Lo Maan liya...
Please ignore all the typos and stupid mistakes. I have written it in a hurry and I have nooo clue if it makes anyyy sense at all... but I had promised this OS a long ago so here it is. Happpy Birthday Meggs, love you. Tell me how you like it.
All her hopes drowned as Sid walked away from her car. Defeated and disheartened she managed to unknowingly leave a trace of her fingers against the fogged windscreen as she fainted due to all the toxic fumes that filled the car. But just in time HE had recognized her car and thankfully spotted her inside. His heart dropped to his stomach as he saw her pale face while she lay unconscious in the car. The jammed doors were obviously of no help as he tried his best to open them, he even tried unlocking the door with a pin but that was of no use either. So he tapped the window desperately calling her out assuring her that he was here to help. But when she made no movement he panicked like never before and tried to pull the door open with all his might which never turned fruitful. That was when the restlessness got the better of him and without thinking of the consequences as he ran short on time; he picked the nearest stone and broke the window. The stone definitely managed to break open the window; but left behind broken pieces still attached making it difficult to reach out for the lock. But caring least he went for the lock letting the glass cut through his skin in the process. With some efforts the door finally opened up and he carefully pushed all the glass pieces away making sure they did not hurt her while he pulled her up. Tapping her cheeks he tried to bring her back but she lay there motionless almost taking his breath away. He checked her pulse which gave him no relief so he positioned her head neatly and started the CPR by giving chest compressions to which she still did not respond. His eyes filled with tears but he did not give up.
Lo maan liya humne
Hai pyar nahi tumko
Tum yaad nahi humko
Hum yaad nahi tumko
Bas ek dafa mud ke dekho
Aye yaar zara humko
After a few more trials he cupped her cheek while his bloodshot red eyes shed hot tears;
"Please Riddhima... please open your eyes. Oh God, please use kuch mat hone dena, Pleaseee... Basket!!"
He uttered desperately with his heart at his throat; and as if someone up there heard him and on cue she took a sharp breath followed by some hard coughing. He sighed as his heart finally caught a normal pace seeing her respond. As she opened her eyes she saw his faint image and she uttered with relief; "Arm...aan!"
"Thank God... Tumne toh mujhe dara hi diya tha. Tumhari haalat dekhke main---- agar tumhe kuch ho jaata toh..."
The relief had just washed his face; she kept fluttering her eyes to clear her vision but somehow she could not. He tapped her cheek as if trying to wake her since she was still drowsy;
"Riddhima... Dekho I am here okay. Please aakhein kholo... Riddhima... Tum tum sun rahi ho na?"
"Ar... maan?"
"Haan Riddhima... just don't close your eyes ok."
For a few minutes he kept talking, makes some conversation so that she could finally gain her senses completely. And it did work. It was raining cats and dogs and heading out to reach home in such weather did not seem a good idea.
"Riddhima mausam bohot kharab hai, aur tumhari halat bhi bilkul theek nahi hai. Saare raaste jam hai aise mein hum abhi nikal nahi paayenge. Ek kaam karte hai thoda aage chalte hai, yaha aage kahi ghar honge shayad koi hume kuch der ke liye rukne de. Haalat thode ache ho jaaye toh hum fir nikal jaayenge."
She nodded as she knew every word he uttered was right.
"Sid kaha hai? Vo nahi aaya tumhare saath?"
"Vo phone nahi utha raha tha, main abhi use call karke bata deta hu."
He pulled out his phone but it was already dead as he was completely drenched in rain and her phone was of no use either. They decided to call him once they find some safe shelter. He moved away so that she could move out of the car but as soon that she stepped out she stumbled and on reflex he held her. That's when she noticed his hand that was covered with blood and gasped;
"Armaaan! Tumhare haath se khoon nikal raha hai, ye... Ye kya hua?"
"Kuch nahi bas... theek ho jayega; chalo."
"Armaan tum careless kaise ho sakte ho... Itni gehri cot hai aur tum aise bheeg rahe ho kabse please uspe kuch----"
"Riddhima I said it's okay, hume chalna chahiye Sid pareshaan ho raha hoga. Hum kisi ko contact bhi nahi kar paa rahe."
