Award Function Night – Heritage Convention Hall, Shimla

Author's POV

The grand Heritage Convention Hall shimmered like a jewel against the night sky. Its glass dome glowing under golden lights, red carpet rolled out with precision, media crews stationed, and soft instrumental music floating through the mountain air. It was a night dedicated to excellence in medicine. An evening where the finest minds of Himachal Pradesh's medical fraternity gathered. Doctors, Surgeons, MS, MDs, researchers, innovators. All draped in elegance. Luxury cars purred to a stop one after another at the entrance, with guests stepping out in tuxedos, embroidered sarees, and graceful gowns. The ambience was nothing short of a Filmfare night. Glittering, glamorous, and wrapped in quiet sophistication. This wasn't just an award ceremony. It was a celebration of intellect, service, and legacy. Amongst the elite crowd, two names stood out, The Singhania's and the Diwans.  Known for owning multi-specialty hospitals, top-tier medical colleges, and contributing significantly to healthcare innovation. The Singhania's and Diwan's weren't just respected, they were revered. 

A gleaming black Mercedes glided to a stop before the Heritage Convention Hall, met by camera flashes and admiring murmurs. The Singhanias, a prominent Indian medical family, began to emerge. First, Dr. Devansh Singhania, dignified in a black tuxedo, and his wife, Dr. Shivangi Singhania, regal in a maroon silk saree with a diamond brooch. Next, their son Dr. Abhimanyu Singhania, in a navy blue tux, and his wife, Dr. Akriti Singhania, radiant in a ruby red silk saree and diamond necklace. From the second car came Dr. Kabir Singhania, dashing in an olive green tux, followed by Dr. Yug Singhania, sharp in an ivory bandhgala and rust trousers. Then the talented and funny , Yatharth Singhania, exuding charm in a cream blazer and peach shirt, and finally Alia Singhania, their teenage daughter, stunning in a chocolate brown designer jumpsuit.

(Kabir's Look)

As they entered, warm greetings followed. When Devansh and Shivangi entered all eyes turned towards them. The senior Doctors, Junior Doctors, the interns Stood up by Respect. Just then Dr Ranvijay Shukla, Went towards them.

"Namaste, Dr. Devansh Sir!" Dr. Ranvijay Shukla, Director of AIIMS, folded his hands with deep respect and said looking at Devansh and Shivangi "It's always an honor to see you and ma'am. Your legacy speaks for itself. "Devansh offered a kind smile, "Thank you, Dr. Shukla. It's always lovely to see such bright minds gathered under one roof." Dr. Shivangi added, "And to see old friends and juniors doing such good work, it truly feels like home." Other senior doctors began coming forward, exchanging greetings with Devansh and Shivangi, visibly humbled to meet the renowned couple. Moments later, Dr. Ranvijay turned to spot Dr. Abhimanyu, his long-time colleague and friend. They embraced warmly. "How's the new Care Bridge Hospital branch in Delhi coming along?" Dr. Shukla asked with curiosity. Abhimanyu nodded, proud yet modest. "It's going well. Kabir and Yug are overseeing most of it closely." Dr. Shukla chuckled "Ah, Kabir... one of the finest neurosurgeons of this generation." Then, lowering his voice, he continued speaking teasingly, "But tell me, when is he finally going to get hitched?" Before Abhimanyu could reply, Dr. Akriti stepped in with a knowing smile "Very soon, Dr. Shukla. But AIIMS should stop hogging all his time with your endless meetings and architectural setups." They all laughed, the moment light but warm.

The greetings continued, the atmosphere charged with admiration, laughter, and reverence for the legacy the Singhania family carried. Meanwhile, Dr. Kabir Singhania stepped forward with quiet confidence, his presence calm yet commanding. Yug walked beside him, his usual charm lighting up his face. As they approached, a group of doctors and peers greeted them warmly, handshakes and respectful nods exchanged with genuine warmth. As Kabir moved forward to greet his friends Aditya and Shruti, who were talking to other set of Dr friends, Yug with a barely hidden smile, subtly made his way toward someone waiting at the far end, Dr. Ridhima Malhotra, his secret girlfriend, currently pursuing her MS in Gynecology at the Singhania Care Bridge Hospital and Medical College. She gave him a quick, knowing glance, equal parts affection and caution before the two slipped into quiet conversation at the edge of the gathering. Meanwhile, across the room, Yatharth and Alia stood side by side, observing the  scene with soft smiles. Their eyes moved from one familiar face to another, their grandparents receiving heartfelt admiration, their parents exchanging warm embraces, and their elder brothers being welcomed like stars.

