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Third person's pov!

The ashram was cloaked in a soothing calmness that Dhruv hadn't felt in days.

Surrounded by lush greenery, the air was filled with the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chanting of mantras. It was as if peace had a home here, seeping into the very walls of the place.

Dhruv walked down the stone pathway, noting the calming fragrance of sandalwood and incense, with prayer bells chiming softly in the background. The ashram itself, modest yet gracefully built, stood nestled among sprawling banyan trees, casting cool shadows that brought relief from the warm Kerala sun.

Dhruv felt a weight lift from his chest, even if just momentarily.

Sid's stunned expression when he noticed Dhruv approaching made Dhruv smirk inwardly. The shock was evident, almost as if Sid hadn't believed Dhruv would fly all the way here.

Before Sid could respond, a delighted squeal pierced the serene atmosphere. Dhruv looked over to see baby Ansh racing toward him with a joyful shout of, "Mamu!"

His tiny arms reached out eagerly, and Dhruv couldn't help but smile as he scooped him up, pressing a loud kiss on the little one's cheek.

"Hey, little man," Dhruv murmured, his heart warming at the boy's unreserved affection. Ansh giggled, burying his face in Dhruv's shoulder.

"Dhruv... what are you doing here?" Sid asked, still visibly processing his appearance.

"Why? Didn't expect me here, Sid?" Dhruv's gaze turned back to him, his face impassive but firm. Sid exhaled heavily, a resigned look settling over his face.

"Shraddha told you, huh?" There was a hint of acceptance in his voice, as if he had always known that the truth would eventually reach Dhruv, no matter how well they tried to hide it.

"I want to meet Diya's doctor," Dhruv replied, his tone unwavering. It was clear that his priority was Diya's well-being, even before any confrontation with Sid.

Sid gave a nod, motioning for Dhruv to follow him through the peaceful surroundings. They walked in silence, with Ansh contently resting in Dhruv's arms, his little hands clutching Dhruv's collar as he kept chattering about everything he knew. Dhruv took a deep breath, appreciating the tranquil environment, and a part of him felt steadied, his resolve strengthening with each step.

Soon, they arrived at a small, inviting cabin, where the ayurvedic doctor met with visitors. A calmness enveloped the space, enhanced by the subtle aroma of herbal oils and the steady flicker of a clay lamp near the door.

"Come, the doctor's inside." Sid turned to Dhruv, his voice a mix of understanding and caution.

The doctor, an elderly man clad in traditional Kerala attire of white silk dhoti and a shawl over his shoulder, gave Dhruv a welcoming nod, his expression warm but serious. Sid gestured toward him.

"Vaidyar, this is my brother-in-law, Dhruv," Sid introduced, then nodded at Dhruv, sensing he wanted a private word with the doctor. He excused himself, leaving the two men alone.

"I want to know about my sister's condition in detail, Doctor." Dhruv met the doctor's steady gaze, his tone direct but edged with concern.

Vaidyar nodded, settling into his chair as he began explaining.

"I didn't start the treatment on the first day, Mr. Dhruv. I observed her for several days to better understand the root of her distress."

"And?" Dhruv leaned forward, his voice taut with anticipation.

"She suffers from postnatal depression, yes, but there is more than that. Something deeper." Vaidyar's eyes softened, understanding the weight of his words. "There is a sense of disconnection—a vacant presence, even when she is with her child."

Dhruv frowned.

"Maybe she's not naturally maternal," he countered, though there was uncertainty in his voice.

The doctor shook his head slowly.

"This is different, Dhruv." He paused. "On some level, it's affected the child as well. He displays a certain wariness around her and an attachment toward his father and the caretaker. He even tries to create situations that exclude her, as if subconsciously building a unit with his father and the nurse."

"And the nurse? How does she respond?" Dhruv's chest tightened.

"For her, the child's well-being takes priority as she is solely appointed for the child care. She lets him have his way, but this only heightens Diya's paranoia. There's a persistent insecurity within her. She feels, somewhere deep down, that she isn't enough for her husband. That she is inadequate."

"How serious is it?" Dhruv hesitated before asking. The doctor glanced down, seeming to collect his thoughts.

"From what Siddhant has shared, I understand there's a history of abandonment within your family. That impression has affected her deeply, feeding her insecurities and depression. These feelings likely grew during her pregnancy. A simple doubt—perhaps wondering if Siddhant would still love her through these changes—could have fanned the flames of her deep rooted insecurity."

Dhruv felt his heart sink. Every piece seemed to lead back to their past and the cruelty of their grandfather's decisions. Ambar Khuranna's vengeance had left deep scars, not only on him but now on Diya as well. His addiction, her insecurities—all rooted in the pain his grandfather had inflicted on them all.

"What can be done next, Doctor?" He asked quietly. Vaidyar leaned back, considering his words carefully.

"In Ayurveda, we take a holistic approach. We don't simply treat the symptoms; we strive to realign the mind, body, and spirit. For Diya, we begin with Ayurvedic therapies to calm the mind—oil massages, shirodhara, and soothing herbal baths. These treatments, coupled with meditation and pranayama, help ground her, releasing pent-up stress and anxiety."

Dhruv listened closely as the doctor continued.

"Additionally, we emphasize sattvic food—a diet full of pure, fresh foods that uplift the mind and body. This, along with herbal remedies to balance her doshas, will gradually bring a sense of peace. Emotional healing, however, takes time. With regular counseling and a compassionate environment, she will begin to feel a connection to her child again and reclaim her own sense of self."

"I'll expect daily updates on her progress, Doctor." Dhruv nodded, feeling a sense of relief for the first time.

The doctor inclined his head. Dhruv reached into his pocket and pulled out a checkbook, signing a large sum and handing it over. The Vaidyar's eyes widened seeing the amount.

"This isn't necessary, Dhruv. All our patients receive care without regard for payment," the doctor insisted gently.

Dhruv placed the check on the table, his voice firm.

"Then consider this a fund to help those who can't afford treatment. I appreciate your care for my sister." With that, he offered the doctor a respectful nod and walked out of the doctor's cabin.

In the end, Sid was actually relieved that Dhruv had swept in and taken over. He was way out of his depth.

"Sid, I need to know." Dhruv asked, as the two men sat in the lawn, once Diya and Ansh fell asleep.

"To know what?" Sid asked bleakly.

"About you and Shraddha."

"What about me and Shraddha?" He was distracted, staring at the floor. Dhruv ran a hand over his stubbled chin.

"Diya believed the two of you were having an affair." Dhruv said.

That caught Sid's attention.

"She ... what?"

If Dhruv needed any further confirmation of just how badly he'd got his brother in law wrong, his expression offered it.

"Diya called me. That is why I came to Mussoorie. She asked me to intervene." The words tasted horrible in his mouth. Everything about it was disgusting to him.

"I can't believe it. Poor Diya."

"Poor Diya? Poor Shraddha.." Dhruv murmured..

"What? What happened to her?" Sid asked, still clueless. Then it clicked.

"Oh god! You married her to get her away from me?" Sid asked in disbelief.

"No.. I married her because I loved her.." Dhruv said vehemently.

Sid sighed in relief.

"But I came to Mussoorie with the sole intention of getting Shraddha out of your life, Sid. In the beginning, I too believed that you were having an affair with her. But when I got to know her, I realised she would never have an affair like that. But I still suspected that you were interested in her. That's why I hurriedly married her, without properly courting her." Dhruv said with a sigh.

"Damn!"

A/n

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