Fire alarm

Sahil and Haity were sitting on the couch in the living area, Sahil looking gravely grim and Haity staring out into the balcony with a chair swing and some plant pots laying around, it was a big apartment with not so much to explore.

"You like greenery?" Haity asked, trying to break the tension between the two that's been looming over since she announced the conversation with his mother to Sahil.

"No that's all Ronny, my flatmate." Sahil clarified noticing the confused look on Haity's face.

"Yesh sure sure, so..."

"Just get to the point, I know you do not want me to— um— like you?"

"Sahil it is not that I don't want you to like me but I just can't have you messing with my life when I already warned you about not being able to reciprocate the feelings.

"I understand I did went too far with that and would like to apologise. I'm sorry." Sahil said, not looking eye to eye but staring into the translucent bowl of glass on the fancy rectangular coffee table in front.

"I get it Sahil it's okay. So we are good?"

"I guess so."

"I'll get going then." Haity got up from the couch and walked around the table to move towards the door, all this time Sahil stayed where he was.

Suddenly he jumped up from the couch and speeded towards Haity who was about to exit the door.

"Hey wait."

"Yeah?" Haity turned with a raised eyebrow, confused about sudden call.

"I was going to leave for work, want me to drop you off somewhere?" He asked throwing his lean veiny fingers in his brown messy hairs.

"No I will take the auto. Thank you." Haity said and turned again to leave. As soon as she opened the door to hallway, a loud ear killing sound filled the apartment.

"What? What happened?" Haity looked around confused and panicked. Sahil rushed towards her and held her tightly by arm.

"It's the fire alarm. Let's get out of here."

Both of them rushed out into the hallway, people were already running down in crowd and someone was yelling for others to calm down and move in orderly fashion but it went unnoticed among all shout of panic and rush.

"Don't go by elevator," A woman called out to some early teenage kid who, then left and started running down with others.

Sahil and Haity unknowingly clutched each other's hand as they climbed down the stairs with others, Haity stumbled on the last step of the floor cause of immense push of people from behind and with every floor they climbed down, more and more people seemed to add to the crowd. Being a victim of ochlophobia, Haity was finding it difficult to breath with every passing second. She tried to control herself for the initial moments but now she was close to shaking.

Sahil was holding her hand tight, running as fast as he could make them both go.

"Sahil." Haity gave a nudge to grab his attention.

"Keep walking Haity we are almost out." Sahil didn't took notice of her worsening condition, until the fuzz in her head got better of her and she collapsed on the floor.

"Haity?" Sahil looked at the unconscious figure of Haity laying before him while people rushed across them, passing by.

Sahil lifted Haity bridal style and rushed towars the exit. After coming out in open, Sahil took her to the parking lot and to his car.

Luckily, while dressing he pocketed his car keys, opening the passenger side doors, he let Haity in and then himself went to drivers side and jumped in as fast as his legs could go.

"Haity? Haity can you hear me?" He called out whlie pulling out of the garage. Haity moved but her eyes remained close.

"Don't worry we are going to the hospital, you are gonna be fine." Sahil assured, his own chest thudding with worry.

A few hours later Haity woke up in hospital with Sahil on the chair beside her.

With heavy eyes and buzzing head, she slowly turned her head, Sahil stood up and walked to her.

"You are up? Oh thank God. I was so worried, you fainted on the stairs and won't wake up. Doctor said you had a slow pulse when we arrived and—"

"Sahil." Haity interrupted.

"Yeah?"

"Please stop talking."

"Oh okay sure I'm sorry I got too excited I guess."

"It's okay, I panicked cause of the crowd. I'm sorry you have to take such a lot of trouble for me."

"Are you kidding me? Yes you are a little um...you know fluffy but—."

"Fluffy? You can say I'm overweight I won't be offended."

"No not at all. You aren't overweight, you do have good amount of flash but at perfect places." Sahil gave a teasing wink, eying her up and down playfully.

"That's creepy Sahil." Haity frowned.

"I know I'm sorry." Sahil straighten up and that's when the doctor arrived.

"How are you feeling Ms. Haity? I'm Dr. Meher D'Santis. " The doctor asked and introduced himself. He looked tanned and beat, probably from over working, his hairs were messed too.

"I'm feeling much better. Thank you doctor."

"Good, you are good to go. No abnormalities or deficiencies. I've given the prescriptions list to your boyfriend so do not forget to take them on time." Meher left, leaving a stunned look on Haity's red face.

"Boyfriend? You told him you're my boyfriend?"

"I had to say something so I went with boyfriend rather than husband, husband would look too extreme considering the terms we are on."

"We are not on any terms Sahil, I was stupid to even believe we could be friends. I'm out of here." Haity got off bed and hurried out.

"Ouch." She stumbled with weakness but Sahil held her up. Looking into his eyes, she could make out the regret for lying but her furiousity was bubbling with highest intensity.

"I'm fine. You can let go."

"I'll drop you home." Sahil's heart was racing with desires and control. The woman he craved for, was in his arms but angry and repelling."

"Sahil. Let. Go." Haity snapped in frustration and Sahil immediately let go of her and backed away.

"I never want to meet you again." With these words, Haity turned and left him staring.