Heart's A Mess: Chapter Thirteen

“Arnav…” Khushi whispered quietly, trying to wake him up. Groaning, he coughed sharply, his chest wall seizing as his breath came out in noisy wheezes. Closing her eyes, Khushi scolded herself repeatedly, demanding her heart to stop aching...pleading her tears to stop falling. Seeing him in this state made her feel helpless. The doctor in her knew it was only an infection, that the cough sounded worse than it actually was but her heart would not listen. It was a rare event for Khushi Gupta to cry. Arnav Singh Raizada however had managed to make it happen twice already.

Brushing away the tears, she put the food tray on the bedside table and climbed under the covers next to him. Sitting up against the mountain on pillows she began to stroke his hair and talk to him. "Come on tiger...it's time to get up."

Grumbling in displeasure he hid his face in her lap. "Let me sleep."

Bending down she kissed his hair. "Raizada your a big fat kid. It's one in the afternoon. You need to eat something."

Conceding defeat, he scowled as he pushed himself up. "I'm not fat."

Khushi laughed, pulling on his cheek. "You are a kid though."

"I thought I was a woman last night. Is it really one?"

She nodded. "You haven't moved since last night." Turning to the side, she reached for the large food tray and placed it on his lap. "Eat." she ordered. 

Rubbing the sleep from his eyes he yawned and eyed the bowl wearily. His shoulder slumped as he picked up the spoon and began to consume the soup. "It's chicken!"he mumbled in between bites. In the excitement of his discovery, some of the liquid dribbled down his chin.

"Well done genius." Khushi laughed while rubbing the liquid from his stubbly chin. She became fascinated by the contrast of the pink of his lips against the coarse black hair of his stubble. Her thumb lingered over the area, dragging itself across his skin little by little. Gulping away her unexpected desire she realised Arnav was staring at her. The look in his eyes was so tender that she swore her heart skipped a beat. He quickly kissed her. "Raizada!" she squealed mightily unimpressed. "You taste like chicken! Gross."

And just like that the moment was gone. He resumed eating the soup as if he had been starved his whole life. In between spoonfuls he kept up the conversation. 

"Why are you here? Don't you have work?"

"My shift starts at seven tonight."

"You didn't tell me you were on nights."

"I'm not."

"Then?"

"I swapped." Arnav could see she was uncomfortable and trying to avoid answering the question. Putting down the bowl he frowned. 

"Did you swap for me?"

She rolled her eyes and began to collect the cutlery. "It's not a big deal. You were running a fever all night and I didn't want you to wake up alone." Hopping out of the bed she picked up the tray. "I hate waking up alone when I'm sick. I didn't think you would like it either."

Taking hold of her wrist he gently pulled her down beside him. "You made the soup didn't you?"

Khushi looked at the tray of empty food and mumbled..."Well not all of us can laze around in bed all day Raizada." The conviction of her statement didn't resonate true. "Plus I had nothing to do so I thou.."

"Shutup." Cutting her off rather unceremoniously, he kissed her properly this time. Her head fell back as he drank in her essence, tasting the soft fullness of her lower lip. A few seconds later he felt small hands push against his chest.

"You'll make me sick." she complained.

Kissing her eyelids he confessed..."You, Khushi Gupta, are the most beautiful human I have ever met." Arnav watched as her eyes become glassy and her hands lay fisted in her lap. Breathing deeply she stood up with the tray. Trying to laugh it off she teased..."Did you go to school of cheeseballs or something Raizada?" Walking out of the room her voice became fainter as she shouted back to him. "Go have a shower, I'll change the linen and you can get some more rest."

Arnav fell back against the pillows and cursed God. She was the one. 

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Haphazardly, Khushi jogged out of the lift toward the nurses station. The bastard had made her late. Cursing her ill fate, she almost ran headlong into Meg. 

"Khushi...slow down!'

"I'm late!"

She looked at her watch confused. "It's 7.02. Really?"

"I don't like being late. What if someone paged me?" she grumbled, still faffing about with her bag.

Meg giggled. "What is wrong with you today? You know nights are slow till you hit midnight. Anyway everyone's having dinner now."

Taking Khushi's bag, she handed over the designated pager. Pushing Khushi into a chair she demanded..."Sit down for two seconds and tell me what on earth possessed you to swap with Matt's night shift."

Khushi went around checking patient charts. "Arnav was sick...didn't want to leave him alone." she answered distractedly. Looking around she complained..."Where is Parker? I need the damn patient handover."

Meg's eyes widened. "You stayed back to take care of cute ass?"

Now she Khushi's full attention. "Excuse me!? What did you call him?"

"Oh come on. You have to have noticed his hot butt." Meg was enjoying Khushi's horror.

Paralysed for a second by shock she shook her head. "What the hell is wrong with all of you?! Keep your eyes off my boyfriends ass." 

"Oooh jealous." she teased, giggling more and more. 

"Oh whatever."

"So what did you guys do?"

"He slept, he ate, we played scrabble...he slept again. Is that enough or do you need a minute by minute break down?" Spotting Matt from the corner of her eye, she ran after him, leaving behind a disappointed Meg.

"Parker...wait up!" she called out of breath as she ran down the corridor, flailing her ams, trying to catch his attention.

He turned around and looked at her in pity. "Gupta I've said it before and I'll say it again. You're really unfit."

"I just took your night shift so I wouldn't complain if I were you." 

Matt smirked crossing his arms over his chest. "If you listened properly you would notice that I wasn't complaining...just criticising." 

"Tomato (american accent)...tomato (english accent)" she waved him off. "Look I'm not going to able to take the case you wanted me to consult on."

"Gupta...you gave me you word."

"Don't give me that Parker. You know I didn't. I said I would see what I can do and don't play the holier than thou attitude with me. You weren't exactly upfront were you."

He looked genuinely confused. "I have no idea what you are talking about."

"The file? It seemed to be missing well....everything! I only have a partial ECHO...I have no physical copies of X-rays, blood reports, ECG'S or anything for that matter."

"You have the written reports."

"That's not the point. I need to see the actual physical copies."

"Fine!" His pitch was dangerously close to a yell. "I'll get you the physical copies but we need to go through them together..." he looked around. "....alone. There are things that you need to kn..."

Khushi stopped him before he went any further. "Look, that's not the point. I can't take up the case anyway. I have a conflict of interest."

"What are you talking about? How could you possibly..."

"The patient is the sister of the guy I'm dating."

Matt looked like he had seen a ghost. His already pale affect lost any and all colour, as he stared at her. His hands went clammy, beads of sweat lining the palms.  "Are you sure?" he asked deathly quiet, almost afraid.

