★Rihaan's Trauma★

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The day Rihaan returned home after doing 12th from the boarding school was supposed to be a day of joy, a celebration of freedom and achievement. But for him, it felt hollow. As the car pulled up to the familiar driveway, the memories of his childhood home washed over him, but they didn't bring comfort. They only reminded him of how far away that sense of safety had become.

His family stood outside, eagerly waiting to embrace him. His mother had tears of happiness in her eyes, while his father stood with a proud smile. His older brother, Raj, stood at the back, arms crossed, looking every bit the protective older sibling.

"There he is! My little baby!" his mother exclaimed as she rushed forward to hug him. Her arms enveloped him tightly, but Rihaan's body remained stiff. His heart pounded in his chest, a reflexive response to the sudden closeness. He felt overwhelmed, trapped in his mother's loving arms, though he knew she meant no harm.

"I missed you so much, beta," she whispered into his hair, her voice trembling with emotion. "It's been so long."

Rihaan managed a weak smile, but inside, he felt numb. His hands stayed at his sides, unable to return the hug with the same warmth. He had forgotten how to respond to love, how to feel safe.

As his father and brother approached, Rihaan took a step back, creating some space between them. His father ruffled his hair affectionately, as he had done when Rihaan was little, but Rihaan barely reacted.

"How was the drive, son?" His father asked, trying to make conversation. "Must've been a long journey back, huh?"

Rihaan just nodded, his eyes flickering between them all. He could see the concern in Raj's eyes, though he wasn't saying anything. Rihaan had always been the baby of the family, and his brother had always been the one to look out for him, but even Raj didn't know the extent of what had happened at school.

"Come on inside," Raj said quietly, stepping forward and placing a hand on Rihaan's shoulder. "We've got all your favorite foods waiting for you."

Rihaan flinched slightly at the touch but forced himself to stay still. He didn't want to hurt his brother's feelings. Raj's hand felt heavy on his shoulder, a reminder of the hands that had pushed and shoved him around at school. His stomach churned at the thought of sitting at a table surrounded by people, eating with others-something he hadn't done in years without fear.

Inside, the house smelled of freshly cooked food, spices filling the air as his mother prepared a feast to celebrate his return. But Rihaan's appetite was gone. The noise of the clattering dishes, the chatter of his parents, and the warmth of the home felt suffocating. His heart raced, and his chest tightened with every passing moment.

"I made your favorite-rajma chawal," his mother beamed, placing a large bowl of steaming food on the table. "You must be so hungry, right?"

Rihaan sat down, staring at the plate in front of him. His hands shook as he picked up the spoon, but the sight of the food made his stomach turn. He couldn't eat. He hadn't been able to eat properly in years.

"What's wrong, Rihaan?" his father asked, his brows furrowed in concern. "You're not eating."

Rihaan bit his lip, trying to find the words, but his throat felt tight. His hands trembled, and the spoon slipped from his fingers, clattering onto the plate. The sound made him flinch, his heart jumping in his chest.

Raj, who had been quietly watching, reached out to stop their parents from saying anything further. He could sense something wasn't right.

"Maybe he's just tired, Mom," Raj said softly. "The trip must've been exhausting."

Rihaan looked at his brother gratefully, relieved that Raj understood, at least a little. But his relief was short-lived as his mind began to spiral. He was home, but he didn't feel safe. Not even here.

That night, Rihaan lay in his old bed, the familiar blankets wrapped around him. The room was dark, just as it had been when he was a child, but now the darkness felt suffocating. He couldn't sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, the memories of the 5 years of bullying flashed before him-Karan's mocking face, the sharp pain of kicks, the sound of his own sobs echoing in his ears.

The nightmares were back, stronger than ever.

In his dreams, he was back in the boarding school, trapped in the locker room, his small body trembling with fear as the boys surrounded him. Their voices taunted him, their hands shoved him, and no matter how much he screamed, no one came to help him.

Rihaan woke up in a cold sweat, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His body was shaking, his heart racing as though he were still in that nightmare. He pulled his knees to his chest, curling up into a ball, tears slipping down his face as he rocked back and forth, trying to calm himself down.

