KHWAB : A Distant Dream

Chapter 17

Okay so just a little heads up!!
⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️

The whole chapter contains mention and description of abuse and physical assault. You have been pre warned. Some things might really trigger you.

Especially the flash back section. So read at your own discretion....
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"You were abused, weren't you?" The moment Anika heard the question she knew there was no going back. She cannot hide things anymore and she knew after all that happened, everyone deserves to know. But that doesn't mean that she was actually ready to answer all their questions.

Maan saw her stiffen and sighed when she didn't say anything. He was getting a bit frustrated and rubbed his hands on his face. "It seems you still don't trust us. But it is fine." He said

When she still did not react Rudra finally spoke, "It's fine Ruhanika. Take your time. I'll stick to my promise to not ask questions." Saying this he got up and was about to leave with Maan when Anika stopped them. "No, wait... plz... I trust you bhaiyu and am sorry if you felt otherwise. I'll answer all your questions..... just...just give me a few minutes." She said the last part looking at Rudra. Her eyes were imploring him to stop, almost pleading to hear her out.

And for the first time since he had met her almost a month back, Rudra saw her being openly vulnerable. Her eyes were openly expressing her plea without any reservations. Even Maan was taken aback by the open display of emotions by her, and that made him swallow any protest that might have come up. But this time Gayatri spoke, "It's okay beta. You don't have to force yourself to tell us anything. We all are willing to wait for you to open up." Anika turned towards Gayatri who was looking at her softly.

"Nahi Badi Ma. I need to tell you. You all deserve to know. I just want a few minutes... I promise I'll answer all your questions bhaiyu.' saying this she got down from her bed and moved towards Rudra and Maan, standing in front of them she whispered, "Plz.." Maan couldn't stand her gaze and went and sat down on one of the couches while Rudra simply nodded and sat down back.

Relieved, Anika entered her washroom and looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were puffy and red with tear stains down her cheeks. Her complexion looked pale and her hair was messed up.

Seeing her condition Anika sighed and rubbed her hands on her face. She then proceeded to freshen up and tidied her appearance a bit, all the time mentally preparing herself for the questions that she was about to face. She had decided to show her scars and get done with the drama for once and all. Hence she moved to her walk-in closet and changed into a strapped sports bra and threw a black shirt over it covering herself up. Once done she moved back to her bedroom and saw everyone sitting there with tensed faces.

She moved towards the couches and sat down opposite Rudra. Maan, Gayatri and Aru were sitting to her left on the sofa while Avi was perched on the sofa handle. No one spoke for a while and Anika decided to break the silence as it was unnerving her, and cleared her throat, attracting everyone's gazes toward her. She gathered her fleeing courage and looked at Maan. "To answer your question, Yes, I was physically abused." saying this she averted her gaze and looked at her hands.

Although everyone had an idea about it by now, seeing her confirm it still made them feel bad. Maan looked at Rudra with a pained expression and Rudra nodded, taking the reins in his hand. "Who?' he asked. It was only a single word but one could tell that he was angry by the way he had clenched his jaw. "My caretaker." Anika replied calmly. Her face had gone completely blank as if devoid of any emotions and there was a hint of coldness in her eyes. It seemed as if she had entered a completely different zone and her surroundings had blurred for her and her sole focus was on Rudra.