Balancing of Hearts

C H A P T E R - 9

The incessant ping of notifications on her mobile jolted Srinitha awake, pulling her from the depths of a much-needed slumber. It was Saturday, her one day to enjoy a few extra hours of rest. But, of course, fate had other plans.

The relentless noise from her phone was a cruel reminder that herlittle slumber was disrupted.Her boss, the ever-demanding audit manager, was breathing down her neck for some urgent data from the hospital, and there was no escaping it. Grumbling under her breath, she cursed her luck, reluctantly getting dressed and preparing to face the day ahead.

Upon reaching the hospital, Srinitha found herself searching high and low for Santosh and Prabha. But despite her efforts, neither of them seemed to be anywhere in sight. Frustrated and running out of patience, she made her way to the reception, hoping for some answers.

“Excuse me," she asked, trying to keep her voice steady, "Do you know where Dr. Santosh is?"

The receptionist replied with a sympathetic smile, "Dr. Santosh is unwell today and has taken a halfday leave. He'll be back after 3 PM."

Srinitha’s mind raced. Without a moment's hesitation, she accessed the employee profile data shared for audit purposes and quickly found  Santosh’s address. With no time to waste, she grabbed her things and headed out to his place.

****

Srinitha stood nervously outside his apartment, her fingers absently fiddling with the strap of her sling bag as she rang the doorbell for the third time. Just as she was about to press it again, she heard the distinct sound of the doorknob turning.

The door creaked open, and there stood Dr. Santosh, his eyes widening in surprise at the unexpected visitor.He blinked in surprise, his voice raspy as he spoke, "Nee inga enna ma panra?"

“Ippudiye veliya nika vachu dhan pesuvingala ? Ula kupda matingala ?”Without waiting for an answer, he motioned for her to step inside.

As she walked in, Srinitha glanced around, hoping to spot his grandparents, but there was no sign of them. Sensing her curiosity, he added, "They're out of town for a wedding."

Srinitha's eyes softened as she took in his appearance. He looked unusually frail, the exhaustion evident on his face. A wave of concern swept over her. She instinctively reached out, placing her palm gently on his forehead and neck, checking for any signs of fever. Her tone grew sharper as she spoke,

"Ippudi odambu suda iruku, rest edhukama? Edhuku afternoon hospital porenu sollringa?"

Santosh sighed, trying to brush it off, "Srinitha, it's just a fever! I'll be fine. But you... how did you get my address?"She crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering.

"Ethuna kelvi, Na hospital la audit data edhuka vandhen, patha ungaluku fever nu sonnaga, adhan unga address details ellam enkita iruku la. I came immediately."

“Nalla vezha na vandhen , ippudi kodikudhu odambu ! Enna saptinga ? “He sank down onto the sofa, barely able to stand any longer.

Srinitha watched him, her concern growing as she saw how the fever was draining his strength. "Veliya dhan vanganum," she said, her voice firm.

She shook her head weakly, "Edhey veliya va? No ways! Na iruka modhu edhuku veliya? Illa, cook."

He frowned, hands on his hips. "Illa ma, nee kelambu veetla teduvanga! I can manage." Srinitha stood her ground, her expression softening but determined.

"Excuse me, neenga ooruku dhan doctor, after all, you are also a human being. You're down with fever, and I can't just leave you like this."

"Illa..." he began to defend himself, but the words faltered when he met her eyes. Just one sharp look from her, and it was enough to silence him instantly.