Asfand Zubi-New OS page 24 - Page 13

7:45am

Zubiya walked into Asfand's office and sat down. She had been on night shift and was tired after working for more than 12 hours. Dr. Hira and Dr. Haroon had arrived a couple of hours ago but the hospital was so busy that Zubiya did not get a chance to leaveshe texted the driver as she made her way to Asfand's office and was finally taking a break. The workload at the hospital had increased and the staffs were busy all day, which was obviously a good thing since it meant that the locals were utilizing the hospital's services for their healthcare needs. However what it also meant that they were now extremely short-staffed and all of the doctors were over-worked. They had just hired 5 more doctors; 3 girls and 2 guys, and they were supposed to start today. The new hires were all young guys and girls who had completed their house job and had 1-1.5 years of experience. Due to the unique location and clientele of this hospital, the new doctors were all supposed to shadow and train under one of the existing doctors to understand their roles and get an understanding of the challenges, processes and the doctor-patient relationship here. Zubiya was glad that they were getting additional staff members and was actually excited to train someone for the first time in her career. Asfandyar walked in as Zubiya was lost in her thoughts.

A: Hey you! Good tum yahan ho I was about to call you. Chalo let me drop you home. Zubiya nearly jumped out of her chair, startled by him walking into the room all of a sudden. Asfand laughed and shook his head.

A: Tum kab tak aisey mujhe dekh kar shock hoti raho gi. Zubiya didn't say anything and just stared at him blinking her eyes slowly.

A: I know I look good this morning Masha-Allah bolo and stop staring. Zubiya almost broke into a smile at that. She said Masha-Allah in her head because he DID look extra handsome in the crisp white Banana Republic shirt and his navy classic Dockers but she couldn't tell him that of course.

Z: Insan kabhi knock kar key yah softly bhi andar aasakta hai ap har jaga yeh Changez Khan ki tarha unannounced hamla kyon kartey hain? Zubiya said as she got up and stood in front of him with her hands on her hips.

A: Shayad yeh mera office hai and if I am not wrong, you were sleeping on the job.

Z: I was thinking, NOT sleeping. Besides, I have been here since 5pm yesterday, not all of us had the privilege of sleeping in a warm comfy bed last night. She said as she stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest.

A: That bed is never warm or comfy without you. He said as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. They stayed like that for a few minutes. He could feel Zubiya's body relaxing and her breathing become soft and rhythmic.

A: Issey pehlay tum so jao, let me drop you home.

Z: Hmm, Khan baba nahi aye? Main unkey sath chali jaongi, don't your new trainees arrive soon?

A: No they don't start till 9, I have time I can take you home and then come back. I have hardly seen you the last few days. He said and kissed the top of her head that was still resting on his chest. Asfand gently extracted himself from her and moved forward to pick up her things. They walked out together towards the parking lot.

8:10am In the car

A: Are you working tonight as well?

Z: Nahi tonight I am off. Then back on day shifts tomorrow.

A: Good, I am going to assign one of the girls to you. She can work with me today then tomorrow she will be with you.

Z: Do you have a trainee as well?

A: No the last time I had one, I ended up marrying her. She had me hook, line and sinker, so No! none for me this time. He said as he looked at her sideways. She looked at him and smiled.

A: Dr. Shahab and Dr. Haroon will have the 2 guys and you, Dr. Hira and Dr. Zeba will have each of the girls. The hospital was new and everyone here was still adjusting that's why I trained you myself but going forward I think it is a good leadership opportunity for the rest of the doctors to be involved in the training process. Main to waisey bhi itna busy hon, I have got so much going on, there is so much I want to do for this place. I need all of you to help me and support me through this.

Zubiya just said a "hmm and closed her eyes. She loved that he could flirt with her one minute and switch to talking about the hospital the next. They had built an easy camaraderie, a relationship with open communication and trust. They were comfortable and content with each other. She admired his passion for his hospital and understood when his attention was completely occupied by hospital related stuff. He felt like she had simplified his life, everything was easy with her around. She made life happier. He could be facing the biggest challenges in his professional life or be worried about something related to his parents or bhabi and all she had to do was be around him and be herself and he could literally feel the stress easing away from his mind and body. Her presence, her touch, her smiles made his world.

A: Kuch khao gi? Chai paratha?

Z: Nahi I want my bed.

A: Ghar jakar kuch kha kar soo jana please. Koi ulta seedha sochney ki or kaam karney ki zarorat nahi hai.

Z: Dr. Asfandyar, kash aap key pass koi nayi lines hoti. Zubiya said smiling with her eyes still closed.

A: Oh I have lots of new stuff but you have been on nights. Zubiya laughed at his quick and witty response.

Z: Ap kab ayengey ghar? She asked as she saw him pull up towards the driveway.

A: Not sure.

Z: Aap thora jaldi aye ga please

A: Aap itney pyar sey bolein gi to main ja hi nahi sakon ga. He parked the car and turned his head to look at her.

Z: To phir mat jaye. She reached out and traced his jaw with the back of her fingers. He sucked in his breath audibly as he watched her face amazed

A: Zubiya...

Z: Asfand...she smiled a big glorious smile.

A: Hate to do this to you right now but get some rest. He reached and held her hand that was on his jaw, entwined their fingers and brought her hand to his lips for a quick kiss.

A: I will see you in the evening.

Asfand got out and picked up her stuff from the back, she took her things from him and said "Thank you for the ride and for blowing me off" as she started walking towards the house. He just chuckled and shook his head as he went back into the car.