The chilling details emerging from the Shraddha Walkar murder case might take a toll on the emotional health of those following it as well as her near and dear ones, who may have to wait for months or years before bidding her farewell, said mental health experts.

Dr Harish Shetty, consulting psychiatrist at H L Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, said, “Many mothers are experiencing nightmares as well as girls who are in love. Most mothers have a false understanding that pushing it under the carpet is better than an open chat with their daughters. Parents should discuss their feelings and thoughts and help girls and boys audit their relationships without being condescending and authoritative. Banning love does not work, helping girls realise that ‘dil kholke hi nahi aankhe kholke pyaar karna chahiye’.”