ek tha raja.. ek thi titli ! Story so far.. ! NO COMMENTS PLEASE !!! - Page 2

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Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#11

Chapter ten...

It had been two days since nidhi came to the mathur household...baba was getting restless..and on the morning of the third day, he began moving about...looking at the door repeatedly as ashutosh tried to digress him but could not...baba pushed away the plate of poha n said"aakhir kyun nahi aati meri florence nightingale. ..main miss karta hoon usse..aur woh yeh baat jaanti hai..main nahi loonga yeh pills jab tak woh nahi degi..."dr ashutosh looked at armaan...a lil worried n sighed"baba...dr nidhi is unwell..unhe hyper tensive fits aa rahe hain...i have been treating her...she would probably come in a few days..but aap aise behave karenge to aap beemaar pad jaayenge...chaliye leejiye dawaa...come on.."!! Baba gulped down the medicine n said"ashu..tu uska dr hai.to le chal mujhe uske paas...milna chahta hoon..."dr aahutosh evaded"baba..i dunno her home...woh to kgh mei aati hain check up ko...apne baba ke saath"!! Baba got curious"baba...kya naam hai unka..bata na..."ashu looked away"baba..i dunno..aur ab nikalta hoon..i am getting late.bye "!! And he walked out..adjusting his tie in the car...as his cell buzzed.it was col verma "yes col verma...nidhi kaisi hai"?? Cv replied"better hai..koi fit to nahi aaya..but she seems v tired n quiet...shaayad sleepy bhi...aaj bhi rest ker rahi hai...kal se shayad jaye jeewan sandhya aur dr mathur se milne bhi..."dr ashurosh gulped as he disconnected the call...how he wanted to be with nidhi...to look after her..to just sit by her n lgaze at her...he smiled a tragic smile as the memory of the vivacioys intern that nidhi had been came to his mind..hadn't it been because of him that she had been suffering so much...for their unconventional love...across age gap..could he get her smile back??? Ashutosh wondered ...as he backed the car...

As he entered KGH..mallika found him...she had the knack of locating him..anywhere.."ashutosh...how are u?? Achcha aaj lunch mere cabin mei..mai tumhare favourite baghare baingan laayee hoon...with soft rumali rotis..."! Dr ashutosh barely nodded as he looked at dr ranganath with the schedule.."sir the OT is ready.dr jyothika will assist u."ashutosh nodded and went in to keep his things in the cabin...his wallet...that had a pic of a giggling nidhi...his jacket that reminded him of that morning ...when nidhi had worn it...and as he breathed in the air of his cabin , nearly everything was a stark reminder of nidhi...the girl who had made him fall in love helplessly ...hopelessly...

"Sir...main mili thi nidhi se...kal raat.."it was dr jyothika as she looked at her dean tying his apron..his hands ceased to move..he raised his eyes n asked"kaisi hain dr nidhi..."??"sir i feel nidhi is getting into depression..maine to encourage kiya ki jeewan sandhya jaldi se join kar le...i wish ..sir...i wish nidhi kgh waapas aa sakti..."!! Dr ashutosh kept quiet..restrained from biting his lip n entered the OT.

While dr ashutosh was using his nimble fingers to save a life ...dr mallika was revolving in her plush chair...nidhi's viva and dissertation at the IMA was just 15 days away...n she was sure she ...n her gang would tear the lil rabbit to pieces...the only thorn in the flesh was dr ashutosh...what if he stood up against them?? What if he quit the IMA?? Mallika smiled ..surely it wouldn't be that easy...she had been talking to a few members and convincing them of how this unceremonious relationship was destroying ashutosh's career n life and his dignity in medical circles...

mallika thought of ways to get closer to him...probably visit him more...now that baba was there...maybe..he would feel her presence to be a balm...

"Dr aapko dr ashutosh bula rahe hain"it was laxmi bai .mallika smiled..looked into her tiny mirror and adjusted her pendent...a heart shaped locket...as she entered..."mallika ..i d appreciate if you learnt to knock before entering..."said a visibly cold ashutosh...mallika was a lil perplexed but did not give up..."kya ashutosh..apne bhi koi dastak de ke aate hain kya zindagi mein...muskurahtein...pyaar ..saath yeh to bus aise hi chale aate hain..bina kisi permission ke"!! Dr ashutosh contd to work but without looking up he said..."mere khayal se na tum hawa ho...na pyaar aur na saath...jo bina dastak ke aa sako...so plz knock before u enter...aur yeh bed no.45 ki reporys mujhe bhejo ASAP" mallika almost winced ...but replied calmly"bhejti hoon...per pehle lunch to ker lo...maine kaha tha na..baghare baingan..tumhare favourite..."dr ashutosh raised his eyebrow n said"sorry mallika...mere taste badal gaye hain...i somehow dont enjoy baghare baingan anymore...and kindly shut the door after you.thanx "!!...and a volcanic dr mallika stormed out ...only to collide with a wardboy as she snarled"dekh ke nahi chal sakte tum?? Idiots"!!

dr ashutosh picked his cell and dialled cv "sir...nidhi ne khaaya kuch..."?? Cv replied"dr bus abhi thodi noodles aur coffee leke phir leti hai...mujhe to samajh nahi aa raha kya karoon..."!! Ashutosh breathed in sharply as he reiterated "col verma ..faisla to aapko hi karna hai...i have givwn you all the options...now your daughter's life is in your hands...unless you drive me to a point when i am forced to take into mine..."!!

****************

"Armaan tujhe pata hai dr nidhi ka phone no."?? Armaan was a lil shocked at baba's question n stamerred "arre baba mujhe kaise pata hoga..woh to aapki dr hai...mera usse kya..."baba gave him a close look and the exchange of nervous glances between kaka n arman...baba got up as he took the cordless.."mujhe pata nahi kyun lagta hai...ki kuch hai nidhi ke baare mein jo tum log chupa rahe ho mujhse"armaan shrugged his shoulders and thought it prudent to leave for work...he hoped baba would settle by evening...but baba had other plans...

"Haan manager jeewan sandhya...main aapka former inmate dr mathur bol rahaa hoon..."the manager smiled "jee baba..i mean dr mathur..sir kaise hain...sab yaad karte hain aapko..."baba ws a lil impatient "manager sahib...ek favour chahiye...woh jo dr kaam karti hai..dr nidhi..uska phone no.chahiye tha mujhe..can you furnish it"?? The manager nodded as he said"sir...mai aapko unki landline de deta hoon...likhiye"and baba scribbled as he hung up...

taking the cordless he went into the bedroom of ashutosh and dialled ...chote sarkaar picked up..."yes...kahiye..verma house"!! Baba asked"main dr nidhi se baat karna chahta hoon...kya aap unse baat karwaa sakte hain..."??

"Bibiji ki tabiyat thodi kharab hai..so rahi hain..."baba mused n then spoke"achcha...kya address bata sakte hain..main do minute dekhna chahtaa hoon...main ek boodha patient hoon jeewan sandhya ka..."

cs smiled as he said"haan haan why not...ghar ka add hai...225 faizabad road...bus MTI mall ke pas..."baba hung up and wore his jacket ...as he called out "heeraman. .abhi aata hoon..."kaka asked"kya lene jaa rahe hain dr sahib"??

"Kya nahi..yeh pooch kise lene ja raha hoon...pata nahi per dil kehta hai ki iss ghar ki raunaq ..iss ghar ki lhushiyaan lene jaa raha hoon..."and he walked away ..as the driver opened the door of the car...

******************

Col verma had just emerged from nidhi's room..

worried...n tense..when dadi bua agitated him "arre kyun itna pareshaan ho raha hai...kal tak uth jaayegi teri laadli...buss uss dr se peechaa choote...sach mai to manaati hoon bajrang bali se ki aag lage us mue ashutosh ko..."!! And col verma tried to stop her acid tongue...just when chote sarkaar announced "bibiji se koi unke mareez milne aaye hain...dr mathur..."!!

col verma looked a lil surprised as he turned around to see ...dr sagar mathur indeed...his father in law..the man who had wrecked his world...or had he destroyed his????

baba was shocked...as he stood gaping at col verma "captain yograj verma..."and cv corrected"colonel...yograj verma"!! Baba stood taking support of the dining table..."to nidhi ...tumhari ..aur nandini...ki"?? Cv nodded"jee nidhi humari beti hai...meri aur aapki abhagi nandini ki..."!! Baba seemed to sink into the chair as dadi bua gaped .."yes colonel...meri abhagi nandini...jisse maine abhaga bana diya...apne ahem se..apni zid se...apna ghar..apni..tumhari..uski sabki zindagi tabaah ker di..."!! Col verma moved closer to baba n putting his hand on his shoulder he said"dr mathur...kisne kiski zindagi tabaah ki..yeh batana bahut mushkil hai...per itne barson ke akelepan ke baad...wk beti ka baap hone ke basd ...mai aapka dard zyada samajh sakta hoon...woh dard..jo nandini se door hone pe aapko hua hoga...kya se kya ho gaya sab kuch...meri zid ..meri jaldbaazi se...dr mathur...nandini se maine bahut pyaar kiya..use jitna sukh de sakta tha diya..per sach to yeh hai...ki usse humesha aapki kami khali...humesha aapka intezaar raha uski aankhon ko...aur yeh dard main...ek beti ka baap banne ke baad hi samajh paya..."!! Baba stood up...and looked at col verma ..a lil helpless. .."kya hua nidhi ko...kaisi hai..meri bachchi..."?? Col verma kept quiet..."dr mathur..nidhi ki iss haalat ka zimmedaar shayad mai hi hoon...jaise nandini ki maut ka zimma bhi mera hi hai..."baba brushed him aside"naa col...nandini ki maut ...meri galti thi...ek ziddi khudgarz baap ki...jo apni beti ka pyaar samajh nahi paaya"...col verma smiled sadly..."shaayad hum betiyon ke baap apni betiyon ki zindagi tabaah kar ke hi samajh pate hain apni galti..."baba got up..."to kya nidhi...kissi se...kaun hai woh..batao mujhe...bheekh maangoonga ja ke apni nidhi ki khushiyon ki...batao mujhe colonel..."cv turned away..."dr mathur...shayad tawareekh dohra rahi hai khud ko...kal jahaan aap the..wahaan aaj main hoon...jaanta hoon ..samajhta hoon...per majboor hoon...

kya karoon...samajh nahi pata..."!! Baba seemed confused ...as he got up..."colonel...advice dene ka na koi huq hai...na koi status mera...per tab bhi kahoonga..meri galti mat dohrana...na zindagi muaaf karegi kabhi..na tum zindagi ko...kya zara nidhi ko dekh loon..zara"?? Cv nodded as dadi bua ...wiped her tears n spoke ..her voice quaking in anger "kaash aapne nandini ke liye bhi ...bechari aapka rasta dekhte dekhte guzar gayi..."baba could not face dadi bua ...as he entered nidhi's room...n caressed her forehead...and whispered"meri bachchi..."!! And looked up at col verma..."col kya tum aane doge nidhi ko mere ghar...meri florence nightingale ko..."?? Cv nodded"dr mathur main jaanta tha ki nidhi dekh bhal karti hai aapki...aur main kabhi nahi chahoonga ki aapko door karoon apki naatin se...aapki beti ko to cheen hi chuka hoon..."baba stopped him...n whispered "pata nahi kyun...nidhi ko dekhta hoon to lagta hai..ki uska mera rishta bahut gehra hai...ya kai ek rishte hain jinme hume zindagi bandh rahi hai..."and as baba wiped his tears n walked away...cv whispered to himself"kaash main aapki gulti na dohraaoon...kaash nidhi ko woh na chunna pade jo nandini ko pada tha...kaash..."

"Baba...baba"cv rushed into nidhi's room...kya baat beta??"nidhi looked brighter"baba kaun aaya tha..."?? Cv kept quiet...wanting not to divulge right now ...that he had met her nana...but yes he observed nidhi was certainly looking better...a miracle?? Or the magic of human relationships!!!

***************

"To yu hui meri mulaquat col verma se...aur laga jaise kisi purane zakhm pe marham lag gaya...pata hai tujhe ashu...nidhi chahti hai kisi ko...col ne bataya nahi kaun hai woh...per ...agar mere buss me hua...to main zuroor milwaaonga un dono ko..khayal to mujhe tha pehle se...ab yaqueen hai...aur i am sure medically bhi woh theek ho jaayegi agar usse mil jaaye to...bus koi mujhe bata de...ki meri nidhi ki chahat kaun hai..."dr ashutosh gulped as he looked away...n went into his room...taking refuge in a gin n tonic...as he listened to a heart breaking ghazal

"E MOHABBAT TERE ANJAAM PE RONA AAYA

YU TO HER SHAAM UMMEDON ME GUZAR JAATI THI...AAJ KUCH BAAT HAI KI SHAAM PE RONA AAYA"!!

Quote

Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#12

Chapter eleven...

The next day nidhi seemed much better...as sje got up early n bathed to chamge into her pink and blue churi dar kurta with bandini dupatta...and as she sat to wear her blue ceramic earrings her heart made an impossible desire. ..one day she d be sitting in front of the dressing table in dr ashutosh's bedroom n would have vermilion of his name in her hair...n he d pierce her ears with these earrings...but the very next moment her smile faded as she sighed "sapne ...sapne kab apne hote hain..."and suddenly a male voice said"sapne aksar sach hote hain nidhiji...agar unhe dekhne wale mei himmat ho..."it was Rohan...as he sat on her bed n looked at her ..nidhi fought back her tears as he said"aap aur dr ashutosh ka pyaar sachcha hai..aur baki sab jhooth..yeh kyu nahi samajhti aap..kab tak sazaa dengi khud ko bhi aur unko bhi"?? Nidhi got up...collecting her purse and stetho...and answered"rohan...kuch sawaal ..sawaal hi rehte hain..unka koi jawaab nahi hota..."and walked into the living room where her father sat with his eyes closed"baba ..main anji ke paas ja rahi hoon..wahi nashta karoongi..aunty ne kaha hai..."as cv nodded Rohan laughed n said"nidhiji aapke sath yeh aapka ek adad ghulam bhi chal raha hai...bhai kisi ko food taste bhi to karna hoga..."and nidhi laughed...her eyes light...as she hit Rohan playfully and they went out...cv was seeing his daughter smile after ages...it seemed...

