YVR SS || Life's Chronicles Chapter 7 Updated pg. 5 - Page 2

Chapter 2

A rickshaw pulled up to the house, and the young guard looked away from his post to see who had come. It was unusual for someone to come to the mansion in a rickshaw, as most of the guests arrived in chauffeured cars. A dark head peeked, and he smiled seeing the young woman who had been a constant presence over the past few days.

The young nurse stepped out of the rickshaw, and he took in her form with a hint of appreciation. She was a lovely young girl, and also conservative in her beauty. However, it seemed she was falling into her role as a nurse more ardently, as she was dressed in the classic white saree with the blue border. Her long flowing locks were pulled into a tight bun at the base of her neck with a thick white headband in place, and she held a large binder in hand, a full to bursting purse tucked into the crook of her arm.

"Good morning," Survi bid the watchman pleasantly, tilting her head as he opened the gate for her. She stepped through and paused, staring up at the mansion. Today would be the official start of her fight, and she was as prepared as she could be. Plans and ideas swirled in her head and she pulled her guard up as she stepped through the door.

For once the family seemed to be up early, as they were all gathered around the dining room for breakfast. Her presence was noticed by Tai, and she brought up her hands in greeting to the older woman.

"Arrey Simmi, you're here so early?" she remarked, impressed at the young woman's dedication to her work. The eagle eyed woman didn't fail to notice the quick glances her son sent to the young woman. Similar to how he looked at her when he first, consciously, met her. It was information she carefully filed away for a later time.

"Yes Tai," she responded with a quick glance to Karthik, who hadn't looked up from the papers he was pursuing at the table.

"Well come and join us for breakfast then," the woman gestured to the empty seat next to Aniket who straightened up from pushing around his food. Survi smiled meeting his eyes, but declined the offer. "Thank you Tai, but I've already eaten."

"Then at least have a cup of coffee or juice," Aniket chimed in, hoping no one would question his request. Tai's eyes slid over to her son, and even Karthik looked over at his brother's hospitable request.

"No, thank you. I'm officially on the clock and it wouldn't be professional to engage in personal time without it being my break hour," Survi explained calmly.

Karthik's eyebrow hitched at her response and he looked towards her, mouth cementing angrily. "I didn't realize you had a set amount of hours Simmi," he griped. "When did this happen?"

The tension sparked in the room, and the rest of the occupants looked towards the two contenders in the battle of wills.

"Nurse Su-Simmi," Survi corrected, cursing herself at her slip of tongue. "And that is something I would like to discuss with you. I have a contractual report based on the in house nurse guidelines and protocols laid out by the health board. I've also brought my certificates and clinical documentation to be copied to be put in for my file. I will be with Lat- sorry, the patient now, when you have a moment please join me so we can go over everything."

The peanut gallery gaped at the young girl's response, and Karthik's grip on his papers crushed the documents. Tai was a little impressed with the girl's bold headed audacity and she was sure Aniket had stars coming out of his eyes.

Survi walked away, fighting the urge to run off feeling the murderous gaze on her back. The mantra of be strong' kept repeating in her head until she was out of sight. She slumped against the wall and took a shaky breath, putting her hand over her hammering heart. That interaction was a lot harder and much more dramatic than what she thought it would be. It took a few moments for her to get her heart under control and her breathing under control.

The young nurse slowing made her way into Lata kaki's room, and noticed with irritation that the other nurse had dozed off at the woman's bedside. She shook the woman awake and instructed her to go on a break, one which the latter did happily.

Survi dropped her bag and binder on the seat next to her, then lovingly spent the next little while meticulously taking care of the older woman. When the last injection was administered she stood over the bedside and took the unresponsive hand in her hand. Checking that the coast was clear she regarded to woman.

"Lata kaki, I know you can hear me. It's me, Survi. I don't know how exactly you came to this condition, but I'm here now. I'll take care of things, and I'll make sure you get better. This is my promise to you."

xXx

Aniket tossed the ball in the air, watching it come close to the ceiling fan and caught it on its descent down.

