Hate ,Love and Everything In-Between (HLEIB)

Chapter 13: "I'd to protect Prerna"

Two days later
Rehan POV
I strummed the final chords on my guitar, but my mind wasn't on the music. Prerna occupied every thought. Her sparkling eyes, her infectious laughter... I couldn't shake the feeling that settled within me.

Why now? Why, when she's moving on from Parth(Well, I am happy for that) and considering Rohan?
Our conversation on the streets outside the Café Bliss replayed in my head. My heart ached, longing for her.

My phone buzzed, breaking the spell. A text from Khushi:
"Hey Rehan, thanks for the 'fake date' by the way! Prerna's confused about Rohan right now. She's still stuck on Parth."
My grip on the phone tightened. Parth? That bastard? Still?
I typed:
"Thanks for telling me, Khushi. Keep me posted."
I set my phone aside. My fingers instinctively sought the guitar's familiarity.

As I strummed the strings, melodies mingled with thoughts of Prerna. My mind swirled in a tornado of emotion. Feelings I'd long suppressed surfaced, but I ignored, lost in the guitar's soothing harmony.
Memories flooded me: our verbal sparring, her bright smile and, more recently, our effortless arguments. My heart skipped beats.
Was this love? Infatuation? Or a deep-seated desire to protect her? Questions swirled.
My guitar's final notes faded. Silence enveloped me. In the stillness, clarity emerged: my feelings for Prerna transcended rivalry. I craved connection, understanding and, perhaps, something more.
But what about Parth? Rohan? And Prerna's own conflicted heart? The uncertainty growed.

At City-View Hospital
I stepped into the hospital elevator, exchanging quiet morning greetings with colleagues. Avni, my assistant, stood beside me, scrolling through her tablet.
"Morning, Dr. Rehan! Busy day ahead," she said, eyes sparkling.
"Fill me in, Avni," I replied, hands in my pockets.
"Alright, here's your schedule: 11:00 a.m. surgery for Mrs. Kumar's bypass, followed by 12:30 p.m. consultations for the Patel family. You'll assess young Aryan's heart condition."
Avni paused, ensuring I was paying attention. I nodded.
"2:00 p.m. is blocked for ICU rounds. Dr. Rohan will join you for those."
My interest piqued at Rohan's mention, my thoughts fleetingly drifted.
"3:30 p.m. is Mrs. Jain's echocardiogram. Her daughter's worried sick."
Avni's expression turned serious.
"4:00 p.m. ICU checks, then your final appointment: Mr. Singh at 5:00 p.m. for his routine checkup."
The elevator stopped on my floor. As Avni mentioned Mr. Singh, Prerna's image flashed in my mind - her bright smile, captivating eyes and infectious laughter.
Prerna's father, Mr. Singh, is my patient. His treatment progress was satisfactory, thanks to medication obeyance. Today's 5:00 p.m. checkup would reassess his condition.
My thoughts lingered on Prerna. Would she accompany her father?
"Thanks, Avni. Remind me about Mr. Singh's file," I requested.
Avni nodded and handed me the tablet. "Already synced to your account, Dr. Rehan."
My gaze lingered on the schedule, Prerna still on my mind.

At 4:55p.m.
I completed the ICU checks, discussing patient progress with Rohan. As we finished, Avni approached.
"Dr. Rehan, Mr. Singh's family has arrived for his 5:00 p.m. checkup with their daughter, and they all are waiting."
My pulse quickened. I headed-as fast as I can-to Exam Room 6, reviewing Mr. Singh's chart. Avni accompanied me, efficiently briefing me on his current condition. Upon entering, I smiled warmly. "Mr. Singh, good to see you."

Just then, Prerna's eyes met mine, a mix of warmth and concern.
Our eyes locked, and time stood still. Prerna's gaze held mine, a gentle smile on her lips. I froze, my professional demeanor momentarily forgotten.
Avni, standing behind me, couldn't see the exchange due to her short height. Oblivious, she waited patiently.
Mr. and Mrs. Singh, engrossed in conversation, didn't notice the brief, electric moment.

Prerna broke the silence. "Rehan?"
I snapped back to reality, my smile warm. "Prerna, good to see you again."
Avni cleared her throat, reminding me of my duties. "Shall we proceed, Doctor?"
I nodded, regaining composure. "Yes, Avni. Mr. Singh's checkup, please."