Category: English

Destined (Part 24)

Posted Mish1 CommentPosted in English, Inspired, Rupali-Paritosh

Absent-mindedly she walked towards the room where he had shown her the paintings. Some of them were still uncovered. Including Daar ji’s portrait. She stood before that for a while, as if wondering if this blood-related elder of hers would be able to help her. She looked around and realized that Chand’s painting had been covered again. And then she noticed a fresh painting… She walked closer and what she saw did not surprise her, but it made her cry again. He was making a portrait of hers. From memory. The entire face was outlined, but only the eyes, forehead and part of hair had been painted. She tore her eyes away from the painting and looked at Daar ji’s portrait again. Could she sort it out?

—

“Please call me as soon as he wakes up,” Rupali told the elderly housekeeper before leaving for the duty in the morning, “He might look for me and get worried. I need to go to the hospital.”

“Sure Dr. Rupali.”

She herself was tired and sleepy. But it wasn’t the first time she would be on duty in that state. Now, she was almost used to it. She informed the admin that Dr. Khanna might not come on duty and went about her work. She spent her breaks quietly on the terrace practicing how she will talk to Paritosh. And her mobile rang. It wasn’t the housekeeper, but Paritosh himself.

“Tai told me that you are in the hospital?” his voice told her that he had just woken up.

“Yeah. I woke up. So, I thought…”

“Or you didn’t sleep?”

She sighed, “I am fine Dr. Khanna. I will come back there once my duty is over. I have told the admin you won’t be coming today. So, you can just take rest.”

“But…”

“Please. I am fine. Really.”

—

“But why would you take her to Darjeeling, Dr. Khanna?” Sabyasachi and Paritosh were speaking on phone, “Isn’t that the reason why I had sent him away from Kolkata? That I didn’t want any trouble for either of them. Do you think it has been easy on me?”

“I had no clue that he was no longer in the facility? And why should she be restricted by where Rohan is? What is her fault?”

“Please Dr. Khanna. Try to understand. He was doing fine.”

“Fine enough trying to kill people,” Paritosh was rude and angry, “If that was fine, it is better that he is back in the hospital. Please try to understand Mr. Moitra. If you act like everything is normal, when it isn’t, it won’t be good for him either. Sooner or later, he would be in trouble.”

“How is Rupa?” The rational man inside Sabyasachi did not have any argument against Paritosh. So, he didn’t try to continue arguing. But he was torn between his rationality and his love for his family. It wasn’t just Rohan who had fallen apart, Damyanti too.

“Holding up. As ever,” Paritosh was not satisfied, but he realized that this argument would lead nowhere. And Rupali would definitely not be happy if he said anything inappropriate to Moitras. “It is me, who is shaken Mr. Moitra. She doesn’t know I called you. She went to Darjeeling because it had memories of her parents. They had met there. She didn’t even remember that Rohan was there. If you do think we were at fault, it was me. Not her. Please don’t say anything to her.”

“What can I say to her, Dr. Khanna, except to apologize, again and again, pointlessly.”

Paritosh sighed and changed the subject, “I will see you during the board meeting this Friday, then.”

“Sure Dr. Khanna. Bye.”

—

Sabyasachi called Rupali and much to her embarrassment apologized profusely. Then he asked her if he could meet her after her duty and drop her home too. Rupali hesitated for a while. She had to go to Paritosh’ house. What would Kaku think of her going there. But… how did any of it matter any longer. So, she agreed.

“I didn’t remember at all Kaku that he was there. I am sorry,” she apologized to him after getting into his car.

“You shouldn’t have to Rupa. But I know that you would not knowingly do that… And anyway he had no business being in the convention. I don’t know what took him there.”

“You didn’t go there, Kaku?”

“Your Kakima has gone. I have some work. You had come back by car, right? Why didn’t you take the day off?”

Rupali looked alarmed, “Dr. Khanna talked to you?”

Sabyasachi nodded.

“Kaku. He is angry… If he said anything, please…”

“He is angry, yes. But he didn’t say anything wrong. Are you not angry? Being on death’s door. Twice. Because of my son…”

“Kaku. Are you not angry? At me? If you hadn’t brought me home, none of this would have happened?”

“It was good I brought you home, Rupa. I, at least, have one child who is doing well for herself.”

“I am angry at him Kaku. But how can I be angry at you?”

“I won’t accept it before others. But what Dr. Khanna thinks is right. I did try to influence medical opinion with… I can hold myself together, work rationally, but your Kakima…”

“Kaku. I promise I will never ever go to Darjeeling again. Or if you want to send him somewhere else, or even bring him back to Kolkata, I won’t set foot in that city. Just tell me…”

“No. I won’t bring him to Kolkata.”

“I will ask Dr. Khanna not to speak to you about it again…”

“It’s okay child. He is a reasonable man. I am happy you have him.”

Rupali flushed. They stayed silent for a while, until they reached the signal from where hers and Paritosh’ homes were in different direction. She took and deep breath and spoke, “Kaku. Please drop me at Dr. Khanna’s place. I have to talk to him.”

“Not about…”

“No. Not about it.”

He nodded and took the turn towards Paritosh’ house. He dropped her there and left without going in. She could not insist either. If somebody’s life and relationships could be awkward, it was hers.

—

To be continued

Destined (Part 23)

Posted Mish6 CommentsPosted in English, Inspired, Rupali-Paritosh

He didn’t say a word to console and comfort her; just held her until her sobs had subsided. Then he gently spoke, “Wash your face, freshen up. We’ll leave right away.”

“But the convention…”

“It was a bad idea to begin with…”

“I had completely forgotten that Rohan was in Darjeeling…”

“I hadn’t. But I didn’t think a madman would be let lose like this.”

For the first time Rupali noticed that Paritosh was angry. Extremely angry. She vaguely remembered that he had called Rohan ‘mad’ even before other doctors, not a more medically appropriate “mentally disturbed”. And he had called him names. Very uncharacteristic of him. He was gentlemanliness personified. He called even people many years his junior by their surnames. His anger, his emotions were always controlled. But Rohan had made him forget his manners… Or… No… Rohan hadn’t. She had. She had made him forget his manners. He made his disgust and anger so obvious because her life was in danger… She had that effect on him…

“Keeping him in an institution would be better use of all the money Moitras have, than spending it on certifying him fit and trying to settle him into a normal life.”

“What are you talking about?”

“That son of a… I am sorry,” he suddenly became conscious of his digression, “He has a practice here. Set up with the help of his father, of course. How can a mentally disturbed person be entrusted to cure others. I am sorry, Rupali. But despite all the respect you have for them, I can not condone this senselessness on their part. Just because he is their son…” His voice trailed off.

“Let’s leave,” she said in a small voice and walked to the bathroom to wash her face.

—

Their train would leave only late at night. But Paritosh did not wait for it. He hired the cab the to take them all the way to Kolkata. Half way through their journey, he saw Rupali shifting uncomfortably in her seat. He had been brooding silently till then and hadn’t realized that it was too long a journey to be comfortably covered by car.

“Please stop at the next petrol pump or motel,” he told the driver, then turned to Rupali, “It was a bad idea, wasn’t it? It’s too long a journey for car. I’m sorry… I was angry.”

“Please don’t apologize,” Rupali said, fatigue and depression clearly affecting her spirits, “I was as eager to get away.”

“Do you want to stay somewhere for the night. We can start again in the morning…”

“No.”

“Okay. We’ll take a short break then. Here is a motel. Some tea or coffee would be good I think. Please stop the car.”

—

It was three in the morning, when the car finally pulled over in front of Paritosh’ house. They hadn’t talked about her going to his house, but she did not insist otherwise. Paritosh paid the driver and they got down. On entering the house, she automatically walked towards the room she had stayed in earlier.

“Take rest,” he said, “Do you need something?”

She shook her head. He walked over to his bedroom. Rupali changed her clothes. She was tired and lied down on the bed. But despite all energy having been drained out of her body, she could not sleep. She finally gave up and came out of the room. Across the hall, she saw that the light was on in Paritosh’ room too. She walked towards it. The door wasn’t locked, only shut. She opened it slightly and saw Paritosh sitting on a chair near his writing-table. There was a glass full of whiskey there and a bottle that was almost empty. He had been drinking. Rupali didn’t know if he drank. But she had never seen him doing so. She sighed and walked to the table.

