Lalita's take : 25th March 2012 :CHAPTER 5 UPDATED - Page 4

Chapter 3

Priya ran out of the room.

Could God really punish her in this way? After so many years of solitude and lonelinessness, she and Ram had just found bliss together. Realised that they were indeed soul mates, waiting to meet all these years. And today Ram had forgotten everything? After just a few days together? How could she survive now?

Daadi and Vikram came to Priya, trying to console her. Niharika, Shiney and Sid had a quick conference just outside the doctor's chamber. It seemed as if their prayers had been answered at last. Last time, Niharik had been complacent, had not seriously considered the possibility that Ram could really fall in love with his middle class wife. But now, with Ram having forgotten everything, everything was in her control now. This time she would play her cards from day 1.

All three of them came out to where Priya and the others were standing.

Niharika : Priya, don't worry. Everything will be fine. The doctor said that they're hopeful that it shouldn't take too much time for Ram's memory to come back. But till then he suggested that all circumstances stay the way they were seven months back. So maybe, for Ram's benefit, Priya should stay with her parents till he recovered fully.

But Niharika had reckoned without Daadi.

Daadi : Vikram puttar, mujhe zara woh doctor ke paas le chal, mujhe unse milna hai.

Niharika : Maaji, don't worry, we will all try that Ram gets well soon. But we shouldn't pressurize the doctor to listen to our emotional demands.

Daadi : Oye Chutki, Priya ghar chod kar kahin nahin jayegi. Ram ko apna shaadi toh yaad hai na, toh Priya sath mein rahegi, ussmein kya problem hai?

The doctor had joined them by then. He had overheard the conversation and on being requested by Vikram, gave his opinion.

He turned to Priya and told him : Mrs. Kapoor, first let me assure you that Mr.Kapoor is perfectly all right physically. I am surprised with this short term memory loss and the panel of doctors treating him shall meet again in a few hours to finalise on the best possible treatment. Since he remembers his wedding, I see no reason for you to remain separate, however I would just request you to make the situation as near to what it would have been at the time to which he last remembers. That is all.

Niharika was very angry but could not do anything about it. But she would not accept this so easily. She started to make plans and decided, if realized, she would shift to Ram's room too, to pretend to take care of him. Without telling anyone, she hurried home from the hospital, determined to immediately alter the renovation of Ram's room and bring it back to its original color and furnishings before Daadi could interrupt.

Vikram remained behind at the hospital and persuaded Priya to return home with Neha , freshen up and rest for a while before returning to the hospital. He promised Priya that he would not leave Ram's side till she returned. Meanwhile, Shiney and Sid also remained back, trying to gather as much information they could, about Ram's memory loss. What a day! They would hit the bar in the morning itself today for a gala celebration.

Natasha offered to go home with Priya. But Priya was not even in a postion to respond. She held on to Neha, totally shocked. Neha reassured the entire Sharma family and drove Priya home. At the door, Priya requested Neha to go home. She wanted to go up to her room and spend some time alone. However Neha was not ready to leave her alone in this stage and it took Priya quite a while to reassure her that she would be all right, alone.

Finally Neha left and Priya walked up the stairs to her room. At the top of the stairs, she got a shock. There were 2 people carrying out the 2 large photo frames. The purple furnishings were being brought back to the room. There were at least six to seven people inside the room destrying all the work she had done so lovingly in the last week. As she stood there, Niharika personally carried out the small frame from the bedside table, with both their snaps, giving a smirk as she walked past Priya.

Priya went to the washroom and closed the door. She could not take it any more. She sat down on the floor and leaned against the wall. Was this a dream? A terrible dream which would break when she woke up? Or was this reality? Physical destruction of the renovation seemed to be the last straw. If there was any chance of Ram recovering his memory when he entered his room, that was all gone now. Would their entire life in the last 7-8 months remain a dream? Their gradual shift from tolerating each other to some precious moments in Australia, their becoming friends, declaration of their love for each other and their finally becoming one, in the true sense of the word? Had Ram forgotten all that? Had he really forgotten how he had made her feel on top of the world by fulfilling so many of her crazy wishes? It was true … the Ram Kapoor of last night had not been the Ram Kapoor she had married. He had changed so much in the past few months. Had he now reverted back to that original businessman after this incident?

That would mean that Ram would not also remember that he had finally shared his deepest secret of Krishuji and Apeksha with Priya. Would he again get back into his shell, not allowing Priya to come closer? And it was life back at the couch for her?

The red nightgown was still hanging by the basin, where she'd left it in a hurry whilst she got dressed on her way to the hospital. Had Ram forgotten all memories connected with that? Would the new Ram ever gain tease her and …. Fresh tears continued to pour down her face. There was no sound; she was totally alone, silently miserable.

Her phone rang. It was Neha. Priya did not answer the call. Was it only that morning when Ram had held her hand under the table? Was it only that morning that she had adjusted his tie and wiped the sweat off his forehead? There were so many thoughts, so many questions. How would it be possible for deal with Ram now? Be in the same room and behave as if she had just moved into the room a few days back? For heaven's sake, she had moved into his heart and his bed a few days back; was it all over?

