Year 2024, Ahemdabad

"Yes, sir. Don't worry. I'll be there by 8 o'clock," I assured my senior doctor, who had so rudely interrupted my beauty sleep. I had been blissfully resting when he called, insisting I come to the hospital immediately.

Groaning, I dragged myself out of bed and started my morning routine. After getting ready, I went to greet my father. He was at the table, enjoying his breakfast, while my sister was studying diligently, her exams just around the corner. My father always makes sure to prepare breakfast for us, a small act of love that reminds me daily that he's the best father in the world.

I lost my mother when I was just seven. We were coming back from a family function when our car was hit by a truck. We were all rushed to the hospital, but my mother had lost too much blood. The doctors tried everything, but they couldn't save her. She died that night.

For nearly a year, I refused to accept that she was gone. Her absence haunted me, and it left my father shattered. Even now, I know he still loves her deeply. Just the mention of her name brings tears to his eyes. If only I could go back in time and fix everything.

But what's done is done. All I can do now is keep my family happy and do my best to fulfill my father's wishes. I'll also do whatever it takes to help my sister become the fashion designer she dreams of being.

After breakfast, I headed to the hospital. I greeted the staff and made my way to my office. To my surprise, an older man was already sitting there, waiting for me.

I sat across from him, offering a polite smile.

"Hello, Dr. Sohana," he greeted me warmly.

"Hello, sir. May I know who you are?" I asked gently, trying to place him.

"My name is Vivek Raichand. I'm here regarding my son."

The name struck me immediately-Vivek Raichand, the owner of Raichand Enterprises.

"How can I help, Mr. Raichand?" I inquired, noticing the stress in his eyes.

"My son... he's been going through a lot. It's been two years since we've been trying to get him help. We've consulted so many doctors, but none could handle his behavior."

"Why? What's happened to him?" I asked, concerned.

"He's suffering from mental illness, doctor. For the past four months, he's been spiraling into depression. He doesn't eat properly, barely sleeps, and works around the clock. He's cut himself off from us and refuses to listen to anyone. We've tried everything, but he's unresponsive, and his behavior towards the doctors has only pushed them away. That's why I'm here, Dr. Sohana. Please, help my son," he pleaded, his voice cracking as tears welled in his eyes.

Seeing him like that tugged at my heart. I've always been sensitive to others' pain, perhaps because of what happened with my mother. It doesn't matter if I know the person or not-seeing someone in tears always affects me deeply.

I couldn't refuse him.

"Mr. Raichand, I'll do everything I can to help your son," I assured him, and he smiled for the first time since he walked in.

He thanked me profusely before calling for his bodyguard, who arrived shortly after with some papers.

"These are the contract papers. It states that you'll be available whenever my son needs you, and you won't cause him any discomfort. Of course, your monthly fees will be taken care of, and we won't trouble you otherwise."

I took the papers, signed them, and handed them back.

"Thank you, doctor. I'll have my son come in tomorrow for a consultation," he said, relief evident in his voice as he left my office.

Afterward, I headed to the hospital cafeteria, hoping to relax with a cappuccino. But as I sipped my coffee, someone suddenly covered my eyes from behind. I recognized the playful gesture immediately.

"Ow!" I slapped the hand away and turned to find my best friend, Alisha, grinning mischievously. Beside her were the other two troublemakers, Rishi and Nitya.

"Good night, Soha," Rishi teased.

"It's noon, you idiot," I replied, unimpressed.

"Yeah, I know. Just trying to make you smile," he said with his signature grin.

"Right. Because my annoyed face is totally a smile," I deadpanned. "Anyway, what do you guys want?"

They all exchanged guilty looks, and I knew exactly why they were here: they wanted me to go clubbing. These three had a serious party addiction.

"Nope. Not happening," I said firmly, crossing my arms. But that only triggered their relentless pleading.

"You guys have nothing better to do than party, I swear," I huffed.

"Hey! I'm working hard on a music video!" Rishi protested.

"And I've been busting my butt to win a case," Alisha added.

"Yeah, and I'm working on my new book," Nitya chimed in.

"Sure, sure," I rolled my eyes. "But that doesn't mean you need to party all the time."

"Sohaaa, darling, what's wrong with taking a break for an hour?" Alisha pleaded.

"It's not about that! I just have work to do!" I tried to protest.

"No more excuses. You're coming with us, and that's final," Rishi declared, sounding genuinely frustrated.

"Fine, fine. I'll come, okay? Happy now?" I caved, not wanting to argue any longer.

