I tossed the pill into my mouth, chasing it down with a sip of water. The bitter aftertaste lingered, but I ignored it. My head throbbed, my chest felt heavy, and no matter how hard I tried to clear my mind, the same thoughts kept circling back.

What the hell is happening?

I wasn’t new to surgeries. I had spent years perfecting my skills, pushing myself beyond limits, making sure my hands never wavered when a life depended on them. And yet…

I clenched my fists. Why are my surgeries failing?

I grabbed the remote and turned on the TV, desperate for a distraction. The moment the screen lit up, my stomach twisted.

"Breaking News: Singhania Hospital Faces Scrutiny – Multiple Surgeries Fail Under Dr. Ritika Singhania’s Supervision."

My breath hitched.

The reporters spoke in loud, dramatic voices, dissecting every failure, every death. My name was flashing across the screen, my hospital being dragged through the mud. Not just the hospital-my family’s reputation. My father’s empire, Yash’s business-everything was now tangled in this mess. Because I carried the Singhania name, this was more than just a medical concern; it was a scandal.

"Is this the beginning of the Singhanias' downfall?"

I shut the TV off, my hands trembling. The remote slipped from my fingers and landed on the floor with a soft thud.

I leaned back against the bed, staring up at the ceiling, inhaling deeply before exhaling slowly. My mind raced, replaying every surgery, every procedure, every detail.

I didn’t make mistakes. I couldn’t afford to make mistakes.

Then why…?

The more I thought about it, the more unsettled I felt. My techniques were precise. My knowledge was solid. So how were my patients still-

A shiver ran down my spine.

This wasn’t normal. This wasn’t right.

And if it wasn’t me… then what the hell was going on?

I sat on my bed, staring blankly at the wall, my mind tangled in thoughts. The weight on my chest refused to lift. I needed to breathe. I needed to get out.

Without thinking twice, I stood up, grabbed my car keys, and rushed downstairs. My heart pounded in my ears as my feet barely touched the steps.

As soon as I reached the last stair, the first person I saw was Yash bhai.

His eyes scanned my face, immediately catching onto my distress. "Are you okay?"

I forced a small smile. "Yes, bhai. I’m fine."

He didn’t look convinced. Instead, he stepped forward and pulled me into a tight hug.

"Don’t worry," he whispered. "Everything will be fine. I believe in you."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, letting myself find a moment of solace in his words. But before I could respond, Dad, Mom, and Dadaji arrived.

Mom cupped my face, her eyes soft with concern. "Beta, sab theek ho jayega."

Dadaji nodded. "You're strong, Ritika. Just remember that."

But then, Dad spoke.

"If you're struggling with surgeries, I can appoint the best trainer for you so you can regain your skills."

His words shattered me.

I froze. My fingers curled into my palm. He doubted me.

I looked at him, my vision blurring slightly. Did he really think I was incapable?

Mom frowned, turning to him sharply. "Aisi baat mat boliye." (Don’t say such things.)

I clenched my jaw, forcing my emotions down. "I'll be back." My voice came out calm, but inside, I felt anything but.

Yash bhai took a step forward. "I’m coming with you."

I shook my head. "No, bhai. I’ll be fine."

Still, he followed me outside as I walked to my car.

"You know Dad didn’t mean it that way," he said softly.

I turned to him, nodding slightly. "I know, bhai." I tried to smile. "I’ll be back soon. Don’t worry."

"Hospital ja rahi ho?"
(You’re going to the hospital?)

I nodded. "Haan. Jaldi aa jaungi. Fikar mat karna." (Yes. I’ll be back soon. Don’t worry.)

And with that, I got into my car and drove off.

As soon as I entered the hospital, I felt their stares.

The nurses. The doctors. The staff.

Their greetings were polite, but I could see the hesitation in their eyes. The doubt.

I knew what they were thinking.

Is she really capable anymore?

I ignored it.

Pushing forward, I walked straight toward Dr. Mehta and Dr. Khanna, who were discussing something near the nurse’s station.