"Of course I'm sure."

"I need you to be sure Khushi."

"Anjali Singh Raizada...sister of Arnav Singh Raizada. I'm sure..." she trailed off, worried by his reaction, Matt very rarely called her Khushi.

"Shit!" he mumbled under his breath, running a hand through his hair.

"Why are you so worried. I won't say anything to him. I can't say..."

"No it's not that." he assured her quietly.

"Then why are you acting like this?"

Matt clenched his teeth, wanting to punch the closest thing to him. He had to find a way out of this. "She's been worried about confidentiality and privacy from the beginning. When she find's out that I gave the case to her brother's girlfriend she'll..."

Khushi put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey Matt relax. I'll talk to her. She knows I'm legally liable if I say anything. I want to talk to her about it anyway."

Matt rubbed his face tiredly. "Yeah...that might be a good idea." 

Sighing Khushi disclosed..."That though would be the least of your problems Matt."

"What do you mean?"

"Did you really think that I wouldn't notice the fact the the referring doctor is her? That won't hold up anywhere. Even if she is the best cardiologist in the world. Why the hell is her maiden name on the chart anyway?"

Matt cringed. How did he get himself into this mess in the first place? "When the chart was made up, she wasn't married."

Khushi shook her head. "Why are you risking your job Matt? You don't have thing for her do you? She's married for god sakes."

"What!? No! You know Meg..."he stopped, annoyed at himself for revealing that particular piece of information.

Smiling she pat him on the back. "Look if she just got admitted to the hospital, there would be no problem getting on the recipient list. It's time she get admitted anyway. She knows that and you know that. So stop being a martyr and risking your career."

Looking at her defeatedly he said "I've given the patient handover to Meg. She'll walk you through. I've...I've got to go."

Waving her goodbye, he made his way to the lifts searching for his mobile. Making a quick call he waited for the dial tone to connect. After several rings it went to voicemail.

You have reached the voicemail of Dr. Anjali Mathur. I am unable to attend your call, please leave a message after the tone. 

"Anjali, It's Matt Parker. Warn your bastard of a brother, that if I ever see him, I will not hesitate to tear him limb from limb."

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A/N

This update is for MEG! Whose birthday it was yesterday. I missed out on wishing her because I fell asleep. Thanks Jahnvi for letting me know. Happy Birthday Meg! I love you very much! :)

OMG!! I love all of you so much. I can not thank you enough for all the comments. Like I said before the best way I know how to reply to all of you is by writing another update. I know you guys will hate me but here it goes.

I think that it had become obvious from this chapter that this story will have a tragic ending. Now, many of you have written to me begging me not to hurt Arnav and to make it a happy ending. Like I told another reader I will also tell you. When I started this story I had it clearly mapped out in my mind. To honour myself as a writer I can not change that. But what I will do is provide an alternate happy ending. 

So you can choose to read both, or just one of them. The choice is yours. 

May I say, that some of you readers are so adorable. You guys are little detectives. Some of you with Sherlock's calibre and some of you with well....not his calibre. 

Also people do you know who reads my story? KRANI, ANONY_MOUS and now MEERA! Faintwa! I have to thank CravingKhanna for the recommendation. I am so humbled to have such prolific writers reading my story. 

There are many people who have sent PM's. I will get back to you guys soon ASAP!

Enough Rambling from me.

Love Sasak.

Heart's A Mess: Chapter Twelve

Gupta, Meet me in Lerner's Courtyard. ASAP.

Khushi sighed. Ever since she had read Anjali's patient file she had been consciously avoiding him, unable to come to any definitive conclusion about the matter. It hadn't been hard really, what with her busy schedule and his ridiculous work ethic. But now, after a week, it seemed his patience was wearing thin. As much as it would be easier to make an excuse about work and elude him, the fact of the matter remained that she had missed him. A revelation that both surprised and worried her. 

Taking a quick break, she wrapped herself up in the hospital provided wool jacket, scarf and beanie. With her hands stuffed in her pockets, Khushi's teeth chattered loudly as she trudged through the layers of soft slush on the ground. The courtyard was empty save for a lone figure, huddled over on a bench. White snow blanketed every surface; the bitter cold had bullied everyone to stay in doors. Still here they were... two crazy individuals, battling the elements, just for a moment alone.



Arnav stood up as she walked toward him. Handing her a coffee, he quickly pecked her on the lips, his muscles too frozen to manage much else. Leather gloved hands brushed away the snow on the wooden bench and he beckoned her to sit next to him. Wrapping her hands around the paper cup, Khushi took a long sip, letting the warm liquid thaw out her insides. Tufts of steam escaped through the thin slit in the lid; ribbon like twirls vaporising in the cold air.

It was eerily silent, the occasion whistling of the breeze their only companion.

"You could have come inside you know."

"I wanted to spend time with you...alone." he said stiffly

Sighing, she leaned against his arm. "And now we are freezing...alone."

Arnav wrapped an arm around her, smiling a touch at her grumpy demeanour. Looking down at her, cuddled up against his chest, the fatigue that had built up over the week washed away. Khushi must have instinctively sensed his gaze. Looking up, her large doe eyes blinked slowly, unable to decipher the sentiment of his appraisal. Innately, the underlying current of their desire drifted them closer to one another. The kiss was tender and loving, igniting a slow burning flame in the pits of her stomach. Khushi turned her body so that she was more square against his chest, clutching on to his coat lapels. Arnav cupped her face in his hands, caressing her cheeks with his thumbs. Long, drawn out caresses had left their lips slightly swollen. Leaning his forehead against hers he asked, a devilish twinkle in his eye...

"Freezing now?"

Khushi couldn't help but smile as her eyes fluttered shut. "I missed you."

For a second, he couldn't help but being taken aback by her confession. It wasn't often she was so candid. Touching the corner of her lips with his own, he nuzzled his nose against her cheek.

"Me too Gupta...me too."

They sat a little while longer on the wet benches, taking comfort from the embrace. Some time during the silent contemplation, a loud bark like cough erupted from Arnav's chest, echoing out into the empty courtyard, as he struggled to breathe. Khushi sat up in alarm.

"Arnav! What's wrong?" She rubbed his back, trying to ease his pain.

"Jesus Gupta relax. It's just a cough." Arnav managed to gasp in between breaths.

"Shut the hell up. Last time I checked you didn't have a doctor's degree. I can hear the phelgm rattling around in your chest." Arnav could see the concern trickling from her eye's.

He shook his head. "You and my sister both."

