cross road

Chapter 2

Pallavi woke to the cheerful chirping of birds outside. Sleep had been elusive after her hectic schedule at the hospital, and she had come home just four hours ago, collapsing into bed. Despite her exhaustion, she was programmed to wake early—she loved the quiet mornings and the clarity that came with her jogs. Today, with a rare day off after a month and a half, she planned to go for a long run.

After changing into her jogging clothes, she headed downstairs to greet her uncle. Like her, he was an early riser, always found immersed in the newspaper.

"Good morning, Uncle! What's happening in the world? You seem completely engrossed," she said cheerfully.

In her life, her uncle was the one person she could completely trust. He had taken care of her since she lost her parents in an accident when she was just five. The tragedy was rumored to be intentional, and for twelve years, he had fought tirelessly to uncover the truth, even as people urged him to let it go for the sake of their family's multi-million company. He had never backed down, and though he never discussed it with her, she knew he was conducting a private investigation.

Pallavi had only vague memories of her parents, but her uncle had become both mother and father to her. As long as he was committed to the investigation, she was okay with it, as it made him happy. After her parents' death, he took over the company, managing it on her behalf until she turned 21.

Business had never interested her; her dream was to become a doctor. Even though it was her father's company, it was her uncle who had expanded it to its current success. She had suggested many times that he start a new branch, but he always refused, which had caused friction between them.

Her aunt believed her presence held her uncle back from claiming ownership of the company. While she never mistreated Pallavi, she paid little attention to her growing up, leading to moments of jealousy when Pallavi saw the love and guidance her cousin received.

Pallavi's cousin, four years elder, was her exact replica and looked up to her like a lost puppy. After choosing medicine as her career, she was now studying in New York, leaving little time for conversations. Whenever she returned home, though, she would cling to Pallavi, and she missed that bubbly personality.

Beyond her uncle and cousin, Pallavi had few friends. She was a prodigy, completing her medical degree at 16, which made others wary of her. Some found her straightforward nature intimidating, leading them to shy away. Even during her internship, she felt isolated, as many peers felt inferior and spoke behind her back about her perceived rudeness.

"I think God forgot to give me common sense," she mused. Despite this, she had one true friend: Omkar, her neighbor, five years older. They had bonded after she skipped grades and jumped straight to high school. He had always stood up for her against bullies, and even now, he defended her if anyone mocked her.

Her uncle had a soft spot for Omkar, especially after he invested in Omkar's new company, making them partners.

Pallavi was pulled from her thoughts when her uncle grunted, "There's nothing special happening in the world. How's my favorite niece?"

Rolling her eyes, she replied, "I'm the only niece you have." She noticed the dark circles under his eyes, evidence of the stress he had been under for months.

"Uncle, you don't look well. Why don't you take a break? Come to the hospital, and I'll give you a thorough check-up," she suggested, concern lacing her voice.

"I'll wait until your 18th birthday. After that, I'll make your friend CEO and take a break," he said with a faint smile.

Knowing there was no point in arguing, she said goodbye and made her way through the garden toward the road for her jog. She ran to the top of the hill and sat on her favorite bench, a place that always helped clear her mind.

Lost in thought, she was surprised when someone sat down next to her. Turning to the voice, she found Omkar.

"Hi, kiddo! What are you doing up here this early?" he asked, a mischievous smile on his face.

"Stop calling me kiddo! We went to the same high school," she shot back with a grin.

Omkar laughed heartily. "Jokes aside, did your uncle discuss making me CEO while he stays on as a board member?"

Nodding, Pallavi said, "I think it's a good idea. He needs a break. I trust you more than anyone else, but I don't want to impose. Just think about it."

Omkar stood up from the bench. "I had already made up my mind, but your support means a lot. Let's head back down before the sun comes up." He extended his hand to her.

Smiling, Pallavi took his hand, and together they made their way back home.