“Aren’t you going to sleep?” she asked.

“Rupali… What am I to do with you… with us?”

“What… are you… talking about?” Was he drunk?

“It is not like I had planned it, is it? You coming into my life… me in yours… Our shared pain of being orphans… a history connected through Daar ji and your mother… I hadn’t planned any of it… I hadn’t expected any of it… And yet it happened. Why?”

Rupali felt scared to the core. Where was this going? “I don’t know Dr. Khanna… But you should not be so disturbed. Please… Not because of me…”

“No. No. No. Don’t walk away. Talk to me.”

“About what?”

“Just sort this out for me, okay?”

“Stay away from me and you will be sorted again,” her voice quivered and her eyes moistened. But she managed to not cry.

“Sorted again? No Rupali. There is no ‘again’ for me. Because I was never sorted. Not in a long time. But you came. And against my better judgment, against any semblance of rationality, I started feeling connected to you… But…”

“I was too messed up myself to sort anything for you.”

“No. No. Why don’t you listen, or try to understand? Why do you have to conclude everything on your own?”

“I’m sorry.” He was clearly drunk. And probably it was for good. Even if in a rambling fashion, he was speaking his heart out. Although Rupali did not know how should she react to him.

“Good. Now listen. What was I saying?” He had lost his train of thoughts, “Why don’t you sit down?” He held her hands and took her to the bed. She sat down at its edge gingerly. He also sat down after her. “It has been a frustrating to and fro ride, Rupali.” He looked directly into her eyes.

“What do you mean?” she tried to hold his gaze.

“Every time I take a step towards you, something or the other pushes either me or you ten steps away. First you were out-of-bounds. Engaged… To that… Never mind. Then that house… It made you so miserable, while all I had wanted was to make you happy… And then knowing your painful past… I wanted to stand by you… But I was afraid I was not enough… I tried to push you away when you could have done most with support…”

“That’s not true. You have stood by me. Always.”

“You are a simpleton… An idiot… You thought I was pushing you away because of Chand, didn’t you?”

She gulped. She had indeed thought so at one point of time. And when Paritosh had clarified that they couldn’t be together, she hadn’t been able to find any alternate explanation of his behavior. She had just pushed those questions away from her mind. But even that pushing away didn’t mean that he wasn’t there for her. Why…

“You thought that, didn’t you?” he repeated his question.

She nodded in reply. She couldn’t lie.

“You were an idiot. You put me on such pedestal that you couldn’t see how scared I was. Of my inadequacy.”

Tears started flowing from her eyes.

“And as if our own confusions were not enough, every guilty person in the world had to draw his or her own conclusion and scare and confuse me ever more… One was Mr. Moitra, who felt guilty for you. Another was Chand, who felt guilty for me…” ‘So, Chand’s tete-a-tete about their relationship had not been restricted only to her,’ Rupali thought somberly, ‘She had been vocal before him too.’

“And then you… You stupid girl .You thought that you were not good enough for me, because… what had you said… you were damaged?” Oh my God! He had heard her conversation with Chand, then. And she didn’t have a clue!

“Damaged? Do you know what that made me feel? My own inadequacy was not so difficult to accept. But you feeling damaged… And that I could have had something to do with that feeling… Do you have any idea how much it hurt?”

“Dr. Khanna… You had nothing to do with… Oh God!” Rupali was openly sobbing now.

“But there was one thing I knew at that instant. That both of us were playing this I-am-not-good-enough-game. And I could not just be a silent spectator. I was aware of your pain, hurt… And I knew about my own insecurities, the habit of loneliness, of being by myself. I couldn’t hurry myself; or you. But I knew I had to take a step. May be those nosy and guilty people had a point. And I tried. But like every other time earlier, Rohan just had to come in. This afternoon… And push you away. Scare you away from me… Why Rupali? Why?”

Fatigue and drinks took over him and he almost fell down on his bed while asking her “Why” again and again. She saw his eyes closing through her tears. She adjusted him on the bed as best as she could. Then found a shawl large enough to cover him. She tip-toed out of his room, trying hard to get her emotions in control.

—

To be continued

Destined (Part 22)

Posted Mish2 CommentsPosted in English, Inspired, Rupali-Paritosh

The driver of the hired cab was very jovial and talkative. He took them to be tourists and kept barraging them with information about various tourist places on the way. When there was no specific tourist spot to be shown, he still kept them entertained and busy with the local folk tales, stories of his driving adventures and other anecdotes. But the result of his volubility and constant chatter was that they didn’t get to talk to each other at all. By the time they reached the venue, the convention had already started. At lunch time Paritosh asked Rupali to step out. “I need to talk to you,” he said.

“What happened?”

“Rupali. About last night…”

She didn’t react and waited for him to continue.

“Actually about everything. I don’t know how I make you feel. My behavior is not always consistent. Do I make you feel uncomfortable?”

She stood agape. Where did that suddenly come from? “Why Dr. Khanna? Why are you asking that? And now?”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I have slept enough. But you do confuse me.”

“I confuse myself Rupali.”

“Dr. Khanna. If you want me to talk, can I say something?”

“Sure.”

“If I am presuming things, then it’s fine. But if not, you need to move on. And not just from her,” she was referring to Chand and Paritosh understood, “From me too.”

“Rupali,” he sounded hurt, “Speak for yourself…”

“Rupa,” suddenly a familiar voice attracted their attention.

Both of them were startled and Rupali turned pale on seeing Rohan there. As an automatic reaction, Paritosh moved towards Rohan and gently pushed Rupali so that he was almost between them. “What are you doing here?” he asked tersely.

But Rohan ignored him and addressed Rupali, “It is so good to see you, Rupa. After so long. I have been shifted out of the facility and now in OPD care. I have been dying to see you…”

“I don’t want to know anything about you,” she said and made to leave.

“Wait Rupa. Please don’t run away from me. I have been thinking about you so much… I think of pediatrics and I think of you. That’s why I came here. I didn’t even know you would be here…”

“That’s enough,” Paritosh stopped him, held Rupali’s hands and took her away.

“Rupali…”

“Don’t ask me if I am fine Dr. Khanna. I am not and I will never be. Stop wasting your time and you life on me.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Rupali.”

“Same to you. I need to go to the restroom.” She walked away. Paritosh looked on helplessly. Then he looked around anxiously. Where was Rohan? How much had he really recovered? From the way Mr. Moitra had talked of him last time, it didn’t look like he’d be stable for a long time. And if he had recovered, what effect seeing Rupali and Paritosh would have on him?

—

Rupali was relieved to find the women’s restroom empty. She let go of herself and sobbed piteously. What was she to do with herself? With Dr. Khanna? With the world? Why was she even alive? He had talked about suicidal thoughts yesterday. He apparently had them. She had them too. But somehow, even amidst the miseries of life, the physical pain scared her. That was the only reason she had not committed suicide. Probably she could use some painless drug from the hospital’s store. But…

She heard the sound of the restroom door opening. But before she could find tissues to wipe her tears, or get inside one of the stalls, she heard a click. Someone had locked it from inside. Startled, she looked up. And the dread she had felt when Rohan had pointed a pistol at her came back. So did the feeling of hopelessness that had been her companion through years of abuse at his hands. It was Rohan. Guarding a locked door. Looking mad. He was mad!!

“What are you doing here? This is women’s restroom,” she tried to be in control.

“You always insult me before him. Why?”

“Rohan. It’s not about him. Please… You must leave. What will people think if…”

“I have missed you, Rupa.”

“Rohan please…”

He closed in on her and pinned her violently against the wall without giving her any chance to escape.

“Hel…” Her cries were muffled as he pressed his palm against his mouth. His strength took Rupali by surprise. Even with only hand, he managed to not let her escape. She managed to bite his palm and yell once, although he immediately overpowered her.

A knock came on the door. Somebody had heard her. “Who is it?” It was a woman’s voice. Somebody had heard her. While Rohan was distracted, Rupali managed to shout for help once again.

“You will die at my hands,” he hissed.

“Somebody is stuck in the bathroom,” Rupali heard it even as Rohan’s hand tightened around her neck and she panicked for her life.