***********

"Le naashta..woh teri laadli to gayee ..us daaktar ke yahaan...apne baba ki sewa ko...huh"sniped dadi bua as she banged a plate of besan chillas on the table...cv held her arm"aaiye bua aaj nashta bhi sath karte hain aur kuch baatein bhi...aaiye"dadi bua sat unwillingly ...as cv served n said"bua , aapko bahi lagta hum nidhi se naainsaafi ker rahe hain..zyaadti ker rahe hain..."?? Bua retorted"nahi yog hum sirf apni bachchi ko bacha rahe hain...ek aisi shadi se jo uski zindagi tabah ker degi..."! Cv sighed"per bua agar thande mann se soche to dr ashutosh me buraai hi kya hai..educated hain...ameer hain..itni izzat hai...""AUR ITNI UMAR BHI HAI"quipped dadi bua"socha hai iss bemel shaadi ka nateeja...arre pyaar ka bukhar to utar jaayega do baras mei...ek aadh bachche ke baad...tujhe samajh nahi aata...ek adhed umr ke aadminko ek kum umr ki ladki me kya chahiye...

chi...chi..khair yeh soch ki umr ka itna faasla...dono ki oasand napasand..dost...sochne ka dhang sab alag...kaise nibhegi bhala...samjha mujhe tu..."cv thought for a moment "per bua aapke ya maa ke zamaane bhi to kaafi umr ka farq hota tha..babuji bhi shaayad 11 baras bade the maa se..."dadi bua was getting impatient"arre main tujhe kaise samjhaaoi yograj..woh zamaana aur tha...jaise pati kehta waise patni karti thi...aajkal ki yeh ladkiyaan to apne mann ki maalik hain...aur phir nidhi..humari nahi sunti to us daktar ki sunegi bhala...aur uska swabhaaw bhi to..woh kya kehte hain usse dr HARDSTONE...humari phool jaisi bachchi ko kuchal dega...aur soch zara...agar kuch din...baad mann bhar gaya uska...woh talaq dene laga to"??? Cv shuddered"arre bua byah karenge ...samaj ka parivar ka bhi to kuch maan hoga"bua held cv and said"yog wahi to main samjha rahi hoon...jab iss dr ko pyaar karne mei..byaah karne meii..apne se aadhi umr ki bachchi se samaj ki parwah nahi...to kya usse chodne mei..talaq dene me woh samaj ki sochega...tu kya sochta hai..main nidhi ki dushman hoon...are 6 ghante ki thi jabse meri gode me pali hai...uske aansoo mujhse bhi nahi dekhe jaate...per aulaad ki bhalaai ke liye kalwja paththar karna padta hai yograj..."!!

And col verma looked away...far far away...making an impossible wish that had nandini been alive things would have been so different...

***********

"Nidhi...bata ab kaisi hai tu..."it was anji as she hugged nidhi...and nidhi spoke warmly .."bus ekdum theek...wait ker rahi hoon ki kab teri vidaai ho aur kab main tere sab kapdon pe apna huq jamaaoon..."!! As shyama aunty laughed serving aaloo ke parathe ..she said"arre kitne din pehnegi tu..teri bhi to vidaai hogi jaldi hi..."and a hush fell...as rohan n anji looked at shyama ...at her faux pass ...but nidhi smiled "aunty..meri vidaai ka koi chance nahi ...main to yehin aap sab ki resodent dr rahoongi buss"and anji diverted the discussion..."nidhi tu kya pehnegi meri shaadi me..."?? Nidhi wrinkled her nose n said"ekdum pink sari...jise dekh ke dr ranganath ka mann dol jaaye"and the friends laughed...knowing v well that there was a current of years beneath this turbulence of laughter...nidhi got up"shaam ko jaldi aaoongi...tera suit case bhi to pack karna hai...aur honeymoon ki discussion..."and as anji blushed nidhi pinched her...and walked off...sighing as she thought of her next destination..."what could have been..."she started her car...it took three ignitions to finally start...nidhi knew it was in a bad shape but she also realised with a heavy bank instalments cv could not have afforded a new one for her...n at jeevan sandhya she got a mere 12000...only when she completed her internship would she buy one...

************

As nidhi entered the mathur household; baba stood up from the sofa with his arms open..

Afterall it was the first time he was meeting his naatin..."aa gayi meri florence nightingale. ..welcome back"!! And nidhi bent to touch his feet as baba was about to say"betiyaan paaon nahi chooti"!! But there was something that stopped him...as he looked at dr ashutosh...who was looking at nidhi...baba gazed at nidhi...as she seemed lost in ashutosh...and just then kaka came..."beti aaj main banaaoonga nashta..bolo kya khaaogi..."!! Nidhi smiled as she kept her stetho n purse and said"no kaka..itti chutti manaayi hai maine..so main banaaoongi..halwa ...n ...poha..aur sandwiches to compulsory hain...aur dekhiye na..ghar ki kya haalat ho gayi hai...chaliye isse theek karte hain..main bus chaai bana doon baba ki...aap lenge dr ashutosh...?"ashutosh seemed frozen...as armaan patted him n said"bhala adrak wali chai ko kaun mana kar sakta hai...aur nidhi...zara ashu ka kamra dekho jaake..lagta hai..ki kapdon ki baadh aai hai..kya manzar hai...waah"!! Nidhi smiled as she moved into the kitchen...

As she brewed the tea she felt a strange sense of satisfaction...of being able to look after "her family"though she knew it wasnt her family...not as yet...but she had the pleasure of being with those who were v special to her...with dr ashutosh it was that v strong bond of love but with baba too...it was a mix of friendship...of faith..a relationship beyond words...and armaan...what Rohan was to her...Armaan was to dr ashutosh..."arre beti chai khaul gayi"said kaka...as nidhi was drawn out of her stupour...n poured tea in baba's favourite cups...and took it into the drawing room..dr ashutosh was in his room...she heard him call "kaka...yeh plz car me rakh deejiye..."and kaka emerged with 2 packets of Dunhill cigarettes and a lighter...as baba sighed..."ashu kyun peeta hai ..."?? And dr ashutosh seemed frozen for a moment...and looking at nidhi he replied..."baba..zindagi mei kuch hi cheezein to hain jo kabhi saath nahi chodti..."and nidhi felt tears stinging her...and she rushed back to the kitchen...

The breakfast was ready and table was laid as nidhi arranged the papers n magazine n dusted the table...baba smiled n said"sach hai heeraman...bin grahini ghar bhoot ka dera...ek ladki iss ghar mei jaan dal deti hai..."nidhi smiled as dr ashutosh sat for breakfast n she entered his room with kaka...the room seemed quite fine clean n organised but the moment kaka opened the wardrobe...nidhi sighed and sat to put into order the pile of shirts n trousers...hankeys n socks...n the tangle of ties..."kaka zara iron laga deejiye..press kar doon inhe..."and kaka complied...as nidhi closed the tidied up wardrobe...her gaze lingering on the suits...will her saris ever hang next to them...??

The call bell rang and there was some commotion but nidhi contd to iron..putting the ironed ties around her neck...

Baba called out "beti naashta ..."and nidhi rushed out with the ties around her neck...and she almost stopped dead in her tracks as she saw dr mallika in a beautiful shaded pink sari with expensive solitaires in her ears sitting with the family..."aaja beta..nashta...ker"!! And as nidhi seemed awkward...mallika smiled maliciously and commented "wow ashutosh...tumhe to ek MBBS aayah mil gayi...bhai great...waise dr nidhi aap dusting bahut hi achchi karti hain..kahin koi dhool nahi..not even a speck of dust"!! Dr ashutosh winced as he glared at mallika and retorted"dr nidhi...mere ghar mei aayah nahi hain..." and mallika clicked her tongue.."to kya hain...ironing lady"!! And as she laughed ..baba took charge n said"mallika..nidhi to meri florence nightingale hai...meri dekh bhaal karti hai...apne busy schedule me se time nikal ke bhi...yeh na hoti to mai ashu se kaise milta...is bachchi ne to mera sansar poora kar diya...but ..yes i am surprised ki tum janti ho isse"!! Dr mallika looked at nidhi with hatred n contempt and added"kgh mei intern thi...was dismissed due to irresponsible attitude"! And a jab of pain flickered across ashutosh as baba countered " impossible. ..nidhi aur gair zimmedar ...kabhi nahi ho sakta...u guys made a blunder...ek senior neurosurgeon ki aankhein nahi dhokha kha sakti..."!! And dr ashutosh 's gaze travelled from mallika...to nidhi..from anger to a strange softness...that rarely came into his eyes...

Mallika coughed.."come dr nidhi eat..."nidhi looked at the ties around ger neck n said..."abhi aayi..."and rushed into the bedroom feeling mallika's piercing gaze..

As she emergedshe saw dr ashutosh waiting for his tea...she went into the kitchen..kaka was brewing coffee for mallika..so she set tea in a pan n began to grate the ginger for adrak wali chai...and as her thoughts travelled to dr ashitosh who was discussing some case with dr mallika n baba...she did not realize she was grating too close to her hand...n just as she grayed her index finger...an "aah"escaped her lips as kaka looked around and shrieked "arre dekho nidhi beti ki ungli kat gayi..."and in an instant ..dr ashutosh was there in the kitchen forcing her to show the bleeding finger ...and dr ashutosh swore in a low tone as he dipped the finger in ice that kaka got...hoding it ...but as the bleeding didnt stop..he put the finger in his mouth...sucking it..with his saliva...nidhi almost trembled at the intimate touch...as dr ashutosh continued to suck...with mallika glaring an anger...n baba first in disbelief n surprise and then a strange twinkle of joy in his eyes...as finally ashutosh looked at her finger and took the first aid box that kaka had got...he dried the finger with his hankey and put the band aid and then took a ted vac injection as nidhi said"no...i dont want it...plz"!! And he replied sternly.."you may not want it but you certainly need it..."and pushing her kurta sleeve up her arm he injected her...as painlessly as he could...and then pressed it with a bud of cotton..."cranial surgery ho gayi ho to nashta karein..."!! It was the acidic mallika..as nidhi said"mai chalti hoon ..i d be late..."but dr ashutosh stopped her"plz nidhi eat something...nahi hogi der..i d ring the manager.."!! And nidhi sat as kaka got tea ...n she bit into sandwich...concsious of mallika drilling her with her eyes...

As nidhi started her car..it troubled again...and ashu looked worried..dr mallika came close n said"tumhe aur tumhari cheezon ko dhakke khane ki aadat si hai..."and at that instant the car started n nidhi drove off...leaving mallika red faced...

*******

Baba sat with armaan...listening to ghazals..as he hummed "chupke chupke rat din...aansoo bahana yaad hai..."and armaan smiled only to be shocked as baba spoke"armaan..tujhe kya lagta hai..mallika kaisi rahegi iss ghar ke liye...ashu je liye...bhai mujhe to bahut pasand hai..."arman gulped...as he was almost speechless..."baba..dr mallika...i can't really say...aur ashu...aap usi se poochiye..."and excused himself...as kaka came n stood close by..."dr sahib...aapse kuch kehna chahta hoon...jo bahut pehle keh dena chahiye tha...ashu ke baare mein..."!! Baba smiled n patted kaka"heeraman...75 ka ho gaya hoon...yeh ball yu hi dhoop mei nahi safed kiye..."kaka smiled"to kuch keejiye na..."baba stopped him midway"nah heera man..dekhte jaao..ki do pyaar karne waale dil..zamaane se kitna lad sakte hain...akhir aag me tap ke hi to banta hai sona kundan..."!!

*************

"Arre aap siir..."it was nidhi standing up as she saw dr ashutosh standing in the doorway of her clinic in jeevan sandhya..."kaisi hai tumhari ungli ab"?? He took her hand and looked at the fingers...which he knew would have his ring one day..

Nidhi almost pulled away as the manager entered ..coughing as a warning..."if your work is over..i d drive u home...driver le aayega tumhari car..."!! Nidhi knew she could not refuse..as she walked behind him but not before checking all her patients...the manager stood by dr ashutosh and said"sir itna commitment maine kabhi nahi dekha..."dr ashutosh nodded as nidhi returned...n sat with him in his BMW.looking disapprovingly at the pack of dunhill...but she knew why he smoked...so kept quiet..."kahaan jaa rahe hain hum"?? He smiled "dont worry...tumhe kidnap nahi kar raha...ice cream khila raha hoon..."and they stopped in front of a lovely groovy ice cream parlour..."kya lenge sir"?? Ashutosh pointed to nidhi"memsahab se poocho"nidhi giggled like a kid...n after seeing all chose a choco fiesta...while dr ashutosh took a choco bar...and as they ate...nidhi seemed to forget all worries ..as she brushed aside the flakes of ice cream falling on ashu's suit..."aap to bachchon se bhi bure hain..yeh suit to gaya..."!! Ashutosh looked at her...n slowly said"iss lamhe ke liye yeh suit kya..mai sab kuch kho sakta hoon...nidhi.."and nidhi lowered her eyes...as they drove back...but nidhi looked at him ...as he slowed the car ...at the mazaar...nidhi came out...as they walked...aahutosh putting a protective arm around her in the crowd...as he bought a chadar...n both knelt to pray...as nidhi folded her hands n prayed"khuda...dr ashutosh ki zindagi me koi gum na ho..."tears flowed out...n ashutosh looked at her as he prayed"ya khuda...meri zindagi mujhe dede..."both looked up as the holy man blessed them saying"JODI SALAAMAT RAHE..HUMESHA HUMESHA"and nidhi and ashutosh could not look away from each other...

Was their union ordained by GOD??

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Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#13

Chapter twelve...

"To Ashu kya khaayega naashte mei bata??...hum dono to idli mangwa rahe hain udipi se..."said baba the next morning ...as dr ashutosh came out from his room a lil late..glancing at his watch...it was 8.45..he still had an hour...he answered baba in a monosyllabic sound n took the paper...but yawned...as arman signalled to baba n he commented"yeh sharaab kyun peene laga regularly tu...beta bata"?? Ashutosh kept quiet but as baba repeated he said"roz kahaan baba...kabhi kabhaak...busss"armaan looked at ashutosh n said"mujhe lagta hai baba...ab waqt aa gaya hai ...kisi ke aane ka ..jo ashu ki cigarette sharaab chuda sake...kyun ashutosh"??

Baba smiled n said"tu kahe to mallika se baat karoon main"?? Dr ashutosh seemed shocked..."mallika??? Baba..kya keh rahe hain aap...mallika meri colleague hai...dost hai..bus aage kuch bhi nahi..."n then seemingly agitated he asked"aaj nidhi nahi aayi"?? Baba smiled n said"aayi thi jaldi gayi...usse IMA kisi camp me bhej raha hai aaj...koi barabanki distt.me...mujhe chai aur dawa deke gayi...haan kuch poha bana ke gayi hai...tu khaayega kya"?? Dr ashutosh didnt reply..just went back to his room...closing the door in irritation. ..as he pulled out his oxford blue suit n sky blue shirt...n a pale blue tie...

He stood under the cold shower..trying to get rid of his hangover...and soon emerged his usual self..immaculately dressed...cut n dry ..withdrawn into his fortress...

