"I'm sorry Mr. Singh, your Son just passed away" answered the doctor, devastated by the news Anvay held the doctor by his collar in the most intimidating manner possible "what do you mean he passed away? Didn't you say he was fine earlier and that it wasn't anything serious, then what do you mean by he passed away?"
"Believe me Mr. Singh, I'm equally shocked and confused by his sudden and unexpected demise, in fact even his reports appeared to be normal, to be honest there isn't any medical explanation that I can offer you at the moment" the doctor regretfully told Anvay who then released him allowing himself a moment to let the reality of his son's apparent death to sink in.
Anvay walks towards his son who laid lifeless on the bed and drops down on his knees next to him holding on to his hand, overcome by grief he begins to weep. The doctor unsure of how to console Anvay instructed everyone to step out. As Anvay wept, he recalled all the memories he had with Lakshya from the day he was born when he got hold him for the first time, his first steps as a toddler till his graduation and the final moments he had with him earlier before he left to celebrate. The flood of memories intensified his grief plunging him into a state of disbelief.
"This can't be true, this cannot happen...... my Lakshya can't die like this" Anvay told himself refusing to accept the reality before him. He gets up and heads straight to the prayer area where he pleads before the idol of the Goddess.
"Mother, please bring my son back..... I know why this has happened, but even then I beg you to bring him back.... my innocent son doesn't deserve this, I'm the guilty one not him... please don't punish him for my sins... I beg you please..... if you need a life then take mine instead" following which Anvay then walks out of the hospital and heads straight towards the lake situated behind the same. He then steps into the water and keeps moving in further till he get immersed, as he begins to sink a blue serpent enters Lakshya's ward through the window and slithers up to his body while resting on his chest. The serpent then moves further close to his face and bites him in the same spot where he was bit earlier by the red snake reversing the effects of the venom injected earlier and initiating his pulse before slithering away.
Lakshya then inhales a short burst of air as he rises up marking his revival while on the other hand Anvay begins sinks to the bottom of the lake, as he is close to drowning a woman begins to swim towards him and rescues him out of the water. Apparently someone had noticed him walk into the lake and raised an alarm when he didn't come out suspecting an attempt to commit suicide.
Anvay was then resuscitated by the same woman who was apparently a volunteer at the hospital who had administered basic CPR. "Thank goodness, he's back" said the volunteer
Anvay then rose up, upset at his failed attempt yet unsure of how to react to the turn of events, while staring at the lake
The Volunteer then helps him stand up and takes him back inside to counsel the distraught man. "I know life isn't easy, and circumstances can force people to take extreme measures, but this is still not right, suicide may end your own pain, but what about the ones you leave behind?" the volunteer reasoned
"Suicide? Dad why would you attempt that?" a familiar voice asked from a distance, and to Anvay's surprise Lakshya was standing right before him unlike earlier when he was presumed to be dead. Anvay quickly gets up and walks towards Lakshya, caressed his face before embracing him, overjoyed yet emotional at the same time which was evident from the way he broke down in tears leaving Lakshya confused who then asks "What's wrong dad?" to which he replies, "You're okay...."
Lakshya pulls backs to ask, "What could happen to me, I'm okay as you see, but why am I here exactly?"
"Don't you remember anything?" Anvay asked Lakshya giving him a confused look, to which Lakshya responds with a no. "It doesn't matter anymore as long as you're okay" Anvay replies shortly after which they run into the doctor who was in charge of Lakshya. The doctor was astonished at the sight before him, "It's a miracle, that even a rare one, young man you were declared dead a while ago and look at you now, back on your feet" the doctor exclaimed
"I died? How and why?" Lakshya asked the doctor
"We don't know the exact reason of your apparent death, however I'd advise you to avoid consuming too much alcohol at a time, perhaps it simply doesn't suit you, other than that I see no further issues" the doctor cautioned Lakshya
As Anvay and Lakshya left to undertake the discharge procedures, the volunteer who earlier consoled Anvay stood there watching the two leave with an ice cold glare as she thought to herself, "how can I let you die so easily when you deserve to suffer the most, for which you need to live so you can watch all those you cherish suffer and die right before your eyes "
Anvay and Lakshya stepped out of the hospital once they were done completing the discharge procedures and headed straight to Anvay's car with Lakshya taking the passenger's seat and Anvay getting behind the wheel. Just as Anvay started the car and was about drive away, he realized that he left his smartphone behind at the billing counter.
"Son, I left my wallet at the billing office, wait here till I get back" Anvay informed Lakshya as he was about to get out of the car who was then held back by his son, "in that case, I'll get it dad" Lakshya tells his father who then tries to reason with him, "No you need to rest, what if you pass out again?" Anvay expresses his concern while hoping Lakshya would give in and stay back much to his annoyance who then explains "dad I'm okay, trust me I've never felt better, you're behaving as if I'm some sickly person who can't manage on their own, please don't worry"
"But—" Anvay was cut off by Lakshya, "Dad please, allow me" Lakshya told him as he stepped out immediately and headed back into the hospital to collect his father's phone. As he reached the billing office he saw a commotion between the billing staff and an old lady who was being pressured into paying an enormous amount which she apparently couldn't afford the failure to do which could cost her grandchild's life. "Please allow me some time to deposit the amount, at the moment this is all I have, if the surgery isn't done right away my grandson could die" begged the old woman
"I am sorry ma'am but you have to deposit the entire amount as per the hospital policy" the hospital employee told her
"Please reconsider, I'll pay you eventually" the old lady assured them however the hospital staff turned down her request, "I'm sorry ma'am but we can't help you with that" causing the old lady to break down in tears.
