Chapter 4

ARYAMAN'S POV

"Please save my husband,"

I heard an elderly woman say, trembling and crying. I was unable to console her; all I could do was tell her to keep the faith. I would try anything to save her husband.

"I will do my best. Don't worry, please."

I went to the operating theater with other senior doctors, and we did our best during the surgery. Luckily, the patient arrived at the right time after his heart attack; otherwise, it would have been very difficult for us to do anything.

After four hours, we managed to save his life. I was happy because I had saved another life today.
I exited the operating theater and saw the woman still crying. I approached her and informed her that her husband was safe and would be able to live without any difficulties if he took his medication on time.

"He will stay under observation here. You can take him home in a few days."

"Beta, tum hamesha khush raho. Bohot bohot shukriya," she said.
("Child, may you always be happy. Thank you so much.")

"Dekhiye, aap beta bhi bol rahi hain aur paraya bhi kar rahi hain. Ab aap chinta mat kijiye, ab sab theek hai."
("Look, you're calling me 'beta' and yet treating me like a stranger. But don't worry, everything is fine now.")

Then I went to my cabin. Finally, I was free. Today had been hectic, with two surgeries and several check-ups.

"Rakesh, please bring me some hot coffee,"
I called the staff so I could look a little more active and regain some energy to drive home.

I checked my phone and saw I had missed calls from my family, specifically from my Maa. It was only 8:30 pm , and I could leave the hospital now that I was done for the day.

Just then, a staff member came with my coffee, and I took a sip.

I prefer my coffee hot, just like me.

I messaged my mother that I was coming home, as my phone was about to die with only 3% battery left.

"Kyu mein hamesha phone charge karna bhool jata hu!!"
("Why do I always forget to charge my phone?!")

Well, I am a Cardiologist working at "We Care" hospital, one of the best and most renowned hospitals in India.
People are treated here with care and love. We are at their service at any time. My Father, Harsh Shekhawat, and my Uncle, Kartikeya Shekhawat, rightfully own this hospital.

My uncle handles the financial aspects, while my father is the director, overseeing everything.

I want to be like him; My father is my role model.

Ahh, my Dad is the best !!

I took my car keys and headed toward the elevator. As I entered, I pressed the ground floor button, and just when the door was about to close, someone entered the lift.

"Mujhe chhod ke kidhar chali party?"
(Where is the party going leaving me behind)

My best friend, Shubh Diwan, is a psychiatrist by profession, but I doubt that because, based on his behavior, he himself needs a psychiatrist.

"Ghar, aur kidhar jaaun?" I replied.
("Home, where else would I go?")

"Mujra dekhne jayega?"

"Tu nachega toh chala jaaunga."

"Mujhe toh laga hi tha, teri gandi nazar hai mujh par."

"Achha, kammo ji,"

("Will you go to watch the mujra?"

"If you dance, I'll go."

"I had a feeling, you have your dirty gaze on me.")

I said in a teasing tone, raising my left eyebrow. We both started laughing as we reached the ground floor and walked towards the parking lot.

He was giving me side-eye for some reason, but I told you right , he needs a psychiatrist.

"What happened? Do you want to come home with me?"

"No bro, your brother brought his own bike today,"

He said, showing me his bike. He sat down with dramatic flair, putting on his helmet for safety, obviously.

"Nice. Okay, then we should take our leave."

I opened my car door, sat down, and buckled my seatbelt.

"Yup, buddy. We'll meet tomorrow. Bye, goodnight."

"Goodnight."

"We worked hard, and now it's time to rest."

With that, I started heading home, enjoying the light music playing in the background and relaxing fully, but here comes the traffic.

As I looked out the car window, I saw a girl giving chocolates to some children in the traffic. Her back was to me, so I couldn't see her face.
Suddenly, my eyes darted to a vehicle coming toward her. I quickly tried to unbuckle my seatbelt, but it seemed stuck.

"Please, please, anybody save the girl!"

Just as the seatbelt released, I saw a man saving her.

He pulled her sideways in such a way that I could see her clearly: her eyes, her nose, her smile.

Damn!!

She . is . Gorgeous!

Suddenly, "Pehli Nazar Mein" started playing, and I was just admiring her from my car. Just as I was about to get out and check if she was okay.
The traffic signal turned green, and the vehicles started honking, so I had to leave that scene.

