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

Next day at early morning in the hospital around 5;15 am, time when silence dominates but seems like not today. The sound of engine broke through the silence first then the atmosphere shifted in a snap of moment. A loud metallic crash echoed in the corridor, followed by hurried footsteps and sharp voices cutting through the air. A nurse rushed breath uneven pushing the stretcher where an injured man was lying soaked in blood ''move...move!''

Another voice followed in rapid Italian ''preparare subito la sala operatoria!! (prepare the operating room immediately!!)''

The energy in the hallway twisted into something urgent and heavy. many armed men in black suits some spread around the reception area some stood in the corridor, and some stood around the stretcher, too composed and alert.

A senior doctor rushed in, and the moment he saw the patient, the colour drained from his face ''dio mio.... (my god...)'' He immediately informed the nurse to call the team. Before taking the patient inside OT. 

As the person was taken inside one of the guards stepped aside, quickly dialing a number and pressing the phone to his ear ''capo (boss)'' his voice was tensed ''Matteo sir è stato attaccato... (Matteo sir was attacked....)'' and the call was dead even before he could say anything else.

Within minutes a specific team was called in. not general surgeons or random doctors but a dedicated team exclusively assigned for De Luca's family. They arrived quickly not panicked or hesitated just focused or prepared.

''Vitals?'' one of them asked.

''Unstable. severe blood loss''

'Bp dropping''

''Multiple gunshot wounds''

''Possible cranial involvement''

The lead surgeon stepped forward pulling back the blood-soaked cover to estimate the damage. His expression changed at the last word ''head injury'' atmosphere tightened ''get him for the scans, now. hurry quick''

After sometimes the scan report confirmed what they feared. One of the doctors looked at the report running his hand through his hair ''this is bad''

Another nodded ''there is internal bleeding.'' some doctors kept looking at the scan thoroughly.

''Sir, what to do? And also, there is a swelling near the brainstem; pressure is building dangerously.... if we don't operate within next few hours the damage will become irreversible and patient may slip into comma or worse....''

''Yes'' another doctor spoke cutting him in middle not letting him complete the sentence ''we have just few hours. we have to do something quick''

Hours passed by now it was 8 am. Doctors were busy analysing the reports and scans they have to take decision carefully because here one mistake wouldn't just cost a life but also their job or maybe even life.

Research wing too has started to come into life. Junior doctors were walking in the corridor to research wing, chit chatting busy in themselves. Samrat was walking ahead. Arnav and Ritika were walking hand in hand, he leaned to her and whispered something in her ear making her blush. ''Oh, love birds'' Divyansh came between them forcing them apart ''Kaho to sach me room book kar du tum dono ke liye'' Ritika slapped his arm lightly.

''Chup raha karo tum'' she said.

 ''Are if you guys will behave like this what should I do'' he frowned at her '' Yarr Arnav ab to baat kar le apne baare me Vivek sir se, nahi to mai karu kya?'' Arnav's eyes widen in shock and fear.

 ''Nahi nahi!! abhi nahi!'' he said immediately making Ritika glare at him.

 ''Tum na darte hi raho puri life, na to mujhe batane de rahe ho na khudh aakar puch rahe ho. Papa meri shaadi kahi aur fix kara denge'' she stomped her foot in anger and move went to Ruchika who was walking alone observing the surrounding. She was in simple white colour fitted top with light blue ankle length skirt, styled with a colourful scarf and her hair tied loosely.

''Kya dekh rahi hai?'' Ritika asked her, noticing she was looking around with caution. Ruchika moved her gaze from surrounding to her ''Don't you think something is strange here?''

''What?'' she took a look around herself.

''I don't know but.... umm forget it'' she shrugged. The moment she stepped inside the hospital she was feeling something strange in environment something like a tensed situation. Though everything was moving normally but she couldn't help feeling a strange tightness lingered in the air kind of..... she can't name it but yes something was there.

''Tu jyada soch rahi'' Ritika said and Ruchika nodded agreeing at her words brushing her silly thoughts away. 

When they entered inside the research room, they saw senior doctors were already present there. They were in deep conversation with Italian doctors. ''Good morning'' they greeted them and took their respective seats.

Samrat started to review notes with calm precision, Ritika and Arnav sat together reading the files but also sharing quite moments hiding from others and of course, especially her father. Ruchika and Divyansh were talking, discussing about something.

