Mish' Fiction

—

“Nidhi,” Armaan beamed on seeing Nidhi on the engagement day and gave her a side hug, “Thank you so much. Aakhir tumne sab theek kar hi diya.”

“Aap mujhe thank you kyon bol rahe hain, Dr. Armaan? This is so absurd,” Nidhi smiled sweetly.

“Thank you mere dost ko wapas zinda karne ke liye, Nidhi.”

“Kya baatein chal rahi hain tum dono ke beech?” Ashutosh came there wearing a broad smile, which announced his exhilaration.

“Main Nidhi se poochh raha tha ki mere saath bhaagne ka kya legi?”

“Dr. Armaan…” Nidhi blushed heavily at the joke.

“Usse tum mujhe nahin dara sakte, Armaan. She is quite a handful. Ghante bhar mein wapas kar jaoge tum,” Ashutosh’ unrestrained laughter and good humour brought a pleasant surprise to both Armaan and Nidhi.

Mathew walked in with his wife Roselyn and their six year old son George at that moment. His wife was also a doctor in orthopaedics department. Ashutosh went forward to welcome them.

“Hi Mathew, Roselyn. Thanks so much for coming,” Ashutosh welcomed him warmly.

“Honestly, Ashutosh, main yahan aate hue bhi Roselyn se kah raha tha ki it is some big, elaborate prank. Mujhe abhi bhi bharosa nahin ho raha hai…”

“Isliye to tumhein sab witness karne ko bulaya hai. Aao.”

Baba also welcomed Mathew. Mathew and Roselyn met Nidhi and congratualated her. Roselyn stayed with Nidhi, while Mathew, Armaan and Ashutosh went to the balcony with drinks.

Armaan volunteered to tell Ashutosh and Nidhi’s story to Mathew, “Aur Ashutosh. Jo gap rah jaye, woh tu fill kar dena.”

Ashutosh laughed, “Nahin. Jitna tujhe pata hai Armaan, woh kissi ko bhi batane ke liye kaafee hai.”

“Yes. Dr. Mathew. Baaki ki baatein private hain,” Armaan winked and they all laughed.

Mathew listened in silence and fascination as Armaan narrated the entire story as much as he knew.

—

“Are Anji. Ye itna saara kya dho kar le ja rahi hai?” Nidhi noticed Anji struggling with two huge baskets.

“Woh sab Dadi Bua se pooch, Nidhi. Kuchh rasmon ka saamaan hai. Aur Ye Dr. Armaan ko dena hai. Supposedly un logon ko le kar aana hai.”

“Achchha. Chal main teri madad karti hoon le jaane mein.”

“Tu rahne de, Nidhi.”

“Come on, Anji. Chal.”

Nidhi picked up the ligher basket and they walked to the balcony.

—

“So, as far as I read the situation, operation ke baad Nidhi ke father maan gaye,” Anji and Nidhi stopped in their tracks on hearing Mathew’s voice, “I can see where he is coming from. And it is probably an inappropriate question to ask today, Ashutosh. Lekin mujhe pahle kabhi mauka hi nahin diya tumne. Tumne faisla jaldbaazi mein to nahin le liya?”

“No. No. Dr. Mathew,” Armaan spoke before Ashutosh could, “Aapne is dono ko dekha nahin hai saath mein. Aur phir alag-alag – kitne dukhi rahe hain. These considerations don’t exist in their world.”

“Armaan is right, Mathew,” Ashutosh spoke slowly and firmly, “Pyaar koi len-den to nahin hota. Main itna jaanta hoon ki Nidhi ke saath main khush hoon. Baaki cheezein matter nahin karti.”

“That’s great, Ashutosh,” Mathew conceded.

“Ek baat aur hai. Maine kabhi khud socha nahin is baare mein. It was obvious to me ki agar Baba maan jaate hain to mere aur Nidhi ke raaste mein kuchh aur nahin aa sakta hai. Lekin logon ne itni baar mujhse mere decision ke baare mein poochha to main ek baat sochne par majboor ho gaya…”

Anji saw Nidhi stiffening and anxiouly listened to Ashutosh.

“… ki aakhir log is cheez ko itna importance kyon dete hain ki whether a woman can get pregnant or not. Mujhe realize hua ki aisa isliye hota hai ki log pregnancy aur motherhood ko one and the same maante hai. Lekin ye sahi nahin hai. Pregnancy is a biological phenomenon and for the life of mine, I can’t understand ki nature ne repoduction ke liye itna complicated aur painful tareeka kyon chuna hai. But motherhood is not pregnancy. Motherhood is about nurturing, caring, loving, educating… It is about helping a helpless and skill-less baby become capable and mature adult over time. Kitni auratein pregnant ho kar apne bachchon ko marne ke liye chhod deti hain. Chahe jo bhi wajah ho, ignorance, poverty, health. But do we like that? Do we want that? No. Pregnancy is not the most important thing. Motherhood is what is important. That is what we ideally want in our women. I think same goes for fatherhood too. Just because Nidhi pregnant nahin ho sakti, iska ye matlab nahin hai ki woh Maa nahin ban sakti, motherhood experience nahin kar sakti. In fact, I know that she will make an excellent mother. Tumne use bachchon ko handle karte to dekha hi hoga Mathew…”

Ashutosh stopped because he became conscious of Armaan and Mathew looking unblinkingly at him. He laughed slightly in embarrassment, “Sorry. Lagta hai ki philosophy kuchh zyada ho gayi. Andar chal kar aur drinks le lein…”

“No. No. Ashutosh,” Mathew objected, “Kuchh bhi zyada nahin hua hai. Nothing can be as simple, and as enlightening as this. I will be honest. Maine kabhi aise sawaal face nahin kiye khud ke liye. So, I wasn’t sure ki main tumhari jagah hota to kya faisla leta. Mujhe ye bhi shaq tha ki kahin tum aage ja kar regret na karo. Lekin tumne jo abhi kaha, it makes such perfect sense ki mujhe nahin lagta ki kissi ka bhi faisla tumse different hona chahiye.”

“Yaar Ashu. Tu to sach mein gaya,” Armaan said, “Philosopher, shayar, pata nahin kya-kya ban gaya hai ishq mein. Main sach bataun – mujhe bahut gussa aata tha tujh par. Kyonki mujhe lagta tha ki tune is rishte se peechhe hat kar, khud ki, aur Nidhi ki bhi, zindagi barbaad kar rakhi hai. Teri halat to din-raat dekhta hi tha. Jab kabhi Nidhi se baat ki, ye dekhna mushkil nahin tha ki outwardly brave ban kar bhi who andar se kitni udaas thi. Lekin jo bhi hua ho aaj tak, aaj tune khud ko meri nazaron mein to completely redeem kar liya hai. Seriously.”