Khushi's reaction watered down a little at the mention of Anjali. Still her fingers remained intent on unbuttoning his coat and shirt. "I need to listen to your chest. I can't believe you are sitting out in this cold. There has to be a limit to irresponsibility."She muttered.

Arnav grinned. "If I had known you were this eager to get my shirt off I would have pretended to be sick a long time back."

Khushi pushed him away in anger, folding her arms across her chest and pouting. Chuckling, he put his chin on her shoulder and wrapped his arms around her waist. "It's just an infection. My sister already prescribed me the antibiotics. Look at the weather...everyone's sick. So relax. Let her be my doctor ok? You..." he lightly nibbled on her earlobe...."just concentrate on being my girlfrie..." Arnav stopped mid word, realising the impact of his unintended confession.

Khushi became stiff in his arms and he quickly sat up, trying to appear as nonplussed as was possible. She turned toward him fully, a poorly concealed smirk on her face and mischief gamboling in the pools of her eyes. "Girlfriend Raizada? I never remember you asking?"

Finding something very interesting to look at upon a leafless tree he shrugged..."Well since you broke my nose I figure that you owe me."

"Owe you?"

"Uh-huh." he said, fiddling with the dials on his watch.

A protracted silence hung in the air, it's fragility broken by a full bellied laugh. Khushi held on to her stomach laughing with total abandon, clutching at her jacket she bit down on her lip trying to reign back the embarrassing outburst. Arnav looked around. Placing an open mouthed kiss on her neck, he let his tongue drag upward to the base of her ear, nipping the fragile skin along the way. His warm breath tickled her and his husky voice seductively suggested...

"You know Gupta you're just damn lucky you didn't break anything else. I would have made you my wife."

That shut her right up. Standing up she squeaked, her breathing visibly laboured and her button nose bright red..."I've got to go."

He laughed watching her jog/walk back inside.

*********************************************************************************

"Are you done?" Shagun poked her head from a patient's room calling out to Khushi.

"Yeah...I was just going to check the pH of 25B, then head home. You need something?"

"Nah...you've just been looking a little lost. Thought you might want a chat."

Khushi hesitated, debating on whether or not she should share her troubles. Her breath hitched for a second...."Can you talk now?"

Shagun peeked behind her, to see Ms. Thomas fast asleep. "I was supposed to change her dressing's but it can wait."

Stepping out, she squeezed some alco-gel, rubbing it thoroughly on her hands. "Ok spill."

"So you know Arnav?"

Shagun raised her eyebrows.

"Right...stupid question." she mumbled. "Well Parker asked me for a consult the other day. The long and short of it all is that the patient is his sister. I'm bound by confidentiality, I can't tell him and I'm not sure he knows. What am I supposed to do? If he finds out that I knew about his sister and didn't tell him.....I mean it's breaking his trust."

"Ok whatever I was expecting you to say. It wasn't that." Shagun admitted, a little shocked.

"So?"

"So....I don't know." Her voice increased a notch in it's pitch. " Don't you guys study ethics?" Shagun asked exasperated by the situation.

"Yeah and I'm not supposed to tell him. But that...that bull!"

"Why don't you just hand over the case? Tell Parker you have a conflict of interest. He'll understand."

"I'm not sure he will."

"Whether he will or not is not the point. It's just too tricky."

"What if Arnav thinks that I didn't care about his sister?"

Shagun groaned..."Do you care about his sister?"

"I care about him." she admitted quietly.

Momentarily forgetting the quandary Khushi was in, Shagun engulfed her friend in a hug. "I'm so happy for you."

Nothing more was said. Khushi loved that about Shagun. She understood Khushi's private nature and didn't prod any more than she was comfortable. "You're stuck both ways. Why don't you talk to his sister? Try and figure it out with her. Meanwhile do everything you can for Parker and then handover the case."

"I don't want to lie to him. I guess that's the best I can do." Though spoken aloud, these statements were mostly for Khushi's own benefit. "Thanks...I feel better."

Squeezing Shagun's hand she went to check on her patient. She called out to her down the hall...

"Khush....is she in a bad way? His sister?"

Khushi sighed wearily and nodded. "Yeah..."


*******************************************************************************
This day, like every other day in Dr. Gupta's life, had been exhausting. Opening the locks, she quickly brushed her feet off on the carpet and slammed the door shut, lest her house become any colder than it already was. One step at a time, she trudged her way upstairs fully prepared to soak herself in a warm bath till her skin resembled a prune. Upon entering her room she made a bee line for the bathroom. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the figure of another person in her room. Frozen in shock, she slowly turned around, her heart thumping loudly in her ears. Lying in the middle of the bed, tucked under the covers was Arnav Singh Raizada...snoring.

Khushi almost fell to the floor in a heap from the shock. Her first instinct was to go over and beat the living crap out of him for scaring her. That feeling however was drowned out by the most obvious question...how the hell did he get inside her house in the first place? Taking a minute to calm her breathing, she then walked over to him. Coughing loudly, he grimaced in pain and turned on his other side to make himself more comfortable. The covers slipped downward and immediately Khushi's cheeks flamed red.

He was shirtless.

Chiding herself for her immaturity, she checked his forehead for a temperature. Her eyes however could not help wandering to the expanse of skin that found itself exposed. For once his hair sat messily atop his head, the unruly mass falling across his forehead. Unjustly long lashes softened his hard edges, endowing him with boyish innocence. Sleeping on a heap of pillows, he kept rubbing his nose in his sleep. On the dresser was a pile of used tissues, while his clothes lay discarded upon her reading chair.

Khushi felt a maternal instinct that was unfamiliar. Tiredly she picked up a plastic bag and put all the used tissues away. Tucking him in properly she leaned down to kiss his lips gently. Arnav held onto her hand and pulled her beside him.

"You're awake?"

"No." he mumbled sleepily, cuddling her close to him. Spooning her against him, he swung his leg over her.

"Arnav what are you doing? Let me go!" 

"This is what girlfriends do Gupta."

"Get smothered?"

"Act as personal teddy bears."

"If I had known you were such a woman Raizada...I would have never let you come in my house. On that note...how did you get in?"

Arnav yawned waking up slowly. "You're so predictable Gupta. You know that right? You're spare key was in that weird looking froggy thing beside your front door."

"I need to find a better hiding place."

Arnav kissed her cheek. "You do." Tired as hell she let herself relax into him.

"But why are you in my bed?"

"I thought I explained this Gupta. You are my girlfriend. Girlfriends are personal teddy bears."

"How remiss of me." Her sarcasm obvious. Yawning loudly she turned around and snuggled into his chest, playing with the wiry tuft of hair in between his pecs. "You know Raizada if I had known that you had this body under those clothes I would have helped you pretend you were sick."

