EHSAAS (AR version) pt 57-end pg 53 10/27 - Page 36

Originally posted by: ammy-ridz

*Edit*

Hi di,

Great parts. Finally AA out of AR's life for once and all. But who can be this Informer?..Is it Riddhima..I doubt it's her as she still haven't forgiven Armaan..but may be secretly still cares for him'may be. My second guess is Abhi'.I don't have a valid reason for this..but just as I m seeing him Redeem in Pehchan..i think this is making me believe that!...or may be Dr. Bose?

thanks shraddha! One of ur guesses is right is all i'll say😉 U mean Dr Modi and not Dr Bose? I hope i haven't been writing Bose😕

Imy fav scenes here are Armaan seeing Ridz and his Baby in the ICU's in such a state and the Gupta surname thing'..It truly explains the gravity of the situation and a universal truth'that No matter how professional a person potrays himself..he sheds all his strenght and everything when the person in question is his or her dear one(reminds me of Armaan in Tera mera rishta freaking out when Ridz is srung by snake and he oprates on his son)'..and secondaly doesn't matter how successful or Richi-rich you turnout to be'you won't be happy if you don't have your loved ones to share it.

yeah, i always try to portray the human aspect of doctors....doctors bhi insaan hain hum sab ki tarah, they are not Gods

I can see Armaan is really Regretful and has almost suffered for so many months..but he is not the only one. Now I just want AR to be togather and happy'I know I may be sounding a lil partial'but isn't it truth that Ridz too is not Happy without Armaan.

ur right Ridz is not happy but her self respect has been hurt so badly that she is very skeptical about armaan's actions at this point. Wo itni jaldi nahin pighlegi😭

So now Armaan wants to be in Ramghar'Finally!!!...Laut ke Buddhu Ghar ko Aye. I think yeh who Zindagi main Teesra acha kam karega'and I hope ke ab yeh Silsila chalta hi rahe.

ab wo saare kaam achche hi karega😃

By the way I read this comment that The Steps wala scene is Your one of theFav one .. Well just wanted to know is it the reason..there is a slightly Similar scene in Turtleneck girl ' elevator scene??

u know i will have to go back and read Turtleneck again- i have no idea what scene ur talking about.maybe that will be my next project to convert that to an AR version😆

Wonderful parts. Loved Armaan assuring an unconcious Ridz'I felt it was more like he assuring Himself.
great point!

Loved the VM and song as always. Plz continue soon. yes, that VM was made by Munni for Tera mera rishta ff but i used it here also😊

Thanx.

Shraddha.

Originally posted by: sweet_mittal

hey di another wonderful and emotional part

i again got tears in my eyes it means u r really a wonderful writer of the ff

i love all of ur ff

it was really sad that ridz change her last name but i guess she is still upset

i hope everything get better soon

pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee continue soon

love ya

mittal

Originally posted by: aarora

hey amazing updates di..finally they are parents of a boy..but poor Armaan now..all alone..cant even hold his child..wow so he ll be moving to Ramgarh now..lets c what he do to get Riddhima back in life..continue soon..

PART 51:

As the effects of the anesthesia wore off, Riddhima woke up and looked around. She was startled and frightened to see herself entangled amongst tubes and catheters.

Her movements set the monitor alarms off.

"Oh…Oh…relax relax Ms Riddhima…..aapko hosh aa gaya……congratulations aap maa ban chuki hain!" Sister Molly turned the pause button on the monitor.

"Yeh sab kab hua? Abhi tho mujhey 2 mahine baaki hain." Riddhima asked worriedly.

"Ms Riddhima, aane waala Lord ki marzi se aata hai….uspar hamara koi control nahin hai!"

Riddhima remembered, "mujhey yaad aaya, main tho chai banaa rahi thi….aur phir Muskaan ko phone kiya tha……uske baad mujhey kuch yaad nahin…..kaun laaya mujhey yahan?"

"Bas yeh samajh lo ki ek farishta laaya tha tumhey…..tumhari aur tumharey nanhe munne se bete ko bachaane!" Muskaan said as she walked in.

"Muskaan? Thanks…..lekin yeh farishta kaun hai?" Riddhima turned her head and smiled at Muskaan.

"Someone is out there looking after you……ab zara baatein bandh karo…let me check you out!" Muskaan purposely shut Riddhima up.

"Kaisa hai mera beta? Kahan hai wo?" Riddhima asked with tears in her eyes.

"Abhi wo 2 mahine premature hai, iss liye NICU mein hai…..jaise hi tumhara BP kum ho jaayega, you can go and visit him there as he won't be able to come here.

"wo theek tho hai na?"

"He is perfect…..bahut cute hai, bikul tum par gaya hai, bas aankhein Armaa…..," Muskaan paused as she was about to say Armaan's name.

"Muskaan….chup kyon ho gayi? Aakhir sachchai se kab tak bhaagte rahenge…..wo hai tho Armaan ka hi khoon,"Riddhima said emotionally. Riddhima turned her head and saw the dozen roses at her bedside, "sister…yeh phool kahan se aaye?"

Sister Molly looked at Muskaan and then remembered Armaan's orders, "Ms Riddhima…..aaj yahan sab patients ko roses miley hain….hospital ki taraf se," she lowered her eyes as she lied to Riddhima.

Riddhima tried to reach the flower vase, "lagta hai hospital waalon ko meri pasand achchi tarah pataa hai."

Sister Molly's eyes became a little moist as she sensed the pain in this young couple's relationship.

Padma, Atul and Tamanna all came to visit Riddhima and congratulated her. Padma was one proud 'nani.' No one mentioned that Armaan had brought her to the hospital, or he was there the whole time she was delivering.

Riddhima felt much better by the evening, and was allowed to go and see her son. Tamanna wheeled her to the NICU in a wheel-chair.

