Mish' Fiction

Nidhi barged into Dr. Asthana’s cabin. She was not surprised at seeing who was there, but he was startled.

“Mr. Singhal!” she roared.

“Nidhi.”

“Agar aapki in twisted aur ghatiya harqaton ki wajah se Siddhi ya Dr. Ashutosh ko ek pal bhi aur pareshaani hui na, to I swear ki main apne haathon se aapka khoon kar doongi. I don’t care ki uske baad meri zindagi ka kya hoga. Yaad rakhiyega.”

Ramesh Singhal was a well-built man and his appearance oozed confidence. But Nidhi’s ferociousness and its suddennes left him speechless. He even stepped back unconsciously.

“Siddhi ki shakal hamari Mummy se bahut milti hai. Zyada dikkat to nahin hui hogi aapko apni mari hui bahan ki shakal pahchanne mein. Nandini Verma nee Singhal, right? Lekin this blood, Mr. Singhal, is much, much thinner than water. Aapko hamari life mein interfere karne ka koi haq nahin hai. Aur agar ye haq aap chheenna bhi chahenge to main aapko aisa karne nahin doongi.”

Nidhi stormed out of the room as furiously as she had came in, not giving Ramesh Singhal a chance to react. He came back to his senses after a few seconds and followed her.

—

Nidhi barged into a room without permission a second time. This time it was conference room number 3.

“If I am not wrong, aap sab log mil kar meri koi pareshaani discuss kar rahe hain?” the bitterness and sarcasm was not lost on anybody.

“Nidhi?” Ashutosh was surprised to find her there. She glared at him.

“Dr. Nidhi. This is inappropriate behavior…” the chairman of the board said rather unconvincingly.

“Yeah? Aur kissi ko meri us complaint ke liye zimmedaar banana jo maine ki hi nahin hai, how appropriate is that?”

“Dr. Nidhi. This is ridiculous. Hum log is maamle ko itni discreetly aapki request par handle kar rahe hain, aur aap yahan tamaasha bana rahi hain?” It was Dr. Ashthana.

“Aur main aapse kab mili, ya request kab ki?”

“Aapne apne Uncle ke through application bhijwaya tha.”

“Can I see it?”

“Of course,” the chairman handed her the letter.

“Mr. Ramesh Singhal aapke dost hain na Dr. Asthana. Kya aapko ye nahin pata hai ki woh kitne manipulative hain, ya aapki Dr. Ashutosh se student life se chal rahi rivalry ne aapko aankhein band karne par majboor kar diya hai? Aapne hospital ke kissi document se mere signature match kar ke dekhe?”

“Excuse me?”

“Is application par jo signature hain, woh mere nahin hain. Aur ye pata karne ke liye aapko kissi handwriting analyst ki zaroorat nahin hai. Ek bachcha bhi bata sakta hai. Mr. Singhal mere guardian nahin hain. Kuchh dinon pahle tak hamein ek-doosre ki existence ke baare mein pata bhi nahin tha. Aur I didn’t know until this morning that he is, unfortunately, related to me. Is jhoothe application par woh mere signature copy karne ki koshish tak nahin kar sakte the kyonki unhone kabhi mere signature dekhe hi nahin hain. Aap log itminaan se mere signature saare documents par dekh sakte hain, aur match kar sakte hain. Lekin mere khayaal se aap mujh par bharosa kar lijiye. Kyonki Kotnis ka board ek mentally sick aur manipulative insaan ke haathon ki kathputli ban jaaye – ye kaafi insulting situation hogi hum sab ke liye. Nahin?”

“To kya Dr. Ashutosh aur aapke beech…” Somebody started asking to confirm, but his voice trailed as the awkwardness of the situation dawned on him.

Nidhi did not reply to that incomplete question. She looked at Ashutosh. She needed him to speak up at this point of time. It was mostly his decision that people at work should not know about them.

“Dr. Nidhi and I are engaged. To be married,” Ashutosh spoke firmly drawing reactions of surprise from everyone.

That was all Nidhi needed to hear to complete the announcement, “Aap logon ki personal opinion jo bhi ho is baare mein, lekin na to hamare desh ka constitution, aur na hi is hospital ke koi rules, do adults ki relationship ko, unki engagement ko, ya unki hone waali shaadi ko koi crime maante hain. Right?”

There was a pin-drop silence in the room. She spoke again, “I will leave you all to formally dismiss the meeting and also the charges on Dr. Ashutosh.” Nidhi walked out of the room and found Ramesh pacing up and down in the receiption area near the conference room.

She intended to ignore him, but he stopped her, “Tum jo kar rahi ho sahi nahin kar rahi ho. Main tumhari bhalai ke liye…”

“Aur mere liye koi bhi faisla lene waale aap kaun hote hain?”

“Tumhari Ma ne bhi yahi galti ki thi.”

“Meri Ma ke saath, honestly, meri zyada sympathy nahin hai. Mere Ma-Baap dono ne hi bahut galtiyan ki thi. Usnki shaadi bhi ek galti thi. Lekin ab mujhe realize ho gaya ki woh galti Mummy ki nahin thi.”

“Usne ghar waalon ke khilaaf ja kar shaadi ki thi…”

“Aur agar unki parwarish aise ho rahi thi, jaise aapki beti ki ho rahi hai, then I am proud of her ki she rebelled. For good or for bad. Nobody deserves to be treated like an object Mr. Singhal, which is what you and your family seem to think of your daughters.”

“You are too immature. Ye insaan tumhein bahka raha hai, tumhara istemaal kar raha hai, aur tum use bhagwaan maan baithi ho.”

“Get out of our lives. Unless you want me to sue you for forgery…”

“Nidhi…”

“Doctor. Dr. Nidhi Verma. Mr. Singhal, maine aapko mujhe first name se bulane ki izaazat nahin di hai. Aur strangers ki betaquallufi mujhe pasand nahin hai.”

“Nidhi!” It was Ashutosh’s soothing voice, “Thanks…”

She turned towards him and shouted, “Aap to baat mat kijiye mujhse.”

“Are. Mujhse kyon naaraaz ho rahi ho?” Ashutosh was flustered with her reaction. She ran away from there and Ashutosh went after her. Ignored by both of them, Ramesh Singhal made his way out. His plan clearly haddn’t work out.

—

“Nidhi!”

“Maine kaha na main aapse baat nahin kar rahi,” they had reached her favourite place in the hospital – the terrace.

“Lekin kyon?”

“Aap… Aap aisa soch bhi kaise sakte hain mere baare mein? Ki main aisi bhaddi harqat karoongi? Aise complain karoongi?”

“Are… Maine aisa kab socha Nidhi?”

“Nahin socha? To mujhe ab tak pata kyon nahin tha? Plan tha kya aapka?”

“Oh God, Nidhi! I will explain, lekin pahle ye batao ki tum itni jaldi meri kahi hui baat bhool gayi?”

“Kaun si baat?”

“Ki I trust you. Infinitely.”

“Aapko ye sab skills aati hain. Diplomatically baat karna, kuchh kah kar bhi nahin kahna… Gussa aa raha ho, tab bhi chup rahna… Aur man ki baat zubaan par na laana… Mujhe nahin aati. Aapko trust tha mere oopar, to mujhe bataya kyon nahin?”

“Meri baat sunogi? Please.”

“Nahin. Nahin sunungi.”

“Stop behaving like a brat Nidhi.”

“Why should I stop behaving like anything? I will behave like whatever I want to behave like. Mujhe nahin maanni aapki baat.”

Ashutosh broke into a smile. Her whining was incredibly cute. “Theek hai. Mat maano meri baat. Lekin sun to lo. Agar sunogi hi nahin, to nahin kaise maanogi?”

“I hate you.”

“Abhi to poore board ke saamne hamari shaadi announce kar ke aayi ho,” Ashutosh was enjoying it now.

Nidhi pouted unable to reply to that. Ashutosh went forward and held her by arms, “Rahul ko tumhare paas bheja tha maine Nidhi. Tumhein koi aur proof chahiye ki main tum par trust karta hoon ya nahin?”

“Mujhe bataya kyon nahin?”

“Do reasons. Poori baat mujhe khud nahin pata thi. Ramesh Singhal ne plan kaafi airtight banaya tha. I didn’t know that he was involved. Aur jitna mujhe pata tha woh… main tumhein bata nahin paaya. I was feeling very awkward, Nidhi. I’m sorry.”

“Aap mere saamne awkward feel kar rahe the?”

“I know. Nahin karna chahiye. Kar bhi raha tha, tab bhi tumhein sab bata dena chahiye. Aur future mein aisa hi hoga. Bas is ek baar maaf kar do… Is baar situation thodi to exceptional thi na? Thoda raham karo Nidhi, please.”

“Aur agar mujhe nahin pata chalta to? Aapka plan kya tha?”

“Conference room mein ghusne se pahle mera koi plan nahin tha, kyonki poori baat pata hi nahin thi mujhe. Bas mujhe Dr. Surana ne vaguely warn kiya tha. Aur baad mein ye bhi bataya tha ki tumhara naam ismein aa raha hai. Itna to clear tha ki koi hamari relationship ke baare mein jaanta hai aur uska fayda uthane ki koshish kar raha hai. Lekin despite trying hard main pata nahin laga paaya ki kaun hai ye.”

“Phir?”

“Phir Dr. Asthana ne woh letter produce kar diya. Obviously tumne nahin likha tha. Lekin maine bhi kabhi dhyaan nahin diya ki tumhare signatures kaise hain. To main kuchh obvious point out nahin kar pa raha tha ki kyon woh letter forged hai. Baaki ka letter typed tha. I was requesting them ki tumhein bulayein meeting mein. Lekin Dr. Asthana was insisting ki you were really terrified of me and that was the reason unhein dicreetly application bheji gayi thi etc. Bahas chal hi rahi thi ki tum khud aa gayin. What should I say? My knightess in shining armour?” Ashutosh chuckled slightly.

“Aap bahut bure hain.”

“Lekin maaf to tumne mujhe kar diya hai, right?”

“Meri kamzori ka fayda uthate hain aap.”

“Ab ye batao ki tumhein kaise pata chala?”

“Poori puzzle solve kar ke,” Nidhi explained to him what all had happened since yesterday. Ramesh talking to Siddhi about her and Ashutosh, asking her about their mother, meeting Preeti that morning, hearing her aunt’s story, which was clearly Nidhi’s mother’s story, “Main almost bhool hi gayi thi. Lekin jab usne apni bua ka nickname bataya Nandu, tab puzzle ke saare pieces fit ho gaye. Nandini Singhal. Mummy ka maiden name tha. Halanki woh kabhi ise use nahin karti thi, lekin mujhe pata tha. Phir wapas hospital aayi aur aapse milne ki koshish ki to Dr. Rangnath ne bataya Dr. Asthana aur mere supposed Uncle ke baare mein, jinke through maine aapki complaint ki hai… You owe him one Dr. Ashutosh. Agar unhone nahin bataya hota to… Theek hai. Ultimately sab theek ho hi jaata. Lekin wahan meeting mein jo humiliation hoti aapki, woh bardasht kar paate aap?”

“Thanks Nidhi. And I am sorry. I really am. Maine tumhein bahut pareshaan kiya hai. But this really is the last time.”

“Dr. Ashutosh. Ek baat kahun?”

“Hmm?”

“Aaj maine jaise behave kiya, mujhe purane din yaad aa gaye. Aapne meri bahut badtamiziyan tolerate ki hain.”

“Aisa kyon kah rahi ho Nidhi?”

—

To be continued

P. S. Mu ha ha ha ha (Evil laughter). I know some of you would not talk to me again for this cliffhanger. But come on. A writer deserves to give cliffhangers 😛

“Rahul?” It wasn’t Siddhi at the door.

“Nidhi Auntie. Main aaj yahin rahoonga. Auntie mera saamaan la rahi hain.”

Nidhi saw Rahul’s maid bringing a bag out of the car. Rahul didn’t have paitence to wait for her. He had ran towards the house and rang the bell.

“Kisne bheja tumhein?” she asked surprised.

“Papa ne kaha ki unhein kuchh kaam hai aur aap akeli hain. Isliye unhone mujhe aapke paas bhej diya.”

“Andar aao,” she brought him inside. His maid followed with the bag. “Madam,” she addressed Nidhi, “Aap Rahul Baba ko rakh lengi na? To phir main jaati hoon.”

“Chai pee lijiye.”

“Nahin Madam. Agar yahan kaam na ho to main ghar jaungi. Mere beti-daamaad aaye hue hain.”

“Theek hai phir. Rahul yahin rahega. Koi problem nahin hai.”

“Ashutosh Sahab ne kaha hai ki driver kal subah aa jayega, Rahul Baba aur Siddhi Madam ko school le jaane ke liye.”

“Theek hai.”

It didn’t matter how hard she tried, she could not suppress her grin from time to time. What had she done to deserve such a sweet man? Whatever the problem was, he hadn’t stopped thinking about her.

Nidhi had barely settled Rahul in, unpacking the new game he had brought excitedly to play with Siddhi, when the doorbell rang again. It was Siddhi.

“Oh God Di. Kya creepy family hai. Main wahan phir nahin jaungi.”

“Tu theek to hai? Kya hua?”

“Main theek hoon, Di. Lekin woh Preeti ke Papa bade ajeeb insaan hain. I think he doesn’t like Dr. Ashutosh. Unke aur tumhare baare mein aise baat kar rahe the… I didn’t like it one bit.”

