Aditya's pov

"Oh , So You finally accepted that the mistake was yours" She said smiling mischievously with a mocking tone and I rolled my eyes in annoyance , her wide smile was Irritating me at that point

"Whatever" I said in a hoarse voice , she smiled a little raising her eyebrows up while acting all innocent , I sighed

"Well , you still admitted it" She said and I left from there leaving her all alone , such a childish girl , I wondered and kept my focus on the ward

"Mr Rathore , It's ok , I forgive you" She said and I turned around and as my eyes went towards her small frame in front of me standing proudly while crossing her arms , I bet she was enjoying seeing me getting frustrated.

"This Girl is getting on my nerves" I murmured under my breath and my feet starting walking towards the ward leaving her all alone by herself , not in the Mood to face her right now.

Suhani's pov

"Kya Maine Sapna dekha?" (Did I just see a dream?) I murmured to myself, watching Mr. Rathore walk away toward the ward. I couldn't hide my smile. What had just happened? Mr. Khadoos Rathore had actually apologized to me? Wow! It was totally unexpected—like, really unexpected!

I smiled mischievously at the thought of his apology, feeling a warmth spread through my chest

"Haaye, sukkoon" I whispered to myself, reveling in the moment. I didn't know why, but I really liked teasing him.

"Sona" I heard  Krish's voice calling, pulling me out of my daydream. I turned around to see him approaching with some files in his hands.

"haan Krish?" I replied, still feeling giddy from the earlier encounter.

"Suhani, I need your signatures" he said, offering me the files. I glanced at the papers, quickly reviewing their contents before nodding.

"Sure!" I said, taking the files and signing them with a smile. "Here you go." I handed them back, and he smiled in return, taking the files from my hands. I watched him go.

30 minutes later

I saw Mr. Rathore exiting the ward, engaged in a phone call, with Mr. Choudhary and his bodyguards trailing behind him.

"Thank God he's gone! Now I can check on Ranisa without any interruptions" I murmured under my breath.

"Sona, did you see where Mr. Rathore was going?" I turned around to see Ahana standing behind me.

"Oh, Ahana, you scared me!" I exclaimed, placing my left hand on my chest to calm my racing heart.

"Oh, sorry, sorry" she replied with an apologetic laugh. I nodded, taking a deep breath to steady myself.

"Yeah, he has gone toward the washroom. Would you like to go with him?" I said sarcastically. She understood the humor and started laughing awkwardly, scratching her head. I shook my head and sighed.

"Bhagwan ke liye, krish aur mujh pe daya kar, kya milega tujhe us insaan ke pyaar mein girke?" (For God's sake, please spare Krish and me. What will you get by falling for that man?) I said, exasperated.

"Oho Suhani, I'm not in love with him! It's just that he is so attractive, I can't help it gurl!" she replied, smiling strangely.

I rolled my eyes and left her standing there. "Ye ladki pagal ho gayi hai." (This girl has gone mad.) I mumbled as I walked towards the ward.

As I entered the room, I saw Ranisa's eyes closed. A smile crept onto my face, and my feet instinctively made their way towards her.

"Ranisa?" I called softly. She opened her eyes gently and smiled at me.

"Dr. Suhani" she said, her gaze landing on my frame.

"How are you feeling now?" I asked, and she nodded slowly while smiling.

"Better" she replied shortly. I nodded and began checking her.

"By the way, your food is getting cold. I told the nurse to take care of your food routine. Is she not doing her job properly?" I asked, a hint of doubt in my tone. She shook her head in denial.

"No, my child. She came to feed me, but Adi refused. He said he would feed me with his own hands. but he got a very important call, so he had to go attend to it" she finished, looking at me

"Oh, okay" I replied shortly.

"No worries! Right now, I'm free. If you don't mind, can I feed you?" I offered, hoping she would agree.

"Dear, I would love to, but he—" she said hesitantly.

"Oh, no problem! But he may take longer than expected, so...?" I said straightforwardly.

"Alright, you can feed me. I don't want to get scolded by you" she replied, and I giggled, nodding my head.

