IT'S NOT OVER

Chapter 7

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 event today?"

"Actually, it's the college fest!" Saarayu's smile widened. "There are competitions, food stalls, and performances. You should definitely check it out after you meet the principal."

With a final wave goodbye, Saarayu turned and headed off, her confidence radiating with each step. Reyansh watched her go, a mix of emotions swirling within him. Taking a deep breath, he focused on the task at hand and pushed open the oak door to the principal's office.

A booming voice called out, "Come in!"

A man with a kind face and a shock of white hair sat behind a large desk. "Mr. Reyansh Malhotra, I presume?" he boomed, extending a hand.

"Yes, sir," Reyansh replied, shaking his hand firmly. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine," Principal Sharma chuckled. "Dr. Sudha spoke very highly of you. I'm delighted to have you join our esteemed Ms. Cardiology program as a student."

Relief washed over Reyansh. "Thank you, sir," he said. "I'm eager to learn."

"And from what I understand," the Principal continued, adjusting his glasses, "you'll also be taking on the emergency medicine workshops for the second and third-year students."

"That's correct, sir," Reyansh confirmed, excited to share his knowledge and experience.

Principal Sharma leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Well, Mr. Malhotra, it seems you're jumping right in. Welcome to the team!"

He pushed a stack of papers across the desk. "Here's everything you'll need," he explained. The top sheet outlined Reyansh's responsibilities as an instructor. Taking a look, he saw a detailed schedule, resource list, and even an introduction for his first class.

A mixture of excitement and nervousness coursed through him. Being back in academia as a student felt strange, but the prospect of teaching was a thrill. He signed the papers, officially sealing his role as an instructor.

Principal Sharma then pointed to another document. "This one is your enrollment form for the Ms. in Cardiology course with a specialization in Cardiothoracic Surgery. Take your time to read through it."

A surge of determination washed over Reyansh. This was it. The official start of a new chapter. Carefully, he reviewed the enrollment form, his dream of becoming a surgeon suddenly feeling tangible. With a steady hand, he signed his name, a silent promise to himself to see this journey through.

Looking up, he met Principal Sharma's gaze. A hint of a smile played on the Principal's lips. Reyansh returned it, the weight of responsibility settling comfortably on his shoulders. "Thank you, sir," he said sincerely. "I won't let you down."

Free from the principal's office, Reyansh dove into the college fest. Laughter and music replaced the morning's quiet. On stage, students chanted for "Rockstar Ken!" Security escorted someone familiar – Ken, belting out a song Reyansh had written, and, composed years ago.

The bittersweet memory of Ken brought a momentary pang, but Reyansh pushed it aside. Today was a fresh start.

Following the crowd, he spotted Saarayu in a corner, diligently writing with a focused expression and a smile. Approaching her, he tapped her shoulder. "Hi," he greeted.

Surprised, she looked up, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "Hi! Just a minute," she replied before disappearing into a nearby tent. Moments later, she emerged holding a plate overflowing with colorful food.

"I told you it was a fest," she said, her eyes sparkling. "Food festival included! These are all from my recipes."

Reyansh chuckled, a hint of amusement at her confidence.  "Wow, you weren't kidding about the food fest," he said, accepting the plate. He took a bite, surprised by the explosion of flavors. "Uhmm! This is amazing!"

She beamed, clearly proud of her creation. 

Medical college and you're organizing a food fest?" Reyansh asked, surprised at her involvement.

Her gaze met his. "Healthy food is essentially healthy medicine for the body," she explained. "It's a necessary daily treatment everyone should consciously provide."

Reyansh grinned. "Couldn't agree more! But speaking of treatments," he teased, "why are you here, skipping out on the music event everyone's gone crazy about?"

Her playful defiance had him hooked. Time flew by as they talked, the once-crowded area thinning considerably. He barely noticed the passage of time, thoroughly engrossed in their conversation.

Suddenly, Ken materialized in front of them, reeking of misplaced arrogance. "Well, well," he sneered, his gaze landing on the plate of food. "Looks like you showed up just for the free grub."

Reyansh rolled his eyes, a sigh escaping his lips. "Yeah, so what? Problem?"

Ken's reply was a condescending chuckle. "Shameless," he mocked.

Before Reyansh could retort, Saarayu surprised them both. Her hand shot out, a stinging slap connecting with Ken's face. Shock mirrored Reyansh's expression on Ken's face.

"Don't you dare!" she spat, her voice laced with a fury he hadn't seen before. "I will dig your grave," she finished, her words leaving a chilling aftertaste.

Ken, momentarily stunned, glared at her with venomous rage. He lunged forward, but Reyansh reacted instinctively, stepping between them and shoving Ken back.