The journey of blooming life ..

14

AUTHOR'S POV

Mihir rushed into the backyard, his heart racing with every step. The sunlight filtering through the trees cast eerie shadows on the ground. He saw Shravani lying on the floor, her body limp and lifeless.

His mother, Sarita, knelt beside her, tears streaming down her face. Sarita's hands shook as she tried to rouse Shravani.

"Shravani, beta, wake up!" Sarita pleaded, her voice trembling.

Vikram emerged from the kitchen with a glass of water, concern etched on his face."bhabhi, I brought water," Vikram said, his voice laced with worry.

Ruchika stood a little farther away, her eyes wide with fear and uncertainty.Mihir's eyes locked onto Shravani's pale face, her skin clammy and cold.

"Shravani!" Mihir exclaimed, rushing to her side.He knelt beside Sarita and gently took Shravani's hand.

"Shravani, wake up. Please wake up," Mihir implored.Shravani's eyelids fluttered open."Mihir?" she whispered.

Mihir's relief washed over him."I'm here, Shravani. You're safe," he reassured.But Shravani's expression quickly turned to agony.

"Mihir... my stomach..." she gasped.Her hand instinctively went to her abdomen.Mihir's concern deepened.

"Where does it hurt, Shravani?" he asked.Shravani's face contorted.

"Everywhere... it's burning... too much to handle," she whispered.Mihir's heart sank.

Sarita helped Mihir gently lift Shravani.

"We need to get her to the doctor," Mihir said.Vikram nodded.

"I'll get the jeep ready," Vikram said.

Ruchika stepped forward."I'll get some water and cloth to cool her down," Ruchika offered.As they worked together, Shravani's cries echoed through the backyard.

"Mihir... help me... please," Shravani pleaded.Mihir's determination hardened.

"I won't let anything happen to you, Shravani. I promise."

Mihir's concern deepened.

"Mihir... I can't take it... the pain..." Shravani's voice was barely audible, her words laced with desperation.

Mihir's voice trembled as he held her hand. "Shravani, hold on. We're almost there. Just a little longer, please."

Dadi  stepped forward, her expression unreadable. Her eyes seemed to hold a mixture of concern and guilt.

"Mihir, perhaps we should—" Dadi  began.But Mihir cut her off, his tone firm. "No, Dadi. We're taking her to the hospital. Now."

Shravani's voice grew weaker, her words barely above a whisper. "Mihir... the medicine... Dadi ..."

Mihir's eyes locked onto Dadi Saas, suspicion etched on his face. "What did you give her, Dadi?" he demanded.

Dadi Saas's gaze faltered, her eyes darting away from Mihir's. "Nothing, Mihir. I swear," she stammered.

Mihir's suspicion deepened. He knew Dadi Saas was hiding something."We'll discuss this later, Dadi," Mihir said, his tone firm.

As they reached the jeep, Shravani's screams echoed through the air. Her body arched in agony.

Mihir's heart raced. "Vikram, hurry! We need to get her to the doctor now!"

Vikram nodded, his face set in determination. "I'll get us there as fast as I can, bhaiya."