After the formal greetings and handshakes, the Singhanias moved toward their designated round table at the front, A seat reserved for legacy, not just invitation. Just as they began settling in, a quiet buzz stirred behind them. A group of young resident doctors, unable to contain their awe, whispered among themselves: "That's Kabir Singhania, right? AIIMS board member. Top neurosurgeon..." "He's even better looking in person." "And that's Yug, orthopedic prodigy. I heard he's winning the Excellence in Research award tonight." Kabir, ever composed, heard the murmurs but simply took his seat with the same quiet poise he carried in the OT. Next to him, Alia, smirking, leaned in with a teasing glint in her eyes: "You're causing a mini stampede, Dr. Kabir. Relax your charm." Yug, laughing, nudged his brother, "Now you know how it feels to be famous, bro. I've been dealing with this since first-year ortho rounds." The shinghania's  took their seats Devansh, Shivangi, Abhimanyu, Akriti, Kabir, Yug, Yatharth, and Alia , each one representing a different era of excellence in the Singhania legacy. Meanwhile, in quieter corners of the hall, murmurs among middle-aged doctors picked up again , hushed but heavy with admiration:

"The Singhania family's medical background is unreal."
"A joint family, right? And each one is thriving."
"Dr. Abhimanyu and Dr. Akriti... absolute grace and talent."
"Dr. Kabir's already a legend in neurology."
"Yug's into sports orthopedics now, isn't he?"
"Yatharth's still pursuing MBBS... and Alia, I heard she's preparing to back AIIMS Shimla soon."

 After few minutes, A fresh buzz stirred at the entrance.

"The Diwans have arrived." Stepping out of their car first were the pillars of the Diwan medical empire, Dr. Angad Diwan, in a charcoal sherwani with silver buttons, and Dr. Vaidehi Diwan, draped in an ivory silk saree adorned with a pearl-set necklace that shimmered under the lights. Regal, timeless, and deeply respected, their presence commanded admiration without a word. Following them were their sons , Dr. Ranveer Diwan, the stern, disciplined Chairman of Diwan Medical College & Hospital, in a tailored navy suit, his gaze steady and posture upright. His wife, Dr. Avni, glowed in a teal saree with subtle gold embroidery, graceful yet quietly commanding. Dr. Raghav, cheerful as ever in a wine-colored Nehru jacket, laughed easily as he walked in beside his elegant wife, Dr. Natasha, who kept her look classic and sharp in a soft golden saree. Then came the next generation , Dr. Samrath Diwan, dignified in a deep emerald green tuxedo, and his wife Soumya, graceful in a dusty rose saree, Known for their surgical brilliance, the power couple moved with poised ease, exchanging subtle smiles and greetings along the way. Dr. Abhir and Prisha followed closely, fresh, dynamic, and radiant. Abhir looked sharp in a steel grey tux, while Prisha wore a flowing pastel peach saree that softened her strong MD aura with understated elegance. Dhruv, the youngest of the clan, arrived next, all swagger and charm in a classic black bandhgala, greeting everyone with an easy grin and youthful confidence. And finally, making a stunning entrance is Dr. Sayoni Diwan Raichand, the renowned cosmetologist and media magnet, and her husband, Rishi Raichand, industrial tycoon. Sayoni wore an elegant ivory saree with a champagne-toned shimmer, her signature sleek ponytail and minimalist diamond studs adding to her magnetic, powerful presence. Beside her, Rishi stood suave in a textured black suit, crisp and perfectly tailored. 

