The Healing Touch
"Stop crying baby.. Diana wouldbe fine.." Rishabh Bajaj said trying to console his 4yr old daughter, Kukki.."No daddy.. she is in pain.. she would leave me alone just like mom did.." Kukki said crying nd brushing feathers of her lil duckling who laid quacking on the grass..
Rishabh looked helplessly at Marie, Kukki's care taker.. he was about to saysomething when Marie took hold of Kukki saying "Kukki Baby.. the doctor ison the way.. vo abhi aapki friend ko theek kar dengi.."
Displeased Rishabh saw a lady entering the garden with a bag.. she was wearing loose top nd denims.. He frowned at her.. "Hi.. I'm Dr.Prerna Sharma.." she said looking at Rishabh..she was awestruck looking into those big blue eyes while Rishabh just looked the other side.. Prerna checked the lil duck nd turned to Marie.. "did you change any of her food or did she eat any rubbish..? I think she has a bad stomatch problem.. I've injected her she might get relief in a few minutes.." Marie smiled nd put Kukki on ground..
Kukki just sat by the lil duckling nd hugged her by her neck.. "I was right to think of not allowing this lackluster noisy creature into my house..but you asked me to do that Marie.." Rishabh grunted looking at Diana..
Prerna's temper rose at his heartlessness.. "Mr.Bajaj..you better keep your selfish thoughts to yourself.. I'm a vet I know what these lil creatures feel.. your daughter seems better human than you are.." Prerna said nd turned to Marie "Please inform me if there is any problem.. though I don't expect any.."
"Thank you.." Prerna heard a feeble voice when she turned to go.. She turned around nd Kukki hugged her.. "You're welcome sweety.. take care of ur friend.." Prerna said lightly ruffling her hair with a smile.. Rishabh'sheart for once skipped a beat looking at that angelic smile nd brown eyes but he kept his behavior cold..
The Rishabh Bajaj, the hottest nd most talked about widower had his Heart shut
to all emotions now..
~~~~~~~~~~*00*~~~~~~~~~~
Prerna had to visit Bajaj's farmhouse frequently coz the duckling wasn't doing well.. Marie who knew Prerna well, used to call Prerna for help.. Prerna visits were pleasing Kukki aswell..everytime she would visit, she would just be with her nd learn new ways of taking care of Diana, the duckling..
Once Prerna was passing by so she dropped in to see Kukki.. She greeted Marie nd then Kukki.. "Dr.Prerna..Diana ko kuch hua hai..?" she asked looking at Marie nd Prerna as Prerna used to visit only when Diana was uneasy.. "No Kukki.. your friend is doing fine now.. I just came by to meet you.." Prerna said gladly..
"Sachi..?" Kukki asked excitedly.. "Aunt Marie main Kukki ko thodi der ke liye le jaun..? hum farm mein hi rahenge, I won't take her out.." Prerna said..
The day for the duo seemed like a blessing.. They played with Diana nd roamed about in the farm.. "chalo Kukki hum na vahan garden mein chalte hain.." Prerna held her hand nd they walked "Aapko kaise pata ki vahan Garden hai..?" Kukki asked.. "kyunki aapke pehle main yahan rehti thhi.."
"To kya aap issliye chali gayi kyunki aapki Mom aapko chodke chali gayi,God ke paas..?" She asked innocently implying that they shifted here coz of her mother's death.. "Nai.. main issliye gayi kyunki mere husband chale gaye God ke Paas.." She replied recollecting how beautiful moments she had spent with Anurag here.. He was also a Vet nd they both came here for relaxation..
"Aapko unki yaad naiaati..?" Kukki asked..
"Aati hai.. lekin ab main kuch nai kar sakti.." Prerna said..
"Pata hai main bohot royi thhi jab maine Mom ko bye bola thha.. lekin kisi ko batana nai.. kyunki strong bache rote nahi na.. aap royi thhi unhe bye bolte hue..?" Kukki asked with slight tears.. Prerna shook her head.. "main unke paas nai thhi tab.. unka accident hua thha.."
"Aap mujhe Diana ke saath baat karna sikhaugi Dr.Sharma.." Kukki asked suddenly changing the topic.. Prerna wondered but then realized she probably missed her mother too much nd was lonely that's why she is always with that duckling.. Prerna Felt her anger rising realizing how Rishabh seemed to have ignored the kid.. "The most talked about, Rishabh Bajaj.. huh..! how disgustingly self-centered this jerk is.." she thought while walking with Kukki..
