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I slowly woke up, still half-asleep, and reached out my hand to pull him closer.
But….the bed was empty.
My eyes opened fully, and I sat up, looking around.
The room was silent. Too silent.
Where is he?
The balcony door was locked properly, and the window was slightly open-just the way I always keep it.
Did he really leave without telling me? At least this chimpanzee could have woke up me.
I closed my eyes again for a second, hoping I could steal a few more minutes of sleep.
But I knew the truth-if I closed them now, I would end up waking after hours, probably running late and cursing myself.
So, I gave up and reached for my phone.
The screen lit up-6:57 a.m.
Wait, What?
What The Actual Heck?!
I never sleep this long.
I clearly remember setting my alarm for 5:00 a.m.
Why didn’t it rang Did I sleep through it? Or did my alarm just betray me?
Then I noticed a message-sent two hours ago.
From him.
I opened it.
Vihaan:
“Good morning. First of all-no, I didn’t turn off your alarm. You were half awake and told me to let you sleep for ‘five more minutes.’ You looked so tired that I couldn’t wake you again.
I stayed for ten more minutes, but you were already lost in your sweet dreams. Since your duty starts at 9:30, I thought you could sleep a little bit more.
Also… I had to leave before your grumpy brother woke up and caught me. I would prefer to stay alive .
And yes, I set your alarm for 7:00 a.m. just in case. Hope you slept well and had sweet dreams of me.”
Just as a small smile crept onto my lips after reading his message, my phone buzzed again….the alarm started ringing as it hits 7:00 am.
I turned it off to put my phone back on the table when my gaze shift on the blue paper ring as it was nicely kept in my box.
I picked it up and then stepped out into the balcony. The sun was already out, bright and warm.
I Sighed.
Missed that peaceful 5 a.m. vibe again-when everything’s quiet, the breeze feels fresh and the world hasn’t started shouting yet.
But then my eyes landed on the white orchids in the corner on his balcony.
They looked beautiful in the sunlight…soft petals glowing, some leaves even growing over the balcony railing like they were trying to explore the world.
I sat down on my chair, watching them in silence.
They have grown a lot.
Just like….us.
My hand reached out to the paper ring he once made.
I slipped one on my finger.
And the fun fact this ring still fits.
A small smile formed on my lips.
I brought it closer and kissed it gently, my eyes drifting toward Vihaan’s balcony.
What did I ever do to deserve someone like him?
Ugh, I freaking love this man so much.
My finger softly traced the little paper ring, as memories started flashing through my mind.
A soft, content smile appeared on my lips…we are together.
In these seven years of being with him, we have grown so much.
We are complete opposites in every way.
We like different things, think differently, and argue like kids over the smallest stuff.
But still…..we understand each other.
Even in silence and in chaos and that’s what really matters.
Those orchids out on the balcony…they are witnesses. He never really leaves me. He is been there for me through everything, every single moment.
I smiled at the thought of us.
But slowly….that smile faded.
Reality settled in again, like a quiet ache.
He is leaving soon. He will go back again.
I let out a deep sigh.
I really wish he could just stay.
Wake up next to me every morning.
Make me his special adrak wali chai.
Then I would make him watch horror movies with me, even though he hates them-And let me tell you, I know he was scared of Skully, my skeleton baby. He twisted in his sleep that whole night. Cute idiot.
Then we would go on silly little dates.
Nothing fancy. Just me and him.
But I know….wishing doesn’t change anything.
Time won’t stop just because I want it to.
Still…If I could, I would pause the world right now. Just to hold him for a little longer. Just to keep him close.
I don’t want to be alone here anymore.
I want him beside me.
In the quiet mornings, in the loud evenings, and in every messy, beautiful in-between.
But deep down….I know.
Maybe now just isn’t the right time.
He has dreams to chase.
Places to go. Things to achieve.
And I….I won’t stop him.
I will stand by him…even from afar.
I will cheer for him silently, I’ll pray for him in my heart.
Because of this love, this bond we have, it’s worth everything.
My heart wants forever with him.
If he has to leave, then okay.
But until then, I will hold on to every second.
I will make every single day count.
I will treasure every laugh, every glance, every goodnight.
Because this….us….it means everything to me.
I stood up and placed that paper ring on its place.
I freshened up, took a quick shower, and got dressed. A crisp white shirt. Beige pants. Tied my hair into a messy bun with a scrunchie. Some light makeup. Grabbed my bag. Put my stethoscope in. Done.
Huff! Getting ready should count as cardio.
I walked downstairs and chaos greeted me.
What the hell is happening in my home.
“Mumma, why did you do this?” Atharv’s dramatic tone rang out.
As I reached the bottom step, I saw the scene unfolding in the dining area.
Prisha bhabhi was crouching in front of Atharv, trying to calm him down, “Atharv, baby, I am sorry! I will buy you more brownies today, promise.”
Meanwhile, mumma, papa, and Kunal bhai were peacefully having breakfast like this was a daily soap they were used to.
I frowned, confused.
“What happened now?” I asked, walking over and raising an eyebrow at my little tornado, who was standing on a chair like he was giving a protest speech.
“Bua! Mumma ate all my brownies” he cried, turning toward me with pure betrayal written on his face.
Oh! So this drama is about brownies.
His tiny arms crossed, eyebrows scrunched in anger…..he honestly looked like an angry little bird in a school uniform.
I tried not to laugh.
“Atharv, come on, don’t create drama now. Get ready for school,” Prisha Bhabhi said, adjusting his tie.
But the boy had other plans.
“No. I won’t go!” he huffed, folding his arms even tighter.
This child had clearly taken notes from every saas-bahu serial.
“Atharv…” I warned, using my ‘strict but still loving’ bua voice.
But he turned toward his mother.
What?
This little tornado literally ignored me.
He dramatically pointed, “First you tell me, Mumma. Why did you eat it?”
I had to admit…..the tone, the stubborn expression….he was a mini version of Prisha bhabhi.
I smirked and nudged her, “How does it feel to raise a carbon copy of your own stubbornness and anger?”