As the Diwan family entered the grand hall, a subtle shift spread across the crowd. Doctors and dignitaries turned, rising from their seats in quiet respect as Dr. Angad Diwan and Dr. Vaidehi Diwan walked in, pillars of discipline, vision, and legacy. With every step, their decades of excellence echoed silently. The couple offered folded hands and soft smiles as they greeted familiar faces and colleagues who had watched the Diwan empire rise from scratch. Nearby, whispers began among groups of resident doctors, their admiration barely hushed. "The Diwans, the ultimate example of sophistication and discipline." "Dr. Angad and Dr. Vaidehi built the Diwan Medical College and Hospital from the ground up." "And now their sons, Dr. Ranveer and Dr. Raghav, are the minds behind the Diwan Serum Institute." As Dr. Avni and Dr. Natasha followed, elegantly greeting the crowd with grace, the murmurs continued with admiration. "These two women are the  pillars standing shoulder to shoulder with their husbands, upgrading every corner of the Diwan empire." Then came Dr. Samrath Diwan, poised and sharp in his emerald tuxedo. The murmurs grew hushed with reverence. "That's Samrath Diwan, the most trusted grandson of the Diwan legacy. One of the finest neurosurgeons we have." "His wife, Dr. Soumya Diwan, a Pediatric genius and expert. Power couple in every sense." "Rumor has it, Samrath's starting a new Neurology wing equipped entirely with UK sourced tech." The attention then shifted to the newlyweds, Dr. Abhir and Dr. Prisha Diwan. "He's the calm, collected CMO of Diwan Hospital and a leading cardiologist." "He pulled off one of India's most complex heart transplants last year." "Prisha Diwan's no less , MD Emergency Medicine, Vice Secretary, and Board Member of Diwan Serum Institute." "And they're still in their honeymoon phase... just look at them." But when Dr. Sayoni Diwan Raichand entered, an unspoken silence swept the junior doctors and interns. Postures straightened. Conversations paused. "There she is, the  daughter of the Diwan family. Brilliant. Ruthless. Impeccable." "Her eyes say more than her words. She doesn't tolerate indiscipline." "They say she breathes the medical field, her standards are untouchable." "And when her child was born, her husband gifted her a private jet." 

Yet amid the dazzling presence, one question quietly floated among the curious: "Where is Shivansh Diwan?" "Why isn't he with them tonight?"

Meanwhile, in the car a few blocks away, Kashish sat quietly beside her elder brother Shivansh, who drove with casual ease, humming under his breath. She fidgeted with the hem of her white embroidered suit, elegant yet understated, exactly how she liked it. "Bhaiya..." she finally murmured. "Hmm?" "Why did I agree to come?" she exhaled. "This is a Doctors' Awards night. I don't even belong there. You know how much I hate this spotlight... the looks, the questions... 'Oh you're the Diwan daughter who didn't take up medicine?'" she mimicked softly, glancing outside. Shivansh chuckled, calm as ever. "Because you're not just the Diwan daughter, Kashish. You're Kashish Diwan—Oxford graduate, founder of one of India's fastest-growing architectural firms, and the mind behind AIIMS Shimla's newest wing. That's more than enough reason to be there." "Yeah, until one of Papa's's friends asks me about my nonexistent surgeries." "Then tell them," he smirked, parking the car gently, "You don't perform surgeries... you build the places where healing begins." Kashish cracked a nervous smile.

Inside the Heritage Convention Hall, The Singhanias and Diwans two towering medical families were now present under one roof. The hall buzzed with accolades, laughter, and old connections rekindled. But at one roundtable, where legacy met legacy, time seemed to pause. Dr. Angad Diwan and Dr. Devansh Singhania both in their 70s, both builders of empires greeted each other with warm smiles and a strong handshake. There was no need for words, the respect between them had already been written over decades. "Angad, My old ," Devansh chuckled, "We finally meet outside a conference room." "And thankfully not in an emergency OT this time," Angad replied, the corner of his lips lifting in a nostalgic smile. Across the table, Dr. Vaidehi Diwan and Dr. Shivangi Singhania embraced with quiet grace, two matriarchs who had not only supported their husbands' visions but had helped shape them. Meanwhile, Dr. Ranveer, Dr. Raghav, and Dr. Abhimanyu exchanged formal yet respectful greetings. Avni, Natasha, and Akriti too shared gentle nods and knowing smiles, women of calm composure, all commanding in their own right. Ranveer and Raghav stepped forward to greet Devansh and Shivangi, shaking hands like one generation of excellence greeting another. On the other side, Abhimanyu respectfully greeted Angad and Vaidehi. Kabir Singhania and Yug stood up to greet Dr. Angad and Dr. Vaidehi with folded hands and warmth. "Namaste Sir and madam" Kabir said respectfully. "We've heard so much from Dadaji and Papa about your journey." Vaidehi smiled gently. "And we hear about yours, Kabir. You've made quite the name in neurology." Just then, Dr. Ranveer Diwan stepped in, extending a firm handshake to Kabir. "The star face of neurology," he said with a nod, "Singhanias are raising the bar." Kabir smiled politely, "Thank you, sir. Coming from you, that means a lot." Before he could say more, Dr. Samrath Diwan arrived. He greeted Kabir with a professional handshake. "Dr. Kabir," he said with a subtle nod. Kabir returned it respectfully "Good evening, Sir." There was no warmth, just the practiced professionalism of two neurosurgeons. Samrath had once been Kabir's senior during MBBS, the air between them remained distant, layered with quiet comparison and unspoken rivalry. Meanwhile, Dr. Abhir, Dr. Prisha, and Dr. Soumya greeted Yug and Kabir warmly softer, friendlier energy. On the sidelines, young Yatharth and Alia watched the exchanges, absorbing every layer of pride, subtle tension, and hierarchy. "So that's the famous Diwan-Singhania dynamic," Alia murmured. "Legacy wrapped in competition," Yatharth replied with a grin. Everyone took their seat. Diwan's Sat at the other round table next to Singhania's. 