Arnav grinned and let his eyes shut. Slowly they drifted off to sleep, too worn out to care about anything else.

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Hope you liked it!

You guys are commenting fiends! I love it! I hope I am doing you justice with the relatively fast updates. This story will hopefully be finished in the next week or two.

Love Sasak

Heart's A Mess: Chapter Eleven

“Do I see a carrot in your hand?” her voice barely concealed her incredulity.

“Desperate times J…desperate times.” Khushi sighed, munching on the end of the nauseatingly orange root vegetable.

“It must have been the only thing left in the fridge.” Shagun remarked slyly.

Using the carrot as an extensor of her middle finger, Khushi let Shagun know just how she felt. With 

her feet up on the desk and crossed at her ankles, she leaned back into the plush leather of her chair and took a few minutes to eat lunch with the girls.

“Where’s Meg?”

“She’s been rostered to Parker’s valve repair this afternoon.”

Jahnvi and Khushi barely concealed their grins. Waggling her eyebrows devilishly Khushi plotted. 

“A whole afternoon with Parker? Remind me to give her hell about it later yeah?”

“Why would you need reminding?”

She shrugged, munching on her ridiculously healthy salad mix. “I usually forget these kind of things. Blech! This literally tastes like it’s come from the rear end of a horse.” Making a face she tried to chase down the taste with a green organic juice mix. The disgust on her face became even more pronounced as she tried desperately not to hurl the entire thing. “I didn’t think it could get any worse.”

Shagun shook her head. “Khushi you always start these health kicks only to go back to eating Mcdonalds the next day. I don’t know why you even bother anymore.”

“Danes has been on my back about the whole healthy eating thing and I stick around in the hope that one day it won’t be a kick and I can make it my lifestyle. ”

Jahnvi and Shagun looked at one another and rolled their eyes. They wouldn’t be holding their breath.

“Did you hear about Linda?” Jahnvi whispered conspiratorially.

Khushi frowned… “The nurse on night duty? No…why? What happened?”

“Oh it was so romantic…” Jahnvi sighed.

Shagun couldn’t help but smile at her friends hopeless romanticism. “A patient who had come in to the ED the night before came back the next day with a big bunch of flowers to ask her out.” 

She filled Khushi in.

“He got down on one knee and everything in front of everyone.” Jahnvi extrapolated on the details unsatisfied with Shagun’s somewhat clinical explanation.

Ordinarily such incidents would wash over Khushi as she remained caught up in the latest medical journal or patient labs. Today however she couldn’t help but smile as she remembered how one particular man had slept on the uncomfortable chairs of the waiting room …flowers in hand.

“Good god…hell must have frozen over. Gupta’s smiling at a soppy romance.” Shagun teased.

Khushi rolled her eyes as Jahnvi giggled asking… “How are you and dream boat going? You never tell us anything!”

“There’s nothing to tell.”

Shagun snorted ungracefully. “Oh come on. J can have all the soppy details just tell me…is he a good kisser?” Waggling her eyebrows she enjoyed the horrified look on Khushi’s face.

“That is personal!”

“Oooooooh” Jahnvi squealed and clapped like an excited seal. “That means you have kissed.”

Khushi blushed bright red as they laughed and stood up. “Just…just go away!”

Pulling her back down into the chair, it took a few minutes before their laughter slowly subsided.

“It’s just funny seeing you like this. You’re a kick ass surgeon who doesn’t take crap so to see you like the rest of us is humbling and makes us feel better about ourselves.” Shagun explained to an annoyed Khushi. After a moment of contemplative silence Shagun grinned again… “So tell me…is he?”

Relenting with a frustrated huff she tried to look as nonchalant as possible… “Earth shattering.”

All three girls looked down at their lunch grinning away. “I take it things between you guys are good then?”

Khushi munched away thoughtfully. “They are but I’m scared that its too perfect. Guy’s aren’t supposed to be so….so interested? Are they? From what I’ve heard and my experience the end game seems to be sex but he…he keeps talking about our future children.”

Shagun dropped her lunch.

Jahnvi and Khushi turned to look at her. “You ok?”

“Uh…yeah. It’s just um….god you’re a lucky cow. You know that Khushi? Do you know how many guys I had to date before I found one that would say that to me?”

“I don’t understand…”

“When Gaurav and I were dating he would drop casual jokes about kids all the time." Her voice dropped down to a whisper as her eyes faded to a distant place. "And now...now no matter how hard we try I can't get pregnant. Us having kids has literally become a joke." Her voice was dripping with bitterness. 

Khushi and Jahnvi rushed to console Shagun who was now crying into her hands. Jahnvi hugged her tightly... "Why didn't you say anything?"

Not a person to advertise her problem, Shagun quickly wiped her tears. "I...I became overly emotional. It's not that bad. We still have to try IVF and adoption is always an option. It's just that sometimes it's all a bit much."

Khushi not knowing what to say nodded in support. 

"Am I interrupting?" a familiar voice called out.

Arnav stood on the other side of the nurses station looking at the girls curiously. Shagun sat up and smiled, her voice still a little hoarse. "Nothing....what are you doing here hot shot? Don't you have a business to run?"

He let out a lazy grin to which Jahnvi giggled. "I'm my own boss. It's handy. Gupta and I are on for dinner tonight but if she's busy I could always take you." He winked.

Shagun put up her hand. "Someone already put a ring on it dreamboat."

He sighed dramatically, flinging his arms up to then heaven. "Why GOD!? Why!? Well... I guess I'll just have to settle for Gupta then won't I?"

Khushi rolled her eyes at the two of them. "Dinner? We just started lunch."

Arnav looked at his watch just to be sure. "Uh Gupta...It's 5.00 pm."

"So? I've had a busy..." She began to argue.

Jahnvi who was still flustered around Arnav turned to Khushi..."As if you've eaten more than two bites of that anyway. Go have an early dinner. I'll get Morrissey to do your ward cover."

Feeling particularly exhausted she threw her salad in the bin and grabbed her stuff. Giving Shagun a quick hug she whispered..."Call me anytime. We'll talk ok?"

"Yes...yes. Now go!" Shagun nodded shoving her toward Arnav. 

Slinging his arm around her shoulder, he walked her down the corridor toward the lifts. Their conversation filtered down the hall...

"Where are we going for dinner?"

"Your place."

"Raziada...I'm not cooking."she grumbled. 

"Don't flatter yourself Gupta. You're not that good a cook."

"I can't have take out either. I'm on a health kick."