Lakshya who sympathized with the old lady was just about to offer her financial relief when someone behind him marched forward straight to the counter. It was a young woman dressed in a yellow Kurti and jeans who seemed to be in her mid 20s, "Don't you'll feel sorry for the poor old lady, does your hospital value money above human life?" asked the young woman infuriated by the hospital staff's apathy towards the old lady. She took out a cheque book from her purse and signed off the required amount before depositing the same at the counter. She then assured the old lady that her grandson's surgery will be conducted as planned and that she needn't worry about it any more to which the old lady thanked her "God bless you my child, I can't thank you enough for what you've done" to which the young woman replied "Granny, I've only done what I felt was needed, please don't worry anymore and if you need any more assistance don't hesitate to reach out to me" she told the old lady as she borrowed her cellphone and saved her contact details in the same before returning it.
Lakshya was impressed by her generosity and grew curious about her, as she turned back and walked past him he couldn't help but direct his attention towards her almost as if she were the only person around. As soon as she left he snapped out and headed towards the counter to collect his father's smartphone.
"Do you know anything about that young lady?" Lakshya enquired to which the staff worker responds, "She's Mahima, one of the volunteers helping out here, a very kind and generous person"
"She is indeed a generous one, however can you explain why exactly were you'll adamant at refusing to treat that old lady's grandchild especially when my dad's company is funding your hospital for that very purpose, which is to provide medical care to those who are economically weak?" Lakshya questioned the hospital staff at the billing office
"I'm sorry Sir, but we're just following the management's instructions" the staff member revealed
"In that case, l'd like to have a word with them over this, also issue a refund to the volunteer who paid on behalf of the old woman" Lakshya told them before leaving the office. As he walked through the hallway he caught a glimpse of Mahima who was helping tend a patient in their ward. Lakshya couldn't help but notice the sincerity and compassion that exuded from her and was pleased to know that selfless people like her existed to make this world a bearable place to live in, he wanted to meet her personally and appreciate her for what she had done but refrained himself not wanting to interrupt the young woman currently devoting herself to nurturing the sick, hence he just leaves and walks out of the hospital and back into the car where his father waited for him, "What took you so long?" Anvay asked Lakshya appearing concerned over the delay for retrieving his smartphone.
"Nothing much dad, just got caught in the middle of a commotion regarding the hospital's apathetic approach to some of its patients" Lakshya narrated to his father the entire incident that took place right before him and how the matter was resolved.
"In that case we'd need to address this issue, but at the same time I'm very grateful to that volunteer, it's good that you asked the hospital to refund the bill she paid" Anvay replied in agreement following which he then started the car and drove back home.
...........................................................................................................................................................
Srishti who had just woken up headed straight to the bathroom to shower and brush her teeth, once she was done she stepped out back into her room, blow dried her hair and changed into her usual denim pants and casual hooded sweatshirt before heading downstairs to join her parents and siblings for breakfast. At the dining table Srishti was preoccupied with the events that took place the previous night and thought of calling Abhay to check on him.
Srishti's father noticed the worried look on her face prompting him to ask "What's wrong Srishti? You seem bothered, all good?"
"Actually, Lakshya was driven to the hospital last night" answered Srishti who was evidently disturbed and worried.
"What happened exactly?" her father asked
"We're not sure, we just found him lying unconscious in the men's restroom, when he didn't get up we immediately rushed him to the hospital, however the doctors couldn't find anything wrong with him" Srishti answered
"I see, why don't you visit him today instead of going to college" her mother suggested
"Yeah you should sis, that way you'll get to spend more time with him" teased her younger sister Shreya
"Shut up Shreya!" Srishti retorted, "Mom, I don't know..... I'm not sure if that would be okay" Srishti told her mother expressing her hesitation
"Don't worry much about that, just go and pay him a visit, I'll inform Anvay about the same" her father assured.
Once Srishti was done with her breakfast she rose up to leave but then realised that she left her car at the pub last night, she quickly headed upstairs to her room and picked up her clutch which laid on the dresser, as she opened it she found the key missing.
"Shoot! If leaving the car behind wasn't bad, this is even worse" Srishti thought to herself
She then heads down again seeming quite hesitant about whether to tell her parents or not about the missing key.
