*Girish Pov*

"Why are you both walking so slowly?" I asked frowning at the two interns following me and they didn't even stand properly to answer me.

"Shall I start a quiz as you both seem to be bored with the rounds?" my words immediately made them stand straight.

"No need to do that, Dr. Girish. We are completely fine but we are just worried that you still didn't have lunch yet." One of them said smiling at me and immediately gestured behind me.

"Talking about lunch, we are actually close to the canteen. Why don't you get some energy by having something to eat, Dr. Girish?" she continued while the other intern nodded with a polite smile.

"You both dare to act before me. Let me start the quiz then." Saying that I turned around to continue to walk passing the canteen only to stop suddenly which made the two people behind me nearly hit my back with their bodies but they stopped themselves.

"What happened, Dr. Girish? Suddenly starting to feel hungry after seeing the canteen?" I turned to glare at her before shifting to glance at the person I just saw.

Why did I feel like she was Rupa for a second? But then why would she be here? I thought shaking my head and took a few more steps and again stopped abruptly and this time they both actually hit me with their bodies.

I stopped myself from scolding them as the way fell on me hurt my back a bit but stopped myself knowing well it is actually my fault and not theirs.

"Dr. Girish! If you are training us using this method so that we stay alert then no need to do it anymore as we don't think we will ever sleep for the next two days." This time I really want to scold them.

When I turned around to see them, they were rubbing their noses and it must have hurt but I felt confused thinking how could they both hit me at a time.

Are they that skinny or am I that bulky? I shook my head not knowing why am I even thinking about such useless things.

Just now I thought why would Rupa even be here and that is really a stupid thought as I am working in a hospital.

Anyone can be here as long as they are human beings. Now, I couldn't help but think about whether she is ill or maybe her parents or maybe her relatives.

With those worries, I started walking towards the canteen saying, "I am hungry right now and will have my lunch. If you want, you can have it at the same time or go back to the department room."

After saying those words I actually didn't care what they are going to do now as my eyes keep on searching for the familiar figure and as expected I was not wrong in thinking she is Rupa.

She is right now sitting at the corner table and browsing her phone. So, her phone is actually working and she is the one who is ignoring me.

I took out my phone and called her number which immediately startled her but I frowned as for me it was not ringing except a prompt message that the number is busy.

Within a second, she was able to continue to browse on her phone. I took my phone away and continued to stare at her.

So, she actually blocked my number? Really? Because my tongue slipped and I uttered those words?

I know I shouldn't have said those words but I just couldn't stop myself and I still remember the way her voice sounded at that time even though it's already been a week.

I slapped my mouth for not being able to control myself and sighed thinking what to do now. Wait! I should first go and ask her who is ill right now.

"Dr. Girish! No need to feel this bad for scolding us all the time." I heard my intern's voice and I realized they both are still standing with me.

Before I could open my mouth to scold them, the other intern slapped on the back of his head saying, "Idiot! Can't you see our Dr. Girish is stalking a patient or maybe a patient's family member right now? He even stopped while showing concern to us just because he got struck by her."

Then she glanced at me saying, "You can go and continue, Dr. Girish. No need to feel any urgency to come back to the department. We will not let anyone disturb you unless a patient needs you or any senior doctor."

With those words, they both left the canteen and I glared at them but continued to walk towards the table and knocked on it which made her look up with a smile and that smile froze.

"Hello!" I greeted before sitting down on an empty chair while she cleared her throat away and didn't even glance at me anymore.

"Are you sick? Or your parents? Or maybe your relatives?" I asked and she froze hearing those words before turning to glance at me with wide eyes.

"What are you even saying? Are you cursing me, my family, and my relatives, just because I was not talking to you?" She asked glaring at me and I immediately shook my head.

"I got worried after seeing you here and so asked you those things feeling concerned. Don't think of those words in a wrong way." I explained and she didn't drop her glare.

"Are you sick? Or your parents? Or maybe your relatives?" she repeated the question and I frowned at her.

"I am a doctor in this hospital." I pointed out and then added saying, "I know there are people other than being a patient and patient's family but I know you didn't study medicine. Also, the first thing I felt after seeing you here is worry about your health."

"Sorry!" she whispered closing her eyes and I sighed standing up.

"I will leave you alone then." Saying that I turned around but immediately smirked hoping this incident will get her to not stay mad at me anymore.

