“Yes. Everything is fine,” she answered. His mother turned back to her friend, leaving Dhillon with this Rohun Shah.
“You’re Sarika’s—Mrs. Vora’s—son? The veterinarian?” Dr. Shah asked.
Dhillon looked from his mother to this doctor. Whowasthis guy? “Um, yes.”
“I have a new puppy. I really have no idea what I’m doing.” Dr. Shah chuckled and glanced at Dhillon’s mother again.
“What kind of dog?” Dhillon responded, almost on reflex.
“No idea. He’s a rescue.” Dr. Shah pulled out his phone and showed Dhillon pictures of his new arrival, like any proud papa.
The puppy looked like a hound mix. Quite adorable. Dhillon handed Dr. Shah his card. “Send me an email. I’ll send you links for classes.”
Dhillon finally went to sit by Auntie, but not before he noticed that the good doctor was hesitant to leave, glancing more than once at his mother. She gave no indication that the doctor was still in the room.
“It was good seeing you...all.” Dr. Shah waved as he started to leave.
Radha Auntie waved back. “Thanks for stopping in.”
Dhillon’s mother nodded, and the good doctor left.
The instant Dr. Shah was out of earshot, Dhillon turned to his mother. “Mom. What the hell was that about?”
Auntie smiled. “My cardiologist is smitten with your mother.”
His mother flushed, playfully tapping her friend’s hand. “Stop.” She looked at Dhillon. “Don’t look so shocked. It’s been known to happen.”
“Wait.” Dhillon stared at both women. “That was Dr. Shah from the hospital? He came here? To the rehab center?”
Auntie grinned at him, nodding.
“You’re not even in his care anymore.” Dhillon gaped.
Auntie looked at his mom, giggling. “I know! He knew she’d be visiting me, and he came just to see her.”
“Stop it.” His mom laughed, sounding like a young girl, as she squeezed her friend’s arm.
Now they were giggling like teenagers. Dhillon shifted his gaze from one woman to the other.Seriously?
“Mom.”
“What?” Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes danced.
He paused. He wanted to say so many things. Be careful. Don’t get hurt. Do a background check on this guy.“Nothing.”
“You worry too much.” She stood. “Radha, I have to get back to work. Let me know if you need anything. And don’t worry about your daughter. She’ll be fine. I’ll see you at home, Dhillon.” She squeezed his shoulder as she left the room.
Dhillon nodded and turned back to Auntie. “I hear Riya’s coming home.”
Auntie’s smile faltered just a little. “That is what she said.”
Dhillon chuckled. “It’ll be fine.”
“She should quit this firefighter thing. It’s too dangerous.”
Dhillon nodded, a pit carving its way into his stomach. “She won’t. You know how stubborn she is.”
“I know how stubborn you are, too. She’ll listen to you, Dhillon.” Her eyes widened. “Remember when she wanted to go into that boy’s tree house when he wasn’t around? What was his name? The Higgins boy?”
