Taken For Granted

Chapter 10

Payal's POV

(This chapter is mature (and includes self-harm and those who want to skip it can - I recommend those under 18 not to read it.)

As I'm filling out the paperwork, a wave of dizziness washes over me. Knowing I can't afford to get sick with Khushi's condition, I decide to grab a glass of water.

Payal - Nanheji, could you please take over the paperwork for a moment? I need to get a drink of water.

Nanheji's concern grows evident as he notices my recurring dizziness. He swiftly instructs Lavanya to fetch water for me, and while she rushes off, he implores me to take care of myself.

Nanheji - Payalji, you must be careful. What will we say to Khushiji if something were to happen to you? Let me call the doctor.

Despite my attempts to brush off his concern, I find myself unable to respond.

Nanheji (shouting) - Payalji!!! Wake up!!

Nk's POV

As I carry Payalji to the other doctor, I explain the situation to her in detail.

Doctor - Alright, take her into the ward on the right and I will be there shortly.

I carefully place Payalji onto the bed and wait patiently for the doctor to arrive. In the meantime, Lavanya enters the room.

Lavanya - What happened? The doctor asked me to come here.

I recount the events that unfolded after she left, and it visibly distresses her.

Lavanya (crying) - What's happening to them? Khushi is in the ICU and Payal is in this ward. Do you think they were right? Am I bad luck?

I attempt to comfort Lavanya, but my efforts seem futile as she rushes to grab a knife from the bed, intending to harm herself.

Me - Darling, you are not bad luck. It's not your fault. Please, put down the knife.

Lavanya (tearfully) - No, Nk, I am bad luck. If it weren't for me, Khushi and Arnav would have been together by now. If it weren't for me, your parents wouldn't have... (she trails off)

"Lavanya, listen to me," I say gently, my voice barely above a whisper. "You're not to blame for any of this. You're not bad luck, and you didn't cause these things to happen. It's just life, throwing us some challenges. But we're in this together, remember? We're a team."

I reach out to gently take the knife from her trembling hand, my touch light but firm. "You don't need this, Lavanya. You don't need to hurt yourself. We'll get through this, just like we've gotten through everything else. Trust me."

As tears stream down her face, I pull her into a tight embrace, holding her close as she cries. "I love you, Lavanya. And I'm not going anywhere. We'll face whatever comes our way, side by side."

At that moment, I can only hope that my words reach her heart, calming the turmoil within and reminding her that she's not alone.

What is Lavanya talking about?

Why is Lavanya trying to harm herself?