On the otherhand later in the evening Rishabh arrived nd asked Marie about Kukki who was still not back.."How could you Marie.. That's my daughter.. with who's permission did she take my daughter with her.. nd its too late what if something happens or they forget their way.. it's a damn big farm.." Rishabh almost shouted.. "Rishabh relax.. she knows this place well.. At some point of time this farm belonged to her nd her husband.. they hired me as a caretaker here.. she will bring Kukki well.." Marie told Rishabh..
"Look there they are.." Maria said pointing to the back door from where Prerna entered with Kukki in her arms.. "What the hell.. what have you done to her.." Rishabh roared as he saw blood oozing out from Kukki's toe..
"Nothing Papa.. I stepped on a sharp stone by mistake.." Kukki said as Rishabh almost snatched her from Prerna.. "you better shup up Kukki.. I’m not talking to you.. come let me see your wound.." Rishabh placed her on the couch in the living room.. Rishabh undid the hanky Prerna had tied on her wound to stop it from bleeding.. "I'm taking her to hospital.. this seems a bad cut.." Rishabh said looking at Marie.. "No Papa.. I hate hospitals.." Kukki whined while Rishabh knew she hated them coz she had seen her mother struggling for her life there.. before she could start crying Prerna stepped in with her first aid box.. "Come on lil urchin.. let me do this for you.."
Rishabh stepped aside.. he saw How Prerna was communicating all the while she was checking the cut nd diverting her attention.. "Ohh.. its just a small cut.. I'll just dress it nd you need to be careful hmm.." Prerna dressed her wound nd was about to go when "Dr.Prerna we need to talk.."
Prerna nodded nd went out while Kukki shouted out happily "Bye Dr.Sharma.."
"See doc.. Its simple.. You're making my kind obsessed with that noisy creature Diana.. I want you to stop right here.. I can handle my daughter.. I don't want you around her.." He was just outside nd loud enough for Kukki to hear him.. "Mr. Bajaj I've heard a lot about you in town but let me tell you, You've not impressed me a single bit.. you think I've made ur daughter obsessed to Diana.. huh.. It's you Mr.Bajaj.. you're daughter needs someone to talk to nd play with.. she has all her grief buried inside her all because of you.. Stop running away from ur past Mr.Bajaj.." Prerna told him nd made him even more angry..
"Enough now.. Just get out of my house.." he yelled at her while she stomped off in anger aswell..
~~~~~~~~~~*00*~~~~~~~~~~
"You're mad at me Kiddo.."Rishabh asked sitting besides Kukki who was busy with her toys nd not even looking at Rishabh.. she had even declined the offer to play video game with Rishabh..Rishabh had this sinking feeling, he knew what was wrong..
Rishabh sat by her nd brushed her hair when she softly muttered"No.." he could hardly hear it.. "I think you are.. its okk kiddo.. we can talk about it.." Rishabh said trying to convince her.. she looked up at him with those beautiful blue eyes that broke his heart.. he knew it was not just anger.. his daughter has been deeply hurt.. "Is it about what I said to Dr.Prerna..?"
Kukki nodded..
"What wrong did I do.. you were hurt nd I was scared baby.." Rishabh asked dreading the answer.. "Aapne daanta unhe.. ab vo kabhi mujhse milnenai aayengi.." she said softly with her lower lip quivering.. Rishabh reached out to her nd held her.. "I was scared baby.. she took you nd I didn't know where you were nd then seeing ur blood, my mind went blank.."he confessed..
"No Daddy.. she is good.. humne games khele aur stories suni, cakes khaye aur jab mujhe lag gayi thhi to unhone mujhe chalne bhi nai diya.. vo mujhe uthakar yahan layi thhi.." she said in an upsetting tone..
"I'm sorry Kiddo.. I was rude to her.."
"mujhse nai Dr.Prerna se sorry bolo Daddy.." Kukki said as a matter of factly..
Seeing Rishabh nod with a small smile Kukki jumped to him nd hugged him..
"to main na abhi Marie Aunty se kehti hoon ki Dr.Prerna ko bole ki kal aap dono Ice Cream khane ja rahe ho.." she said in all excitement nd carefully ran to Marie.. While Rishabh smiled thinking of her antics nd suggesting an ice cream meeting..