She knew he wouldn't listen, he never did so she decided to instead just listen to him so that they could have some shelter where and she could treat his hand right away. Regaining her balance she stood straight and tried once again but the efforts seemed fruitless; so with no way out he offered to carry her but she obviously denied as she no more wanted any such help from him; after all she had drawn some boundaries and it was better if she stayed in them. Though he held her hand as they started walking but after every two steps she faltered and it was getting unbearable for him. So after a few more steps when she tripped again, without giving her any chance to retort he picked her up.
"Ar... Armaan kya kar rahe ho tum, mujhe neeche utaro please."
But obviously he turned a deaf ear and continued walking when she protested;
"Armaan maine tumse kaha mujhe neeche utaro. Tum... Armaan tum---- Tumhe koi haq nahi ba---"
He stopped walking abruptly and looked down at her and she could clearly read how he felt;
"Mer... Mera matlab tha----"
"Main bhula nahi hu ki tum ab kisi aur ki biwi ho, and moreover I know my limits Mrs. Modi!"
Just that name sealed her mouth and she shook her head trying to tell him that was not what she meant but he cut her words;
"Just to make it clear maine tumhe sirf isi liye uthaya hai kyunki tum chalne ki haalat main nahi ho, mera aur koi iraada nahi hai. Aur Sid yaha hai nahi toh it's my responsibility ki main tumhe uske aane tak sahi salamat kahi safe jagah pohchau!"
She did not bother replying as she knew he was hurt and saying anything would only multiply the mess so she looked down while getting her cue he continued walking. After around 10 minutes they were still walking, there was still a large chaos around. On the other hand unfortunately for Sid he had walked away as a lady got injured and as he had still not found her he got into his car and took the other route to check if she had taken detour. To his luck when he thought of going back, there was a land slide on the way and the route was blocked so he had no option left but to just wait till the route cleared up.
-------------
They finally reached the residential area and just a little far they could see some houses. But by then Riddhima could sense him shiver, she too was cold and drenched but he had been in the rains for a long time and his wounded hand worsened his state. That is when she realized he was warm even in such strong winds and rain.
"Armaan tum... Tumhari haalat theek nahi hai. Tum mujhe neeche utaro main ab theek hu, tumhe shayad bukhar hai."
"Na... nahi main theek hu, vaise bhi ab hum... Hum pohoch hi gaye hai."
"Armaan tum-----"
"Main theek hu Riddhima"
They finally reached a house and he called out so that somebody could come out and help. He looked down at her and called out louder this time as by now even his hand had started aching bad. The door finally opened and an aged lady stood at the door;
"Aunty please; please humari thodi si madat kar deejiye. Iski tabiyat theek nahi hai aur bohot tez baarish ho rahi hai, hume bas kuch der ke liye andar le leejiye. Bas haalat thode sudhar jaaye toh hum chale jaayenge."
His panicky tone and the desperation melted her heart and the blood dripping out of his hand was also observed by her so she quickly made way for him.
"Thanks Aunty."
She directed him towards the bed and he gently placed her down. The old lady told them that she would get some warm clothes and coffee for them while they relaxed when Armaan instantly asked her if she could allow him to make a call. He tried calling Sid but it did not connect, so after a few trials he simply came back.
"Sid... Ka call *sneeze* ...uska call nahi *sneeze* lag raha! Main-----"
"Armaan tum vo sab chodo aur pehle jaake change karo, tab tak aur fir main dressing kar deti hu."
"Tum ab ...th... Theek toh ho na?"
"Armaan main theek hu tum jao!"
He went away to change while she asked the lady for first aid kit. She had just carried the kit and coffee to the room when he came back;
"Armaan apna haath dikhao, dressing kar du fir tum coffee peelo."
"Nahi theek hai... Main kar lunga."
"Armaan tum thand se kaap rahe ho aur..."
While she was retorting she had already grabbed his hand to do the dressing when she sensed how hot it was and look at him with panic rushing all through her veins; she touched his forehead and gasped;
"Armaan tumhe toh bohot tez bukhar hai."
"Ma..in theek hu... seriously, bas... baarish mein bheegne ki vajah se... *sneeze*..."
"Ok ok... Par ab tum bas chup chap baitho aur mujhe dressing karne do."
However he wanted to pull his hand away as her touch still accelerated his heart but he had no strength left to do so anymore.
"Beta... Ye coffee bhi ab garam hai tab tak peelo, main tumhare kambal le aati hu."
Meanwhile Riddhima found an ibuprofen and handed him the tablet;
"Ye khalo tumhara bukhar utar jayega."
