Important note:
All the methods mentioned in the chapters to cure Sia's problems and their results are fictional. Half of them are my imagination and other half is googled. So please Do Not try any of this. In case you have similar type of problem, please consult an elder and a doctor.
                          ~~~•~~~

We all sat in silence after discussing about the process. While I was trying to gain courage to take the initiative, others were waiting for me to get hold of the situation.

Waiting for me was good, but staring at me unblinkingly while waiting was not.

"Stop staring at me like that, you all are making me nervous", I said, loosing my cool.

I tried to ignore their stare but it started becoming impossible as the minutes passed by.

"Sorry", they apologized in unison, having the decency to look guilty.

"It wasn't our intention. We were just getting worried that you would freak out", Jiya explained their plight.

"I am freaking out but not to the extent that I would start hyperventilating, so it's all good", I tried to assure her well as much as one could in this situation.

"GUYS, I have an awesome idea", Shanaya stated excitedly.

Not waiting for our reaction, she started speaking further, "Sia, you know instead of hugs or hand shakes, start with slapping him. It would take less than a second so you wouldn't have to touch for long but it would be considered as touch. Just take your hand a little back and come at full force at his cheek and BOOM".

Shanaya finished her idea in a dramatic way, effectively scaring Rudra as he stood up and started moving backwards, trying to get away from us.

"We could even have a competition between you and Maitri. The competitive spirit will make you more confident", Shanaya added as an afterthought.

"That's a good idea. Winning against Maitri in this type competition will not only be truly hard and but also would give you a sense of achievement", Jiya added, stifling her laugh.

Maitri and I didn't even bother with that and straight out laughed at Rudra's horrified state.

"What sin I have committed for you to do this with me? Seriously, you all are scaring me. Please tell me that this was a joke and you aren't actually going to try this", Rudra pleaded while cowering behind the couch.

Putting on a serious face, I said, "What if this method is effective? What if I get better? Won't you allow this, if it helps me?"

"Sia, you are putting me on a tough spot by saying this. Alright, slap me", he said while moving forward hesitantly.

We all tried our best but couldn't control our laughs.

"Did you...did you seriously think we would do this to you? Oh God! Rudra. You are so gullible", Maitri spoke between her laughs.

Rudra visibly relaxed upon hearing her.

"Just to be sure, this was a joke, right?", he asked looking at us with doubt.

"Obviously, I would never do that to you but you just won my heart. You were ready to get slapped for me to recover. I can't even express how blessed I am feeling right now", I gave him the praise that he truly deserved.

He shook his head smiling. Jiya and Shanaya too smiled widely but Maitri looked a little upset, but she shook off her expression in just a second and smiled too. I wouldn't have noticed it if I wasn't looking closely. Something was definitely going wrong and I needed to talk about it with her when we were alone.

"Ok jokes apart, let's start with the real process", Jiya said after we all had calmed down.

"Yeah we should start but how to? I can't think of anything", I asked looking at them expectantly for ideas as my mind was empty.

"How about watching a movie? Our plans got canceled last time. If Sia's mind would be engrossed in the movie then there's a chance that she might be able to sit beside Rudra. Plus we three girls will also be here so she won't get too afraid as supposed to if she is alone with him. Of course, we know Rudra won't harm her if they are alone, I am just saying....", Maitri suggested but trailed off awkwardly when she realized that what she said could be taken as insult to Rudra.

"Sorry", she apologized to Rudra with an awkward smile.

"It's fine, I know it wasn't your intention and if it was that I would like to clarify that I could never ever think of harming Sia, let alone doing it", Rudra said looking dejected that she even thought about him like that, though he accepted her apology.

"Rudra, she didn't mean it like that. Stop sulking and I think we should try Maitri's idea", I said giving a stern look to Rudra and later giving an appreciative nod to Maitri.

Maitri and Shanaya sat on the couch while Jiya and Rudra took seats on the floor. They all looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to come and sit beside Rudra.

Holding my breath, I went and sat beside him. Being the considerable person he is, he kept some distance between us. We were still sitting side by side, but not too close.

That space wasn't enough, as fear ran through my veins. I sat there stiff as a board, determined to sit through the whole movie.

I couldn't concentrate on the movie at all. My breathing was getting heavier and I was just not able to take it even though Rudra hadn't moved a inch from the time movie started.

Giving up, I got up from the floor and created a distance between Rudra and me. They all stood up along with me. Shanaya paused the movie, while Jiya asked me if I was okay.

Taking few deep breathes, I nodded.

Looking at Rudra's rejected face, I apologized, "I am sorry that I am such a failure. I failed even when you kept space between us".

Hearing my self depreciating thoughts, Rudra snapped, "Shut up! Stop calling yourself a failure".

Seeing me flinch, he continued in a soft voice, "You cannot expect to succeed in a first try itself. There are going to be more failures. This is going to be a long process Sia and you have to be patient for it.

I know this is tough but you cannot give up. Not trusting men is okay, atleast to a certain extent but fearing them is not okay, Sia. You need to keep trying. If you fall, then stand up again but don't stop".

Jiya patted my shoulders to comfort me while I mulled over his words.

I nodded to him, with a new found determination and promised to try again tomorrow.