The anticipation buzzed in the air as fans filled the concert hall, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their favorite rockstar, Reyansh Malhotra. Backstage, Reyansh stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his outfit and running a hand through his tousled hair. The nerves and excitement mingled within him, knowing that tonight's performance held a special significance.Saarayu watched from the wings, a smile playing on her lips as she observed her husband's pre-show rituals. She couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at the sight of him, knowing the passion and dedication he poured into his music. As Reyansh turned to face her, his eyes lit up with a mixture of excitement and nervousness."Are you ready for tonight?" Saarayu asked, crossing the room to stand beside him.Reyansh nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "As ready as I'll ever be. This concert feels different, somehow. Like there's something special in the air."Saarayu's smile widened, knowing exactly what he meant. She p
The clock ticked, a relentless metronome to Reyansh's growing unease. Fifteen minutes to a preordained disaster. He wasn't nervous, exactly, but trapped. Trapped in a tuxedo that felt more like a straightjacket and a life his father envisioned, not him.Sure, he looked the part of a billionaire's son on a date. The crisp white shirt hugged his broad shoulders, the black bowtie a stark contrast. The tailored tuxedo, a recent shopping spree "courtesy" of his enthusiastic Mom, fit perfectly. Yet, it felt like a costume.His fingers, accustomed to the smooth caress of guitar strings, felt alien around the stiff collar. The cologne his Dad insisted on reeked of old money, suffocating the rockstar wannabe simmering beneath the surface.Six more grueling months of internship and he'd finally be a doctor, the coveted MBBS a badge of honor. Then, the real dream - Cardiac Surgery. But his father, in his infinite business-oriented wisdom, seemed obsessed with him inheriting the empire.A blind d
Sunlight sliced through the window, rousing Reyansh from a restless sleep. Beside him, Avi stirred, her brow furrowed in worry. "Mamma? Dadda?" she mumbled, searching for the familiar comfort of her parents.A pang of heartache shot through Reyansh. Taking a deep breath, he forced a smile. "Hey there, sleepyhead! Time for our morning adventure!" He scooped her up, twirling her playfully. "Bath time first, then we're off to see my friends and maybe even grab some ice cream!"Avi's face lit up at the mention of ice cream. Though barely managing the word, she let out a happy squeal, "Ith-cream!""That's right, ice cream!" Reyansh echoed, his voice tinged with a newfound cheer. "Let's get ready, little princess. Are you ready to be a brave girl today?"Avi, momentarily distracted, puffed out her chest and declared, "Yep! Leady!"A chuckle escaped Reyansh's lips. "That's my girl," he whispered, a surge of gratitude washing over him. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Avi's innocent joy w
As the heavy oak door slammed shut behind Reyansh, Shila let out a shaky breath, the anger momentarily draining from her face."Wow," she murmured, sinking back onto the plush bed. "That was… intense."Ken scoffed, running a hand through his mussed hair. "The nerve of him, showing up here like that. Did you see the look on his face when he saw us?" A cruel smile played on his lips.Shila shivered, a flicker of unease crossing her features. "It was… satisfying, in a way. But also a little scary. What if he…""Don't worry, darling," Ken interrupted, pulling her close. "He's nothing. A broke has-been with a screaming kid. We've got nothing to fear from him.""But what about the music?" Shila whispered, her voice laced with a hint of concern. "He'll know… he'll recognize his own work."Ken chuckled, a low, humorless sound. "So? We'll just keep feeding him scraps, enough to keep him quiet. Besides, who cares about a ghostwriter, right? The world only sees the star on stage."Shila remained
Instinct took over. Thankfully, Avi slept soundly in her carrier. With a hurried apology to the waiter, Reyansh placed the carrier on a nearby table. A concerned waitress assured him she'd keep an eye on it.Pushing his way through the throng, Reyansh reached the man. His medical training kicked in immediately. A quick check confirmed his worst fears - a heart attack. Adrenaline surged through him, replacing his helplessness with a fierce determination."Call an ambulance!" he barked at the manager, who fumbled for his phone. Every second counted. Knowing time was of the essence, Reyansh began CPR, his movements practiced and efficient.The ambulance screeched to a halt outside the familiar entrance of City General, the very hospital where Reyansh toiled as an intern. Relief washed over him."This man needs a cardiologist now!" Reyansh pleaded with the nurse, urgency lacing his voice. But her apologetic reply shattered his hope. "There's no available cardiologist right now, sir. We ca
His classmates, surprised by the initial aggression, stumbled back a step. But the one holding Avi held his ground, a cruel glint in his eyes. "Not until you entertain us a bit, Malhotra," he taunted.Avi's cries grew louder, her tiny body trembling. Reyansh knew he couldn't take another moment. He lunged again, this time with a speed and precision that surprised everyone. Years of hidden training in martial arts kicked in, his movements fluid and powerful.The classmate holding Avi barely had time to react before Reyansh's elbow connected with his solar plexus, the impact knocking the wind out of him. With a gasp, he doubled over, releasing his grip on Avi.Instinctively, Reyansh scooped her up before she hit the floor, cradling her close. The other classmates, momentarily stunned, finally reacted. They lunged towards him, a pack of wolves attacking a lone wolf pup.But Reyansh was a whirlwind of controlled fury. He met their attacks with practiced ease, his movements a blur of block
Reyansh knew Dr. Sudha wasn't naive. Maybe she'd seen the news, or maybe his family history was an open book to someone of her stature. Regardless, her offer was a lifeline, and he grasped it with both hands.Following the driver, Reyansh embarked on a new chapter, a flicker of hope rekindled in his chest. He reached the farmhouse, exhaustion finally claiming him. The driver unloaded their belongings, and Reyansh collapsed onto the bed, the weight of the day finally pressing down. He managed to settle Avi before succumbing to sleep himself.•••••Sunlight, a welcome change from the sterile white walls of his intern's quarters, streamed through the farmhouse curtains. A gentle pattering on his cheek brought a smile to Reyansh's face – it was Avi!"Very good morning, sleepyhead!" he said, his voice thick with sleep but warm with affection.Avi giggled and patted him back, her tiny hand surprisingly strong."Whoa there, little one," Reyansh chuckled. "You're beating up your Dad!"At the
A genuine smile lit up Saarayu's face. "Wow, that's amazing! All the very best, Reyansh," she said, her voice filled with warmth. Reyansh felt a flutter in his chest at the sound of his name."Thank you, Saarayu," he replied, surprised by the unexpected connection he felt despite their brief encounter.Suddenly, a flicker of surprise crossed her face. "Oh, I apologize, Reyansh sir," she stammered, her voice dropping slightly. "I'm actually a third-year M.B.B.S student myself."Reyansh stopped walking abruptly, a wave of emotions washing over him. He'd been about to ask her to be friends, the ghosts of his past threatening to pull him back. Taking a deep breath, he forced a smile. "Nothing really," he said, his voice strained. "Just lost in thought for a moment.""This must be the principal's office," Saarayu said, halting in front of the large oak door. Glancing around at the festive decorations and excited chatter, Reyansh noticed the college was buzzing. "Wow, is there a special eve