As he sat on the table kaka quietly kept the idli n sambhar...tea n chutney..baba n armaan dipped in..but ashutosh aaked"kaka woh poha..."and kaka got the casserole quietly..as ashutosh opened it and served himself...as he ate a strange peace seemed to descend on his soul n eyes...which both his companions did not miss...he got up n said"chalta hoon baba..."n left ..

He lit a dunhill as he started the car...it had become his daily routine...he knew it was not good for helath...n yet he somehow felt it was a vent to his anger...frustration n loneliness...so was the gin n tonic that he abhorred when he was sober...but could not resist it as the lonely nights descended...

Ashutosh rubbed out his cigarette but in the ashtray of the car n parked the car as he entered the hospital...sighing to see dr mallika waiting for him.."yes mallika ..."she smiled like a viper n tried to hold ashutosh's arm that he pulled away n gave a cold look...she did not give up"lunch at kapoor's"?? Dr ashutosh raised his eyebrow "dr ranganath has proceeded on leave...i hope tumhe yaad hai..we need to be here...n even otherwise i had a heavy breakfast..so no lunch.."and he called out "laxmi bai...i d like to see dr priyanka"and walked briskly to his cabin...

"Yes dr priyanka ..how are the kids doing...pooja ki antibiotics..over..aur shehanshah"??priyanka gave him the detailed update of the kids...all were progressing except lil vaibhav..whose lung infection kept coming back."i think we d have to conduct some more tests..."said dr ashutosh as dr priyanka added "sir bachche ab bhi dr nidhi ko miss karte hain..uski kahaniya..uske games...hum me se koi bhi nidhi ki jagah nahi le sakta...i wish she could come back to kgh..."ashutosh nodded as he gave the file back to her n just said"dr priyanka. .kuch logon ki kami kabhi poori nahi ho sakti..."and priyanka went out as dr ashutosh prepared for his only surgery for the day...but his mind was hung in nidhi..where was this camp

..how had she gone...when would she return???...but all these things had to wait as he had to operate...n thus close his mind to everything else...

***********

Dr ashutosh sipped into his coffee after surgery...as he looked into the files when his cell buzzed ..."jeevan sandhya "flashed...n he picked it up with a start.."yes manager sahib

..any problems.."?? The manager spoke with an effort..."dr ashutosh...sir..aaj dr sharma aaye the ..DR nidhi ko ek camp me bheja hai...per mujhe kuch baat theek nahi lagi...unki yahaan zyaada zuroorat thi...aur camp hai bhi ..ek dum sunsaan mei...barabanki se aage chanderpur ke ek gaon me.."! Dr ashutosh became even more tense..."dr nidhi car se gayi hain..."??

"Nahi sir..unki car kharab ho gayi..roadways ki bus se gayi hain...ab shaam hone aayi..maine socha..ki aapko bata doon.."ashutosh looked outside..it was getting cloudy...he stood up"manager sahib..aap mujhe camp ki details whassapp kariye..i d go nidhi ko lene...lagta hai aandhi bhi aane wali hai...kahi wahaan akeli na phans jaaye...aur ab to bus ek hufta bacha uski internship ka..."the manager responded"sir ab yeh kuch IMA WALE bahut tang kar rahe hain unhe...roz surprise check..huzaar sawal...kabhi kabhi to aansoo aa jaate hain bechari ko..maine kaha bhi aapko batane ko...per mujhe rok diya..ki aap worried ho jaayenge..."ashutosh was noting all in his mind but rt now first priority was getting nidhi..so he said bye n rushed out..as he got the location of the camp in a primary health centre at chirraiya 25 km ahead of barabanki..about 80 km from lucknow...it was off the highway...how had nidhi managed to reach??? Ashutosh took his cell wallet...peeping into it he found more than 20000rs..enough for any eventuality...and emerged...only to bump into mallika'oh good..dekho hot sandwiches n coffee...yehi pe..ab bolo"?? Dr ashutosh gave a look that wiped off that smile from her face..."per ja kahaan rahe ho..."?? Dr ashutosh didnt wish to reply...and started the car...

By the time he crossed choubeypur...it had begun to rain heavily...he tried calling nidhi...but constantly got a message"all lines busy..."he banged his fist against the steering and pressed the throttle...as he was crossing barabanki...there was a jam due to a pole falling to the road...n live wire threatened people...he veered his car via an off road and it was after asking 5 people that at about 7.30 he screeched to a halt in front of the health centre...desolate ..deserted n locked..he simply didnt know what to do...where was nidhi...?? It was getting dark and there was no inhabitation close by...dr ashutosh looked ahead...a few men were hurrying with their cows ..he asked"bus stop..."?? And they pointed ahead...he drove not waiting a second...he saw a ramshackle shed ...n in between the rain n darkness...he could spot a figure...wrapped up in her dupatta around herself...he did not need lights to know it was she...his heart told him it was nidhi...nidhi who had to be his...

Nidhi blinked as the glare of the headlights fell into her eyes...and dr ashutosh stepped out into the rain n held her by her arm..."chalo baitho"and rightfully shoved her into the BMW...as nidhi looked at him...half in disbelief..n shock and half in relief..."aap yehaan kaise...kyun"??? Nidhi asked n her gaze met his...as he drove through pitfalls n uneven road..."maine kaha tha na..tumhe kya lagta hai...kisi ko tumhari parwaah nahi hai kya...tumne kya socha...iss mausam me..tum akeli yehaan stranded rehti..aur main wahaan aaram se sota...what do u take me for..."?? Nidhi kept quiet...as dr ashutosh's tension now disappearing at the relief of finding nidhi...was replaced with his anger"mujhe subah batana zuroori nahi samjha...ki kahaan ja rahi ho...aur aaye kaise bus se!!! Koi tonga..rickshaw nahi tha"!! Nidhi tried to speak but ashutosh was in no mood to listen...he took out his cell..and dialled col verma...

"Yes col verma..its me ashutosh...actually nidhi yehaan barabanki me ek camp ke liye aayi thi...mausam kharab ho gaya...so phuss gayi...per aap worry nahi kariye...i am driving her back..she is safe n sound..leejiye baat kariye..."and gave the cell to nidhi..."baba...woh...we r driving back...do ghante me pahunch jaayenge..."as cv disconnected ..his eyes met dadi bua's blazing eyes..."kahaan hai teri rajkumari...uss daktar ke saath muh kaala ker ke hi lautegi..kehe deti hoon..."!!

*************

"Aur IMA tumhe roz trouble ker raha hai...aur tumne mujhe batana zuroori nahi samjha...why nidhi...why"?? As nidhi tried to explain...but ashutosh stopped her...n just drove on...as nidhi felt a jab of pain...of deep hurt...could he also not understand ...she had wanted not to burden him with her problem. ..tears got the better of her...and she sobbed...silently...wiping her eyes with her sleeves...till dr ashutosh stopped the car n looked at her ..."damn it..."and pulled out his trade mark white hankey to wipe her tears...as he dried them...hus left hand tousled her hair..."bus chup...rona band...i am sorry..per main ghabra gaya tha...i couldn't locate u...aur tum bus se aayi...tabiyat bhi theek nahi hai tumhari...mujhe kaha to hota...ab chup ...plz" nidhi 's sobs subsided slowly...as ashutosh caressed her cheek n restarted the car...

As they reached the highway...there was heavy rain...n inspite of the high beam visibility was v poor...yet ashutosh manoeuvred..and they were about 45 km away from lucknow ...the road was desolate...no traffic at all...and nidhi bit her lip...aahutosh looked at her for a second "darr lag raha hai..."?? Nidhi shook her head..."nahi..aap hain na..."!! And the car came to a screeching halt...as a huge tree uprooted due to the storm lay across the road...blocking the way completely...dr ashutosh peeped out ...then steeped in the rain...and came back..."bad luck...we are stuck till this tree is removed...highway is blocked...col verma ko bata do..."but as nidhi took her phone..she realised there was no signal...she looked at him...his cell too had no connectivity...nidhi closed her eyes ...trying to imagine the scene at home...specially when dadi bua knew that she was with dr ashutosh...

Dr ashutosh sighed..as he slumped in his seat...his hair completely wet...nidhi looked at him...n took off her chunni..."baal dry ker leejiye..nahi to beemaar ho jaayenge.."ashutosh smiled as he took the blue dupatta n wiped his hair...and then spread it around nidhi's shoulders...as she seemed to feel just a lil awkward...

"Aaj raat shaayad yehi guzarni hogi...sunsaan mei..."said ashutosh. ..but nidhi suggested"kyun na uss taraf chalein...shaayad koi rehne ki jagah ho...ya chai..."ashutosh looked at her..."tumne khaya kuch subah se..."?? Nidhi hung her head"time nahi mila...it was a general check up n deliveries..bahut kaam tha..."asgutosh backed the car...n drove till they could see some lights in the horizon...

************

"Yograj..mai kahe deti hoon...ab usse ghar mei nahi aane dena...jake doob mare kahin...hume muh dikhane laayak nahi choda..."! Cv tried to argue..."mausam kharab hai..phuns gaye honge kahin..."but dadi bua shook him"kahin nahi phunse honge...uss daktar je saath phuns gayee hai...aur main rujhe bata rahi hoon ..teri beti kw lakshan theek nahi...bus...tu khud samajh..."and col verma sat on the chair...a man who seemed to have lost all...

***********

"Bhaiya kya milega khane ko..."it was nidhi who asked the owner of the tiny dhaba...n with in half an hour they were served with parathe and aaloo mutter with chai...as dr ashutosh requested"ho sake to adrak..."! And as they ate...ashutosh encouraging nidhi to eat more...till they finished it...and ashutosh looked at her..."chalo..lets get into the car...id lock it...n you would be safe..."nidhiso jaao tum...dont worry...lo seat extend ker di..."and nidhi settled with her head on the seat ...n dr ashutosh straightened his seat...as he again said"so jaao...main hoon na...kuch nahi hoga"and slowly nidhi's eyelids closed ...as dr ashutosh extended his hand to pat her...but then withdrew...biting his lip...knowing fully well what dadi bua n others would interpret this night as...he looked at nidhi...sleeping innocently..in the security of his presence...but who would believe her innocence..her purity...?? Hadn't lufe already been too tough for this young girl?? Hadnt she already suffered a lot for having loved him..??

Ashutosh's thoughts were broken as nidhi coughed...and he patted her...nidhi in deep sleep just held on to his large hand...and settled in sleep...as ashutosh kept looking at her...her innocence...his love...and the hatred of the people around them...how could he make things easier for her...for nothing mattered more to him than a smile on those lips...a twinkle in those eyes...

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indu6789

@indu6789

Dazzler

Posted: 9 years ago

#14

Thanx bawa...the thread is simply beautiful...love the lines u have wrotten...the pics got tears into my eyes...the kerala hug is unparalleled. ..

Thank u so much for this initiative in ur busy schedule...love u ..love all those who read...love ashutosh n nidhi..love sk n kk

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Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#15

Chapter thirteen...

It was in the wee hours of the morning that nidhi opened her eyes..feeling first a little awkward at seeing dr ashutosh sleeping so close to her...and she holding his hand...she gently looked at their hands linked together...as her gaze travelled to ashutosh's face...she could have kept gazing at him forever n ever...just as she extended her hand to touch his hair...he opened his eyes...n nidhi withdrew her hand...ashutosh looked at her n said.."subah hoti hai...to lets find another route..."nidhi nodded"haan pata nahi yeh raah khulegi bhi ya nahi..."!! Ashutosh yawned n said"zindagi mei raahein aksar banani padti hain...khud ba khud nahi ban jaati"! Nidhi looked at him...n lowered her eyes...realising the pun he intended...

Nidhi pulled the dupatta closer trying to keep herself a lil warmer..ashutosh smiled andd started the heater...nidhi looked at the dash board ..n her eyes fell on the pack of dunhill..."ek baat poochoo"! Ashutosh nodded"tumhe bhi permission ki zuroorat hai kya"? Nidhi hesitated a lil n said " cigarette kyun peete hain aap...armaan ji keh rahe the roz drink bhi karte hain..."! Dr ashutosh took a long breath..."dont worry...zyada nahi leta..n i know its a bad habit...zindagi badlegi to yeh bhi choot jaayea sab..dont worry..maroonga nahi"nidhi raised her fingers to put on his lips..."kuch nahi hoga aapko.."ashutosh smiled as he pointed to the brightness of dawn n said..."chalo..nayi raah banaayein...chalogi mere sath"?? Nidhi nodded and added"aapke sath kisi raah pe chalne ko taiyar hoon main"and dr ashutosh started the car...

************

It was after a long detour and a drive through kutcha roads full of potholes that they finally reached the outskirts of lucknow and as an apprehensive nidhi dialled col verma...he picked the cell n in a tone that made nidhi turn white said"nidhi. .ghar aaogi ya nahi"!! Dr ashutosh saw nidhi tremble and his left hand held her's as he gave it a lil squeeze...n drove on to verma house.

As the car stopped, nidhi said"aap jaaiye..plz ..jaldi"but ashutosh did not care n got down ..when nidhi insisted; he said"nidhi..i know col verma pareshan honge..shaayad naaraaz bhi..i need to explain.we have not done any wrong...n i do not need to run away..n i never will.chalo ab..."and they entered...col verma was pacing up n down the large drawing room while an angry dadi bua was sitting on the dining chair...

Cv looked up and as nidhi searched for words...dr ashutosh spoke "main batata hoon col verma..kal nidhi ko camp jaana pada..mujhe shaam ko pata chala ki woh bus se gayi hai...since mausam kharab tha..toofaan aane wala tha..so i went to get her...apse baat bhi hui...but unluckily we got stuck ..road blocked thi...aur saari raat hum car me..."before dr ashutosh could finish..dadi bua got up..red faced...n pointing the finger at nidhi, she snarled"daaktar ..raat bhar jo hua...usne hume kahin ka nahi choda...aur nidhi...sach tu ne to jeete ji maar hi diya...apne se dugni umar ke mard ke sath...raat bhar...aur pata nahi kabse chal raha hai yeh sab...mujhe to pehle se hi shaq tha..."as nidhi closed her eyes n sobs wrecked her...col verma turned his face away ..saying"sach me nidhi..tu ne badi mushkil me daal diya mujhe..."dr ashutosh raised his hand to stall the conversation n asked"dadi bua...aap saaf kahiye..kya kehna chahti hain...aur aapko vishwas kyun nahi hai nidhi pe"?? Dadi bua was geared up for confrontation n as she looked at ashutosh n said"vishwas...aur nidhi pe?? Jisne sab maan maryada khatm ker di...?? Yeh roz tumse milna..tumhare ghar jana...raat raat bhar sath rehna...kya tumhe pata nahi ...iska anjaam nidhi ko bhugatna pad raha hai..kahin muh dikhane laayak nahi rahegi...aur na hum rahenge...tumhe kya lagta hai..mujhe pata nahi...yeh chakkar..yeh ultiyaan...nidhi maa ban ne wali hai...bin byaahi maa"and as nidhi ran in ...unable to bear the ignominy..the insult...and col verma hung his head in shame...though his eyes had conflicting emotions of anger n disbelief...dr ashutosh took a deep breath and came to stand in front of col verma..."col verma..i shall not give any explanation. .because agar aap ko..ek pita ko apni beti per vishwas nahi hai..to mujh per kyun hoga...but haan...let me make it clear...main nidhi se pyaar karta hoon..aur sirf aapki marzi aur izzat ki wajah se use apna nahi raha hoon...mujhe lagta tha ki aap aur main..ek doosre ki izzat kerte hain..i m sorry to know..ki aap bhi mujhe itna irresponsible samajhte hain...let me tell u col verma..main abhi issi waqt nidhi ko apnaane ke liye taiyar hoon...and yes ab main uski aankhon mei aansoo nahi dekh sakta...isse meri majboori samajhiye ya...meri chetavani...aapki marzi...