Riddhima was shocked to see her little baby in an incubator. He had a tube in his nose and a little catheter in his tiny hand. She started sobbing silently. This was not the way she had envisioned her baby would look. The nurse helped her hold the baby in her arms. As soon as she held him, the initial shock and fear vanished away. Her maternal instincts poured out; she held him close to her, "Arnav….tum mere pyaar ki nishaani ho……tumhari mama tumhey kabhie chhod kar nahin jaayengi……I will always be there for you beta," she kissed his forehead and little hands. She realized, how vulnerable and fragile he was- she would protect him from the rest of the world; he was her goal in life now; she had left her past behind-there was no more room for tears or sad memories from Armaan's betrayal.

The nurse took him back from Riddhima's arms and placed him in the incubator, "Abhi tho baby ko tube feed hi de rahe hain, par 1-2 din mein aap feed kar sakti hain….jab tak yeh incubator mein hai, wo yahin rahega, tho aapko har 3 ghante mein aana padhega."

"Sister, main tho har waqt yahin rehna chaahti hoon."

"Aapko apni health ka bhi dhyaan rakhna hai madam…aapke husband bhi aa sakte hain." The nurse said.

"Nahin, Arnav ke koi papa nahin hai!" Riddhima said in a shaky voice.

"Oh…I am sorry Ms Riddhima." The nurse apologized.

Tamanna placed her hand on Riddhima's shoulder, "ab chalein di?"

Riddhima nodded. As she turned her face to leave, she saw the familiar statue of the Ganapati inside the incubator, "sister…yeh kahan se aaya?"

"Oh…yeh? Pataa nahin…main jab duty par aayi, tho mujhey yahin dikha tha yeh murti….aapke bete ki raksha karenge bhagwan….aap fikr mat keejiye." The nurse said.

As Tamanna wheeled Riddhima back to her room, "Di…Arnav naam kab socha aapne?"

Riddhima was lost in her thoughts, as she tried to put the pieces together….roses…..ganapati ki murti……farishta…….Armaan tum kitni bhi koshish kar lo, ab bahut der ho chuki hai….main tumhari baaton mein nahin aaoongi…..kyunki mera dil ab toot chuka hai….ab kabhie jud nahin sakta…...just leave us alone!

"Oh Arnav? Bas usey dekhkar aisa hi laga ki wo hi ab mere aur Armaan ke pyaar ki nishaani hai……wo pyaar jo kabhie tha aur bahut tha Tamanna….lekin ab sirf ek nishaani hai…….hakeeqat nahin!"

"Di….aap abhi bhi Armaan jiju ko nahin bhuli na? Tabhie tho naam bhi Arnav hi rakha hai," Tamanna commented.

"Mujhey Arnav naam achcha lagta hai Tamanna…aur koi baat nahin hai."

"Di…..aap ek baar jiju se mil lo….ho sakta hai aapke beech ki galat fehmi door ho jaaye," Tamanna hesitated.

"TAMANNA! Please aaj ke baad kabhie aisa mat kehna! Hamare beech ab koi galat fehmi nahin hai…… meri galat fehmi tho usi din door ho gayi thi jab Armaan ne mere pyaar par shaq kiya tha….galat fehmi pehle thi ki Armaan mujhsey sachcha pyaar karta hai….par ab sab kuch saaf saaf dikhta hai Tamanna." Riddhima said tearfully.

"sorry di….mera matlab aapko rulaana nahin tha….mujhey bas aisa lagta hai ki jiju ko apni galti ka ehsaas ho gaya hai." Tamanna defended Armaan.

"Tamanna…..main Armaan ko kabhie maaf nahin kar sakti! Please don't ever talk to me about him again! I just want to focus my energies on Arnav now…..leave the past alone!"

Later, Keerti and Shubhankar also flew in from Bangalore to see their nephew. Keerti was very happy for Riddhima, 'ab meri Sur ke liye ek chota bhai aa gaya hai khelne ke liye."

"Sur bhi tho ek saal ki ho gayi na? Kahan hai? Maine tho usey abhi tak dekha hi nahin." Riddhima smiled as she received a sisterly hug from Keerti.

Shubhankar walked in with his little daughter, "yeh rahi….wo bhi apni maami ko milna chaahti hai."

Riddhima held Sur in her arms, "bilkul Keerti di jaisi hai…..iski aankhein tho bilkul Arnav jaisi hai….both have blue eyes di," she exclaimed without realizing what she had just said.

"Kyon nahin hogi…..aakhir Armaan ki bhaanji jo hai!" Keerti laughed, but became quiet when she saw Riddhima's color fade from her face.

Keerti and Shubhankar exchanged glances and kept quiet.

"Hum NICU jaakar Arnav se miltey hain, tum Sur ko thodi der yahin rakho," Keerti got up and left with Shubhankar.

As they were about to take the elevator to the NICU, Keerti spotted Armaan waiting in the hallway.

Armaan ran towards Keerti and gave her a hug, "it's so nice to see you both!" He had tears in his eyes; his lonely heart had at least someone he could call his own.

"Mubarak ho bhai!" Keerti pulled away and cupped Armaan's face, "ab usey bhi manaa le…..I can't see you both suffer like this…..aakhir ek bachcha paalna itna aasan nahin hai…..Riddhima needs her companion and her love back."

Armaan nodded, "I will try my best di! I have decided to move back to Ramgarh. I have talked to several architects and a contractor…..main ek hospital banwaaoonga wahan…..a modern hospital with all facilities…..mere kuch doctor dost bhi invest karenge usmey, and will come and work there too….I am really excited di."

Shubhankar congratulated Armaan, "Armaan….that is great…I would like to help in anyway I can….I will talk to my company also, they like to contribute to charitable causes every year…you know for tax reasons…..this would be a great cause….I am proud of you!" he hugged Armaan too, "we are all with you Armaan….don't hesitate to ask for any help….Riddhima achchi ladki hai aur tumse bahut pyaar karti hai….trust me, she will be back with you soon!"

Armaan nodded and wiped his tears, "thanks jiju….main bhi issi umeed par jee raha hoon. By the way, where is Sur? Uski itni photos dekhi hain, but now I am dying to hold her."

