INNOCENCE : An Innocent Lovestory

★Rihaan's Trauma★

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The day Rihaan returned home after doing 12th from the boarding school was supposed to be a day of joy, a celebration of freedom and achievement. But for him, it felt hollow. As the car pulled up to the familiar driveway, the memories of his childhood home washed over him, but they didn't bring comfort. They only reminded him of how far away that sense of safety had become.

His family stood outside, eagerly waiting to embrace him. His mother had tears of happiness in her eyes, while his father stood with a proud smile. His older brother, Raj, stood at the back, arms crossed, looking every bit the protective older sibling.

"There he is! My little baby!" his mother exclaimed as she rushed forward to hug him. Her arms enveloped him tightly, but Rihaan's body remained stiff. His heart pounded in his chest, a reflexive response to the sudden closeness. He felt overwhelmed, trapped in his mother's loving arms, though he knew she meant no harm.

"I missed you so much, beta," she whispered into his hair, her voice trembling with emotion. "It's been so long."

Rihaan managed a weak smile, but inside, he felt numb. His hands stayed at his sides, unable to return the hug with the same warmth. He had forgotten how to respond to love, how to feel safe.

As his father and brother approached, Rihaan took a step back, creating some space between them. His father ruffled his hair affectionately, as he had done when Rihaan was little, but Rihaan barely reacted.

"How was the drive, son?" Sameer asked, trying to make conversation. "Must've been a long journey back, huh?"

Rihaan just nodded, his eyes flickering between them all. He could see the concern in Raj's eyes, though he wasn't saying anything. Rihaan had always been the baby of the family, and his brother had always been the one to look out for him, but even Raj didn't know the extent of what had happened at school.

"Come on inside," Raj said quietly, stepping forward and placing a hand on Rihaan's shoulder. "We've got all your favorite foods waiting for you."

Rihaan flinched slightly at the touch but forced himself to stay still. He didn't want to hurt his brother's feelings. Raj's hand felt heavy on his shoulder, a reminder of the hands that had pushed and shoved him around at school. His stomach churned at the thought of sitting at a table surrounded by people, eating with others-something he hadn't done in years without fear.

Inside, the house smelled of freshly cooked food, spices filling the air as his mother prepared a feast to celebrate his return. But Rihaan's appetite was gone. The noise of the clattering dishes, the chatter of his parents, and the warmth of the home felt suffocating. His heart raced, and his chest tightened with every passing moment.

"I made your favorite-rajma chawal," his mother beamed, placing a large bowl of steaming food on the table. "You must be so hungry, right?"

Rihaan sat down, staring at the plate in front of him. His hands shook as he picked up the spoon, but the sight of the food made his stomach turn. He couldn't eat. He hadn't been able to eat properly in years.

"What's wrong, Rihaan?" his father asked, his brows furrowed in concern. "You're not eating."

Rihaan bit his lip, trying to find the words, but his throat felt tight. His hands trembled, and the spoon slipped from his fingers, clattering onto the plate. The sound made him flinch, his heart jumping in his chest.