Page 22 of Chasing Hope

Ethan chuckled as he read the colourful poster on the wall.“I just want to drink coffee, save animals and take naps.”That one sentence perfectly summed up the jerk’s life.

‘Ethan, the doctor will see you now.’ Sarah, the head receptionist in her early fifties, announced his turn. Ethan rose from his seat and tugged at Phoenix’s leash. The collie flipped her hair and Phoenix was a goner.

‘Come on, man. Guess she’s taken after her owner,’ Ethan jested, jerking a thumb at the woman who, from the time they’d stormed into the clinic, had her face plastered to her cell phone. Reluctantly, Phoenix got on all fours and trudged alongside Ethan.

‘Thanks Sarah. I’m so glad to see you’re back. How was your visit to Delhi?’

‘Oh, I’m glad to be back as well. The cold in Delhi ain’t good for my old bones.’

‘Old? I strongly disagree,’ Ethan winked. Sarah’s cheeks grew red. ‘Fit me into your busy schedule. I’d love to take you on a date someday.’

Ethan knew everyone on Aarav’s staff. During his free time he helped out with the homeless and sick animals Aarav had taken under his care. Ethan couldn’t wait to see the kennel renovations at the back of the building. Dedicatedly, Aarav had saved up over the years to purchase a villa on Pali Hill which he had transformed into this beautiful veterinarian clinic.

The door to the examination room opened and Aarav stepped out of the room accompanied by a woman clutching a baby Shih Tzu to her chest. Her nervous gaze darted between Aarav and the furry bundle in her arms.

‘I’m so sorry about the puke… I…’ Aarav lightly touched her arm and she drew in a tremulous breath.

‘Relax, Sanjana, this is my job.’ Aarav gave her one of his infamous grins. Sanjana’s lips parted in a shy smile. ‘Just make sure all sugary items are kept far from his reach.They are a lively and friendly breed. He will bounce back soon enough.’ Aarav bent his head to kiss the puppy. With several soft licks the puppy gave Aarav his seal of approval. On a soft chuckle, he raised his head and locked eyes with Sanjana. Hit by the power of Aarav's deadly charm, Sanjana’s cheeks flushed a deep pink. They just stood there staring at each other. There was an entire room full of patients waiting. Even so, Aarav had all the time in the world to flirt.

Ethan grinned and shoved back a lock of his hair from his forehead. It was like he was stuck in the middle of a scene from a romcom. Phoenix barked, growing impatient. Sanjana shook her head, breaking their eye contact. However, Aarav’s gaze remained fixed on her pretty face.

‘Thank you, Doctor—’

‘Please, call me Aarav.’ His mouth meandered, forming a gentle smile. Sanjana blinked, struggling to anchor her thoughts. Damn, the bastard’s appeal was baneful to the opposite sex. ‘Theo, I’ll see you soon. I’ll come in to check up on you. Now, you be a good boy and stay away from stuff that ain’t good for your tummy.’ Aarav caressed the dog’s brown fur. Instinctively, his hand reached out to show Sanjana the same caring gesture. Quickly, coming to his senses he pulled back and thrust his hands in the pockets of his blue scrubs. ‘Sanjana, feel free to reach me, anytime. I’m just a call away.’ He uttered a goodbye and watched till both Sanjana and the puppy were out of sight.

Finally, getting his turn, Phoenix minced straight to the examination room.

‘What was that all about?’ Ethan asked as a way of greeting once the door shut behind them.

‘None of your fucking business,’ Aarav replied and got down on his haunches to pet Phoenix. Phoenix barked and wrapped Aarav in a hug.

‘Touchy today, aren't we?’ Ethan crossed his arms and fixed Aarav with a knowing stare. Aarav rubbed the back of his neck and sighed.

‘Fuck, man. If I tell you, you’ll give me endless grief.’

‘Try me.’

Aarav dragged his hands through his hair and sighed. ‘Fine. Here goes.’ He cast a glance at the closed door and sighed again. ‘Sanjana, whose name you might have already gathered, just moved here from Dubai. She is a single mother of two. Her husband died of cancer two years ago. Her therapist suggested she get her kids a pet and that should help with their anxieties. The kids' anxieties are dealt with, all right. However, she is overwhelmed with the responsibilities. There is no doubt she loves the dog, but he is a pup and she has her hands full with him. She nearly lost her composure with me, man. And we, like, just met. She all but wept in my arms, she’s that frazzled.’ After a pregnant pause, he added, avoiding meeting Ethan's eyes, ‘I might have volunteered to help her out with raising the puppy.’

Ethan exhaled. ‘You have an innate urge to shelter wounded souls.’ He lifted his palm and rushed on to say, ‘And I’m not saying that’s a negative trait. All I’m saying is that you might just bite off more than you can chew.’

‘Jesus Christ, man. Did you not see her? It was like she’s carrying the weight of the whole world on her shoulders,’ Aarav countered Ethan. He bent down to lift Phoenix. The beast grumbled, knowing he had to be examined. Like clockwork, Aarav went about his regular examination process. He placed Phoenix on the weighing scale and recorded his weight.

‘She is a single mother, Aarav. Tread with caution. You aren’t exactly the paragon of stability.’ Ethan’s tone was a stern warning.

Aarav gave Ethan the stink eye as he heaved Phoenix and laid him down on the steel examining table. ‘Thanks, man. Your confidence in me is overwhelming.’ As Ethan opened his mouth to refute him, a frustrated sigh left him. ‘Go fuck yourself. You seem to excel at it, anyways,’ Aarav snapped at him and yanked off his stethoscope. He inhaled deeply and switched into doctor mode. His demeanour screamed defensiveness. He checked Phoenix's heartbeats, then ran his hands over his body to check for any inconsistencies. Phoenix panted and Aarav rubbed him behind the ears to ease his restlessness.

‘Yo champ, you are a strong boy.’ Aarav pivoted on his sneakers to face Ethan. He was all business. ‘The reason for his lethargy and loss of appetite is a mild case of “kennel cough”.’

Ethan drew close and massaged Phoenix’s back. Phoenix moaned and closed his eyes in pleasure. ‘Okay, so that explains the strange honking sounds he’s been making.’ His forehead wrinkled. ‘Is there anything to worry about?’

Aarav shook his head. ‘Nothing that good home remedies can’t alter.’

‘I googled his symptoms—’

Aarav lifted a dark brow and extended his hand, offering Ethan his stethoscope. ‘You want to take over my practice?’ he asked, his tone condescending.

‘Don’t be such a smug asshole.’ Ethan narrowed his eyes. A corner of Aarav’s mouth twisted in a smirk.

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