Silent Cries

Chapter 18

Dev sat in the sterile office of the, Dr.  who was known for his unconventional yet effective methods. The room was designed to be comforting—soft lighting, warm colors, and a view of the surrounding hills through a large window. Despite the calming environment, Dev felt an overwhelming heaviness in his chest, as if the walls were closing in on him.

Dr. observed him carefully from across the desk, his expression compassionate yet firm. He could see the storm raging inside Dev, the guilt and regret that had been eating away at him for months. After a long silence, the doctor spoke, his voice gentle yet purposeful.

"Dev, I’ve noticed that you tend to isolate yourself when things get overwhelming," Dr. Mehra began, leaning slightly forward. "It’s a natural response, but it’s not always the healthiest one. Sometimes, what we need is to step outside of our own mind and see the world around us from a different perspective."

Dev nodded slowly, not really sure where this conversation was heading. He had come to Dr seeking help, but every session felt like he was just scratching the surface of his pain, never truly delving into the core of it.

Dr.  continued, "I know this might sound a bit trivial, but there’s a fair happening nearby. It’s a simple thing, really—rides, games, food stalls—but sometimes, it’s these simple pleasures that remind us of what life can be beyond our current struggles."

Dev looked up at the doctor, a mixture of confusion and skepticism in his eyes. "A fair?" he repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. "You think going to a fair will help me?"

The doctor smiled, understanding Dev’s doubt. "It’s not just about the fair, Dev. It’s about breaking the cycle of negative thoughts, about giving your mind a chance to breathe. You’ve been so wrapped up in your past that you’ve forgotten what it’s like to live in the present. A change of scenery, even if it’s just for a couple of hours, can be incredibly therapeutic."

Dev stared at the floor, his thoughts swirling. He hadn’t enjoyed anything in so long, hadn’t allowed himself to feel anything other than regret and sorrow. The idea of going to a fair felt almost ridiculous, yet there was a part of him—small, buried deep—that yearned for a break from the darkness.

"I’m not asking you to go and have the time of your life," Dr. added softly. "I’m just suggesting that you go and see what happens. You might find it helps more than you think."

Dev sighed, rubbing his hands together. He wasn’t convinced, but he also knew that what he had been doing—hiding away, wallowing in his guilt—wasn’t helping either. Perhaps, just maybe, a small step out of his comfort zone could be the start of something different.

Finally, he nodded, meeting Dr. gaze. "Alright," he said, his voice subdued but resolute. "I’ll go to the fair."

The doctor smiled, a genuine expression of approval and hope. "Good. Just remember, Dev, you don’t have to do anything grand. Just be present. That’s all I ask."

Dev nodded again, a slight sense of relief mingling with his apprehension. As he left the office and headed back to his room, he couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, this small outing could be the beginning of something new. Or at the very least, a brief respite from the relentless storm in his mind.

While Abhinav stood outside the resort, having just dropped off a client. As he leaned back to the car he let out a tired but content sigh. It had been a busy day, but he didn’t mind—working hard kept his mind occupied and, in a way, fulfilled him. He pulled out his phone, noticing a missed call from Navya. Smiling to himself, he quickly dialed her number.

The screen lit up with a video call, and within moments, Navya’s face appeared, her eyes brightening as she saw him.

“Hey, Mr. Busy Bee,” Navya teased, “finally found time to call?”