“Rupali…” Dr. Khanna! Banging on the door… “Hey. Get away from her…” Someone shouting from the top… the ventilator… Bang… No… it was thud… Were they breaking the door…

The next few minutes – or were they seconds – were a blur. She knew she was going to die. Or was she already dead? No… she must be alive. She was extremely uncomfortable… This can not be death…

“Rupali!” Paritosh shouted as he ran towards her. He looked as mad as Rohan. And madness must bring some strength in people. Rohan had been able to subdue her way too easily. And Paritosh was able to push Rohan away like he was a piece of paper. The world was spinning around her. But she saw those cufflinks as one of his hands went around her head. His other hand held her at waist. He did not let her fall. She was able to breathe now… She will be saved… “Stay with me… Rupali… Breathe… Slowly… Clear the space… Take the bastard away… He is mad…” Yes… she could breathe. She could feel him, see him. “Dr. Khanna.” Yes. She could speak. She wasn’t dead. She wasn’t going to die.

And then… It was all too overwhelming. She didn’t know what to do. She started crying. She was crying before the door had been locked. She cried again…

“Dr. Khanna. I have a room in the hotel. I think you should take her there,” it was an elderly lady.

“Thank you, Dr. Biswas,” he took the keys, “Please take my phone. Call Mr. Sabyasachi Moitra. Ask him about his son’s psychiatrist and hand him over to his doctor.”

“Sure.”

He led Rupali out. She leaned on him and continued crying.

—

To be continued.

Destined (Part 21)

Posted Mish2 CommentsPosted in English, Inspired, Rupali-Paritosh

The play was about a painter, who was so engrossed in his art that worldly cares meant nothing to him. He died over his half-finished painting, penniless. After his death, however, his paintings became a rage. The half-finished one sold for crores of rupees.

“What are you thinking?” Paritosh asked while coming back.

“Is it possible to love something so much… Even if it is your art…”

Paritosh laughed, “I don’t know. I have never done that… Though I would love to.”

“People talk about finding peace and contentment in art – of different kinds – painting, singing, dancing, even writing… I wonder if that is possible.”

“I probably won’t die over a half-finished surgery, but I do think I find peace and contentment in my profession. This profession is also like an art…”

Rupali looked surprised at the comparison, “I never thought of it like that.”

Paritosh smiled, “They create paintings, songs, dance performances… We create health, smile, joy, comfort… So, why not?”

“You are right, as usual, of course,” she smiled sweetly and appreciatively.

“If you treat me like some sort of God, I might even go ahead and say that we create life,” Paritosh grinned, drawing a chuckle even from Rupali.

“Where are we going?” she asked when she realized that he did not take the turn towards her home.

“I will drop you later. First we are going to my house. I want to show you something.”

“Is it what you had promised to show me during coffee the other day?”

“Yes.”

Paritosh led her to a room which has obviously not been in use for a while when they reached his home.”Oh my God!” Rupali could not help exclaim. He had just uncovered a beautiful, huge painting of Victoria Memorial and its surroundings. “It’s yours?” she asked obviously awed.

“It has been years…”

“I am no art critic, Dr. Khanna. But this is beautiful. And all these are also your paintings?” she pointed at other covered canvases.

“Yeah,” he looked around wistfully.

“Wow. When did you get time to do all these?”

He chuckled, “Those days we didn’t have Internet to waste our free time on.”

Rupali uncovered a few more of the canvasses. There were paintings of various places in the city, some landmarks, some just slice of life paintings. Then she came across a portrait of an elderly man.

“That’s Daar ji,” Paritosh explained.

“You did portraits too?”

“Not often. Only for people whose memories I wanted to preserve.”

“Daar ji posed for you?”

Paritosh smiled fondly, “He wouldn’t hear a word of it. I did portraits from memory.”

“You don’t paint any longer?”

“Like I said, it has been years.”

“Why did you stop?”

He just shrugged in reply. Rupali moved to different corner of the room.

“No Rupali….” Paritosh tried to stop her from uncovering the canvas lying there, but it was too late. Rupali realized immediately why he was stopping her. It was a portrait of Chand. Half-finished.

“I… I am sorry… I didn’t mean to intrude.”

Her guilty apology surprised him, “No. What the… There is nothing to feel guilty about.”

She smiled nervously, “You should resume painting…”

He looked at her for a moment. Then replied looking thoughtful, “I probably will.”

—

“Are you on duty this Sunday?” Paritosh asked her. They were having breakfast at his place after a night duty. Their duty timings coincided more often than usual these days. Rupali wondered if that was pure coincidence. He had been extra attentive to her as well. He spent a lot of his free time with her. She liked it. She liked it more than she should have liked. But what was it on his part? Care? Friendship? Or was he also thinking what everyone else did? Kaku, Radha, Kakima, Chand…

“Rupali?” he had to call her to bring her out of her thoughts.

“Uh? Sorry… Did you say something?”

“Where are you lost?”

“Nowhere. I didn’t manage my day well yesterday. Am really sleepy after the night duty.”

“Hmm…”

“What were you saying?”

“I asked if you were on duty this Sunday?”

“Umm… no. I had a weekend duty last time.”

“That’s great then. You can come to the convention then?”

“Convention?”

“Regional Pediatrics Convention. It is scheduled for the weekend in Darjeeling. I can’t take off on Saturday. But we could go for Sunday’s sessions. Will have to take a train on Saturday night. Some very good speakers are lined up…”

“Darjeeling?” Rupali did not seem to have heard any other word in what he said.

“What about Darjeeling?”

She smiled, “Mummy & Papa had met in Darjeeling. He taught in her school.”

That made Paritosh smile too, “You haven’t been there before?”

“It’s so close. But no… Somehow I have never been there.”

“Then you must come.”

Rupali suppressed the questions that were bugging her. What was it all on Paritosh’ part? She had an irrational hope. That she would find some peace in Darjeeling.

—

Paritosh took the upper berth on the second AC coach of the train. He seemed fast asleep, but Rupali was unable to sleep. It was one of those days, when she would curl up on her bed and cry the entire night. Not quite knowing why she was crying. But she couldn’t cry in the train. It would wake not only Paritosh up, but also other co-passengers. She was restless. Finally she could not hold herself any longer. She got down from the berth and walked towards the restroom. The attendant of the AC coaches was not there. She was thankful. She let her tears go, thought she bit her lips to avoid making any sound. After a while it was not enough. She was still suffocating. She gingerly walked towards the door of the coach and opened it. Hopefully the cold, night wind will soothe her. She stood there for several minutes, when she suddenly felt a pull on her shoulders. She was pulled back by someone urgently and violently. Her throat was sore from crying, and no sound escaped her, although she was startled and scared.

“What the hell do you think you are doing?” she heard his angry voice. It was Paritosh. Oh God! Why was he angry? He took his hands off her shoulders and quickly locked the door back. “Are you out of your mind?” he was still shouting at her. Why? Oh! It suddenly occurred to her.

She coughed and finally found her voice, “Don’t shout at me. I wasn’t jumping off.” She wiped her tears with the back of her hand. She was startled out of crying. Though that strange sadness which engulfed her from time to time, even amidst best times of her life, refused to leave her.

Paritosh sighed heavily. Then spoke very softly, “Why are you crying?”

She didn’t reply. She didn’t know.

“Does it happen very often?”

Should she lie and put him at ease? Friendship didn’t mean he had to deal with her mess. But she didn’t lie. She nodded in reply.

“I’m sorry. I was scared out of my wits, when I saw you at the door… Of a moving train.”

She gulped and did not reply.

“You probably want to be alone,” he added, “But it is not a good idea. If you don’t want to go back yet, let me stay here.”

“But I don’t know why I was crying. It wasn’t Rohan, or my past or…”

“I’m not asking you the reason. I understand.”

“You do? How?”

He sighed, “I have been through this Rupali. Depression, suicidal thoughts. It still comes back sometimes.”

She smiled sadly, “You are saying this just to make me feel better.”

“No,” his reply was unhesitant and firm, “I’m telling you the truth.”

“What do you do when that happens?”

“I get help.”

“How?”

“Want to guess?”

“Oh! Dr. Mathew?”

He nodded, then asked “You haven’t seen him yet, have you?”

She shook her head, expecting a rebuke.

“Are you better now? You want to go inside?” He completely changed the subject, catching her unawares.

“Uh? Yes – I guess. I’m sorry.”

“For?”

“Disturbing your sleep. And… not taking your advice.”

