A Gray Evening by Malayeka Rafi

They Met After Six Years

A Grey Evening
By
Malayeka Rafi

Chapter 1

“Attention doctors, here we have our new doctor… Edward Smith.”

Jessie entered, introducing someone new to all the staff.

"Edward Smith?"

My heart seemed to stop as soon as I heard the name. I repeated it softly, my lips barely moving, before I raised my eyes to see him. My breath caught, my chest tightened, and an overwhelming sense of wonder gripped me. Why? Why, after so many years, was he standing here again? With every reason in the world for him to be gone, he was once more in front of me, bringing a flood of memories and just one burning question: Why, after six years, has he returned?

---

It was the doctors’ lunch break, and I found myself in the hospital canteen. It was a familiar spot, where we gathered for meals, coffee, or the occasional bit of downtime. While most of my colleagues chatted and laughed over lunch, I remained engrossed in a book, picking at my meal. I never understood gossip and had never known how to join in. Conversation, laughter, and casual smiles all felt foreign to me, like I was an outsider looking in. I had always been that way, withdrawn and silent—a shell of myself.

But there was a time when I had learned to talk, to laugh, and to genuinely smile. My laughter had once been bright, and my smile beautiful. Yet, I had been broken so thoroughly by him that, in an instant, I became that silent, lifeless person again. Over the last six years, I had become a ghost, a zombie merely surviving. My heart didn’t beat for anything or anyone; I only existed. Books became my world. Characters and stories filled the void left in my heart. The staff knew of my love for books and often saw me with one in hand, even during precious lunch breaks when my busy schedule allowed me a moment to read.

---

Everyone welcomed him warmly as he stood there with a smile, his white coat folded over one arm and a stethoscope draped around his neck. He still wore those glasses, and his blond-brown hair was neatly styled. Yet, he was even more dashing, more handsome than he had been six years ago.

“Oh Edward, it’s you! What a pleasant surprise.”

It was Nisha, evidently familiar with him from years ago.

“Thanks, Nisha,” he replied, smiling.

“Did you know Yan is also in this hospital?” she added, her voice cheerful. My heart sank at the mention of Yan. Had Yan invited him here? Didn’t he know what Edward had done to me? How could he betray me like this, knowing everything? Bitterness seeped into my heart as I glanced back at Edward, who was still speaking to Nisha. Then, suddenly, his eyes found mine.

For a few heart-stopping moments, our gazes locked. His eyes shone with a surprised, delighted light, while mine reflected the burning hatred I felt for him. That same smile was there—the smile that had once captivated me, the smile I would have done anything for. But that smile had also stolen my own, leaving me shattered. He looked at me like one does when unexpectedly seeing someone who once meant everything.

I couldn’t bear it. I broke eye contact, inhaled deeply, and focused back on my book. But the words no longer made sense; I couldn’t read even a sentence. All I felt were his eyes on me, and the need to hide away overwhelmed me. I hated him. Yes, I had every right to hate him. He had destroyed everything. Because of him, I had lost my innocence, my confidence, my self-respect. I had become homeless and unemployed, abandoned everything to escape. I fled California, and he had cost me my home, my future, and so much more. So yes, I had the right to hate him.

---

As I pretended to read, I couldn’t help but hear him talking, despite myself. He spoke about his career, about his hard work and all he had achieved. Edward Smith was now one of the best heart surgeons in America, admired and celebrated. He had everything: fame, wealth, and success. And what about me? I had nothing. My career was still struggling, my efforts unrecognized, and the damage he had caused seemed permanent. How unfair it all felt! He had taken so much from me, and yet he was thriving.

I closed my book, aware that he was still watching me, even while talking to others. I needed to leave. I had to escape before the suffocating weight of all I had lost crushed me completely. I grabbed my bag, stood up, and headed toward the exit.

“Ann, where are you going?”

It was Alexander, one of my colleagues, calling after me. I turned back briefly.

“I’m going to check on my patient,” I replied. But once again, my eyes met Edward’s, and I quickly looked away. Turning back to the door, I walked out.

---

Out in the hallway, I finally felt like I could breathe. I hurried toward the hospital building, trying to shake off the unwelcome thoughts. He had ruined everything for me, yet here he was, successful and admired. The injustice of it all gnawed at me. He had robbed me of so much, and still, he had emerged unscathed.

I approached the oncology ward to see Jenny, my young patient who was fighting terminal cancer. She had suffered endlessly, despite being just 18 years old. Her situation always broke my heart.

“Jenny, how are you feeling?” I asked, sitting beside her bed. She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she studied my face.

“What’s wrong, doctor?” she asked, surprising me. I shrugged, trying to mask the storm inside me.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“You seem upset, like you’ve just come face-to-face with something—or someone—unexpected.”

I was startled by her perceptiveness. How did she know? I looked away, gazing out the window.

“I didn’t expect to see him again after six years,” I murmured. “It was…unexpected.”

And Jenny, like always, listened quietly and patiently, the only person who ever truly did.