Here is the first chapter of this book. English is not my first language so please ignore the grammatical mistakes. Let's continue.

Jeevan Jyoti hospital-

Rain has started as Ruchika Sinha stepped out of the hospital. Waah perfect timing, eighteen hours of continuous shift and nine hours of surgery and now the sky has decided to contribute its own dramatic dhum tana na effect on her already exhausted day.

She stood at the entrance gate of hospital waiting for her cab to arrive, tying her hair into a loose knot. She looked at her phone 15 minutes. It will take fifteen minutes for cab to arrive. Delhi traffic moved like restless rivers.

She exhaled slowly. She loves rain, it calms her mind but today it didn't. Being a doctor, she deprives of just one thing- sleep. ''Ghar jaake nahane ke baad sabse pehla kaam hoga sona.'' she sighed reminding herself.

''Hey Ru,'' Her friend Dr. Ritika Rai called her from behind. She turned and smiled at her ''Hii''

''Rain'' she said excitedly ''It's so soothing, isn't it?''  she closed her eyes feeling the gentle cold breeze. Ruchika nodded smiling at the antics of her friend.

''So have you thought about the proposal hospital gave?'' Ritika asked. Ruchika's mind drifted back to two weeks ago.

At director's cabin- 

''Ruchika what's the problem? You are talented, hardworking and this is once in a lifetime opportunity. You should not miss it'' Director's voice echoed in the cabin. 

Hospital has recently did partnership with a reputed hospital in Italy to do research project in neurosurgery. Three months medical exchange. Surgeons can work with Italian specialist and also conduct research. Hospital is sending their top 10 surgeons from their neurological branch among which five are with years of experiences and five young surgeons and she was also selected into this. 

She had informed about this to her family, and they told her to take this project but Samarth, her boyfriend now fiancée made her see the wrong side of this.  

''Our marriage date is fixed two months later; everything is decided now how can we cancel it Ru? '' he stated ''Don't worry you are talented many such opportunities will come to you'' 

''But Sam...'' 

''This is our time Ru. Only two months are left as boyfriend girlfriend phase after that we will be husband and wife, we should not waste this precious time being away from each other'' he said cupping her face with his both hands. 

Ruchika though unsure but anyway gave into his words giving priorities to their relation. She still remembers how her parents were angry at her decision. They told her not to sacrifice her happiness because someone else wants you to.

That time she gave them a reason saying ''Papa try to understand, he is not right but not completely wrong. I mean we both mutually decided to get married in two months how can I now back out from this?''

''Karo jo karna hai tumhe'' her father said frustratedly and left. 

''Are you even listening?'' director shouted this time as she was not responding and she came back to reality. ''Are you daydreaming? Sapne waha jaake pure honge Ruchika, yaha pe rehne se nahi'' 

''Sorry sir'' she said looking down embarrassingly.

Director shook his head and asked again ''So, you are not coming?'' 

''No sir.''

''Ruchika I am giving you twenty days, think again. That will be your last chance after that I will send the confirmation letter with new names.'' he said irritated by her behaviour. 

Ruchika just nodded and left.

Now back to present-

''Where are you lost?'' Ritika asked shaking her a little.

''Nahi kahi nahi'' she replied ''And i have already told you guys I am not coming.''

''Ruchika please come yarr we will enjoy so much. Kaam ka kaam ho jayega aur Vacation ka vacation'' she said clapping her hand excitedly.

Ruchika shook her head at her friend's overexcited behaviour. ''Meri cab aa gayi. I am going, Bye'' she said leaving from there making her friend sigh defeatedly.

As she opened the door of her cab her phone buzzed in her hand. Samarth calling. She stared at the screen before answering.

''Hii'' she said in a tired voice, sliding into the backseat of the cab.

''Where are you?'' his impatient voice came from other side.

''Just finished surgery, going home''

''You said you'd be back by 9!!''

She checked the time on phone 9:45p.m.

