The journey of blooming life ..

13

AUTHOR'S POV

Shravani's eyes darted around the room, ensuring no one watched. She slipped the small medicine bottle into her pocket, the familiar shape a constant reminder of her secret. Dadi Saas's words echoed in her mind

"Keep this hidden, Shravani. No one must know. Not even Mihir."

Shravani nodded to herself, a habit formed over months of concealment. She felt a pang of guilt, but Dadi Saas's stern expression lingered in her memory.

At home, Mihir noticed her distraction. "Shravani, what's troubling you?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

Shravani's mask slipped into place, a practiced smile. "Nothing, Mihir. Just tired."

Mihir's eyes narrowed, sensing something amiss. "Are you sure?"

Shravani waved it off. "Yes, I'm fine. Just need some rest."

Dadi Saas watched from the corner, her eyes approving. She nodded slightly, acknowledging Shravani's obedience.

That night, Shravani lay awake, the medicine bottle clutched in her hand. The label was not clear, But why must she hide this?  Shravani's thoughts swirled, trapped in a web of secrets and doubts.

Why couldn't she confide in Mihir?Would he understand?Or would he think her weak?

The questions haunted her, as she drifted into a restless sleep.

Next morning, Dadi Saas handed her the daily dose."Remember, Shravani, this is our secret," she emphasized.Shravani nodded, obedience etched on her face.But doubts lingered, hidden deep within.

One more week passed, with Shravani diligently taking the medicine as instructed by Dadi Saas. But she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss.

At first, the effects were subtle. She felt tired more often, needing extra rest. Her appetite dwindled, and even her favorite dishes held no appeal.

Then, the vomiting started.Shravani tried to brush it off as a minor stomach issue, but deep down, she knew it was more.

Mihir noticed the change in her. "Shravani, you're losing weight. Are you unwell?"Shravani forced a smile. "I'm fine, Mihir. Just a bit stressed."But Mihir's concern lingered.

As days passed, Shravani's energy waned. Simple tasks exhausted her. Her skin turned pale, and dark circles formed under her eyes.

Dadi Saas remained adamant. "Continue the medicine, Shravani. It's for your own good."Shravani's doubts grew. Was this medicine truly helping her, or was it harming her?One evening, as she vomited again, Shravani felt a wave of desperation.She couldn't continue like this.Something had to change.With shaking hands, Shravani hid the medicine bottle .

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Mihir's concern for Shravani deepened as he watched her struggle to keep up with daily tasks. Her once radiant face now looked pale and gaunt.

"Shravani, what's wrong?" Mihir asked, his voice laced with worry, as he sat beside her on the couch.

Shravani forced a weak smile. "I'm fine, Mihir. Just tired."

Mihir's eyes narrowed. "Tired? You're always tired lately. And you're losing weight. Is it stress?"

Shravani shrugged. "Maybe. Work's been hectic."

Mihir's gaze lingered, searching for truth. "Is it something else? Something you're not telling me?"

Shravani's eyes darted away, avoiding his probing gaze.Mihir's hand enveloped hers, warm and reassuring. "Shravani, I'm here for you. You can trust me."

Shravani's resolve wavered, but Dadi Saas's words echoed in her mind: "Keep this secret."Mihir's concern only grew as Shravani's health declined. He noticed- Her morning vomiting- Her lack of appetite- Her fatigue- Her withdrawal from social activities

Mihir tried to engage her in conversations, but Shravani's responses were monosyllabic.

One evening, as Shravani rested, Mihir approached Dadi.

"Dadi Ji, what's going on with Shravani? She's not herself."

Dadi  expression turned stern. "Mihir, don't interfere. Shravani's fine."

Mihir's eyes narrowed. "Fine? She's clearly unwell. Is it something to do with you?"

Dadi  gaze turned icy. "Mind your own business, Mihir."

Mihir's concern turned to alarm.What was Dadi  hiding?Why was Shravani suffering?

Mihir's voice remained calm, but determination etched his face. "Dadi, I want to take Shravani to the doctor. She's clearly not well."

Dadi's expression turned rigid, her eyes flashing with warning. "No, you can't. She's fine."

Mihir's eyes narrowed. "Fine? You call this fine? She's pale, weak, and vomiting every morning. What's going on, Dadi?"

Dadi's voice rose, her tone commanding. "Mihir, I've taken care of Shravani since she came here. I know what's best for her."

Mihir stood firm. "With all due respect, Dadi, I'm her husband. I have a right to know what's affecting her health."

Dadi's gaze turned icy. "You'll do as I say, Mihir. No doctor."

Mihir's jaw clenched. "Why not? What are you hiding?"

Dadi's expression softened, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Mihir, trust me. This is for Shravani's own good. The doctor will only meddle and make things worse."

Mihir's skepticism deepened. "Worse? How can it be worse than this?"

Dadi's eyes flashed with anger. "You don't understand, Mihir. Shravani's condition... it's complicated."

Mihir's patience snapped. "Complicated? You're keeping secrets from me, Dadi. Secrets that harm my wife."

Dadi stood, her presence commanding. "Enough, Mihir. You'll do as I say."

Mihir's voice remained firm. "I won't back down, Dadi. I'll find out what's wrong with Shravani, even if it means going against you."

Just then, a frantic voice pierced the air."Mihir! Mihir!" Sarita, Mihir's mother, screamed his name from outside.

Mihir's head jerked towards the door. "Dadi, what's going on?"

Dadi's expression turned grim."Go, Mihir. See what's wrong."

Mihir rushed outside, leaving Dadi  and the unresolved conversation behind.

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