"Boss, I believe..." The presenter's voice faded into the background as my mind drifted away from the boardroom and into the depths of my thoughts. My fingers tapped impatiently on the polished surface of the conference table, a subconscious reflection of my growing irritation.
I couldn't afford to be distracted, not when Khan Enterprises was on the verge of sealing the deal of a lifetime. But try as I might, I couldn't shake the unease that had settled over me like a heavy blanket. Something was gnawing at the edges of my consciousness, a nagging sense of foreboding that refused to be ignored.
As the presenter droned on, I cast a critical eye over the figures and graphs projected on the screen. It was all too familiar – the same tired rhetoric and recycled ideas. Where was the innovation, the creativity that would set us apart from the competition? I suppressed a sigh, my disappointment simmering beneath the surface like a dormant volcano.
But then, amidst the monotony of the presentation, a spark of inspiration flickered to life within me. An idea, bold and audacious, began to take shape in the recesses of my mind. It was risky and unconventional, but it had the potential to revolutionize the industry and secure our dominance for years to come.
I leaned forward, my icy gaze piercing through the haze of mediocrity that hung over the boardroom like a shroud. "Hold on a moment," I interjected, my voice cutting through the air like a surgeon's scalpel. "Let's consider a different approach."
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to me, curiosity mingled with apprehension in their gaze. I could practically feel the tension crackling in the air, but I paid it no mind. Now was not the time for hesitation or self-doubt. Now was the time for action.
With practiced precision, I laid out my proposal, each word calculated for maximum impact. I painted a future vision, one where Khan Enterprises stood at the forefront of innovation, leading the charge into uncharted territory. It was a bold gamble that I was willing to take.
As I spoke, I could sense the energy in the room shifting, like the tide turning in our favor. Skepticism gave way to intrigue, and doubt was replaced by a glimmer of hope. When I finished, the boardroom was buzzing with excitement, ideas flying back and forth like sparks in the night sky.
But amidst the chaos of brainstorming and debate, my thoughts kept drifting back to her – the girl from the party. The memory of our encounter lingered in the recesses of my mind, like a puzzle waiting to be solved. What was it about her that intrigued me so? And why did I think about her at the most inconvenient of times?
With a shake of my head, I banished the thoughts from my mind. There were more pressing matters at hand – the future of Khan Enterprises hung in the balance, and I would be damned if I let anything distract me from that.
As I was about to delve deeper into my thoughts, my phone vibrated with an incoming call. I glanced at the caller ID and saw my father's name flashing on the screen. I excused myself from the table and slipped into the corridor to take the call without apologizing.
"Hello?" I answered, my voice clipped and businesslike.
"Zahir, it's your father," came the voice on the other end of the line, his tone grave.
"What's wrong?" I asked, my heart rate quickening with apprehension.
"It's your grandmother," he replied, his voice heavy with emotion. "She's been admitted to the hospital. It's serious."
My stomach churned with anxiety as I processed his words.
"I'll be there right away," I said, my voice firm with determination.
With a subtle nod, I signaled to my assistant, indicating that the meeting was over. I had more pressing matters to attend to than listening to mindless presentations. Without a backward glance, I strode purposefully back into the boardroom, my cold demeanor a shield against the prying eyes of my colleagues.
As I walked through the bustling halls of the office building, my mind was consumed with thoughts of my grandmother. She had always been a pillar of strength in our family, and the idea of losing her was almost too much to bear. But I refused to dwell on such negative thoughts. I had to stay focused to remain in control.
With that, I hastily made my way to my private car, my mind racing with worry. As I made my way to the hospital, my thoughts were consumed by images of my grandmother lying frail and helpless in a hospital bed.
When I arrived at the hospital, I was greeted by the familiar antiseptic scent and the low hum of activity. I navigated through the maze of corridors, my steps quick and purposeful.
As I walked through the bustling corridors, patients and doctors alike glanced up at me, their curious stares lingering on my expensive suit. I ignored them, my cold stare daring anyone to challenge me as I made my way towards the ward where my grandmother lay.
But as I turned the corner, I collided with someone coming the other way. I stumbled backward, catching myself before I fell, and looked up to see that sassy girl standing there, a startled expression on her face.
"Clumsy girl," I muttered under my breath, my annoyance bubbling to the surface despite the gravity of the situation.
She raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a sardonic smile. "Well, well, if it isn't Mr. Grumpy himself," she retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
I clenched my jaw, refraining from snapping back at her. "I don't have time for this," I grumbled, brushing past her and striding down the corridor with purpose.
I finally reached my grandmother's room, suspicion settling over me like a heavyweight. I pushed open the door and stepped inside, my heart clenching at the sight before me.
The room was dimly lit; the only sound was the steady beeping of machines and the quiet murmur of voices. My grandmother lay in the hospital bed, her face pale and drawn, but there was a faint smile on her lips as she saw me. I was greeted by my entire family gathered around her bedside.
My mother rushed forward to embrace me, her eyes red-rimmed with worry. "Zahir, thank goodness you're here," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "Your dadi (grandma) has been asking for you."
I nodded, my heart heavy with concern. I approached my grandmother's bedside, taking a seat beside her. She looked frail and pale, but her eyes lit up with joy when she saw me. "Zahir, my dear boy," she said, her voice weak but filled with warmth. "It's so good to see you."
I reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm here, dadi," I said softly. "I'm here."
As I sat by her side, a sense of helplessness washed over me like a tidal wave. I longed to take away her pain, to make everything right again. But at that moment, all I could do was offer her my love and support and pray that it would be enough.