"Please... please... no more," he whispered into the darkness, his voice trembling with fear. He was terrified of falling back asleep, terrified of the nightmares that waited for him on the other side.

*****

The next morning, Raj noticed the dark circles under Rihaan's eyes, the way he flinched at every sudden sound, and the distant look in his eyes. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

"Rihaan," Raj said softly, sitting down beside him in the living room. "What's going on? You've been back for a day, and... you're not yourself. You barely ate last night. You didn't sleep, did you?"

Rihaan's hands fidgeted in his lap, his gaze fixed on the floor. He didn't know how to explain what he had been through, how to put the pain into words. His throat felt tight again, the same way it had in school when he was too scared to speak.

"I... I'm fine," Rihaan muttered, though his voice was barely audible.

Raj didn't buy it. He leaned forward, his voice gentle but firm. "You're not fine, Rihaan. I know you better than that. Tell me what's going on."

Rihaan hesitated, his hands trembling slightly. He didn't want to tell Raj the truth. He didn't want to relive the horror of the past ten years. But Raj was staring at him, waiting patiently, his eyes filled with concern.

Tears welled up in Rihaan's eyes, his body shaking as the weight of his trauma threatened to crush him. "They... they hurt me, Bhai," he whispered, his voice barely above a breath.

Raj's eyes widened in shock. "Who? Who hurt you, Rihaan?"

Rihaan's breath hitched as the memories flooded back-Karan, Vikas, the endless taunts, the punches, the kicks. "At school... they... they wouldn't stop. Every day, they... they-" His voice broke, and he covered his face with his hands, his body wracked with sobs.

Raj was silent for a moment, his hands clenching into fists. He had always suspected something was wrong, but hearing it from Rihaan himself was like a punch to the gut. He felt a surge of anger, but more than that, he felt helpless.

The memory hit Raj like a tidal wave, and he found himself pulled into a flashback of the countless weekends spent visiting Rihaan at the boarding school. He could still remember the day vividly, how excited he had been to see his little brother again, but also how worried he had felt after hearing a unmistakable hollowness in his voice during their calls.

Flashback

Raj, along with their parents, stepped into the bustling campus of the boarding school, the air filled with the laughter of children and the distant sound of a bell ringing. It was a bright Saturday morning, and the sun shone down, making the leaves glisten like jewels. But as Raj looked around, he couldn't shake the feeling of dread in his stomach.

"Rihaan should be out any moment now," their mother said, her voice filled with warmth and anticipation. "I can't wait to see him!"

Their father nodded, adjusting his glasses. "He's probably just finishing up his chores. You know how strict they are here."

Just then, Rihaan appeared at the entrance of the dormitory, a hesitant smile plastered on his face. He looked thinner than Raj remembered, his cheeks sunken slightly, and his clothes hung a little loosely on his small frame. But Rihaan's smile was bright, even if it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Rihaan!" their mother exclaimed, rushing over to pull him into a hug. "Look at you! You've grown so tall!"

"Hey, Mom!" Rihaan said, his voice a mix of cheer and nervousness. He tried to squeeze her back, but Raj noticed how he hesitated, as if he wasn't quite sure how to respond to the affection.

"Are you ready to spend the day with us?" Raj asked, hoping to lighten the mood.

"Yeah, sure! I've been waiting for this!" Rihaan replied, but Raj could see the tension in his little brother's shoulders, the way his hands fidgeted with the hem of his shirt.

As they made their way to the car, Raj couldn't help but notice the way Rihaan stumbled occasionally, almost as if he were trying to maintain balance, both physically and emotionally. It tugged at Raj's heart. Something felt off, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Once in the car, their parents engaged Rihaan in light conversation, asking about school and his friends. But every time they asked a question, Rihaan's smile faltered just a little.

"Why do you look so tired, Rihaan?" their father asked after a while, his brow furrowing with concern. "Are you sleeping well?"

