My Wild Tormenter

7. Hiding Pain

Jahnvi felt extremely uncomfortable while holding Jake’s hand therefore she pulled her hands away. Witnessing her situation, Jake lends a hand to Jahnvi and asked if she is alright. Jahnvi nods her head and started moving forward but Jake noticed the bruise on Jahnvi’s forehead and approached her to let him help her, nevertheless, Jahnvi refused and said while being terrified, “It’s alright. You don’t have to worry about it.” Jake replied, “I only want to do my job. I’m a Doctor. Your bruise is bleeding out. You can get an infection.”

After reaching the Bloomfield Hotel, Jake has eased the pain and helped the bruise appear less swollen. However, he noticed other old contusions on her face and advised her to let him check on these old bruises too. Jahnvi explained, “Oh! Those bruises, I fell in a bathroom. I’m fine now though.”

Jake: “You know a doctor can tell by seeing the bruise how you got it. Hiding the crime is the biggest crime. Women who usually fell from stairs or in a bathroom their husbands are arrogant or abusive.”

Jahnvi: “If you are done with the work then I would like to go to my husband.”

Jake: “Alright! As you wish. I’ve to write your name in this form so please tell me your name.”

Jahnvi: “Mrs. Liam Flores”

Jake: “I’ve asked your name, not your identity. Look, Mrs. Liam Flores, I’m a married man I understand what marriage is like. Marriage is the intimate union and equal partnership between a man and a woman. There is space for arguments but not for maliciousness. There is space for pain but not for bruises. These little things make marriage successful or a failure.”

Jahnvi: “Right but there is space for forgiveness and compromise also. My marriage is my Dharma and my husband is everything to me. I would like to go to my husband now.”

Jahnvi stood up while Jake explained that he just can’t stand injustice and not everyone is like him. After that, he gave Jahnvi his card if she’s ever in a need. Jahnvi was proceeding to take Jake’s card but she heard Liam's voice and pulled her hands back. In the meantime, Liam came close to Jahnvi and said while kissing her forehead “Jahnvi, There you are. I’ve been searching for you all over the place. Everything is alright?”

Meanwhile, Jake replied, “No, she has some bruises.” Liam simpered and said, “Oh! Those bruises. She hit her head on a table. My wife is clumsy if you have any medication for that Doctor. Then, Please! Do recommend.”

Jake: “Take care, Mrs. Liam Flores, the bruises can be deeper next time. Being clumsy is not a disease, it’s a habit. I’m glad you told me she hit her head otherwise I was going to call the cops.”

Liam smiled and told Jake “there’s no need to do that” Meanwhile, he thanked Dr. Jake for his hospitality. Afterward, Liam grabbed Jahnvi’s hand and asked if she had told him anything. Jahnvi denied and tried to explain her situation but Liam grabbed her arm and dragged her to his room. Thereupon, Liam being suspicious asked “What did you tell me? Why did he want to call the cops?” Jahnvi trembling due to Liam’s pitch answered “I haven’t told him anything.  I swear to you.”

Liam was infuriated about how Jahnvi has brought unfortunate life to him. He growled about the party he had conducted for her birthday and she spoiled it, and how difficult it was for him to book a seat for this conference which she ruined it by her stupidity, and how she ruined his relationship with an investor by flaunting her bruises. Thereupon, Liam uttered in a loud voice “You made my life hell. I work so hard for my new business  and you always…” While holding his head with his hands he throwers the blanket at her and said, “Sleep on the sofa.” 

Later, Urvi and Jake were having a conversation on a phone call and he discussed the current event with Urvi, “I can’t understand. There are still women who don’t speak up about domestic violence. But, they can defend their husband. I tried Urvi so that she can tell me her truth but she was weird about it.” Urvi advised Jake that he should have called the cops. Jake told her “I would have called the cops but she doesn’t want to say anything against her husband.”

After their discussion, they both realized how perfect their marriage life is. They both work till Friday, and on Saturday for them, it’s ‘You and Me time’ and on Sunday it’s family time.

Next Day, Saturday Morning

The day dawned crisp and clear. The rising sun cast a rosy hue across the morning sky.   The just-risen sun shone softly on the city streets, bringing with it a flurry of early-morning activity. Urvi wakes up as she has a busy day ahead, she finished her breakfast fast. Jake called her to tell her that he’s on his way and will meet Urvi in the theater at 3 pm. Urvi agrees as she was rushing out.

Tears fell from Jahnvi’s eyes as she remembers all the things Liam said to her last night. In the meantime, she saw a cooking show on a TV and thought to cook something scrumptious for her husband, which will make him content and less bitter.  So, she noted down every ingredient while watching the show.

Meanwhile, Urvi joins a new hospital for weekends; the head of the hospital congratulated Dr. Urvi and felt honored to have such honorable doctors like her in his hospital. Suddenly, a nurse came in and told, “Mrs. Philips is having a contraction and her blood pressure is also high and Dr. Royal is not here yet and his phone number is not reachable.” Urvi pitches in and asks the head of the hospital to start from today due to crises. The head of the hospital agrees and told Urvi to wait just for five minutes.

At the same time, Jake kept trying to call Urvi. He was at the movie theater buying some popcorns and drinks for him and Urvi. Subsequently, Urvi called him while Jake asked, “Where are you Urvi? We are getting late for the movie. You know I don’t like to be late for movies.” But Urvi forgot she agreed to go to a movie with him during the daytime. So, she told Jake, “I thought you said in the evening after work.”

Jake: “Love, it's Saturday. Who works on Saturday? It’s our day. You made these rules that Saturdays will be for us and Sundays for family. Now come fast! I'm waiting for you.”

Urvi was filled with remorse and said “I can’t be there. I’m sorry.” Jake asked “You can’t? Why?” she assured him that she will explain this later when she will reach home. Jake cut-off the call being vexed and left the place while leaving the drinks on the counter. Urvi tried to call him back but he didn’t respond.

When Jake went home Urvi texted him ‘SORRY’ without responding to it he tried to rest. In the meantime,  Nonna called and requested him to help her get something at the tares. When Jake went towards the stairs, Nonna called Urvi “Yes! He’s coming there. Be ready!”