“Mere aur Dr. Ashutosh ke baare mein?”

“Yeah. As if Dr. Ashutosh somehow tumhara fayda utha rahe hain…”

“What the hell! Aur woh jo bhi sochte ho, tumhein kyon bata rahe the?”

“Wahi to. Preeti ko kamre se bahar bhej diya, snacks laane ke liye. Aur phir… Maine unhein kah diya ki unhein itna zaroori hai baat karna to tumse ya Dr. Ashutosh se karein.”

“Theek kiya. Ab wahan jaana mat dubara. Mujhe Dr. Ashutosh se baat karni hogi. Mr. Singhal apni limits cross kar rahe hain. Pahle bhi… Tu ja haath-munh dho le. Kuchh khayegi?”

“Nahin Di. Aur haan – woh Mummy ke baare mein poochh rahe the.”

“Mummy ke baare mein? Hamari Mummy ke baare mein?”

“Haan. Maine bol diya ki main bahut chhoti thi. Mujhe kuchh yaad nahin hai.”

“Okay… Khair. Rahul aaya hai. Tera wait kar raha hai.”

“Ohho! Haan. Tum itne dinon se wahan ruki nahin ho raat ko. Use neend kahan aa rahi hogi apni Nidhi Auntie ke bina?” Siddhi teased Nidhi good humouredly, “Dr. Ashutosh se zyada I am sure ye tumhara beta tumhari shaadi ka intezaar kar raha hai.”

“Shut up Siddhi. Waise bhi, abhi woh tujhe dhoondh raha hai. Usne koi naya game khareeda hai. Kuchh Anemia… nahin… ye kaise naam hoga…”

“Anomia? Really? Wow… Mujhe laga tha ki India mein milta nahin hai. Maine dekhti hoon.”

“Munh-haath to dho le…”

“Baad mein Di,” Siddhi rushed inside forgetting all about whatever was bothering her after visit to Preeti’s house.

—

Nidhi looked at her watch after disconnecting the call. Siddhi had called from school. She wanted her to come there during 11 ‘o clock recess.

“Di, Preeti ko bahut buri tarah chotein lagi hai. Lekin woh kissi ko batana nahin chahti. Please ek baar aa kar use dekho lo. It is really scary, Di.”

“Batana nahin chahti maltab?”

“Uske ghar par kuchh hua hai, Di. Main abhi baat nahin kar sakti. Class mein wapas jaana hai. Recess ke time par aana, Di. Warna usse milna mushkil hoga.”

Nidhi was worried and confused. Who the hell was this man – Singhal – and what did he want in life? What had happened at home to injure Preeti? And why had she not been given treatment for that? Why was Siddhi asking her to come and treat her secretively? She couldn’t hold any grudges against Preeti though and hence decided to do what Siddhi wanted. She tried to reach Dr. Rangnath to inform him that she would be late, but he did not pick up his call. She left a message with Priyanka instead.

—

“What the hell? Kissi ne stick se maara hai tumhein?” Nidhi was horrified when she saw the wounds on Preeti’s palms.

“Di. Kuchh to lagana hoga na is par. She is not able to user her hands at all,” Sidhhi asked.

“Yahan aas paas koi pharmacy hai?”

“Haan. School ke bagal mein hai to.”

“Main dawaiyan le kar aati hoon.”

“Lekin Di, recess khatam na ho jaye.”

“Ye ek pain killer mere paas hai. Abhi kha lo Preeti. Relief milega. Aur ye thodi dawai hai is tube mein. Aur sun Siddhi. Ye dawaiyaan khareed lena pharmacy se school ke baad. Paise hain na tere paas? Maine details likh di hain is par. Chemist samjha dega kaise aur kab use karni hai,” Nidhi scribbled the names of the medicines on a paper, “Lekin Preeti. Ye hua kaise? Ghar par kissi ne kiya?”

“Papa ne,” she almost choked on her words.

“That’s horrible,” Nidhi exclaimed loudly, then realized that she was criticizing her own father before the girl, “I’m sorry Preeti. I didn’t mean to…”

“No. Please. Aap sorry kyon kah rahi hain? Thanks for all the help.”

“Hua kya tha?”

“Kissi ne mere bag mein ek… love-letter rakh diya tha. Mujhe pata bhi nahin tha. Lekin mere bhaiya ke haath lag gaya aur…”

“To kissi ne roka nahin tumhare Papa ko? Tumhari Mummy?”

“Woh kya kissi ko rokengi? Mom to khud hi kaise zinda hain us ghar mein, pata nahin… Bolti hain ki ye ghar hamesha se hi aisa tha. Lekin jab se Bua ne sabki marzi ke khilaaf shaadi ki, tab se sab log kuchh zyada hi pagal ho gaye hain…”

“Bua ne?”

“Bahut purani baat hai. Maine to dekha bhi nahin hai unko. Mere sabse bade bhaiya bhi tab chhote the.”

Nidhi looked alarmed, “Kya naam tha tumhari Bua ka?”

“Mummy to Nandu kah ke baat karti hain unki. Mujhe pata nahin hai real naam kya tha…” The bell to annouce the end of recess went off.

“Siddhi. Ise dawaiyan zaroor dila dena… Aur sun. School ke baad akele mat nikalna. Dr. Ashutosh ki car mein hi jaana. Okay?” Nidhi looked alarmed.

“Kyon Di?”

“Abhi time nahin hai. Class ja, aur jo main kah rahi hoon woh kar. Take care Preeti.”

“Thank you so much Dr. Nidhi.”

—

Nidhi was agitated as she reached the hospital and walked towards Ashutosh’ cabin.

“Dr. Nidhi,” she was stopped on her way by Dr. Rangnath.

“Dr. Rangnath. I’m sorry. Main late ho gayi. I was unable to reach you. Maine Priyanka ko inform kiya tha…”

“Aap Dr. Ashutosh se cabin mein kyon ja rahi hain?”

“Kya matlab?” Nidhi got irritated, “Woh mere boss hain. Mujhe unse milne se manahi hai kya? Kuchh kaam tha, isliye ja rahi thi.”

“Hmm… Lekin woh to board members ke saath meeting mein hai. Afternoon mein thi, lekin prepone ho gayi.”

“Oh!”

“I am not supposed to talk about it Dr. Nidhi, lekin aapko Dr. Ashutosh se kya problem hai?”

“Aap kaisi baatein kar rahe hain Dr. Rangnath? Mujhe Dr. Ashutosh se koi problem kyon hogi?”

“Phir aapne unki complain kyon ki?”

“Maine? Complain? Dr. Ashutosh ki? Dekhiye Dr. Rangnath. I appreciate your sense of humour and all that. Lekin abhi main bahut pareshaan hoon. It is not a good time to crack jokes…”

“Dr. Nidhi. Dr. Ashutosh abhi board ke saath meeting mein hain. Dr. Asthana – he is also a board member, you might know, has brought this up. Unki aur Dr. Ashutosh ki rivalry ke baare mein sabko pata hai. Chun kar aapke Uncle ne unse baat ki thi…”

“Mere Uncle ne?”

“Haan. Abhi bhi Dr. Asthana ke office mein hain. Dr. Nidhi, Dr. Ashutosh ko hum sab jaante hain… Unke jaise insaan rare hote hain… This doesn’t make sense… Sexual harassment? Why would you do something like that?”

“What?” Nidhi almost jumped in shock. Then the understanding dawned on her and she added calmly, but firmly “Aap sahi kah rahe hain Dr. Rangnath. This doesn’t make sense. Aur ye nonsense ab nahin chalega. Dr. Asthana ka office kidhar hai?”

“Internal Medicine ground floor par hai. Room number mujhe yaad nahin…”

“Main pata kar loongi. Board meeting kahan chal rahi hai?”

“Conference Room No. 3”

“Thanks Dr. Rangnath. Aap pareshaan mat ho. Sab theek ho jayega…”

Rangnath looked on confused. He had huge respect for Dr. Ashutosh. He had worked under him for several years. Dr. Nidhi had also never appeared to be the manipulative kind. She was competent as a doctor and had a no-nonsense attitude. Hers and Dr. Ashutosh’ relationships were never strained either. So, when he had come to know what was going on in the hospital, he could not help talking to Nidhi. He wasn’t supposed to. But some things were worth risking insubordination. Nidhi’s reaction showed that she had no intention of creating any troubles for Ashutosh, but she did know what was going on and could solve it. He felt relieved, though he continued to keep his fingers crossed.

—

To be continued

(As you can guess, it is going to a fiery, fiery Nidhi in next update :D)

“Nidhi. Kaafi raat ho gayi hai. Tum logon ko nikal jaana chahiye,” Nidhi had been helping Rahul with his homework after Siddhi’s birthday party and had just come to Ashutosh’ room.

“Hum log aaj ruk rahe hain,” Nidhi replied cheerfully and sat down beside him.

“Nahin. Tum ghar chali jao.”

“Ji?” Nidhi was surprised.

“Haan… Woh mujhe kuchh kaam hai…”

“To… Aap kar lijiye apna kaam. Main aapko disturb nahin karoongi…”

“Nahin Nidhi. Ghar jao. Please.”

This was a first. Nidhi was flustered. “Aap mujhese naaraaz hain kya?” Her trepidation surprised her too. She felt absolutely terrified.

It was impossible for Ashutosh not to notice her reaction. Guilt overcame him immediately. Her held her and reassured her, “No. No Nidhi. Aisa kuchh nahin hai. I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. Pareshaan mat ho. Please.”

It took Nidhi a few moments to calm down. Feeling overwhelmed she hugged him tight. She looked like a scared child clinging hard to a parent.

“Nidhi!”

“Main bahut dar gayi thi Dr. Ashutosh. Please aisa kabh phir mat…”

“Calm down, Nidhi. Aise dar kyon rahi ho? Maine kaha na – I am sorry… Mujhe aise nahin…”

“Mujhe khud nahin pata tha ki main… It’s probably stupid. Lekin ek pal ke liye meri jaan nikal gayi thi.”

“Itna chahti ho mujhe?” Ashutosh asked very seriously.

“Aapko ashcharya ho raha hai?”

“Nahin… Bas pray kar raha hoon ki zaroorat padne par main tumhari aur tumhari feelings ki is intensity ko match kar paun.”

“Aap pareshaan hain kissi baat par? Kal se hi… Kya baat hui thi aapki Dr. Surana se?”

“Kuchh khaas nahin. Don’t worry.”

Nidhi could sense that he was hiding something, but she did not insist right then. “Main aapko aur pareshaan nahin karoongi. Lekin I really hope ki ek din aap bhi apne man ki baatein mujhe batane mein utna hi comfortable feel karenge, jitna main aapko batane mein karti hoon.”

“Nidhi. Aisa kuchh nahin hai…”

“Maine Siddhi ko bol diya tha ki hum ruk rahe hain. Isliye main wapas nahin ja rahi. Waran woh bekaar mein hazaar sawaal poochhegi. Aap so jaiye. Good night.”

“Good night, Nidhi.”

She nodded and got up to leave.

“Nidhi,” Ashutosh stopped her and got up. He hugged her gently and then kissed her on forehead. “Good night,” he said in a soft and sincere voice. It made a chill run down Nidhi’s spine. She could melt in his arms right then. She was so madly in love with him. But she just smiled and left. That was not the time!

—

It was Sunday afternoon. Nidhi was off-duty. Siddhi had gone to Preeti’s house. Preeti had not been allowed to come to Siddhi’s house. But she had invited Siddhi instead. Siddhi had obliged.

It had more than a week since Siddhi’s birthday. Ashutosh had arranged everything on the day. It had been the grandest bithday Siddhi had ever got. She was super-excited. But Ashutosh was only putting up an act of excitement. Something was eating him up. Nidhi hadn’t offered to stay at his house all these days. And he hadn’t asked her either. It was like back to old days, when he hadn’t accepted their relationship. She spent a lot of time with Rahul at his home and otherwise. But he was restrained before her.

He wasn’t ignoring her. If anything, he was overly sensitive of her needs. If she looked tired, he made sure she went home and slept early. If she missed a meal, he would blast her over it. Once she had a minor cut and he had raised such hell over it that even Rahul had been surprised. “Papa. Band Aid laga dijiye. Theek ho jayegi. Aap Nidhi Auntie ko itna daant kyon rahe hain? Aisi chot to mujhe bhi lagi hai. Dekhiye.”

He had apologized to her later, “Mujhe tumhein bachchon ke saamne aise nahin daantna chahiye tha. I am sorry.”

“Aap achchhi tarah jaante hain ki aapki daant ka mujhe bura nahin laga. Taqleef is baat ki hai ki aapne mujhe isliye daanta ki aap pareshaan hain. Aur mujhse share nahin kar pa rahe hain.”

“Tumse kuchh isliye nahin kah raha hoon kyonki mujhe khud nahin pata ki main kya mahsoos kar raha hoon. Mujhe maaloon hai ki main tumhein ek baar phir se pareshaan kar raha hoon. Mujhe maaf kar paogi?”

“Aapko mujhse maafi maangne ki zaroorat nahin hai. Aur agar hui bhi to meri kamzori ye nahin hai ki aapko maaf nahin kar paungi. Mujhe to dar is baat ka hai ki main kab tak aapka lihaaj kar ke patience rakh paungi. Shayad zyada dinon tak nahin. Ho sake to mere patience ka imtihaan mat lijiye Dr. Ashutosh. Mujhe bata dijiye.”

