His Healer

EP-8 A Dinner Proposal

That afternoon, Ashok arrived at the hospital for a routine check, but as usual, he wasted no time and began flirting with his female colleagues.

Just then, Riya approached to hand over a file of her patients. Ashok, seeing her for the first time, couldn't take his eyes off her, completely mesmerized.

Ashok straightened up, trying to regain his composure after Riya's direct question. "I'm Ashok, the Managing Director of this company," he said with a confident smirk, expecting his title to impress her.

Riya's eyes widened slightly, realizing who he was. Could this be the man behind the equipment needed for my brother? she thought to herself. For a moment, her guard lowered as she considered the possibility.

But she quickly composed herself, masking her thoughts with a polite nod. "I see," she responded, her voice calm and professional. Though inside, she wondered if he could really help with her brother's treatment.

Ashok, sensing her momentary shift, leaned in a little closer, his tone turning more charming. "If you ever need anything, Dr. Riya, don't hesitate to ask. I can make things happen here." His words hung in the air, but Riya kept her expression neutral, unsure of his true intentions.

As Riya turned to leave, Ashok called out to her, his voice dripping with a mix of confidence and arrogance. "Wait," he said, causing her to pause for a moment.

She turned around, her brows slightly furrowed. "Yes?" she asked, maintaining her calm demeanor.

Ashok smiled, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling charm. "Are you free tonight?" he asked smoothly. "I was thinking we could... get to know each other better."

Riya felt a wave of discomfort wash over her, but she maintained her professionalism. "I appreciate the offer," she replied firmly, "but I have a lot of work to catch up on, especially with my brother's condition."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, leaving Ashok standing there, a flicker of surprise and irritation crossing his face as he watched her leave.

Riya froze in her tracks as Ashok's words echoed in the corridor. She turned back to face him, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

"I can actually help with your brother's condition," Ashok said, his smile widening as he realized he had her attention. "We have all the best equipment, and I have some connections that could speed up the process for his treatment."

Riya's heart skipped a beat. She had been worried about her brother's condition for so long, and the thought of getting him better care was tempting. But as soon as she felt a flicker of hope, Ashok's next words brought her back to reality.

"But," he added with a sly grin, "it'll be easier to discuss... over dinner tonight. It's just dinner. What do you say?"

Riya's jaw tightened. She knew exactly what he was trying to do, using her brother's health to manipulate her. Taking a deep breath, she kept her voice steady as she responded, "I don't mix my personal and professional life, Mr. Ashok. My brother's treatment will move forward without me owing anyone any favors."

With that, she gave him one last cold look before walking away, her heart racing with both anger and resolve.

Just then, Sneha rushed down the corridor, her voice laced with urgency. "Riya!" she shouted, breathless and wide-eyed. "You need to come quickly! It's your brother—his condition has suddenly worsened!"

Riya's heart sank. She turned on her heels, instantly forgetting about Ashok, whose smile faded as he watched her rush away. The thought of her brother suffering propelled her forward, a mix of panic and determination flooding her veins.