"Ani, I swear I will give you a tight slap," Tai admonished, frustrated at her son and his irresponsible behaviour towards himself. "It's time to take your medicine, just take it and get it over with."

"I don't want to," he griped, eyes flicking towards the door and pouting when the individual he wanted to see didn't come through. It had already been a few hours and Simmi hadn't come yet.

Tai took a deep breath and looked heaven bound with a prayer for patience. "Ani," she tried again, "Take your medicine or I'll be forced to call Simmi here to give you an injection!"

"Go ahead," he challenged. At least I'll get to see her...

"Aniket, why are you troubling Tai," Karthik questioned sternly, walking into the room with a file in hand. At Tai's beseeching look he dropped the file on the desk and took the spoon and bottle of medication. Aniket sat up straight and regarded his older brother nervously.

"Bhai I-"

"I don't want to hear it Aniket," Karthik reprimanded, coming closer with the spoonful of medicine. "Now come on, take your medicine."

He brought the spoon closer to his younger brother's mouth, but a grip on his hand prevented him from going forward. Karthik looked up, shocked and angry, to see Simmi stopping him.

"How dare you-" Karthik began before breaking off his sentence. He wrenched his hand away from her, causing the spoon to clatter, medicine spilling on the floor. "He is my brother, how dare you interfere!"

"He is my patient," she responded calmly, plucking the bottle out of his hand. "Do you know that this is not the correct dosage? You're giving him a spoonful, and that isn't proper measurement. Are you trying to impede his recovery?"

The question silenced the angry businessman, and the mention of impeding recovery had Tai tensing up. Aniket silently regarded Simmi, awed at her backbone and a little touched at her protectiveness over him.

Survi briskly moved away, gently pulling Aniket to lay upright in bed. Bringing the medication box out, she prepared an injection needle and began sterilizing a spot on his arm. Aniket tensed up. "Hey Simmi, I'll take the medication, I don't need another injection you gave me one the day before!" he sputtered.

"Mr. Aniket," she explained. "These are boosters to help you recover properly, and even faster. Now, I advise that you stay in bed for the next little bit, you've been a little too actively lately. You run the risk of tearing open your stiches, and if you do I'll have to redo them, but without anesthetic since that clashes with your current list of medications."

Aniket gaped like a fish and Tai chuckled at the way the young nurse controlled her son. He quietly pouted as he settled into bed, even more frustrated as Simmi bid him to leave. "What am I going to do here?" he griped "I can't move around, and no one visits me. Simmi, at least stay and chat."

Survi peered over at the whine and smiled a little. Aniket immediately stopped and stared up at her, not noticing Karthik's glare on their interaction.

"I'm currently on duty Mr. Aniket," she explained quietly, moving around the room and checking over her supplies. "I cannot be engaging in social relations at this time."

Aniket turned to regard his mother and brother. "Mom, what is this? This is too much, she's acting as if we've regulated her to some kind of prison guard. Tell her she can loosen up!"

Tai opened her mouth to respond but didn't get the chance to speak as Karthik strode forward, grabbed the nurse by her wrist and pulled her out of the room. Aniket's worried expression had her following the two out.

Shit...I'm sorry Simmi...I didn't mean to get you into trouble...Bhai, please don't her...don't hurt my Simmi...

OMG OMG I love this! Wow, 2 new parts at once😃😃 it's great, thanks so much!

Chapter 4

Tai paced the length of her room, irritation clear on her face. Throwing herself down on her armchair she rested her chin on her fist.

"This Simmi is proving to be a bit more of a nuisance than I thought..." she growled to herself. "I had enough problems keeping everyone else in line and control and now I have this girl to worry about..."

A knock at the door alerted her to someone waiting to come in. She paused, most of her family members barged in unannounced, so who could it be?"Tai, may I come in?" a soft voice called through.

Tai's brow's furrowed deeper in frustration and her glare deepened. "Come in," she barked, schooling her face into a neutral expression seeing Simmi walk in, a tray in hand and shutting the door behind her. "Arrey Simmi, what is this?" she questioned with a fake fluster to her voice, rising to meet the young girl.

