Barrister Babu

Chapter 95: Doctor Babu

A week passed after Chandni opened her eyes.

Her body was slowly healing, though everyone knew the wound inside her heart would take far longer.

Pramita barely left her daughter's side, and Bondita had made the hospital room almost her own by now. Every morning, she came with food, medicines, clean clothes and a softness in her voice that Chandni had started trusting again. Tara visited whenever she could, usually carrying flowers or fruits, and though Chandni did not speak much, she listened to the little girl's chatter quietly.

No man had entered Chandni's room since that day.

Not Anirudh. Not Som.

The decision had been made without argument, because even a male voice outside the room was enough to make Chandni's body stiffen.

Som still stayed near the room whenever he could, but he never crossed the doorway. He sent medicines through Bondita, explained her care from outside, and waited without complaint.

Meanwhile, Mayesh remained in prison.

Anirudh had ensured that much, using every legal connection and every ounce of influence he possessed to make sure the man did not step outside. But keeping him in prison was not the same as giving Chandni justice. For that, Chandni had to be ready. Without her words, without her willingness to fight, even Anirudh could only wait.

That afternoon, Bondita sat beside Chandni's bed and gently fed her rice mixed with dal.

"Bondita Didi," Chandni said weakly after swallowing another bite, "I cannot eat more."

Bondita looked at the bowl, then at her. "You can eat two more spoons."

"Only one."

"Two."

Chandni sighed softly but opened her mouth when Bondita brought the spoon closer. Bondita fed her carefully, wiped the corner of her lips, and was about to take another spoonful when she noticed Chandni had gone quiet.

"What happened, Chandni?"

Chandni lowered her eyes and held the blanket between her fingers. "Bondita Didi..."

"Yes?"

"The doctor babu..." she began hesitantly, her voice so low that Bondita had to lean slightly closer to hear her properly. "The one who always stays outside..."

Bondita's hand stilled over the bowl. "Som?"

Chandni nodded slowly without looking up. "He... can... come inside."

For a moment, Bondita did not say anything. She placed the bowl on the side table and turned fully toward her. "Are you sure, Chandni?"

Chandni looked nervous, but she nodded again. "I think so."

"You will be okay?"

"He is a doctor," Chandni whispered, as if she was trying to remind herself of the same thing. "And you said... you are his Boudi. So..." She looked up at Bondita with uncertain eyes. "I should be safe?"

Bondita smiled gently and placed her hand over Chandni's head. "Yes, Chandni. You are safe."

The fear did not leave Chandni's face completely, but something in her eyes settled a little. Bondita picked up the bowl again and fed her the last spoonful before wiping her mouth properly.

"I'll send him inside then," Bondita said softly. "He can do your check-up, and I am here for you anytime you need me."

Chandni nodded. "Okay."