Ashutosh smiled and Armaan continued, addressing Mathew now, “Mujhe lagta hai ki jo abhi Ashu ne kaha hai uska pamphlet banwa kar hamein desh ke saare hospitals ke gynacology departments mein bhijwa dena chahiye. Jo sar peetate couples aate hain na ki body allow kare na kare, bachche paida karne hi hai, un sabko padhwa dena chahiye. Bahuton ka bhala hoga. Kyon Dr. Mathew?”

They all laughed and the seriousness of the situation dissolved. Armaan noticed Nidhi and Anji standing at the entrance of the balcony. Anji’s eyes were also moist, but Nidhi’s tears were uncontrollable. They were flowing down her cheeks freely.

“Offo,” Armaan pretended to be annoyed, “Ye humne kise rula diya?” That drew the attention of Ashutosh and Mathew also towards the girls.

Nidhi put down the basket on a table lying nearby and wiped her tears. But even as she smiled coyly, the tears refused to stop. Ashutosh looked at her fondly and helplessly. What was he to say or do with so many people around? Armaan silently motioned Anji and Mathew and they all walked into the party hall leaving Ashutosh and Nidhi alone.

Ashutosh went to Nidhi and held her by her upper arms, “Ro kyon rahi ho? Aisa kya kah diya maine?”

Nidhi smiled through her tears, “Iske liye pareshaan hone ki zaroorat nahin hai. Khushi ke aansoon hain.”

“Bahut mushkil hai, Nidhi. Main to tumhein hanste hue dekhna chahta hoon. Lekin tumhein dard deta hoon phir bhi roti ho. Khushi deta hoon phir bhi roti ho. Aise to main confused ho jaunga?”

Nidhi chuckled, “Confuse hone ki zaroorat nahin hai. Kuchh alag karne ki bhi zaroorat nahin hai. Aap bas jaise hain, waise hi rahiye. Usse hi main bahut khush hoon.”

“Tum bhi, Nidhi. Jaisi ho, best ho,” Ashutosh replied and pulled her in his arms.

– The End –

—

“Haan Bua. Achchha hi to hai na. Nidhi ka khayaal rakhne ke liye Dr. Ashutosh aas paas honge… Ab Bua… ye kaisi zidd hai? Abhi itni jaldbaazi mein shaadi kaise ho sakti hai? Aur Nidhi ke liye bhi sahi nahin hai. Abhi-abhi operation… Nahin Bua… Logon ko jo kahna hai kahne dijiye. Mujhe bas Nidhi ki chinta hai…”

“Kya hua, Bhai Sahab?” Shayama asked after Yograj had disconnected the call.

“Bua thi. Ab unhein is baat ki chinta khaye ja rahi hai ki Dr. Ashutosh Delhi aayenge, ye dono aas paas rahenge, to log kya kahenge? Unki shaadi ho jaani chahiye. Ab aap bataiye, ye koi samay hai shaadi ka? Abhi operation ke baad theek bhi nahin hui hai Nidhi, uski padhai ka itna nuksaan pahle hi hua hai. Dr. Ashutosh ke paas bhi time hoga ya nahin…”

“Aapki baat to sahi hai. Abhi shaadi ke liye jaldbaazi theek nahin hai.”

“Wahi to. Lekin Bua ko kaun samjhaye…”

Just then Shayama’s mobile rang. She looked at the number and informed Yograj, “Aapke ghar se hai. Bua hongi…”

Yograj pressed his palm to his forehead in frustration.

“Namaste Bua,” Shayama greeted her cordially and prepared for the unavoidable barrage from the other side, “Lekin Bua… Suniye to. Delhi bahut bada shahar hai. Kissi ko kissi se koi matlab nahin hota. Koi kuchh nahin kahega… Haan. Haan. Main aapki baat samajh rahi hoon…. Achchha theek hai…. Theek hai. Main dekhti hoon. Aap aise pareshaan mat hoiye….”

“Phir se wahi baat?” Yograj asked Shayama impatiently. She nodded.

“Baba. Inki engagement karwa dete hain. Compromise ka raasta. Dadi Bua ki baat bhi rah jayega,” Anji offered a solution at which both Shyama and Yograj jumped.

“Ye achchha idea hai. Thoda to Bua ko bhi peechhe hatna hi padega,” Yograj said.

“Chaliye. Hospital chal kar Nidhi se bhi baat kar lete hain. Aur phir Dr. Ashutosh ko phone kar denge,” Shyama suggested. Ashutosh had gone back to Lucknow to wrap up his work at Kotnis, find a replacement and ensure that his leaving won’t cause any disruptions.

—

Nidhi and Ashutosh agreed to the idea of engagement. It was decided that it will be done in Delhi the weekend before Ashutosh was to join AIIMS. They had six weeks in hand. Anji went back to Lucknow because she couldn’t take any more time off from her job. Shayam convinced Yograj also to go back to look after the business. She stayed back to be with Nidhi, who was still recovering. Ashutosh would come to Delhi on one of the weekends and make arrangements for a small engagement ceremony. Only close family and friends were supposed to be there.

—

“Waise to hamein Delhi mein kissi ko invite karne ki zaroorat nahin hai. Lekin Dr. Mathew ko to karna hi chahiye. Who mere boss hain aur hum teenon log saath mein kaam karenge. To unhein pata hona chahiye.” Nidhi told Ashutosh when he came to Delhi.

“Haan. And it’s going to be odd…” Ashutosh replied.

“Odd? Kyon?”

“Kyonki, Dr. Nidhi Verma, aapki harquaton se unhein aisa laga tha ki you have a huge crush on me aur…”

Nidhi giggled, “Crush? Khair theek hai. Phir to it won’t be a surprise to him.”

“What won’t be a surprise? Jab main pichhli baar yahan aaya tha to usne mujhse ye kaha tha and then I had, of course, rubbished it.”

“Hmm…”

“To Dr. Mathew ko invite to karna hi hai. Aur who aap karengi.”

“Kya? Main? Nahin. Ye kya baat hui… Woh aapke dost hain.”

“Woh aapke boss hain. Ye zyada important hai,” Ashutosh was not giving in.

“Not fair, Dr. Ashutosh,” Nidhi pouted.

“Abhi meri unfairness ke baare mein tumhein kuchh pata hi kahan hai,” Ashutosh joked suggestively. Nidhi blushed so hard that she forgot to to retort.

—

“Good Morning, Sir,” Nidhi greeted Mathew.

“Good Morning Dr. Nidhi. So, you are fit and fine now. Back to work?”

“Yes Sir.”

“Lekin try to take it easy. Abhi poori tarah se theek hone mein aapko time lagega. Main administrator se kah doonga aapki night duties wagerah na lagayen. But you should also take care and not over-exert yourself.”

“Thank you, Sir. Main dhyaan rakhoongi. Aur…”

“Yes?”

“Mujhe aapko invite karna tha…”

“Kis cheez ke liye?”

