Chapter 7

                                                                                                 

 As they started to get scrubbed up for the surgery, Nikita couldn't help herself but look at awe at her husband. This was the first time she would see him as a surgeon. She followed each step after him. The patient was brought in and they received report of anesthetic and current condition.  The patient had inhaled some smoke and had been hit with some debris. They had to release the excess fluid in his lungs so that it would not compress further and shut down his heart.

 

They both worked in unison together. Only speaking when necessary. It seemed like everyone in the room held their breath for a moment whenever the heart rate dropped or started to race.

 

Meanwhile the other interns took time between caring for patients waiting for news. The gallery would be closed for viewing so they remained outside the doors silently waiting. Would Abhimanyu succeed.?

 

 The surgery took three hours. The patient was stitched up and  taken to recovery. Reports in the coming hours proved that the surgery had been successful.

 

 Armaan spotted Nikita in the hallway and went over to her.

" How was the surgery?," he inquired.

 

 Nikita gave him a stern glance.

 

" He did well. I am not saying  this based on the fact he is my husband now Armaan. He really is a  good doctor and a human being. I hope someday you all see that in him," she stated.

 

Armaan realized he had been wrong.

 

" Nikki..," he trailed off

 

" Tum ne jo hi kiya uske saath who  accha nahin tha," she stated before walking away.

 

She recalled more how he had pushed Abhimanyu into the pool and how he had held her back so she couldn't run after him and tell him she loved him. Why and how Abhi came back to the venue still evaded her. After being so insulted why did Abhimanyu return there and how did they decide to simply get married?

 

 She shook her head, She was sure it would come to her later. What she needed to know now was why Abhimanyu had stopped doing surgeries in the first place.

 

 Nikita went into Abhimanyu's office.

 

He looked up at her. His face was etched with concern. She closed the door and  then turned to walk towards him. Her expression was solemn. This day had been difficult for him. It about time the burden on his shoulders was relieved. She wanted to live a better life. Only time would tell how long and how well their relationship would be. In any case he deserved to live his life anew.

 

 His expression questioned her and she complied to the question.

 

" Woh patient abhi theek hai. The surgery was a success Abhi," she stated firmly.

 

He sighed with relief.

 

 Her eyes lingered in that manner and he knew she was  going to ask him the question.

 

" Tumne surgeries karna bandh kyun kardi?"

 

 He  gave her a firm look.

 

"  When we go home I will  tell you the reason why," he said.

 

She nodded.

 

" I have a few more cases. I'll be done in two hours probably. If you need some time alone then you can leave when you are done. I will see you at home,"

 

Abhi nodded and then turned back to the file she had handed him. He would go see the patient  then he would go head home.

 

 One of Nikita's patients succumbed to their injuries. She was devastated. However she knew she would have to go home and talk to Abhimanyu about  his past. Riddhima and Armaan were still there when they noticed her  trying not to cry in the  locker room. Armaan  hinted for Riddhima  to go talk her this time.

 

" Nikki are you all right? Kiss ne kuch kaha hai kya?," she inquired.

 

Nikita  quickly dried her tears.

 

" No just my patient, she was so young she  didn't make it,"

 

 Riddhima nodded.

 

" Do you want to talk about it now or..," she trailed off.

 

" Nahin Riddhima, abhi nahin. Woh muhje  ghar jana hai. Abhimanyu mera intezar kara hoga," she stated. (  Not now Riddhima. I have to go home. Abhimanyu must be waiting for me.)

 

" Phir theek hai. We'll talk some other time. How are you going home?," she inquired.

 

" I'll go by taxi. I should leave now. It should be easier by Monday . Dr. Shubanker and Dr. Keerti are returning by then. Thanks Riddhima," she said before leaving.

 

  Armaan came to stand by Riddhima.

 

" I hope she will be happy. We can see her sorrow. I hope he can sense  it too,"

 

 Riddhima turned solemn.

 

" I think he's  the one who will see beyond the walls she has built up. Armaan, ek Abhimanyu toh hai jo humari dost ko khush rak sakta hai," she declared.

 

Nikita was able to find a rikshaw. It  broke down some two blocks from home. So she started to walk  home. Suddenly some goons surrounded her. She gave them fierce looks.

 

" Don't you have manners? I am a married woman. Get out of my way!" she yelled.

 

They scoffed back at her," Where is your husband? You seem to be alone today. It's  two in the morning and you are  going home like this?"

 

 There was a slight scuffle. Her dupatta  got torn and she got a few minor scrapes and bruises. Then she  got free after breaking one of their noses. She  ran in a circle around the  block before she turned back on the road leading towards  their place.

 

 Suddenly a car's  highlights  blinded her and fainted in its path.