She narrowed her eyes at me.
“Ruhii…” she said, dragging my name like a warning.
I raised both hands and grinned, “Okay, okay. I surrender.”
“Atharv, don’t make me angry. Get down from that chair right now,” she snapped.
I looked at Kunal bhai, who was happily eating like none of this was happening.
“Aren’t you going to say something?” I whispered.
He casually passed me a bowl of fruits and shrugged, “Nope. Not stepping into their brownie war. I know how it ends with me being blamed somehow.”
I laughed out loud.
Prisha bhabhi tried again, changing tactics, as her voice became gentle, “Atharv, please listen to Mumma. Don’t be angry.”
But Atharv was not done being dramatic.
“You always eat my things. Last time it was my chocolate pastry,” he accused, now standing on the chair to match her height like he was debating in court.
Prisha bhabhi sighed and sat down, gently rubbing her baby bump, “Baby, I didn’t eat it because I wanted to. Your little sibling was hungry. And you are going to be a big brother now, you will share things with your little sibling.”
Smart move.
I chimed in to help.
“Yes, Atharv. Sharing is caring, remember?” I tried to get him to sit down.
But no. The drama was far from over.
“Then why is the baby still living there? He can come out now and I’ll share a tiny bite,” he asked, pointing at her bump.
I almost choked on air.
Prisha bhabhi’s irritation was visible.
“Atharv, the baby is tiny. He can’t come outside yet. Maybe after a month, okay?” she said, rubbing her forehead.
“Now get down from the chair and behave like a good boy.”
“No!” he shouted back, still on the chair like it was his stage.
I covered my mouth, trying not to laugh too loudly.
“If he is going to come in a month, then why did you put him there so early?” he asked innocently, and I coughed violently.
The child is asking dangerous questions.
Prisha bhabhi irritation level peaked as she glared at her husband and yelled, “I didn’t put him there. Ask your father.”
Kunal bhai started coughing as well, choking on his oats.
Papa and Mumma both began clearing their throats, pretending to not listen to anything as if they were not here.
“Papa, tell me!” the little tornado turned to bhai with big eyes.
Kunal bhai coughed again and finally mumbled, “Uhh…see…the baby is still really small. He needs nourishment and protection, so he stays in Mumma’s womb, which is actually called the uterus. Inside, there’s something called the amniotic sac that keeps him safe, and he gets food and oxygen through the umbilical cord connected to the placenta…and”
I rolled my eyes and whispered,
“Bhai, he is five years old.”
He looked at and nodded.
“Right, right…five,” he muttered.
I walked over and knelt beside Atharv, “Okay little tornado, enough now. Be a good boy and sit down.”
He glared at me but finally jumped down from the chair, wiped his seat like a grown man, and sat.
“The baby is very small, so Mumma has to eat well to keep the baby healthy. That’s why she ate your brownie. But don’t worry, I will buy you more brownies later,” mumma said making him understand.
Although I know this tornado doesn’t understand anything.
“The baby is small, I get it. I will share,” he said as I made him sat on the chair.
Aww my little tornado is so adorable.
Then he turned to Mumma.
“Dadi, But please buy me brownies after school, and tell Mumma not to eat them again.”
“Deal, now finish your breakfast. And don’t trouble your mother, okay?” Mumma said, her voice laid with affection.
“Sorry, Mumma,” he said in a tiny voice.
Again. My little tornado is just too adorable.
Obviously, the good habits?
Learned from the best…..me.
I mean, someone had to balance out the madness his Mamu brings.
No. Wait.
I am behaving exactly like him.
Take a deep breath.
Calm down.
I smiled as I sat beside him and helped him eat his breakfast.
Kunal bhai made sure Prisha bhabhi had hers and took her medicine.
Meanwhile, our little tornado told a terrible joke to dad. The best part? Dad actually listened and laughed like he was attending a comedy show.
Even I was starting to get bored of his jokes.
This was something new.
“Let’s go. I will drop you today,” I said, picking up his bag and adjusting the strap on his shoulder.
“No, Bua. You don’t have to.”
“Why not?” I asked, clipping his ID card properly.
“Nani and I are going with Mamu today,” he jumped in excitement.
I nodded and followed him out of the house.
At the gate, I spotted Adhya ma’am and greeted her, “Good morning, mam”
She smiled, “Good morning, Ruhii.”
Then she picked up Atharv.
“Umm….is Vihaan dropping you?” I asked casually.
She nodded.
Just then, I heard the gate click open and there he was.
My heart did that fluttery little dance it always does when I see him.
Just like it did the first time, years ago.
He looked at me and gave me that billion-dollar smile of his.
We kept looking at each other, totally lost….until someone cleared their throat loudly.
I stood up straight as Kunal bhai walked up beside me.
“Atharv, be a good boy, okay? Don’t trouble your Nani,” he said, ruffling Atharv’s hair.
Atharv nodded.
My little tornado, might create storms everywhere but in front of his papa, he is a whole new person. He turns from a wild squirrel into a calm, angelic baby deer. Ugh. He’s mastered the art of keeping everyone on his side.
Vihaan gently helped Atharv into the car, adjusting his seatbelt gently. I couldn’t stop staring, wanting to freeze this moment.
How would he look…..gently buckling seatbelt to our kids ?
Wait-WHAT?
Did I just say our kids?
Suddenly I couldn’t breathe properly. My chest tightened like I just ran a whole marathon… mentally.
Where did that thought even come from?
But…..was it really that crazy?
I can literally picture him trying to braid our daughter’s hair and failing miserably while acting like he is invented a new hairstyle.
It’s cute. Wait.
What is wrong with me?
We haven’t even done anything close to having kids and here I am-imagining him packing lunchboxes and I am attending PTM meetings with him.
My brain needs rest.
And just when I was deep in my own delusional imagination…
“Are you blushing, Ruh?”
Vihaan’s voice cut through, standing right in front of me with that ridiculously annoying smirk that makes me forget everything.
My cheeks went tomato mode. Full red.