''Yes. But unfortunately, surgeries don't exactly run according to your said schedule, you see!''

There was a pause, 

Then a sigh. 

She understood he is annoyed again.

''Ru, you are always working'' his frustrated voice came from other side. She leaned her head against the window; rain streaked the glass in long silver lines.

''I am a surgeon, Samarth. This is how it goes''

''I know. But once we get married umm...things have to change'' his tone shifted from irritation to firm.

Ruchika's chest tightened. It is such a small sentence, but it carried weeks of arguments. ''What kind of change?'' the softness in her tone died.

''Umm.....like....you can't keep doing these untimely shifts. My parents were also talking about it''

She chuckled. ''So, your parents think I should leave my job?''

''That's not what i said'' he retorted.

''But that's exactly what you meant'' She replied with a hint of irritation, her patience level dying with each passing seconds.

Silence hung between them. He was not like this before, but things started to change after their engagement. 

''Let's talk when you reach home'' he said.

''Fine'' she said huffing in anger, disconnecting the call.

She looked outside the window as the cab moved.

She loves her job. She loves saving lives. And her family- only place where she never has to explain herself and she loves him as well but over the last few weeks he has changed completely.

Not like he started to love or care for her less than before, but he always used to comment on her work timings, about changes in work time after marriage as if she is the only one getting married. He knows about her job still he is behaving like this.

Samarth Rawte, a known event manager of Delhi. She met him four years back at one of her cousin's marriages where he was the in charge of the event. 

Their first meet was kind of dramatic filmy meeting; he was instructing his staffs about some decoration, and she was coming from other side busy talking on phone when they both collided losing the balance and fell down with him on top of her. She has turned her face to side, eyes shut tight her hair covered half of her face while his face was pressed against the side of her neck. 

'Sorry... sorry'' they both muttered at the same time as seconds later he lifted his head and looked at the girl beneath him, he braced his weight with his palm as it pressed hard against the ground. She lifted her one hand and pushed her hair back from her face, tucking the lose strands roughly behind her ear. They both looked at each other for a moment then he stood up and offered his hand towards her. She hesitated for a second before taking it, pulling herself up quickly. She checked her phone for any damage but fortunately there was none.

''Sorry'' he said politely ''I was busy in work and didn't saw you coming.''

She shook her head ''No, it's ok. I was also busy in phone it was my fault as well.'' she added quickly ''Sorry''

''So, we both were at fault'' he joked ''That means we are even'' She laughed along with him nodding her head in yes. Her phone started ringing again ''I have to go'' she said and he nodded. She left and he busied himself in his work again.

After that both met quite often during marriage ceremony and that's how they became friends and later lovers. He was a nice guy, still he is. Is he? her mind taunted. She has started to feel suffocating with his continues remarks about her works, her lifestyle. ''What changed in you Sam!!'' she asked as if he is there by her side and will respond to her.

Talking about her parents, they were not happy with this, not because she loves a guy but because they thought he is not good for her. Reason, still unknown to her she even asked them about this, but the reply she received was that they don't know it's just something is off. They never misbehaved with him, they accepted their relation and him, but she can see it they are not happy.

At first, she thought her father doesn't like him because he is a bit possessive and protective for her. She remembers he never let any boy come near her when she was in school, he used to scare away every male friend of hers. But why her mother? This thought always lingered somewhere deep in her mind. Even her friends don't like him. 

Her mother's voice echoed in her mind ''Baccha, in marriage people has to adjust but remember it should never feel like a cage where only one has to always adjust for other.''

Her father's voice followed ''Choose the man who respects you and your dream, not the one who tolerates it and thinks like he is doing a great favour on you''

At that time, she had laughed brushing off their words, saying he is not like that but now she wondered- did they saw something which she couldn't?

Sinha house 10:30 p.m. 

As she stepped inside, the rich aroma of dinner hit her. Her favourite rajma chawal.

