INNOCENCE

★Rihaan's Trauma★

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Mr. Mehra leaned back in his chair, his fingers nervously tapping the edge of the table. He glanced at Raj, his eldest son, sitting opposite him, his face somber. His voice was low but firm, carrying the weight of months of guilt and helplessness.

"Raj, we need to know who those boys were," he began, his eyes pleading. "They tormented Rihaan for years, ruined his childhood. How can we let them get away with it? I want their names."

Raj sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. He had anticipated this conversation ever since Rihaan had started therapy and bits of his horrific past began to surface. He knew his father's anger and frustration were fueled by love, but he also knew this wasn't as simple as confronting someone and getting answers.

"Papa," Raj began gently, "I understand how you feel. Trust me, I've thought about this too. But... it's not that easy." He hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "I asked Rihaan about the bullies when he finally opened up to me. He said they left the school after about five years-by the time he was thirteen, they had already left the school."

Mr. Mehra frowned, his brow furrowing in frustration. "But the school must have records. We can find out who they were-"

Raj interrupted, his tone firmer now. "I tried, Papa. I went to the school myself when I first found out about what happened. I demanded answers, asked them to check the records and explain how this could happen under their watch. They gave me the usual excuses-lack of evidence, no complaints filed at the time. They even said it was years ago, and the students in question were long gone. It's practically impossible to trace them now."

Mr. Mehra's shoulders slumped, his fingers tightening around the edge of the table. "So, that's it? We just let it go? Those boys get to move on with their lives while Rihaan-" His voice broke, and he stopped, swallowing the lump in his throat.

Raj leaned forward, his voice softening. "I know it feels unfair, Papa. It is unfair. But think about it-what would we even do if we found them? Confront them? File a complaint? It's been over a decade. There's no evidence left, no witnesses willing to step forward. Even Rihaan... he doesn't remember their names clearly. He blocked so much of it out just to survive."

Mr. Mehra looked away, his jaw tight. The thought of his youngest son enduring so much pain without them knowing was a wound he couldn't seem to heal.

Raj reached out, placing a hand on his father's. "Right now, what matters most is Rihaan. He's getting the help he needs. We can't change the past, but we can make sure his future is brighter. Digging up the bullies won't fix what's already broken. Let's focus on helping him heal."

Mr. Mehra nodded slowly, his heart heavy but his resolve firm. "You're right. For Rihaan's sake... we'll move forward."

*****

The therapy sessions began soon after Rihaan agreed to give it a try. The first few meetings were awkward, full of silences and uncertainty, but the therapist, Dr. Mehta, was patient with Rihaan. She created a safe environment for him to speak about his experiences at his own pace. With time, he began to open up about the bullying, the fear, and the sense of helplessness that had consumed him during those years.