A U T H O R ' S  P O V

A car screeches to a halt in front of a hospital named Aparna Devi Hospital. The door opens, and a man steps out. He is wearing a light brown t-shirt, sleeves folded just enough to show his biceps, paired with joggers. A pair of black shades rests over his eyes, adding a careless charm to his look.

The moment his gaze lands on the large portrait of Aparna Singh Rathore near the entrance, his lips curve into a bright, almost boyish smile. Without waiting for the person still sitting in the driver's seat, he walks straight toward it.

He pulls off his shades and looks at the portrait like it is a real person standing in front of him.

"Hayee... Abhiraj ki bua maa," he murmurs under his breath, a teasing warmth in his voice. "Aap itni beautiful kyun ho? Every time I see you, my crush on you just keeps growing."
("O my god...Abhiraj's aunt")
("Why are you so beautiful?")

He lets out a small laugh at his own words, completely lost in the moment.

And just then—

Thud.

A ball hits his back sharply.

He flinches and takes a step forward, startled, his brows pulling together as he quickly turns around.

A few steps away, a little girl clutches her grandmother's hand tightly, half hiding behind her. Her wide eyes are filled with fear.

The old woman walks up to him with an apologetic smile.
"I'm so sorry, beta. My granddaughter got too excited to meet her friend. The ball slipped from her hand."

"Dadi, it was not my fault," the little girl whispers, peeking from behind her. "I don't know how it went sideways and hitted him..."

Rishi looks at the little girl for a moment, then slowly turns his head back toward the portrait behind him. His eyes narrow slightly, and he sighs dramatically.

"Why do you always break my heart like this?"

It is almost like a pattern now. Every time Rishi sees Aparna's photo or portrait, or even hears stories about her from his grandmother, his crush only grows stronger. And every single time he dares to admire her out loud or say something even slightly flirty, something or the other ends up hitting him out of nowhere, as if she is rejecting him right then and there, without even being present.

"Dadi..." the little girl whispers again, tugging at her grandmother's saree. "I think it hit him so hard that he went mad."

The grandmother gives her a quick look and shakes her head gently before calling out, "Beta?"

Rishi blinks and turns back, snapping out of his thoughts instantly.

"Oh... I'm sorry," he says, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I zoned out for a second. It's really okay. I'm not hurt. Just a little startled."

Then his gaze drops to the little girl again. She is still standing stiffly, her fingers clutching the edge of her grandmother's saree, unsure if she should run or stay.

Something in her innocent fear makes his expression soften completely.

He takes a small step forward, then bends down on one knee so that he is at her eye level. His voice turns gentle, almost playful.

"It's okay, cutie. Not your fault at all," he says with a warm smile. "Balls do that sometimes, hmm? No need to be this scared. You should be smiling, not hiding."

The little girl watches him carefully for a second, as if deciding whether to believe him.

Then slowly, a shy smile spreads across her face. She lifts her small hands to cover her mouth and lets out a tiny giggle, nodding her head.

Rishi smiles back, satisfied.

The grandmother exhales in relief and gives him a grateful nod. "Thank you, beta."

He simply shakes his head. "It's okay."

The two of them turn and walk toward the entrance. Within seconds, the little girl is back to her cheerful self, her fear forgotten. She starts skipping beside her grandmother, her excitement returning as she rushes inside to meet her friend.

"Thank God! Aap injection se darr ke bhaag nahi gaye!"

The voice comes from behind, slightly out of breath.

Rishi turns and finds Atharv jogging toward him. He has clearly just parked the car and rushed back, worry still visible on his face. For a moment, it almost looks like he genuinely thought Rishi might run away at the sight of a needle.

Rishi rolls his eyes at him.

"You should thank me, not God," he replies, straightening up. "Aur mujhe darr injection ka nahi hai. Mujhe toh bas yeh darr hai ki mujhe dekhke hospital ki ladkiyon ke dil na ruk jaye."

He casually runs his fingers through his hair, fixing it with practiced ease, his expression full of mock pride.

Atharv pauses in front of him and studies his face for a second, brows slightly furrowed as if he is seriously thinking about it.

"Aap thodi na cockroach ya chhipkali jaise dikhte ho jo ladkiyon ka dil ruk jayega!"

Rishi's jaw drops at that.

He stares at Atharv, completely offended. "Excuse me?"

Before he can say anything more, Atharv's phone suddenly rings loudly.

"Dekha jo tujhe yaar dil mein baji guitar..."

