How, i Met your Mother!

Part 7

Dr. Lavanya sat across from Muskaan's teacher, Sneha, in the quiet, sunlit staffroom. The walls were adorned with colorful drawings and educational posters, a stark contrast to the troubling conversation they were about to have.

Sneha shifted uneasily, her expression a mix of concern and confusion. "Dr. Lavanya, there's something I need to tell you about Muskaan. A few weeks ago, I found her in the washroom, talking to someone."

Lavanya leaned forward, her professional curiosity piqued. "Talking to someone? Can you explain what you mean?"

Sneha nodded, her voice trembling slightly as she recounted the incident. "I heard her voice first, then another voice. It sounded like a woman's voice. I thought maybe another teacher or an older student was with her. But when I went in to check, Muskaan was alone."

Lavanya's heart skipped a beat. "Alone? What did she say when you asked her about it?"

Sneha took a deep breath. "I asked her who she was talking to. She looked at me like I should already know the answer and said, 'I was talking to my mom.'"

The room fell silent as Lavanya absorbed this information. She had heard of cases where children with schizophrenia experienced auditory hallucinations, but the clarity and certainty with which Muskaan spoke about her mother was alarming.

"This is... significant," Lavanya said slowly, her mind racing with possibilities. "It's crucial that we understand the extent of Muskaan's condition and her experiences. Thank you for sharing this with me, Sneha."

Sneha nodded, her relief palpable. "Don't mention, Dr. Lavanya."

As Lavanya left the staffroom, her mind was set on uncovering the truth behind Muskaan's experiences. The mention of Muskaan talking to her "mom" is a piece of a larger puzzle that needed to be solved. Determined to get to the bottom of it, she decided to have a thorough conversation with Payal.

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Later that evening, Dr. Lavanya arrived at the Raizada mansion, her mind brimming with questions and concerns. As she entered the grand foyer, she was greeted by the familiar sight of Muskaan playing quietly in the living room. Payal was nowhere to be seen, so Lavanya decided to seize the moment and try to gather more information from Muskaan herself.

"Hi, Muskaan," Lavanya said gently, sitting down on a nearby sofa. "What are you playing with?"

Muskaan looked up and smiled. "I'm playing with my dolls. They're having a tea party."

Lavanya smiled back, her heart aching for the little girl. "That sounds fun. Do you mind if I join you for a little while?"

Muskaan nodded enthusiastically, and Lavanya settled in, picking up one of the dolls. "Muskaan, can I ask you something?"

"Sure," Muskaan replied, her attention still on her dolls.

"Can you tell me about your mom? What is she like?" Lavanya asked, trying to keep her tone light and curious.

Muskaan's face lit up. "She's the best! She's always with me, talking to me and playing with me. She sits right there," she said, pointing to a rocking chair by the window.

Lavanya followed Muskaan's gaze, feeling a chill run down her spine. The chair was gently rocking back and forth, seemingly on its own. Trying to keep her composure, Lavanya asked, "What does she say to you, Muskaan?"

"She tells me stories and sings to me. Sometimes she helps me with my homework," Muskaan replied, her eyes filled with innocent delight.

Lavanya's clinical curiosity was piqued, but there was also a growing sense of unease. "Does she sit in that chair often?"