"AGAINST TIME"

CHAPTER XXXIX

PLOT STORY:

*Main Plot:* Aashutosh's life is in danger, and Surya is the only one who can save him. Pratap and Dr. Prakash are racing against time to find a matching blood donor for Aashutosh's transfusion.

*Subplots:*

1. Ava and Ruby's investigation into their parents' death continues. They suspect Nikolas is involved and decide to track his location.

2. Surya's emotional turmoil as he struggles to come to terms with Aashutosh's critical condition.

3. Pratap's inner conflict as he grapples with his feelings towards Surya and Aashutosh.

*Twists and Turns:*

1. Nikolas's sudden appearance at the hospital, causing tension and suspense.

2. Aashutosh's mysterious past and his connection to Surya, which is slowly unraveling.

3. The doctor's revelation that Aashutosh has given up on living, adding an emotional layer to the story.

*Cliffhanger:* Ava and Ruby's decision to confront Grandpa about their parents' death, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation in the next chapter.

MAIN STORY:

Pratap rushed to the doctor's office, his heart racing with anxiety. "How's Aashutosh?" he asked, his voice trembling.

The doctor's expression was grim. "There's no improvement in his condition, Mr. Pratap. I'm afraid we're running out of time."

Pratap felt a wave of despair wash over him. He had lost all hope. He quickly called Dr. Prakash, who had arrived at the hospital.

Dr. Prakash spoke with the team of doctors and gathered all the information about Aashutosh's condition. He then walked over to Pratap, his face etched with concern.

"Mr. Pratap, we need to call Surya now. If we don't, we'll lose Aashutosh forever," Dr. Prakash said, his voice urgent.

Pratap shook his head. "We can't call him. You know why."

Dr. Prakash's expression turned sympathetic. "I understand everything, but sometimes, saving a life is more important than ego or pride. Surya risked his own life to save Aashutosh. Don't you think he deserves to know that Aashutosh's life is in danger?"

Pratap's eyes welled up with tears. "But what if Aashutosh had met Surya and refused to come with us?"

Dr. Prakash placed a reassuring hand on Pratap's shoulder. "Don't worry, Mr. Pratap. Surya will find a way to send Aashutosh back to us. I'll inform Surya myself."

Pratap's voice cracked. "But I...I don't know if I can talk to Surya."

Dr. Prakash's expression turned gentle. "I know, Mr. Pratap. That's why I'll take care of it."

Dr. Prakash called Surya, his voice trembling with urgency. "Surya, this might be the last time I disturb you, but Aashutosh needs you. He's the reason you've sacrificed so much. What if I told you that he might not make it?"

Surya's voice was laced with concern. "What happened to Aashu?"

Dr. Prakash's eyes welled up with tears. "Aashu was searching for you on the road when a car hit him. He's critically injured. Pratap got him admitted to the hospital, but the doctors say he's lost the will to live. And I know that you're the only one who can give him hope."

Surya's voice was firm. "I'm coming. Where are you? Tell me the location."

Dr. Prakash's voice cracked. "I'll send you the location. Please hurry. We don't have much time."

Surya reassured him. "Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to Aashu. I'll be there soon."

Dr. Prakash's voice was filled with gratitude. "I know you won't let anything happen to him. Thank you, Surya."

Pratap and Dr. Prakash were waiting anxiously at the hospital for Surya, but three days had passed with no sign of him. Pratap had lost hope, wondering if Surya would ever show up.

Just then, Surya rushed in, his face etched with worry. "Where's Aashu?" he asked Dr. Prakash, his voice trembling.

Dr. Prakash's expression was grim. "Surya, you're too late. Aashutosh has been moved to the ICU. The chances of his survival are slim."

Surya's eyes welled up with tears. "What will I do without Aashu? I'll die without him."

Dr. Prakash placed a reassuring hand on Surya's shoulder. "You're here now, Surya. Nothing will happen to Aashutosh."

