𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟎𝟐|𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐠𝐞

Rajveer’s POV

As darkness settled outside, my thoughts drifted to her. My Doctor Sahiba. A soft chucked escaped my lips as I savored the nickname I had given her.

It was more than just a name it was a reflection of the quiet yet undeniable hold she had on my heart. And yet, our story was only beginning to unfold, much like the petals of a flower slowly opening to greet the first rays of dawn.

I couldn't get her out of my mind. The way she smiled, the way her long, the way her eyes sparkled with amusement when she laughed it was as if every detail of her had been etched into my memory. I had never been the kind of man to dwell on a woman, but something about her was different.

It felt like I had been punched in the gut, the air knocked out of my lungs, leaving me disoriented and restless.

I was a man who never got attached, yet here I was, completely consumed by thoughts of a woman I had only recently met. It was ridiculous.

I was Rajveer Singh Rajawat a mafia lord, feared and respected.

I didn't do romance.

I didn't do feelings.

And yet, standing alone in my mansion, staring blankly at the wall, I couldn't shake off the strange, unsettling feeling that had taken root inside me.

I shook my head in frustration. "What the hell is wrong with you?" I muttered to myself, disgusted by my own distraction.

"You're acting like some lovesick fool."

But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't push her out of my mind. It was as if some unseen force had taken control of me, making me crave her presence, her voice, her laughter.

Just then, my phone rang, snapping me out of my thoughts.

The name "Maa" flashed on the screen. My lips curled into a small smile as I picked up the call.

"Beta, tu theek hai?" My mother's gentle yet firm voice came through, filled with concern. "Tujhe kitni baar kaha hai, ki tu apna dhyan rakha kar?"

["Son, are you fine? How many times have I told you to take care of yourself?"]

I let out a soft chuckle, a mix of amusement and guilt washing over me. No matter how old I got, I would always be her little boy in her eyes.

"Relax, Maa, kuch nahi hua mujhe," I reassured her. "Aur aapne mujhe call kiya hai, koi kaam tha?"

["Relax, Mom, nothing happened to me. And you called me, did you need something?"]

Her voice was like a soothing balm to my restless thoughts. No matter how much blood stained my hands, no matter how many enemies I crushed beneath my feet, my mother's love remained the one pure, unwavering force in my life.

But even as I spoke to her, my thoughts kept drifting back to her.

To Doctor Sahiba.

My mother's response, however, was not what I expected.

"Haan, yeh kaam tha ki iss shanivaar tak tum wapas aa jao. Hum sab tumhare liye ladki dekhne ja rahe hain."

["Yes, the reason I called was to tell you that we are going to look for a girl for you this Saturday, so you should be back by then."]

I rolled my eyes, an exasperated sigh escaping me. Of course. Here I was, completely taken by a woman, and meanwhile, my mother was busy arranging my marriage to someone else. The irony wasn't lost on me.

"Ma sa, humne aapko kitni baar kaha hai, humein yeh shaadi-waadi nahi karni. Yeh sab faaltu ki cheezein hain," I protested, rubbing my temple in frustration.

["Mom, how many times have I told you I don't want to get married? All this wedding business is useless."]

But my mother was not one to be deterred.

Her voice was firm when she replied, "Mujhe kuch nahi pata, tumhe aana hoga."

["I don't care, you have to come."]

I sighed, knowing there was no escaping her stubbornness.

"Haan, theek hai, Maa," I muttered before ending the call.

["Okay, fine, Mom."]

I ran a hand through my hair, glancing at my watch. It was already 8 AM. I had an appointment at the hospital at 9 AM for a check-up, so I needed to get moving. With that thought in mind, I headed to my bathroom for a quick shower.

As the warm water cascaded down my body, I felt a sense of relaxation wash over me. But even in that solitude, she invaded my thoughts again.

Her face, her laughter, the way her eyes held secrets I wanted to unravel I was completely and utterly captivated.

"Ekdam chand jaisa... chand bhi fika hai unke mukhde ke saamne," I murmured, a small smile tugging at my lips.

["She's as beautiful as the moon... but even the moon looks dull compared to her face."]

I finished my shower and got dressed in a tailored navy-blue suit, the fabric hugging my frame perfectly. Adjusting my tie, I glanced at my reflection.

A picture of power, confidence, and control. But underneath that exterior, there was a strange restlessness simmering inside me.

Stepping out of my room, I found my right-hand man, Abhiman, waiting for me at the bottom of the staircase. He handed me a folder as he walked beside me.

"Sir, you have a busy day ahead. First, we stop by the hospital for your check-up, and then you have a meeting with Mr. Oberoi to discuss the merger," he briefed me efficiently.

I nodded, taking the file from him as we stepped into the garage. My car a sleek black Rolls-Royce was already waiting, the engine humming quietly. My security team followed in a separate vehicle, their sharp eyes scanning the surroundings as we pulled out of the estate.

