Page 160 of One Hellish Passion

Vivek rushed inside while the doctor turned to Ranveer and Maya.

“All okay, Dr. Uday?” Ranveer asked.

Ranveer known Dr. Uday for years through a business associate. He had even funded this hospital once, making it the safest place for Adira now.

“Yes, she'll be fine in a day or two. But I need to speak to you privately,” Uday said, glancing at Maya.

“You can speak in front of her. She's my wife,” Ranveer replied.

Uday was confused at first but later he smiled, extending his hand towards Ranveer.

“You got married? When? Congratulations to you both.”

“Thank you. We married yesterday. I think you don’t read papers or watch news, Uday. It’s out in the media already.”

“I am sorry. I really have no life outside this hospital,” he sighed. “Please, let's talk in my office,” he said, leading them there.

After taking their seats, Uday shared his concerns.

“Adira didn't seem suicidal. She wanted to fake it, minimally hurt herself but it went wrong.”

Maya was shocked while Ranveer sighed in frustration, leaning back.

“You can expect her to try that stunt,” Ranveer scowled.

“How can you be so sure?” Maya asked Uday.

“I've seen such injuries before. I can tell if a patient meant to die or was faking. Adira likely wanted to scare her family, making a shallow wrist cut. But she hit a nerve, falling unconscious from blood loss.”

Maya bit the inside of her cheek, feeling extremely angry at the silly girl. This was clearly an act to gain Ranveer's sympathy or cause more problems for Maya, her stepsister.

“This is ridiculous,” she muttered.

“Thanks, Uday for the information. And please, keep this between us - I'm sure you know that already,” Ranveer said.

“We will, Ranveer. But attempting or faking suicide is serious. Adira should know this and never try it again. We could hold counseling for her if you suggest it,” Uday offered.

“You can check with her father on that,” Ranveer replied as he and Maya got up to leave. “He's best to decide going forward.”

Uday nodded, smiling at them as they left the office.

“I can't believe I left important work for this,” Ranveer groaned once outside. “Who is she trying to fool?”

“Don't stress yourself now,” Maya said.

“You're right. We should both leave now. No need to entertain this further. Mr. Bajaj can handle it from here.”

Maya thought for a moment before seeking his permission. “I want to talk to her once before we go.”

“Talk?” he scoffed. “Don't you think you're overconcerned for her now?”

“So were you,” she countered. “Why else did you get involved if you don't care?”

Ranveer was irritated now. “I got involved not because I care for her. I want to make sure you aren't unnecessarily dragged into this. I'm here to keep it quiet. Adira had already complained against you. I don't want people or police connecting dots. I'm protecting us from her foolishness, that's the only reason I'm helping Vivek Bajaj.”

“I haven't forgotten the kind of threat she poses if I make one wrong move,” Maya said. “But Ranveer, this obsession of hers has to end. Adira needs to realize that no matter what she does, she's never going to have you. You already belong to me now, and nothing will change that, despite her countless attempts.”

It was a slip of the tongue, but her words were enough to make both their hearts flutter for a few seconds. Ranveer's eyebrows shot up as his lips curled into a smirk.

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