White Tempest: The Forbidden Journey

This story is entirely fictional and has no relation to any real person or event. Late at night, Vansh lay awake in his room. Soft, unmistakable sounds drifted from the adjacent wall — Priyabhavi's breathless moans. He smiled to himself. "Now I can finally sleep in peace." At 6 AM, his alarm rang. After freshening up, Vansh headed to the home gym. To his surprise, Ansh was already there, sweating on the treadmill. Vansh grinned. "What's this? The sun rising from the west today? The guy who barely works out in the evenings is here before me?" Ansh laughed. "Nothing, bhaiya. Have to reach college early today. Evening will be late." "Really college... or taking someone on a date?" "Really a lecture. No date." "Fine. Which car are you taking?" "Fortuner." Vansh's smile faded for a moment. The Fortuner was a gift from their parents on Ansh's 18th birthday... just three days before the accident that took them forever. "What time?" "7 o'clock." Seeing his brother's expression, Ansh quickly added, "By the way, Mrs. Ravika messaged — board meeting at 5 PM. We both have to attend." Vansh's mood lifted instantly. He loved those meetings. "Postpone it to 7. I might get late from college today." As if on cue, heavy rain began pouring outside. Vansh glanced out the window and smirked. "Now you'll have to drop Bhavika too." Ansh left at 7, ready. Bhavika joined him in the car. Vansh was still getting dressed at 8 when the gate bell rang. He opened it wearing only a towel. Sharmila stood there, completely soaked from the rain. She was wringing water from her pallu into a flower pot. Her open hair dripped, droplets tracing down her neck and disappearing into her deep neckline. Her wet clothes clung to every curve. Their eyes locked. Time seemed to freeze. Vansh felt heat rush through him. Sharmila's gaze dropped for a split second, widening as she noticed the obvious tent in his towel. Her cheeks flushed. Ten long seconds passed in charged silence until Vansh's phone rang, breaking the spell. He turned to answer it. Sharmila quietly entered the house. On the call was Dr. Khushboo — Vansh's college best friend and the most beautiful girl in their batch. "Where are you? When will you reach college? Please come on time. I'm waiting." "So many questions at once! Just leaving home now. Your work is done, madam. I'll be there by 8:45." Vansh came to the dining table fully dressed, but breakfast wasn't served yet. He walked to the kitchen. Sharmila stood lost in thought. "Aunty, how much longer for breakfast?" She startled. Her phone rang — Khushi calling. Vansh asked again. "Aunty?" "Just five minutes." She answered the call. "Yes beta, reached college?" Khushi: "Yes mommy. Don't worry about fees — it's sorted." Sharmila hung up and quickly served breakfast. Vansh: "No lunch today. I'll be late from college. Just make dinner for Ansh." "Okay sahab." As Sharmila turned to leave, she paused, then softly said, "Sahab... I wanted to say something." "Yes?" "My daughter's fees need to be paid." Vansh thought for a moment. "How much?" "Three lakhs." "It'll be done." Sharmila left with a grateful smile. Meanwhile, Ansh reached Bhavika's place. She ran to the car without an umbrella, getting slightly wet as she hopped in. Ansh teased, "Looks like someone didn't even have time to dress properly." "Yaar, late night shoot. Woke up late." Bhavika wore a white crop tank top, low-waist blue jeans, and an open black shirt. Raindrops made the thin fabric cling in places. Ansh couldn't help stealing glances. She noticed, smirked, and gave him a playful warning look. "Save that energy for college girls. Drive." They laughed — this teasing was normal between them. On the way, Bhavika casually adjusted her clothes and buttoned her shirt. Such moments were completely normal between her and Ansh. They reached college just in time and attended the lecture—the Dean himself was taking it today, so no one dared to skip. Vansh arrived shortly after. As he stepped out of his pickup truck, Dr. Khushboo came running toward him. “The class coordinator is calling everyone, and we’re the only ones late. Come on, hurry!” Vansh handed her an envelope from his bag. Without looking, she slipped it into hers. They entered the classroom and took their seats. The coordinator announced, “Your first six months of MD/MS are over. Now you’ll practice under senior doctors. The list of