A Tale Of Hidden Scars ✔️

17~Rumours

Ashta arrived at her house, seeking refuge from the emotional turmoil that had unfolded at the hospital.

She took a quick shower, changed into comfortable clothes, and freshened up, trying to shake off the lingering anxiety.Next, she headed to the kitchen to prepare lunch for Ayan and herself, hoping that a thoughtful gesture might help ease the tension between them perhaps food could be a catalyst for conversation, a way to break the ice and reconnect.

Ashta carefully packed the lunch and headed back to the hospital, her mind racing with thoughts of Rhea's condition and the awkward encounter with Ayan.Upon arrival, she asked about Rhea's condition at the nurse's station.

"No change," the nurse replied sympathetically.Ashta's concern deepened, her heart sinking with the news.

She spotted Ayan in the waiting room, sitting alone, lost in thought, his eyes fixed on the floor.Ashta approached him hesitantly, unsure how he would receive her.

"Ayan?" she said softly, trying to rouse him from his reverie.He looked up, his eyes searching, his expression guarded.

"I brought lunch for you," Ashta said, holding out the bag."I thought you might be hungry."

Ayan's expression softened slightly, a hint of gratitude in his eyes."Thanks, Ashta," he said, his voice low and measured.But he didn't take the bag, leaving Ashta's hands feeling awkward and unnecessary.

"How's Rhea?" Ashta asked, trying to fill the silence."No change," Ayan replied curtly, his gaze drifting back to the floor.

Ashta nodded sympathetically."I'll leave this here," Ashta said, setting the bag down beside him."In case you're hungry later."

Ayan nodded again, his eyes avoiding hers."Thanks," he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. Awkward silence followed, weighing heavily on Ashta's shoulders.Ashta fidgeted, unsure how to bridge the gap between them."I'll go check on Rhea," Ashta said finally, breaking the silence.

Ayan nodded once more, his eyes remaining fixed on the floor.Ashta walked away, feeling uncertain, unsettled, and concerned about the tension between them.

The silence was oppressive, heavy with unspoken emotions and unresolved conflicts.

Ashta re-entered the hospital room, where Rhea lay motionless, her condition unchanged.Ashta's heart ached with empathy.

Weeks passed ,Rhea was recovering with time but ashta's world was crumbling.

Rumours spread like wildlife in town.As Ashta walked into the local cafe, seeking a moment of solace from the chaos that had engulfed her life.The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, but Ashta's senses were overwhelmed by the hushed conversations.

She overheard snippets of conversation, each one piercing her heart like a dagger."Did you hear about Ashta?" someone whispered, their voice dripping with malice.

"She tried to kill that girl in her office," another person chimed in, their tone laced with disgust.Ashta's eyes widened in shock, her heart sinking deeper with each passing moment.She approached the group, her presence commanding attention.

"Excuse me," Ashta said calmly, her voice steady despite the turmoil brewing inside."I couldn't help but overhear your conversation," Ashta continued.

"Rhea attacked me," Ashta clarified, her words firm but laced with pain."I defended myself," Ashta added."It was an unfortunate incident, but it's being grossly misrepresented."

One of the group members looked up, a mixture of curiosity and skepticism etched on their face."But we heard you have a history of instability," they said.Ashta's eyes flashed with anger, but she maintained her composure."Rumors and speculation are not facts," Ashta countered."I've dedicated my life to helping others through my NGO."

"I've worked tirelessly to make a difference and will not let any unfounded accusations tarnish my reputation."

A reporter approached Ashta, microphone in hand."Ashta, can you comment on the allegations surrounding the incident with Rhea?" they asked.

Ashta took a deep breath, steeling herself for the confrontation."Rhea attacked me," Ashta repeated."I defended myself,It was an unfortunate incident."

The reporter pressed on."But what about your NGO?"

"Shouldn't you be held accountable for your actions?"Ashta's patience wore thin."My NGO's work speaks for itself," Ashta replied firmly."We've helped countless people,this incident won't define us."

The reporter persisted."But what about your mental health?"

"Can you truly help others when you're struggling yourself?"

Ashta's voice rose."I'm not perfect," Ashta admitted."But I'm committed to helping."

"I've sought help."

"I've worked through my issues."

"Don't use this incident to discredit my life's work."

The reporter left, but Ashta knew this was only the beginning.She received a call from her NGO's lawyer."Ashta, we've received legal notices," the lawyer said.

"Our funding is being pulled."

Ashta's heart sank."What can we do?" she asked.

"Fight it," the lawyer replied."But it won't be easy."

Ashta steeled herself."I'm ready," Ashta said."To save my NGO."

Next evening,Ashta stood outside Rhea's hospital room, hesitant to enter.She had been thinking about visiting Rhea for days, but fear held her back.

Fear of Ayan's reaction.

Fear of being judged.

Fear of Rhea's response.

But Ashta knew she had to try to make amends,to clear the air.She took a deep breath and pushed open the door.Rhea lay in bed, her eyes fixed on Ashta.

Ashta approached cautiously."Rhea," Ashta said softly."May I come in?"

Rhea nodded curtly.Ashta sat beside the bed."Rhea, I'm so sorry," Ashta said."For everything."

Rhea's expression hardened."You're sorry?" Rhea spat."You tried to kill me."

Ashta's eyes welled up with tears."That's not true, Rhea," Ashta pleaded."You attacked me, I just defended myself."

Rhea's face twisted in anger."You're a monster," Rhea hissed."You deserve to rot."

Ashta flinched but remained calm. "Rhea, I understand you're hurt," Ashta said."But I swear I never meant harm."

Rhea scoffed."You're just trying to save face."

Ashta reached out."Rhea, please forgive me," Ashta begged.

Rhea jerked her hand away."Never," Rhea snarled.

Ashta felt a pang of sadness but remained resolute.

"I'll prove it, Rhea," Ashta vowed."I'll show you I'm not that person."

Ayan entered the room."Hey," Ayan said softly.

Ashta expected judgment but Ayan's expression remained neutral.

"Hey," Ashta replied.

Ayan sat beside Rhea."How are you feeling?" Ayan asked Rhea.

Rhea's anger dissipated."Better," Rhea said.

Ashta stood."I'll leave," Ashta said.

Ayan nodded."Thanks for visiting," Ayan said.

Ashta smiled weakly."No problem," Ashta replied and left the room.