"Ji, agar aap ek aur baar mana kar deti, to mujhe aapko daatna hi padta, ek doctor hone ke naate." (Yes, if you would have refused one more time, I might have had to scold you as a doctor.) I joked, and she laughed softly, nodding in agreement.

"Of course" she replied. I sat down in the chair, holding the tray of food.

"Here" I said, tearing off a bite of chapati and shifting it in front of her mouth. She opened her mouth and ate the bite. I smiled, and she smiled back at me.

"Hume aasha hai ki aap palace mein acche se reh rahi hain" (I hope you're staying comfortably in the palace.) she said, and I looked at her for a moment before nodding.

"Ji" I replied, nodding my head.

She managed to eat two chapatis after refusing multiple times, but I insisted because it was crucial for her recovery.

"Ranisa, here, take these medicines, and after half an hour, I'll send fruits. You have to finish them, alright?" I said with a straight face. She gulped down the medicines, and I handed her the water. After taking the medicine, she nodded her head lightly.

"Aisa lag raha hai jaise aap humse badi hain. jis tarah se aap hamara khyaal rakh rahi hain" (It seems as if you're elder than me. just the say you are taking care of me) She said, laughing a little. I chuckled and shook my head.

"Lagna bhi chahiye, mein chahti hu aap jaldi se theek ho jaaye, pehle se bhi zyada theek, hmm?" (It should feel that way, I want you to get well soon, even better than before.) I replied, and she nodded with an assuring smile.

"You take rest I'll be back soon" I said, turning to leave. Just then, I felt a grip on my wrist.

"Dr. Suhani." I turned back to see Ranisa looking at me earnestly.

"Ji, Ranisa?" I asked softly. She blinked and gestured for me to sit back down. I complied, and she held both my hands in her fists.

"Dr. Suhani,  many doctors have treated me. They talked to me politely and respectfully because I'm the Queen of Udaipur, but none of them has given me the genuine care and support that you have. You did your job more than just as a doctor" she confessed, smiling. I smiled a little, touched, and caressed her hands.

"I want you to call me Dadisa, not Ranisa" she said. My eyes widened in disbelief. I opened my mouth, struggling to form words.

"D-Dadisa? Ranisa, I know what you're trying to say, but how can I—?" I stammered, still trying to process her request.

"Dr. Suhani, I feel we have a connection. The way you handle things is so impressive,  you never feel afraid to speak your heart out. And it's my wish that you call me Dadisa" she reiterated. I gulped, feeling tears prick my eyes. My heart raced, and a lump formed in my throat. I nodded multiple times and hugged her tightly, overwhelmed by the warmth of her words.

When she asked me to call her Dadisa, it felt like she was welcoming me into her family, making me someone close to her heart. She hugged me, gently caressing my back. I felt her sobbing.

I wiped her tears away and shook my head. "Don't cry, or you'll get sick, and Mr. Rathore will definitely kill me" I joked, trying to lighten the mood. She laughed and nodded.

"He won't, I'll save you" she replied, and I kissed her hand, feeling grateful for our bond. She smiled and began caressing my right cheek.

"Dadisa" I tried to say again, and her smile widened as she hugged me tightly. I returned the hug, savoring the moment. After a bit, I broke the hug, feeling a surge of gratitude.

"Thank you, for making me feel special" I said, and she shook her head, her eyes softening.

"Thank you, my child" she said gently.

"Well, if you want me to call you Dadisa, then you also have to call me by my name, not Dr. Suhani. Only Suhani, hmm?" I insisted. She nodded, blinking her eyes in agreement, and I smiled.

"Okay, Suhani" she replied.

"Okay, Dadisa. You take rest, and I'll be back" I said, giving her a warm smile. She nodded, and I left the room, my heart lightened by the connection we had just forged.

Aditya's pov

I cut the call and started walking toward Dadisa's room. Just as I was about to enter, I heard giggling and conversation. My eyebrows knitted together in confusion. I peeked inside and saw Dr. Suhani feeding Dadisa, both of them laughing and enjoying each other's company. My heart filled with warmth at the sight—Dadisa was genuinely smiling, and it made me incredibly happy. But then my eyes fell on the tray of food.

