Shad entered his cabin and picked a file, he dropped it on the floor and sat on his seat with a thud.

Eifad always does this; she had always bossed Shad around, but not this time. This time, he has decided that he will not let her stop him from going to Pune. This conference is important for him; he will get so much to learn there in the presence of reputed International Cardiologist. He has decided not to miss this chance at any cost. Shad gulped water and felt relaxed. He leaned in his chair and wondered- What excuse will he give Eifad?

Fifteen minutes later, Shad felt suffocated in his cabin and decided to go out to relax, he opened the first drawer and took out a cigarette packet and a lighter.

*******

Rhea walked into the back of the hospital looking for a nurse; she wanted a report of a patient in bed no.20, Dr. Singhaniya had wanted those reports. As she looked around, she smelt smoke, cigarette smoke. She wondered who is smoking; she walked towards the source of the smell. She frowned on seeing Shad smoking and muttering something to himself. She sensed him tensed as he kept running his fingers through his hair and taking a puff of smoke. Now, she is curious as well as concerned.

Shad is talking to himself; he needed to think of an excuse that will not make Eifad suspicious and also something that she can't refuse. Shad isn't able to think of any bright ideas, lying to Eifad is like next to impossible. She watches a person carefully, their expressions, their body language, their tone, everything; she is as effective as a lie detecting machine. And Shad had always been caught when he lied to her. This time, there is no scope of failure. He sighed taking another puff.

'Dr. Shad?' he froze on hearing Rhea's voice from behind him, he quickly threw his cigarette and stamped on it, dozing it. He took a deep breath and turned around.

'Yes?'

'I am sorry Doctor, but I couldn't help but notice you are worried. May I help you in anyway?' Rhea asked cautiously. Shad shook his head and ensured her everything is alright, he is just tensed with work. He didn't feel right to share about Eifad and himself to a third person. Rhea looked at him skeptically.

Shad sighed and told her that he wanted to go for the conference but because of some personal issues he isn't able to. He doesn't give many details.

Rhea thought for a while before saying 'I was unsure how Dad would react to me going to Pune. But luckily, he trusts me, and he supported me. Whatever is stopping you from coming just make sure it is more important than you career, if not then come' Rhea suggested

Shad sighed, he wished it was that simple. Truth be told, he loves both his career and Eifad; he can't choose; he doesn't want to either. But now, he is standing at a crossroad where he has to choose between his best friend and his career. He wished like Rhea's father, Eifad too understood him.

'I don't have a supporting father like yours, Rhea' Shad said sadly

'Make him understand. He loves you, his top priority should be your happiness' Rhea reasoned

Shad sighed exasperated 'I tried.'

Rhea thought for a while 'Make up an excuse.'

'That's what I am thinking.'

'Will you be okay to lie to him?'

Shad bit his lower lip. No, he won't. The guilt of lying to Eifad will be eating him up through the conference, and he won't be able to concentrate. He said the same to Rhea, minus Eifad's name. Rhea shook her head 'In that case I think you shouldn't lie, say to him firmly that you are going. He will be angry at first but then will understand.' Rhea said softly

Shad nodded, that is the only option he has. He remembers very well what big issue Eifad had made when he had left for the two-year training program; she had cut her wrist and demanded he stayed else she would hurt herself more. Shad was in two minds then and had almost opted out from going to the US, hadn't it been for his father he wouldn't have gone. Once again, he must take a strong stand and say truthfully to Eifad that he is leaving. He hoped history doesn't repeat itself, and for that, he has decided to tackle the situation cleverly.

*

Rhea came back home excited like always, she rang the doorbell but no response. She shook her head; Shruti isn't back yet. Rhea glanced at her watch, 10 pm. She unlocked the door using the spare key. She wanted Shruti to be here so she could share her excitement with someone. Of course, she shared this news with her father and Saima, but she wanted to share with someone in person, so she could unleash her excitement, jump with excitement, hug her and dance around. She sighed sadly. Nevertheless, she pushed all the negative thoughts behind her head. She goes into her room and quickly changed into her casuals, long yellow Tweety Tee, and White Patiala. She tied her head in a messy bun and walked towards the wardrobe. She took out a blue Samsonite bag and placed it on the bed. As she unzips, she wondered if Shad managed to convince his father.

She bit her lower lip picking up her mobile; She debated if she should ask him. She shrugged it off thinking he might not like her interfering in his life.

She placed her mobile back on her bedside table and went to her wardrobe to pick out the dress for the two-day conference; she needed to look professional and at the same time presentable. She searched and selected three dresses and some casuals. Rhea is startled when she heard the doorbell. She quickly hurried to get the door

'Hey!' she greeted Shruti brightly

'Hey.' Shruti replied sounding tired. She placed her laptop bag on the sofa and flopped on the sofa; her legs stretched with her head resting back and her eyes closed. Rhea hurried into the kitchen and got a glass of water for her. Shruti is surprised. Nevertheless, she took the glass. Rhea sat on the single sofa beside her and smiled 'I am going to Pune' she announced. Shruti turned her head and looked at her. Rhea narrated everything and Shruti looked genuinely pleased.