"And he strode out...as col verma looked at dadi bua with red eyes...anger disgust frustration...writ all over..

As he heard the heart wrenching sobs of nidhi from the other room...

*************

"Kaka chai dena to plz"it was a tired dr ashutosh who came from a tense day at kgh...he had been thinking about nidhi the whole day...how she must have felt at her own people questioning her...why was col verma simply not strong enough...when his eyes said that he did not believe the crap of dadi bua..."ashu...kya hua beta..."?? It was baba ..standing with the tea..just as he used to when ashu was growing up...n would be studying for exams...ruffling his hair..baba exclaimed"beta...imtihaan kabhi khatm nahi hote...aur insaan ki parakh..uski pehchaan tabhi hoti hai jab woh zindagi ke imtihaan me khara utre...samjha.."!

Dr ashutosh sipped the tea...when he heard a female vouce...was it nidhi?? He went out...n yes it was nidhi giving baba his medicines...n tea...as her faze met his...she said"kal anji ki shadi hai...nahi aa paaoongi..socha aaj mil loon...baba se"baba patted her"ab teri bhi shaadi hogi...dekhna kitna achcha var milega meri guddi ko..kitna bada ghar...suyogya var..."and nidhi somehow overwhelmed with emotions touched baba's feet and hurried out...dr ashutosh in pursuit..."kuch nahi kahiye...kuch nahi poochiye...main jhoot bolongi aapse aur sach aap sun nahi sakenge..."and she was gone...as ashutosh came back looking more forelorn than ever...

It was going to be a long night...long n lonely when he would be haunted by nidhi's tears ...every moment..

His cell rang ..it was dr sharma from the IMA..ashutosh took the call...he always liked to take the bull by the horns..."jee sir..main sharma..."squealed the dr...a crook..."just wanted to remind you..dr nidhi ka interview friday morning at sharp 11 kgh mein...socha aap ko inform ker doon...aap to board member hain na sir...

Per kehoyega madam se i mean dr nidhi se..ki she must not be late...and dr ashutosh hung up with a curt n cold thanx...he closed hisxeyes...he was confident nidhi would sail through...she had faced so much in life ...what was a team of hostile old drs!! They could not derecognise her years of selfless dedication...he would not let them do so...and clenched his fists...in amger in determination..in solidarity as his lips uttered that name ...nidhi...

***********

"Sir main wait karoonga aapki...aaiyega zuroor..."it was dr ranganath inviting dr ashutosh over the phone ...as ashutosh smiled ...yes he d go..not only because it was dr ranganath 's marriage but also because he knew anji was nidhi's best friend and it was impossible for nidhi to enjoy the wedding if he wasnt there...he had to go for nidhi's happiness...for her joy...for bringing n seeing one smile on that lovely face...

*********

"Baba...internship ke baad ..main simla jaa rahi hoon..holy family hospital me job mil gayi hai mujhe...buss anji ki shadi attend ker loon...aur certificate mil jaaye...aakhir itni badnaami hui hai aapki mere kaaran"and nidhi walked out as cv couldnt control his tears of helplessness...of anger at himself...of being unfair to his daughter...

Nidhi entered anji-s room...and began packing her clothes for her honeymoon...anji sat with mehndi on her hands..as priyanka n jyothika tried getting her trousseau together...naughty jokes filled the room as the friends teased anji...and nidhi tried her best to be as cheerful.."dikha to mehndi me dr ranganath ka naam kahaan hai"?? And anji winked as she just slipped off her blouse off the shoulder n showed her mudriff ...with a henna R"new innovations yaar"!! And blushed!!

Nidhi put together her jeans tops ..skirts ..nighties...as priyanka joked "rajasthan me honeymoon..to lehnga choli hona chahiye"!! And a naughty jyothika added"arre honeymoon me u wont need many clothes any way"!! And the girls laughed loudly...as nidhi just looked away...anji caught her hand and both stood in the balcony...fronm where they had seen their childhood evolve into youth..."nidhi..."nidhi smiled"chintta nahi ker...i m fine..aur bahut khush hoon tere liye...yeh to bata..have u started ur pills...do u need guidance ...ya phir good news degi jaldi"??? Anji laughed n blushed..."i am taking care...dont worry...tu ne kya socha...dr ashutosh ke aur apne baare mein..."?? Nidhi kept quiet...n then spoke..."yaad hai anji..woh ghazal jo aunty sunti thi...

APNI MARZI SE KAHAAN APNE SAFAR KE KHAM HAIN..

RUKH HAWAON KA JIDHAR KA HAI..UDHAR KE HUM HAIN..."!! Shaayad maine bhi apne ko hawaaon ke bharose chod diya hai...zindagi ke samandar me meri kishti pata nahi kahaan bahi jaa rahi hai..."anji smiled n said"mujhe bharosa hai...ek nakhuda hai...iss naav ko paar lagane wala...aur uska naam hai dr ashutosh..."!!

The baraat was on time...as dr ranganath accompanied by dr ashutosh friends n family arrived...nidhi saw him...in a blue n black mixed suit...with a black tie...she was in a blue lehnga ...and as she got anji in a tomato red sari down for jaimal...everyone clapped...nidhi tried to remain focussed on the wedding...but all she could see n think of was dr ashutosh...

As the phere began...the girls nudged nidhi to steal ranga's shoes...but nidhi refused...as she looked at dr ashutosh...n recalled what had happened at dr priyankas wedding...life and its convoluted ways...who knew what lay ahead...

Nidhi tried to brush her years aside...as she felt dr ashutosh standing right behind her...he came closer...n said..in a deep firm vouce"nidhi...khud se...mujh se...aur humaare pyaar se bhaagna kab band karogi..tum"??

Nidhi did not speak...but stood...with her eyes looking at him..."dr ashutosh...ab main bhaagte bhaagte thak chuki hoon...koi rasta..koi raah nahi deekhti..."ashutosh smiled...n stood close to her"maine kal bhi samjhaya tha...jab sab raste band ho jaate hain..to nayi raah banani padti hai nidhi..."!

As the wedding rituals neared an end ...dr ranga n anji fed each other food...as dr ashutosh looked on with a wry smile...

At vidaai...as anji smiled n kissed her parents...ranga surprised all by lifting anji in his arms...n carrying her till the car...while all clapped...ashutosh looked at a nidhi...lost in her dreams...could they be fulfilled ever???

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Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#16

Chapter fourteen...

As anji went into the car..carried in ranganath's arms...dadi bua looked at nidhi with venom...as dr ashutosh came to cv and did a namaste..."cv mujhe abhi bhi bharosa hai...ki aap mujhpe aur nidhi pe bharosa karenge...aur plz mere sabr ka aur imtihaan mat leejiye..."n then without waiting for an answrr went to nidhi..."nidhi friday morning is ur interview with IMA..reach kgh by 10.am dot be late...they are looking for reasons to reject u...n id not let it happen..bus time pe pahuch jana ..n take care"and then he withdrew as ladies around elbowed.."yehi hain ...dr ashutosh...kal raat inhi ke saath thi nidhi..."and another laughed"haan jab anji ki suhaag raat aaj hai...to yeh kyun peeche rehti..isne kal hi mana li"!! And as nidhi glared at them...they said aloud"aaj kal to chori aur uspe se seena zori"!!...

Shyama aunty understood the scenario and called the guests for farewell. ..as nidhi slumped in a corner...while dadi bua stormed out ...

************

"Oh god yeh pooja kabhi khatm bhi hogi"it was a sleepy anji asking dr ranganath as his mother conducted the rituals...n an irritated anji obeyed...it was at 3 in the night that they entered their flower decorated room...and as dr ranganath closed the door; anji said in anger"pooch leejiye subah ki pooja kab hai..."and pat came the reply from outside "5 baje"!! Clearly someone had been eavsdropping...

A blazing anji got up n said "i am going to change...sona hai mujhe"!! Dr ranga looked perplexed.he knew she was angry...but then how could he refuse his mother...he tried to hug anji...kissing her lips"hey anji...come on...aaj ki raat no naaraazgi"anji made a face"raat kahaan...subah hai ab"!! And ranganath sighed as he held her...n caressed her...removing her pallu..."hey come on...show me where is my name ..."n anji giggled...as she slowly undid her bodice ...n dr ranganath lifted her off...rest was lost in a series of moans groans n cries...till finally anji fell asleep...covered by a sheet...

It was soon that someone knocked..."pooja ko chalo..."and as dr ranganath woke ger up...she pushed the sheet away...exposing his R right between her apple breasts...dr ranga swallowed hard...unable to control his desire...n took her all over again...though anji was more asleep than aroused...

It was at 5 40 that the couple dressed in fresh clothes came for pooja...witnessing an angry mom in law...anji couldnt careless as she yawned ...while the ladies smiled seeing her waist reddened with marks of her hubby's desperately passionate fingers...n nails...

"Ab bahu apne maiyke jaayegi..kal subah waapas aayegi .."said the mom...n ranga was stumped..."kal kyun...aaj kyu nahi"?? The mom looked sternly..."kyunki yehi reet hai...samjha..."! And dr ranga bowed his head as the mom thrust the prasad in anji n his mouth...

************

As dr ashutosh entered KGHin the morning...he could sense drs n even a few nurses talking sly...though he did see quite a few symathetic faces...so the news of his n nidhi being stranded had reached here too ...n dirty imagination was at free play...as ashutosh called for his routine..dr mallika entered in a fiery mood..."ashutosh..yeh ho kya raha hai...kal raat tum aur dr nidhi saath the..come on ashutosh how could u do it...sari reputation khaaq me mil gayee tumhari...kuch pata hai log kya kya keh rahe hain...oh its just too much..."!!

"WHAT IS TOO MUCH MALLIKA"!! It was baba's sudden arrival in the cabin that stumped ashutosh n mallika both..."baba aap...yehaan"?? Baba smiled"haan beta do din se tu itna pareshaan tha..baat nahi ho payee..so i just came to look u up...kuch khaas pareshani hai kya beta"?? As mallika looked at both the men...ashu sighed"nahi baba...nothing much...just a few people doubting me..."baba laughed"arre beta...shaq karna to bekaar logon ka kaam hai...do not worry...mai jaanta hoon ki mera beta galat nahi ho sakta...kabhi nahi...to bus nischint reh ...aur jo sahi hai..uska saath the...yaad rakh bapu ne kaha tha ONE MAN ON THE SIDE OF RIGHT IS MAJORITY...chinta naa kar...chalta hoon...zara jeevan sandhya jaaoonga manager aur apne purane doston se milne...jaa tu kaam ker beta...and dont let people worry u...arre tu mera beta hai dr mathur ka...hum zamane se nahi...humse hai zamana..."and baba bade bye...as dr ashutosh looked at mallika ...a new resolve in his eyes.."now mallika if you would let me work...thank you."

dr jyo.thika entered with his surgery routine ...and as he checked his schedule...dr priyanka also came n...looking at dr ashutosh ..wanting to say something...ashutosh looked upn raised his eyebrow"u too want to know what happened last nite..."dr priyanka n jyothika spoke in unison"no sir...we dont..we just want to say we have full faith in u n nidhi..n are always there for u..always"and as the girls had a resolve on their young faces...a strange softness came into dr ashutosh's eyes...as he simply said"lets begin the surgeries..."

*****************

Anji entered the solanki house as nidhi n rohan had gone to pick her...n much as anji wanted to share her experiences of the nite...the presence of Rohan stopped her..."Rohan tum ladki kyun nahi hue...itna achcha hota hum teen girls apne experience share karti..."rohan took out his tongue n said"o my god...do ladkiyan kaafi hain..mai ladka hi bhala..u know a sensible dude"!!

As anji was served snacks ..she yawned and finally a red faced shyama aunty said"anji jaa tu apni neend poori kar le .."!!

Once in the room...anji crashed to the bed and held nidhi..."oh god nidhi...never have a first nite...i tell u"!! And shyama aunty eavsdropping seemed tense n worried...as anji whispered n laughed...nidhi patted her friend...trying to comprehend her ecstacy...fear ..excitement n pain...finally nidhi smiled as anji slept off midway n nidhi softly closed the door...and came out to go to jeevan sandhya...she had only two days to go...and she had to complete her internship...

***************

"Dr nidhi...kal aapka last day hai jeevan sandhya mei...phir to aap kisi bade hospital me kaam karengi...maine aur sab inmates ne tai kiya hai aapke liye ek choti see party rakhne ka...friday morning 8 baje ek prayer aur phir breskfast...aap to jaanti hain na..humara budget limited hai..."nidhi stopped him mid way"thank you manager sahib...aapne mujhe itna maan diya yehi bahut hai...bus prayer rakh leejiye...haan main ek guest bulana chahti thi...dr mathur...baba ko"

The manager smiled..."dr nidhi ..woh to host hain...wahi pay ker rahe hain...party ka..bahut pyaar karte hain aapko..."nidhi smiled ...n added"bus mujhe 9.30 tak chale jana hoga"! Manager nodded...and went away...as nidhi took her rounds...checking each old man..."beta ..ab kabhi nahi aaogi humse milne"?? Nidhi smiled and said"jab bhi lucknow aaoongi...zaroor aaongi..."and then she meandered into baba's room...where she had shared her insecurities ..doubts n worries with him...with baba...her nana...her friend...and could have been a lot more...

******************

In the night as baba armaan n ashu sat for dinner. ..baba said"beta maine kal ek farewell plan karwaaya hai nidhi ke liye jeevan sandhya mei..."ashutosh smiled sadly n added"jee baba kal uska viva aur interview hai IMA se..."baba patted ashu n added"bhagwaan unhi ka hausla parakhta hai...jinme hausla hota hai...dekhna nidhi will come out with flying colours..."dr ashutosh remained quiet...n returned to his bedroom...and took a small peg of gin n tonic..ad he sat by the window looking at the clouds playing with the moon...the moon would get covered with clouds and there d be darkness all around but then the moon d appear from behind the clouds..and there d be light everywhere...ashutosh sighed thinking if clouds d ever drift away from his n nidhi's life...he smiled bitterly and then quaffed off the gin ...as he sat in the bed reading a journal...before he d waft into sleep...a sleep that would bring peace..with dreams of nidhi...