Survi held out a large mug of tea to Tai. "Tai, actually this is for you. It's masala chai, I heard from the servants that you like this kind of chai," she explained.

Tai took the cup, eyeing the young woman suspiciously. "What was the need Simmi," she protested good naturedly. "We have more than enough servants to take care of this kind of work. You just focus on taking care of Lata and Aniket, that is your position, you understand what I am saying?"

Survi nodded, understanding the threat underlying the woman's concerned words. "Actually Tai, if I have your permission I would like to discuss something with you," she asked softly, watching the older woman take an appreciative sip of the tea.

"Though I must say Simmi, this is some amazing chai!" the woman remarked. "But yes, take a seat what do you want to talk about?"

Survi settled in and waited a few moments until Tai's attention was fully on her. "Actually..." she pretended to hesitate and brought up her hands in apology. "I wanted to apologise Tai."

Tai regarded to woman with confusion. "Arrey, what are you apologising for?" she asked, keenly regarding the younger girl to see what she was up to.

"Tai, because of me you got disrespected today, unknowingly. If I hadn't made an issue of the certificates, Karthik sir wouldn't have fired the nurse. I know she was your selection and I don't want you to think for a minute that I thought ill of your decisions, after all you chose me," Survi carefully explained, waiting to see a reaction in her enemy in their proverbial chess match.

The irritation that Tai was concealing seemed to die down a bit, probably because her ruffled feathers were soothed at the appeal to her superiority. She scoffed in good intent. "Don't worry about these things Simmi, I'm a mature woman I don't take these petty things to heart like some people," she waved off.

Survi pretended to be uncertain and pushed forth in her apology. "But still please, I'll ask for forgiveness, I've just came into the house and I've seemed to be causing problems already..."

"Accha Baba, I forgive you now. Anything else?" Tai asked.

Survi carefully thought over, the situation seemed right so it was time to proceed with her next step. "Tai, there is actually something I would like to discuss with you. It concerns Lata kaki, but I have to ask that you keep this from Karthik sir, until I can tell him personally."

Tai leaned forward, heavily kohled eyes zeroing in on the young girl in front of her with great intensity. "Hain, tell me Simmi."

Hook...Survi thought with an inward smirk.

She schooled herself into a remorseful facade, and silently apologized for the lies she was about to speak and prayed they would never come true.

"Tai, I've gone over Lata kaki's medical reports...things aren't good," she carefully explained, seeing Tai hooked on her every word. "The chances of her recovering this late into her coma, are very slim. If the nurse was even a little bit negligent in her work, she's essentially destroyed any chance of Lata kaki having a full recovery."

"Simmi," Tai pretended to gasp in shock and grief. "What are you trying to say?"

Line...

Survi was inwardly disgusted at the secret joy she could see emanating in Tai's eyes. "Tai..." she began again, breaking off and pausing for dramatic effect. "I'm sorry to say but Lata kaki will most likely never be the same. Even if she does get out of her coma she will most likely have brain damage. This mean's she might have memory loss or not be able to speak, see or hear. In the case that she wakes up from her coma, she will be no better that she is now, the only difference being that she will be consciously awake."

Tai took in the information, and an inner glee was beginning to build within her. It looked like the heaven's were on her side after all. Her dirty secret will forever be kept inside Lata, dead or not. Simmi just saved her from having to get rid of another problem. The girl was a godsend, a blessing in disguise.

She was broken from her thoughts seeing the young girl begin to cry. "Arrey Simmi," she went over to the young nurse and put a hand around her. "Why are you crying bacha?"

"Tai," Survi cried, feeling real emotions well up within her at the possibilities of her lies becoming truths. "I don't know how I will tell Karthik sir this...The thought that my patient might never recover, as a nurse that is something I have yet to come to terms with."

Tai wiped the young girl's tears, slightly touched at the humanity and innocence she exuded. "Crazy girl, no one will blame you for Lata's condition. This is something that happened way before you came," Tai explained, taking her into an embrace. "Karthik on some level knows that this is the case. Don't worry bacha, when the time comes we can both tell him together. You just focus on your job, and don't forget you have my Ani as your patient too; you have to see that he gets better."

