I was getting better day by day. Although I was here to support and motivate Samar, my own practice was on full blast. It became easier for all the men in the family to come help me without affecting their work. Though none would have complained if it did.

A weeks later baby Kaira was born. The entire family was blooming with happiness. Everyone was in the middle of celebration, while one person was sweating buckets.

My real work started now. To guide Samar again, just like I did in childhood. Samar knew what he was doing, heck he definitely had more knowledge than me on how to take care of the baby. However, it was my job to guide him out of the fear while he took care of all other things on his own.

I stayed with them, continuously being by Samar Bhaiya and Trisha Di's side. With me following him around, he was a bit relaxed that I would alert him way before he makes a mistake.

'Like I even know what to do and how to do to find out if he was making mistake.' I snorted in my mind. My guidance was much more for his mental peace than the actual help with the baby.

While all other family members were at the beck and call of Trisha Di to help, I was solely responsible for Samar Bhaiya.

Amidst the celebrations, a bomb was dropped on us. Dad was back in town. Viraj hadn't been lying when he said that Dad was going to contact us.

I didn't know what help he was hoping he would get, but there wasn't any we were going to provide.

Everyone was stumped as soon as he arrived. Not really expecting him and not knowing how to tackle this situation. However, my first and last thought was baby Kaira. The only female of our house who was defenseless. Panic coursed through my being at the thought of Dad hurting her.

Everyone said that he wouldn't be able to. But who knew for sure. He had done it once and he could do it again. While others focussed on getting him arrested, I stood by Kaira day and night, not leaving her for a second. I didn't want to take any chances. Didn't want my father to even breathe near her.

Viraj's father soon arrested dad. He was locked up, and everything was supposed to be over. However, my mind couldn't comprehend with that logic. I was still scared and I was scaring everyone around me.

In the back of my mind, I knew he couldn't come back but I still couldn't leave Kaira alone, fearing for her safety. I was aware that I was being a nuisance to Trisha Di and Samar Bhaiya, yet I wasn't able to do anything. I was trapped in my own mind.

My condition had spiralled down. All the practices and recovery coming down to nil. I was back to being scared of everyone.

Viraj seemed more effected by this as it was his first time seeing this while others were somewhat prepared for this.

I thought he would run for hills, but he was still here being as supportive as he could be. However, just between you and me, he didn't know what he was doing at all. He had no idea how to help and just ended up pestering me. However, that annoyance felt somewhat sweet.

Even though my childhood crush on him was coming back in full force, I kept him at an arm's length. I had no hopes for me getting better and I didn't want to ruin his life by being with someone like me.

He kept saying I could start again. I could get better again. But starting again seemed like a long lost dream.

I had almost given up, when Rudra and Trio came barging in. Ready to put me back on my feet again, even if it was by force.

"It feels like I am running in circles. I am not getting anywhere," I told them as they pestered me to start practicing again.

"The recovery is going to be a slow and complicated process. It is not a linear process either. You won't only move forward, Sia," Jiya said.

"Yeah, you are going to make fantastic progress, fall back, again get up and get better again," Rudra said. "You will have to keep trying, Sia. Let's not give up so soon," he pleaded.

"You are going to try again," Maitri said or more like ordered. "Even if takes 60 years, you are going to keep trying. You aren't allowed to give up."

"But—"

"No buts," Shanaya interrupted, before yelling, "We can and we will do it."

I chuckled at her enthusiasm, before asking where she got the slogan from. Because it definitely wasn't hers.

"Disney movie, of course," she said in a it's so obvious tone, making all of us chuckle.

If it wasn't for them, I didn't know what I would be doing in life. They came into my life because of a lie to my family and ended up becoming a part of my family.

I started practicing again. Now with the help of therapist. Yeah, after lots of arguments and shouting, I finally relented to go and meet her in person. Her ideas had worked for me before, but everyone thought talking to her in person would help me much better.

Although I was really against it, I couldn't do much when the entire family came together. How can everyone have same opinion was beyond my reach?

Anyways, it looked like my apprehensions were for no reason at all. If met by the right professional, this was actually kind of helpful.

I was getting better again. Didn't know how long it would last, but for now I was getting better.

                          ☆☆☆☆☆

I have conquered many obstacles and there are many more to come. My Journey to Trust and Heal hasn't reached its destination but I am damn sure that it is on the right path.

                          ☆☆☆☆☆

'A Journey to Trust and Heal' was always a never ending journey. But what mattered more than reaching the destination, was to love and enjoy the journey itself.

                      ★★The End★★

Thank you so much to all the readers for giving this book a chance. I hope you enjoyed reading the book.

Do tell me what you thought about this story- likes, dislikes or anything.

Do share your opinions ☺.