''Coffee?'' one of the junior Italian doctors, Marco Ricci a man in his early thirties asked them. They all shared a look before nodding.

''I will bring for you guys'' Marco said getting up. ''I will help you'' Divyansh said and they went towards coffee machine.

Ruchika picked up a file and started to flip through its pages reading the details ''So what's first?'' she asked to no one particular. Before anyone could answer the door opened. One of the Italian doctors stepped in; his expression was tensed different from before. He spoke briefly to one senior doctor in Italian. Other doctors noticed something was off. ''Everything alright?'' Dr. Vivek asked them.

The Italian doctor hesitated before speaking ''There is a high-profile case'' well, being in hospital and knowing about case is so normal even high-profile case, but the doctor's tone was something which can't be ignored.

''What case?'' Dr. Meera asked. He forwarded the report to them, and they looked at it thoroughly.

 ''Swelling near brainstem?'' Dr Maanav asked.

The doctors nodded. ''Indeed, this is a high risked surgery'' Dr. Meera said.

''Who is handling it?'' Dr. Vivek asked.

''Our team...but i think we will need additional expertise'' Senior doctors exchanged glances understanding without words. 'If you don't mind, we can you all please!!'' he said hesitatingly.

Dr. Vivek looked at the senior doctors of his team and they nodded. ''Yes, why not'' he said forwarding his palm to get every report, scans, file to them.

''This is a little bit challenging'' Vikram said scanning the reports ''patient either slip into comma or maybe even lose the ability to move his right body parts.'' he again reviewed the scans to find possible way to operate.

Juniors stood quite because they knew this is not of their level yet. ''What do you guys think? what is this about?'' Ruchika whispered to her friends.

''Don't know but the way doctors are tensed it must be something like really very high-profile case as they mentioned'' Samrat said. Marco and Divyansh came back with coffee.

Doctors stood up and moved towards door discussing possibilities, approaches, risks. The room felt quieter and heavier after they left. Ruchika leaned back on her chair slightly, one arm resting on glass table while other gripping the coffee mug as she sipped through it eyes fixed somewhere at distant. 

Then she looked at her team ''Come on'' she said lightly glancing at them ''let's at least pretend that we are useful''

Ritika blinked. ''That's your version of motivation?''

''It's working. isn't it?'' And everyone in the room laughed. 

Ever since the arrival of the emergency case this morning the hospital felt too tensed, air carrying something heavy. At the restricted section of the hospital, security was too tight then any VIP ward. Doctors moving in precision, nurses talking in hushed voices. Guards stood like statues- alert, silent, watching everything but it can be felt there was something strange in their expression- worried, restless, tensed or scared don't know.

Doctors have stabilized the patient for now, but they all knew it is not enough, they have to act quick.

Everyone heard the sound of multiple cars pulling in not too loud or chaotic but in a coordinated and deliberate way and the guards stilled at their place. They knew who has arrived and what comes next. Their expressions hardened, energy shifted in way that was not visible but yet felt.

Meanwhile the other side Ruchika came out of the room to walk around, she noticed across the corridor a group of Italian surgeons spoke in low voices, their words flowing quickly in a language Ruchika didn't understand. She did catch some fragments of surgical terms, patient's condition but not completely. But what confused her is the way everyone taking glance towards the main door as if storm is coming. Out of curiosity she too looked in that direction but found nothing.

''Kya dekh rhi hai?'' Divyansh asked as he came up behind her and peeked over her shoulder following her gaze.

''Pata nahi'' she said slightly turning her head to him ''dekh na kuch ajeeb nahi lag raha yaha pe?'' she raised her brows asking him while he frowned looking down.

''Umm ajeeb in the sense?' he asked his gaze still down there towards the entrance door.

''I don't know. But look how doctors and nurses are whispering to themselves, security personnel walking more frequently. Even hospital director is here at this early hour'' she voiced out her confusion.

''What happened?'' Ritika came running to them, her energy level high as always. Both shrugged their shoulder, and to her answer she hit them ''Toh ghoor kya rahe ho aise jab kuch interesting hi nahi hai to''

Outside at entrance, several black cars swung hard into the driveway stopping right in front of the entrance making screeching sound. Vehicles were sleek and expensive. For a split second everything stopped moving. The doors of cars opened except the centre one and men stepped out in sync- movement controlled and alert as they surveyed the surrounding outside hospital.