"Girish! I didn't mean to and this is just what I am used to. I am..." before she could continue we both heard a new voice and that voice failed my plan completely.

"Why is Girish here? And why is he smirking while showing his back to you?" I glanced up to find Vani walking towards us with a frown covering her face.

"You!" Rupa and I said at the same time but she said to me while I said that word to Vani which startled her.

"I am a doctor in this hospital. Why are you here?" I asked back before sitting back on the chair I just stood up from.

She sat on the remaining empty chair saying, "I am working here as a part-time receptionist."

"What? Really?" I asked staring at her in shock and she nodded smiling at me before glancing at Rupa.

"She is working here as an accountant. It is really a surprise that you work here. I only know where Kamal works and so didn't have an idea about you." Vani explained.

"So, you both work here? Amazing!" I said leaning back with a huge grin and Rupa scoffed at me.

"Dr. Girish! I know you want to continue to stalk this lady but there is an emergency." I turned to scowl at the intern who came to inform me.

"You work at the ER?" Vani asked and I nodded at her before standing up.

"That's why I didn't see you at the entrance as I generally enter the hospital from the emergency exit as it is closer to my department." I replied before gesturing the intern to go.

"Also, you both stay back as I want you two to come with me to the restaurant for the group meeting. Kamal every time says that he couldn't bring you as he comes directly from the hospital and so this time there is no excuse for you not to be there. And if you don't come with me then I will get hurt." Saying that I rushed away but not before winking at Rupa.

****

In the evening, I packed my bag and started walking towards the reception before taking out my phone to call Rupa.

I know she blocked me but there is a wish that she unblocked my number by this time. When it started ringing, I fisted my hand in the air feeling a sense of achievement, and also earned a few looks from the strangers around me.

I composed myself and waited for her to pick up the call and she did after a few rings asking, "I am coming to the reception area."

"Okay!" I mumbled after which she cut the call and I glanced at Vani who is standing behind the reception desk and talking to someone and noting down details of the new patient I think.

She seems to be not struggling at her job then, I thought smiling and still felt it is amazing that she joined in a job at this hospital.

I walked towards the reception desk after that person walked off and said, "Ms. Receptionist! How much longer is your shift?"

Vani glanced up chuckling before saying, "Ten more minutes! Why don't you go on your own? I can join next week."

"No way! I will wait here for you." I assured her and leaned over to whisper.

"Also, I want to introduce her to our friends." I whispered and she chuckled before nodding and then gestured behind me.

"Does she want you to in the first place?" she asked but I gave her a sad look.

"No! I am just a pitiful person and so accompany me so that she will accept to come with me." I replied and she nodded before repeating to say I need to wait for ten minutes.

I turned around to find Rupa sitting on the waiting chairs and is staring straight at me. I smiled walking towards her and sat down on the chair beside her.

"You need to come with us no matter what. Otherwise, she wouldn't come and there will be a gap between Kamal and her. We don't know how is it at their place and it is good to monitor at least once a week." I explained before she can reject to come with us.

"I know! I am definitely coming to monitor your friend and then suggest her to divorce him or not depending on whether he seems to be cheating on her or not." She suddenly said I stared at her in shock.

"Cheating? He would never do that. Keep those thoughts away from your head. Also, I found him jealous when Vani and I were talking about you in secret terms. So, I am sure there is a progress." I mumbled and she frowned hearing those words.

"Jealous? Really?" I nodded and she smiled before leaning over to whisper in my ear.

"When we go there, try to be as close to Vani as possible like show to him that you both are closer than Kamal and her. Okay?" I stared at her in shock before nodding at her.

"You are evil, Rupa." I whispered and she smirked hearing those words.

"That's what each and every person said after meeting me. Still want to flirt with me?" she asked and I nodded without pausing for a second.

After Vani finished her work, we three left for the restaurant on foot as it is really closer to the hospital.

However, when we entered the place and started walking towards the table, I found Pallavi placing her hand on Kamal's hand and asking him what is wrong with his mood.

This made both Rupa and Vani to frown while even I feel a bit discomfort as even though we all are close to Pallavi, she never tried to be this close.

"Of course, they will be fine. Why do you think otherwise?" I asked reaching the table and everyone glanced at me normally but they look a bit shocked after finding Vani and Rupa standing with me.