(is she trying to steal my grandmother from me?) I thought, narrowing my eyes in mock suspicion. I shook my head, trying to dismiss the absurdity of my feelings.

"Adi, have you gone mad? What are you even thinking?" I murmured under my breath.I continued to peek at them from outside the door when I saw Dadisa hold Suhani's hand, making her turn around to sit back down.

"Dr. Suhani, I want you to call me Dadisa, not Ranisa" Dadisa said.

(WHAT... like seriously?) I thought in disbelief. Dadisa, are you serious? No, Dadisa, you can't do this! You already have two grandsons. you don't need another grandchild!

I knew I was a bit possessive about my grandmother, but that's just how I was. I didn't care if anyone thought I was immature in this regard—that's just Aditya Singh Rathore for you.Rolling my eyes, I listened to their mother-daughter conversation. Great, just great! I shook my head and left when I saw Dr. Suhani about to exit the room. I started pretending to be on a phone call.

"Mr. Rathore?" I heard her voice. I turned around, putting my phone down, and my eyes fell on her. My gaze automatically scanned her face—her eyebrows were furrowed, her eyes sparkled with unshed tears, and her nose and cheeks were red from crying. Dried tears stained her face, and I didn't know why, but my heart softened at the sight. I felt confused, wondering why she had been crying. I cleared my throat.

"Ahem—yes, Dr. Suhani" I replied, looking down at her frame. Her eyes were fearless yet still bore a hint of hurt. My right hand instinctively went into my pocket, and I pulled out my handkerchief, handing it to her. Her eyes widened in shock, but she accepted it.

I gulped hard, clearing my throat again as I watched her wipe her tears. I bit my lower lip, captivated by her vulnerability, unable to look away. I usually didn't care if anyone cried in front of me, but seeing her tears made my heart clench with unease. A heaviness settled in my chest.

"Thanks" she mouthed, and I nodded lightly before leaving her alone.

(I shouldn't be near her. Whenever I am, I feel weak, and I hate feeling that way. What is this girl doing to me? Why am I having these strange feelings?) I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.

I walked toward Dadisa's room and entered.

(why was she crying?)The thought crossed my mind as I saw Dadisa. She smiled at me, and I returned the gesture. I walked over to her and wrapped my arms around her in a hug. She hugged me back warmly.

"How are you feeling now?" I asked softly.

"Better" she replied, nodding her head.

"So, you ate?" I asked, examining her face. She eventually nodded.

I sighed, pressing my lips together. "It's good that you didn't wait for me to come. Sorry I couldn't get here earlier, Mr. Mishra called me to discuss our latest project"

She shook her head. "Adi, you don't have to say sorry. Besides, Suhani fed me the food and the medicines" she replied, smiling softly.

"Yeah, I saw that. why was she calling you dadisa?" I said, a hint of jealousy creeping into my voice. She laughed heartily, and I chuckled at her joy.

"Well, Suhani is such a good girl. Didn't you see how she takes care of me? She is so respectful and kind, I like her" Dadisa said. I didn't want to admit it, but she was right.

(But respectful? I doubt that...) I thought.

"Yeah" I replied shortly, clearing my throat to change the subject.

"So, finally, tomorrow we'll leave for the palace" I said happily, making Dadisa smile widely. She nodded in agreement.

"Finally!" she exclaimed, and I chuckled, shaking my head at her enthusiasm.

In the Evening

Suhani's pov

I was reading Dadisa's files in the office room assigned to me when the door suddenly swung open.

"Suhani, Mr. Choudhary said we should head back to the palace. I've checked everything—our shift is over" Krish said as he entered the office.

"Krish, I'm studying a very important file right now. You guys can go, I'll come later" I replied, keeping my focus on the document.

"But Sona—" he began, but I looked up and interrupted him.

"It's alright. I'll talk to Mr. Choudhary... I would have come, but this file work is very important" I insisted, and he nodded in understanding.

"Okay then, I'll talk to Mr. Choudhary to send a car to the hospital when you're done, hmm?" Krish suggested, and I nodded, smiling lightly.

"Thanks, Krish" I said genuinely. He smiled back and ruffled my hair.

