FF: Ek Paal... (MP) Prt15 pg28 8/15 - Page 15

Tere Bin

Tere bin, main yoon

Kaise jiya, kaise jiya

Tere bin.

Lekar yaadein teri,

Raatein meri kaati.

Mujhse baatein teri,

Karti hai, chandni.

Tanha hai, tujh bin, raatein meri.

Din mere, din ke jaise nahin.

Tanha badan,

Tahna hai run,

Nam meri akheen rahe.

Aaja mere aab rubaru,

Jeena nahin bin tere.

Tere bin, main yoon

Kaise jiya, kaise jiya

Tere bin.

Kabse akheen meri,

Raah mein tere bichi.

Bhulse hi kahin,

Tu mil jaye kabhi.

Bhule naa mujhse baatein teri,

Bheegi hai, har paal akheen meri.

Kyun saas loon,

Kyun main jeeyoon,

Jeena bura sa lage.

Kyun hogaya, tu bewaafa,

Mujhko batade vaje.

Tere bin, main yoon

Kaise jiya, kaise jiya

Tere bin.

Valley Presbyterian Hospital – 9:00pm

Milind was sitting in the waiting room that was just outside the emergency unit at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys; it was only a few minutes form Prachi's house. The drive from Prachi's house to the hospital was only a few minutes but even that time felt like it stretched on too long. Milind had been lucky enough to follow directly behind the ambulance so he got there exactly when they did. It took them all of a minute and a half to get from her house to the hospital because the ambulance had its sirens on. He knew that if had to drive like all the other drivers at that point, then he could have gone mad for sure; having to stop at the red lights, and stop signs, he would have gone insane.

As Milind looked around the waiting room he saw only one other man in there with him; that man however was sleeping on one of the couches. Sleep was the farthest thing form his mind, but Milind was exhausted; he decided to lean back and just rest his eyes for a minute. As soon as he closed his eyes the scene from Prachi's apartment flashed before his eyes. It was like he reliving that incident all over again; he could see her on that stretched, blood dried on the lips, the smell of rose scented potpourri filled the room, the sound of the sirens outside the building, Nancy's cries, the voices and commands of the EMT's and firefighters. He remembered that many of the tenants in the apartment building were standing outside, watching all the drama unfold. Milind wanted badly to go with Prachi in the ambulance, but they only let one person go with the patient, and that person was Nancy, she was in no condition to drive herself anywhere.

Milind's mind kept traveling to Prachi and how she was doing. The doctors refused to give them any information due to doctor-patient confidentiality and also due to the fact that neither Milind nor Nancy were blood relatives of Prachi. In situations like this, when the patient can't make decisions for themselves, the doctors wait for family to arrive. Nancy had been trying to get a hold of Prachi's sister to see how far she was from getting here. Prachi's sister was a student at Arizona State University, the drive alone was over 5 hours. Apparently she had tried to get a flight out here but the soonest one she could book was for tomorrow, and that was just too long, so she was driving.

If anything happened to her, he would just die; he knew he would. He had spent years apart from her; the only thing that kept him whole was knowing that she was off happy somewhere with someone. Sadly, when he found out the true reality of her life, it almost killed him. The only thing keeping him form not taking her into his arms and going away with her, was the simple fact that she had asked him to stay away; Prachi had asked something of him for the first time, and he was going to give her what she wanted. As hard as it was for him to stay away from her, he would do it; but he would do it only after he was absolutely certain that she was okay.

Milind's thoughts were broken when he felt the seat on the couch next to him sink in. Opening his eyes he saw Nancy sitting there, her elbows on her knees and her face in her hands.

"Any news on her sister?" Milind asked hopefully.

"No, nothing. She is probably traveling through some areas that don't get cell service. I just hope she gets here soon."

"Me too," Milind said, "any news on Neev?"

"No, nothing on him either. I just talked to my brother; LAPD and LVPD have no idea where he may have disappeared to."

Milind felt his anger rise just at the thought of that scumbag getting close to Prachi again, "I'll kill him if I ever see him."

Nancy didn't say anything, because there was nothing to say, all she did was put hand on his shoulder in support.

-------------------------

Valley Presbyterian Hospital – 1:10am

Hours had passed and still Nancy and Milind were sitting awake. Coffee cups could be seen littered all across the table because they had gone through so many. Still the doctors refused to give them any word on Prachi's condition and Milind was working on his last nerve. Looking at the clock overhead he saw that just a little past 1am. He needed to stretch to legs so he got up and walked across the room to the large windows that gave a view of the busy street in front of them. Suddenly, there was noise in the once silent room.

