Beyhadh 3

Freedom

Maya was thrown in solitary confinement for a month as punishment for trying to escape. The nurse whose uniform she stole was suspended for a week without pay.

Maya spent her days in the cell plotting her escape, whose chances right now seemed dim. She never saw a single person during her days in solitary, except for her nurse who came to give her water, food and a book to read to pass off her time.

The book helped her from losing her sanity, for real.

"This is so illegal," Maya thought to herself. "This is not how mental asylums are supposed to operate. Something fishy is definitely going on here."

She vowed to write a book, describing her life in this hellhole, thereby exposing its inadequacies and how it treated patients here. She also decided to free Diya out of here.

"I will never forgive Diya for what she tried to do to my baby," Maya mused. "But I can't be so heartless so as to destroy her life like this. She's been here 3 years. I think that's enough penalty for her."

She rolled over in her bed and tried to go to sleep. It was days after she'd finished reading her book and sleeping was the only past time she had. She had lost count of days. She didn't know what time it was or what day it was or whether it was day or night. It freaked her out at first, then later she got used to it as the days passed.

Suddenly, the cell door opened and she heard someone step inside.

"Hey," someone whispered. "Its time to go. You need to be quick."

Maya almost cried with happiness and turned around. "Oh my god THANK YOU-"

She stopped and stared with her eyes wide, her knuckles clenched tightly in anger.

"Umm hi," Sameer waved, sheepishly. "I've come to make amends."

"Get-out-of-my-sight."

"Listen, I know you're angry with me and you've every right to."

"Didn't you hear what I said?" Maya hissed. "I'd rather stay here another month than go anywhere with you."

"I've come to make things right. Please just give me a chance. I've come to get you out of here."

"Send someone else." Maya went back to lie on her bed.

"I don't think you understand. I've come to get you out of THE HOSPITAL itself. Only I can do it, not anyone else."

"You...what?" Maya sat up and looked at him quizzically.

"Yes, I've come to help you escape."

"How do I trust you?"

"You just have to. You don't have any other choice. I'm the only one you've got, whether you like it or not."

Maya sighed. "Very well, then. What made you change your mind?"

"I just felt guilty. Also, I believe you. I don't think you belong here."

"Better late than never." Maya rolled her eyes and stepped out of the cell.

The glaring lights made her uncomfortable. "This will take time to get used to."

"I know. I'm really really sorry. I really am."

Maya smiled. "I forgive you, but there are some people I just can't."

"What do you mean?"

"Never mind." Maya shoved him forward. "Lead the way."

They went across the long corridor of endless solitary confinement cells with screaming patients.

'HELP ME.'

'I'M LOSING MY MIND.'

'GET ME OUT OF HERE.'

'I'LL BEHAVE MYSELF, I SWEAR.'

Maya shivered. "I don't think this place is legal."

Sameer sighed. "Every employee knows that. But we just can't do anything. We're bound by a contract. We're safe and well paid as long as we don't utter a word to anyone."

"That's so wrong on so many levels."

"It is what it is."

They finally reached the exit door and Sameer took out his badge. Maya eyed him suspiciously.

"Don't worry," he laughed. "I won't be doing any funny business this time."

He scanned his badge and the door opened.

"There you go." Sameer hugged Maya. "You're free. Get out of here before anyone comes, QUICK!"

Maya stepped outside and felt the cool air pass over her body.

"So have you finally forgiven me?" Sameer asked.

Maya turned to look at him.

"I will, but you need to do one more thing for me."

"Anything for you."

"Patient 144, the one we helped. I know her. You need to free her. She's not supposed to be here, like me."

"Wait, what?"

"Just do as I say. Its a long story and I don't have time to give you the details."

"I may not be able to do it immediately but I'll make sure she gets out in a week."

"Thank you," she smiled. "I really mean it."

"You know what's funny?" he said. "We're finally parting ways and I don't even know your name."

"Maya," she replied. "Maya Rudra Jaisingh."