Consciousness returned in fragments. Beeping. Antiseptic smell. Fluorescent lights too bright even through closed eyelids.
Rama tried to move. Body didn't respond. Paralyzed? Permanent damage from tranquilizer overdose?
Panic started rising before he heard the voice.
"Don't move. You're intubated. Breathing tube down your throat. Sedative overdose required medical intervention. They had to pump your stomach and provide respiratory support."
Sekar. Her voice. Alive. Safe.
He forced his eyes open. Hospital room. Private. Expensive. Sekar sat in chair beside the bed, looking exhausted but unharmed. Shoulder bandaged where tranquilizer dart had hit. But conscious. Functional. Alive.
Relief flooded through him so intensely it hurt.
She noticed he was awake. Pressed call button. "He's conscious. Send the doctor."
Doctor arrived within minutes. Mid-forties. Professional. Concerned expression.