“Meri engagement…”

Mathew was visibly surprised, “Engagement? Aapki? Abhi? You mean engagement for getting married?”

“Yes Sir. Aur kaun si engagement hogi?”

“Yes – of course…” Mathew grinned. But an engagement right after a uterus removal operation didn’t quite fit in the usual schemes of the world! And as far as he knew, she didn’t have any boyfriends. Did her parents manage to find someone…

“Congratulations,” he said gathering his thoughts, “Though I must admit, I am very surprised. It’s so sudden. Kaam ke beech mein aapko kissi se milne ka mauka kaise mil gaya? Ya aapke parents ne…”

“Nahin… Parents nahin… Milne ka mauka mil gaya. Thanks to you…” Nidhi mumbled.

This puzzled Mathew even more, “Thanks to me… I don’t see ki aap aisa mazaak kyon karengi, lekin aap mazaak kar rahi hain, right? There is no engagement…”

“No. No… Oh my God!” Nidhi cried, “Main koi mazaak nahin kar rahi. But ab main aapko aur kuchh explain nahin kar sakti. Engagement hai. Hotel Continental mein. Chhoti se party hai. Humne zyada logon ko invite nahin kiya hai. Isliye koi printed invitation card nahin hai. Aap please apni wife ke saath zaroor aaiyega. Barah baje din mein. Next Sunday. Main aapko details e-mail bhi kar doongi. Aur baaki sab aap Dr. Ashutosh se poochh lijiye.” She said everything in one breath as if she won’t be able to speak again if she stopped.

“Dr. Ashutosh?”Mathew was not only surprised or puzzled now, but positively shocked, “What does Ashutosh have to do with this?”

—

To be continued

“Ouch!”Nidhi tried to sit up too quickly and felt an acute pain.

“Sambhaal ke, Nidhi,” Ashutosh hadn’t left her bedside since she had been operated upon, “Itni jaldbaazi mein kyon rahti ho har waqt?”

“Main bistar par pade-pade tang aa gayi hoon.”

“Poori duniya kaam kar-kar ke tang aa gayi hai. Sabko aaraam ka mauka chahiye aur tumhein woh mauka mila hai to tum uski izzat hi nahin karti.”

“Aap kab tak rukenge yahan?”

“Ek hafta ho chuka hai, Nidhi. Parson mujhe wapas jaana hoga. Hospital ka kaam itna ignore nahin karna chahiye…”

“Mujhe bhi wapas jaana hai Lucknow.”

“Pahle to tumhein recover karna hai, aur phir jitni padhai chhooti hai, use catch up karna hai.”

“Nahin Dr. Ashutosh… Mujhse ab aur kuchh nahin hoga… Main… Main wapas Lucknow jaana chahti hoon.”

“Lucknow kahin bhaaga thode hi na ja raha hai, Nidhi.”

“Aap to bhaage ja rahe hain na wapas Lucknow?”

Ashutosh smiled patronizingly, “Pagli. Ab kya problem hai?  I promise, main Lucknow pahunchte hi naya mobile loonga aur use 24/7 on rakhoonga.”

“Aapke liye woh kaafee hai kya? Mere liye nahin hai. Agar mujhe ab aapke saath aur meri padhai ke beech ek ko chunna hai, to main aapko chunoongi.”

“Nahin Nidhi,” Ashutosh turned serious, “No more sacrifices. Bahut ho gaya. Isse koi khush nahin rahta. Already humne bahut sacrifices kiye hain. Aur shayad meri hi wajah se… Maine kabhi situation ko face karne ki koshish hi nahin ki. Aur tumhein bhi aisa hi karne par majboor kar diya. Mujhe kuchh confess karna hai Nidhi… Tumhare saamne, aur khud ke bhi.”

“Kya?”

“Jab main peechhe mud kar dekhta hoon, to mujhe ahsaas hota hai ki maine kabhi Baba ko manane ki koshish bhi nahin ki. Pahle hi haar maan li. Aisa isliye hua ki kahin na kahin main insecure feel karta tha. Mujhe lagta tha ki I may not be the right one for you. I am too old. Isliye main peechhe hat gaya. Aur tum… tum mujh par itna bharosa karti thi ki bina koi sawaal poochhe meri baat maanti gayi. Deep down mujhe lagta tha ki mujhse door ja kar, you will move on. Main galat tha, Nidhi, aur jab tak main tumse yahan nahin mila tha, mujhe ahsaas nahin hua tha ki tum kitna tadpi ho, kitna pareshaan rahi ho. I am sorry, Nidhi. I am really sorry. Aur ab main dubara kabhi tumhein koi sacrifice karne par majboor nahin karoonga.”

“Mujhe bhi nahin karna aur koi sacrifice. Isliye to main aapke saath jaana chahti hoon.”

“Nidhi. No sacrifice means no sacrifice. Tumhare career ka bhi sacrifice nahin…”

“Lekin…”

“Meri poori baat suno. Tumhein Lucknow aane ki zaroorat nahin hai, Nidhi. Main Delhi shift ho jaunga, jab tak tumhari padhai poori nahin hoti hai.”

“Ji?” Nidhi was shocked.

“Dr. Mathew aur meri jaan-pahchaan ke jo aur log AIIMS mein hain, who sab kahte hain ki I should join this place. To usmein koi problem nahin hogi.”

“Lekin aap to Lucknow se bahar nahin rahna chahte…”

“Tumhare meri zindagi mein aane ke baad ek baat maine seekhi hai, Nidhi, ki hamara present aur future, past se zyada important hota hai. Lucknow main apne past ki wajah se nahin chhodna chahta tha. Lekin agar mera future mere Lucknow chhodne se behtar rahega, to main kyon na chhodoon? Aur waise bhi ye permanent thode hi na hai. Kuchh saalon ki baat hai. Padhai khatam hone ke baad to tum bhi wapas jaana chahogi, hai na?”

Nidhi smiled and nodded.

“Main tumhein ab hamesha khush dekhna chahta hoon, Nidhi.”

“Aur main aaj is duniya mein sabse khush, aur sabse khushkismat ladki hoon!”

Ashutosh was overwhelmed. He brought her hands to his lips and kissed them. Nidhi blushed furiously.

—

To be continued

“Tum comfortable ho na, Nidhi? Dar to nahin rahi?” Ashutosh asked her. The operation was scheduled for that evening.

Nidhi smiled and shook her head.

“Aur…” Ashutosh hesitated. He wasn’t sure how to bring the matter up with her.

“Aur?”

“Aur Nidhi,” he took a deep breath and decided to talk straight, “Tum ye baat yaad rakhna ki ye opeation sirf ek medical problem ko door karne ka tareeka hai. Iske baad tumhari problem solve ho jayegi. Isse aur kuchh nahin badlega. Isse tum nahin badlogi, Nidhi.”

