Thawing the CEO's Heart

Chapter 35: Steps Forward

A week had passed since Meena woke up from her coma, and the hospital had finally discharged her. Aoom insisted that Meena stay with her, not only because she had just been released from the hospital, but also for safety reasons.

As they arrived at Aoom's place, Meena couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the familiarity of her surroundings. Aoom guided her inside, her arm wrapped protectively around Meena's waist.

"Welcome home," Aoom said with a warm smile, leading Meena to the couch. "Make yourself comfortable. I'll fix us something to eat."

Meena settled onto the couch, her eyes scanning the room as memories flooded back. Aoom disappeared into the kitchen, the sound of clinking dishes echoing in the background.

While Aoom prepared a meal, Meena couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. Despite being out of the hospital, she still felt vulnerable, haunted by the events that had landed her there in the first place.

Aoom returned with a tray of food, setting it down on the coffee table in front of Meena. "Here you go," she said, offering Meena a reassuring smile. "I made your favorite."

"Thank you," Meena said, mustering a grateful smile as she picked up her fork. Despite her appetite, her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Charlotte and the danger she still posed.

Aoom sensed Meena's unease and sat down beside her, their shoulders brushing against each other. "Hey," she said softly, reaching out to take Meena's hand in hers. "I know you're worried, but I won't let anything happen to you. You're safe here with me."

Meena squeezed Aoom's hand, feeling a rush of gratitude for her girlfriend's unwavering support. "I know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I trust you, Aoom."

As Aoom reached for a knife to cut some apples, Meena's breath caught in her throat. She watched, frozen, as the glint of the blade caught the light, sending a shiver down her spine. Memories of Charlotte's torture flooded her mind, and panic gripped her chest like a vise.

Her heart pounding, Meena's vision blurred with tears as she struggled to make sense of the overwhelming fear coursing through her. "Aoom," she managed to choke out, her voice trembling with terror. "Please, don't."

Aoom froze, her eyes widening with concern as she noticed the panic in Meena's eyes. "Meena, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice edged with worry.

But Meena couldn't find the words to respond. The memories consumed her, dragging her back into the depths of her trauma. Her breaths came in short, ragged gasps, each one a struggle against the suffocating weight of her fear.

As Aoom gently set the knife down and moved closer to her, Meena's panic intensified. She recoiled, her body trembling uncontrollably as she fought to escape the overwhelming terror crashing over her like a tidal wave.

"I-I'm sorry," Meena stammered, her voice barely audible amidst the chaos raging within her. "I can't... I can't handle it."

Aoom's heart ached as she wrapped her arms around Meena, pulling her close in a desperate bid to provide comfort. "Shh, it's okay," she murmured soothingly, her voice a gentle anchor in the storm. "You're safe here. I won't let anything happen to you."

But the panic refused to relent, consuming Meena in its merciless grip. Hysterical sobs tore through her, her entire body wracked with the intensity of her fear. Each moment felt like an eternity as she struggled to navigate the maelstrom of her emotions.

Aoom held her tightly, offering silent reassurance as she rode out the waves of panic with Meena. She whispered words of comfort, her voice a steady presence amidst the chaos, but the terror persisted, unyielding in its hold over Meena's fragile mind.