In the heart of chaos

Chapter 7

Aarohi stepped into Sarvodaya Hospital's Udaipur branch with a mix of anticipation and nerves. The building was grand, just like she remembered it from the last time she was in Udaipur. But now, she wasn't just a visiting doctor or someone passing through—she was the newly appointed co-head of the neurosurgery department. This role was a big step, and though she was confident in her abilities, Aarohi knew it wouldn't be easy. She had worked tirelessly for this, and nothing would stand in her way.

As she walked through the gleaming corridors, her heels clicking against the polished floor, Aarohi mentally prepared herself for the challenges ahead. Her gaze swept over the hospital's bustling staff, patients, and doctors, each one focused on their tasks. The energy in the hospital felt intense but motivating.

She reached the door to the neurosurgery department and took a deep breath before entering. As soon as she stepped in, her eyes landed on a tall figure standing at the window, looking over some patient files. His back was to her, but she could tell by his stance that he was someone who exuded confidence—maybe too much of it.

"Dr. Aarohi Goenka," she introduced herself, holding her hand out, hoping to start things on a professional note. "I'm your new co-head."

The man turned around slowly, his face breaking into a smirk that immediately irked Aarohi. His sharp features, tousled hair, and the arrogant glint in his eyes only fueled her growing annoyance.

"Dr. Rishi Malhotra," he said, shaking her hand, though there was a hint of challenge in the way he held her gaze. "So you're the one I'm supposed to share my department with."

Aarohi raised an eyebrow at his tone. "Our department," she corrected, emphasizing the word. "I've earned this position just as much as you have."

"Right," Rishi replied, leaning back against the desk with his arms crossed. "I'm sure the Goenka name didn't hurt your chances, though."

Aarohi's eyes narrowed, feeling a spark of irritation. "I didn't get this job because of my last name. I've worked hard to get where I am."

Rishi shrugged, still smirking. "Sure, if you say so. But let's see if you can keep up. This department is no place for someone who coasts on family connections."

"Excuse me?" Aarohi shot back, her voice steely. "I think you'll find that I'm more than capable of handling anything this department throws at me. I don't need anyone's approval, least of all yours."

Rishi chuckled, clearly amused by her fiery response. "You've got spirit, I'll give you that. But let's get one thing straight—you might be the co-head, but I run this place. I've been here for years, and I know how things work. So, try not to slow me down."

Aarohi crossed her arms, glaring at him. "You're delusional if you think I'm here to take orders from you. This is a partnership, and I expect to be treated as an equal."

Rishi's smirk faded slightly as he pushed himself off the desk. "Look, I don't care about your expectations. The way I see it, we're both in charge, but that doesn't mean we're going to be on the same page."

"Trust me," Aarohi said coldly, "I didn't come here expecting to make friends. I came here to work, and I suggest you do the same."

Rishi's eyes flashed with irritation, and for a moment, they stood there, locked in a silent standoff. Neither of them was willing to back down, and the tension in the room was thick.

"Fine," Rishi finally said, his voice cool but clipped. "Let's get one thing straight—you stay out of my way, and I'll stay out of yours. Deal?"

Aarohi's eyes narrowed. "Deal. But don't expect me to sit quietly while you play your power games. I'm not here to be ignored, and I won't be overshadowed by anyone."

"We'll see," Rishi muttered, his smirk returning briefly before he turned away, heading toward the exit. "Good luck, Dr. Goenka. You'll need it."

Aarohi watched him leave, her jaw clenched. She had expected some resistance, but Rishi Malhotra was more than just difficult—he was arrogant, dismissive, and clearly used to being the king of his domain.

Well, not anymore.

---

The rest of the day was spent familiarizing herself with the hospital's systems, patients, and staff. Everywhere she went, there were whispers about her and Rishi, about the new co-head dynamic that was already starting off on the wrong foot. Some staff members seemed wary, while others looked amused, clearly sensing the brewing rivalry.

As Aarohi reviewed her patient cases in her office later that evening, she couldn't shake the tension from her earlier encounter with Rishi. His smug attitude grated on her nerves, and it was clear that he wasn't going to make her time here easy. But if he thought she'd back down, he had another thing coming.

A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in," Aarohi called out, expecting a nurse or colleague.

To her surprise, it was Rishi again. He walked in casually, as if their earlier confrontation hadn't happened.

"Dr. Goenka," he said, his tone neutral this time, though his eyes still held a hint of challenge. "We've got a case. An emergency neurosurgery, and it looks complicated. I figured you might want in."

Aarohi stood up, grabbing her coat. "Of course," she said, her voice cool but professional. "Let's go."

As they walked to the operating room together, the tension between them simmered just beneath the surface. Aarohi knew this was just the beginning of a long and complicated partnership—or rivalry, depending on how things played out.

But one thing was clear: she wasn't backing down. She had faced bigger challenges in life than Rishi Malhotra, and she would prove her worth here, no matter what it took.

As they scrubbed in, Aarohi caught Rishi's gaze one more time. He didn't say anything, but the look in his eyes was enough to tell her that their battle was far from over.

And so, the war between the two co-heads had begun.