Third Person PoV

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March 1st'24

The Medical College library was enveloped in the warm, golden embrace of dusk, where the sun's last rays wove intricate patterns of light and shadow across the towering rows of bookshelves. The scene exuded a serene, almost magical quality, as if time itself had slowed down to savor the moment. Outside, the March air was crisp and invigorating, a gentle whisper of winter's retreat and the imminent arrival of spring. Through the open windows, the delicate fragrance of blossoming flowers drifted in, mingling harmoniously with the rich, musty aroma of aged books, creating an intoxicating blend of nostalgia and renewal.

Devrudra walked down the library's central aisle, his footsteps a whisper on the polished wooden floor. Earlier that day, he had received an email from Prashmita, inviting him to meet her in the library at dusk. A blend of curiosity and anticipation swirled within him. Prashmita was renowned for her intellect and sharp wit, and their interaction, though once was stimulating. Yet, this request felt different, imbued with a sense of personal intimacy that set his heart racing.

As he approached the study area, Devrudra's eyes fell upon Prashmita, seated gracefully at a table near a large window. The last rays of the setting sun bathed her in a soft, golden glow, accentuating her delicate features with a warm radiance. Her hair was gathered in a loose, effortless bun, and she wore a simple yet elegant outfit that mirrored her confident, no-nonsense demeanor. She was deeply engrossed in a thick medical textbook, her brow furrowed in concentration, embodying both intellect and grace in a single, captivating moment.

Devrudra paused for a moment, captivated by the scene before him. He admired her unwavering dedication and the quiet strength that emanated from her every pore. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, he approached the table with a sense of reverence and gently cleared his throat, the sound barely disturbing the tranquil atmosphere of the library.

Prashmita looked up, her expression transforming from one of deep concentration to a rather warm, inviting smile. "Dr. Banerjee," she greeted him, using the respect she had bestowed upon him, "I'm so glad you could make it."

"Of course," he replied, pulling out a chair and sitting down across from her. "Your email piqued my curiosity. What's going on?"

Prashmita closed her textbook and leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and seriousness. "I wanted to talk to you about something important," she began. "Something I've been thinking about for a while now."

Devrudra nodded, his curiosity growing. "I'm all ears."

As the last light of dusk faded into the deep blue of the evening, the two colleagues settled into a conversation that would change the course of their relationship. The library, with its timeless charm and tranquil ambiance, provided the perfect backdrop for this pivotal moment, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their journey together.

"Ha to, dekho, amar individual project ar group project collide korbe, So, I'm trying to find the balance between them, and that's why I asked you to come," she explained, her voice a blend of earnestness and hope.

[yes, so, see, my individual project and the group project would collide]

"So, here's the situation. I require MRI copies and CT scans of patients at different stages of GBM, accompanied by a comprehensive dissertation on the findings. So tumi jodi ektu segulo provide koro, I'd be immensely grateful. Please take your time, but not excessively," she said, her voice a delicate blend of gentleness and insistence. There was a modesty in her request, yet an unmistakable firmness that commanded attention. I would be lying if I said I didn't find the subdued assertiveness in her tone utterly compelling.

[If you could arrange that for me]

"Also, here are the slides I've created so far. Ek baar jodi dekhe nao , it would greatly aid in refining the final copy." Her eyes gleamed with determination, and her posture exuded confidence.

[If you could take a look]

"Sure" his voice was affirmative.

Adjusting her screen of her laptop properly, which could facilitates both of them to have their attention on the screen, Prashmita began, "So, um, this slide shows the statistical data on GBM cases over the past decade."

Devrudra nodded, his interest piqued. "Looks solid, Prashmita. Can you tell me more about this spike here in 2018?"

Glancing at the screen, Prashmita's voice strenghten as she explained, "Yes, that year saw a significant increase due to advancements in diagnostic technologies. More cases were identified early, which, um, affected the overall statistics."

Leaning forward, Devrudra's curiosity deepened. "That's fascinating. It really highlights the importance of early detection. How about treatment options? What's the latest?"

Prashmita clicked to the next slide, her eyes brightening with passion. "This is where it gets interesting. Recent studies have shown promising results with a combination of immunotherapy and targeted molecular treatments. They, uh, enhance the body's natural defenses to fight the tumor more effectively."

"You've done your homework, Prashmita. That's impressive," Devrudra remarked, smiling. "kibahbe eta present korar kotha bhabchho?"

[How do you think we can use this information in our project]

Fidgeting slightly, but with a steady voice, Prashmita replied, "Well, I believe if we focus on the latest research and incorporate real patient stories, we can, um, create a more compelling case for our proposal. It's, it's about showing the human side of the data."

Devrudra nodded appreciatively. "Absolutely. That personal touch can make all the difference. You've got a great vision here. Anything else you want to add?"

Prashmita paused for a moment, then clicked to another slide. "Yes, actually. I wanted to highlight the importance of MRI in GBM cases. MRI is crucial not only for initial diagnosis but also for monitoring the progression of the disease and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments. It provides detailed images of the brain, helping us to pinpoint the exact location and size of the tumor."

