Aryan

I managed to end my shift before 12, which rarely happens. After Ragnar dropped me on the front, I quietly walked into the house. Mia's house represented her in a lot of ways. It was beautiful but it had a melancholy vibe. From the expensive cream coloured walls to the wood and marble flooring, huge glass windows draped in rich expensive curtains.

I knew she spent a fortune on the interior design but despite all that the house always felt lonely just like her. Beautiful on the outside and lonely on the inside. I know she thinks I only took her father's offer so that he can remove my debt but to be honest I didn't really care about the debt. I was very much capable of paying it off even if it left me almost broke every month. I was concerned about her physical health and mental health.

When I found out she switched doctors I was furious, she was my responsibility and Mia was the kind of person who would neglect her health not on purpose but because she was constantly busy and though the Doctor she went to was a well known cardiologist, he didn't personally know her. He may be aware that she has a heart problem and will definitely help her to get better but he doesn't psychologically understand her. But I understood her to some extent, I knew she was also depressed and possibly suicidal and I wasnt willing to take that risk, she could easily allow those days to creep in and she will end up neglecting her health and might do something stupid.

As a doctor I felt obligated to ensure she's in top tier condition but sometimes I just wanted to take care of her not because it was my job but because I may just have a little bit of feelings for her that I can't seem to get rid off. I knew it wasn't right to harbour any feelings towards her because she is my patient but I couldn't help it. Mia was a mystery I craved to solve. I wanted to know how she feels on a normal day, what she is thinking and most importantly why she hates me so much when I only wanted to help her get better. I wished we talked about it instead all she does is either avoid me, glare at me or give me crypt answers.

I went upstairs and walked towards my room but stopped halfway. A part of me wanted to see her. I couldn't help but smile when I replayed our conversation at the hospital. The whole "I am your wife stunt.' Brilliant. Mia's sense of humour is truly a remarkable one and I believe she loved working up people she didn't like. I should know because I am one of them after all. In my 29 years of living on this planet, I have never quite met anyone like her.

I walked down towards her room located on the other end hallway. I gently knocked and entered inside and 6 pairs of eyes landed on me. Shvan, Toffee and Mia. Mia was sitting on the bed crossed legged in a pair of shorts and a camisole that showed off most parts of her chest. My eyes lingered on her chest for a bit until I peeled them away before she caught me staring at her like a creep.

"Hey, I just wanted to check in on my fav person and furbabies."

"You must be really lonely to consider us your favourite people." She replied sarcastically.

"Hahahaha funny." To be honest I was lonely and the only friend I had was Rahul but I wasn't going to admit that to her.

"So what are you guys doing?" I sat down on the bed in front of her and gave Shvan and Toffee some pets. Mia looked up at me from her laptop again. Her eyes ran down from my hair to my face, to my scrubs and then back to my face and I can feel the heat creeping up on my skin. I hope she doesn't catch me blushing. Damn it, keep your shit together Aryan.

"I have a new upcoming project with Russo groups, just checking some details." She stared back down on her screen. She was biting her lip and she appeared to be stressed out a bit.

"Russo group, the property developers? Sounds interesting but you shouldn't be staying up too late because you have work tomorrow and you need a good rest."

She closed the laptop right after I said that. "So concerned Dr. Aryan." She mocked me.

"It's my sacred duty to protect your health."

"No, it's your bribed duty to protect my health." She said with a neutral tone and I couldn't answer her back.

"Fiore I....." She held her hands up and stopped me from continuing further.

"I feel like having some ice cream, would you like some?"

"At this hour... I don't think......" I paused my sentence midway when I saw her giving me a bored look.

"Yeah ice cream sounds like a good plan."

We both went down to the kitchen leaving Shvan and Toffee behind.

She opened the freezer and cold air blew out. "So we have vanilla, cookies & cream and belgium chocolate."

"Belgium chocolate for me." I raised my hands up. Mia took out the vanilla ice cream and the belgium chocolate and placed it into two separate bowls.

"Here you go." She handed me the white bowl.

"Thanks."

We both ate silently while standing on opposite sides of the counter. I appreciated how we werent fighting or annoyed with each other's presence. This is a nice feeling.

"I like this."

"You mean the ice cream?" She raised her eyebrow at me.

"No, this." I gestured my hand between the two of us. "I like that we are not arguing. We could become good friends fiore." I smiled at her and she wasn't happy about it at all.

"We are not going to be friends." She retorted.