''Finally!'' her younger brother, Ankush shouted from the living hall ''Doctor saahiba ghar aa gayi''

''Shut up'' she said putting her shoes on shoe rack.

Her mother, Sarita appeared from the kitchen ''Late ho gaya baccha''

''Emergency case maa'' she said tiredly.

Her father, Rakesh looked at her ''Long day?''

''Very'' 

''Koi baat nahi tum naha lo tab tak mai dinner lagati du''

''Yes mumma'' she said, exhaustion can be felt in her voice. 

For a moment everything felt normal, comfortable and safe. This house has always been like this to her. No pressure- just love and understanding. Her stress buster.

She went inside her room she went to bathroom keeping all her things at basin slab, she came out and took her clothes from wardrobe and went inside bathroom again.

After some fifteen minutes she came outside wearing a simple loose top and knee length capri. She saw her brother serving food to maa and papa.

''Mere liye bhi nikaal do'' she said coming towards table.

''Bhagwaan ne hath diye hai kaam karne ke liye.....kaamchori ke liye nahi'' Ankush said sarcastically.

''Aur bhagwaan mujhe chhota bhai diye hai meri madad ke liye, chup chaap kaam karo'' she said forwarding her plate to him.

''Nahi dunga'' 

''Ankush!'' they heard their father's firm voice making Ankush huffed in anger.

''Aap hamesha is chhipkali ki hi side lete ho'' he whined. Ruchika laughed at this. Ankush served her rajma chawal and sat beside her to eat. As they were about to take their first bite, doorbell rings

''We can't even eat in peace'' Ankush said in frustrated voice as he went to open the door. As the door opened, he saw the most unwelcoming person.

Samarth- his soon to be brother-in-law. It's not like he hates him, but the thing is he doesn't like him as his sister's boyfriend or future husband. Umm... well reason is still unknown to him.

He groaned dramatically ''Ah yes, my soon to be jijaji is here''

Her father gave him a look ''Ankush, behave''

Ankush stepped aside letting Samarth in. He folded his hand in respectful manner ''Namaste Uncle, namaste Aunty''

They nodded with a smile. She took a look at her parents; she can clearly see her father's mood is spoiled but he was quiet.

''Come sit with us beta, we just started dinner'' her mother said softly.

''No aunty thank you, but i had my dinner'' he denied politely.

''Toh humara dinner kharab karne kyu aaye ho?'' her brother taunted.

''Ankush!!'' Ruchika glared him.

Samarth too gave him skeptical look before turning towards her parents.

''Umm i came here to talk to Ru'' he said now looking directly at Ruchika ''Can we talk?'' 

She nodded before looking at her parents and went towards balcony with Samarth following her. While rest of the family members gave them privacy.

In balcony-

As soon as they were out of her family's earshot she asked ''What happened? Why are you here this late?'' 

''Ru, we need to talk'' he said.

''About what?'' she asked her brows furrowed in confusion.

''About us, about all these'' he said desperately. She knew what he is saying. Where the conversation leading.

''Samarth, can we talk tomorrow? I am tired right now'' her tired voice came out; she is exhausted with the continuous shifts and surgeries.

''No, we need to discuss it right now'' she rubbed her temple as her head was paining badly.

''Fine say'' she said defeatedly.

''Ru, don't you think that in this relationship only I am the one making efforts?'' his voice was frustrated.

''And why you think like that?'' she asked raising her brow. Here she is listening to his nonsense with a headache, and he thinks he only make efforts.

''Because you never prioritize us'' He snapped his fingers in between them.

Never prioritize. She laughed. ''And what made you think like that?''

''I told you to think about your job's timing and you still did nothing for this.'' his voice was turning loud with each passing second.

'This is limit' She thought. ''I've spent last six years becoming surgeon, and you....'' she started with irritated tone ''See Samarth, I love you, but that doesn't mean I will sacrifice my dream, put my career as backseat and play ghar ghar with you'' her voice too started to become loud.

