Dum Spiro Spero - While I breathe, I hope

Shots On Ishqbaaaz
Track : Shivaay having chest pain. Right after meeting Sahil.

Requested by : Shivikabest

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Shivaay looked up and tried to steady himself. He was trying to comprehend what was going on around him and what he could do. He was helpless. The squeezing pressure, shortness of breath, sweating was draining his conscious.

He could comprehend people's shoutings in distinct. His eyes burnt with tears yet they didn't flow out. He held onto his left chest, helping himself by slightly leaning against the car. He need a grip. His contracting pupils searched for her sight.

He could feel her. And, this moment, that the feeling of her presence was so strong, that he simply can't suppress. He closed his eyes as tear droplets fell down the road. When Annika saw him trembling in pain, it scared the living daylights out of her.

She ignored her second thoughts and ran towards him. She never wanted to see him in pain but alas. Shivaay, for a second recoiled in horror as his knees were losing the stability. He turned his head when he felt a hand over his hand, on his left chest. It was Annika.

Without a word, she got his side and made him comfortable in passanger seat. " Not a word more. Everyone, safe your sane self out from here ", she warned the people before getting into the car.

" Why the car is not moving ? ", she screamed in frustration.

" Start the engine, Annika ", he winced. Annika cursed herself. She left the steering and stared in terror. She don't have any type of knowledge in driving. And here she's being stuck in an emergency.

Annika pushed down the clutch and immediately pressed the brake which gave a hard jerk. She saw him curling up in pain. She had some faint memories of travelling with him in the same car. She moved the hand gear to 'D' mode. At the same instant, she applied pressure to the accelerator with her right foot. The car moved forward.

" Please hold on. I'm with you ", she assured him whilst clumsily turning the steering. She was shaking. She bore confidence in the spirit of saving him. His meek painful moans were heart rending her.

Shivaay looked at her from the corner of his eyes, head resting on the seat. His left hand was clutching on his left chest. " An..Annika ", he stammered. She was breathing hard with pursed lips. His right hand reached on her thigh, crushing her dress in fist.

" Slow down, slow down ", Annika obliged him. With leniency she reached the hospital. Shivaay was taken in ambulance stretcher.

" Please don't go. Annika ", she heard his powerless pleading.

She sat dejected on the seat before the emergency ward. His thoughts gave her the emotional support she needed in his absence. But him. He was content with her. She bore the grief in him, but now the melancholy has increased with thrice the effect.
" I'm sorry, Shivaay ", she cried closing her eyes.

She didn't bothered about the nuisance she had created with her clumsy driving. She didn't bothered about the threatening his mother made. She didn't bothered about the agony that is presiding in her heart. Only he mattered. Only him.

After sometime, the doctor stated his condition. Apart from all those medical terms the doctor put forth, only one thing captured her mind. He's emotionally traumatising. After some hours, she was allowed to meet him. She tied her hair in lower ponytail and wore a hospital head cap, subjected to his feeble condition.

" Shivaay ", his eyeballs moved. His eyelids flickered to see her. She covered her mouth with palm to muffle her wailing. His fingers shook to interlock in her hold. She sat beside him and held his bandaged hand in between hers. Softly.

" Why can't you just take care of yourself ? What would have happen if I wasn't present there ? ", she complaint. He smiled in her caring.
" I know you were there. You will never let anything happen to me. I know ", he told softly.

She sobbed. She sobbed looking into his eyes. He stared at her, he don't have energy. He took his hand out and turned over her left hand. Her palm was wounded. " Don't hurt yourself ", he caressed the deep nail marks which had pierced into her skin.

She kept sobbing looking at him. Why not, the man held so much untold love for her. " There's a big reason behind your action. Right ? ", she stopped sobbing. The truth was still pricking her. She tried to get back her hand but he tighten the hold.

" Just nod for me ". She nodded looking down. " Someone fo..forced you ? ", he questioned rather asked himself. She again nodded. " Who were they ? ", he know she won't give him an answer.

" I hate you, Annika ", she nodded biting her lower lip. She kept nodding whilst tears rolled down his eyes.

" I'm sorry ", she apologised. She hated herself. " I..It won't change anything. When the truth unfolds, you..you have to face me ", she nodded. His voice was breaking and so their state.

" I hate myself. Because...because ", he trailed off.

" For trusting me ", she filled and looked at him. He reciprocated her look.

" No. For still loving you. Thi..this weak heart still needs you. I need you, Annika ", he confessed and she was rooted on her seat. He loved her ?

" I don't deserve it. Neither a chance nor your love. I'm born to be an unlucky. I'm bad, I know ", she gulped.

" Koi bura nahi hota. Sirf haalat bure hote hain ", he smiled.

She leaned forward and kissed on his forehead. Her lips lingered on his skin, as his sense lived her warmth. " The answer is just where you don't want to inquire, Shivaay ", she again kissed on his forehead and ruffled his hair.

" Rudra must be here. I'll check and let him in. Meet him and I—".

" Do not leave me. I said I need you. I..Hmm I don't care how hard it's for you. You have to stay ", he told and she again kissed on his forehead. She gave nod and walked outside.

Shivaay's mind was stuck on her words. What was he missing ? What she hinted him ? His eyes registered the sight from the half opened ward door by the nurse. Rudra was hugging and consoling a crying Annika. As a brother of Omkara, doesn't he hold any hatred for her ? Doesn't he hold any vengeance for hurting his superhero ? He's definitely missing something.

" She don't deserve to be your wife, Shivaay "

" She's a jinxed girl "

" She's provoking you against me, Shivaay "

" Push her out of your life, and house "

His eyes shrieked opened. " Maa ? ", a doubtful whisper left his mouth while a new determination set inside him. Now while he breathe, he will hope. To get back his love.

The End.

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Gratitude, Love Comrade.