INAYAT

"Based on the current state of your heart condition, which unfortunately has......not improved, it would be advisable to schedule the surgery at the earliest opportunity."

"Is it?"

"Mhm. Inayat, I'm certain that your condition will be 80% better once you undergo the surgery. If you leave it untreated, I'm scared it's gonna be too late. Please think about it."

The way the doctor was looking at me.

With pity.

It was killing me.

"How much is it going to cost?"

"I don't want you to worry about the cost since this will help you for the better. But if you're wondering, the ventricular assist devices and the transplant will cost you around 45 to 80 lakhs."

The amount.

Where would I even get the money from. I don't even have a proper job.

I force a smile at the sweet doctor, lowering my gaze as my heartbeat started to fasten. Tears were about to roll down my cheeks, but I kept them at bay by passing his a sweet smile.

"I see. I'll think about it."

Inayat. Inayat Madaan.

Born with a weak heart. And diagnosed with insomnia at the age of 15, when I lost my parents in a brutal car accident. Living with my 12 year old brother, who has no idea that his sister is going to die.

Walking out of Dr. Batra's cabin, I tried my best not to collapse on the floor. I leaned on one of the benches as dam of my eyes ruptured, releasing streams of saltwater. Tears streaked my face, breaking past my resolve. But I didn't let them claim their victory as my cries.

"Stop crying. You're fine." I told myself. The same words that I had been telling myself since the past year. Getting back on my feet, I ran my hand over my face, wiping the tears. I walked towards the ladies bathroom and washed my face to wipe away any remnants of my tears.

The testaments to the fact that I'm slowly losing hope.

I slowly started sauntering out of the hospital to get back home. I refrained from getting a cab, because I know it'll result in my monthly balance being disturbed. What a life I got. Everything being limited, be it money, family and now even life span.

"God don't you love me enough? I thought you'd give me good health at least. But who am I even kidding." I heaved a sigh, as I slowly neared home.

Suddenly my eyes fell on a bakery and I realised that I was supposed to get a pastry. Quickly walking inside the store, the pleasant smell of freshly baked goodies wafted through the air straight into my lungs. Walking towards one of the counters, I fished my phone out of my tote bag and dialed a number.

"Hello—"

"The number you're trying to call isn't interested in talking to you, please never try again!" I heard Ishaan, my brother say, his voice clearly depicting how mad he was.

"I'm sorry yaar! I got caught up at college. Professor had some assignments to discuss." I said, not telling him that I had to go to the hospital.

"Whatever. Where are you right now?" He questioned, making me chuckle at how fast he spat away his anger.

"I'm at a bakery. Because someone told me this morning that they were craving pastries." I exclaimed, my voice carrying a hint of mischief.

"Okay okay, I forgive you. Jaldi ghar aao di, I'm dying of hunger." He quickly uttered, not even bothering to hear my reply before ending the call. I chuckled at his antics, before getting two pastries.

As soon as I got out of the bakery, drops of water hit my face, making me close my eyes shut. I reluctantly opened them only to see that it was drizzling all of a sudden.

Huffing a sigh, I looked at the box of pastries in my hand. Knowing I'll have to save it till I get home, I tucked the box safely in my tote bag, covering my head with one of my hands and made a run.

"If only I was born into a rich family, I'd not get worried even if I had 5 types of illness--ah!"

Honk honk!

I flinched hard when I heard the honking sound which deliberately got louder and louder. I looked to my left to see a black Audi car just inches away stopping in front of me. My heartbeat started going faster triggering my condition but I tried to calm myself down.

"Miss why are you crossing on a green light!" a guy with a full suit and sunglasses rolled down the window before shouting at me who's standing still shocked by the honking sound.

Gladly the road isn't as packed as I thought.
My palm dashed to my chest, trying to calm my racing heart. As I was about to get angry, I lift my eyes before moving to the person who nearly crashed into me.

The guy pulled down his sunglasses, exposing his full face and his honey skin glowing under the sun. The male was really handsome, making my tongue tied and I forgot what to say.

"Are you okay miss? Can you move faster?" he asked again when I didn't respond.

"Y-yeah I'm sorry." I nodded my head before hurriedly crossing the road. Looking at him one more time, he showed me a forced smile before pressing the gas pedal immediately leaving the road.

All I could take in was his facial features, tall nose, golden skin, black hair parted in the middle, and a sharp jawline. He looked rich and handsome. This is why sometimes God is not fair.

"That's how life is, just be rich and you can do whatever you want. So unfair," I muttered, looking at the car dashing out of the way in just a matter of a second.

"Why am I complaining so much? Stop it,
Inayat..."

As I was walking, I felt a raindrop on my forehead. And then another. And another

In no time, the rain started to pour harder, I grabbed my tote bag placing it on top of my head before running to the nearest shelter. I saw a bus stop with some people standing, I ran towards it before the rain got even heavier.

I can't get cold, or I'm gonna be in pain for the next few hours.

Realizing how weak I was, I realised that I can do nothing about it. I can't even treat my condition.

I checked my phone to look at the camera to fix my drenched hair. Looking at the camera, I fixed my bangs, waiting for the rain to stop.

My jet black hair is almost touching my butt, I'm gonna have to get a haircut later. Taking care of long hair is quite bothersome.

"Inayat means kindness. But why are you never on my side? Why are you never kind to me?" My face clouded with a mixture of sadness and disappointment as I looked up at the sky.

"Why would my parents give me this ugly name? Is my name bad luck?" I questioned myself with my eyes still focused on the sky.

"If the universe hates me, there will be thunders in seconds." I jokingly said.

Suddenly thunders were heard, startling me. The bright flash of lightning was clear in my sight. I wasn't scared of thunders. Instead, it made me feel calm watching the beautiful light in the gloomy sky.

I couldn't help but let out a big scoff, not believing that the thunder was roaring right after what I said jokingly. Whatever happens, don't mess with the universe, Inayat.

"I was just joking, but I guess the universe does hate me." I smiled bitterly. But I knew that losing hope wasn't going to help either. Inayat could never lose hope.

Maybe a day will come, when I won't be feeling dejected, when I'll have someone by my side.

Maybe.