She continued in a frustrated voice ''And when I never prioritize us? You told me to visit a family function at your relative at the same date when I had a surgery scheduled, I rescheduled it to my day off just to come with you. You told me to come to your friend's birthday party when you knew I spent 36 hours hectic day at hospital, yet I managed to go with you. But when I asked you to come to my family dinner you denied saying you had work. There are many such incidents Samarth, and you say I don't prioritize us just because I am not ready to compromise with my work!!''

''But ru after marriage....''

There it is again. From last two months it is happening. ''What after marriage haan, what about it?'' she asked interrupting him ''You want me to leave my job just because your family is not ok with my work timing?'' she was angry now.

''Ru listen to me....no one is saying you to leave your job'' he said holding her arm trying to calm her down ''It's just I am saying you to fix a certain time''

''I am a surgeon; I can't set up time according to your preferences Samarth, I may even get emergency case at 2 a.m.'' she said pulling herself away from his hold.

''This is what i am saying Ru, won't it be problematic in near future!!'' he stated as matter of facts.

''What problem?'' she asked him ''It's not like you were not aware of this before. You knew about my job about my work load, it's timing, and you said you have no problem with this''

The environment started to become cold mirroring outside's chilly weather. 

''I don't have any problem with this.... but my parents.... Ru, try to understand their pov as well they are not broad minded like us'' he tried to make her understand.

''Then what you want me to do?'' her voice came louder then she intended.

''Ru don't take it wrong but umm.... you can switch to something easier, maybe as private practician with just morning shift''

She started at him. ''You are joking, right?'' she asked in disbelief.

''No, I am being realistic.'' he said shaking his head in no ''This will be better for both of us''

''Realistic? Better for us?'' she chuckled repeating his word.

''Ru, my family expects....''

''Your family expects me to shrink my life'' she shouted too loudly that she was sure her family must have heard it.

''It's not like that'' he said trying to hold her hand which she pulled away immediately.

''Yes, it is like that. No.... actually you know what, my family expects you to live with them after our marriage. Great idea, isn't it?'' she asked sarcastically, her tone changed to calmer yet sharper, and he stared at her as if she made a joke.

Ruchika chuckled again looking at his expression. ''You know what is wrong here?'' she asked again. ''The wrong is you agreeing to your parent's word'' she said angrily, pressing her fingertips at his chest.

Samarth sighed ''Ru, you are making it dramatic''

Ruchika laughed. ''Yes, because you are asking me to give up the career i love and achieved with hard work''

''I am just asking for a little bit compromise, Ruchika'' he yelled this time.

Something in her chest finally snapped ''Tum compromise nahi maang rahe ho tum control karna chahte ho mujhe aur mere career ko'' she yelled back.

Both started at each other for a moment breathing in anger. But now she has made up her mind, clear and unavoidable. She looked at the engagement ring on her finger then at him. And suddenly she felt like...... giving up. She was tired of handling a relation where her partner doesn't support her dream.

''Samarth,'' she said quietly ''I think we won't be able to go like this''

''What?'' his brows furrowed in confusion.

''If you want to accept me then accept as I am. I won't change according to your family's wish.''

He didn't answer. The silence said a lot then words ever could. And she knew what she thought is the best. They are not even married, and he is like this she got the visual of what will happen after their marriage, and she is not going to choose that life. Not now, not ever.

She simply slid off the ring from her finger.

Samarth's eyes widened ''What are you doing?'' he asked taking her hand in his trying to stop her, but she didn't say a word just simply took her hand out of his. She stared at him as she held his wrist and turned his palm placing her engagement ring there.

''Jo bhi tha ab sab khatam'' her eyes welled up but she refused to let tears slid down. Her eyes were red with unshed tears. Years of relationship ended just like this.

''You are ending this just for a mere job!!'' he was still in shock at her audacity. ''You will regret this Ruchika Sinha, regret a lot. Duniya me kahi bhi chale jao koi bhi tumhare ye bekaar ke nakhre nahi jhelne wala'' he too slid off his engagement ring throwing it at floor in anger.