Ice Cream Parlour
"Kukki thought you were rude..but important thing is what do you think Mr.Bajaj.." Prerna asked.. he nodded nd sighed "Firstly stop calling me Mr.Bajaj.. people call me that when they want to sell me something.."
"I'm not trying to sell you anything MR.BAJAJ.." Prerna said making a face..
"Secondly.. I'm Sorry.. Even I think I was rude to you.. I might buy you an Ice Cream on command but I only apologise when its heartfelt.." Rishabh said honestly..
"I was unfair to you yesterday.. nd its completely fair on your part to be mad at me.. Possibly I was even more mad at myself.. to be honest I was guilty to never take time nd be with Kukki nd Diana.. I've never taken her around the farm nd not made her cakes either.. nd I hadn't been there to console her when she was hurt.. I took it out on you.. I'm truly sorry.. will you forgive me..?"
"Yes.. all forgiven nd forgotten.." she said "You don't have tobuy an ice cream if you don't want to.."
"Oh No.. I have to do that bit or Kukki will go on a strike.." Rishabh smiled nd went to place the order..
As they finished their third IceCream Prerna realized that her ice cream never tasted better than this.."This was a good idea.. tell Kukki I like it when she takes charge of her father.." Prerna teased.. "No way.. The Kid got me undercontrol already abit too much.. there's no point encouraging the tyranny.." He said with a smile.. Prerna could help noticing for the firsttime, he had a breathtaking smile.. She wondered if he knew what effect that smile has on women..
specifically her..?
"Tell me something about ur business.."
"Well we import scarps nd then renew it into things for sale.. basically expensive metal or Old cars.."he said.. "You like moulding old nd worn out things into new nd useful ones.. well I wish you could do that for my patients aswell.." She didn't have to think too long to know that he threw himself into work because he was aman running scared.. he was scared of Loving, scared of loosing nd hurting again..
"Now you tell me.. what do you like nd hate about ur work..?" he asked..
"Well I do love animals.. Ilike relieving them of pains nd preventing it sometimes.." she said with happy eyes.. She saw something unexpected in those Blue eyes – Respect.."You have that special gift Dr.Prerna.." he said "You have that Healing touch.. what could be a better way to spend ur life as a healer - to man or the beast.."
Just as she was about to answer she was interrupted by a buzzing sound.. Shelooked at her mobile.. "This.." she held the her mobile.. "is what I don't enjoy being a vet.. I hardly have any meal without.." her voice trailed as she read the message she had received.. Rishabh looked at her face nd knew something was wrong.. He touched her hand that was on the table while she looked up to his concerned eyes.. "The cannine I had to visit in an hour is no more.." she whispered sadly..
They kept quiet for sometime, soon Prerna composed herself nd confessed
"In our profession, not all vet stories have happy endings.." she said.. "How do you deal with that sort of sadness on regular basis..?" Rishabh wondered..
"Its just a part of life Rishabh..we all have to die one day.."
He kept mum for a few seconds nd then whispered "I wasn't there when my wife died.." in a voice which Prerna could hardly hear but she did..She decided to keep mum nd let him speak "I left the hospital just 20minutes before.."
"Its okk.. If you'd known you would have stayed.. your wife knew your heart.. I'm sure she understood.." Prerna said comforting him.. he nodded "Were you with ur husband when he.." She shook her head.. "He had an accident nd died immideately.." she said.. "Does it feel strange that you couldn't say last words to him..?" he asked..
"yes.. it feels terribly strange sometimes.."
"How long does it take Dr.Prerna..to overcome this feeling.." he asked innocently.. "It depends on the person.. but for me, the Hurt began to fade when I let it go.." she said..
"What do you mean Doc.." he asked.. "Rishabh.. the grief never leaves you until you start to let go of the guilt.. you've piled on that feeling of guilt that you were not with ur wife when she left.. Let go of it Rishabh..live for what you have now.. Live for your Daughter who badly needs someone to tell her that she is needed.."
"Thank you Dr.Prerna.. I know whatever you said is true.. nd I'll try my best.." Rishabh said finally as he dropped Prerna to her car..
~~~~~~~~~~*00*~~~~~~~~~~
"How was it Daddy..?where did you take her..? what did you do..?" Kukki bombarded Rishabh with his questions.. "Easy kid.. let me sit atleast.." Rishabh said nd slumped onto the couch.. "Daddy.. did you shout at her again..?" Kukki said crossing her hands on her chest..
