“I didn’t end up here by choice,” she shot back, breathless. “I was driving carefully when those bikers racing late at night, came the wrong way. One of them accidentally hit my car, and I lost control.”
Her voice faltered for a second as flashes of screeching tyres and shattering glass filled her mind. “My car…???” she wondered where it was and under what condition.
“It’s gone for servicing. And your luggage already sent back to the Wadhwa mansion.”
Her eyes snapped up to him. “But I’m not going there.”
That pulled a bitter smirk from Karan, who stepped closer. “Your Daksh bhai hasn’t even taken down the reception decorations yet. He’s just got you married off and shrugged off your responsibility. He’s not expecting you home again, Mishti. Give him a little time to breathe.”
His words again pricked her.
“Why are you so concerned about that?” she asked. “Didn’t you say you and your company only believe in ruining and stripping others down? So, why show mercy now to my family?”
Karan’s reaction was instantaneous. He pressed a finger gently to her lips to shut her up. The gesture definitely halted her words, but his proximity made her skin hum.
“One more word,” he said, “and you’ll see what I do to people who test me.”
Mishti’s jaw dropped. She turned her head away, tears stinging. That’s when Komal walked back in that very moment.
“Mr Wadhwa,” she said, stepping inside, “you need to sign some paperwork at reception. And please wait in the visitor’s room. Your wife needs rest, not a bucket of tears. Also, if you would like, I will brief you in private in an hour about her follow-up next week.”
Karan’s hand slipped from Mishti’s mouth before he strode out.
As the door closed, Komal rested her hand briefly on Mishti’s arm. “I’ll make sure you’re okay. Don’t worry.”
She scribbled quick notes on the chart, already thinking ahead. She had never met Karan Wadhwa before, but now that she had, she understood why people spoke of him the way they did. The man reeked of power and was utterly devoid ofempathy.She felt a pang of pity for Mishti. No matter what it took, Komal decided she would find a way to help her.
CHAPTER 4
City Hospital
Karan found Dr Sharma near the nurses’ station, flipping through a patient file. The older man looked up as soon as he approached.
“Dr Sharma.” Karan extended his hand. “Thank you for asking your staff to inform me about my wife’s accident. I appreciate your promptness.”
Dr Sharma nodded with a polite smile. “Of course, Mr Wadhwa. We did what was necessary. She’s lucky it wasn’t anything more serious.”
Karan gave a stiff nod. “Good. Although she’s getting the best care possible, can’t we have some other doctor appointed to her case?”
Dr Sharma chuckled lightly. “Why? Dr Komal is the best we have here.”
Karan arched his brow. “She speaks too much.”
Dr Sharma grinned, feeling amused. “She’s just like her mother.”
“What?” Karan frowned.
“Dr Komal is my daughter, Mr Wadhwa. Don’t worry. I’ll remind her to speak less… at least when she’s dealing with you and your wife.”
For the first time, Karan’s expression faltered. Who would’ve imagined that the fiery, sharp-tongued doctor was the daughter of this gentle old man?
“That…that would be preferable. I’ll get the discharge formalities cleared.”
With that, he turned around and walked out.
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Wadhwa Mansion