Ruchika started at the ring he threw, she wanted to cry; to shout but controlled herself not letting the man in front of her see how broken she is with this decision.

He left from there, as he entered the hall, he saw her parents and brother looking at his direction. He can sense his father and brother's anger they must have heard them shouting. He said nothing just stormed out her house in anger.

Ruchika came after few minutes. Her family looked at her with concerned look.

''Is everything ok, baccha?'' her mother asked softly. She must have guessed what had happened.

She nodded with tearful eyes but tried to smile at her mother. Her mother wrapped her arms around her taking her into embrace and she broke down crying hysterically.

''Sussh baccha, don't cry'' her mother tried to calm her down rubbing her back.

''Ma i know what i did is for my best, but it's paining, it hurts a lot ma'' she clutched onto her mother as if her life depends on her. She tightens her fist in which engagement ring which he threw was there.

Her father came towards them and placed his hand on her head ''Don't cry Ru, don't waste your energy on someone who doesn't deserves it''

''Papa'' she left her mother's embrace and wrapped her arms around her father's neck crying like a child.

''Always remember one thing,'' he stroked her head softly ''trust and respect is the most important thing to sustain any relationship'' her father said softly looking down at her clutching her in his embrace tightly while stroking her head time to time ''If any person doesn't trust or respect you or your feelings he is not the right one for you, start distancing yourself from them, leave them as soon as possible.''

She felt her throat tightened hearing her father's words. Oh, Mata rani she loves these people, they are her support system. She distanced herself from him and looked at him, still sobbing and asked ''You are not angry right?''

He looked at her with hurt expression ''Is this even a question to ask Ru!! Why will i get angry? Just because you choose yourself over others.''

Her heart broke seeing disappointment and hurt in her father's eyes and she immediately regretted her words. ''I am sorry papa! I didn't mean it in that way'' she said desperately trying to take her words back and apologising to him.

''It's ok. No problem'' her father patted her head.

She again hugged him ''You are still angry'' she pouted.

''No, I am not'' he shook his head.

''Yes, you are. You didn't smile'' she said looking up at him.

And he chuckled at his daughter's childish act. ''Ru, remember one thing'' He placed his palms on either side of her cheek wiping her tears with his thumb ''I am not like those fathers who blame their girls for a broken marriage or who thinks more about society rather than their child's happiness'' he continued ''Koi kuch bol ke to to dikhaye meri beti ko is baare me tab dekhna mai kya karta hu. Mere liye tumhari khusiyon se badh kar kuch nahi hai, tum meri apni ho ye samaaj aur duniya nahi''

She looked at her father, her breathe hitched as his words settled into her heart. Tears rolled down her face again and she again hugged him ''Papa....'' her voice came out in whisper, trembling as if afraid this might be disappeared. ''I thou.... thought mai.. maine aapka sar jhuka diya....sab....sab log kya kahenge'' her voice cracked as she admitted her fear, her fingers clutched his shirt like a child seeking safety.

He held her tight in his embrace ''Sab ki parvaah kise hai Ru!!''he tried to calm her down ''Maine kaha na mujhe bas tumse matlab hai tumhari khusiyon se. Jaldbaazi me ek galat insaan se shaadi karaane se accha hai mai puri life tumhe apne sath rakhu, Apne pass.'' He distanced themselves as he held her face again ''Ye mat sochna ki mai tumhe taunt karunga ya aisa kuch ki aur karo apni pasand ke ladke se shaadi kyuki beta arrange ho ya love agar sahi insaan na ho na to shaadi koi bhi kharab ho sakti hai. Ho sakta hai mujhse bhi galti ho jaati tumhare liye sahi insaan dundhne me. Isliye don't blame yourself. Ok.'' She nodded her head frantically already overwhelmed by her father's words

Seeing the environment getting tensed her little brother tried to lighten the atmosphere saying ''Di, keh do ki ye rishta tumne toda hai. Are hame mauka milna chahiye flaunt karne ka ki humne us langoor ko reject kiya hai'' he said in a dramatic tone and everyone in the room laughed except Ruchika who just smiled shaking her head.

