Chapter 1

Adi

@ZA_Ray

Chapter 1

Dr. Abhimanyu Modi sat in his office reviewing the employee contract paper of the new intern Dr. Nikita Malhotra. He concluded that everything was in place and smiled broadly, partially because he was a perfectionist and getting everything ready before time always gave him peace, and partially because he was happy that this new intern will be joining especially to accompany him for the New Sanjeevani Project. 

The project itself was already difficult and it did not help the fact that the current employees in his hospital refused to cooperate and help him. No one was willing to work with him now because of his initial decisions regarding the hospital. It baffled Abhimanyu that how come no one understood whatever decision he took and how harsh they were at times, it was actually for the betterment of Sanjeevani. 

Now he felt like finally, someone was on his team, and that too someone who was exceptionally talented, hard-working, and not to mention remarkably charming like Nikita. He had met her 2 weeks ago at a conference in Pune where doctors from reputed hospitals from all over India were invited. The doctors also had a chance to take 2 interns with them to represent their hospital and it was also a great learning opportunity for them as they get to meet senior doctors, make connections and build their reputation as well. As Abhimanyu knew none of his interns are smart enough to understand what an honorable chance it will be for them, but he still made the proposal and in return, they, especially their leader Armaan accused him of exploiting them and making them work harder than necessary. With frustration he let the topic drop and went to attend the conference however, Dr. Shashank joined him but Abhi kept mum about the behavior of his interns. If they don't understand what's good for them, he is not going to teach them.

As Abhimanyu expected, there were interns from other hospitals who accompanied their seniors and interacted with everyone. Some were catching up with old friends and talking with senior doctors to discuss their future prospects. Among those many interns was Dr. Nikita Malhotra. She was wearing a pale blue formal dress and was looking very sharp, and Abhimanyu noticed her during orientation. Nikki was not only going around and interacting with the doctors she was also talking with the organizers so initially, Abhi thought she was part of the organizing members or event management team. 

Later when he saw her at the conference, sitting among the other doctors and taking notes from the session he realized she was an intern doctor. He smiled at her concentrated face and thought nowadays no one is this serious anymore. He noticed she was sitting beside two very well-known doctors from Pune and one of them was his professor, Dr. Rustam Agarwal, from medical college. After the conference, Abhi went to greet him and it was through him Abhi got to know that Nikita was doing her internship at Apollo hospital in Pune. Dr. Agarwal was Nikki's senior and he was full of praise for her. 

But it wasn't until the dinner on the 2nd day of the conference that Nikki and Abhi got introduced. It was not only Abhi but Nikki held the attention of the others sitting at their table. Not only she looked stunning in her black cocktail dress but when she started talking and sharing her experience everyone was impressed. Among many topics that were discussed, New Sanjeevani Project was one and Abhi was taken aback when Nikki chipped in her suggestions because it gave him a new perspective. 

After dinner when everyone was heading back to their rooms Abhi caught up with Nikki and thanked her for her advice regarding the project. 

"I hope it's not sarcasm." 

"No, no of course not. I really mean it." Abhi assured her

"Thanks" she smiled. "The suggestions just came naturally and I let it slip. I was hoping you didn't mind and thought I overstepped my bounds." 

"Not at all. On the contrary, I was quite impressed with it. Now I wish you worked in this project as well." He complimented her.

"Oh, I am sure your team will do just fine."

"Team?" Abhi gave a humorless laugh "I don't have a team. I am working on this alone."

Now it was Nikki's time to be surprised "You are working this ALONE? How is that possible, it's so much work. Man! Now I wish I could help you out somehow." 

"Haha thank you for your sympathy."

"No, I don't mean it as sympathy. I honestly wish I could, it would have been such an amazing experience." Nikki replied sincerely.

'Why couldn't my interns be like her?' Abhimanyu thought grimly.

"Oh here is my room." Nikki pointed out to a room on the 12th floor which made Abhi look around in confusion. His room was on the 10th floor but he was so into the conversation that he forgot to press the correct button on the lift and accidentally followed Nikki to her room. So, this was new.

Abhi recovered quickly "Then I will leave you be. Goodnight."

"Goodnight and it was great meeting you Abhimanyu." she put forward her hand.

Abhi took her hand and shook it "The feeling is mutual Nikita." he said with a smile.

With one last smile, Nikki went into her room.

Abhi too went to his room and he was feeling relaxed and happy after a long time. Attending this conference away from Sanjeevani's usual work and especially away from those chaotic interns did him good, he thought to himself. 

Author's note:

1) Sorry for not having any exciting part, this was mostly just setting the storyline still I hope you liked it.

2) Do share your feedback, it will encourage me to write more.

Thanks and lots of love <3