Rishabh shook his head in NO nd patted his knee asking Kukki to sit in his lap but Kukki didn't move.. "Aapne phir se daanta na Dr.Prerna ko..?" she asked with an-about-to-cry face.. Rishabh picked her up nd kissed her head.."I did not shout at your dear Dr.Prerna.. infact we had a gr8 time.. I didn't even chew my nails, scratched my armpits or dig my nose in front of her.." Rishabh said abit chuckling at Kukki's glowing face.. "nd burping..?" Kukki asked frowning.. Rishabh giggled nd shook his head saying NO..
"Thank you daddy.. now tell me.. did you kiss her..?" Kukki asked..
"Kukki Rishabh Bajaj mind your words.. I'm a gentleman.. I don't seek opportunities to kiss any random lady.."
"Daddy cross your heart nd say you kissed her or not..?" Kukki said
"Kukki you've been watching alot of movies.. I did not kiss her.. cross my heart.."
"okay.. Daddy can I ask you something..? but you have to honest.."
Rishabh nodded while Kukki stood on his knees nd cupped his face.. "You didn't kiss her na..?"
"Kukki.. I Did Not kiss Dr.Prerna.." Rishabh said in a different tone..
Kukki came closer till his nose was touching Rishabh's nd asked "Did you want to kiss her..?"
"Did he wanted to..?"
Hell.. Yes, Prerna was all he could think of while sitting in his office for a few days now, pretending to read a file while anything on his Mind was Dr.Prerna..
~~~~~~~~~~*00*~~~~~~~~~~
A day before Kukki's birthday.. Rishabh was going to the office just to check something even though it was a holiday..He was about to go, when he heard loud nd distinct whimpering.. It was raining badly since night nd the sound was coming from garage.. He walked to the garage nd looked for the source when he found A small black pup rolled into a ball in a corner.. It almost wailed with fright when Rishabh picked it up.. "easy bruiser.. wheres ur mum nd other siblings.." Rishabh observed it was very small to be alone.. not even his eyes were open as yet.. Rishabh quickly hid him in his jacket for some warmth..
"Rishabh.?" Prerna looked at his sudden appearance that to on a holiday.. "Umm.. I'm sorry .. I should have called before dropping by..but it was urgent.." he added.. Prerna clutched her robe as she suddenly felt n*ked under his gaze.. "Umm.. come in please.." Prerna invited him in when she heard that sound.. "hey that's a puppy or kitten..?" she said..
"Bullseye doc.. I found this pup in my garage, seems in a bad condition he was cold so I pulled him into my jacket.." Rishabh opened his jacket nd took out the lil bruiser.. "Oh my.. he is famished.." Prerna quickly took him into a towel nd dried him.. she brought him a miniature bottle of milk which it literally attacked on..
"So.. I think my work is done.. I should go.." Rishabh said getting up..
"Hey are you by any chance thinking that I'm keeping this pup..? come on you found him so take care of him na.." Prerna said..
"But I can't.. If I take him home Kukki would claim him right away.. This pup looks very delicate right now.. I wonder if it would survive.. I don't want to see Kukki hurt.." Rishabh said.. "Rishabh.. let Kukki have him..this would be the best gift Kukki would get on her birthday.. the pup would be fine I'm sure.. he just needs some extra care that's it.." Prerna explained..
"I'll not keep him in my house that final Dr.Prerna.. if you don't want to keep him then I'll think of something else.." Rishabh took the pup nd went off..
In the Afternoon
Kukki was off to her mid day sleep while Rishabh was asleep in his room aswell.. he felt soft wet nose, sniffing at his ankle.. the tiny lump under the blanket slowly moved upto his pajama leg to his knee.. "Don't tell me you're hungry again bruiser.. I just fed you 2 hours ago.. even Kukki was not this much of trouble when she came home, newly born.."
Rishabh took the bottle again nd popped it into pup's mouth.. he was startled by a knock on the door.. he quickly covered the pup nd the bottle while Kukki ran inside.. "Daddy can I talk to you.."
"Sure kiddo.. come on sit.."
"aap kya kar rahe ho..?" Kukki asked, his voice still abit drowsy..
"nothing.. umm.. why..?"he fumbled..
"aap kuch chupa rahe ho daddy..?" Kukki caught that look..
