Next day.
At the military camp.
A van full of doctors entered after clearing the security checkpoint. As it drove in, they could see soldiers training on both sides of the road. The nurses in the van couldn't help but gape in awe.
On one side, soldiers were climbing up tall poles arranged in a line. A little ahead, some were doing pull-ups, muscles flexing under the morning sunlight. On the other side, in a marshy training pit, men were slogging through the mud while carrying massive tires on their shoulders.
A well-coordinated group of soldiers marched past along the opposite lane.
"Look there. Oh my God! They look so handsome!" one of the nurses squealed excitedly, clutching her friend's hand.
"Yeah! Look at those arms" another whispered dramatically, pointing at the soldiers doing pull-ups.
The male junior doctor scoffed, jealousy practically spilling out of him.
"What's so great about muscles?"
The nurse stared at him like he had just committed a crime.
"Are you for real?"
Meanwhile, Ria was busy on her phone, repeatedly trying to call someone.
"Hey, Dr. Zaria!" one of the female junior doctors nudged her. "Instead of appreciating this 'divine scenery', what are you doing with that phone?"
"Huh? What scenery?" Ria asked, blinking innocently.
A senior nurse, a warm, kind-looking middle-aged woman chuckled.
"Don't mind them, Dr. Ria. They are talking about these handsome young soldiers showing off their bodies."
Ria smiled softly and shook her head.
"Oh please," the junior doctor sighed dramatically, dreamy-eyed. "Why would she look at them? She comes from a house full of handsome men and beautiful women ... including herself, of course."
The whole van erupted in giggles.
Ria raised a playful brow.
"Ahem… by the way, are you dreaming about 'my brother'?"
The junior doctor froze.
"What…. no! N-no ….that's not…"
Ria gasped loudly and placed her hand on her chest.
"Oh my God! Then you mean... my 'dad'? Oh no! My poor mother!"
Everyone inside the van stared at them with wide, stunned eyes.
"WHAT?! NO!" The junior doctor nearly shouted, face turning red. "I didn't mean ANYONE!"
Ria burst into laughter.
Everyone joined in.
"I'm just teasing you," she said, patting the flustered doctor's shoulder. The girl let out a long sigh of relief.
The van rolled to a stop in front of the main administrative building. One by one, the doctors stepped out, adjusting their bags and coats.
Meg was already waiting at the corridor. The moment she spotted the van door sliding open, she walked toward them, her smile blooming instantly.
"Baby Ria!" she called, waving her hand. Ria finally noticed her and broke into a smile, walking over to her, like a little chick running
toward its mother hen.
"Meg!" Ria laughed.
Some of the hospital staff began looking around the place curiously, while others stood quietly, waiting for Ria's instructions as she was the assigned head of today's medical camp, after all.
Meg gave the group a friendly wave. "Hello everyone!"
They returned the greeting with polite smiles.
"Had breakfast?" Meg asked.
"Yup, sis. What about you?" a cheerful nurse responded.
Meg grinned. "Yeah, me too." She scanned the group once more before turning to Ria with a slight frown.
"Baby Ria… where is Nidhi?"
Ria let out a sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose with a small pout of irritation. "Take a guess…"
Meg's eyes widened before she facepalmed dramatically, "Don't tell me she was late again and missed the van."
Ria only shrugged.
"This girl!" Meg muttered.
"I tried calling her, but she's not picking up," Ria said, that worried little pout returning.
"Maybe she's walking," Meg murmured, worry slipping into her tone as well. Just then Ria's phone rang.
Both of them looked at it immediately.
"It's her." Ria breathed out.
Meg nodded. "Go on, baby. Pick it up."
Ria answered the call while Meg waited beside her, clearly wanting to know about Nidhi.
After a few seconds, Ria cut the call and turned toward her.
"What happened, baby?" Meg asked.
"She overslept," Ria sighed. "She only just reached the bus stop. I have no idea when she'll join us."
Meg shook her head. "Miss 'always late' will never change."
"I'll send someone from my camera crew to pick her up," Meg offered.
Ria's face brightened. "Aww! Mamma Meg, that would be so helpful."
Meg smiled and waved a hand. "Tell her to send her location."
"Okay."
*Ting!*
A message notification popped up. Ria glanced at her phone and her expression shifted into mild amusement.
"Meg, no need. She texted saying she already got a ride."
"Oh, then that's good," Meg nodded.
"Alright then, you take care. I'll go meet the chief regarding the camp requirements," Ria said, stepping back a little.
Meg nodded. "Go to the General's cabin instead. The chief is out of town."
Ria blinked once, then nodded. "Okay."
Meg leaned in to give her a quick, warm hug before they separated.
Ria turned to her team.
"You guys wait here. I'll inform the General about our arrival and come back."
They nodded in agreement, and Ria headed off in search of the General's cabin.