Sinker...

Survi nodded against Tai's shoulder, and let the woman stroke her head. She brought up a hand to wipe her tears, anger taking over her once again.

Lata kaki forgive me. May I be cursed with death before anything of what I said comes true. But these lies were needed, they'll protect you from Tai and any attempts she might have on your life. I have little doubt that she is responsible for your condition, even if Karthik blames me. You will make a full recovery, and you will take your rightful place in this family. This is your Survi's promise to you.

xXx

"Simmi," Aniket whined at his nurse and friend from his bed. "At least talk to me. This professionalism thing is too much."

Survi smiled at his childish behaviour from behind the reports she was reviewing at the seating area in front of his bed. A tray of food was in front of her, untouched, an identical one on Aniket's bed.

"Simmmiii," Aniket whined again, seeing her quietly ignore him. "Fine, if you won't talk to me then I just won't eat."

"Mr. Aniket," Survi responded, not looking up from her notes "As I have mentioned, socialisation does not occur during my work hours."

He huffed at her, then darted towards the clock. "And when do these work hours end, oh divine nurse Simmi," he mockingly questioned. He watched as her eyes flicked towards his wall clock, before going back to her notes. "Five minutes," she replied.

Aniket waited patiently, watching as the minute hand finally passed its mark. When he saw that five minutes were up he victoriously smiled and looked over at her, expecting her to be ready and willing to socialize. However, she was still absorbed in her papers. Pouting, he grabbed a pillow and tossed it at her.

"Aniket!" she admonished, standing up in shock at the sudden childish attack. "What are you doing?"

"It's been five minutes," Aniket explained coolly "And from what I understand that mean's nurse Simmi is off the clock and my friend Simmi is supposed to be present."

Survi tried to maintain a stern demeanour, but seeing his childish pout made her break out into a round of giggles. "Ok, fine. I'll be back in five minutes, I'm going to go change, is that ok?" she questioned, picking up her bag.

"Sure, but hurry up so we can eat. I'm hungry!" Aniket rushed, ignoring her reasoning that he could have eaten his food sooner.

He shifted impatiently on the bed, darting glance towards his door. Frowning, he realized he might have looked and been too eager, so he grabbed a magazine off his bedside and disinterestedly started flipping through it. Upside down. When he heard a shuffle at the doorstep, he pretended not to notice. "You girls always take so long to change, lord knows what you do in the bathroom," he called off nonchalantly, not looking up.

"Ani-ket dada? ...Why are you reading the magazine upside down?"

The tentative voice had him looking up, meeting Shanti's confused stare. Aniket blustered in realizing his mistake and tossed the magazine to the side. "Shanti, what are you doing here?"

The meek girl hesitated at the threshold of the room, looking unsure as to whether or not she should come in. She finally walked in, seeing her cousin brother beckon her inside but maintained distance from his bedside.

"Actually...I came to ask...if you knew where the drivers were," she explained as Aniket patiently listened. "I have...some work outside...and I can't find any of them."

Aniket scratched his neck, feeling bad for the young girl. "Actually, Bindu and Hema wanted to go for an outing with their husbands. They couldn't agree to go to the same spot so they went in separate cars. Karthik bhai had a meeting so he took his car, and I think the other one is-"

His explanation died off as Simmi re-entered the room. She seemed lost in her own thoughts as she packed away her nurses uniform. Aniket watched, entranced, as she brought a hand up to slip off her white hand band. Then, in one graceful arc she pulled the hair tie holding her thick hair in a bun, and let the dark locks unfurl down her back in a graceful waterfall of pure black silk. As she bent over again, the dark curtain of locks slipped forward, obscuring her face from view. He frowned, shifting forward to get a better view.

Shanti's brow furrowed, seeing her usually talkative and mischievous brother go absolutely silent; that too midway in an explanation. She followed her gaze behind her, and inwardly giggled in finding the object of his distraction.

Simmi was off in her own world it seemed, but Shanti knew that at that moment, she was Aniket's whole world. He seemed enraptured in her simple actions and Shanti cleared her throat.