"Nahi main ye nahi----"
"Armaan ye kya bacchon jaisi jid laga rakhi hai tumne? Tum kabhi nahi sudhroge na, maine kaha tha main khud chal lungi ab dekho tumhare haath par strain dekar kya haalat bana li hai tumne. Aur ab dawai lene se mana kar rahe ho."
"Riddhima jaroori nahi hota har cheej tumhe pareshaan karne ke liye hi karu main... Ibuprofen nahi le sakta main, mujhe react karti hai vo dawai. Ab agar tumhe aur ladne ka man na ho toh main kuch der shaanti se bathna chahta hu, if you don't mind. Tum... Sid ko firse... Call kar ke dekho."
"Armaan aisa kyu keh rahe ho, main toh bas... theek hai tum, tum so jao kuch der haalat sudhar jaayenge toh main tumhe utha dungi."
"Nahi theek hai ... tum bhi apni coffee peelo thandi ho jayegi."
-------------
Sometime later even after a cup of coffee she could see his eyes turn red while he shivered. She once again turned panicky as he was shivering bad.
"Aunty yaha paas koi medical store hai, main dusri tablets le aati hu iske liye varna----"
"Riddhima, maine... kaha na main ---- theek hu. Aur aise mausam mein tum ... Kahi nahi jaogi."
"Armaan tum toh chup hi raho, baat bhi nahi kar paa rahe ho tum. Kuch toh karna hoga na mujhe, aise toh tumhari haalat aur bigad jaayegi."
"Toh bigadne do, why do you care? Main khud ko sambhal lunga..."
She felt a thundering slap as he spoke carelessly but the lady who was silently observing answered;
"Arey beta aisa kyu keh rahe ho; dekhte nahi bechari kitni pareshaan hai. Bacchi medical toh hai yaha par ab vo band ho gaya hoga, aur bearish bhi itni ho rahi hai. Aur koi dusra medical yaha paas mein nahi hai."
By then Armaan had dozed off so Riddhima carefully made him lie down and covered him with two blankets. Riddhima once again tried making calls, she even tried to contact Shashank and Sanjeevani's reception but it seemed that the network was jammed. The old lady got a bowl of water and Riddhima started keeping wet stripes over his head, while he had almost turned unconscious. But even after a good amount of time the fever did not come down, instead he started groaning and held his right hand still asleep as the wound was probably troubling him.
"Oh God... ab kya karu? Iska bukhar toh utar hi nahi raha. Dawai bhi nahi hai aur koi... kya karu main?! Aas paas kahi toh kuch hoga, mujhe dekhna hoga----"
She stood up completed panicked now when he started mumbling;
"Ri... Riddhima... tum kahi... bahar mat... mausam kharaab... Sid ko phone try..."
As he muttered in a weak broken voice unknowingly tears glistened in her eyes;
"Armaan... Armaan main kahi nahi ja rahi par tum... tum theek ho na? Please kuc bolo main... main ya karu, tumhara bukhaar nahi utar raha... main... Main kya karu? Armaan?..."
The lady walked in and saw Riddhima in tears as she tried to talk to him;
"Kya hua iska bukhaar ab tak nahi utra?"
"Nahi... iska bukhaar toh kam hi nahi ho raha. Iski haalat aur bighadti jaa rahi hai, mujhe... Mujhe kuch karna hoa, aise hi nahi baith sakti main."
She asked the lady to sit by his side while she went out and tried Sid's number once again. Thankfully this time the call was connected;
"Sid?... Sid... thank God tumhara phone lag gaya."
"Riddhima tum kaha ho? Tum theek toh ho na?"
"Haan main... main theek hu par Sid... Armaan, uski haalat bohot buri hai mujhe kuch samajh nahi aa raha."
"Kya... Mujhe kuch thee se sunai nahi de raha Riddhima."
"Armaan... Sid Armaan ki tabiyat bohot kharab hai."
"Kya... Vo kaha hai aur kya hua use, aur tum ro kyu rahi ho?"
"Vo... main phas gayi thi... mujhe bachane... vo sab chodo bas tum please jaldi yaha aa jao Sid, paas mein koi bhi medical store ho toh medicine le aana bukhar ke liye, ibuprofen ke alawa aur koi bhi dawa."
"Haan abhi raasta thoda clear ho raha hai main ... Main pohoch jaaunga kuch der mein."
