"Finally, some calm" Arohi sighed as she retreated to her cabin. Glancing at the clock, Arohi decided to take a quick nap. 4:33 a.m.

Stretching her legs on the sofa, Arohi laid down, setting a timer of fifteen minutes. Putting her arm on her eyes, she instantly fell asleep.

"Am I talking to Manish Goenka, Kartik Goenka's father?"

"We are extremely sorry for your loss"

"I hate everyone! I want only mumma papa"

"Akshu...Aaru...Kairav, kuch toh khaa lo"

"I hate you papa, why did you leave me?"

"Mummmaaaaaaa!"

Arohi woke up with a start as the timer went off.

She walked up to her desk and chugged down a glass of water. Concentrate on your breathing, Arohi. Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out.

4:53 a.m.

Arohi's pager beeped.

Shit.

Shit.

She made a run to the E.R.

Talk about unending shifts.

🍁

It was 5:15 in the morning.

Akshara was performing her daily prayers before she left for work. Almost all the family members were sleeping.

Abhimanyu Birla was, as usual having some random visions in his dream while he was sleeping comfortably on his bed. Snores left his mouth, as he buried himself in his soft pillow.

...beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep...

Abhimanyu woke up with a start. Receiving the call he got on his phone, Abhimanyu lazily listened to the other person on the line. But as soon as he got to know about the surgery, Abhimanyu's sleep vanished.

No, no. I should be the lead surgeon in this case. I can't risk it.

Despite his body yearning for sleep, Abhimanyu uttered "I'll be there in half an hour. Prep the OR, I want Dr. Sharma and Dr. Bhattacharya with me"

Rushing in the bathroom, Abhimanyu threw a bucket full of cold water on himself, got changed as he rushed down the stairs.

"Abhi, why are you up so early? Where are you going?" Akshara questioned, as he dashed into the kitchen.

"It's an emergency. I have to go. Love you, bye" Abhimanyu replied, as he grabbed an apple and rushed out in lightning speed.

"Okay, take care. Love you too" Akshara's voice went unheard as Abhimanyu got into his car.

Good thing that the hospital isn't far away.

🍁

"The surgery was successful. With medication and rehab, he'll be able to walk again in around three months"

"Jai Shree Krishna"

"Thank you doctor" the mother said, holding Arohi's arm by her hands, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Her daughter-in-law and the patient's wife held her mother-in-law's shoulders, comforting her.

"Thank you doctor"

"No problem, it's my duty. He will have to use a wheelchair. No skipping medicines and physiotherapy sessions. At all. Feel free to contact us anytime" Arohi replied the family nodded.

"Doctor beti, my sister had gone to the temple to pray for him. She brought us some prashad. Please take some" the father offered, and Arohi smile, accepting it.

"Thank you" she said softly, walking away.

As she walked towards the break room, she saw Abhimanyu sitting on the seats for patients' relatives. She took a seat beside him, forwarding the prashad.

"You hungry?"

"Yes, thank you" Abhimanyu said, grabbing the tiffin.

Arohi chuckled, giving a spoon.

"Mhm, it's delicious, you also have na" Abhimanyu said in a muffled voice and Arohi nodded.

"Doctor Arohi, you should go home by the way"

"Why? I think I should assist in as many surgeries as possible"

"You performed two surgeries already. You should go. You have been in this building for seventeen hours now"

"Doctor Abhimanyu-"

"Go"

"But"

"Goenka, please go. You need to have an actual meal and sleep" he said, pointing at her black circles under her eyes and Arohi frowned. "It's your chief's order" he added and Arohi smiled.

"Yes chief"

"I like it. I think I'll get used to it" he replied.

"You should. You deserve this position." Arohi replied.

"Thanks bro. Now go home"

"Bye!"

Arohi and Abhimanyu. Platonic besties. I am in love.

Dearest doctors and the entire healthcare staff, we appreciate you all <3