Author's POV

" NOOOOOOOOO .....!", He yelled, his loud voice bouncing off the white walls of the doctor's cabin.

"Sir! You can't shout here. I did my duty as a doctor. Please, it is night time and the others patients must be asleep. Please don't create a commotion!", The doctor said trying to calm down the raging bull in the form of a human.

"NO! I won't! You can't even save my sister and you call yourself a DOCTOR ?! THIS IS WHAT YOU STUDIED?", He yelled at his face, tugging the white-coated man by his collar.

"Sir, not all patients come to life. We can't guarantee the patient's life. If her body isn't responding to the medicines and treatment, how's that our fault? We have given world-class treatment for your sister, but she isn't responding. She has been in coma for almost a month and with all the injuries that she sustained - we are astounded that she didn't die the second you brought her here. She is indeed a brave fighter, but she can't live for too long. With her current condition, there is no use in keeping her in ventilation. So, we have to remove her from the ventilator. Please understand sir! ", the doctor said, or more like practically begged.

"No !!!! ..... The..there m..mu.must be some w .. aa. Ayyyy ...", he replied slowly slipping on the white chair, burying his face in his palms. His whimpers were the only sound prevailing in the room, while the doctor glanced down at him pitifully.

" Pl ..p.plea..see ... Try once m..m.or..re! I can't lose my sister! She is the world to me !!", He said, holding the hands of the doctor.

"Sir, we have given our best! But, sorry - this is what God has decided! I'd advise you to visit the patient before we completely remove the oxygen support. She is in her consciousness!", The doctor said as he gave a sympathetic pat on his shoulder before he walked out of the room.

He sat there, reliving his memories with his sister. The more he thought, the more the tears seeped through his eyes. He felt like a failure - who couldn't save his only sister.

"WHAT IS THE USE OF THE MONEY AND WEALTH WHEN I COULDN'T EVEN SAVE MY SISTER! WHY GOD ?! WHY ?? !!?! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO MEE ?!? !!!?", He screamed, clutching his jet-black hair between his fingers.

"I don't want anything. Just give me back my sister! I ... is it s..so.oo hard? Why do you love making me suffer?", He cried, questioning the man who lived above the clouds - The man who was dragging his precious sister with him.

"Sir! Please come and visit the patient once.", A nurse said, startling him. As if on realization, he stood up from the chair - his body shaking from all the mixed up emotions that were creating havoc in his heart. He harshly wiped the tears that were streaming through his eyes as he made large steps towards the door.

Within a flight of time, he was outside the door titled 'CCU'. With shaking hands, he slowly pushed open the door to see his once lively sister, lying on the bed, with the pipe down her throat long gone. Instead, she had an oxygen mask, covering half of her face - making her breathe her last breaths.

With each breath she took she felt as if her lungs were in flames, her ribcage breaking and losing support as the airbag in her body expanded and contracted. She only wished for death - so she doesn't have to be through the painful torture.

" Ar ... arti..Artika!", He croaked as he took a seat beside her fragile body. His broken heart only further broke into atoms as he saw his sister trying to speak.

" Bh ... b ... bh .... bhaiyaaa ....!", She whispered through the mask. "M ... my ... ch ... chest is p ... pa ... paining!", She said as tears made their way through her eyes.

"Sorry, bachha! I wasn't able to save you! I am such a bad brother!", He replied, caressing her dry cheeks.

"I am so sorry ......!", He whispered, leaning forward to kiss her forehead.

"No..nooo ... Bhai! Do not c ... CCR ..cry ... Pll .. pl ... pleas .. eee !", She said trying to reach out to wipe her brother's cheek.

"No baccha! Please don't leave me! Please !!!!!!!", He begged.

The ECG monitor beside her bed started beeping loudly as his sister started taking deep breaths. The spikes started to go downhill and the dips went uphill.

" Bh .. bh ..bhai! I love you ... uu. Take care of Ma!", She said trying to take failed attempt to breathe as her lungs started to give out. Soon there was a loud beep from the machine, as flatline made its way through the monitor.

With one last breathe she gave in to the world of eternal darkness and silence. Stillness fell in the room as the soul seeped out of her body through her fingers.

He was crying as he watched the light fade away from her eyes. Her body became still and stone cold. Every memory that he made with her, flashed across his eyes, making his heart sink to his foot. Regret and guilt filled his eyes as he saw her motionless body.

How was he going to survive in this God-forsaken world without the angel beside him?

The doctors and nurses rushed into the room, while sat there watching her dead eyes that were staring back at him.

Will he ever forget those eyes? No!

The head doctor took her left wrist as he checked her pulse. And after what seemed like a minute, he shook his head indicating her departure from earth. He then slowly closed her vacant eyes, leaving him to wallow in his emotions.

He knew this was it! He lost HIS sister!

He was late!

He was fucking late!

He would never forgive himself!

"Sorry Sir, she is no more! Our condolences are with you and your family!", The doctor said. "We request you to stay outside and finish the formalities of the patient!", He said motioning towards the door.

" NOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!"

" NOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!! ", he shouted as he jerked up from his sleep, bouncing on the bed from the force exerted. His shirt was a mess of sweat as it stuck close to his body like a second layer of skin.

He was panting, trying to take deep breaths as if it would magically make him forget the nightmare. His long eyelashes were sticking to each other from the tears that were unconsciously flowing from his eyes.

He reached out to switch on the table lamp beside his king-sized bed. The lamp flickered on, making him aware of his surroundings. The same grey walls, the same red curtains, the same portrait, the same files on his table, the same mirror which reflected his broken state.

Everything was the same.

' No! I am not in a hospital. I am in my room! Nothing of that sort happened. It's just a nightmare ', he said trying to convince himself.

Slowly bringing his knees to his torso, he began rocking himself, which was a routine that he developed at night.

' It's just a nightmare! '

' It's just a nightmare! ', he repeated - like a mantra. A mantra that he learned for years.

After what seemed like an eternity, his breathing came back to normal. He slowly glanced at the alarm clock, which showed '02 .50 AM 'in blood red.

Here goes another sleepless night ..

~ • ~ • ~

" Arti ..? Are you ready? I am knocking on your door for the past ten minutes! Did you wake up? ", Mrs Malhotra asked her daughter who was currently rummaging through her suitcase to find an appropriate to wear.

" Yes, Ma !! I will be down in 20 mins. Don't worry! And good morning to you !! ", she replied to her impatient mother, finally pulling out a dress from the pile, which she thought was good.

" Arti beta, you didn't have your dinner yesterday. You know it's a bad habit, right? That's why I am telling you to come and have your breakfast. ", Her mother reasoned which only made her sigh. 

" Mumma !! I am sorry okay? See, I am holding my ears! "

" How can I see you? The door is closed! ", She said, silently laughing at her daughter's silliness.

" Ah !!!!! Yes !! ", she said as if realizing her act. " The door is closed. It's okay, Don't worry Ma. I will come down soon. I need to take my bath. Okay ?????? ", She asked, opening another zip which contained her toiletries.

" Okay putta! Come down soon. Or your father will scold you! "

" Oh shoot! Aarav Bhai said that Dad hates when someone skips meals. Was he angry yesterday Ma? ", Arti asked frantically. It hasn't even been 24 hours since she moved in and she managed to break a rule!

Excellent !!!!!!!

" No, he wasn't angry. He was just worried. I told him that you were tired. Don't worry okay. Now come down soon. ", She replied making the rule-breaker sigh out in relief.

" Sure Ma! Bye-bye! ", She yelled.

She squirts her toothpaste onto her brush as she heard her mom's footsteps fade away. She was never a morning person. If there is one thing she hates - then they are mornings.

Why can't things be postponed to noon?

Huffing out a loud breath she placed her toothbrush and started spreading the blue paste across her teeth while mentally calculating today's events

Hope today goes good!

~ • ~ • ~

" Hello motherfuckers !!!!!!!! ", a loud voice boomed catching the attention of the crowd that was comfortably chatting in the hall of the Malhotra Mansion

(A/n you can imagine it like this. Sorry, I couldn't find the most accurate picture)

" Look which asshole decided to give his attendance! ", Vikram said earning a few snickers from the men.

" Heyy! In my defence I slept late! ", Ved argued, adjusting his tuxedo while taking a seat.

" You slept late ...... or .......... you were conducting a send-off party for your yesterday's fling? ", Abhi asked while a smug expression settled on his face.

" Yah! You bastard! Shut that fucking mouth of yours. ", He yelled. Luckily there wasn't anyone except for some servants.

" Tsk tsk ..... Do you think we don't know what happened? Aaaaaah Ved! How long have we been your friends? For sixteen years ?! We know you like an open book dear! ", Aadi said, keeping his glass of water on the teapoy.

" Fine yeah! Your guess was right dickhead! That bitch was so clingy! It took me an hour to get rid of her. ", Ved said (cringing a bit), finally giving up the argument cause he knew too well that the elder would win.

" So Ved? Were you so tired yesterday that you got up late in the morning and didn't even dry your hair? ", Arun asked, motioning his wet hair that was forming into curls.

" Shuuuuuuuuuuuuuttttttttt uppppppppppp ~", he whined, running his fingers through his wet hair - trying to filter the water droplets in the process.

" Woah, bro! It's so fun seeing you all riled up! ", Yudhi said, playing with his wet hair.

" YOU PIECE OF SHIT, TAKE YOUR HAND AWAY FROM MY PRECIOUS HAIR. OR I WILL DECAPITATE THOSE FINGERS OF YOURS !!!!! ", Ved roared, causing the others to go into fits of laughter.

" Okay, you twerp! I am not touching your hair! ", Yudhi replied raising his hands in the air as a sign of surrender.

" Hello ~ !!! ", a delightful voice said, making them turn in its direction.