“N-No! I just…maybe…I used too much blush today,” I said, waving my hand like makeup mishaps were the only thing causing this chaos.
He tilted his head, leaned a little closer voice low, playful, deadly.
“What were you thinking about that made you blush even more?”
His eyes narrowed like he already knew the answer and just wanted me to suffer.
I swear I melted right there. My brain was doing triple flips.
“N-nothing!” I squeaked like I was five and just got caught sneaking into the kitchen to eat chocolates.
And then my elbow was pulled gently.
“Ruhii.”
Kunal Bhai’s voice rang in full protective elder brother mode.
Vihaan immediately straightened up like a student caught texting during class.
Now it’s time to morning war-time glare session between Bhai and Vihaan.
Of course, it’s still a mystery to me how the hell he managed to convince Kunal bhai….like, how did he even convince bhai to let him meet me and on top of that, get my full schedule?
Especially when bhai still doesn’t even like him.
“Why are you still here? Atharv and Adhya mumma will get late,” Bhai snapped.
“Atharv’s bag was with Ruh-anika,” Vihaan replied smoothly, dragging my name like it was honey on his tongue.
Ugh, stop that.
I quickly handed over the bag, hoping this moment would just vanish into thin air.
But Vihaan-being Vihaan-gently brushed his fingers against mine as he took it from me.
Excuse Me?
Does This Man Have A Will To Live?
Kunal Bhai is right there.
Bhai’s glare intensified like he was measuring where to hit first.
“A little bit of distance would be appreciated,” Bhai said in his stern, doctor voice.
The one he uses when he’s seconds away from throwing someone out a window.
Vihaan, unbothered and living for the drama, gave his iconic lazy half-smile.
“Distance from beautiful people is hard to maintain, Jijuuu,” he said like he was quoting Shakespeare.
I mentally facepalmed so hard.
“Excuse me?” Bhai asked, already halfway to launching a full lecture.
Vihaan just smiled.
“You are getting old, Jijuuu. These things fly over your head now,” he said, his voice lacing with mischievous tone.
Okay, now he was just poking the angry bear.
“You want something to fly? I can throw my scalpel right now,” Bhai muttered.
I literally had to bite my lip to stop myself from laughing out loud.
“Tch tch… Violence isn’t the answer, Jijuuu. Love is,” Vihaan said with full drama.
Bhai rolled his eyes so hard I thought they would disappear, “Just leave before I put you to a stretcher.”
And before this can continue Atharv’s voice called out Kunal bhai as he went to him.
“Why do you always annoy Bhai like this….do you have no sense or…” i said scolding him.
But before I could breathe a sigh of relief…
My sentence didn’t even finish.
Because this man had the habit to play with fire as he checked both sides…And then……he kissed me.
His lips pressed gently for a second longer than they should have.
And then came the tiny, teasing suck…..not deep or bold, but enough to send my entire system spiraling into a glitch.
I froze.
Then he leaned in close and whispered, “Our kids will definitely be cute… since they will get your genes.”
I stared at him like he just read my thoughts off a teleprompter.
How Did He Know I Was Thinking That?
He winked at me and walked away like he hadn’t just blown up my entire system.
My mind literally froze.
Does he have some powers?
Is he some kind of alien?
Because seriously…..he is definitely not from this world
Just then, my phone buzzed.
Vihaan: Don’t stress your pretty little brain, Ruh. I know you, inside out, very carefully.
I read the message with a smile so wide, even my cheeks blushed harder.
This man is going to be the death of me.
And weirdly…I might just let him.
“Ruhii!” Bhai’s voice pulled me back to Earth, and I jumped away like I was hiding some crime. I scrambled into the car before he changed his mind about dropping me off.
Mumma was on leave today, dad would be coming later, and I was stuck in duty till 10 PM. Just my luck.
As we drove, my mind refused to cooperate….it kept going back to Vihaan. His smile. His note. That cheesecake. That man is literally the reason my serotonin level is always on peak.
β’β’β’β’β’
We reached the hospital, and I signed in at the resident register, barely glancing at the clock that already seemed to mock me with how late it felt. The hospital smelled like antiseptic, chaos, and caffeine-the usual.
The day rolled in like a storm.
Rounds began sharp at 9:30, with my senior practically flying through the ward, spitting out medical terms like bullets while I trailed behind like an exhausted note-taking kid.
Before I could even process half of what he said, I was pulled into my first surgery-a teenage boy with acute appendicitis, scared and groaning in pain. I assisted with quiet focus, steady hands, and full attention.
Just as I stepped out, another case came-laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A nervous woman in her 40s needed her gallbladder out, and I assisted with the camera.
No break. Then came OPD, where a screaming toddler launched cotton balls at me like we were in a war zone, refusing his injection.
And with this my energy drained out completely.
I walked into the doctor’s lounge, dragging my feet.
“You look like a zombie,” Dr. Abhinav…my senior and part-time Ekta Kapoor serial’s saas, full-time friend…announced as he walked in casually, sipping on his coffee like he hadn’t just insulted me.
“Thanks,” I muttered, rolling my eyes so hard they almost got stuck.
“But,” he grinned, nodding toward the desk, “looks like someone’s trying to make you look human again.”
I frowned and followed his gaze.
There, sitting on the table a food package. Warm, neatly packed. And stuck to it…
A little yellow sticky note that reads with a tiny heart drawn beside the message:
“Don’t skip a single bite. You need your strength, my favourite doctor.
Eat it all, please. Can’t have my Ruh saving lives on an empty stomach, love. Consider this your prescription from someone who cares way too much π”
My chest actually did that stupid fluttery thing.
And for a second…
Being a zombie didn’t seem so bad…if it meant someone out there to take care of me.
And I didn’t even need to think for another second to know who it was from.
I smiled like an idiot, instantly feeling better. The food…and cheesecake.
This man just keeps raising the bar.
I texted Vihaan a quick “thank you” with too many emojis and dug in like a starving human.
Alia walked in.
“Uhh ohhh look who’s smiling,” she teased.
