EHSAAS (AR version) pt 57-end pg 53 10/27 - Page 15

Originally posted by: khahani

Hi Beegi,

Firstly a very Happy Diwali. Hope you have wonderful time with the family in this festive season. Just read parts 15-18. There are a lot of references to future problems which may occur within their relationship. Especially Riddhima's comment on the decision issue, the jungle part was too cute. I love the way you describe certain situation with the perfect songs for example the song on part 18 the last scene! Needless to say that the ramance is also well written. This is the 1st ff of yours on AR which has many romantic scene I am loveing it!

thanks khahani! Happy Diwali to you and ur family too. Yes, a lot of hints about the future are buried in the Honeymoon parts. I used to write a lot of romance in my old AK ffs but as i have started writing more and more, i guess the romance is still there but a little more toned down as i realized a lot of younger people read my stories too😆

"Dekha'agar zabardasti mujhey apne saath le chaloge, tho dard tho tumhey bhi hoga!" "ab one-sided decision liya hai tho tumhey anjaam bhugatna hi padhega" ' these tow statements and Armaan echoing Anjali's word may have some connection with each other, I just can't put my finger on what it is. I somehow feel that Riddhima's love towards Armaan is selfless but not sure about the later. However I do believe he loves her but his feeling are more like attraction which may die down (I hope not)!

To be fair to armaan, even if he does not realize it, his love for ridz runs deeper than skin. Right now he sees it more as a physical attraction that's driven him crazy but as the story eveolves, the 'ehsaas' that Ridz means everything to him will gradually sink in

Waiting for the next parts! BTW did I tell you how much I HATE that Anjali!😡

yes, she is a despicable charcater....sorry anji fans

Once again HAPPY DIWALI!

Take Care

Nahida

Originally posted by: mainu

Hii Bheegi Diii! Wish you a very Happpy Diwali firstly ! Hope you have a great time with your family :)

Happy Diwali to you too
jus caught up with the parts and I Looooooooveeeeeed the updates! As id thought yea i hateee Anjali , but uv graphed her malicious and self centered character so well...Her hateful eyes and scheming notions scare me! id suppose there's gonna be a whole lotta trouble in the paradise coz of her :(

yes, think of Priyanka chopra in aitraaz😆
But glad about the fact that Armaan looooooves Riddhima a lot, its jus tat his ambitionsand self prode can get the better of him :( Loooooooveed the jungle part it was sooooooooooo cuteeeeee! haha @ wen in rome be a Roman and baaki tum samajhdar ho <3

yes, he is crazy about ridz and even if he does not realize it later, will continue to be😊
My fav most part was how Riddhima mentioned the one sided decision making thing in the light of their teasings and still Armaan sorta comprehended it! I hope it had an impact on him though!

yes, that's an imp hint about the future storyline
I guess he's gonna decide to go to Mumbaii now and problems rise thereafter :\ I jus hope Anjali doesnt trap Armaan by keepin on massaging his ego! Loooooovin the updates and cant waaaaait for the next parts! wait and see😉
Continue soooon!

Meghna...xx

PART 19:

The next day, Armaan and Riddhima returned to Ooty, and took the train back to Bangalore.

As they were about to bid adieu to their paradise, where they had spent the most memorable 7 days of their lives, Armaan remembered something, "main abhi aaya."

"Kahan jaa rahe ho? Kahin phir train bhaag kar na pakadni padhe!" Riddhima held Armaan's hand as he left the train.

"Don't worry….abhi time hai…main yun gaya aur yun aaya." Armaan snapped his fingers.

"Phir main bhi chaloongi…tum hi ne kaha tha na ki kabhie intezaar mat karna," Riddhima accompanied him and got down at the platform.

Armaan headed for the samosa stall and was lucky to be the first one in line. He purchased a plate with extra chutney and pickle, "yeh lo….ab raaste mein yeh mat kehna ki bhookh lagi hai…OK?"

Riddhima smiled, "tum bahut achhe ho Armaan…..mera kitna khayal rakhte ho," she touched his face and smiled at him.

"Don't get used to this…..honeymoon is almost over Mrs Malik!" Armaan teased her as they headed back to the train.

They met Keerti and Shubhankar at the Bangalore station.

"Dekho tho….Riddhima kitni khil rahi hai….aur Armaan tumhey kya hua…itne patley kaise ho gaye?" Keerti teased her brother and sister in law.

"Di! Kya Shubhankar jiju ne apne honeymoon ke baad weight lose nahin kiya tha?" Armaan asked mischievously as Riddhima and Shubhankar both turned red from embarrassment.

"Armaan! Bahut badmaash ho gaya hai….kam se kam hamare saamne tho sharafat se pesh aaya kar!" Keerti gave him a dirty look.

"Kya karoon di? Shubhankar jiju bhi jaante hain ki sharafat hamare Malik khaandan mein door door tak nahin milegi," Armaan grinned and winked at Shubhankar.

"Accha hua ab tumhari didi Saxena khaandan ki ho gayi hain….mujhey tho bechari Riddhima par taras aata hai," Shubhankar put an arm around Riddhima. Riddhima smiled and lowered her head.

Keerti came and hugged Riddhima too, "meri bhabhi bahut bholi hai…..wo tho is badmaash ki baaton mein aa gayi," she kissed Riddhima's forehead affectionately and said, "chalo ab tum dono jaao…Ramgarh ki train platform par lag gayi hai…..ab apni nayi zindagi ki shuruaat karo….Ok..Bye!"

Riddhima and Armaan hugged both Keerti and Shubhankar and thanked them once again for their wonderful honeymoon, "Di….I strongly recommend a second honeymoon via Love Express!" Armaan yelled back as their train left the platform.