Then they all stood in a line one guard move towards the centre car opening the door for the person sitting inside. And then he stepped out adjusting his coat button.

Alessandro De Luca.

Beside him stood Dante Romano.

The large glass door of hospital entrance suddenly slid open, the quite hum of conversation down there, faded. Few heads turned towards the entrance, even the receptionist straightened slightly. All three of them too were looking down trying to understand what is happening.

A group of men entered the building moving with calm deliberate coordination. All of them looked at each and every direction as if scanning the area. Their presence carried a silent weight that was difficult to understand. Hospital security approached immediately but the interaction lasted only for few seconds as one of the men showed him something in phone and the guards quietly stepped aside.

''Ye kya hai'' Ritika wide her eyes in curiosity ''Kya koi politician ya celebrity aane wala hai kya?''

''Mujhe phone to nahi kiya kisine'' Ruchika replied to her as if stating matter of facts and Ritika looked at her dryly. ''What?'' Ruchika asked noticing her gaze at her.

''Tu sidhe jawab nhi de sakti na kisi chiz ka'' she said and Ruchika rolled her eyes. ''Tu sidha puchegi to jarur dungi. I mean soch na mujhe kaise pata hoga kya chal raha hai yaha mai bhi to tere sath hi hu jab se aayi hu yaha''

''Ok ok girls stop fighting'' Divyansh tried to ease them down ''Waha dekho kya ho raha hai'' and they both looked at ground floor again. There a man in dark charcoal coat; tall, broad shoulders entered the hospital. He did not seem extraordinary, yet the moment he entered they can feel the slight shift in atmosphere which was quite... umm suffocating maybe.

Alessandro walked forward with slow controlled steps; his face was calm but eyes cold and burning. He looked more dangerous than any armed man inside the hospital. Dante walked behind him silently observing everything.

''What's going on?'' Arnav asked standing beside them and they all flinched. He looked at them confusedly ''What? Aise darr kyu gaye?''

They all shook their head. ''Dekho na koi bahaut bade insaan aaye hai yaha'' Ritika informed him pointing her finger down and Arnav moved his gaze there. Though their faces were not clearly visible but still they can sense the tension lingering there.

''I think the person is related to that high profile case doctors discussed in room?'' Ruchika said and they all nodded.

''Haan. Dekha nahi kaise tensed lag rahe the sab'' this time Arnav said his gaze still fixed downstair.

''You people should not be here.'' they heard a voice from behind and turned back to look at the source. A woman stood few feet away.

''Sorry?'' Ruchika asked her, unsure if she really meant it or was just joking.

''I am not joking guys. You people really shouldn't be here.'' she said moving closer to them.

''You?'' Ritika asked this time, a little bit arrogantly clearly offended by her remark.

''Hi. I am Dr. Giulia Rosie'' she said extending her hand towards them. Ritika ignored her, others hesitated before Ruchika stepped forward shaking hand with her ''Dr. Ruchika Sinha'' and she introduced her other team members.

''You think we are not capable to be here?'' Divyansh asked her and she frowned before realising that they misunderstood her words.

''No no!!'' she shook her head ''I was not saying in that context. I was just saying you guys should stay away from what is happening down there'' she said pointing her hand to downstairs.

''Ooo'' the team finally understood. ''but why'' Arnav asked.

''Umm because....'' before she could say further a voice interrupted her.

''Glad you came'' Marco was standing at the door.

''Hii'' she said smilingly coming to him.

''So, you guys met'' he looked at them. ''Ya kind off'' Giulia replied.

''Let me introduce you guys officially'' but she beat into him. ''Oh, please we don't need this'' then she turned towards them and said ''Ignore him, he is too boring. I am the fun one here''

Marco gave her a look ''No she is not''

''Yes, I am'' she said moving towards them ''you know i am so happy. Finally, someone new here, I was so bored of seeing the same regular boring faces here'' she said the last line looking at Marco and he rolled his eyes.

''Ritika teri joridaar mil gayi'' Ruchika whispered to her and she nodded her head happily ''I know.'' She came to her ''Hii. I am Ritika rai'' she said forwarding her hand. Giulia shook her hand happily ''Hello''

''Sorry I was rude before'' Ritika genuinely apologized.