"Dad, actually I left the car behind last night, it was Abhay who dropped me home" Srishti informed him
"Oh... is that so? In that case I can drop you" her father offered
"No that's alright, I'll manage dad" she told him
"Are you sure?" Her mother asked out of concern
"Yes mom, I'll manage" Srishti answered following which she steps out as her parents watch her leave. Her mother turns and walks towards her father, "I can't believe she's all grown up now, I'll miss her once she's married and gone" her mother expressed getting emotional
"I agree" her father replied suppressing his emotions
"Don't worry mom and dad, she isn't one to leave so easy" Shreya joked while trying to console them
..............................................................................................................................................................
At the Singh family's residence Anvay's mother Chandrika was carrying out the ritual of ousting the evil eye that could have possibly afflicted her grandson Lakshya, she circled the the salt and red chillies around him seven times before disposing it away.
"Dadi (paternal grandmother) what is this?" Lakshya asked in an annoyed tone
Chandrika twists his left ear in response, "Ouch! Dadi stop" Lakshya flinched "shut up, this is for your own good" Chandrika scolds him
She then moves on to Abhay and repeats the same ritual over him who tries his best to resist but in vain
Shipra was at the prayer room offering her prayers of thanks to God.
Once Shipra was done she headed straight to her sons to offer them the Arti flame followed by her husband Anvay and the rest of the family in the living room.
"I can't believe you were declared dead" Abhay who was right next to Lakshya whispered to him
"Neither do I, It's actually quite strange" Lakshya whispered back
Anvay's older brother Shashi was just heading downstairs from his room while he was seemingly attending an important business call and heads out straight joining his Son Chetan who was waiting out for him in their car.
"I thought we got lucky for a while knowing we didn't have to do much but I guess we were wrong, it's Lakshya who is luckier... like why couldn't he just remain dead." Chetan grumbled
"Don't worry son, we'll get plenty of opportunities to beat them later, you just need to stay put" Shashi told his son who then drives away
Back inside, Rani who is Lakshya and Abhay's cousin began to pester the two regarding Srishti whom she had grown close to over the year while they were seated on the couch. "Srishti must be worried, did you call her up Lakshya?" asked Rani
" No I haven't yet...." Lakshya answered feeling a twinge of guilt
"Why not? She was worried sick about you last night, in fact she was the one who kept pushing to look for you" Abhay added
"You're right, I'll give her a call right away" Lakshya agreed as he pulled out his smartphone to give her a call however she walks in at that very moment.
"Speak of the devil, and the devil appears" Abhay muttered which Rani took note of and pointed, "You meant she's long lived right, bhaiya?"
"Yeah you could say that" Abhay reluctantly agreed while rolling his eyes
Srishti walked towards them before getting greeted by Shipra, while Rani just rushed towards her to give her a hug, "Happy New year!!!!" Rani greeted Srishti
"Wish you the same" Srishti greeted her back
"You must have been worried, I'm glad you came by" Rani told Srishti who was overjoyed at that moment
As they break apart, she then walks towards Lakshya and Abhay along with Rani. "How are you feeling now?" Srishti asked Lakshya expressing her concern
"Better, in fact like I've never been sick at all" Lakshya replied
"That's great, I guess you should cut down on your drinks..." Srishti trailed after realizing she shouldn't have brought up his drinks "or perhaps stop completely" Abhay added to clear the awkwardness between them
"I'm sorry, I should have called you up, it just slipped out of my mind" Lakshya apologized to Srishti noticing her awkward yet dejected expression
"Please don't be sorry, I'm just glad you're well" Srishti told him expressing her relief before approaching Abhay, "I hope you'll don't mind but I'll need to borrow him for a while" she told them before dragging Abhay outside
"What is it now?" Abhay asked out of annoyance
"I need your help" Srishti told him
"What happened?" he asked further
"Remember I left my car back yesterday, well actually it's not just the car... I guess I dropped my key as well" Srishti answered
"And you need me because of?" Abhay asked raising his eyebrow
"That place would be closed right now, so they wouldn't entertain any requests nor would they let me enter, I would have waited if I could but the thing is I haven't told my parents about losing the key so I'll need a really good reason for staying out later than usual" Srishti explained
"But what do you need from me regarding this?" Abhay asked once again
"The owner is a friend of yours, perhaps you could call him up regarding this, also can you please drop me there" Srishti requested, Abhay then recalled about a key he had earlier picked up and handed it over to the staff, "You could ask Lakshya to drop you too.." Abhay asked her to which she responds, "I could do that, but I don't think it would be right to trouble someone that just came out of the hospital"
"So you'll trouble me instead?" Abhay taunts her
"Who else would I then, you're the only other person I know who could speak to the owner, would it kill you to help me this once?" Srishti pleads hoping he'd agree to her request
"Okay fine, so relax" Abhay agrees following which he heads back in to pick his key informing Lakshya about the same. He then heads out followed by Srishti who hops into his jeep with him behind the wheel and drive off.
While they're on their way which lies on a hill, a strange woman observes them from a distance, her eyes begin to glow and face turns scaly transforming her lower body into that of a serpents tail which she uses to dislodge a large boulder from its place causing it to roll down its way to Abhay's vehicle.
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Author's Note:
Hello friends,
Sorry for the grammatical errors, will edit and update them later so you may end up receiving notifications regarding the same.
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