Chapter 13: chapter 12- The bouquet

Siara’s POV

I pushed open the door to my cabin, my footsteps steady but The whole family sat scattered around the room, their faces a mix of concern and curiosity. The first thing I noticed, however, was the absence of my brothers. My lips pressed into a thin line. Not surprising, really. I knew them, after looking around those pictures in my cabin, they might have remembered our past.

Everyone’s eyes turned to me, scanning my face, likely looking for signs of the supposed fainting episode the interns had exaggerated as Sid told me. I ignored their stares and walked to the desk, pulling off my gloves and tossing them into the dustbin.

"How are you feeling, beta? Are you okay?" Shalini chachi asked

I didn’t respond immediately, instead loosening my mask and placing it neatly on the desk. "I’m fine," I said curtly, not looking up. "Excuse me for a moment."

Without waiting for a response, I stepped into the washroom attached to my cabin and puke my guts out.

My back is killing me, periods were never easy for me. The only difference is that earlier I used to cry and put my whole family on their toes for me and now it's just me, after that accident I built a wall around myself. When I woke up from coma, that was the last time I cried.

I tried to suicide again after I didn't find my family beside me that day but luck was never on my side. Then someone told me ,if you do not want to live for yourself then live for others. That's when I decided to become a doctor. I studied hard, I forgot what I was and became what I am today.

I moved efficiently—washing my hands, fixing my hair, and opening the wardrobe to pull out a neatly folded saree. Dadi’s words about tradition and respect echoed faintly in my head. Even here, I couldn’t escape them. But I didn’t mind, not really. Dressing in a saree had become as much a part of me as the scrubs I wore during surgeries.

When I returned to the room, everyone was still watching me, their gazes almost uncomfortable. I smoothed the pleats of my saree and asked simply, "Does anyone need anything?"

Their expressions shifted, surprise flickering across their faces. Perhaps they hadn’t expected me to dress traditionally even to leave for home. But this was me now—Doctor Siara, navigating two lives without fully belonging to either.

I sat down in the chair near the desk, stretching out my fingers to ease the stiffness. That’s when my gaze fell on the bouquet of roses sitting on the side table. My jaw tightened, I reached for the intercom and dialed Sid.

"Yes, Dr. Siara?"

"In my cabin" I ordered

He arrived within seconds,"yes mam?"

"Who sent those?"my tone stern and commanding

"Sorry mam, I know you have told me to never accept red roses bouquets but that’s from that psycho Richy rich patient from last week. You know he  threatened the staff if we didn’t give it to you?"

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Again, same nonsense every second day. Throw it out. And tell him I’m married."

"Already did. But maybe I should add you have three kids? That might scare him off," Sid smirked

From the corner of my eye, I caught Myra choking on laughter. Divya, not one to miss an opportunity, leaned forward with a wicked grin.

"Three kids, huh? Bhabhi, that’s impressive! Who are they? Kabir bhai, shivay, divya ?" Said Myra

"Definitely not kabir. He doesn’t look like he’s been part of the plan." Devansh teased

"Excuse me, why am I suddenly her kid? I’ve got enough problems without being adopted by Siara bhabhi," kabir grinned

Everyone burst out laughing, except Mahir, who sat stiffly in the corner, his lips a tight line. He glanced at me briefly, his expression unreadable, before focusing on his phone. I didn’t react to the jokes, as usual. Their laughter filled the room,I used to be like this with my brothers.

Sid, recovering from his own chuckles, walked over to the desk and placed a glass of orange juice in front of me. "You’re not getting out of this one, Doc. Drink it. Doctor’s orders."

I raised an eyebrow at him but didn’t argue, lifting the glass .Once he left I was about to put the glass down however, a deep voice interrupted.

"Finish it," Dad commanded

The room went silent. Everyone froze, including me. Advitya Sehgal rarely spoke to me directly, let alone with such authority. I glanced up, startled, and caught Kabir choking on his coffee,"Wow, Dad. Straight to the point, huh?"

Divya whispered dramatically

"Plot twist. Advitya Sehgal, defender of juice and strict traditions."

I thought, lowering my gaze to the glass. This was new. My fingers tightened slightly around the cool glass, and I took a slow sip.

The rest of the family settled down, their earlier teasing replaced with a quieter, contemplative mood. I could feel their eyes on me as I finished the juice, but I didn’t meet their gazes. Instead, I placed the empty glass on the table and stood.

Suddenly my phone buzzed, The call from my intern was brief but clear—Dadi had regained consciousness. A wave of relief washed over me, though my expression remained the same as always. I ended the call, turned to everyone, and informed them.

"Dadi is conscious now," I said flatly, my voice devoid of the enthusiasm that might have accompanied such news years ago. The family erupted into motion, relief and urgency reflected in their faces as they rushed to see her.

