chapter 17

As Amaira disappeared around the corner, Dr. Luke couldn't shake off the feeling that he'd just been struck by lightning. He stood there, frozen, his eyes fixed on the empty space where she'd been.Who was that girl? And what was it about her that had left him breathless? Dr. Luke couldn't remember the last time he'd felt such a strong connection with someone.As he made his way back to his office, he couldn't help but think about the way her eyes had sparkled, even in the midst of chaos. He thought about the way her hair had fallen in loose waves down her back, and the way her smile had lit up her entire face.Dr. Luke chuckled to himself as he realized he was acting like a lovesick teenager. He hadn't felt this way about anyone in a long time.Just as he was about to sit down at his desk, his nurse, Rachel, poked her head into his office. "Dr. Luke, you have a patient waiting for you in exam room 3," she said with a smile.Dr. Luke nodded, taking a deep breath as he stood up. Time to focus on his patients, not on the mysterious woman who had collided with him.But as he made his way to exam room 3, he couldn't help but wonder if he would see her again.Dr. Luke's mind wandered back to the girl throughout the day, distracting him from his usual focus. He found himself wondering what her name was, what her story was, and why she seemed so troubled.***The next day***Amaira decided to take advantage of Scar Boss being out to grab a longer lunch break. Normally, she would have had to return home immediately after spending some time with her brother, but with Scar Boss away, she had a rare bit of limited freedom. She headed to the hospital canteen, looking forward to a few minutes of peace.As she waited in line to order, she noticed a familiar figure sitting at a table by the window. It was the stranger from the day before, the one with the piercing blue eyes and warm smile.After ordering her lunch, Amaira made her way to an empty table, lost in thought.Just as she was about to sit down, she heard a voice behind her. "Mind if I join you?"Amaira turned to see the stranger standing behind her, a warm smile on his face."Not at all," she said, feeling a sense of surprise.The stranger sat down across from her, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, what brings you to the hospital?" he asked.Amaira hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "My brother's a patient here," she said finally.The stranger's expression turned sympathetic. "I'm so sorry to hear that. What's wrong with him?"Amaira sighed, feeling a sense of frustration wash over her. "He's been in an accident. He's going to be okay, but it's just...it's been really tough."The stranger nodded understandingly. "I can imagine. It's never easy to see someone you love in pain."Amaira smiled gratefully. "Thanks for understanding."The stranger smiled back. "Of course. So, what's your brother's name?"Amaira hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "Dilip," she said finally.The stranger's eyes lit up. "Dilip? That's a great name."Amaira laughed. "Thanks. I think so too."As they chatted, Amaira couldn't help but notice the stranger's accent. "You're not from around here, are you?" she asked.The stranger chuckled. "No, I'm not. I'm from Italy."Amaira's eyes widened in surprise. "Italy? What brings you to England?"The stranger smiled. "I'm here to visit a friend. I am supposed to stay at his place but...well, I got stuck at the hospital."Amaira laughed. "Stuck at the hospital? What do you mean?"The stranger grinned. "I'm a doctor. I was supposed to meet my friend after my shift, but...one of my close college friends called in sick, and I had to cover for him at his hospital."Amaira's eyes widened in surprise. "You're a doctor? What kind of doctor?"The stranger chuckled. "I'm a surgeon."Amaira's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "A surgeon? That's amazing."The stranger smiled modestly. "It's just a job."As they continued to chat, Amaira found herself feeling more and more at ease.As they finished their lunch, the stranger glanced at his watch. "I'm so sorry, but I really should get going. I just have one more patient and then I can finally go home and meet my friend."Amaira nodded, feeling a sense of surprise that their conversation had come to an end."It was great talking to you. Maybe I'll see you around the hospital?" Amaira saidThe stranger smiled back, feeling a sense of politeness. "I may not come here again. May I know your name, bella signorina?" (Beautiful lady)Amaira was about to tell when mischief sparkled her eyes. "Why don't we make a deal? Next time when we meet, we'll share our names."Dr. Like laughed at the mischief in her eyes, "You're a sly one, aren't you?" He said chuckling Amaira grinned, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Maybe just a little," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.Dr. Luke shook his head, laughing. "Alright, deal. Next time we meet, we'll share our names."Amaira nodded, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. "I'll hold you to that," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.Dr. Luke chuckled, feeling a sense of delight at her playfulness. "I'm looking forward to it," he said, smiling at her.As they parted ways, Amaira couldn't help but wonder who the fun stranger was.And as for the stranger, Dr. Luke, he couldn't help but smile as he watched Amaira walk away, wondering whether they could meet again.