"Hain, and what is happening with the other car?" she prompted.

"What car?" Aniket asked dazedly. Simmi turned around at the topic, and peered towards Shanti.

"The last car, seeing as all the others are out," Shanti prompted again. Aniket shook himself from his stupor and his mind scrambled to get back on track.

"Hain...uh...yes! Like I was saying, the other car is in the shop for repairs," he finished off. No thanks to my driving...

Shanti sighed despondently and nodded, slowly making her way out. "Shanti, what's the matter if I can ask," Survi asked hopefully to her old friend.

"Simmi...I had some work to do outside...and none of the drivers are here," she explained, looking between the young nurse and Aniket."So why don't you take a taxi or rickshaw?" Survi questioned simply.

"Karthik bhai doesn't like us going out alone," Shanti explained sadly. "After what happened to mom, he's been a little over protective...". Survi flinched back sadly. "I can go with you if you'd like?" she offered hopefully. "I've just finished work, so I'm free for the rest of the day."

Shanti blinked slowly, trying to figure out what to do. Finally, she nodded accepting the offer. An irritated huff caught her attention, and as Simmi turned to grab her things, she saw Aniket unhappily shifting on the bed.

Aniket dada...are you upset that you won't get to see Simmi anymore today?

"Aniket dada, would you like to come with us?" Shanti offered.

Aniket had been in a dilemma when Simmi offered to go with Shanti. Once again, he didn't want to look too eager and offer to come himself, but he was saved from that with Shanti's offer. He began to respond, but Simmi cut him off.

"Shanti, Aniket still hasn't eaten yet so I don't think he can come," she reasoned.

Aniket's jaw dropped and he grew incensed. "Hello madam, you're not the nurse anymore you can't tell me what to do, and where I can't and can go. And anyways, you didn't eat your food either!"

Survi giggled seeing his disdain, and couldn't help but teasing him. "Hain, but I'm not injured so I don't need to worry about my health and food."

Aniket pouted at her teasing, and grabbed another pillow. "Fine, come closer and let's see whether or not you need to worry after this." He launched another pillow at her, but to his displeasure she caught the pillow square on, giggling. The sight of her smile caused him to go warm, and he was unsure of what he was feeling at the moment.

Shanti looked between the two arguing good naturedly, and her mind flashed to a similar scene from many years ago. It saddened her, and she refused to think about it further.

"You guys can argue later, let's go its getting late," she prompted.

"But Aniket hasn't eaten yet."

"Simmi, shut up stop telling me what to do!"

"We can eat outside ... now let's go..."

WOW! This is an amazing story! HOW have I not noticed this before!! I love how neat and logical both your story and your heroine Survi/Simmi are. I love the way you balance the different threads of the story - Survi-Tai, Survi-Karthik and Survi-Aniket. Very, very engagingly writing. And it's so refreshing to see for once the heroine being smart and taking initiative! Well done and can't wait for more!!

AMAZING update! I especially love the Sven between Survi, Shanti and Aniket. It was so funny. Looking forward to the next chapter!

Chapter 5

"Shanti," Aniket whined "We've been at the mall for three hours already, what else do you need?"

The young girl blinked slowly and regarded her haggard brother and Simmi. The nurse was carrying a multitude of bags in both hands, and whatever she couldn't hold her brother was carrying in one hand.

"It's been three hours already?"

Time had flown by for her. The trio had been walking up and down the mall complex, bantering and chattering. It was the most fun the young girl had had in a while if she were honest with herself, but at the same time the small inane talks she had with Simmi reminded her of Survi; and that unsettled her.

"Hain, three full hours," Aniket griped. "I honestly don't understand what it is about you girls and shopping, and we haven't eaten yet either!"

"Hello, who was the one who made us wait around for a half hour in the game shop?" Survi deadpanned.

Aniket blushed, and ducked his head to avoid scrutiny. "Ok, whatever but seriously can we eat something now or do you want to have to carry me back home?"