"Wo Riddhima ke saath hai….hum abhi aate hain….don't go anywhere." Keerti followed Shubhankar to the elevator.

Armaan peeked into Riddhima's room. He was happy to see her awake and looking happy. She was playing with Sur. Her room was full of flowers, cards and balloons. She had received good wishes from a lot of her fans from all over the country. Armaan was pleased to see that his red roses still stood out amongst all the other gifts and were right next to Riddhima. He thought, "kaash main aaj ek gulaab hi hota…..kum se kum tumhare itne kareeb tho hota!"

Song to express Armaan's feelings:

"Tu jahan main wahan" from "salaam namaste"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcOcj3KRLN8

(AR VM by Rhea)

Or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCWicukE1SM

(Kajen fans)

(tu jahaan main wahaan
sang sang yu chalu tere
jaise tera aasmaan ) - 2

jo dhup nikli chaya ban jaaunga
jo ho tu akeli saaya ban jaaunga
jo uljhan mein ho mann main behlaaunga
tum aa gaye ho toh jeena aaya hain
khushiya ka tumne yeh jaal bichaya hain
khoya hain khudko yah sab kutch paaya hain
tu jahaan main wahaan
sang sang yu chalu tere
jaise tera aasmaan

ho gam ke badal mujhpe tham jaane de
bechainiyo ko mujhse takrane de
dukhti ho koi baat mujhpe aane de
dil sochta tha ke koi apna ho
koi raaz na ho jo uss se rakhna ho
aankhein na kholu main shayad sapna ho
tu jahaan main wahaan
sang sang yu chalu tere
jaise tera aasmaan

…to be contd….

PART 52:

After about a month or so, Arnav was discharged from the hospital. He was bigger and stronger now, and not dependant on any medical support any longer. Riddhima had recuperated from her surgery well.

Muskaan also tried to talk to Riddhima about Armaan, but Riddhima was adamant about her decision.

"Riddhima….tumhey tho ab sab pataa hai ki yeh sab Anjali aur Abhimanyu ki chaal thi, ab tho Armaan ko maaf kar do," Muskaan pleaded.

"Muskaan…Armaan koi doodh peeta bachcha nahin hai ki kisi ke behkaave mein aa jaaye; kal agar koi aur aakar usey behkaaye, tho wo phir mera dil thod sakta hai….main aise aadmi ke paas ab kabhie nahin jaa sakti……usey apne pyaar se zyaada aur logon par vishwaas tha….aur aage bhi yahi kar sakta hai…..Muskaan, I can't keep getting hurt again and again…..main ab sirf Arnav ke liye jee rahi hoon….Armaan se mera koi rishta nahin hai!" Riddhima said firmly.

Muskaan knew it would be hard to convince a determined woman like Riddhima. Muskaan and Rahul had agreed to work at the new Ramgarh hospital once it was completed. They would devote at least 1-2 days a week there, and also had invested in the hospital financially. Muskaan kept that a secret from Riddhima.

"Muskaan….tumhey chhod ne ka mann tho nahi hai, par ab humein wapas jaana hi hoga…..thanks for all your help." Riddhima hugged Muskaan as they left.

"Apne logon mein thanks thode hi bolte hain. Ab main Arnav ki maasi hoon…..so no thanks whanks…OK?"

"Maasi?" Riddhima was surprised, as Muskaan had always wanted to be Arnav's 'bua'

"Haan Riddhima…..itne din tumhare saath rehkar mujhey aisa lagta hai ki tum meri behen ho……main shayad Armaan ke bhi itne kareeb kabhie nahin thi," Muskaan said tearfully.

Riddhima hugged Muskaan again, "you are a wonderful person Muskaan……bhagwan tumhey aur Rahul ko hamesha salaamat rakhe."

After bidding a tearful goodbye, Riddhima, Padma, Tamanna, Atul and Arnav all drove back to Ramgarh.

When they were almost home, Tamanna pointed out to some new construction on the way, 'dekho maasi….lagta hai koi nayi building ban rahi hai?"

"Arre haan…zara padhna tho wahan sign kya likha hai?" Padma took her glasses out to read the sign posted on the partially constructed building.

Riddhima said loudly, "Maa….yeh tho….DR SHASHANK MISRA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL!"

They all looked at each other in pleasant surprise.

"Aakhir yeh nek kaam kaun kar raha hai?" Padma asked

"Maa….lagta hai maamaji ki itne saalon ki sewa ko aakhir kisi ne pehchaan hi liya…..is duniya mein abhi bhi achche log baaki hain." Riddhima said.

Tamanna had overheard Rahul talking to Armaan about the new hospital on the phone one day. She kept quiet, but was pleased to hear something complimentary about her jiju, even if indirectly, from her cousin's mouth!

Armaan was overwhelmed with the positive response from his old friends and corporate sponsors about the new hospital. They had managed to raise enough money for the project. They also worked on building staff quarters for all the visiting doctors. Armaan was amazed to see how many young doctors really wanted to work in the underserved areas, as long as good facilities and living conditions were available.

Armaan had sold his mansion and was living in a small apartment now. He had invested all his savings in the new project. The project would take almost 6-9 months to complete. He continued to work at the Modi Surgical center till then, more to earn money for his new project, than for job satisfaction.

One day, Armaan received a surprise visitor at his office, "Abhimanyu? What are you doing here?" he asked angrily.

"Calm down Armaan! Main yahan ladhne nahin aaya hoon…..bas tumse maafi maangne aaya hoon." Abhimanyu said

"Maafi? It is just a little too late for that Abhimanyu! You have ruined my life forever, so don't want and don't care about your apologies!" Armaan retorted.

"Armaan, trust me….even I was taken for a ride by Anjali….you won't believe it, after you kicked her out, she tried to trap my dad into marrying her- in fact he actually fell for her evil charms. Wo tho maine unhey rok liya….warna aaj wo mere dad ko bhi barbaad kar deti. That is when I saw her true colors and became a police informant. She even tried to get you killed!" Abhimanyu said.