NEXT DAY:

Padma and Tamanna received them at the at the Ramgarh station.

Padma was pleased to see the glow on Riddhima's face; she was reassured that her daughter had married the right person. Padma blessed the couple as they returned to Dr Misra's residence.

"Beti…aaj se yahi tera ghar hai…..jahan Armaan…wahan tu," Padma explained to Riddhima.

"Par maa….aap akeli rahengi? Aap bhi yahin mamaji ke yahan hum sab ke saath reh leejiye,"Riddhima tried to convince her mother.

"Nahin beti….ek aurat ke liye aakhiri saans tak uska pati ka ghar hi sab kuch hota hai…..ab tere papa nahin hain tho kya hua…..mera ghar tho wohi hai….aur tu bhi tho aati jaati rahegi…main jaanti hoon, apni maa se mile bina tu ek din bhi nahin reh sakti!," Padma hugged Riddhima and left the couple to settle into their little nest upstairs.

Armaan helped Riddhima move all her belongings from her mother's house.

Armaan and Riddhima just had the tiny room at Dr Misra's, large enough for the two of them. They did not mind if the one little closet in the room overflowed with their clothes and other belongings. They were happy with the one queen sized bed in the room-it still had plenty of room to spare!

Riddhima, the efficient girl that she was, quickly transformed their little nest into a cozy, cute and neat place to live.

Armaan decided to resume work the next day. Riddhima had a whole month off from work, so she decided to spend time in settling their "grahasti"

Dr Misra was happy to have them back, "chalo Armaan ab tum aa gaye ho….ab tum clinic sambhaalo….main kuch din light kaam hi karoonga…Lovely bhi apne bete ko milne Pune gayi hai….main bahut thak gaya hoon."

"Koi baat nahin sir…..Riddhima ki school se abhi chutti hai….she will help me," Armaan grinned at Riddhima. Riddhima knew Armaan would not leave any opportunity to be with her, even if it was at pretext of work! She just blushed and shook her head as she headed for the kitchen.

NEXT MORNING:


Riddhima woke up early at the crack of dawn. Armaan was still asleep; he was probably exhausted from the journey and of course, he did not spare Riddhima last night either.

Riddhima showered and dressed up in a cream sari with red border. She prepared tea and breakfast, as she knew Armaan would have to start work early that morning.

She came upstairs to find her hubby fast asleep, "Armaan! Armaan! Utho…chai tayyar hai!" she whispered in his ear; her wet hair stroked his face gently.


Armaan opened his eyes and grabbed her wet open hair with both hands; he pulled her face on his and gave her a deep, passionate kiss.

Riddhima tried to free herself, "Armaan…kya kar rahe ho? Subah ho gayi hai…..tumhey clinic jaana hai."

Armaan did not let go of her hair and pulled her closer, "promise karo…ki mujhey roz subah aise hi jagaaogi….aur baal aise hi geele aur khuley rakhogi…..aur aise hi sunder lagogi……aur aise hi kiss dogi. Please be my morning wake up call for the rest of our lives."

Riddhima whispered, "theek hai….par promise karo ki raat ko time se sone doge."

"Jo mere bas ki baat nahin hai….wo promise main nahin kar sakta!" he gave her one last kiss and reluctantly got up.

Riddhima handed him his cup of tea and said, "apni baat manwaa kar hi rehte ho…..meri bilkul nahin sunte," she took out his clothes and left him alone to get ready.

Patients were already queued up outside the clinic. They had all heard that "chote doctor sahib" was back. Dr Misra had decided to take a few days off work as he was tired from being the only doc when Armaan was away.

Riddhima got down to business; she had the patients prepped and lined up depending on their complaints. When Armaan got down to work, he was efficiently able to see all the patients in reasonable time.

Riddhima accompanied him during house calls and even assisted him during minor surgical procedures.

Over the next few weeks, Riddhima's life became even more hectic than it used to be before her marriage. Armaan and his needs became her first priority. Armaan, on the other hand became entirely dependant on her-right from his personal to professional life was taken care of by his wife.

Finally, Riddhima went back to work and that is when Armaan sorely missed her presence around him. Lovely was back from Pune and took over most of the nursing duties from Riddhima. Armaan was not satisfied with Lovely's way of working; he had trained Riddhima the way he wanted and Lovely was set in her old ways.

Armaan and Riddhima were very popular with the patients too. Armaan's modern ways of treatment and Riddhima's tender and healing touch attracted patients to their clinic from far-flung areas.


Lovely could sense Armaan's frustration, but did not say anything. As Dr Misra had cut back on his hours, Lovely had more downtime on her hands. She managed to irritate Armaan often; out of respect Armaan never yelled at her, but his cold silence and frown were proof enough of his annoyance.

One day, Lovely said to Armaan, "Dr Malik….ek baat kahun?"

"Haan boliye?" Armaan replied curtly


"Aap Riddhima se baat kariye ki wo apne school ki naukri chhod de….aur aapke saath full time kaam kar le."

Armaan loved that idea, but he knew Riddhima well- she loved her job and above all cherished her identity separate from her husband's. He thought she would decline his offer, but it was worth a try.


That evening, when Riddhima was cooking dinner and simultaneously talking to Padma on the phone, Armaan came from behind and grabbed her. He started nibbling on her neck and shoulders.


"Maa….main rakhti hoon…..dal mein tadka lagaana hai," she lied as she could not concentrate once Armaan started fooling around with her.

"Kitna kaam karti ho jaan? Mere liye bilkul time nahin nikaalti." he complained as he snuggled with her.

