In Every Heartbeat

Ghost of Hate

As I slowly closed the door of Chhavi's room behind me, the nurse's gaze lingered on me, filled with a mixture of concern and curiosity. A strange unease settled in the pit of my stomach, causing my entire body to shiver involuntarily. The memories of Chhavi's recent seizure, so vivid and terrifying, intertwined with the haunting image of my mother's lifeless body, replayed mercilessly in my mind. Each time I closed my eyes, the scenes grew more vivid, more haunting, as if they were etching themselves permanently into the depths of my soul.

Desperation consumed me, and I vigorously shook my head, as if trying to shake off the relentless grip of these haunting visions. But no matter how hard I tried to resist, they only intensified, their power over me growing stronger with each passing moment.

I swiftly moved towards the elevator panel, my heart pounding in my chest. With a trembling hand, I reached out and pressed the button for a floor that remained a mystery to me. The touch of the switch sent a jolt of electricity through my fingertips, causing my palm to become moist with sweat. Despite the absence of any chill in the air, my entire body felt as if it was submerged in an icy coldness. As I stood there, the weight of inexplicable visions weighed heavily on my mind, suffocating me with each passing moment. My breaths grew labored, as if a invisible force was constricting my throat, making it difficult to draw in air.

As the elevator doors opened, revealing the empty expanse of the hallway before me, a surge of emotions washed over me. With trembling legs and teary eyes, I mustered the strength to keep moving forward, determined to put one foot in front of the other. The stress of the situation caused beads of sweat to form on my forehead and trickle down my neck, a physical manifestation of the fear and anxiety I felt deep within.

As I hurried along the corridor, my ears strained to catch any sound, any indication of another presence. And then, I heard it – the distinct sound of approaching footsteps, growing louder with each passing second. Panic gripped me, and I frantically searched for a means of escape, my eyes darting from one door to another.

And then, like a beacon of hope, I spotted it – an unlocked door, standing ajar as if inviting me in. Without a second thought, I rushed towards it, my heart pounding in my chest. With a swift motion, I entered the room and closed the door behind me, shutting out the world and creating a temporary sanctuary.

I couldn't even lock the door before I fall on my ground on my knees. I covered my mouth with my palm to not let any sob out. I rest my back against the wall. Those footsteps was getting near and nearer. The lack of oxygen in this store room was making it more hard for me to breath. 

No matter how hard I try to suppress my tears with my hand, they still reverberate in this vacant room. The weight of sadness hangs heavy in the air, lingering like a haunting melody. Just as the door swings open, a rush of emotions floods my senses, threatening to drown me in their intensity. I instinctively avert my gaze, seeking solace in the darkness behind my closed eyelids. The sudden influx of light momentarily blinds me, a stark reminder of the outside world that I am desperately trying to escape.

"Dr. Mahak...?" Shit...I recognize this voice. I looked up to the owner of the voice and its none other than Dev. "Oh my god Dr. Mahak are you okay ?!?!" He hurriedly close the door behind him and kneel down beside me. "Please. leave me alone..." I manage to get those words out of my mouth. My voice was shaky and shuttering. I could feel Dev getting worried and upset. 

"At least let me help you once...please ?" He replied while looking at me expectedly. I shook my head as no and shift my body away from him, burying my face in my knees. "You are sweating, shaking, shuttering, at least let me return the favor" He exclaimed while still looking at me sympathetically.

I started choking on my own saliva while tears streamed down my face simultaneously. I started gasping for air while clutching my chest. He got worried and started looking here and there. He got up from the ground and my eyes followed his movements. He went up to a window that was in this store room and opened it.