"Nancy? Nancy?" yelled some one.

Milind turned to see a girl not more than 21 come running into the waiting room. She was dressed in a pair of flats, jeans and an ASU sweatshirt. Her hair was tied back into a ponytail, a pair of black rimmed glasses resting on her face and no make up. The look on her face, that of distress, worry, confusion and anger, told Milind that she was none other than Prachi's sister.

"Somya? Oh thank God!" Nancy exclaimed, as she got up and hugged the girl.

"Where is Di? How is she doing?" the girl said franticly.

"We don't know anything, the doctors refused to let us know anything with out her family being here."

"What?! Why would they do that?" she screamed, but then spoke before Nancy could give an answer, "You know what I don't care, take me to her, I have to see her."

Nancy led Somya out of the waiting room towards the ER unit. Milind finally was able to settle with some ease, at least now they would be getting some answers about what was going on with Prachi. Milind's ease vanished a minute later when Somya and Nancy came back.

"What happened? Why are you back so soon?" Milind asked as he strode over to where the two women were standing.

"They are transferring her to ICU now, and the doctor is busy with another case."

"Who the hell cares how busy he is, we needed answers hours ago, they cannot expect us to wait longer!" Milind roared.

"The nurse told us that Prachi was stable at the moment, and that as soon as she was settled in the ICU unit she would send the doctor over."

"I'm sorry," Somya broke in, "who are you?" she asked.

"Oh, sorry, Somya this is Mr. Milind Mishra and Milind this is…"

Nancy didn't get a chance to finish her sentence as Milind intervened, "This is her sister, Somya."

Milind watched as the girl hesitantly took his extended hand. She looked him up and down almost accessing him; he could tell that she was trying to place him.

"I'm sorry but I don't recognize you."

"I don't expect you to."

"Excuse me, but if you like I can show you to the ICU now." It was the voice of a nurse who had come into the waiting room looking for them.

The nurse took the three of them up to the ICU which was on the 5^th floor. Before anything else, they went in search for the doctor to get an update on Prachi's condition. They saw two doctors talking outside of Prachi's room, when they approached them Nancy was shocked to see a familiar face.

"Dr. Davis, What are you doing here?" Nancy didn't know what to make of the fact that her and Prachi's OB/GYN was there.

"Oh, Nancy. Hello." The doctor said, then turning to Somya she said, "You must be the sister? You both have similar features."

"Yes, I'm Somya. How is my sister doing? And please, before you ask, you are welcome to disclose her information in front of these two."

Nancy jumped in before the doctor could say anything, "I didn't know that you worked at this hospital." Nancy was still confused as to why Dr. Davis was there.

"Oh, I don't really. I just have some of my patients come here for their deliveries. I was just on my way out when they brought in Prachi."

"Oh, so you were just checking on her?"

"No, actually, I was consulting on her case."

Now Nancy was confused, "Why would you be consulting on Prachi's case, I mean why would she need an OB/GYN right now?"

"I know that you and Prachi are very close Nancy, but I don't know if she had time to tell you, she came to see me today."

"Prachi didn't mention that she had an appointment today with you."

"She didn't, she was a walk in. You see the thing is that…well…Prachi came in for a pregnancy test."

"What?" said the three of them. They were all shocked beyond belief; Prachi and pregnancy test.

"What are you trying to say Dr. Davis?" Somya broke in.

"Her test results were positive."

There was a running silence that fell across the room, they were all speechless. What were the supposed to day? What could they say in a situation like this?

Finally, it was Somya who broke the silence. "Di is pregnant? Oh my God."

"Uh, I'm extremely sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but…her pregnancy was still in its early stages and her body couldn't take the stress and pressure that was put on it due to this incident, so," there was a stretched silence of a few seconds as the doctor gathered up some courage to continue, "I'm sorry, but she lost the baby."

Nancy and Somya both gasped and held each other for support; there was just too much going on, too much information was given in such a short amount of time. First they hear that Prachi went for a pregnancy test that turned out positive, but then they hear that she lost the baby. How were they going to tell Prachi that?

Milind felt like his world shook on its foundation, it was like everything was crumbling and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Prachi was pregnant and just like that she was not; how could that be? Everything was happening because of that ass of a husband she had; if Milind so much as saw his shadow, he would kill Neev with his bare hands. Milind's thoughts were interrupted by Nancy.