**********

It was at 7 a.m that ashutosh got up and had a refreshing bath...he wore his cream suit and chose the red tie..nidhi had gifted him...as he got ready...he called kaka..."kaka...aaj nidhi nahi aayegi...kuch nashta bana deejiye..."kaka smiled"beta woh to subah hi aayi thi...aur bana gayi...sab kuch..."ashu smiled as kaka went out but then looked back..."beta...kuch aisa nahi ho sakta ki nidhi beti aa jaaye yahaan pe...iss ghar me sada ke liye..."ashutosh did not reply...but looked at kaka n then at his tie...as he shut the wardrobe...but could he shut the memories????

************

dr ashutosh smoked his dunhill as he drove...though he hated it...n yet couldn't do without it...

"Yes dr ashutosh good morning...the IMA is ready ...after snacks..ashutosh nodded and asked for the list of drs...dr mallika..dr sharma..dr sunil..dr sudhir..dr nagpal..dr kohli..dr dutta and he himself..he could rely on no one else except dr sudhir...he sighed as he looked at his watch...9 a.m...

**************nidhi helped the inmates to clean the wards...change the sheets...n as baba came with the cake they put up balloons...n gathered round nidhi...as an old inmate called for prayer...and yet another lit up candles and all folded hands to sing bhajans and finally two inmates gave a touching speech ending with"dr nidhi is sandhya ka jeevan hain...aaj ke baad yeh sanstha nirjeev ho jaayegi...per woh jahaan rahein khushiyaan bikherein ...aur haan jab bhi shaadi karein..to humse aaashirwaad lene zuroor aayein.."and itvbrought tears into nidhi's eyes ...

The canles burning in a tray were kept aside by the inmates and baba put the cake on the table...it had words"nidhi...humari bitiya"! And as baba opened his arms ..nidhi just went into them...remembering"baba..yaani ek vishal bargad ka ped..."

**************

It was sharp 10.but as the IMA board waited...dr nidhi was yet to come..as the clock ticked to 10.15dr ashutosh grew tense while the vultures in the team smiled...dr sharma got up to say"i feel this is a big enough evidence...that she is insolent n indisciplined...does she deserve a certificate to practice"?? Dr sudhir who was the presiding officer nodded but added"i feel we must wait...may be she is caught up somewhere"!!and another dr sniped"yeh dr nidhi knows the art of getting stuck up...abhinteen din pehle she had got stuck with a senior neurosurgeon the whole night..."and some of the drs laughed...cheaply...but the laughter subsided ...as dr hardstone gave icy looks...n added"i am sure dr nidhi is doing something important...let me find out"but dr mallika interrupted"no ashutosh...this d not be ethical..we are not supposed to ring interns n invite them"dr sharma added "it has never happened earlier ..has it ..what are ur views dr nagpal..."?? Dr nagpal..another senior neurosurgeon n ashu's competitor looked at his watch n suggested"lets wait till 11 ...and then since the board seems divided lets have voting to decide whether she should be given another chance or not"and nearly all seemed to agree...

Dr aahutosh kept looking at his watch..n his cell...the moments were ticking away...n yet there was no news of nidhi...dr sudhir looked at dr ashutosh...seeming helpless...

As the clock struck 11...dr sharma n his gang got up...while dr mallika seemed to have a strange satisfaction on her face"dr sudhir ..lets have voting...lets see who all favour a n intern who has no respect for punctuality ..no regard for duty ...how can we make her a full dr when she is so callous"?? Another dr added"jis ladki ko apne kartavyon ka aabhaas nahi ...woh kisi yogya nahi...DUTY IS A DOCTOR'S FIRST PRIORITY..."! And just as dr sudhir was going to call for the voting...ashutosh's cell buzzed...it was baba...why???? He looked at the drs n said"my father"! N picked up...

ASHUTOSH'S FACE TURNED WHITE...AND HE JUST SHOUTED"BABA HOW IS SHE?? MAIN ABHI PAHUNCHTA HOON AMBULANCE LEKE..."and then got up adding"no time right now..guys plz folow me to jeevan sandhya...emergency"!

Dr ashutosh's tone was impossible to disobey and as he rushed out in the kgh ambulance other drs followed...

*****************

As they reached the premises, they could see smoke ..black n thick...and in the lawn were the inmates..all of them..some coughing violently...two with minor injuries but in the middle...on the grass lay nidhi...her forehead battered...her left shoulder scratched n bruised and her left hand burnt and gashed...as baba was trying to revive her. ..dr ashutosh rushed in"nidhi...kya hua nidhi ko"?? And pulled her into sitting position in his arms...as drs stood around ...dr sanjay kant bent down and cried"she needs to be rushed to hospital...smoke in the lungs..."ashutosh nodded as he turned nidhi to rub her back...she seemed to revive..for a minute...just as cv n dadi bua, informed by the manager arrived...ashutosh looked around ...he knew she needed mouth to mouth respiration...he bent and pushed his oxygen..his life into her mouth...twice...as dadi bua looked away...n nidhi seemed to cough violently..."she s revived..lets rush to kgh"!

Dr ashutosh didnt even look at the stretcher as he carried his nidhi in his arms into the ambulance...and two more drs got in...as all others followed..but dr ashutosh instructed two to stay back and look after the old inmates...who were fine safe but traumatised...

At kgh it was an emergency as dr ashutosh gave instructions"put her on oxygen...get the burns specialist..n plastic surgeon...now ..dr gandhi..u need to stitch her hand..."within minutes the team had arrived and nidhi was in the o.t.dr gandhi said politely"sir...it d be better if you stay here..outside.dont worry...we know how very important she is..have faith in ypur drs...we d give her our best..."!

Ashutosh nodded as he came into the gallery and looked at baba...tense n distraught..."baba..kya kaise..."?? As col verma stood tense..his eyes brimming with tears..but dadi bua's with anger n hatred...baba explained"sab gaa rahe the...ki achaanak A.C se zor ki aawaaz hui aur poora kamra dhuen se bhar gaya...curtains ne aag pakad li...shayad short circuit ..ya candles...para nahi..hum sab the...nidhi ne sab ko bahar pahunchaya...hum to aankh bhi nahi khol paa rahe the...tabhi realisation hua ki...teen inmates fanse hue the...ghosh...sharma aur guptaji...manager ne mana kiya..pr nidhi waapas gayi...aur ek ek ko layi...guptaji behosh ho gaye the...unhe utha nahi paa rahi thi bechari...tab bhi pata nahi kaise...himmat se utha laayi..

Aise apni peeth pe...aur collapse ker gayi...haath me chot hai...kisi cheez se...burns hain...per ashu...aaj teri nidhi ne hum sabko...unn besahaaraa boodhon ko..jinka koi nahi hai..unhe bacha liya...i am proud of your choice my son...so proud "and ashu held on to baba...realising that nothing could be hidden from him...just as they were trying to address col verma...a few attendants of a patient came to dadi bua"are...aap yahaan kaise..hum to apne guddu ke operation ke liye..."n then added"oh...to yehi hain..nidhi ke...inhi ke saath thi...raat bhar...aaj bhi baahon me utha ke laaye..."dadi bua looked at cv in rage...n as dr ashutosh admonished the relatives...cv looked away n said"hum chalte hain..dr ashutosh...bua ab bardasht nahi ker payengi...shayad main bhi nahi...shaam ko aaoonga..."as baba troed to stop"col woh danger me hai..uski jaan ko khatra hai"cv replied sadly"dr mathur...humare liye to nidhi shayad marr hi chuki hai...shayad"and was pulled away by a dadi bua ...crying bitterly...

Dr ashutosh took a deep breath...as he looked at the OT light...in which lay his nidhi...nidhi who had fought danger n death to save lives...could there be a better dr?? And yet the tirade of society continued...but ashutosh realised...now the time had come..the moment had arrived when he had to stand by her...to support her look after her...make her his own...not caring a damn for the world or society...

Baba patted him and in silence the father son..not bounded by blood but by hearts..baba understanding ashu perfectly...n ashu knowing that baba was his rock of Gibraltar. ..

The door opened and the team came out..."she is out of danger...we have put stitches on hand...put special burn bandages ...but she needs to be in hospital for two days..before she goes home"ashutosh looked at baba..."home?? Did nidhi have a home now"???

Dr sudhir stood up.."drs i just want to say as a senior dr...i havecrarely seen such devotion to duty as dr nidhi has shown...saving so many lives without bothering for her own...if she doesnt desrve to be a dr...then none of us do...""i award her the certificate ...n with a special mention of merit n selfless service"*************

It was after an hour that dr ashutosh entered the room...nidhi was conscious but in perceptible pain...he came clise to her...caressing her bandaged left hand...and then her hair...as she looked around...probably searching for her father...dr ashutosh patted her n held her hand softly for it had 20% burns and a gash...and sat by her...not asking anything ...not answering anything. ..just caressing her hand...and his deep eyes seemed to say...

LAAKH MANA LE DUNIYA

SAATH NA YEH CHOOTEGA

AAKE MERE HAATON ME

HAATH NA YEH CHOOTEGA...

outside baba folded his hands and prayed for his ashutosh n nidhi...

Quote

Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#17

Chapter fifteen...

Koi raah to wo hogi...

Dedicated to snehatanu n anjani

As nidhi seemed to moan in pain; dr ashutosh gave her a sharp look, and examined her hand..but she pointed to her shoulder..as dr ashutosh got up and looked at the gash on the left upper arm..there were 8 stitches but the wound was still bleeding..ashutosh grew a little worried as he went out to call dr gandhi who followed him into the private ward.."sir..the bleeding will take time to stop..her b.p is steady ..but she is traumatised and will take a few days ...her breathing is still short..i will administer her a diazopam "dr ashutosh nodded but as dr gandhi pierced nidhi's forearm...ashutosh suddenly winced..almost feeling the prick...

As dr gandhi withdrew..dr mallika came in and signalled dr ashutosh to come out...he followed her n looked into her eyes..with a strange mix of distaste. .n angst.."yes mallika"he waited..mallika pushed her hair back..as if calming herself n then spoke"ab tum ghar jao ..aaraam karo..i am on duty here for the night.."ashutosh answered "no mallika...i am not going home tonight...main nidhi ke pass hoon...aur mere aaraam ki chinta karna tum chod do ab.."and he walked to baba waiting in the gallery as mallika was left open mouthed..

"Ashu...tu yehin ruk beta...nahi to akela mehsois karegi nidhi..aur to koi raha nahi uska...ab shaayad"as ashutosh was about to nod..a voice spoke"dr ashutosh...main bhi hoon humesha ...nidhiji ke liye..."ashutosh n baba looked up at Rohan ..standing in front.."main gaya tha dr ranga aur anji ji ko see off karne..unke honeymoon ko...jab office ke baad ghar pahuncha...then i came to know all...kaisi hain nidhiji ab..."??

Ashutosh patted Rohan ..nidhi's true friend...n said"burn hsi ek haath pe..aur thodi chot hai...theek ho jaayegi...per ...col verma..."Rohan sighed and completed"yes..uncle aur dadi bua ne ek dum akela ker diya nidhiji ko..."baba looked at ashutosh...as he set his jaw firmly n stated"Rohan..mere hote hue nidhi ko koi akela nahi ker sakta...never ever..."!!

**************

Col verma pushed away the cup of tea that chote sarkaar gave him...as he looked at dadi bua..who was sitting on pooja..n reciting the prayers...col verma almost shouted"plz bua ..shor kum kariye...kuch shanti chahiye mujhe..."bua looked at col verma and snarled"shanti nahi hai humare naseeb mei...teri beti ki wajah se...kahin kaa nahi choda...aur pooja me isliye baithi thi ki man bant sake mera..."and she sat back in her pooja...shunning herself from everything..as col verma threw the newspaper away ...with the newsitem"brave dr saves old lives"staring at him...why did the decandent society matter so much to him...why could he not garner strength?? Was he being just to nidhi..to himself?? Would he be able to face nandini on the day of judgement? ? But before that he had to face the society..the middle class labyrinth that valued only conventions ...set by society...there was no space for emotions...they had to live the way society permitted...

"Jaise jag rehta aaya...

Usi tarah se rehna hoga"the lines of the old poem echoed in his heart...and he walked into the escape of his room...trying his best to evade nandini's pic...he could not face her...

***********

It was early morning when Rohan came to the hospital n dr ashutosh ...tired n crumpled...said"take care...main fresh ho ke aata hoon ...zara.."and then he remembered to have a look at the old men 2 of whom had been admitted to kgh n were recuperating quite well...as they were worried about their saviour; ashutosh informed she was resting n would take a while...they could meet her not before the evening...

*********

Ashutosh stepped in ..armaan n baba were putting together breakfast ...for nidhi.."ashu..yeh nidhi ke liye...poha...usse pasand hai..."ashutosh nodded...as armaan asked"kuch aur chahiye..."?? He didnt reply ...n just sat ...sank into the sofa..his eyes closed...as baba stood by ..."ashu...ja taiyyar ho...tere imtihaan ka pal hai yeh..aur mera ashu humesha topper raha hai...topper..."and dr ashutosh smiled a worn out smile as he entered his room...

**************

It was at about 12 in the noon when nidhi opened her eyes and the sister on duty informed ashurosh...he was in the midst of a meeting about new equipments for kgh...he stopped midway ..stood up n said"i am sorry...i can't continue..right now...we d start from here tomorrow..sorry n thanks"and as the drs nodded...a lil shocked...dr ashutosh seemed human for the first time..

but dr mallika followed him."ashutosh...kya ker rahw ho..."ashutosh looked angrily"nidhi ke paas ja raha hoon ..use meri zuroorat hai..."dr mallika countered"aur yeh hospital?? Tumhare patients...unhe nahi zuroorat tumhari?? Aaj uss ladki ke liye meeting chod rahe ho..kal surgery chodoge"!!!

Dr ashutosh 's jaw tightened"mallika...this can wait...aur main kisi patient ki jaan kabhi nahi risk karoonga...u know it...the meeting can be held again...n now plz excuse me..will u"?? And he was gone...his eyes blazing in anger...

