In the heart of chaos

Chapter 37

Abhimanyu was in his office at Birla Hospital, reviewing patient files when a knock on the door interrupted him. It was his father, Harshvardhan, looking more serious than usual.

"Abhimanyu," Harshvardhan began, stepping into the office, "I have some important news for you."

Abhimanyu frowned, sensing something significant. "What is it, Papa?"

"Birla Hospitals has just finalized a partnership with Sarvodya Hospital," Harshvardhan said, watching his son's reaction. "As part of this agreement, Sarvodya will be appointing a new head to oversee the neurosurgery department. This individual will hold a senior position, and everyone in the department will report to them."

Abhimanyu's brows furrowed in confusion. "But I'm the head of the neurosurgery department. Why would they bring someone else in?"

Harshvardhan sighed, rubbing his temple. "That's how these partnerships work. It's out of my hands. You'll have to work under the new appointee."

Abhimanyu felt a surge of frustration. "Who is this new head? Do we even know them?"

Harshvardhan hesitated for a moment. "We'll find out soon enough. They'll be starting tomorrow."

Abhimanyu clenched his jaw, already feeling the irritation building inside him. He hated being blindsided like this, and the thought of working under someone else — someone who wasn't from Birla Hospitals — didn't sit well with him.

The entire hospital was buzzing with the news of the new head's arrival. Abhimanyu tried to focus on his work, but his mind kept drifting back to the partnership. Whoever this new head was, they were going to have a tough time proving themselves worthy of leading the department.

Abhimanyu made his way to the conference room, where the official announcement was to be made. As he stepped inside, the room was filled with his colleagues, all waiting for the new head to arrive. He took a seat at the back, arms crossed, silently observing.

Moments later, the door opened, and in walked a familiar figure — Aarohi Goenka.

Abhimanyu's eyes widened in shock. Of all people, her?

Aarohi strode in confidently, her gaze sweeping across the room before locking onto Abhimanyu's. She gave him a small, knowing smile — one that sent a wave of irritation through him. She walked to the front of the room, standing tall as Harshvardhan introduced her.

"This is Dr. Aarohi Goenka," Harshvardhan announced. "She will be the new head of neurosurgery at Birla Hospitals under the Sarvodya partnership. Please welcome her to the team."

There was polite applause, but Abhimanyu stayed silent, glaring at Aarohi from his seat.

"Thank you, Dr. Birla," Aarohi began, her voice steady and authoritative. "I'm looking forward to working with all of you and ensuring that we maintain the high standards that both Sarvodya and Birla Hospitals are known for. I'll be implementing a few changes to streamline processes and improve our department's efficiency."

Her eyes flickered to Abhimanyu again, the smirk still tugging at her lips. "I know change can be difficult, but trust me — it's for the best."

Abhimanyu could barely contain his anger. He stood abruptly as the meeting concluded and stormed out of the room, refusing to stay any longer.

Later that day, Abhimanyu was in the midst of a surgery when Aarohi walked into the observation room. She stood behind the glass, watching as Abhimanyu worked on a complicated case. When the surgery was complete, she stepped into the operating room, her arms crossed.

"You're quite skilled, Dr. Birla," Aarohi remarked casually. "But I'll need you to start documenting your cases more thoroughly. We have a new reporting system in place under Sarvodya's guidelines."

Abhimanyu removed his gloves, glaring at her. "I don't need you telling me how to do my job, Aarohi."

Aarohi raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "It's Dr. Goenka to you. And I'm not telling you how to do your job. I'm telling you how things are going to be from now on. If you have a problem with that, you can take it up with the board."

Abhimanyu stepped closer, his voice low and filled with frustration. "You think you can just waltz in here and take control? This is Birla Hospital. You don't belong here."

Aarohi met his gaze, her expression calm but firm. "Actually, I do. And if you can't handle taking orders from me, then maybe you're the one who doesn't belong here."

Before Abhimanyu could respond, Aarohi turned on her heel and walked out of the room, leaving him fuming.

Over the next few days, Aarohi made her presence known, implementing changes and asserting her authority at every opportunity. She held meetings with the staff, streamlined procedures, and made it clear that she was in charge. And at every turn, she seemed to take particular pleasure in making Abhimanyu's life difficult.

One afternoon, as Abhimanyu was going through patient files, Aarohi walked into his office without knocking. She casually strolled over to his desk, picking up a file and glancing at it.

"You really need to start organizing your paperwork better," she said, flipping through the pages. "It's a mess."

Abhimanyu shot her a deadly glare. "I don't need your advice, Aarohi."

Aarohi smirked, leaning against the desk. "Too bad. I'm the head of this department now, and you work under me. That means you do need my advice."

Abhimanyu clenched his fists, trying to keep his temper in check. "Don't push me, Aarohi."

"Oh, I'm just getting started," Aarohi replied sweetly, before dropping the file back onto his desk. "Get used to it, Dr. Birla. I'm not going anywhere."

With that, she walked out, leaving Abhimanyu seething. This was going to be a battle of wills, and Aarohi had made it clear — she wasn't backing down.