She could hear people talking outside. She slowly opened the door and went out.

Niharika had brought a huge bag of medicines for Ram. She had contacted the doctor and arranged for the list of medicines which he used to take. She stood by the bed and ordered Bansi Kaka to place the medicines where they used to be earlier.

Niharika : Priya, I'm sorry we had to do all this. But I'm sure you realize that it is for Ram's own good. If Ram sees the changes that happened, he would not be able to identify them and understand them and that would automatically put a pressure on his brain and delay the natural process of recovery. I hope you understand.

Priya nodded. There was nothing she could say and further, she was still not in a position to speak.

Niharika continued : I have just spoken to the doctors. Ram will probably be discharged in the next 2-3 days and will be advised to take full rest for the first few days and then gradually resume work. I have appointed a full time nurse for the first one week or so. I have instructed Bansi to arrange the couch just outside the room for the nurse. Please leave the door open at night so that the nurse can take care whenever required. And Ishika is also willing to help. She is very worried for her Bhai; so in case you want, you can shift to Daadi's room and Ishika can shift in here. I'm sure you'll be more comfortable there.

Priya : No, I would prefer to remain here, please.

Niharika raised her eyesbrows : As you wish.

She left the room after instructing the workers to complete their work by the next day positively.

Priya stood silently for some time,wondering what to do. There was too much dust and dirt in the room and there was no place even to sit. She did not want to talk to Daadi also and decided to go to the hospital.

She was just getting into an auto outside the gate when Neha reached in her car. Neha had been worried since Priya had not picked up her call and she had come to check on her. She had just spoken to Vikram. Ram seemed normal, apart from the memory loss and Vikram, Shiney and Sid were all with him. Priya asked Neha to drop her at the hospital. She refused to stop for breakfast on the way and Neha did not insist.

Priya ran up to the room. Ram was resting, surrounded by Shiney and Sid. Vikram was dozing off in a chair slightly away from the others. It was so difficult to contain herself; she felt like running to Ram and hugging him and hiding herself in his broad chest. Suddenly she felt that if she could do that once, all her worries would vanish. Mamaji and Sid were looking at her intently. Slowly she turned and went to sit beside Vikram.

Vikram woke up and started talking to Priya in a low tone so as not to disturb Ram. He had no clue as of now and was totally baffled as to what had actually happened. Ram was still under the dosage of strong medicines and he woke up late in the afternoon when the nurse came with some food. He got up and smiled at everyone. Priya went forward hesitating. Vikram tried his best to take Mamaji and Sid out of the room on some pretext or the other.

Ram : Tumhe aadat ho gaya hoga abhi mujhe hospital mein dekhne ka. Kuch din pehle, mehendi wale din bhi yehi hua and aaj phir. Priya, don't worry about about me. You go home and rest. Yeh log sab hai na.

Sid : Haan Bhabhi, aap ghar jayiye. Hum log hain na, we will keep you updated on any progress. And then if required, you can always reach here in less than an hour.

Priya looked towards Ram : No, if you don't mind, I would like to stay here….?

Ram : No, why should I mind? Thanks. But please be comfortable. Vikram, thoda comfortable chairs ke bandobast kar de…?

Vikram : Haan Ram, don't worry, I'll arrange everything.

Priya continued to sit there in one corner, observing Ram intently. So many people came to meet him but no one was allowed to stay for more than a few minutes, on doctors orders. She had so much time to think and analyse the events for the last one or two weeks. So many thoughts played around in her mind; but she needed to remain silent and resilient now. Ram spoke to her once in a while, like a polite stranger … like they had been in the initial stages of their married life. It hurt her so much .. but she bore it with a smile, craving for one minute alone with him.

Around 9 pm finally, Ram forced Vikram to take her home. Vikram assured her that she would return back to the hospital and finally she agreed to go.

In the car, Priya hesitated to ask a question which had been preying in her mind since morning. She knew Ram loved Vikram like a brother but she still hesitated … maybe tomorrow, she would ask him.

The next day the same routine continued. Priya reached the hospital early in the morning wanting to catch a few minutes alone with Ram. But she found Mamaji sleeping on the chair next to him. Any private conversation was impossible. Ram was also sleeping, with his hand covering his eyes.

Vikram entered in some time. He had also slept at the hospital and had gone home at dawn to freshen up. He needed to go to office for a very important presentation but Neha would be with Priya shortly.

Priya dragged her chair close to Ram and sat still, looking at him intently, as if willing him to wake up before Mamaji. At this moment she was desperate even for a stolen look… one moment when she and Ram could look at each other. She wanted to look deep into his eyes .. and Ram to look deeply at her too … how could Ram not remember anything?

The nurse finally came and woke up Ram when it was time for his breakfast and medicine. Shiney also woke up at the disturbance and smiled when he saw Priya.