Arnav snorted. "Uhhh...sure....I believe you."

"Why is everyone saying that?" she complained like a child.

Squeezing his arm around her shoulder tight he dropped a kiss on her temple. "That's because you eat like a horse Gupta."

"What!"

"You do. Don't worry though, I'll make something tonight that will be healthy and delicious."

The doors to the lift pinged open and they stepped. "But you can't cook!"

"No... you just presumed...I didn't correct you. I liked it when you taught me anyway."

"What the fu...." 

The doors pinged closed.

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"Hey Khushi!" Matt grinned at her widely. 

Khushi looked at him sceptically. "What do you want?"

Pretending to be wounded he looked at her with doleful eyes. "Can't I just say hi without wanting something."

Raising her eyebrows she resumed the mundane process of charting. She counted in her head to see how long he could last...1...2...3...

"Ok so I need a favour."

Khushi grinned up at him. "Three seconds Parker. Pathetic. Have a little more will power will you?" Leaning back, Khushi pretended to give the idea much thought, tapping her pen against her chin. "Hmmmmm fine....but only if you do me one."

Matt hit his head against the desk. "Ugghhh....what do you want?"

"Do us all a favour and just ask Meg out! We're sick of watching you two stare at each other like love sick puppies."

Matt stood up lightening fast. "Each other? You mean she looks at me too?"

"As if you didn't know it."

"Ummm I wasn't sure. You think she'll say yes?" he held his breath waiting for her answer.

"If she doesn't I'll twist her arm until she does. Okay?"

Shrugging as it were nothing he replied..."Yeah I'll do it. Only because you asked though."

Khushi shook her head. Men. They thought they were soooo cool. "I don't have all day sunshine. What do you need?"

"A consult."

"From me? Why don't you go to Danes?"

"See that's the thing. I want to present a recommendation to the board. In my opinion this patient deserves to go on the recipient list for a heart transplant. But the situation is a little complicated..."

"Complicated?"

"I'm getting to that part. I know you have Danes's ear. He listens to you."

"Woah...I'm not taking advantage. You can forget it. It's not happening." Khushi said with finality.

"Look I'm not asking you to take advantage...just...just listen ok? Then make up your mind."

Khushi looked at Parker. He almost looked desperate. Giving in she decided that listening to him wouldn't hurt. 

"Ok I'm listening but I'm not promising anything else. Hit me with it."

"The patient is in their thirties with a history of Rheumatic Fever and RHD. Subsequently developed undetected mitral regurgitation. By the time it was detected the transitional phase was favouring decompensation."

"Can I have a look at the file?"

Parker handed over the thick folder. Khushi skimmed still listening..."The regurgitant fraction is 54% but the patient is currently exhibiting no real symptoms. There are signs of fatigue and light headedness with excessive activity but nothing more than that."

"Pulmonary hypertension..."

"Not as yet but likely to develop."

"Oh come on Parker" Khushi laughed "...that's a stretch isn't it?"

"I don't think it is. Look at the ECHO. That's congestive heart failure right there."

Khushi had a look at the latest report. Matt was right.

"What I don't understand is how the regurgitation managed to progress that fast?"

"For a time in the patient was subject to abject poverty. The living conditions were unsanitary...they didn't have access to the proper kind of prophylaxis. So the fever was recurrent compromising the valve."

"Well it all seems legit. I don't know why you need me. Danes would take it to the board. Obviously it would take time before..."

"There is a slight problem." Matt said looking everywhere but at Khushi.

"Spit it out Parker." her tone was dangerously even.

"I've never done a physical on the patient neither has anybody at the hospital. And they've never been admitted either."

Khushi opened and closed her mouth in shock. "So you're telling me no one in this hospital has done a work up?"

Matt shook his head in the negative holding his breath. 

She burst out laughing shoving the file back in his hands. "Great joke."

"I'm not joking Gupta."

Immediately she stopped laughing and scowled. "Neither am I. Are you crazy. You want me to loose my job? Do it yourself."

"Look I wouldn't ask if I wasn't desperate."

Khushi looked at the despondency splashed across his face and rubbed her head tiredly. "Can't you get the patient in for a physcial one time."

"There are privacy issues. They don't want to be recognised. It could have negative effect on their career if they were to be recognised by anyone here."

"Do the physical off site if you have to."

"Do you reckon that will hold up?"

"Why not? If you can do that I'll take this to Danes. Let me read through this in more detail tonight though."

Parker smiled in relief, sagging against the counter. "Your a champion Gupta."

"Yeah yeah....whatever..."

He smiled. "Seriously I appreciate." Walking away he had a skip in his step. Stopping he turned around and yelled..."I forgot to mention the patient's a Type 1 Diabetic...it might help with the UNOS registry."

Khushi shooed him away. Her pager beeped. Pushing herself back from the swivel chair she stood up. The tab on the file caught her attention.

Presenting PATIENT: Anjali Singh Raizada

Referring Doctor: Dr. A. Mathur

******************************************************************************

N/B: One of the non-modifable risk factors for Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 is having genetic susceptibility.

I know this update was very technical but it is important. All you need to know is that a heart transplant is required. All doc's out there reading this...I am not a cardiac specialist please grant me leave to screw this up.

Oh and I just re-read chapter 49 and 50 of YLME and fell in love with myself. Ok....exaggeration but I loved it. GO read it! It will make you smile!

Heart's A Mess: Chapter Ten

"Anjali! Come on in....I was waiting for you."

Khushi froze.

Anjali?

It couldn't be. Could it? There had to be hundred's of Anjali's in America. Biting down on her bottom lip she closed her eyes and tried to resist the devil. Alas the temptation was too great. Pivoting on her heel she made her way down the corridor, finding some excuse to be near Matt's cubicle. Her behaviour was bordering on morally abhorrent but patience had never been a strong suite for Dr. Gupta. Aimlessly flipping through patient files, she concentrated on the strained whispers across the corridor...

"There's been no change to report." Matt Parker sounded visibly frustrated. "The board is still not willing to make a recommendation and to be honest I can't blame them. You're giving me nothing to go on."

"...I thought that..."

"Well if I could do a physical exam it might change the outcome."

"You know that's not possible. I can't afford anyone finding out."

"And why is that?"

"The situation has become more complicated."

"More complicated? How could it possibly be more complicated. Is it confidentiality? You don't trust me?"

"No no. Of course not. I trust you but you're not the only one with access to records are you Dr. Parker?"

There was an extended pause. "Do you have any changes to report? It might help me convince the board. Help me help you Anjali."

"I ran a series of tests." Khushi swore she heard the lady's voice shake. "I'm afraid the results...the results aren't good."