“I’m sorry, Nidhi.”

Ashutosh was frustrated with himself. What he was doing made no rational sense. Yet he was unable to speak it out before Nidhi. Dr. Surana had told him about a rumour amongst the board members that someone was blaming him for sexual harassment at work. He didn’t know what the source was and who was the supposed victim. He had just asked him to be cautious. There was a possibility that he would be questioned. Ashutosh was not scared. How could something that did not happen be proved? But he cared about people’s opinions. So, he was offended that people in the board, who had known him for years, could even remotely think of something like that being true. He would have told Nidhi about it. He was sure that she would laugh it off. She didn’t care. And she might have helped him relax as well with her go-to-hell attitude. He had finally decided that he’d do it after Siddhi’s birthday party. But just before the party, he had received another piece of information. Apparently people were talking about Nidhi. What the hell! Was somebody aware of their relationship and trying to use it against him? It was sickening. He maintained some distance from Nidhi as a precaution. Whenever he thought about it, he felt sure that Nidhi would know how to deal with it and would not let it affect her. He did not need to be over-protective about her. And yet when it came to doing it, he could not bring himself to talk about it. He wished he was like her. That a sightly awkward topic did not make it impossible for him to talk. And yet… He had hoped to find out what was going on and fix it. But he had made no progress at all. He knew that Nidhi’s patience was wearing out and it was unfair on his part to keep her in a limbo like that. He decided to talk to her. Just then his phone rang. It was Dr. Rangnath. Was there an emergency?

“Yes Dr. Rangnath. Koi problem hai?”

“No Sir. Hospital mein sab theek hai. Lekin Mr. Khandelwal ka phone aaya tha.” Mr. Khandelwal was the chairman of the board.

“And?”

“Sir. Kuchh selected board members aapse milna chahte hain kal afternoon.”

“Kis liye?”

“Sir. Unhone mujhe bataya nahin, mere baar baar poochhne par bhi. They insisted that it is confidential.”

“Theek hai. Anytime after two is fine. Aap exact time fix kar ke mujhe bata dijiye.”

“Right Sir.”

So the day had come. He would fix everything tomorrow. But him not telling Nidhi should not give her a wrong signal, when she did finally come to know. While talking about the issue to her remained difficult for him to do, he decided to tell her something else.

—

Nidhi came out of her reverie, as her phone rang.

“Dr. Ashutosh? Sab theek to hai? Rahul theek hai na?”

“Nidhi. Calm down. Main kya tumhein phone nahin kar sakta?”

She fell silent.

“Nidhi?”

“I’m feeling very lonely Dr. Ashutosh. I miss you,” her voice quivered even as she blinked back her tears hoping not to choke.

“Nidhi. Ye pahli baar nahin hai ki mere indecision ki wajah se tum suffer kar rahi ho. Lekin main kahin gaya nahin hoon. I am just waiting to fix something. Aur shayad kal tak fix ho jayega.”

“Kya main aapki help nahin kar sakti?”

“I promise ki iske baad kabhi bhi tumhein kissi cheez se door nahin rakhoonga. Lekin bas is baar… thoda sa patience rakho. Thoda sa intezaar karo.”

“Aapka intezaar to main zindagi bhar karne ko taiyaar thi Dr. Ashutosh. Agar aap majboor karenge to phir se wahi karoongi. Mere paas aur koi option nahin hai.”

“Come what may. Nidhi. Main chahta hoon ki tum ek baat yaad rakho.”

“Kya?”

“I love you and I trust you. Infinitely.”

Nidhi was overwhelmed. She broke into sobs over the phone itself.

“Tum ro rahi ho? Nidhi please. Main… main aata hoon wahan.”

“Nahin. It’s okay,” she hastened to assure him, “Aap jis bhi cheez ka intezaar kar rahe hain, main bhi uska intezaar kar loongi. Ek baat aap bhi yaad rakhiyega.”

“Kya?”

“Zindagi mein bahut kuchh maine khoya hai, aur bhi bahut kuchh kho kar bhi zinda rahne ki himmat rakhti hoon. Lekin main aapko nahin kho sakti. Agar aisa hua to…”

“Shh… Ek shabd nahin. Maine jo kaha hai woh yaad rakhna. Phir tumhein darne ki zaroorat nahin hogi.”

The doorbell rang just then. “Siddhi wapas aa gayi hai, I think.”

“Theek hai. Rona band karo bilkul, warna woh pareshaan ho jayegi. Hum baad mein baat karte hain.”

“Ji.”

—

To be continued

“WHO is involving local NGOs to sustainably carry on this project. Aur idea ye hai ki in NGOs ko fundraising mein bhi help ki jaaye.” Armaan explained over breakfast on Sunday morning.

“That’s why the black tie dinner and all?” Ashutosh asked.

“Haan! And Ashu. I am counting on you to come and lead the donations,” Armaan grinned.

“Jaana to padega hi. Donations ka nahin pata,” Ashutosh laughed good humouredly, “Tum chalogi, Nidhi?”

“Main wahan kya karoongi? Na to main black tie pahan sakti hoon, na hi donate kar sakti hoon?” Nidhi smiled.

“Donation ki fikr mat karo. Armaan will exempt you,” Ashutosh replied jokingly, “Aur black tie ka substitute ek nice, formal dress hai. Chalo. Let’s buy one for you.”

“Kya? Aise…”

“Aur kaise? Dress to khareed kar hi laate hain, nahin?”

Nidhi smiled. He wanted to take her shopping. Why not?

—

They bought a black, formal dress for Nidhi and then started looking at other dresses. Nidhi was surprised at how involved Ashutosh was shopping for her dresses.

“Ye dekho Nidhi. Ye color tum par bahut suit karta hai,” he picked up a top and showed it to her, “What color is this? Something between green and blue?”

“Sea green,” she said, “Aapko pasand hai?”

“Tum try kar ke dekh lo. Tumhein pasand aaye tabhi…”

“Try to main kar loongi, lekin hum kitni dresses khareedne waale hain?”

“Itni kahan khareedi hain?”

“Chaar dresses, teen tops aur ek salwaar-kameez already hain is shopping bag mein.”

“To tum kyon pareshaan ho rahi ho? Carry to main kar raha hoon na,” Ashutosh quipped.

Nidhi shook her head smiling and did not say anything. She took the top from him and made to go to the trial room.

“Ek minute Nidhi,” he stopped her and took something out from the shopping bag, “Ye bhi try kar ke dekho?” Bundled in his hand was something made of lacy cloth.

“Ye kya hai?”

“Try kar ke dekho,” he did not unbundle it and handed it as it was to her.

Her face colored, when she looked at it in the trial room. It was a beautiful babydoll negligee, made of sheer cloth with laces at the hems and straps. If their age difference was going to negatively affect anything in their life at all, it certainly wasn’t going to be the romance. She felt so aroused that she would have ran out directly into his arms, if it wasn’t practically impossible given where they were.

—

“Ab billing karwa lete hain,” she came out with the top as well as the negligee and pushed them inside the shopping bag he was carrying. She wasn’t meeting his eyes. Ashutosh knew that she was very bold. So, when he managed to make her feel so shy, he particularly enjoyed it. It was like pushing the boundaries!

“Sure. Tumhein kuchh aur nahin chahiye?”

“Nahin.”

Ashutosh smiled, but did not try to tease her. Nidhi asked for an extra bag during the billing. Ashutosh was curious, but did not ask her the reason. But he found out as soon as they reached their car after shopping. Nidhi fished around the bag of her new clothes, took out the negligee, stuffed it in the extra bag and put it inside her handbag. Although Ashutosh did not ask, she explained her curious action, “Siddhi itni saari shopping dekhegi to jaate hi toot padegi aur sab dekhna chahegi.”

And she was right! Siddhi was all over the dresses they had bought exclaiming how chic something looked, or how something would have been nicer in a different color. Ashutosh left the sisters to themselves and went to his room to change.

“Kya hua Di?” Siddhi asked after a while, “Tum to bilkul bhi excited nahin lag rahi ho?”

“Nahin to…”

“Dr. Ashutosh ne kuchh kaha kya?”

“Nahin Siddhi. Woh kyon kuchh kahenge. Bas… Sun. Tujhe agar ismein se kuchh pasand aaye to rakh le.”

“Pahli baat to mujhe ye fit nahin aayengi. Doosre agar aati bhi to main kyon rakhoon? Tumhein pasand nahin hain kya?”

“Pagal hai kya Siddhi? Main kya apni napasand ki cheezein tujhe doongi?”

“Pagal hamesha mujhe kahti ho. Pagal to tum ho gayi ho. Khair ye batao – aaj shaam ye pahanne waali ho?” Siddhi picked up the black dress and asked her.

“Haan. Khair. Main nahane ja rahi hoon. Lunch ka time ho raha hai,” Nidhi got up looking rather lost. She didn’t notice that Ashutosh had come back after changing and was listening to their conversation standing slightly afar. He came to Siddhi after Nidhi had left and whispered something in her ears. Siddhi’s eyes shone and she nodded in agreement to whatever he had suggested.

—

“Kya hungama kar rahe ho tum log?” Nidhi heard Rahul’s and Siddhi’s excited voices on entering the room after taking a bath.

“Di! Dekho Dr. Ashutosh mere liye kya laaye hain?”

“Kya?”

“Wii!!”

“Are… Lekin…”

“Tum bhi khel sakti ho Di! Aao…”

“Nahin. Tum log khelo. Main dekhti hoon lunch ready hua ya nahin.”

As she turned towards the door to leave, she saw Ashutosh standing there smiling. They came out of the room together.

“Life ko itna complicated banane ki zaroorat nahin hai Nidhi.”

“Ji?”

“Siddhi jab tumhari dresses dekh rahi thi to tum itna pareshaan kyon ho gayi thi?”

She looked at him surprised. How did he know?

“Nidhi! Tum khud ko indulge karne ke liye guilty feel kar rahi thi?”

He had figured it out. So, Nidhi confessed, “Haan – maine Siddhi ko kabhi aise indulge nahin kiya hai… Aur suddenly apne liye… Khareedte waqt socha nahin. Lekin jab use itna excited dekha to…”

“Agar main tumhein indulge kar sakta hoon Nidhi, to Siddhi ko bhi kar sakta hoon.”

“Woh to dekha maine. Aapko kaise pata chala ki use Wii chahiye tha?”

“Thankfully woh tumhari tarah chhoti-chhoti baaton ko complicate nahin karti hai. Usne mention kiya tha…”

“Aapko tang karne ke maamle mein bahut comfortable ho gayi hai woh.”

“To achchha hi hai na?”

Nidhi smiled and nodded.

—

“Dr. Ashutosh. Dr. Nidhi,” Nidhi and Ashutosh were caught unawares when they ran into Ramesh Singhal at the fundraiser.

“Mr. Singhal. Hello. How are you?” Ashutosh greeted him courteously even as Nidhi stiffened. She just forced a smile to acknowledge him.

“I am fine. And you look very fine too, Dr. Ashutosh. Nice to see you again Dr. Nidhi.”

“Same here,” Nidhi found it difficult to be civil to Ramesh. But she remembered her conversation with Ashutosh after their last encounter and curbed her rudeness.

“Nidhi. Why don’t you pick up a drink or something. I will join you later,” Ashutosh suggested relieving Nidhi of Ramesh’ company. Although she hadn’t left Ashutosh’ side throughout the evening, she accepted this suggestion.

“It is very nice of you Dr. Ashutosh to take care of her,” Ramesh said once Nidhi left.

“Excuse me?”

“Youngsters, especially girls, are prone to making mistakes in life. When they do not have elders to guide them, or when they refuse to listen to them.”

“I see…” Ashutosh wondered if he should ignore him or get into a debate with him.

“She reminds me of my sister. She made some bad decisions when young. It didn’t end well for her.”

“I’m sorry about that, Mr. Singhal. But I don’t think that any one person’s experience applies to all. Dr. Nidhi is very mature and independent. I don’t go around telling her what to do and what not to. And that’s what I would suggest to anyone interacting with her,” Ashutosh spoke with a smile, but very firmly.

“You are very close to her, obviously?”

“Yes. But I have to ask. Why are you so curious about her?”

“Just… feel some connection.”

“I see,” Ramesh had given a very odd reply and Ashutosh wasn’t sure what to tell him, “Anyway. Excuse me. I have to catch up with some other people.”

“Sure. Dr. Ashutosh. See you later.”

“Nidhi. Is there any chance ki Mr. Singhal tumhein pahle se jaante ho?” Ashutosh asked Nidhi as soon as he found her.

“Main to unse pahle kabhi nahin mili. Kyon?”

“I don’t know. His curiosity about you is getting on my nerves too.”

“Kya poochh rahe the?”

“Rahne do. Maine taal diya.”

—

Ashutosh was thoughtful when he got off the phone.

“Kaun tha Dr. Ashutosh?” Nidhi entered his room just then.

“Dr. Surana. Tum jaanti ho?”

“Dr. Harshvardhan Surana?”

“Haan.”

“Of course. The famous orthpedic surgeon. Kotnis ke board mein bhi hai na?”

“Haan. He has been a mentor to me. Always guided me.”