As Surya broke down in tears, Pratap walked over to him, his voice filled with empathy. "Surya, don't worry. Nothing will happen to our Aashu. We're all here for him."

Surya's body shook with sobs as Pratap and Dr. Prakash tried to comfort him, their faces etched with concern and sympathy.

The team of doctors emerged from the ICU, their faces somber. Surya approached them, his voice trembling with anxiety. "Doctor, how's Aashu? Will he be okay?"

The doctor's expression was grim. "We don't think we can save Mr. Aashutosh Singh. He's given up on living."

Surya's eyes widened in shock. "How can that be?"

The doctor explained, "It's possible that he's troubled by something or suffering from depression. The head injury he sustained in the accident isn't helping. We're afraid we might lose him."

Surya's face crumpled, and he stumbled backward, overcome with grief. Pratap rushed to his side, catching him before he fell.

The doctor continued, "We need to arrange for a blood transfusion. If anyone in your family has a matching blood group, please bring them here immediately."

Pratap thought for a moment. "Dad's blood group matches Aashutosh's."

Dr. Prakash urged, "Then call him, Pratap."

Pratap hesitated, "But..."

Surya interrupted, his voice desperate. "Please, brother, don't waste any more time. Save Aashu."

Pratap quickly dialed Nikolas's number, explaining Aashutosh's critical condition. Nikolas was alarmed and immediately left for Delhi.

As Pratap waited anxiously for Nikolas to arrive, Surya's eyes remained fixed on the ICU door, his heart heavy with worry.

Pratap and Surya were beside themselves with worry. Dr. Prakash approached Surya, his expression gentle. "The doctor has allowed one person to meet Aashu. I think it should be you, Surya."

Pratap nodded in agreement. "Yes, Surya, you should go. But please, be careful what you say in front of my brother. Don't upset him."

Surya reassured him, "Don't worry, I'll be careful. I won't say anything that might distress him."

Surya made his way to Aashutosh's room, his heart heavy with concern.

Meanwhile, Aashutosh was talking to Ava and Ruby. "I don't remember what Surya said to me that day, but maybe Nikolas can tell us."

Ava asked, "Did you ask Nikolas about it?"

Aashutosh replied, "I asked him many times, but he never told me anything."

Ruby suggested, "Maybe we should ask Grandpa again."

Aashutosh agreed, "Yes, Ruby, go ask him. I don't want to talk to him."

Just then, Aashutosh received a call from the doctor, who sounded frantic. "Aashu, Nikolas has found us. I'm getting scared. Please come quickly."

Aashutosh's expression turned worried. "I'm on my way."

Ava asked, "Where are you going, sir?"

But Aashutosh didn't respond, his mind preoccupied with the ominous call.

Ava turned to Ruby, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Ruby, do you think what Father said that day is important?"

Ruby nodded thoughtfully. "I don't know, but I think Grandpa is the only one who can tell us."

Ava's gaze wandered, searching for Grandpa. "Where is he, anyway?"

Ruby replied, "He's at the old house."

Ava's eyes narrowed. "What's he doing there?"

Ruby shrugged. "We'll find out when we go there."

Ava and Ruby got into the car, heading to Nikolas's location. Ava smiled, satisfied. "Tracking Nikolas's location was a great plan."

Ruby agreed, "Yeah."

Ruby's expression turned somber, recalling a difficult memory. "It was tough for me when Grandpa came back from Kashi after Suresh's death. He called me to his room, and I installed the tracker on his phone."

Ava's eyes widened in surprise. "Good thing he didn't catch you."

Ruby nodded, relieved. "Yeah."

Ruby turned to Ava, her voice filled with longing. "Ava, when will things be okay between us, and we can be together again?"

Ava's jaw set in determination. "When we bring our parents' killer to justice."

Ruby sighed, frustration etched on her face. "Why is this so hard for us?"

Ava's eyes blazed with resolve. "I won't rest until I find out who did this."

Ruby placed a reassuring hand on Ava's arm. "I'm with you, Ava."

To be continue....