The ringtone blasts at full volume, making both of them flinch slightly. A couple of people nearby turn their heads to look.

Atharv quickly pulls out his phone and glances at the screen.

"Nani ji is calling," he says, and without waiting, picks it up. He taps the loudspeaker and brings the phone between them.

"Have you two reached the hospital yet or not?" Sunetra's voice comes through, clear and firm.

"Yes, Nani ji," Atharv replies immediately. "We just reached. We were about to go inside when you called."

"Ohh, then good. And keep a close eye on that brat," Sunetra says, making Atharv giggle softly.

"Nani, I'm not a brat. I'm a man, so I don't need him to keep an eye on me," Rishi says, clearly offended. But Sunetra simply ignores his whining.

"I called you to inform you that Rashmi is not in the hospital," Sunetra says, her voice calm and almost suspiciously casual.

Before she can finish, Rishi jumps in like he has been waiting his whole life for this exact sentence. "Oh, then let's go. We will come some other day."

Inside his head, however, there is a full celebration going on. Fireworks. Confetti. A victory parade where he is both the chief guest and the marching band.

"No," Sunetra says firmly, cutting through Rishi's imaginary parade like a strict traffic officer. "Today you will take the tetanus shot."

Rishi freezes mid movement. His soul quietly sits back down.

"She has already informed her junior doctor," Sunetra continues in one breath, clearly prepared for resistance. "And before you question that doctor's capabilities, let me tell you, the doctor is brilliant and observes everything very keenly."

Rishi opens his mouth.

Then closes it.

Then opens it again, as if hoping words will magically form into a valid excuse.

Nothing comes out.

His shoulders slump. His face falls into a perfect pout that could win awards in the category of dramatic suffering.

"Okay... Nani," he mutters, sounding like a defeated warrior who has just lost a battle against a very tiny but very powerful enemy.

Inside his head, the fireworks are now replaced by slow, tragic violin music.

Atharv, on the other hand, is having the time of his life.

"Don't worry, Nani ji," he says sweetly, clasping his hands like the most obedient child in the world. "I will make sure Rishi Sir does not miss this golden opportunity to get injected by such a brilliant doctor."

He turns toward Rishi with a smug smile that practically glows.

Rishi squints at him, clearly planning revenge that will never actually happen.

"I know," Sunetra replies with satisfaction. "That is exactly why I gave this responsibility to you."

She ends the call with a small smirk, already imagining the scene that is about to unfold.

Meanwhile, Rishi looks at Atharv like a man walking toward his own execution.

"Golden opportunity?" Rishi grumbles. "You talk like I am going to receive an award, not an injection."

Atharv shrugs, still grinning. "Same thing. One gives you happiness. The other gives you immunity."

Rishi sighs deeply. "I prefer happiness."

"Better luck next time," Atharv replies cheerfully. "Today you can get immunity only."

After that, Rishi and Atharv enter the hospital.

Rishi walks in like a man being dragged to his doom, throwing sharp glares at Atharv every few seconds and sulking as if the universe has personally betrayed him. Atharv, on the other hand, is barely holding himself together. One look at Rishi's miserable face and he starts giggling again.

Rishi mutters under his breath, "If giggling was a crime, you would be serving life sentence by now."

Atharv grins. "And if overreacting was an Olympic sport, you would bring gold for the country."

Ignoring him, Atharv walks up to the receptionist and politely asks about the doctor and the room where Rishi's tetanus shot will be given.

Meanwhile, Rishi stands beside him, completely disinterested. He pulls out his phone and opens Candy Crush with full dedication, as if he is about to fight a final boss battle. His fingers move quickly on the screen, his face serious like a warrior preparing for war.

"Thank you," Atharv says with a smile to the receptionist and turns around, only to find Rishi deeply invested in matching candies.

Then he suddenly shouts, "Sirrr jiiii chaliyeee!"

Rishi jumps like someone just played a horror sound behind him. His phone almost slips from his hand.

He glares at Atharv. "Are you trying to kill me before the injection does?"

Atharv giggles harder. "Just checking your reflexes. They are working perfectly."

Both of them start walking toward the cabin at the far end of the corridor. With every step, Rishi's fear increases. His brain is now showing him slow motion scenes of a giant syringe chasing him. Atharv walks beside him in full excitement. In his head, he is already imagining Rishi panicking, screaming, and possibly negotiating with the doctor.

"The Jester of Death is about to become The Patient of Panic," Atharv whispers to himself and almost laughs out loud.

