The next morning dawned with a sense of anticipation and unease at the Raizada mansion. The family was gathered in the living room, their thoughts and emotions still raw from the previous night's revelations. Suddenly, the doorbell rang, cutting through the tension.

Ramu Kaka quickly answered the door and led a lady doctor into the room. She was poised and professional, her demeanor calm and reassuring.

"Good morning," she greeted, her voice gentle yet authoritative. "I'm Dr. Lavanya, a psychiatrist. I was called here to check on a seven-year-old girl."

Confusion washed over the family. Akash was the first to voice his thoughts, his brows furrowed in confusion. "A psychiatrist? Who called for a psychiatrist?"

Dr. Lavanya maintained her professional composure as she waited for someone to explain. Akash's eyes narrowed, suspicion turning into anger. He turned to Payal, his voice sharp. "Payal, did you call for a psychiatrist? What were you thinking?"

Payal's eyes widened in shock and hurt. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could explain, Arnav stepped forward, his voice steady and calm. "I called Dr. Lavanya."

The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at Arnav, their surprise evident. Arvind and Sunaina exchanged a glance, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and concern.

Arnav continued, his tone measured. "After hearing everything Payal said yesterday, I realized we need to take careful steps with Muskaan. I wanted to understand what's going on with her before overwhelming her with my emotions. I thought a new friend or another perspective could help Muskaan open up."

Hearing Arnav's thoughtfulness, Arvind and Sunaina felt a surge of pride and relief. Sunaina placed a gentle hand on Arnav's shoulder, her eyes shining with approval. "Arnav, we're so happy to see you trying to bond with Muskaan. This is the first step in the right direction."

Arvind nodded in agreement, his voice warm. "Your approach is wise, Arnav. We need to do whatever it takes to help Muskaan heal."

Akash, still processing the situation, turned to Arnav with a mixture of skepticism and concern. "But why involve a psychiatrist? Can't we handle this ourselves?"

Arnav's gaze was unwavering as he responded. "I understand your concern, Akash. But this is the need of the hour. Muskaan's behavior indicates deeper issues that we may not fully understand. Dr. Lavanya can help us navigate this and provide the support Muskaan needs."

Dr. Lavanya, sensing the family's anxiety, stepped in to offer reassurance. "I understand this is a difficult time for all of you. My role is to help Muskaan express her feelings and provide her with the tools to cope with her emotions. I'll work closely with all of you to ensure she feels safe and supported."

Akash sighed, his anger dissipating as he considered Arnav's words. "If you think this is what's best for Muskaan, then let's give it a try."

Arnav nodded, grateful for his family's support.

As the family settled in the living room, Dr. Lavanya took a seat and faced the group with a calm and professional demeanor. Arnav, still feeling the weight of his decision, looked at the doctor with a mix of hope and apprehension.

"Dr. Lavanya," Arvind began, his voice gentle, "we've decided to support Arnav's decision to have you help Muskaan. But there's something important we need to discuss."

Dr. Lavanya nodded, indicating she was ready to listen.

Sunaina leaned forward, her expression earnest. "Muskaan is very sensitive, especially about her parents. We think it would be best if you didn't reveal yourself as a psychiatrist. It might make her feel uncomfortable or even scared."

Dr. Lavanya's eyes softened with understanding. "I see. In that case, I can introduce myself as a friend of her mother's. It could help her feel more at ease and willing to open up."

Arnav's brows furrowed with concern. "But won't that give her false hope about her mother's presence? I don't want to hurt her more."

Dr. Lavanya gave him a reassuring smile. "I understand your concern, Mr. Raizada. It's important to approach this delicately. By introducing myself as her mother's friend, I can establish a connection that feels safe for her. It's about creating a bridge of trust. Once she feels comfortable, she'll be more likely to share what's in her heart."

The room fell silent as the family absorbed her words. Arnav still seemed uncertain but knew they had to trust the doctor's expertise.

"I guess we have to trust your judgment," Arnav said finally, his voice heavy with emotion.

"Thank you," Dr. Lavanya replied. "Now, before I meet Muskaan, I need to know everything about her recent behavior and history. This will help me understand her better and approach her in the right way. Payal, would you mind sharing what you know?"

Payal, who had been standing quietly to the side, stepped forward, her face a mix of anxiety and relief. "Of course, Dr. Lavanya. I've been closely monitoring Muskaan, especially after the incidents at school."

Dr. Lavanya nodded encouragingly. "That's good. Please, tell me everything."

Payal took a deep breath and began. "Muskaan has been talking to herself a lot, often mentioning her mother. She claims her mother tells her things, like where to find a photo or what to do. At first, I thought it was just her imagination, but it became more persistent."

"She's been struggling in school," Payal continued, her voice trembling slightly. "We've had to change her schools twice because she couldn't concentrate and even got into fights with other kids. One time, she threatened a friend who teased her about not having parents."

Dr. Lavanya listened attentively, taking mental notes. "That sounds very challenging. It's clear she's deeply affected by her parents' absence. Anything else?"

Payal nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "Yesterday, she was talking to herself in the park, saying she was speaking with her mother. Mrs. Sethi noticed it and mentioned it to me, which led to... well, my mistake of taking her to that occultist."