"We could try. We are going to be living with each other until next year May." I tried to convince her. To be honest, I don't know what I am trying to achieve here? Why did I even want to be her friend? She was rude and always cold to me. She gave off a very arrogant vibe and I absolutely loathe people who always assume that they are better than everyone else.

But then again despite how she behaves there's something about her, because deep down, she seemed like a nice person who was often misunderstood and probably that is why she often comes off as cold or rude. She was a mystery indeed and I really wanted to crack her codes. Besides, if we could be friends or at least even civil with each other, things would be so much easier to deal with for the both of us.

"What makes you think, I want to try and be friends with my Doctor?"

"It could make things easier between us."

"I don't trust people easily doctor Aryan."

"I don't as well but I am willing to try with you fiore." I sounded hopeful. Please say yes Mia

She stared at me with her dark brown eyes, a flicker of emotion passed by but she quickly brushed it off.

"We can try to be nice to each other for now and maybe stop nagging me like hell about my health and I just might consider adding you to my friends list." She said a mouthful.

"I can nag you less if that makes you happy but only if you promise to actually take good care of your health and not neglect it due to your busy schedule." There was no way I was going to stop caring about her health. That was pretty much the main reason why I am even here in the first place but I could bother her less and give her some space whenever she needed it.

"Promise." She agreed and I celebrated my victory internally.

"See I knew we would get along just fine." I smiled sweetly at her and she just rolled her eyes at me.

"Now let me help you to clean up. I took the empty bowl away from her and washed it and arranged it back into the cupboard. When I turned around and looked at her she was sitting on the counter top and typing something into her phone. The glow from the screen illuminated her beautiful features and I couldn't help but stare at her. She had a scowl on her face and there was a little bit of ice cream stuck to the side of her lips. I didn't think further. I walked over to her and wiped off her lips and she looked up at me all confused. "Fuck what did I just do."

I uhmm. I am sorry... There was some..."

"It's fine." She sounded a little breathless and only then did I notice how close I was standing next to her. The way she smelled, her floral scent always consumed me and it caused my heartbeat to race. I guess she was feeling it too because her face turned red and I could see her getting uncomfortable.

"Mia.... I.... I'm heading to bed." I quickly walked away from her, leaving her alone in the kitchen. My heart thundered with a force so heavy I was mildly concerned. I slid back into my bed and tried to calm myself down. "Woah what the fuck was I thinking?" I should have done that at all. What would Mia think of me now? I just suggested we could actually be civil with each other and I had to just go ahead and almost mess it up.

As I sunk into my bed further, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if I just dipped my head further and kissed her. I would finally be able to know how her lips tasted like and how she would moan into my kiss. She would drive me wild in an instant. I could find myself getting hard by just thinking about her. " Stop it Aryan don't be an asshole. She is your patient, and have some respect." I mentally scolded myself. I hated myself for having dirty thoughts about her.

I forced myself to sleep but I couldn't, thoughts of Mia consumed me further and God help me because I didn't want it to stop. I couldn't keep myself away from her even if I wanted to but the righteous part of me knows that I should. I have to behave more professionally around her and keep my distance. I was here on an important job and I needed to concentrate and Mia was just a beautiful distraction.

I woke up the next day in a terrible mood. I had a huge meeting with the senior doctors about an upcoming heart surgery for a baby and I needed to stay focused and not tired. I quickly freshened up and went down to have breakfast.

I silently prayed Mia wouldn't be there as I couldn't face her after what happened last night and it was mostly because a part of me was embarrassed by the stunt I pulled last night.

When I entered the kitchen I was glad she wasn't there. I greeted Nina and she made me coffee and my usual toast with jam. I was halfway done through my breakfast when I felt her presence, that damn floral scent. I didnt turn around to look at her because I knew I she would look so damn beautiful and it would it piss me the fuck off and plus I just might get an obvious boner and I didn't need Mia to know I got hard by just looking at her. I really didnt want her to know how I was feeling at the moment. I was praying that she would tell Nina what she wanted and go to the dining hall and the one time I wanted her to really ignore me, she did the total opposite.

Instead she sat down next to me and wished me good morning. Fuck me. I eventually had to face her so better now than never and boy I don't regret it for even a moment.

How could one look so stunning in the morning? She looked so fresh and her face was glowing. She wore a white designer top and navy blue blazer with a matching skirt and a dash of pink lipstick. I realised I was staring at her a bit too long so I quickly greeted her back and looked away.