"We'll get through it together. I promise. One step at a time ok." Khushi had now given up pretending to read the files and inched her way closer to them. Matt was squeezing Anjali's hand as she tried her best not to cry.

"I'm being stupid. I mean I'm cardiologist for godsake. I should know better." 

"When it's personal nothing is ever easy. Let's go through the test results ok? We can take it from there."

"I've done the ECHO again and another ECG. The mitral regurge is becoming worse and there are signs that... "

Khushi felt a tap on her shoulder. "Shhhh." She tried to swat the hand away, intent on listening in on the results of the latest echocardiogram. The tapping became more insistent. Frustrated, she swivelled on the spot and shouted...

"WHAT!?"

Dr. Danes raised his eyebrows and Khushi sobered up immediately. "That's exactly what I was about to ask you. What the hell are you doing here when I specifically asked you to bring the files for ward rounds?"

"Ummm....I....uh...sorry." she floundered for a while before ending with a sheepish apology.

"Where is your head at today Gupta?" Danes looked at her disappointed. "Now... are you coming or not?"

Having the decency to look ashamed she quietly picked up the files and trudged behind him dutifully. Still, there was a nagging part of her subconscious annoyed by the fact that her knowledge about the beautiful 'Anjali' had been left wanting.

********************************************************************************* 

The dark hall was slowly lit up by dim overheads and the crowd began to filter their way out of the cinema. Arnav squinted as his eyes acclimatised to the sudden change in the intensity of light. Craning his neck he saw Khushi fast asleep on his shoulder. 

She was exhausted. 

The past few days had been chaotic for the two of them. There had been no time at all in their busy schedules to see one another. So today when he had finished up work at the godly hour of eight pm he rushed straight to the hospital to drag her out for a date. Khushi was decidedly unhappy given the late notice. After a 36 hour shift she looked like hell and was not in the mood to go out with him looking the way she did. It took Arnav the good part of fifteen minutes to convince her that he thought she looked beautiful no matter what she wore. To be fair to Khushi the only reason she had relented was because of the sly smirks and jibes the rest of the staff were throwing her way. Blushing profusely and no longer able to bear the teasing, she grabbed her feather down jacket and stomped down the corridor leaving Arnav and everyone else in her wake. 

How long do you reckon before she notices?  Shagun had asked.

Thirty seconds.

Thirty seconds later Dr. Gupta had stomped straight back to her desk realising she was still in her scrubs. As soon as the door to the locker rooms had shut, the staff at the nursing station burst out laughing. As much as Arnav had wanted to show Khushi solidarity he found it increasingly hard not to smile. Finally they had made it out of the hospital this time with Khushi wearing what was considerably more appropriate an attire.

"Khushi..." Arnav gently shook her awake. No luck. Selfishly, he took a few moments just to look at her as she rest against him. She looked at peace. As if all the battles she had been fighting had ceased to exist. Somewhere he hoped that one day it wouldn't just take her falling asleep for her to look like this. Caressing her cheek her whispered... "As much as I would like to carry you Gupta...I'm not sure you would appreciate it here."

"Huh?" she mumbled sleepily. Looking around she took in her surroundings. It was a few moments before she registered exactly where she was. She sat up in alarm. "Oh my god! I fell asleep." Looking toward Arnav embarrassed she apologised..."I'm so sorry." Khushi wanted to kick herself. How he must think her so desperate to fall asleep on him as she did. Though, that thought didn't have much time to sink in as she became enamoured by the boyish grin on his face. "Don't apologise I fell asleep too."

"Oh..." she replied softly as they walked out of the cinema hall side by side.

"I didn't realise it would be that long."

Khushi frowned. "I know! Three hours! Even Bollywood movie's aren't that long anymore."

"I thought most girls like musicals?"

She turned to look at him annoyed. "Do I look like most girls to you?"

Arnav laughed, forming clouds of mist in the cold night air. Turning to face her, he stood very close. "No you don't....but you had the book in your collection. So I thought you might enjoy it."

The proximity made it very difficult for Khushi to think straight, her breathing just a fraction more pronounced. "You remembered?" she let out in a small voice. The idea that he would peruse through her book collection, remember a selection and use it to inform his choice in film for their date floored her. He tried to shrug it off.

"Yeah well....doesn't matter does it? It was probably the wrong choice."

She rushed to reassure him. "No...don't say that. Any other day I would have really enjoyed it. The performances were really amazing its just that I'm so tired."

"I just wanted to spend some time with you."

There was an honesty and vulnerability in his voice that caught her off guard. Why did this impossibly beautiful and intelligent man want to spend time with her? It didn't make any sense in the realms of her painfully logical mind.

"Why?" Her voice faltered with hesitancy.

"Why what?"

"Why do you want to go out with me? Spend time with me? I've been meaning to ask you this since the first time we met."

"Gupta why are you making this hard?" he sighed, looking down into her very confused eyes. They were standing at a distance of barely a foot. Arnav towered over her as she craned her neck upward to meet his eyes.

"I'm not. Not on purpose....it's just I.....don't understand."

"What's there to understand? I'm attracted to you."

"But why? There are a million other girls who would have more time for you, are way more beautiful, have more patience and less baggage."

"They wouldn't be you though." Arnav leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her nose. Her eyes had gently drifted shut and he watched the dull blush inflame across her cheeks. "You know for someone who's such a ball buster you can be painfully shy. But I love that....making you feel like a woman. Being the one that has the ability to make your knees go weak. That you react to me not because of what I am but because of who I am. I like trying to understand the complex creature that you are. I like the fact you don't let me get away with crap and that you are focussed, driven and highly ambitious. That you don't look at me with pity when I tell you I lost my parents but with a shared understanding of the pain. I love the way you pretend to be all tough but aren't. The rest I don't know...but I do know that I want to find out. That's why I want to spend time with you. Is that enough Gupta or should I submit a formal article on the topic?"

Khushi gulped and looked down, shying away from his gaze. Her heart was a flutter and the butterflies that had recently taken up residence in the hollow recesses of her belly were wreaking havoc. It all seemed to good to be true. Did she really have a shot at the happiness that she had been too afraid to even dream about? Arnav stepped forward a fraction more and now she could see his shoes and feel the warmth of his breath as it caressed the side of her neck. Cupping her face, he willed her to look at him. Khushi resisted, her eyes firmly shut.

"Look at me." The deep baritone resonated huskily, commanding her to obey.