“Aap kya kah rahe hain, meri samajh mein nahin aa raha hai,” Nidhi didn’t know that Anji had spoken to him. So, she genuinely couldn’t figure out where he was coming from.

“Nidhi,”Ashutosh held her hands and pressed them, “Nidhi. You are a wonderful woman. The most wonderful woman in the world. Aur jo bhi ladka tumhari zindagi mein aayega, woh bahut khushkismat hoga. Tum kabhi bhi ye mat samajhna ki is operation ki wajah se tumhari zindagi ruk gayi hai. Tum… tum meri baat samajh rahi ho na?”

“Ye ek doctor ki rationality bol rahi hai Dr. Ashutosh,” Nidhi was sad, but firm as she replied, “Logon ki khushiyan, unki wishes hamesha itni rational nahin ho sakti. Aur mujhe lagta bhi nahin ki hamein khud ko itna rational banana chahiye, ya doosron se itni rationality expect karni chahiye ki woh hamare aur unke gale ki phaans ban jaye. Main kissi se ye expect nahin karti. Khud se bhi nahin. Kissi aur se bhi nahin. Aapse bhi nahin.”

—

To be continued

“Yeah. Aap log please wait kijiye,” Doctor said as she went inside the room.

All of them stayed silent, absorbed in their own thoughts while the doctor was inside.

“She is all right,” Doctor’s announcement brought them out of their reveries, “Diagnosis ka result aap logon ko pata hi hai. And you know the implications of the operation. Uterus removal ke baad she can’t get pregnant. Lekin agar remove nahin kiya to pain hota rahega. Aur ek saal se zyada operation nahin taal sakte. To aap log uske hisaab se hi decide kar lein.”

Baba, Anji and Shyama – all turned pale and were tongue-tied.

“Thank you, Doctor,” Ashutosh took charge of the situation and addressed Baba after the doctor left, “Baba. Main jaanta hoon ki aap log shocked hain, pareshaan hai. Lekin is waqt sabse zyada vulnerable Nidhi hai. Agar aap log aise pareshaan ho kar uske saamne jayenge to woh phir se ghabra jayegi. Isliye please, aap log aisa mat kijiye. Nidhi ki zindagi se badh kar to kuchh nahin hai. Aur aap logon ko bhi use ye mahsoos karwana hai. Use aisa nahin lagna chahiye ki is problem, ya is operation ki wajah se usmein kissi tarah ki koi kami aa gayi hai. Aisa mental trauma, physical problems se zyada khatarnaak saabit ho sakta hai. Aap samajh rahe hain na ki main kya kah raha hoon?” It was the experienced doctor speaking. Over the years, Ashutosh had consoled, encouraged, pacified and motivated a large number of distressed parents, whose children were under his care. He had summoned all his learnings from those experiences for that little speech of his.

“Tum theek kah rahe ho, Dr. Ashutosh,” Baba agreed, “Bhabhi ji, Anji – hamein bilkul bhi aisi ruansi shakal nahin banani chahiye uske saamne.”

“Ji Baba,” Anji agreed and Shyama also nodded.

“Aap log jaiye. Main…” Ashutosh didn’t know what he was going to do, but he didn’t think he’d be welcomed there any longer, with Baba around…

“Agar tumhare paas samay hai, Dr. Ashutosh, to meri request hai ki tum bhi hamare saath raho. Nidhi ko hi nahin, hum sab logon ko… sahare ki zaroorat hai.”

“Ismein request ki kya baat hai. Main to yahin ruka hua hi hoon. AIIMS ke guest house mein. Aap log chaliye. Main bas do minute mein aata hoon.”

Baba nodded and everyone went inside the room.

Ashtuosh returned soon with a tray in his hand. He had brought tea. Shyama noticed that and stood up with a start. “Aapko ye karne ki kya zaroorat thi, Dr. Ashutosh?” she said and took the tray from him. She motioned Anji, who served the tea to everyone.

“Koi takalluf ki baat nahin hai, Mrs. Solanki. Aap log thake hue the to main chai le aaya. Button daba kar hi to laana tha,” he said with a smile and could not help throwing a knowing glance at Nidhi. Nidhi looked grateful and overwhelmed. He was taking care of her as well as her family. Ashutosh assured her with slight nod and blink. She smiled.

Ashutosh brought up the matter of night-stay after they had finished tea over regular chit-chat. “Baba. Raat mein aap logon ke yahan rukne ki zaroorat nahin hai. Aap log pareshaan aur thake hue lag rahe hain. Mere khayaal se aap ghar chale jaiye.”

“Nahin, Dr. Ashutosh. Hum iske liye hi to aaye hain. Hum yahin rukenge,” Shayama objected.

“Main jaanta hoon. Isliye kah raha hoon ki jab zaroorat nahin hai tab khud ko exert kar ke fayda nahin hai. Abhi aap logon ko yahan rukna padega kuchh din. Operation ke samay sabki zaroorat hogi. Aaj zaroorat nahin hai. Nidhi aaraam se so jayegi yahan. Waise bhi woh ghar se zyada time yahin bitati hai, kyon Nidhi?” he smiled as he threw that question at Nidhi.

“Lekin…”

“Aap log please meri baat maaniye. Nidhi – ghar ki chaabhi kahan hai?”

“Anji. Mere purse ke aage waali pocket mein hai. Nikaal le please. Tu aur Auntie mere bed par so jaana. Baba ke liye hall mein futon hai, jo woh hamesha use karte hain. Aur mere mobile mein Khaana-Khazaana restaurant ka number hai. Woh note kar le. Wahan se dinner ki home-delivery karwa lena,” Nidhi said.

Ashutosh looked at her appreciatively. Despite her own anxieties, she was playing the dutiful host.

Shyama could not help thinking how Ashutosh and Nidhi sounded like a perfect couple – complementing each other. Ashutosh cajoling them to go home for night and Nidhi working out their sleeping and food arrangement.

—

“Bhai Sahab,” Shyama addressed Yograj after they had their dinner, “Bura na maanein to ek baat kahun Nidhi ke baare mein.”

“Zaroor kahiye, Bhabhi ji. Nidhi ke baare mein aap kuchh sochein to ismein bura lagne ki kya baat hogi?”

“Dr. Ashutosh aur Nidhi ke rishte ko lekar jo aapke objections hain, woh jayaz hain. Lekin ye bhi sach hai ki kabhi-kabhi kuchh rishte hamari aam kasautiyon se pare hote hain. Ek saal se zyada ho gaya hai jo woh dono ek doosre se nahin mile hain, hai na Anji?” She looked and Anji for confirmation and continued on getting a nod from her, “Anji ki shaadi mein bhi Dr. Ashutosh nahin aaye the. Aur mera khayaal hai ki aisa unhone Nidhi ko avoid karne ke liye hi kiya tha. Lekin phir bhi aaj jo maine un donon ke beech dekha, mujhe lagta nahin ki woh rishta toot payega.”