After walking a little, both of them suddenly notice something strange.

People around them are staring.

Not just staring. Staring and giggling.

No one is even trying to hide it.

Rishi straightens immediately. His fear takes a backseat because his ego has entered the chat.

"As I said before," he begins confidently, running a hand through his hair, "these women are already mesmerized by me. Look at them. Openly staring."

Atharv scoffs. "Oh please. They are looking at me also. Maybe a little at you, but mostly at me."

He adjusts his belt smoothly and rolls his sleeves up to his elbows like he is in a fashion photoshoot.

"This black shirt in proper office style," he continues proudly, "is too powerful. They are fully swooned."

Rishi looks offended. "Do not give yourself too much importance. I am clearly the main attraction here."

"Shared attraction," Atharv corrects. "You are like the trailer. I am the full movie."

Rishi narrows his eyes. "Do not forget, you are going home with me. Irritate me too much and I will personally admit you in this hospital's mental ward. Samjha beta."

Atharv rolls his eyes. "Yes yes, very scary. Anyway, fine. We are equally handsome and they are equally mesmerized by both of us. Happy?"

Rishi thinks for a second, then nods reluctantly. "Acceptable."

Just then, they hear a giggle nearby.

A male giggle.

Both slowly turn their heads.

A male nurse is standing there... staring at their way... and giggling.

Silence.

Rishi and Atharv look at each other in pure horror.

In perfect sync, they whisper-yelled, "No way, I am straight."

Rishi immediately facepalms. "Damn. We are so handsome that even males are noticing us?"

Atharv squints ahead. "Not just noticing. Two of them are coming toward us. And why are they smiling like that?"

Rishi looks and his soul almost leaves his body. "Why are they smiling like we are free samples?"

"I do not like this," Atharv says, gulping. "I suddenly feel unsafe."

"I take back everything," Rishi says quickly. "I do not want to be handsome anymore. I want to look ugly."

"I want to be uglier than you," Atharv replies seriously.

At first, they were walking slowly, enjoying the attention. Now, both of them decided to increase their speed like their lives depend on it. Before they can even react properly, the chorus starts around them.

"Oh my God, you are such a cute gentleman."
"Can I get a little kiss from you."
"Look at his face, he is such a cutie."
"Baby can I lift you up, you are such a cute baby."

Rishi freezes mid step. Atharv's soul practically leaves his body and then comes back just to panic again.

Rishi slowly leans toward Atharv without moving his lips, "Are they talking about us?"

Atharv whispers back, "If this is a prank, I am not ready. If this is real, I am even less ready."

Another woman giggles, "Come here na, don't be shy."

Rishi gulps, "I was not shy five minutes ago. I am extremely shy now."

Atharv straightens his shirt nervously, "Why are they saying kiss so casually. There should be a form. Or at least an introduction."

Rishi nods seriously, "Yes. Basic procedure. Name, background check, then kiss discussion."

Before they can decide whether to accept or escape, a male nurse walks up to their way with a playful smile.

"But this cute boy needs to be in bed."

Silence.

Absolute silence.

Rishi's brain stops working for a full three seconds.

Atharv blinks slowly, "In bed?"

Rishi turns his head like a robot, "Why is bed suddenly part of the conversation."

Just as both of them are about to malfunction completely, a tiny voice comes from behind them.

"Ohho I was only in the bed till now but I want to enjoy a little. See, my friend has come to meet me, so I am super happy right now."

Both of them turn instantly.

They see a small boy, barely reaching their knees, walking proudly like he owns the place. Beside him is a little girl dragging a toy trolley filled with toffees, flowers, and one single rose like it is some grand romantic setup.

Rishi stares.

Atharv stares.

Both of their expressions slowly collapse.

Rishi whispers, "The bed... was for him."

Atharv nods slowly, "All the kisses... also for him."

Rishi sighs deeply, "We got emotionally involved for no reason."

Atharv adds, "I feel cheated. I already imagined a different storyline."

They both watch as the boy walks straight to the women.

One woman bends down, "Come here cutie, give me a kiss."

The boy happily plants a kiss on her cheek.

Rishi's jaw drops, "He is not hesitating even one percent."

Atharv folds his arms, "He is experienced. Look at that confidence."

Another woman says, "So many kisses today."

Rishi mutters, "He is running a full distribution system."

Atharv nods, "Unlimited supply, unlimited demand."

The boy then grabs toffees from the trolley and hands them out.