"Armaan! Chhodo…mamaji ghar par hi hain….bolo kya baat hai?" Riddhima had learnt that Armaan usually became more lovey-dovey when he needed something from her.

"Suno…..main chahta hoon, tum hamesha mere paas hi raho," he drawled romantically

"Rehti tho hoon…tumhare dil mein!" she quipped


"Jaanta hoon…..lekin main chahta hoon ki tum sirf mere saath kaam karo….apne school ki naukri chhod do….kya kar sakogi mere liye yeh?" Armaan snuggled his face into her hair.


Riddhima paused and turned off the stove; she needed to think about this.

Riddhima gazed into his eyes and saw his genuine plead in them. She loved Armaan a lot and was very grateful to him for being so understanding so far-he had decided to stay back in Ramgarh for her sake, pampered her like a princess, loved her with all his heart- there was no way she could say NO. She knew this was a big decision; her identity would now always be tied to her husband, but she was so much in love with him that she did not care……tumhee mere sab kuch ho Armaan…..


"Kya socha?" Armaan looked at her expectantly

Riddhima just smiled and turned around to resume her cooking. She hummed, "aap kahe….aur hum na maane…..aisa kabhie ho sakta hai?"

Armaan jumped up in the air; grabbed her by the waist and twirled around with her in the kitchen, "I LOVE YOU RIDDHIMA!" he shouted and showered her with his kisses. He was relieved that Riddhima had agreed, without much hesitation or fuss- she was the best thing that had happened to him since his move to Ramgarh.

PART 20:

Armaan was very pleased with Riddhima's decision to work with him exclusively. Riddhima was glad that Armaan considered her capable for the job. As she finished cooking dinner, she remembered how upset Armaan used to get with her initially and inadvertently pass derogatory comments about her and her work. Lately, he had been more understanding, compassionate and patient with her. Her heart would skip a beat, each time she thought of their blissful days in Ooty. Armaan's love had transformed her completely. Things which bothered her about Armaan, like his arrogant attitude, did not irritate her anymore……kya yahi pyaar hai? Jab ek insaan doosre insaan ke andar poori tarah samaa jaata hai….kya usi ko pyaar kehte hain?

That night, Armaan noticed that Riddhima was in a very jovial mood. Armaan was settled in bed, trying to catch up on a current article about a surgical procedure. Riddhima was decorating their bedroom with flowers from their garden.

"Kya baat hai? Bahut khush ho?" Armaan asked.

Riddhima came and sat next to him and caressed his face, "mujhey aaj bahut khushi hai ki tum ne mujhey iss laayak samjha ki main tumhari help kar sakoon…..Lovely maasi tho mujh se kahin zyaada qualified aur experienced hain."

"Kyonki main unhey daant nahin sakta! Iss liye!" he pinched her nose.

"Kya kaha? Tho iss liye mere saath kaam karna chahte ho?" Riddhima hit him playfully.

"OK..OK….," Armaan ducked her assaults and laughed, "lekin pyaar bhi tho phir tumhey hi karoonga," he pulled her into his lap and kissed her face.

"Theek hai….har daant ki 2 kisses! OK?" she asked

"No! No! I am not that cheap…..ek daant ke 10 kisses….how about that?"

Riddhima smiled mischievously, "phir tho roz roz daantna mujhey!"

Armaan squeezed her in his arms, "badmaash! Jiju theek keh rahe the…ab Mrs Malik bhi badmaash ho jaayengi!"

Riddhima became a little serious and looked into his eyes lovingly, "Armaan….jo tum kahoge…main wo ban jaaoongi…..main tumhari umr bhar puja karoongi….main bas tumhari hoon aur tum mere….zindagi mein ab aur kuch maayne nahin rakhta," she buried her face in his chest and hummed this beautiful song to express her dedication towards her beloved:

"Dil mein tujhey bitha ke" from "Fakira"

http://www.dishant.com/album/anmol-geet-hits-of-1977.html

for lyrics: http://www.lyricsmasti.com/song/2401/get_l...-Bithaa-ke.html

Dil mein tujhe bitha ke
Kar loongi main bandh aankhein
Pooja karoongi teri
Hoke rahoongi teri….

Armaan threw the medical paper on the floor and pulled his wife under the covers. He turned the lights off and gently made love to his wife.

NEXT DAY:


Padma was pleased with Riddhima's decision to join Armaan as a full-time assistant, "ek patni ke liye is se bhaagyashaali cheez kya ho sakti hai ki uske pati ke wo kaam mein bhi sewa kare?"

Dr Misra, on the other hand was not sure. He did not say anything to Armaan or Riddhima, as he'd rather stay out of their personal matters, but he did mention it to Padma one day, "waise main jaanta hoon ki Riddhima jo bhi kaam karegi, mann lagaa ke karegi, par mujhey lagta hai usey school ki naukri nahin chhodni chahiye thi….mere saath bhi tho clinic mein haath bantaa ti thi….par maine usey apna kaam karne se nahin roka."

"Bhaiyya…..aap uske maama ho….aur Armaan pati! Kuch tho farak hai na aapke rishte mein? Mujhey tho lagta hai Riddhima ne jo kiya theek kiya…accha hai aadmi hamesha apni nazron ke saamne hi rahe….warna kuch bharosa nahin hota aadmi logon ka!" Padma countered his argument.

"Padma! Agar apne pyaar par bharosa ho tho kisi aadmi par itni nazar rakhne ki zaroorat nahin hoti…..jinhey bhatakna hai, wo aapki nazron ke saamne hi sab kuch kar lete hain…..mujhey lagta hai ki Armaan aur Riddhima ka pyaar saccha hai…..un dono mein kabhie aisa nahin hoga." Shashank replied confidently.