"Other than…the miscarriage, how is Prachi doing?" Nancy asked, her voice barely audible.

"This is Dr. Thomas; he will fill you in on her condition. I have another delivery scheduled, but please feel free to contact me if you have any questions." With that Dr. Davis took her leave.

With all eyes now on Dr. Thomas, he began to update them on Prachi's condition. According to him, she had two broken ribs, a sprained left ankle, and of course the cuts and bruises all over her body. Dr. Thomas told them that she was given a sedative to sleep and that she would be out the entire night, but they were welcome to wait.

The policy was that only two visitors at a time were allowed in the room, so Milind had sent in Nancy and Somya; he wanted to see her, but he knew that she needed her sister and her best friend. I killed him to not be able to be there for her but he had to do what was best for Prachi, no matter now much it tore him up inside. Milind was pacing back and forth, in the small waiting room they had right outside of the ICU. Suddenly, a drunker voice broke the silence.

"Where is my darling wife? Some one take me to her."

When Milind looked up he saw that it was none other than Neev and his blood began to boil. Milind's hands automatically formed into fists and he was holding Neev by his collar in no time.

"You son-of-a-bitch! What did you do to her?!" Milind roared.

Before Neev could even react, his face came into contact with Milind's left hook. After that, there was no stopping Milind. Neev felt the wrath of a Milind's broken and hurt heart in the form of kicks, punches and curses. All the commotion that they caused drew out nurses, doctors, as well as Nancy and Somya.

"I won't spare you today! I'll kill you with my bare hands!" Milind yelled once more.

It took two doctors to hold Milind and another one to pull Neev free from Milind's clutches. When they were finally parted Neev was bleeding and already turning black and blue.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Somya asked, "Haven't you done enough already?"

"Well, well, if it isn't my sister-in-law, not going to say 'Hi' to your Jiju?"

"The biggest mistake of Di's life was the day she married you! She should have left you at the alter like I told her to!"

Nancy couldn't take any more, "Why did you have to hurt her? What did she ever do to you?"

"I'm sorry but I'm going to ask you to leave sir." The voice came from somewhere in the back, as the group turned and faced two security guards that were called.

"Why should I leave?" Neev asked, "After all, I and the husband."

The guards then turned to Milind and asked him to leave. Milind was about to answer when Somya intervened.

"No, you should leave," she said looking at Neev, then she turned to the security guards, "This man physically abused my sister, I don't want him anywhere near her. My sister can't make decisions for herself now so I will do it for her."

Neev was escorted out by the guards, but he did not go peacefully, he fought with them all the way to the elevator, his slurs and curses could be heard up and down the hall.

"You know Neev Somya, he won't stay away. I think we need to get a restraining order against him." Nancy said, "They took him away now but legally he has the right to see his wife."

"I think you are right. I have to go get it since I'm next of kin."

"You are in no condition to drive, I'll take you," Nancy offered.

Milind finally spoke, "Neither of you are fit to drive. You stay with Prachi and I will take Somya to the Van Nuys police station; if you don't mind that is."

Somya looked from Milind to Nancy in search of an answer. Nancy gave Somya a look of approval telling her it was okay to go with Milind. As Milind and Somya headed toward the elevator, Milind missed another knowing glance that was exchanged between Nancy and Somya.

-------------------------

Valley Presbyterian Hospital – 4:00am

The drive to the police station was quite; neither Milind nor Somya said anything. Milind noticed that despite the warm weather, and her sweatshirt, Somya was shivering; he quietly turned on the heater. Once they got to the police station they directly filed the restraining order against Neev. They had to pay a certain amount of money and Somya became frantic when she realized that she had left her purse in Prachi's room. Milind put a reassuring hand on her shoulder, and then quickly took out his wallet to pay the clerk. It took a while because they had to find a judge that was going to sign the order.

Once that was done, they had come back to the hospital.

"Why don't you go up, I'll get some coffee for Nancy and you," Milind suggested.

"Umm…why don't I help you."

Milind didn't reject Somya's offer, so they both went towards the vending machine. As they waited for the cups to fill, Somya looked Milind up and down again, as if assessing him.

"You're him."

"Excuse me? I'm who?" Milind asked, confused.