Rishi squints, "He gives sweet, he gets sweet. This is mutual benefit."

Atharv says thoughtfully, "He understands balance in life."

The women keep laughing and kissing his cheeks again.

Their eyes finally settle on the girl standing beside the boy. She is quiet, arms stiff, eyes narrowed, staring straight at him like she is silently filing complaints in her head.

Rishi squints, then suddenly straightens.

"Wait. This is the same girl. The ball attacker." But he didn't reveal this information to Atharv.

They both look back at the boy, who is still happily collecting kisses like attendance.

Then they look at the girl again.

Then back at the boy.

Then at each other.

Realisation hits both of them at the same time.

Atharv whispers in disbelief, "He already has a girlfriend."

Rishi puts a hand on his chest dramatically, "At this height. At this age. At this confidence level."

Atharv's pride takes a direct hit.

"Abhi hi chalna sikha hoga ye chuza aur dekho kaise harkatein kar raha. Meri bandi hoti toh main parayi stree ko dekhta bhi nahi. Par ise dekho apni bandi ki fikar hi nahi hai. Chi chi."

Rishi nods with equal frustration.

They both watch as the boy gives another toffee and casually leans in for another cheek kiss.

The girl's glare sharpens further.

Rishi mutters, "Bas ab volcano phatega."

Atharv crosses his arms, "Phatna chahiye. Discipline naam ki bhi cheez hoti hai."

Rishi leans slightly forward, fully invested now, "Mai toh chahta hoon iss chuze ki bandi ball maarke fenke iske sar pe. Tab jaake akal ayegi iss teen footiye ko." Rishi mutters under his breath, a clear hint of jealousy slipping into his tone. His ego feels personally attacked.

His handsome face got ignored? Unacceptable.

With wounded pride and dramatic expressions, they decide they absolutely must go to the doctor's cabin. Rishi, of course, has a second mission. He is fully prepared to confront his so called enemy. No way he is standing outside while some random kid steals his spotlight.

They reach the cabin and just as Rishi lifts his hand to knock, a bright, chirpy voice bursts from inside.

"Oh my my, you must be that beautiful boy, Rishiraj!"

Rishi freezes for half a second. Then his soul returns to his body. Finally. Justice.

He turns slowly with a wide, glowing smile. "Yes... but how unfortunate of me to not know the name of such a sweet lady."

Atharv almost rolls his eyes out of his skull.

The woman beams. "Everyone calls me Sweety Aunty, but for you, I am only Sweety." She winks.

Rishi places a hand dramatically on his chest. "Dangerous offer."

They both laugh like they have known each other for years. Atharv stands there, questioning all his life choices.

"Oh, another pretty boy is here," Sweety Aunty adds, now looking at Atharv.

Atharv instantly blushes like someone just increased his brightness settings. He gives a shy smile, unsure whether to thank her or disappear.

"Doctor Diya is inside preparing for your arrival," Sweety Aunty continues, clearly enjoying this. "Your aunt already informed her about your fear."

Rishi's smile drops.

Fear?

He lets out a soft, offended whine. Inside his head, he is already plotting revenge against Rashmi Maasi. Betrayal of the highest order.

So busy is he sulking and mentally drafting revenge plans that he completely ignores one very important detail. The doctor is a woman.

"Come, let's go inside and wait," Sweety Aunty says, leading them in.

The door opens.

Both men step in.

And freeze.

Soft colored balloons are scattered across the floor. Cute little soft toys sit neatly on the table like they are attending a tea party.

Rishi slowly turns his head toward Atharv.

Atharv looks back at him.

Neither of them speaks.

"I guess there is some misunderstanding..." Sweety Aunty begins, about to explain that maybe Doctor Diya has mistaken Rishi for a literal child.

Before she can finish, a soft tune starts playing somewhere in the room.

All three of them pause.

The air shifts.

A figure slowly emerges from the small inner room, humming along with the music. Her steps are light, almost rhythmic, like she is completely in her own world. The soft colors of the room suddenly make sense, like they are meant to match her energy. There is something effortless about the way she moves, calm yet strangely captivating.

Rishi's brain short circuits.

His mouth parts slightly as he stares, completely unprepared for this turn of events.

"Oh God... who is she and what is she doing? I'm supposed to be bracing for a tetanus shot, not losing my mind like this. I'm cooked."

For the first time since entering the clinic, Rishi forgets about his fear, his ego, and even his revenge plans.

Now there is only one problem.

He really, really wants to know who she is.

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