There was a lot of internal bleeding around her pelvic girdle which showed up as bruises around her pelvic girdle. The doctors had declared this as a police case after reviewing the Ct scans. She would have to be on bed rest for quite a long time. She looked awful lying on the hospital bed. Mama was terrified and was going crazy wondering what would happen if what Rani had said comes out to be true?
Ali who seemed to have heard her thoughts said, "How did Asia get so beat up by the bathroom floor? The snake thing doesn't make any sense whatsoever and if it actually makes sense I cannot ever go to the washroom, ever. There could be some other dimension's portal laden with two-faced snakes lurking there that can crush your bones." Ali ended with a shudder.
"Asia will answer the police when she wakes up 5 hours later. I asked Rani to make some chicken soup for Asia. Also, something for us to eat. This hospital's food is tasteless."
They weren't allowed in Asia's room until the police have taken her official statement. The police had taken Mama and Ali's statement. They had even visited the location for any signs of break-ins. But they couldn't see any signs of a forced break-in. It was very clear that the police was suspecting Ali and Mama for physical abuse.
Asia woke up after the effect of her medicine wore down. Unfortunately, she didn't remember anything because it was expected considering the amnesia and memory loss associated with concussion. The police allowed a supervised meeting of Mama and Asia. Mama gave her the chicken noodle soup that Rani brought. The yummy food brought a little smile to Asia's otherwise dull face.
Mama and Ali wanted to stay with Asia in her room but they were not allowed to do so, instead, they had booked an attendee's room in hospital because it felt wrong leaving her all alone.
Next day around noon a nurse woke them up to meet Asia who was calling them and that she had now remembered everything and was ready to give her official statement. She told them about a snake that had attacked her. This alarmed the police to look for the said snake in the vicinity. It was important to let the neighbourhood know about a potential snake intrusion.
Mama and Ali were dumbfounded. They didn't see any snake. But Rani did. Also, Rani saw multiple snakes which were two-headed. The police lifted all the restrictions on Asia's family. They were now allowed to meet freely.
When the police left Asia told Mama and Ali exactly what had happened.
"I didn't tell the whole truth to the police because there was no way they would have believed it. But Nurse Iqra told me that the police and doctors believed that I was physically abused by you guys so I had to tell the truth. The bruises can confirm that I was being brutally crushed by a snake. However, Law and science workaround logic and easily accessible facts. Even though what happened was true, cannot be proven. The world deems true whatever is backed up with proof." Asia said with a poker face and a long stare at the ceiling.
"Asia," Mama looked at Ali nervously, "there is something you need to know. Rani saw all of it. She said that the snakes of Tabasha had gained access to your body. We couldn't lift you up when you were on the floor but when she placed her own amulet on your chest the snakes apparently slithered away back into the commode, where they live."
"What? How?" Asia instantly sat up in the hospital bed which ensued an episode weak painful chest coughs and pain in her fractured ribs.
"Move slowly," said Mama as she rubbed her back lightly.
"Rani is bringing food in a little while. And she will explain everything. Don't worry. Try to relax."
The doctors had recommended a month complete bed rest and physiotherapy because of her broken rib. It was going to be difficult for her to cough easily or even laugh easily. Physiotherapy is pivotal in this case scenario. Bed rest renders muscles weak and inefficient and in most cases results in bed sores. However, Asia could turn sides on the bed with a little help it still wasn't pain-free or easy.
An hour later Rani brought yummy pumpkin pie smoothie for Asia. The smoothie literally tasted just like like a pumpkin in liquid form. She also brought her version of a sweet onion chicken teriyaki sub sandwich. Just the way Asia liked it parmesan oregano bread toasted, pickles, lettuce, olives, honey mustard, chipotle sauce, double cheese and double meat. Except what Rani made was actually fresh and healthy. Ali got his classic subway melt Rani-made. Mama opted for mutton pulao. Rani being the magician managed to make everything super delicious and on time.
Asia wanted to talk about the snakes of Tabasha but Rani asked to finish her meal because this Tale was gonna need a lot of energy to digest.