Aarav P.O.V
As my flight touched down in Mumbai, I wasted no time. Heading straight to the baggage claim area, I collected my luggage and made my way toward the exit. Scanning the crowd for my driver, I was caught off guard when I spotted Tanya waving at me with a bright yet emotional smile. I was surprised. I hadn't expected her to be here. She rushed toward me and embraced me tightly.
"Bhai, I missed you so much! I can't believe you're back." I hugged her back, smiling.
"I missed you too, Tanu. But don't worry, I'm not going anywhere now. In fact, you might just get tired of me and throw me out of the house."
She chuckled, her eyes brimming with tears. "Never!" she said with conviction.
I gently wiped her tears, and just then, the driver approached us, loading my luggage into our BMW.
"How's Dad? How was the surgery? Is he out of the ICU?" I asked, my voice laced with concern.
She exhaled heavily. "He's still under observation. The doctors performed an angiography yesterday after he complained of chest pain. That's when we found out he had a heart attack."
A sharp pang of anxiety gripped me. "Take me to the hospital first. I need to see him and speak to the doctor."
"You just had a long flight. Freshen up, get some rest, and then we'll go. Mom is waiting for you at home too," she suggested gently.
"Hospital first, then home," I said firmly to the driver, who gave a nod in acknowledgment.
Curiosity struck me. "How did you know my flight details? And who's with Dad right now if you're here and Mom is at home?"
"The office staff called on Dad's number and informed me about your flight. As for Dad, his friend is with him at the hospital. Mom needed to rest after spending the whole night crying and worrying."
I nodded. The driver pulled up in front of the hospital. I turned to Tanya. "Do you want to go home and rest?"
She gave me a small smile. "No, we'll go home together."
I nodded, appreciating her presence, and we stepped inside the hospital.
"Why don't you go meet the doctor? I'll check on Dad before his doctor leaves for the day," Tanya suggested.
I agreed and walked towards the OPD receptionist desk. "Is Dr. Mehra free?" I asked.
The receptionist, a young woman, looked up and smiled. "Sir, do you have an appointment?"
"No, just tell him Aarav Varma is here."
She quickly called the doctor's office, but I noticed how she seemed flustered, mooning over me. Under normal circumstances, I might have acknowledged her reaction with amusement, but right now, I was far from in the mood.
After a brief call, she smiled again. "Sir is free. You can go inside."
I nodded and stepped into Dr. Mehra's cabin. The moment he saw me, a wide grin spread across his face.
"So, the rumors were true—you're back!" he said, embracing me warmly.
"Hello, Uncle. How are you?" I asked, grateful to see a familiar face.
"Still alive and kicking, as you can see!" he chuckled, his signature humor intact. Despite the wrinkles and white hair replacing his once-black strands, his spirit was unchanged. He had been our family doctor all my life and, more importantly, my father's childhood friend. Knowing Dad was in his care gave me some solace.
"Uncle, I wanted to ask about Dad's condition," I began, but a knock on the door interrupted me.
Dr. Mehra gestured for the person to enter. "That must be your dad's cardiac specialist."
A man stepped inside, and Dr. Mehra introduced us. "Aarav, this is Mr. Sanjeev Mohanty, your father's cardiologist. Sanjeev, this is Ramesh's son. He wants an update on his father."
Mr. Mohanty nodded and sat beside me. "Mr. Ramesh Varma came in with chest pain a few days ago, so we conducted an angiography. Unfortunately, we found two blockages. He has been under observation, and we recommend angioplasty tomorrow, if that's okay with you."
My heart clenched at the thought of my father in such a fragile condition. "What are the chances of failure?" I asked, my voice steady despite my inner turmoil.
"Don't worry," Mr. Mohanty reassured me. "The procedure is straightforward, and the success rate is high. But after the operation, he must avoid stress and strictly follow the prescribed diet."
I looked at Dr. Mehra for his input. He gave me a reassuring nod, silently approving the procedure.
"Go ahead and prepare for the operation," I said.
"We'll begin the formalities immediately," Mr. Mohanty confirmed before excusing himself.
Dr. Mehra placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry, Aarav. Your dad is in good hands. Now, go see your father if he's been flirting with my staff!"
I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. "Highly unlikely, Uncle. My father has eyes only for my mother."
Dr. Mehra chuckled. "Good to know. See you later, son."
I nodded and left his cabin, making my way to my father's room, my heart heavy yet hopeful.