********

Just as he enteredthe room; the nurse had been changing nidhi...he stopped and waited till she was decent...n then as he looked at her...young beautiful ..but injured a strange softness came into his eyes...n he addressed the nurse.."cabin me tiffin hai..plz get it..for dr nidhi..."

nidhi's eyes had a flash of twinkle..."baba laaye...ya dadi bua"?? Ashutosh opened the box and took a spoon to feed her..."kaka ne banaya hai...tumhe pasand hai na..."nidhi kept quiet ..as she awkwardly allowed herself to be fed...n as her eyes looked around ..he knew for whom was she searching...she asked"mere baba...nahi aaye ..."?? Ashutosh looked into those eyes...unable to fathom the hurt..the pain they d reflect if he told the truth...he evaded...as nidhi kept quiet...and said"bus..aur nahi khana..."dr ashutosh kept quiet ...as he gave her some water...n she coughed...he involuntarily rubbed her back...n she cried..."ouchhh"making him realise she was injured at many areas...dr ashutosh bit his lip...as he tenderly helped her lie down...nidhi asked"mera cell...

"?? Dr ashutosh walked to his cabin n got her cream bag...n took out the cell...in the process his fingers getting entangled in a pair of blue earrings...a witness of their past...

nidhi took the cell...there had been mails from Holy Family Simla..she was supposed to join in 3 days...nidhi sighed...as ashutosh looked at her ..his eyes narrowing...his brow frowned...

"Kya soch rahi ho"?? Nidhi sighed..."aise chaurahe pe hoon...jahaan jaani pehchani raah band see ho gayi hai...nayi dagar pe chalna hoga...pata nahi chal bhi paaoongi ya nahi..."dr ashutosh got up...n taking her cell glanced at the calls...n then holding her injured hand he asked"jahaan tum khadi ho...wahaan se kya koi raah...koi raasta ..uss taraf nhi aata jahaan koi tumhara kabse intezaar kar raha hai...aur karta rahega...apni aakhri saans tak..."and nidhi with great difficulty raised her finger on to his lips...as dr ashutosh quietly put her head on his shoulder...n whispered"nidhi...ab buss ek raasta hai...aur woh mujh tak aata hai...samjhi."?? And nidhi nodded silently...

the sister came to call dr ashutosh..there was an urgent surgery...he got up...as he made nidhi swallow her medicines n with a tissue cleaned her mouth...as he walked...only to stop at the door...and look back at his most precious dream...his life...his titli...who was injured...n he the Raja had to walk to her...caress her wings to health ..so that she could weave the magic of colours in his life...

he stood for a moment...not speaking a word...but his eyes expressing volumes...as nidhi lay in the patient gown...their eyes locked to each other...finally he said"aataa hoon..."n she said a patent "jee "...ashutosh went out...to his duty but determined to take the story of RAJA n TITLI to a happy end ...which would be a new begining...

The door opened...as nidhi opened her eyes...in front of her stood dr mallika...a stony expression on her chisel sharp features...

Edited by bawaswift - 9 years ago

Quote

Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#18

Chapter Sixteen...

rishtey.. naye purane...

Nidhi gulped...in shock that was almost fear..as she saw dr mallika...she tried to get up..but couldnt manage on her own...dr mallika smiled a bitter smile as she said"achcha..to ab ashutosh ke sahaare ki itni aadat ho gayi tumhe ki uske bina kuch bhi nahi ker sakti..."! Nidhi looked away...as mallika folded her hands and spoke...her voice ice cold...but nidhi could feel a sinister stream of hatred and anger beneath the surface...mallika spoke"so...dr nidhi...woh intern jisne seedhe dean pe hi haq jamaaya...tum sochti kya ho apne baare me? Samajhti kya ho khud ko?? Kuch ehsaas hai yeh so called pyar...jisme ek mature neurosurgeon apna sab kuch gawane jaa raha hai..iska kya anjaam hoga?? Socha hai "?? Mallika looked at nidhi as a butcher looks at a lamb he is going to slaughter...without waiting for an answer ..she went on.."main bataati hoon anjaam..iss mahaan prem kahani ka...tum to ghar se beghar ho hi gayi ho..lekin ashutosh ki bhi saalon ki izzat mitti me mil jaayegi..country's best neurosurgeon ..apni intern ke saath...what a shame..."nidhi triwd to raise her voice.."but dr mallika...pyaar karna koi jurm to nahi..."mallika dared nidhi"jurm hai...bilkul hai..jab umr ka ..status ka..education ka faasla itna ho...kya match kerta hai ru..tumhara ashutosh se?? Kya share karoge sath sath..dost?? Music?? Shopping?? Books ?? Ya sirf..."and mallika looked away in disgust..."main samajhti hoon col verma ka dukh"contd .mallika..trying to weaken all that was left in nidhi"is samaj mei kaise zinda rahenge woh..aur jald hi ashutosh bhi barbaad hoga...sach nidhi..pyaar andha hota hai..yeh to suna tha...per itna khudgarz hota hai ...yeh nahi jaanti thi..."nidhi had her large eyes full of tears..as mallika fired her last salvo.."tumhe job mil gayi hai simla mei...sabka bhala isi mei hai...ki bina kuch kahe..bina kisi ko bataaye chali jaao chup chaap...raat ke andhere mei ...apni kaalikh apne saath leke..."and as dr mallika stormed out and took a deep breath...trying to compose herself after what she considered a job done well!!

Inside nidhi sobbed helplessly...but as she heard footsteps..she wiped her tears...in came rohan carrying a bunch of pink lilies ...and a sunshine smile..."yeh kya nidhiji...parde to hataaiye..dekhiye baahar mausam kitna suhana hai..."and he arranged the flowers n separated the curtains as nidhi saw the overcast sky...andcremembered the instances ...those poignantly beautiful moments when she had watched n experienced the rain with dr ashutosh...and the summer clouds seem to descend intp her eyes...as Rohan looked at her ..with searching eyes..."ab sach bataaiye nidhiji..kya plan hai aapka?? Kahin bhaag to nahi rahi kahi?? Nahi to mujhe bhi saath chalna padega...aakhir rajkumari ji ko coolie to mangta hai na"!! And a smile came onto her lips...though rohan could make out..he had some tension in her mind...could he read her thoughts???

Nidhi seemed to be searching something in rohan's eyes...and finally asked"baba...nahi aayenge"?? Rohan sighed as he held her hand and said"nidhiji..kai baar zindagi rishton ka imtihaan leti hai...samajhiye yeh imtihaan hai...busss...aur papa beti ka rishta bhi kabhi toot sakta hai bhala"?? And he held nidhi to him...with a love n care that only two true friends could understand. ...

*************

"Verma...verma"it was solankis who entered the verma house...as dadi bua n a worn out col verma emerged...shyama sighed n said"bhai sahib...chaliye nidhi ke paas...usse zuroorat hai aapki humari..."col verma rubbed his hands ..trying to think what to say..."bhabhi...nidhi ko inhi haaton me paala posa bada kiya...aap ko kya lagta hai..mujhe yaad nahi aati..chinta nahi hoti...per bhabhi mujhe..aapko isi samaj me rehna hai..iske kaayde quanoon mane hain..."shyama interrupted"per bhai sahib..nidhi ki khushi se bade hain kya"?? Col verma looked with a stern look"bhabhi...maine nidhi ko humesha kaha tha...ki parivar kinkhushi ka dhyaan rakhna...usne socha humari khushi ka?? Iss ghar ki izzat ka"?? Solanki sahib stood up n said"per verma..tu to samajhne laga tha dr ashutosh ko..."cv answered"dr ashutosh bhale aadmi hain..shareef hain...ameer hain...per nidhi se kareeb 20 saal bade hain..tu hi bata..kum badnaami hui hai meri...kis muh se nikalta hoon baahar..mai hi jaanta hoon..."and then sighed "nidhi mere dil me to shayad humesha rahegi..per iss ghar me..humari zindagi me ab uski koi jagah nahi...its over"and he walkd into the bedroom ...and closed the door...as if he was shutting the door to nidhi...

Solankis looked at dadi bua...her eyes a mix of anger n agony..."shyama kahe deti hoon..tum me se kou gaya nidhi ke paas ..to bus samajh lena..."and she withdrew...

*****************

"Sister..dr ashutosh kahaan hain abhi"?? Nidhi asked sister as it was nearly 9.30 ..and she had been hoping to see him..."woh surgery me hain abhi...do ghante lagenge abhi...kuch chahiye?? Mai jaaoongi ab..."nidhi smiled...she knew the night shift will begin...dr ashutosh was away...if she had the courage..this was the moment...now...or never...

Nidhi slowly tried to get up...it was difficult..but she tried...and then collapsed back...tears streaming down her pale cheeks..as she took her cell n dialled col verma...her heart hoping against hope...if she could talk to her father...there was no reply...as cv didn't take the call even as hus heart cringed...social bonds seemed stronger than emotional ones...

Nidhi sighed...as the words of dr mallika resonated ...she knew simala was the only answer...she just had to go...to save her father...n dr ashutosh from ignominy...nidhi somehow got up...and tried to put together a few things...though she hardly had anything...except the salwar kurta she wore on the previous day...her purse had only 4000 rs...was it sufficient?? Will she be able to work in this state?? Nidhi had no reply...as she wiped her tears...n an ouch escaped her lips...

"Nidhi...beti kya kar rahi hai...kahaan jaa rahi hai..."?? Nidhi who was hobbling to washroom to change...turned around...baba stood there with a tiffin box ...in his hands and a question in his eyes...

Nidhi fumbled"woh bus change karne ki..."baba took the clothes from her hands...and looked at them"in phate gande kapdon ko pehan ker?? Kahaan jaa rahi hai"?? Nidhi lowered her eyes...and just whispered"dr ashutosh se bahut door...shaayad mere jaane se hi ..unka career unki reputation bach sake...nahi to sab khatm ho jaayega..sab kuch"!! Baba held nidhi by the shoulders but ss she winced he left her ..realising her injuries...but he wanted his answer..."aur uski zindagi?? Uski khushi?? Uski udaas zindagi mei khushi ki kiran...uska kya"??? Nidhi hung her head down...as baba asked at her..."beta tujhe kya lagta hai..tu kahi chali jaayegi to ashu jee payega...khatm ker lega khud ko...raakh ho jaayega mera ashu..."and a distraught nidhi folded her hands...begging baba to stop..."plz baba..unhe kuch nahi hoga..."and baba...the eternal protector held nidhi tenderly n said"to beta..uska saath de...apne pyaar ka saath de...tum dono ek doosre ke bina adhoore ho...yeh samajh..."and then keeping the tiffin...he turned away...but not before he said"subah aaoonga...aasha hai tu mujhe yehi milegi...aur mere ashu ki subah me ujaala bhar degi..."...baba stepped out and the door closed...as nidhi threw the clothes n collapsed to the bed...not having the energy to open her eyes...

*************

Dr ashutosh entered the room at 12.30.nidhi was fast asleep...n he dead tired after the surgery that had lasted 6 hrs...he looked at her reports..her bandages had been changed..she still looked pale...but he sighed as he looked at the comment of the dr "TO BE RELIEVED TOMORROW AFTERNOON"! Ashutosh sighed...where would she go?? How could he just let her wander...now that col verma was not accepting her...he sighed as he slumped onto the chair by her bed and fatigue conquered all...

"Paani...sister...paani plz"it was nidhi's feeble voice that broke through his sleep...and he gotvup...he caressed her hair and got up to get a glass of water...as she tried to hold the glass..his hand covered her's trying to steady it..as she sipped ..n then closed her eyes again...but dr ashutosh knew she was awake ...he got up n asked"kya baat hai...kyun pareshaan ho"?? Nidhi did not reply...just looked away...but ashutosh put his hand on her cheek and made her face him...nothing else seemed to be needed...as two large fears fell out from her eyes...and ashutosh's thumbs wiped them away...and said"so jaao..you need rest..."and nidhi complied...while dr ashutosh too closed his eyes...clouded with worry...waiting for the morning when he could ring up cv...one last time...

**************

"Col verma...its me dr ashutosh...actually nidhi relieve hogi aaj hospital se...so i wanted aap aajaayein..atleast usse mil leejiye ek baar...rest i d take care...plz..woh hur ghadi hur lamha aapka intezaar kerti hai..."and col verma kept the cell away...

As nidhi's wounds were being dressed...the sister came to ask for nidhi's clothes...ashutosh kept quiet...waiting for col verma...he lloked at his watch ..a lil restlessly...

Col verma entered kgh..and just behind him arrived baba n armaan ..cv was carrying a suit case of nidhi ...in his hands and a strange grimness in his eyes...dr ashutosh got up...as baba smiled at col..."achcha kiya aa gaye..subah ka bhoola shaam ko ghar aa jaye to usse bhoola nahi kehte..."!! But col verma bit his lip..."ashutosh...main nidhi ko lene nahi buss uska yeh kuch samaan dene aaya tha..."dr ashutosh seemed aghast ...shocked...he had not expected a father to be so harsh...so heartless...did nidhi not mean anything to cv?? And more importantly how could nidhi be abandoned. ..nidhi his nidhi...time had come for him to hold her hand ...against all odds...ashutosh looked at baba n armaan...their eyes nodding in unison...as ashutosh firmly said"col verma...maine to nidhi ke pita se request ki thi aane ki...par agar uske pita ke dil me...unke ghar me uske liye jagah nahi...to col verma"ashutosh took a deep long breath...as if starting a new phase of life...he said..calmly..."col verma...jab aap apni beti ki fiqr nahi ker sakte...to aap jaa sakte hain...iss suit case ke saath...kyunki let me tell u...MAIN APNI BIWI KA KHAYAAL ACHCHI TARAH SE RAKH SAKTA HOON...AUR RAKHOONGA...THANKS SIR..."and he turned away...determined to start a new life...a life of love...a life with nidhi...the raja titli story was about to take a new turn...

Quote

Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#19

Chapter seventeen...

together forever...

To the ever impatient Tasha and the ever so patient bawa. the one who started it all...anjani..n whose reviews touch my heart..Babita...

A rather shocked col verma seemed immobilised at the sudden outburst of dr ashutosh ...and as he looked at the face of the middle aged surgeon who seemed to be the world to his daughter..he saw a stony expression...the muscles of the face taut...and eyes all blazing red..col verma..being an astute army man knew it was time to retreat..and he did...even as baba ..extended his hand to call him back..for he did not want history to repeat itself...he knew in heart of hearts colonel verma loved his daughter infinitely so ...but his love had been drowned in the shrieking social tsunami which had no sensitivity to what two hearts desired...

Baba looked at dr ashutosh ..."ab ashu..."?? The question ominent on his lips...as ashutosh took a deep breath and walked back to his cabin..followed by baba...n armaan..the friend who had always been there for him..

