An Innocent Crush ✓

37 | Feelings are alive.

Kiara had finished for the day and looked up at the darkening sky. As she began packing her things, ready to take off her coat, she heard nurses and doctors rushing towards the reception. Setting her things back on the desk, she followed the doctors and saw a pregnant lady on a stretcher, crying in pain.

"We need to prepare her for an emergency C-section! Get the OR ready as soon as possible!" A lady doctor yelled.

"Doctor, her contractions are getting closer. Her blood pressure is rising rapidly!" One of the nurses exclaimed.

"Alright, let's move quickly. Get her vitals monitored, and let's notify the anesthesiologist. We don't have much time!"

"Should I call in additional assistance?"

"Yes, get more hands on deck. And keep reassuring her, we'll take care of everything.”

Dhruv came running towards them as well, he furrowed upon seeing the lady’s condition; her face was bruised, her hands  contained red blue marks.

“Domestic abuse…” he muttered under his breath. He let out a frustrated sigh before approaching the patient’s family members standing in a corner of the waiting area.

Kiara looked at him walking towards the patient's family. She saw him kneeling in front of the old lady who seemed like the patient's mother. The lady started crying while telling Dhruv something. Kiara gulped, feeling a lump forming in her throat.

She couldn't help but admire how Dhruv was comforting the old lady. A small smile formed on her lips as she watched him.

“Kiara! Help us a little,” one of the nurses said. Kiara nodded before following them behind. She started helping them without disturbing their work, and she learned that the pregnant lady was a victim of domestic abuse.

As Kiara assisted the medical team, her heart ached witnessing the suffering of the pregnant woman due to domestic abuse. She couldn't fathom the pain and fear the woman must have endured.

The operating room buzzed with controlled chaos as the medical team swiftly prepared for the emergency C-section.

The surgery commenced, and tension hung in the air like a heavy fog. The medical team worked in sync, maneuvering swiftly yet cautiously to ensure the safety of both the mother and the child.

Minutes felt like hours as everyone in the room held their breath, each movement critical, each decision life-altering. Kiara felt a mixture of emotions—compassion for the suffering woman and admiration for the medical team's expertise.

Finally, a baby's cry pierced the tension-filled room, bringing a momentary sense of relief. The medical team hurriedly tended to the newborn while continuing the procedure.

The doctor's voice broke through the commotion, announcing the successful delivery of a baby girl. A wave of relief washed over the room as the medical team wrapped up the surgery.

Exiting the operating room, Kiara leaned against the wall, taking a deep breath to process the intensity of the situation. She glanced at Dhruv, who was standing in the hallway staring at her with a small smile on his handsome face.

The feelings, the emotions that Kiara tried to hold back started to show up, a tear slipped from her left eye. She inhaled a deep breath before standing up to her full height, she started walking towards him, almost rushing.

Dhruv held his breath for a moment seeing her walking towards him, “are you alright?—”

“It's a baby girl! I… I helped the doctors in saving two lives, I… it's so overwhelming, I—”

“Kiara, Breathe… you did great, I'm proud of you,”

Kiara breathed, she felt a tug at her heartstrings. Dhruv, how can she forget she used to love him. No! She still loves him, she loves him!

As Kiara stood there, Dhruv's words felt like a warm embrace, easing her racing heart. His genuine pride in her efforts melted away the barriers she had erected around her feelings.

Their eyes met, a silent conversation unfolding between them—words unspoken yet deeply understood.

"Thank you," Kiara whispered, her voice trembling with a mixture of emotions.

Dhruv reached out, gently brushing away the tear that lingered on her cheek. "You're incredible, Kiara..."

The tender gesture sent a rush of warmth through Kiara's being. She felt a sense of completeness standing beside Dhruv.

"I couldn't have done it without everyone's help," she admitted, a genuine smile gracing her lips.

Dhruv nodded warmly, his eyes shifting behind Kiara. He noticed a nurse approaching them, carrying a tiny baby in her arms. "Kiara, would you like to see the baby? She's so small and absolutely adorable," the nurse gently offered.

Kiara turned to see the nurse approaching, cradling the newborn in her arms. Her heart skipped a beat as she caught sight of the tiny bundle wrapped in a soft pink blanket.

"Oh my goodness!" Kiara exclaimed softly, her eyes widening with sheer joy and wonder. "She's beautiful!"

The nurse gently placed the baby girl in Kiara's arms. Time seemed to stand still as Kiara held the precious little one, her heart swelling with an indescribable warmth.

Dhruv watched, a soft smile gracing his lips, as Kiara cradled the baby girl with utmost care and tenderness. The sight was heartwarming, and he couldn't help but admire the way Kiara's eyes sparkled with awe and affection as she gazed at the newborn.

"She's so tiny," Kiara murmured, her voice filled with a mix of adoration and amazement. "Look at those tiny fingers and that little nose!"

Dhruv leaned closer, peering at the baby girl. "Her eyes look like yours, kinda like a frog," he teased gently. Kiara paused for a moment, shooting him a glare.

"Really? Like a frog?" She was about to engage in banter with Dhruv, but the baby stirred in Kiara's arms, emitting the softest coo, which elicited a delighted gasp from her. Her heart swelled with affection for the little one, a feeling that resonated deeply within her.