The Scalpel and the Algorithm
Chapter 4: Chai and Confessions
Scene: A small, cozy chai stall tucked away in a corner of a bustling market. The aroma of spices and freshly brewed chai fills the air. Kabir and Avani are seated on low stools, sipping their chai.
Avani Sharma
(Taking a sip) “Ah, this is perfect. Ekdum mast chai.”
Dr. Kabir Malhotra
(Smiling) “I know this place. Best chai in Mumbai. Aur samosa bhi zabardast hai."
Avani Sharma
“You know your chai. I’m impressed, Dr. Malhotra. I thought surgeons only drank expensive coffee.”
Dr. Kabir Malhotra
“We have our simple pleasures too, Little Mouse. Dil toh bachcha hai ji.”
Avani Sharma
(Chuckles) “And your ‘bachcha dil’ likes chai and samosas?”
Dr. Kabir Malhotra
“And good company. Aapke saath, chai aur bhi achha lagta hai.” (He says, looking directly into her eyes)
Avani Sharma
(Blushing slightly) “You’re getting smooth, Dr. Scalpel. Aaj kya hua hai aapko?"
Dr. Kabir Malhotra
“Maybe spending time with you is making me… less surgical.”
Avani Sharma
“Or maybe the chai is making you poetic.”
Dr. Kabir Malhotra
“Maybe both.” (He pauses, then his expression turns serious) “Avani, about what happened at the conference… and at the café…”
Avani Sharma
“What about it?”
Dr. Kabir Malhotra
“I was… harsh. I tend to be. It’s a professional hazard.”
Avani Sharma
“You were passionate. So was I. We’re both stubborn.”
Dr. Kabir Malhotra
“Stubborn? That’s putting it mildly. Aap toh bilkul zid pakad leti ho."
Avani Sharma
(Laughs) “And you’re not?Aap bhi kam nahi ho."
Dr. Kabir Malhotra
“Point noted. But I also wanted to say… I was impressed. With your work, with your… passion.”
Avani Sharma
(Surprised) “Really?🧐”
Dr. Kabir Malhotra
“Really. You have a unique perspective. You see things differently. I respect that.”
Avani Sharma
“Thank you, Kabir. That means a lot.”
Dr. Kabir Malhotra
“And I also wanted to apologize for the ‘Little Mouse’ nickname. It was… presumptuous.”
Avani Sharma
(Smiling) “It’s fine. It’s… kind of growing on me."
Dr. Kabir Malhotra
(Raises an eyebrow) “Really?”
Avani Sharma
“Maybe. Or maybe I’m just getting used to your annoying habits.”
Dr. Kabir Malhotra
“Annoying? I’m charming.”
Avani Sharma
“Charming and arrogant. A dangerous combination.Traits of a self- obsessed man 😂"
Dr. Kabir Malhotra
“But you like it, don’t you?”
Avani Sharma
(Looks away, a playful smile on her lips) “Maybe a little or maybe not.”
Dr. Kabir Malhotra
(Leans closer) “Avani, I…”
His phone rings, interrupting him. He sighs, pulling it out of his pocket.
Dr. Kabir Malhotra
(Answering) “Malhotra… Yes, I’m on my way.” (He hangs up, looking apologetic) “Emergency at the hospital. I have to go.”
Avani Sharma
"Of course. Duty calls.”
Dr. Kabir Malhotra
“I’ll call you later?”
Dr. Kabir Malhotra
(Stands up, then hesitates) “Phir milenge."
Kabir rushes off, leaving Avani alone with her chai and her thoughts. The market buzzes around her, but she’s lost in her own world, a smile playing on her lips.
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