NEXT FEW MONTHS:

After the initial excitement of working together died down, Armaan and Riddhima settled into a more or less monotonous life.

Riddhima's day started off early at 6 am. She made sure breakfast and lunch arrangements were done before the men woke up. Her routine of being Armaan's 'wake up call' continued religiously. Armaan looked forward to his wake up kisses and usually lazed around in bed with his tea and newspaper.

Armaan had made some changes in the clinic- he preferred to schedule patients rather than encourage walk-ins. He kept better records of all patients, unlike Dr Misra's scribbles on few scraps of paper.

Riddhima had helped Armaan set up his scheduling roster and maintain legible records of patients.

Riddhima would get his clinic ready before Armaan started seeing patients. She would then assist him wherever he needed her. She would get so busy with work, that some days would forget to eat breakfast or lunch! Riddhima made sure Armaan never missed any meals. If he were really busy to come home for lunch, she would personally take the lunch to his clinic and feed it to him with her hands, in between patients. He always appreciated her caring for him, "tum kitni achhi ho…meri har cheez ka dhyaan rakhti ho," but he would invariably forget that even Riddhima had not eaten all day. He just assumed that Riddhima took good care of herself, just as she did for others. Little did he realize, that Riddhima was the kind of girl, who would go hungry all day, but make sure her loved ones were well-fed and taken care of. Her needs were always secondary to other's needs and especially Armaan's needs-be it physical or emotional.

If Armaan had a pounding headache after a long day, she would have him rest his head on her lap and massage it till he was fast asleep. Armaan never needed pain pills as long as Riddhima was there to take care of him.

Riddhima made it a point to visit Padma everyday and also took care of Dr Misra's needs.

Armaan did hire some ancillary staff to help out on the clinic, but Riddhima was responsible for managing that staff too!

Armaan had little patience for inefficiency and sloppy work. He would often get irritated with the new staff and had already fired a few employees. Riddhima was a good manager and was able to keep the staff happy and extract more work from them than her impatient husband.

Riddhima had noticed that Armaan was easily frustrated these days. He even got upset at patients and their families for non-compliance with treatment, missed appointments, and delaying seeking medical care. The patients in Ramgarh were mostly illiterate and respected Dr Malik like God. Riddhima tried to keep a human touch at the clinic and made sure she talked and explained everything to the families properly.

One day, when Armaan was busy with some paper work in the clinic, a tired Riddhima went up to him, "Armaan….mujhey kuch baat karni hai."

"Hmm….bolo?" he asked without looking up.

Riddhima took his pen from his hand and lifted his chin, "meri taraf dekho Armaan"

Armaan leaned back on his chair and sighed, "haan bolo kya baat hai?"

"Armaan…..tum yahan khush nahin ho kya?"

Armaan was taken aback by her question, "kyon? Aisa kyon sochti ho?"

"Pataa nahin….kuch din se tum baat baat par naaraz ho jaate ho….yahan ke mareez bechare unpadh hain….unpar gussa kyon nikaalte ho?"

"Riddhima! Wo baat hi aisi karte hain! What can a doctor do if the patient does not follow his advise? Apni mann-maani karte hain….then they go to ayurvedic and other voo-doo doctors for their treatment…..mujhey aisa lagta hai ki meri saari training yahan waste jaa rahi hai! I feel I am stagnating here Riddhima! I cannot perform half the procedures I am trained to do."

Riddhima was a little taken aback by his answer, "Armaan….par yeh bhi tho socho tumhare ilaaj se kitne logon ka bhalaa hua hai….kitne log tumhey roz duaayein dete hain…..logon ki dua seedha bhagwan ke paas jaati hain."

Armaan got up and left his desk, "par Riddhima……duniya sirf logon ki dua se nahin chalti…..I am used to more action and challenge in my work….i feel I am not getting it here……I think I am capable of much more….but…but….," he sounded more frustrated and left for their bedroom.

Riddhima felt a lump in her throat; she had no idea Armaan had been hiding all these feelings from her all these months, "hamari shaadi ko 6 mahine ho gaye hain….par aaj pehli baar Armaan ne mujhe yeh sab kaha hai," she followed him upstairs.

Armaan was seated at his desk, buried in his surgical textbook.

Riddhima went and stroked his head, "kya ek cup chai banaa doon?"

Armaan was feeling bad for what he had just said downstairs; he shut his book and hugged Riddhima by her waist, "Riddhima….I am sorry….I should not have said all those things…..I think I am just a little stressed out…..meri training ke ab sirf 3 mahine bache hain….and I have to prepare for my Surgery Boards also…..exam mein sirf 2 mahine reh gaye hain….I really need to get prepared……please bura mat maan na meri baaton ka," his apology sounded so genuine, that Riddhima had tears in her eyes, "Armaan…..mujhey nahin bataaoge tho kise bataaoge? Chalo main tumhare liye chai laati hoon…tum raat ko der tak padhai kar lo….main disturb nahin karoongi…I will sleep downstairs in the guest bedroom…OK?" she kissed his forehead and went to prepare tea.

Armaan studied late into the night, but soon started missing Riddhima. He was so used to having Riddhima around him all the time and that too at this time of the night. He shut his book, stretched his muscles and went down to the guest room. Riddhima was fast asleep after another tiring day. She had skipped dinner again, as Armaan's words echoed in her head…..I am stagnating…. I think I am capable of much more…… duniya sirf logon ki dua se nahin chalti……

Armaan noticed that Riddhima was a little restless in her sleep. He sat down and kissed her lips; then he carried his sleepy wife in his arms to their bedroom.