The puppy, unhappy having his lunch interrupted let out a loud squeak.. Kukki was alert.. "What was that daddy..?"
"what..?"
"that noise..?"
"Nothing kid.. I coughed okay..? it came out wrong.."
"No daddy.. It wasn't you.. its has to be something cute nd small.." she got down nd started searching when finally the pup made another sound nd Kukki got it..
"Daddy.. is this my gift..thank you daddy.. its very sweet nd best gift.." Kukki said excitedly holding the pup.. Rishabh took it nd fed him.. "Kukki.. we're not keeping this pup.. I happened to find it in garage.. we can't keep it.." Rishabh warned Kukki but he was adamant..
"you don't love me daddy.. I loved this gift but you're taking it away..it could be my friend to play with me nd Diana.." Kukki said while two fat tears made their way down her cheeks.. Rishabh felt guilty of hurting his baby..its was last thing he ever wanted.. he caught hold of Kukki as she turned to leave.. "We can keep it.. but only if you promise not to forget taking care of yourself with it.."
"Thank You Daddy.. I love You.. this is my family.. Kukki, Daddy, Diana nd puppy.." Kukki said caressing the pup.. "Thats bruiser, kiddo.."
~~~~~~~~~~*00*~~~~~~~~~~
Same evening..
"Prerna.. come here its urgent.." Rishabh sounded serious on the call.. Prerna was surprised to see the sudden disappearance of 'Dr.' from her name..
She quickly reached Bajaj farm nd found the puppy lying on the couch with Kukkicrying.. "Dr.Prerna.. bruiser is not moving.. he is my Birthday gift.." she said in between her sobs.. Prerna cleared Kukki's tears nd checked the pup..
"That was the only reason I didn't wanted this puppy.." Rishabh said in frustration as Kukki fell asleep on the couch near to the pup.. "Rishabh calm down.. just tell me by any chance did the puppy had something sweet..?"
"I don't know.. Kukki was playing with him nd he was having jam toast aswell.." Rishabh said in a worried tone looking at Kukki.. "ussi ka effect hua hai.. maine medicine inject kar di hai.. bas thodi der mein he'll be fine if he wakes up for milk.." Prerna said..
All of them sat around in the lounge.. Prerna kept stroking the lil pup.. she looked at the time it was just a few minuted for Kukki's birthday to start..she passed a look at Kukki nd Whispered "Plz God.. the kid has already gone through so much.. Please its her Birthday.. not on her birthday please.." Rishabh could hardly hear what she had been mumbling but he could make out she was praying.. She kissed the puppy nd blew into his ear while surprisingly he stirred nd whined..
Rishabh nd Prerna both had a wide smile seeing him fine.. She pulled him closer into the warmth nd gave him the milk bottle.. After sometime when Prerna kept the wrapped up pup on the couch near Kukki, Rishabh caught her hand..
Without a word he took her to the balcony nd held her by shoulder.. he pulled her to himself.. for a long time they stayed like that.. he held her tightly nd buried his head in her hair, saying nothing.. slowly her arms went around him too.. After along time had she felt such warmth nd belonging.. she didn't knew how much she needed his support.. someone to say that she belongs to him..
Finally he released her while she was shocked to see the depth of emotions in his eyes.. it felt like mirror to what she was feeling.. He took her hand nd kissed it.. "Prerna.. you've done so much for us.. for me.. in the time I've known you.. you've taught me how important it is to reach out to others.."
He leaned towards her nd tenderly kissed her head.. "I want to reach out toyou Prerna.." he paused for a moment nd continued "If I do.. If I find courage to do so.. Will you be there..?" Hundred of replies rushed into her mind.. there she stood in front of a man she could easily Love.. or is already in love with..
"Rishabh.. I.." she finally gathered courage nd muttered what her Heart said
"I'm here Rishabh.." A second later she was pulled into his arms.. It was not a hug between friends; it was a lover's embrace.. He kissed her warm, soft nd gentle but it conveyed the deepest emotions that floated in his Heart at that moment..
His touch reminded her that she was still much of a woman.. he gave her lines of kisses while she didn't even think of resisting.. why would she when she felt it to be so Natural, so right..?
"What about Kukki.." she asked as they made their way inside..
"She's gonna figure out soon anyway.. she is too fond of you to object.. she loves you nd so do I.." he kissed her head as they settled in the lounge only..
