Aryan's Lethal Obsession

Flashback 2

That evening, Aryan slept thinking about the hazel eyes and full lips. In the following days, he still caught Zoya around him, but this time, he smiled and waved at her instead of ignoring her. An understanding formed between them when they acknowledged each other but never met to talk. During one of the trips to the library, Aryan found her submerged in Essential of Pediatrics.

Realizing she didn't have ulterior motives, he decided to talk to her, at least when no one was around. He tapped his knuckle on the desk that made her raise her head. At first, surprise flashed in her eyes, and then her cheeks turned pink, reminding him of their almost kiss.

"Pediatrics? I guess that would be your specialization?" he raised his brow, teasing.

"Since day one, I know what I want to become," she replied. Her eyes got fixated on his lips, and only when he cleared his throat did she realize and avert her gaze.

Aryan sat opposite to her, "Why Pediatrics but?"

Zoya seemed lost in thoughts before she murmured, "I love children. It's really heartbreaking to see them suffer in war because of the fragile egos of a few men. If I could, I would save each one of them."

Her noble thoughts made him look at her with a new perspective and admiration. He had never spoken to her earlier, nor had he taken an interest in seeing her with his bully and the gang. But now he felt like he misjudged her and believed her to be snooty like the rest.

Leaning forward and placing his forearms on the table, he asked, "I'm working on a case of a 6-year-old with an undiagnosed illness. Want to join me?"

Zoya's eyes sparkled at the offer, but she hesitated, "But Professor Shroff specifically asked you to assist him."

"I'll talk to him."

"I really appreciate it, but I can't just join you. You have been consistently working with professors for case studies, and I can't simply barge in to get a piece of your hard work," she said.

Prof. Shroff had recognized the fire in Aryan and, since then, has become his career guide. He made extra effort to guide Aryan and introduce him to visiting doctors or surgeons to showcase his talent.

"Prof. Shroff himself asked me to bring in interested people. You will get great experience working and can network with pediatricians brought in specifically for the case," Aryan said, smiling at her in assurance.

Zoya couldn't help beaming at the opportunity, "Ok," she giggled and continued to read the book.

Time flew by with Aryan studying and spending most of the time with Zoya. Even if they couldn't catch up with the case studies during college, she would visit him at the bakery. Uncle Sam was considerate enough to give them the space.

Aryan was studious and had always planned his future; he was smart with calculation, always foreseen the future aspect, and crafted his present. It was this trait of his that made him work in the bakery to earn extra income since his high school days.

Realizing he never took time out for himself, Zoya insisted that he go out with her for movies or a lazy stroll in the evening. According to her, one should take a little time out for oneself and do random things other than one's daily routine for a change of ambiance. It helps to reduce stress and work pressure and makes one light-hearted.

With the start of mandatory posting in different underdeveloped areas, Aryan and Zoya found themselves away from Omar. Irked at being unable to cause trouble, he doubled his intimidation whenever they attended college. But with Zoya around as a shield and her threat of informing his father, he couldn't do much to Aryan. Hence, he redirected his target on her and kept pestering her. She started noticing her books or belongings missing from their original place, only to be found scattered around the campus.