Mafia's Heartbeat

14. Little Panda

Same day.

K H U S H L E E N

After some time, Arjun walked back in, a file in his hand and the doctor beside him. His expression was unreadable, lips pressed into a firm line, eyes focused like a storm was brewing behind them.

They were talking.

Low voices.

Serious tones.

About me?

I straightened slightly, trying to listen, but they were too far. All I could catch was Arjun's voice.

Deep, laced with a kind of intensity that made my heart clench.

The concern in his voice. Clear as daylight.

Why did that make something flutter inside my chest? Why did I want to know what he was saying about me?

But they were still too far, their conversation guarded. With a sigh, I leaned back against the pillow, a little disappointed.

A moment later, Arjun turned, eyes finding mine instantly like he knew I had been watching. The doctor followed, and both made their way to my bedside.

"Hi, Miss Khushleen," the doctor said kindly, giving me a professional smile. "How are you feeling now?"

"I'm... Fine." I said with a smile of my own, even though my chest still felt tight.

"Good, But I'll advise something important." His voice became firmer now, "Please avoid stress. And if you ever find yourself in a troubling situation, try not to panic. Especially when you hear loud noises or shouting. Your nervous system is sensitive... It's reacting stronger than normal. You must stay calm..... Or it could become serious."

I blinked. Loud noises? Panic ? Sensitive nervous system ?

Why would he say that? Did something happen? Did I react ? I don't even remember anything like that. Yes I always felt anxious during loud arguments or shouts, but I'd never told anyone.

Not even Meher. It always felt.... Normal.

Before I could say anything, Arjun spoke, cutting through the tension With the firmness of a blade.

"She won't face any bad situation again, Doctor." His voice was sharp, cold.... protective. "Not anymore."

The finality in his words startled me. It wasn't a suggestion. It wasn't a reassurance.

It was a declaration.
A promise.
Or maybe.... A warning.

I turned to look at him. His gaze was already fixed on mine.... Dark, unwavering. There was no room for argument in those eyes. Only certainty.

My heart thudded hard against my ribs.

The Doctor gave a small nod, quietly acknowledge Arjun's words. "Of course, Mr. Shergill."

Then he left.

The room was suddenly quite.... Too quite.

Arjun stepped forward, holding a shopping bag in one hand.
"Here," he said, his voice softer now, like silk covering a blade. "Take this."

I frowned, confused, and reached out for the bag.
"What's in it?"

He smirked, "New clothes. Or were you planning to go home in that.... Adorable hospital gown?"

I glanced down. Ugh. The pale blue gown looked worse under harsh white lights. I looked back at him, feeling ridiculously small compared to his towering frame.