"I'm fine, Dad! Just a lot of schoolwork and studying," Rihaan replied quickly, the response almost rehearsed, as if he had been preparing it for days.

Raj exchanged a glance with their parents. He could sense that something was brewing just beneath the surface. "You should take breaks, you know? It's important to rest," he suggested gently.

"I will, I promise!" Rihaan said, his voice a little too cheerful, and Raj could tell he was trying to deflect the concern.

As they drove through the familiar roads, Raj kept a close eye on his brother, trying to read the signs of distress he was picking up on. They eventually stopped at a small park nearby, where they all got out to stretch their legs.

While their parents chatted nearby, Raj pulled Rihaan aside, his heart pounding. "Hey, Rihaan, is everything really okay? You can tell me."

Rihaan's smile wavered, and he looked away, the shadows darkening his expression. "Yeah, everything's fine," he insisted, but Raj wasn't convinced.

"Look, if something's bothering you, you can talk to me. I won't tell Mom and Dad if you don't want me to," Raj pressed, his voice low and urgent.

Rihaan shifted uncomfortably, rubbing the back of his neck, a habit Raj had noticed he had picked up lately. "It's just... school is tough, that's all. I have a lot of homework."

"Homework? But you seem more than just tired, Rihaan," Raj pressed, frustration bubbling inside him. "You don't look healthy, and I can't help but feel like you're hiding something from us."

Rihaan took a deep breath, as if summoning the courage to speak. "I promise, I'm okay. Just... maybe the food isn't that great here," he said, attempting to deflect the attention away from the real issue.

Raj's heart sank, and he nodded reluctantly. "If you say so, but you need to let us know if something's wrong, okay? I'm here for you."

"Thanks, Bhai. I will," Rihaan replied, though the uncertainty lingered in his eyes.

As the day wore on, Raj couldn't shake the unease that clung to him. He watched as their parents talked to the principal, expressing their concerns over Rihaan's appearance and demeanor.

"Something's off with him," their father insisted. "He looks unwell, and I think we should address it."

The principal nodded, her expression serious as she listened to their complaints. "I'll look into it," she promised, though Raj couldn't help but feel that it wasn't enough. How could they uncover the depths of Rihaan's struggles if he was too afraid to speak up?

After the visit, they returned home, and Raj made a mental note to call Rihaan more often, to check in and see if things improved. But in the weeks that followed, every call was met with the same cheerful, but unconvincing responses.

"School is fine, Bhai! Everything is great!" Rihaan would say, and Raj would hang up, feeling that familiar pang of worry deep in his gut.

Flashback ends~

Raj returned to the present, his heart heavy with regret. He looked at Rihaan, who was still staring at the floor in

"Rihaan... why didn't you tell me?" Raj asked softly, his voice thick with emotion as he sat down beside his brother. "When I called you so many times, when we visited, you never mentioned anything. You never said a word about what you were going through."

Rihaan's gaze dropped to the floor, his fingers nervously fidgeting with the edges of his shirt. He remained silent for a moment, the weight of Raj's question hanging heavily in the air.

"I... I didn't want to worry you," he finally mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. "You always sounded so happy when we talked, and I thought if I told you, it would make you sad. I didn't want to ruin that."

Raj's heart sank at Rihaan's words. "But I would've wanted to know, Rihaan. I would've done anything to help you. I didn't come to visit you just for fun; I came because I cared. I thought we could talk about anything."

Rihaan shifted uncomfortably, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I thought if I just kept quiet, maybe things would get better," he admitted, his voice trembling. "I didn't want to bother you. You had your own life, your own friends. I didn't want to be the reason for your sadness."

Raj shook his head, a mix of frustration and sorrow building inside him. "You weren't a bother, Rihaan. You were my brother. I would've dropped everything to help you if I had known. You don't have to protect me from your pain. We're family; we're supposed to share everything, even the bad stuff."

Rihaan's face fell, and he looked away, his heart racing with regret. "I didn't want you to see me as weak. I thought if I just acted normal, everything would be okay."