Armaan calmed down a little bit and sat down, "thanks for saving my life Abhimanyu and I am sorry to hear about your dad….good thing you saved him from that evil woman!"

"I know, this will not compensate for what I have done to you and Riddhima, but I would like to give you this check for Rs 1 crore on behalf of me and my dad for your new project…..we want you to really succeed in this venture…..we all feel responsible for your loss…..balki main Riddhima se bhi baat karna chaahta hoon." Abhimanyu offered him the check and got up.

"Thanks Abhimanyu! Par Riddhima kisi ki baat nahin sunegi….I have wronged her the most; it's no one else's fault but mine…..I appreciate your honesty and help." Armaan shook his hand; he wanted to hug his old friend but things would never be the same again with Abhimanyu, even if he wanted to!

The next six months flew by in frenzy. Armaan was busy shuttling between Mumbai and Ramgarh. He would every so often sneak outside Padma and Riddhima's home, hoping to catch a glimpse of his family. He had seen Riddhima go out on walks with little Arnav in the stroller. Arnav was now a chubby little one; his cheeks almost touching his shoulders. Armaan was always tempted to pinch or kiss his cheeks. Riddhima had lost most of her pregnancy flab; she was back to her slim but curvy self. How he wished to hold her and caress her. His heart, soul and body ached for her nearness.

Even though, she would never admit to it, Riddhima also missed Armaan terribly. She knew he would have been a wonderful father, even though he failed miserably as a husband. The teddy bear Armaan had purchased for their first child had become a constant companion for Arnav. He had nibbled the teddy's ears and face so many times, that it looked worn out. Riddhima's expert hands performed surgical procedures on the little teddy time and again, so it would not fall apart completely, "Arnav…..tumhari mama bhi tumhare papa ki tarah plastic surgeon ban gayi hai, tumhare teddy ko fix karte karte!" she said affectionately when they were strolling on the street. Armaan overheard that comment from behind a tree; his eyes welled up, "Riddhima…..I know you miss me as much as I do…..kya hamari poori zindagi aise hi door door rehkar kategi?"

Song to express Armaan and Riddhima's yearning for each other:

"O sanam O sanam" from "jurm"

http://www.dishant.com/lyrics/song-21766.html

O sanam o sanam kash hota agar
Tum nibha jate yeh zindagi ka safar
Hum bhi tanha na rahete yu umar bhar
Tum saath hote agar
Tum saath hote agar

O sanam o sanam kash hota agar
Tum nibha jate yeh zindagi ka safar
Tu tanha na rahete yu umar bhar
Tum saath hote agar
Tum saath hote agar

Itni mujhe hai khabaar
Tanha bhikaar jaoonga
Tere tamana liye
Mai kuch bhi kar jaoonga
Kash humko bana lete tum humsafar
Tum saath hote agar
Tum saath hote agar

Apne labo ki hashi aye kash dedo tujhe
Mere khushi lele tu
Gaam apna dede mujhe
Kash hoti tumhe mere dil ki khabaar
Tum saath hote agar
Tum saath hote agar

O sanam o sanam kash hota agar
Tum nibha jate yeh zindagi ka safar
Tu tanha na rahete yu umar bhar
Tum saath hote agar
Tum saath hote agar

……to be contd….

PART 53:

The 'Dr Shashank Misra Memorial Hospital' was almost built as Arnav turned 9 months old.

Armaan met with the local MLA of Ramgarh, "sir….humara project ab khatam hone waala hai, we would like you to attend the open house for this hospital and address the local people."

"Yeh tho bahut badhaa maan hoga mere liye…..hamare sheher ke log bahut khush hain ki aap sab doctor log milkar yeh hospital khol rahe hain, par yeh batao hamare yahan ke sab log wahan ilaaj afford kar paayenge?" the minister asked.

"Sir….this hospital will provide care to everyone….it will be a charitable hospital, there are enough people willing to donate for this project…..main bas chaahta hoon ki Dr Misra ki tarah yahan bahut saare honhar doctors aakar kaam karein aur yahan ke logon ki dekhbaal karein. That is my dream sir! Main chaahta hoon ki Ramgarh mein koi insaan is wajah se apni jaan na ganvaa de kyunki usey sahi waqt par sahi ilaaj nahin mila….jaise kuch saalon pehle us aag mein kitne log marr gaye the….," Armaan sad emotionally, as he remembered that horrendous week and the personal tragedy that soon followed for Riddhima and him. He shook hands with the minister and left.

Next, he swung by Padma and Riddhima's home. He had especially come to meet Padma, as he knew Riddhima would be at school.

Padma opened the door, "Armaan beta tum? Aaj itne dino baad? Yahan kaise?"

Armaan greeted her, 'Namaste maa…kya main andar aa sakta hoon? Aap se ek zaroori baat karni hai."

Padma let him inside and closed the door. She feared that Armaan had probably come to talk to them about a possible divorce or a formal separation. He had not shown his face since Arnav's birth. She was not aware that Armaan had secretly followed his son very regularly over the past 9 months- in the park, at the market, in the backyard, on the streets, while taking a stroll with Riddhima.

"Kuch peeoge beta? Riddhima tho abhi ghar par nahin hai." Gaytri asked.

"Nahin maa….I am fine….dar asal main aapse hi milney aaya tha," he smiled as he saw a little Arnav crawling on the floor and babbling 'dada..dada..dada,' as he looked up at Armaan.

Armaan's heart melted; he looked at Padma for permission.

Padma nodded her head.

Armaan picked Arnav in his arms and gave him a big kiss on his cheeks. He hugged him and then bounced him up in the air. Arnav laughed heartily and wanted more! Armaan could not resist and spent the afternoon roughhousing and crawling around on the floor with his son. Padma left the two alone and felt a little relieved that Armaan was fond of his son. She thought, "aakhir apne khoon se door rehna bahut mushkil hai…..kaash Riddhima aur Armaan phir se ek ho jaaye…..Riddhima tho uski baat karne se hi naraaz ho jaati hai."