Slowly her emerald orbs flickered open, glassy with unresolved emotions. The second their eyes locked, he swooped down to claim his prize, mating his warm lips with hers. Significantly more prepared this time, Khushi stood on her tiptoes wrapping his arms around his neck as he chose to wrap his around her waist, cuddling her closer to him. This kiss was slow and sweet, absent of the urgency that had consumed them a few days ago. They held on to one another, exploring and discovering, becoming comfortable with the physicality of their bodies. Torturously, Arnav traced the outline of her mouth, familiarising himself with its contours. Khushi ran a hand through his hair, coming to rest on his cheek.

A few moments later they pulled away, still locked in the embrace.

"Don't you think that's a good enough reason to want to spend time with you?" Arnav grinned in between ragged breaths, his forehead resting against hers.

Khushi pushed him away playfully. With lightening reflexes, he grabbed her arm, swinging her back around on to his chest. "Stop running scared. Take it one day at a time ok? We might have a good thing...we might not. But if you don't take the chance you won't know."

Sighing deeply, she nodded and squirmed out of his embrace walking along the harbour. The view of Cleveland from here was spectacular. All of its twinkling lights beckoning her to loose herself in the magic. Hands brushed as they walked with one another in companionable silence enjoying the still star lit night. Almost naturally, Arnav slipped his hand into hers continuing to look out over the water as if nothing had happened. He felt her stiffen but she made no real attempt to remove it. Smirking he asked...

"On a scale of performing a surgery to watching Edward Cullen how uncomfortable are you right now?"

Khushi scowled at him. "I'm not used to this ok. It's not me."

He raised an eyebrow. "Affection isn't you?"

"No. It's not. I'm not the kind of person who does these things."

Arnav was beginning to understand just how afraid she was. From his perspective the notion was ridiculous. Khushi had everything going for her. She was smart, beautiful, kind, loyal...she had the world at her feet. Still the baggage of her past wouldn't be so easily erased. He would have to be patient. "Does this feel good to you?"

She nodded hesitantly.

"Gupta, with me you can be what you want to be and not what you think you have to be."

There in lay the end of the discussion, their hands still intertwined. From the corner of his eyes, Arnav caught sight of a 50's style ice cream parlour. "Want some ice-cream?"

"In this weather? Are you nuts?"

"This is the best kind of weather to have ice-cream."

 "We'll get sick." Khushi looked at him, as if pointing out the obvious.

"God the doctor in you can't help itself can it? I feel sorry for our children."

Taking a few seconds to recover from this statement, she bit back..."I thought we were taking this one day at a time?"

"No... you were. I've already planned our retirement." he teased.

Khushi grumbled..."Let's just get the damn ice-cream."

*********************************************************************************

Heart's A Mess Chapter Nine Part Two

"Family isn't just about whose blood runs through your veins. It's about who never left your side, 

stood up for you and believed in you."

- Adrien Body

******************************************************************************

"Are you singing Gupta?"

Khushi looked up from her paperwork unable to wipe the grin off her face. "What's it to you Parker?"

"Nothing. Except your tone deaf and my ears are dying."

"Leave her alone Matt! Can't you see she's in lurveeeeee" Jahnvi teased.

Shagun and Meg laughed as Khushi threw her pen at Jahnvi's head.

Matt grinned. "That's right. I heard lover boy waited all night for you in the lounge."

"Oh yeah, Mr Dreamboat even brought her flowers." Meg jibed. Shagun rolled her eyes as she saw Matt stiffen, jealous of Meg's opinions about another guy.

Khushi leaned back in her chair with a silly little smile on her face as she remembered the way all his features had softened as he slept. Her heart did a little flutter.



Meg, Shagun, Matt and Jahnvi stared at Khushi as she became lost in her own little world. Clearing his throat Matt tired to garner her attention. Looking up, Khushi instantly coloured realising what she had done. Reverting back to auto pilot she scowled...

"None of us get paid to sit around. Go! Shoo! Save lives."

The four looked at one another knowingly and snickered. "Aye aye Dr. Gupta."

As everyone got back to their respective jobs, Khushi found it incredibly difficult to concentrate on the discharge papers as her mind wandered back to the evening before. Flashes of those memories ignited a dull hum under the surface of her skin, the energy making her restless. There was something dangerous about the way he looked at her. Almost addictive.

*****************************************************************************

"I grew up in a tough neighbourhood." she softly confessed, continuing to stroke his cheek. Arnav watched as her eyes took on a distant quality, his heart beating painfully fast as he reacted to her touch. "I lost my parents when I was young and there was no one to look out for me. As I started growing up I got unwanted attention." Her voice was no louder than a whisper. "I've always been petite so knowing how to protect myself became a priority. Anyway I'm so used to living alone that when you touched me I reacted on instinct. I didn't mean to..."

Arnav put a finger over her lips, silencing her with his eyes. There was no need for her to apologise. 

He pulled her down so that she sat across his lap. The intimacy of the situation brought about a rush of blood to the head. The room was silent save the soft lilt of the music from the ipod dock. She closed her eyes and listened to the harmony of their heartbeats and the crescendo and decrescendo of their breath. Slowly he ran his hand up and down her back trying to provide comfort, guiding her head to his shoulder. Her body relaxed into him, moulding itself to his form. Sitting in the cradle of his arms, she let herself go, his touch cathartic. A little while later her face began to feel moist.

Khushi realised.... she was crying. 

The longing of a lifetime broke at its seams. Clutching his collar she began to sob softly. Arnav stiffened unsure of what had brought this on. Whispering softly in her ear, he held on to her tightly, trying to ease her pain. Khushi cried for all her lost dreams and shattered illusions. Khushi cried at the hand life had dealt her. Khushi cried for the love she had never known. After a while she sat up. Arnav wiped her eyes. Cupping her cheek, he ran his thumb over the plump mound and asked with his eyes earnest...

"What's wrong?"

Khushi averted her gaze, embarrassed by her behaviour. "I..." her voice cracked. She tried again. "I've never been held that way by anyone."

Arnav felt as though someone had plunged a knife into his chest and ripped out his heart. Smiling, he kissed her cheek softly and tucked loose wisps of hair behind her ears. His fingers skimmed the soft flesh of her sensitive lobe and he whispered.

"Better get used to it then Gupta."

Khushi looked at him with wide eyes, taken aback by his response.

"I'm serious. I can't have you ruining my shirt every time."

She looked down to the wet patch near his right shoulder region. Punching him lightly, she accused..."You're a bastard."

Arnav grinned. "And she's back."

Khushi rolled her eyes and tried to get up. Grabbing her wrist he pulled her back down. "Don't feel embarrassed about what just happened. I'm glad that it did...that you shared that with me."