''Its ok''

''Come guys lets go inside'' Marco told them already walking inside. They all followed him.as they entered everyone slumped into their respective chair. While Ritika leaned forward towards table ''So, what were you saying before and who was that guy downstair?'' she asked looking at Giulia. Giulia sighed before looking at Marco and they shared a nervous look.

''What? What looks are you giving each other? You have to tell us, not him.'' Ritika asked getting impatient.

Scene shifted-

The door of the restricted area slammed open as Alessandro walked in and Dante followed behind. The guards straightened instantly but no one dared to speak.

His gaze moved across them. ''Which one of you,'' he said slowly ''was in charge of Matteo's security?'' No one answered. He stepped closer to them ''I asked a question'' his voice was low but sharp now.

One of the men gulped before stepping forward ''si...sir we-'' before he could finish, Alessandro grabbed him by collar and slammed him against the wall.

''Don't shutter in front of me and don't you dare give excuses'' he hissed, ''Ten cars loaded with guards, ten. And yet my brother is there lying inside OT''

Man's eyes widen in fear ''S..sir they came out of nowhere, we didn't expect-'' a sharp punch across his face cut him off and the man dropped to floor.

''You didn't expect!!'' he snapped then turned slowly looking at the rest of them. Everyone stiffed straightening their posture. ''That's your only job'' he continued, voice rising now ''To expect what others don't. To see what others miss. To die before anything touches De Lucas'. ''

One of the guards spoke up, voice shaking ''We fought back, Capo. We too lost our men....'' Alessandro turned so fast towards the man that he flinched.

He took a step forward, his jaw tightened, eyes blazing ''You think I care?'' he said stepping closer ''I pay you enough, for what?'' he snapped ''To stand around in suits and watch them get slaughtered?''

The guard looked down immediately. ''Look at me when I am talking to you'' he said sharply. and the man forced himself to meet his gaze.

''Remember one thing clearly,'' his voice dropped ''if he doesn't walk out of that room being perfectly alright ....'' his gaze moved to each one of them ''.... none of you will either'' Everyone looked horrified. Fear clearly evident in their eyes.

He moved back. ''Find out who did this'' he said quietly ''I want their names; I want their faces. I want them in front of me'' he started walking outside, then stopped without turning ''and next time,'' his voice was lethal '' don't survive a failure like this'' 

He walked out of the restricted area, Dante looked at the guards with a sigh. ''Find out soon, who did this'' saying that he too went out following Alessandro.

Inside the private consultant room, senior doctors from both teams stood around the large digital screen displaying Matteo's CT, MRI scans and busied in reviewing it. Tensions were clearly visible on their face; effect is indeed serious. Bleeding is dangerously close to the brainstem which may result in severe consequences maybe respiratory issues, paralysis or brain death if not handled carefully and operated soon.

''We may operate this,'' Dr. Vivek started looking at the scans with sharp gaze ''but the patient won't be able to get ok completely''

One of Italian doctor nodded. ''But that is not in the option'' 

Indian doctors looked at him confused by his words ''What?'' Dr. Meera asked.

Doctors exchanged glances and as they were about to tell them who the patient is. But the door slammed open with loud thud making some of them flinch and some frowned in anger.

Dr. Aadarsh was about to snap at the intruder when an Italian surgeon held his arm nodding in no making Aadarsh confused.

Alessandro came inside with hurried steps. All guards stood outside the room while Dante came inside following him. Alessandro's dark obsidian eyes moved across the room looking at all faces present there and he frowned seeing new faces in his medical team.

Italian doctor came forward ''They are the visiting doctors from India. Came here for a research program.''

''Does this room seem like research lab?'' he asked sharply and Indian doctors frowned at his remark.

Another Italian doctor said ''No, it's not like that. Actually, the case is severe, so we thought to take additional help''

''Do I pay you guys to take additional help?'' his voice was cold. Doctors stood silent. But the silence was broken by Dr. Meera.

''Patient's condition is severe. We need to take action quickly'' Though she didn't know Alessandro and the patient but with his arrival she understood he knows the patient.

''Care to explain severe?'' he asked, now turning his focus completely on the case.

