The Undying Love

1: Against The Clock

Chapter 1: Against the Clock

"Bas, I won't be coming home today. I'm going to Maa's house," she announced, briskly packing her bag for the hospital.

"Why?" Bas inquired.

"Pranav's fiancé and her family are coming to visit, and they want to finalize a date for their marriage," she explained, grabbing her car keys before heading out the door.

After a half-hour drive, she arrived at her workplace, "Life Line Hospitals," where she held the esteemed position of head neurologist. Earlier that day, her mother had called during her lunch break to remind her of the impending visit at six o'clock. However, glancing at the clock after a grueling surgery, she realized that it was already 5:45 pm. Factoring in the notorious Californian traffic, she knew she was cutting it close.

With urgency in her steps, she left the hospital premises, determined to make it in time for the crucial meeting at her mother's home. Greetings and nods were exchanged with colleagues as she rushed past them, her mind focused on the challenge ahead.

Her car's engine roared to life, and she merged into the traffic, a sea of vehicles stretching as far as she could see. Time seemed to play tricks on her as the minutes ticked away relentlessly. The radio hummed softly in the background, a mere distraction from the tension that gripped her.

Determined to overcome the odds, she maneuvered her way through the labyrinth of streets, her experience with these roads proving invaluable. Her phone buzzed, and she answered the call on speaker while keeping her eyes on the road.

"Ma," she panted, "I'll be slightly late, but I'm on my way. Please let them know."

"Be careful, beta. We'll manage until you arrive," her mother's voice carried a mix of reassurance and understanding.

Hanging up, she tightened her grip on the steering wheel, pushing her car's speed without compromising her safety. The minutes continued their relentless march, and her surroundings blurred into a frenzy of colors and lights.

Finally, the familiar neighborhood unfolded before her eyes. Her heart raced as she navigated the last turns, each corner bringing her closer to her destination. With a sigh of relief, she parked her car in front of her mother's house just as the clock struck six.

Exiting the car, she hurried to the front door, her chest still heaving from the adrenaline-fueled race against time. Her mother greeted her with a proud smile as they exchanged a quick hug.

"You made it, just in time," her mother whispered, a glint of admiration in her eyes.

As if on cue, the doorbell rang, announcing the arrival of Pranav's fiancé and her family. A sense of accomplishment washed over her, knowing that her determination had prevailed against the challenges thrown her way.

Little did she know, this race against the clock was merely the prologue to a series of trials that would test her limits and redefine her understanding of priorities.