Soft Pillows | ✓

Chapter 32

He smiled at her and she smiled back, nodding.

They both sat and Aahana felt Atharva fidget in his seat under the hawk-like stare of the psychologist.

"Uh.." Atharva cleared his throat. "She is my wife, Aahana."

"And well, this is my doctor who I met for my treatment when I was 18. I'm still meeting him once in a month."

Aahana nodded slowly and looked from Atharva to the doctor.

"He is right but from the last 4 months he hasn't visited me." Dr. Gupta said in a serious tone.

Atharva narrowed his eyes. "I have been busy."

"I can see that." He nodded and threw a quick glance in Aahana's way. "So did you tell her?"

He shook his head and sighed. "Soon."

"Uh guys, I can't understand your code words." Aahana frowned, looking between them.

The doctor laughed and placed his spectacles on the table. "Well, I was telling him that he is doing better and doesn't need to come here anymore."

"That's great. I'm so glad he is doing better."

"Take good care of him. Give him as much space and time he wants."

"Yes, I will." Aahana smiled at the man. She genuinely liked him, so much like her father.

"Don't forget this old man." The doctor called out when the two were nearly out of the room. "And yeah, you can call me anytime."

Atharva turned around and with a small smile said, "Thank you."

The doctor was surprised for the second time to see him smiling, but he made no comments as he watched them leave.

On the way back, they were silent. No one made any effort to talk. Aahana had so much to ask and Atharva had so much to tell but both were hesitant and unsure.

They reached home and were inside, sitting on the couch beside each other.

Aahana waited for him to speak as she watched him crack his knuckles.

"I-I..." Atharva sucked in a shaky breath and shook his head. "I have Gynophobia. I was around 14 when I developed the fear of er... women. I- I can't s-stand them. Even now. I mean except y-you, of course."

"Oh."

"I was in depression, and I harmed myself repeatedly.  I needed a break from all that, so I sought for help on google and that's when I found him."

"He seemed nice."

"He is," Atharva confirmed. "He taught me a lot in these years. I didn't know how to handle myself but he made me believe in myself. We would have several sessions, sometimes simple talk therapy and medications which helped but the worst was exposure therapy. I ended up with panic attacks and it didn't help my case. So we stuck to the basics only. Though I improved a lot and was able to forget...things, I still couldn't be around women. I had no choice but to keep them away from me and here people thought I was gay."

Aahana gave a sheepish smile as a blush rose to her cheeks. "I'm sorry."

Atharva shook his head and smiled. They were quiet for some time, just staring at each other, not knowing what else to say.

"That is why you hated me." Suddenly Aahana gasped as if it was a big realization.

Atharva chuckled and squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I never hated you but to be honest, I didn't like you either. You annoyed the living shit out of me."

"And now?"

"Things may have changed."

"So uh do w-we have a chance?" She intertwined their fingers. He let her.

Atharva hid a smile. "Remember, leave or love?"

Aahana tapped her chin as if she was in deep thought. This made Atharva anxious and doubtful. But his wayward thoughts paused when Aahana gave a million-dollar smile. "Love Atharva, I love you."

"Mmm." Atharva gazed at her. "In that case, I'll take the chance. I don't know what pain I'll endure if you ever decide to leave me, but yeah, I want to try."

Aahana's eyes nearly popped out of her head. His answer was unexpected. It felt so good to hear him say that but he wasn't kidding, was he?

She looked at him carefully and realized he indeed was truthful. Her heart hammered in her chest and she felt an unfathomable urge to hug him. And she did. Her arms curled around his neck, and she rested her head on his chest. He stilled. "I think I'll have a heart attack with so many surprises in a day."

Another deep chuckle vibrated through him and he relaxed, his arms hesitantly going around her. He closed his eyes and just thought about Aahana, his wife. Soon they were embracing each other like they never did before. Though it was kinda awkward as they were seated, it felt right and at home.

For the first time in a very long time, he was drawn to a woman. Every moment spent with her was wiping the darkness inside him. She too controlled him, but his heart and he had no remorse, for she was his queen now.

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