I finally reached home, but now I just wanted to sleep, so I quickly parked my car and rushed to open the door.

I was greeted by the loud laughter of my family members, who were sitting in the living room discussing something.

"What's going on, mere pyaare gharwalo?"

"Nothing, we're just reminiscing about our young days."

Seeing my mom, Rajashri Shekhawat, her cheeks red blushing as she sat in front of me made my tiredness fade a little.

"How was your day, Laddoo?"
Mom asked, coming toward me and lightly massaging my head.

"It was tiring. I had one surgery, and then another emergency came up, so I had to do that surgery too. But in the end, they are safe, so the tiredness is worth it."

I love when my mom calls me Laddoo; it makes me feel like the same small boy who would hide behind her if I did something wrong.
I feel special because Anika gets jealous, and I love teasing her. Anika Shekhawat, my sister, is studying law and is currently not in India. But she is the apple of our eyes not going to lie about this .

"Oh, my bachha, you did well. I am so proud of you."

Sitting beside me, we talked for a bit before I went to freshen up. They wouldn't let me sleep without having dinner.

When I came downstairs to the dinner table, I sensed something was off. My parents were acting strangely, communicating with their eyes.

"Kuch toh boliye aap ," my gaze drifted to them.
("Say something,")
Mom said something to Dad, and he nodded slightly.

"Arya ( आर्य ) beta, actually we wanted to ask you something."

"Yes, Dad, I am all ears."

Eating my favorite Bhindi ki sabji made my tiring day more better.

"Do you have any girlfriend?"

"No, Dad," I answered without hesitation.

"Okay, so any crush or something?"

"No."

"Lagta hai iski seedha biwi hai," Mom said to Dad, and he started laughing.
("It seems like he has a wife already")

I choked on my food. "Cough, cough."

Mom passed me a glass of water, which I gulped hurriedly.

"I don't have a wife either; I'm a hot eligible bachelor, Mumma."

I stood up to take my plate to the kitchen, but Mom stopped me and said, "Sit here." I obeyed.

" I won't beat around the bush . So, we think this is your perfect age to get settled."

She took my hands in hers. "We want to see you happy. Just like you are a perfect doctor and a son anyone could ask for, I want you to become a perfect husband too."

"I want to see your children as well. Who knows when we will leave this world?" Dad chimed in, placing his hand on my shoulder and making a very dramatic face.

"No need for this '90s act, Dad, and to be honest, I think I should get married. I've had enough of your PDA (public display of affection)."

"But there's one condition: the decision will be mine if I want to meet the girl you want to set me up with."

"Okay," they both said, smiles on their faces. At last, I hugged them lightly.

"Chalo, ab ladkiyan dekhna shuru kardo, Laddoo ki maa!"
("Alright, now start checking out girls, Laddoo's mom! ")

"Aap bhi dhundiye, Laddoo ke papa!"
("You also start searching, Laddoo's dad!")

We were all lost in our own happy moment when the doorbell rang, catching our attention.

"I'll see who's at the door," I said, going to open it. To my surprise, it was Chacha ji and Chachi ji.

"Namaste," I said, touching their feet out of respect.

"Ma, Chachu and Chachi are here!" I informed, maa.
(Uncle and Aunt )

They came into the house and greeted my parents. So I settled myself on the sofa , sitting on a corner.

"Aur humare do bandar nahi aaye?" Ma asked Chachi.
(" And our two monkeys didn't come?")

"Nahi bhabhi, vo ghar pe rehte hi kahan hai; aaj dosto ke saath ghumne gaye hain."

("No, Bhabhi, they hardly stay at home; today, they've gone out with their friends.")

My gaze fell on Dad and Chachu; they looked a bit tense as they talked about something serious.

"Arya, beta, come here," Dad called me.

"Yes, Dad?"

"Your Chachu wants to say something."

"Tomorrow you have to meet a doctor from another hospital. He needs our help regarding a case, so do meet him; I'll send you the location."

"Okay, I have no problem."

"So, when are you planning to get married?"

"Sahi baat boli, Kartikeya, hum iski shadi ki hi baat kar rahe the abhi," Dad replied, laughing faintly.

"Well Bhaiya, do you remember the Mehta's?"

"Which ones? The one we met at a party long ago?"

"Yes, the one our father used to praise a lot."

