Prem Pathik

Ch 6 - Dount Drama

Thankfully, it seemed like smooth sailing so far. No major accidents or traumas to report, just the usual assortment of minor ailments and routine check-ups. I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that my patients were all doing well.

I sighed, knowing there was no escaping Yasmin's relentless interrogation. "Fine, fine," I relented, rolling my eyes. "His name is... well, I don't actually know his name."

Yasmin gasped dramatically. "A mystery man? How scandalous!" she exclaimed, her excitement palpable even through the phone. "You have to find out more about him, Aisha. It's practically fate!"

I chuckled, shaking my head at her enthusiasm. "Yeah, we'll see," I said, faking it. "But for now, I've got patients to check on. Love you, Yas." She responded, "Love you too, and text me later, girly."

As I hung up the phone, I couldn't help but smile at Yasmin's antics. She always knew how to brighten my day, even when I was knee-deep in work. But just as I was about to delve back into my patient data, my phone rang again, with my mother's name flashing on the screen.

I groaned inwardly, knowing that a call from my mom meant trouble – or, at the very least, a lecture about eating too many sweets. With a resigned sigh, I answered the call, bracing myself for whatever she had to say.

"Hi, Ammu! (mom)," I greeted, trying to sound casual despite the impending doom I sensed in her call.

"Aisha, Shona (my dear), how are you?" my mom's voice came through the phone, warm and familiar.

"I'm good, ma," I replied, trying to keep it short and sweet. There is no need to give her any ammunition for a lengthy lecture.

My mom's tone turned slightly stern. "Are you eating well, beta? (child)" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

I rolled my eyes, resisting the urge to scoff. "Yes, Ma, I'm eating fine," I assured her, though I knew she wouldn't believe me.

"Are you sure?" she pressed, her maternal instincts kicking into overdrive.

"Just busy with work," I said, mumbling.

"Good, good," she said, her voice brightening. "But remember, don't forget to take care of yourself, okay? You've been working too hard lately."

I stifled a laugh at her motherly concern. "I'm fine, Ma, really," I reassured her, even though I knew arguing was pointless.

"Okay, okay," she conceded, her tone skeptical. "But just remember, too much work and no play makes Aisha a dull girl."

I chuckled at her attempt at humor. "I'll keep that in mind," I promised, knowing full well that I would probably forget as soon as I hung up the phone.

"So, what are you doing right now, beta?" my mom asked, her tone casual.

"Oh, you know, just going over some patient files," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Patient files, huh?" she mused, her tone becoming more curious. "Anything interesting?"

I hesitated momentarily, wondering how much to share with my mom. "Well, there's this one patient who keeps insisting that chocolate is the best medicine," I confessed, unable to suppress a laugh.

My mom chuckled on the other end of the line. "Sounds like someone I know," she teased, her voice tinged with amusement.

I rolled my eyes, knowing exactly who she was referring to. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. I have a sweet tooth," I retorted, unable to hide the smile in my voice.

There was a brief pause before my mom spoke again, her tone turning serious. "Beta, I know I tease you about your love for sweets, but I just want you to be careful," she said, her voice filled with genuine concern. "You never know what kind of trouble you might get into."