Shanti acquiesced and led them to a restaurant that thankfully wasn't too busy. They were seated right away and both Aniket and Survi slumped into their seats tiredly. Due to the sheer amount of bags they had, the host had to seat them at a larger table, probably meant for five people, in order to accommodate their purchases.

"I'm going to the washroom to freshen up a bit," Survi offered, standing up. "If the waiter comes, order me something."

"What do you want?" Aniket called after her, waving the menu.

"Surprise me!" she called back over her shoulder.

Survi ducked into the bathroom, and washed her hands. As she turned to grab some paper towels, she harshly collided with another patron.

"Oh I'm so sorry I didn't-

The apology died down on her lips, seeing who was in front of her. Survi was frozen, seeing the same snakelike eyes, just as heavily kohled as they were eight years ago, meeting her gaze. Hair pulled off to one side, and dressed in an immaculate black saree the woman looked as beautiful and deadly as she did so many years ago.

Vishaka.

"No worries," the other woman offered, unaware of who was in front of her. "If you'll excuse me."

Vishaka sidestepped away from Survi and made her way out of the bathroom. It took a minute for the encounter to process in her mind, but when it did she dashed out of the bathroom. She scanned the restaurant and saw the black clad figure making her way out. Dashing back to her table she grabbed her bag and made her way after the other woman.

"Simmi! Where are you going now?"

"I'll be right back!" she answered, rushing to keep up after the woman.

As she made her way through the crowd, trying to keep her target in sight, she rummaged through her bag for her phone.

"Survi, where are you?"

Karan's concern in his voice didn't process, and she launched into an explanation.

"Karan I'll explain that later, I just saw Vishaka!"

She heard rummaging on the other end of the phone, and tried to pay attention to both Karan and Vishaka, all the while avoiding the many people in the crowd.

"Vishaka...you mean the same one who-?"

"Yes the same one! Karan, I'm going to try and stop her here, but I think we need to start looking out for her. She might be important in bringing out Tai's truth!" Survi explained, short of breath from the exerting task.

Karan said something on the other end of the line, but in her desperation to focus on one thing, she cut his call. On the other side of the city the young psychiatrist looked at his phone, before slipping the device back into his pocket and looking at the building in front of him.

Mr. Karthik Barve...I think it's time for us to meet...and for me to employ the next phase of my plan...I'm sorry Survi, I'll have to lie to you...

Back at the mall Survi desperately threaded through the crowd, finally slowing down upon seeing Vishaka enter a beauty salon. Steeling herself to meet the woman again, she was about to go in when a hand on her shoulder stopped her.

She whipped around, and met Aniket's hard gaze.

"I didn't take you for one of those girls...but looks like I was wrong. I've figured out your truth," he muttered angrily.

Her heart dropped in her stomach. This was not at all what she had planned for.

xXx

On the other side of the city, Karan sat in the lavish company waiting room. Unknown to Survi, he had his own set of plans, and they started with this coincidental' meeting with Karthik. This meeting today could make or break what he was setting everything up for, and during this nerve wracking time he desperately wished for a stress ball.

"Sir will see you now," the secretary called out, breaking him from his thoughts.

Karan stood up and straightened out, taking in a deep breath. His family's acting prowess came to mind, and soon his face and body language were blank and reflective of the psychiatrist he was. Stepping into the office, his mind began quickly analyzing everything within it.

Straight, no nonsense clean lines and furniture.

Muted colours and a distinct lack of ornate items.

Lack of familial or personal touches as well, however the desk held a few photo frames - facing its occupant.

Yes, it seemed Karthik Barve was exactly how Karan had pegged him. In control, no nonsense and no room for extra, unnecessary things.

"Come in and have a seat," the firm voice called out.

Karan moved forward with slow, purposeful strides. It irked him that Karthik was facing away, seemingly absorbed into his work. But he knew that was a power tactic, setting the stage to show who was in control. Karan was no novice in this game, so when he settled into his seat, rather than waiting expectantly to be acknowledged he flipped through his file folder. When Karthik finally looked up, he was displeased to find the psychiatrist not waiting for his go.

"Do you know why you are here?" he arrogantly questioned the medical professional across from him.