They turned as I approached.

"Dr. Ritika?" Dr. Mehta looked surprised. "What brings you here at this hour?"

I crossed my arms. "We need to talk."

They exchanged glances before leading me to a private room.

I took a deep breath. "Something is wrong with the post-op recoveries."

Dr. Khanna frowned. "What do you mean?"

I leaned against the desk. "Patients are either dying or suffering from unexpected complications. The issue isn’t the surgery it’s the medication."

Dr. Mehta narrowed his eyes. "You think the medicines are compromised?"

I nodded. "I suspect it’s the 2cc epinephrine injections. We need to check them immediately."

Dr. Khanna looked alarmed. "If that’s true, then"

"Then every post-surgery patient is at risk," I finished. "We need to test those injections. Now."

Then the three of us entered the hospital’s laboratory.

I grabbed a pair of gloves and a mask, securing them properly before taking a seat in front of the examination machine.

Dr. Mehta and Dr. Khanna stood behind me, watching in tense silence as I prepared a sample of the injection.

I inserted the liquid into the machine. Seconds later, the results flashed on the screen.

Not epinephrine.

It was Dyclovarine.

Dr. Khanna’s eyes widened. "That’s a vasoconstrictor! If administered post-surgery, it can cause cardiac arrest."

Dr. Mehta cursed. "This is why patients are dying."

I clenched my jaw. "We need to act immediately. Stop the stock. Block all shipments. And I need to know who supplied these injections this month."

Dr. Khanna and Dr. Mehta exchanged a firm nod.

"I’ll handle the announcement," Dr. Khanna said.

"I’ll block further usage," Dr. Mehta added.

As they rushed out, I turned and walked straight toward the security room.

As I enter the security room the team stood as soon as I entered.

I didn’t waste time. "I need last week's supply records for medicines and injections."

One of the guards quickly pulled up the data.

I scanned the records before pointing at a name. "Who supplied these injections?"

A guard checked the system and handed me a phone number. Yes, they have all the information about who comes and who goes, they have all the data.

I took it. "Thank you."

With that, I left the hospital.

By the time I reached home, it was 9:30 PM. My phone buzzed two missed calls from Yash bhai.

As soon as I parked, I saw him standing exactly where I had left him.

He crossed his arms. "Are you okay?"

I sighed. "I’m fine. Don’t worry. I’m not a child, bhai."

He gave me a pointed look. "For me, you always will be."

I smiled slightly. He always said that.

We walked inside together. I could feel him wanting to ask questions, but he held back. And that’s what I loved about him.

He always supported me without crossing my boundaries.

Should I tell him?

I decided not yet. First, I needed proof.

I went straight to my room, pulling out my laptop and phone.

Dialing the number I received, I waited.

No answer.

I called again. Still no answer.

I called again.

This time, a hesitant male voice answered. "Hello?"

I didn’t waste a second. "You supplied the medicine injections, at Singhania's hospital? didn’t you?"

Silence. Then the call disconnected.

A second later, the number was switched off.

I clenched my jaw and immediately texted Manik.

"Trace this number. And don’t tell anyone."

Manik responded quickly. "On it."

Thirty minutes later, my phone buzzed. Location. Identity. Everything.

I exhaled. Now I knew who was behind this.

I lay down on the bed and started on the ceiling when there was a knock on the door.

As expected, Yash bhai entered my room with a dinner tray.

I smiled and sat down."I knew it would be you."

He chuckled. "Someone has to."

As we ate, Yash occasionally glancing at laptop. But when his gaze drifted to the nightstand, his expression changed.

His eyes landed on the pill bottles-Alprazolam. Sertraline. Propranolol. The medications she had fought so hard to stop taking. For anxiety. For depression. For the nightmares.

His jaw tightened. "You started again?"

I exhaled. "I never really stopped. I just tried."

He placed a hand on mine. "You’re not alone, Ritika. You don’t have to fight everything by yourself."

I swallowed, nodding.

For now, I let myself believe that.