Devrudra's eyes lit up with interest. "That's a critical point. Including the significance of MRI will really strengthen our argument for early detection and continuous monitoring. Anything specific about MRI advancements we should mention?"

Prashmita nodded, her confidence growing. "Absolutely. Advances in MRI techniques, like functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging, allow us to map the brain's functional areas and track changes in white matter tracts. This helps in planning surgeries and assessing the impact of treatments on brain function."

"Impressive," Devrudra said, smiling. 

Smiling a bit, Prashmita said, "Just that, with your help, and guidance from professor Singh, I think I can really make an impact. Your insights have been invaluable."

"Hey, we're a team. And with your dedication and knowledge, we're going to knock this out of the park. Great job, Prashmita," Devrudra grinned, standing up to give her a reassuring pat on the back.

Smiling slightly, Prashmita murmured, "Thank you, Dr. Devrudra. That means a lot."

"Let's get this presentation polished and ready to go. We've got this," Devrudra encouraged.

With newfound confidence, Prashmita met his gaze and replied, "Yes, we do. While I have some time, I'm striving to gain an edge in this area so that it doesn't interfere with our group project. I believe in balancing both efforts seamlessly." Her voice was steady, and her eyes shone with a determined light, reflecting her commitment to both her personal growth and the collective success of their work.

With a smile that radiated warmth against the chilly dusk of March, they stood side by side. The fading light cast a soft glow around them, and hope gleamed in their eyes, bright and unwavering. Together, they shared a quiet resolve, their hearts brimming with the promise of achievement and the anticipation of the journey ahead.

As a few moments passed, Prashmita quietly rose from her seat, her movements graceful yet deliberate. She began to gather her belongings, each action precise and unhurried, signaling her impending departure. The soft rustle of papers and the gentle clink of pens were the only sounds accompanying her serene composure.

Devrudra hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. "Could I possibly get your number? Only if you're comfortable with it, of course. Since we're working together on this, and also in the group project, I thought it might be helpful. You know, if I come across something useful, I could share it with you right away. Email isn't always the most convenient... but kono jor nei kintu." He blabbered scratching the back of his neck nervously, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks.

[I don't want to pressure you.]

As he spoke these words, Devrudra, overwhelmed with shyness, closed his eyes momentarily, a deep flush of ruby red coloring his cheeks. He braced himself for the possibility that she might have left. With a hesitant glance, he slowly opened his eyes, only to be met with the sight of her outstretched palm.

"there is no pressure, na dileo cholbe" his tone showed the nervousness, he felt within.

[It would work fine, if you don't give it]

"Phone," her deep, resonant voice reverberated through the air, each syllable rich with warmth and clarity. 

"Huh!" his baffled tone was evident.

"Your phone, without that, number ta kothai debo?" her raspy tone carried a hint of amusement, a fleeting sense of humour.

[where would put my number then]

"Oh! Ha, phone, ei nao," he stammered, his mind dancing with unrestrained joy. The thrill of finally receiving her number made his heart race with an elation that felt boundless. The moment was a vibrant crescendo of happiness, his emotions bubbling over in a silent celebration as he savored the significance of this small yet monumental step.

[here it is]

With a graceful, practiced motion, she took his cellphone, its screen lighting up with a soft glow. Her fingers danced across the keyboard as she entered her number, her movements smooth and assured. Once she had saved the contact, she carefully placed the phone into the chest pocket of his beige shirt. With a gentle pat on the pocket, she left him with a teasing smirk, carrying the hint of amusement and satisfaction at  the expense of the ruby cheek of his.

"Aschi, kal dekha hobe." her lips looped with side smile." hoito"

[Bye, We will be meeting tomorrow]

[maybe].

He stood there, spellbound, as if rooted to the spot by the sheer wonder of the moment. His mind grappled with the surreal experience, caught between the realm of dreams and the solidity of reality. Was this a fleeting hallucination conjured by his hopes and fears, or was it a tangible fragment of stark reality? The world seemed to blur around him as he tried to decipher the enchanting reality that had just unfolded before his eyes.

"Did she just flirt with me?" his mind echoed in astonished disbelief, still numb from the intensity of the moment. As he emerged from his reverie, a ripple of realization washed over him, and he found himself gently patting his own back, as if to ground himself in the reality of this unexpected and thrilling encounter.

"Haaye! Shabbash Devrudra"

[Bravo, Devrudra]

----

I catch your eyes across the room, a spark that lights the night,
A gentle tease, a playful smile, you're dancing in my sight.
Your words, they brush like summer winds, soft as a lover's touch,
They leave me swaying, wanting more, but never holding much.

It's like a whisper in the breeze, so close but out of reach,
A momentary sweet escape, like waves upon the beach.
You flirt with me, and then you're gone, just shadows in the sun,
A fleeting feel, a passing thrill, that lingers when you're done.

A poem to describe the inner feeling of Devrudra.

ps: I never tried writing any poem, so bit worried.