Heads turned. And soon, greetings flowed their way , colleagues, juniors, offered respectful nods and subtle smiles. Sayoni, used to this attention, offered her usual crisp nods not cold, but precise. She warmyly greeted her family and the Singhania's. At the edge of the round table, Dr. Kabir Singhania stood as she approached. The two had never worked together, but Kabir observant as ever, had always been aware of her reputation. Their eyes met. "Dr. Kabir Singhania," she greeted first, a sharp nod. "Dr. Sayoni ," Kabir replied with calm respect, extending his hand. They shook hands, firm, brief, professional. But in that handshake lay mutual recognition. "I've read about your neuro-oncology paper," Sayoni said, cool but honest. "Precise. Uncompromised." "Coming from you, that's an honor, Dr Sayoni ." Kabir replied, genuinely. Then sayoni and her husband Rishi Sat with Diwans

As the buzz was slowly settling. The Diwans and Singhanias, now seated at their designated round tables, held the attention of nearly everyone in the room. Conversations were warm, polished, filled with admiration and subtle comparisons of legacies.

Just then... The entryway stirred. Dressed in a muted  floor-length white suit, embroidered with delicate threadwork and Pearls, Kashish Diwan arrived. Her soft curls were pinned gracefully on one side, a pearl drop earring peeking through. No blinding shimmer, no loud makeup, just elegance wrapped in calm confidence, and a dash of visible nervousness in her eyes. Beside her was Shivansh Diwan, protective and proud as always. But as they approached the main entrance... "You go ahead, Kashish. It's Nurvi calling, she's finally free from her court hearing. Let me just take this quickly," Shivansh said with a smile. Kashish nodded knowingly, a playful smirk on her lips. "Of course, go. You'll explode if you don't talk to her now." She took a small breath and moved forward on her own. And then, destiny did what it always does when these two are in the same room. Kabir, who had stood up to greet one of the senior neurologists, turned swiftly, just as Kashish reached the inner hall. They bumped into each other Again. But this time, no documents were dropped. No architectural diagrams were exchanged. No files or formalities. Just her hand instinctively landing on his forearm, and his steady hands instinctively holding her shoulders to balance her.

(Kashish's Outfit)

She looked up, just as startled. For a moment, neither of them moved. There was a flicker  recognition, disbelief, something unspoken — suspended in the stillness between them. Kabir stepped back slightly, eyes narrowing, not in anger, but in quiet surprise. "You've got to be kidding me," his expression seemed to say before the words actually escaped him. Kashish tilted her head, one brow raised, tone dry but playful."Seriously? We need to stop meeting like this." He looked at her, still processing. "What are you doing here?" She met his gaze evenly. "I walked in. Like most people." A brief laugh escaped them both. From a distance, standing near the edge of the hall, Akriti Singhania caught the moment. She gently nudged Shivangi, her voice just above a whisper. "Ma... have you ever seen Kabir laugh like that in public?" Shivangi turned her gaze to where Kabir stood  tall, poised, but somehow... different. His usual guarded aura had softened, if only for a moment. "No," she said after a beat. "And certainly not twice in under a minute." She paused, her expression unreadable. "But who is she?"

