Chapter 28: fight of life
The car starts heading toward the hotel.
Subhash hands a bottle of water to Ankit. Ankit quickly sprinkles some water on Parveen's face and helps him drink. Parveen regains consciousness, but his condition is very bad. He tries to say something, but no sound comes out of his throat. Tears start rolling down his eyes. Ankit places his hand gently on Parveen's mouth.
Ankit:
"Don't say anything now; we'll talk later."
Kanika could clearly see the closeness between them. Within a short time, the car reaches the hotel.
At the hotel:
Ankit approaches the hotel manager.
Ankit:
"I have two people with me. I need to book a separate room for them, or can we all stay in one room?"
Manager:
"Sir, I can arrange for all of you to stay in one room. You're our VIP customer. For this, you'll need to make a half payment."
Ankit:
"How long will it take?"
Manager:
"I'll have two beds set up in your room within 5 minutes."
Ankit makes the payment and returns to Kanika and Subhash, who are supporting Parveen.
Ankit (to Subhash):
"Subhash, you can leave now. I'll call you in the morning."
Subhash leaves the hotel. The manager guides them to their room and says,
Manager:
"If you need anything, please let us know."
Ankit responds, "Okay." The manager leaves the room, and Ankit locks the door from the inside.
Ankit locked the room from the inside. Parveen lay on the bed in a semi-conscious state, his breathing heavy and labored. Kanika sat beside him, gently stroking his forehead repeatedly.
Ankit (to Kanika):
"His condition is worsening. We need to get him to the hospital right now."
Kanika (worried):
"But Ankit, will he even be able to move from the hotel this quickly? We can't risk moving him too much."
Ankit checked Parveen's pulse. It was extremely weak. Without wasting a moment, he called Subhash.
Ankit (on the phone with Subhash):
"Subhash, get back to the hotel immediately. We need to take Parveen to the hospital."
Within minutes, Subhash arrived at the hotel.
Subhash:
"Sir, the car is ready. Let's move him quickly."
Ankit and Subhash carefully placed Parveen in a wheelchair, with the help of the hotel staff, and brought him to the car. Kanika accompanied them.
As soon as the car started, Ankit looked back. Parveen's eyes were closed, and his face was full of pain.
Ankit (to Kanika):
"Keep an eye on him. Let me know immediately if there's any sudden change."
Subhash began driving at a high speed.
Subhash:
"Sir, there's heavy traffic ahead, but I'll find a way through."
Ankit (sternly):
"Clear the way, Subhash. We must reach on time, no matter what."
Ankit sprinkled water on Parveen's face again, but there was no response.
Kanika (nervously):
"Ankit, his breathing is slowing down. I'm scared."
Ankit pressed lightly on Parveen's chest to stimulate him and tried to keep him conscious.
Ankit (calmly but firmly):
"Parveen, listen to me. Don't give up. Just hold on a little longer… we're almost there."
Meanwhile, Subhash was navigating through traffic, honking and speeding up wherever possible.
Subhash:
"Sir, we'll reach the hospital in 10 minutes. But this traffic is becoming a nightmare."
Suddenly, they encountered a major traffic jam ahead. Ankit quickly ordered the car to stop.
Ankit:
"Subhash, leave the car here. We'll take him on foot."
Ankit and Subhash lifted Parveen and started running down the side of the road. Kanika followed close behind.
Subhash (panting):
"Sir, the hospital is just 500 meters away. Hurry!"
Reaching the hospital gates, Ankit shouted loudly, "Get a stretcher! Quickly!"
A security guard immediately called for a stretcher. The doctors rushed to take Parveen inside.
Doctor:
"His condition is critical. We need to start treatment right away. Are you family?"
Ankit (serious):
"Do whatever is necessary. Don't worry about the money. Just save him."
The doctors rushed Parveen into the operation theater. Ankit, Subhash, and Kanika sat down on a bench outside, waiting anxiously.
Outside the operation theater, time seemed to stand still. Inside, Parveen was fighting a battle between life and death.