Love's Renewal

Chapter 30.

*The next day*

Haseena's eyes fluttered open, groggily taking in her surroundings. She was met with the sterile scent and pale walls of a hospital room.

Her gaze wandered to her arm, where a saline drip was attached, and her mind raced to piece together the events that had led her here.

Memories of the office flooded back - the report, Nandy's concern, her own collapse. Her thoughts swirled in a jumbled mix of confusion and fear. With a Herculean effort, she tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through her head, forcing her back onto the pillows.

Her eyes scanned the room, searching for a familiar face, a reassuring presence. Where was she? How did she get here? And, most pressing of all, what had happened? The questions swirled in her mind like a maelstrom, as she struggled to regain her bearings.

Just then Karishma entered the room, her presence igniting a spark of anger within Haseena.

"Karishma, I don't want to deal with you right now. Please leave"

Karishma's expression remained professional. "Is there an issue, Miss Haseena? I'm responsible for your medical care and will be treating you.
I'm doctor karishma, you can tell me if you have any issues"

Haseena's eyes widened in shock at the formal address. "This isn't a joke, Karishma. Just let me go."

As Haseena reached for the saline drip, Karishma intervened. "Don't be rash, Haseena. You need treatment, and I won't discharge you until you're stable."

Haseena's determination intensified. "I need to go to another hospital, one where you're not present."

Karishma's response was firm. "That's not possible, Haseena. We're 35 kilometers away from the city, and I won't permit you until you're recovered enough for travel."

Haseena's voice rose in disbelief. "Why did you bring me here, so far from the city? You know I can't stand you!"

Karishma maintained her professional composure. "You needed a change of environment, Haseena. The city's pollution would only exacerbate your condition."

Haseena's voice turned icy. "I refuse to be treated by you. Send someone else."

Karishma took a deep breath, and gently said,
"The other doctors are currently occupied with their rounds, but I'll arrange for someone to take over your care as soon as they're available," Karishma explained, her voice gentle and reassuring. "In the meantime, I need your consent to treat you. Please, Haseena, allow me to help you."

Haseena's gaze narrowed, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. She didn't want Karishma's help, but her body screamed for relief. With a hesitant nod, she relented, her voice barely audible.
"Fine. But please send someone else as soon as they are free"

Karishma's face lit up with a warm smile. "Thank you, Haseena. I'll do everything I can to make you comfortable."

Karishma approached Haseena with the injection, and Haseena's eyes widened in fear as she beheld the needle.

She squeezed her eyes shut, her body tensing in anticipation. But as the seconds ticked by, she felt nothing. Cautiously, she opened her eyes to find Karishma smiling reassuringly.

"It's all done, Haseena," Karishma announced softly. "The injection will make you feel drowsy for the next thirty minutes, and then you'll be feeling much better. Just relax."

"Okay," Haseena muttered, her gaze fixed on the bedsheet.

Karishma spoke cautiously, her voice gentle.
"Haseena, ammi is waiting outside the room. She's more distressed than anyone else here, and she's uncertain whether you want her to come in or not."