ENIGMA

Endurance

Karan uncapped the needle, holding it delicately between his fingers while glancing at Inaya, who was watching him with wide, anxious eyes.

Advik noticed her distress and quickly leaned down, taking his head between his torso and hand to shield her from the sight of the syringe. “Hey, look at me, Ini,” he urged gently. “Focus on my voice, not on what he’s doing.”

He drew the medicine into the syringe, the liquid filling the chamber with a satisfying glug. Karan made sure to eliminate any air bubbles, tapping the side gently before pushing a small amount of the liquid out, watching as a tiny droplet formed at the tip of the needle.

As Karan moved closer to Inaya, he kept his voice calm and steady. “Alright, Inaya, I need you to stay still for me and take a deep breath. This will be over quickly,” he instructed, positioning himself to hold her finger gently.

Inaya’s eyes widened with fear, and before she could brace herself, she cried out, “Noo! Noo, Karan Bhaiyya! Don’t hold it! It’s hurting!” Her voice trembled, laced with a mix of anxiety and pain, as she instinctively tried to pull her hand away.

Karan, understanding the delicate situation, softened his approach. “I know it hurts, but if I don’t hold your finger, how am I going to help you?” he asked gently, his eyes filled with empathy. “I need you to trust me just for a moment.”

“But it hurts so much!” Inaya protested, tears streaming down her cheeks. She looked at Advik, seeking reassurance. “Bhaiyya, can’t you tell him to stop? I don’t want to do this!”

Advik leaned closer, his expression serious yet supportive. “Inaya, No!"

“Good girl,” Karan praised softly, adjusting his grip just enough to provide support without causing more pain. “Now, take another deep breath,"

Karan held her finger securely, his expression set with a mix of determination and focus. Inaya’s eyes grew wide with fear as the needle inched closer, and she instinctively clutched Advik’s arm as if it was her last lifeline.

“No! Please, Karan Bhaiyya, don’t! It hurts… it hurts so much!” she pleaded, her voice quivering as her body tensed, the dread evident in her every word.

"Don't. No movement, Ini."

Advik leaned in, blocking her view and gently resting her head against his torso “Focus on me, Ini,” he whispered. “You’re safe. Just breathe.”

As he began to push the needle into the inflamed area, a sharp, unbearable pain seared through her finger. Her reaction was immediate—she jerked and let out a piercing scream, her body instinctively trying to pull away. “Nooo! Please stop! I can’t take it!” she sobbed, her cries echoing painfully in the room.

“Inaya!” Karan’s tone turned sharper, but he maintained his focus, determined to finish. “Stay still! I can’t help if you keep moving like this.”

“It’s too much… I can’t… it hurts so bad!” she cried, clutching his arm tighter as if she could somehow escape the pain.

“I’m trying, but… I can’t… it hurts so much,” her words barely making it out between choked sobs.

“I don’t… I don’t think I can… please, please stop…” Her face was pale, her eyes wide with anguish, and her cries had softened into hoarse, exhausted whimpers.

“Almost done, Inaya,” Karan reassured her.With a final push, Karan completed the procedure, and she gasped, her entire body collapsing against Advik, her breaths shallow and shaky. Her face was streaked with tears, her sobs quieter now but still coming in painful, unsteady waves.