"Yes, I remember them, but why are you mentioning them?"

"As far as I know, they have a daughter, so why not give this proposal to them?"

"Yup, why not? It's a great idea."

I was just listening to them, because I don't know what to reply. In a minute, they joined some connections and found a girl for me-not actually, but at least they knew someone.

Dad and Chachu informed their wives about this. Mom was already on cloud nine hearing this. Chachi joined her, and now all four were discussing how they would convince that family or send a proposal.

Like wow!! Abhi se ye log mujhe bhool gaye, meri hi shadi hone wali hai.
(" They've already started forgetting me, and it's my wedding that's about to happen." )

So I went back to my cozy room; I was really tired, so I drifted into my precious sleep.

Morning

I did my morning routine after completing my workout in our gym. I was going downstairs for breakfast. While having breakfast, I got a notification from Chachu about the meeting.

"Ab toh meri bhi bahu hogi, your Dad is going to call the Mehta's today, and then we will fix a meeting date," Mom said, smiling. I nodded, and seeing her happy made me happy too.

( "Now even I'll have a daughter-in-law! Your dad is going to call Mehta's today, and then we'll fix a meeting date.")

Dad had already gone to the hospital; I would first go to the café and then to the hospital.

"Bye, Mom, I am leaving," I informed her and took out my car keys.

I adjusted the mirror of the car and started driving. After a few minutes, I reached there.

Daylight Café

I took my hospital coat with me, and as I was entering the café, I heard the sound of someone running just near the staircase.

I saw someone's leg slipped and before she could touch the ground. I quickly stepped towards her, grabbed her waist, and pulled her towards me. In a quick twirl, we both fell on the ground, with her on top of me.

Her hair was covering her face, and involuntarily, my hands went near her face and tucked her hair behind her ear, and that's when our eyes met.

My black orbs met her browns, stopping the hustle and bustle around us and pausing time, which never stops for anyone, she is attractive.
And

Beautiful.

Most beautiful.

She smells like vanilla , I think it's going to be my favourite fragrance from now onwards.

Her eyes, the way she blinked-oh my heart!
It's beating so fast that I can hear it myself.

That's when we both heard a sound, maybe like a shot, but who would use a gun in a café?

She tried to get up, but her hand slipped, causing us to bump our heads.

"Oops, I am sorry," she said in her honey-filled voice.

"Aarey, aap sorry mat boliye, yeh toh aur achha hogaya, aap hamare upar gir gayi," he thought to himself.

( "Oh, don't say sorry! This turned out even better that you fell on me!" )

"Let me get up first," she said, and after another attempt, she succeeded and then helped me to get up.

"Sorry from my side also; I was not looking," I apologized for my oversight.

She was wearing a light green kurti paired with blue flared jeans, a wristwatch on her hand, and she was holding a coffee. She was also wearing a hospital coat, to be precise I noticed We were from the same hospital, but I had never met her before.

Wait a damn second !!!

She is the same gorgeous lady who was giving chocolates to the little minions on the road yesterday. I was trying to save but never got the chance.

Waah bhagwan ji, bade jaldi sun rahe ho meri aaj.

( "Wow, Bhagwan Ji, you're listening to me so quickly today!")

{ A/n: Obviously because I AM the GOD of this story ..hehe }

"Well, what are you doing here during your hospital hours?"
I directly inquired without any introduction.

Stupid! She must be thinking I am rude.

"How... do you know me?" she replied in a confused tone.

"Ah no... Miss, I don't know you. I was actually asking about this ..from your hospital coat," I tried to act cool while dusting off my coat and showing her the logo of our hospital so she could notice.

But I don't know what happened suddenly .She ran out of there without giving her name.

Shit !?
I lost my chance again !!

"Doctor Shekhawat, I am here," I heard someone calling me, so I went to him, hoping to meet her again.

I approached him, and we both settled down at our table.

"Hello, Dr. Shekhar Mishra."

"Hello."

Then he discussed his patients and schemes he wanted to introduce with the help of our hospital-all the stuff I actually think is needed. After maybe two hours, we finished up, and I told him we would help him with anything, so there was no need to worry.

I went back to my hospital and ordered a chai for myself, as my mind was still wandering about her. We were in the same hospital, so I definitely had to find her.

I was lost in my thoughts when I got a call from my father asking me to meet him in his cabin.