Mish' Fiction

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

“Nidhi? Tum yahan? Sab theek hai na?” Ashutosh was surprised to find her sitting in Ritesh’ room.

“Haan. Koi problem nahin hai. Lekin nurse ne bataya ki jab se use yahan shift kiya hai, usse koi milne nahin aaya. Maine socha ki thodee der uske saath baith jaun.”

“72 ghanton se tum hospital mein ho. Ab ghar chalo. Situation control mein hai. Regular staff kaam sambhaal lega. Phir Dr. Sinha ne raat mein break liya tha. He is back.”

“Ji. Chaliye.”

Ashutosh stopped near a coffee shop on their way home.

“Yahan kyon roka hai aapne?”

“Tumse baat karni hai. Pichhle teen din itne ajeeb rahe hain. Lekin kaam itna tha ki baat karne ka mauka hi nahin mila. Ghar jaane ke baad bachchon ke saath time bitana hoga. Isliye…”

“Chaliye.”

“Nidhi… I’m sorry… Aise achaanak Ranjeeta ka aana… Maine kabhi tumhein kuchh bataya bhi nahi tha…”

“Aap sorry kyon bol rahe hain? Mujhe kya hua hai unke aane se? Aur mujhe bhala jaanna hi kya hai unke baare mein? Isliye to maine kabhi kuchh poochha bhi nahin.”

“Thank you. For handling everything so well.”

“But I don’t understand her Dr. Ashutosh. Aakhir woh chahti kya hain? Ritesh ki aisi halat ho rakhi hai. Rahul se unhein pichhle 6 saalon mein koi lagaav nahin tha. Abhi kyon woh suddenly Rahul se apne relations revive karna chahti hain, jabki Ritesh ke paas baithne ke liye unke paas paanch minute bhi nahin hain?”

Ashutosh sighed, “Empathy ek cheez hai jo uske andar nahin hai Nidhi. Doosron ka dard, unki feelings, unki khushiyan – ye sab use samajh mein nahin aati hain. Chahe woh uske apne bachche ki kyon na ho? Meri nahin samajhti thi, apne parents ki bhi nahin samajhti thi, yahan tak ki Rahul ki bhi nahin samajhti thi. Ritesh ki bhi nahin samajhti – I am not surprised.”

“Phir itne saalon ke baad achanak Rahul ke liye ye desperation kyon?”

“I don’t know. Aur main kuchh guess bhi nahin kar pa raha hoon. But something just doesn’t feel right. Pata nahin kya chal raha hai uske man mein.”

“Bolne mein horrible lagta hai, lekin jaise woh Ritesh ke saath behave kar rahi hain, aisa lagta hai ki she has decided to ignore his existence in her life. He might as well be dead and forgotten. It is disgusting…” She was interrupted by her mobile ringing. “Hospital se hai,” she explained to Ashutosh and picked up the phone.

“What… Lekin… Main wapas aati hoon…” she was worried by the time she disconnected the call, “Ritesh ki halat kharaab ho gayi hai achanak… Symptoms se brain damage hone ke chances lag rahe hain…”

“Aisa kaise ho sakta hai? Tumne…”

“Maine aane se pahle sab check kiya tha…”

“Let’s go…”

—

It took them two hours to get Ritesh’ situation slightly in control. Low blood sugar. Excessive insulin. How could Nidhi have missed out on noticing something that basic in a patient, when she had declared him to be stable? He was still not out of danger. His vegetative state made things worse. If something happened to him, Nidhi would be answerable to the vigilance committee at the hospital. That won’t be a good situation. Nidhi had watched from afar after Ashutosh had to discharge her from the case as per the standard process in case of negligence by a doctor.

Ashutosh went to his office after Ritesh had been given required medicines and injections. Nothing could be done except to watch him for next four to five hours. He knew where Nidhi would be, but he did not know what to talk to her about. Nidhi was pacing up and down on the terrace. Too may questions were flooding her mind. First of which was how did things go wrong? But more urgent were the implications of things going wrong. Ritesh’ well-being. If something happened to the kid, she would never be able to forgive herself. And if the case goes to the committee all hell will break lose not only in her, but also in Ashutosh’ life. The complicated relationship between her, him and Ranjeeta would come to the fore. Nor only Nidhi, but even he would be accused of the worst!

She checked on Ritesh after she saw Ashutosh going back to his office. Then despite all the awkwadness, she went to him.