I hide my blushing face.
“Tell me honestly, was the cheesecake sweeter or someone’s note?” she added as she read that note while I snatched it from her and keep in my bag.
She laughed, “i thought our Doctor didn’t know how to blush but look here she is completely turned into a red tomato.”
“Aliaaaaaa,” I whined.
“Not everyone has a face like a spoiled bacterial culture… like you, Alia,” Abhinav said, casually sipping his coffee.
Alia turned around slowly, her hand already on her waist.
“Excuse me, Petri dish? At least I don’t look like a failed anatomy diagram the way you used to draw,” she snapped, smirking at him.
“No wonder bacteria are scared of you,” Abhinav replied, smirking.
“They are not scared. They just know how to recognize toxic environments and avoid them….unlike me, who’s stuck working with you!” Alia sat as sarcasm dripping from her voice.
I sat there, gaining full entertainment while having a delicious meal.
“I swear, one of these days I will pour saline in your shoes,” Alia threatened, pointing a pen at him like a surgical scalpel.
“And I will inject you with pure caffeine so you never sleep again,” Abhinav shot back, still smiling like a fool.
Urgh..these two seniors.
“Okay, okay!” I raised both hands like a teacher trying to quiet down a noisy classroom.
“This is a hospital, not a boxing ring.”
Just then, Nurse Reema walked in, our head nurse and the unofficial sass queen of the hospital. Clipboard in hand, bun tight, and eyes sharper than a scalpel.
She has this no-nonsense attitude with eyeliner sharper than a scalpel and sarcasm that could knock out a grown man. Honestly, if I ever have to run into battle, I want her by my side….with a tray of injections.
She paused, looked at both of them mid-glare, “you two are engaged, right? Better tone it down or you will murder each other on your wedding night.”
Dead silence.
Alia blinked.
Abhinav blinked.
Even the stethoscope around my neck stopped breathing.
“Did you see how he talks to me? Always using his rude voice! He is allergic to decency,” Alia complained.
“What? She is the one who starts every argument! I am just defending myself,” Abhinav protested, turning to Reema mam like a child begging a teacher for justice.
She sighed, already done with their drama, “Okay, forget it. You two are assigned to the OPD today. Go. Now.”
They both looked away, muttered something under their breath, and walked out of the room like kids.
I had to cover my mouth from laughing out loud.
“Oh gosh, I am scared for whoever is doing their wedding photography,” I whispered to Reema Mam.
She didn’t even flinch,”They are either going to kiss or kill each other during their photography session. Nevermind, I want front-row seats to enjoy the drama.”
I giggled.
“They don’t even like each other. Their families arranged the marriage. It’s literally a business deal. That’s why they hate each other,” I said as I finished the last bite.
She smirked knowingly, “Hmm… you really believe that? Baby, I have seen more chemistry between them than in the entire pharmacy wing.”
We both giggled.
Just then, my phone buzzed again. Ugh.
Another text.
My mood instantly dropped.
I didn’t even open it. I just shut it off.
β’β’β’β’β’
By 9:40 p.m., I finished my OPD rounds and finally got a break. I went to the small staff room just to breathe.
I opened my locker and found my star pendant. It had lost its glow….but not its meaning. I clutched it. It always reminded me that no matter how dark, there’s always a little light somewhere. That’s what he said.
I smiled as it take my things out.
My phone rang again but I ignored it.
But then…
“So, when were you planning to pick up my call?”
That voice.
The one I would pay money not to hear.
I turned and saw him leaning against the locker.
Leaning against the doorway like a villain stepping into a movie scene. Smiling….but not the kind of smile you would trust. It was the kind of smile that made your spine itch.
Dr. Samar.
The human version of a hospital infection.
“Dr. Samar? Weren’t you supposed to be at a medical conference” I said with a frown.
“Missed you, So I came back” he replied, walking in like he belonged.
I rolled my eyes and focused on organizing my bag. Maybe if I ignored him hard enough, he would disappear like a bad popup ad.
“You didn’t text me back,” he added, stepping closer.
“Because i didn’t find your texts important,” I replied plainly, not even looking up.
Suddenly, his hand wrapped around my wrist…tight, controlling.
“You always act like I am the problem,” Samar muttered, his eyes sharp, voice laced with something darker. “Why the hell can’t you act like a sane person…especially with me?”
I yanked my hand away, my jaw clenched. “Behave, Dr. Samar.”
He laughed. Not loudly. Just one of those low, bitter laughs that made your skin crawl.
“Do you think shuffling your duty schedule will make a difference? I have seen every single change. Every time you tried to avoid me… my eyes were always on you, sweetheart,” he said, his tone dipped in warning.
My stomach twisted in disgust. There was something so wrong about the way he said that.
He tilted his head slightly, mocking, calm, calculating.
I instinctively took a step back. “If you ever try a stunt like this again, I’ll file a complaint. And you know my father sits on the Board of Medical Directors. I can use my power too.”
That made him pause but not in fear. Not even close.
“Ah, the mighty Dr. Oberoi,” he said slowly, a smug smile spreading across his face. “The one who lost his half the hospital to me three years ago.”
He leaned back sitting on the chair casually, like he owned the place.
“Oh, darling, have you really forgotten? This hospital partially belongs to me. I can use my power the way i want.”
My breath hitched. I hated hearing that. Hated that it was true.
“You were never supposed to have that kind of power,” I muttered.
“But I do,” he replied coolly. “And trust me, sweetheart… it’s not going anywhere. Neither this hospital… nor you.”
He looked up at me, and there was something unreadable in his eyes. Something dangerous.
“You are disgusting,” i muttered under my breath taking my things.
“Your father is getting old,” he said, almost softly. “The board’s shifting. You really want to make things harder for him right now?”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“It means maybe you should start behaving… like someone who respects the future leadership of this place. And maybe….your future husband,” He looked at me from head to toe, his eyes didn’t feel right and then he sat on the chair.