As baba n armaan looked ..ashutosh seemed to be meditative for a moment..his eyes shut...as he turned around to face baba n his friend "ashu...ab kya..nidhi kahaan jaayegi beta"?? Dr ashutosh looked baba straight in the eye n said"kahaan jayegi..?? Wahin jaayegi baba..jo aajse uska ghar hai..uska apna ghar..."and then to clear all doubts ; he addressed armaan .."armaan tu magistrate ke yahaan jaa ke sab formalities poori karwa ...nidhi aur mai..aaj hi shadi karenge...abhi.."at his words..a smile of a deep fulfillment came on baba's face..armaan almost jumped with joy as he cpntrolled his volume but said "waah meri jaan!! Yeh hui na baat"!! And was almost off ...just as ashutosh said"tell Rohan also...woh zuroor aayega.."!

And then dr ashutosh looked at baba...father son left alone for just a moment...baba's eyes seemed to have the reflection of seeing all his dreams fulfilled...while dr ashutosh had the expression of a man who had just begun to dream...the most beautiful dream..

dr ashutosh finally broke the silence"aap nidhi ke paas rahiye...mai uske liye kuch kapde lata hoon khareed ke..she has to be relieved.. .."baba nodded as ashutosh drove off...on the most beautiful n yet difficult shopping trip of his life..after all he was shopping first time for his nidhi...n he did not know much about her size!!

**************

Baba entered nidhi's room as the sister had sponged her ..n she ate her porridge and sandwich..looking rather worried...what if col verma didnt come?? Where would she go?? She couldn't live in mathur niwas...after all in what capacity?? Baba seemed to read her worries as he came and patted her...she looked up..and saw that serenity in her old friend's eyes..as she wanted to speak..he put a finger to her lips..and raised his eyebrow like his son..."nidhi..bus ab sab kuch saunp de ashu ke haath mein..beta ..mana mat karna..mere bete ko..main jaanta hoon tu bahut kuch kho rahi hai uski wajah se...per beta woh to apna wojood hi kho dega tere bina...mere bete ko uski khushi..uski nidhi dede..."and nidhi's face seemed a sky of emotions..clouds of confusion about what had happened...rain of dejection at being abandoned by her very own father...but finally the eternal sunshine of dr ashutosh's love for her...n her's for him..a love that could not be supressed any longer..a love that had stood by her all through ...a love that had come in when everyone else had walked out...how could she tirn away from such love...nidhi closed her eyes n hugged baba...as all baba could say was "meri bachchi..."!!

**********

Dr ashutosh seemed puzzled with the extremely long kurtas that hung in the woman store ...W inscribed on all of them...he asked..finding it difficult t explain..but finally showed by his hand"i want kurtas till here..."he pointed his knees..."cotton..."the salesman took him to the fab india counter in the multi brand retail showroom...dr ashutosh seemed to recognise the kurtas..this was the kind that nidhi wore...he quickly picked up four with the churidaars that the salesgirl gave...but then he recalled"woh ...stretch bottoms ..."the girl smiled n got those..."size kya hai...aapki beti ka"!! Ashutosh was rather taken aback...he looked back ..n said...running his fingers thru his his beard that did have a few grey hair..."i am shopping for my wife..."and then as he tried to imagine nidhi's size...he decided to go for a M rather an S ...and moved on..rather embarrassed to the inner wear counter...he had absolutely no clue what was her size...what kind of inner wear she wore...he almost turned away...but then realising nidhi's needs..he faced the girl at the counter...and emerged half an hr later with all the bare essentials a bride would need...he knew this was not what nidhi would gave desired. ..he did have an inkling of the elaborate fun filled wedding she had dreamt of...he had seen it in her twinkling eyes during priyankan then anji's wedding...the dance ..the colour..the fun..sadly it was all lacking in her's...dr ashutosh was drawn out of his thoughts by a ring ..it aas arman "kahaan hai..meri jaan?? Magistrate se sab fix ho gaya hai...main aur Rohan ready hain...bus dulha dulhan ka intezaar hai..n mind you..sirf 2 baje tak...phir the magistrate office closes ..aaj saturday hai mri jaan..so jaldi kar...mujhe ghar pe bhi bahut kuch karna hai..."and arman hung off as ashutosh pushed the throttle...

**************

He entered nidhi's room with one single packet of clothes ...leaving all the rest in the car...she was sitting ...her discharge papers were ready...it was just that she had no where to go...ashutosh signed the discharge ...as he was the dean..n then as the sister withdrew...he cleared his throat..in his creased suit ..hanging tie...he looked at his intern...the girl he loved miserably...sitting in a hospital gown.."nidhi..."she looked at him...but as often words seemed to fail him...and he just extended his right hand to her...she looked into his eyes..honest love...and courageous dedication shining in them...no words were required...nidhi put her right hand into his ..and stood up..saying just one word"jee..."and dr ashutosh just squeezed her frail hand a lil...as he closed his eyes for a moment..trying to absorb the reality of dreams...

****************

Dr ashutosh called the nurse, gave her nidhi's clothes and instructed her to change nidhi...as he withdrew...to his cabin...baba was waiting...pacing the cabin...restlessly...but one look at ashu..n he knew their love had crossed the abyss that society n people had tried to create...he held his son..his pride...n then clearing his throat...he said"armaan ka phone aaya tha...woh intezaar kar raha hai...mai chalta hoon..tu nidhi...tu bahu ko le ke pahunch wahaan...samjha"?? And as an overwhelmed ashutosh nodded. ..baba left...

Ashutosh heard the knock on his door as he explained to dr gandhi that he was on leave for the next day...n that was because he was marrying dr nidhi...ashutosh was clear firm n upright...he didnt have anything to hide...he was only claiming his love ...something that he should probably have done quite sometime back..dr gandhi shook hands and congratulated him...a serious discreet man..he was not going to gossip...

just then the door opened and there stood nidhi...helped by the nurse...dressed in a pink n purple kurta with a pink tights...the kurta had been cut at the shoulder that was still bandaged...she had put her old chunni...a pale one ..torn in the accident...ashutosh sighed...seeing nidhi stand in his cabin..the shots of her wearing his coat...drinking his water...weeping all came to his mind...as dr gandhi excused himself..ashutosh got up and held her lightly...removing the torn dupatta...n putting his coat lightly around her ...as he repeated ..what she had said looong ago"main jaanta hoon tumhare size ka nahi hai...per ..."and rest was all lost in the eyelock...sainyaan...

****************

Dr ashutosh helped nidhi sot in the car..his blue BMW..and warned"dont put the seat belt..shoulder dukhega..."and then came to sit on the driver's seat...and as he was about to start the car...he halted..and said"ek minute...bus abhi aayaa"and as nidhi looked on...ashutosh took the packets of Dunhill and the lighter...he got out and threw the packets into the dustbin...clearly he did not need to smoke any more..to cope up with grief n loneliness..now he had the love of his life..the only one he had ever loved n desired...nidhi had a faint smile...as ashutosh started the car...

their new journey of life...together was about to begin...

*****************

Armaan n Rohan were waiting outside impatiently as dr ashutosh in his cream crumpled shirt and fohn trousers got out..his pink silk tie hanging..and then he opened the door for nidhi...as she stepped out..she looked at him as he again extended his hand and she held it..getting up with some pain..he put the coat around her...and they walked to their friends...their anchors ..armaan n rohan..as dr ashutosh thanked rohan for coming..he smiled n said"sir ab yeh thank you kehna band ker deejiye aap...afterall ab jab aap nidhiji se shaadi ker rahe hain..to mai to aapke ghar me gate crash karta hi rahoonga...infact mai to kahoonga aap mujhe adopt hi lar leejiye"!! And ashutosh smiled n said"Rohan..u r always welcome...anytime..just anytime"!! As armaan interrupted "ab bus iss anytime ke chakkar me..magistrate ka muhurat na nikal jaaye..chalo"!!

Nidhi n dr ashutosh entered the magistrate 's chamber ...as baba was already there...the magistrate looked up..a little taken aback.."aap hain dr ashutosh. ..aur is ladki se shadi ker rahe hain"?? Dr ashutosh knew he had to control his temper..baba signalled to calm him..and he said"jee...main inse shadi karna chahta hoon...she is dr nidhi..verma"adding the sur name with an effort..the magistrate gave another look ...and then asked"kya hua hai inhe...yeh coat..bandage"?? Baba tried to intervene..as ashutosh stopped him n said"she had had an accident...yeh kgh me admitted thi...aap papers dekhna chahenge"?? The magistrate was a lil shocked...at dr ashutosh's temper...n he opened the register and made the entries..."witnesses plz"baba steeped in and signed followed by armaan..."inki taraf se koi..."?? Nidhi bit her lip...trying to control her tears...as dr ashutosh spoke"only two witnesses are required..do u require her age certificate as well..."?? Asked a bugged ashutosh as the magistrate pushed the register ..."sign kariye..."dr ashutosh signed ...as he looked at nidhi...nidhi took the pen...looked around one last time for col verma...as if he could suddenly come as if by magic...she blinked...knowing ..realising he d not come...she took the pen n signed with a firm hand..."dr nidhi ashutosh"armaan n rohan clapped ...as the magistrate said garlands plz...photo..."and a peon got two marigold garlands and as ashutosh put one around nidhi's neck...nidhi looked at him...and as rohan nudged...she put hers around dr ashutosh's neck...pic was clicked n the magistrate said"certificate kal shaam ko mil jayega.. next one plz"!! And ashutosh n nidhi emerged ...as MR &MRS ASHUTOSH...the marriage was solemnised...but without any of the ceremonies that nidhi had imagined...or desired...as for ashutosh ..the process did not matter..what mattered was that nidhi was finally his...socially n legally...forever...no one could ever separate them...

**********************

As ashutosh parked the car, baba hurried into the house...armaan n rohan were already in..dr ashutosh took nidhi out...now she was visibly tired..ashutosh put an arm around her...a lil tentatively. ..as he got her to the threshold...baba stopped them as kaka n armaan got an arti thaal...kaka did the arti...and blessed the couple..his ashu..n his alarm clock..baba gave ashu a tiny box of sindoor..."ashu ...bahu ko sindoor to laga..."and as dr ashutosh took a pinch of vermilion and put it in nidhi's parting...he could see that the tears that nidhi had been controlling for so long ..seemed to flow...he looked at baba...n then a lil conscious...a lil embarrassed he wiped her tears and got her in...

mrs nidhi ashutosh had arrived...home finally!!

As a tired nidhi almost collapsed onto the sofa, ashutosh called "kaka...plz kuch khane ko le aaiye...nidhi chaai logi"?? He asked as if she were a guest!! Baba laughed and said"arre ab to yeh malkin hai ghar ki...issi ka hukum chalega yahaan"!! And the two looked at nidhi ...nervous and uncomfortable. .fumbling with the coat...dr ashutosh removed the coat"hata do...be comfortable. ..ghar ke hi to hain sab..."and nidhi sat a lil awkwardly ...her left shoulder bandaged...but a lil more than her collar bone exposed...

"Main abhi aaya change ker ke..."mumbled ashutosh as he entered his bedroom...wanting to put nidhi's stuff in the wardrobe...probably put another duvet for her...would she want the AC or not??...dr ashutosh was shocked as he entered ...the bed had a new white sheet...new floral duvet and was almost enveloped with flowers...white rajnigandha...n red rose petals on bed...as armaan was instructing rohan to give the final touches...Dr ashutosh closed the door firmly...so that nidhi could not hear...and he confeonted the two.."yeh kya mindless kaam kar rahe ho tum dono..."?? Armaan winked"come on dr sahib...aapki shadi hui hai...itna to banta hai...after all today is ur n nidhi's firat ni..."dr ashutosh cut him off "armaan have some sense...injured hai nidhi...she needs rest n care...yeh sab ...its not possible abhi...take it all off"!!

Rohan stood quietly as armaan explained"i understand meri jaan...but yeh tu bhi to samajh...usje bhi to kuch armaan honge...na phere hie...na lehnga pehna..na ring...na mangalsutra...kuch to shadi ki feel rehne de...choti hai...yeh bhi batana padega kya tujhe..."?? And both went out...as rohan also looked at dr ashutosh. .clearly agreeing with armaan..

dr ashutosh opened the wardrobe ...shifted his shirts to one side and kept nidhi's clothes...and his eyes fell on his bottle of gin n tonic...he calmly took it out and came out of the room..."kaka...phenk deejiye yeh sab...ab kabhi nahi aayegi ghar me sharaab..."and a beaming kaka looked at baba...both feeling blessed...

*********

Dinner over , rohan got up to leave...as he said"bye nidhiji...aur haan trouble nahi kariyega dr sahib ko...aur hazrat ganj me golguppe khane ka mann ho to bula leejiyega mujhe...ab chalta hooon"and nidhi suddenly felt that v strong urge to hold rohan n cry her heart out...dr ashutosh looked at rohan ...n rohan understood...he said"mujhe drop karne chaliye baahar..hum apni next midnite maggi date to plan kar lein"and nidhi looked at her husband...he smiled n nodded.."nidhi tumhe meri permission ki koi zuroorat nahi...jaao.."n nidhi walked till the threshold...as rohan stood.."kuch kehna hai..."?? Nidhi looked away..."baba...baba dadi bua ka dhyaan rakhna plz rohan..."and then she turned away...shutting the door...to everything that could destabilise her home...her new home..her only home...

As dr ashutosh got nidhi into the bedroom...very embarrassed about the flowrrs...nidhi stopped...almost mesmerised. .she had come into this room many times before...had dreamt imagined of this night...when she would begin to live with the love of her life...dr ashutosh smiled...as he opened the wardrobe.."i have kept your clothes...baaki jo bhi chahiye kal...le aayenge..."and then mumbled seeing the flowers"yeh sab stupidity ..armaan ki...i d just remove them...tum leto..."! Said ashutosh but as he tried to remove the flowers. ..nidhi spoke ..almost whispered"rehne deejiye na...plz"and ashutosh withdrew his hand...realising for the first time ...the dreams of a marriage...of a union that nidhi must have seen...nurtured...

nidhi lay ...as he emerged in his tracks n tees..."nidhi tum change karogi kya..."?? Nidhi seemed a lil shy...a lil confused..."actually...kapde nahi hain...aap nighties to laaye nahi..."and ashutosh slapped his forehead..."oh god..."nidhi smiled"dont worry...aise bhi bahut taqleef hoti hai...change karne mei..aise hi so jaaoongi"and ashutosh bit his lip...

he lay next to her...as he asked a lil tentative .."ac ka temperature ghataaoon..."??

"Ac kab off karna hai...poori raat chalega to bill bahut aayega..."

