Threads of Destiny

Chapter 19: Whispers of Affection

"Hello, Maitree," Anjali said as she took a seat beside her.

"Hi," Maitree responded nervously.

"Are you nervous?" Anjali asked. Maitree was about to nod, but Anjali continued, "Don't be. We're all family here, right, Khushi?"

Khushi laughed, amused by Anjali's straightforwardness.

"So, Rudra tells me you're a surgeon. Where do you work?" Maitree was about to answer when Anjali interrupted again, saying, "Oh, wait, you work with Rudra."

Nalini interjected in a soft voice, "Anjali, let her answer," as she pointed at Maitree.

Maitree appreciated Nalini's intervention and nodded with a smile. "Yes, I'm a surgeon, and I work at the same hospital as Rudra," she replied, feeling more at ease.

Anjali nodded, seemingly satisfied with the response. "That's great! It must be nice working together. I'm sure Rudra keeps everyone entertained at the hospital," she said with a playful wink in Rudra's direction.

Rudra chuckled, "I try my best."

Khushi joined in, adding, "Oh, he definitely does. He's the life of the hospital, and everyone loves him."

Maitree couldn't help but smile at the friendly banter and the warm atmosphere within the family.

Anjali leaned closer to Maitree and whispered softly in her ear, "If he troubles you too much, just let me know. I'll pull his ears for you." She winked playfully, making Maitree chuckle.

Maitree felt a warmth in her heart, grateful for Anjali's kind gesture and protective nature. "Thank you, Anjali. I appreciate that," she replied with a genuine smile.

Anjali patted her hand reassuringly and then turned her attention back to the conversation with Maitree about her work and her interests.

Shourya, who had been quiet until now while observing Maitree, couldn't help but think, 'This can't be a coincidence. How can two people be so similar? I'll learn more soon.'

"Shourya," Khushi whispered, giving his shoulder a reassuring pat. Shourya, startled, turned to look at her.

"What's wrong?" Khushi asked, her concern evident in her eyes. Shourya initially shook his head, indicating that nothing was wrong.

But Khushi wasn't convinced. She held his hand and persisted, "Shourya, tell me what's bothering you."

Shourya hesitated for a moment and then sighed. "It's nothing, Khushi."

Khushi, however, was undeterred. She gave him a knowing look and said, "You have your clinic face on."

Shourya rolled his eyes in response. "I don't have a 'clinic face,' Khushi."

Khushi raised an eyebrow, adopting a no-nonsense look. Then, with an exaggerated and comical expression, she imitated Shourya's 'clinic look.' They both burst into laughter, the tension lifting as they shared a lighthearted moment.

Shourya couldn't help but chuckle, appreciating Khushi's ability to bring humor into any situation. "Okay, you got me," he admitted, still smiling. "It's just that... meeting Maitree today reminded me of a patient I had earlier with a similar personality.

Khushi nodded, her smile turning to understanding. "I see. Well, I'm sure everything will be fine, Shourya."

Shourya couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for keeping his concerns to himself. He appreciated Khushi's unwavering support, but he couldn't share his worries without knowing the full truth. He squeezed Khushi's hand, and when she looked at him with a warm smile, he returned it with a grateful one.