“You have completely lost your mind. You seriously need therapy. Real therapy. Do one thing-stand up and walk straight to the psychiatry department on the sixth floor. Ask for Dr. Supriya, she is the best. Maybe she can check if this is some kind of delusional disorder, because clearly, something’s very wrong with you,” I said fake smiling, even though every word burned with anger
He didn’t flinch. Not a blink. Not a single muscle moved.
“You look beautiful when you are angry,” he murmured. Then he stood up and leaned in…..close enough to suffocate me with his presence. “And you smell sweet. It drives me insane.”
Every part of me screamed about him is disgusting.
I shoved past him. He didn’t stop me. Just stood there, watching, like a predator who already knew the ending of the hunt.
“You are sick,” I muttered, storming out.
“And you are too stubborn to admit what I am,” his voice followed me. “But you will. Eventually. We will meet again soon, sweetheart”
I grabbed my bag and rushed out, trying not to imagine the hundred ways I could kill him and still sleep peacefully afterward.
This man is the infection we can’t treat.
Samar.
Three years ago, he didn’t just join our hospital….he invaded it. No one saw the takeover coming. Not even my Dad.
He walked in with money, connections, and perfectly timed legal contracts that left the rest of us scrambling for air.
Now, his name is etched into every major department…..oncology, cardiology, emergency.
It was already past midnight. Bhai was still in surgery….a critical case that wouldn’t end before morning.
So, I walked out of the hospital building alone.
But even in the silence of the parking lot, I could feel it.
Samar doesn’t argue. He doesn’t fight.
He plays.
It all started three years ago, after Dadu’s health began to fail, things at the hospital slowly started slipping. And a week before his death, the board, under pressure, confusion, or maybe fear….handed over partial control to Dr. Samar Roy.
I still don’t know how he did it.
What loopholes he used. What papers he twisted. But whatever it was….it was legal.
And we couldn’t stop it.
He didn’t walk in as just another senior doctor, he walked in like he owned the place. Quietly, strategically, he took over. One department at a time.
Cardiology. Emergency. Admin.
Now, he controls the hospital like it’s his private kingdom.
And he treats the staff like chess pieces…moving them, using them, breaking them.
By claiming half of the hospital, he didn’t just walk in. He took over. And made everyone’s life hell….from doctors to nurses to even the non medical staff.
This place doesn’t feel like ours anymore.
It feels like his.
And me?
I am exhausted.
Exhausted pretending it doesn’t affect me.
Exhausted watching the hospital my dad worked his whole life to build fall into someone else’s hands.
Exhausted knowing my bhai is still working day and night, and my mother gave everything to this place.
What does he want from me that he hasn’t already taken?
Day by day the urge to murder him is getting high.
And now, I am just…..tired.
I stepped into the parking lot, pulling out my phone to book a cab, when a familiar, annoyingly smug voice echoed behind me….“Aapka personal rath haazir hai, doctor.”
I turned around, and just like that… all my stress disappeared.
He stood there, leaning casually against his car, his usual crooked smile playing on his lips. And despite all the chaos in my head…i turned and hugged him like my life is dependent on him….I just melted in his arms.
I needed this. After everything.
“Why are you here?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“Actually,” he said, brushing imaginary dust off his shirt, “I am working a part-time job as a driver… for my Ruh.”
I rolled my eyes, but a small smile tugged at my lips.
He opened the car door like a proper gentleman, all smooth. I slid into the seat, clicked my seatbelt, and gave him a small smile.
But just as he closed the door and stood there raising one brow with a smug look…ugh, that expression.
I rolled my eyes, unbuckled my seatbelt again, leaned out, and cupped his jaw.
I kissed the side of his neck, leaving a faint lipstick mark right there and slightly biting his skin.
He smirked like he had just won a trophy.
Sliding into the driver’s seat, he said, “If this is the treatment I get, I am applying to be your driver permanently.”
I grinned, “You’ll get many more perks, Mr. Driver-for-life,” and winked as he handed me a water bottle.
I took a long sip of the cold water, sighing like I had just escaped from a desert.
“Tough day?” he asked, starting the car.
I nodded slowly, closing my eyes for a second. My head was pounding like someone had hired a band to perform inside it.
I sighed. A long heavy sigh which can tell how much frustration I am having right now, that my mind stops working.
“Something happened, Ruh?” he asked softly, his hand gently resting on my thigh for comfort.
I opened my eyes and looked at him. My mind was spinning with Samar’s bitter words, still echoing like an annoying ringtone I couldn’t turn off.
“Nothing really….just too much work,” I muttered, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.
He gave me a knowing look but didn’t push further.
He asked, changing the topic,”What do you want for dinner?”
I sat up instantly, as if someone had offered me a whole ice cream cart, “Honestly? Anything. I am starving. I am craving a wholesome dinner. I’ll eat anything right now.”
He laughed, “A wholesome dinner is coming up.”
This time, the car wasn’t silent….it was filled with my voice as I spoke nonstop, and he simply listened.
I told him everything….every little gossip from the hospital, every chaotic shift, even the details of my latest surgery.
And even though I knew he probably didn’t understand half of the medical terms, he still listened with full attention, like every word mattered.
Every now and then, his hand would gently rub my thigh-a soft, comforting gesture that said, ‘I am listening, keep going.’
And somehow, was exactly what I needed.
He drove us to our society and parked. I stepped out, expecting him to take the usual way, but instead, he grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the other alley.
“Where are you kidnapping me now?” I asked dramatically, narrowing my eyes.
“To make you a hostage in my heart,” he replied just as dramatically.
I mentally rolled my eyes at his cheesy response.
He grinned and stopped in front of a building I immediately recognized.
“Wait…this is your Maasi’s place,” I said, squinting at him suspiciously.
“Exactly,” he said, leaning in with that trademark mischievous smirk.
“Why are we here?” I asked as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders and started leading me toward the lift.
“To drain out all your tiredness,” he said, voice low, teasing, and full of drama.
I blinked. Then blushed.
“Ugh! You and your dirty mind. Can you not be nasty for one minute?”