"She is Rupa and she is Vani. Well, Rupa is my girlfriend while Vani is my best friend's wife. I hope you know that, Pallavi." I introduced them with as sarcasm as possible while introducing Vani which caused her to drop her hand.

"Will you stop your sarcastic tone, and I am not his girlfriend." Rupa said, walking towards us and sat in my usual place which brought me too much joy.

"Work-in-progress!" I mumbled shrugging and dragged two chairs before making sure Vani settled down and then I sat beside Kamal.

"What is happening here?" David asked, frowning at us.

"You see, Rupa works in the hospital as an accountant where I work." I replied smiling at him.

"Vani got the job in your hospital." Kamal stated while understanding the situation and I nodded grinning.

I heard Rupa clearing her throat and immediately stared at him with a huge smile before saying the next words.

"Yes! I got to know that she is working here today only while she was working for the past week. Now, I am looking forward to having a chat with her every day to pass the boring working day or even at leisures." I said grinning at Vani.

"Don't make any trouble by which I will lose my job." She mumbled naturally and I found Kamal glancing at her.

Even though she is not involved in the plan, she is doing a perfect job at replying to me as we both are already used to such closeness within a short period of time. Also, she definitely has a soft spot for me more than anyone and then for Rakesh.

"Well, this is for the celebration of her job. She is here for that only in the end accepting my invitation after a lot of pursuing." I said before ordering the snacks for everyone and glanced at Rupa who nodded at me smiling.

During the whole time, I continued to involve myself with Vani and I can literally feel draggers being pointed towards me from Kamal.

Rakesh frowned at my behavior along with David while Pallavi seems to be lost in her thoughts.

However, when it was time for us to leave, she suddenly opened her mouth to make a suggestion to all of us.

Guys, why don't we have our dinner too?" I heard Pallavi asking and glanced up to see her looking at everyone.

"I don't think it is a good idea." Kamal said and everyone frowned at him.

I glanced at Rupa before pointing Kamal and she nodded after which I cleared my throat to get involved again.

"Why? Your wife is also here and I am sure she would love this holiday of cooking." I said frowning at him.

"Say that you like this idea." I added before staring at Vani with a pointed look so that she will accept.

"Are you asking me or ordering me?" She asked leaning back with a calm expression covering her face.

"Take it as anything but that should make you stay." I said shrugging but shifted my head to point Rupa and she immediately understood.

"Now, how can I reject you?" She asked smiling and I laughed at that along with Rupa, Rakesh, and also David.

I glanced up to see Kamal frowning at her with a serious expression while Vani has a confused expression covering her face.

I smirked at that thinking Vani is actually being a 100% participant in my plan without her knowledge and the poor thing is now confused.

"It is going to be my treat by the way to celebrate Vani's job." I said adding more fire to the moment.

"Why would you give treat if I am the one who got the job?" She asked frowning at me.

"Now, you just made me happy by getting it in my workplace and we can arrange your repaying by buying me food at the canteen after you get salary." I replied with whatever words came to my head.

"I think I can pay for the treat as she is my wife." Kamal's words made everyone shock but I tried to show a neutral expression after hearing those words and didn't back down.

"Kamal! It is not like I can't do it and let me do it for my new friend. You can give her some other treat." I said stubbornly.

"Let her decide!" Rakesh said when Kamal and I started staring at each other with equal glares.

"Are you both kids fighting over paying a bill?" Rupa asked suddenly as Vani looks conflicted and she immediately voiced out her thought.

"Girish will give it, but he should take my coffee treat for a whole month." She mumbled and felt everyone going into the silence.

"Did I say something wrong?" She asked frowning at us as even I felt shocked after hearing her words.

"No! Not at all." David mumbled smiling and I looked at him in shock along with Vani.

"So, it is settled that these both will join us whenever they wish on our weekends." Rakesh stated.

"We can't say for sure if we can as per our duty schedule. Actually, her work should have finished a few hours before, but she extended it as the next receptionist got late. As per me, I need to work late hours or no hours sometimes." Rupa explained when I was busy with eating.

"Fine, madam!" I said smirking at her which she completely ignored making me scowl at her.

"You will be fine right?" I heard Vani ask Rupa after we all walked out of the restaurant.