“Wow. Mujhe nahin pata tha. Lekin… Koi problem hai kya? Aap pareshaan dikh rahe hain?”

“Dr. Ashutosh. Aap yahan baithe hain? Hiraman Kaka ne kaha hai ki Orion Palace Hotel se aapke liye phone aaya tha. Woh log aapka mobile number try kar rahe the, lekin woh busy aa raha tha.”

“Oh! Right. Main abhi unhein wapas call karta hoon. Hamein number of guests confirm karne the. Don’t worry. Tumhari birthday party mein koi problem nahin hogi. Tumne apne saare friends ko invite to kar liya hai na?”

“Haan. Sab aa bhi jaayenge. Preeti ko chhod kar.”

“Kyon? Preeti ko kya problem hai?” Nidhi asked.

“Uski family ajeeb hai Di. 18th century mein rahte hain woh log. Use schhol ke baad kahin aana-jaane ki permission nahin hai.”

“Are?”

“Maine kaha bhi ki driver to rahega hi.Woh hamesha car se aati-jaati hai, lekin phir bhi taiyaar nahin hui.”

“I can’t say, I am surprised though,” Nidhi mumbled.

“I pity her, Di. Pata hai – use dance ka bahut shauk hai. Seekha bhi hai usne. Lekin stage par perform karne ki permission nahin hai use. Log uska bahut mazaak udaate hain. Kuchh din pahle kuchh ladkon ne use chidhane ke liye uski seat par ek burqua rakh diya tha, ki use to burque mein rhana chahiye. Uski aankhon mein aansoo aa gaye the.”

“Oh!” Nidhi exclaimed, but could not say anything else.

“Siddhi. You should try this. Tum use ghar par invite karo to use aane ki permission mil jaye. Bahar hotel mein party hai. Iski wajah se kuchh parents zyada paranoid ho jaate hain,” Ashutosh suggested, “Birthday par to party planned hai hi. Lekin tum use kabhi aur invite kar sakti ho.”

“Try karoongi. But I really doubt. Aur Di. Tumhein tumhara promise yaad hai na?”

Nidhi sighed, “Haan. Yaad hai. Chal abhi hi jaate hain. Kal party ki preparations mein time mile na mile.” Nidhi had promised Siddhi that she would take her to parlour for complete beauty treatment before her fourteenth birthday. She had never allowed her anything other than a hair cut in the parlour earlier.

“Okay. Main taiyaar ho jaati hoon.”

“Dr. Ashutosh. Koi problem hai kya?” Nidhi resumed their conversation after Siddhi left.

“Nahin. Kuchh khaas baat nahin hai,” Ashutosh avoided replying to her, “Tum Siddhi ke saath jao.”

He sank down on a chair after she left. What Dr. Surana had warned him about had left him with a bad taste. He was glad to be left alone. Else he might have reacted inappropriately before Nidhi.

—

To be continued

Siddhi went to see if Rahul was awake when she woke up in the morning and found Nidhi sleeping there. Nidhi woke up while Siddhi was still there. “Siddhi,” she called her.

“Tum yahan so rahi ho?” Siddhi asked awkwardly. Had she been too presumptous? What she did last night had felt right, even if a bit naughty, then. But now she wasn’t so sure.

Nidhi looked at Rahul before responding. He was fast asleep.She got down from the bed and came near Siddhi.

“I am sorry, Di. I was…”

“Siddhi. Tu sab samajhti hai. Main tujhse khul kar baat kar sakti hoon, right?”

Siddhi nodded.

“You were very sweet Siddhi. Aur main kuchh aisa claim nahin kar rahi ki tune jo mere aur Dr. Ashutosh ke rishte ke baare mein socha woh galat tha. Aur main personally zyada kuchh society ke rules, shaadi ke rituals wagerah mein bharosa nahin rakhti. Lekin Siddhi… Rahul abhi chhota hai. Sab nahin samajhta. Ghar ke andar koi problem nahin hai. Lekin agar ghar ke bahar apni maasoomiyat mein hi usne kissi ke saamne hamare rishte ke baare mein kuchh kaha aur use kuchh ulta-seedha sunne ko mil gaya to ye sahi nahin hoga, right?”

“Maine itna socha nahin, Di…”

“Itna sochne ki tujhe koi zaroorat bhi nahin hai. Tune jo socha, galat nahin socha. Lekin kuchh pretenses dooron ka khayaal kar ke hi sahi, hamein banae rakhne pad sakte hain.”

“I know. Tum mujhse gussa to nahin ho?”

“Nahin pagli. Lekin please. Jab hum agli baar yahan rukein, to mujhe apne kamre mein sone dena. Rahul ka bed thoda chhota hai.” Siddhi smiled. “Ab chal,” Nidhi added, “Jaldi se taiyaar ho ja. Ghar chalna hoga. Tere school ka saaraa saamaan yahan nahin hai. Mujhe bhi ghar jaana hai hospital jaane se pahle.”

“Okay Di.”

—

School’s drama group was presenting their annual play and parents were also invited. Nidhi went backstage after the play was over to help Siddhi and Rahul change and bring them back.

“Bahut achchha tha Siddhi. Especially the comic parts – you did really well,” she told Siddhi.

“Thanks Di. Lekin ab jo ‘but’ tumhare dimaag mein chal raha hai, woh bhi bata hi do,” Siddhi grinned.

“Pahle scene mein tu apne dialogs bhool gayi thi.”

“Really?” another girl standing there exclaimed, “Mujhe to nahin pata chala.”

“Preeti. Di ko pata chal jaata hai jab main stumble karti hoon. Although I tried not to let it be obvious. Di. This is Preeti. Recently hamari class mein join kiya hai. Her father knows Dr. Ashutosh.”

“Nidhi Auntie!” Rahul came there just then and ran towards Nidhi. Nidhi hugged him. “Maine kaisa perform kiya?” he asked eagerly.

“Brilliant. As usual,” she kissed him on forehead. Then they all got out to join Ashutosh.

After Rahul and Siddhi got their share of appreciation from Ashutosh, he introduced them to the man he had been talking to.

“Dr. Nidhi. This is Mr. Ramesh Singhal. Earlier he used to work with Star Logistics. Baba ki company ka kaafi business inke paas hai. Now, he has joined his family business though. Right, Mr. Singhal?”

“Yeah. Mere father ki death ke baad, I had to carry the legacy.”

Ashutosh grinned, “Unfortunately, mere Baba iske liye mujh par rely nahin kar sakte. Business chalana mere wash ki baat nahin thi. I am just a passive shareholder now. Khair. This is Dr. Nidhi Verma. She works at Kotnis with me. And that’s Siddhi, her sister.” Nidhi thought Ramesh was startled to see Siddhi, but it was only a fleeting expression and so she could not be sure of it.

“And that’s Preeti, my daughter,” Ramesh said pointing to the girl standing next to Siddhi, “Jiske mid-term admission mein you helped so much Dr. Ashutosh. Thanks a lot.”

“That was no problem at all. So, Siddhi and Preeti already know each other. That’s great.”

“We are in the same class Dr. Ashutosh,” Siddhi explained.

“By the way, aapke parents nahin aaye?” Ramesh looked at Nidhi and Siddhi.

Ashutosh felt uneasy. Nidhi spoke before he could, “Our parents passed away long back. We take care of each other now.” Her voice was cold.

“I’m sorry,” Ramesh said.

Ashutosh hastily changed the topic, “So, Preeti. Are you also interested in drama?”

“Me?” she smiled. Her smile appeared sad, “No. I can’t act to save my life. I did help in backstage preparations though.”

“That’s great. Acting is just part of the whole exercise. All the preparations that go with it are equally, even more important.”

“Thanks Dr. Ashutosh.”

“Anyway. It’s getting late. We should leave for home now,” Ramesha said, “Chalo Preeti. Aap logon ko lene ke liye kaun aayega?” Ramesh asked Nidhi.

“Ji?” Nidhi didn’t understand his question.

“Aap kiske saath rahti hain?”

“Hum log kissi ke saath nahin rahte. Aur hum khud chale jaayenge,” Nidhi could not hide her annoyance.

“Aap log akele rahti hain? Two young girls? That’s not good…”

“Mr. Singhal,” Nidhi was straightforward and curt now, “I do not welcome this intrusion of privacy. We are fine on our own.”

Ashutosh got worried. Not because of her rudeness to Ramesh, but because of the realization that it did not take much for her to get back to her bitter self.

“I will see you Dr. Ashutosh,” Nidhi gave a cryptic message to Ashutosh and started to leave with Siddhi. They were supposed to go together and Nidhi would wait for him in the parking lot. But neither of them wanted to divulge that information to Ramesh.

“Main bhi chaloon aapke saath Nidhi Auntie?” Rahul asked.

“Nahin Rahul,” Ashutosh intervened, “Aap mere saath chalenge.”

“I am sorry Mr. Singhal,” Ashutosh addressed Ramesh, “But she values her independence. So, her reaction is understandable too.”

“No problem,” Ramesh replied, but he didn’t look too happy about the entire incident, “Waise inke parents ka naam kya tha?”

“I don’t know,” his uninvited curiosity was getting on Ashutosh’ nerves too, but he wasn’t lying in response. He actually did not know her parents’ names. Though he should, he thought inwardly. He decided to look up the documents in the hospital.

Ashutosh took his leave from Ramesh after exchanging formal pleasantaries. He and Rahul met Nidhi and Siddhi near his car.

“Chalein?” he asked pleasantly, not referring to the incident with Ramesh Singhal. As planned earlier, they had dinner in a restaurant and then went to Ashutosh’ house. It was a friday night and Nidhi and Siddhi had planned to stay there for the night.

Siddhi was in her room, when Nidhi came out after putting Rahul to sleep. Ashutosh was reading a book sitting on the sofa in the hall. She sat down beside him and let out a sigh.

“Kya hua?” Ashutosh kept the book aside and turned towards her.

“Aap to mujhe daant nahin rahe. To mujhe voluntarily hi maafi maangni padegi.”

“Kis liye?”

“I was very rude to Mr. Singhal. Woh aapke dost hain. It would have been embarrassing for you…”

“Woh mere dost nahin hain. Only a business acquaintance. The only reason he got in touch with me was ki unhein apni beti ke mid-term admission ke liye meri help chahiye thi. He has come back to this city only recently. Today he was unreasonable. Isliye mujhe is baat ki bhi parwaah nahin hai ki tumne unhein kaise treat kiya.”

“But kissi aur baat ki parwaah hai?” she asked.

“Haan. Mujhe tumhari parwaah hai.”

She looked at him questioningly.

“Ya shayad main presumptous hoon,” Ashutosh spoke deliberately and slowly, “Kyonki I want to believe ki tum khush ho. Apne past se aage badh gayi ho. Ab woh tumhein bother nahin karta.”

“Main aapke saath bahut khush hoon Dr. Ashutosh,” Nidhi was alarmed at what he said and implied; so hastened to assure him.

“Phir ye bitterness kyon Nidhi? Don’t get me wrong. I love your fighting spirit. You won’t let anyone harm you or your loved ones. Lekin bitterness khud ko harm karti hai. Fighting someone who is going to harm you is good. Fighting every random jerk is wasteful. I think you that, right? Just ignore them. Kissi ke kuchh kahne se tum badal to nahin jaogi.”

“Aap sahi kah rahe hain.”

“Nidhi,” he took her hands in his, “Main tumhein katghare mein nahin khada kar raha. Main koi missionary bhi nahin hoon ki tumhein transform karna chahoon. I just want to… make sure that you don’t feel alone.”

“I don’t Dr. Ashutosh. Meri bitterness bhi shayad meri aadat ho gayi hai. I will try ki woh khatam ho jaye.”

“We will try together,” Ashutosh said with a smile and gently kissed her on the forehead. Nidhi smiled even as she silently wondered what had made her that bitter in the evening. She hadn’t been this rude to anyone for quite some time. She hadn’t felt the need to be rude even to Ranjeeta until she practically forced her to. Something was different about Ramesh Singhal’s intrusion. She couldn’t put her finger on what it was.

“Bahu dinon ke baad tum yahan ruk rahi ho, Nidhi,” Ashutosh’ changed tone and hoarse voice brought her out of her thoughts.

She blushed knowing what he wanted, but still continued the conversation boldly, “Bahut din? Main pichhle weekend bhi yahin thi. Aur uske pahle week mein bhi…”

“Ek addict ke liye woh dose bahut kam hai,” Ashutosh was not to be outwitted so easily either.

She smiled and gave up. “I know!” she said. Both of them got up from the sofa and walked to his room. Later in the night, Nidhi sneaked back to Siddhi’s room.

—

To be continued

“Have you been to this restaurant before?” Ashutosh asked Siddhi after they were seated in the restaurant.

“Nope. Never. Hope they don’t expect me to eat with chopsticks. It’s too fancy.”

Ashutosh laughed slightly, “Don’t worry. Chopsticks are optional.”

“Dr. Ashutosh aapko Di ne kuchh kaha kya? Mujhe yahan laane ke liye?” Siddhi could not hold back her questions for long.

“Nahin to? Kyon?”

“Bas aise hi… It was not a big deal really. Lekin pahle woh mujhse sorry kah rahi thi… Phir aap use ‘punishment’ de rahe the.”

“Main mazaak kar raha tha Siddhi.”

“Of course,” she smiled.

“Amazing food. Dimsums to khaas kar ke kamaal ke hain,” Siddhi remarked during their meal.

