Chapter 3: PranaTranan Hospital

A moment later, the voice returned. "I'm sorry, sir, but there are no quotas available at the moment."

Mohan cut the call abruptly, cursing under his breath. "Am I an idiot?" he muttered, quickly dialing another number. This time, his voice was firmer.

"Hello, Mohan sir."

"I need an emergency ward quota immediately."

"Understood, sir. I'll arrange it right away."

"And send an ambulance to Sam's residence, now."

"Yes, sir. Right away."

Mohan disconnected the call, exhaling deeply as the tension eased slightly. "I can't believe I called the hospital customer service instead of the family doctor," he muttered, shaking his head at his own oversight.

Soon, his car reached the tall outer walls enclosing a large building. The gate was emblazoned with the word "Curious." Without hesitation, Mohan honked the horn. The gatekeeper gave him a quick once-over before opening the gate, allowing him to drive through.

Upon entering, the entire area between the building and the outer wall was covered with lush greenery, bushes, and beautiful flowers, except for the narrow road that led from the outer gate to the building's entrance. However, he wasn't in the mood to appreciate the scenery. Without hesitation, he moved toward the building, performed an iris scan, and the gate automatically opened. Without glancing back, he ordered, "I need your help. Come with me."

He raced up the stairs, not bothering to check if the gatekeeper followed. The main gate automatically closed behind them once the gatekeeper entered. Soon, he arrived at Sam's room, where he abruptly halted. His trembling body instinctively stepped back as he gasped for air.

"Sam!" he whispered, a soft word escaping his lips. Pushing aside the ominous thoughts swirling in his mind, he rushed to Sam's side and placed his fingers under his friend's nostrils, checking for signs of breathing.

His entire body was soaked in sweat, trembling—a clear testament to the mental and physical ordeal he had just endured to reach Sam. In all his experience, he could only describe it as if he had come out from the devil's cave. His heart pounded, and adrenaline surged through his veins.

Without wasting time, he carefully laid Sam down on the sofa, splashing water over his face and even administering CPR, despite feeling embarrassed. But Sam was his friend, and he was duty-bound to do everything he could. A flicker of movement—Sam's finger trembled. Seeing this small sign of life, Mohan sighed in relief. "Man, what a hellish day!" he muttered as he slumped onto the couch, letting his weight sink into it. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and turned to the gatekeeper. "Thanks for coming to help."

The gatekeeper gave an awkward, apologetic smile. "Sorry, sir, I came late. What happened to Mr. Sam?"

"I don't know," Mohan replied.

The gatekeeper made a knowing expression but responded honestly, "I've always told him to take a break and focus on his health... even suggested keeping a chef and staff here in the building."

Mohan adjusted himself on the couch, exhaustion evident in his face, and cursed under his breath. "Stubborn fool! I've told him plenty of times this house is perfect for a family, not for someone living alone." He sighed heavily, rubbing his face. "Alas…"

The gatekeeper sighed as well. "You never know when misfortune strikes... the accident with Mr. Sam..." He shook his head in disbelief.

Mohan sighed again, understanding all too well. Sam knew the risks too, but this building held cherished memories of his childhood, his parents. Letting goes to isn't easy.

Suddenly, a sound echoed through the room.

*Tring *Trong

"Your phone is ringing." 

"Sir, your phone is ringing!"

Realization dawned on Mohan as he muttered, "I forget everything in worry." Without a second thought, he picked up the call. A voice reached his ear: "Sir, I have arrived and am waiting at the entrance." 

"Coming," Mohan replied and disconnected the call. 

Glancing at Sam, he said without turning his head, "Help me," before rising from his seat. Both the gatekeeper and Mohan quickly became busy with their tasks.

---

Four hours later

PranaTranan Hospital

In one of the VIP rooms, a young boy suddenly sat up in bed, breathing heavily, lowering his head. "What was that? Is that real?" Before he could process his thoughts, a familiar voice interrupted his muddled mind. "What's going on?"

Sam turned his head, and his eyes met a familiar gaze, causing all his worries to vanish. He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know," he said, taking a deep, calming breath. "Something is happening, like..." Before he could finish, he glanced toward the doctor and asked, "Can I take leave now?"

The doctor shrugged, casting a glance at Mohan, who Sam turned to next. Breathing a sigh of relief, Mohan said, "Okay, let's go." 

"Hmm."

With that last reply, both of them followed the necessary procedures and exited the hospital.

---

"Is everything alright? Or is something worrying you?" Mohan asked. 

"I don't know. I just feel something different." 

"Different? Like what?" 

"I can't explain. It's just something you feel. I don't even know what I'm saying."

"Okay, we can talk later." As they conversed, both of them reached the parking area of the hospital. 

*Click* 

Mohan entered the driver's seat, and as Sam was about to take the front passenger spot, Mohan interjected, "Not here." He gestured with his thumb to the backseat. "Go and sit in the passenger seat." 

"Okay, my lord," Sam replied with a light smile, taking the passenger spot.

*Broom, broom* 

The car, with a slight curve, exited the parking lot and merged onto the highway.