I tried to divert the situation away by asking her about her appointment this week. I knew she hated it when I reminded her about the appointment but that's my only safety net for now. I rather she be pissed at me than to catch me blushing at her. I also informed her that I would be following her knowing that she might miss out on it because Karan already told me that she has a hectic schedule for the next two weeks. I knew she would tell me not to follow but I didn't wait to hear her response because I already know her response is going to be. She is just going to argue as usual and I didn't have time for that. I needed to be as far away as possible from her right now before I do something extremely stupid again.

She was playing tricks on my head and I had an important day and I had to stay focused. I can't be dreaming about her in any way. She was like a poison that is slowly consuming me more and more everyday and I had to stop it before it spreads all over my body because once it does, then nothing in this world would ever be able to stop me from wanting her.

For her sake at least, I had to put a stop to all this. I don't think Mia would appreciate being teased or played like this and given how much she hates me, she would shatter my heart to pieces and I just know I would never be able to come out from that heartbreak. I had to save myself from her because knowing Mia she looks like someone who can destroy me in seconds, so I have to build a wall around my heart and stay as far away as I can from her.

I took a deep breath as I adjusted my white coat, the familiar hospital scent enveloping me as I walked down the corridor toward the conference room. This meeting was critical; we are about to discuss the surgical plan for a 3-month-old baby with a severe congenital heart defect. I felt the weight of responsibility pressing on my shoulders but also a sense of excitement at being part of something so important. When I entered the room, I saw the senior cardiologists and surgeons including Rahul were already seated around the large oval table. Dr. Anita Mishra, the chief paediatric cardiologist, nodded at me, her expression serious but welcoming. Dr. Raghav Nathan, the head of cardiothoracic surgery, was reviewing the baby's medical charts on a large screen.

"Ah, Dr. Vedanshi, please join us," Dr. Nathan said, looking up. "We were just going over the details of Baby Aria's case."

I took a seat, pulling out his notes and focusing on the screen. The images of Baby Aria's heart were displayed in intricate detail, highlighting the complex anatomy they were dealing with.

"To summarise," Dr. Mishra began, "Aria has a combination of Tetralogy of Fallot and a large ventricular septal defect. Her oxygen levels are critically low, and she's been experiencing frequent cyanotic spells."

Dr. Nathan nodded and pointed to the screen. "Our plan is to perform a complete repair, addressing the VSD and relieving the right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Timing is crucial here. Aryan, I understand you've been closely monitoring her condition. What can you tell us?"

"Yes, Dr. Nathan. Over the past week, Aria's cyanotic spells have increased in frequency and severity. Her last echocardiogram shows significant right ventricular hypertrophy. Based on her current status, I believe surgery should be scheduled as soon as possible." I spoke up with confidence.

"I concur. The sooner we operate, the better her chances of avoiding further complications." Doctor Mishra nodded her head in agreement.

"Dr. Lau, your thoughts on anaesthesia for this procedure?" Doctor Nathan turned to Doctor Hubert Lau.

"Given Aria's age and the complexity of her condition, we'll need to be extremely cautious with anaesthesia. We'll use a combination of agents to ensure hemodynamic stability throughout the procedure. Continuous monitoring will be essential, and we'll have everything prepared for rapid intervention if necessary." Dr. Lau explained to us.

"I agree with Dr. Lau. We need to prepare for potential complications, given Aria's fragile state. From a surgical perspective, we'll need to be meticulous in our approach to minimize blood loss and prevent any further stress on her heart." Rahul spoke up next.

I listened intently, absorbing the details and the gravity of each decision. This was a critical learning experience for me, and I am determined to contribute meaningfully. It is an important surgery and I have to stay focused.

"This will be a challenging surgery, but I have complete confidence in our team. Dr. Vedanshi, you'll assist in the OR. Your familiarity with Aria's case will be invaluable." Doctor Nathan's gaze landed on me. There was a sense of confidence and assurance in his voice.

"Thank you, Dr. Nathan. I'll be ready."

The meeting continued with detailed discussions on the surgical approach, potential complications, and post-operative care. I took meticulous notes, my mind focused on the task ahead.

I wrapped up the meeting with my seniors 2 hours later. Once I was done, I asked Rahul to see if he was free for a short coffee break because it has been a while since we hung out and I have yet to tell him about my living situation with Mia. I knew he would be pissed that I didn't tell him anything sooner but I wasn't in a position where I could. So I thought of telling him everything today but unfortunately he wasn't free so I went ahead and continued with my afternoon rounds.