“Mummy theek kah rahi hain, Baba,” Anji also spoke, “I am sorry agar aapko mera bolna achchha na laga ho. Lekin main Nidhi ki best friend hoon. Bachpan se jaanti hoon use. Mujhe nahin lagta ki woh Dr. Ashutosh ko bhool payegi. Itne din ho gaye aur woh Lucknow aane ko raazi nahin hoti. Aise kaise kaam chalega, Baba?”

“Aap dono ki baat main samajh raha hoon. Lekin baaki sab concerns ko ek taraf rakh bhi doon main, tab bhi ek baat mere man se nahin jaati. Shaadi zindagi bhar ka saath hota hai, Bhabhi ji. Agar ek arse ke baad, kissi ek ko akela rahna pade, to woh bahut mushkil hota hai. Aur agar do logon mein umra ka itna faasla ho to iski possibility badh jaati hai ki unmein se ek ko kai saalon tak…”

“Bura mat maaniyega, Bhai Sahab. Lekin mujhe lagta hai ki kiska saath kitne dinon ka hai, ye oopar waale ke haath mein hai. Agar umra se iska faisla hota to kya Bhabhi ji aapki itni jaldi chhod kar jaati? Aur iske baawzood agar aapko apni zindagi dubara jeena ka mauka mile to kya aap unke alawa kissi aur ko apna jeevan-saathi banana chahenge?”

Yograj sighed. He thought for a while before speaking, “Aap theek kah rahi hain. Maine, shayad, galti kar di hai. Main Nidhi se kal hi baat karoonga. Raksha mein hatya ho gai hai mere haathon. Nidhi kitni dukhi rahi hai Lucknow se aane ke baad se, ye bhi to mujhse chhipa nahin hi hai. Main sochta tha ki nayi jagah par, naye logon ke beech woh aage badh jayegi. Bhool jayegi Dr. Ashutosh ko. Lekin aisa nahin hua. Uske pyaar ko bachpana samajh kar maine theek nahin kiya.”

Shyama and Anji smiled and nodded in agreement.

—

“Thank you,” Nidhi said when Ashutosh came back to her room after getting Baba, Anji and Shyama a taxi for home.

“Ye kis liye?”

“Sabka khayaal rakhne ke liye. Aapko to pata hi hai ki Baba kitna ghabra gaye honge.”

“Haan. Aur us par se tum hosh mein aate hi rone lagi. Bechare ghabrate nahin to aur kya hota?” Ashutosh chided her, as he looked at her charts and reports.

He had expected a rejoinder, but Nidhi fell silent instead. The surprised and worried him. He put the reports back in their place and faced her, “Hey. Nidhi. Kya hua? Main mazaak kar raha tha. Bura maan gayin kya?”

“Nahin,” Nidhi forced a smile on herself, “Mujhe pata hai ki aap mazaak kar rahe the. Khair. Ab aapko bhi aaraam karna chahiye. It has been quite a day.”

“Tum so jao. Main bahar rahunga. Koi zaroorat ho to aawaaz laga dena.”

Nidhi was surprised, “Nurse hai na. Aap kyon rukenge? Aap guest house wapas chale jaiye.”

Ashutosh just smiled, “Main bahar hoon.”

“Rukiye,” Nidhi stopped him, “Bahar to kuchh hai bhi nahin jis par aap let sakein. Aap andar hi rahiye. At least ye sofa hai kamre  mein…”

“Nahin Nidhi…”

“Aapki zidd hai to main aapse zyada ziddi hoon.”

Ashutosh sighed. “Yeah. I know,” he murmured. Then he went to her and helped her ease into the bed. He pulled up her bedcover and tucked her in, like he would do to the kids in the ward. He switched off the lights near her bed. The ones in the corners of the room were still switched on, and he let those be.

As he made his way to the sofa, Nidhi did not let him see that she had tears in her eyes. How considerate and careful he could be! He made everyone comfortable, refused to leave her side, humoured her when she asked him to take the sofa, switched off the lights that would have inconvenienced her, but took care to not let the room get dark – the room that they were sharing! She quietly wiped her tears, as he lied down on the sofa.

—

To be continued

Anji managed to find a flight in two hours and they landed in Delhi before Nidhi woke up.

“Baba!” Nidhi spotted him as soon as she opened her eyes. Anji and Shyama also came to her on finding her awake.

“Nidhi. Beta tum theek to ho na?” Baba was very worried.

Nidhi didn’t reply. She clutched Baba’s hands and started crying.

“Nidhi. Kya hua? Dard ho raha hai? Main doctor ko bulata hoon.”

“Baba. Main bulati hoon. Aap rukiye,” Anji said.

“Nahin Anji. Tum Nidhi ke paas baitho,” Baba insisited. He thought that Nidhi might want to talk to the women.

Shyama and Anji both tried to comfort Nidhi, but she kept crying.

Baba met the nurse on his way to the doctor’s cabin and told her that Nidhi was awake and probably in pain. The nurse rushed to the room. Baba went on to get the doctor.

“Kya baat hai Nidhi? Kuchh bol to… Dard ho raha hai?”Anji tried to comfort her.

“Dr. Ashutosh…” Nidhi murmured.

“Dr. Ashutosh?” Anji was surprised and looked at Shayama. Neither of them knew what to say or do. Why was she looking for Dr. Ashutosh in Delhi? Was she not fully conscious? Was something wrong?

“Dr. Mathew ke kamre mein wait kar rahe hain. Main unhein bula kar laati hoon,” the nurse said surprising them even further.

“Dr. Ashutosh yahan hain?” Anji looked at Nidhi questioningly. Nidhi continued crying and didn’t say anything.

Ashutosh came running and reached there before Baba and doctor did.

“Namaste,” he greeted Shyama; then addressed Anji, “Hello Anji.”

“Hello Dr. Ashutosh. Aap yahan?”

“Ek guest lecture dene ke liye aaya tha.”

“Oh!” Anji recalled that Rangnath had told her about Dr. Ashutosh being  out of station. But she did not know he was in Delhi. And in AIIMS.

“Anji. Hum bahar chal kar Bhai Sahab ko dekhte hain,” Shayama decided to leave Ashutosh and Nidhi alone.

“Nidhi bahut pain mein hai, Dr. Ashutosh. Jab se aankhein kholi hai roye ja rahi hai,” Anji told him before leaving the room.

Ashutosh nodded to acknowledge her worry and waited till they had left. Then he went and sat beside Nidhi on the bed.

He took her hand in his and she clutched it hard, the way she had done with Baba and Anji earlier. He had guessed that it wasn’t the pain that was bothering her.

“Dar lag raha hai?” he asked softly.

She nodded.

“Ghabrane ki koi baat nahin hai, Nidhi. Tumhein pata hai ki ye theek ho jayega. Aur operation bilkul safe hai.”