"Haan Sid tum... Please jaldi aao, uski haalat bigadti jaa rahi hai Sid, mujhe bohot dar lag raha hai."
"Vo theek ho jayega. Tum fikar mat karo main vaha aata hu, tum apna khayal rakho, aur mujhe batao tum log kaha ho?"
Riddhima told him the address and once again requested him to come as soon as he could. As she went back she saw the lady doing the wet stripes for him;
"Aunty aap rehne deejiye, main kar lungi. Aap jaakar aaram kariye."
"Nahi beta main theek hu, aur tum dono ko aisi haalat mein dekhke main kaise chain se so jau. Mera bhi ek beta hai, bilkul iski umar ka, ab toh videsh mein hai par uska bhi toh aise hi khayal rakhti thi main. "
"Thank you very much aunty."
"Tum ek kaam karo, main tumhe sponge de deti hu, ise sponge bath de do usse iska shareer thoda thanda ho jayega. Tum toh jaanti hi hogi, tum dono doctors ho na. Tum ruko main abhi laati hu."
"Lekin aunty vo----"
But she had already gone away. While the lady handed over the sponge Riddhima hesitated in the beginning and her mind started a debate;
"Nahi ye galat hai... maine vaada kiya tha khudse ki Armaan se dur rahungi. Uske kareeb hone ka , use chune ka haq ab nahi hai mujhe, main ab Sid ki patni hu."
But her heart instantly fought back;
"Par is waqt use jaroorat hai meri. Aur sabse pehle main ek doctor hu, aur Armaan ko theek karne ke liye mujhe ye karna hoga."
This time her mind agreed;
"Haan aur kisi bhi aur patient ke liye main ye karti... ye farz hai mera."
"Kya hua beta? Jaldi karo dekho uska chehra bhi laal pad gaya hai."
"Jee... Jee aunty."
Coming to terms that it was clearly professional she cleaned his upper body and face when she noticed that he was having an infection in his wound and thus his fever wouldn't come down. Obviously she did not have the needed equipments to treat his hand either. She felt completely helpless, Armaan had just opened his eyes and she instantly cupped his cheek;
"Armaan? Armaan tum theek ho... Meri baat suno ... Apni aankhein khuli rakho theek hai? Ye lo thoda sa paani pee lo."
She could see he was very drowsy and his eyes were almost about to shut again;
"Nahi Armaan sona mat... Dekho aankhein band mat karna please. Tum... tum sun rahe ho na? Ye lo paani peelo aur meri taraf dekho... mujhse baat karo, dekho meri baat sunte raho haan? Tumhe kuch nahi hoga."
His unconscious mind had no clue where he was, what was happening or what she was saying. All he could see was her and unknowingly relieved by her sight he uttered with a smile;
"Basket!"
----------CONT------------
Chills ran down her spine as she heard him but it was no time to correct him, she held his uninjured hand and started rubbing his palm;
"Haan dekho Armaan main hu yaha... tum aankhein band mat karna."
With a spoon she fed him some water when suddenly he raised his hand and wiped her lone tear;
"Ro kyu ... rahi ho? Main th...eek... hu."
She smiled and cleared her face;
"Haan tum theek ho, main tumhe kuch nahi hone dungi."
"Rid... Riddhima mera... Sar bohot bhaari... mujhe neend aa..."
"Haan main jaanti hu par tum... Sona mat theek hai, dekho Sid abhi aata hi hoga dawai leke..."
He frowned but somehow recollected the entire situation and nodded;
"Tum chinta mat... karo, main theek hu. Tum... Jaake aaram... karo. Sid aaye toh uske... saath chali jaana ghar..."
"Haan aur fir hum tumhe bhi jaldi hi Sanjeeva-----"
He dragged his hand out of her hold shaking his head while he smiled just as much he could;
"Main nahi... Sid. Sirf Sid... tum sahi ho... vo bohot pyaar karta hai tumse. Tumhe khush rakhega. Tumhe uske... Saath hona chahiye... tum jao, main... Khudka khayal rakh lunga... Tum... tu------"
His eyes shut unknown to him and he had once again turned unconscious. Her heart twisted at his words; she knew he wasn't in his senses but he meant every word of it. Even though he spoke truth, everything that she always wanted him to understand, it did not sound so good coming from him. But right now what frightened her even more was his still hot body, she started tapping his cheeks to wake him;
"Armaan? Armaan? Nahi Armaan please utho... pleaseee... Armaan!! Uth jao na please, meri baat suno, aise mat so... bukhar tumhare sar chad jayega Armaan please utho..."