By the time I was done with the rounds, it was already 3p.m. so I decided to take a quick lunch break. The whole time I was walking to the cafe downstairs I just kept thinking about Mia. I wondered what she was doing, did she have her lunch, or was she back home?. God why am I thinking about her? How did she even consume my thoughts like this? I agree I was physically attracted to her but it only ever remained that way.

But these past few days, I don't know why, she is all I have ever been thinking about and I couldn't stop and especially after the incident with her yesterday.... I have no comments. Am I starting to have feelings for her? Gross. Mia is the last girl I would love on this planet. She is too cold and rude and I dont like girls who are mean. But if that is the case then why cant I stop thinking about her and to make things worse I thought about kissing her. I silently groaned in frustration. I didn't realize I was deep in my thoughts when someone bumped into me from the back.

"Ouch omg I'm so sorry." A lady in blue scrubs holding an Ipad told me.

"Oh it's totally okay I shouldn't have walked so slow." I smiled.

"I'm Doctor Shana by the way. I'm a new neurology resident." She smiled and extended her hand.

"Doctor Aryan, cardiology resident, 4th year."

"I see well I'm glad I bumped into you Doctor Aryan I heard many things about you." She chuckled.

"Well I hope you only heard about the good things. I do have quite a bit of reputation here with everyone."

"You can tell me all about it while having a cup of coffee with me."

"Very well then coffee is on me."

Shana and I got along immediately, she was just 3 years younger than me. We liked the same type of food, we had the same type of hobby and we also shared the same sense of humour.

She was exactly my type, this fun, outgoing and lively type of girl I would easily fall for but these days I had a different type, one that involved locks of curly hair, heavy sarcasm and dark brown eyes that absorbed me like a black hole every time I looked at her. I always found girls who are difficult and challenging exhausting to deal with. However, I liked how things were with Mia, especially the way she challenged me ; it only made me want to push the limits with her. She was the chaos I searched for my whole life. "Fuck why am I thinking about her again?" I brushed off my thoughts about her and tried to listen to what Shana was saying.

"I know right sometimes I wish I did something else with my life like being a travel blogger or a chef." She smiled and looked at her coffee.

"Yeah I sometimes wish I did something else too. This job definitely can get the best of you but try to look at the brighter side, you are helping all those other people live their lives by saving them which actually makes you a superhero."

"Hahaha you are right Aryan, thanks I will definitely remember that and on that note I gotta go I'm getting paged."

"See you around Shana." With that we both walked off in opposite directions. I headed back to the ECU ward this time. Unfortunately, there was a stubborn patient who was refusing to eat her medicine and the nurses needed me.  When I walked to her room, there were two nurses already waiting outside with an annoyed expression.

"Ladies I got the page." I said while I put on my mask and gloves.

"She is such a difficult patient doctor we tried so hard to make her take the medicine." The nurse with the blue hair said to me,

"It's okay I will take it from here."

I walked into the room and found an old lady sitting on the bed looking out of the window.

"Good afternoon Ms. Shen."

"Get out." She said without looking at me.

"Ms Shen, it's me Aryan."

She then turned around and looked at me and smiled.

"Aryan darling oh my gosh I'm so sorry I thought it was a different doctor."

"It's okay Ms.Shen, is everything alright? You seemed fine in the morning when I came to see you and now the nurses are telling me you don't want to eat your medicines. May I know why?"

I pulled up a chair and sat down next to her bed.

"Aryan, I know I won't make it to the next few months and these medicines, I honestly don't think they are helping either way and sometimes the injections do hurt and I feel restless." She looked upset and disturbed.

"Ms Shen, I'm sorry you feel that way but the injection is to help you to ease your pain, without it might be so much worse."

"I know, sometimes I wish I could just die right now."

"Ms. Shen please.....

She held up her hand and stopped me from finishing my sentence.

"Aryan do you know what it feels to be 90 years old, a widow with no kids to care about you? You feel empty and heartbroken. All that wealth and the company my husband left me to deal with after he died, I have no idea what to do with it. Sometimes I wish I wasn't burdened by all these thoughts or the pain I felt in my body so much so I have to take painkillers to stop feeling that usual stinging pain in my chest or any parts of my body."

"Annie I really am sorry you feel this way and I want to help you in any way that I can if you would allow me." I held her hand and gave her an assuring smile.

"You can." And right on cue somebody in a black suit and briefcase walked in.