Armaan carried Arnav to the kitchen, 'maa….aapse jo baat karne aaya tha, wo tho bhool hi gaya….is badmaash ke saath time kahan nikal gaya, pataa hi nahin chalaa….main bhi bahut badmaash tha bachpan mein……ab samajh aata hai meri maa ka kya haal hua hoga," he laughed out aloud, something he had not done in almost year and a half.

"Beta…tum jab chaaho, apne bete se mil sakte ho…..main Riddhima se kuch nahin kahoongi," Padma gave him a cup of tea, "aao baith kar chai peete hain, tumhey itne dino baad milkar bahut achcha lag raha hai."

Armaan followed Padma to the living room. He placed Arnav on one of his knees as he sat down. He bounced Arnav on his knees and spoke to Padma, "Maa….aapne shayad wo naya hospital tho bante dekha hoga."

"Haan…lekin abhi tak pataa nahin chalaa, yeh hospital banaa kaun raha hai?"

"Actually, main aur mere kuch doston ne yeh hospital maamaji ki yaad mein banaaya hai," Armaan said softly

Padma could not believe her ears, 'beta…tum itne dino se yeh kaam kar rahe the, aur humein kuch pataa hi nahin chalaa….yeh tho bahut nek kaam hai Armaan….sach much tum kitne badal gaye ho."

"Waqt ke saath badalney ko hi shayad zindagi kehte hain maa," Armaan reflected philosophically.

"Beta….mujhey tum par garv hai, bhaiyya ko is se achchi shradhanjali kaun de sakta hai?" Padma wiped her tears and said.

"Maa….is Saturday ko hamare hospital ka inauguration hai…..main chaahta hoon ki hospital ki ribbon cutting aap ke haatho se hi ho….aur aap Riddhima aur Arnav ko bhi please lekar aaiyega…..lekin Riddhima ko yeh na bataaiye ki main bhi involved hoon….warna wo shayad naa aaye," Armaan pleaded.

"Beta….is se badhaa samman hamare liye kya hoga? Hum zaroor aayenge," Padma reassured him. She went inside and brought something for him, "yeh bhaiya ke ghar ki chaabhi hai…..aaj se wo ghar tumhara hai…..yeh lo!"

Armaan bent down and touched Padma's feet, "thanks maa….bas aapke aashirwaad se yeh kaam theek ho jaana chaahiye. Main bhi chaah raha tha ki main usi puraane makaan mein rahoon….bahut yaadein judi hain us ghar se," he sighed and left.


SATURDAY AT OPEN HOUSE:

The open house for the hospital was held in the front lawn of the new hospital. The hospital was a 100-bedded multi-specialty hospital with state of the art facilities. Doctors from various specialties had agreed to work there on a rotation basis. A wonderful staff apartment complex was also under construction adjoining the hospital.

The inauguration event was open to all Ramgarh residents. There was a huge turn out for the event. A lot of doctors from Mumbai, including Rahul and Muskaan were also present.

Padma was offered the honor of cutting the ribbon. Riddhima, Tamanna and Arnav accompanied her at the ceremony. Riddhima was very proud of the team which had given such a big honor to her uncle; a person she had looked up to all her growing years-he was the only one in this world who understood her well…he had been her mentor, guardian, best friend and guide. She wondered if she had expected Armaan to fill those shoes in her life- that was her mistake-Armaan could never come even close to Dr Misra's stature as far as she was concerned.

Riddhima wore a beautiful light yellow chiffon saree at the ceremony. With her hair open and long dangling earrings, she looked very elegant. Armaan saw her from the corner of his eyes. He could not take her eyes off her. Riddhima glanced around and waved at Muskaan and Rahul. Keerti and Shubhankar were also sitting in the row behind them. Then she saw Armaan standing next to the minister. Her face fell at his sight. He was the last person she expected at this function.

After everyone was seated, the minister gave a little speech, "yeh hamare sheher ke liye bahut badhaa din hai. Mujhey aaj kal ke doctors par naaz hai ki wo itna nek kaam shuru karne jaa rahe hain, aur khaas taur se Dr Armaan Malik, jo is hospital ke chief medical director honge….yeh poora project bhi unhi ka idea hai…main unhey bahut badhaai dena chaahta hoon!"

There was a loud applause in the audience. The people were happy to get their favorite 'junior doctor sahib' back in town.

Riddhima sat still on her seat, shell shocked. Did she really hear what she heard? Armaan-the chief medical officer of this hospital in Ramgarh! That too a charitable hospital! There were no celebrities or rich clients here! Was he serious this time, or was it one of his usual ploys to win her over again? At one point in her life, Riddhima trusted whatever Armaan said or did blindly; but now she had reached a stage in her life that she mistrusted anything he did…..she was always skeptical about his actions…..she knew he loved her, but there was no guarantee he would hurt her or take her for granted once again, if she decided to go back to him. She knew that Arnav needed a father in his life, but she was prepared to face the consequences of single parenthood rather than be treated like a piece of furniture by Armaan again- jab chaaha istemaal kar liya, jab chaaha thukraa diya!

She had tears in her eyes- pataa nahin yeh ansoo kyon hain meri aankhon mein? Kya Armaan sach mein badal gaya hai? Yeh kaam mujhey jeetne ke liye kiya hai, ya phir sach much maamaji ko shradhanjali de raha hai?

She looked at him and saw that he was staring at her, hoping to get a nod of approval from her. She joined in the applause and nodded gently at him, as if congratulating him on his project.

The minister handed the mike to Armaan. Armaan gave a brief but heart felt speech, "Aap log shayad sab mujhey pehchaan te honge, main yahan kareeb 3 saal pehle apni training ke liye aaya tha, aur aap logon ke pyaar ki wajah se apna dil kho baitha tha," he looked at Riddhima as he said that, " phir kuch saalon ke liye ek bhatke huye panchi ki tarah Mumbai chalaa gaya tha is umeed mein ki wahan aur bhi zyaada khushi milegi….par aap logon ka pyaar ka rang itna gehra tha ki Mumbai ki chamak dhamak bhi uske aage pheeki padhne lagi, iss liye main us pyaar ke rang mein phir dhalne wapas aapke sheher aa gaya hoon aur umeed hai zindagi bhar aap logon ki sewa karta rahoonga," he finished the speech by gazing at Riddhima, hoping to see some reaction on her face. He thought he saw something glistening in her eyes.

