Battle of the Heart between Love and Family

Suicide

Karthik's POV ( Flashback)

"I saw Neha at a party, she looked sad, standing in one corner as if trying to find a way to escape. I felt protective towards her.

Her mom introduced her. I was surprised because I knew her mom for long and Neha is totally different from her. I tried to talk to her but she didn't talk much. She didn't like me.

After few months her mom asked if Neha could do internship in my company. I was surprised, why would she want to do in my company when she owns one of the largest companies.

I asked her the reason. She said

"I really want to do internship, not for namesake. I would do in your company if you treat me like an intern otherwise I will look for some other company" 

She was rude to me. I didn't understand why. So I thought it's better to leave her alone.

After few days she came to me and asked "why did you start your own company when you have your dad's business"

"I want to create my own identity, don't want to live as son of Mohan"

"I'm sorry for my rude behavior" she apologized sincerely 

"Why were you rude?" 

"I hate rich kids. I thought you are typical rich brat" she said nervously and left

She never seized to surprise me. She is the richest kid and hates them

She is very sincere with her work and is very talented 

I met her again after few days in a party. Rohan was trying to take her to dance floor, she looked as if she would cry. I know Rohan, he is a playboy.

I went to them "hi Neha, where were you? I was looking everywhere for you. How could you ditch your date?" I took her away

"No, she is mine" Rohan was shouting. I didn't bother to stop

"Are you ok?" I asked 

She wrapped her arms around her shoulders looking down

"Neha, the moment I saw you, I felt I got my sister. That's why I was nosy" 

She looked at me for a while, hugged me tightly as if her life depended on me and cried like a baby. I hugged her consoling and tried to take her out but she refused saying her mom won't allow.

What the hell? She needs her mom's permission to go out at this age?

I called her mom and said "I'm taking Neha out" I would have lashed if she didn't agree

Her mom asked if Neha is ok with it. I said yes 

"Ok, drop her home" 

Neha was surprised hearing her mom's approval 

We both went out. She slept in the car peacefully. 

She looks fragile, don't know what her problem is. God! Please protect and keep her happy

She woke up after sometime 

"Thank you Karthik and sorry I slept"

"No problem baby sister, happy at you service. Guess you are hungry"

"Karthik, would you stay by my side always"

"How can I leave my sister?"

"I'm hungry, let's grab something. Didn't eat since morning" she said 

"No skipping meals from now on" 

"Ok. I want something veg. Today is Saturday, no non veg"

"It's past 12, that means it's Sunday"

"Wow! Buttermilk crispy chicken sandwich" she said excitedly 

We both had and I dropped her home

"Karthik can you please come to all the parties I attend" 

"Ok"

I realized she can't fit in her mom's circle. She is happy kid outside the circle but inside she is caged bird.

One day I couldn't attend party with her. I had to attend meeting on behalf of dad. I was in Boston.

Next day I called Neha, her friend Emily answered and said she is in hospital. I asked what happened. She didn't tell.

I took the next flight and went to Newyork.  After a lot of persuasion, Emily said 'Neha drank poison, luckily I went to her home after hearing her voice. She sounded depressed. I was scared she would try to kill her self'

"That means it happened before" 

She nodded

"What about her parents"

"They don't know, doctor is my friend. Last time also she diagnosed stomach bug when she actually took sleeping pills"

"Why would she do that"

"Her biggest problem is her mom, she never understands Neha. Her dad is non existent. And then comes Rohan who is smitten with her. Last time he tried to kiss Neha, she complained to her mom who seemed unaffected and shouted

"Neha come out of that typical Indian mentality and live your life, for god's sake you are 19" 

Neha couldn't take it, she tried to take her life. Luckily I went to her home that day to take notes. We were in 3rd semester. I was able to save her.

I took her to psychiatrist. She started to take antidepressants. I wanted to tell her parents but she begged me not to tell

From then onwards I keep an eye on her, call her every night. She feels depressed whenever she meets Rohan. She was doing well recently, don't know what happened"

"My fault, I didn't go to party with her. I was in Boston"

Emily got call.

 "My aunt wants to talk, she is psychiatrist. I'm going to talk to her"

"I'm coming"

Doctor refused to discuss with me

"I'm her brother, I'm going to complain if anything happens to my baby sister" I threatened 

"Antidepressants are making her weak. She is too young. I thought she wouldn't need for long. She needs to divert her mind, have fun in life, exhaust physically to go to bed. That way she won't need them

After speaking to her I realized she doesn't have any purpose for living. She thinks no one loves her and is all alone. She is young, beautiful, talented. Why doesn't she have boyfriend?" Doctor explained 

"She was ok after she met her friend Siri. Recently she went back to India. We are busy with project work, she already finished" Emily said sadly 

"Recently I'm busy too, dad is not well. Been looking after his company and mine" I regret not giving her time 

"She hates her life. She needs someone special who give her love and care, make her feel special" Doctor said 

"She's in love with someone since many years with whom doesn't have contact. She doesn't even know if he loves her. I tried to tell her to move on but she stubbornly said "I don't want anyone else'. She loves him so much. That guy is unfortunate to miss her love" Emily said sadly

"I spoke to Neha, asked her why she took this step.... She said, Rohan said he would marry me in few months, why am I not letting him touch me. 

She was scared, doesn't want him in her life. Don't know what she was thinking trying to kill her self" doctor said sadly