In my Devil's Arms

Vikram suffered a massive heart attack. It could not kill him. He was immortal. But the intensity with which it hit him was ten times bigger than that of a mortal. He fell on the ground holding his chest. He suffered a bad nosebleed. His body started shivering . His arms, legs and even his head ached due to the blockage in his veins.

" Srikant ", Agni was concerned. He tried to help.

" No", said Vicky. This is my punishment. Riya wants me to suffer. And your Shiva too. Let my Gunjan have her revenge. "

To Shivaling he said,

" Give me your worst . Didn't you hear her say that I deserve it", screamed Vicky.

Agni thought Vikram was already at his worst.

WELL HE WAS WRONG.

His ears bled as his nose. His face swelled and the body turned blue due to asphyxiation. Violent seizures attacked his body. He wailed in pain. The attack lasted for ten minutes sucking all the vitality from his body. When he could not take it longer Vikram passed out. As Agni lifted his hand it was cold and fell down like a corpse.

" Srikant you made a right choice today", said Agni.

He informed the temple authorities and asked them to call his father. Then he disappeared in forbidden forest.

On getting the news of his son's sudden illness Ram rushed to the temple. Vikram looked completely lifeless. His pulse was very low. He was airlifted to his house. Dr. Shetty and a team of ten doctors worked hard day and night. For three days he remained in coma.

" It was a severe heart attack Mr. Oberoi ", said Dr. Shetty. " Its a miracle he survived."

Ramcharan called Riya.

" He needs you beta", said an emotional father.

Nothing swayed her.

" We broke up uncle. We have nothing to do with each other ", she said.

" He had a heart attack beta", he cried.

WELL HE WAS IMMORTAL.

He will live", she said. " I am sorry".

On the other hand Vicky's friends were shocked. Numaan in particular.

" Why? How", he asked.

" Riya broke up with him", said Vinod. " Doctors said he will be fine", he said wiping his tears.

" We never knew", said Gaurav. " About his heart problems ".

" Its more of anxities and side effects of long medications", said Dr. Shetty.

" Substance abuse", asked Gaurav.

" Yes", asnswered the doctor. " Keep him away from alcohol for time being".

His friends replied in affirmative.

As he came out of coma Vikram suffered in a high fever. Nightmares returned.

SRIKANT ONLY DREAMED OF HIS WIFE'S DEATH..

" Gunjan no..please don't leave me. Don't die please. I am sorry my love. Shiva please return her back".

Violent seizures, sweating and nosebleed accompanied nightmares.

His friends were speechless.

" This", asked Numaan

" A panic attack", said Dr. Shetty.

" Why", asked Vinod.

" Agitation primarily ", answered Dr. Shetty. " Nobody knows the root cause".

Tarun was also there

He watched Vikram in complete shock.

" I have always seen him in commanding position. This", he was at a loss of words.

Vikram really looked pitiful.

When even high doses of paracetamol were ineffective Ramcharan went to Shiva. A devastating father cried: 😭😭

" You gave him as a gift to me Shiva. Your son. If he is blessed by you then why does he suffer."

" KARMA", echoed a voice.

Ramcharan lifted his head. Agni looked gravely at him.

" Pranam punditji", said Ramcharan.

" May Shiva bless you".

" What bad karmas did my son commit", asked Ram.

" You will find out. You are bound to. A curse cannot be hidden. Especially from a righteous man like you", said Agni.

He moved towards the banyan tree.

" CURSE", asked Ramcharan.

" Yes", answered Agni.

" Shiva cursed the son he blessed"? Ramcharan was confused.

" As I said Karma".

" What now", asked Ramcharan.

" Road to Redemption is a slow process", said Agni. " It may take years or centuries ".

"I just want to see him blessed again.", said Ramcharan.

" Then she needs to forgive him. But don't worry he is a determined man if I know one", said Agni.

" Riya", asked Ramcharan.

" You will have your answers soon", said Agni. " Give him this holy water", Agni gave him a small bottle. " He shall be fine. May Shiva bless you".

Ram touched Agni's feet and left.

Vikram cosumed holy water with all his insides burning. And his fever broke. After that his recovery was fast.

Numaan highly disturbed by his friend's condition tried to contact Riya but in vain.

" Where is she", asked Numaan

"None of your business. As for Vicky well she does not want to meet him", said Manav. " Leave".

" He is not well Manav", said Numaan. " Not as a fiancee. At least as a human she should meet him."

" Its her choice Numaan", said Manav. He sighed. He looked tired.

" She is not well either", he said. " I don't know what this fight is all about but let them sort it out. Don't interfere."

" Well it needs two to sort a thing out Manav", said Numaan. " Riya running away from him won't solve anything.

" My parents are on a pilgrimage. As her elder brother its my duty to protect my sister. I wish Vicky well but be clear I am on Riya's side", said Manav. Numaan knew he won't back down. So he left.

And then he got one good news of the day.

" The b*st*rd regained consciousness ", said Vinod." Gaurav and I are going to meet him. Join us".

" On my way", he said.

LETS FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED.

Shalini's home

" I neve thought you will come here to hide", she said to Riya.

" He knows my friends", shrugged Riya.

" You really are going to punish him badly", asked Shalini.

" He suffers the outcome of his karma", said Riya.

" And you forgave me", she asked.

" Love and jealoisy were behind your actions.Power and ego behind his", said Riya.

" Are you sure of my loyalty this time", asked Shalini.

Riya smiled.

" The choice is on your conscience Reshma" , said Riya

" Redemption is my choice Gunjan", she said

And a father or brother like yours. And a respectful life.

" Well you are on your road to Redemption Reshma", said Riya. " Keep moving forward".