𝐀 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲.

24

Chapter 24:
Fragments of Trust

Sejal, drained and overwhelmed, sat on the floor, tears streaming down her cheeks, her head throbbing with anguish. Her world felt shattered as she grappled with the disbelief of her husband's lack of trust and Geeta's silence, someone she considered close.

As she wept, her sobs echoing in the room, the ache in her head intensified, and she slowly lost consciousness. Her body slumped against the bed, her head resting on the edge while her hands remained on the bed, her body limp on the floor.

Time skip.

Later, Rishabh entered the room, his heart skipping a beat as he discovered Sejal lying unconscious. Panic gripped him, and he hurried to her side, calling her name, but she didn't respond. Concern etched on his face, he noticed her tear-streaked cheeks and the beads of sweat on her forehead, indicating a high fever.

Realizing the severity of the situation, Rishabh swiftly lifted Sejal onto the bed. He frantically called his mother for help. Geeta, despite the tension between them, rushed in to assist, initiating the household's strip therapy to alleviate Sejal's fever.

As Sejal slowly regained consciousness, the haze of her fever clouded her thoughts. Blinking through her weakened state, she saw Geeta tending to her. However, in her delirium, she weakly pushed Geeta away, murmuring that she didn't want her nearby. "Mujhe aap mere kareeb nahi chahiye."Geeta, feeling stung by Sejal's words but understanding the gravity of her condition, withdrew quietly.

Rishabh attempted to offer aid, but Sejal, still grappling with hurt and confusion, refused his help. Her trust in him had been fractured by his earlier dismissal. "Tum toh bilkul bhi nahi."

Amidst her haze, Sejal caught sight of Mihir standing nearby."Sejal please. Tumhe thik hona hai. Patti laga lo, bukhar kam ho jayega." With fading strength, she reached out to him, requesting assistance. Mihir, empathetic and caring, immediately stepped forward, ready to lend his support without hesitation.

After an hour of therapy, Sejal's fever began to relent slightly. In a moment of clarity, she expressed her gratitude to Mihir, appreciating his unwavering belief in her amidst the chaos.

Feeling powerless in the face of the situation, Rishabh made a decision to clear the room. He instructed everyone to return to their respective bedrooms, determined to take charge of the situation himself.

Sejal lay on the bed, emotions swirling within her-a mixture of gratitude for those who stood by her and the profound ache caused by the shattered trust of those she held close. The room bore witness to the fractures in relationships, the silence heavy with unspoken apologies and pain.

Rishabh hurried to Sejal's room, eager to share what had happened before he arrived. As he entered, he noticed Sejal hastily packing her bag. He approached her cautiously.

Rishabh: "Mrs Chavan, what's going on? Why are you packing?"

Sejal: (frustrated) " If you didn't trust me then why are fucking asking me this now? I don't matter to you right?"

Rishabh stopped her, gently taking hold of her arm.

Rishabh: "Wait, when have I not believed in you? I always did and always will."

Sejal: "You believe me? Really? Okay then, why didn't you say anything when I fucking asked you Mr Chavan? Why?"

Rishabh: "You have no idea what happened when you left. Got it. I fucking believe in you. I took your fucking side. You are my wife. I will always take your side—"

Sejal: "That's only on the papers. But the truth is I am just your contract wife. I seriously thought you would say something. No! you just told me to leave—"