"No problem" he replied as he exited the office room.

As I settled back into my work, a sudden realization struck me. "Oh no, it's time for Dadisa's medicines!" I murmured to myself, glancing at the clock. It was already 7 PM. I sighed, knowing I had to leave my office.

I hurried out into the corridor. "Sister, did you check on Ranisa?" I asked a nurse I passed by, who greeted me warmly.

"Yes, Doctor, I was just going to—" she started.

"It's okay, I'll check on her" I replied shortly, giving her a reassuring smile before making my way down the hallway.

As I walked, I felt a mix of urgency and anticipation. I hoped Dadisa was feeling well and that she wouldn't mind me bringing her medicine. The thought of her warmth and smile kept me motivated. I quickened my pace, eager to see her.

After 10 minutes

I reached Dadisa's room and entered quietly, my heart swelling with warmth at the sight of her sitting on the bed. But my smile quickly faded when my eyes landed on Mr. Rathore's imposing frame, sitting next to her.

"Suhani, you've come!" Dadisa exclaimed happily. I smiled back and walked towards her, but Mr. Rathore's sharp gaze met mine, and he cleared his throat, the atmosphere shifting slightly.

 Dadisa hugged me, and I returned the embrace.

After breaking the hug, I looked at her with a smile once again. "Let me see your progress" I mumbled under my breath as I began my examination.

"Perfect, you're recovering so well" I said, observing her closely. She smiled softly, a glimmer of pride in her eyes.

"Only because of you all" she replied. I felt a swell of affection in my chest, grateful for her kind words.

"It's our pleasure." I said with sincerity. Just then, my phone buzzed, pulling my attention away. I fished it out of my coat pocket and frowned at the caller ID, confusion knitting my brows together.

"Hello?" I answered, my voice a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Oh yeah, my work is done" I replied, trying to make sense of the conversation.

"Wait, how am I going to come then?" I sighed, frustration bubbling up as I ended the call.

 Dadisa and Mr. Rathore exchanged glances, confusion evident on their faces.

"What happened, Suhani?" Dadisa asked, her brow furrowing in concern.

I sighed, shaking my head lightly. "Mr. Choudhary called. He said that no car is available right now. Four cars are in the office, and the other three are at the farmhouse. It'll take at least three hours for them to reach here. Until then, what am I supposed to do? I don't even know the route to the palace" I replied, feeling completely helpless.

"Dear, don't worry. We'll figure out something" Dadisa reassured me, though her own worry was evident in her eyes. I sighed again, the weight of the situation pressing down on me.

"Let me book a cab" I murmured under my breath, quickly searching for options on my phone.

"Why book a cab when Adi is here? He'll go to the palace too, he can take you with him" Dadisa said, and my gaze shifted to Mr. Rathore. His face was a picture of shock, his eyes wide as he seemed to process her suggestion.

"Dadisa, how can I? I have to visit the orphanage today" he murmured, but I could hear the reluctance in his voice. I felt so trapped, unsure of how I would get back to the palace. I didn't know anyone here except Mr. Rathore and Mr. Choudhary.

"No buts, Adi. You have to do something. She is our responsibility. Do one thing- take her with you, visit the orphanage, and then go to the palace" Dadisa insisted, her tone firm.

He sighed, clearly grappling with the idea, but eventually nodded. He checked his phone, rolling his sleeves up to his elbows, revealing his veiny arms and perfectly structured physique. I couldn't help but notice the tailored black suit that hugged his form, emphasizing his broad shoulders and muscular build. His tall frame towered over me, and as he stood up, his dark eyes met mine with an intensity that made my heart race.

"Fine" he said, his voice steady despite the internal struggle I sensed.

Aditya's pov

Dadisa told me to take Dr. Suhani with me,  Dadisa was right, Dr. Suhani was our responsibility, and I had to take care of her. I looked at her small frame, her shiny, soft eyes meeting mine as she nodded.

"let's go" I said, straightening my posture and focusing on her. She was already staring at me, and I cleared my throat to break the tension.

"Alright, Dadisa. Take care, we'll be back soon" I said, kissing her forehead. She hugged me tightly, and I broke the embrace, her expression a mix of warmth and concern.

