35. The Edge of Sanity

Author's POV

Sahil looked exhausted, his face lined with weariness. He had never cared for anyone like this before, and as a novice, he had made a few mistakes along the way. Running back and forth between rooms had taken him half an hour. Finally, he arranged everything Ishika might need on the bedside table. He was still in his wet clothes, the damp fabric clinging to him uncomfortably, but he didn't seem to notice.

After ensuring everything was in place, he changed into fresh clothes and sat down in the living room. His body ached, but his mind remained focused. Looking at Yash, he said, "Tell Rajat to cancel all the meetings for the next few days. I won't be going to the office."

Yash nodded without a word.

On the other hand, Ishika opened her eyes to a warm, dimly lit room, with mostly black and white tones. It had a somewhat morbid atmosphere. Is she in bedroom? She attempted to move slightly, but her arm hurt intensely, and then dizziness overwhelmed her. She couldn't muster and strength to move her limbs and fell back onto the bed heavily. She gasped slightly, and fragmented memories started flashing through her mind. Water, chill, warmth. And those eyes that she had looked into while repeating her please.

She sat stunned on the bed, and it all came back to her. She was called by uncle, he locked her in the store room and then she had a breakdown and was saved by Sahil.

The realization hit her like a tidal wave. He had seen everything-her vulnerability, her irrational outbursts, and her moments of complete loss of control.

As she lay in bed, the complex emotions welled up within her. She had never craved the presence of someone so desperately during her previous episodes. Why she had become so unnerved when she was with him ? Now, she was too embarrassed to see him again.

As these thoughts churned in her mind, the door creaked open. She quickly shut her eyes, feigning sleep.

Footsteps approached, followed by a familiar voice.

"Uncle Sahil, Aunty Ishika is asleep," Vani whispered.

"Yeah," Sahil replied softly.

She heard the faint rustle of movement as Sahil picked up the medicines from the bedside table. His presence was unmistakable.

"Pinch her nose and make her swallow the medicine quickly," Vani suggested with childlike innocence.

Ishika's heart skipped a beat. What is she saying?!

Sahil's response was equally serious, though laced with an unusual warmth. "I'll lift her. Vani, you pinch her nose."

"Alright!" Vani chirped.

Before Ishika could process what was happening, the bed dipped slightly under Sahil's weight. A moment later, strong arms slid under her, lifting her limp body gently. She felt his chest press against her back as he held her close, his embrace firm yet careful.

Her heart raced uncontrollably, but she kept her eyes shut, too flustered to react.

Sahil's grip was steady as he adjusted Ishika's position in his arms.

Ishika felt a small hand near her face, and before she could react, her nose was pinched shut. She panicked inwardly, torn between pretending to stay asleep and stopping this absurd situation.

"Uncle, hurry! She's going to wake up!" Vani exclaimed, her tone urgent but playful.

"I know," Sahil muttered. He brought the medicine closer to her lips. "Come on, Ishika. Just swallow it," he murmured softly, his voice unusually gentle.

When the rim of the spoon touched her lips, she hesitated for a split second before parting them slightly, just enough to let the liquid pass. Sahil tilted the spoon carefully, and the medicine slid into her mouth. She swallowed it quickly, trying to keep her breathing steady to maintain the illusion of sleep.

He gently laid her back down on the bed, adjusting the pillow beneath her head. "That's done," he said, exhaling in relief. Ishika felt the little strength she had managed to gather slip away entirely.

Vani clapped her hands gleefully. "See, Uncle Sahil, teamwork works!"

Sahil chuckled softly, ruffling Vani's hair. "Yeah, teamwork," he agreed, his tone light. In his previous two attempts, Ishika had spat out the medicine, but this time, she didn't.

***

Ishika woke up at midnight, her throat dry and parched. The room was pitch black, and for a moment, she felt disoriented. Blinking a few times, she glanced at the bedside table and spotted a glass of water. She grabbed it hastily and drank it in one go, the cool liquid soothing her parched throat.

But as the water settled, another sensation hit her-a gnawing hunger. She hadn't eaten much earlier, and now her stomach ached. She sat up, wincing slightly at the dull pain in her arm, and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Slowly, she made her way downstairs, her bare feet padding softly against the floor.

In the kitchen, she opened the fridge and spotted a box of pastries. She vaguely remembered Vani excitedly mentioning she had brought them for her earlier. Without hesitation, Ishika grabbed the box and headed back upstairs.