Dr. Lavanya reached out, placing a comforting hand on Payal's arm. "You were just trying to help. We all make mistakes when we're desperate to protect those we love."

Payal smiled weakly, grateful for the reassurance. "Thank you. I just want to do what's best for Muskaan."

Dr. Lavanya listened intently as Payal finished recounting the details about Muskaan. She nodded thoughtfully, then added, "But I need to know not only about Muskaan, but also about her mother."

The room fell silent. The mention of Khushi's name seemed to echo in the air, a ghost of the past that still haunted the Raizada family. Arnav stiffened, his hands clenching involuntarily. Memories of Khushi flooded his mind, her laughter, her voice, the way she lit up the room. He forced himself to stay composed, swallowing the lump in his throat.

Sensing the tension, Arvind took the lead. "Khushi was... she was special. You see, Arnav never believed in marriage. He was so focused on his work, always distant. We had to marry Akash first, thinking we'd never get Arnav to settle down. But then, at Akash and Payal's wedding, we saw Khushi. She was a burst of happiness, so full of life. I was astonished when Arnav told us he wanted to marry her. He was a tough nut to crack, but Khushi managed to do it effortlessly."

Sunaina's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she added, "Khushi was like a daughter to me... I never had a daughter, but with Payal and Khushi, I felt complete. Payal was the quiet, reserved type, but Khushi... she would turn the house upside down with her antics. She brought joy and laughter into our lives..." Sunaina's voice trailed off as she recounted the memories bringing a bittersweet smile to her lips.

Akash chimed in, his voice filled with affection. "Khushi was more than a sister-in-law to me. From day one, she was attached to us, making sure we felt her love and care. She had this amazing ability to make everyone feel special."

Payal, who had been quietly sobbing, now spoke through her tears. "Khushi was my best friend. We went to the same school and college. She meant the world to me. She took care of me like a sister, always looking out for me. I feel so guilty that I couldn't take care of her daughter in her absence. Arnavji and Khushi fell in love during my marriage, and seeing them together was like a fairy tale."

Dr. Lavanya listened attentively, her gaze shifting to Arnav. She noticed his discomfort, the way his body tensed at the mention of Khushi's name. He seemed jittery, unable to face the painful memories. It was clear that the wounds of losing Khushi were still raw, even after seven years.

Arnav struggled to keep his composure as the memories of Khushi's laughter and love filled his mind. He felt as if he was drowning in a sea of grief, the pain of her absence still as sharp as ever. He wasn't ready to confront these emotions, not yet. The loss was too overwhelming, too consuming.

Dr. Lavanya realized that the path to healing Muskaan also involved helping Arnav confront his grief. She needed to address both their emotional wounds to bring true healing to the family. She took a deep breath, her voice gentle but firm.

"Thank you all for sharing. It's clear that Khushi was a remarkable person who left a lasting impact on everyone. I can see how much she meant to each of you, and how her absence has affected not only Muskaan but also others. This is a journey we need to take together. I will work with Muskaan to help her, but I also need to work with you, Arnav. Both of you need to heal, and that starts with acknowledging the pain and finding a way to move forward."

Arnav looked at Dr. Lavanya, his eyes filled with a mix of pain and determination. He knew she was right. It was time to face his grief, for Muskaan's sake and his own. With a deep breath, he nodded, ready to take the first step towards healing.

Dr. Lavanya turned to the rest of the family. "It's important that we all stay consistent and supportive. I'll begin by spending some time with Muskaan, getting to know her and earning her trust. With your help, we can create a safe environment for her to express her feelings."

Arvind and Sunaina nodded in agreement, while Arnav's expression softened with resolve. "We'll do whatever it takes to help her" he said.

With a collective sense of determination, the family agreed to move forward with Dr. Lavanya's plan, hopeful that this new approach would bring the healing and understanding that Muskaan so desperately needed.

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Dr. Lavanya prepared herself to meet Muskaan. She knew that building trust with the little girl was the key to understanding her world. As she approached Muskaan's room, she took a deep breath and gently knocked on the door.

"Come in," a small voice called out from inside.

Lavanya entered to find Muskaan sitting on the floor, playing with her stuffed animals and a PlayStation controller. The room was bright and colorful, filled with toys and drawings. Muskaan looked up with curious eyes as Lavanya walked in.

"Hello, Muskaan," Lavanya said warmly. "I'm Lavanya. I'm a friend of your mother's."

Muskaan's eyes lit up with interest. "Really? You know my mummy?"

Lavanya nodded, sitting down on the floor beside her. "Yes, I do. She used to talk about you all the time. She told me you're very good at playing games. Is that true?"

Muskaan smiled proudly. "Yes, I love playing games! Do you want to play with me?"

"I'd love to," Lavanya replied, picking up a nearby stuffed animal. "What game are we playing?"

Muskaan handed Lavanya a stuffed bunny. "This is Mr. Fluffy. He's going on an adventure today."

Lavanya joined in the game, making Mr. Fluffy hop around. "So, Muskaan, what kind of adventures does Mr. Fluffy go on?"

