Reshimbandh~Silken Threads

28. Princess Precious

The hospital's emergency room was a flurry of white coats and urgent voices as Sikander burst through the doors, Neha in his arms. The sterile scent of antiseptics filled the air, mingling with the undercurrent of tension and concern.

"Doctor!" He screamed, the nurses and doctors immediately swarmed around them.

As Neha was whisked away on a stretcher, her hand slipped from Sikander's grasp, leaving him with a sense of helplessness that weighed heavily on his chest. He watched as they took her to the operation theatre.

Sikander stood back, his hands clenched, silently praying that the woman he rushed to save would soon open her eyes once more.

Arjun reached there, quickly searching for his beloved sister amongst the dozen other patients when he saw a man with bloodied shirt. His heart was pounding loudly as he stood near the man, he traced his line of sight, the operation theatre.

A nurse rushed out, "Sir, please sign the consent form." Arjun snatched the form and quickly signed it before Sikander could react.

Arjun glanced inside, Neha was tied to machines, an oxygen mask on her face. The doctors preparing for her surgery. He felt his breath caught up, tears welled in his eyes. A lump formed in his throat as he swallowed his tears.

He looked up at the man in front of him, who was busy whispering a prayer. Who was this stranger and why did he rush in to save Neha? What was he doing there? His mind cluttered with thoughts. He glanced back inside the operation theatre and felt his heart pounding in anticipation. She is going to be alright, he assured himself.

If God wanted me dead, I wouldn't be alive, Bhaiya. Trust me, I'm not needed up there.

Arjun felt his breath caught up. Her toothy grin flashed before his eyes.

Nafisa's lifeless body flashed in front of Sikander's eyes. He couldn't lose his love the second time. Nothing is happening to his Sahiba. He was ready to fight the heaven or hell for her.

After what seemed like eternity, the doctor came out.

"How is Neha?" Arjun and Sikander asked at once. Both glanced at each other briefly before turning their attention to the doctor.

The doctor gave a reassuring smile, "She's incredibly lucky. The bullet was stuck in her sternum, a milimetre to the left or right and it would've pierced her heart." The doctor looked at Arjun. "She's kept under observation but is out of danger."

"Thank you doctor." Arjun said to him.

Sikander glanced at Neha before leaving the hospital. Arjun turned around to see the man vanish into thin air. He frowned, who was he? The question lingered in his mind.

~

Neha was shifted to the ICU. His phone buzzed. "Rathore?"

"Where are you? How is Neha?" Sameer asked.

"In the hospital. She's better now."

"Okay, I'm coming there."

Arjun hesitated for a moment, "No, she's fine."

"Did the bullet hit her-"

"Sternum. But no vital organs were pierced so she's fine." Arjun said, reassuring himself.

"Alright, take care. Let me know if you need anything." Sameer disconnected the call.

~

"Azeem!" Sikander roared as he walked into his house. His men stood trembling at the voice. Azeem looked up with bloodshot eyes.

"What were you doing?" Sikander pushed Azeem to the wall, landing a few quick punches. Then he gripped his throat. "How dare you hurt her?"