"Suhani" Dadisa called out, pulling her into a gentle hug. They exchanged a few soft words, and I watched the bond between them with a hint of admiration. After they parted, Dr. Suhani smiled at Dadisa.

"Goodnight, Dadisa" I said, returning her smile. She blinked her eyes, mouthing a quiet "goodnight" as Dr. Suhani moved forward to tuck the blanket securely around her.

"Come" I urged, leading the way toward the exit. We stepped out of the room, and she followed closely behind.

"Mr. Rathore" I heard her voice call out. I turned to see her looking at me, her expression thoughtful.

"Let me quickly grab my things" she said, and I nodded, waiting patiently for her return.

I watched as she came back with her belongings, a small bag slung over her shoulder. I nodded in acknowledgment, and we exited the hospital together. The weather outside was windy and stormy, a stark contrast to the warm atmosphere inside. We hurried toward my car, the cool breeze whipping around us as we climbed in.

she settled into the passenger seat while I took the driver's seat. I started the engine, the car rumbling to life as we pulled away from the hospital and headed toward the orphanage.

"Mr. Rathore" Dr. Suhani said suddenly, breaking the silence.

"Yes?" I replied shortly, keeping my focus on the road ahead.

"Here" she said, handing me my handkerchief, her delicate fingers brushing against mine as she passed it over. I took a moment to glance at her side profile, observing the way the streetlights danced across her features.

"It's alright. you can keep it" I said, trying to keep the conversation light as I took a deep breath.

"Are you sure?" she asked, her tone a mixture of surprise and concern.

I nodded, trying to dismiss the moment with a casual air. The ride fell into silence, the sound of the engine and the wind outside filling the space between us. My thoughts drifted, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of responsibility and curiosity about the woman sitting beside me.

Before long, we arrived at the orphanage, its familiar façade illuminated under the dim streetlights. The rain began to patter softly against the windshield, echoing the storm outside. I parked the car and turned to Dr. Suhani.

Suhani's pov

We reached the orphanage, and the ride had been awkwardly silent. I could feel the tension hanging in the air, and as he parked the car and unlocked the doors, I decided to break the ice.

"Well, Mr. Rathore, mujhe nahi pata tha aap orphanage bhi aate ho?" I asked playfully, trying to lighten the mood . His eyes rolled in annoyance, and I couldn't help but bite my lower lip to suppress a laugh. I genuinely enjoyed getting under his skin.

(I didn't know you also come to the orphanage)

"Well, Dr. Suhani, I suggest you please shut up and follow me" he replied, exasperated, as he started walking ahead, ignoring me completely. I chuckled and quickened my pace to follow him.

As we entered the orphanage, my heart softened at the sight in front of me. Children ran towards us, their faces lighting up with joy. They wrapped their tiny arms around Mr. Rathore's legs, making him bend down to their level to return their affectionate hugs. After the warm embrace, he reached into his office bag and pulled out chocolates, causing the children to squeal with excitement.

I couldn't help but smile at the scene unfolding before me. For the first time, I saw Mr. Rathore's bright smile—genuine and unguarded. He looked so happy among the children, his face relaxed and cheerful. I never thought I would witness this side of him. His smile was undeniably charismatic, captivating, and attractive in a way that made my heart flutter. It was a stark contrast to the serious man I had come to know.

Kya baat hai, Mr. Khadoos Rathore aise bhi honge? Mujhe pata nahi tha. Ye bacche kitne pyaare hain, sach mein! (Wow, I didn't know that Mr. Khadoos Rathore had this other side too. I'm quite impressed. These children are so cute and adorable.)

I stood there, watching the children laugh, giggle, and play, my heart melting at their joy. Their innocence was infectious, and it brought a warmth to the chilly evening.

(Today, I saw him smiling from his heart. He noticed my tears earlier and gave me his handkerchief, and now this!)

I couldn't tear my gaze away from him as he interacted with the children, his demeanor shifting from the stoic, serious man I was used to, to someone vibrant and full of life. It was a beautiful sight, one that made me realize there was so much more to him than met the eye.

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