Navya’s POV:
I walked into the gym, my medical kit slung over my shoulder. Today, the high school basketball team was in full swing, their energy filling the space with a mix of excitement and intensity.
As I approached the court, the game came to a sudden halt. I could see Reeyansh, the team captain, sitting on the sidelines, wincing as his teammates gathered around him. My heart skipped a beat. I knew him everyone knows him —his reputation preceded him. The basketball court was his domain, and he was known for his charisma and leadership.
“Excuse me,” I said, weaving through the players and their concerned faces. Reeyansh’s eyes met mine .
I knelt beside him, carefully examining his injured ankle. “How did this happen?” I asked, maintaining a professional tone while trying to ignore the slight blush creeping up my cheeks from being so close to him.
Reeyansh managed a strained smile. “Just a little misstep. Nothing I can’t handle.” His voice had that confident edge I’d heard about, and it made my pulse quicken.
As I worked on his injury, applying ice and wrapping his ankle, he watched me with an intensity that was both unnerving and intriguing. His eyes, usually so vibrant and full of life, were focused solely on me.
“Thanks for coming,” he said softly. “I appreciate it. Not everyone would take the time to help.”
I glanced up from my work, meeting his gaze. “It’s part of my training. I’m actually a second-year medical student, so helping out here is just as much a learning experience for me as it is for you.”
He chuckled, a sound that seemed to resonate deep within me. “Well, I’m glad you’re here. Makes being sidelined a little less miserable.”
As I finished up, Reeyansh stretched his leg experimentally and winced slightly. “How long before I can get back on the court?” he asked.
I smiled, “If you follow my advice, you’ll be back to your game in no time. Just make sure to rest and take it easy.”
He grinned . “Resting is not my strong suit. But I’ll do my best.”
Just as I was about to finish up and pack away my kit, I remembered something. “You’re going to need a tetanus shot, just to be safe,” I informed him, reaching into my kit for the syringe.
The confident expression on Reeyansh’s face faltered for a moment, and he looked at the syringe with something close to apprehension. “A shot?” he echoed, his voice suddenly losing some of its bravado.
I raised an eyebrow, suppressing a smile. “Don’t tell me the fearless captain is scared of a little injection?”
He straightened up, trying to play it off. “No, no, it’s just… I’ve never been a fan of needles.”
I couldn’t help but tease him a little. “You face opponents twice your size without flinching, but a tiny needle has you worried?”
He gave me a sheepish grin, and for a moment, he looked almost vulnerable. “Hey, we all have our weaknesses.”
I sat down beside him, prepping the injection. “This will only take a second,” I reassured him. “Just relax.”
He looked at me, his eyes softening as he nodded. “Okay, I should trust you with this, Navya.”
I froze, the syringe pausing in mid-air as I looked at him in surprise. “How do you know my name?”
He gave me a small, knowing smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’ve seen you around campus. Besides, you’re hard to miss.”
I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, my heart skipping a beat at his words. There was something about the way he said my name that made it sound so… personal.
Quickly regaining my composure, I administered the shot, noticing how he winced slightly but didn’t pull away. “All done,” I announced, pressing a small bandage over the injection site. “See? That wasn’t so bad.”
He let out a relieved breath, then looked up at me with a grateful smile. “Thanks, Doc.”
I stood up, suddenly feeling a little flustered under his intense gaze. “Just doing my job.”
Before I could say anything else, he caught my hand, gently squeezing it as he stood up. “I owe you one,” he said, his voice a little softer than before. “Maybe we can catch up later when I’m not the one in pain.”
I couldn’t help but laugh, the tension from earlier melting away. “Sure, if you promise to follow my recovery plan.”
He nodded, that familiar confidence returning to his smile. “Deal.”
As I left the gym, I couldn’t shake the feeling that our paths were meant to cross. The way he looked at me, the way our brief interaction had felt more personal than professional—it all seemed to hint at something more. And for the first time in a while, I found myself wondering what that might be.
Present Day
I was jolted awake by the persistent buzzing of my phone. Blinking in confusion, I grabbed it without checking the caller ID. Roohi's furious voice cut through the haze of sleep, her tone sharp enough to snap me fully awake.
"Where are you, Navya?" Roohi demanded.
