Starlit bonds💫

Twist of fate ~ 2

Manik was shocked seeing Arjun in that car. Something deep within him stirred painfully, an unexplainable ache that made his heart race. He quickly reached the overturned vehicle, his breath catching as he saw the bloodied and bruised figure inside. Arjun's face was barely recognizable through the cuts and bruises, but there was no mistaking the man he had met months ago.

"Sir! Can you hear me?" Manik called out, his voice laced with urgency as he gently tried to wake Arjun.

Arjun's eyes fluttered open, their gazes meeting briefly. Just before his consciousness faded, Arjun's heart thumped wildly. He felt a strange, overwhelming sense of familiarity, a deep connection that made him whisper, "Nikhil...my baby Nikhil..."

Manik's heart pounded as he heard those words. The name struck a chord within him, intensifying the strange pain he felt in his chest. But there was no time to dwell on it. He needed to act quickly.

Manik knew he couldn't waste time waiting for an ambulance as they were almost on the outskirts of the city.....instead, he acted swiftly, his instincts taking over. With great difficulty, he managed to pull Arjun out of the wrecked car, his muscles straining with the effort. Despite the blood and the injuries, he was determined to get the man to safety.

"Hold on, sir," Manik murmured, his voice filled with urgency and concern. He somehow lifted Arjun, supporting most of his weight as he half-carried, half-dragged him towards his own car. He carefully laid Arjun in the back seat, making sure he was as comfortable as possible given the circumstances.

As Manik turned to move away, he felt a tight grip on his hand. Arjun's hand was wrapped around his with surprising strength, as if letting go would mean losing something crucial. Manik looked into Arjun's eyes, seeing a mix of pain and desperation.

"It's okay, sir. I'm here," Manik reassured him, though he felt an unfamiliar fear gnawing at him.

He glanced at Nandini, who was watching the scene with worry etched on her face. Without a word, she moved to the driver's seat, determination replacing her earlier anxiety. Manik climbed into the back seat, cradling Arjun on his lap, his heart pounding with a mix of adrenaline and fear.

The engine roared to life, and they sped away from the accident site, racing towards the hospital. The road seemed endless, each second stretching into an eternity as they navigated through traffic and the weather's unpredictability.

In the back seat, Manik kept talking to Arjun, his words a steady stream of reassurance. "Stay with us, sir. We're almost there. Just keep your eyes open."

Arjun's grip on Manik's hand tightened momentarily, his eyes fluttering as he fought to stay conscious. Despite the pain and confusion, there was a sense of trust in his eyes, as if he knew Manik would get him to safety.

"You're doing great, Nandu," Manik encouraged from the back, glancing at Nandini, who was focused on the road, her face set in determination.

The journey to the hospital was a blur of speeding cars, honking horns, and tense silence. Finally, the hospital loomed into view, its bright lights a beacon of hope. Nandini expertly maneuvered the car to the emergency entrance, bringing it to a screeching halt.

Manik wasted no time. He opened the car door and gently but quickly lifted Arjun, carrying him towards the entrance where medical staff rushed to meet them. The doctors and nurses took over, placing Arjun on a stretcher and wheeling him inside, barking orders and assessments.

As Arjun was whisked away, Manik stood there, his hands trembling slightly from the adrenaline rush. Nandini joined him, wrapping an arm around his waist, providing silent support.