Nidhi didn’t share what was really bothering her. But his presence calmed her down.

Shyama stopped him when Baba came back with the doctor.

“Ruk jaiye, Bhai Sahab. Thodee der baad jaate hain.”

“Kyon? Nidhi akeli kyon hai? Use dard ho raha tha.”

“Dr. Ashutosh andar hain,” Anji didn’t beat around the bush.

“Dr. Ashutosh?” Baba was shocked, “Yahan? Kaise?”

“Woh sab baad mein bataungi, Baba. Lekin Nidhi unke liye poochh rahi thi baar baar. I think… we should wait,” Anji knew why Baba was against Nidhi’s and Dr. Ashutosh’ relationship. Like Nidhi, she also acknowledged so far that he meant well. But today the way she had seen Nidhi pine for Ashutosh, she was affected much more by her suffering than by Baba’s good intentions. So, she was unsually sharp while speaking to Baba and stopping him from interfering. Baba noticed that, but did not say anything.

Ashutosh came out soon and was at first unsettled to see Baba. He wasn’t sure how he would react. He greeted him and then explained his presence, “Main yahan ek guest lecture dene ke liye aaya tha. Ittefaaq se Nidhi se mulaaquaat ho gayi aur maine notice kiya ki she was in pain. Isliye checkup ke liye le aaya.”

“Thank you, Dr. Ashutosh. Kahne ko doctor hai, lekin apna khayaal rakhna use aata nahin.”

Ashutosh nodded and said, “Woh theek hai. Dard nahin ho raha use. Bas ghabra gayi thi. Doctor aap please check kar lijiye,“ he addressed the gynaecologist.

—

To be continued

Mathew was unaware of the storm lurking behind their seemingly normal bearings. “Ashutosh. Ye bhi ek reason hai ki mujhe lagta hai tumhein teaching mein aana chahiye. Ye Dr. Nidhi Verma. Kamaal ki training di hai tumne inhein. Waise to khud bhi PG student hi hain, lekin ward mein MBBS interns inse itna darte hain jitna ki mujhse bhi nahin darte. Mazaal hai ki koi paanch minute bhi der se aaye. Ya zara bhi apni duty shirk kare. Aur khud to ye hamesha samay ke pahle hi taiyaar rahti hain. Aur haan – apni in saari aadaton ka credit tumhein deti hain. Kyon Dr. Nidhi?”

Nidhi smiled nervously, “Sir aap bhi… Hello, Dr. Ashutosh. Aap kaise hain?” she kept up the pretence by asking expected question.

“Main theek hoon. Aur aap?” he followed the suit.

She gulped slightly before replying, “I am fine.”

“Dr. Nidhi. Aapse ek favour chahiye tha,” Mathew said.

“Yes Sir?”

“Dr. Ashutosh yahan ek guest lecture dene ke liye aaye hain. Aur mujhe abhi unhein lunch par le jaana hai. Lekin meri ek urgent lunch meeting schedule ho gayi hai. To main ja nahin sakta. Taste of Delhi restaurant mein do logon ke liye table booked hai. Agar aap lunch time par free ho to kya aap Dr. Ashutosh ko host kar sakti hain?”

“Ji?” Nidhi looked at Ashutosh unsurely. But he looked impassive. “Main free hoon,” she said hesitatingly, “In fact post-lunch bhi meri duty nahin hai. To koi problem nahin hogi.”

“That’s great then. Ashutosh. Tumhein ek taxi mili hui hai, right? Aap log use use kar sakte hain.”

“Okay, Dr. Mathew. Waise main aapko ye project reports dene aayi thi,” Nidhi handed him a file.

“Yeah. Thanks. Main ise padh loonga.”

“Chalein, Dr. Ashutosh? Ek baj rahe hain, lunch ka time to ho hi gaya hai.”

“Yeah.”

—

They were quiet during the short drive to the restaurant. They had met after more than year. A lot had been done in between, and very little said. Ashutosh had cast her away from his life. It wasn’t easy to break the ice and the presence of driver made it impossible.

But as soon as they were seated, Ashutosh could not bear the silence any longer. “I am sorry,” he blurted.

“Kis liye?” she tried hard to control it, but her voice quivered.

“Yeah,” he spoke, his guilt apparent, “Bahut saari cheezon ke liye. Jo maine kiya, aur jo main kar raha hoon, sirf isliye ki mujhe nahin pata hai ki what can I do better.”

They were interrupted by the waiter who served them the water and asked them if they wanted to go a-la-carte or for the buffet. Ashutosh looked at Nidhi.

“Buffet,” she told the waiter. That would give them more time to themselves without any interruptions. They served themselves soup and salad and came back to their table.

“Aapne mujhe bataya bhi nahin ki aap yahan aa rahe hain?” Nidhi questioned him.

Ashutosh nodded, but stayed silent.

“Agar main abhi Dr. Mathew ke office mein nahin aati to mujhe pata bhi nahin chalta…”

“Nidhi, please!” Ashutosh pleaded. He had no answers for her.

She stopped talking and started sipping her soup. They went through the motion of having their lunch without talking further.

“Aapke paas abhi time hai?” she finally asked when they came out of the restaurant.

“Haan. Meri flight raat mein hai.”

“Ghar chalenge aap?”

“Ghar?”

“Well – ek bedroom ka chhota sa flat hai…”

“Lagta hai PG students ki salary badh gayi hai,” Ashutosh joked, “Akele flat le kar rah rahi ho?” It was unsual for PG students to stay on their own. Typically they would share accommoation with other students.

“Baba pay par rahe hain iske liye.”

“Hmm.. Chalo phir.”

The little joke about the salary had finally broken the ice. But they stayed silent during the drive because of the driver.

“Mujhse bahut naaraaz ho, Nidhi?” Ashutosh asked her after they reached her home.

“Aapse naraaz ho kar kissi ka kya kar loongi main?” Nidhi replied sadly.

“I want you to move on, Nidhi. I want you to be happy.”

Her eyes grew moist on hearing that.

“Nidhi…”

“Dr. Ashutosh. Duniya mein do log hain jinse main bahut pyaar karti hoon.  Aur itni khushkismat hoon ki woh do log bhi mujhse bahut pyaar karte hain. Hamesha meri bhalai ki sochte hain. Lekin phir bhi – woh dono jo aaj kar rahe hain, use mujhe khushi milne ki jagah sirf pain mil raha hai. Hurt ho rahi hoon main. Unke intention mein to koi burai nahin hai. Main unse shikayat bhi nahin kar sakti. To iska matlab to ye hua na ki mujhme hi kuchh galat hai? Mujhme hi koi kami hai ki mere aas paas itna pyaar hote hue bhi main khush nahin hoon? Bataiye na, Dr. Ashutosh? Kya galat hai mujhme? Baba bhi meri bhalai chahte hain; aap bhi. Lekin phir bhi main khush kyon nahin hoon?” Tears started flowing out of her eyes unhindered.