There stood Mrs Devika Malhotra, all clad in her green and sandal saree, with a warm smile edged on her face.

(A/n Sorry for inserting a lot of pics, since some of you find it difficult to remember the characters. It's for your convenience)

Upon recognizing who the person was they immediately stood, leaving their bickering in half. 

" Good morning Abhi, good morning Vikram! Are these your friends? ", Mrs Malhotra asked, while constantly shifting her eyes between Abhi and his friends. Awkwardness prevailed in the air as he was digging his brain for appropriate words to address. Damn, it had been 15 years since he had called anyone 'Ma'! So, how was he going to call her? Not that they had any formal conversation before.

" Uh ...... um .... Actually, uh ...... they .. are my friends m ... mom! ", He said. Mrs Malhotra's face fell a bit at the mention of mom but immediately masked it with a smile.

'It must be difficult to accept someone in their life suddenly as their mother figure. That's why he must've called me mom ', she thought

" Hello, Mrs Malhotra! How are you? ", Aadhi asked, trying to ease out the tension between the two.

" I am fine beta! And please don't call me Mrs Malhotra or Aunty. It makes me feel old. Call me Ma! Just like how Arti does. ", She said making the four guests smile.

" Ohhh! Um, okay ?! And I forgot to introduce myself! I am Aadhitya Roy - Chairman of Roy Holdings and this dic- sorry, this fully grown adult's friend! ", Aadhi said motioning to Abhi - superficially escaping from spitting out the d-word.

" Hello beta! ", She said, pulling him in a motherly hug which he gladly returned.

" Hello, Ma! I am Yudhi Oberoi. I guess you that I am the CMD of Oberoi groups, " he said earning fake coughs from the rest. " And ...... I am your new son! You should visit my home someday. My ma and you will get along pretty well! ", He said, flashing his brilliant slash charming smile.

" Sure beta ~~ !! I will visit your place! ", She replied patting his shoulder.

" Namaste Ma! I am Vedansh Singhania. Call me Ved, and you're really beautiful today !! ", he said which made Aadhi smack his head.

" Awwwww thanks beta! You look good too! ", She said.

" Thank youuuuu ~", he replied.

" I am Arun Agnihotri! Nice to meet you Ma !!!!!! ", Arun said while bending down to touch her feet.

" Get up Beta. May God bless you and be with you all the time !! ", she said, kissing his forehead. Abhi wanted to do nothing but bang his friends' head on a well-polished wall. How come they managed to get along so well, while he and his equally awkward brother were standing as the sixth and seventh wheel respectively?

Wait a second, what the hell is he thinking?

Why was he sounding like a jealous son who wanted his mother's attention all to himself?

His brain must be messing up with him or he must be officially insane !!!!!!

'Urghhhhhhhhhhh', he mentally groaned.

"Come on. Let's go to the dining room. I made breakfast today!", Mrs Malhotra announced.

"Wow, ma! Did you make breakfast? That's awesome! It's been a long time since I had homemade food!", Ved said in an excited tone.

"Why beta?", She asked, placing down the plates and necessary utensils on the table.

"Because I live by myself. Usually a maid cooks, and when she doesn't I cook by myself!", He replied, pulling a chair and taking a seat

"Awww beta! Don't worry, if you want homemade food you can come here okay?", Devika said patting his head like he is a small child.

.

"I am telling you there are aliens in Bermuda triangle! That's why planes get kidnapped!"

"Noooooo, there is a huge magnetic force, and since planes are made up of steel they get pulled into it!!"

"No Pa, I think there must be some huge Palaeolithic creature, that swallows all the planes and ships on the way!"

"I think there must be some storm or something of that sort, that they get pulled into it!!!!"

"Aarav, Arvind and Artika. Stop it! We can discuss this after eating our breakfast- Oh! You guys are here? What a surprise?!", Deepak exclaimed, making his way towards the head of the 15 seater table, ushering the three to take a seat.

Arti sat between the twins, while Vijay grimly made his way towards another seat, which was unfortunately near his brother.

A series of 'Hellos' and 'Hi's' were exchanged greetings.

" So..... Arti?! This is Aadhitya, Arun, Vedansh and Yudhi! They are Abhi's friends since 8th grade. And guys, this is Artika, my daughter!", Deepak said, introducing each other.......

"Artiiiiiiiiiiii~~~~~~~~ You are so cuteeeeeeeeeeeeeeee~~~~~", Yudhi squealed.

"Can't believe that this dickhead got such a cutie pie as his sister!!!", Aadhi said, immediately clamping his mouth with palms, while the others stared at him in - disbelief?!

Well, here goes nothing!

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Author's Section:-

Hello my cutie pies. I missed ya!!!!!
How are youuuuuuu~?

And guess what? TLG HIT 2.05K VIEWS
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I am so happy. Here is a toast to celebrate this feat!!!!!!

Who do you think got this nightmare?
Leave your comments here!

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Updated:- 20/06/2021
Word count:- 2750 to 300

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