Priya : Mamaji, aap fresh hoke aa jayiye .. main hoon na.

Shiney : Nahin, itna jaldi kya hai. Main aaram se jayunga. Don't worry.

The day continued in the same manner. At any point of time, Niharika or Shiney were always in the room. By evening, Priya realized that this was not a coincidence. She was deliberately not being allowed to spend time with Ram. And it could not be attributed to Ram's no recollection of the last 7 months because Vikram was subjected to the same treatment. Even Vikram did not get a single moment alone with Ram. Priya wondered whether to share her suspicion with Vikram on the way back home that evening. She knew very well who had given her the intoxicated drink on the day of Holi and there were a lot more incidents she could link up. But again, she hesitated.

Ram was discharged the next evening, on his insistence that he was perfectly all right. On entering home, he was slowly helped up the stairs to his room. Priya was waiting very anxiously for the moment when Ram would enter his room. Would he remember that his room had been a different color when he had last left , a couple of days back?

Ram, on entering the room : Thank God, I'm back home. I missed this room very much. Its nice to be back in familiar surroundings.

Niharika gave a smirk. It was time to party. But first she needed to remind the nurse once again not to leave Ram alone with Priya for a single moment. The amount of money she had promised to give the nurse would almost enable her to buy a house in the suburbs. And if she failed, then she would have to face the consequences. God had given her a second chance and this time, she could not afford to make any mistake. The old Ram Kapoor would not disobey any single instruction given by Niharik and she reteirated once more before leaving the room.

Niharka : Ram, the nurse will give you all your medicines on time. During the day, she'll be on this chair and at night she'll be on the couch outside. Don't close the door so that she can come and check on you at all times. And I may also come up a couple of times.

Ram : Ma, please don't worry. And you don't need to come up at all. I'll be perfectly fine and I'll definitely keep the door wide open.

Rishabh, Daadi, Vikram and Neha came up to meet him. Priya noticed that as soon as Vikram & Neha came in, Niharika enetered within a few minutes. She continued to sit beside Ram fussing over him the entire time and left only after Vikram and Neha had left.

As Niharika was about to leave, she noticed the nurse dozing off on the couch outside. It took her 2 seconds to decide that she could not rely solely on this nurse. Daadi and Rishabh were still sitting and she went down quickly and came back accompanied with Ishika.

Niharika : Ram, Ishika wants to spend the night with you today. I've tried explaining to her that you're perfectly fine and need rest but she says that though she always loved you, seeing you in that stage in the hospital helped her to realize how much you mean to her. And she wants to stay here at night with you for the next few days. She can sleep on that couch.

Ram : Thik hai, that's an honour. Ishika, I'll be most happy if my sister takes so much care of me.

He turned towards priya : Priya, tum Daadi ke saath so jaoge? If you don't mind?

Priya, totally depressed and dejected now : No, Mr. Kapoor, I have no problem.

She got up and started to pick up a few things. Daadi and Rishabh also got up to allow Ram to rest and started to move out of the room.

Niharika nudged Ishika to make her say something emotional to Ram.

Ishika : Bhai, aapko aise dekh kar meri toh jaan hi nikal gayee thi. Aapko kuch ho jaata toh…

Ram : Nahin Ishika. Nothing will happen to me. There are so many people working here in Kapoor Industries and all of you at home. How can anything happen to me when I know so many people depend on me for their livelihood, for their life. They have so many wishes in their lives which they depend on me to fulfil. How can I die without fulfilling all their wishes?

At this, Priya slowed down, on her way out.

Ram, continued : Aakhir sabke wishes bina poora kiye, mujhe kuch ho thodi sakta hai? Sabke zindagi ke sawaal hai, kisiko zindagi jeene ki sawaal hai, kisiko zindagi dene ki sawaal hai.

Priya stopped. She did not turn back to look at Ram but in that moment she felt as if she was flying in the sky. In the deep blue sky. Amongst puffs of white clouds, like a beautiful fairy ! Ram remembered, he remembered everything. He was playing a game, a deep and dangerous game and she could well understand what it was. These few days of separation did not matter. She did not even dare to smile as Niharika was watching her intently. She maintained a wooden, expressionless face as she walked out. Ram and she were on the same track. And they were one.

Ram knew too that she had understood. When she halted in her track for that brief moment, he knew that she had got his message. It had pained him tremendously to have played the game in the last few days. But he could not forget the telephone conversation nor what he had seen. And Niharika and Shiney's behaviour at the hospital had further strengthened his theories. He had done a lot of soul searching the last 2 days. And entering the room and seeing it renovated back to its initial dcor had convinced him that his step mother did not want him to get close to his wife.

He missed Priya, missed her desperately. He wanted her in his arms, in the red nightgown. Cuddled against him and sleeping peacefully. But she would wait. He knew. Their love was too strong to be withered away by a few days or few weeks of forced separation.

He turned towards Ishika and forced himself to smile and talk.

Priya left the room.