“Rupali. You don’t need to apologize to me. I had guessed you hadn’t taken an appointment yet. But I won’t pester you. There is no magic about a psychiatrist. Things take time to get better. If you are not ready, and don’t cooperate, it isn’t going to work.”

“I give you too much grief, too much worry, don’t I?”

“If you must take the conversation in that direction Dr. Rupali Banerjee. Then listen to me carefully. You give me a lot of hope – of surviving through difficulty, a lot of joy and a sense of purpose.”

The chill that ran down her spine was nothing like what she had felt earlier in her life. It wasn’t the chill of scare. She looked at him in astonishment and then quickly averted her eyes. She walked back to her berth quietly. Paritosh did not climb back on his berth. “Lie down,” he asked her gently. After she did, he sat down on the edge of the berth. “Close your eyes and try to sleep. We have a long day ahead.” She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She did manage to sleep peacefully for the rest of the night.

When she woke up in the morning, Paritosh was still sitting on the edge of her berth, leaning back on the coach wall and had fallen asleep. She carefully pulled her legs towards herself and sat up without disturbing him. She looked out. The train was halted. She read the name of the station. They were only two stations and half-an-hour away from New Jalpaiguri station. From there, they would take a hired car to Darjeeling. She got down and went to the bathroom. She would wake him up after coming back.

She met with a harried Paritosh on her way back. He looked relieved, then embarrassed on seeing her. She realized that he was worried again and smiled, “I am fine Dr. Khanna. I just thought I would let you sleep for a while more.”

“Of course,” he grinned, “I was… I guess I am still sleepy. I will go and freshen up.”

“Sure.”

—

To be continued.

Destined (Part 20)

Posted Mish9 CommentsPosted in English, Inspired, Rupali-Paritosh

“So, finally the discharge?” Rupali asked Chand with a smile.

“Yes, I guess it is a happy day.”

“Of course, it is. Are you unsure about it?”

“No Dr. Banerjee. Thanks a lot for everything.”

“What are you thanking me for?” Rupali chuckled nervously. “I take no responsibility whatsoever of your health,” she added with humour.

“For treating my daughters, first of all…”

“I was only doing my duty.”

“And for spending so much of time with me.”

“Well…” Rupali tried to shrug it off, “I was just filling in for Dr. Khanna.”

“Yes. And I wish you would continue doing that for him. Even if he doesn’t ask. Like in this case.”

“Excuse me?”

“Dr. Banerjee. You are not such a smooth liar,” Chand smiled, “Paritosh didn’t ask you to do this extra duty. But thanks a lot for doing that. It meant a lot to me.”

Rupali bit her lips and tried to change the subject, “I should get going. My break is over.”

“Rupali. Just couple of more minutes…”

“Yeah. Sure…” Rupali was uncomfortable, but she didn’t have an option.

“You know about us, right? Me and Paritosh.”

Rupali gulped and nodded.

“Not many people do…”

“I… I am sorry,” Rupali said awkwardly, “But it’s… the information safe with me.”

“No. No. That doesn’t matter. Not any longer. His silence was to keep my marriage safe. But it takes more than that to save a marriage. It doesn’t matter any longer if the entire world knows.”

Does she want to get back? Rupali wondered. But from what Paritosh had said, it didn’t look like an idea he welcomed. But it might just have been his self-defense. He might just…

“This might be the time to pick up from where you left…” Rupali suggested in an almost quivering voice, though she had a smile on her face.

“What? No. Oh my God!”

“I… I am sorry. I didn’t mean to offend…”

Chand laughed out loud at that, “I have been insensitive to him, Rupali. But no. I am not that selfish. He is too nice a person. If I were to ask for it, he’d not shirk my responsibility. But that won’t be fair. That won’t be right. The time is long gone. I have made my life pitiable. But I won’t be able to take his pity. That is not the reason I asked you if you knew about us.”

“Then?”

“The fact that you knew about us tells me that you are special… to him. He trusts you… With his deepest secrets.”

Rupali looked at her surprised. “You give me too much credit,” she said nervously.

“Too little probably. Definitely not too much. By the way, I wouldn’t have brought this up, if I hadn’t thought that he was special to you too. That was the reason you were filling in for him. Even when he didn’t ask you to.”

“What do you want to say?” Rupali sighed in resignation. People won’t leave her alone. But she probably deserved this for spending time with Chand. What was she thinking?

“I want to make a selfish request. Because I feel guilty about him, Rupali. He never moved on. Help him move on. It will make both of you happy. And me too, of course.”

Rupal’s lips twisted in a condescending smile, “Why can’t you get back to him?”

“Like I said Rupali, that time is long gone. My life is about my daughters now. How fair it would be saddle him with my responsibilities and the mess of my life?”

“And what makes you think that my life is not a mess? You have no clue how damaged I am. Probably he has this magical ability to attract messed up women like us to him. That’s why he is unable to move on. His bad luck. But as much as I wish, I am not the answer to his loneliness. He deserves better. Than both of us.”

“Rupali. You…”

“I really should get going Ma’am. Congratulations on getting well. And all the best for your daughters. They are wonderful kids. Take care. Good Bye.”

She turned around to leave, only to find Paritosh at the door. Holy cow! What all had he heard?

“What is going on ladies?” he asked cheerfully. A bit too cheerfully, Rupali thought. But it might be her flustered state of mind.

At least it meant he hadn’t heard anything.

“I just came to meet her once before she is discharged,” Rupali replied. Simultaneously, she look at Chand pleading silently to not talk to Paritosh about it. Chand nodded almost indiscernibly at her.

“I need to go. Bye Ma’am. Bye Dr. Khanna,” Rupali turned on her heels and left. Paritosh looked after her for a moment, then turned back to Chand with a smile.

—

“Free for some coffee?” Paritosh sent her an SMS just as she was leaving after her duty. It was odd. Somehow, she did not associate SMS communication with him.

She called him back, “Did you send an SMS?”

“It was my number, wasn’t it?” he sounded amused.

“Of course,” Rupali felt foolish about her question, “Are you in the office?”

Paritosh laughed out loud, “Your are asking me so many questions in reply to my one innocuous question. Yes. I am in the office. Now can I get my answer?”

“Uh… Yeah… Sure… I have nothing to do in particular.”

“Great then. Let’s meet in the parking lot.”

“What do you normally do in your free time, Rupali?” he asked as they drove to a cafe.

“I read…”

“Ah! And not play or listen to classical music like good Bengalis?”

Rupali chuckled, “No. I am half-punjabi, remember?”

“Of course.”

“Why do you ask? Are you into classical music?”

“Oh no. Not at all. Daar ji was a total business man. Nothing of that kind at home. About studies, however, he was as bad as a Bengali parent.”

Rupali smiled, “So, what do you do in your free time?”

“Haven’t done anything in many years now…”

“Why so? What did you used to do earlier?”

“I will show you sometime…” he smiled wistfully.

“Okay…” she was curious, but could not insist.

They reached the cafe and ordered their coffee. Then Paritosh asked her, “Would you like to watch a play this friday?”

She was awkward, “Do you like watching plays?”

“I do. But I prefer watching when I have company.”

“Hmm… If my company works, then sure…”

—

To be continued

Destined (Part 19)

Posted Mish6 CommentsPosted in English, Inspired, Rupali-Paritosh

Rupali was trying hard to concentrate on her work in the ward. “In that case, if I ask you to take care of her, it won’t be a burden for you, will it?” Sabyasachi’s words wouldn’t leave her and they were making her go red in embarrassment. For the first time, she felt a surge of anger for him. How could he? How could he practically beg to Dr. Khanna like that for her? It didn’t work for her self-respect. And it did not work for how much she cared about Paritosh’ well being. She had been listening to their conversation standing outside his office. She shouldn’t have, but she couldn’t help. Her Kaku and Dr. Khanna were having a personal conversation. It had to be about her! She cringed as it went on. And finally after that moment of begging by Sabyasachi, she had to run away. She understood Sabyasachi’s desire, even a need, to do something for her. To compensate. But he wasn’t helping this way. He should just leave her alone. And Dr. Khanna too. He has already done so much for her… Thrusting her responsibility on him officially would be the last thing she wanted to happen.

“Next tablet at 3 pm please sister,” she deliberately jerked herself out of her thoughts and concentrated on the patient chart she was looking at.

“Sure Dr. Banerjee,” came nurse’s brisk reply.

