The Billionaire's Scholar

Chapter Five: Unexpected Meeting

Anu's POV

As the clock struck 4 PM, my family gathered in the living room for tea and snacks. While my sister, Annanya, scrolled through her phone, my mother peeled peas, and the TV murmured in the background. I focused on my food, occasionally stealing glances at the serene atmosphere. Suddenly, my mother's gaze shifted to Annanya, and she began speaking, her words heavy with concern.

"You know, Annanya, deciding to marry and embarking on that journey isn't easy," my mother said softly, her eyes fixed on Annanya. "From making the decision to saying 'I do,' there are countless uncertainties and worries. But whatever path you choose, know that I'll support you. Marriage isn't a one-person journey, after all."

Annanya remained silent, her expression inscrutable. I sensed her inner turmoil, knowing she wasn't ready for this new chapter in her life. Despite being forced into medical school by our father, she had excelled and become one of the town's top doctors. Her journey had been one of resilience and determination, but now, faced with the prospect of marriage, she seemed hesitant.

When my mother turned to me, her keen gaze caught me off guard. She sensed something was amiss, but I brushed it off, not wanting to delve into my own concerns. After assisting with the peas, we shared light-hearted banter, finding solace in each other's company.

Later, as Annanya prepared to leave for her hospital duty, I received a notification on my phone—a reminder of my entrance test at Vanguard University. My mother noticed my reaction, but I quickly deflected her concern, unwilling to share my apprehensions. After spending some time with my family, I retreated to my room, seeking solace in the familiar routine of studying and escaping into my thoughts.

Hours passed, and as the rain pattered against the windowpane, I drifted into a restless slumber. It wasn't long before I was awakened by Annanya's call, her voice urgent with the need for a ride home from the hospital.

Anu hurried downstairs to the drawing room, where her father sat engrossed in a book, the low hum of the news broadcast filling the room. "Papa, give me the car keys," she requested.

"Why?" her father inquired, his expression neutral.

"I have to pick up Annanya from the hospital. It's raining outside, and she asked me to pick her up," Anu explained.

"You could have told me. I could have picked her up on my way back from the clinic," her father replied.

"I didn't know. Just give me the keys," Anu persisted.

"Drive safely," her father said as she left the roo

Despite the late hour and the rain, I obliged, driving through the storm to fetch her. But as I waited at the hospital, anxiety gnawed at me, wondering why she was delayed.

As I waited in the hospital hallway, fatigue weighed heavily on me. Pacing back and forth, I couldn't shake off the exhaustion that seemed to seep into my bones. Suddenly, someone carelessly collided with me, their foot landing squarely on mine. Before I could react, strong arms caught me, preventing me from tumbling to the ground.

"Idiot!" I exclaimed, my irritation evident in my voice.

The stranger exuded an aura of masculinity, and a hint of a captivating scent lingered in the air around him.

"Sir, the doctors say we can leave now," a nurse informed him.

With a grunt, he released me, and I stumbled slightly before regaining my balance. "Ouch," I muttered, rubbing my sore foot. Glancing in the direction he had departed, I couldn't help but comment, "Who wears a full tuxedo in the middle of the night?"

Though I couldn't see his face clearly, the encounter left an impression, and I vowed to confront him if our paths crossed again.

"Let's go," Annanya's voice interrupted my thoughts, prompting us to leave the hospital and head back home. Exhausted from the day's events, we decided it was best to retire for the night and get some much-needed rest.

Despite my best efforts, sleep eluded me. Tossing and turning in bed, I couldn't shake the image of the mysterious stranger who had collided with me at the hospital. His unexpected presence had left an indelible mark on my thoughts, disrupting the tranquility of my mind. I found myself replaying the encounter over and over again, trying to make sense of the fleeting moment when our paths had crossed.
I decided to finally sleep. I have to get enough sleep my exam is coming up

Aditya's pov

It's 8:30 pm, Aditya and his sister were arguing in his study at his home over the trip she asked to go with her friends, but Aditya feels like it is not safe given how troublesome his sister is.

"Go to your room," Aditya said firmly.

"This is not fair, bhai," she replied, defiance in her voice.

Aditya remained silent, his expression stern.

"At least let me go for a walk," she persisted.

"Fine. But come back early," Aditya warned before resuming his work in his study chair.

Three hours passed, and Aditya decided to get some rest. His phone rang, and it was her bodyguard on the line.

"Sir, Navya ma'am had a little accident," the bodyguard informed him.

"What? Where were you, idiot?" Aditya's voice raised in frustration.

"Sir, she asked me not to come with her, even though I tried to go after her," the bodyguard explained.

"I'm coming," Aditya declared as he rushed to the scene, reaching it in around 15 minutes.

"Bhai, it's just a little bruise on my leg," Navya said softly, trying to downplay the situation.

"Shut up," Aditya responded curtly, his concern evident.

"Let's go to the nearby hospital," Aditya instructed, taking charge of the situation.

After a short drive, they arrived at the hospital, where Aditya quickly made arrangements for Navya's treatment. The doctor ushered Navya inside, leaving Aditya and the bodyguard outside the gate, their worry palpable in the air.

Minutes stretched into what felt like an eternity as they awaited news of Navya's condition. Aditya's mind raced with concern, his thoughts consumed by the well-being of his sister. Each passing moment only served to heighten his anxiety, leaving him desperate for any sign of reassurance.

Finally, the door to the hospital room opened, and the doctor emerged, his expression inscrutable. Aditya held his breath, bracing himself for the news. When the doctor confirmed that Navya's injury was minor, relief washed over Aditya, though he remained on edge until he could see his sister for himself.

Inside the hospital room, Aditya watched as Navya received treatment, his heart heavy with concern. Despite her attempts to reassure him, he couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility that weighed heavily on his shoulders. Determined to be more vigilant in the future