it was enough for my battered heart to start beating again.

My eyes welled up and, a small smile made its way to my lips.

I sniffed and wiped my face with my palms.

I cleared my throat before turning around to look at her.

She was wearing a white hospital gown which has small black flowers on it. Her hair was braided neatly behind her back.

There was still swelling under her eye, which is now in blackish blue color. The wound on her lips is healing and, a scab is starting to form.

Her leg is still bandaged. The glass has cut her calf too deep to heal fast.

My finger dug into my palms and I gulped down the lump.

I smiled weakly at her and, she returned it.

"If... If you want, you can walk with us."

I was taken aback by her words.

"Are you all right with it?"

I wanted confirmation.

I don't want her to be anxious.

She nodded her head; I looked up to the nurse and, she gave me an encouraging smile.

I sighed in relief and, we headed toward her room.

The elevator opened the nurse pushed her wheelchair toward the room.

I could sense her uneasiness while we were nearing her door. She fidgeted her fingers and tension was evident on her face.

I understood that the counselor must have told something and she was trying hard to be normal. But she was not yet ready to be around me.

I stopped in front of the door not wanting her to go into another panic attack.

"You go inside, your aunt will be here soon."

She nodded and, relief crossed her face.

I gave her a small smile and turned around to leave but, not before telling the nurse to stay with her till somebody arrives.

"Sid."

Her voice once again stopped me.

Turning around slowly, I looked at her little face.

"Thank You." She smiled at me weakly.

"Oh, that's okay. You, take a good rest. Good night." I shrugged and, my lips turned into a thin line.

"No. It's... I... Huh... Tha... Thank you, thank you for looking for me. Thank you for coming to me."

She tried to be calm but, the tears betrayed her and they flowed down to her cheeks.

Closing her eyes tightly and she took deep breaths to calm down.

I could sense the memories flashing through her mind.

My heart experiences a pang.

I kneel, in front of her and, extended my hands to wipe the tears.

But her breath hitched and she quivered in fear.

I stopped my fingers midway. I pursed my lips and fisted my fingers. Slowly I lowered my hand to my side.

My heart cried silently in pain and hurt.

Clearing my throat, I faked a small smile.

"Aami, you don't have to thank me.

You should know that I love you. And, I would have gone to the end of the world to find you Aami. But, I am so sorry that I was late. I couldn't make it on time, and I am sorry that I couldn't stop him from taking you away. I am sorry that you had to go through all those horrible experiences, and it's killing me inch by inch every day to see you like this. I don't know how our future will be, but all I want now is to get back that charming smile on your face again. I don't care how long it takes. I will wait for it, no matter how long it takes. I will be there for you, always."

Her sobs were making it hard for me.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I didn't let them fall.

I wanted to hug her tightly, but I restrained myself from doing it.

Giving, one last assuring smile to her, I got up and turned around to leave.

Wiping away the tears that escaped my eyes I quietly walked toward the elevator.