“You really like Chinese so much?”

“Actually recently hi khaana shuru kiya hai. Aur jitna bhi try kiya hai, bahut achchha laga hai.”

“Cool. We should try more places and dishes then.”

“Of course.”

“Siddhi. Tumse kuchh kahna chahta tha…”

“Boliye na.”

“Nidhi shayad Rahul ko lekar over zealous ho jaati hai kabhi kabhi. I know usne tumse maafi maang li hai. But main bhi tumhein ye batana chahta hoon ki tum kabhi ye mat samajhna ki tumhari wishes aur choices Rahul se secondary hain. Tum mere liye bilkul waise hi ho jaise Rahul.”

“Thank you Dr. Ashutosh. But aap ghabraiye nahin. Mujhe ye baat pata hai. Agar aisa nahin hota to Di ne kabhi aapko nahin chuna hota.”

“That’s great. To agli baar tum mujhe support kar sakti ho jab main kahun ki hum Rahul ko ghar par khaana khila sakte hain,” Ashutosh grinned.

“Dr. Ashutosh,” Siddhi replied somberly, “Ek request karoon aapse?”

“Kya?”

“Pichhle paanch saalon mein… aur shayad usse pahle bhi… kyonki main to chhoti thi, lekin mujhe bhi Mummy-Papa ke jhagde yaad hain. Phir Di ko to… Uski zindagi bahut achchhi nahin rahi hai… Balki uski koi zindagi rahi hi nahin hai. Agar kuchh tha bhi, usne sab mere liye khatam kar diya… College jaati thi aur phir mere paas ghar wapas aa jaati thi. Koi friends nahin, koi masti nahin… Ghar se bahar nikalti bhi thi to mujhe hi lekar, meri hi zidd poori karne ke liye… Mujhe tab samajh nahin aata tha ki woh khud kitni chhoti thi mere liye itna kuchh karne ke liye. Lekin ab main us umra ke bahut se logon ko jaanti hoon… I can’t imagine any seventeen or eighteen year old I know of jo ki… Ek waqt par maine use pareshaan bhi bahut kiya hai… Aap shayad jaante hain… Lekin she never abandoned me… Socha bhi nahin usne… She is… she is just too good for a real person Dr. Ashutosh…”

“Siddhi!” Ashutosh interrupted her, as he could see that she was overwhelmed and was close to tears, “Agar tum ye kah rahi ho ki tumhari Di amazing hai, to trust me. I agree whole heartedly. Lekin tum itna pareshaan kyon ho rahi ho? Tumhein pata hai ki she loves you more than her life. Uske liye tum kabhi burden nahin rahi ho Siddhi…”

“I know. Lekin… Main bas ye kah rahi thi ki… Main uski life mein aur conflicts ya complications nahin paida karna chati. Main nahin chati ki woh mere aur Rahul ke baare mein pareshaan rahe ya use har kadam par koi mushkil faisla karna pade. Agar Indian restaurant mein jaana uske liye aasaan faisla hai then so be it. Isn’t it only fair that she also gets to live her life? Without such early responsibilities and concerns… For me? Even for Rahul? She deserves certain things she never had…”

Ashutosh just watched her in astonishment. He knew that she wasn’t an astray teenager any longer. But her sensitivity and concern for Nidhi had taken him by surprise.

“She shouldn’t have to keep worrying about me, Dr. Ashutosh. She should have a life of her own. Will you give her that life? Will you promise me to give her that life?”

“Yes. Yes Siddhi. I promise. Mujhe nahin lagta ki she will stop caring about you, or Rahul. But worries? No! Aur main ye promise kar sakta hoon kyonki I can see ki you won’t give her any reasons to be worried. You are very mature. Just like her.”

“Thank you. Aur mera promise ye hai ki aapko mere aur Rahul ki relationships ke baare mein worry karne ki koi zaroorat nahin hai. Hamare beech koi complex main nahin develop hone doongi. Zyada problem hui to use bhi Chinese khane ki aadat lagwa doongi,” Siddhi started grinning at her joke towards the end.

“That’s the spirit! Give me a high-five!” Ashutosh also replied in the same vein.

—

Nidhi and Ashutosh had very reluctantly separated for the night. Nidhi was unable to fall asleep, as she lied next to Siddhi on the bed. That room in Ashutosh’ house was already earmarked as Siddhi’s room, and for the time being Nidhi’s too.

“Di. Please itna chhatpatana band karo. Meri neend khuli ja rahi hai,” Siddhi’s annoyed voice startled her.

“Sorry Siddhi. Mujhe bas neend nahin aa rahi…”

“To tum hum dono par aur unpar bhi raham kar ke Dr. Ashutosh ke kamre mein kyon nahin chali jaati?”

“Kya? Siddhi!” Nidhi was exasperated and sat up angrily.

“Ab mujhe tum daant kar chup karwa do. Lekin it’s not fair. Don’t tell me ki kal raat tum dono akele the, aur wahan kuchh nahin hua, aur tum subah wapas aakar bina wajah ek bumbling idiot bani ghoom rahi thi?”

“For God’s sake, shut up Siddhi. Ye sab… you are too young…”

“And for God’s sake Di – I am going to be fourteen now. Hamein Biology mein sab padha diya hai.Aur main aur mere friends Mills & Boons ki pachason kitabein padh chuke hain.”

“Theek hai. Tu badi ho gayi. Sab samajhti hai. But ab please chup kar…”

“Great. To tum jo hua use deny nahin kar rahi ho. Di. Main tumhari bahan hoon, beti nahin. Agar hamari life normal hoti to tum apni love life mere saath share kar rahi hoti, meri help le rahi hoti, apne escapades mein.”

“I see. Tu meri escapades mein meri madad karna chahti hai.”

“Uski to zyada gunjaish nahin hai. Bas ye kahna chahti hoon ki… tum kisse dar rahi ho? I know Indian society and all… Lekin come on yaar. Yahan tumhein judge karne waala kaun hai? Main? Rahul? Dr. Armaan to khud hi ek live-in relationship mein hain US mein.”

“Ab Dr. Armaan ki love life ke baare mein tujhe kyon aur kaise pata hai? Lekin jo bhi hai. Ab so ja, please.”

“Jab tak tum mujhe mere kamre mein akela nahin chhod deti, main nahin so rahi. Remember, tumhein yahan koi kamra nahin milne waala tha?”

“Come on, Siddhi. Bachkaani baatein mat kar. Main aise kaise ja sakti hoon? Dr. Ashutosh kya sochenge?”

“I’m sure unki khushi ka thikaana nahin rahega.”

“Ab ye mat bolna ki tu relationships par articles aur magazine columns bhi padh rahi hai.”

“Of course, padh rahi hoon. Ab jao.”

“Of course not. So ja.”

“Chalo,” Siddhi got down from the bed and started pulling Nidhi out.

“Siddhi. Pagal ho gayi hai tu. Kya kar rahi hai?”

“Chalo to sahi.”

Siddhi was pulling her so hard that Nidhi had to get up. As if the situation with Siddhi was already not awkward, she heard Ashutosh’ voice as soon as they got out of the room. “Kya hua?” He was standing in the hall.

Siddhi grinned and addressed Nidhi, “Good night, Di.” She ran back to her room and locked it from inside.

“Kya chal raha hai ye?” Ashutosh came to Nidhi.

“Ab aap kya kar rahe hain yahan?” Nidhi asked flustered.

“Mujhe neend nahin aa rahi thi.”

Nidhi hit her forehead realizing that they were too close to Siddhi’s room and she must have heard it. “Chaliye yahan se,” she grabbed his hand and led him to his room. Ashutosh followed her lead looking quite confused. “Siddhi mujhe apne kamre mein sone nahin de rahi hai,” she explained finally.

“Kya? Kyon? Jhagda ho gaya tum dono mein?”

“Nahin. Ab aap aisi bachkaani baat kyon kar rahe hain?”

“Isse zyada bachkaani to nahin hai ki woh tumhein apne kamre mein sone nahin de rahi hai. Aur aise dhakke maar ke kar nikaal diya hai?” Ashutosh was amused.

“Woh to hai hi bachchi… actually nahin hai…” her voice trailed and she looked around in confusion and embarrassment. What was she to do now?

“Nidhi! Kuchh bataogi?”

“Siddhi ne… mujhe… Woh chahti hai ki main yahan so… I mean rahun,” she finally managed to speak and bit her lips in embarrassment.

“Yahan matlab?”

“Aapke kamre mein?”

“Oh my God!” Ashutosh exclaimed and laughed out loud, “This is absolutely hilarious.”

“Aapko idea bhi hai ki mere liye kitna embarrassing hai?”

“Nidhi!” Ashutosh held her chin up and spoke with a smile, “She adores you. She absolutely does.”

“Lekin…”

“Tumhein pata hai, jab tumhari tabiyat kharaab hui thi aur woh dar gayi thi…”

“Haan?”

“Usne mujhse poochha tha ki tumhare treatment ke liye paison ki zaroorat hogi kya? Aur agar hogi to woh apne iPad bech sakti hai.”

“What?”

Ashutosh nodded to reaffirm what he had just said.

“Oh my God!” Nidhi exclaimed.

“Aur woh chahti hai ki tum apni zindagi jiyo. Khul kar, khushi se… Haan itna micro-analyze kiya hai usne tumhari khushiyon ko ye maine sapne mein bhi nahin socha tha…” Ashutosh could not help teasing Nidhi and laughing again.

“Dr. Ashutosh!”

“Ab jab meri saali sahiba ne itna khoobsoorat tohfa mere kamre mein mujhe bhijwa diya hai, to it would be rude not to unwrap the gift, right? Waise bhi tum to shaadi tak rukna nahin chahti na, saare haq claim karne ke liye…”

Nidhi was already going weak in her knees with his caresses and embrace. What option did she have other than to succumb? To his desires and her own. She was a happy woman, loved from all quarters!

—

To be continued

Ashutosh held her in the pool and kissed her deeply.

“Aap mujhe naughty kah rahe the… Aap bhi aise gentleman nahin hain jaisi aapki image hain,” she teased him.

“Dr. Nidhi Verma. There is no such thing as a gentleman in bed or in a private pool with the love of his life.”

Nidhi just smiled shyly and did not reply.

“Waise tum janna chahti thi na ki how did I change my mind… about us?”

She nodded.

“Us din lake mein swimming karte waqt when you disappeared… main itna kabhi nahin dara tha Nidhi… Kabhi apni jaan ko lekar nahin, apne pahle patient ko le kar nahin, in fact kabi Rahul ko le kar bhi nahin… Aur phir jab tumhein apni baahon mein liya uske baad I knew… ki resisting it was futile. Apni har ek feeling ko main ek platonic rishte mein handle kar sakta tha. Lekin is attraction ko nahin. Agar is rishte ko accept nahin karta to kabhi na kabhi in the grip of my desires aisa kuchh kar baithta jo usse badi galti saabit hota. So, I decided to ignore the demons in my head… and just listen to my heart… and be happy.”

“Aap khush hain?”

“Itna ki main express nahin kar sakta!”

Nidhi leaned on him, resting her head on his chest and said, “Thank you Dr. Ashutosh. I realize ki aapke liye kitna mushkil tha ye faisla. Thank you for taking it.”

“Pagal,” Ashutosh patted her head affectionately, “Chalo. Ab chal kar breakfast karte hain. Phir wapas jaana hai.”

—

“Ashu. Nidhi. Tum log aa bhi gaye? Main abhi bachchon ko le kar mall ke liye hi nikal raha tha. Mujhe laga tum log der se lautoge.”

“Lunch ke baad aana hi tha. Humne socha ki saath mein hi lunch kar lete hain.”

“Papa. Aap bhi hamare saath chaliye mall,” Rahul jumped on him.

“Woh log thake hue honge Rahul,” Armaan tried to reason with Rahul.

“Nahin,” Nidhi interrupted, “Bilkul nahin. Hum chalte hain.” Nidhi spoke with such urgency that everyone stared at her. She realized that no one was implying anything about what they did and she was unnecessarily on edge. “I mean aisa tiring kiya hi kya hai…” she tried to control the damage, and ended up making another faux pas.

Armaan whistled and grinned at Ashutosh. Ashutosh was embarrassed as well as amused and reacted with a facepalm. Siddhi realized what was going on and tried hard to suppress a grin. Rahul was clueless as he asked, “Kya hua Papa?”

“Kuchh nahin Rahul. Aap taiyaar hain?”

“Main taiyaar karwa deti hoon,” Nidhi said dying to get away from there for a while at least.

“Main taiyaar hoon Nidhi Auntie.”

“Siddhi. Tera top kitna ganda lag raha hai. Chal change kar le.”

“Lekin Di…”

“Andar chal…”

“Ahem!” Armaan exclaimed after Nidhi had dragged Siddhi inside, “Ye to pagal ho gayi hai. Aapke kya haal hain Ashu Miyan?”

“Armaan!” Ashutosh tried to glare at him, but both of them broke into a laughter.

Nidhi and Siddhi came back and Siddhi was still wearing the same top. Armaan decided to tease Nidhi, “Siddhi. Tumne top to change kiya nahin?”

“Di pagal ho gayi hai Dr. Armaan.”

“Achchha. Kya kiya?”

“Kuchh nahin,” Nidhi did not let Siddhi reply, “Doosra koi dhang ka top ye le kar hi nahin aayi hai. To main kya karti?”