selected students and their assigned seniors is on the board. Those whose names are missing—meet me at 9:30 in my cabin.” Everyone rushed to check the board. Vansh searched for his and Khushboo’s names in their department list, but only 18 names were posted. Both went to the coordinator’s cabin. Khushboo: “Sir, our names aren’t there.” Coordinator: “Dr. Khushboo, congratulations! As MBBS gold medalist, you’ll work directly under the Dean starting tomorrow. You may leave.” To Vansh: “You stay.” Khushboo hesitated, but the coordinator signaled her to go. As she left, he handed her the acceptance letter. Alone with Vansh, the coordinator said, “Your MBBS ranking was between 3 and 7. But after your parents’ passing, you’re a major donor and trustee. So you’re getting one chance—practice under the Dean. He’s calling you now. Go quickly.” Vansh thanked him and headed to the Dean’s office, walking fast due to his long strides. Khushboo was left behind. In the Dean’s office. Dean: “You know why you’re here?” Vansh: “Yes, sir.” Dean: “Good. First, a test. I have a lecture for MBBS students, and Dr. Amit will handle the incision lab. You’ll take my lecture and explain the lab—how to perform small surgeries near the nervous system.” Vansh was shocked but nodded. “O-okay, sir.” Dean: “I’ll watch on camera. Dr. Amit will observe in person.” Vansh had never felt such pressure—not even in board meetings with ten directors. But he had no choice. He took the materials from the Dean and discussed with Dr. Amit. Dr. Amit: “Fine. Go to the presentation room. I’ll join in five minutes.” Vansh entered the room. Students were chatting. His eyes landed on the back bench—Ansh was far too close to his girlfriend, lost in each other. Anger surged. Vansh grabbed the mic and spoke firmly: “You’ve been given a rare opportunity to study here. Respect it.” Silence fell instantly. Vansh thought, This boy will get himself in trouble one day. He instructed the girl to move to the front and Ansh to the middle empty seat. The boys were impressed by Vansh’s physique. The girls... even in the air-conditioned room, some felt warmth rising. Bhavika, sitting nearby, messaged the group chat: “If Vansh bhaiya stands ten more minutes, half the girls will need a cold shower.” Ansh read it and stifled a laugh. Dr. Amit entered and announced, “Good morning. Today’s lecture and incision practice will be conducted by Dr. Vansh.” Bhavika and Ansh exchanged shocked glances. The atmosphere grew electric—many girls’ pulses quickened at the news. Vansh began the lecture confidently. Meanwhile, Khushboo searched for him but eventually headed to the library. Evening came. At 6 PM, Khushboo finished work and went to the canteen. Vansh’s car wasn’t in parking—she felt a pang, thinking he left without meeting her, without even talking all day. Upset, she ordered snacks and sat alone. Then she saw him—sitting with the HOD and Dr. Amit, deep in conversation. She wanted to approach but couldn’t because of the HOD. She ate quietly. The HOD came to her table: “Congratulations, Khushboo! Great opportunity under the Dean.” “Thank you, sir.” After a pause, “Would you like some snacks?” “No, thank you. I have patients to visit.” As the HOD and Amit left, Vansh slid into the seat opposite her and started eating from her plate. “Missing me?” Khushboo’s cheeks turned pink. She stayed silent, looking down. After ten quiet minutes, Vansh smiled. Khushboo: “Where’s your car?” Vansh: “Bhavika took it.” “Then how will you go?” “With Ansh.” Just then, Ansh appeared. Ansh: “Hello, Dr. Khushboo!” Khushboo smiled. “Hello. Come, have some snacks.” Vansh: “No time—we’re already late for the meeting. Let’s go. We’ll drop you.” The three left in Ansh’s car. Khushboo lived in a conservative colony, so she asked to be dropped at the bus stop outside. Ansh: “We can drop you home.” Khushboo: “No, here is fine.” Vansh: “Do as she says.” Khushboo got down, waved goodbye, and walked away. As she turned into a lane, Vansh asked Ansh, “She’s your fortieth girlfriend, right?” Ansh nervously laughed. “What calculation is this?” Vansh thought, Fortieth? Wait, I think it’s more like forty-fifth. Vansh: “No hurry. I’ll break the piggy bank tomorrow and count.” They reached the company headquarters. The watchman stopped them, but upon hearing “Vansh Sanghavi,” he panicked and opened the gate immediately. Ravika came personally to receive them. To be continued...