As we drove toward the hospital, I found myself growing impatient. Not because of the check-up, but because of the possibility of seeing her again.

Would she be the one examining me today?

The thought sent an unexpected thrill through me, a smirk playing on my lips.

I was a man who didn't believe in love, the man who had no time for emotions was looking forward to meeting a woman.

Fate, it seemed, had a wicked sense of humor.

Saanvi Pov':

As I walked through the hospital corridors, a sense of satisfaction filled me.

It had been a busy morning, but my best friend and I had worked efficiently, checking on patients and making sure they received the best care possible.

I glanced at my phone and saw that it was already 9 AM. Slipping it back into my pocket, I continued strolling down the hallway, my mind occupied with the usual thoughts about patient reports and upcoming cases.

But then, a deep, familiar voice called out behind me, sending an unexpected shiver down my spine.

"Doctor Sahiba."

I froze for a brief second before turning around, my heart skipping a beat as my eyes met his.

It was him. The man I had met yesterday. The one who had an air of quiet authority, as if the world itself bent to his will. I still didn't know his name, but there was something about him something magnetic, something that made it impossible to look away.

"Mr...?" I asked, realizing that he had never actually introduced himself.

He smiled, his dark eyes crinkling slightly at the corners, and I felt my pulse quicken.

"Good morning, Doctor Sahiba," he said smoothly, his voice laced with an easy charm.

"I see you're busy as always. I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

I shook my head, trying to compose myself. "Not at all, Mr...?"

I prompted again, hoping this time he would give me a name.

But instead of answering, he only smiled, amusement flickering in his gaze.

"We'll get to that later, Doctor. For now, let's just say I'm here for my check-up."

I let out a soft breath, shaking my head slightly at his evasiveness, but I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips.

"Alright then, follow me," I said, leading him toward my cabin.

Once inside, I gestured for him to sit down. He lowered himself onto the examination table with the same effortless confidence he carried everywhere.

I focused on my work, gently taking his arm in my hands as I examined the wound. His skin was warm beneath my fingertips, and I could feel the solid strength of his muscles. I applied light pressure around the bandaged area, checking for any signs of infection.

"Any pain?" I asked, glancing up at him.

"Not really," he replied, though something in his voice told me he was downplaying it.

I sighed, shaking my head slightly. "You should be more careful," I murmured, peeling back the bandage with gentle precision.

As I worked, I placed my hand lightly on his chest to check his breathing. The moment my palm rested against him, I felt it his heartbeat.

Fast.

Strong.

Almost... erratic.

I frowned slightly and looked up at him.

"Why is your heart beating so fast?" I asked, my voice filled with concern.

For a moment, he just stared at me, his intense gaze locking onto mine. And then, slowly, a smirk curved his lips.

"Maybe you should tell me, Doctor Sahiba," he said, his voice lower, almost teasing.

And just like that, I felt my own heart start to race.

Rajveer pov:

I felt a strange flutter in my chest as her small hands rested against me, her fingers pressing gently into my skin. Her touch was light, almost hesitant, yet it sent an unexpected warmth coursing through me.

"Why is your heart beating so fast?" she asked softly, her voice soothing yet tinged with curiosity.

For a brief moment, I considered telling her the truth that it had nothing to do with my health and everything to do with her proximity.

But instead, I looked away, afraid that if I met her gaze, she would see right through me.

I cleared my throat, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil raging inside me.

"I... I guess I'm just a little nervous," I said, forcing a slight chuckle.

She leaned in closer, and I could feel the warmth of her breath against my ear. The scent of her a mix of fresh roses and antiseptic wrapped around me, making it even harder to focus.

"There's no need to be nervous," she whispered.

Easy for her to say. She wasn't the one feeling like a damn teenager with a crush.

I kept my expression neutral as she continued checking my wound, her delicate fingers working with practiced precision.

"And also, Mr...," she started, clearly still waiting for me to introduce myself, "your wound is still healing. Please take extra precautions and prioritize self-care."

I watched her, my eyes lingering on the way she carefully rewrapped the bandage. There was something so gentle about her, yet I sensed a quiet strength beneath that kindness.

Abhiman, my right-hand man, stood nearby, silently observing the exchange. His gaze flickered between us, as if sensing an unspoken tension.

I broke the silence. "So, can I go home now?" My voice came out colder than I intended, but it was the only way I knew how to mask emotions I didn't fully understand.

She smiled wryly, her hands still tending to my wound. "You always seem so eager to get home, sir."

Her words made something inside me shift. For a fleeting second, I hesitated.

Home?

Did I even have one?

My jaw tightened slightly before I answered.

"Because I have too much work," I said, my voice low and even.

Her curiosity was evident. She paused for a second before asking, "Aap kaam karte kya ho?"

["What do you do?"]

I smirked slightly at her innocent question. If only she knew.

As she finished changing my bandage, I replied with unnerving calmness, "Jyda kuch nahi, daily teen chaar aadmiyo ko thokta hu."