''There is a swelling close to the brainstem and even internal bleeding'' she said pointing her fingers towards the scan ''Yes, we can operate it, there are few approaches, but the problem is patient may lose his eyesight or paralysis or may be other disability, depending upon the method we take''

Alessandro's eyes shifted from the scan to Meera. ''In worst case there is two possibilities either brain death or if we operate successfully then maybe vision loss'' she continued.

''And favourable possibilities?'' he asked looking at each one of them.

''Unfortunately, till now, none'' his head snapped to Dr. Aadarsh eyes blazing at him as he spoke those words.

He looked at the Italian doctors ''No positive result till now, so these are your additional expertise?'' he mocked making Dr. Vivek losing his calm.

''Listen'' Dr, Vivek said stepping forward ''We are doctors not God to give you 100 percent positive results''

''God is not going to operate him, you guys are'' Alessandro too took a step closer to Dr. Vivek ''so of course I will expect results from you guys.'' he looked sharply at him.

After few seconds, he stepped back and moved towards the one Italian doctor who is the in charge and stood in front of him, his gaze locking to the doctor ''Let me make something very clear to you'' he leaned slightly ''I want just positive result, not less or more than that. How? That's not my concern; it's up to you''

The doctor nodded quickly ''We understands. We will do everything possible.....''

''No'' he said cutting him off and shaking his head little bit ''you are going to do more than that'' he took another step closer to the doctor ''You are going to make sure that he wakes up, that there isn't any problem left for him to face, not now, not in future.''

Doctor's composure cracked ''Sir, we will try our best-''

''I don't care about your best,'' there was a long pause ''I only care about result.'' 

Finally, he stepped back averting his gaze from the doctor to the screen, the doctor breathed in relief. 

''You will get whatever you need'' he said ''Equipment, staffs anything.'' his eyes went back to the team ''Just make sure he is alright, because if he doesn't......'' he looked at each and every doctor present there ''.... this hospital will need more beds and new doctors'' saying this he turned and walked out of the room, leaving behind a room with few doctors scared, few confused and few angry.

In Research room,

Guilia and Marco gave each other a look, and others were keenly looking at them, their curiosity rising with each passing seconds. Guilia turned to others and gave them an awkward smile and Ruchika raised her brow.

''Say'' Divyansh urged.

''Actually, he is Alessandro De Luca.'' The name meant nothing to them and all of them waited for her to continue further. She studied their expressions for a moment before continuing ''Here in this country,'' she said slowly ''There are powerful businessmen, politicians and families who control certain things.'' Everyone remained quiet. ''Then comes people like Alessandro.'' Ruchika frowned slightly.

This time Marco continued ''De Luca's own half the shipping routes in southern Europe. Real estate across Rome, Milan, Naples. Security companies, construction firms, private banks...''

''Ok. He is rich, extremely rich. Got it.'' Ruchika cut him in between ''We don't want to know about his richness. We want to know why everyone was so conscious around him?'' 

Marco shook his head then glanced around before speaking quietly ''Not that, there is much more things behind this legal world,'' he leaned a bit towards the table and others without realising too leaned forward with curious eyes. ''Unofficially he controls things that government pretends not to see'' he added carefully making everyone's eyes wide in shock.

Ritika gulped down her saliva ''Umm....you...you mean tha...that Mafia things?'' Both Italian doctors nodded their head.

Ruchika stared at them for a moment before she burst out in short laugh ''You guys are joking right?" she said laughing at their theory. But no one smiled, Marco and Guilia gave her a blank look and her laughter faded instantly ''This is not joke!!'' They shook their head in no.

''That means what we heard about this place being top in... umm... that's correct?'' Divyansh started this time and they both gave him a nod.

''But.... why is someone like that is here?'' Samrat asked.

''Because his elder brother is hospitalised here.'' Marco informed them ''The case doctors were talking about, same patient. I heard he was attacked.''

''Huhh, Unbelievable'' Ruchika twitched her lips in annoyance, leaning back in her chair, irritation flashed across her face ''Why are we even trying to save someone like that? People like them, they are nothing but heartless criminals, a monster who does illegal activities for their own benefits.'' No one said anything they all just leaned back in their chair thinking about that dangerous guy that came into the hospital right at their first day of work.

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End of the chapter.

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Bubyee.