Act 1: The Miracle Doctor

The bustling hallways of the city’s most prestigious hospital were filled with whispers of awe and admiration. A junior doctor had just saved both a mother and her baby during a high-risk delivery. Her innovative methods and calm demeanor under pressure had made the impossible possible.

The doctor was none other than Naira Goenka, now 25 years old and a rising star in the field of gynecology. Despite her young age, she had proven her worth time and again, though she still worked under the guidance of one of the country's most renowned gynecologists.

Her professional achievements, however, stood in stark contrast to her personal life. Naira had no family or close circle apart from two people: Riya, her psychiatrist and best friend, and Mukesh Mathur, one of the biggest business tycoons, who was currently admitted to the hospital due to poor health. Mukesh had taken a liking to Naira, treating her like a daughter during his frequent visits. His son, Surya Mathur, a 28-year-old business magnate, often visited as well, though his stoic personality contrasted with Naira’s warmth.

Act 2: An Unwanted Case

One morning, Naira was handed a new case. It wasn’t an assignment from her seniors but rather a request from a patient who had specifically asked for her.

Naira raised an eyebrow, puzzled. Being a junior doctor, she often faced skepticism due to her age. For someone to request her by name was unusual. But as soon as she glanced at the patient’s file and saw the name Kirti Goenka, her heart stopped.

Her hands trembled as memories came rushing back—the laughter, the warmth, and then the betrayal. Kirti was alive, out of her coma, and pregnant. Naira didn’t even open the file. Instead, she rushed to her seniors and pleaded for the case to be reassigned.

Act 3: The Encounter

Despite Naira’s objections, Kirti, determined to see her, visited Naira’s clinic during her duty hours.

As soon as Naira walked in and locked eyes with Kirti, she froze. The older woman stood there, a soft smile on her face, her hand resting protectively over her baby bump.

“Naira,” Kirti whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Tears welled up in Naira’s eyes. For a moment, the years melted away, and she saw the Kirti she had once adored as a mother figure. Her legs moved instinctively as though to hug her, but the bitter memories held her back.

“Naira, I’ve missed you so much,” Kirti said, stepping closer.

But Naira raised her hand, stopping her. “Please, leave,” she said, her voice cold but quivering.

Kirti frowned, confused. “Naira, I requested you because I trust you. I’ve seen your name in the medical journals. I know you’re the only one who can handle my case.”

“Kirti,” Naira said, struggling to keep her composure, “you need to go. There are other doctors here who can take better care of you. I... I can’t do this.”

Kirti’s eyes filled with tears. “I didn’t come here just as a patient. I came here because I wanted to see you, to make things right.”

Naira’s resolve faltered for a moment. She wanted to cry, to scream, to tell Kirti everything she had endured because of that family. But she couldn’t. Instead, she turned away, biting her lip to stop the tears.

“You need to leave,” Naira said firmly. “I can’t be your doctor. I won’t.”

Act 4: Kirti’s Determination

Kirti, however, refused to give up. She took her case to the hospital administration and even approached Naira’s seniors, insisting that Naira be her doctor. Being a Goenka, her influence could not be ignored.

When Naira heard of this, she decided to take control of the situation. She approached the hospital board with a condition:

“I will only take this case if her family gives me their written consent,” Naira said. “If not, I will not proceed.”

She knew the Goenkas would never take such a risk, especially given their history with her.

Despite her firm stance, Naira remained gentle with Kirti. “Kirti, please, for your own sake, go back. There are better doctors who can handle your case.”

Kirti, seeing the pain in Naira’s eyes, couldn’t hold back her emotions any longer. She stepped forward and hugged Naira tightly.

“I’m so sorry, Naira,” Kirti whispered, her voice breaking. “I don’t know what happened back then or why it happened, but I never blamed you. I never stopped caring for you.”

Naira stood stiff for a moment before her walls crumbled. Tears streamed down her face as years of suppressed grief and anger bubbled to the surface. She wanted to believe Kirti, to find comfort in her words, but the wounds were still too fresh.

Pulling away, Naira wiped her tears and took a deep breath. “Kirti, please leave. I cannot be your doctor. This is not about trust—it’s about protecting myself.”

Kirti, heartbroken but understanding, nodded reluctantly. “I’ll do as you say for now, Naira. But I won’t give up on you.”

As Kirti left the room, Naira sank into her chair, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. For the first time in years, she felt the cracks in the armor she had so carefully built around her heart.