After some time bhai left my room with the empty tray, I lay down on the bed and I don't know when I fell asleep.

Morning.

The world was still asleep when I opened my eyes. The clock barely touched 5:30 AM, but my mind was already racing. A deep breath, a moment of silence, and then I moved.

The cold water from the shower jolted me awake, washing away every lingering trace of hesitation. Today was the day.

Dressed in black jeans, a white shirt, and a black half-sweater.

(Imagine, pretty.)

I stepped out of my room, careful not to make a sound. The mansion was quiet, but I knew Dada Ji would already be in the temple, deep in meditation.

Stopping just outside the temple doors, I pressed my hands together, closing my eyes.

"Hey Ram..."

With that silent plea, I slipped away.

I sat in the car and started driving.

The location Manik sent was a small apartment in an old neighborhood. The roads were almost empty as I parked my car outside the worn-down building.

I knocked once. Then again.

The door creaked open, and a little boy in a school uniform peeked out. His hair was slightly messy, his shoes not fully tied.

I bent down, offering him a small smile. “baby, Is anyone here? Mom? Dad? Anyone?”

The boy frowned, puffing out his tiny chest. “I’m not a baby! I’m a big boy. My name is Ansh.”

I chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Oh, my mistake, Ansh."

Before he could say anything, a woman appeared behind him. She straightened her dupatta, her eyes wary.

“Good morning, ma’am. How can I help you?”

I didn't waste time. Pulling out a printed photo, I held it up. “Do you know him?”

Her face paled. She didn’t need to answer.

But she did. "That’s… my husband."

Just then, a man stepped out. The moment our eyes met, his breath hitched. His hands clenched at his sides, his posture stiff.

I glanced down. Ansh was staring up at us with confused, innocent eyes.

I sighed. "I need to talk to you. Alone."

The man swallowed hard but nodded. We moved inside, closing the door behind us.

He sat down, his shoulders heavy with guilt. “I didn’t have a choice,” he started, his voice trembling. “It was… Sir Kairav. He ordered me. My father is sick, my son just started school… I had no way to pay the hospital bills or the school fees. He forced me. But I swear, I didn’t alter anything, I only delivered the medicines.”

A bitter laugh escaped me. Forced?

I folded my arms. “Do you even realize what you’ve done? Because of this, people died. Some are still fighting for their lives.”

His wife’s eyes filled with tears, and she covered her mouth.

I glanced at Ansh again. His small brows were furrowed as he looked at his mother.

Sighing, I softened my voice. “Don’t worry. Your father will get the best treatment, and your son will study in the best school. But if you ever-ever-do something like this again, I won’t be this forgiving.”

The man’s lips trembled. He nodded, grateful yet ashamed. "Thank you, ma’am… Thank you."

Turning to Ansh, I lifted him into my arms. “Your mom is just happy because you’ll be going to the best school now.”

I kissed his cheek and gently placed him back.

Then, I left.

I am furious.

The anger in my veins burned hotter than anything I had ever felt before.

My hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white as I drove straight to Kairav Oberoi’s office.

By the time I reached the building, my heart was pounding.

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and pressed my hands together, whispering,

"Ram Ji, ab sab kuch apke upar hai."

Then, I opened my eyes.

I stepped out of the car, my body moving on pure instinct. My legs carried me toward the building’s entrance, my fury growing with every step.

A few of Kairav’s men turned to stop me, but one of them said, "Let her go. Last time, boss said not to stop her."

Good.

I didn’t need stopping.

I walked straight to the lift, pressing the button so hard I thought it might break. The ride up felt longer than ever.

The moment the doors slid open, I stormed out, my eyes blazing.

I stood in front of his office, glaring at the men outside.

"Where is Kairav?!"

The guards looked at me like I had grown two heads.

"Boss is in a meeting," one of them finally said.

I scoffed. "Not my problem."

Without waiting, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The office was empty.

I scanned the room, frustration bubbling inside me. I needed to do something-anything-to release this anger.

That’s when my eyes landed on the neatly stacked files on his desk.