Raj's expression softened, his heart aching for his brother. "But being strong doesn't mean keeping everything inside. You don't have to pretend to be someone you're not. It's okay to ask for help. It's okay to be vulnerable. I wish I could've been there for you when you needed me."

Rihaan looked up, tears spilling down his cheeks. "I'm sorry, Bhai. I'm so sorry I didn't tell you," he choked out, his voice cracking. "I was scared... scared of everything."

Raj held Rihaan tightly, letting him cry out the years of pain he had buried inside. He didn't speak for a long time, just allowed his younger brother to release the emotions that had been suffocating him for so long. When Rihaan's sobs finally began to slow, Raj gently pushed him back to look into his tear-streaked face. Rihaan's eyes were puffy, his breath still hitching as he tried to calm himself down, but there was a deep sadness in his gaze that Raj had never seen before.

"I'm so sorry, Rihaan," Raj said softly, his voice filled with regret. "I should've known something was wrong. I should've been there for you."

Rihaan shook his head weakly, wiping at his face with trembling hands. "You couldn't have known, Bhai. I... I hid it. I didn't want anyone to know. I thought I could deal with it, but..." His voice trailed off, and he looked down, his shoulders slumping with defeat.

Raj's grip on his shoulder tightened. "You don't have to deal with this alone anymore, Rihaan. I'm here, okay? We're all here for you. Mom, Dad, me... we'll help you through this."

Rihaan nodded slightly, though he still couldn't meet Raj's gaze. The shame of everything he had gone through weighed heavily on him. He felt broken, like a part of him had been shattered beyond repair. How could anyone understand what he had experienced?

And deep down, Raj knew that the scars of Rihaan's trauma ran deep, and it would take more than promises to heal him. It was just the beginning of a long and painful journey.

*****

The next few days passed in a blur for Rihaan. His family, now aware of his trauma, treated him with even more care and affection, but it only made him feel more disconnected. His mother doted on him, constantly asking if he needed anything, but the kindness felt overwhelming. His father, who had always been a pillar of strength, tried to hide his emotions, but Rihaan could see the sadness in his eyes.

Raj, on the other hand, was always close by, watching over Rihaan like a hawk, but without saying much. The house, once filled with laughter and chatter, now felt tense and silent, everyone tiptoeing around Rihaan's fragile state.

One night, as Rihaan lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, the familiar sense of dread settled over him. His body tensed, and his heart began to race. He knew what was coming-the nightmares. They had become a regular occurrence since his return home, each night dragging him back to the torment he had faced at school.

In his dreams, he was always back in that cold, unforgiving dormitory. The sound of lockers slamming, boys' laughter echoing in the corridors, and the overwhelming fear of being cornered haunted him relentlessly. No matter how much he tried to run, he could never escape. The bullies always found him, their cruel faces looming over him, their hands grabbing him, hurting him.

That night, the nightmare was worse than usual. Rihaan found himself trapped in the school bathroom, his back pressed against the cold tile walls as Karan and the others closed in on him. The familiar sneers were etched on their faces as they taunted him, their words cutting through him like knives.

"Crybaby Rihaan," Karan mocked, his voice dripping with malice. "No one's coming to save you. You're all alone, as always."

Rihaan's chest tightened with fear as he tried to back away, but there was nowhere to go. The walls seemed to close in around him, trapping him with the boys who had made his life a living hell.

"Please..." Rihaan whimpered, his voice barely audible. "Please... stop..."

But they didn't stop. The kicks and punches came, each blow knocking the wind out of him, each strike pushing him deeper into a pit of despair. He could feel the pain, both physical and emotional, tearing him apart, and there was nothing he could do to make it stop.

Just as he thought he couldn't take any more, a loud voice broke through the haze of his nightmare.

"Rihaan! Rihaan, wake up!"

He jolted awake, gasping for breath, his body drenched in sweat. His heart was pounding so hard in his chest that it felt like it would burst. For a moment, he didn't know where he was-his mind still trapped in the nightmare-but then he felt a hand on his shoulder, shaking him gently.

"Rihaan, it's okay. You're safe. It's just a nightmare."

