I woke up to the same nightmare. Shaking my head I decided to study for some time.

Glancing at my calendar I realised it was my birthday today. A decade had passed. Everything has changed. I now had my own identity and the life I once yearned for.

They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Even though I agree with it I wonder where I would be today if the potion had worked.

 I can only think of two outcomes, one: me wallowing in self-pity wondering why God took my parents from me, or following my original plan sooner than now.

Walking into the locker room I saw a bouquet of yellow roses.

My dad used to wake me up with a bouquet of roses on my birthday. I remember him telling me how I was his princess while my mother used to cook my favourite food.

Smiling to myself I turned around only to find my best friend of 10 years standing right before me. "Clara.. How often have I told you I don't want roses on my birthday? I appreciate your gesture but you know how emotional they make me " 

Clara engulfed me in a bare hug and muttered " Zy, Traditions are meant to be followed. I've known you long enough now. I know you miss them. Let me do what I can " 

My eyes swelled with tears. I met Clara in our early med-school days, never did I think helping a fellow student collect blood samples would bring me to this precious bond we share today.

Suddenly her demeanour changed. It's like something clicked in her mind.

"Have you heard about the new SR. I saw him. He's sex on a stick. Ugh I can't wait to see what he is hiding under those scrubs " 

I panicked " Stop it, Clara. He's our senior, if he hears you either he will take advantage of you or worse make your JRship hell."

 Clara already had a dreamy look "Oh I'd love to be taken advantage of by him" I huffed "You know that's not what I meant " She rolled her eyes " Oh come on. Live a little. I bet you guys will look good together. Woah I've seen guys like him go head over heels for  diligent and sincere girls like you" 

This is when my mood got sour. She realized it and a look of pity crossed her face "Hey, you know not everyone is like him. I swear I'll strangle him if I ever meet that jackass. Give yourself a chance ".

I suddenly remembered the blue eyes. Clara doesn't know who he is. There is no way her petit form can do that but my heart warms at her protectiveness. Now don't doubt her, she might punch humans nice and hard but he was never a human. 

 "I don't want the one, let's hurry. We've got lives to save ."She merely rolled her eyes " Okay Grandma!" I let out a chuckle and we left .

I worked at heartneocare hospital. Not only was this one of the most prestigious healthcare centre but gaining a residency here would mean having a solid CV for any other post in the future.

The residency program was divided into - junior residency (JRship) and senior residency (SRship).

JRship lasts for 3 years and SRship is of 2 years followed by 1 year bond each.

We are  currently third year residents , it was hectic but hey, no pain no gain!

Later that day I was attending my youngest little munchkin when I came across the most beautiful emerald eyes I've ever seen. I couldn't bring my gaze away. I was in a haze.I didn't even see his face, all I wanted to do was look into the gorgeous eyes.

I was brought out of my stance by someone coughing. The stranger looked like a Greek God. I felt myself conscious, remembering my boring brown eyes. 

"I'm sorry. But I assume you are Dr. Murphy. I'm Dr. Eros Knight, the new SR, I was told you'll be in my group. Can you please ask the rest to meet me in the seminar room at 4 ? Nothing much, just introduction and work distribution owing to new admissions.." 

I felt awful for tuning him out."Pardon Dr.Knight? " I could visibly see him fume " How about you start paying more attention . Seminar hall, sharp at 4. Now get back to working ". 

I felt embarrassed. How I wish the regal face was blessed with some humility but then he has assisted and diagnosed many rare cases, his time is way more precious ." Yes Dr.Knight".

I rushed out of the ward. Taking out my Android I quickly texted on JR group. Throwing it back in my pocket I went to the cafeteria. I saw Clara at our usual seat.

Ordering my regular I took a seat next to her. 

As I took a sip of my drink, I updated Clara on  our favourite munchkins.

"Unfortunately, Ray's condition hasn't improved. His body is still not responding to chemotherapy," I said with a heavy heart.

Clara let out a sigh and said, "I hope he'll remain brave. Leukemia is such a horrendous disease. It's terrible that even children have to suffer through it.

By the way, he asked me if I would be his Valentine if he survives the next session."I joined in on the laughter and said, "That cheeky little boy! He asked me too."

We both burst out laughing at it. 

"Alana's condition has improved, and there is no sign of metastasis, which gives us hope for a positive prognosis.

However she overheard some students discussing Ray's reports and ended up crying. It was heartwarming to watch little Ray comfort her."

Clara's eyes swelled up upon hearing that. "I swear, those two have the purest friendship." 

My heart aches thinking about those two little angels who were both diagnosed with leukemia. It's hard to even imagine the pain and struggle they must have gone through at such a young age. 

Afterward, we indulged in the common practice of 'exchanging information' about every person we know.

"Do you  know Mr.Shane resigned? Apparently his affairs were not as concealed as he perceived them. I saw his wife slap him in the garage right before lunch."

Clara snorted, "I wonder if it was his first time. Mrs. Shane is a kind woman; she should divorce his sorry-ass."

"It was quite comical when he fell hard from the impact and then started apologizing. She glared at him and said he should be ready to receive divorce papers by next week."

"Woah! I wish I was there to witness it. It enraged me when he threatened anyone of being sacked if they inform her. I wanted to throttle him. "

I couldn't agree more . He ensured all of us know not to mess with him.

She had a mouth full of food " hve Yop seep th ne sr " I scrunched up my nose " How about you shove that morsel down your throat and then speak with me and for the record, I was right ..pretty face ..stick shoved up in his ass ..he is just like any other SR.."

She cooed,much more clearly this time " Aww. I never said he would be different.Besides who cares about it when he's that dreamy " I rolled my eyes "Well easy for you, you are not in his team. I don't know if I can stand him for an entire year. "

She snorted " I bet that'll change by the end of the year. Anyway, You are coming to the club with me today. There's no way in hell you are moping in your room on your birthday "

I let out a sigh ," There's no point in arguing. Just please give me enough to cover my ass and boobs this time " .She let out a hearty laugh " Hell No.. You are not hiding those assets tonight. Who knows maybe you'll get laid tonight " suggestively twitching her eyebrows.

I threw my hands up " Good Lord.I'm fucked" She merely gave me a devilish smirk "Amen sister".

Our shift ended at 12.I dropped Clara off and parked my car. However, something felt odd. I had the feeling someone was watching me. Fearing the worst, I quickly rushed inside and locked all the doors and windows.

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I woke up feeling feverish the next morning, with no associated symptoms I was sure it was the physical stress of not getting a proper vacation for 3 years.  

I was going through my cases for the day when my cell rang, nearly all the residents were called as soon as possible as there has been an incident.

Nearly 100 patients were being transferred to the hospital from different parts of the town .All of them looked pale , their cbc reports showed <5gm% Hb , blood banks were getting exhausted and none of them were conscious yet.

It took us some time but we were able to stabilise the situation.

We were trained for disasters but this was never seen in the history of medicine. Clara appeared jittery , I would have considered it normal if I would've not seen her act brave in the previous ambushes. It didn't last though, soon she was her usual self.

The lockdown was lifted once the incident was deemed non infectious.

Completing our shifts we decided to crash in our seminar room as it was past 4 in the morning and patients still needed monitoring.

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Oizys was unaware of the danger lurking in the corner. What she thought was in the past is now resurfacing . Illusions are about to shatter, and betrayals will be served, with the worst coming from the closest ones.

Hello Guys ...The chapter is short but this is just the beginning.Please bear with grammatical errors !! Comment and let me know what hair color you want for our heartthrob EROS !! Oh and down is our Queen..let me know if you guys have any other picture justifying her character!