The Panic Attack

Aditya tried to push aside the storm brewing in his chest. He needed to focus. He was Aditya Singh—the man known for his ruthless business acumen, not someone who got distracted by a mere employee. But every time his eyes landed on Avira, a strange unease settled inside him. There was something different about her today, something off. Her eyes, usually filled with fire and defiance, seemed dull, weighed down by an invisible burden. He couldn't shake off the feeling that something was wrong.

Lost in his thoughts, he was pulled back to reality when Raj stepped forward. "Sir, the meeting with the Luthras has been scheduled for the day after tomorrow. We need to prepare immediately."

Aditya, slipping into his professional mode, nodded sharply. "This deal is crucial. I want no mistakes. Make sure all the files are ready."

His sharp gaze landed on Avira. "I need you to prepare everything in advance and be present throughout. This is important. On the day of the meeting, no one leaves this office until it is successfully completed. Understood?"

Avira gave a small nod, keeping her voice steady. "Understood, sir."

Aditya studied her for a moment longer, the shadows under her eyes making his chest tighten for reasons he didn't want to admit. "I'll drop you off myself that day. You just focus on work."

Avira's eyes widened slightly, but she didn't argue. She knew that when Aditya Singh made a decision, there was no room for debate.

—

The day of the meeting arrived, and Avira waited outside Aditya's office, her bag in one hand, eyes occasionally darting to the time. The meeting had ended a while ago, and she was waiting as per his instruction.

That's when the taunts started.

A group of her co-workers, people she barely interacted with, stood by the corridor, exchanging smirks before turning toward her.

"Why are you still here, Avira?" one of them sneered. "The meeting is over. Sir already said we could leave."

Avira kept her voice composed. "I was told to wait."

"Oh, come on," another chimed in. "We all know what you're trying to do."

She frowned, gripping the strap of her bag tighter. "And what exactly am I trying to do?"

The woman smirked. "First, you tried to seduce Mr. Mehra, and because of you, the deal was canceled. Now, you're trying the same with Aditya, aren't you? Sticking around, playing the obedient employee, hoping he notices you?"

The words struck like a sharp blade to her chest, slicing through old wounds that had barely healed. It reminded her of her past—of the whispers, the taunts, the cruel accusations. Her fingers trembled slightly, but she refused to show weakness. She swallowed the lump in her throat and forced herself to turn away.

But she couldn't take it anymore. If she stayed, she knew Aditya would be furious, but at that moment, all she wanted to do was run. To escape. To silence the voices haunting her.

Without a second thought, she stormed out of the office, leaving behind her phone and bag on her desk.

—

When the meeting ended, Aditya leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply. He loosened his tie slightly before turning to Raj. "Where's Avira? Tell her we're leaving."

Raj frowned. "She's not here, sir. Her phone is still on her desk."

Aditya's brows furrowed. "What do you mean she's not here? She was supposed to wait."

A sudden unease settled in his chest, making his heart pound a little faster. He stood abruptly, his sharp gaze turning to the office guards. "Did you see Avira leave?"

One of them hesitated before nodding. "Yes, sir. She left a while ago… she seemed upset."

Something snapped inside him.

Panic. An unfamiliar, unwanted emotion.

Aditya didn't waste another second. He rushed out, not caring about the curious stares following him. He grabbed his car keys and sped off, his jaw clenched tight as he scanned the roads.

"Damn it, Avira. Where the hell are you?"

—

Avira had been running, mindlessly, aimlessly. Her legs burned, her breath came out in sharp, shallow gasps. The cold air bit at her skin, but she barely felt it. All she could hear were the echoes of the past—the voices, the screams, the nightmares clawing at her sanity.

She finally stopped, collapsing onto a deserted sidewalk, her body curling in on itself. She was shaking—violently. Her arms wrapped around her knees as she gasped for air, her chest rising and falling in rapid succession. The dark night reminded her of that room, those hands, those monsters. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to push it all away, but the memories suffocated her.

"Please… let me go…" her voice was barely a whisper, broken, helpless. "Don't… don't touch me… please."

She didn't notice the car screeching to a halt.

Didn't notice the hurried footsteps approaching her.

Didn't realize she wasn't alone until a pair of strong, warm arms wrapped around her trembling body.

"Avira!" Aditya's voice was sharp with worry, his grip tightening around her as he crouched beside her. "What the hell happened? Are you hurt?"

She didn't respond. She couldn't.

Her breathing was too erratic, her eyes unfocused, lost in the horror of the past.

Aditya swallowed hard. He had never seen her like this. She was always composed, always strong—even when he pushed her, she never broke. But now… now she looked utterly shattered.

His fingers brushed against her ice-cold cheek, his heart clenching at the sight of her tears. "Avira," he murmured, his voice softer this time, as if afraid she might break further. "It's okay. I'm here."

Her body was still shaking, her lips parted as though she wanted to say something but couldn't find the words. Then, just as suddenly as the breakdown had come, she slumped forward, her body giving up.

Aditya caught her just in time before she hit the ground. His heart nearly stopped when he realized she had fainted in his arms.

Cursing under his breath, he scooped her up effortlessly and carried her to his car, his grip on her never loosening. His mind raced with questions, but one thing was clear—whatever had happened to her, whatever ghosts she was fighting, he wasn't going to let them win.

Not this time.

Not as long as she was his to protect.

—

At his guest house, the doctor checked her vitals before handing Aditya a prescription. "She had a severe panic attack. Lack of sleep, stress—it all built up. I've given her something to help her rest. But she needs care. If she keeps this up, it could affect her health long-term."

Aditya nodded, his fingers unconsciously tightening into a fist. As he sat beside the bed, watching the rise and fall of her chest, a single thought echoed in his mind.

Who hurt you this badly, Avira?

And why did it feel like it was his battle to fight now?