Once in her room, she sat in a corner, pulling her knees close as she opened the box. She picked up a pastry and began eating, the sweetness momentarily distracting her from the emptiness she felt. One bite turned into another, and soon she was devouring the pastries like she hadn't eaten in years.

The faint rustle of movement alerted Sahil, who had been sleeping lightly in the study room. He frowned, got up, and followed the sounds to her room. When he opened the door, he paused, taking in the sight before him. Ishika was huddled in the corner, her fingers smeared with cream and crumbs, eating the pastries with an almost desperate intensity.

Sahil didn't say a word. He turned and went downstairs to the kitchen. After rummaging through the pantry, he found a packet of instant noodles. It was the only thing he knew how to cook, but it would do. He boiled the water, cooked the noodles, and then cut some fruits while waiting for the noodles to get cooked.

When he returned to her room, carrying a plate of fruits, he saw Ishika stiffen. She glanced at him, her eyes wary, before she crouched back and turned away, shielding herself from his gaze.

Sahil hesitated but sensed something was wrong. He placed the plate of fruits near her and quietly left to fetch the noodles. When he came back, he noticed the plate was nearly empty-she had eaten almost all the fruits.

Without a word, he placed the bowl of noodles on the nearby table and sat down on the floor, observing her silently. Ishika glanced at him cautiously, then crawled toward the table. She picked up the bowl and started eating. The noodles disappeared quickly, half gone in mere moments.

Sahil watched as she finished the noodles and resumed eating the remaining fruits. But then he noticed her movements falter. She gagged slightly, hesitated, then continued forcing food into her mouth.

Sahil stood up abruptly, his face tense. In the next moment, he crouched in front of her and gently grasped her wrist. "Don't eat anymore," he said firmly.

Ishika shook her head, her eyes darting toward the plate. "I'm fine," she mumbled, attempting to reach for the food again.

Sahil tightened his grip slightly and moved the plate out of her reach. "Are you experiencing an episode now?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with concern.

Ishika's eyes widened, and she immediately shook her head. "I'm not ill," she replied quickly, her voice defensive.

But Sahil didn't look convinced. He studied her carefully, his gaze unwavering. Ishika's heart raced as she tried to avoid his eyes. She was fully aware of what was happening-this was how it always started. Anxiety, binge eating, and a loss of control over her body. But even so, she couldn't bring herself to admit it.

Sahil tried to pull Ishika away from the food, but she resisted, retreating further into the corner. It was like trying to coax a frightened cat hiding under a bed-each time he tugged, she moved further away, her defiance growing stronger.

Frustrated yet determined, Sahil sighed. He crouched lower, watching her with careful eyes, and when she least expected it, he reached out and scooped her up entirely. Ishika gasped in surprise, struggling weakly against his grip.

"What are you doing? Put me down!" she protested, but he held her tightly and sat down on the floor with her in his lap.

"Don't move!" he commanded firmly, his arms locking her in place.

Ishika squirmed, her voice rising in frustration. "Sahil, don't bother with me! I'm having an episode!"

He raised an eyebrow, his voice calm but laced with amusement. "Weren't you denying it earlier?"

"I'm sick, okay?!" she snapped, her voice trembling. "Now let go of me! Quickly!"

Sahil didn't release her. Instead, his gaze swept the room-the remnants of food scattered on the floor, her disheveled state, and the desperation in her actions. His jaw tightened. "So, if I let you go, you'll eat yourself to death?" he asked, his tone sharp but edged with concern.

Ishika froze, too exhausted to argue further. She lowered her head, her breathing uneven, and began scratching her nails against her skin in agitation. The sound of her ragged breaths filled the silence, and then, as if her frustration had nowhere else to go, she started pulling at her hair.

Sahil watched her in confusion and growing worry. Her disheveled appearance, with cake crumbs and noodle soup smeared across her face, made her look like someone who had completely lost control. He didn't know what to say, but the sight made his chest ache.

Without a word, he reached for a tissue from the nearby table and began wiping her mouth. The sudden gesture startled Ishika, and her irritation flared up.

"Don't bother with me!" she snapped, her voice sharp and filled with frustration.

Sahil ignored her protests, continuing to clean her face with steady hands. "Stay still," he said, his voice low but firm.

