Chapter 4 - The First Meeting
The X-ray department was unusually crowded that afternoon. Patients waited quietly for their turn while nurses moved from one room to another with reports and files. Nisha sat beside Riya, gently holding her injured ankle. The pain had eased slightly, but every movement still reminded her of the accident.
"It shouldn't take much longer," Riya said, trying to encourage her.
Nisha simply nodded.
After a few minutes, the technician handed her the X-ray report and asked her to return to the orthopedic department. Riya excused herself for a moment to collect the prescribed medicines from the pharmacy.
"I'll be back in five minutes," she said.
Left alone, Nisha slowly began walking through the long hospital corridor. She held the X-ray envelope carefully while supporting herself against the wall whenever the pain increased.
At the same time, Dr. Aarav Anand was leaving a consultation room after finishing a counseling session. He was reviewing a patient's file while walking toward the emergency wing. His attention remained on the notes in his hand.
Suddenly, a little boy ran across the corridor, chasing a colorful toy that had slipped from his hands.
Nisha noticed the child and instinctively stepped aside to give him space. The sudden movement caused her injured ankle to lose balance.
She stumbled forward.
The X-ray envelope slipped from her hand, and several medical papers scattered across the polished floor.
Before she could fall completely, a firm hand gently held her arm.
"Careful."
Nisha looked up in surprise.
It was the same doctor she had briefly noticed earlier that morning.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
"Are you alright?" he asked calmly.
"Yes... I think so," she replied, still trying to steady herself.
He carefully released her arm once he was sure she could stand without falling.
"You shouldn't be walking alone with an injured ankle."
"I'm fine," Nisha answered softly, though the pain on her face suggested otherwise.
Dr. Aarav bent down and collected the scattered papers before handing them back to her.
"I believe these belong to you."
"Thank you," she said.
He noticed the orthopedic department stamp on the envelope.
"So, the ankle is the problem."
She gave a small nod.
"Just a severe sprain."
"Then don't rush. Healing always takes time."
His words sounded simple, yet something about the way he said them made Nisha pause.
Before she could say anything else, a nurse hurried toward him.
"Dr. Aarav, the emergency patient is ready."
"I'll be there immediately."
He looked back at Nisha with a polite smile.
"Please take care of yourself."
"You too... Doctor."
Without another word, he walked away.
A few seconds later, Riya returned carrying a small paper bag filled with medicines.
"What happened? Why are your reports on the floor?"
"I almost slipped again," Nisha replied.
"And?"
"A doctor helped me."
"Which doctor?"
Nisha looked toward the corridor where he had disappeared.
"I don't know."
Just then, the hospital announcement echoed through the building.
"Dr. Aarav Anand, please report to Emergency Ward immediately."
Riya smiled.
"So that's his name."
Nisha quietly repeated it in her mind.
Dr. Aarav Anand.
She didn't realize it then, but that brief meeting had already left a small impression on her heart. Sometimes, destiny begins not with grand moments, but with simple acts of kindness shared between two strangers.
