Sad that I am alive?

Ch-34

Laya opened her eyes feeling happy. At least a stranger was concerned about her. That was enough. She had enough of being with these toxic people. She needs freedom. Laya decided to leave these people and everything behind after her discharge. Feeling parched, she felt a thirst for water. She tried to take a glass of water which was placed beside her bed. She tried to take that with her right hand, but she couldn't lift it due to the burn she got. So… feeling uncomfortable she tried to take the glass with her left hand. Even though it was hard for her, she tried to take it. She can guess their treatment towards her, even after she was hospitalized there was no one besides her. They only want her properties or some other things.

Feeling bitter, she reached the glass. She tried to hold it tightly but it slipped and fell out of her hands. The sound of glass cracking could be heard outside.

The people who stayed outside came inside immediately, feeling worried. She spared a single glance at them and again didn't spare a second glance.

"Yashwant, can you get a glass of water for your Atha (aunt)?" Laya asked in her parched voice.

The little guy Yashwant nodded her head to her and left to get some water. But Durga also went along with him. Laya was sure about one thing. That she wants something in her life and leaves these toxic people. After all, she was an orphan. An orphan has no place.

Even though she looked at everyone for once… she didn't see her great husband. She sneered to herself. Even after all these, he wasn't there for her. What could she expect from him? She was like this because of him. But he didn't even care to look at her.

"How are you?" Arjun asked.

"alive. Sad that I am alive?" she asked, looking straight into his eyes, shocking him. Because her eyes were emotionless. Before… he could tell whether she was happy or sad. But now they were emotionless like the eyes of a dead person.

What did they do to his sister? Arjun cried with tears of blood.

"Laya… how could you say that? He is concerned about you," Raghuram said.

"Just like you. He is concerned. That's the reason he got me married. He is concerned that's why he found a monster to me. And like one plus one offer, even his mother is a monster. Who beats me daily. She doesn't even let me eat. It's been four days since I have eaten before getting hospitalized. I only get to eat twice a week! All the maids were fired just because I entered their house. I shouldn't sleep in a bed since he is out of the station. A tattered blanket and smelly pillow are my sofa, couch, and bed.

"Water is my food. The kitchen is my workplace. Cleaning the floor, cleaning bathrooms, washing clothes, and washing dishes is my work. And have to water the wide garden all alone! And then I have to become a sandbag for my mother-in-law if her son doesn't call her every day. Right?

"Big brother, I cannot afford your concern. Please take it back. I am tired," Laya said.

Sharada, Raghuram, Sitamma, Arjun, Abhinav, Durga were stunned at her words. They never expected she would be treated like this.

The glass in Durga's hands almost slipped from her hands. Even though her in-laws were misogynists they never tortured her like this.

"Every day, I have to wake up with pain and sleep with new bruises. I was cursed by her and called a prostitute and every word that women feel offended. But I never said anything against her. I don't know what's her problem. My phone was snatched by her, but she returned to me saying that I am an orphan.

"Indeed, I am an orphan. I realized it in a hard way," Laya said to them with a painful smile.

"But I am sure you all are happy right? I am a burden. Have I ever said a single word or asked for a single penny all these years? Even though my dad's shares are 1/3rd of your companies? I never asked. I only asked for your love. But now I realized… I am not worthy of your love. If you're here to finish the familial duties. I am glad that you came to see whether I am dead or not. Since I am alive, you can leave now," Laya said to them harshly.

Durga, who stood silent, stepped forward and tried to give the glass of water. Laya's throat was now burning for water. Her voice turned raspy for every second that passed. She badly wanted water but she didn't dare to take the glass from Durga.

"I cannot afford to accept the kindness of you and your husband," Laya said.

At that very second, a nurse came inside. Laya asked her for water. The nurse poured water for her and handed it to her. Drinking the whole glass, she decided to keep the glass aside.

She mouthed a thank you to the nurse and handed the glass.

"I am tired. I need rest," she said and slept on the bed turning to the left as her right hand was burned from her shoulder to hand.

Meanwhile…

No one noticed Rahul standing outside the ward and heard every word said by her. Tears pooled down his eyes when he realized how much she went through all these days. He broke the walls around her heart one by one during their marriage. But now, his mother made her build stronger walls than before. What shall he do?

He held the medicine covers and the food package in either of his hands tightly. He walked back to his car feeling sad.