His altruistic love

Chapter 9 - Familiar strangers

Misha

The day had been long—filled with back-to-back consults, endless paperwork, and the adrenaline rush of surgery. After wrapping up my last patient’s chart, I sat in my cabin, staring at the glowing screen of my laptop. The dull hum of the hospital had quieted as the evening settled in, but the buzz in my mind refused to die down. Just as I began contemplating a few moments of peace, my phone buzzed with Sam’s name flashing across the screen. I couldn’t help but smile, though exhaustion weighed heavy on my bones. Sam, with her contagious energy, always knew how to pull me into her whirlwind of plans.

I clicked my laptop shut, letting out a soft sigh. There was no way I could say no to her, not after everything she had done for me. I gathered my things and stepped out of my cabin, my footsteps echoing against the sterile, white-tiled floors of the hospital. The smell of antiseptic lingered in the air, a sharp reminder of the day I had just endured. But I shook it off as I headed toward the exit. Sam was waiting, and as usual, her exuberance would make it impossible to stay tired for too long.

The locker room was a small, comforting space, softly lit by the overhead fluorescents. I pulled off my scrubs, my body feeling lighter with each layer that fell away. The clothes I had tucked away in my bag that morning felt like a small luxury—an escape from the demanding weight of my hospital attire. I slipped on a flowy white blouse adorned with delicate embroidered flowers around the collar, a subtle but charming touch that brought me a small sense of joy. Paired with my well-worn blue jeans and comfortable Nike shoes, I felt transformed, as if shedding the weight of the day in exchange for a more relaxed, carefree version of myself.

I took a moment to look in the mirror. My reflection stared back, tired but resilient. There were faint dark circles under my eyes, and the remnants of the day’s stress clung to my face. I ran my hands through my hair, tucking strands behind my ears, and applied a bit of moisturizer, the coolness refreshing my skin. A dab of lip balm brought some life back into my lips, and with that, I decided I was ready. I inhaled deeply, releasing any lingering tension, and left the locker room, feeling lighter with each step I took.

The drive to Rathore Mansion was unexpectedly peaceful. The city around me buzzed with life, but it felt muted, softened by the gentle hum of my car. Streetlights flickered like distant stars as the sun set, casting a warm, golden glow over the horizon. I let the rhythm of the road guide me as I turned my thoughts to the evening ahead. Sam had called about a welcome party for her cousin and of course, she wanted it to be perfect. She was always one to go all out for her loved ones, her energy never faltering.

When I pulled up to Rathore Mansion, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The house stood tall and grand, its architecture a perfect blend of old-world elegance and modern warmth. I had spent countless evenings here with Sam, Aanya, and Ridhi, sharing laughter, food, and memories. The house always felt alive, filled with the hum of family and friends, and tonight was no different. As I approached the entrance, the faint sounds of laughter and conversation drifted through the open doors, wrapping around me like a familiar embrace.

I stepped inside, and the comforting warmth of the mansion instantly enveloped me. The living room was alive with the chatter of Sam, Aanya, and Ridhi, who were seated together on the plush couch, excitement radiating from their faces as they animatedly discussed plans for the party. The room was adorned with family photos, each one a testament to the close-knit bond they shared.

“Mishuuu!” Sam’s voice rang out the moment she spotted me. She practically leaped off the couch, her eyes bright with joy as she rushed over to greet me.

Before I could say a word, she enveloped me in one of her signature bear hugs, the kind that made you feel like all the worries of the world melted away. “You look exhausted!” she said, her brows furrowing slightly with concern. “Wait here, I’ll get you some coffee. You need it!”