UNWILLINGLY HIS

Beneath the surface

Samaira stepped out of the room, her mind abuzz with thoughts about Advait’s family and the mystery surrounding his father’s death. She knew every interaction counted, and if she wanted to uncover anything, she had to keep her composure and stay alert.

As she made her way into the living room, she found Advait’s extended family gathered there. His grandmother was sitting on the largest chair, exuding an air of authority. Aunt Ritu and Aunt Pramita were seated nearby, while Uncle Mahendra stood by the window, speaking animatedly with Vikram and Aryan. Kartik was lounging on one of the armchairs, casually scrolling through his phone. The air felt light, with laughter and casual banter floating around the room.

Samaira stepped in with a soft smile and greeted everyone politely. Grandma waved her over, her eyes twinkling. "Come, sit here, beta. It’s good to see the younger generation joining us elders for a change."

Samaira sat down, carefully balancing her presence between being approachable and observant. Aunt Ritu leaned forward, asking her about her life in Mumbai, while Kartik chimed in with a playful comment about city life.

"You must miss it, right? All the buzz, the glamour?" Aryan teased, grinning.

Samaira chuckled lightly. "Not really. I’m enjoying this change of pace. Besides, I’m getting to know everyone here better—it’s fascinating," she replied, her eyes darting subtly toward Uncle Mahendra.

Mahendra chuckled, his deep voice carrying a note of pride. "It’s good you’re adjusting. Family is everything, Samaira. No matter how far life takes us, this is where we find true strength."

Samaira nodded, noting his words carefully, though her mind was focused on something else. She was about to ask a follow-up question when Mahendra suddenly stopped mid-sentence. His face contorted, and he staggered backward, clutching his chest.

“Mahendra!” Pramita exclaimed, rushing to him as he collapsed onto the floor. Chaos erupted as everyone stood up in alarm.

"Anuja, call the doctor! Now!" Pramita ordered, her voice trembling.

Samaira, who had been standing nearby, immediately charged forward. "Step aside!" she commanded, her voice calm but firm.

Pramita hesitated, her maternal instincts screaming to stay close to her husband.

Advait quickly intervened, his voice cold but decisive. "Samaira is a well-qualified doctor. Uncle Mahendra is in good hands. Please let her handle this."

Reluctantly, Pramita stepped back. Samaira knelt beside Mahendra, quickly assessing his condition. "Advait, help me get him onto the sofa. Now!"

Without hesitation, Advait and Aryan lifted Mahendra carefully and placed him on the sofa. Samaira’s hands moved with precision as she checked his pulse and breathing.

"He’s having a cardiac episode," she said, her voice steady. "Someone bring me a glass of water and elevate his legs slightly."

Aryan ran to fetch the water while Samaira loosened Mahendra’s collar and checked his airway. She glanced at Advait. "I’ll need to monitor him until the doctor arrives. Keep him calm—no one should panic."

Grandma spoke up from her chair, her voice firm. "Samaira, you’re doing well. Just tell us what you need."

Pramita, though still visibly shaken, nodded in agreement. “Yes, please. Whatever you say.”

Samaira nodded and turned her attention back to Mahendra. "Uncle, can you hear me?" she asked gently. Mahendra groaned faintly, his eyelids fluttering.

"Good, he’s responsive. That’s a positive sign. But we need to act fast," she said, addressing the room.