The Doctor's Dilemma

Chapter 23: The Boy Friend

Friday, December 3, 2038
Terrence's POV:

"Why does a suburban pediatrician, fresh out of school feel like you are prepared to lead the country?" I asked in an announcer's voice, earning a smile from Vidhi. Pulling on a serious face, she began her answer,

"Being fresh out of school gives me current knowledge about the obstacles our youth are facing as well as the burdens of higher education on middle-class families due to the sky-high prices of post-secondary education. As someone who has grown up, gone to school, and came back to start her life in a suburban town, I see and know first hand the middle-class problems as well as the mountains that people of color must overcome to give their families a brighter future." Stopping the timer, I gave her a thumbs up and continued on with the series of questions, most of which attacked her age, lack of political experience, and her "minority cards".

Pressing stop on the video recording, I praised,

"Great responses, we do have to diversify for the targeted base, but for town halls and regional policy debates, we are golden. What are you doing for dinner tonight?" Hearing a groan from her, I looked at her by the window.

"Apparently, my mother hasn't gotten the message that two disastrous dates are a sign from the universe. Another random car has parked once again in front of this door in a week. Ahhh!" She exclaimed, throwing her head back and quietly yelling. Coming up behind her I asked,

"Well, if it's another rich guy that thinks he can win you over with a fancy car, can I please send him away?"

"Please do. You wanna take the door?" She pleaded, the annoyance clear in her face. Cracking a smile at her unwillingness to go on random dates, I swung open the door to be met with a somewhat familiar face and "normal" car.

"Oh, hello. I'm looking for Vidhi Patel. I'm Prem Patel, we have a date tonight?" He introduced, holding his hand out and giving me a firm handshake. Damn it, I can't even fault his manners, handshake, or car. He wasn't even dressed oddly, just in a simple button down and jeans.

"Prem? Is that you?" Vidhi yelled from the staircase. Coming down quickly, she threw herself onto him, hugging him hard. Returning the gesture, he chuckled,

"The one and only. Your mom told me you moved here and I had come up here for the hotel conventions in Atlantic City, so I figured a small catching-up session wouldn't be a bad idea."

"Oh! Should've figured. Here, come in. I'm going to go grab my stuff really quickly. This is Terrence, Terrence, this is Prem, is a close family friend and nearly a brother." She introduced, her face lighting up with excitement at seeing him. Prem's shoulders dropped at the title of "nearly a brother", but he put up a smile.

"Oh, your family and Vidhi's father are business partners in the hotels, right?" I said, trying to gauge the threat level he posed. Nodding animatedly, he replied,

"Yes, and do you live with Vidhi?" A bit of jealousy could be heard in his voice, and a part of me felt bad that he was that intimidated, but the other was triumphant.

"No, I live next door. It was kind of ironic that we are now neighbors considering we've been friends for more years than I can remember." I explained, seeing him both lighten up and deflate.

Hearing Vidhi's footsteps come down the stairs, we both turned to see Vidhi casually dressed, her hair swept into a loose ponytail.

"I hope you both got to know each other better! I'd hate to have you two fighting. Well, we'll be off. Good night Terrence." She announced, wrapping in a hug. A look of displeasure crossed Prem's face, but I focused on Vidhi's happiness, before letting them both out.