Chapter 4

Note: This is a long chapter and therefore this part may seem incomplete. Please bear with me until the next is posted.

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Part 4 - 'Zehnaseeb'

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Virat has taken up a new habit. He now waits for Sai every evening when she finishes her duty hours and is going home.

Sai, who was startled to see Virat leaning on his car the first time this happened, went and talked to him.

“Aap yahan kya kar rahe hai?”

“Kuch nahi.. Tumhara wait kar raha hun”

“Kyun?”

“Socha ki tumko ghar drop kar du”

Sai is surprised at his sudden outgoing attitude, her heart flips at the idea but she doesn't want to give in so easily. With a smile, she says 

“It's okay.. Paas main hi hai ghar mera.. I can walk”

Virat who was anticipating this reply immediately asks her,

“Main saath chal sakta hun?”

Sai is amazed at his instant suggestion and tilts her face to really look at him and check whether he is joking. He just smiles and starts walking by her side.

This is now a regular occurrence where he waits for her, they walk to her home and he walks back to his car and goes home. 

Sai also notices that although he had always cared for her, he now shows it openly… like gently nudging her to walk towards the footpath while he himself takes the other edge protecting her from passing vehicles. Most of the time, it's just a silent walk till she reaches home.

One of the days, Sai is busy in her work when she suddenly bumps into Virat.

“Virat Sir, aap yaha? Is waqt? Sab thik hai na?”... a hint of worry in her voice.

“Main thik hun Sai, ek case ke liye aaya tha”... 

He is not his usual self and seems preoccupied.

“Kaisa case? Aap chahe to share kar sakte hai? Main kuch help karu?”

Virat is in two minds whether to tell her but remembering how strong she is tells her.

“Ek kidnapping case hai Sai, we just managed to rescue the girl… abhi uske tests ho rahe hai”

Sai is a little shaken and realizes his hesitation. Virat is giving her a broad idea about it when the Doctor informs him that the tests are over and he can go in for questioning.

Virat immediately moves into the room and Sai peers through the door. The girl is just about a teenager and seems badly shaken but is unable to express anything.

After a while, Virat comes out of the room and looks sad as he hasn't got any major lead. Sai is still standing there pondering if she should take the initiative. Virat notices this and gently taps her shoulder and attempts to read what is going through her mind.

Sai looks at him and hesitantly asks “Main koshish karu? Shayad mere experience se (Sai pauses)…. Use himmat mile?”

Virat is stunned at the suggestion and realizes once again how selfless and brave she is.

Just then, a flurry of activity takes place as the tests reveal that the girl has low platelet count.

Doctor - “We need AB-ve blood immediately to start transfusion”

Hearing this, Virat offers to donate his blood and he is taken to the adjoining room.

Sai remembers her situation in Gadchiroli where he had donated for her.

Later in the evening, when her duty hours are over, Sai and Virat walk out of the hospital together. 

“Mujhe car keys dijiye”

Virat - “Kyun? Kya hua?”

“Main aapko ghar pe drop kar deti hun” Sai says as a matter of factly.

“Tum drive karogi?”

“Kyun nahi kar sakti? Bhul gaye? Aapne hi sikhaya tha.”

“Nahi.. vo baat nahi hai par ekdum achanak kyun?”

“Jaanti hun ki aap thik hai… but I don't want you to drive today.”

“Sai tum Doctor ho… tum jaanti ho itni koi badi baat nahi hai ye”

“Aap denge mujhe keys?” she asks with a mock anger.

Virat smiles and tells her naughtily… “Vaise agar kuch hua to ilaaj bhi tum hi kar dena”

Sai just takes the keys and starts driving towards Chavan Niwas. Virat switches on the music system in the car.

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Zehnaseeb, Zehnaseeb

Tujhe chaahun betahasha zehnaseeb

Mere kareeb, mere habeeb

Tujhe chaahun betahasha zehnaseeb

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Virat is humming the song while looking at her as if those are his feelings expressed by the lyricist. 

As they reach home, Virat asks her to come inside and meet Aai. Sai is skeptical but nevertheless goes inside. The evening tea extends over to dinner as the “SaiRat” team is finding ways to delay Sai’s departure. Virat is very happy that she is here and enjoying all the love and care the family members are giving her.

It is quite late and Sai asks Aai’s permission to go home.

“Are nahi beta, ab itni raat ko kahan jaogi… aisa karo aaj yahin ruk jao”

Sai is astonished at the suggestion but Ashwini doesn't listen and it is decided that Sai will stay the night in Karishma’s room as Mohit is away on a film shoot.

Virat is ecstatic and is trying hard to suppress his excitement. 

Sai is too flabbergasted but eventually agrees to stay.

Late at night another message chimes in her phone 

“Tere sang beete har lamhe pe humko naaz hai

Tere sang jo na beete uspe aitraaz hai; 

Iss kadar hum dono ka milna ek raaz hai, 

Huaa ameer dil gareeb, Tujhe chaahun betahasha zehnaseeb”

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The text in grey are thoughts.

Song for this part is Zehnaseeb from Hasee toh Phasee.