He burst into laughter and pressed the elevator button, “I meant a wholesome dinner to drain your tiredness. You are the one whose thoughts wandered.”
“I did not,” I huffed, folding my arms.
“You so did,” he smirked, tugging me gently into the elevator.
As we rode up, something softened inside me. It had been so long since I came here. The last time was on my birthday-we celebrated it on the terrace with lights, cake, stars, and him. It felt like yesterday.
But time moves on.
Memories stay.
Places stay.
The interiors looked completely different now. The last time I saw it, the building was almost abandoned…now it felt like it is alive.
“The place has changed,” I said, looking around curiously.
He nodded. “Maasi renovated everything. People live here now, but the top floor is still hers.”
I nodded.
“When are Yash and Sid coming?” I asked.
“Yash is coming in the morning, Sid in the evening,” he replied, just as Sid had called to tell me earlier.
We reached the apartment. He unlocked the door and walked in like he owned the place.
“Wait…your Maasi actually lets you use this place whenever you want?”
He grinned, taking my bag from me and guiding me to the couch, “I am her favorite nephew, remember? She lives in Australia and rarely visits. And honestly, this building is usually so empty, it’s perfect. Peaceful.”
He handed me a glass of water.
“Thanks,” I said, sipping slowly.
“You can use the bedroom. I will make dinner.”
I raised my brow, “You are not ordering food?”
He looked as he smirked, “Excuse me? Your personal chef is reporting for duty. Why to order food?”
“Oh really?” I teased. I tiptoed and kissed his cheek. “Okay then, Chef Vihaan. Impress me.”
Before he could do anything I headed to the room, washed my face with cold water, and finally felt human again.
I checked my outfit in the mirror, ran my fingers through my hair, and turned the tap again-and then… disaster struck.
The tap literally broke off in my hand.
Water shot out like a mini fire hydrant, spraying everywhere-on the mirror, the walls, and all over me.
“VIHAAN!” I yelled, soaked, panicked, and holding the broken tap like it had betrayed me.
He entered the room as i heard his voice, “Ruh, Are you okay?”
I pointed wildly at the chaos, “Do I look okay to you? Help me, you idiot.”
He took one look at the water spraying everywhere and burst out laughing, “What did you do? Get into a kung-fu battle with the tap?”
I glared at him, my hair plastered to my face, “I swear Vihaan, I will throw this tap at your head.”
Still grinning, he carefully reached over and shut off the water supply, “Seriously, you and your brother, always so violent.”
I rolled my eyes and stepped out, completely drenched from head to toe. Water dripped down my arms.
He tried turning off the main water connection from outside.
“Huff…!” I exhaled.
He looked at me and laughed again.
“Don’t laugh” I snapped, slapping his arm with my wet hand.
He raised both hands in surrender, still smiling. “Okay, okay. I didn’t know the tap had issues. I’ll get it fixed tomorrow, promise.”
He walked over, gently taking my arm, guiding me back inside
“Your clothes are in the drawer to the right,” he said.
I froze, “My clothes?”
He shrugged. “Since your last visit… I know you would be coming often. So, i got your dresses and your essentials too.”
Last time? Did he meant seven years back? Seriously?? This man is crazy.
He grabbed a towel and handed it to me, his fingers brushing mine for a second too long-warm, firm, familiar. Then he walked across the room, opened the wardrobe, and pulled out a set of clothes for me to change into.
I turned toward the mirror, towel in hand, gently rubbing it over my damp hair. Water droplets clung to my cheeks, my shirt still sticking to my skin. I focused on my reflection, trying to calm the flutter in my chest, trying to feel normal again.
That’s when I felt it-his gaze.
Heavy. Intense. Like a slow burn across my back.
I looked up into the mirror-and there he was.
Not just watching. Devouring me with his eyes.
Still. Silent. Eyes darkened. Lips parted slightly like he was holding back thoughts far more dangerous than he should have been having.
My breath hitched. A chill ran down my spine despite the warmth in the room.
“Stop staring,” I whispered, voice low, but it came out more breathless than annoyed.
He didn’t flinch. Didn’t blink. Just walked over, placed the clothes on the bed with quiet precision, and then sat down slowly on the couch, leaning forward, elbows resting on his knees.
“Black looks absolutely gorgeous on you…but maroon would look dangerously tempting….And you know I have always had a thing for maroon,” he said, his voice low and intense, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips.
I frowned, “Are you blind or what? I am wearing a white shirt-”
But the moment I looked in the mirror, the words died on my tongue.
My breath caught in my throat.
My shirt completely becomes see through.
It clung to me, soaked and almost translucent now-every contour faintly visible under the thin, white fabric.
Heat crawled up my neck as I took in my reflection, my heart thudding like a warning drum.
I turned and threw the towel at him.
“You nasty homo sapiens,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest in pure panic.
He just laughed. So unbothered.
I tried to act calm as I walked.
I tried to storm past him toward the bathroom, but in one swift move, he grabbed my wrist and gently pulled me onto his lap.
“What the heck, Vihaan?”
I asked, trying to wriggle away. “I am still drenched….your clothes will-“
“Don’t care, Right now, I have got better things to hold on to,” he said, voice low.
Before I could finish the sentence, he kissed me.
It wasn’t soft. It was wild. Hungry.
Like he had been waiting forever to kiss me, and now that he had, he wasn’t holding back.
His lips crashed onto mine, fast and deep. I didn’t even get a second to think.
My hands clutched the collar of his shirt, holding on like I was falling and maybe I was.
His mouth moved like he wanted to taste every inch of me, and I melted into him without a fight.
One of his hands slid down from my waist to my thigh, gripping it tightly.
Not painful-just enough to make me gasp.
And that gasp? That was all the invitation he needed.
His tongue slipped into my mouth, slow at first, then deeper. More demanding.
The kiss got messier, hotter, breathless….like neither of us wanted to come up for air.
I bit his lower lip. He growled.
And pulled me so close I felt his heartbeat racing against mine.
“Ruh…..you are messing with my sanity,” he breathed between kisses.