“Oh God!” Ashutosh shut his eyes in pain. How miserable she was, and how poignantly she had managed to convey it. Then he went to her and pulled her in his arms, “I had no idea… I am ashamed to admit, Nidhi, ki main apne dard mein, apni pareshaaniyon mein itna kho gaya ki kabhi socha hi nahin ki maine tumhein akele chhod diya hai. I am so sorry. I am really sorry, Nidhi. Main bahut sharminda hoon. Main bilkul andha ho gaya tha…”

“Aapne apna phone kyon disconnect karwaya?” Nidhi demanded after they broke the hug.

“Main… Mujhe laga… Ab main kya explain karoon, Nidhi? Obviously main galat tha. Jaise main soch raha tha, woh galat tha…”

“Lekin soch kya rahe the aap? Dr. Rangnath ko promise kar ke bhi aap wedding mein nahin aaye… Phir ghar se bhi gayab the… Aur uske baad…”

“Nidhi. Jis wajah se maine aane ka waada kiya tha, usi wajah se use tod bhi diya. Main taiyaar hua tha wedding mein aane ke liye. Kyonki main tumhein dekhna chahta tha, tumse milna chahta tha. Lekin aakhiri waqt par mujhe realize hua ki jo kuchh main kar raha hoon, usse tumhare Baba ko jo waada kiya tha woh tod raha hoon. Isliye shaadi mein nahin aaya. Phone disconnect karwa diya kyonki mujhe laga ki hamara phone par baatein karna, rather chup rahna, bhi sahi nahin tha. Jab tak tum Lucknow mein thi, utna waqt maine khud ko, hum dono ko diya tha… Lekin uske baad… Main khud par to sakht ho hi raha tha. Lekin maine ye nahin socha ki tum par kitna sakht ho raha tha main.”

“Phone katwa kar aapne mere saath bahut bura kiya, Dr. Ashutosh,” all the annoyance that she had kept buried inside her all these days was coming out now. She hadn’t been able to share it with even Anji or Armaan, “Aapko pata hai main kitna tadpi hoon aapki awaaz ek baar sunne ke liye? Sirf woh ‘hello’ jo aap bolte the. Kabhi-kabhi woh bhi nahin bolte the. Bas phone utha kar apna kaam karte rahte the. Lekin usse mujhe kitna sukoon milta tha. Aap bahut bure hain. Bahut bure hain. Bahut galat kiya aapne mere saath,” Nidhi complained and started crying again.

“Nidhi. Please, please rona band karo. Suno – main abhi tumhare saath chal kar naya connection leta hoon. Pre-paid immediately mil jayega na. Tumhare naam se le lenge. Tumhara to address proof bhi hoga. Abhi chalo…”

“Ye Delhi ka number hoga. Lucknow mein roaming par rahega.”

“To kya hua? Chalega to hai na. Chalo abhi mere saath…”

Nidhi smiled finally, “Uski zaroorat nahin hai, Dr. Ashutosh. Mujhe aap par bharosa hai. Aap Lucknow ja kar naya number le lijiyega. Abhi bas aap baithiye. Jo thoda samay hai, main aapke saath bitaana chahti hoon. Main aapke liye chai laun?”

“Button daba kar?” Ashutosh asked playfully.

“Nahin. Paani electric kettle mein garm kar ke usmein tea-bag daal kar.”

Ashutosh laughed and nodded.

—

To be continued

How could a simple decision about accepting or declining an invitation for a guest lecture be so agonising? But it was so for Ashutosh. The e-mail with the invitation had come from Dr. Mathew, whom he had known for several years. Mathew had recently joined the pediatrics department at AIIMS and wanted Ashutosh to give a lecture in his class. Typically such requests were honoured in the profession. But this was for AIIMS. And it meant…

He re-read the e-mail. It was for the first year students. Nidhi would be in her second year now. He would be able to avoid her, he told himself, and sent his acceptance.

—

“Ashutosh. That was a great lecture. You should be in an insittute like this. Achchhe teachers ki bahut zaroorat hai is profession mein. Being a good teacher, along with being a good doctor is so rare. Students tumhein sach mein sun rahe the, yaar. It was too good,” Ashutosh was in Mathew’s office after delivering the lecture.

“You are going overboard, Mathew. Maine koi aisa aasmaan se taare todne waala kaam nahin kiya hai.”

“Ashutosh. Main din-raat students se deal karta hoon. Trust me I know their reactions. Stop being so humble yaar. Lucknow mein kya kar rahe ho tum? Come to Delhi. AIIMS will more than welcome you.”

“Sab log Delhi hi aa gaye to Lucknow ka kya hoga, Mathew? Main wahin theek hoon.” Lucknow and Baba were connected. Ashutosh could not imagine settling down anywhere other than Lucknow.

“Achchha suno. About the lunch…”

“May I come in, Sir?” someone knocked at the office door interrupting them.

Ashutosh froze on hearing the voice.

“Please come in. Who is this… Oh. Dr. Nidhi Verma. Please come. Are… Main aapko batana kaise bhool gaya, Dr. Nidhi ki Dr. Ashutosh yahan aaye hain? Aap logon ko to introduce karwane ki zaroorat nahin hai.”

Ashutosh and Nidhi stared at each other. Nidhi in surprise, and Ashutosh in embarrassment. He couldn’t have said why he was embarrassed though. Was it for coming to AIIMS, or was it for not informing her?

—

To be continued

Rangnath had invited Ashutosh to his and Anji’s wedding and he had readily agreed surprising everyone. He had never been the one to be seen around in parties or weddings. But since Nidhi had left, he had withdrawn even further. These days it was difficult to draw him out even for any official functions in the hospital.

But on second thoughts, Rangnath realized, it was not so surprising after all. Nidhi was going to attend the wedding. This was the first time she was coming back to Lucknow since her internship had ended. She had refused all earlier requests from Baba, Dadi Bua and Anji. She had secured admission for PG at AIIMS and had stayed on in Delhi. It was finally Anji’s wedding that she could not say no to.

—

“Hello, Dr. Nidhi,” Mallika greeted Nidhi.

“Hello, Dr. Mallika. Kaisi hain aap?”

“Main theek hoon. Aur aap?”

Nidhi just smiled and did not say anything.

“Ashutosh theek nahin hain Nidhi,” Mallika sounded desperate all of a sudden.

“Kya phir se Dr. Hardstone ban gaye hain?” she chuckled sadly.