"Hello I'm Avinash. I'm Ms Annie Shen's lawyer. I'm here to discuss her will."

"Oh hello I'm Doctor Aryan." I extended my hand and shook him.

"I guess I will leave you two to it then. Annie, I will come back in an hour to give you your tablets, will that be okay?"

"Doctor Aryan, I would like you to stay with us as well. There is something important in the will that I would also like to discuss with you." Avinash said.

"Me? Uhm Annie what is he talking about?" I asked Annie, all confused.

"Sit down Aryan, here you might need this, she poured me a glass of water and handed it to me."

An hour later I walked out of Annie's room all confused and shocked. What has Annie done? I replayed the entire scenario again in my head when Avinash read her will

I, Avinash Ranganathan am here today to read the last will and testament of Annie Lin Shen

'I Annie Lin Shen being of sound mind and body, do hereby declare this to be my last will and testament, revoking all previous wills and codicils made by me.

To my beloved Aryan, my doctor, my friend and the son I wish I had, I bequeath all my properties, assets and wealth. This includes, but is not limited to, the following

1.All my real estate and properties, including, my primary residence located at Avira Kuala Lumpur, any secondary residences including my penthouse in Singapore, Villa in Italy and all land holdings.

2. All financial assets, including bank accounts, stocks, bonds and investment portfolios.

3. All personal belongings, including vehicles, jewellery, artwork and any other items of value.

In addition, I bequeath my entire interest and ownership in Shen Holdings to Aryan Vedanshi. Upon my death, Aryan Vedanshi shall inherit my shares and assume the role of the majority shareholder of the company and shall be guaranteed a permanent seat on the Board of Directors ensuring their involvement in the company's governance and decision- making processes. Should anyone in the company not agree to this, I bestow full rights to Aryan Vedanshi to sell his shares and the company to the highest bidder of his choice.

I appoint Avinash Ranganathan as the executor of this will, to oversee the distribution of my estate as per my wishes. The executor shall have full authority to manage, settle and distribute my estate in accordance with this will and the law of Malaysia.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 9th day of September, 2024

When Avinash was done reading the will I was in complete utter shock and I felt like I was having a heart attack and I wished the ground would swallow me up that instant. I sat back down on the chair, removed my glasses and drank the glass of water in one go.

"It's okay Aryan, I know it's a lot to take in."

"Annie what have you done? Why did you do this? You wrote everything to me. Why? Annie...."

"It's because you deserve it Aryan, more than anyone or anything." Annie smiled and placed her hand on mine.

"Annie, if you truly wanted to give me something you could have just given me your expensive mug or something, not your whole damn wealth and the company."  I'm shitting bricks at this point.

"Aryan, you said you wanted to help me in any way that you could. You can start by signing this will. Avinash will help you out through the process."

"I would need another eye witness to sign it as well, Doctor Aryan is there anyone you know who would be able to sign this will."

I couldn't think of anyone who would sign this. I could ask Rahul perhaps.

Or Mia, my mind said.

"You could ask that pretty Indian girl you seemed very close to the other day to sign."

"Mia? Wait, Annie, when did you see her?" I was caught off guard by her statement.

"The other day when the nurses pushed me past you and you didn't even seem to notice me at all because you were too busy ogling at her."

I was embarrassed when Annie said that. Fuck I need to be more vigilant about my surroundings.

"I could try, but Annie please I really don't think it's necessary for you to do this." I sighed and grabbed on my neck, it felt so stiff.

"Fine Aryan dont sign it and I will stop taking the medicines and just die faster." She crossed her arms.

Annie was straight up emotionally blackmailing me at this point. I am a doctor and it is my duty to keep all my patients safe and healthy. I had to do what was right for her and that was making sure she ate her medicines properly and helped her to stay alive and well for as long as she could. I sighed and mentally cursed myself and wondered how I always ended up in weird situations.

Firstly it was Darian Young's ridiculous offer and now this. Annie Shen was worth 15.5 billion and she was the wife of the late Hong Min Shen, the founder of Shen Holdings the largest export and import company in Asia and when she dies all of that goes to me. That was a huge painful responsibility. I honestly didn't need it because the amount of problems I could face due to this would be huge. When I prayed to God to become really wealthy someday, this was honestly not what I meant because it came with a big fucking twist.

"Okay Annie I will sign this as soon as possible." I finally sighed and caved in. I really needed a break from all of these. I think I need to go on a holiday.