Short Story

"Can we kill our self by holding our breath?..."

They were sitting at CCD, when Raj asked this question to Sneha.

Sneha was one of the most brilliant and charming girls that Raj ever came across in his life. On the contrary, Raj was a not so brilliant-stupid guy. They say unlike charges attract each other and something similar happened in their life and they got married.

Raj never won when ever he indulged in a debate with Sneha. She always had some logic behind her answers that Raj had to accept. The giggle and laughter at the end of these battles drove him crazy.You can call it 'Male Ego' or madness, Raj wanted to prove Sneha wrong at least on one ocassion.

"What?"

Raj asked her again, "Can we kill our self by holding our breath?"

"No. Never"

Raj became curious, "how can you say that?"

"I said No... means No"

"There will be some explanation!!!"

"Ok. In simple words...After holding your breath for a certain amount of time, the nervous system will stimulate a reaction which you won't be able to control. Your brain cells will send across a message to respire"

Raj got more confused, "I don't think so. You are wrong this time"

Sneha, "Okay so what is your explanation....Come on tell me..."

Raj was silent. He kept looking at Sneha.

"Oh come on. You can't make a statement just like that. Without any proof"

Raj didn't reply and Sneha became more worried than furious, "Raj whats' going on? Say something please"

Raj kept staring at her. He was mum.

"Oh dear..Are you holding your breath"
"Okay go ahead. I know you will breath again"

Raj didn't say anything.He had a smile on his face.

"Oh please Raj. Come on. Don't be an idiot. Please.."

It had been more than 1 minute and Raj was still holding his breath...

Her eyes were brimming with tears..."Please Raj. I beg you. Please".
"Okay you won...for Gods' sake..start breathing"

Raj knew, if he will breathe, he will lose again!!!