Chapter 10 : The Missing Piece

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As Meher’s eyelids fluttered open, the haze of unconsciousness slowly lifted. She was met with the concerned face of Raj, his eyes red-rimmed from worry. The beeping of machines and antiseptic hospital smells assaulted her senses.

“Thank God!” Raj whispered, his voice trembling with relief. “I was so scared.”

The doctor rushed over, a warm smile on his face. “Welcome back, Meher. Please, keep your voice down young Man,” he gently reminded Raj.

Meher’s gaze drifted to her left hand, wrapped in a white bandage. A jolt of fear and confusion shot through her.

“How are you feeling?” the doctor asked, his tone soft and soothing. Meher’s voice barely above a whisper, “I’m fine...”

Raj’s eyes locked onto hers, filled with a mix of guilt and gratitude. “I should’ve dropped you home,” he said, his voice laced with regret.

The doctor intervened, “Let’s focus on your recovery for now. You’ve had quite an ordeal.”

Meher’s mind replayed the accident, fragments of memories resurfacing. She winced, feeling a sharp pang of pain.

Raj’s hand instinctively reached out, hesitating before gently brushing against her uninjured hand.

Raj’s voice laced with concern, “Meher, you should change now. This isn’t right...” Meher remained silent. Raj’s worry intensified, “Meher, stop hurting yourself. It’s been so many years. Enough is enough. Stop grieving now.”

Meher’s eyes flashed with anger, her voice trembling, “It’s not that I’m liking it. But it’s happening... I lost everything, and now I have nothing left.” Her words conveyed the depth of her pain.

Raj’s expression softened, “That’s not true, Meher. You have your parents, me, Vikram...” Meher’s gaze snapped back to Raj, curiosity sparking.

Raj’s voice gentled, “Accept it, Meher... you like him, and you should tell him that.” Meher’s cheeks flushed, her emotions exposed.

Meher swiftly stood, evading the truth, “I think I need to go home. Daima is waiting...” Her voice trailed off, an excuse to escape the uncomfortable conversation.

“Sorry, Miss Meher, but we can’t let you go,” the doctor said gently. “You need rest.”

Meher’s eyes blazed with defiance, her voice icy. “I’m not asking for your permission Doc. Get the papers ready. I’ll sign. Your hospital won’t be responsible for me... Go, make it quick.” Her words dripped with determination.

The doctor nodded, recognizing the futility of arguing with this strong-willed woman. “Very well.” He exchanged a knowing glance with the nurse and swiftly exited.

Raj rose from his chair, concern etched on his face. “Are you kidding, Meher? Let me call Daima and inform her.” Meher’s expression turned fierce, her voice firm. “No, you will not. Raj, I need my space.”

Raj’s eyes pleaded, but Meher’s resolve was unshakeable. “Meher...” Raj’s voice trailed off. Meher’s response was resolute, her voice rising. “I mean it!” Raj hesitated, then offered a compromise. “At least let me drop you home.”

Meher nodded curtly, her anger slowly dissipating. “Fine.” Raj’s face reflected his worry, but he respected her wishes. As they walked out of the hospital, Meher’s emotions swirled – frustration, desperation, and longing. The silence between them was heavy with unspoken words. Vikram’s image lingered in her mind, fueling her turmoil.

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Raj gently helped Meher out of the car and into the house, Daima’s worried face greeting them at the door. Daima’s voice trembled as she rushed to her side, “Meher, beta! What happened?” Raj briefed her on the accident, his expression concerned. “I’ll leave now, Daima. Take care of her.”

Daima nodded, gratitude in her eyes. “Thank you, Raj.” As Raj departed, Daima tended to Meher’s wounds with tender care. She applied medication, fed her nourishing food, and settled her into bed.

Night descended, casting a soft glow over the room. Daima checked on Meher one last time before leaving. As she turned to exit, she glanced back, her heart aching. Meher lay motionless, her gaze lost in the distance, eyes unfocused.

Daima sighed, her chest heavy with empathy. She knew Meher’s pain went far beyond physical wounds. Meher’s eyes seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words, her thoughts consumed by Vikram, the accident, and the turmoil within.

Daima hesitated, then returned to Meher’s bedside, gently stroking her hair. “Sleep, my child. Tomorrow will bring new light.”

Meher’s gaze remained distant, her soul adrift. Daima’s touch offered comfort, but Meher’s heart remained tangled in the web of her emotions.

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