We talked briefly, reminiscing about old times and sharing stories of happier days. Despite her illness, she remained remarkably upbeat and cheerful, her laughter ringing like a beacon of hope in the dimly lit room.
The door creaked open, and a figure stepped into the room. A girl was standing there, her expression serious and professional. It was her - the girl from the party - and she was wearing scrubs, a stethoscope draped around her neck.
My heart skipped a beat as I realized what she was doing here - she was a nurse.
I watched in silence as she approached my grandmother's bedside, her movements graceful and confident. She exchanged a few words with my family, her voice calming in the tense atmosphere of the room. I couldn't help but feel jealous that they seemed to trust her implicitly, as if she were a family member.
But what caught my attention was how she seemed utterly oblivious to my presence, lost in her world as she tended to my grandmother. I was invisible to her, just another face in the crowd.
I couldn't tear my eyes away from her, my mind swirling with questions. How could she be here, working as a nurse? And more importantly, how could she possibly work at the same hospital where my grandmother was a patient?
But before I could dwell on the matter, she glanced up, and our eyes met. For a brief moment, the air crackled with tension. Our eyes met in a silent standoff, each daring the other to look away first.
But then, just as quickly as it had come, the moment passed, and she turned back to my grandmother, her attention entirely focused on her patient.
"Mrs. Khan, it's so good to see you," she said, her voice gentle and reassuring. "How are you feeling today?"
My grandmother's face lit up at the sight of her, and I watched in disbelief as she reached out to take her hand.
"Oh, my dear, I'm so glad you're here," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "You always know how to brighten my day." She smiled weakly, her eyes filled with gratitude. "I'm hanging in there, dear," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for asking.
The sassy girl nodded, her smile faltering slightly. "Of course, Mrs. Khan," she said, her tone genuine. "If you need anything, just let me know."
And to my surprise, my grandmother seemed genuinely happy to see her, as did the rest of the family.
But before I could dwell on the matter, she glanced up, and our eyes met. For a brief moment, the air crackled with tension. Our eyes met in a silent standoff, each daring the other to look away first.
But then, just as quickly as it had come, the moment passed, and she turned back to my grandmother, her attention entirely focused on her patient.
I watched them interact for a moment, a frown creasing my brow. Why did my grandmother seem so fond of her? It didn't make sense, and I didn't like things that didn't make sense.
My mother noticed my stare because she leaned in and whispered, "Stop glaring at her like she's your mortal enemy. And for heaven's sake, stop acting like you'll gobble her up for breakfast."
I frowned, puzzled by her words. How could she accuse me of bullying someone I barely even knew? I shot her a look, but she chuckled, clearly finding the situation amusing.
I turned to her, incredulous. "Bullying her? Me? What are you talking about?" I protested, my voice laced with irritation. How could she accuse me of such a thing?
My mother raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching with suppressed laughter. "Oh, come on, Zahir. You've given her the cold shoulder since you bumped into her at the party. It's like you're allergic to her or something," she teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
I scowled, feeling a surge of defensiveness rises within me. "I am not allergic to her," I retorted, my tone defensive. "I just...don't see the point in wasting my time on someone who clearly doesn't know how to stay out of my way."
My mother chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. "You know, for someone who prides himself on being so rational and logical, you can be surprisingly petty sometimes," she remarked, her tone teasing.
But before I could protest, the girl turned around, her eyes meeting mine for the first time since she entered the room.
We just stared at each other momentarily, the tension between us palpable. But then she smiled, a genuine smile that reached her eyes, and suddenly, the air seemed to shift.
I narrowed my eyes at her, silently daring her to say something. But instead of looking away like any average person would, she just grinned at me, her lips curling up in a playful smirk.
I bristled at her audacity, my irritation growing by the second. Who did she think she was, smirking at me like she had some secret?
Before I could develop a suitable retort, my attention was drawn back to the conversation in the room. My grandmother said she couldn't wait to taste the desserts my mother had promised her.
My mother chuckled. "Oh, you and your sweet tooth, Ma. You never change."
My grandmother laughed, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Life's too short not to indulge, dear."
Despite my lingering irritation, I couldn't help but smile at their exchange. There was something comforting about the familiarity of their banter, like a warm blanket on a cold day.
But just as quickly as the moment had come, it was gone. The girl cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention back to her.
"Mrs. Khan, I hate to interrupt, but I need to check your vitals," she said, her voice professional but tinged with warmth.
My grandmother's smile faltered slightly, a hint of unease flickering across her features. "Must you always be so eager to poke and prod me, dear?" she quipped, her attempt at humor falling flat.
But to my surprise, she didn't miss a beat. With practiced ease, she administered the necessary tests with swift and precise movements. She had completed her examination in no time, leaving my dadi in shock and disbelief.
"I must say, dear, you're quite the skilled nurse," dadi exclaimed, her eyes wide with astonishment. "I've never seen anyone perform a check-up with such speed and efficiency!"
She beamed at the praise, a flush of pride coloring her cheeks. "Thank you, Ms. Khan. I take my duties very seriously," she replied modestly, her humbleness only to endear her further to my grandmother.
But before I could dwell on it, my grandmother stirred, drawing my attention back to her. She reached out a frail hand, and I took it in mine, offering her what little comfort I could.
•••
P.S: Once again, I'm sorry for the delay in posting the last chapter and this. Hope you enjoy reading them! Let me know what you think will happen next!