Ayan accompanied Ashta to the hospital, guilt weighing on him.
Doctors examined Ashta, their expressions sympathetic."Mr. Ayan, Ashta's mental health is deteriorating rapidly," the doctor explained.
"Her obsession stems from a deep-seated trauma, a void of love and care."Ayan's heart ached, understanding Ashta's pain.
"What can I do to help?" he asked.
The doctor's words surprised him"Keep her happy, Mr. Ayan. Show her love and care. It's the only way to stabilize her mental health."
Ayan hesitated, thinking of Rhea.
How could he balance his loyalty to Ashta with his commitment to Rhea?
The doctor sensed his unease."Mr. Ayan, this isn't about romantic love. Ashta needs platonic care, support."
Ayan nodded, resolve strengthening. "I'll do it. I owe her that much."
Ashta's eyes sparkled with hope as Ayan took her hand."I'll be here for you, Ashta. Always."
Rhea's face flashed in his mind, a pang of guilt.
How would she react to this new development?
Ayan knew he had to tread carefully. Ashta's smile, though fragile, lightened his heart Perhaps helping Ashta would bring redemption.
But at what cost to his relationship with Rhea?Would Rhea understand his motives?Or would she see it as betrayal?
The delicate balance between love, loyalty, and duty began to unravel.
The doctor's words echoed in Ayan's mind like a mantra"Rest and love are Ashta's only medicine." He gazed at Ashta, her fragile form nestled in the hospital bed, surrounded by sterile white walls that seemed to suffocate her. Ayan's resolve strengthened, fueled by a deep-seated desire to heal her wounds.
He recalled their countless laughter-filled moments, late-night conversations, and shared dreams. Ashta's vibrant spirit, once radiant, now dulled by pain and desperation. Ayan's heart ached, propelling him to act.
Riya's concerns lingered in his thoughts, a gentle warning. "Ayan, are you sure? She's unstable. What if she relapses?" But Ayan's determination didn't waver. He knew the risks, yet his conviction remained unshaken.
"I need to do this, Riya. For Ashta, for our friendship. For the memories we shared," Ayan explained, his voice laced with empathy. Riya's sigh reflected her unease, but Ayan's reassuring smile eased her fears.
"I will. I promise," he said, his eyes locking onto Riya's, filled with conviction.
As Ayan helped Ashta settle into her apartment, he gently broached the topic.
"Hey, Ashta? I was thinking... maybe it would be good for you to talk to a psychiatrist?"
Ashta's hands paused, mid-arranging."Why?" she asked, her voice cautious.
Ayan chose his words carefully. "Because I want to support you, and I think they can help. The doctor said-"
Ashta's gaze met his, a mix of fear and vulnerability."You think I'm crazy?" she whispered.
Ayan's hands enveloped hers, reassuring."No, Ashta. I think you're strong, and you deserve help. I'll be with you in every step."
But Ashta's expression darkened, her eyes flashing."Ayan, you think I'm mad, don't you?" she shouted, her voice trembling.
Ayan's hands raised, calming."Ashta, no, I-"
"Don't lie! You think I need a psychiatrist? That I'm crazy?" she spat, venom in her tone.
Ayan's face reflected his distress."Ashta, please understand-"
"Leave! Get out! I don't need someone who thinks I'm mad!" she yelled, tears streaming down.
Ayan's heart ached, helpless."Ashta, I'm trying to help-"
"Help? You think labeling me mad is help? No, Ayan, I don't need your pity!"
The apartment echoed with her anguish.
Ayan retreated, devastated.
Had he pushed too hard?Was his concern misinterpreted?
Riya's words resurfaced in his mind
"Be careful, Ayan. She's unstable."
Ayan wondered"Was his support now a burden?"Ashta slammed the door, shutting him out.Ayan stood alone in the hallway, uncertainty gripping him.
Would she forgive him?
The next day, Ashta woke up feeling off.Her mind foggy, her body weak. She tried to shake it off, heading to the office.But the commute was a blur.At her desk, she stared blankly at papers.Names and numbers danced before her eyes.Suddenly, Ayan's voice whispered in her ear.
"Ashta, I'm here for you."
She spun around, but he wasn't there.Colleagues concerned, asked if she was okay.
Ashta forced a smile.
"I'm fine. Just tired."
But hallucinations intensified.Ayan's face appeared on documents. Whispers echoed in her mind.
"You're losing grip, Ashta."
Panic set in.She rushed out, unable to breathe.
Ayan's call found her frantic.
"Ashta, where are you? What's wrong?"
"Cabin... I don't know... Seeing crazy things..." she stammered.
Ayan's urgency spiked."Stay there, I'm coming."
Racing to her cabin, Ayan's heart pounded.
What was happening to Ashta?Was her mental health deteriorating faster than he thought?
He rushed into the office, finding Ashta shaken.
"We're going to the hospital. Now."
Ashta nodded, defeated.
Ayan wrapped his arms around her."I've got you. We'll get through this."The hospital loomed ahead, a beacon of hope.Ayan's worry deepened.He couldn't lose her.
Not now.
Not ever.
At the hospital, doctors reassessed Ashta's condition.Ayan's concern turned to alarm as they confirmed.
"Ashta's hallucinations indicate severe mental distress."
Determined, Ayan convinced Ashta to see Dr. Mehra."This is it, Ashta. We'll get you help."Ashta nodded, exhausted.
Dr. Mehra welcomed them warmly at the chamber."Let's work together, Ashta. We'll find a way out."
Dr. Mehra prescribed medication. "Mood stabilizers and antidepressants will help."
Ayan listened intently.
"And therapy?" he asked.
"Essential," Dr. Mehra replied. "Cognitive-behavioral therapy will help Ashta reframe thoughts."
YOU ARE READING
A Tale Of Hidden Scars ✔️
Cerita Pendek[Need editing] *Ashta* Entrepreneur | Complex Soul Ashta, a striking and enigmatic figure in her late 20s, is a self-made businesswoman with a razor-sharp mind and a penchant for control. Her raven-black hair and piercing eyes command attention, but...
