"The first of many"

Strength in Vulnerability

Time was a strange thing. Though they were now miles apart-Srija back in Patna for her postgraduate residency and Vivek returned to his bustling professional life in Mumbai-it felt as though their bond had only grown stronger. The daily video calls, stolen moments between surgeries and consults, and the shared laughter over the smallest things bridged the physical distance between them.

But one evening, something shifted.
_ _ _

The clock read 11:30 PM, but Srija knew Vivek's schedule didn't adhere to normal hours. He was often awake late, working or catching up on paperwork. When her phone lit up with his name, she answered immediately.

"Hey," she said, smiling at the screen. But the smile faltered when she saw him. His hair was disheveled, his eyes rimmed with exhaustion, and there was a weight in his expression she hadn't seen before.

"Hey," he replied, his voice quieter than usual.

"What's wrong?" she asked, sitting up straighter.

He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's just... a rough day. Nothing I can't handle."

"Vivek," she said firmly, "talk to me."

He sighed, leaning back in his chair. "It's just everything, you know? The pressure to always perform, to meet everyone's expectations, to balance everything. Sometimes it feels like no matter how much I do, it's never enough."

Her heart ached at his words. For all his confidence and charm, she realized this was a side of Vivek he rarely showed anyone-a side that was vulnerable, uncertain, human.

"You've been carrying all of this alone, haven't you?" she asked softly.

He looked away, his jaw tightening. "I'm not used to leaning on others. It's easier to just... deal with it myself."

"But you don't have to," she said, her voice breaking slightly. "I'm here, Vivek. You've always been there for me, and now it's my turn to be there for you."

He met her gaze through the screen, a flicker of emotion crossing his face. "Thank you, Srija. That means more than you know."

---

The next day, Srija couldn't stop thinking about their conversation. She hated seeing him like that-so weighed down by the world. And while she couldn't be there physically, she was determined to do something to lift his spirits.

After her shift, she spent hours planning the perfect surprise. She called in a few favors, coordinated deliveries, and worked late into the night to put everything in place.

---

Two Days Later

Vivek was sitting at his desk, scrolling through patient reports, when the doorbell rang. He frowned, not expecting anyone. When he opened the door, he found a delivery man holding a large package.

"For Dr. Vivek," the man said with a smile.

Vivek signed for the package and brought it inside, setting it on the coffee table. He opened it to find a carefully curated box filled with small, thoughtful items:

1. A handwritten note:
"Because you're always taking care of others, let someone take care of you for a change."

2. A stress-relief kit:
Inside was a set of scented candles, a small potted plant, and a box of herbal teas.

3. Comfort food:
His favorite snacks-things he'd mentioned in passing during their calls-along with a batch of homemade cookies (courtesy of Srija herself).

4. A photo frame:
It contained a picture she'd taken of the two of them during their rooftop café dinner, his arm around her as they laughed at some silly joke.

At the bottom of the box was a final note:
"You're doing an amazing job, Vivek. But don't forget to take a moment for yourself. You're allowed to breathe, to rest, and to just be. I'm proud of you."

---

Later that evening, Srija's phone buzzed with an incoming video call. When she answered, she was greeted by Vivek's face, a mix of amusement and gratitude in his expression.

"You really outdid yourself this time," he said, holding up the photo frame.

She smiled, relieved to see him looking more relaxed. "Did it help?"

"It did," he admitted. "More than you know."

There was a pause, and then he said, "You have this way of making everything better, Srija. I don't know how you do it, but... thank you. For reminding me that I don't have to do everything alone."

Her cheeks flushed, but she managed to reply, "Well, you've done the same for me countless times. It's only fair."
---

As they talked late into the night, laughing and sharing stories, Srija realized something important: their connection wasn't just about the grand gestures or the shared moments of happiness. It was about being there for each other, even in the quiet, difficult times.

And for Vivek, it was the first time he truly felt like he wasn't alone anymore.

---