Muskaan giggled. "He goes everywhere! Sometimes he flies to the moon, and sometimes he goes under the sea. Mummy says he's very brave."

Lavanya smiled, encouraged by Muskaan's openness. "Your mummy sounds like she tells great stories. What else does she tell you?"

Muskaan's face grew more animated. "Mummy tells me all sorts of things! She tells me where to find my favorite toys, and she always knows when I'm feeling sad. She's always with me, even when I can't see her."

Lavanya nodded thoughtfully. "That's wonderful, Muskaan. It sounds like your mummy is very special to you. Can you tell me more about her?"

Muskaan's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Mummy is the best! She has a beautiful smile and she always makes me laugh. She tells me secrets, too. Like where daddy hides my favorite cookies."

Lavanya chuckled, feeling a warmth towards the imaginative little girl. "Your mummy sounds like she knows everything about you. Does she talk to you often?"

Muskaan nodded vigorously. "Yes, she talks to me every day. She helps me with my homework and tells me stories before I go to sleep. Sometimes, she even plays games with me."

Lavanya's heart ached hearing Muskaan speak with such conviction about her mother's presence. It was clear that Khushi held a very special place in her daughter's heart. "You know, Muskaan, it's really nice to hear about your mummy. She sounds like a wonderful person."

Muskaan beamed. "She is! And she told me you'd come to visit. She said you'd be my friend too."

Lavanya felt a lump in her throat but maintained her gentle smile. "I'd love to be your friend, Muskaan. Maybe we can have lots of adventures together with Mr. Fluffy."

Muskaan nodded eagerly. "Yes, that would be fun! Mummy always says it's important to have good friends."

As Lavanya and Muskaan continued to play, Lavanya gently steered the conversation toward Muskaan's father.

"Muskaan, you know, I've heard a lot about your mummy. Can you tell me about your daddy?" Lavanya asked with a warm smile.

Muskaan's eyes lit up, and she smiled brightly. "Daddy is the best! He used to play video games with me all the time. We'd have so much fun together."

Lavanya feigned surprise. "Really? What kind of games did you play with your daddy?"

Muskaan giggled. "All kinds! We played racing games and fighting games. Daddy would let me win sometimes, but I know I'm really good too."

Lavanya's smile widened. "That sounds like a lot of fun. What else did you and your daddy do together?"

Muskaan's face grew even more animated. "Daddy used to help me get ready for school. He'd pick out my clothes and sometimes he'd even braid my hair! And we would always play pranks on mummy. She'd get so mad, but then she'd laugh because she knew we were just having fun."

Lavanya chuckled. "Pranks on mummy, huh? You must have had some good ones."

Muskaan nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, yes! Once, we put a fake spider in her coffee cup. She screamed so loud, but then she laughed and said we were both troublemakers."

Lavanya leaned in closer. "That sounds like such a happy time, Muskaan. Do you still get to play and spend time with your daddy now?"

Muskaan's expression changed, becoming more subdued. "Not as much anymore. Daddy is always busy with his work. He doesn't have time to play video games with me or help me get ready for school. Sometimes, I don't see him for days."

Lavanya felt a pang of sadness for the little girl. She had been informed about Arnav's aloofness and his emotional distance from his daughter. It was clear that what Muskaan was describing was a mix of cherished memories and her own imagination filling in the gaps left by her father's absence.

"That must be hard for you, Muskaan," Lavanya said gently. "It sounds like you miss spending time with your daddy."

Muskaan nodded, her eyes downcast. "I do miss him. Mummy says he loves me, but he's just really busy. I wish he wasn't so busy all the time."

Lavanya reached out and gently squeezed Muskaan's hand. "It's okay to feel that way. Your daddy does love you very much, even if he's busy. And I'm sure he misses spending time with you too."

Muskaan looked up, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "Really? You think so?"

Lavanya nodded confidently. "I do. And maybe we can find a way to remind him how important it is to spend time with you. How about that?"

Muskaan's smile returned, and she nodded eagerly. "Yes, that would be great!"

Lavanya's heart ached for the little girl who had created a comforting world of memories and imagination to cope with the absence of her parents. She knew that helping Muskaan reconnect with her father was crucial for her emotional well-being.

As Lavanya continued to play and talk with Muskaan, she realized that the little girl's world was filled with the comforting presence of her mother. Though Muskaan's way of coping with her mother's absence was unusual, it was not as complicated or troubling as everyone had feared. She was a bright, imaginative child who clung to the memory of her mother to feel safe and loved. During their light conversation, Lavanya learned that Muskaan's fantasies extended to her father as well. It was clear that these fantasies were a way for Muskaan to protect herself from the pain of abandonment. Lavanya knew that the next steps would involve gently guiding Muskaan to understand and accept her reality, while also providing her with the emotional support she needed. Lavanya also made a mental note to speak with Arnav about finding ways to be more present in his daughter's life. This was just the beginning of their journey, but Lavanya felt hopeful. With time, patience, and care, she believed that both Muskaan and Arnav could find healing and a way forward.

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Hope you all like it.

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Love, Uzma ❤