He placed her on the bed and snuggled in with her under the covers. He buried his face in her hair and kissed her neck. Riddhima moaned a little, but was still fast asleep.

Armaan caressed her softly and whispered, "Riddhima….utho…..mujh se baat karo please."

Riddhima tried to open her heavy eye lids, "Armaan? Main oopar kaise aayi?"

"Main laaya hoon….please so mat….I need you jaan!"

"Armaan…..I am tired," she said sleepily, but Armaan knew what buttons to press and within minutes, had Riddhima surrender herself completely to his passion once again.

…to be continued…

PART 21:

NEXT MORNING:

Armaan woke up at his usual time, but was surprised when he saw no signs of his 'wake up call,'

"yeh Riddhima aaj chai nahin laayi? Kahan gayi?"

He got out of bed and put his shirt on. He heard some noises from the bathroom.

Armaan let himself in, as the bathroom door was unlocked.

"RIDDHIMA!" He saw Riddhima bent over the sink, retching and dry heaving, "kya hua? Tabiyat theek nahin hai? Mujhey batao kya baat hai?" he stroked her back to comfort her.

Riddhima shook her head and tried to look up. She started feeling dizzy and turned pale as soon as she lifted her head. Armaan caught her before she collapsed on the ground. He carried her to the bed and placed her on the sheets. She quivered a little as color started coming back to her cheeks.

"Riddhima!" Armaan shook her gently, "kya hua jaan?"

Riddhima opened her eyes, "pata nahin…zara chaakar sa aagaya tha/"

Armaan got a little suspicious, "when was your last period?"

"Hmm??" she looked at him, mentally trying to recall when she had her period, "yaad nahin"

"What? Yaad nahin? Riddhima, you are a responsible woman…..you should remember these things!" That was so typical of Riddhima - she could remember each and every appointment on Armaan's clinic schedule, but could not recall when she had her last period!

Riddhima was a little tearful. As it is she did not feel well, had not eaten a morsel in the last 12 hours and Armaan was upset with her, "Armaan…..I don't remember…please leave me alone! Mujhey ab tayyar hone do!" she tried to get up but felt dizzy again.

"Just lie down! Khabardaar yahan se uthi tho! Main abhi aata hoon!" Armaan said firmly.

Riddhima just dozed off as the whole room kept spinning in front of her eyes.

Armaan came back and ran some tests. He had a faint smile on his lips as he checked the strip in his hand. He turned around and saw that Riddhima was still fast asleep.

He sat down beside her, kissed her forehead and covered her with a blanket, "Congratulations Mrs Malik! Tum maa ban ne waali ho! My heartiest congratulations to your lucky husband also!"

He could not contain his happiness and jumped up in the air. He went down and prepared 2 cups of tea and toasted some bread slices. He placed them beside Riddhima, who was still fast asleep. He did not want to disturb her, so he decided to get ready in the meantime. He danced his way into the shower and could not wait to share the good news with Riddhima.

When he came out of the shower, he found Riddhima awake and ready to start the day. She had not touched the tea or breakfast yet.

"RIDDHIMA! Chup chap baithi raho….aur yeh chai aur toast kha lo"

"Mujhey bhook nahin hai!" she said indignantly, trying to get up from the bed.

"Doctor ki advise nahin maanti! Maine kaha breakfast kha lo!" he pretended he was still upset.

"Armaan…please…bahut kaam hai….mujhey jaane do!" Riddhima protested as she staggered out.

Armaan grabbed her wrist and pulled her back, "Doctor ki report tho sunti jao."

"Report? Mujhey kuch nahin hua hai….bas thodi kamzori aa gayi thi….shayad raat ko soyi nahin theek se…. thodi der mein theek ho jaaoongi."

"Theek hai! Lekin pehle breakfast kar lo par yaad rahe ki do logon ke hisaab se khaana…Ok?"

"Do? Kya matlab?" she stared into his eyes for answers. She did not need to ask any more questions, as she found her answer in his eyes, "Armaan…..is that true? Kya main? Kya tum? Kya hum?"

"Yes madam! HUM TUM ab HUM TEEN ban ne waale hain!" he smiled and took her into his strong arms. Riddhima's eyes welled up with tears of joy, "tum sach bol rahe ho na?"

He squeezed her tighter, "I am so happy Riddhima……ab mujhey kahin nahin jaana….I just want to live here….with you….and our kid…..we will live here forever!" He hugged and kissed her passionately.

The news of Riddhima's pregnancy spread like wild fire. Padma was in seventh heaven, as she would be a grandmother soon. She had already started counting days to her daughter's expected date and mentally making a list of things she needed to get ready.

Dr Misra was ecstatic, "ab main retire bhi ho gaya tho mere saath koi khelne ke liye full time hoga!"

Armaan became more caring towards Riddhima. He made sure she ate properly and rested adequately. He started relying on the ancillary staff instead of dumping every little project on Riddhima. His life did indeed become more hectic as his work and preparation for his boards took up most of his time. In the evenings, he would lie on Riddhima's lap and study his textbooks, memorizing facts and figures loudly, "main chahta hoon mera baccha pehle hi sab seekh kar aaye….tho phir exam ke liye padhna nahin padhega!" He patted Riddhima's tummy as he spoke.

"Lekin tumhey kaise pataa wo doctor hi banega ya banegi…..ho sakta hai kuch aur karna chahe?" Riddhima asked as she stroked his hair.

"No way! Apne baap ki tarah hoshiyar hoga tho doctor hi banega!" Armaan said proudly.

Riddhima just stayed quiet and picked up a book to read.

Armaan grabbed her book and put it aside, 'Riddhima…please mujhsey yeh questions poonch lo…..i need to memorize these facts well," he just handed his book to her authoritatively.