Ishika groaned in exasperation, utterly fed up with him, but she didn't resist further. Once he was done, Sahil stood up, carrying her effortlessly.

"What now?" she muttered, glaring at him.

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he placed her gently on the bed, pulling the blanket over her. His eyes lingered on her pale face, his expression unreadable. Inside, worry gnawed at him. She doesn't look good. If I don't act now, her condition might get worse.

He clenched his jaw, making up his mind. Straightening, he finally spoke, his tone firm yet calm. "We're going to the doctor."

Ishika's eyes widened, but before she could protest, Sahil had already turned and left the room. She heard the faint rustling of clothes as he went to change, his determination evident in every movement.

Left alone, Ishika stared at the ceiling, her mind swirling with emotions-anger, shame, and an overwhelming exhaustion that she couldn't shake.

Sahil returned in fresh clothes and crouched to help her put on her shoes, but Ishika kept resisting. "I'm fine, really. You don't have to bother," she repeated over and over, her voice shaky. As she spoke, she kept scratching her nails against her skin and tugging at her hair in a repetitive, anxious cycle.

Sahil, towering at nearly six feet tall with a physique honed by rigorous workouts, easily steadied her. Ignoring her protests, he gently pulled her to her feet and guided her to the washroom. There, he carefully cleaned her face and hands before draping a coat over her shoulders. Without a word, he took her hands and began leading her downstairs.

"Let's go." he said firmly, his voice calm but unyielding.

Despite her attempts to resist, Ishika found herself unable to match his strength. From the moment they left the mansion until they reached the car, she had no choice but to follow his lead, her protests limited to words alone.

Once seated in the passenger seat, Ishika's eyes widened as Sahil produced a pair of handcuffs seemingly out of nowhere. He secured her hands with them, his expression a mix of determination and concern.

"We'll be there in fifteen minutes," he said, his tone softer now. "Try to find a way to calm yourself."

With that, he started the car. Ishika had no idea where he was taking her, but with her body restrained, all she could do was try to talk.

"Sahil, you don't have to worry about me. I can take care of myself. I don't need your help," she said, her voice tinged with defiance. "Go... go to your mistress and your child. Go and take care of them."

Sahil glanced at her briefly but said nothing, his expression calm but distant.

"Didn't you want to see them? Go see them! I won't mind. Really, go there and leave me alone," she added, her voice rising slightly.

He kept his eyes on the road, his silence unwavering as she continued.

"Don't worry," she pressed on. "I won't come between you and Shanaya." She squirmed in her seat, her voice growing more frantic. "You saved me, and I appreciate that. I won't hold the past against you. When the time comes, I'll go away from you. Then you can marry her after the contract. You can live happily with your little family-you, Shanaya, and your son."

Sahil didn't react to most of her words, his silence almost maddening. But when she mentioned Shanaya and the child again, he finally glanced at her and spoke, his voice calm but firm.

"Who said I want to marry her?"

His question caught Ishika off guard, and she paused momentarily, her mind racing. But the silence didn't last long, and she began speaking again, her words tumbling out as if she couldn't stop herself.

"Sahil, where are we going? Is your car broken? It feels a bit shaky?"

He turned to look at her. She was literally making herself shaky. He sighed and furrowed his brows. " The car's broken. Don't move around."

"Ah, right, I won't move," she replied, nodding as though she believed him. But within moments, she started again, her words tumbling out even faster, her focus circling back to Shanaya and the child.

Sahil's gaze flickered to her repeatedly as he drove, concern etched into his features. Her erratic speech and behavior weren't normal-this was an episode, and he knew it. His silence wasn't indifference; it was restraint, his mind racing to get her somewhere safe before she spiraled further.

***

When they reached the old town area with traditional courtyard houses, Sahil stopped the car and helped Ishika out of the passenger seat. However, Ishika tried to step back. Losing patience, Sahil immediately scooped her up in his arms and quickly made his way into a narrow alley. They stopped at a gate with a nameplate that read Raj Mehra. Sahil made a call, and moments later, someone came out to greet him. The person was surprised to see Sahil carrying a woman, especially when they realized something was wrong with her. They hurriedly invited them inside.

Sahil carried Ishika all the way in. She grew increasingly agitated, glancing around the yard. The courtyard was filled with flowers and plants, but the air was thick with the scent of medicines.

They reached the main residence, where an elderly man in a pajama set, who appeared to have just woken up, came out. He adjusted his glasses and scrutinized the situation.