“You started it,” I shot back, already dizzy from the heat.
“Then let me finish it,” he whispered.
He kissed the corner of my mouth…
slowly, deliberate-then along my jaw, lips dragging lightly until they found the curve of my neck.
A kiss.
Then a bite.
Then a kiss again-like he was trying to mark me, then soothe the pain he had left behind.
Each time his mouth touched my skin, it left behind a trail of tingles and heat. But when he bit, firm enough to make me flinch, I felt it deep in my spine.
“Vihaan,” I breathed, not sure if it was a warning or a plea.
He didn’t answer. Just hummed against my skin and bit again, this time a little lower, under my collarbone.
A shiver ran through me.
“You will leave a mark,” I whispered, barely able to speak.
“I know,” he muttered, lips brushing the red spot, tongue flicking out gently to calm the sting.
His hand, warm and sure, slid from my thigh to my waist, fingers tracing the soaked fabric, making it stick even more to my skin. I could feel the pressure of his palm through the thin material.
And then, his fingers found the top button of my shirt.
Click.
I froze, heart hammering.
He kissed my neck again, right below my ear this time, and I felt his teeth scrape lightly before he sucked, slow and deep.
A full-body shudder rushed through me. That one would definitely leave a mark.
Another button came undone.
I bit his lip in return….half payback and half surrender….and he let out a low growl from deep in his throat.
Then he kissed me harder, rougher, like control was no longer part of the plan.
His lips broke away from mine just long enough to attack a new spot on my neck. He gently pulled the collar of my shirt aside and kissed the skin like he was starving for it.
Then, without warning, he sucked again, deeper than before, until I gasped and grabbed his hair, tugging hard.
I couldn’t think. Couldn’t speak. All I could feel was his hand sliding higher, his mouth finding every place on my neck that made me lose control. My shirt was halfway open, clinging to me like a second skin, and I was still in his lap, breathless and aching and-
Whistle!
The pressure cooker screamed from the kitchen.
We both pulled away, breathing heavily.
His forehead rested against mine, both of us breathing like we had run a marathon.
“I think…you should check the food,” I said, barely able to get the words out.
He gave me a lazy, smug grin, “Yeah….probably should. But the real feast is still sitting on my lap.”
Then he leaned in to me but before he could do anything I scrambled up, snatched the dry clothes, and ran into the bathroom like my life depended on it, I can heard his laugh.
Inside, I locked the door and leaned on the sink, staring at myself in the mirror.
My hair was a total mess, sticking out in wild waves from all the tugging and heated chaos.
My lips were kiss-swollen, tingling from how roughly he had claimed them over and over.
My neck? Covered in fresh, red marks.
My shirt clung to me, wet and half-open, the buttons left undone.
And my heart? Still pounding like crazy, as if it hadn’t realized yet that the storm had momentarily passed
“Calm down, Ruhanika,” I muttered.
As I spot the mark under my collarbone.
A deep one.
His favorite spot, apparently.
I took a deep breath, remembering his words.
I rolled my eyes at my own reflection, smirking.
Maroon, huh?
If he likes maroon…..maybe I’ll let him earn a few more shades.
And I have got some shopping to do.
β’β’β’β’β’
We had dinner, chatted a little and he made me eat the food he cooked….and let me tell you, this man literally makes the best food. Like, not even kidding.
He is actually better at cooking than me. The flavours? Perfect. The presentation? Chef’s kiss.
I think I am officially spoiled now.
It was nearly midnight. Vihaan insisted on walking me to the house, making sure I reached safely before he left. He didn’t step inside, just gave a small smile and walked back to his home.
I unlocked the front door quietly and tiptoed in, trying to avoid waking anyone.
“From where are you coming?” Mumma’s voice startled me from the dining room.
“I was…uh…” My brain scrambled to form an excuse.
“If you want to go out with Tanya, that’s fine. But at least tell me clearly. You only messaged, ‘I’ll be late.’ What am I supposed to understand from that? I was worried.”
I nodded apologetically, guilt tugging at me.
But my mind stuck at one name: Tanya
“Tanya?” I repeated dumbly.
“I called her. She told me you were with her,” mumma said.
Bless Tanya. I owe her something huge. Probably coffee. Or a dress.
“You didn’t sleep?” I asked, placing my shoes into the rack.
“I was waiting for you. Come have dinner,” she said her tone laced with worry.
I went to her and hugged her from behind and shook my head, “I already ate. Did you have your dinner?”
She nodded and began taking the food back to the kitchen. But then she turned her eyes and scanned me like she was investigating me, “Why are your clothes changed?”
I froze.
“I….uh, we went shopping. Some water spilled on my outfit. So I changed. This one looks good, right?” I gave her the most casual smile I could fake.
She raised an eyebrow but didn’t question it further, “Hmm. Go change and sleep. And if you plan to go… anywhere late at night, at least message me.”
Her tone was casual, but the emphasis on anywhere…..It made me think about her statement again.
Okay. Nobody really knows about Vihaan and me. Not really.
I haven’t told anyone. At least… not on purpose.
But sometimes….in the way the people pause, the way they look at me, the way they don’t ask…It feels like they already know.
Am I losing my mind?
Like I am walking around with a secret that’s not so secret anymore.
And that’s the scariest part.
Not knowing who knows…..and who’s just pretending not to.
Oh gosh my mind is getting crazy.
I escaped to my room, changed into my night suit.
The relief I get in a night suit? Unbeatable. Like, those loose fabrics?? Damn.
The moment I wear them, my brain be like….”Yup, we are done for the day. Time to shut down your mind and your eyes.”
I sighed and made my bed, only to realize there was no water.
So I headed back downstairs to grab a jug.
That’s when I noticed Dad-still in the study. Lights dim. Surrounded by files. His laptop glowing faintly.
I debated turning away, but something tugged me forward. Quietly, I walked in and sat beside him.
I paused at the door. Maybe years ago, I wouldn’t have dared knock. Would have turned back, bottled everything in like I always had.
But now….things are changing. Slowly.
