Rihaan grasped Ekansh's shoulder, his voice calm and rational.
"Ekansh, listen. Samyuktika helped Kael out of humanity, not betrayal. He misled her, fed her lies about you."
Ekansh's gaze narrowed, his anger wavering. "She didn't know the truth," Rihaan continued. "She acted on compassion, not deceit."
Ekansh's expression softened, understanding creeping in.
Kael's pleas for mercy faded into the background as Ekansh's thoughts shifted to Samyuktika.
Ekansh's face twisted, a mix of emotions warring within.
Rihaan's words struck a chord, but his resentment lingered.
"I may have misjudged her intentions," Ekansh admitted, "but she still helped my enemy."
His voice dripped with venom. "Samyuktika's compassion is a weakness, a flaw I won't forgive."
Rihaan's eyes narrowed. "Is your pride worth destroying an innocent life, Ekansh?" Ekansh's gaze turned icy. "Don't question my judgment, Rihaan."
The tension between them was palpable. Vijay shifted uncomfortably, sensing the unease.
Ekansh's anger still simmered, focused on Samyuktika. "What happens to her now?" Rihaan asked, cautious.
Ekansh's response sent chills down Rihaan's spine: "She'll pay for her mistake, regardless of her motives."
Ekansh stormed into the mansion, his footsteps echoing through the halls. He headed straight to the room where Samyuktika was being held.
As he entered, his gaze fell upon her limp form on the floor. His stride faltered, surprise etched on his face.
"Samyuktika?" he called, his voice softer than expected. She didn't respond. Ekansh's eyes widened, taking in the scene.
The dust-covered floor, the scattered glass, the bloodstained bandage. Rage and concern warred within him. What had happened here?
He rushed to her side, his knees hitting the floor. "Samyuktika, wake up!" he urged, shaking her gently. Her eyelids fluttered open.
Ekansh's gaze locked onto hers. For an instant, their eyes connected. Something shifted within Ekansh.
His anger, his resentment, his hatred. It all faltered. "Samyuktika..." he whispered. His voice was almost tender.
As if seeing her vulnerable form had cracked his armor. But would this momentary weakness last?
Ekansh swiftly lifted Samyuktika into his arms, cradling her in a gentle bridal carry.
He rushed through the mansion's corridors, his long strides devouring the distance. "Vijay!" he bellowed.
Vijay emerged from the shadows. "Sir?" "Get a lady doctor. Now." Vijay nodded and sprinted off.
Ekansh kicked open Samyuktika's door and laid her on the bed. He gently pulled the blanket over her.
Samyuktika remained unconscious, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths.
Ekansh's eyes never left hers, his expression twisted with concern. The doorbell rang.
"Doctor Jain has arrived, sir," Vijay announced. Ekansh nodded. "Send her in."
Dr. Jain, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes, entered. "Where is she?" she asked. Ekansh stepped aside.
Dr. Jain approached Samyuktika, her face scrutinizing. "Let's examine her," she said gently.
Ekansh watched anxiously as Dr. Jain worked, his eyes fixed on Samyuktika's pale face.
Why wouldn't she wake up? A pang of guilt struck him. Had he been too harsh?
Dr. Jain's voice broke the silence. "Ekansh, we need to take her to the hospital. She needs immediate care." Ekansh's grip on Samyuktika's hand tightened. "No. Treat her here."
Dr. Jain gently explained, "Ekansh, Samyuktika's condition is critical. The excessive dust inhalation has caused severe respiratory distress, potentially leading to respiratory failure."
Ekansh's face darkened. "How bad is it?" he asked. Dr. Jain's expression was grim.
"We need specialized care, immediately. Mumbai's Nanavati Hospital has the best pulmonary unit. We must rush her there." Ekansh sprang into action. "Get the car ready!" Vijay sprinted out.
