IT'S NOT OVER

Chapter 5

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 blocks, dodges, and well-placed strikes. Years of secretly honing his skills in the privacy of his basement paid off in a way he never imagined.

One by one, his classmates went down, groaning and clutching bruised limbs. The tiny room echoed with the sounds of their surprised yelps and Reyansh's ragged breaths.

Finally, the last one standing backed away, fear replacing the earlier malice in his eyes. "We were just messing," he stammered, more to himself than to Reyansh.

Reyansh glared at them all, his chest heaving. "Get out," he rasped, his voice laced with a dangerous calm. "And don't you ever come near us again."

The classmates scrambled to their feet, gathering their bruised egos along with their scattered belongings. They shot one last venomous look at Reyansh before disappearing out the door, slamming it shut behind them.

°°°°°

The adrenaline from the fight with his classmates faded, leaving Reyansh drained. Just then, the door creaked open again, and Dr. Raj, his supervisor, entered, a smug smirk twisting his lips.

Dr. Raj had always been a bully, clinging to Reyansh like a leech for the prestige of being associated with the billionaire's son. Now, seeing Reyansh a broken man, Dr. Raj's true colors shone through.

"You idiot!" he spat, his voice dripping with contempt. "Do you have any idea how much this furniture costs? You broke the rules by performing surgery, and now you've trashed the place! On top of that suspension, I'm giving you a transfer certificate. You'll never be a doctor with such reckless behavior!"

Reyansh, still shaken from the altercation, was startled by Dr. Raj's venom. The flicker of hope he'd clung to since the surgery dimmed considerably. Here it was again, another blow to his already fragile spirit.

Dr. Raj strutted into the room, a smug smile plastered on his face. Behind him, a woman with an air of authority – Dr. Sudha, the head cardiologist – entered. Reyansh's stomach clenched. Was this another round of reprimands?

Dr. Sudha's next words surprised him. "Mr. Malhotra," she began, her voice calm and steady, "did you regret your actions today?"

Regaining his composure, Reyansh declared, "No, Madam. I saved a life. Given the situation, I'd do it again." He explained his past experience assisting cardiologists, his knowledge fueling his actions.

Mr. Raj, clearly threatened by the turn of events, cleared his throat. "Dr. Sudha, I did suspend him for operating without authorization."

Dr. Sudha's gaze turned to him, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Suspended him? Really, Mr. Raj? Weren't you quite eager to please the Malhotras until recently? Did their financial situation change?" The implication hung heavy in the air. "Perhaps that explains your sudden change of heart?"

Turning back to Reyansh, a genuine smile softened her features. "Mr. Malhotra, I owe you a debt of gratitude. You saved my husband, Mr. Raghu, the neurologist and chairman of the Medical College." The news struck Reyansh like a bolt of lightning. The chairman?

"You're only three months from completing your internship," Dr. Sudha continued, offering him a lifeline. "I have a proposition. Finish your internship at our hospital, pursue your Msc in cardiology at the college, even teach the junior students. Your talent deserves nurturing."

Overwhelmed, Reyansh could only stammer his thanks. Shock, relief, and a spark of hope battled within him. Mr. Raj, speechless, watched as the power dynamic shifted dramatically. Dr. Sudha, a woman of immense respect, stood firmly on Reyansh's side.

"Mr. Raj," Dr. Sudha addressed him pointedly, "ensure all of Mr. Malhotra's certificates are delivered to my office immediately."

Mr. Raj's mumbled agreement was a mere formality. The tables had turned.

"Mr. Reyansh Malhotra," Dr. Sudha addressed him again, a warm smile gracing her lips. "We have a farmhouse conveniently located near the hospital and college. You can stay there while you study and work." Her smile widened. "Consider it a small token of gratitude. Your father was incredibly generous to me and my family years ago, and I'm simply returning the favor. It's an honor to finally have the opportunity."

Reyansh's heart swelled. Gratitude for Dr. Sudha's support, a flicker of pride in his late father's legacy, and a renewed sense of optimism for the future washed over him. "Thank you," he managed, his voice thick with emotion.

Dr. Sudha wasted no time. A quick call summoned a driver to whisk them away. As they climbed into the car, Dr. Sudha turned to a dozing Avi.

"And who is this little angel?" she inquired, her gaze softening.

Something came over Reyansh. Before he could stop himself, the words tumbled out. "She's my daughter, Avi," he blurted. It was a lie, but in that moment, it felt more true than anything else. The fierce determination within him solidified – from this day forward, Avi was his daughter, and he would raise her with every ounce of love and care he possessed.

Dr. Sudha's eyebrows rose slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. But before she could comment, a knowing smile softened her features. "Well, Avi," she said, gently stroking the little girl's cheek, "you are very lucky."