I lightly pushed the door open.
Dad was sitting at his desk, surrounded by files and notes, rubbing his forehead like he had been thinking too hard for too long. His shoulders looked heavy. Not physically. Emotionally.
“You didn’t sleep?” I asked softly, stepping in.
He looked up. His face looked tired..
more than just physical exhaustion.
“No….busy in work” he said.
“Why are you awake till now?” he asked.
I shrugged, “I didn’t feel sleepy.”
I moved quietly and sat beside him. We weren’t always this comfortable, but lately…..it was getting better.
“Something is wrong, isn’t it?” I asked, watching his face.
He didn’t answer.
But my eyes landed on the file. I reached out to pick it up and when Dad didn’t stop me, I went ahead and took it.
I opened it. My eyes scanned the papers slowly-financial records, some staff reports and some strange hospital records.
“This is about the hospital?” I asked.
He nodded, then leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh.
“Three years ago…..when Papa’s health suddenly got worse, everything started falling apart. We had no plan. The board was panicking. Half the doctors threatened to leave if salaries weren’t paid.”
I nodded slowly. I remembered. It was chaos.
“Samar offered help,” he continued.
“He said he would bring in funds through his medical foundation-donations, partnerships, and a few investors. We didn’t check too deeply because… we were desperate. And scared. And i wasn’t in my correct state of my mind to check thoroughly.”
He looked straight at me.
“But what we didn’t realize was that all those donations came through names that were fake……or connected to Samar somehow. On paper, it looked clean. But it gave him permanent control over about half the hospital’s departments.”
I blinked, “He tricked the board members?”
“He didn’t even need to. He made it look like he saved the hospital. So people supported him.”
I opened another file, frowning. “What’s this?”
Dad’s face tightened, “That’s what worries me the most.”
The file had strange entries….huge medicine orders that didn’t match the number of patients admitted, long bills with patient names I didn’t recognize, and a transfer letter of a doctor who was suddenly shifted without explanation.
“Some say certain expensive drugs are missing from the inventory. Some say they’re being sold outside. Black market,” he said quietly
My stomach twisted.
I had only heard about these kinds of things…..but knowing it might actually be happening in our hospital? It didn’t feel real.
I knew this guy was dangerous.
“That’s serious,” I whispered.
“There’s more,” he said, lowering his voice. “One nurse reported a patient who wasn’t even on record. They were treated and discharged-but no file, no ID, no payment. It’s like… they were never here.”
“Fake patients?”
What the hell is happening in our hospital?
He nodded, “Or worse.”
I closed the file slowly, “Why would anyone do that?”
“For money. For power. Maybe for both.”
He ran a tired hand over his face, “And the worst part is… everything points back to Samar. But he’s careful. He never signs anything directly. He has middlemen. Staff who stay silent.”
“How do you know about this?” I asked, sitting up straighter, my heart pounding.
Dad looked at me, and for a moment, I saw the weight behind his eyes, “I started noticing little things, months ago. Small changes in records, missing medicines, patients being shifted without reason. At first, I thought it was just carelessness…”
He paused, swallowing hard, “…but then it started happening too often. So I started digging.”
“So you think he’s behind it?” I asked him.
“I don’t know,” he said. “But things started going wrong the moment he came.”
We sat there for a moment, silence thick in the room.
“I should have protected the hospital better,” he said quietly, voice tight. “Your grandfather worked so hard to build this. Your mother, your brother, the Doctors working there, the nurses, the entire staff… I should have seen it earlier.”
I placed my hand on his gently, “I know there will be a way to handle this. Did you tell bhai about it?”
“No. Kunal is already stressed with Prisha’s health. I don’t want him worrying about this too. Although I know he knows something… definitely,” he said while shook his head.
He looked at me. His eyes were still tired, but this time….there was relief.
“Everything will be fine. You don’t stress,” I said softly.
He nodded slowly.
“Okay, now go and sleep. Otherwise, you won’t get up on time….like today,” he added with a knowing tone.
I blinked.
Wait…like today?
What does he mean by that?
I know I got up late…Because I was with him and for the first time in a while, I slept peacefully.
After a long time, I finally felt that kind of peace again. The kind that comes from someone holding you, emotionally….not physically.
I leaned my head slightly to the side.
“Oh gosh…now I don’t even feel sleepy. I feel hungry. And at this time…only ice cream can help me,” I muttered.
“It’s not good for your health, Ruhii. Not at this time,” he replied, slipping into his usual doctor tone.
I pouted and nodded like a child.
“But….we can have a few bites. It won’t harm that much,” he added, smiling.
I immediately perked up and jumped to my feet like a five-year-old, “Deal.”
We both went to the kitchen and grabbed two ice creams from the freezer. Then we sat by the window, quietly eating like it was a midnight tradition.
Somewhere in between the silence, we started talking again.
He told me about his surgeries. What it felt like to lose a patient for the first time. His fear of failure. Things he had never said before. And I listened.
Then, I told him about my hospital….the patients I met, the kids who made me laugh, the chaos in the emergency ward, the tea that tasted like calm in the whole chaos.
And just like that, we didn’t realize when it turned 2 AM.
We didn’t realize how far we had come.
But in that moment, I knew….some broken bonds could heal. Some spaces between us were meant to be filled, slowly, like this.
With words. With listening.
And sometimes……with ice cream.
————————————
Finally Chapter 63…!!!
So how was the chapter???
Your favourite scene?
Mine was Maroonπ
Sorry for the delay…..I was working on the last scene, and it took me a while because I had to do some research. I am not very good with business terms, legal stuff, or how things work in the medical field, so if anything’s wrong, feel free to correct me….or just take it as fiction. I tried my bestπ
The upcoming chapters might be a little delayed because I have added some new elements to the story, and I need to do a bit more research. But don’t worry….it won’t take too long.
Bahut saare votes and comments krnaππ
Bilkul kanjusi nhi…I am waiting for your comments π
Enjoy Reading β€οΈ
Stay tuned for further updates….!!!
Bye Cutiepies….!!!π
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