The audience loved their 'junior doctor sahib.' They applauded and cheered for him, "DR MALIK KI ZINDABAD! DR MALIK KI ZINDABAD!"

Riddhima wiped her tears and felt happy for Armaan. Everyone was overwhelmed with his speech and a number of them came up front and garlanded him or showered him with blessings and 'duas' Armaan remembered what Riddhima had once said, "jo logon ki dua mein taqat hai, wo aur kisi cheez mein nahin hai!"

Armaan bowed to them and then announced, "aap logon ke manoranjan ke liye main ek guest ko pesh kar raha hoon….wo aapke liye ek gaana gaayenge….WELCOME SID!"

Riddhima was stunned and happy to see Sid on the podium after such a long time.

Sid took the mike and said, "main yeh gaana Dr Misra ki yaad mein gaa raha hoon, asha hai aap sab ko pasand aayega."

He sang this beautiful song from "Namastey London" – "main jahan rahoon" by Rahet fateh ali Khan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjzLUYJQoY8&feature=PlayList&p=3CE5F94EEC8435B6&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=18

Mein jahan rahoon
Mein kahin bhi hoon
Teri yaad saaath hai
Kisi se kahun
Ke Nahi kahun
Yeh jo dil
Ki Baat hai
Kehne Ko saath
Appne Ek duniya chalti hai
Per chupke is dil mein tanhai Palti hai
Bas yaad Saath hai
Teri yaad saaath hai 3
Mein jahan raho
Mein kahin bhi hoo
Teri yaad saaath hai
Kahin to Dil mein yaadon ki
Ek suli gad jaati hai
Kahin har ek Tasveer bhahut hi dhondhali pad jati hai
Koi nai duniya ke naye rango mein khush rehta hai
Koi sab kuch paake bhi yeh maan hi maan kehta hai
Kehne Ko saath
Appne Ek duniya chalti hai
Per chupke is dil mein tanhai Palti hai
Bas yaad Saath hai
Teri yaad saaath hai 3
Kahin to bete kal ki jade
Dil mein hi utar jaati hai
kahin jo dhage tute to
Malayen bhikar jaati
Koi dil mein jagah nai baaton ke liye rakhta hai
Koi apni palko per
Yadon ke diye rakhta hai
Kehne Ko saath
Appne Ek duniya chalti hai
Per chupke is dil mein tanhai Palti hai
Bas yaad Saath hai
Teri yaad saaath hai 3

Armaan and Riddhima could not help exchanging glances with each other as the song went on. What was it about Sid and his songs; they always stirred something in their hearts? The song reflected Armaan and Riddhima's feelings for each other; how they longed to be in each other's arms at that moment and cry their hearts out. The song was as if written and sung for them.

As the song ended, Riddhima came out of her trance and looked away from Armaan. She knew, if she kept on looking at him for some more time, she would lose herself…..she would not be able to resist him anymore and melt in his arms once again. Armaan, however, kept his gaze fixated on Riddhima with a soulful and expectant expression.

After the event was over, Riddhima and Padma walked to the front to meet everyone. Keerti and Shubhankar went up to Armaan and congratulated him.

Padma went up to Armaan and gave him a hug, "Bhagwan tumhey bahut khushi de beta!"

Riddhima congratulated Sid, "kahan chale gaye the itne din Sid? Na koi khabar na pataa?"

Sid figured that Riddhima still was unaware of all the gruesome details about his captivity by the underworld dons, "Bas Riddhima yeh samjho…aise mauke ka hi intezaar kar raha tha wapas aane ka….kaisi ho tum? Tumhara beta bahut pyaara hai….kya naam hai iska?" he pinched Arnav's cheeks and asked.

"Arnav!" she smiled at her son and held him close to her face.

Armaan's eyes wandered everywhere, hoping to catch a glimpse of Riddhima and Arnav again. His eyes finally met hers, as she was talking to Sid. He wanted to go and talk to her and look into her eyes again, hoping to see a flicker of hope for himself-perhaps she would finally forgive him and run back into his arms.

As he dreamt about Riddhima running into his arms, he was pleasantly surprised to see her actually walk towards him holding Arnav in her arms.

They came face to face for the first time in months. Armaan was breathing heavily, anxiously waiting to talk to her at last; he smiled at Arnav and wanted to hold him in his arms. Arnav just giggled and babbled, "mamama…dadadada…."

Riddhima smiled at Arnav and then looked at Armaan with a faint smile; she finally said softly, "Congratulations Armaan! I am happy for you."

"Thanks Riddhima! That means a lot to me…..I hope I can live up to everyone's expectations in this town," he lowered his eyes as he knew she understood what he really meant.

"This town needs good doctors like you Armaan….I am sure you will do a good job!" she said in a friendly tone and looked away towards Muskaan and Rahul. Armaan extended his hand, hoping to make at least some contact with her, but she just nodded gently, "excuse me Armaan…main Muskaan se milkar aati hoon." Armaan just stood there with his hand extended in mid air; he was heart broken as Riddhima had once again refused to forgive him. He pulled his hand back and looked at his palm, "kya ab hum itne ajnabi ho gaye hain ki haath milaane se bhi katraa te hain?"

Riddhima had purposely not shaken his hand; she knew the moment she touched him, the impermeable wall that she had constructed around her after being hurt by Armaan, would come crashing down like a fragile piece of glass. She had learnt to live within this self made wall; where no one could peek into her emotions or her broken heart. The wall was in danger of crumbling today, and unless she took control of herself, she would never be able to build that wall back again. She would become vulnerable once again to Armaan's whims and fancies.