She cried calling him out hoping hard that he would open his eyes but he did not. The lady came to her side hearing her cry and patted her back and caressed Armaan's head;
"Beti shaant ho jao, dekho tumne kaha tha na phone lag gaya hai, toh vo ladka aata hi hoga. Dekho baarish bhi kam ho gayi hai..."
"Haan par dekhiye na aunty vo firse behosh ho gaya. Agar Sid ko aane mein waqt laga toh----- Nahi...Armaan tum sun rahe ho na mujhe, please apni aankhein kholo. Aunty dekhiye na ye kabhi meri baat nahi manta. Maine kaha tha... Kaha tha isse ki aankhein band na kare par ye... isse kahiye na ki ye uth jaaye, mujhe... Mujhe bohot dar lag raha hai aunty..."
Just then the phone rang and it was Sid;
"Sid... tum kaha pohche?"
"Main raaste mein hi hu Riddhima, raasta khul toh gaya hai par... traffic hai, main koshish kar raha hu----"
"Toh jaldiii karo Sid, tum jaldi pohcho yaha. Agar ise waqt pe dawa nahi mili toh ye... Sid Armaan ko kuch hoga toh nahi na?"
"Riddhima use kuch nahi hoga, maine kaha na main pohooch raha hu, maine dawai bhi le li hai. Vo theek ho jayega, maine Sanjeevani bhi call kiya tha aur vo koshish kar rahe hai ambulance bhejne ki."
"Sid tum bas jaldi aa jao, dekho Armaan meri baat bhi nahi sun raha hai. Maine kaha ... usne aankhein band kar li apni... Maine usse kaha tha vo aankhein band na kare, uska bukhaar bhi... Sid main kya karu mujhe kuch samajh nahi aa raha, uske haath mein bhi infection ho gaya hai. Aise toh uska bukhar bhi nahi utar raha."
"Riddhima pehle toh tum shaant ho jao, vo kasie sunega vo behosh ho gaya hoga use itna bukhaar hai. Tum... Tum shaant ho jao don't panick, use kuch nahi hoga, tum rona band karo theek hai? Dekhna use kuch der main hosh aa jayega."
"I hope aisa hi ho Sid vo... hello... hello?.."
The line was disconnected and the network was lost once again. She held the phone by her heart and looked down at Armaan feeling vulnerable.
"Armaan please theek ho jao."
She felt a hand caressing her head and found the lady looking down at her with a smile;
"Ise kuch nahi hoga, main jaanti hu uski haalat bohot buri hai lekin beta doctori jab kaam nahi aati na tab us bhagwaan par bharosa karna chahiye. Tu jab tak iske paas hai ise kuch nahi hoga."
"Jee?"
"Main tum dono ko jaanti toh nahi, lekin beta teri aankhon mein iske liye jo fikar, jo dua hai hai vo bhagwan unsuni nahi karega. Iske liye tera pyaar saaf jhalakta hai teri aankhon mein aur kisi bhi marz ki pyaar se badi dawa aur kuch nahi ho sakti."
Riddhima froze at her words and tried to explain;
"Nahi ... Nahi aunty main----"
"Haan jaanti hu, shayad tum dono ka koi jhagda hua hai, main samajh gayi thi uski baaton se jab vo tumhe ilaaj nahi karne de raha tha. Par pyaar toh maut ko bhi hara deta hai, aur fir aise haalat mein bhi vo tujhe itni dur uthakar le aaya, apne ghav ki fikar bhi nahi ki usne. Tum dono mein jo bhi anban hai use bhul jao, meri budhi aankhein dhoka nahi kha sakti. Zindagi toh humesha hi imtehaan leti hai bacche, par sayana vo hota hai jo waqt rehte sab shikayatein mitakar mohobbat ko jeetne de. Kyunki agar mohobbat haar gayi na beta toh insaan haar jata hai, aur fir aisi zindagi ka koi matlab nahi rehta. Tum fikar mat karo... Dekho mere paas ye lep pada hai, tum iske haath mein laga do, aur kuch kadha bhi bana leti hu main usse ise aaram mil jaayega. Aur tu bas apne pyaar par vishwaas rakh, mujhe poora yakeen hai ki tera pyaar ise jaroor theek kar dega."