“Aap ghar chale jaiye. Main rukoongi uske paas,” she offered. Ashutosh was clearly exhausted. She was too. But she definitely had more energy that Ashutosh did. And she hadn’t been the one struggling for Ritesh’ life for last two hours.

“I can’t do that,” Ashutosh replied trying to balance his authority with his unwillingness to appear to harsh on Nidhi. He couldn’t believe she could have made such a mistake. And yet at that point of time, she was the only culprit.

“You don’t have to hand the case over to me. But you can officially hand it over to another doctor. Probably Dr. Sinha or Dr. Mallika…”

“Nidhi. How could you do something as silly as this?” Ashutosh gave words to his exasperation.

“Aapko lagta hai ki maine jaan-boojh kar kiya?”

“Of course not. Are you mad? But this particular case can…”

“I can never take anyone’s life Dr. Ashutosh. Much less that of a kid. Yet something has gone wrong. I don’t know what it is, but something has. Aur agar the worst happens, I promise you ki committee will never need to dig any dirt on you. I will accept the blame willingly. Aapki reputation ko kuchh nahin hoga.”

“Aur tum?”

“Aap please ghar jaiye…”

“Lekin…”

“Rahul teen dinon se nahin mila hai aapse. Baar-baar aapka phone try kar raha tha. Missed calls honge – aap apna phone nikaal kar dekhiye drawer se…”

Ashutosh sighed. She was right. Rahul would be anxious. And yet… what went wrong? He had to find out… Too much was at stake… He couldn’t abandon Nidhi. Yet supporting her would open a can of worms…

—

Ashutosh had just taken a shower, was in his pajamas and was still looking for a t-shirt to wear, when his room door flung open.

“Dr. Ashutosh,” Nidhi barged in appearing quite unaware of his state of undress, “Ritesh ki halat stable hai. His blood sugar is in control. Aur koi damage nahin hua.”

Ashutosh was relieved. A huge burden was taken off his shoulders. “Thank God! Agar use kuchh ho jaata to…”

“To main aapko hamesha ke liye kho deti…” Nidhi’s voice quivered.

“Nidhi! Aisa kyon kah rahi ho?” He went closer to her and held her chin, “Tum mere liye bina kissi inquiry ke apne oopar saara ilzaam lene ke liye taiyaar thi, apne career barbaad karne ke liye taiyaar thi. Aur tumhein lagta hai ki main tumhein akela chhod deta? Itna hi bharosa hai mujh par?”

Feeling overwhelmed she hugged him. He gently hugged her back trying to comfort her. But soon he felt her digging her nails into his skin and running her fingers over his spine. She probably didn’t realize that it was one of his most sensitive body parts. “Nidhi,” he hissed, “Stop.” This wasn’t the time to… Nidhi was startled by his voice and came back to her senses. She stepped back from him. Feeling embarrassed she fleed his room.

Unsure about how she interpreted everything, he grabbed the first t-shirt he could and rushed after her. But he found her with Siddhi and Rahul. She was helping Siddhi with her homework. He was about to ask her to come with him, when his phone rang. It was from Dr. Sinha. He had to pick it up.

“What? Are you sure Dr. Sinha? Aisa… Insulin inject hua tha? Ek minute… Injection ke puncture wound… Kissi ne insulin issue nahin karwaya?? Phir… Oh! Oh my God! I think I know kya hua hai… Aap wahin rukiye… And please ensure ki Ritesh ke room se koi cheez bahar na jaye… Kachra bhi nahin… Main pahunch raha hoon… Hiraman Kaka. Main thodee der ke liye wapas hospital ja raha hoon.”

—

To be continued

Ashutosh finished getting briefs from all the doctors in the deparment the next morning. Things were mostly under control. Some kids had permanent injuries and disablement. That could not be helped after such an incident. But no one who had come to the hospital alive died. He gave insructions for extra duties and then dismissed them. Nidhi looked at him before leaving, but did not stop back just then. Their relationship was not known to the people at the hospital yet and they had not yet decided about it.

But she came back after ten minutes. She had brought two cups of tea.

“Thanks,” he smiled, clearly looking tired, “Main tumhein phone karne hi waala tha bulane ke liye.”

“Aap bahut zyada thake hue hain. Chai pee lijiye.”

“Thaki to tum bhi hogi.”

“Mujhe break mila tha. Aapko nahin mila. Aapne Rahul se baat ki?”

“Haan. Woh dono log theek hain. Armaan ghar par hi ruk gaya aaj. Phir maid aur Hiraman Kaka bhi hain.”

