Areeba's POV:
The day had started like any other day, but little did I know, it was about to take a turn for the worse.
My heart pounded in my chest, I couldn't help but wonder how many times had he seen me glued to my phone huh?
As I walked into my department, I was hit with the realization that I was a full 90 minutes late. Of all days, today was the one my luck decided to desert me.
I tried to blend in with other interns, hopng to sneak past her eagle-like gaze, but it was as if she had a sixth sense, she spotted me immediately and called me out.
My heart sank as I approached her, praying she wouldn't yell in front of everyone.
"Y-yes ma'am?" I stuttered, trying to play innocent as if I hadn't just attempted to sneak in unnoticed.
Her voice was stern serious as she questioned me. "What's the time now?"
"Ten-10:50," I stammered, the anxiety making it hard to speak clearly.
"And what's the reporting time madam?" She shot back.
"N-nine," I managed to reply, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Sit in the OP now. Your posting is canceled for today." With a stern look, she declared.
I was at a loss for words. Should I apologize? Should I say okay?
I chose silence, staring at the floor as if it held the answers.
"Write an assignment on this topic now, and I want it on my table in 30 minutes. Leave." She said, her voice like a whip in the quiet room.
I exited her cabin immediately, not uttering a single word.
Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill over. Anytime someone yelled at me, this was my reaction. I tried to control them but couldn't.
Just then a girl approached me, "Oh no, are you crying?"
I wanted to scream at her, wasn't it obvious that I was upset?
But I remained silent, my sniffles the only sound.
"Don't take her words to heart. She can be worse than a headache sometimes, but she's cool. You'll adjust.
"Excuse me", I whispered, slipping out of the room and heading towards the washroom.
It took me a solid five minutes to find it.
Sure, I could've asked someone, but...
I took a moment to breathe, to compose myself. I dabbed at my eyes, applied a light touch-up to my face, and steeled myself for the task ahead.
I was so absorbed in my work that I didn't even notice two and a half hours slip by.
Glancing at the clock, it read 1:40. Almost everyone had left for lunch, leaving only a few behind.
I grabbed my bag and started towards the cafeteria, but then I remembered - the doctor's handerkerchief was still with me. I had to return it.
A wave of nervousness washed over me as I rerouted towards his cabin. It was just a handkerchief, just a piece of cloth, but it felt like so much more.
I knocked on his door, my heart pounding in my chest.
One knock...
Two knocks....
Three knocks. Finally, he responded.
The room smelled familiar as I entered, and I couldn't help but wonder if I'd overdone it with my perfume. Thinking about our previous encounter, his gaze met mine, and I could feel the intensity of his stare.
I handed him his handkerchief, our fingers brushing ever so slightly. His question took me by surprise, "Were you crying?"
I had tried my best to hide my tears, but he had seen right through me.
I shook my head, my tongue feeling heavy in my mouth.
"Are you okay? Does it still hurt?" His voice was filled with concern as he rose from his chair, his hand reaching out to gently hold mine...comforting, yet unsettling.
As I stood there, my tongue felt like it was trapped in a state of paralysis.
With a nod and a clear throat, I managed to stutter out, j-ji mein theek hoon."
His gaze didn't waver, his eyes like two piercing lasers, cutting through all my defenses.
"Then why were you crying hm?" The gentleness of his voice was like a warm blanket on a cold day, melting my heart into a thousand little puddles.
I could feel the lump in my throat growing larger, threatening to choke me.
I swallowed hard, trying to push it down. "I was late today, and the head dietician scolded me," I said, my voice trembling.
I sounded like kindergarten kid complaining to his father.
"Who? The chief dietician? Ms. Ruhina?" He asked, I could almost see the anger, a red haze that hung in the air between us.
I stumbled over my words, "Y-yyes." I confirmed.
"If there's anything or anyone bothering you, you tell me." His voice was firm and commanding.
My mind raced, was I hearing him right? What did this mean? Was I reading too much into it or not enough? I was lost in a maze of thoughts, my words deserting me once again. So, I just nodded.
We reached the counter, and he handed me the menu, "order anything you like." he said, his eyes scanning the cafe, then resting on the desserts in the glass case.
I looked down at the menu, a seemingly endless list of options. I didn't want to seem greedy, so I ordered a coffee. But then, my inner voice snapped at me, reminding me that even having lunch with a senior doctor is also considered 'inappropriate'.
"Uh-actually, I'm not that hungry. Just a caramel mocha for me," I said, trying to keep the conversation light.
He studied me for a moment, his gaze travelling from my head to my toes. "You're going to be here until 5 pm. How do you plan to keep your energy up if you don't eat properly?" his question hung in the air.
For a fleeting moment, I felt a pang of self-consciousness. Was he judging me? Was this some roundabout way of body shaming? But then, his past kindness flashed in my mind.
"I'll manage," I replied, offering him a reassuring smile.
He ordered his usual- chicken fried rice and a coke.
Suddenly unsure of where to sit, I rooted to the spot.
He noticed my hesitation, "Kya hua?" He asked,
I shook my head indicating it was nothing.
He walked over to the same table where I had sat the previous day.
A few minutes later, the waiter announced that my coffee was ready. I was about to get up, but he gestured for me to stay seated. "I'll get it." he offered.
As he walked away, my mind began to race, wondering about the whole awkward situation.
He returned, placing the hot cup on my side of the table.
"How's the coffee here?" he asked, seating back into his seat.
I took a moment before responding, "I'm about to find out."
His smile was my only reply, making the corners of his eyes crinkle slightly.
I emptied an entire sachet of sugar into the cup and stirred.
Taking my first sip, a sugary assault on my taste buds. I'd forgotten that I had ordered a caramel mocha, already a sweet drink. Instant regret washed over me for adding the sugar.
I tried to keep my face neutral, "It's good," I managed to say, hoping my expression didn't betray my thoughts.
"Huh?" He asked, a single brow raised in confusion.
"The coffee, it's good." I clarified, trying to sound convincing.
He nodded in understanding.
My attention was drawn to a group of girls, presumably from my department, staring at us in shock and whispering among themselves.
Feeling awkward, I shifted uncomfortably in my chair, hoping he wouldn't notice.
"Are you alright? What's wrong?" his voice cut through my thoughts.
"Um yeah, it's nothing." I brushed off his concern.
"Are they from your department?" He asked, subtly directing his gaze towards them.
I silently confirmed with a nod.
"Okay, finish your coffee at least then you can go if you want to." His words came out in understanding, as if he could sense my unease.
How did he know I wanted to escape from here? Was he a mind reader?
I remained silent, sipping my coffee more quickly.
"Sshh- araam se sweetheart," his voice was soothing as I accidentally burned my tongue, attempting to take a long sip.
I stared at him, shocked and confused.
Did he just call me 'Sweetheart'?
The word hung in the air between us. I shook my head instinctively, as if the action could clear the fog of disbelief clouding my mind. But before he could say anything else....
I finished my coffee, making my way to the counter to pay, Suddenly, he was behind me, offering his card to the cashier.
"I can pa-" I began, but he cut me off. "Madam jab bhi kuch order karengi, take the bill from me. Understand?" He instructed the cashier.
His voice was loud enough to draw attention.
A sudden urge to disappear washed over me. Never before had I wished for the earth to swallow me whole.
He walked towards the exit , but I stopped him. "You..you didn't eat anything." I said hesitantly.
He turned to me, "I'll eat later. I have some work now. Let's go." His words left me trailing behind him like a puppet.
As we left, I could still feel the weight of their curious eyes burning into my back.
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