Chereads / The Haunting of Julien / Chapter 9 - Allergy

Chapter 9 - Allergy

She supported Ava and seated her on the scooter, speeding toward the doctor's clinic.

Upon arrival, Hazel informed the doctor, "Ava fainted again."

The doctor's expression turned serious.

Hazel pressed for answers. "You didn't reveal the full truth last time. What's happening to Ava?"

The doctor hesitated before explaining, "Ava has a severe flower allergy. Even slight fragrances trigger respiratory issues."

Hazel's concern deepened.

The doctor continued, "Her childhood condition worsened over time. Medication once controlled it, but that's no longer available."

After examining Ava, the doctor prescribed medication to stabilize her breathing.

Hazel asked, "Is there no cure?"

The doctor replied, "Not yet, but I'm working on it. These medicines will increase her breathing capacity. Exercise and physical activity can also help."

Hazel revealed, "She can't exercise due to childhood leg injuries."

The doctor suggested alternative breathing exercises. "Try yoga and pranayama."

Hazel vowed, "I'll make sure she does it."

The doctor handed Hazel an emergency medication kit. "Keep this with you. If Ava's condition worsens, administer it immediately."

Back home, no one knew about Ava's flower allergy. Only Dravid was aware of Ava's occasional health struggles.

One and a half hours passed, and Ava slowly regained consciousness.

Hazel's relieved voice greeted her. "How are you feeling now?"

Ava's weak smile answered, "I'm fine. No one at home knows I'm here."

Hazel reassured her, "Don't worry, no one found out. And even if they did, what's the worst that could happen?"

Ava remained silent, still coughing intermittently.

Together, they stepped outside, and Ava inhaled the fresh air, her thoughts drifting to Julien.

"Why am I thinking of him now?" she wondered.

Their differences struck her – Ava's severe flower allergy versus Julien's butterfly nature, dependent on flowers.

"Flowers are his lifeblood, while they're my downfall," Ava mused.

Hazel's voice interrupted her reverie. "Ava, are you okay?"

Ava shook off her thoughts and accompanied Hazel home.

Unbeknownst to Ava, her father had witnessed Hazel rushing her away.

Now, concern etched his face. "Are you okay now?" he asked, his voice laced with helplessness.

Ava's father knew about her flower allergy, but he felt powerless to protect her.

Flowers were omnipresent in their culture – used for decoration and worship.

Their family's event management business, "Divine Celebrations," specialized in lavish weddings and ceremonies.

The Geeta recitation, Ava realized, was likely a prep event for an upcoming high-profile wedding.

Their company had been hired to manage the event, and her family was hosting the recitation as a precursor.

Ava's father couldn't refuse the client's requests, including the elaborate floral arrangements.

His frequent absences, overseeing events, added to his frustration.

Ava sensed her father's distress and offered a reassuring smile.

Just then, Kathy appeared, "Madam is asking for you. The client wants to finalize the decorations."

Ava's father hesitated, "Tell her I'll be right there."

Ava's father asked again, his voice laced with concern, "Are you okay now?"

Ava detected the helplessness behind his words.

"I'm fine, Papa," she reassured him. "Please don't mention my allergy to anyone at home."

Her father's brow furrowed. "Why not, beta? They should know."

Ava's voice dropped to a whisper. "They'll think I'm pretending, trying to avoid work. They won't understand."

A hint of sadness crept into her father's eyes.

Ava's gaze locked onto his, her voice filled with longing. "Someday, my fate will change. Everyone will like me."

Her father's expression softened.

Changing the subject, Ava asked, "Can I stay at Hazel's house tonight?"

She couldn't bear the thought of returning to the flower-filled home.

Her father nodded without hesitation. "Yes, dear. You can stay at Hazel's."

No questions asked.

Ava sensed his relief, knowing she'd be safer with Hazel.

As Ava prepared to leave, her father's voice stopped her. "Ava?"

"Yes, Papa?"

"Be careful, okay?"

Ava smiled, her heart filled with gratitude.

Ava arrived at Hazel's house, just a short walk from her own.

She noticed Hazel's grandmother was absent, and asked, "Isn't your grandmother home today?"

Hazel smiled mischievously. "You know her, always on the go! She's had a kitty party and gone on a picnic for two-three days."

Ava chuckled, familiar with Hazel's grandmother's adventurous spirit.

After her grandfather's passing, she had refused to let societal expectations confine her.

Instead, she embraced life with gusto – working as a dress designer, attending kitty parties, and going on picnics.

Hazel continued, "My parents won't be back this month. Maybe around Diwali."

Ava's eyes sparkled. "Perfect, we have holidays then."

Hazel invited, "You must come to my house this Diwali. My mom makes amazing sweets."

Ava promised, "I'll try."

Hazel's parents, government employees in another city, left her in her grandmother's care.

As a result, Hazel often stayed at Ava's place, and they grew incredibly close.

Their bond deepened from shared experiences and late-night conversations.

As they settled in, Hazel asked, "Want some tea or snacks?"

Ava nodded, grateful for the peaceful atmosphere .