cross road

Chapter-4

Pallavi's 18th birthday had turned into a whirlwind of chaos. Just as she had settled into a routine at the hospital, helping with surgeries and learning under senior doctors, a bus accident on the highway flooded the emergency room with casualties. Despite her plans to leave early, she found herself in the thick of it, attending to patients alongside her colleagues.

Amidst the frenzy, a senior doctor asked her to assist in an urgent operation on a patient with a severe head injury. As she dialed her uncle Ashok and Omkar to inform them of the situation, she reflected on how her uncle had become increasingly protective after her parents' tragic death. Although she often resisted his attempts to arrange her transportation home, she couldn't refuse him now; it would only worry him more. She noted the heightened security surrounding her in recent weeks, intending to discuss it with her uncle later.

After successfully assisting in the surgery, Pallavi scrubbed out, feeling a rare sense of accomplishment. It was almost lunchtime, and she realized with a start that she had forgotten to eat breakfast. Her uncle's disapproval flashed through her mind. Smiling to herself, she walked to the staff room to change before leaving.

Suddenly, someone grabbed her from behind, covering her mouth. Panic surged through her as she struggled against her assailant. Drawing from the self-defense training her uncle had insisted she learn, she kicked him in the thigh and twisted his wrist until he released her. Heart pounding, she dashed toward the emergency exit, her training proving invaluable.

Racing down the stairs to the back of the parking area, Pallavi realized she had left her phone and car keys inside the hospital. Terrified, she sprinted toward the entrance, only to spot a group of thugs waiting. Changing direction, she headed for the emergency entrance instead.

Seeing an ambulance leaving, she waved and jumped into the back, hoping no one would question her presence. Interns were often sent along to observe emergency situations, and luckily, one of her colleagues was inside.

Once the ambulance was en route, she borrowed her colleague's phone and called her uncle. Ashok's voice was tense upon hearing what had happened. He urged her to get off at the nearest railway station and take a train to Hyderabad. "Sell all the gold you have and take only cash," he instructed. He had always prepared her for emergencies, teaching her skills that seemed like games when she was younger but now felt like vital tools for survival.

The train journey was long, and by the time she reached the clinic her uncle had designated, night had fallen. A middle-aged man met her and guided her to a small room where Omkar awaited.

As soon as she saw him, Pallavi burst into tears and hugged him tightly. He looked exhausted and worried as he explained the situation: someone had been following her for weeks. Her uncle had ramped up her security, but they still couldn't identify who was behind it. With her inheritance waiting until she turned 21, they suspected someone wanted to prevent her from receiving it.

To protect her, they had decided it was best for her to disguise herself and stay hidden in a village until the threat was neutralized. Omkar handed her details of where she would be staying, warning her to cut all contact with anyone she knew. He had provided her with cash and gold that should last for a year, along with information about a bank account and locker for emergencies.

"I promise I'll find a solution," Omkar assured her, his concern palpable as he left her alone, reminding her to take care of herself.

Pallavi took the new phone and train ticket he had given her, boarding another train that would take her farther from everything she knew. When she arrived at the railway station, it was close to midnight. She waited for someone to pick her up, but after half an hour with no sign of anyone, doubt began to creep in.

Just as she was about to panic, a disheveled man in a suit approached her. He had bruises on his face, as if he had been in a fight.

"I'm assuming you're the new doctor. Where's your staff?" he asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

"I'm alone. No one joined me," she replied, feeling perplexed by his demeanor.

His expression shifted instantly. "You traveled alone and arrived at the station in the middle of the night? What kind of hospital transfers its staff like this? how about your family, they let you go alone"

Anger flared in Pallavi at his condescending tone. "Your responsibility is to drop me off at my new home. Stick to that plan; there's no need for drama. Before criticizing my family, perhaps you should reflect on your own actions. I've been waiting here for an hour while you were late. Just do your job," she shot back, loading her bag into the trunk of his car before sliding into the passenger seat.

As they drove off into the night, Pallavi knew her life was about to change dramatically. But this time, she was determined to take control.