“It just adds up after a while. There are the evaluations from one side and then from the other, people doubting your title or making constant remarks about your appearance. All those things, even if they may seem small, can have a really massive impact. And I think in my case, it’s made me defensive and on edge.”

Dr. Wilson’s eyes shift as he thinks about what Suhani’s just said.

“We are seeing this a lot. Too much. Qualified women are not going after certain things because they think they don’t deserve to. The more I’m learning about this as a program director, the more I’m seeing that we have an institutional problem with making female physicians feel that they can advocate for themselves.”

“I didn’t know this was something you were seeing across the board,” Suhani says.

“I wish that wasn’t the case,” Dr. Wilson says. “One of the things I’m hoping you can do as chief is think of ways we can improve this at Atlanta Memorial.”

“I really can’t wait.” She feels a flutter of excitement. After everything she’s been through, she can be a part of change so other women don’t have to endure the same.

She leaves the meeting and thanks Dr. Wilson for everything. For the first time at work, her thoughts aren’t racing. She’s in the moment.

In the empty gray stairwell, she leans against the railing as she feels something in her release. Roshan didn’t ruin her. No matter how much he tries to intimidate her or show he still has control over her, she can shut him out entirely. That part of her life truly is over.

When she checks her phone, she sees Mom has sent three texts in the last hour.

MOM: How is Natasha?

MOM: Tell us if we can bring her anything.

MOM: Hope she is doing okay. When are you going to be able to check on her?

SUHANI: I’ll see her in a couple of hours.

Then, before she has a chance to hesitate, she sends Zack a message.

I understand you still need time. Just wanted you to be the first person to know I’m officially going to be chief. Please know that I’m so grateful for everything you did to help me get here. And again, I’m sorry.

She waits to see if the typing-in-progress bubbles appear. But the screen remains unchanged for a couple of minutes. His Instagram and Twitter also don’t show any recent activity, but that might not mean anything. Zack’s more of a lurker on social media.

Her finger lingers over the call button. But before she can press it, there’s an incoming call. The first digits give away that it’s from within the hospital.

“It’s Dr. Joshi.” Suhani keeps her voice low as she walks back to her office.