The question lingered — unspoken between them 

Just then, Dr. Shivansh Diwan entered through the grand doors, having ended his call. His gaze swept across the hall until it landed on a rather familiar scene, Kashish standing with Dr. Kabir Singhania, mid-conversation. A knowing smile touched Shivansh's lips as he walked toward them. "Hello, Dr. Kabir," he said in his usual calm, formal tone. Kabir turned, straightening slightly. "Good evening, Dr. Shivansh," he replied with respectful ease. Shivansh's eyes briefly darted between the two before settling back on Kabir, his voice holding a subtle tease. "Seems like you've already met my sister." Kashish gave a small, amused smile, the kind that said this was not part of her plan, but she wasn't surprised either. Kabir, momentarily puzzled, glanced from Shivansh to her, eyebrows raised in realization. "Let me officially introduce you," Shivansh said, voice now more formal. "My younger sister and the youngest daughter of the Diwan family... Ms. Kashish Diwan." Kabir took a beat. The dots connected, the name, the elegance, the sharpness from the AIIMS boardroom. The realization landed with quiet impact. "Ohh yes... the Kashish Diwan," Kabir murmured with a light smirk, his voice turning just a shade warmer. Turning slightly to face her, his expression softened — still composed, still professional, but unmistakably intrigued. "So the woman who grilled us on airflow systems and column placements... turns out to belong to the Diwan medical empire." A slight pause. "I should've known only a Diwan could say deadline like it's a surgical command." Kashish folded her arms, arching a brow, voice dry with just a hint of playful sarcasm "And I didn't realize neurosurgeons noticed anything outside the OT." A chuckle tugged at the corner of Kabir's mouth as he extended his hand casual, but deliberate. "Well, since we skipped this part last time... Ms. Kashish Diwan, this is Dr. Kabir Singhania." She met his hand with a steady grip  firm, professional, and for the first time, with a flicker of something personal in her eyes. "Pleasure. Finally, a non-boardroom introduction," she replied, her voice low but poised. Shivansh, standing beside them, gave a soft chuckle. "Now that your memory's jogged, let's join the family." With a slight nod to Kabir, he guided Kashish gently toward the Diwan table. Kabir remained still for a moment, watching her walk away. And even after he returned to his own table, taking his seat beside Akriti and Dr. Shivangi, his gaze drifted once more to the Diwan side of the hall. He watched the way Kashish leaned in to speak to her mother Avni, how she smiled softly while talking to her brother Shivansh. Across the table, Dr. Shivangi noticed. Kabir's expression  usually unreadable, professionally neutral  had shifted. Just slightly. But to a mother, to a woman who'd studied every crease of her son's face since childhood, it was enough. A few tables away, Vaidehi Diwan, Kashish's grandmother, also saw it. Kabir's glance had lingered just a moment longer than necessary. Shivangi leaned toward Akriti, Both looking at Kashish, and said softly, "She must be someone close to the Diwans." Akriti nodded slightly, eyes still on Kashish and replied "Yes... maybe."

Even as conversations resumed and waiters floated through the aisles with trays of hors d'oeuvres, Kabir's gaze, almost involuntarily, kept returning to the Diwan table. More specifically  to her. Kashish sat composed beside Avni and Shivansh, her posture perfect. But he noticed what others wouldn't. The way her fingers lightly fidgeted with the edge of her clutch. The small inhale she took when camera lights flashed too close. The polite but restrained smile she gave to unfamiliar faces. The way she shifted slightly in her seat  not out of impatience, but quiet discomfort. She was elegant, yes. But not at ease. The spotlight the kind she clearly hadn't come looking for followed her anyway. The world around her was one of MDs, MS degrees, OT legends, lifetime achievement awards. And though she belonged by blood, she didn't quite feel like she belonged by profession. And Kabir noticed. Not because he was looking too long, but because for once he wasn't pretending not to look. He remembered how she had taken charge at the AIIMS architectural meeting. How her voice had filled the room with authority, not arrogance. How she'd spoken the language of steel, structure, and symmetry  in a hall full of surgeons and scalpel logic. And now, here she was. Draped in grace, caught in a space that wasn't hers and holding herself together with quiet resilience. Kabir sat back in his chair, but his eyes lingered just a moment longer. His mother, Akriti, noticed. So did his Grandmother  Shivangi. The soft crease between Kabir's brows. The calm, watchful energy about him, the kind he wore only when something, or someone, had truly caught his attention. Meanwhile, at the Diwan table, Avni leaned closer to Kashish, whispering something warm in her ear. Kashish smiled, this one a little more genuine and nodded. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, then glanced briefly across the hall... And her eyes accidentally met Kabir's. Just a flicker of a moment. But it was enough. She looked away quickly. Composed. Detached. But Kabir? He hadn't moved. And Shivangi, from beside him, saw it all. Every unsaid sentence in her Grand son's silence. She gently reached for her water glass, glanced across the hall, and locked eyes with Vaidehi once more. This time, they smiled. Because some stories don't need a script. They simply... begin.

                                                                         ***********

Dear Reader,

I know this chapter ran a little long , but it had to.
This was a turning point: Kabir and Kashish's first real conversation, the slow spark of something unexpected, and two powerful families the Singhanias and the Diwans  under one roof. It deserved space to breathe.

I'd love to hear what you thought!
Tell me in the comments — did you enjoy the build-up?

And don't forget to vote if this chapter made you smile, wonder, or feel anything at all.

With love,

- [Pristi scrolls]