Khushi gulped uncomfortably and looked everywhere other than at him. Putting his finger under her chin he made her look at him. "I'm serious Khushi." Holding on to her hands he steeled himself. "I lost my parents when I was very young too." Khushi looked at him in shock. "I hated them for it. Never forgave them. But I was lucky that I had a sister and nani. You...you had no one. I can't imagine..." Arnav shook his head. "What I am trying to say is that you're not alone. Not anymore. Not if I have something to say about it. Ok Gupta?"

Khushi nodded confused by all that she had heard. Arnav watched as she withdrew from him reverting back into the hard casing of the shell she had spent so long building. Standing up she brushed herself off and made herself busy putting the chocolate batter for the muffins in the oven. Arnav waited to see if she would acknowledge him. She didn't. Instead she was intent on pretending as if nothing had ever happened. Accepting the fact that it would take her time to open up to him, he decided it was best if he left. 

"I should probably go...I never meant to stay so long anyway. Thanks for breakfast."

Khushi stood in the far corner of the kitchen looking at the floor and fidgeting with her top. "You don't have to thank me. You were the one who made it."

Arnav rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah...well..." he trailed off awkwardly. Picking up his jacket and keys he walked toward the front door. "See you soon Gupta?"

She nodded holding the door open for him. Standing in the hallway, half way out the door, he hesitated. Khushi looked up into his eyes confused. It was almost as if he were waiting for something. Holding her gaze he searched her eyes. A second later he shook his head, dissipating the fragility of the moment and walked to his car without so much as a second glance. 

Khushi closed the door disappointed. More so in herself than in him. Leaning her back against the door she let her eyes flutter shut and heard the ghost of his voice whispering in her ear. Better get used to it Gupta. How could she possibly explain to him that this was precisely what she was afraid of. Life had taught her not to depend on anyone. Not to 'get used' to anyone. What if it didn't work out between them? What if she depended on him and then he left her. Khushi didn't think she had it in her to recover from that....to recover from him. 

The door bell rang and her eyes snapped open. Turning around she opened the door. Arnav stood on the steps looking a little out of breath.

"Umm....I forgot something."

"Oh...sure." Khushi stepped aside to let him in. Looking toward the living area...."What did you leave behind." 

Realising that she hadn't got an answer, she turned her gaze back to Arnav only to see him staring at her intently as if trying to decide something. 

"What..." 

"Screw it!" Arnav cut her off, pulling her forward on to his chest and bending down to kiss her. Khushi squealed in surprise, the noise cut off as claimed her, unrelenting in his assault. At first the shock of it all made her fall limp in his arms. With her neck supported by his hand she let him take control, enjoying the feel of him against her. His touch was feather light at first, teasing her, dropping soft kisses on her eyelids, her cheeks, her nose, her earlobes, her jaw, down the column of her neck and finally back to her lips. Her face was now flush and her breathing heavy. Khushi was lost in the cocoon of warmth floating on the natural high, curling her toes and arching her back. Surely this much pleasure could not be real?

Slowly, Arnav began to encourage her to take part in the dance, coaxing her to kiss him back. Timidly she nibbled on his upper lips, her hand splayed against his chest. The innocent gesture liberated a carnal growl from deep inside his chest, reverberating against her palm. Khushi gasped and without a moments notice Arnav darted his tongue out to consume her fully. Gripping his upper arm, Khushi felt his biceps flex under her touch. The compounding sensations were all too much. A soft whimper escaped her, and he squeezed her closer into him. 

Just as quickly as he had initiated the kiss, he ended it, pushing her away. Breathing heavily he gasped... "Can't... breathe...damn... nose."

"Whaaa..." Khushi mumbled still slightly dizzy.

 Registering the plaster on his nose, she began to giggle hysterically holding onto her stomach. "It's not funny!" he growled which just made her laugh more. 

Standing up he yanked her forward brusquely, his arm around her waist. "That shut you up didn't it?" 

Lightly biting her cheek he complained... "Damn you Gupta. It's all your fault. If you hadn't broken my nose I could have kept kissing you."

Shyly she looked down and pushed him away. He stumbled back a little. Walking backward out of her door he looked her in the eye...

"I will see you soon Khushi."

Swinging his car key's around his finger he turned around and left.

Had it not been for the support of the door her knees would have given way. Khushi. No one had ever said her name that way. As if it were a tender caress. She blushed and smiled.

Screw it indeed!

******************************************************************************

"Can I please have my resident back?"

Khushi vaguely registered the hand waving in front of her. Her elbow slipped of the table and she momentarily lost her balance. Dr. Danes rolled his eyes.

"Dr. Gupta stop day dreaming about your boyfriend and come with me. I'm doing a ward round, bring all the patient files."

Khushi flushed embarrassed by her behaviour and cursed Arnav Singh Raizada under her breath. The interns were off doing their exams and she was left doing the grunt work. Stacking file after file in her hand she waddled a bit like a duck, trying not to drop anything. Still she wouldn't be Khushi Kumari Gupta is she didn't fall flat on her face once in a while. Cursing her bad luck and rubbing her sore back she began to collate all the files off the floor.

"Ummm....excuse me?" a sweet female voice interrupted her.

She looked up from the floor to see a woman in her mid thirties wearing a saree catching Khushi slightly off guard. She was beautiful. There was no two ways about it. Her hair was done up in a high pony tail and she wore a black chiffon saree with a dull gold blouse. The woman was married, the black and gold beads of her mangalsutra peeping out from behind her palla. Khushi suddenly felt very daggy in her scrubs. Standing up with the files in hand she replied...

"Can I help you?"

"Yes. I was wondering if you could point me in the direction of Dr. Parker's office?"

Khushi laughed.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"Oh no no! It's just that the word office around here is funny. I don't know about is office but I could point you toward his cubicle."

The woman's concerned face fell away and she smiled. "Please... I would be grateful."

Khushi looked over her shoulder, trying to balance the overflowing files. "Down this corridor, third door to your left." Just at that moment Matt stuck his head out the door. "Oh look there he is now."

The woman politely thanked her and walked away with the poise and grace Khushi had dreamed of her entire life. She did, however, notice a slight limp in the woman's gait. Khushi observed her curiously for a second and then made her way to ward rounds. Her journey was a short one as she stopped dead in her tracks hearing Matt's voice boom down the hall.

"Anjali! Come on in....I was waiting for you."

******************************************************************************

I'M BACK! GO ME! Two updates in two days. I should get an award. Anyhoo I promise a more in depth Author note after YLME update.

Please though know that when you guys comment it does make my day!

Love Sasak