They fell silent after that.

“Aapne media se jo kaha…” Nidhi spoke after a while, “Sahi kaha.”

“Mujhe gussa aa gaya tha. Tamasha bana dete hain ye logon ke misfortune ka. Kya milega inmein se kissi bhi parent ko media se baat kar ke. Kiski madad ho jayegi unki mutilated bodies ki photos dikha kar. Aur kissi bhi hospital staff ka time unki jaan bachane mein behtar use ho sakta hai media se baat karne ki bajay. Apni investigation woh road par kyon nahin le jaate. Pahchanne ki koshish kyon nahin karte unhein, jinhone aisa kiya hai.”

“Mere haath lag jayen to gala daba kar maar doom main un logon ko jo aisi harquatein karte hain.”

Ashutosh smiled, “Tumhare haath lag jayen to tumhare gusse se hi mar jayenge woh. Lekin retalliate karna to solution nahin hai. In fact, politicians aur goons wahi karne ki koshish kar rahe hain. Situation bahut tense hai city mein.”

“Haan. Schools bhi band hain.”

Just then they heard a knock on the door. Nidhi got up from the chair and hid her tea cup to make it appear like she was there for some work.

“Come in,” Ashutosh said. It was Ranjeeta.

“Ashu. Mujhe tumse kuchh baat karni hai.”

“Bolo.”

“I mean… personal baat hai Rahul ke baare mein,” she looked at Nidhi apprehensively.

Nidhi noticed Ashutosh stiffen. She didn’t want to put him in an awkward situation. So, she said, “Main baad mein aati hoon, Sir.”

“No. Wait,” Ashutosh said surprising Nidhi as well as Ranjeeta, “Jo baat tum mujhse karna chahti ho Rahul ke baare mein, tum Dr. Nidhi ke saamne kah sakti ho.”

Ranjeeta glared at Nidhi and Nidhi fidgeted uncomfortably.

“Ashu, ye hamare bete ki baat hai.”

“Rahul ke saath jitna main involved hoon, utni hi ab Nidhi bhi hai. Tumhein jo kahna ho kah sakti ho.”

“It’s okay Dr. Ashutosh,” Nidhi tried to dissipate the tension, “Aap log baat kar lijiye.”

“No Nidhi. You have to be here.”

“Fine!” Ranjeeta gave up irritably, “Main Rahul se milna chahti hoon.”

“Kyon?”

“Kyon? Main Ma hoon uski.”

“Tumne willingly uski custody give up ki thi Ranju.”

“I know lekin…”

“Ranju. Log khilone nahin hote hain, ki ek se bore ho gaye to doosra le liye. Doosre se bore ho gaye to wapas pahle ke paas aa gaye. Mujhe tumse koi shikayat nahin hai, koi dushmani nahin hai. Lekin Rahul ki fikr to mujhe karni hai na. Rahul jaanta hai ki uski Mummy nahin hai uske saath, usne is baat ko maan liya hai aur woh apni zindagi mein khush hai. Abhi tum uske saamne jaogi to… I don’t see any reason ki main aisa hone doon. Main uski feelings ko kyon confuse karoon; ya uski life ko kyon unsettle karoon?”

“Tum ek ajnabi ladki to Rahul ke kareeb aane de sakte ho, uski Ma ko nahin?”

“Tumme aur Dr. Nidhi mein se jo Rahul ke liye ajnabi hai, woh tum ho Ranju. Dr. Nidhi nahin.”

Despite all the awkwardness, Nidhi smiled and felt good at Ashutosh’ confidence in her. She had never felt the belonging in her life that Ashutosh made her feel just then.

“Dr. Ashutosh,” a nurse came running to the office just then, “Bed no. 4 ke bachche ko suddenly respiration mein trouble ho rahi hai. Oxygen mask lagaya hai, but aap please dekh lijiye. Abhi tak aisi koi trouble report nahin hui thi.”

“Chaliye Dr. Nidhi,” Ashutosh told Nidhi and left Ranjeeta behind.

—

“Dr. Nidhi Verma!” Nidhi was interrupted later in the day by Ranjeeta.

“Ji?” Nidhi had not bothered to judge Ranjeeta, until her last encounter where he saw the exchange between her and Ashutosh with regards to Rahul. And now she was very clear in her judgement, and hence curt too.

“To aapne Rahul ko zariya banaya hai Ashutosh tak pahunchne ke liye.”