Ah! The professional conversation. It was comfortable, familiar and there was nothing awkward about it. That is what she would think about. The work! Otherwise, the world was ready to drive her mad. As if she already didn’t have enough to… Concentrate Rupali, concentrate. Next patient…

—

Paritosh was in the lobby when Rupali came out after finishing her duty to sign in the duty register.

“Good evening, Sir,” she greeted him in a calm voice, although she was dreading meeting him. She had managed to avoid it all day. But for how long?

“Good evening, Rupali. You are done?”

“Yeah.”

“I was also about to leave. I can drop you home.”

Rupali sighed. So, the begging was bearing fruits already.

“I am not going home,” she lied.

“Where are you going?”

She had spoken without thinking. Now, she had to think on her feet again. “To see Dr. Mathew,” she spoke and then regretted that too.

“You already got an appointment? I thought his clinic was quite busy.”

Damn! He would find out.

“Anyway,” he continued, “I can drop you there. I had to meet my CA anyway. Some of the business papers need my signature. He lives in that part of the town. Come with me.”

Rupali followed him feeling out of her wits. This was ridiculous. She finally confessed when he pulled out of the hospital parking lot, “Dr. Khanna. I don’t have an appointment. You can drop me home.”

He didn’t look surprised, “And my CA doesn’t live there. Why did you lie?”

“I didn’t want to bother you with this dropping me home business, that’s all.”

“Rupali. I am not as wise, rational, strong as you make me to be. If you push me away this strongly, I will not be able to hold my position. I will go away. Because at the very least, I wouldn’t like to do to you what Rohan did. I wouldn’t like to impose on you, to suffocate you…”

“Please don’t compare yourself to Rohan. It is an injustice to you, and to my ability to discern.”

“All I want to say Rupali is that… I would like it if you let me stay around.”

“I can’t Dr. Khanna,” her eyes were glued to her lap and she was biting her lips.

The disappointment and rejection made Paritosh flush. But he asked calmly, “Can I ask why?”

“I feel like a broken tape recorder, but still… I can’t let you stay and fuss over me or worry about me because… well you see what I am. A messed up person. And is it a surprise that I don’t want anyone else saddled with my mess? Much less someone I really respect and adore…” she stopped. She would reveal more than she intended to.

“There is… Okay look,” he pulled over on finding some space where he could park the car for a while. A moving car wasn’t the best place to have such a conversation, “Where is the mess Rupali? It is all behind you. Rohan is out of your life. His parents don’t grudge you. They, in fact, care for you. There is no mess. Not any longer. You are out of it.”

“If there is no mess, why does anyone need to worry about me? Why do I have to… see a psychiatrist…”

“Your logic would do a great disservice to your own profession Dr. Banerjee,” Paritosh smiled amusedly, “Someone falls ill. He needs the help of a doctor. Sometimes it could be a condition long in existence, which did not get detected or got ignored earlier. Would you say that his life is in a mess, his family should not be by his side, or that he should not be making friends or living his life?”

Rupali looked up at him in amazement. She spoke after a while in a low, deliberate tone, “You say things like those and you want me to believe that you are not wise, rational?”

Paritosh tensed a little, “Rupali. I have a messed up confession to make about that.”

She looked at him questioningly.

“When you say that, you make me nervous.”

“Nervous?”

“Yes. Nervous. Don’t get me wrong Rupali. There is nothing messed up about you or your life now. But history can not be wiped off. Your faith has been tried too many times. People have failed you. And I feel scared that I might end up doing that too. I feel particularly scared when you say things like those… It’s like you have such high expectations from me. It’s so easy to fall from the pedestal, Rupali.”

She stared wide-eyed at him. As the meaning of what he said dawned on her, she shook her head in part disbelief, part amusement. Then she spoke sincerely, “This is so unexpected. I had no idea I was worrying you for that. I am so sorry Dr. Khanna. Seriously. Please don’t take my appreciation to mean that you have to be on high-alert all the time.”

Paritosh let out a sigh. He had been holding his breath. “See, things are that simple. Sometimes you just have to talk and it all falls in place. Can we both not learn from it?”

Rupali nodded and smiled.

“So without any complexes, complications, issues, can we be friends?” he held his hand out to her.

She noticed the cuff-links. The helping hands have managed to reach her again, to be her strength, to be her support. She didn’t know what future held for her, or for him. But right now she was happy to reciprocate. She met his hand with hers. No complexes, no complications, no issues. Friends!

—

To be continued

Destined (Part 18)

Posted Mish7 CommentsPosted in English, Inspired, Rupali-Paritosh

The conversation with Damyanti had helped Rupali understand what was weighing her down. She also felt the same current between them that Radha or Sabyasachi had felt.

She looked up to him. He had been her rock ever since the day he had intervened between her and Rohan. He had given her the strength. On a very practical level, he had given her this house without which…

But she didn’t have anything to give back to him. She was an emotional and physical wreck. It’s okay if Chand was his past, and could not be his future. She could not be his future either. He deserved better. Period.

What did he think though? He sent confusing signals. Sometimes avoiding her, sometimes seeking her out, telling her that Chand could not be back in his life… No. It didn’t matter what he thought. She could not let it happen. For his sake.

—

Paritosh’ emotions and actions in last few days have been on a roller-coaster ride. And he was aware of that. Supporting her, getting scared by the faith she put in him, ignoring her, assuring her about his feelings for Chand… What the hell was he doing?

“You always do the right and the rational thing… I draw strength and hope from that… If you go weak there, I lose all hopes…” Her words kept ringing in his ears. Those words had scared him. Those were the words that he didn’t think he would be able live up to. And he had started avoiding her. He let her go home on her own from orphanage too. Something he hadn’t done even when she had to answer to that obsessive, possessive finace of hers. He had an alibi. But he knew very well that it was just that – an alibi. He had apologized before he could stop himself. She had assured him that she would be fine. But he couldn’t ignore her condition the next morning. She hadn’t slept well. And then she had remarked about Chand coming back into his life. Obviously she thought that he was ignoring her because of Chand. Oh, the innocent simpleton. Rupali! What was he to do with her?

If he listened to his heart, he wanted to hug her tight, kiss away her wounds, and keep her safe from everything, everybody…. Be that ultimate hero for her that romantic stories talk about. But he wasn’t the perfect, rational, wise person she made him to be. Her faith had already been tried too often. Parents died at an early age, relatives were ready to send her to an orphanage, the adoptive parents failed to keep her safe… from their own son… What if he ended up breaking her trust, making her lose her faith once again?

After all, his own life had been filled with complexes. Not knowing where he came from, getting insulted for that by the father of the girl he had loved, then the feeling of being a substitute, loneliness of all these years… And letting all these wounds fester within him. What was rational and wise about him or his life? Time had taught him a few things. It was easier to say the right things. It was difficult to live by them. She put trust in whatever he said. But would he himself be able to live by them? He wasn’t sure. Yes. He was scared… Of taking responsibilities, of loving, of living….

And yet, turning himself away from her was being difficult! What was he to do?

—

“Good morning, Dr. Khanna,” Rupali knocked on the door and came in without waiting for his permission.

“Good morning, Rupali. How are you doing?”

“I am fine. I came here to… Do you have any recommendation for psychiatrist I could see?”

“Oh! So Mrs. Moitra was able to convince you?”

Her face twitched despite her attempt to smile. Paritosh noticed that. “Oh… Oh God!” he exclaimed, “Are you mad at me for talking to her about it?”

Was she mad? She wondered. She shouldn’t be. May be she was. Outwardly, she forced a smile, “I am not mad. Why should I be? Your advice is reasonable… right. Just tell me a name… preferably somebody who doesn’t work here…”

“Sure. I should have a card here, somewhere. I had kept it for your… Here it is. Dr. Mathew. He stays in Salt Lake City and has how own center there, where he meets pa… people,” he changed ‘patients’ to ‘people’ to avoid making her feel bad.

Rupali noticed his cuff-links as he handed her the card and an old dream came back to her… Her saviour…. The hands that hadn’t reached her in her dream, but which had reached her in real life. At least to save her! Somewhere deep in her heart, she wanted those hands to hold her, to embrace her. But that couldn’t happen…

She tore her eyes off his wrists, hastily took the card and mumbled a thank you. She was about to leave with Paritosh’ questioning eyes following her, when a knock came at the door. Paritosh flustered for a moment, but gathered himself quickly and asked the person to come in. It was Sabyasachi Moitra.

