The Artificial Jury

7. Their Transferred Epithets

"Why the heck is this car not working now?" Abhinav mumbled in anger. Mihika laughed a bit. 

"Maybe, the car wants us to have a walk," Mihika replied sarcastically and Abhinav glared at her.

"Ok, don't eat me up. I was saying that we can have a walk. After what I have done with Avi, I am feeling very suffocated. I just think that walking with nature can fresh us up." Mihika replied. 

"I don't find this idea boring. So, let's go." Abhinav said with a smile and raised his hand for Mihika's hand. She acted as if she was placing her hand but stopped midway. 

"I am capable enough." saying this Mihika ran fast and Abhinav tried to chase her.

Suddenly rain started and Mihika gasped at the touch. It was so cold. She stopped and Abhinav finally took a hold of her waist. 

"Abhinav" Mihika couldn't speak. He turned her and she faced his front. He cupped her cheek and Mihika closed her eyes. Suddenly lightning stroke. Mihika clutched his collar and hid her face in his chest. 

"It's rare to see a timid form of a rather savage Mihika," Abhinav spoke in a husky tone near her ear and she lifted her face to see his face. 

"Abhi." Abhinav placed his finger on her lips. He embraced her tight. 

"I don't know why I feel so much drawn towards you. I just want to say that please never leave me. I just want you as my friend. I might look very desperate, but I want to say that you have gained importance equal to Miya and Avika in my life. I can't help. I don't know. My liking towards you is strong, really strong. Usually, my feelings fade away in an hour or two. But, for you, I had a feeling of disgust and hatred at the beginning but as I got to know you intimately, I just knew that you're one of the most beautiful things that happened to me. I am not saying that I love you, but my feelings are really strong." Abhinav said and finally had a look on Mihika who had fainted on his shoulder.

"Mihi, wake up. What happened to you? Is this because of this rain? Damn!" he was panicking. He held her in his arms and ran towards his house which was half a kilometer away. 

"Ravi Ji? Please set up the room. Keep it li'l warm." he shouted. His house help soon made all the arrangements, and he rushed towards his room. 

He made her lie down on his bed and wiped all the water off her body with a towel. He continuously patted her cheek and called her name but in vain He was perplexed and scared. He saw that her oxygen was unevenly altered. 

He opened all the windows, but there was no improvement. He suddenly remembered a scene from a movie in which he enacted. 

He blew oxygen inside her mouth. He again did so. Mihika finally was in life, she started taking heavy breaths and Abhinav embraced her. 

"Abhi- Abhinav, what ha- had happened?" Mihika tried to answer and patted his back. 

"Are you fine?" Abhinav asked her. She nodded and smiled. 

"Why did you faint? Should I call a doctor?" Abhinav asked. It was almost 8:00 now. 

"It happens to me due to my sensitivity towards rain and most importantly cold water. And, I don't need a doctor. Just some warm water and rest would work." She replied and Abhinav made her lie on the bed. She closed her eyes and rested.

It was 11:00 now. Abhinav had lied on the couch. She sighed, he didn't have anything. She got up and woke him up. 

"Do you need anything?" Abhinav asked. 

"No, actually you didn't have anything. So, I was thinking to make something for us. You go and take a bath as you will feel infection. I am fine by the way." Mihika replied and Abhinav nodded.