Nidhi got irritated. She was in the ward when Ranjeeta had walked in. Her talking about Ashutosh was potentially embarassing for Nidhi, “Main abhi duty par hoon. Behtar hoga ki aap personal cheezein yahan na layen. Mere patients ko meri zaroorat hai.”

“Ya ye kaho ki mera saamne karne ki himmat nahin hai.”

Nidhi sighed. Ranjeeta would have to be dealth with. “Lagta hai aapka waham door karna hi padega. Kabir,” she called her colleague, “Can you please cover for me for five minutes?”

“Sure, Nidhi.”

“Thanks. Chaliye Ranjeeta ji.” Even the canteen was crowded; so Nidhi thought for a moment and took her to the terrace. “Bataiye. Kya baat karne ki itni jaldbaazi hai aapko ki aap meri duty khatam hone tak nahin ruk sakti thi?”

“Maine sab pata kiya hai tumhare baare mein. Kaafee zaroorat hai tumhein zindagi mein sahare ki… aur of course paison ki. Jo Ashu poora kar sakta hai. Aur Rahul ko zariya bana kar tum Ashu ke kareeb pahunch gayi ho. Hai na?”

“Mere paas aapke sawaalon ke jawaab hain. Lekin koi bhi aira-gaira aa kar mujhse ulte seedhe sawaal poochhne lage, ya mere oopar ghatiya ilzaam lagane lage, to main use ahmiyat nahin deti. Aapko mujhse sawaal poochhne ka koi haq nahin hai. And I am not answerable to you.”

“Tum bas Rahul aur mere beech mein mat aao. Ashu se Rahul ko mujhse door rakhne ko mat kaho.”

“Agar mujhe Dr. Ashutosh se kuchh kahna hota, to main yahi kahti ki aapka saaya bhi Rahul par na padne dein. Apne bachchon se munh modne waale parents se mujhe koi sympathy nahin hai. Lekin maine unse na kuchh kaha hai, na hi kuchh kahungi is baare mein. Pichhle 6 saalon se Rahul ko maa-baap sab kuchh ban kar Dr. Ashutosh ne paala hai, maine nahin. Main Rahul ki zindagi mein ab aayi hoon. Rahul ke baare mein unka jo bhi faisla hoga, mujhe blindly manzoor hoga. Now if you will excuse me, I have work to do,” Nidhi said and started to leave. Then she thought of something and spoke again, “Aur haan. Aage se meri personal life mein dakhal mat dijiyega. Meri life, including my relations with Dr. Ashutosh and Rahul, ke baare mein sawaal poochhne ki koshish mat kijiyega. Mujhe ye sakht napasand hai. Aur mere oopar jaasoosi karne se, ya hospital ki gossip mein participate karne se bhi door rahiyega. Aapka focus meri jagah Ritesh ho to behtar rahega.” After this she left. Ranjeeta appeared speechless and stood rooted to her place for a few minutes.

—

As soon as Nidhi entered the hospital corridor from the terrace, she found Ashutosh waiting for her there. His expressions had a mixture of appreciation and amusement.

“Aap?” she looked around sheepishly, “Aap yahan kya kar rahe hain?”

He indicated to her to walk towards his office. She did that.

“Maine tumhein aur Ranjeeta ko dekha tha saath mein, to mera dimaag thanka. Isliye main tumhare peechhe aaya. Lekin I think meri koi zaroorat nahin thi tumhein is problem se nibatne mein.”

“Ye koi problem nahin thi. Aap bekaar ki baaton par pareshaan mat hua kijiye. Main chalti hoon. Sab kuchh control mein hai, lekin kaam abhi bhi bahut hai ward mein.”

“Ek minute Nidhi…”

“Ji?”

“Ek baat ki chinta mujhe hai. Ye jo tum end mein Ranjeeta ko dhamkar kar aayi ho, ki hospital ki gossip mein participate na kare etc. ye kaise ensure karogi? Agar woh karegi kuchh to tum ya main uska kya kar sakte hain?”

“Kuchh bhi nahin.”

“Phir tumne dhamki kyon di?”

“Bewkoof logon ko confidently dhamki dena hi kaafi hota hai. They assume the worst and more; aur phir chup rahte hain. And she doesn’t come across as particularly intelligent to me.”

“Why so?” Ashutosh was amused again.

“She left you,” Nidhi said with a shrug as if it was very obvious that only an idiot could leave Ashutosh. Then she left, leaving Ashutosh smiling despite his worries about Ranjeeta.

—