VAANI'S POV

The emergency ward was a whirlwind of chaos. The blaring alarms, the swift movements of nurses, and the cries of patients filled the air with a palpable tension. My heart was racing, yet I had no time to lose. There was a job to be done.

"Dr. Vaani, we need you here immediately!" one of the nurses called out, her voice shaky and frantic.

I tightened the surgical gloves around my hands and turned to the nurse. "Prepare the OT! Dr. Varun is still on his way, but we can't afford to wait. Start prepping the patient for surgery," I instructed, my voice steady, masking the storm within me.

The patient had been wheeled in just moments ago, a victim of a severe car crash on the nearby bridge. His injuries were critical — multiple fractures, internal bleeding, and a racing pulse that threatened to flatline any second. This was nothing new for me; I had handled countless emergencies, each one a testament to my training and resilience. But today, the weight of the situation seemed to press harder against my chest.

I took a deep breath, grounding myself in the familiar chaos. The scent of antiseptic filled the air as I moved swiftly towards the operating room, my mind laser-focused on the task at hand. "I want all the test results on my desk in five minutes!" I called out to the nurses. They nodded, scattering in all directions to fulfill my orders.

The emergency center at Verma Hospital had always been my battlefield, where every second counted, where every decision could mean the difference between life and death. Today was no different; a major accident on the bridge had sent a flood of casualties our way. Six patients, two critically injured. The FIR would need to be filed soon, but for now, our priority was saving lives.

My team, as always, was already in action, their movements precise and coordinated. This was our norm, our day-to-day chaos, and yet it never ceased to challenge us.

So, where do I begin?

Let me introduce myself. I'm Dr. Vaani Verma, the eldest daughter of Dr. Ram Verma and Dr. Rati Verma, the proud owners of Verma Hospital. Medicine runs in my blood. My father, one of the most esteemed cardiologists in the country, and my mother, an exceptional gynecologist, have dedicated their entire lives to this place. They built it from the ground up, turning it into one of the most respected hospitals in the city. Now, after years of relentless service, they're finally contemplating retirement.

Retirement, though, is just a word for them. They've been dreaming of leaving the city behind, returning to our ancestral village, and living a quieter life. But that dream has always been on hold, waiting for my younger sister, Adya, to finish her medical training and take over the reins.

Ah, Adya... my little sister, my sunshine. She's brilliant, ambitious, and driven, everything I could have hoped for in a sibling. She's been two years into her practice, determined to become a top-tier cardiologist like our father. As for me, I've chosen a different path. I've inherited my mother's passion for gynecology, and for the past three years, I've been practicing as a gynecologist while simultaneously pursuing my MD.

A sudden interruption pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Dr. Vaani?"

I turned to see one of the reception nurses approaching me with urgency.

"Yes?"

"Mam, Dr. Ram Verma is calling for you. He needs to discuss something urgent and wants you in his office in the next ten minutes."

I nodded, wiping the sweat from my brow. Whatever it was, it had to be serious. My father never called unless it was something that couldn't wait.

I made my way down the familiar corridors of Verma Hospital, my footsteps echoing softly against the tiled floor. The scent of antiseptic, the low hum of medical equipment, and the muted conversations of doctors and patients surrounded me, a constant symphony of life and healing.

As I approached my father's office, I noticed the door slightly ajar. My parents were inside, engaged in a hushed conversation. I cleared my throat gently, announcing my presence.

"Maa, Papa, you called for me?" I asked, stepping inside.

My father looked up, his glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. The years had added lines to his face, but his eyes remained sharp, filled with wisdom and authority. My mother, sitting beside him, smiled warmly, though there was a hint of concern in her gaze.

"Yes, beta, come in and sit down. We need to discuss something important with you," she said, patting the seat beside her.

There was a strange tension in the room, a seriousness that made my heart beat a little faster. I took a seat, trying to read their expressions.

"Vaani," my mother began, her voice soft yet firm, "you know how proud we are of you. You've dedicated your life to the hospital, just like us. But... as your parents, we need to ask you something that has nothing to do with your career."

I blinked in confusion. "Umm... sorry Maa, I'm not quite following. What do you mean?"

My mother sighed, looking towards my father as if seeking support.

"Ram, you tell her. I don't know how to explain this without her thinking I'm being too harsh," my mother said, shaking her head.

"Rati, let her speak first," my father interjected gently, before turning his attention to me.

"Beta, we're asking if you've thought about your future... not just professionally, but personally," my father said, his tone gentle but probing. "You've given so much to this hospital, but have you thought about what you want in life beyond these walls?"

I hesitated, feeling a knot form in my stomach. "Dad, my future is here, with the hospital, with you and Maa, taking care of patients, and running our family business. I don't see anything else."

"Yes, beta, that's wonderful," he nodded. "But what we're asking is... have you thought about marriage? Are you seeing someone? You're turning 26 soon, and as your parents, we just want to know if there's someone special in your life."

My pulse quickened. The dreaded topic had finally surfaced. Marriage was something I'd always pushed to the back of my mind. It wasn't that I was against it, but between saving lives and managing the hospital, there was hardly any time for romance.

"Maa, Papa, I'm not seeing anyone," I confessed, trying to keep my voice steady. "And honestly, I don't know if I'm ready for marriage yet. But if it's something you both think is important, I'm willing to discuss it. I trust your judgment."

My mother's eyes lit up with relief, while my father's gaze softened with pride.

"That's my girl," he said, smiling. "We've been thinking about a match for you, someone who comes from a family we trust. It's the Singhania family. They've been friends of ours for many years. Mitali Singhania is your mother's close friend, and their eldest son, Advay, has expressed interest in meeting you."

I was taken aback. The Singhanias were practically royalty in our social circle. Advay Singhania — I'd heard his name in passing, always associated with business success and a reputation that preceded him.

"If you're open to it, beta, we can arrange a meeting," my mother suggested gently, her eyes filled with hope.

I took a deep breath, my mind spinning. Was I ready to let someone into my life, someone who could break through the walls I had so carefully built around my heart?

"Okay, Papa," I finally said, my voice barely a whisper. "We can arrange a meeting. I trust your judgment, as always."

I left the room, my mind clouded with uncertainty. Was I capable of loving someone again? Was I ready to let someone get close enough to break me? Only time would tell, but for now, I was willing to take the leap, not for myself, but for the people who had given me everything.

As I walked back to my office, the weight of the decision settled over me like a heavy cloak. The prospect of marriage, of letting someone into my life, was daunting. But if there was one thing I had learned from my parents, it was that sometimes, the unexpected turns in life led to the most beautiful destinations.

For now, I could only hope that my path, whether it was filled with love or heartache, would be one that I could embrace fully.

Hi Readers! 🌼

Thank you so much for embarking on this journey with me from the very beginning! In Chapter 1, we were introduced to the world of Dr. Vaani Verma, her dedication to her patients, and the unexpected turn her life is about to take. 🩺💉

I hope you enjoyed the intense hospital scenes, the family dynamics, and the glimpse into Vaani's life as she navigates the pressures of her career and her parents' hopes for her future. It's just the start of a rollercoaster of emotions, with secrets and unexpected twists to come. 🎢❤️

I'd love to hear from you! 💌
What did you think of Vaani's character?
How do you feel about the pressure her family is putting on her?
And what are your thoughts on the mysterious Advay Singhania who's about to enter her life?

Please share your comments below! Your thoughts and feedback are my inspiration to keep writing. 💬✨

Stay tuned for Chapter 2, where Vaani's journey continues, and we get even closer to discovering the next steps of her story. Your support means everything! 🌟

Until next time,
Happy reading! 📖🌷