Hate ,Love and Everything In-Between (HLEIB)

Chapter 3: Healthcare Encounter

The Next Day
Rehan's POV
My eyes scanned the patient reports on my desk, my mind absorbing the medical details. Avni's soft knock interrupted my focus.

"Dr. Rehan, Mr. and Mrs. Singh are here with their daughter for Mr. Singh's check-up," she announced.

My thoughts faltered as I envisioned Prerna's bright smile from the portrait I saw yesterday. But my expression subtly shifted, a hint of surprise and curiosity crossing my face, as I reminded myself - she has a sister, Kiara. Which one could it be?

A fleeting moment of uncertainty passed before I regained composure.
"Show them in," I said, my tone neutral.

As Avni left, my gaze drifted to the door, anticipation simmering beneath my professional demeanor.

The door opened, and the Singh family entered. Mr. Singh, frail but optimistic, leaned on his wife's arm.

Prerna followed.

As I stood up, my gaze sought hers. She dropped her gaze, focusing on her hands clasped together.

"Good morning, Doctor," Mr. Singh replied, extending his hand.

My smile remained warm, but my eyes lingered on Prerna's downturned face, sensing a hint of unease.

I shifted my focus to Mr. Singh, my expression turning professional. "Let's review your test results and discuss your progress since your last checkup."

The check-up proceeded smoothly, my skilled hands moving with precision as I examined Mr. Singh. Prerna watched anxiously, her eyes darting between her father and me.

Finally, I stepped back, nodding. "Your test results show promising signs, Mr. Singh. The medication I prescribed during my previous visit at your home seems to be effective. However, we need to continue monitoring your condition closely."

Mr. Singh smiled, relief etched on his face. "Thank you, Doctor."

I smiled back. "You're responding well to treatment. Let's adjust your medication slightly to ensure continued progress."

As I scribbled notes on the prescription pad, Mrs. Singh spoke up. "Doctor, may we step outside for a moment? We'd like to discuss some family matters."

I nodded. "Of course. Prerna, could you stay for a moment?"

Prerna's eyes widened slightly, but she nodded.

Once her parents exited, I turned to Prerna, my expression serious. "Your father's condition is stabilizing, but we need to monitor his medication and lifestyle closely."
Prerna nodded attentively.

My eyes flicking up to Prerna's. "I'd like to understand your father's medical history better. When did you first notice his health declining?"

Prerna's brow furrowed, her voice measured. "To be honest, Rehan... I didn't know about his condition until yesterday, Mom told me."

My expression turned inquisitive. "You weren't aware of his symptoms before?"

Prerna shook her head, her eyes dropping for an instant. Her lashes fluttered, and she took a subtle breath, composing herself.

I noticed the faint quiver of her lip, the brief glimmer of moisture in her eyes. I sensed she was fighting back tears.

"Did your mother mention how long he's been experiencing symptoms?" I asked gently.
Prerna's voice barely wavered. "She said it started a few months ago, but she didn't want to worry me. I'm still trying to process everything."

My eyes softened, my gaze lingering on hers. I detected the faintest crack in her composure, the hint of vulnerability she struggled to conceal.

Prerna's eyes met mine's, a flash of wariness crossing her face. She swiftly masked it, her expression tightening.