“Right!” Siddhi rolled her eyes, but did not say anything further.

Armaan and Ashutosh watched in the play area of the mall as Nidhi took the kids around and played with them. Her laughter and smile knew no end.

“Nidhi bahut khush hai, Ashu.”

Ashutosh sighed, “Haan. Waise to bachchon ke saath hamesha rahti hai. Lekin aaj kuchh zyada hi hai.”

“She is a great girl Ashu. Khush rakhna use. Bahut patiently wait kiya hai usne tera.”

“Woh sab to mujhe pata hai. Lekin mujhe to laga tha ki tu mera dost hai. Tu uske liye mujhe kyon bol raha hai?” Ashutosh joked.

“Kyonki uski smile mujhe tere chehre par bhi reflect hoti dikh rahi hai. Teri khushiyon ki key bhi uske paas hi hai.”

Ashutosh smiled, “Thank you Armaan. Mujhe hamesha sahi advice dene ke liye.”

“Chal. Isi baat par gale milte hain,” Armaan grinned and the friends hugged.

“Ye Ram-Bharat milap yahan kyon ho raha hai?” they separated on hearing Nidhi’s voice.

“Sita ki wajah se!” Armaan quipped.

“Serial mein to Kaikeyi ki wajah se hua tha!”

“To tumne dekh liya tha poora serial?” Ashutosh asked.

Nidhi nodded and smiled at him.

“Chalo. Kissi restaurant mein chalte hain. Mujhe to bahut bhookh lag rah hai. Aap logon ka pet bhale hi games se bhar gaya ho,” Armaan said. They took a lift to the fourth floor which had several restaurants.

“Indian or Chinese?” Armaan looked at two restaurant right next to each other and asked.

“Chinese!” Siddhi replied excitedly.

“Rahul Chinese mein kuchh bhi nahin khaata,” Nidhi said.

“Lekin Indian to hum hamesha khaate hain Di. Chinese please…”

“No Siddhi,” Nidhi said strictly.

“It’s okay Nidhi. Rahul ko hum ghar ja kar khila sakte hain,” Ashutosh tried to reason with Nidhi.

“No Dr. Ashutosh. Hum sab log yahan aaye hain. Hum wahan jayenge, jahan sab log kuchh kha sakein. Siddhi ye baat samajhti hai. Right Siddhi?”

“Yeah. Sure,” Siddhi was obviously not too happy, but she acted mature.

Ashutosh looked uneasily at the sisters, but did not say anything right then. Armaan stayed silent as he didn’t think it right to intervene. They walked into the Indian restaurant.

—

“Nidhi! You were unnecessarily harsh with Siddhi,” Ashutosh told Nidhi when they were alone at home.

“Aisa kuchh nahin hai Dr. Ashutosh. Usne bura nahin maana. Maine usse baat ki hai.”

“Still… Nidhi… Main nahin chahta ki uske man mein kabhi bhi koi complex aaye. Particularly use aisa nahin lagna chahiye ki Rahul ki wajah se…”

“Come on Dr. Ashutosh. She is also very fond of Rahul. Kaafi protective use lekar.”

“Chalo bhai. You are right about everything. Phir bhi I want to make it up to her. Aur main usse baat karna chahta hoon, agar tumhein aitraaz na ho to…”

“Agar aap uske liye kuchh karna chahte hain, ya usse baat karna chahte hain, to kya aapko meri permission ki zaroorat hai?”

Ashutosh was disarmed by her charming ways. “No. I guess,” he smiled.

“Aur Dr. Ashutosh. Ye ho sakta hai ki under certain circumstances, kuchh baatein woh mujhse behtar kar sake. Lekin as far as I am concerned, aap uske guardian hain. Rahul ki tarah hi aap uske liye jo bhi faisla lenge, mujhe blindly manzoor hoga.”

“Okay then. Get ready for the surprise!”

—

“There is an announcement for the evening,” Ashutosh said when everyone was sitting together in lawn in the evening. He waited until everyone was looking at him. “Pahli to ye ki Dr. Nidhi aaj yahan ruk rahi hain, aur poori shaam Rahul ke saath bitayengi.”

“Yay!” Rahul was excited.

“Aur Dr Nidhi ko ye punishment mili hai ki woh Rahul ka homework poora karwayengi. Kyonki mujhe pata lag chuka hai ki Rahul ne homework poora nahin kiya hai.” Nidhi pretended to be sad at the punishment, but winked at Rahul indicating to him that they would have fun.

“And finally! Kyonki Siddhi ne apna homework weekend shuru hone se pahle hi kar liya tha, she gets to eat out with me. We will go to a very nice Chinese restaurant. What say, Siddhi? It’s a date!”

“Di?” Instead of replying to Ashutosh Siddhi looked at Nidhi with curiosity and confusion.

“Mujhse kya poochh rahi hai pagli. You have the invitation. Go!”

Siddhi grinned.

“Aur Dr. Armaan choose kar sakte hain ki woh meri aur Siddhi ki date par kabab mein haddi banenge, ya Rahul ka homework poora hone ke baad uske liye ghoda.”

“Dost dost na raha…” Armaan sang dramatically, “Dr. Ashutosh. Is umra mein mujhe bahar ka khaana thoda kam pachta hai. Already lunch bahar kiya tha. I would prefer to stay in. Rahul. Tumhein main magarmachh ki sawaari karwunga, okay?”

“Cheating. Cheating,” Rahul shouted, “Magarmachh ki sawaari cheating hai. Maine ad dekhka hai woh waala.”

Everyone laughed and Nidhi assured Rahul, “Don’t worry Rahul. Hum dono mil kar ensure karenge ki Dr. Armaan tumhare liye ghoda hi banein.”

—

To be continued

“Hum jab bhi saath hote hain, main apna koi rona le kar baith jaati hoon. Aapko gussa nahin aata?” Nidhi asked sheepishly after they were back in her room. She was sitting on a chair kept near the window. Ashutosh was standing nearby, leaning on the window sill.

“Ye phooli hui aur laal naak tum par achchhi lagti hai,” he joked.

“Dr. Ashutosh!”

“Sach kah raha hoon. Aaine mein dekho!”

Nidhi gave up on the self-recrimination and looked at him lovingly for making her do that.

“Plus rona ho ya hansna,” he said seriously now, “Mujhe bahut achchha lagta hai ki tum apne man ki baatein mere saath share kar paati ho. Khul ke… Tumhein idea nahin hai isse mujhe kitna… main kitna secure mahsoos karta hoon…”

“Secure?”

“UmmHmm…”

“Aapko insecurity hai hi kyon? Woh bhi mujhe lekar?”

“Insecurity to apne andar hoti hai, Nidhi. Tumhari zindagi ki problems kissi aur ke galat faislon ki wajah se hain. Lekin apni zindagi ke baare mein main ye nahin kah sakta. Ranjeeta meri choice thi, Rahul ka paida hona mera faisla tha… Aur phir hamara separation, Rahul ki parvarish ek broken ghar mein hona… ye sab mere faislon ka nateeza tha… I have too much to answer for… Mujhe dar lagta hai apne faislon se…”

“Dr. Ashutosh!” Nidhi had seen him so vulnerable for the first time.

“Tumhein shayad gussa aata hoga mujh par… Ki tumhare man ki baat jaante hue bhi maine kitne samay tak tumhein beech mein chhod rakha tha… Na tumhein accept karta tha, na tumhein jaane deta tha…”

“Aise kyon kah rahe hain aap, Dr. Ashutosh? Aapne mujhe thode hi na kissi cheez ke liye majboor kiya?”

“Tumhein door bhi to nahin kiya tha khud se. Sach ye hai ki one way or the other – mujhe kissi bhi faisle par bharosa nahin ho raha tha.”

Nidhi got up and walked closer to him. “Main poori koshish karoongi ki aapka ye faisla galat na ho.”

“I know,” he smiled, “You will never let me down. Shaq mujhe khud par hota hai Dr. Nidhi Verma.”

“To ab tak to sufficient ro chuki hoon aapke saamne ki ye shaq door ho jaana chahiye aapka. Aap completely secure hain.” Nidhi grinned and put her arms around his neck.

He also wrapped his arms around her waist and replied, “Waise main mazaak kar raha tha. Main nahin chahta ki tum ro. Bas tumhare man mein koi bhi baat ho to main janna chahta hoon. Chahe woh achchi ho ya buri, hansane waali ho ya rulane waali… meri taareef ho ya mujhse shikayat… Main bas ye nahin bardasht kar paunga kabhi bhi you drift away from me aur mujhe pata na chale…”

“Aaj main promise karti hoon aapse Dr. Ashutosh ki apne man ki koi baat aapse kabhi nahin chhipaungi.”

“That means a lot to me.”

“Waise sach to ye hai ki main aapse kuchh chhipa sakti hi nahin. Mere man ki baatein apne aap hi aapke saamne nikal jaati hain. Tab bhi nikal jaati thi, jab main chahti nahin thi. Isliye to main aapse…”

“Kya?” he prodded urgently when she fell silent.

“Mujhe bhookh lagi hai.”

“What!” Ashutosh was exasperated.

Nidhi giggled, slipped out of his slackened arms and ran away towards the mini-fridge.

“You are going to regret this,” Ashutosh also got drawn into her playful act and went after her. That started a meaningless chase between them and Ashutosh finally managed to catch her, but lost balance due to her struggle and they both fell on the bed with Nidhi on top of him. They laughed hysterically, but then became conscious of their closeness and fell silent, their gazes locked with each other. Nidhi gave Ashutosh another surprise by planting a quick peck on his lips.

“If you do that again Nidhi, I won’t be able to go back to my room,” Ashutosh’ voice was hoarse.

She responded to that by bending down again and engaging in a passionate lip-lock. After they separated, Ashutosh pulled the rubber band out of her hair to let her hair free and then rolled over so that he was on top of her.

“This wasn’t my plan,” he cautioned her again, “Aur main faisle lene ki halat mein nahin hoon. You have to decide the limits.”

“There are no limits,” she knew what she was doing, “I love you, Dr. Ashutosh.”

That was all he could have done to hold himself back. He bent down and kissed her senselessly on every inch of her face and neck available. She had meanwhile freed his shirt from the pants and had slipped her hands inside it to caress his spine, which was pushing him over the edge. He suddenly sat up, still keeping her pinned beneath him and grabbed her hands. He forced them above her head and then took out her jacket. He slipped the noodle straps of her dress off her shoulders and treated himself to the feel of her bare, soft flesh. She unbuckled his belt and ubuttoned his pants, when he sat up again to catch his breath for a moment. She wasn’t helping him be patient. He pulled up her dress to bare her legs, relieved her of her innerwear and entered her. He took just a moment to see her reaction, which was nothing but encouraging. The next countless moments was pure madness and bliss for them until they reached the climax and he finally collapsed on top of her.

After he had finally caught his breath, he looked up and kissed her on forehead. “Tum theek ho?” he asked. For some reason it overwhelmed her. She just hugged him tight in reply. He rolled over to her side and pulled her in his arms. She willingly complied.

“Kuchh bologi nahin?” he asked softly while playing with her hair.

“Kya boloon?”

“Specchless, eh?”

“Aap apni taareef sunna chahte hain?”

Ashutosh laughed, “Taareef to main tumhari karna chahta hoon. You are a seductress. Tumhara ye side to pahle nahin dekha.”

“You don’t like it?”

“I love it,” he tightened his arms around her.

—

Ashutosh was asleep on the other side of the bed, when Nidhi woke up in the morning. She looked at Ashutosh and recalled last night. With a big grin on her face, she slipped out of the bed and went to the bathroom. When she came back after freshening up, Ashutosh was not there. She looked around and was about to walk towards the balcony to look for him, when his voice startled her, “Mujhe dhoondh rahi ho?” He was standing at the door, giving her the smile that made… not just her, but any woman around him go weak in her knees. He had apparently gone to his room and freshened up. He had changed into a pajama and t-shirt. Last night they slept off in whatever they were wearing… or not wearing… Nidhi was still in her crumpled dress, which she had straightened to the extent possible.

She smiled in reply to his question and then suddenly felt very shy. “Aap… aap kab uthe?” she asked an inane question not knowing what else to say and walked to the dresser to keep herself busy.

Ashutosh caught up with her and turned her around to face him, “Tum theek to ho?”

“Haan. Mujhe kya hoga?” she was going red!

“To phir aise nazarein kyon chura rahi ho?”

“Kya? Main? Aap… Oh God! Aapki kuchh samajh mein nahin aata kya?” she freed herself from his grip and turned away again.

“UmmHmm… Sharma rahi ho?”

“Seriously Dr. Ashutosh. Mujhe nahin lagta tha ki aap itne tactless hain,” Nidhi was exasperated.

Ashutosh laughed out loud, “I’m sorry. Lekin kal raat ke baad maine ye expect nahin kiya tha…”

“Aap bahut bure hain,” Nidhi pretended to be annoyed.

“Lekin ek gadbad to ho gayi,” Ashutosh held her again and brought her close to himself.

“Kya?” she was alarmed.

“Aadamkhor sher ke baare mein suna hai tumne? Man-eater? Ek baar use insaani khoon ka taste lag jaye, to phir woh unstoppable hota hai.”

“Huh?” she did not get the reference at first, then blushed deeply as she realized what he meant.

