It was the most hated day of Nandini's life today. Yes, today is Valentine's day.

Valentine's day is normally a very happy day for those who are in a relationship but Nandini absolutely despised it. She always looked up to Valentine's day with pure anger and hatred.

"Any plans for today then?" Dr Shahid, her colleague, asked Nandini who was reading a patient's notes.

"No nothing. Just another day for single people like me, Dr Shahid" Nandini said. She wanted to avoid this topic as much as possible.

"The nurse Roja said you are going out with your boyfriend, Dr Harshan," Dr Shahid chuckled.

"Oh shut up Dr and get on with your work" Nandini scolded Dr Shahid.

Suddenly the nurse Roja came rushing into the clinical room. "The consultant Dr Mythri asked if either Dr Shahid or Dr Nandini could attend to an emergency case quickly.

"You've got to go on rounds now. Don't you?" Nandini asked Dr Shahid.

"Yes. Do you mind attending it?" Dr Shahid asked.

"It's fine. I will attend to that patient" Nandini assured Dr Shahid and rushed to the accident and emergency section. Nandini stood there in shock when she saw who the patient was. Not just Nandini, Rahul's eyes also widened seeing Nandini. He was beyond shocked.

The nurse Roja gently shook Nandini to get her attention. Quickly Nandini came out of her trance.

'I need to remain calm and act professional' Nandini chanted like a mantra to herself.

"Have his vitals been taken?" Nandini asked Roja.

"No Dr" Roja said, feeling guilty.

"Then take it immediately!" Nandini shouted at Roja.

Whilst Roja was taking Rahul's vitals. Another nurse explained why Rahul was here.

"Dr Nandini, he keeps getting recurrent chest infections, persistent breathlessness, ache or pain when breathing and he is coughing up blood. He has been referred to this hospital from KRP hospital. This is his test report" the nurse said as she handed over his test results.

Nandini was beyond shocked. Rahul has been tested positive for lung cancer. His condition was quite serious meaning, he did not have long to live.
Nandini's eyes started brimming with tears but before anyone could notice she wiped it away. It was like a wave had passed through her heart.

"Doctor, his stats are quite low," Roja said.

"I will prescribe oxygen," Nandini said. She then did some other checkups and prescribed some other medication along with oxygen.

Rahul looked at Nandini helplessly ...
Of course he was guilty for leaving Nandini in that state that day but he had no choice.
However, Nandini showed no signs of knowing Rahul, she acted all professionally.

After her consultation with Rahul, Nandini went straight to the cabin and cried. She poured her heart out to release all those suppressed feelings. Even though Nandini hated Rahul with passion, never did she think there would come a time where she will have to witness Rahul in a state like this and be his doctor.

Without notice, Dr Shahid entered the cabin. Nandini didn't even get time to wipe away her tears. "Are you okay Nandini?" Dr Shahid asked Nandini, very concerned.

"Yes I'm fine,doctor," she said and left the cabin immediately. Dr Shahid sensed that something wasn't right however he kept it to himself.

Later that day when Nandini was filling out some paperwork, Rahul's sister Priya knocked on her cabin to get details regarding Rahul's treatment not knowing it is Nandini who is treating her brother.

"Come in," Nandini said, focusing on her computer.

As soon as Nandini and Priya made eye contact Nandini felt suffocated. Priya and Nandini were once best friends. After that incident they had both lost ties with each other.

"Take a seat" Nandini said professionally.

"I am Rahul's sister. I came here to know the status of his treatment" Priya said using the very little courage she had.

"I am aware that you are Rahul's sister, I mean I can't forget you after all" Nandini said, making Priya feel awkward and sad. Nandini then continued "we are giving Rahul all the possible treatment available. However, his cancer has spread to different parts of his body, there isn't really much for us to do at the moment. I'm saying all this because I don't want to hide anything as it is against my professionalism. So I'm making it clear that Rahul does not have long to live. Maximum 2 weeks" Nandini said choking on the last sentence whilst faking confidence.

Tears started streaming down Priya's eyes. She knew her brother did not have long to live but when Nandini said two weeks it just tore Priya's heart more.

"Is there anything else we could do to save him?" Priya asked Nandini emotionally.

"I'm sorry. Only the same treatment will be provided no matter where ever you take Rahul" Nandini explained.

Priya left Nandini's cabin with a heavy heart....

5 days later

Like everyday Nandini was on her rounds, when it was time to see Rahul Nandini entered his room after letting out a deep sigh.
Rahul had started to look weak and pale by now.