["Nothing much, I just kill three or four men every day."]

Her hands froze mid-air, the bandage she had been about to secure slipping slightly from her fingers.

A visible shiver ran through her, and for the first time since I walked into this room, I saw something other than quiet confidence in her eyes.

Shock.

Fear.

Disbelief.

She gazed at me in stunned silence, my words still hanging in the air like a storm waiting to break.

And for some reason, I couldn't look away.

"I'm sure that's not something you should be proud of," she said, her voice neutral.

I smiled, intrigued by her reaction. "Maybe not," I said, "but it's who I am."

Her's eyes flicked up to mine, a hint of curiosity in their depths. For a moment, we just looked at each other, Then, she looked away, her expression composed once more.

"You need to take care of yourself," she said, her voice firm.

I laughed, the sound low and husky. I nodded, my eyes locked on hers.

Her's cheeks flushed in a pinkish coloured, but she didn't look away.

🌷

SAANVI POV:

I was checking on him, and then my phone rang. "Just a minute, please," I said, and he nodded. I answered the call, and my best friend Ishika's voice was on the other end.

"Hey Saanu, get to my cabin ASAP! Someone's here to see you," she said.

I was curious and couldn't help but wonder who might be waiting for me.

"Who is it?" I asked Ishika, trying to keep my voice low.

But Ishika just laughed and said, "You'll see! Just get here quickly."

I turned to him and said, "Sir, would you mind waiting for five minutes? I'll be right back."

He nodded, and I left my cabin to head to Ishika's.

I walked, I wondered who could be visiting. When I arrived at Ishika's cabin, I was excited to see Tanvi Rathore, my second bestie and a lawyer, standing there. She's always been a sweetheart and like a lovely sister to me.

"Heyy, how are you, sweety? My Tani!" I exclaimed, hugging her tightly. She hugged me back.

We three are chatted in her cabin, catching up on everything.

But then she dropped a bombshell "Saanu, I think it's time you got married. Someone's interested in you."

I glared at her. "What are you talking about? Who could it be? You know I'm not interested in relationships anymore, not after my past."

Ishika smiled mischievously. "The patient you checked on yesterday? Maybe he's the one, and maybe he's even here to see you today."

Tanvi's eyes lit up. "Ooh, who's the handsome daddy?"

We all burst out laughing. I rolled my eyes. "It's nothing like that. He's just a patient, and besides, he's an arrogant jerk."

"He's so rude," I said, chuckling. "Every time I ask him something, he says, 'It's none of your business, Doctor Sahiba'."

Ishika and Tanvi burst out laughing. "Do his mimicry, Saanu " they urged.

I cleared my throat and said in a deep, mock-serious tone, "It's none of your business, Doctor Sahiba."

The two of them burst into laughter and gave me a high-five. But our fun didn't last long we suddenly heard a familiar voice behind us. It was none other than the handsome patient.

"Really Doctor Sahiba," he said, his voice low and husky,

"though I must say, your impression needs work - my tone is far more intimidating." A sly smile spread across his face, his eyes glinting with amusement, as he towered over us, exuding an aura of quiet confidence.

"Sir, you are here," I said, looking at the ground. "I said to you that I will be there in 5 minutes." I couldn't bring myself to look into his eyes, still reeling from my earlier mistakes.

Meanwhile, my two best friends sat there, watching us like they were witnessing a romantic show. I mumbled to myself, "I will tell you both," while glaring at them.

He locked eyes with me, his gaze intense, and said, "Actually, I'm getting late for work, that's why I came here." With that, he turned and left.

I exhaled a sigh of relief, only to be met with the giggles of my two best friends.

Tanvi, hands on hips, teased, "He's daddy material, Saanu.And even he's my brother bestfriend ".

I shot them a withering glare and replied, "He's just a patient yaar. And, for your information, I'm not interested in a grumpy type mens."

Their jaws dropped in unison as I admitted I haven't any interest in him .The awkward silence was interrupted by the ringing of my phone.

I glanced at the screen and saw my mother's name flashing. I picked up the call and put it on speaker, curious about what she wanted. "Hello, Saanvi beta?" my mother's voice chimed in, filling the room.

As I answered the phone, my friends and I exchanged excitement glances. "Haa mumma," I replied, trying to sound casual.

My friends chimed in with a respectful "Namaste" over the phone, and my mother returned the greeting warmly.

But her next words caught me off guard. "Beta, tomorrow your dad's friends are coming home to seeing for your marriage."

My heart sank, and I felt a wave of panic wash over me. "What, mumma? I don't want to get married!" I protested, trying to keep my voice steady.

My mother's soothing tone calmed me down slightly. "I know, beta, but just meet them, they're nice people, and they also live here in Jaipur."

Before I could argue further, she added, "Come home quickly, we have a lot of work to do for tomorrow, and bring your friends along."

I ended the call, feeling a mix of emotions. My friends, sensing my unease, exchanged excited glances, and we headed home in silence.