"Of course!" She replied and gestured towards me.

I waved at Vani who turned with a frown and she chuckled at me before walking towards Kamal's vehicle.

He continued to look disturbed and after he drove away Rupa waited until everyone left before laughing out loud.

"Oh My God! You were so right in saying that he was jealous of your closeness with her. I think he would have hit you on the spot if not for you being his friend." She continued to laugh and I walked towards her before pulling her into my arms which completely froze her.

"Then where is my reward?" I asked smiling at her and she stared at me with wide eyes.

However, within a few seconds, I felt immense pain in my foot and immediately released her in shock while grimacing in pain.

"Don't hold me like that suddenly." She mumbled clearing her throat and looked around while I just stared at her and tried to suppress my pain.

After a few minutes, as I continued to stand there in silence while tightening my lips to not shout in pain, I felt a hand on my shoulder.

And I immediately jerked away as a defense mechanism so that I will not get hurt again but then realized it is actually her and she stared at me with a guilty look.

"I am sorry! I reacted like that without any intention and didn't realize I stepped on your foot with such force. Why don't you stay here while I will go and get some cold compressor?" she asked and moved to leave but I immediately stopped her by holding her hand and released it in a second.

"No need! I am fine! I will walk you to the place where you are staying." I replied and she gestured to the building a few feet away.

"That is where I am staying." I sighed nodding at her but still walked with her to reach the hostel.

"I am really sorry but... I..." she sighed not finishing the words and suddenly said, "I don't know how you are thinking of me but I am not that fun to be around or even know to be saying only kind words. My words are sharper sometimes without my intention them to be."

"I actually don't have friends at all and if not for Vani's heartbroken state at that time, even she wouldn't have been my friend as I fought with her too many times." She continued and I just stared at her without saying anything.

"I am saying that there is something wrong with me as I am happy with how I am. However, I don't know whether I can be a good partner to someone. I always thought any relationship or a marriage is a way to not have any independence and so I don't know what to think or how to behave." She sighed at the end of those words.

"So, think about all these and it is better if you give up now so that you will not get hurt again like you did today." With those words, she walked into the building while I continued to stand there in silence.

*Rupa Pov*

"Come back to earth, Vani." I said, snapping my fingers before her face at again for the tenth time from the morning.

"I am so happy, Rupa. He really likes me and he is so sweet." She said shaking her head.

"I am happy for you." I said, feeling glad that she is because is till remember her devastated face all those months ago.

"So, do you like Girish?" she suddenly asked and I stared at her in shock.

"Yes!" I replied, nodding.

"Then why are you giving him a hard time?" she asked frowning.

After saying all those things that day I thought he will really give up on me but I know I would have missed a great partner in my life.

As expected he didn't try to flirt with me after that day and even stopped touching me suddenly but to my surprise, he continued to accompany me for lunch whenever he is free and every time he leaves the hospital at the time I actually leave, he walk me to the hostel.

We continued to talk to each other normally but the feelings matter didn't enter our conversation again.

I wouldn't say he gave up on me as I can feel he still likes me but somehow I couldn't come out of this feeling that after I take a step into this relationship and he finally realizes my complete nature, he will just leave me.

I can lead my life right now without having any romantic relationship with him. However, I don't have the confidence to not be affected if he leaves me after we start our relationship.

So, I am unable to take the step forward to accept his feelings completely and show mine to him at the same time.

"I... I am just scared that he will hate me like many of my friends hated when they got a clear picture of my nature. I can be real bitch you know." I replied shrugging.

"Don't you dare talk about my best friend like that." She said glaring at me and then frowned at her mobile seeing someone's call.

"I will be back and we will talk about this nonsense thoughts you have." She added before walking away and I sighed.

"Don't worry about me hating you, Rupa. Because my love will never let that enter at all." I shrieked hearing his voice and turned to see him standing behind me with folded arms.

"You heard?" I asked him shocked.

"Yes! Now, what is this nonsense? Do you know how scared I am feeling everyday with no positive sign from you? You like me right? And that's all I want for now." He replied sitting beside me.

"I like you more than normal like." I replied honestly.

"Wow! Today seems to be my lucky day." He said holding my hand and we felt Vani coming near to us and saying something.

"I am leaving!" that's all we heard and nodded, but didn't look away from each other.