Whilst Nandini was doing some regular check up, Rahul's eyes started to well with tears. Nandini noticed it but she did not say anything. Once his check up was done, the nurse who accompanied her left, Nandini stayed back to finish writing some notes.

Suddenly, Rahul coughed up roughly. Quickly he placed his palm over his mouth and ran to the washroom. Without thinking for a second time Nandini ran behind him. She stood behind him and rubbed his back continuously. He then quickly washed his mouth and turned around. "Priya said I'm recovering Nandu... am I actually recovering?" Rahul asked with his heavy and tired eyes.

A million butterflies settled in her stomach when he called her "Nandu" after many years...

"We are trying our best," Nandini said.

Just when Nandini turned around to leave, Rahul grabbed Nandini's hands. He was weak but somehow managed to.

"I'm sorry for everything" when Rahul said that Nandini's heart skipped a beat. Why was she being so gentle with someone who once broke her beyond repair?

"I've got other patients to check. Please leave me" Nandini said, controlling her tears.

Just then Rahul's sister Priya entered the scene. She widened her eyes seeing them. Forcefully, Nandini let go of her hands from Rahul's weak grip and ran out of the room.

"Priya, before I die my final wish is to tell Nandini everything" Rahul said as he sat down on his bed. Priya didn't say anything.
Later that day when Nandini finished her shift, Priya decided to speak to Nandini.

"Nandini, may I talk to you?" Priya asked just when Nandini was going to get into the car.

"Sorry I don't have time now," Nandini replied.

"Please..." Priya requested

"Okay, be quick" Nandini said

"I don't know whether you will believe me or not... Yes during the initial stages you were a time pass for Rahul. His ultimate goal was to get physical with you but slowly Rahul started to see the relationship seriously. He started to fall for you but Rahul didn't realise it. He thought he would easily be able to move on when his father arranged his marriage with another girl.
Rahul realised his love for you that day when you tried to commit suicide. He tried to come back to you but his father gave him threats, which is why Rahul had to leave you. He never married another girl because he couldn't forget Nandini..." Priya said and immediately left leaving Nandini shattered. After finding out Rahul's side of story Nandini's heart urged herself to forgive Rahul. She wanted to grant Rahul his final wish which was her forgiveness....

The next day ...

The first thing Nandini did when she started her shift was to visit Rahul.

Rahul looked at least 10 years older now than what he actually was. Grey with exhaustion and weak.

"Oh Nandu..." Rahul managed to day with tremendous effort when he saw her.

"Nandu I'm sorry! Sorry for everything..." Rahul sobbed.

"Please don't apologise, Rahul. You're hurting me more now" Nandini explained, controlling her feelings.

Slowly Nandini hugged a fragile Rahul who was sitting up on his bed. Rahul's eyes brimmed with happiness because Nandini who acted cold with him finally showed some affection.

"Rahul, I want you to know that I forgive you. You are a good man. I can understand that the situation made you the way you acted with me. I'm not blaming you...

I thought I was over you Rahul but these moments are proving to me that you're still in my heart" Nandini said as she kissed Rahul on his forehead emotionally. She wanted Rahul to die in peace...

Rahul's eyes slowly widened in horror. Weak, helpless tears began to trickle down his face. And Nandini tried desperately to comfort him. Suddenly, Rahul started breathing heavily.

"Water! Water!" Rahul said whilst choking. Nandini immediately grabbed the water bottle and gave it to him but before Rahul could drink it he started coughing up blood staining his and Nandini's dress. Before Nandini could save his life, Rahul's eyes lowly drooped and closed, his breathing became shallower, and what little strength he had began to ebb.

With the littlest of strength, Rahul had caressed Nandini's cheeks. Suddenly his hands fell and he closed his eyes smiling.

Nandini stood in front of Rahul's lifeless body, numb. She wasn't able to process anything...
Time stopped, her mind blocked. Nandini lifted his cold hands and cried as she placed it near her wet cheek...

                                                    ............

So here is Nandini's story...

How did you all feel about it?

It's nice of Nandini to have forgiven Rahul right ? And be at his side.

I'm thinking of making Nandini's future different from finding another love ... any suggestions ?

Nikhil's story will follow and I'll add a glimpse of Arpana and Arjun.

So guys many of you said I should reunite Sakshi and Nikhil. Should I? Please vote below who you think Nikhil should be paired up. The pair with the most votes will be fixed ...

And finally do vote and comment. I read all your comments in the epilogue and was so overwhelmed. Thank you everyone for giving my book a chance :)