Karan inwardly smirked. Of course I know why I'm here, I orchestrated this whole meeting.

"I was told that it had something to do with a potential case, however no details were discussed," Karan offered simply, not letting on how much he knew.

Karthik settled forward, eyes sharp beneath his thick rimmed glasses. An unspoken power struggle was at play, and neither male was going to give any leeway.

"Recent talk around the medical circle is that you are a very talented and almost miraculous psychiatrist," Karthik offered. Karan knew that under that praise was a hint of condescending disbelief.

"That remains to be seen, however my work is my passion and I believe in giving my all in any case," Karan offered humbly.

Karthik sat back, quietly assessing him before pulling a file and tossing it in front of his office occupant. Karan raised a brow, but didn't open the file.

"This is my mom's medical file," Karthik explained. "Eight years ago she was involved in an accident which has left her in a vegetative coma. Her reports are said to be promising for recovery but as of yet no medical specialist has been successful in her recovery. I've recently fired a nurse due to negligence, and hired another more competent one. Now, I've been told that you are the up and coming man in regards to patient mental health. I want you on the team of people who will wake my mother up and make her ok. Restore her mind."

Karan finally picked up the file and began thumbing through it, landing on the date of the accident. He made a noise of surprise.

"How interesting, I have another patient with this same date," he murmured off hand, knowing Karthik would have heard him.

Karthik shifted at the remark, but didn't pry like Karan wished. Karan thought over the situation, seeing he hadn't made as much progress as he wanted. A quick glance at his watch signalled it was also time for the call he wanted to come in.

"Well Mr. Barve, if you would allow me to look over the file I can give you an answer as to whether I can help out with the case or not. I tend not to take cases in which I feel like I, personally, cannot be successful. That has nothing to do with the patient of course, just me personally," Karan explained.

Karthik nodded. "I appreciate your honesty because I have no time for failure," he sniped arrogantly.

Karan's fist curled on his knee, but he maintained his professional demeanour. A beat later his phone went off, and he regarded Karthik.

"If you'll excuse me, it's a call from my clinic," Karan explained slowly, heart hammering.

Karthik waved the man off and busied himself with a file.

"Yes nurse, what is it?" Karan answered the call. The individual was silent on the other hand, as he had planned and he kept talking. "Nurse put her on the phone, I'll talk to her."

He waited for a minute, checking as to whether Karthik was still busy with his papers from the corner of his eye. "Survi," the name had its desired effect, and he could see he had the other man's full attention.

"Survi," he repeated to his silent partner on the phone "Why aren't you listening to the nurse baba? You need to take your medicines, so be a good girl and take them. I'll come in a little while and you can tell me whatever is bothering you. Oh...your earrings are missing? The gold ones, with Bappa's face? Don't worry I'm sure they're around there somewhere, we will find it together. Now listen to the nurse I'll be back soon, ok?"

He ended the call as calmly as he could. On a note, he thanked his mother for forcing him into acting classes with his sister, who knew it could be of help to him now?

"Who was that?" Karthik asked with fake disinterest, but from his stiff posture and clenched fists Karan could tell the other man was rattled and angry. Looks like his plan was on track.

"A patient of mine," he explained coolly, standing up with his new file. "Actually the one with the same accident date as your mother. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be heading out."

"Who is she?" Karthik questioned angrily, standing up with the other man.

Karan paused, and he could feel the power struggle come to an end, in his favour. "It goes against my Hippocratic oath as a medical professional to discuss patient information with non-family members," he said firmly. "If you'll excuse me."

He passed by the nurse and laughed to himself hearing Karthik reprimand her angrily, for no apparent reason.

Check mate Karthik. I've won this round.

Ohh I'm so excited for what's going to happen next! Love your story so much and thanks for updating! Can't wait for more😃

Wowww thats superb twist... i loved it... keep going like this yar

That was really unexpected. Karan trying a hand to play his own game with karthik has really left me speechless. Hoping for a update soon. Can' t wait to know what happens next. Awesome writing skills. 👏 .Do pm me once you update my friend! It's so unusual as a twist.