"Nidhi..."sighed her husband "you dont have to worry about bills...just be comfortable...lo duvet odho..."and he covered nidhi..as she asked a lil shyly"aap nahi odhenge..."?? And ashutosh put a portion on his legs...as nidhi tried to turn to her right...but could not..dr ashutosh immiediately got up...n helped her ..."ab comfortable ho...kuch chahiye..."?? Nidhi did not reply...just looked at him...her eyes saying all she wanted to...but could not...ashutosh caressed her hair...n lightly touched her right hand..."so jaao...its been a long day for you..."and then bending ...a lil hesitantly...he kissed her forehead n said"baki sab cheezon ke liye poori zindagi padi hai..."and switched off the light...though he kept his hand lightly on her's...just to let the feeling sink in..they were finally together...n yes...everything else could wait...afterall they had a whole life ahead...together...forever...n ever..

Quote

Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#20

Chapter eighteen...

Kachhe dhage...

It was quite early in the morning that dr ashutosh opened his eyes and yawned ...it was after many months that he was waking up without a hangover..as he opened his eyes..there came a faint smile on his lips as he saw a dream ..a long standing dream come true...as nidhi slept blissfully on what he had imagined to be "her side"of the bed...ashutosh saw her dark long hair on her face ..n he extended his hand n pushed the strands away..and then drew the curtains so that nidhi could sleep undisturbed...he got up and came to her side and tried to see her shoulder..but as he tried to touch her..she seemed to wince and thus he withdrew...gulping ..nidhi's pain always hurt him very deeply...Ashutosh emerged ..yawning as kaka asked"lawn mei peeoge chai beta..ya aspatal jana hai"?? Ashu smiled..and said"aaj chutti li hai kaka...chai pilaayiye "and as kaka beamed ..as he came into the lush green lawn under the thickly clouded monsoon sky, sat baba n armaan sipping their tea..as ashutosh sat n picked up his morning companion..the newspaper...baba asked"beta nidhi kaisi hai..."?? Ashutosh nodded"theek hai baba...thoda to pareshaan hai col verma ke na aane se...per ..."baba agreed"beta..bhagwwaan kare tujhse milan ki khushi uske sab dukh dho de...jaise baarish sab dhool dho deti hai...tere pyaar ki phuhaaron me woh lehlaha uthe...aur tera akela pan bhi door ho jaaye sada ke liye.."ashutosh had a deep satisfaction in his eyes...as he looked at baba n took his tea..

Armaan asked "ashu ..kya program hai aaj..hospital ke baad..."?? Ashutosh sighed n shared with a sublime joy"aaj leave pe hoon...bus nidhi ki dressing ko jana hai...aur phir usske kuch kapde.."armaan patted his friend"waah dr hardstone chutti pe..tab to sach much baarish hogi"!!...but baba turned serious"tu kyun nahi ker deta..dressing"?? Ashutosh was a lil stumped...he replied"actually baba...hospital mein dr gandhi hain..aur sister change ker degi..it d be easier...for her...phir main..."ashu trailed off...as baba realised his son had not yet experienced the poignant intimacies of togetherness..."ashu yeh yaad rakh...nidhi abhi kaafi choti hai..aur waise bhi ladkiyon ko shaadi ke ..bade sapne hote hain...tum dono ki shadi jin haalaat mein hui..yeh lazmi hai..ki usse khushi ke saath saath kuch kami bhi mehsoos hoti hogi..beta tera farz hai..uski sab khaaiyon ko bharna..usse her maayne mei apna hissa banana..."ashutosh smiled...as he understood the depth n wisdom of baba's words...indeed their marriage was a relief ...a balm to them..a culmination of their dreams...n yet he knew nidhi..the vibrant girl had dreams of dressing up...having many functions...going on a honeymoon...but it would have to wait...till she recovered. ..."baba..nidhi ko abhi recovery mei about ek hafta lagega..."baba smiled touched at the gentler side of his normally harsh son...

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Nidhi opened her eyes to a throbbing in her shoulder...she looked around..trying to orient herself to the new surroundings...n then she remembered the night...their first night together...nidhi saw his side of the sheet crumpled...recalled how he had kissed her forehead...and held her hand...the thought sent a strange tingling in her body..as she blushed...as she touched his pillow and the rose petals...

Nidhi got up and tidied up the bed...as well as she could do with one hand...n collected the flowers...keeping them under the mattress to dry n press...she knew she would preserve them for life...the memories of her nuptial night...which was so different n though dr ashutosh had not claimed her...yet his saying "baaki sabke liye poori zindagi padi hai" that had made them come closer...closer n intimate in a very different n inexplicable way...a way which only they could feel..

Nidhi peeped out trying to locate her husband...she could hear the voices of the men..but couldnt find them...then as she saw from the window...she saw the father ..the son..the friend ..chatting informally...nidhi felt a jab of pain in her heart...as she remembered ..the mornings when she n col verma d have morning tea...n anji would jump across...where was anji...when would she return??? How would she react to nidhi's decision...her rift with her family...nidhi sighed as she opened the wardrobe to take hwr clothes...

She seemed transfixed as she stood in front of their joint wardrobe...his shirts pants...coats n ties...smelling of him...nidhi could not resist running her fingers over his shirts...and then shyly...took out a green tie for him...but then feeling rather awkward...she wondered if he would like it...what if he got irritated?? Afterall...he too was facing tremendous social stigma...nidhi put back the tie..caressing it one last time before she took her clothes n went in to freshen...

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"Nidhi...are you ok"?? It was dr ashutosh who knocked at the toilet door ...after waiting for about 20 minutes..knowing nidhi must be struggling alone. ..nidhi almost lost her breath...as she somehow pulled up her tights ...n kurta...but then came..out almost colliding with ashutosh...he looked at her...questioning. ..n she lowered her eyes..."plz could u put my strap...nahi ho raha ...ek haath se..."ashutosh groaned..he should have realised...he bit his lip n asked"zyada pull to nahi kiya shoulder..."?? Nidhi shook her head...as he raised her blue kurta...n took the straps...and put the clasp of the bra ..as nidhi winced again..and he realised the strap was hurting her...ashutosh made her sit ...taking a scissors. .he cut the sleeve n strap n tried to adjust the kurta...and then opened the wardrobe to bring her dupatta...a blue one with black shades...but as he drew it out...his green tie fell out...nidhi closed her eyes...and he jyst bent n picked it up...n then giving the dupatta to nidhi he said"i feel u need to buy more comfortable wear...strapless stuff...i mean.."nidhi nodded ...a lil embarrassed. ..but then ashutosh hurried into the toilet as nidhi combed her hair n then opening the tiny silver box took a lil sindoor n put in the parting of her hair...she had no earrings...no bangles...not even a mangalsutra...as her gands touched her bare neck...ashutosh emerged in his vest n a towel around his waist...nidhi moved towards the window...a lil pink with a strange consciousness...as ashutosh smiled and took his beige shirt ..brown suit...n green tie...and as he dressed...nidhi kept trying to tidy his table...even as he said"kaka karte hain..."n she took the courage to say"ab kaka nahi...main karoongi..."and dr ashutosh smiled...recalling kaka say"kabhi iss jamre ke bhi bhaag badlenge ..koi aayegi isse sanwaarne waali..."..nidhi suddenly coughed...n almost cried in pain...ashutosh looked around immiediately n asked"shoulder dukha"?? N nidhi nodded...ashutosh put his arm around her n holding her ...he soothed"bus bus...do teen din mein heal ho jaayega...aaj phir dressing karwaayenge..."nidhi looked a lil shocked "per aapka hospital...

"??? Ashutosh closed his buttons and said matter of factly"on leave today..."and nidhi was lost in his eyes...n then he smiled as he put the green tie around his collar n tied a lovely knot...as nidhi loved seeing him get ready...how she wished she could tie it for him...and then "chalo nidhi..."seemed to draw her out from her daydream...

As nidhi tried to help in the kitchen...kaka cried for baba...who said"na beta...pehle theek ho ja..phir pehle pehal halwa banana...bahu hai aakhir meri...rasam to karni hogi..."nidhi smiled "per baba...aakhir rasam to koi hui nahi...to phir kyun...aur main to pehle hi..."armaan interrupted"pehle ki baat aur thi..ab tum mrs ashutosh ho...to jab halwa banaogi...hum gift denge...tabhi kitchen mei huqum chalega tumhara...samjhi"!!! As a quiet ashutosh listened intently..."rasme to hui nahi..."he indeed had to make up for what she had missed out on...he would not let anty dream remain unfulfilled. ...nidhi put a sandwich in ashu's plate...as he called out..."kaka ...poha...nidhi ke liye..."and baba looked at kaka n armaan n smiled...seeing a small but distinct thaw...in hardstone...

"Baba nidhi ki dressing karwa ke thoda market jaayenge..."baba added"haan beta...mai to jeevan sandhya jaaoonga...armaan ofgice..to tum log bahar hi lunch karna ..."and nidhi looked at ashutosh...as their first day together began...with a mild drizzle falling n moustening their forms n sprouting old memories...as Raja drove his titli to the hospital...through the beautiful lucknow...and the fm playing a very old song...

Rimjhim ke tarane leke aayi barsaat...

Yaad aaye kisi se woh pehli mulaquat...

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Dr mallika entered kgh after a one day leave...it had all been her astute plan..after cornering nidhi; she had taken leave to go to allahabad for a day...so that when nidhi left; which she was sure of, ashutosh would not blame her...after all she wasn't even there...

She seemed chirpy in her green n yellow lehariya sari ..n wishing the staff proceeded to the wards...n then trying not to look suspicious asked'dr nidhi kaisi hain..."?? The jr dr answered"mam she has left...yesterday..."mallika gave a deep n long sigh of relief. ...so the thorn was indeed out of her flesh...finally...now she would not let anyone come between herself n ashutosh. ..and just as she was begining to smile...dr jyothika came running..."sister dr gandhi ko inform kariye..dr ashutosh aa rahe hain...dressing ke liye..."!! Mallika stopped dead in her track...n caught jyothika's hand"kya hua ashutosh ko"?? The jr dr replied"mam unhe kuch nahi hua...woh dr nidhi ko laa rahein hain dressing ko.."!! Mallika stood a lil shocked"sorry...dr nidhi ko..woh laa rahein hain...why..i mean..."and the dr explained'arre mam kal hi to unhone shadi ki hai dr nidhi se...ab woh nahi karwaayenge dressing...to kaun karwaayega...excuse me..."and mallika could not hear anything else...she stood rooted to the spot and the world seemed to be whirling arould her before it came crashing down...as she saw nearly the whole kgh gather at the gate with flowers n boquets ...as ashutosh looking devastatingly handsome walked in with a frail looking nidhi...still bandaged around the hand n shoulder...and he had his arm around her waist...as dr mallika looked away..unable to bear the dagger through her heart...her lonely lonely heart...

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Dr gandhi took off the dressing of the hand...the burns were much better...as he put fresh bandages ..but as he touched nidhi's left shoulder...she alnost cried in pain...n almost involuntarily dr aahutosh held her to him...caressing her hair...as dr gandhi examined the stitches...and said"sir...there is mild ibfection...she needs iv antibiotics...i d administer one now...n one at night..."ashutosh nidded having a close look at the stitches ...n agreeing..."i d give her the shot at night..."dr gandhi got the injection n as he inserted the needle...aahutosh tightened his grip on nidhi...and thanked the dr...accepting the advice that nidhi must wear lose clothes that didnt hurt her shoulder for the next three days...n he added"dont worry...i d myself take care ..of the sponge n clothes..."leaving nidhi very shy n embarrassed. ..

As they walked back...ashutosh stepped into his cabin bringing nidhi along...into the room that had been the mute spectator of their relationship. ..."bus ek minute..."and as he signed a few files ...and made some inquiries...nidhi looked around...teying to recall each moment in the cabin...each smile..each tear...it was here that dr ashutosh had dismissed her from the job...it was here that he was bringing her as his wife...life indeed had come a full circle...

As they walked in the alley...towards the drive way...dr mallika was walking from the wards...her eyes red shot with unshed tears...and as they stood face to face...ashutosh put hus protective arm around nidhi n said un a calm voice " mallika. ..meet nidhi...now...now nidhi ashutosh..."and as nidhi looked up to face her opponent...mallika smiled...the smile of an injured snake...ready to spew venom..."congrats ashutosh ...so happy for u...but yaad rakhna dr nudhi kaafi injured hain...handle with care..."ashutosh's jaw tightened as he answered...his hand slipping around nidhi's bare arm..."mallika...dont worry...i know ...how i have to look after my wife...thank you...n yes i am on leave today...nidhi needs me..."and he walked out taking nidhi with him...without looking back...as dr mallika stood grinding her teeth...and pushing back her tears...years of pain..tears of insult..tears of injury n defeat...tears of a desolate lineliness...

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"She cant try...give bigger sizes..."it was an exasperated ashutosh almost yelling at the salesperson as nidhi put her hand in his trying to calm him down...as she picked a few kurtas n explained the left shoulder to be opened...and then moved to the lingerie section...conscious of dr ashutosh's presence...he made her more conscious as he dictated "take light stuff...off shoulders. .."and the salesman smiled as he pulled out sexy lingeries ...n dr ashutosh's face almost turned pink...nidhi tried to be calm as she said"string nightie...shoulder pe injury hai...n yes some strapless bras plz..."ashutosh tried to move away giving nidhi her personal space...but the over zealous sales girl said"yeh shade leejiye...aapke husband ko pasand aaygei..."n a purple nidhi just grabbed the undergarments n told her to pack the stuff...

A much relieved nidhi n an even more relaxed dr aahutosh came back to the car...as he askedwith hesitation..."i hope sab kuch ...ho gaya...any other stuff'??? N nidhi shook her head...as they drove out..."tum to pizza khaogi na"?? Asked ashutosh to which nidhi replied..."anything...kuch khaas man nahi hai...indian is also fine..."and ashutosh smiled..."lets go to yorks...multi cuisine. ..tum pizza khana...n i d have a club sandwich n coffee..."nidhi nodded as she added"chaliye cafe dilnawaaz chalte hain...yaad hai aapko..."and aahutosh held her fingers' sab yaad hai...ek ek lamha...tumhare sath ka..tumhare intezar ka...chalo..."and as nudhi smiled almost widely...ashutosh stopped the car in hazrat ganj"abhi aaya bus..."and as nidhi tried to look where he was going...he milled in the crowd...as she seemed a lil lost ...n when he returned...he found her disturbed...tears in her eyes...he held her chin"kya hua nidhi..."n she hicupped as she held his arm...''aap mujhe chode ke nahi jaaya kariye...i dont like it...darr lagta hai..."ashutosh patted her ...caressed her softly n whispered"main to bus yeh lene gaya tha...dekho"and from his pocket he took out a simple but lovely black n gold mangalsutra...that he put around nidhi's throat...his fingers grazing her flesh...n sending tremors all over...and then holding her face...and taking the mangalsutra ...raised it to his lips n kissed it...his eyes...deep ..determined n devoted...saying wordlessly ..no one..absolutely no one could separate them...ever...as he started the car...nidhi too held the mangalsutra n raised it to her lips...

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