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There was something about her. Veer Malhotra wasn't a man prone to distractions. His life was a series of calculated decisions, perfectly aligned for success. But ever since Naina Sharma had entered his world, that carefully structured order seemed to be slipping. And he hated it. He sat in his private office at Malhotra Hospital, reviewing reports, yet his mind kept drifting. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the desk as he recalled their last conversation. The way she had looked at him—defiant yet unreadable. It had irritated him. No one looked at him like that, let alone spoke to him with such boldness. Yet, it was not just irritation that lingered; it was curiosity. Why was he so drawn to her? He shook his head, dismissing the thought, and stood up. He had rounds to check on his mother, and he wasn't the type to indulge in distractions.

---

"Dr. Sharma, you really have a magic touch with the patients."Naina smiled politely at Dr. Sinha, one of her colleagues, as he walked beside her down the hospital corridor. 

"It's nothing extraordinary, just a little patience and understanding."

"I'm serious," he insisted. "Mrs. Malhotra, for instance, seems much brighter whenever you're around."

At the mention of Mrs. Malhotra, Naina's thoughts drifted momentarily to Veer. The man was an enigma—one moment cold and unreadable, the next unexpectedly concerned. She still remembered the way he had insisted on dropping her home the previous evening. He was frustrating, and yet, there was something undeniably compelling about him. Dr. Sinha's voice pulled her back to the present. 

"Are you free for lunch?"

Naina was about to politely decline when she felt something—a presence. A piercing gaze. A shift in the air. She turned her head slightly and, sure enough, there he was. Veer stood across the hallway, dressed in a sharp black suit, his expression unreadable, but his gaze? Intense. It sent a jolt through her spine. His eyes flickered to Dr. Sinha, then back to her. He didn't say a word, but the message was clear. Naina inhaled sharply, feeling annoyance bubble inside her. What was his problem? Did he think he had some claim over her? She wasn't accountable to him. Still, the weight of his stare made her forget whatever she was about to say to Dr. Sinha.

---

Veer's POV 

He clenched his jaw as he watched the scene unfold before him. Naina, laughing at something that idiot doctor had said. It was irrational, the way his blood boiled at the sight. He had no reason—no right—to feel anything about her interactions. Yet, he did.

Before he realized it, his feet were already moving. By the time he reached them, Dr. Sinha had the audacity to place a hand on Naina's shoulder, a casual touch that made Veer's hands curl into fists.

"Dr. Sharma," he said smoothly, interrupting.

 "I need a word with you."

Dr. Sinha looked between them, slightly startled by the authoritative tone.

 "Oh, of course. I was just—"

"I said I need a word," Veer repeated, his gaze never leaving Naina.

Naina exhaled, her expression unimpressed, but she nodded. "Excuse me, Dr. Sinha."

---

"What the hell was that?" she demanded the moment they stepped into an empty consultation room. Veer didn't answer immediately. He simply stared at her, his eyes dark and unreadable.

"You don't like it when people touch you," he stated suddenly.

She blinked, momentarily thrown off. "What?"

"I've noticed," he continued. "You always keep a distance. Even with patients, you're warm but reserved."Naina's breath caught. 

Was he really that observant? And why did it matter to him?

"I don't see how that's any of your business," she said, crossing her arms

.Veer took a step closer. She refused to move back. "That man touched you." His voice was low, controlled, but there was something beneath it—something possessive.

"So?" she challenged. "He's my colleague." His jaw ticked. He looked like he wanted to say more, but then, to her shock, he exhaled and stepped back.

"You're right," he said quietly. "It's none of my business."The sudden shift in his tone unsettled her more than his usual intensity. 

For a moment, she almost wished he hadn't backed away.

Almost.

Veer clenched his fists, staring at her retreating figure. What the hell had just happened? He had never been one to act on impulse, never let emotions dictate his actions. But with her, it was different. She was just his mother's doctor, nothing more. And yet, his mind refused to accept that simple truth. He hated the way she made him question himself, the way she stirred something in him he had long buried.

---

The rest of the day passed in a blur of routine. By the evening, Naina was exhausted, her body moving on autopilot as she walked down the hospital corridor. Her mind was still tangled with the events of earlier. And then, fate decided to test her patience.

She turned a corner too quickly, her feet slightly unsteady, and before she could register what was happening, she stumbled. Strong arms caught her.

The moment was frozen—Veer's arms around her, holding her against his firm chest. His scent, a mix of expensive cologne and something inherently male, wrapped around her senses. She could feel the steady thump of his heartbeat against her cheek.

Her fingers gripped his jacket instinctively, and when she looked up, their faces were only inches apart. His eyes flickered to her lips for the briefest second before locking onto hers.

Naina felt her breath hitch. He could have let her go immediately. Should have. But he didn't. Instead, his hold tightened just slightly, as if testing something. And for a fleeting moment, she saw something raw in his eyes—something dangerously close to longing. Then, just as quickly as it happened, it was gone. Veer steadied her once more, his grip lingering just a fraction longer this time. A smirk tugged at his lips as he looked down at her. 

"Are you habitual to bumping into me, Dr. Sharma, or is there something else going on?"

Naina's cheeks flushed instantly, her eyes widening at his teasing remark. But before she could gather a sharp retort, he set her upright and stepped back.

 "Be careful, Dr. Sharma."

Naina swallowed, trying to ignore the way her skin still tingled where he had touched her.

 "I—I will."

Veer gave a short nod, his expression unreadable once again, before walking away. Naina exhaled sharply, placing a hand over her racing heart. What the hell was that?

---

From her hospital bed, Mrs. Malhotra watched the exchange with amusement. Her son, the ever-distant Veer, was changing. And it was all because of one woman. She had always believed that the right person could melt even the coldest hearts.

 And Veer Malhotra, whether he admitted it or not, was already burning.

~~^~^~~

Thank you for reading ....!

What was your favorite moment in this chapter?

- The heated confrontation? 

-Veer's teasing? 

- Or that almost-too-close moment?

Mrs. Malhotra seems to have caught on to Veer's changing emotions. Do you think she will play a role in pushing them together?

Please vote if you like the story ...It's my first work so, I need some motivation.

Add comments I would be happy to reply..

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