I followed silently behind, letting them take the lead. It wasn’t my place to act otherwise—not anymore. Suddenly I felt a cramp, I was about fall but i didn't. Standing beside me was my husband holding me a firm grasp. He noticed the flicker of pain in eyes, his posture stiffened. I moved forward without looking back.

Inside the room, the air felt lighter as everyone crowded around Dadi. "Dadi, how are you feeling?" Devansh asked, his voice warm and comforting.

"Dadi promise me you'll never forget to take your medicines again," Mahir demanded while dadi nodded with slight smile

"You gave us all quite a scare," added Kabir with a lopsided grin, trying to inject humor.

The younger ones were quick to join in, their chatter filling the room.

"Come on, Dadi, you just wanted to get everyone's attention, didn’t you?" Divya teased.

"Typical Dadi move—scaring us for some drama," Shivay added, earning a light slap on his arm from Myra.

Dadi smiled weakly, her eyes scanning the room, and then they landed on me. I stepped forward, professionalism taking over.

"How are you feeling now, Dadi?" I asked, placing my fingers on her wrist to check her pulse. I ignored the way her brows furrowed as she continued to study me, clearly trying to make sense of my presence in this role.

"Your vitals are stable," I said, cutting her off gently but firmly. "I’ll get your discharge papers ready."

I turned and left the room before anyone could say anything further. My work wasn’t done; formalities needed to be completed, and that was my priority.

As I walked to my office, I couldn’t shake the look on her face—a mix of confusion and disbelief. It wasn’t the first time someone had looked at me that way, and I doubted it would be the last. But it didn’t matter.

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Back in the Room

family took that moment to explain everything to Dadi.

"Siara is not some receptionist" Advitya said softly, his tone laced with guilt and pride.

"What," Dadi asked, her voice with disbelief.

Abhimanyu nodded,"Yes, maa. She’s the best neurosurgeon here. Not just here, she is known worldwide. She has saved various lives. She’s the one who took care of you."

The younger ones, unable to hold back, chimed in,"She’s literally a genius, Dadi. You should see how the staff looks at her like she’s some kind of goddess," Shivay said.

"And scary too! The interns practically quake in their shoes around her," Myra added with a grin.

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Siara pov-

When I returned, the air in the room felt different. There was a heaviness, a tension that hadn’t been there before. But I didn’t dwell on it.

"Everything is done. You can leave in sometime," I informed them, not meeting anyone’s eyes.

Dadi’s gaze was fixed on me, but I didn’t look her way.  Instead, I busied myself with the remaining paperwork, ignoring the whispers behind me. I was used to this now—being observed, judged, and misunderstood. It was easier this way. Detached. Professional. Cold.

I had survived this long.

I came out of my thoughts when my phone ringed. Avi's name flashed on screen. Without hesitation I excused myself.

As I stepped into the hallway to answer Avi’s call, his cheerful voice greeted me even before I could say hello.

“Didi! Did you forget you have a brother who’s actually alive?”

He knows everything about my past, family except those two reasons which made my family abandon me.

I rolled my eyes, leaning against the wall,“If I forgot, then who am I talking to right now?”

“Touché,” he shot back, a grin audible in his tone. “Anyway, guess who aced his exams?”

“Your over-smart neighbor?” I teased

“No, me! And don’t ruin my moment, Dii. This is a historic event that deserves proper recognition.”

“Congratulations,” I replied flatly. “Do you want a medal or a statue?”

“Both,” he said dramatically. “And I want them made out of gold, not chocolate like last time!”

“That’s all you deserve, Avi. Chocolate and sarcasm,” I replied

He gasped. “The audacity! I’ll have you know, I’m your pride"

“Sure, The same pride with which you told your friends - (meri didi h na, sab sambhal legi) when police caught you for driving without licence” I drawled.

(My sister is there; she'll handle everything)

“That was just one time!” he protested, then laughed. “Besides, what I said was also true. Also I still have ‘adorable kid’ look so you shouldn't scold me”

“You’re eighteen now. That ‘adorable kid’ card is expired,” I deadpanned.

“Not for me!” he declared confidently. “Anyway, when are you visiting? Don’t think you can avoid me forever.”

“I’m not avoiding you,” I said. “I’m just busy.”

“Busy being boring,” he quipped.

“I’m hanging up.”

“Wait! I have one more question.”

“What?” I asked, sighing.

“Why are you so serious again? Did someone steal your sense of humor and sell it on the black market?”

“Goodbye, Avi.”

“Okay, okay! I’ll stop. But seriously, visit soon, or I’m coming to your hospital and embarrassing you in front of all your interns.”

I shook my head “I’ll visit when I have time. Bye, Avi.”

“Bye, Didi! Don’t forget, I’m the only sibling who doesn’t make your life miserable!”

As I hung up, I stood there for a moment, letting his laughter linger in my ears. Avi was exhausting, but in a way that felt refreshing. His sarcastic banter was a brief reminder of the life I had left behind—a life I didn’t often allow myself to think about.