“Ab to lagta hai mandir mein shaadi karni hi padegi,” he grinned.

“Nahin!” Nidhi objected hastily.

He raised his eyebrows questioningly.

“Mera matlab hai…” she stammered while explaining, “Ki shaadi jab bhi hogi waise hogi jaise aap chahte hain.”

“Aur tab tak hum bachchon ko ghar par chhod kar yahan to pade rah nahin sakte. Aur unke rahte living-in is not a good idea.”

“I know… But who is talking about living-in? Log ghar ke badon se chhip kar apni love story chalate hain. Hum bachchon se chhip kar chalayenge. Aur of course, apne colleagues se bhi…”

“You are…”

“Kya?”

“Naughty.”

Nidhi blushed, but giggled.

“Chalo,” Ashutosh said, “Swimming ke liye chalte hain.”

“Yahan?”

“Haan. Kyon?”

“Par woh…”

“Kya hua?”

“Dr. Ashutosh… Main… generally public pools mein… jaati nahin hoon… College ke pool mein they had separate slot for women…”

“Are… Pichhli baar to…” he fell silent as he realized. She did not mind it before him. Even when he had not accepted her or their relationship. He smiled and then said, “Swimming suit nikaal lo aur chalo. Mere suite mein private pool hai chhota sa.”

—

Siddhi and Rahul came running inside the hall at the same time when Nidhi came back after packing and getting ready. Siddhi started going around Nidhi to avoid getting caught by Rahul.

“Siddhi! Kya kar rahi hai? Dress kharaab ho jayegi,” Nidhi admonished her. Siddhi tried to get away, but Rahul took the opportunity to grab her and she lost.

“Kya Di… Oh my God!!” she noticed Nidhi’s dress and stared at her wide-eyed. Nidhi was wearing a white, lace-hemmed, calf-length dress. The dress had a noodle strap, but her shoulders were covered by a small jacket. Her hair was in a high pony-tail with a simple white rubber-band. Pearl ear-rings and bracelet completed her attire.

“Nidhi Auntie hot lag rahi hain,” Rahul said attracting Siddhi’s as well as Nidhi’s surprised eyes towards himself. Armaan and Ashutosh had also come to the hall and they also stared at Rahul.

“Ye kahan se seekha aapne Rahul?” Ashutosh asked in amusement. Nidhi bit her lips shyly when she saw Armaan and Ashutosh and realized that they had also heard Rahul.

“School mein sab bolte hain…”

“Kise bolte hain?”

“Kareena Kapoor ko… Katrina Kaif ko… Aur Sasha Ma’am ko…”

“Ashu. Iski Parents-Teachers meeting kab hai? Ye Sasha Ma’am se milna padega,” Armaan said making everyone laugh.

“But I swear Di,” Siddhi said, “Mujhe to yaad nahin aata tum itni achchhi kab lagi ho pahle… I know red is your favourite and all. Lekin tumhein shaadi mein white pahanna chahiye.”

“Pagal hai kya. Shaadi mein kaun white pahanta hai?” Nidhi replied instinctively; then blushed.

“Church wedding, Dr. Ashutosh. Church wedding! What do you say?” she said excitedly.

Ashutosh laughed and changed the subject, “Siddhi, Rahul. Are you sure tum log nahin jaana chahte? Abhi bhi time hai.”

“Nahin,” Siddhi replied hastily, “Hum nahin jayenge. Chalo Rahul.” She took Rahul away from there.

“Don’t worry Ashu. Main sambhaal loonga bachchon ko,” Armaan patted Ashutosh’ shoulder and went away.

“So? Ready?” Ashutosh asked Nidhi.

“I think main change kar leti hoon. Kuchh zyada ho gaya.”

“No. Absolutely not. Tum bas paanch minute wait karo. Main change kar loon. Phir nikalte hain.”

Nidhi nodded and sat down on the sofa in the hall. She got Ashutosh’ call on her mobile after about five minutes.

“Kya hua? Aap call kyon kar rahe hain?”

“Mujhe packing mein thodee help chahiye. Tum please mere kamre mein aa jao ek baar.”

“Achchha… Aati hoon…” Nidhi was confused. What help could he need in the packing from her? It’s not like she managed his stuff…

“Kya help chahiye thi?” she asked as she entered the room. She noticed that Ashutosh had changed into a black suit and was looking dashing, more the ever.

“Ek bahut achchhi cheez ko pefect banane mein help chahiye.”

“Ji?”

He held her wrist on which she was wearing a watch and started taking off her watch.

“Ye… aap… kya kar rahe… hain?” His act of removing the watch felt almost like a foreplay to her as she felt a wave of heat run through her body.

He just smiled at her nervousness and picked up something from the bed. Nidhi smiled as she noticed that it was a new watch with pearl straps. He put that on her wrist.

“Ab perfect lag raha hai na?” he asked. It was indeed perfect now. She nodded with certainty. “Kaisa ittefaq hai na? Main tumhare liye ye laaya aur tumne sab kuchh aur matching pahan rakha hai.”

“Connection jo hai hamara,” Nidhi replied with a broad smile. She was feeling extremely happy. Ashutosh laughed slightly and hugged her.

—

“So, Siddhi ko to tumhari church-wedding karwani hai,” Ashutosh said during their conversation on the dinner.

“Woh to pagal hai.”

“Tumhein kaisi wedding karni hai?”

“I don’t care.”

“Really?”

“Haan. Mujhe nahin pata ki log shaadi ka itna big deal kyon banate hain?”

“Well.. Ek rishta hai. Ek social contract hai…”

“Aapko shayad meri baatein ajeeb lag rahi hain,” she suddenly became conscious, “Don’t get me wrong…”

“Nidhi! Main sirf samajhne ki koshish kar raha hoon. Koi exam nahin le raha tumhara. Batao tum kya sochti ho?”

“Mujhe lagta hai ki jahan pyaar hai, trust hai, ek doosre ke liye ek sense of responsibility hai, wahan shaadi ki koi zaroorat nahin hai. Aur jahan woh nahin hota, wahan ek social contract kuchh kar nahin sakta. Mere Mummy-Papa ne kaun sa teer maar liya shaadi kar ke. Aur aap bhi to…” she checked herself. She was about to talk about his failed marriage, “I am sorry. Mera matlab ye nahin tha…”

“Nidhi!” he put his hands on top of hers, “Tumhein mere saamne aise conscious hone ki zaroorat nahin hai. Hum log baat kar sakte hain. Kissi bhi cheez ke baare mein. Jo bhi hamare man mein ho. Trust hai na?” He smiled as he asked.

Nidhi also smiled and nodded in reply. “Lekin mera ye matlab nahin hai ki hamein shaadi nahin karni chahiye.”

“Jab tum maanti nahin ho shaadi ke ritual ko to kyon karni chahiye?”

“Kyonki mujhe ya aapko farq pade na pade, lekin shaadi se jo social aur legal acceptance milti hai rishte ko, woh Rahul ke liye important aur assuring ho sakta hai. Siddhi ke liye bhi…”

Ashutosh looked at her appreciatively. She was strong for herself, but she thought about everybody!

—

After reaching the resort, they had come directly for the dinner to the restaurant. They started for their room only after the dinner was over. Ashutosh had booked two rooms. One for Nidhi and Siddhi and one for himself and Rahul. Now, they were left with one for each of them.

“Aapko neend aa rahi hai?” she asked anxiously as they walked towards the rooms.

“Nahin. Tumhein?”

“Bilkul bhi nahin.”

“Phir samaan andar rakh dete hain aur bahar baithte hain. Kaafii khuli jagah hai yahan.”

“Ji!” she was happy.

“Tumne koi shawl nahin rakhi?” Ashutosh asked while they were sitting on a bench under open sky.

“Nahin. Mujhe dhayaan hi nahin raha…”

“Koi baat nahin,” he took off his coat and wrapped it around her, “You have an old-fashioned gentleman sitting beisde you.”

Nidhi laughed, “Lekin aap…”

“Mere shirt full sleeve ki hai. Don’t worry.”

She pulled the coat even closer around her and leaned on Ashutosh’ shoulder. He put one of his arms around her and played with her hair with his free hand.

“Tumhari internship khatam hone se pahle shaadi karna achchha idea nahin hai,” he said.

“Kya farq padta hai?” she replied and buried her face deep in his chest.

“Main tumhari baat samajhta hoon. Lekin phir bhi… mere liye shaadi important hai. I want it.”

“To chaliye. Abhi kar lete hain. Kissi mandir mein.”

Ashutosh laughed, “Pagal ladki. Nahin aise nahin…”

“Achchha,” she sat up and asked with interest, “Kaise shaadi karni hai aapko? Ekdum dhoom-dhaam se? Band-baaje ke saath?”

He laughed again, “Band-baaje se farq nahin padta, lekin main proudly poori duniya ke saamne tumse shaadi karna chahta hoon.”

“Kyon?”

“Pata nahin. Ye explain karna shayad mushkil hai mere liye. Probably people just matter to me… Aur shayad isliye bhi ki hamare rishte par log kuchh to kahenge… To main sabko batana chahta hoon ki we don’t care and we are very happy and blessed…”

“Theek hai. Phir aisa hi hoga.”

“Tumhein problem to nahin hai?”

“Bilkul nahin. Lekin main is rishte ke saare haq claim karne ke liye shaadi tak ka intezaar nahin kar rahi.”

“Saari responsibilities to tumne utha hi li hain. To saare haq claim karne ka bhi tumhara haq banta hai.”

“Good.”

“To batao tumhein kya chahiye?”

“Matlab?”

“Matlab koi gift? Koi bhi cheez? Koi farmaish?”

“Mujhe kuchh kyon chahiye hoga?”

Ashutosh laughed, “Ye lo. Abhi to mujhe haq claim karne ko le kar dara rahi thi. Aur ab ek gift bhi nahin claim kar pa rahi ho?”

“Mujhe gift nahin chahiye?”

“Phir kya chahiye?”

“Mujhe aap chahiye Dr. Ashutosh. Woh Rahul ki Sasha Ma’am se nahin milne doongi main aapko,” Nidhi started saying seriously, then grinned.

Ashutosh laughed out loud. She was definitely bolder today than usual. “Tumhein lagta hai ki main hot ladkiyon ko woo karta rahta hoon? Ya kar sakta hoon?”

“Kar sakte to aap bilkul hain.”

“Ahan?”

“Mujhe pahle pata nahin tha, leki jab se main hospital mein logon ke saath socialize karne lagi hoon, mujhe realize hua hai ki aap to bilkul… hearth-throb hain ladkiyon ke hospital mein… Aapki smile aur dimples par to jaan deti hain saaree female staff…”

“Achchha. To pahle tumhein realize nahin hua ki aisa ho sakta hai?”

“Well… main to… aapne declare kar hi diya hai ki main aapse obsessed hoon…”

Ashutosh laughed out loud, “Bhaang-waang pee li hai kya tumne Nidhi? Aaj kitna bol rahi ho?”

“Aap gussa ho rahe hain?”

“Nahin, nahin. Main, in fact, bahut enjoy kar raha hoon.”

“Aur aap bahut blush bhi kar rahe hain.”

“For once, role reverse ho gaya hai hamara.”

“Dr. Ashutosh.” she suddenly turned serious, “Maine itni baatein kai saalon mein kissi se nahin ki hain.”

“Nidhi!” he looked at her with worry because her tone had changed from happy to sad suddenly.

“Jab Mummy-Papa the, tab bhi nahin.”

“Kyon?” he needed to make her continue talking.

“Ghar par itne jhagde hote the… itne zyada… Kai baar physical bhi… Ki main… Mujhe bahut bura lagta tha ki meri family aisi kyon hai? Ghar par koi baat karne waala nahin tha… Bahar kissi se ghar ke baare mein nahin bol sakti thi… I mean – kisko bolti… kya bolti… Apne Mummy-Papa ki burai karna kaisa lagta? Khud ki self-respect hi jaati… Main irritated rahti thi… Baat karti bhi thi to sab artifical hota tha… Pretend karti thi ki meri life mein sab achchha hai… Lekin kabhi kissi ne mazaak mein bhi kuchh kah diya to mujhe gussa aa jaata tha… Isliye main chup rahne lagi… Bas apni duniya mein… Aur phir usse nikal nahin paayi… Jab tak…” she choked on her words.

“Hey Nidhi. Kyon yaad kar rahi ho un bure dinon ko? Abhi to tum kitni khush thi? Haan? Kya ho gaya achanak? Ab to main hoon na? Mujhse tum jitni chahe baatein kar sakti ho, jo bhi chahe bata sakti ho… Aur mujhe bahut achchha lagta hai… Please tum ro mat.”

“Theek kah rahe hain aap,” she wiped her tears, “Aaj ka din bahut achchha hai. Pata nahin main kyon purani baatein yaad karne lagi…”

“It’s okay, Nidhi. Chalo. Andar chalte hain. Tumhein paani peene ki zaroorat hai. Aur kaafi raat bhi ho gayi hai.”

—

To be continued

“Kya hua hospital mein? Aap aise mujhe bina bataye kyon chale gaye the? Ritesh…” Nidhi was pacing up and down the hall and ran to Ashutosh when he came back.

“Ritesh theek hai. At least jitna theek ho sakta hai… Tum pareshaan kyon ho?”

“Aap… bina bataye… chale… gaye…” Nidhi stammered.