"Him, you are 'him'; the man my sister fell madly in love with after only one chance encounter, you are Mr. Pier." Somya's eyes told Milind that she knew exactly what had happened between him and Prachi four years ago. He didn't have to do or say anything to confirm her suspicions, because in her heart, Somya already knew the answer.

"How…how did you know?" Milind asked, curious about the answer.

"The way you attacked Neev, the way you paced over and over in the waiting room, they way you didn't complain when me and Nancy went to see Di, and the look in your eyes when the doctor has said that Di had lost the baby. No one reacts that way unless you love the person with every fiber of your being. It's good to see that Di's love wasn't one sided."

Somya took her cup of coffee and headed towards the elevator, but the stopped and turned to Milind, "Help her, take her away from here. My Di deserves every happiness the world has to offer; she deserves to be loved and cherished, and I know…you are the only one who can truly give her those things."

-------------------------

Valley Presbyterian Hospital – 7:00am

It had been one hell of a night for Nancy, Somya and Milind; they were all exhausted, hungry and worried. They had all taken turns sitting with Prachi in the ICU; Milind was truly grateful that Nancy and Somya gave him time with Prachi alone. He would just sit there and stroke her head, hold her hand, talk to her, telling her that she had to come back, he knew she could hear him. It was past 7 o'clock in the morning when a frantic but happy Somya ran into the waiting room, "Di's awake, Di's awake!" she yelled.

Milind quickly shot to his feet and raced towards Prachi's room. He stopped outside the door remembering Prachi's words for him to stay away. He tried to get a glimpse of her form the door but she was surrounded by doctors and nurses. After what felt like hours, the doctors finally moved away and he saw her. His Pari lying on the bed; she looked pale, weak, and breakable. He watched her breath in and out steadily, he watched her give a faint smile to Nancy and Somya as they hugged her.

The next scene broke his heart. Prachi placed a hand on her stomach and seemed to be asking the girls about her baby. Both Somya and Nancy looked to each other not knowing what to say. Finally it was Somya who broke the news to Prachi that her baby was no more. She broke down, yelling and crying, refusing to accept that fact. Finally she collapsed into Nancy's arms, holding on to her as if her life depended on it. He saw Nancy whisper something into Prachi's ears, as she looked up towards him.

Milind felt tears stinging his own eyes, so he turned to leave, when he heard a faint voice calling his name, "Milind". Milind stopped in his tracks and turned around to see Prachi looking directly at him. Nancy and Somya quietly left so that the two of them could be alone.

Milind walked up next to the bed but remained silent. A few second later he looked up and into Prachi's eyes; eyes that quickly filled with tears. The second the tears over flowed, Milind had taken Prachi into his arms. He stocked her hair and whispered into her ears.

"He took my baby Milind, he killed my baby!"

Milind held her as she wept in his arms, his heart breaking more and more with each of her sobs. When her sobs died down, Milind pulled away and stood to leave.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Prachi watched Milind stand up, but he didn't get far; something in her made her grab his hand. When he turned to look at her, she spoke, "Help me Milind. Take me away from this pain, please."

She could see the relief and joy in Milind's eyes as he took her back into his arms.

"Anything for you Pari, anything."

Prachi held onto Milind and cried out four years worth of pain and misery. She knew that everything was going to be okay now, in his arms she felt safe, loved and wanted. There was nothing that would cause her pain, because she knew that Milind would die before he let her get hurt again. She knew that he was the man she had loved since she had met him; she knew he was her soul mate.

What Prachi didn't know, is why she hadn't let him in to help her before? She didn't understand why she didn't have faith in the precious relationship that they shared.

Tera Mera Rishta

Tera yakeen kyon
Maine kiya nahin,
Tujhse raha kyon juda.
Mujhepe yeh zindagi
Karti rahi sitam
Tune hi di hai panah.

Tera mera rishta purana.

Hai kya tadap
Hai yeh kaisi saza,
Tu kyun mujhe
Aaj yaad aagaya
Bechain din mere,
Bechain raath hai
Kya mein karoon kuch bata.

Yeh mere paau hi
Khud meri bediyaan
Usse tu mujhe chooda

Tera mera rishta purana.

Joh mujh mein hai
Sakas woh keh raha
Aah aab mein tu
Karz tera chuka
Aankhen hai nam meri
Saasein chubhan meri
Zakham hua phir hara
Dil ke virane mein
Mere phasane mein
Tuhi toh har dum raha

Tera Mera Rishta Purana