A slow smirk formed on my lips.

I walked over and grabbed every single file, throwing them into the dustbin.

Every page, every document-gone.

But it wasn’t enough.

I yanked open the drawers, pulling out more files, more paperwork-

And then-

A lighter.

And… a cigarettes box?

I narrowed my eyes. Does he…? Whatever.

I threw the cigarette in the trash along with the papers.

Then, I picked up the lighter.

A click. A spark.

The flames spread instantly, devouring every file, every page. Some papers fluttered out, escaping the fire.

I calmly picked them up and threw them back in.

Then, I sat on his chair, leaning back.

I watched the fire grow, the destruction unfolding before me.

My heart raced.

My lips curled into a satisfied smile.

My eyes. red with rage. never blinked.

I watched the fire consume everything.

And for the first time in years, I felt...

At peace.

Rathod had just asked for the Blackhawks files agreement, and I turned to Aditya.

"They’re in the office. I’ll bring them," he offered.

I shook my head. "No. I placed them in the drawer myself. You won’t find them-there are too many similar files."

With that, I walked out of the meeting room. My men stepped aside as I strode toward my office.

The moment I opened the door, my steps froze.

Ritika was sitting on my chair, staring at the fire in the dustbin, her eyes reflecting the flames.

The sharp scent of burning paper and cigarette  lingered in the air.

My files.

My important, classified files-all burning.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" I barked.

She turned, her lips curling into a slow, wicked smile.

"Payback, Mr. Kairav Oberoi."

I blinked. Then realization hit me.

Blackhawks files.

I strode toward my desk-nothing. My hands yanked open the drawers-empty.

"Are you out of your damn mind?! You burn all the files?!"

She folded her arms, eyes sharp. "So, Mr. Kairav Oberoi, how does it feel? Watching your career burn in front of you? When you don't deserve this?"

I clenched my jaw, fury surging through me.

"You didn’t ruin my career, Ritika," I snapped. "You ruined my reputation!"

Her eyes darkened. "And you ruin innocent people's lives!"

She took a step toward me. I took a step toward her. The air between us sizzled with tension.

She suddenly grabbed my collar, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Are you serious?! You let people die for your satisfaction?" Her voice trembled, but her grip on me tightened.

I held her wrists, glaring at her. "You don’t know anything!"

"I KNOW ENOUGH!" she screamed. "YOU USE PEOPLE! YOU BLACKMAIL THEM! YOU LET THEM DIE! THE PEOPLE WHO DESERVE TO LIVE!"

Her breathing was erratic, her fury barely contained. "Do you even have a heart?!"

Before I could retort, the door slammed open.

"Ritika!" Anshika rushed in, eyes widening as she took in the burning files.

Manik stormed in right after her, but his steps faltered when he saw the flames licking up the papers, turning everything into ash.

"What the actual hell?!" Manik’s voice cracked.

"Are you crazy?!" Anshika grabbed Ritika’s arm, but Ritika yanked herself free.

I let out a bitter chuckle, looking at the burning files before locking eyes with her.

"Welcome to the world our families built, Ritika." My voice was ice-cold. "And I’m just playing along. And guess what? You’re a part of it too."

Her eyes flashed with rage, her jaw tightening. "I AM NOT A PART OF THIS!" she shouted.

"Oh, but you are." I stepped closer, my voice mocking. "Your father, your brother-they’re all in the same game. You’re just too blind to see it."

She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "Don’t you DARE compare me to you, Kairav!"

"Why not?" I scoffed. "You act like you’re better than me, but let’s not forget-your hands aren’t clean either."

She shoved me back. "I don’t let innocent people die!"

"Neither do I!" I snapped. "You don’t know the whole damn story!"

"Oh, I know ENOUGH!" she yelled, stepping right into my face. "I know that you manipulate, blackmail, and threaten people into doing your dirty work!"

"And your father? Your brother? They do nothing, right?" I mocked. "Tell me, how do you sleep at night knowing your family is no different?"

SLAM.

Her hands gripped my collar again, pulling me