When Fire Meets Ice - Completed.

31. I D Y L L

A H A D

As I walked into our room, a small smile graced my lips as I took in her sleeping form. The blanket was partially covering her, one leg peeking out. She was snoring softly, her face a gentle reminder of the beauty she upholds. Despite the challenges and hurdles, she always shone bright, turning out more and more stronger.

Her eyes, that nose, those lips, her one glance, one smile, soft laughter, that fierce elegance.

Every damn thing! Was enough to drive me crazy.

But, it ached to see her like this. Silent, zoned out and lost.

The way she had questioned me this morning arised a new depth of worry within me. What had she been thinking? As the doctor said, she has been through an anxiety episode which could be terrifying. But is this behaviour for such long, fine?

I thought she'd need time to get out of the disturbing incident. I walked into the office, deciding to call the doctor.

After exchanging greetings, I voiced out the real worry.

After a few seconds of silence, she spoke, "She's traumatized".

These words, snatched my breaths away. My heart clenched painfully and lungs struggled to grab in more air.

This can't be!

Sensing my silence, she continued.

"There are many symptoms of trauma, according to what you said. She's having anxiety, fear and guilt. She believes that she's becoming a burden on you. Feeling disconnected or detached from people around her, not wanting to do anything. She finds even the simplest of acts difficult, like speaking, smiling or laughing".

I couldn't understand the emotions that enveloped my being. Every single word the doctor spoke stabbed straight into my Heart. As if on cue, she continued, "Is she having some physical symptoms like lack of sleep and apettite, nightmares or mood swings?" She asked.

I gulped, my throat suddenly feeling dry. "She barely expresses about how she's feeling. About food and sleep, It's normal". I spoke, a little relieved that physical symptoms were absent.

She hummed and we spoke for a while and hung up.

As I walked back inside, she was awake and typing something on her laptop. Upon noticing my presence, she closed it quickly and sat up straight.

Taking the first aid box, I asked softly as I sat beside her, "How do you feel now?"

Her brows furrowed, "Why do you always ask me that? I just have a minor injury on my hand that's it". She said in a scolding tone.

"Then...." I trailed off, smiling teasingly and she narrowed her eyes at me.

"Where shall we go?" I asked, holding her wounded hand gently and undoing the bandage.

She stayed silent, observing my actions and spoke after a while, "I don't know. You wanted to go, so you decide". Her tone was curt.

"Manali?" I asked and her eyes gleamed for the briefest moment, making my heart skip a beat at the sight of that rare tiny smile.