“Nahin. Unfortunately woh bhi nahin. Pahle kam se kam apne dard ko gusse ki tarah logon par nikaal dete the. Ab woh bhi nahin karte. Children’s ward mein bachchon ke saath jitni der hanste-khelte hain, bas utni der hi lagta hai ki woh ek zinda insaan hain. Uske alaawa zaroori baaton ke alaawa apni zubaan bhi nahin kholte. Aise to maine pahle unhein kabhi nahin dekha. Pahle jab koi cheez chhin jaati thi to woh bitter ho jaate the, obsessed bhi ho jaate the. Unhein woh cheez wapas chahiye hoti thi. Ab to woh Baba ke ghar ke baare mein bhi kabhi baat nahin karte. Dr. Armaan bata rahe the ki…”

“Baba ka ghar? Matlab? Kaun sa ghar?”

“Aapko nahin pata? Ashutosh ke Baba ka ghar jo unke Baba unhein na dekar apne kissi aur rishtedaar ke naam kar gaye the. Shayad apni naatin ke…”

“Unke Baba ki nishaani ek ghar hai?” Nidhi got the shock of her life.

“Haan.”

“Aapko pata hai ki woh ghar kahan hai?”

“Mujhe to nahin pata. Lekin Dr. Armaan ko shayad pata hoga. Unhone hi mujhe bataya tha ki Ashutosh ab uski taraf se bhi udaaseen ho gaye hain…”

“Dr. Armaan hain yahan?”

“Nahin. Woh to abhi Lucknow mein nahin hai.”

“Main unse phone par baat karti hoon. Excuse me, Dr. Mallika.”

Nidhi locked herself in a room and tried to get her thoughts in control.  Was it the same house? She took a deep breath and dialed Armaan’s number. Armaan only had a sketchy idea about the location of the house, but it was enough to confirm her suspicion.

She cried her heart out. Out of remorse. And also out of joy. Remorse because a house that he had pined for was with her all these years. She was the reason of his pain. But she was overjoyed too. Thank God that the house was with her, and not somebody esle. At least there was something she could do for him.

Ashutosh hadn’t come to the wedding yet. Rangnath had told her that he was expected. The house papers were at home. She hadn’t seen any point of taking them to Delhi with her. She never even thought about the house. She hadn’t agreed to sell it simply because there was no pressing reason to sell it. She took one of the cars hired for wedding arrangements, went home and got back with the papers. Ashutosh had still not come.

“Dr. Mallika. Dr. Ashutosh nahin aaye ab tak?”

“Pata nahin Dr. Nidhi. Dr. Rangnath to kah rahe the ki aayenge. Lekin… Phone bhi off hai…”

“Oh!” Was she not going to see him, then?

Anji was mad at her for having disappeared, “Kaisi dost hai tu, Nidhi? Kuchh khayaal bhi hai tujhe meri kya halat ho rahi hai.”

“Sorry Anji. Kuchh zaroori kaam yaad aa gaya tha. Lekin ab tu ghabra mat. Main poori raat tera saath nahin chhodne waali. Jab tak Dr. Rangnath khud mujhe bhaga na dein.”

“Chup kar. Mujhe chidhane se teri galti nahin chhip jayegi. Ab jaldi taiyaar hone mein meri help kar. Ye dekh nail-polish nikal aayi hai. Remover kahan hai?”

“Shaant ho ja, Anji. Main hoon na yahan ab.”

—

Wedding got over at three in the morning. Anji and Rangnath left straight for his house. The arrangements there had been taken care of by the wedding planners and Rangnath’s colleagues from the hospital. Anji understood that with Ashutosh’ absence, Nidhi wasn’t in the most cheerful state. She had still been by her side all night as promised. So, she did not insist when Nidhi excused herself from accompanying her to her new home!

Those who weren’t going with Anji had decided to rest until morning at the wedding venue itself. Nidhi sneaked out of the room she was supposed to be sleeping in and went to the garden. The papers were in her hands. Ashutosh hadn’t turned up at the wedding. His phone was also switched off. What could have happened. Had he fallen sick? But why would his phone be off in that case? He would have informed Rangnath, as a matter of courtesy. Why disappear? If it was to avoid her, why had he accepted to come in the first place?

—

Nidhi looked at her watch. It was five in the morning. Late enough for her to go out. Early enough that the tired wedding attendees would not wake up for at least three to four hours. Before leaving she rummaged through her luggage and took out some CDs.

She drove to his house. Hiraman Kaka opened the door for her and was pleasantly surprised to see her, “Dr. Nidhi. Aap? Aaiye na.”

“Dr. Ashutosh hain?”

“Ashutosh to kal shaam ko shahar se bahar chala gaya. Bataya bhi nahin ki kab lautega. Lekin Armaan abhi wapas aata hoga.”

“Ji. Theek hai. Dr. Armaan se mil kar jaungi.”

“Aaiye please.”

Nidhi exchanged pleasantries with Armaan when he came. Then she finally asked, “Dr. Ashutosh kaise hain?”

Armaan sighed, “Pata nahin. I don’t know, Nidhi. I really don’t.”

“Kya baat hai Dr. Armaan?”

“Pahle bhi kuchh kam complicated nahin tha woh aur us ghar ko lekar uska obsession. Lekin at least ye pata tha ki wohi uska aim hai life mein. Ab to kuchh samajh mein nahin aata. Apne baare mein to kuchh baat hi nahin karta. Itna bhi pooochhoon ki din kaisa raha to baat badal deta hai. Ek baar maine us ghar ki baat chhedi to kahne laga ki nahin chahiye use woh ghar. Agar woh obsessed nahin hai to achchhi baat hai. Lekin aisa lagta hai ki koi aim bhi nahin rah gaya hai uski life mein. Aaj kal to mere jokes par gussata tak nahin hai. Pahle se bhi zyada waqt hospital mein bitata hai. Kya kahoon ki kya baat hai? Aise dekho to kuchh bhi galat nahin hai. Lekin kuchh sahi bhi nahin hai.” Nidhi’s eyes were glued to the floor and she was biting her lips as When he noticed that, he grew apologetic, “I am sorry. Maine aapko pareshaan kar diya.”

“Nahin. Aap sorry kyon bol rahe hain? Aap bas unhein ye packet de dijiyega. Main chalti hoon.”

“Nashta to kar leti…”

“Nahin. Wapas jaana hai. Kissi ko bata kar nahin aayi hoon. Sab jag jayenge to mujhe dhoondhenge…”

“Nidhi,” Armaan spoke again, “Ek aur baat thi.”

“Ji.”

“Mera ye project agle paanch-chah mahinon mein khatm hone waala hai. Uske baad main wapas chala jaunga. Ashutosh aur bhi akela…”

Nidhi looked away, not knowing what to say, but fully understanding the impact of his words.

“Ashutosh naaraaz hoga agar use pata chalega ki maine tumse ye kaha hai. Lekin kya tum apne Baba se baat nahin kar sakti? Koi to tareeka hoga unhein convince karne ka?”

“Mere paas koi plan nahin hai, Dr. Armaan. Lekin itna assure karti hoon ki maine give up nahin kiya hai.”

Nidhi left, but Armaan smiled. There was some hope after all.

—

To be continued

—

To be continued