“To tumne mujhe phone kyon nahin kar liya? Aise pareshaan kyon ho rahi thi?”

Nidhi downcast her eyes and bit her lips. She did not say anything.

“Talk to me, Nidhi,” Ashutosh said emphatically.

“Mujhe laga… ki aap… busy… honge…”

“Agar main busy hota to main nahin uthata phone. Aur mera phone silent mode par mere drawer mein pada rahta. Tumhein ye baat pata hai. Phir tumne try kyon nahin kiya? Tumhara koi missed call bhi nahin tha…”

“I was… worried… and embarrassed…”

“Kyon”

“Jo aapke kamre mein hua… Aap pata nahin… kya soch rahe honge… mere baare mein?”

“Kya soch raha hoon main tumhare baare mein? Tumhein kya lagta hai?”

Nidhi was not looking at him and did not notice his amused smile. “Please mujhe aur embarass mat kijiye,” she seemed very close to tears as she started moving away from there.

Ashutosh grabbed her hand and stopped her from leaving. “Mujhe lagta hai Nidhi,” he paused intentionally until she looked up curiously at him, “That you are a healthy, young woman, with some very natural desires. And I am happy to see my own feelings being reciprocated by you.”

Nidhi’s face colored, but at the same time a huge burden was lifted off her shoulder. She could not help smiling a little.

“Papa. Aap kahan chale gaye the?” Suddenly Rahul appeared in the hall. Siddhi was also with him. Nidhi and Ashutosh were startled and Ashutosh hastily let go of Nidhi’s hand. Siddhi noticed that awkward moment. She smiled inwardly. “Rahul. Abhi chalo yahan se. Dr. Ashutosh ko Di se kuchh kaam hai,” she dragged Rahul away surprising both Ashutosh and Nidhi with her perceptiveness.

“Aapko Rahul ke paas jaana chahiye,” Nidhi told Ashutosh, “Siddhi pagal hai…”

“Haan. Main jaunga lekin Siddhi was also right. Pahle mujhe tumhein kuchh important batana hai. Mere kamre mein chalte hain.”

—

“Ritesh ke saath jo hua usmein tumhari koi galti nahin thi.”

Nidhi was relieved, but not surprised. She had checked and rechecked his papers and reports in the hospital while waiting on him. There was no way he had any problem related to blood sugar level, when she had left him. But then what had gone wrong?

“Use insulin ka injection diya gaya tha,” Ashutosh answered her unasked question.

“Insulin ka injection? Kise diya? Koi use randomly insulin ka injection kyon dega?”

“Ranjeeta diabetic hai.”

“To? Ritesh nahin hai.”

“Ranjeeta ne diya tha.”

“What? Aisa kaise ho sakta hai? Kyon karengi woh aisa?”

“Tumhein discredit karne ke liye, apne raaste se hatane ke liye…”

“This is impossible. First this is stupid. She could never get away with it? Fine, she is an idiot. But woh apne bachche ki jaan khatre mein kaise daal sakti hain? Even I can’t believe this, Dr. Ashutosh. Mere Mummy-Papa kayar the. Lekin apne bachchon ki jaan woh bhi nahin le sake…”

“Woh kayar nahin, psychopathic hai Nidhi. Maine pahle casually kaha tha ki uske andar empathy nahin hai. But ab mujhe lagta hai ki that is a clinical fact as well. Humne jab use confront kiya, to pata hai usne kya reasoning di?”

“Kya?”

“Ki Ritesh ki jo halat hai usmein to use waise bhi kuchh feel nahin hota. To uske insulin dene se use kya farq padegga?”

“What the hell!” Nidhi was horrified, “That child is not safe with her Dr. Ashutosh…”

“She is in police custody now. We informed the police…”

“Ritesh ka hoga kya phir? He is so young and in this state…”

“His father has been informed. He is coming and will take care of him…”

“Who is his father? Ab tak kahan the wo?”

“I don’t know him, but he is in Delhi. It seems they had never married, and Ranjeeta was not willing to give up Ritesh’ custody. He did not want to fight her…”

“Poor kid!”

“Poor kid, indeed. Dr. Sinha ne phir kuchh aur cheezein check ki. He has some old injuries and bruises, which indicate physical abuse… Nidhi!” he got worried when he saw her sinking into a chair, “I’m sorry. Main tumhein pareshaan kar raha hoon…”

“Nahin! Aisa kuchh nahin hai… Bas main… Aapko ye shaq kaise hua ki Ranjeeta ji ne…”

“Dr. Sinha ne mujhe phone kiya tha. He had seen his reports. Aur phir injection ke puncture wound notice kiye unhone. An insulin injection was the only possibility.”

“Reports to maine bhi check and recheck kiye the. Lekin insulin injection ke baare mein to maine socha hi nahin. Main koi medical reason dhoondh rahi thi…”

“Yeah. Aur use stabilize karne mein hum sab itna busy the ki humne bhi pahle socha nahin. Lekin jaise hi Dr. Sinha ne insulin injection ki baat ki, mera dhyaan sabse pahle Ranjeeta par hi gaya. Dr. Sinha ne already pharmacy se check kiya tha. All insulin injection issued had been accounted for. To kissi hospital staff ka ye karna unlikely tha… Maine hospital ja kar visitor logs aur camera footage check kiye… Phir Ranjeeta se confront kar ke sach nikalwaana mushkil nahin tha…”

“Rahul aur Siddhi kahan hain?” she asked suddenly.

“Rahul ke kamre mein…”

“Chaliye,” she held his hands and led him to Rahul’s room. She hugged both the kids. They were surprised, but Ashutosh understood her situation. He patted her head.

—

“Papa. Wahan bachchon ke liye kuchh nahin hoga. Main aur Siddhi nahin jaayenge,” Rahul was not willing to accompany them to an overnight stay at the farmhouse resort, where they were finally planning to go.

“Aisa nahin hai Rahul. Hum sab saath rahenge na. Bahut mazaa aayega,” Nidhi tried to convince him.

“Nahin Di. Aur waise bhi Dr. Armaan hain na yahan. Unhone hamein mall le jaane ke liye promise kiya hai Sunday ko. Hum wahan games khelenge, right Rahul?” Siddhi interrupted.

“Nidhi. Phir hum bhi cancel kar dete hain. Agar koi nahin jaana chahta to…” Ashutosh said.

“Rahul,” Nidhi tried to appease him, “Mall to tum kabhi bhi ja sakte ho. Right? Wahan bahut mazaa aayega. Open spaces honge khelne ke liye. Aur hum tumhare games le chalenge…”

“Dr. Ashutosh,” Siddhi interrupted and addressed Ashutosh this time, “Main aur Rahul nahin jaana chahte. Lekin yahan sab log to hain. Rahul ki maid rahegi. Hiraman Kaka hain. Dr. Armaan bhi poore weekend ghar par hi hain. Unhone mujhe bataya hai. Aap log please apna plan cancel mat kijiye. Please…”

Ashutosh looked at Nidhi looking puzzled.

“Rahul. Chalo. Cartoon Network par Ben 10 aa raha hoga. Hum dekhte hain. Di tum log packing kar lo.”

“I can’t believe it,” Ashutosh said after Siddhi and Rahul left, “Rahul mere saath, tumhare saath nahin jaana chah raha?”

“I think ye Siddhi ka kiya-dhara hai. Main usse baat karti hoon.”

“Main bhi chalta hoon. Aakhir chal kya raha hai uske dimaag mein?”

“Aap uske saamne mat jaiye. Main press karungi to shayad zyada aasaani se batayegi.”

Ashutosh nodded.

—

“Siddhi? Kya problem hai tujhe? Kyon nahin jaana chahti tu farmhouse? Aur Rahul ko bhi mana kar rahi hai?”

“Nahin Di…. Problem kuchh nahin hai…” Siddhi didn’t know what to say, “Bas hum log bore ho jayenge…”

“Sach bol Siddhi. Please. Agar tum log nahin jaoge, to main aur Dr. Ashutosh…”

“Di. Lekin tumhein jaana chahiye.”

“Kyon?”

“Kyonki tum log enjoy karoge.”

“Tum log saath rahoge to zyada enjoy karenge.”

“Di, ye to fair nahin hai…”

“Kya matlab?”

“Di. Jaise tum chahti ho na ki mujhe ek normal bachpan mile… Maine bhi chahti hoon ki tumhein ek normal… love life mile. Mari wajah se waise bhi tum bahut si aur cheezon ko time nahin de paati. Kam se kam Dr. Ashutosh…”

“Aise kyon bol rahi hai Siddhi? Tu aaj bhi meri first priority hai aur hamesha rahegi. Dr. Ashutosh bhi ye samajhte hain. In fact, tu aur Rahul – dono…”

“Main jaanti hoon Di. Aur meri bhi first priority tum ho.”

“Tu itni chinta kyon kar rahi hai?”

“Tum mujhe samay se pahle bada nahin karna chahti Di. Lekin tum mujhe samay se zyada bachcha bana kar bhi nahin rakh sakti. Kuchh cheezein samajhne layak, kuchh responsibilities uthane layak main badi ho gayi hoon. Mummy-Papa ke baad agar tum akele mera khayaal rakh sakti thi, to ek weekend ke liye, itne saare logon ke saath, main Rahul ka khayaal rakh sakti hoon. Tum please Dr. Ashutosh ke saath chali jao. Mujhe bahut achchha lagega. Aur ye tumhara… tum dono ka haq hai.”

Nidhi was overwhelmed and could not help her eyes getting moist as she hugged Siddhi.

Siddhi spotted Ashutosh at the door of the room where they had been talking. She became conscious wondering if he had heard them. “Dr. Ashutosh!” she exclaimed drawing Nidhi’s attention also to him. Nidhi had forgotten that Ashutosh was around and had just not come before Siddhi so that she spoke frankly.

“Main chalti hoon Di. Rahul ke kamre mein hoon,” Siddhi said and ran away from there.

Nidhi wiped her tears and smiled at Ashutosh, who was smiling too.

“Ek baat kahun?” Nidhi said.

“Permission ki zaroorat hai tumhein?”

She laughed slightly before speaking, “Jab se aap meri zindagi mein aaye hain, tab se meri life reverse gear mein chali gayi hai jaise…”

“That doesn’t sound good.”

“It is very good, kyonki iske pahle jahan bhi meri life thi, ya ja rahi thi, woh bahut painful tha. Ab sab ulta ho gaya hai. Pahle main itni lonely thi… Aur ab I am surrounded by people… And their love… Siddhi meri responsibility hua karti thi. Aur ab? Aapne suni uski baat? Even she is trying to… she has become a support now. Mujhe to bharosa nahin ho raha hai ki ye sab mere saath ho raha hai… Kahin aisa to nahin hai ki meri aankhein khulengi aur ye sab sapna niklega?”

Ashutosh came to her and held her hands, “Nidhi. Is zindagi ne mujhe to ye sikhaya ki hum sabko apne hisse ki khushiyan aur challenges milte hain. Unka order kabhi-kabhi unfathomable hota hai. Tumhein challenges unfairly early mil gaye apni life mein. Lekin you faced them head on. And you won. Jo bhi khushiyan aaj tumhein mil rahi hain, you deserve them and more. Bilkul darne ki zaroorat nahin hai. Things will only be good and better from now on.” He gently wiped the tears that were flowing down her cheeks again.

She smiled; then said, “Siddhi pagal hai waise… Hum Rahul ko chhod kar thode hi na ja sakte hain aise. Main Rahul se baat karti hoon…”

“Nidhi. Aaj jis ladki ko maine tumse baat karte hue dekha, woh sach mein tumhari bahan hai. She knows her responsibilities aur unhein poora karegi woh. Woh Rahul ka khayaal sach mein rakh legi. Lekin haan – it would be unfair on our part agar hum us par itni responsibility daal dein. Lekin usne ye bhi sach kaha ki ghar mein aur log hain. Rahul ki maid bhi ruk jayegi raat mein zaroorat padne par. Waise bhi maine akele nahin paala hai Rahul ko aaj tak. Hiraman Kaka aur uski maid ne hamesha hi uski responsibility li hai, given my work schedule. Phir abhi to Armaan aur Siddhi bhi hain. Hum Rahul ko chhod kar ja sakte hain. ”

Nidhi’s cheeks colored. It meant them going alone. And they had planned to stay overnight! Ashutosh noticed that and quickly added, “Of course. Only if tumhein aitraaz na ho… mere saath chalne mein.”

Even though Nidhi felt extremely shy at the proposal, she spoke bravely, “Agar aapko abhi tak ye baat na pata ho to main bata doon ki… aapke saath mujhe kissi kuen mein koodne mein bhi koi aitraaz nahin hai. I can follow you blindly.”

“Phir to tum safe ho,” Ashutosh joked, “Mujhe kuen mein koodne ka koi shauk nahin hai.” Nidhi laughed. “Packing kar li hai tumne?”

“Ji. Mujhe ghar jaana hai. Kapde yahan nahin hain.”

“Theek hai. Driver ko bol do car nikaal le tumhare liye. Main Rahul ke saath baithta hoon.”

“Ji.”

“Aur Nidhi…”

“Ji?”

“They have a very large and well-maintained swimming pool. Do pack your swimsuit.”

Nidhi blushed heavily and got visible goosebumps as she recalled their last swimsuit encounter. She ran away from there leaving an amused and smiling Ashutosh behind.

—

To be continued