Riddhima was a little taken aback, as always he just assumed she would do what he asked her to do. Over the last few months, she had learnt that Armaan was Armaan- there was no way she could change him! That was his way of expressing his 'haq' or his 'right'on her. That was his way of showing that she belonged to him. Anyways in the end, she would end up doing what he wanted, so what was the point in arguing- as long as they loved each other….nothing else mattered.

Soon, this became a routine over the next six weeks. Armaan would lie on her lap and Riddhima would quiz him like an instructor on various surgical topics. Riddhima felt she could take his surgery boards herself at the rate they were going.

One day, when they were preparing for his exam, they received a frantic call from someone, :Doctor sahib! Doctor sahib! Jaldi aa jaaiye! Ramgarh ke mandir mein aag lag gayi hai….bahut log ghayal ho gaye hain!"

Armaan jumped up from his bed and quickly got ready.

"Armaan main bhi chal rahi hoon!" Riddhima insisted, as she guessed there was a real emergency.

"Nahin Riddhima! Wahan tumhara jaana theek nahin hai…..wahan kya haal hai mujhey pataa nahin…aisi halat mein tumhey yahin aaram karna chaahiye"

Riddhima, of course, did not budge. She was ready in no time and just followed Armaan with his medical bag. Ramgarh was her home, and any crisis at home was an emergency for her, whether her husband approved of it or not! She was not going to listen to Armaan on this one-come what may!

They drove as fast as they could and reached the mandir. Looked like the fire had been controlled, but the smoke from the massive fire hovered over them as a thick smog. Firefighters and policemen were busy rescuing people from the temple.

Armaan, with the help of a few other locals, quickly set up a make shift first-aid center near the mandir. Riddhima helped triage and initiate treatment for all the burnt and injured patients. They soon realized that this was a major fire; with 100s and 1000s needing urgent medical help. They did not have enough hands. Phone calls were made to the other local hospitals, but it would take time for the aid to arrive.

Riddhima and Armaan worked with the sick all night and all next day. Some local volunteers, Dr Misra and Lovely were their only help for the next 24 hours. They were able to get some tents set up in the neighborhood with beds and chairs for patients.

They worked non-stop for 24 hours, till they were finally able to get some help from the Red Cross and other local agencies.

Armaan was disheartened to see so many people die from lack of adequate medical care.

He thought, "agar yeh sab Mumbai mein hote, ya yahan par thodi aur facilities hoti, tho main kitne logon ko bachaa leta…..I feel helpless here…..I know I could have saved so many lives, but that is not possible in this place! Main kya kar raha hoon yahan? Is jagah ka kuch nahin ho sakta…..this place is still in the 19th century, when the rest of the world has moved on!"

Armaan and Riddhima got a little respite when some doctors and nurses from a neighboring town arrived to replace their shift.

Armaan and Riddhima were exhausted. After a quick meal and a little rest, they were back in the field nursing, dressing, saving people from the devastating effects of the burns. A lot of disgruntled relatives camped outside their make shift hospital. Some would hurl verbal abuses to the medical staff, "jab jaan nahin bachaa sakte tho doctor kyon bane? Humein apne rishtedaar poori tarah theek chaahiye…..kaise doctor hain aap log?"

Armaan turned a deaf ear to the complaints; he was doing his best under the circumstances. He just clenched his jaws and kept quiet as he worked on the victims. Some of his frustration also arose from the incompetence of the other doctors from the local hospitals. They were being offered money by the government to work here, and it seemed they were more interested in earning some extra bucks rather than helping the sick.

Riddhima, of course slogged as hard as Armaan; she ignored some warning signs of her pregnancy- she had been spotting some blood the last couple of days, but she did not want to bother Armaan with her complaints, or for that matter distract herself from taking care of the burnt victims.

After a week of hard, non-stop work, the burnt victims were either sent home to continue further out patient treatment, some passed away, some were transferred to Pune or Mumbai.

Armaan's surgical board exams were barely 2 days away.

"Main soch raha hoon ki exam agle saal hi de doon….abhi yahan se jaana mushkil hai," he said to Riddhima.

Riddhima sat down beside him and caressed his sore back, "Armaan…yahan situation ab control mein hai….aur waise bhi tum sirf 3 di ke liye hi tho Mumbai jaaoge…..agar exam nahin liya, tho tumhey apni MS ki degree kaise milegi?"

"Jaanta hoon Riddhima…par tumhey bhi akela kaise chhod kar jaaoon….mann nahin kar raha."

"Armaan…..tum agar nahin gaye tho main tumse naaraz ho jaaoongi…..yeh tumhare jeevan ka sapna hai…..isey aise adhoora mat chhodo…..phir hamara baccha bhi hoga, tho settle hona bhi tho zaroori hai….please Mumbai jaao, aur mann lagaakar apna exam de do…..hum log yahan sab sambhaal lenge." Riddhima reassured him.

Armaan hugged Riddhima, "I know Riddhima, tum sab sambhaal logi……tum bahut achhi ho….please apna dhyaan rakhna…..clinic mein 3 din bilkul kaam mat karna, aur ghar par baith kar sirf TV dekhna…OK?"

Riddhima nodded and hugged him back, "tum paas ho jao, tho phir hum ek celebration karenge"

So, Riddhima convinced Armaan to leave for Mumbai. She did not mention anything about the spotting. She thought she would rest for 3 days and everything would be fine.

Armaan got busy as soon as he reached Mumbai. The surgical boards were tough and competitive, but Armaan being a bright student aced his exam.

The day Armaan left, Riddhima had a shooting pain in her tummy. She woke up in the middle of the night and could not bear the pain any longer.

