Love Me If You Dare

75 - Shattered truth

Writer's pov

"Eat a little bit more, girl. Here," Parvathy said gently as she fed Lakshmi breakfast in the morning.

"I don't feel like eating anything, aunty... it's hurting," Lakshmi whined softly, one hand placed over her abdomen.

On the chair beside the bed, Dev sat watching this scene unfold , eyebrows raised, a little jealousy simmering as he kept rolling his eyes at the attention Lakshmi was getting.

"How is that possible, hmm? If you don't eat, then how will you take your medicines?" Parvathy scolded lovingly. "Here... eat a little more. I even asked the kitchen maid to make Ven Pongal for you. I know it's your favorite."

She held the spoon toward Lakshmi patiently, waiting for her to open her mouth like a stubborn little child she adored.

" Ungalkku tamil style food samaikka theriyuma ? "

( Do you know how to cook Tamil style food? )

 
Lakshmi asked Parvathy.

" Konjam konjam theriyume. Aana unge appa mathiri samaikka theriyathu.... Kadavule... Enna cooking pa? konjam saappitta koode Manassu niranjidum"

( I know little but not like how your dad cooks. He cooks really well. Even if we eat a bit both our stomach and heart will be full)

Parvathy replied back so happily.

Dev was watching both of them like he ended some other world. He looked at his hospital food and then at Lakshmi's plate. Parvathy has brought Lakshmi many different foods and that's from home.

Dev kept his spoon down making a thud noise. Parvathy looked at him to check whether he is okay.

" Do you need anything? " Parvathy enquired

" No" Dev spatted back arrogantly. Parvathy frowned her face watching his reaction and continued feeding Lakshmi happily.

Lakshmi reluctantly opened her mouth, letting Parvathy feed her another spoonful.
Dev's jaw tightened as if he was the one being force-fed.

"That's enough now," he finally intervened, leaning forward. " She's not a kid. I'll take over from here."

Parvathy raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? And what will you do? Force her to swallow by glaring at her?"

Lakshmi chuckled weakly while Dev gave an exaggerated sigh.

"Aunty's care is better than someone's attitude," Lakshmi whispered, giving Dev a side eye.

..............................

Lakshmi was taken to her doctor. Dev was impatiently waiting in his room for Lakshmi, as Parvathy had accompanied her. He wanted to go with her, but due to his own condition, he had to stay behind.

After a couple of hours, Lakshmi was brought back to the room. She looked nervous and confused at the same time. Parvathy was rubbing her back to ease her.

"Don't worry... just do whatever you feel like," Parvathy whispered to her gently.

"What happened?" Dev asked, immediately alert.

"The doctor will be here soon. She needs to talk with Lakshmi's husband personally," Parvathy said, rolling her eyes.

After a while, a doctor entered the room — a sweet and humble woman in her mid-forties.

"Hello, Dev. How are you doing now?" the doctor asked casually before going to Lakshmi's side. Dev passed her a polite smile, his curiosity increasing with every second.