Keerti saw the painful look on her brother's face. His earlier enthusiasm about his new project had come crashing down; he was once again pensive and torn like he had been over the last year and a half.

Keerti went up to him and touched his shoulder, "Armaan….never have any expectations in life…..expectations always lead to disappointment when they are not met! Agar wo tumhari hai, tho chhod do usey, sirf apna farz nibhaao, don't expect anything in return……wo zaroor wapas aa jaayegi….trust me Armaan…jitna mushkil tumhare liye hai us se door rehna, utna hi uske liye bhi hai….wo chot khaayi huyi hai, ghaav bharne mein waqt lagta hai….uski aankhon se aisa lagaa ki wo tumhare kareeb aana chaahti hai, par usney apne chaaron taraf ek deewar khadi kar li hai ab…..us deewar ko paar karna ab uska kaam hai, tum us deewar ke andar kabhie nahin jaa paaoge Armaan."

Armaan wiped a tear from his eye, "I know you are right di…par kya karoon? Is kambakht dil se pareshaan hoon….maanta hi nahin hai," he sniffed his nose and shook his head to compose himself as he saw several other people approaching to congratulate him.

…to be continued….

PART 54:

After speaking with some of the local people, Armaan went up to Sid, "thanks yaar….your song was very touching. Ab kya plan hai tera? Wapas London jaayega ya Mumbai mein hi rahega?"

"Main Mumbai mein ek music company ke liye kaam karoonga….as a matter of fact, they need a female voice for their next album….do you think Riddhima would be interested? Her last album was such a hit." Sid asked innocently, unaware of the dynamics between the estranged couple.

Armaan fumbled a little, "w..why don't you ask Riddhima? You know she is a mother now."

Sid patted Armaan's shoulder, "tho tu kis kaam ka hai? Jab wo recording par aaye, tab tu sambhaal lena apne bete ko!"

Armaan just coughed at that remark and thought, "kaash aisa ho sakta…main tho roz uski dekh baal karne ko tayyar hoon."

"Hey RIDDHIMA! RIDDHIMA! Come here girl!" Sid gestured Riddhima to join them.

Riddhima looked at Sid quizzically, but Sid kept waving his hands, "c'mon Riddhima! Ek baat karni hai tumsey!"

Riddhima handed Arnav to Padma and walked towards Sid and Armaan.

"Well, Riddhima main chaahta hoon tum mere saath phir gaana shuru kar do," Sid said.

Riddhima looked strangely at both men, "Gaana? Lekin ab tho main yahan rehti hoon….yahan na tho koi studio hai aur na hi koi music company."

"Don't worry Riddhima…mainey sab soch liya hai….tumhey sirf week mein ek baar Mumbai aana hoga recording ke liye….there is no rush to finish the album….we will take our time…please don't say no….Armaan ko bhi mauka milega, ek din apne ghar aur bete ko sambhal ne ka," Sid slapped Armaan's back again as he said that.

Riddhima gave a sharp look to Armaan. Armaan was visibly embarrassed, "uh..uh…wo wo…Riddhima…yeh sab Sid ka idea hai….the decision is entirely yours."

Riddhima turned to Sid and said, "mujhey manzoor hai Sid! I will come to Mumbai every Saturday, maa Arnav ko rakh lengi….he is VERY COMFORTABLE WITH HER!" she gave a cold look to Armaan.

"Great! Wonderful!" Sid then took leave as he had an appointment in Mumbai later that day.

Armaan walked behind Riddhima, "Riddhima, please trust me, mainey Sid se kuch nahin kaha tha."

Riddhima paused and just said coldly, "Armaan, tumhare mooh se TRUST jaisa shabd achcha nahin lagta!" and walked off.

Armaan just looked at her tearfully as she took Arnav from Padma and walked out of the hospital complex.

NEXT FEW MONTHS:

Armaan got busy with the administration and workload at the new hospital. He was really enjoying his new role as the Chief Medical officer. The hospital became the main center of medical treatment in Ramgarh within months. The hospital was always full, with plenty of work for every doctor at the facility.

Riddhima heard a lot about the hospital, and how well it was run from her colleagues at the school, from sabziwallahs, from shopkeepers, from neighbors….it seemed everyone was thrilled to have such good medical care right at their doorstep.

Riddhima could not help feeling a sense of pride whenever she heard anything positive about Armaan or the hospital. Everyone raved about the personal care and attention they received at the hospital, and how compassionate and empathetic Dr Malik was with each patient! Riddhima wondered, "kya sach much itna badal gaya hai Armaan?"

Armaan spent most of his time at the hospital, and had very little time for himself now. Whenever he felt exhausted or overwhelmed from work, he would silently follow Riddhima and Arnav on their walks. Armaan and Riddhima would often bump into each other at the local supermarket or clothing store, but hardly exchanged any words. Armaan's eyes would light up whenever he saw her, especially when Arnav was around. Even Arnav would get excited and would clap his baby hands whenever he saw Armaan. Riddhima tried to hide her feelings, but did not mind the developing bond between the father and the son. She could see that Armaan was very fond of Arnav and craved to hold his son in his arms.

Armaan never took up Padma's offer to go and see his son when Riddhima was away at school; he did not want to do anything behind Riddhima's back and break her trust further.

One day, Riddhima finally spoke to Armaan, "Armaan….kal Arnav ka birthday hai."

"Jaanta hoon!" Armaan bent down and wrinkled his nose at Arnav. Arnav in turn, pulled Armaan's nose with his little fingers. Arnav's grip was pretty strong; Armaan almost fell over by his pull. As Armaan tried to get his balance back, his face brushed against Riddhima's bare arm, sending shivers through her spine.

"Oh…I am sorry!" Armaan said as he just realized what had just happened. He noticed Riddhima had turned red from his touch and had goose bumps on her skin. Armaan was pleased to see that she was still aroused by his touch.

"Wo…Arnav ki birthday mein tumhey invite karna tha…kal shaam 6 baje hai," she composed herself and said.

Armaan was in seventh heaven; he could not believe that Riddhima had invited him to his son's birthday herself!

