Even with pain medications, the pinching pain would make Nivritti flinch now and then. She was not allowed to sit or to lie on her sides. Now because of lying constantly, her back too started aching. Finally, she started sleeping on her right side but that too would cause pain in her left ribs.
She wanted to talk but knew that the moment she would open her mouth, her family would berate her, chide her, rebuke her for putting herself in harm's way. She had no idea who told them how much.
The first two days they were polite and understanding and trying to make Nivritti talk and laugh but she could hear the sarcasm and condescension in Apeksha's voice. She knew everyone was angry at her, even Jae-Hwa. Why? She could not figure out. Maybe it was for getting hurt or Jae-Hwa was dealing with survivor's guilt.
