21.
The time she woke up, she was on the bed with Aryan, Divya and Ashvini by her side with a concerned look on their faces while Naveen and Partab were standing by the bedside. Seeing her brother, she abruptly got up and started crying while hugging him tight.
"Aaru" Divya called, rubbing her back. She didn't ask anything further knowing that she might need some time.
"Calm down, Aaru. We're here so please calm down" Divya said while her eyes moistened seeing her daughter in a vulnerable state.
After what felt like more than 10 minutes, Arya opened her eyes and pulled out of the hug. Seeing her tear-stained cheeks, Aryan wiped her Tears.
"What happned?" Tears gathered in her eyes all over again when Aryan asked softly but with concern.
"Yes beta, what happened? Say something" Naveen added as well, sitting near her and she debated if she should tell them about what happened.
"I.." Her voice was hoarse and dry.
Divya reached out for the glass of water and held it near her lips. Sipping some water, she clutched Aryan's shirt, hugged him and cried silently. She felt safe all over again. Now that her parents and brother were with her, she wasn't scared anymore because she knew she was safe, and protected.
Aryan stroked her hair and rubbed her back, blinking at his parents in assurance not to ask any questions for now.
"I didn't do anything, Aryan" Her lips trembled. She knew it was never her fault to begin with but yet, she tried to justify herself at the thought of her parents and brother not trusting her over that monster.
"I swear, please trust me"
"I trust you Aaru. More than anything okay. Now tell me what happened?" He held her arm.
"Aaru beta. We trust you, I trust you and I know you won't do anything wrong. So tell us What happened after we left?” Divya asked her.
"Aryan, Sathvik......he....he tried...." Her throat clogged up and it became hard for her to even breathe.
"Aaru what did he do?" Aryan asked.
"He....he tried to.....He touched me" She broke down in Divya's arms and Ashvini gasped at her revelation.
“I will kill that bastard” Aryan felt pure rage listening to her sister all he want was that specific person dead. Naveen was too stunned to speak at the moment.
"Don’t do anything Aryan" Naveen said and looked at Aryan. All eyes fall on him.
"But papa.."
"I said don’t…” He shouted, making Arya flinch. She looked at her father in disbelief.
“This thing should remain between us. If it goes outside this will be not good for any of us no matter Whoever was at fault. Nothing happened for us." Naveen said, making Arya stunned.
"Arya get some rest if you need anything we will be here" He said and left from there. Partab and Ashvini who were standing there threw an unknown look at her and left.
Aryan who was looking at her sat beside her "Arya I am sorry, sorry I couldn't protect you sorry for bringing him here sorry for everything" He cried holding her hand.
She looked at him "They Believe it or not I believe you. I know you didn't do anything" she heard him but didn’t said anything.
As everyone left her mind recalled her father’s words.
‘No matter whoever was at fault Nothing happened for us’
They all didn't say anything but Action spoke louder than words. Since that day they looked at her like she was impure. Naveen doesn't talk to her much. They tried their best that this didn’t go in media because it will affect their reputation and they didn’t even tried to take any actions
Her whole life changed from that day_
"Mrs Shekhawat...Mrs Shekhawat. Are you fine?" She looked one last time in the mirror. After cleaning her face and some makeup touch up, forming a smile she opened the door only to meet a very concerned Reyansh and his questions.
Concerned? Yes, concern that's what she saw on his face.
"Are you fine? What took you so long? It has been 15 minutes you are missing.
I came here and knocked on the door but there was no reply.
I saw everywhere but I didn't find you. I even asked Vihaan but he said he didn't see you.
Then I heard someone crying when I was passing from here.
I knocked on the door for 5 mins. Why weren't you replying?
I even called you but you didn't answer.
What happened? Are you fine? Why are you not speaking?
Please say something?" He bombarded her with questions while She couldn't control herself from breaking down again.
"Hey why are you crying?" He asked and she hugged her tight but he hesitantly hugged her back.
"N-nothing I was just...missing Aryan he also cares for me like this" she said pulling back.
"Did they announce about whom they are giving the deal?" She asked.
"I know something is bothering you. if you don't want to talk about it's okay but whenever you want to talk I am here" He said completely ignoring her words.
"And Do you know? You are very bad at lying,"he said. She looked at her
'How does he know I was lying?' She thought.
"I know," She stammered.
"Now let's go" She continued and he nodded.
'What was it? Why was I so concerned about her?' Why was I so affected by her absence? What is that feeling?Whatever this is I shouldn't feel this. I can't repeat a mistake which I made 2 years ago' He thought.