"Is she… someone new here?"
One of the doctors who had arrived with Shubham asked softly.
"May I get a chance to speak with her?"
It wasn't just him.
Every doctor present in the observation room was staring at the girl in disbelief.
She looked barely eighteen or nineteen.
And yet, surgeons with decades of experience were praising her work.
That alone proved one thing—
What Nidhi was doing was far beyond normal expectations.
Even the most experienced surgeons wouldn't dare attempt what she had just achieved.
Yet Shubham's face remained completely emotionless.
On the other side, Tina was burning with frustration.
Unable to hold back anymore, she spoke sharply.
"Even if she hasn't damaged the heart vessels or tissues," Tina said coldly,
"Mahendra ji has already undergone multiple surgeries. Holding and stabilizing the heart valve is extremely difficult."
Her eyes narrowed.
"That was the main reason why no one wanted to operate in the first place."
"Tina."
Dr. Ram shot her a warning look.
But Tina didn't stop.
"I'm only stating the facts," she continued.
"Mr. Mahendra Malhotra has multiple infections. The tissue edema is severe. This surgery is extremely risky."
She folded her arms.
"And even if the operation succeeds, restoring full heart function will be far more difficult. Complications are unavoidable."
Dr. Ram knew Tina's argumentative nature well.
He quickly turned to Shubham.
"Sir," he said carefully,
"that young female doctor is highly skilled. I truly believe she can handle this situation."
He paused, then added,
"And she isn't alone. Dr. Keshav Raghav is assisting her. He has extensive experience in critical cases."
Dr. Ram hesitated for a moment before continuing,
"Dr. Keshav is the grandson of Dr. Vishwanath Malik… a name well known both nationally and internationally."
"Vishwanath Malik?"
For the first time, something shifted in Shubham's eyes.
He finally understood.
The male assistant he had noticed earlier—
He was Vishwanath Malik's only grandson.
Shubham had invited Dr. Vishwanath Malik as well, but heavy traffic had delayed his arrival.
Seeing Shubham's unreadable expression, Dr. Ram grew increasingly anxious.
He couldn't tell what Shubham was thinking.
Inside the operation theatre—
Nidhi continued with absolute focus.
Her movements were precise. Calm. Confident.
One by one, she crossed every difficult stage.
Soon, the impossible happened.
The surgery was complete.
Mahendra ji was alive.
And more importantly—
He was out of danger.
Keshav already knew Nidhi was a medical genius.
But this…
This was on a completely different level.
She was far more incredible than he had ever imagined.
"Are you even human…?"
Keshav muttered under his breath, staring at her in shock.
He had been fully prepared to take responsibility if anything went wrong.
But now—
There was no need.
After completing the procedure, Nidhi calmly instructed the nurses,
"Move the patient out. Prepare for ICU transfer."
The operation room doors finally opened.
The moment Nidhi stepped outside—
The hallway erupted in applause.
All the doctors gathered together and began applauding as they congratulated her.
Nidhi smiled gently and accepted everyone's appreciation with quiet confidence.
But standing at a distance, Tina felt as if her insides were burning with jealousy.
Watching Nidhi receive such praise made her feel suffocated.
"Everyone, please clear the area,"
Dr. Keshav announced calmly.
"The patient needs rest now.
The operation was completely successful, Mr. Malhotra is out of danger."
The moment his words echoed—
A wave of happiness spread across the entire hospital floor.
Following Dr. Keshav's instructions, all the doctors slowly left the area.
Soon, only a few people remained—
Shubham.
His assistant, Yug.
The heart specialist who had arrived with them.
And a handful of doctors who had been involved in Mahendra Malhotra's case earlier.
"I'll arrange for Mahendra ji to be shifted to the ICU,"
Dr. Keshav said, turning toward Nidhi.
"You must be tired as well. I'll bring something for you to eat."
Nidhi nodded in response.
Then—
She slowly removed her surgical mask.
Her beautiful, mesmerizing face was revealed in front of everyone.
For a brief moment, the surroundings seemed to fall silent.
Shubham, who had been standing quietly all this while, finally saw Nidhi clearly for the first time.
And it felt as if—
His heart beat for the first time in his life.
He stared at her without blinking, completely lost in her presence.
Nidhi glanced around and asked calmly,
"Who is the patient's family member here?
I need to discuss a few things."
The moment her clear, steady voice reached Shubham's ears—
For the first time, he felt truly alive.
"This is Mr. Malhotra,"
Dr. Ram said, gently introducing Nidhi to Shubham.
At that moment, a young man—around four or five years older than her—stepped forward and stood in front of Nidhi.
He was at least six feet tall.
Nidhi looked up at the broad-shouldered man standing before her.
He was extraordinarily handsome, with sharp features and eyes as deep and calm as the ocean.
Before Nidhi or Shubham could say anything, Dr. Ram stepped forward again.
"Mr. Shubham… the truth is, your grandfather's condition was extremely critical,"
Dr. Ram explained carefully.
"I allowed this young lady to perform the surgery because I trusted her confidence and skills."
Shubham's gaze never left Nidhi's face.
Then, without saying a word, he slightly lifted his hand and gestured toward Yug, who was standing beside him.
Yug understood instantly.
He pulled out a checkbook, tore out a blank check, and handed it to Nidhi.
"Thank you very much for saving our big boss," Yug said respectfully.
"This is a small token of gratitude from us.
You may fill in any amount you wish."
Nidhi froze.
Her eyes moved from the blank check…
to Yug…
and then to Shubham.
A single thought echoed in her mind—
Who exactly is this Mr. Malhotra…
and why does he seem so powerful… yet so calm?
Now what do you think....
What will Tina do now, after all her schemes have failed?
Will she leave the hospital… or plan something far more dangerous?
And this first meeting—
between Nidhi and Shubham—
Will it become the beginning of attraction…
or the start of a storm that will change both their lives forever?
To be continued… 🔥