"Riddhima…that would be my pleasure! I would love to be a part of MY SON'S BIRTHDAY PARTY!" he rolled his tongue happily.

ARNAV'S BIRTHDAY PARTY:

The party was held at Padma's home. The living room was decorated with balloons, streamers, and lights everywhere.

Arnav looked adorable in his black and red kiddie outfit. Riddhima wore a pink chiffon sari with beautiful pearl earrings and necklace. Atul had just arrived from Pune for the big occasion. Tamanna and a few other neighborhood friends were also present.

Armaan arrived promptly at 6 pm. He looked dashing in a white shirt and black trousers. He was received at the door by Tamanna, "Jiju aap? So nice to see you!" She was pleasantly surprised to see him. Riddhima had not told anyone that she had invited Armaan. Padma was pleased to see her son-in-law too. Atul tensed a little on seeing Armaan, "yeh yahan kya kar raha hai?"

Riddhima turned around and saw Armaan with a big package in his hand, "bhaiyya…mainey invite kiya hai usey." Atul raised an eyebrow, but remained silent, as he knew that there was a reason Riddhima must have invited him. He shrugged his shoulders and said, "tho kya tumhare beech ab sab theek hai?"

"Nahin bhaiyya…..main bas Arnav ki khushi chaahti hoon….aur kuch nahin!" Riddhima went forward to greet Armaan. In the mean time, Armaan had found Arnav on the floor; he picked him up and gave him a kiss on his cheeks, "Happy Birthday son!" Arnav giggled loudly and slapped Armaan's face with his tiny hands. Armaan nibbled at his cute hands and kissed them affectionately.

The cute father-son bonding brought a smile on Riddhima's face.

"Hello Armaan!" Riddhima walked behind them.

Armaan turned around and almost gasped at seeing Riddhima in her pink sari- she looked ethereal, even more beautifu now that she was a mother. Armaan remembered how they had gotten engaged in this same place almost 3 1/2 years ago. He remembered how excited they both had been, and how they had kissed passionately in Riddhima's bedroom upstairs. He wished, he could take her into his arms and carry her to some corner and shower her with kisses once again. Riddhima became a little conscious as she realized his piercing gaze on her body; a part of her was glad that she still had that effect on him.

Riddhima took Arnav from Armaan's arms and said, "chalo beta cake ka time ho gaya hai."

Armaan followed Riddhima; he was so mesmerized by her that he did not see where he was going. He bumped into Tamanna, who was carrying a tray with soft drinks. CRASH! The glasses and drinks all spilled over Armaan's crisp white shirt and fell on the ground.

"SORRY JIJU!" Tamanna exclaimed. Everyone turned around and saw Armaan drenched in a variety of soda colors.

"Arre Armaan ki shirt kharab ho gayi….zara Atul beta apni ek shirt de dena Armaan ko." Padma said.

Atul came back with his t-shirt, "yeh pehen lo Armaan."

Armaan was pleasantly surprised to hear a friendly tone from Atul, "thanks Atul. Main abhi aaya," he went upstairs and walked into Riddhima's room by force of habit. He shut the door and started unbuttoning his wet shirt. He was standing bare-chested, when he heard the door open behind him. It was Riddhima; she had come to pick something from her room before the cake was cut.

Riddhima froze as soon as she saw Armaan standing in front of her with his shirt off, "I am s..sorry…wo main kuch lene aayi thi." She lowered her eyes.

Armaan went close to her and held her hand. He whispered gently, "Riddhima…you don't have to be sorry….kya mujhey itna paraaya kar diya hai tumney?" Riddhima could feel the pain in his voice. She freed her hand and turned around, "Armaan…paraaya tho tumney usee din kar diya tha….khair ab un baaton ko dohraane se kya faayda? Jaldi neeche aa jao, sab cake ka intezaar kar rahe hain."

Armaan grabbed her from behind; his warm bare skin touched her back, "Riddhima….please wapas aa jao….I miss you Basanti! Aur kitna tadpaaogi apne Veeru ko? I love you jaan!" he kissed the back of her neck and moved up behind her ears. His lips set her skin on fire. She moaned slightly, but then realized what was happening.

"STOP ARMAAN! Mainey tumhey yahan Arnav ki birthday ke liye bulaaya tha! Please don't play any games with me!" she said tearfully and ran outside the door. She took a deep breath on the stairs and walked down calmly, "yeh mujhey kya ho raha hai? Armaan kyon meri feelings ke saath baar baar khelta hai? Kyon main phir uske kareeb jaana chaahti hoon?"

She came back to the living room, where everyone was eagerly waiting for the cake to be cut. She was visibly shaken and tried best to appear calm.

Armaan was hurt by her rejection; he put on Atul's t-shirt and quietly followed her downstairs.

Riddhima picked Arnav in her arms and got ready to help him cut the cake.

"Arre Armaan beta…tum bhi cake katwaa do Arnav ki," Padma saw Armaan standing in a corner.

"Haan, jiju…aap bhi aage aa jao," Tamanna echoed Padma's request.

Armaan hesitated, but walked through the crowd. He glanced at Riddhima, who just lowered her eyes, and handed the knife to Armaan.

Armaan held Arnav's little hands in his big hand and helped him blow the candle and cut a tiny piece of cake. Riddhima broke off a little piece from the slice to feed Arnav. Armaan did the same. Their hands met as they both had their fingers close to Arnav's mouth. They looked at each other, but Riddhima withdrew her hand, "pehle tum khilaa do!"

Armaan fed the tiny piece to Arnav and then licked the same finger with his mouth. Everyone clapped and sang the birthday song for little Arnav.

Arnav immersed his hand into the whole slice and smeared it on Armaan's face. Armaan chuckled at his son's naughtiness and whispered, "bilkul baap par gaya hai!"

Riddhima was the only one who heard that comment and could not help blushing. She vividly remembered how Armaan had smeared her once with his shaving cream, and then how he had carried her to the shower and made love to her! She shook her head, as she wanted to stay away from such thoughts forever.