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Chapter 21

At the hospital, Shreya once again did not know what to answer when the nurse asked how she got wounded.

Lakshya also stayed silent. After all, the question was not directed to him.

The nurse was kind and not too probing. She started bandaging Shreya's hand saying not to be embarrassed and that people get wounded in more foolish ways.

Lakshya went into the corridor. Throughout the cab ride, he wanted to ask Deepak some things. But he did not want to talk in front of Shreya.

Deepak picked up the phone, thankfully.

"Hello? What is it?"

"Hi. What are you doing?"

"Unlike you, I am working. If there's nothing else-"

"So I do have something very important."

"Then say it."

"So," Lakshya paused.

"Just say it... Why are you beating around the bush? This is not like you at all."

Lakshya took a deep breath. "I am not sure but Shreya might have attempted a... suicide."

After a few moments of silence, Deepak responded, "Since you say that so calmly, I hope she is safe."

"She is fine... kind of."

"When did it happen?"

"Just now, half an hour ago."

"Bring her in. I'll get you an appointment with my professor."

"I just called to ask. Is all this necessary?" Lakshya's resistance came purely out of the implications this would have.

"Bring her here so we can determine exactly that. And now is the best time."

"Then we'll be there."

After speaking with Deepak, Lakshya loosened up a little. Saying everything out loud was like facing it. But doing so calmed him. He looked at the dried up blood spots on the bag.

He looked up to the ceiling. Just why?

∼•∽

Lakshya went back to the bandaging hall.

Shreya sat dazed. Her hand was neatly bandaged. She was holding materials for the next bandaging.

"Rest can be done at home?" Lakshya's voice was much softer.

Shreya nodded.

"Then let's go." Lakshya held her hand as he took her to their next destination.

In the cab, he asked her, "Does it hurt?" He pushed her hair off her cheek to get a look. "I'm sorry."

This prompted fresh tears for Shreya.

He pulled her closer and hugged her. She struggled to get him off. Lakshya knew she was flustered that the driver could see them.

He removed his hands but held her head and laid it on his shoulder.

Shreya had fallen asleep during the cab ride.

When Lakshya woke her up, she asked him where they were.

He did not hide a thing. "A mental health centre."

Shreya frowned until the words registered. But when they did, she burst into laughter.

Lakshya stayed silent. He did not understand what she was laughing about.

She calmed down when they arrived and wiped off a tear of the good laugh.

Lakshya held her hand as they went in. She did not resist, just looked around curiously.