My Safe Haven

Chapter : 4: Defence Mechanism

Warning :- This chapter contains: mature themes, emotional distress, physical abuse (implied, not explicit), trauma, medical procedures (not graphic, but may still be triggering for some readers), medical themes, psychological manipulation, and hints of violence/abuse. Reader discretion advised. ⚠

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Thoughts are in italic...

Bhavneet's POV

Bhavneet was in a daze after sending that message. He was still staring at his phone, even though the screen had gone dark. He snapped out of his daze at the sound of footsteps. When he turned around, he saw his daughter approaching with a frown plastered on her tired face.

"What's wrong?" Bhavneet waited for her to sit down before asking questions. When Gauri sat down, he bombarded her with questions. "Dear, what happened? Why do you look so distressed? Is Saras okay? He-"

Bhavneet was cut off mid-sentence by Gauri. "Dad, calm down. I can't answer all of that at once. Now, take a breath and listen to me." Gauri instructed with a serious expression. Seeing her expression, Bhavneet immediately sat up straight.

"What is it?" Bhavneet asked with an attentive manner. Gauri sighed softly and looked at Bhavneet, who had a worried expression plastered on his face.

"Dad, I'm afraid Saras's physical injuries are not the problem here. I mean, his injuries are serious, but they will heal with medication. What I'm more concerned about is his mental health. His mental health is in chaos. He was abused, raped, and beaten up multiple times; having trauma is not a surprise, but he doesn't remember anything. His brain seems to be blocking everyone related to the incident." Gauri explained seriously.

"I knew he didn't remember much about his family, but don't worry, we'll help him remember that. All he needs is time and-" Bhavneet was cut off by Gauri.

"Wait, no, it's not like he forgot about his past life completely." Gauri revealed.

"What?" Bhavneet was now confused.

"Let me explain," Gauri began. "It's not like he forgot about his past life completely; he forgot some specifically important details." Gauri explained patiently. Bhavneet was listening very attentively.

"For example, he forgot his name but not his age. He remembers he has a family and the number of family members, but he forgot their names and facial features. Oh, right, surprisingly, he remembers Saatvik's face." Bhavneet blinked a few times; his confusion was palpable.

"That's concerning." Bhavneet voiced out.

"Not necessarily; he remembered Saatvik so specifically because he's the one who tried to save him and got shot in the process. It must have left an impact on Saras." Gauri said thoughtfully. Bhavneet nodded in agreement.

"Hmm, that explains this ordeal. By the way, about his injuries..." Bhavneet prompted.

"Right..." Gauri began.

Gauri's POV
(Scene when Saras and Gauri left to the examination room to treat Saras's wounds)

Gauri and Saras headed to the examination room for his check-up. All the way there, Gauri couldn't help but glance at Saras, who walked shyly beside her. She decided to break the ice first. "Hey sweetheart, what's going on in that little head of yours?" She teased him. Saras's head snapped in her direction, his face blushing a deep crimson. She chuckled, finding him extremely cute.

When they arrived at the door to the examination room, Gauri opened it for Saras and motioned for him to enter. After they entered, she instructed Saras to lie down on the bed and then brought her stethoscope to check his heartbeat. Next, she checked for any internal injuries. Confirming he didn't have any, she decided to treat his external injuries. She turned to Saras and gently asked him to take his shirt off.