Shashank, Padma and Lovely reached Riddhima in no time.

"Hum Armaan ko khabar kar dein? Riddhima tumhari haalat bahut kharaab hai." Shashank said.

"N…Nahin maamaji…p..please aapko meri kasam hai…..please Armaan ko mat bulaaiye….uska exam poora hona zaroori hai," she winced in pain.

She gave out a loud scream as Lovely and Shashank took her into the exam room.

PART 22:

MUMBAI:

Armaan and his colleagues heaved a sigh of relief after the last exam was over.

"Hey Armaan! What's up man?" Abhimanyu came and patted Armaan's shoulder

"Arre Abhimanyu? Tu London se kab aaya? I did not see you in the exam hall," Armaan was glad to see his friend

"Yaar….lambi kahani hai…..actually I have decided to quit medicine!"

"What? Tu pagal tho nahin ho gaya hai? Itne saalon ke mehnat, ek din mein hi barbaad kar dega?" Armaan was shocked to hear his friend's decision.

"Nahin yaar, yeh decision ek din mein nahin, balki kai mahino mein hua hai….you can imagine dad was really upset…..after all unka naya cosmetic and plastic surgery center aage kaun chalaayega?" Abhimanyu said

"But what made you take such a major decision?" Armaan asked

"Well, jab main London mein tha, maine ek music band join kar liya…you know how I have always been interested in music….I felt so much at home with them…..now that is my full time job…I am the lead guitarist in this group….aur ab main apni music company kholna chahta hoon," Abhimanyu said

"WOW! Kya track change kiya hai tuney? I am impressed." Armaan was happy that Abhimanyu had found something he loved. He had always seen Abhimanyu struggle in med school and it seemed he was here more for his dad than himself.

"Waise suna hai tune tho shaadi-waadi bhi kar li hai? Aur wo bhi apni gaaon ki gori se?" Abhimanyu chuckled.

"Haan yaar! She is really not a gaaon ki gori in that sense…..she is quite educated and modern in her way of thinking…..tujhey invitation tho bheja tha saale!" Armaan punched Abhimanyu's back.

"Sorry yaar….apne band ki performance thi….iss liye aa nahin sakaa….achha bata kab milwaayega apni wife se? Muskaan ke rahi thi she is very beautiful." Abhimanyu winked

"Muskaan is right….she is indeed very beautiful….actually I need to call her….exam ke chakkar mein 3 din se baat bhi nahin huyi…excuse me…OK?" Armaan took his phone out to make a call.

"Hey…before you make a call…..my dad wants to meet you before you leave….kab jaa raha hai wapas?" Abhimanyu stopped Armaan

"Aaj raat ko….lekin tere dad kyon milna chahte hain?" Armaan asked curiously

"Why don't you make your call, I will wait outside for you…..mere saath hi chalna tu…OK?" Abhimanyu left the building, twirling his keys on his finger.

"Hello! Main Armaan bol raha hoon…Riddhima hai? Oh so rahi hai? Theek hai maasi, aap usey sone dee jiye…..main aaj raat ki train se wapas aa raha hoon…..see you later!" Armaan hung up after talking to Lovely.

Lovely did not mention anything about Riddhima's miscarriage to Armaan. Riddhima was still in a daze from the tragic experience. Dr Misra had given her a heavy dose of sleeping pills after the procedure, as Riddhima was extremely distraught about losing her baby. Padma had stayed back to take care of Riddhima.

Abhimanyu drove Armaan to his dad's "Modi Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center," a one of a kind state of the art facility in the whole nation. Dr Dilip Modi had started this center 5 years ago with the help of a huge grant from an International charitable organization. The center was initially started to provide care for the really disabled and disfigured patients from accidents or injuries, but in no time had become the center for treating the rich and famous of South East Asia. Once Dr Modi realized how much money could be made in this business, he had transformed this place into a Cosmetic surgery hub more so than a surgical center. Liposuction, breast implants, face lifts, nose jobs…..you name it….one could transform any part of their body……they could do anything!

Movie stars, politicians and other celebrities were their main clients. Dr Modi and his colleagues kept their client's information very confidential. Dr Modi had hired well- trained plastic surgeons from all over the world and compensated them handsomely.

Recently, he had started an exclusive training program for the best surgical graduates from Sanjeevani Medical College. This was a one-year program, in which his staff would train the best graduates into accomplished Plastic Surgeons. They would then have an option of joining the Center as a staff member.

The training program helped the surgical graduates learn the new procedures in Plastics and hone their skills; Dr Modi on the other hand got a free supply of trainees, who he paid a meager stipend to do all the scut work and running around. It was a win-win situation for both parties.

Dilip Modi had invited some of the top graduates from the surgical program to visit the center after their board exams were over.

Armaan walked in with Abhimanyu. He was overwhelmed by the impressive Center-it looked like a five-star hotel rather than a medical clinic.

The building was a six storey building, self sufficient in every way. There were state of the art operating rooms and facilities. The best names in the field of Plastic surgery were on staff here.

Armaan was taken on a tour by one of the staff members. He was impressed with the 'BURNS UNIT' and the kind of rehabilitation that was being done for some of the worst victims. He remembered his harrowing experience in Ramgarh; how he wished he had all these facilities there.

Dr Modi introduced himself, "Hello Armaan! Abhimanyu tumhari bahut tareef karta hai….welcome to our center…what do you think of this place?"

"Sir…..this is paradise…..you are doing a great job!" Armaan commended Dr Modi on his center.

As they were walking out, Armaan heard a familiar voice, "Hello stranger!"

