You are mine only (Sequel)

8. Allow me

Shabd and Kriti exchanged worried glances, and Kriti hurried after Rahi. Setu and Shabd took their seats on the couch, facing Manish, their eyes lingering on Rahi's frail figure. The woman was stubborn and struggling with her mental health. How could they leave her alone in this villa, surrounded by Anant's memories? How much longer could they endure living here?

"She needs treatment. Her mental illness is severe, Dad," Setu said, his voice filled with panic. Rekha placed a hand over her mouth, sobbing quietly. Manish leaned back on the couch, closing his tearful eyes.

Shabd spoke with a heavy heart, "She won't agree."

"We can't leave her alone here. She'll be isolated and helpless, sinking deeper into depression," Setu expressed, his concern evident. Manish sighed helplessly, his gaze meeting Rekha's tear-filled eyes.

"Go and try to convince her to come with us," Manish requested, his voice choked with emotion.

Rekha nodded amidst her tears, wiping them away, and left the living room.

The room was enveloped in silence as Manish, Shabd, and Setu sat on the couch, burdened by the weight of their emotions. Their words were caught in their chests, choking them. Suddenly, a familiar voice broke the oppressive silence. They turned their attention to the tall man standing before them.

"May I offer a solution?" Raghav Williams asked, his voice heavy and hoarse. Taking a seat in front of Manish, he looked deeply into his eyes.

"What solution do you have?" Setu asked.

Raghav looked at Manish.

"Rahi is not just your daughter-in-law; she is also the proprietor of the world's largest company. We need to consider that," he suggested.

Manish squinted his weak eyes, trying to read Raghav's expression.

"What do you mean?"

Raghav smirked. "Anant worked tirelessly to establish Invincible Corporation. Now, the responsibility falls solely on Rahi's shoulders. In order to help her overcome her mental condition, instead of sheltering her with sympathy, she needs this responsibility. She is capable of stepping into Anant's shoes and preserving the company he built. Anant wouldn't have wanted his creation to crumble."

Manish nodded, his gaze serious as he turned to Shabd.

"Invincible Corporation relies on Anant. We've managed to keep the truth the accident hidden from the world, but it won't remain that way for long. The business world will soon find out. We can't stop the stock from plummeting. I believe Raghav is right. However..."

Manish looked at Raghav, his voice trembling.

"Rahi is not in a condition to handle all of this. She doesn't comprehend the present, the past, or the future. How can she bear such a tremendous responsibility? She lacks the mental balance required. We must take her with us and seek the help of the best doctor to help her regain normalcy."

Raghav nodded, raising his eyebrows. He glanced at Shabd and Setu before locking eyes with Manish. "There is no need for a doctor. I can handle this."

His statement seemed unbelievable. Shabd couldn't help but respond sarcastically, "And how do you plan to do that?"

"Trust me. I can handle everything," Raghav insisted, his voice full of conviction.

Shabd, consumed by anger, stood up and clutched his waist.

"Are you out of your mind? Can't you think before uttering such nonsense? She is mentally ill and in a dire condition. Without treatment, she will deteriorate."

Manish shifted his gaze between Shabd and Raghav.

"What guarantee do we have that she will recover under your care? Will she forget her memories?" Raghav responded to Shabd's concerns before turning his gaze back to Manish.

"She is your daughter-in-law, but she is also responsible for the thousands of workers at Invincible Corporation. She needs to regain her normalcy for their sake and for the sake of the company," Raghav stated.

Setu and Manish exchanged glances, contemplating Raghav's words. Shabd, overwhelmed with anger, stormed out of the living room and made his way upstairs.

"Listen, son, I’ve already lost my son. I can't bear to lose my daughter-in-law and grandson as well. I don't understand what you're suggesting. All I want is for Rahi to be happy and return to her normal self," Manish said, his voice trembling with hope. Tears welled up in his weak eyes, and his palms clenched tightly.

Raghav smiled confidently, nodding in understanding. "I know, uncle. I witnessed how Anant supported Rahi when they lost their first child and her mental state deteriorated. Trust me, uncle. Just give me some time and allow me."

There was hope and trust shining in Raghav's deep eyes, and that's what Manish wanted to see. Slowly, he nodded, tears streaming down his face, and grasped Setu's arm.

Setu understood his father's unspoken command and helped him to his feet. They left the living room, and Raghav watched their retreating figures with a sinister smile. He pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took two deep puffs, as if his heart had finally found some peace after hearing Manish's agreement.