In the heart of chaos

Chapter 14

The sunlight filtered softly through the curtains of Kaushiki's private room at Sarvodaya Hospital. The sterile smell of antiseptic lingered in the air, but the room was warm with the quiet conversations between two women. Aarohi sat by Kaushiki's bedside, gently checking her vitals, her hands moving with the precision of a professional yet the tenderness of someone who cared deeply.

Kaushiki smiled at her as Aarohi handed her the prescribed medication. "You're a natural at this, Aarohi," Kaushiki said with a light chuckle. "You remind me so much of my own daughter, Prisha, always taking care of everyone."

Aarohi smiled warmly, her face softening. "Well, it helps when the patient is cooperative. You've been an angel, Mrs. Malhotra."

Kaushiki waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, please, no formalities. Call me Kaushiki, beta."

Aarohi nodded, her demeanor more relaxed as she began chatting casually with Kaushiki. "So, how are you feeling today? Any dizziness or discomfort?"

Kaushiki shook her head. "Not really. I feel much better. You've taken such good care of me. I just hope I'm not keeping you too busy."

Aarohi chuckled softly. "You're not keeping me busy at all. You've been the best patient I've had all week." She gently adjusted Kaushiki's pillow, ensuring she was comfortable.

As they continued to chat about everything from Kaushiki's childhood memories to Aarohi's experiences in Udaipur, Rishi stood quietly outside the door, watching the interaction with a curious gaze. He had come to check on his mother, but what he saw made him pause.

There was something about the way Aarohi interacted with Kaushiki, how easily they connected, that surprised him. His mother had always been a loving and kind person, but she wasn't one to let just anyone into her inner circle. Yet, with Aarohi, there was an immediate bond, as if they had known each other for years.

Rishi crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe as he observed their conversation. Aarohi laughed softly at something Kaushiki had said, and his mother responded with a fond smile. There was no stiffness or formality between them; they were comfortable, almost like family.

"How has she managed to connect with my mother so quickly?" Rishi muttered to himself, his brows furrowed in thought. He couldn't deny that Aarohi was a talented doctor—her skills and professionalism were evident. But this went beyond medicine. There was a warmth in the way she treated his mother, a genuine care that he hadn't expected.

Kaushiki noticed Rishi standing by the door and waved him inside. "Rishi! Why are you standing there like a stranger? Come in, beta."

Rishi hesitated for a moment before stepping inside the room. Aarohi glanced at him briefly but returned her focus to Kaushiki, ensuring she was comfortable and had taken her medications.

"How's she doing?" Rishi asked, keeping his voice neutral as he looked at Aarohi.

Aarohi met his gaze, her tone professional. "She's stable. The surgery went well, and her vitals are strong. But we'll need to keep her under observation for a few more days just to be safe."

Rishi nodded, not quite sure how to respond. He turned to his mother, who was beaming at Aarohi as if they had been friends for years. "She's a good doctor, Ma," Rishi remarked, still watching Aarohi carefully.

Kaushiki's smile widened. "She's more than just a good doctor, Rishi. Aarohi has been wonderful. I've never felt so comfortable during a hospital stay."

Aarohi looked slightly embarrassed by the praise, but she smiled politely. "I'm just doing my job."

Rishi folded his arms across his chest. "Seems like you're doing more than that. Not every patient gets this kind of treatment."

Aarohi raised an eyebrow, sensing the hint of sarcasm in his voice. "I treat all my patients with care, Dr. Malhotra. Your mother is no exception."

Rishi smirked, the familiar banter between them bubbling up once again. "Well, you seem to be doing quite a bit of bonding. Should I be worried that you're going to take my place as her favorite child?"

Kaushiki laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, Rishi, stop being ridiculous. Aarohi's been a blessing, especially with how stubborn you and your siblings can be."

Aarohi couldn't help but chuckle at that, her tension easing. "Well, I'll leave you both to catch up. I have a few rounds to make, but I'll check back in later, Mrs Mal—sorry, Auntie."

Kaushiki smiled warmly at the affectionate term. "Thank you, beta. You're always welcome here."

As Aarohi left the room, Rishi's eyes followed her, still trying to figure her out. He had started off seeing her as a rival, someone to compete with in the hospital, but now things seemed more complicated. His mother had clearly taken a liking to Aarohi, and he couldn't deny that there was something about her—something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

"She's something, isn't she?" Kaushiki's voice broke through his thoughts, and Rishi turned back to her.

"Yeah," Rishi muttered, still deep in thought. "She really is."