“Kaku!” Rupali exclaimed.

“Rupa. Good that you are also here. I was hoping to see you,” Sabyasachi gave a warm smile and hugged her affectionately.

“When did you come back?”

“Just this morning…”

“And how is… Rohan?” she hesitated, but asked. She hadn’t talked to Damyanti about Rohan. But she felt more at ease in talking about him to Sabyasachi. With Damyanti, she always felt an emotional pressure about the relationship.

He sighed in reply. Then added after a moment, “He is recovering.” His voice wasn’t convincing at all. Ruapli just nodded and did not pursue it.

“Please sit down Mr. Moitra,” Paritosh spoke finally, “You had some work at the hospital?”

“Actually… I came to meet you… I’m not sure if this is a good time. I didn’t call. If you are busy I can come later…”

“This is a perfect time,” Paritosh replied warmly, “No hell has broken lose in the ward. Right Rupali?”

“Yes Sir,” she smiled, “I will see you later Kaku.”

“Can you ask somebody to send in some coffee and snacks please?” Paritosh requested Rupali.

“That won’t be necessary, Rupa. Really,” Sabyasachi preempted Paritosh’ objection, “I am fine. I had breakfast before coming.”

Paritosh nodded at Rupali and she left.

Silence prevailed in the room for a few moments after Rupali left. Sabyasachi was looking down at his own hands, rubbing his fingers against his thumbs as if trying to gather his thoughts and prepare himself to talk.

“Mr. Moitra?” Paritosh had to break the silence.

“Yes. Of course… I am supposed to talk,” Sabyasachi smiled nervously, “And suddenly I feel like a fool for coming here…”

“Mr. Moitra. You don’t have to… You can talk freely.”

“I am a lost man Dr. Khanna. I don’t know from where to start putting things together…”

“Rohan is not well, then?” Paritosh asked. He had stopped called him “Dr. Moitra” altogether. That address had not only a formality about it, but also a respect. And he could not summon that respect for Rohan any longer.

“No. He is not well at all. But that’s… that’s not something you can do anything about.”

“Rupali is holding up fine, Mr. Moitra. I know this isn’t easy on you…”

“It isn’t easy on me at all Dr. Khanna. And I am glad that at least Rupa is holding up. I had always thought that the girl had a quiet strength about her. But it kills me to think that the strength was being tried in the most horrible way in my own house. And now… like a fool… I have lost both my children… I wish she would blame me, complain about her… And would let me apologize at least, if not explain. What can I explain anyway…”

“Mr. Moitra. Please calm down.”

“I am rambling off. I didn’t come here for that. I came here to…”

“Talk about Rupali?”

“Yes. Indeed. Dr. Khanna, I am aware of your reputation. Of being a lonely person, of strictly being a professional. And yet… In this case knowingly or unknowingly you have gotten involved personally. So, please talk to me on a personal level Dr. Khanna. And give this answer to a father, not to a trustee of the hospital. Am I wrong in assuming that you care about Rupa? And not just because you had to give her the share of her grand father’s property. But even beyond and without that? You must give me a very honest answer.”

Paritosh flushed. Mr. Moitra was literally forcing him to face and resolve his feelings. Like hell, he cared about her. Cared deeply. But was he willing to admit it openly? And deal with everything that came with that acceptance? Mr. Moitra was not forcing him to answer quickly. He was just staring at him in expectation.

“I don’t know if you are implying something else,” he finally spoke firmly and slowly, “But the answer to your question is yes. I care about her. She is… she is a lovely and brave person. It is difficult for anyone not to care about her.”

Sabyasachi sighed, “Thank God. In that case, if I ask you to take care of her, it won’t be a burden for you, will it? You are already doing it. So, I have assumed that it isn’t…”

Another long pause. Was he prepared to commit to it? He hasn’t been very sure of himself in this regard. “Rupali is fine Mr. Moitra,” he mumbled.

Sabyasachi looked expectantly at Paritosh for a moment, hoping that he’d say something else. But he didn’t. “Of course,” Sabyasachi had to speak finally. He looked clearly embarrassed at his uncharacteristic emotional outburst from a few minutes ago, “I should get going now. Have some work to attend to. Thanks a lot for your time Dr. Khanna… And for everything…”

Paritosh was suddenly very embarrassed. He was evading. “Mr. Moitra…” he started speaking, but his words drowned. He was quite at loss. It wasn’t like he didn’t intend to support Rupali. It wasn’t like he didn’t care for her; or that he didn’t want her… It wasn’t about her at all. It was about him. How inadequate he felt…

“Mr. Moitra. Don’t get me wrong,” he finally found his voice, “Rupali is a great girl. She deserves… a lot. And I think she will get everything she deserves. Your shouldn’t hurry yourself; or her.”

“Yes Dr. Khanna. I shouldn’t be hurrying. Her; or you. I just panic when I think of her loneliness. And of my failures. Still, let me say this. I am often in that area when you and Rupa make your weekly visit to orphanage. I sometimes meet the orphanage staff. NET is one of the donors there. You probably didn’t realize, but I have seen you together. She looked happy. And so did you. Try to think about that. Nobody has seen you happy very often. And her? She had all the reasons in the world to be sad. Still?”

Sabyasachi left leaving a flustered Paritosh behind.

—

To be continued

Destined (Part 17)

Posted Mish5 CommentsPosted in English, Inspired, Rupali-Paritosh

“I feel like a VIP,” Chand smiled on seeing Paritosh.

“That’s a good feeling, but can I ask why?” Partitosh also quipped back on seeing Chand in a good mood.

“The entire Pediatrics department seems to be at my beck and call. Attending to me one after another.”

“I am not the entire Pediatrics department.”

“Of course. So, you send that young protegee of yours to me, when you are not around.”

“Excuse me?”

“Dr. Banerjee. Rupali, I guess.”

“Rupali was here?”

“Poor girl. She is so besotted with you, she would do anything you asked her to.”

“Anything I ask her to? Besotted with me? What are you talking about Chand? Are you out of your mind? I never asked her to come here. Why would I?”

That made Chand’s smile grow wider, “You didn’t tell her to? And still she spends so much time here…”

“Rupali has been spending time with you? Why would she?”

“I must be her favourite patient, Mr. thick-head.”

A smile formed on Paritosh’ lips, on hearing the long-forgotten “Mr. thick-head” from Chand.

“Some things haven’t changed Chand. And yet how much has changed!” he said somberly.

“Yes,” her smiled became sad, “So much has changed. But why are you stuck Paritosh? Why did you never move on?”

“This is not the time to talk about me,” he avoided her and changed the topic, “You tell me, how are you feeling? I am eager to see you discharged, healthy!”

She sighed, “I am not too eager to leave. It feels safer than home.”

“Chand,” Paritosh spoke with some alarm, “Don’t think like that. Your father really repents not listening to your earlier. He is taking care of your daughters. And he won’t let you go back to that hell again.”

“Of course. He is not going to do that… Now…” her hands went to her tummy for a moment. Paritosh realized that she was thinking about the baby she had lost.

“You have two daughters to take care of, Chand. You can’t afford to be sad and depressed like this. You understand that, don’t you?”

She nodded and smiled. She spoke after a few moments of silence, “If possible, forgive me Paritosh. And if you have, move on. Please…”

“I never wished you any ill Chand,” Paritosh felt compelled to say that.

“Of course. I know,” she replied, “If you had, I wouldn’t be alive. Your ill-will would have been too powerful. It is your good-will that I and my daughters are alive today.”

“Just take care of yourself, and don’t fret over the bygones.”

She nodded and smiled.

—

After finishing his work, Paritosh went out to look for Rupali. He found her on the terrace.

“Not done for the day yet?”

“Another hour to go. We came in the same shift,” she smiled and stopped rubbing her eyes. She was clearly sleepy and had a headache.

“There is a simple secret to good health, you know.”

“What?”

“That you do things at the right time. For example, you sleep when you should sleep.”

“Right,” she sighed and mumbled.

“And that is true not only of one day, but of life in general.”

“And what does that mean?”