Her anger was palpable, and it was enough to kick me into high gear. I'd completely lost track of time after coming back from the hospital, oversleeping despite setting multiple alarms. Panicking, I mumbled, "I'm on my way. I got late-I had patients."
I knew that was a lie. I had actually taken the day off for Roohi's engagement but didn't want to admit I had overslept. I scrambled to get ready, quickly donning an off-white lehenga. I called my boyfriend, Aditya, hoping he'd be able to come this time. Relieved to hear him say yes, I hung up and finished getting dressed.
As I arrived at the venue, the grandeur of the Birla and Agrawal families' combined wealth was evident in the opulent decorations. I spotted my father in conversation with Ishaani's and Aadya's fathers. All our fathers were friends, so I went over to greet him and the other uncles, receiving warm welcomes in return.
"Navya, there you are!" my father said, his face lighting up with a smile. "I was starting to worry. Roohi was frantic about you being late."
I tried to smile through my guilt. "I know, I'm so sorry, Dad. I had a bit of an overslept this morning."
He gave me a sympathetic look but was interrupted by Aadya's father "Navya beta, you look beautiful today. I heard you're taking some time off Hope it's all going well."
I managed a genuine smile. "Thank you, Uncle. Yes, I took the day off to help with the engagement preparations. It's been a bit hectic."
My father leaned in, whispering, "Is Aditya coming?"
"Yes," I assured him, hoping the mention of my boyfriend would shift the focus.
Just then, I noticed a group of aunties surrounding Ishaani, their voices rising with the familiar tone of curiosity "Ishaani beta, when are you going to give us good news? You know, you're not getting any younger.
I could see Ishaani squirm under their attention. The aunties were relentless, their questions peppered with concern and thinly veiled pressure. I quickly stepped in.
"Namaste, Aunty," I greeted them with a warm smile. " Sorry to interrupt, but Roohi needs Ishaani's help with something urgent. I hope you don't mind if I steal her away for a bit?"
One of the aunties, Mrs. Ahuja, gave me a smile asking. "Ah, Navya, you're looking gorgeous. But tell US, beta, when are you planning to settle down? You're doing so well in your career; it's time to think about marriage, too.'
I smiled, trying to keep the conversation light. "Aunty, I'm more focused on my studies right now. But when the right time comes, you'll be the first to know."
Mrs. Ahuja nodded, clearly not convinced but willing to let it go 'Alright, but don't wait too long. We all want to dance at your wedding!"
I chuckled politely and gently pulled Ishaani away from the circle of aunties As soon as we were out of earshot and into the corridor, Ishaani let out a sigh of relief and hugged me tightly.
"Thank you for saving me, Navya," she whispered.
I smirked, "You can return the favour by keeping me safe from Roohi. She's on a warpath.
Ishaani laughed softly. "No way. You took the day off, right? Don't tell me you overslept.
Guilty as charged, I admitted, "Pretty much."
When we entered the room, Roohi and Aadya were waiting Roohi was looking stunning. I rushed to them, apologizing profusely. "Sorry, sorry l'm late!"
Roohi's eyes flashed with irritation. "You were supposed to be here four hours ago! You told me you took the day off!"
I looked at Ishaani for support, but she just avoided my gaze. Aadya, ever the troublemaker, jumped in before I could explain. "Don't even try, Navya. I called your place, and Usha Aunty said you were sleeping." I swear, I'll kill her.
I shot Aadya a glare but knew I was caught. "Alright, fine! I was sleeping okay? I just-"
Before I could finish, Roohi gave me a mock glare, but I quickly pulled her into a hug, cutting her off. "Roohi, please, let's just focus on your engagement for now. Let's not ruin your day "
Then it hit me-Roohi had never mentioned her boyfriend before. I had seen the news about her engagement with Advay Birla, and the realization stung.
"And you didn't even tell me about your secret boyfriend, Advay. What else are you hiding?"
Roohi rolled her eyes, brushing off the tease. "I'm going to kill you after this, Navya."
Aadya snickered, adding, "I'd pay to see that fight."
I shot a mock glare at Aadya, who was clearly enjoying the scene, while Ishaani laughed along. They both hugged me and despite the chaos, I couldn't help but smile, relieved to have them as my friend.
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