They erupted into cheers, which earned us a stern look from the cafeteria manager. Of course, those three dashed out, leaving me to deal with the fallout.

I apologized to the manager before running after them. When I got outside, they were already piled into my car, ready to drag me to the club.

"Okay, fine! Let me change first. We'll meet at the club at 7," I said, giving in completely.

At home, I spent a good 45 minutes debating outfits before finally settling on a sleek black off-shoulder dress that hugged my figure just right. It reached just above my thighs, with sleeves long enough to cover my palms, leaving only my fingers exposed. I kept my jewelry minimal-a simple pendant-and let my hair fall in loose waves.

When I arrived at the club, my friends were already there, waiting impatiently.

"Soha, you look amazing! So elegant!" Alisha gushed, and I laughed at her dramatic flair.

"Thanks, Alisha. You wouldn't believe how long it took me to decide on this dress," I replied, pretending to sniffle.

"You should've called me! I'm the queen of fashion advice," Nitya said proudly, and I had to agree-her fashion sense was top-notch.

"But where's Rishi?" I asked, noticing he was nowhere to be seen.

"Right here!" a familiar voice called out, and we turned to see Rishi walking toward us, hand-in-hand with a girl.

"Meet my new girlfriend, Riya," he announced proudly.

Alisha leaned in and whispered, "Ugh, new girl number nine this month. Let's see how long this one lasts."

Riya introduced herself, but Alisha wasn't having any of it. "Yeah, we got it. Rishi already introduced you. No need to repeat yourself," she said coldly, earning a glare from me.

"Alisha, don't be rude," I muttered.

Ignoring us, Alisha dragged Nitya and me into the club. "Come on, let's grab drinks."

Nitya nudged me with a mischievous grin. "Do you think Alisha's jealous?"

"Of Riya? No way," I whispered back, though I wasn't entirely sure.

"Let's find out," Nitya said, unable to resist the mystery.

As we settled at the bar, I casually asked, "Alisha, what's up? Why so grumpy?"

"Nothing, Soha. Just tired," she shrugged, but I wasn't convinced.

"Yeah, right. You're totally jealous," Nitya teased, earning a hard punch from Alisha.

"I'm not jealous of anyone!" Alisha snapped.

"Sure, sure," I teased back, "But why were you hoping Riya would dump him so soon?"

Before Alisha could respond, Rishi appeared, looking dejected. "Well, my girlfriend left me."

Nitya laughed, "That was fast. Didn't even last a full day?"

Rishi shot her a glare. "Not funny, Nitya."

"Very funny," Alisha chimed in, laughing a little too enthusiastically. There was definitely something more to her reaction.

"Alright, enough! Let's just enjoy the night!" I said, eager to change the subject.

After dancing for a while, Alisha and I sat down for a break. I remembered I needed to tell her about my earlier encounter.

"Hey, do you know who came to see me today? Vivek Raichand!" I exclaimed.

"Wait, what? THE Vivek Raichand? The billionaire?" Alisha nearly choked on her drink.

"Yeah. He asked me to help his son, who's been suffering from depression for months."

"His son? You mean Ruhaan Raichand?" Alisha's eyes widened. "Oh my god, Soha! You're going to be treating Ruhaan Raichand! Do you know how many girls would kill to be in your shoes?"

"What are you talking about? What is the relation between me going to treat him and girls are dying to marry him?" I asked her thinning my brows.

"You gadhiii. Areyy you will make him fall for you!! And then you both will start your new story. Hayeee!!" Alisha said making a heart using her hands

"Shut up you dumbo. There is nothing going to happen between us. He is only my patient nothing else." I exclaimed.

"You shut up. You're going to treat him means you'll spend time with him so it's very easy to make him fall for you."

"Can't you understand don't talk this shit." I replied.

"Ufff my network is slow or else I would have shown you the photo of Ruhaan Raichand. Then you would also start dreaming about him." She said.

"Alisha pleasee stop it or else I'm not gonna talk to you." I said pouting.

"Ok ok I'm sorry. I'll not tease you further but I'll definitely show the photo of Ruhaan Raichand." She replied and I glared at her.

"Only photo nothing else." She said being scared and I nodded.

After spending 2 hrs in the club we bid goodbyes to eachother and went to our house.

This is all for part 1. So guys, as it is the first chapter it might be a little boring. But I promise there are so many mysteries to reveal in this book. To know those mysteries please support me 🥺. Love you all and make sure to vote. Good night

IG:- daisywrtss