“For everything in life, there is a right time… The moment – you know. There is a moment, for example, when two people are on the same wavelength. They understand each other and they can come together. And after coming together, from then on, they can grow together. But if that moment is gone, and they don’t come together, then they grow separately, they grow differently, and they grow apart. Do you understand what I am saying?”

Rupali gulped hard. She felt her goosebumps. He must be referring to him and Chand. But why was he telling that to her? Why bother clarifying to her that they can not come together any longer?

“Rupali?”

“I think I do,” she managed to speak, “But I didn’t intend to hurt you… What I said earlier…”

“Don’t be an idiot,” Paritosh rebuffed her affectionately, “You can not hurt a fly Rupali Banerjee. I am tougher than that.” He was smiling by now and Rupali could not help but smile with him.

“If you are free,” Paritosh spoke again, “Let me make up for the tea we missed yesterday and treat you to one in the canteen. It will help with your sleepiness as well.”

“Sure,” she nodded. She could definitely do with some tea. But something about this exchange was making her think hard.

—

“Kakima!” Rupali was surprised to see Damyanti at her home when she reached back that evening.

“How are you, Rupa?”

“I am fine…” And against her better judgment tears came to her eyes.

“Oh my God! What happened, my child? Why are you…”

“I thought… you would never come…” Whatever be her failings, this woman has been the mother to her all these years. On seeing her, suddenly she felt the need to have a mother’s shoulder to cry on.

“Oh God! I am so sorry, Rupa… I should have come earlier. I was just so unsure…”

They hugged and Rupali cried softly.

“That’s enough. That’s enough, Rupa… Stop crying now. Come on… Radha. Bring some water for Rupa,” she hollared to the maid and took Rupali to her bedroom.

“Is something wrong, Rupa?” she asked after Rupali had calmed down.

“No Kakima. I just… got emotional to see you…”

“I should have come earlier. I am so sorry, Rupa…”

“Please don’t embarrass me, Kakima…”

“You could also have told me, Rupa, if you wanted to see me…”

“I know…”

“Anyway. Radha tells me that Dr. Khanna comes here often. He has been taking good care of you, right?”

“He is a good man, Kakima,” Rupali replied in a controlled voice, unsure about where this was going. There was already too much going on in her head about Paritosh, which she was yet to sort out.

“Of course!”

“Kakima…”

“Yes?”

“You don’t hold him responsible for what happened, do you? Because he is not. This house was just incidental. Sooner or later…”

“I know. I know Rupali,” Damyanti’s sadness and disappointment were not hidden, but she did put up a brave and rational face. “And trust me,” she added slowly, “Despite what I had hoped about your and… Rohan in past, you would always have my blessings for the right person in your life…”

“I… am not… sure… what you mean, Kakima…” Rupali stuttered.

“Your Kaku felt so… And even Radha tells me that you and Dr. Khanna…. are together?”

“What?” Rupali nearly jumped out of the bed, “What are you… No Kakima. That… That is not happening… That can not happen…”

“I thought so… I told both of them… It doesn’t make sense… He is too… I mean you are much younger than him and…”

“Kakima. That is not the point. It is not about him at all.”

“Then?”

“It’s… It’s me Kakima. I’m… How do I explain it… I am a damaged person Kakima, a damaged woman… I cannot… be with anyone. And least of all someone as nice as Dr. Khanna…” she almost choked on her words towards the end, “And Kakima. Please, don’t ever mention this to him. Being the kind of person he is, he might just agree to you for my sake. That won’t be right….”

Damyanti spoke after few moments of silence, “You should see a psychiatrist, Rupa.”

Rupali was startled, “Why are you… Did Dr. Khanna tell you to…”

Damyanti sighed, “I had called him up before coming.”

“Why?”

“Wanted to ask how you were doing and what I should be doing…”

Rupali sighed! So, Dr. Khanna was her official guardian now!

“You don’t need to ask anyone about me, Kakima…”

“I shouldn’t have to… But I have failed Rupa. And I want to be extra cautious now…”

Rupali buried her head in her hands feeling helpless, “Everybody is in such mess because of me…”

“No. No Rupa. Please don’t talk like this. You have been very brave. You shouldn’t give up in your life and future like this. Take time. You are not running out of it.”

Rupali wondered if those were her words, or Dr. Khanna’s. He was capable of saying things like those. But outwardly she just smiled and changed the topic, “Shall I get you some tea, Kakima?”

“Sure. Tea would be good.”

—

To be continued

Destined (Part 16)

Posted Mish12 CommentsPosted in English, Inspired, Rupali-Paritosh

“Do you know the name of the girls?” Rupali asked Paritosh as she took another hungry bite of the tasty cheese omelette at Paritosh’ house in the morning.

“I don’t. I actually don’t know anything about her, except the family she was married in to. That was difficult to not know,” Paritosh replied looking kind of lost.

“Are you still thinking about… about our conversation yesterday and then this…”

“No. No – I am over that now. I was just shocked then. The coincidence was too much…”

“Of course,” she mumbled.

“Why are you so worried about it… my irrationality?”

“You always do the right and the rational thing… I draw strength and hope from that… If you go weak there, I lose all hopes…” she replied not meeting his eyes.

“Rupali!” Her dependence on him, or his rationality was a news to him.

“I… I am sorry,” she glanced up with a nervous smile, “I am probably freaking you out. Don’t read too much into what I said.”

“We can read only written words, not spoken ones.”

“Excuse me?”

He chuckled, making her realize that he was joking.

“You got me,” she grinned foolishly.

“But Rupali…” he turned serious again.

“What?” she looked alarmed.

“Nothing. Are you done? I will drop you home. You would need rest after a tiring day.”

She had vaguely hoped that he would ask her to lie down in one of the rooms in his house only. But he was probably trying not to make her uncomfortable, she reasoned.

—

The girls recovered physically faster than their mother. But they were traumatized. The younger one was clearly in too much shock and she didn’t speak at all. Older one was also mostly silent, occasionally asking only about her Mummy, her nerves obviously frayed. Even the presence of their grand father did not help much.

Rupali took them to their mother when she did finally gain consciousness. Paritosh was also there.

“The baby died, Mummy?” The older girl asked her mother, her question wrenching everyone’s heart. Chand started crying on hearing the question and on Paritosh’ indication Rupali hurled the girls out. Seeing their mother cry couldn’t be good for their morales.

When Rupali came back to the room after settling the children in the ward, Paritosh was hugging Chand trying to console her. She went back without making her presence felt.

The girls were discharged a couple of days later. Paritosh called Rajesh Malhotra in his office, “Uncle. Although the psychiatrists at the hospital have tried talking to the girls, here is the number of Dr. Biswas. He is the best child and adolescent psychiatrist in Kolkata. I think you should take them to him.”

“Thank you, Paritosh. I don’t know if I should thank you… or apologize…”

“Please. None. And don’t bother about me. Chand and her daughters need love and care right now…”

The old man nodded.

“And…”

“Yes?”

“I know you consider it a family matter, but please don’t send them back there, to that family. Ideally they should be in the jail…”

“I understand. I have made more than my share of mistakes and put these innocent children at risk. Not any more.”

Paritosh nodded and he noticed Rupali standing nearby as Rajesh Malhotra left. He looked uncomfortable, but Rupali ignored it at first.

“That was a sound advice,” she said with a smile.

Paritosh just nodded and asked, “You had some work?”

“Erm… No,” she was caught unawares by the brisk question, “I just… came to check up on you.”

“I am fine, Rupali. Just another day. You should go back to work.”

And now she could not shrug it away. He had definitely been avoiding her. Since their breakfast date as he had called it. What was it?

But she did not know what and how to ask. So, she just left. She did not see Paritosh looking on longingly after her.

—

“You look preoccupied,” Rupali asked Paritosh after they finished the weekly check up at the orphanage. He hadn’t spoken much to her during their visit. He hadn’t spoken much to her at all for last few days. Usually nothing beyond the formalities.

“Umm… Yes… Mr. Malhotra wanted to meet me.”

“You are going there now?”

“Yeah.”

She wondered if he would drop her as usual.

“Where do they stay?”

“Ballygunge.”

That was in yet another direction, not in the way of either Rupali’s or Paritosh’ home.

“All the best then,” she said, “I will take a taxi.”

Paritosh looked like he would object, but he withdrew before saying anything.

“I am sorry,” he mumbled.

“Sorry? I will be fine,” she assured him while trying to hide her own disappointment.

