Thanq so much for your comments and encouraging me to continue.
So Here comes the fifth part.
Actually I'll be giving my final exams this week. So not sure whether I'll be able to update it. But I'll update it whenever I find time.
So I wrote a bit lengthy one.😊
Do have some patience😉
Hope you like it.
Part 5 - A talks to Dr.Keerthi
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Armaan's POV
(In Lonavala Orphanage)
My heart broke into innumerable pieces. I felt all alone once again, yet like never before with all gloominess surrounding me. My mind went numb. But amidst all these, only one question haunted me ' Why am I alive? Why did I survive? What did I gain being alive? Only an endless misery.
I didn't know how three days just passed at the orphanage. I had tried hard enough not to bother Riddhima, anymore by my presence. Now that the kids are doing well, it's time to get back to Sanjeevani. But I have decided what to do.
Before leaving, for one last time I went to meet the kids. I could sense that they were sad that we were leaving. Why is that parting causes so much pain? My thoughts again wandered around Riddhima, the suffering I had undergone when I left her. I shook my head once.
"Ok friends, It's time for us to leave. But remember; take care of your health. Because you can play well only if you are in good health. And don't bother your warden too much. Don't do stupid things, and take care that even if you do, don't let anyone know about them." said I and winked. I was relieved to see their smiles. I gave them chocolates and stepped back to leave. When I turned around, I noticed Riddhima standing near the entrance and looking at me. Since how long has she been here?
I did not look at her, just lowered my sight and walked out. But how can I ignore her. I can sense that she was following me, right behind me.
Sanjeevani arranged us a car to drive back to the hospital as the van left the previous day.
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We were back to the hospital. I didn't understand how I drove the car back to Sanjeevani, with my mind full of thoughts, heart heavy and more over with Riddhima by my side.
I felt relieved after being back to Sanjeevani. It was my home afterall. As soon as I entered, I went to Dr.Keerthi's cabin to talk to her about my decision.
Dr.Keerthi greeted me with a nod when she saw me, asked me to take my seat and wait while she was on phone. I sat there silently not sure of how to start the conversation. Was I nervous? Or something else?
"Yes, Dr.Armaan. I hope all the kids were fine at the orphanage." said she after she was done with her call.
"Yes mam, they are fine. Pavan is also recovering soon. I asked Mrs.Dikshit to bring him to Sanjeevani for a checkup after two weeks." I said still lost in my thoughts.
"Good." said she. "Is there anything else you want to talk to me?" she asked after a moment.
"Yes. Yes Dr.Keerthi. I..... "my voice trailed off. "I want to leave Sanjeevani." I finally said closing my eyes.
I opened my eyes and looked at her. She was shocked or rather surprised and got up from her seat.
"What?" she said. I stood, took a deep breath and spoke "Yes Dr.Keerthi, I want to leave Sanjeevani. I.... I can't stay here anymore."
"Dr.Armaan, Sanjeevani is not any boarding hotel so that you can join and leave whenever you want. Correct me if I was wrong. May I know the reason why you want to leave?" said she angrily.
I did not know what to speak. Tears rolled in my eyes. I turned around and wiped them off quickly. But she noticed them. She was a tough mentor but equally close to us. She was like an elder sister.
"Dr.Armaan, I can understand the situation you were in. But you have to face the reality. You have to face life. You cannot run away from the fate. U can't risk your career." She said calmly, coming towards me.
"Dr.Keerthi, I understand that. I very well know that professional life is different from personal life. But.... it's just that I can't handle it anymore. I have gone through so much in a very less span. I can't see Riddhima with any...." I suddenly realized what I was speaking and quickly said "I can't stand this anymore. I need time for myself. I need time to get out of this misery. I don't think I can treat patients while being in such a trauma. I...." I could no longer speak. All my strength vanished. Sanjeevani has given me so much in my life. Infact, I found the love of my life - Riddhima, only due to Sanjeevani. I gained few very good friends. I had a wonderful life here. Thinking so my thoughts were driven back to those golden days of my life. Those pranks, those cute fights with Riddhima, those moments full of masti. But now, I lost everything, because my life starts with Riddhima and ends with Riddhima. It's very difficult to leave Sanjeevani forever.
I was no longer able to control my emotions. The cyclone that I had locked up in my heart for the last two days just broke off and came out in the form of tears. I took my face in my hands. I felt like being held by someone. I needed someone to support me.
Dr.Keerthi, as if she read my inner thoughts, came closer and held me in her arms. I hugged her and shed all my tears. I did not remember how much time I had been there. But Dr.Keerthi was with me, caressing me. I felt better now. I felt relieved. I stepped back from Dr.Keerthi and wiped my tears away.
I looked at Dr.Keerthi. She stared at me with eyes full of concern. "I am fine Dr.Keerthi. We may talk now" I said trying to assure her after a few moments when I gained control over myself.
But she did not seem to be satisfied. "Dr.Armaan you may use washroom. I'll wait for you. We'll then talk."
I hesitated first but let myself in to the advice. I went to the washroom and sprinkled cool water over my face. It was soothing. I looked at my image in the mirror. My eyes were red with no life and face weak. I understood what love does to one's life. It transformed me from a careless smug to a protective man who knew his responsibilities. The same love again turned me into a living corpse. I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath.
I made up my mind and went back to Dr.Keerthi. She was sitting in her seat and thinking deeply.
"Dr.Keerthi" I said slowly. She looked up at me. "What is your decision?" asked I slowly.
"Dr.Armaan, I am very sorry. I can't relieve you at present. As you know, the workload has increased a lot in Sanjeevani for the last few weeks. And you were one of those responsible doctors. I can't just let you go." said she. She paused for a moment and continued "Dr.Armaan, I understand you but Sanjeevani needs you. The patients here need you. I promise you I'll relieve you as soon as the pressure is reduced. Till then please stay for the sake of Sanjeevani and your patients. Try to concentrate on your work and bring yourself out into the world. You have a long life ahead Armaan. Don't shut yourself in a corner. "said she trying to convince me.
But it's true. I am responsible to my patients. They have so much belief in me. I am grateful to Sanjeevani for everything I have gained in my life. How can I abandon it when it is in need of me?
"Ok Dr.Keerthi. I'll stay as long as Sanjeevani is in need of me. Thank you so much." I said and moved towards the exit. I remembered something suddenly, stopped and said to Dr.Keerthi, "Dr.Keerthi, I have a request. Please don't put me on work with Riddhima. She's not comfortable with me working along with her." I said pleasingly.
She stared at me for a moment and nodded in agreement. I started walking towards the door.
"Armaan", Dr.Keerthi called me when I was about to leave her cabin. I turned around and looked at her. She smiled at me and said "Take care of yourself."
I was touched with her concern. "Yes Dr.Keerthi. I will" said I and thought I would atleast try.
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So howz it guys? liked it?I always expected such a conversation between ammy n keerthi, when they met.
Do comment and let me know. I'll be happy even if you criticize.😊
Thanx for reading.
Keep reading.
ps: some gramatical and typing errors might have crept in. Plz ignore them.
Anupamaa
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