"I need to go for an operation. So, tell me again that you will not change your mind when we meet in the evening." He asked staring at me and I smiled before moving my hand to hold his which made him smile after which he walked away.

****

"Let's go! I will introduce you to my friends formally as my girlfriend." Saying that he dragged me towards the restaurant while I laughed at his behavior.

"I hope you will be happy for me too." Girish stated after reaching his friends as we just heard Kamal saying those words to David and Pallavi.

"Why does he always make such dramatic entries?" He asked and we both smiled before sitting down.

"Today it is special to do it. Now, meet my official girlfriend." Girish said pointing at me.

"Finally, he had the nerve to ask me." I said shaking my head.

"What a lie!" Girish mumbled and settled down.

"I think I am only left as single." Rakesh said with painted voice.

"Ask that question to your girlfriend and your six year relationship." David said hitting his shoulder.

"Why don't we go somewhere as couples together?" Kamal offered.

"Aren't you going for a holiday?" I asked remembering about Vani's leave matter I heard from the receptionist that took over her shift from lunch time it seems.

"Why would I?" He asked frowning at me.

"Vani kept two weeks time to leave right as a matter of going out of the station." I pointed out.

"What?" He asked with complete dumb expression.

"You mean she lied? But I was told she was in a hurry during lunch time and didn't stay at a point for one single second." I replied.

"That is totally our Vani but what must have happened?" Girish asked frowning.

"She said something to us right when we were talking and she returned from her call at lunch time?" I asked him.

"I didn't hear her." Girish said frowning more.

"Lunchtime? I kind of got a call to your phone, but no one talked because of which I hung up." Pallavi said and I finally realized what is going on.

"Oh no!" I mumbled staring at Kamal.

"You need to go and stop her from walking away." I added.

"What? Why would she?" He asked and everyone frowned at me.

"She will kill me if I tell you but I can't hide it knowing well your marriage is it at stake." I replied and then glanced at Pallavi.

"It has to do something with me?" Pallavi asked in a shocked tone and I nodded at her.

"Oh god! I am so sorry." Pallavi said and shook her head.

"Will someone say what is happening here?" Rakesh asked frowning at both of us.

"I always did wonder why Vani seemed to be so distant with Pallavi and now we need answers." David said, staring at Pallavi who is on the verge of tears.

"Er... you see, do you remember the conversation we had the day before your engagement?" she asked turning towards Kamal.

"Your questions?" Kamal asked and she nodded.

"I called someone and they were on while I was talking to you, and you were replying to me. I kind of told that person that I love you and you like me too, but you are marrying only due to force from your mother." She replied and sat stunned.

"Vani was on the call?" Kamal asked and she nodded.

"I took the sheet with her number you threw on the floor and called her. I am really sorry about this, Kamal. I thought you both had settled this matter by now." She said in a pleading tone.

"She ran away to my house when I am actually her enemy in college and always said that you wouldn't wish to marry her and wish for someone more modern and from city. She was there to tell me I was right, but I made her stay with me." I explained which I already told to Girish recently.

"Why didn't she say anything to anyone?" Kamal asked frowning at me.

"She was waiting for you to tell your mom regarding your love for some other girl a she didn't have any wish to hurt her or strength." I replied sighing.

"What are you still doing here? Go and clear the misunderstanding before you lose her." I said and he just shook his head.

"She can't just run whenever she likes and I can't run behind her whenever she wants to." He said fisting his hands and I stared at him for a few second.

"If that's what you want." I said shrugging which shocked Girish.

"Why are you so calm?" Girish asked me.

"It is not like her pure love all these years is any worth or the way she wished to let go of the thing that was killing her. And I don't think she did anything wrong or thinking to not want anything to do with you. She said she was more than happy today." I replied shrugging.

"I am going home!" Kamal said standing up and walked away.

After him, Pallavi and David too walked out of the restaurant while Girish continued to frown at me.

"Will your plan work?" he asked to which I shrugged.

"He was hurt more than mad with her action. So, I am sure he will reach out to her to at least shout at her. So, now it is in their hands to work it out." I replied smiling at him.

"Your girlfriend is ruthless, Girish." Rakesh commented while I smiled sweetly at him before standing.

"Let's go on a date!" I said forwarding my hand towards Girish who immediately held it before we both walked out of the restaurant.