It was a big day for Aditya. He was set to return to work at the airline. Waking up early, he felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was the first time he would be going back since Pooja's death.
In front of the mirror in his bedroom, he prepared himself, but every gesture reminded him of her absence. Pooja was no longer there to adjust his tie, to place the pocket square in his jacket with that knowing smile, or to bring him his briefcase. A tear slid down his cheek, but he wanted to silence his emotions. He masked his pain by putting on his black sunglasses, like a shield against the outside world.
**— Good morning, Captain Aditya Hooda! I didn't expect you this early. Are you ready to get back to work?** asked Ashish, his colleague, with a friendly smile.
**— I'm doing well,** Aditya replied, his voice betraying a fragility he was trying to hide. **You know how much I love my job. Staying at home isn't beneficial for me, nor for my mind.**
**— Okay, you've been assigned to a short-haul flight for your return. Here are the details.**
Aditya made his way to the cockpit of the plane assigned to him. He announced the flight time and direction, but as he focused on the procedures, a wave of memories overwhelmed him.
His hands began to tremble, cold sweats invaded his body, and his heart raced. Memories of the last time he had seen Pooja flooded back: the traumatic call he had received that night from the hospital, Pooja's body lying on the hospital bed, the scar in her chest, Pooja's body burning on the funeral pyre. Each image was a tide pulling him deeper into his grief.
On the other hand, the takeoff process of the plane had begun. The aircraft was already taxiing on the runway, but Aditya struggled to maintain control. The memories engulfed him, dragging him toward a reality he could no longer bear.
He was jolted out of his trance when his co-pilot tapped him to ask if everything was alright. **— Are you okay? We're heading straight for the wall, Captain Aditya Hooda!**
Panic seized him. Aditya did everything in his power to stop the plane, which was still rolling down the runway. The screams and anxiety were already palpable among the passengers in the back. Every second seemed to stretch, each heartbeat resonating like a war drum in his mind.
Finally, the plane stopped just before disaster struck. Aditya, breathless, realized he had narrowly avoided catastrophe. The pain of his loss, the pressure of his job, and the fragility of his mind swirled together in a whirlwind of emotions.
---
Aditya exited the cockpit, his heart still racing, still in shock from what had just happened. The adrenaline pulsed through his veins, but he knew he had lost control. The flight attendant rushed to reassure the passengers, but he felt like a castaway on a stormy sea.
As he stepped out of the plane, he was met with the reprimands of his superior, whose voice echoed like thunder in his mind. **— What just happened, Captain Aditya Hooda? I want to see you in my office immediately!**
In his superior's office, the atmosphere was tense, almost suffocating. The walls, adorned with diplomas and photos of past successes, seemed to close in on him.
**— What's happening to you, Aditya?** exclaimed his superior, his piercing gaze fixed on him. **If I didn't know you for years, I would have already fired you. Do you realize the mistake you almost made? What it could have cost the airline?**
Aditya, his face pale, lowered his eyes in shame. **— I'm sorry, sir. It's the first time this has happened to me.**
**— Exactly, it's because it's the first time this has happened that I'm going to grant you this break. You are definitely not ready to take to the skies again.** His superior's voice was firm, but a glimmer of concern was visible in his eyes.
**— I'm going to give you a two-month break. Try to get yourself together, and you will only return here with a medical clearance signed by a psychologist stating that you are ready to resume service.**
**— Two months, sir? That's excessive! And this psychologist thing, I don't need it. I'm fine!** Aditya shouted, frustration and anger rising within him like a tide.
**— No, you are not fine!** his superior retorted, his voice full of gravity. **Either you accept this, or you forget your license. Take this time for yourself; you need it.**
Aditya left his superior's office, completely disoriented. Each step he took echoed like a reminder of his failures. In a short time, he had lost everything: his wife, his child, and now his job. The weight of these losses crushed him, and he felt like a castaway on a deserted island, with no hope of return.
**How will he live with so many failures?** The question looped in his mind like a tragic refrain. He decided to go home, his heart heavy. There was nothing left to do anyway.
In the silence of his car, he let out a sigh, decompressing in a world that seemed to be collapsing around him.
---
**— Zoya, do you like the place? I know you're not a big fan of the city of Mumbai.**
They were on a small hill overlooking the city, a hidden haven amid the urban tumult. The twinkling lights of Mumbai sparkled in the distance, creating a fairy-tale tableau under the twilight sky. The stars began to pierce the veil of night, adding a touch of magic to the atmosphere.
**— Yes, it's incredible!** Zoya replied, awestruck. **I didn't expect such a peaceful place in Mumbai. Thank you, Yash.**
**— When I discovered this place, it reminded me a lot of you. When you were in Mussoorie, I would come here and feel close to you.** Yash looked at her tenderly, his heart overflowing with affection. **I know a lot has happened in our lives lately, and I just want you to know that I love you and care about you more than anything in this world.**
He pulled Zoya into his arms for a hug, but as he leaned in to kiss her, she stepped back slightly, a shadow of distance slipping between them.
**— We need to go back; it's getting late,** Zoya said, her voice betraying a slight hesitation.
Yash felt a shiver of sadness wash over him. He had noticed that Zoya had been different since her operation. She seemed distant, as if an invisible wall had risen between them. He knew she didn't like to be pressured, and he didn't want to risk making her angry.
**— By the way, everything is ready for your return to the hospital,** he added, trying to break the ice.
**— Really?** Zoya asked, her face lighting up with excitement. **That's the best news you've given me today! Thank you, thank you, Yash!**
**— Well, if I had known this news would put you in such a state, I would have saved my fuel by taking you for a drive,** he joked, pinching her shoulder with a smile.