He turned around and saw the glamorous, Ms Anjali Rai in a revealing red dress smiling at him seductively.

"OH HI Miss Rai…kaisi hain aap…lagta hai aapka haath thek ho gaya?" he asked politely as he glanced at her wrist.

"Kaise nahin hota theek? Aakhir aapka haath jo laga tha yahan," she said pointing to her wrist.

"Hello Ms Rai!" an elated Dilip Modi greeted his VIP visitor, "kaisi lagi aapko hamari facilities?"

"I am impressed Dr Modi…..now I am convinced, I will have my nose job done here only…no need to go abroad, jab yahan hi itna talent bhara hua hai…tho bahar jaane ki kya zaroorat hai," she gave Armaan a piercing look from head to toe.

"Excellent choice Anjaliji! Let me get some paperwork for you…," Dilip left Armaan and Anjali in the room.

"So Dr Malik…aap aa hi gaye yahan? Main jaanti thi aap Ramgarh aur Ramgarh waalon ke beech bore ho jaaoge….you belong here!" Anjali came close to Armaan and ran her forefinger on his arm.

Armaan stepped back, "aisi koi baat nahin hai Anjali ji…I am going back to Ramgarh tonight…I was here to take my final exam, Dr Modi ka beta mera achha dost hai….bas iss liye aaya tha yahan! I don't work here."

"Oh yeah? Well, Dr Malik that is too bad….kyonki main tho soch rahi thi ki aap hi meri surgery karenge….you can start at the nose and move down as far as you want," she said in a husky, sexy voice.

Armaan was a little uncomfortable, "I am sorry to disappoint you, Anjaliji, par filhaal mera aisa koi iraada nahin hai."

"Iraade tho badalte rehte hain Dr Malik…..iraada tho mera bhi nahin tha aapke zyaada nazdeek aane ka…par kya karoon….raha nahin jaata," she came closer, brushing her body against his arm.

Armaan coughed a little and walked towards the door, "see you Anjali ji…good luck with your nose job!"

"What about our dinner date doctor?" Anjali yelled from behind

"I will take a raincheck on that one…..filhaal mujhey toy store jaana hai aur phir raat ki train pakadni hai…goodbye!"

"Toys? Come with me doctor, I have quite a collection at my place," Anjali said seductively.

Armaan just shook his head and walked out.

Dilip Modi came back with some consent papers for Anjali, "yahan sign kar dee jiye Anjali ji."

"Nahin Dr Modi….main yeh papers tabhi sign karoongi agar Dr Malik meri surgery karenge…I don't mind waiting."

"Lekin Anjali ji….we have not even made him an offer," Dilip protested

"Well Dr Modi, make him an offer he cannot refuse…OK?" she walked off with her nose in the air.

Armaan took a taxi to a toy store and bought a cute little brown teddy bear, "yeh hamare bacche ka pehla khilona hoga….I can't wait to show it to Riddhima."

He tried to call Riddhima several times, but kept getting the runaround- wo so rahi hai…wo bathroom mein hai….wo bahar gayi hai…..

Armaan was impatient throughout the journey. He really wanted to talk to Riddhima….I hope everything is alright…..

He received a phone call from Dr Modi, "yes sir…I loved your center…."

Dr Modi: "we would like you to join our center as a trainee initially….we will pay you 10,000 Rs per month stipend for the first year and then of course, sky is the limit. If you join our staff, you keep 50% of every procedure….this is the sweetest deal I have ever offered."

Armaan: "Jee sir….abhi maine is baare mein kuch socha nahin hai."

Dr Modi: "Don't worry…..you have 2 weeks to make your decision…..just call me within this period and we will get you rolling…Good luck son!"

Armaan closed his eyes and sat back on his seat. He dozed off shortly, his mind a web of confusion….Ramgarh….Mumbai….Ramgarh….Mumbai……he could not make up his mind.

He reached Ramgarh early in the morning and headed straight for home.

Dr Misra and Lovely were already seeing patients in the clinic.

There was gloominess in the air, "kya baat hai maasi….aap sab log itney udaas kyon lag rahe hain?" Armaan asked Lovely

"Kuch nahin beta…..jao Riddhima oopar hi hai….Padma kitchen mein hai, agar chai-naashta chahiye tho," Lovely tried to distract him from the topic. She noticed the teddy bear in his hand, and did not have the heart to give Armaan the sad news.

"Nahin abhi nahin…..pehle Riddhima se mil loon," Armaan said.

Armaan ran upstairs, "RIDDHIMA! RIDDHIMA!"

He saw her standing near the window with a blank expression. She looked really pale.

"Riddhima….yahan ho tum? Main kab se tumhey awaaz de raha hoon…..maine kitni baar phone kiya tumhey…..kahan thi tum? Meri bilkul bhi kadar nahin tumhey? Kam se kam phone call return tho kar sakti thi…..aisi kya majboori thi?" Armaan rattled off his list of complaints.

He was surprised to see no expression on Riddhima's face. She just stared blankly at him.

Armaan knew there was something wrong, "kya hua Riddhima? Sab theek tho hai na? Kuch bolti kyon nahin ho? What happened da** it!" he shook her shoulders.

Riddhima, who had not expressed a single emotion since the miscarriage, finally broke down into his arms. Her sobs were silent initially, but soon changed into loud hysterical sobs as Armaan put his arm around her and stroked her back. She did not have to tell him anything; the teddy bear slipped off his hand and fell on the ground as he realized what they had just lost……

….to be continued…..

Originally posted by: ashluvdmg

ahh...such a treat 4 diwali di...!!

thx a ton 4 de update...ws getting bugged at home...!!

loved the updates...

gr8 work...!

luvya di

crazy ashu