Ekansh gently lifted Samyuktika into his arms. Dr. Jain accompanied them. As they sped toward Mumbai, Ekansh's anxiety grew.
Samyuktika's fragile form, her labored breathing. He felt a pang in his chest. What if... No, he wouldn't think it.
She had to survive. At Nanavati Hospital, Ekansh rushed Samyuktika to the emergency ward.
Dr. Rao, a renowned pulmonologist, greeted them. "Let's get her stabilized," Dr. Rao said.
Ekansh paced outside the ICU, his mind racing. Would she recover? Would he lose her? The uncertainty gnawed at him.
A nurse emerged. "Sir, Dr. Rao wants to speak with you." Ekansh's heart skipped a beat. What news would Dr. Rao bring?
Ekansh rushed to Dr. Rao's office, his heart pounding. "Doctor, how is she?" he asked.
Dr. Rao's expression was serious. "Samyuktika's condition is critical. We're doing everything possible."
Ekansh's grip on the chair tightened. "What are her chances?" Dr. Rao hesitated.
"Her lungs are severely damaged. We're fighting to prevent respiratory failure."
Ekansh's eyes narrowed. "What can I do?"
Dr. Rao leaned forward. "We need her medical history. Any allergies, previous conditions?"
Ekansh racked his brain. "I don't know. She never mentioned anything."
Dr. Rao nodded. "We'll run tests. In the meantime, we need someone to sign the consent forms." Ekansh took the papers. "I'll sign."
As he scribbled his signature, a realization struck him. He was responsible for her. He cared. Deeply. The thought unsettled him.
A nurse interrupted, "Sir she is having problems." As they rushed to the ICU
Ekansh paced outside the ICU, his mind racing. Dr. Rao emerged, his expression grave.
"Ekansh, Samyuktika's having severe breathing problems." Ekansh's eyes widened.
"What can I do?" he urged. Dr. Rao's voice was firm. "We're doing everything possible, butâ"
Ekansh cut in, his voice laced with desperation. "Do everything. I'll give whatever money you want. Just save her."
Dr. Rao nodded. "We'll try our best." Ekansh's face twisted in anguish. "Try? That's not enough. I want guarantees."
Dr. Rao's expression softened. "I understand, Ekansh. But medicine has limits."
Ekansh's eyes blazed. "I don't care about limits. Save her." The nurse intervened.
"Sir, let us work. We'll keep you updated." Ekansh nodded, his eyes never leaving Samyuktika.
He watched, helpless, as medical staff rushed around her. Machines beeped, their urgency escalating.
Ekansh's heart sank. Was he losing her?
No, he wouldn't let that happen. He'd do anything. Anything to save Samyuktika.
Dr. Rao re-entered the ICU, his face set in determination. "Ekansh, we're intubating her. It's her best chance."
Ekansh nodded, his eyes locked on Samyuktika. "Do it." The medical team swiftly worked around her. Ekansh's anxiety spiked.
Every passing moment felt like an eternity. Suddenly, Samyuktika's heart rate monitor began to beep erratically.
"Doctor!" the nurse cried. Dr. Rao rushed to her side. "What's happening?" Ekansh demanded.
Dr. Rao's voice was calm. "Cardiac arrest. We need to shock her." Ekansh's world narrowed.
"No... No, this can't be happening." The defibrillator charged. "Clear!" Dr. Rao shouted.
The machine released its charge. Samyuktika's body convulsed. Ekansh's eyes widened.
"Please... please don't leave me." The monitor beeped steadily again.
Dr. Rao exhaled. "She's stable... for now."
Ekansh's legs buckled. He collapsed into a nearby chair. His eyes never left Samyuktika.
Tears streamed down his face. He had never felt so powerless. So scared. The ICU door opened.
A gentle hand touched his shoulder. "Ekansh?" He looked up. Dr. Rao's compassionate eyes met his.
"We'll do everything humanly possible."
Ekansh nodded. His voice cracked. "Save her... please."