Zoya burst into laughter, a pure and joyful sound that resonated in the cool evening air. This laughter, though fleeting, warmed Yash's heart. He looked at her, hoping to see a glimmer of the Zoya he knew so well, the one who lit up every room with her smile.
As they descended the hill, the gentle breeze caressed their faces, bringing with it the scent of night-blooming flowers. The city lights sparkled like fallen stars on earth, but despite the beauty of the landscape, Yash couldn't shake the feeling of Zoya's distance. Each step they took together seemed to pull them further apart, and he wondered how he could break through this barrier that had settled between them.
---
Aditya opened the door to his apartment, his body swaying, betraying the number of bottles he had consumed. The smell of alcohol and desolation hung in the air.
**— But Aditya, what are you doing in this state? Why do you want to destroy your life? You haven't touched a drop of alcohol in years! Get a grip!** exclaimed Arjun, his expression filled with concern.
Aditya, his eyes glazed, his voice hoarse, replied bitterly, **— But who should I get a grip for? I've lost everything, and today, I lost my job, the only thing I had left.**
Arjun, his heart aching, stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. **— I know what happened. Your superior, Mr. Sharma, called me. You know how much he cares about us. He was very close to Dad.**
**— Did he also tell you that he's forcing me to see a psychologist?** **— I'm not crazy, Arjun! I'm fine!** Aditya shouted, anger and frustration mixing with his pain.
**— I know you're not crazy; otherwise, he would have sent you to a psychiatrist. But your mind isn't well. You need to take care of your mental health, and I think it's a good thing.** Arjun paused, searching for the right words. **— I've already made an appointment for you with the psychologist at Medicare Hospital.**
**— Why that damn hospital? You know that's where they mutilated Pooja! I'm investigating that hospital, and I simply don't trust them!** Aditya's rage erupted, his fists clenched, the pain of his loss mixing with anger.
**— Listen, I know the psychologist at that hospital very well. She's a great person. I'm sure she'll help you, and soon you'll be able to get your job back. Isn't that what you want?** Arjun tried to calm Aditya, his voice soft yet firm. **— And besides, as a patient, you could continue your investigation incognito. Think about it; I've made the appointment for tomorrow.**
Aditya, his gaze lost, sank onto the couch, his head in his hands. **— I don't know, Arjun...** he murmured, fatigue and despair weighing heavily on his shoulders.
**— Now, go take a shower and come back to eat something. You smell like alcohol!** Arjun tried to make his brother smile, but the sadness in his eyes betrayed his worry. **— I'm going to stay here tonight!**
Aditya looked up at him, a glimmer of gratitude in his eyes. **— Thank you, Arjun. I... I don't know what I would do without you.**
**— You don't have to thank me. I'm here for you, no matter what happens.** Arjun smiled at him, a silent promise of support in this emotional storm.
Aditya slowly got up, heading toward the bathroom. Each step was an effort, but deep down, a small voice whispered that he had to try. Maybe this meeting with the psychologist would be the first step toward healing. Maybe he could finally find a way to face his pain.
---
The sound of applause echoed in the hall of Medicare Hospital, a melody of joy and warmth. Zoya, a smile on her lips, stood at the center of attention, surrounded by colleagues who welcomed her with enthusiasm. **— Welcome, Ms. Zoya! We've missed you so much here, and your patients too!**
**— Thank you, Akansha!** she replied, moved. **I'm so happy to be back with everyone, especially my patients. Thank you for this warm welcome.**
Akansha, Zoya's secretary, had been working alongside her since she joined the psychology department. She had always been an invaluable support, and today, her radiant smile was a balm for Zoya's heart.
**— So, tell me, Akansha, what do we have today?** Zoya asked, her enthusiasm palpable. **Can you drop the files of my patients on my desk?**
**— Yes, of course!** Akansha replied, bustling to gather the documents.
Zoya opened the door to her office, a space she had carefully arranged to create an atmosphere of tranquility and calm. The walls were painted in soft hues, and splashes of color brightened the room, with inspiring artwork hanging here and there. Green plants added a touch of life, and a gentle scent of essential oils floated in the air. It was a sanctuary, a place where she could welcome her patients and help them find inner peace.
As she entered, a wave of happiness washed over her. Just a while ago, she had felt a violent discomfort in this very office, but today, she felt rejuvenated. Outside of Akansha, few people at the hospital were aware of her medical condition, and she had taken this leave a month ago without imagining everything that would happen in her life. Now, she was feeling better; her joy for life had not only returned but multiplied a thousandfold.
Focused on her computer, Zoya let herself be carried away by the satisfaction of her return to work. She was ready to help her patients, to listen to them, and to guide them. Suddenly, a knock at the door startled her.
**— Yes, come in!** she called, a smile on her face.
**— Hello, I have an appointment with psychologist Zoya Siddiqui?** The voice was familiar, but she couldn't quite place the face. Zoya looked up, and her heart stopped for a moment. She recognized the voice, and as she raised her face, she confirmed what she both feared and hoped for.
**— You...** The two spoke the word simultaneously, their eyes widening in surprise. They couldn't believe they were face to face.
———————————————————-
I am really grateful for the support you give to my story. Thank you for the views, the votes, and the comments. Chapter 4 check, what did you think?
Be lenient, I am not a writer. @latinacamerunes
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Mere Dil Ko Tere Dil Ki Zaroorat Hai - AdiYa FF
RomanceAditya Hooda, a seasoned pilot, is shattered by the sudden loss of Pooja, his wife and childhood friend. But his grief turns into anger when he discovers that Pooja's heart has mysteriously disappeared. Obsessed with this enigma, he embarks on a rel...