"Sahil? Why are you here so late? Are you unwell?"

Before Sahil could answer, Ishika, who had been settled on a wooden sofa, let out a sigh. The man immediately turned his attention to her.

"Who's this young lady?" he asked.

Sahil glanced at Ishika and said, "My wife."

Ishika corrected him weakly, "Ex... ex-wife."

Sahil took a deep breath and looked down at her. Ishika, in her semi-conscious state, suddenly realized they had agreed to keep their divorce a secret.

Raj paused briefly, processing the information. "This is the first time I've met your wife," he said, his tone neutral.

"Mr. Mehra, please take a look at her," Sahil said, placing a hand on Ishika's shoulder. He quickly explained her condition, the medications she had been given, and the worsening symptoms.

Raj nodded and went to retrieve a medical kit. He examined Ishika, checking her pupils and pulse.

"Bring her inside. I'll perform a CT scan," he instructed.

Ishika was surprised. She hadn't expected this small courtyard residence to have such advanced equipment. However, she grew more agitated. When placed on the examination bed, she adamantly refused to rest her head on the headrest.

"I won't get checked. I'm not sick-really, I'm not sick," she insisted. Then, as if possessed, she added, "What's your son's age, Sahil? Show me your son!"

Sahil tried to calm her, gently pushing her head down. "Secure your head, Ishika."

"I don't want to! I know you have a son. Show him to me!"

Raj, observing the scene, furrowed his brows. "Sahil, do you have an illegitimate child?"

Since childhood, Sahil had consulted Raj for medical issues. Raj was highly respected for his skills and ethics, and Sahil held him in great esteem. Being scrutinized with such a question made him feel embarrassed, especially since Raj's expression that seemed to say, "You actually cheated?

"I don't," Sahil replied firmly.

But Ishika grew more displeased, raising her voice. "Yes, you do! I know you have a son!"

Sahil held her down and asked, "Who told you that?"

Raj sighed. "Regardless of whether it's true, you need to comfort her. She's clearly fixated on this issue, which might be triggering her episode."

Sahil nodded and turned to Ishika. "Listen to me, Ishika. Don't think about the child. I don't have a son."

"You do!" she snapped, staring at him intently. Then, as if overwhelmed, she began scratching her head, seemingly desperate to describe the child.

Before Sahil could respond, Ishika, in her frustration, instinctively raised her hand and slapped him-hard.

The sound of the slap echoed in the room, leaving everyone stunned. Sahil's head turned sideways from the force, his eyes wide in shock.

Ishika froze, staring blankly at her hand as if she couldn't believe what she had done. She clasped her right hand with her left, looking anxious and confused.

Raj was the first to recover. "Sahil, take advantage of the moment. Quickly put her down."

Sahil immediately complied, showing no visible emotion. Raj's heart pounded. He knew Sahil's temper too well, and his lack of reaction to the slap surprised him.

Meanwhile, Sahil gently held Ishika and urged her to calm down. "Ishika, just count from one to a hundred," he suggested.

Ishika, feeling slightly calmer after her outburst, agreed and began counting. After the examination, Sahil took her to the guest room and asked her to rest. She nodded like a child and sat quietly.

Sahil then joined Raj in the examination room. "How is she?" he asked.

Raj frowned. "What medication did you give her tonight?"

Sahil explained, and Raj's expression darkened. "She's suffering from trauma, and the medication you gave her only exacerbated it. It's like adding fuel to the fire."

Sahil's jaw tightened in anger. "That doctor should have known better. Didn't they realize she couldn't take those meds in her condition?"

Raj sighed. "We'll need to observe her. Let her regain consciousness and check for any aftereffects. If there aren't any, it's best to avoid exposing her to similar triggers. She needs rest and a calm environment."

Sahil nodded.

"I'll give her an injection to help her relax and sleep," Raj added.

"An injection?" Sahil hesitated, his tone laced with resistance. He had seen what could happen when people relied on injections-those seemingly insignificant things could sometimes become dangerous or even addictive.

Raj noticed his hesitation and reassured him. "Don't worry. This is a one-time dose, and it won't lead to addiction."

Only then did Sahil agree, albeit reluctantly. Otherwise, he would have preferred letting Ishika create a ruckus for the rest of the night rather than risk something harmful.

_______________________________

End of the chapter.

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