Rupali felt terribly lonely at home that evening. Paritosh dropping her and staying for some tea was something she had started looking forward to. She repeatedly picked up her phone feeling compelled to call him, ask him about… himself, Chand, Mr. Malhotra… But she didn’t. It would be inappropriate.

—

She went to his office next morning for some work.

“Rupali,” he called her after she was finished and was leaving.

“Yes Sir?” Her heart skipped a beat, and she hoped that her reaction was not obvious to him.

“Have you considered seeing a psychiatrist?”

“Wh… Why do you ask?” she was taken aback. It was completely unexpected for her.

“You haven’t slept last night. It is obvious from how you look. You need to sort it out…”

Rupali stayed silent for a while. What could she tell him? That it was because he wasn’t talking to her?

“Thanks for looking out,” she replied finally, “I will manage.” She turned on her heels and walked out before he could say anything else.

—

Paritosh was surprised to see Rupali near Chand’s room later in the day. He stayed silent for a while and observed her watching Chand from outside. It was odd.

“Rupali?” he finally called her.

She was startled, “Dr. Khanna. Good…” she glanced at the wall clock, “Good afternoon, Sir.”

“Good afternoon. What are you doing here?”

“I was just passing by. I thought I would check on her.”

He nodded, and after a moment’s hesitation, spoke, “Rupali. I am sorry. I might have hurt you inadvertently this morning. By asking you to…”

“Please. Don’t apologize. You meant well. And you are probably right too, like always. It’s just that I… Anyway. I think you should give yourself a break from worrying about me now.”

“Why so?” he asked half amused, half curious at her odd remark.

“Why so?” she appeared amused now, “Some important people are back in your life. And they need your time and attention. That’s why. I will see you later. Bye.”

Paritosh frowned after her. What the hell did she mean?

—

To be continued

Destined (Part 15)

Posted Mish2 CommentsPosted in English, Inspired, Rupali-Paritosh

“Sir, there is an emergency. Two girls have been brought in. Can you please come in quickly…” Rupali’s call came hardly ten minutes after she had left for her round.

“Where? In the ward or emergency room?”

“They brought the girls in the ward. There is a woman in ER, presumably their mother.”

“I will be right there.”

Paritosh appeared surprised to see the girls at first and frowned. But he recovered and gave instructions for injecting IV.

“Such severe malnutrition…” Paritosh wondered aloud, “I haven’t seen that even in street children. Even they manage to eat something…”

“Just spoke to the nurse in ER, Dr. Khanna. She said the same thing about the mother. Looks like she hasn’t eaten in days. And to top that she is pregnant.”

“Oh?”

“And Sir…”

“Yeah?”

“They don’t look poor. Their clothes…” she pointed towards the girls, “And those ear-rings are almost certainly gold…”

“You suspect foul play?” Paritosh looked at her curiously.

She nodded.

There was nothing to be done for the girls now except to keep them under observation. “Let’s go and see the mother,” he told Rupali, “Police might need to be informed.”

—

“Who brought them in?” Paritosh asked the nurse on duty in ER before getting into the room.

“Will have to check the paper work for the name. But someone saw them on the roadside and called the ambulance.”

“Okay. Can I see her?”

“Sure Doctor. If you want to talk to Dr. Naidu, he is in the admin office filing paperwork.”

“Will do. Thanks.” Paritosh and Rupali went into the room.

“Oh my God!” Paritosh stopped in his tracks and looked horrified.

“What happened, Sir?” Rupali was taken aback by his reaction.

“Those girls looked so familiar… No wonder… This is…”

“You know her?”

Paritosh sat down on a chair nearby and sighed loudly, “I just told you about her… This is Chand.”

“Oh!” What a coincidence!

“And no… She is not poor,” Paritosh continued talking, “She was married in a a very well-to-do business family in Howrah.”

Her clothes and jewelry definitely confirmed that!

Rupali saw the agony on Paritosh’ face as he stared at the patient. She went forward and put her hands on his shoulder. He was surprised, but did not move.

“Dr. Khanna. Are you okay?”

“Yes. Of course,” he came out of his thoughts and looked at her, “I am okay. Don’t worry. Let’s go back to the girls…”

“You can stay here, if you want. I will be in the ward. I will let you know, if something changes.”

“Okay… Thanks Rupali… I will stay… And…”

“Yeah?”

“I think I need to call her family. I don’t have the number.”

“Some common friend would have it?”

“Her father is Rajesh Malhotra…”

“Of Malhotra and Sons?” Rupali asked, startled. It was a well-known business family in the city.

“Yes.”

“I will start by calling their office, then. The number should be on the website.”

“Yeah. That sounds like a good idea. Please do.”

For the first time, Rupali noticed, Paritosh looked like he was not in control of the situation and was grateful for help and support.

“Don’t worry Dr. Khanna. They are in good hands now,” she said assuringly.

He nodded with a faint smile.

—

Paritosh came to the ward with an elderly man accompanying him. He was dressed in a starched white Kurta-Paijama and was being graceful with a lot of efforts. Unchecked, he would have burst out in tears.

“Mr. Rajesh Malhotra,” Paritosh introduced them to each other, “This is Dr. Ruapli Banerjee. She called you…”

“Hello Sir,” Rupali mumbled to Rajesh Malhotra. “Thank you,” he nodded and mumbled in acknowledgment and sat down beside the younger girl on the bed. He gently ran his hand over her hand.

“How are they?” he looked expectantly at Rupali and asked.

“Their vitals are improving. We have to observe until morning.”

He nodded looking sad.

“Uncle,” Paritosh addressed his softly, “You don’t look too well yourself. You can go home and come in the morning. They are in good hands now.”

“I’d like to stay here,” the old man said desperately, “If it isn’t against hospital’s rules.”

Paritosh sighed and nodded, “Sister Teresa can escort you if you want to go to Chand’s room. I will be in my office.” He looked at the nurse and nodded at her to indicate that she should do what he promised to Rajesh Malhotra. She nodded back.

Then he looked at Rupali and she followed him.

—

“What happened?” Rupali asked as soon as they entered his office.

Paritosh indicated her to sit. It would be a long story.

She was at her in-laws place. Pregnant with her third child. Two daughters were already too much for her family. They went for gender determination, even though it was illegal. And the the unborn baby was a girl too. They wanted her to abort. She refused. She had called her father for help. But he told her to deal with her family matters herself. He doesn’t know anything more. But…

“They starved her and her daughters to force abortion?” Rupali completed his thoughts.

“Seems likely. She must have run away. But could not make it all the way to her father’s house due to weakness.”

“How is the baby?” Rupali asked anxiously.

“Things don’t look good. Dr. Nanda is with them,” he replied referring to the gynecologist on duty.

“You don’t want to be there?”

“I was not helping there.” He was too disturbed!

Rupali had barely nodded in response when his mobile rang. He turned pale as he heard the person on phone.

“The baby died,” he said after disconnecting the call.

“Oh! And that would create complications for her too…”

Paritosh nodded.

“Dr. Khanna. You are…”

“I never thought ill of her Rupali. Even when I was angry and hurt… I never did…”

“Of course, you didn’t. Why would you… Oh my God!” The realization dawned on her about what was bothering him so much apart from sudden encounter with Chand under such circumstances. “Please Sir,” she went near him and put her hands on his shoulder, “It has got nothing to do with you. It was just a coincidence that we were talking about her today…”

He shook his head. She continued, “No. Listen to me please. This is just not right. I was the one listening to you, right? I can judge it. There was no ill-will whatsoever in you.”

“I hope so, Rupali…”

“Please. Dr. Khanna. I can’t see you like this. You can’t be like this. Not after all the wise things you know and say…”

He looked at her and frowned as he tried to understand what she meant. Then a small smile spread on his lips, “All the wise things, eh?”

“Whatever,” she was suddenly embarrassed at her words, “You are a doctor. You are supposed to be rational about things.”

“Of course,” his smile was broader now. Somehow her agitated outburst had pulled Paritosh out of the guilt-pit the evening’s incidents had thrown him into.

“If you want to go home, you can go Dr. Khanna,” Rupali offered helpfully, “I am here and the girls only need observation.”

“No. I intend to keep our breakfast date,” he grinned much to Rupali’s surprise and relief, “We will leave together in the morning.”

“Okay,” she smiled and left.

—

To be continued