The fluorescent lights of the hospital corridor buzzed faintly as Srinith Nambiar stood at a distance, his sharp eyes fixed on Dr. Supriya Raman. She was crouched beside a young patient, her warm smile radiating even from where he stood. Her hands moved with practiced ease, comforting the child with a gentleness that seemed almost otherworldly. Srinith’s jaw tightened as he watched her, his mind replaying their earlier confrontation. Why does she have to be so… soft? he thought, his chest tightening with an emotion he couldn’t quite name.
Their eyes met across the hallway, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze. Supriya’s gaze was steady, unflinching, and yet there was a flicker of something—defiance? Hurt? Srinith couldn’t tell. He broke the connection first, turning on his heel and striding away, his polished shoes clicking sharply against the tiled floor.
Back in his office, Srinith sank into his leather chair, his fingers drumming restlessly on the desk. His secretary, Priya, knocked lightly before entering with a stack of files. “Mr. Nambiar, these need your signature,” she said, placing them neatly in front of him.
He nodded curtly, barely glancing at the documents as he scribbled his name. “Cancel my afternoon meetings,” he said abruptly, his voice clipped.
Priya hesitated. “But sir, the board—”
“Cancel them,” he repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument. She nodded quickly and left, closing the door softly behind her.
Alone again, Srinith leaned back, his mind drifting back to Supriya. Why does she get under my skin so easily? He clenched his fists, the memory of her soft voice and gentle demeanor stirring something deep within him. It wasn’t just her defiance—it was her presence. She was a storm wrapped in calm, and it unsettled him in ways he couldn’t explain.
His phone buzzed, pulling him from his thoughts. It was his mother. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before answering. “Amma.”
“Srinith, when are you coming home?” Her voice was sharp, as always. “You haven’t visited in weeks.”
“I’ve been busy,” he replied tersely. “The hospital—”
“The hospital can wait,” she interrupted. “Your family cannot. You’re not getting any younger, beta. It’s time you settled down.”
Srinith’s jaw tightened. “I’ll visit soon, Amma. I have to go.” He ended the call before she could say more, tossing his phone onto the desk with a frustrated sigh.
The door opened again, and Sharan Nair strolled in, his usual easy grin in place. “Rough day?” he asked, leaning against the doorframe.
“What do you want, Sharan?” Srinith snapped, though there was no real bite to his tone.
Sharan raised an eyebrow. “Just checking on my favorite workaholic. You look like you’ve been brooding for hours.”
Srinith ignored the jab, gesturing for Sharan to sit. “We need to discuss the new contract with MedTech. They’re pushing for a lower rate.”
Sharan sat down, crossing one leg over the other. “They always do. But we hold the cards here. Don’t let them bully you.”
The conversation shifted to business, but Srinith’s mind kept wandering. He couldn’t shake the image of Supriya’s face—her soft lips, her warm eyes, the way she had looked at him with that quiet strength. It was maddening.
---
The morning sun streamed through the hospital windows as Dr. Supriya Raman sipped her coffee in the staff lounge. Vincenzo leaned against the counter beside her, his signature grin lighting up his face. “So, are you ready for the seminar next week?” he asked, his voice warm and teasing.
Supriya chuckled, shaking her head. “As ready as I’ll ever be. You know how these things go—hours of presentations, endless questions, and the inevitable awkward networking.”
“Ah, but it’s worth it,” Vincenzo said, his eyes twinkling. “Remember that one time in medical college when we presented together? You were so nervous, you tripped over your own words.”
She laughed, the memory flooding back. “And you stepped in like a knight in shining armor, saving the day with your charm. I don’t know how you do it, Vincenzo. You’ve always been so… effortless.”
He shrugged modestly. “It’s all about confidence, Supriya. You’ve got it too—you just need to let it shine.” He paused, his expression softening. “You’ve come a long way since then. I’m proud of you.”
Supriya felt a warmth spread through her chest. “Thanks, Vincenzo. That means a lot.” They fell into a comfortable silence, the kind that only old friends could share. After a moment, Vincenzo stretched and yawned. “I should probably catch some rest before my shift in the emergency department starts. These late nights are killing me.”
“Go on,” she said, waving him off with a smile. “I’ll see you later.”
As he left, Supriya leaned back in her chair, her thoughts drifting to their medical college days. She remembered how they had met—both assigned to the same study group, both determined to prove themselves. Vincenzo had been the life of the group, always cracking jokes to lighten the mood, while she had been the quiet, focused one. Over time, they had become inseparable, their friendship built on mutual respect and shared dreams.
He’s always been there for me, she thought, a soft smile playing on her lips. Whether it was late-night study sessions or navigating the chaos of their internships, Vincenzo had been a constant source of support. Even now, working in different departments, their bond remained unshaken.
Supriya sighed, finishing her coffee. Some friendships just stand the test of time, she mused, before heading back to her rounds
—
As Srinith Nambiar stepped out of the hospital that night, his driver opened the car door for him. He slid into the backseat, his gaze lingering on the entrance where Dr. Supriya Raman and Dr. Vincenzo stood, laughing as they prepared to leave. The sight of them together stirred something in him—an unease he couldn’t quite place. He looked away, instructing his driver to head home.
As the car pulled away, Srinith’s mind drifted back to his first encounter with Supriya in the hospital elevator. It had been just a week after he joined the hospital. He remembered stepping into the elevator, his mind preoccupied with a board meeting, when she entered, her presence immediately commanding the small space. She had greeted him politely, but he, lost in thought, had barely acknowledged her. When she asked if he was new to the hospital, his curt reply—“I’m here to work, not socialize”—had hung in the air like a slap. Her smile faltered, but she didn’t back down. “A simple ‘yes’ would’ve sufficed,” she had said, her tone calm but laced with steel. The tension between them was palpable, and when the doors opened, she walked out without another word, leaving him feeling oddly unsettled.
That moment had stayed with him, replaying in his mind moreoften than he cared to admit. Why did I react that way? he wondered now, staring out the car window. Her quiet strength had caught him off guard, and it still did.
By the time he reached home, the memory lingered. He freshened up, ate a quick dinner, and retreated to his room. Before diving into his emails, he sat on the edge of his bed, his thoughts circling back to Supriya. She’s just another doctor, he told himself, though the words felt hollow. With a sigh, he opened his laptop, determined to push her from his mind—at least for the night.
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