Aur pyaar ho gaya (Completed)

Unlikely Allies

Chapter 6: Unlikely Allies

Shehnaaz's heart raced as she walked through the corridors of Dr. Sharma's clinic. The previous night's conversation with her parents played over in her mind. Their willingness to help Sidharth, motivated by the long-standing friendship between her father and Sidharth's father, Ashok, filled her with a mixture of hope and apprehension.

She found herself standing outside Dr. Sharma's office, taking a deep breath before knocking on the door. It opened to reveal Dr. Sharma himself, looking weary yet determined.

"Ah, Shehnaaz," he greeted, stepping aside to let her in. "Come in. We have much to discuss."

Inside, Sidharth sat on a chair, staring blankly out the window. He didn't acknowledge her presence, lost in his own world. Shehnaaz's heart ached at the sight. She knew she had to find a way to reach him, to bring him back from the depths of his trauma.

"Uncle," Shehnaaz began, addressing Dr. Sharma, "my family is ready to help. My father spoke with Ashok uncle, and they believe that a change of environment might benefit Sidharth. My home is always open to him."

Dr. Sharma nodded thoughtfully. "It's a generous offer, Shehnaaz. A supportive and familiar environment could indeed be beneficial. But we must proceed with caution. Sidharth's condition is delicate. Any sudden changes might trigger more distress."

Shehnaaz glanced at Sidharth again, her resolve strengthening. "I understand. But I believe that being around people who care for him, who understand his pain, will help him heal."

Dr. Sharma sighed, a hint of a smile on his lips. "You have a good heart, Shehnaaz. We'll start with small steps. Perhaps you could spend some time with him here, in a controlled setting, before we consider moving him to your home."

Shehnaaz nodded, feeling a sense of purpose. "I will do whatever it takes."

Later that day, Shehnaaz sat with Sidharth in the clinic's garden, a serene space designed to promote healing. She brought along a book, hoping that reading to him might spark some response.

As she read aloud, Sidharth's eyes occasionally flickered in her direction, though he remained silent. Shehnaaz didn't mind. She believed that even the smallest sign of awareness was a victory.

"Remember, it's okay to feel lost," she said softly, closing the book. "Sometimes, we just need a little help finding our way back."

Sidharth's eyes met hers for a fleeting moment, and Shehnaaz felt a glimmer of hope. She reached out, placing her hand gently on his.

"We're here for you, Sidharth. You're not alone."

As the days passed, Shehnaaz continued her visits, reading, talking, and simply sitting with Sidharth. Gradually, he began to respond, his eyes showing glimpses of recognition. Dr. Sharma noticed the change and was cautiously optimistic.

One evening, as Shehnaaz prepared to leave, Sidharth's voice broke the silence.

"Trisha..."

Shehnaaz turned, her heart skipping a beat. "No, Sidharth, I'm Shehnaaz," she said gently. "But I'm here to help you, just like Trisha would have wanted."

Sidharth's gaze softened, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, he smiled. It was faint, barely there, but it was a start.

However, as their sessions continued, Sidharth's belief that Shehnaaz was his lost love, Trisha, grew stronger. He began to talk about their future together, making plans as if the past few months had never happened. Dr. Sharma and Shehnaaz were increasingly concerned about this delusion, but they couldn't deny the progress he had made in other areas.

One day, as they sat in the garden, Sidharth took Shehnaaz's hand in his. "Trisha, I've been thinking. Once I'm better, we should get married. We can start anew, just like we always wanted."

Shehnaaz froze, her heart aching at his words. She wanted to correct him, to help him understand the truth, but the fear of shattering his fragile recovery held her back. Instead, she squeezed his hand gently.

"Sidharth," she said softly, "let's focus on getting you better first. We can talk about the future when you're ready."

Sidharth nodded, a hopeful smile on his face. "Yes, you're right. But I know we'll be together, Trisha. I just know it."

Shehnaaz forced a smile, her mind racing with worry. She knew that navigating Sidharth's delusion would be a delicate and challenging task. But for now, she would be the anchor he needed, even if it meant playing along with his belief, hoping that with time, he would come to see the truth.

As they sat together in the garden, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature, Shehnaaz made a silent vow to help Sidharth heal, no matter how long it took. She would be there for him, guiding him back to reality, one step at a time.

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