''Come let's eat I am very hungry'' Ankush said ''And yes give this to me'' he said taking the ring from her hand ''Humlog ise bech kar party karenge'' he was already moving towards his seat on dining table.

Sarita and Rakesh chuckled at his antics while Ruchika kept quiet. They all moved to eat their dinner in peace and Ruchika informed them about what happened between her and Samarth.

Later, she was in her room resting her head on her brother's lap while he was gently stroking her hair. ''Di, don't ever feel guilty, what you did was best for you'' he said breaking the silence.

''Sach me na?'' she asked turning her head and looked at him while he nodded. Though he is eight years younger to her but sometimes talks like he is her elder brother.

''Haan aur nahi to kya, waise bhi mujhe wo gadha kabhi pasand nahi tha'' he said easing the environment and both siblings laughed.

''Di why don't you take a little bit break'' he stated and she lifted her head from his lap sitting straight.

''Matlab?'' she asked confused.

''Are matlab kahi bahar jaake ghum ke aao'' he said excitedly.

''Kya baatein ho rahi hai?'' they turned their head towards the sound and looked at their parents standing at her room's door with two bowls of butterscotch ice cream in both of their hands. 

''Ice cream'' both siblings shouted together while Ankush jumped off the bed running to them taking his share of ice cream.

Sarita and Rakesh shook their head smiling as they entered inside room and Rakesh handled Ruchika her ice cream. 

''We were talking about break'' Ankush said putting a spoonful of ice cream in his mouth.

Sarita and Rakesh frowned. ''Don't you guys think di should take a little break and go for an outing?''

''Yes, it's a great idea'' her mother said cheerfully.

''Haan. You should definitely go.'' her father too encouraging her.

''But my work?'' she asked unsure.

''Oh ho di, take a little break from your work. Kaam kahan bhaaga jaa raha hai!!'' he tried to make her understand.

''Ru,'' her father said ''Why don't you say yes to that Italy medical project?'' She blinked. 

''Oh yes. in that case you won't miss your work as well, accha idea hai di.'' he said clapping his hand excitedly

''You definitely should go,'' her mother said calmly ''Work, travel and relax your mind.''

''Ok'' she nodded smilingly.

''And also eat pizza and pasta......aww will you miss your favourite rajma chawal?'' he teased her knowing well she is not fond of these two dishes that much, not dislike just doesn't eat often. She slapped his arm lightly making him laugh ''Italy has other food options as well'' she retorted making him laugh.

''Sometimes, a best way to start new life is to travel to a new place'' her father told her softly.

''Ok we are leaving; you inform your hospital'' her mother said and both she and her father went out.

''Ankush pass me my laptop'' she said forwarding her hand towards him as he was near the table where her laptop was placed. As he passed it to her, she opened it and typed official mail to her director saying she will come.

''Di,'' 

''Hmm?''

''Bolo to party cancel kar ke ring ke paise se tumhare liye ek accha resort book kar du waha?''

She glared him. ''Kya?'' he asked raising his one brow ''I was serious when I said I will sell it. Now please don't tell me that you had decided to keep it as memory of your so-called love.'' he rolled his eyes at her. She threw pillow at him while he caught it laughingly. 

She looked at the mail she has sent and her heart fluttered unexpectedly.

New Country,

New City,

New place, 

New environment.

She doesn't know what the future holds for her but hopes for the best ''Mata rani bas sab theek rakhna'' she wished closing her eyes.

Family was happy with her decision.

But none of them knew. this decision of hers would directly place her in the path of one of the most dangerous men in Europe. That will change her life forever.

*********************************

End of the chapter.

Stay tuned for next part.

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Bubyee.