It was Raj. His brother was sitting on the edge of the bed, his face etched with concern. Rihaan blinked, trying to focus, his breath still coming in ragged gasps. His entire body was trembling, and his chest felt tight, like he couldn't get enough air.

"I... I can't... breathe..." Rihaan gasped, clutching at his chest as the panic set in. His mind was still reeling from the nightmare, and the fear that had consumed him in his sleep hadn't fully dissipated.

Raj immediately reacted, sitting closer and pulling Rihaan into a tight hug. "Shh, it's okay. You're okay, Rihaan. Breathe with me, okay? Just breathe."

Raj began to take slow, deep breaths, encouraging Rihaan to do the same. He held his younger brother close, his arms wrapped around him protectively, trying to ground him in the present. Gradually, Rihaan's breathing began to slow, though his body still shook with residual fear.

"It's... it's so real," Rihaan whispered, his voice trembling. "I'm back there... every time I close my eyes, I'm back there..."

Raj pulled back slightly to look Rihaan in the eyes. "I know, Rihaan. I know it feels real, but you're not there anymore. You're home now. You're safe."

Rihaan's eyes filled with tears again, and he shook his head. "I don't feel safe, Raj. I can't... I can't stop thinking about it. They... they won't leave me alone."

Raj's heart broke hearing his brother's words. He had seen the signs, but he hadn't realized just how deeply the bullying had scarred Rihaan. It wasn't just the physical wounds that had healed over time-it was the emotional and mental scars that were still raw and bleeding.

*****

The next morning, Raj made a decision. He sat down with his parents and explained everything Rihaan had told him. It was a difficult conversation, filled with tears and disbelief, but they all knew one thing-Rihaan needed help. Professional help.

"We need to get him therapy," Raj said firmly, his voice resolute. "This... this isn't something he can just get over on his own. The nightmares, the anxiety, the fear... it's all too much for him. We have to do something."

Mrs. Mehra, her face pale with worry, nodded slowly. "I don't want him to suffer anymore," she whispered. "My poor boy... I didn't know it was this bad."

Mr. Mehra, who had remained silent throughout most of the conversation, finally spoke up. "I'll do whatever it takes," he said quietly. "We'll find the best therapist. Whatever he needs, we'll make sure he gets it."

Raj looked at his parents, grateful for their understanding. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he also knew that therapy was the only way forward for Rihaan.

Later that day, Raj sat down with Rihaan in the living room. The TV was on, playing some random show, but Rihaan wasn't really paying attention. He was lost in his own thoughts, his body tense and his eyes distant.

"Rihaan," Raj began gently, "I think we need to talk about something."

Rihaan looked at his brother, his brow furrowed in confusion. "What is it?"

"I think... it might help if you talk to someone," Raj said carefully. "A professional. A therapist."

Rihaan immediately tensed, shaking his head. "No... I don't need therapy. I'm fine."

"Rihaan, you're not fine," Raj said softly but firmly. "And that's okay. You've been through so much-more than anyone should ever have to go through. But you don't have to deal with it alone. A therapist can help you work through the nightmares, the anxiety... everything."

Rihaan's eyes filled with fear and doubt. "What if it doesn't work? What if... what if I'm broken forever?"

Raj reached out and took his brother's hand, squeezing it gently. "You're not broken, Rihaan. You're hurting, and that's okay. But I promise you, with help, it can get better. I'll be with you every step of the way. We all will."

Rihaan hesitated, his mind racing with doubts and fears. But deep down, he knew Raj was right. He couldn't keep living like this, trapped in the past, tormented by the ghosts of his school years. Maybe therapy was the answer. Maybe, just maybe, it would help him heal.

"Okay," Rihaan whispered after a long pause. "I'll... I'll try."

Raj smiled softly, relief flooding through him. "That's all I'm asking for, Rihaan. Just try."

And so, the journey towards healing began. It wouldn't be easy, and the scars of Rihaan's past would take time to mend, but with his family by his side and the support of therapy, there was hope for a future where the nightmares no longer held him captive.

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