The conference room was filled with a heavy silence as everyone took their seats. The two Singhanias—Professor Vaibhav and Arjun, both senior figures in the hospital—were leading the meeting. Kairav, Kirti, and Naira sat on opposite ends of the table, their emotions running high. For Kairav and Naira, it was the first time they had been in the same room in years.

Despite their physical proximity, neither sibling acknowledged the other. Kairav's stern expression reflected his inner turmoil, while Naira sat silently, her gaze fixed on the table. Kirti felt a pang of guilt. This meeting, this entire situation, was her attempt to reunite the siblings, but seeing their cold indifference toward each other made her heart ache.

The higher-ups began the discussion, focusing on Kirti’s complicated pregnancy.

Kirti Breaks the News

Kirti cleared her throat. “I’ve made my decision. I want Dr. Naira Goenka to handle my case.”

The room fell silent, and all eyes turned toward her. Most were surprised, but Kairav’s reaction was subtle—he didn’t seem shocked. This confirmed Kirti’s suspicion that Kairav had always known where Naira was but chose to remain silent about it.

“Kirti,” Kairav began, his tone sharp, “this is not a decision to take lightly. Naira is just 25. How can you expect her to handle such a complicated case? There are far more experienced doctors here.”

His words were direct, almost cruel, and they hung in the air like a bitter wind.

Kirti, however, didn’t back down. “Experience isn’t everything, Kairav. I trust her. That’s all that matters to me.”

Kairav’s Objections

Kairav leaned forward, frustration evident in his voice. “Trust? You’re putting your life and the baby’s life at risk because of some emotional connection? She’s too young, Kirti! This isn’t a case for beginners.”

The room grew tense as Kairav continued to list reasons why Naira wasn’t suitable for the case. He questioned her skills, her experience, and her ability to handle pressure.

Through it all, Naira remained silent. Each word from her brother cut deeper into her heart. She wondered, Does he hate me this much? What did I do to deserve this?

Her mind replayed moments from their past, trying to pinpoint where everything had gone wrong. The ache of her brother’s mistrust weighed heavily on her, but she refused to let it show.

Vaibhav’s Question

When Kairav finally paused, Vaibhav stepped in. “Dr. Goenka,” he said, addressing Naira formally, “are you confident about handling this case?”

Naira finally looked up. Her voice was steady but carried a note of sorrow. “The patient trusts me. But her family doesn’t. And as a doctor, I can only work when there’s mutual trust. Without it, it’s impossible.”

Her words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. The room was silent as she continued.

“Kirti’s concerns are valid, and so are Kairav’s. I’ve never handled a case of this complexity before. But many in this room have faced new challenges for the first time and succeeded. I believe I can, too.”

She glanced briefly at Kirti, her voice softening. “However, trust is essential. If her family doesn’t believe in me, it will only create more tension. That’s why I suggest Arjun sir or Vaibhav sir lead the case. I’ll step back.”

Kirti’s Plea

“No,” Kirti said firmly. “I don’t mind having a team, but I want Naira on it. She’s the one I trust.”

As Kairav opened his mouth to object again, Naira did something she hadn’t done in years—she looked directly at him. Her eyes were filled with pain and exhaustion.

“For once, Kairav, stop,” she said, her voice breaking slightly. “Your family doesn’t want me involved. If something goes wrong, I know I’ll be the one blamed again. And I don’t have the strength to bear it anymore.”

Her words stunned everyone in the room. For the first time, they saw the cracks in her calm demeanor.

The Truth Unfolds

The other doctors in the room exchanged puzzled glances. They had no idea about the connection between Naira and Kairav. To them, the matching surnames had always seemed coincidental.

Professor Vaibhav, who had known the truth all along, looked conflicted. He had been hesitant to involve Naira in the case, but Kirti’s insistence and Naira’s growing reputation had made him reconsider.

Finally, he spoke. “Naira, I understand your concerns, but Kirti trusts you. I’m asking you to be part of this team—not because of your personal connection, but because of your skills.”

After the Meeting

As the meeting ended, Naira walked out without looking back. Her heart was heavy, her mind clouded with doubts. Kirti followed her, apologizing profusely for putting her in this position.

“I just wanted to bring you home,” Kirti said, tears in her eyes.

Naira managed a faint smile. “Some wounds are too deep, Kirti. I don’t think I’ll ever belong there again.”

Back in the conference room, Kairav sat alone, his mind racing. For the first time, he noticed the weight of Naira’s pain. Was I too harsh? he wondered. But his ego refused to let him admit it—at least not yet.

Naitik, who had remained silent throughout the meeting, watched his children with a heavy heart. He knew he had failed as a father, and he silently vowed to make things right—if it wasn’t already too late.