Tears ran down her cheeks, she sat numbed as her mind registered the old lady's words. She wanted to retort, tell her that she was married to someone else but her tongue was as if glued, it could not move, she was incapable of speaking anymore. She looked down at the bowl of liniment and blankly started applying it on his wound. Those words for some reason had affected her deep. It was almost dawn and she had just been silently observing him. Once or twice he had stirred a bit and was a little responsive when she had given him some kadha. But there was still no prominent progress. The words kept ringing in hers ears, for some reason she was too disturbed. After that mini conversation checking on Armaan once again, the old lady had dozed off on the nearby couch while Riddhima just sat still. Suddenly her trance broke as his body jerked, if the silence until now was disturbing her; his sudden groan worsened it furthermore. She quickly ran to him and held his hand but he had stopped reacting. He was breathing hard and she could see he was having difficulty to inhale. The commotion broke the lady's sleep too, Riddhima rubbed his feet when he started coughing hard. Riddhima sensed his body had turned cold but it was abnormally cold. The temperature had definitely come down but his cold skin was of no relief. He opened his eyes for a minute looked at her and it looked as if he was trying to say something but suddenly he stopped, his eyes shut slowly, his heaving chest too stilled and he turned motionless.
"Armaan?... Ar... Armaan?"
She held his hand up to check his pulse and her heart sunk deep, her hands numbed, seeing her pale face the lady enquired;
"Kya hua beta... ye theek hai na?"
"Mu...jhe pulse nahi ... mil rahi."
Her hands trembled but she moved ahead and placed her ear against his chest and after nearly a few seconds she could hear his heart beating at a slow pace;
"Iski dhadkan bo... bohot dheemi... Bp... bp low ho gaya hai. Namak... namak aur paani chahiye Aunty... abhii... "
They did the needful but he did not react. His dropping heartbeats scared her to no limits. She cupped his face and tried to talk to him as she saw he made an attempt to open his eyes but was unable to;
"Armaan dekho ab uth jao, bohot hua... "
She rubbed his chest and palms to warm him a bit as he was still cold;
"Please kuch bolo... tumhe kuch nahi ho sakta, khudko bada superman kehte ho humesha, ab kya hua tumhe?..."
Her tears were unstoppable for the moment, his deteriorating health made her go blank. She just had no clue what to do, but she wanted him back and fit as a fiddle; she did not know how but she could not let anything take him away. There was some commotion and the lady had walked out but Riddhima seemed unaware of everything. She kept staring at him to catch even slightest of reaction from him but that never happened when his words rang in her ears;
"Main maut se ladke vapas aaya hu Riddhima... Sirf tumhari vajah se. Tumhara pyaar mujhe vapas le aaya."
That was exactly what the old lady had suggested her, she who did not even know them much had asked her to trust her love. Every other thought, every other person disappeared and all she could see was a lifeless Armaan fighting for his life and she had to be strong, because it was now or never. She held his hand still rubbing his palm and said with a determined voice;
"Tumne mujhse kaha tha Armaan... mere pyaar ne tumhe himmat di thi, mere paas vapas laut aane ki... Theek hone ki. Toh aaj kya hua? Tum aise mere pyaar ko haarne nahi de sakte. Jis tarah tumhe lagta hai ki Riddhima par sirf Armaan ka haq hai, usi tarah Armaan ki is zindagi par sirf Riddhima ka haq hai, tumhara bhi nahi!... bhul gaye tum? Tum aise mujhe akela nahi chod sakte. Tumhe ladna hoga... mere liye. Tumne mujhse vaada kiya tha humesha mera saath deneka, use todne ka koi haq nahi hai tumhe."
Holding his hand she placed it against her heart;
"Tumhe aankhein kholni padengi Armaan kyunki abhi tak mera dil dhadak raha hai. Jab tak meri saansein chal rahi hai tumhe jeena hoga. Tumhe maine ijjajat nahi di hai apni zindagi ka ye faisla lene ki, is liye tumhe meri baat maanni padegi. Sun rahe ho na tum... Armaan?"
She cried helplessly with her every pore praying for him to come back;
Pleaseee... Please please Armaan, mere saath aisa mat karna, please! Armaan!! Agar tumne kabhi bhi mujhse saccha pyaar kiya hai toh aaj tumhe uthna hoga, apne pyaar ke liye... mere liye!"
