31 Horrible Nightmare

Susan was still shivering. Just as Advay was putting his coat around her shoulders, out of the corner of his eye, he saw the man draw a gun and point towards Susan. Reacting instinctively, he pulled Susan towards him, so that his entire body was covering hers.

Bang!

There was sound of a gun shot.

Susan stiffled. Unmoving, she looked up at Advay's face, terrified. As soon as the bullet made contact with his skin, Advay could feel the pain shooting through his entire body, making him weak. He gnashed his teeth together to prevent any sound from escaping his mouth.

Unable to maintain his balance, he felt as if he was slowly falling backwards. His back hit the ground, giving him another bolt of pain.

As if from far away, he could hear Susan's panicked voice, calling him " Advay! Advay! No, don't lose consciousness. I will call an ambulance right away. "

His eyes were fluttering, threatening to overpower him. He tried to lift his arm, but it fell back limply to his side.

Susan was trying to find her cellphone. But except for that, everything came out - her lipstick, napkin, sanitary pad, a wad of notes, handkerchief and what not else. Her cheeks red, she groped into the insides of her bag hurriedly, and finally grabbed her mobile.

" Suzy... " Advay called weakly, grabbing her arm lightly, making an attempt to sit up.

Susan froze, as she stared at him with her black eyes wide open. It was as if something had shattered inside her. She had not heard him call her with this name ever since 10th grade.

Not noticing the effect it had on her, he continued weakly, clutching his back, where the blood continued to ooze out profusely. " Call... my.. brother first... He will know what..... to do. "

" But...? " Susan was confused. Shouldn't she call the hospital first, get his wound stitched up? Why was he so adamant on her calling Arnav?

" Plea..se " Advay whispered, his face turning pale, as he allowed the blackness to engulf him, his body swaying...

" ADVAY! " Susan cried, seeing him lose consiousness. It felt as if her heart had stopped beating abruptly.Disregarding his words, she immediately called 911 requesting for an ambulance. Then she dialled Arnav's number, who picked on second call only. After explaining Advay's condition to him, he hurridely hung up, promising to reach them at the earliest. Lastly, she called her sister's number. Hearing her phone switched off, she left a voicemail and slumped against the wall, tears streaming down her face, dirtying it further.

Covering herself more securely with the coat, she thought to herself. What wouldn't she have given to stop this from happening today? God, did she really deserve this? Maybe. But certainly not Advay, he had done so much for her. It was a nightmare, a horrible nightmare. Closing her eyes, she leaned her her head against the wall, wishing all this would disappear.