He was still cold and quiet and she had lost all her hopes, she bowed down completely defeated, numb with hot tears running down her cheeks and sensed the morning rays hit her face when suddenly his hand slightly moved in her hold. She looked up and saw him stir;
"Armaan?"
"Basket..."
With that he opened his eyes slowly and started taking slow and deep breath. She found her own breath that was caught seeing him fighting for his life. He seemed a bit drowsy but was completely conscious now. Touching his forehead she gauged his temperature which now seemed normal she sighed and before he could say anything she walked away to the window taking in some fresh air while she let her tears free. With a hand against her mouth she successfully stiffled her sobs since she clearly did not want him to see her break down. She heard some hustle bustle behind and turned around clearing her tears. The ambulance had arrived and the staff carefully laid him on the stretcher taking him away. She walked behind them staring at Armaan silently. Still dizzy and tired he frowned unable to figure out anything but having a look at Riddhima, he just stayed calm. Even after the ambulance moved out of her sight she stood still trying to absorb the worst night of her life. Lost in her thoughts she never noticed Sid who had walked to her side, she only noticed him when he called her out.
"Sid?"
"Tum theek ho?"
"Haan par vo Armaan-----"
The old lady interrupted them patting Riddhima's head and smiled at Siddhant;
"Maine kaha tha na sab theek ho jayega. Acha hua beta tu ambulance bhi le aaya."
Riddhima thanked the lady whole heartedly while she blessed her happily. But Riddhima kept the conversation short as she did not want her to say anything in front of Sid as she still thought of Armaan and her as a couple. All the way back home the whole night kept flashing in front of her. The minute she reached home she straight away walked to her room telling him she was tired and needed some rest, but she could not get a wink of sleep.
------------
Armaan was diagnosed with acute pneumonia while Dr.Keerti personally took over the case seeing his condition. Two days passed by, he stabilized but Riddhima never visited him. She glanced once or twice, discussed his status with Dr.Keerti but did not check on him even once. Armaan was supposed to be there for another week or two and however he wanted to run away he couldn't as hitler was herself the incharge. He had obviously noticed Riddhima's absence while everyone would come whenever free, talk to him, make him feel better but she never came and he stopped hoping she would! Somewhere he had an idea why she did not care to visit, he knew the exact true reason but he let it be under covers deep inside his heart.
Riddhima followed her routine like nothing ever happened, but was utterly disturbed. She could hardly focus on anything, but nonetheless she was right there following her duties, checking on her patients, treating people with a smile on her face. Of course Armaan was hospitalized, but he would recover soon, after all he had all his friends by his side, absence of just one wouldn't really matter.
Even with the regular duty times she returned home totally exhausted. She found Sid already sitting on the couch, his joined hands pressed against his lips, he sat staring in space. She had noticed he was lost but she just walked away to freshen up. When she returned and started setting the table he called her;
"Riddhima mujhe kuch baat karni hai."
"Sid please abhi main bohot thak chuki hu, hum kal baat kare?"
"Nahi... vaise hi bohot der ho chuki hai, ab aur delay theek nahi."
"Kya matlab?"
"Vo chodo... tum mujhe batao, tum ek baar bhi Armaan se milne nahi gayi? Tum jaanti ho pneumonia ki vajah se vo-----"
"Haan... umm... vo mujhe time hi nahi mila."
"Riddhima tumhari duty usi floor pe thi aaj!"
"Haan vo..."
"Tum do din pehle use kuch ho na jaaye ye sochke itna ro rahi thi, aura b keh rahi ho ki ek baar usse milne ka waqt bhi nahi tumhare paas?... tum kal jaake usse mil lo. I think I have known it all throughout par decision lene mein thodi der ho gayi, but here it is."
He held out some papers and she looked up at him completely puzzled.
"Kya keh rahe ho tum... Aur ye kya hai?"
"Divorce papers hai, maine sign kar diye hai tum bhi kar do."
The glass she was filling dropped down and shattered into pieces while she froze. He stood silently, waiting for her to take in the little revelation that he had just made. After a minute of utter silence she opened the papers, stared at his signature and a lone tear dropped down her eye. She looked up at him totally confused, numerous questions rising in her moist eyes which he definitely knew so he settled down in front of her;
"I know tum soch rahi ho aise achanak maine ye faisla kyu liya, par Riddhima tum bhi jaanti ho ki is shaadi ka koi matlab nahi hai. Tumne poori koshish ki hai is rishte ko nibhane ki main jaanta hu, lekin Riddhima hum kabhi is rishte ko kamiyaab nahi bana paayenge, kyunki tum meri kabhi nahi ho sakogi."
"Sid... ye, tumne itna bada faisla aise hi le liya, sign bhi kar diya aur... Aakhir iski vajah kya hai? Aise kya ho gaya jo-----"
"Kyunki der se hi sahi... main jaan chuka hu ki tum aaj bhi Armaan se pyaar karti ho."
"Kya? Ye kya bol rahe ho? Sid vo mera kal jaroor tha lekin... Just because maine uski madat ki, uski vo haalat dekh kar ro padi tumhe lagta hai ki main aaj bhi-----"
"Maine us din tumhari sari baatein sun li thi Riddhima. Armaan ko us haalat mein dekhke jo kuch bhi itne waqt se tum khudse bhi nahi accept kar rahi thi, vo us din tumne keh diya... Aur maine vo sab sun liya tha Riddhima."
She shut her eyes tight and cleared her tears looking away;
"Main us waqt bas... dar gayi thi bohot. Main nahi jaanti maine kya kaha... Par job hi kaha sirf use us haalat mein de----"
Sid smiled at her making her look up at surprised;
"Please Riddhima... kam se kam ab tum aisa kehke apne pyaar kit oh insult mat karo."
"Aisa nahi hai Sid tum galat samajh rahe ho."
"Nahi Riddhima, aur please kam se kam ab toh khudse jhut bolna band kardo. Main samjhta hu tum sacche dil se ye shaadi nibhane ki poori koshish kar rahi thi. Lekin tum kitni bhi koshish kar lo aisa nahi ho sakta. Dekho main naaraz nahi hu tumse, maine bas sach ko accept kar liya hai. I know tum dari hui thi, lekin tumne jo kuch bhi us waqt kaha uska hare k lafz tumhare dil se nikla tha. Aur main ye is liye keh sakta hu Riddhima, kyunki us waqt na sirf Armaan tumhari baatein sunke hosh mein aaya... par uske saath mujhe bhi hosh aaya tha. Us waqt pehli baar main tumhari aankheein padh paaya, aur un mein mujhe pyaar ke alawa aur koi ehsaas nahi dikha. Lekin sirf Armaan ke liye tumhare pyaar ko dekhkar maine ye faisla nahi liya."
Her frown only deepened at his words when he held her hand;
"Us ek pal mein mujhe ye ehsaas hua Riddhima ki maine kabhi tumhari aankhon mein apne liye vo ehsaas nahi dekha. Vo sukoon jo uski aankhein khulne par tumhe mila, vo maine aaj se pehle kabhi tumhare chehra par nahi paaya. Riddhima aaj nahi toh kal ye rishta tutega aur jaroor tutega, is liye nahi hi ki tum kisi aur se pyaar karti ho is liye kyunki tum mujhse pyaar nahi karti. Tum mujhse kabhi pyaar nahi kar sakogi, kyunki ye dil se hota hai, ise tum humare shaadi ki tarah ek samjhote jaise nahi nibha sakti. Trust me mujhe tumse koi shikayat nahi hai. Main humara rishta ek ache note pe khatam karna chahta hu, you can take your time... par inpe sign jaroor kar dena kyunki ye mera aakhri faisla hai."
--------------
PART 2 coming soon (in a few days) 😉
NOTE: I know it's not many days since I have updated the OS, but I am not really happy about the response I get for the overall OS gallery. I have been noticing that I send around 150 PMs and barely ppl respond. SO this is going to be my last OS on the thread/ any thread if this is going to be the statistics. I might as well just PM who I know really wish to read it, it will make life easier for me. So guys it's upto you, no jabardasti, but if you wish that I post anything anymore please respond. And by response I dont mean just for this update, but for any OS that I post in futur(if I do). I will even appreciate positive critisicm, but if you r not reading them just let me know so I don't PM the OS updates hereafter to the one's not interested. No offense, but it's disappointing when I make sure I send it to everyone but not even 50% revert back. SO yeah... that was all about it, the rest is your take. Thank you!😊
Edited by arima_mallik - 8 years ago
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