OS: Respect
Life was perfect. Dev was on cloud nine. Maa liked Sona and approved of her. Dev couldn't ask for anything else. Maa had openly shown how she had accepted Sona by feeding Dev and her Kheer. Dev felt blessed. He couldn't get any happier.
That morning Maa wanted to go shopping and Dev agreed. Dev was in the living room waiting for Ishwari, while she was getting ready. Sona was instructing Bhola about lunch.
Sona quickly stepped out " Aap lunch time tak aa jayengi ki mein Maa ke liye kuch pack karoon"
Dev " Haan, Haan meri lunch ke baad meeting hai, mujhe wahan jaana jaroori hai. Mein maa ko drop karke wahin chala jaaunga."
" Aapka lunch, karke jaaenge na!. Promise you will not ignore lunch. Then you fall sick. You can grab a bite and then head out. " Dev smiled. Sona fit just right in his heart and home.
As Ishwari got down the steps, Dev innocently asked, " Sona tumhara kaam toh khatam ho chukka hai,tum bhi kyon nahi aati hamare saath"
Ishwari felt she was being stabbed. She hesitated for a minute. She was looking forward to spending time with Dev especially when they didn't spend time alone on her birthday. She knew Dev had gone shopping with Sona for her birthday gift. But she wanted to go out with him alone. Sona was already intruding.
Ishwari was annoyed. She felt angry. Will that girl accompany them everywhere they will go? Had Ishwari lost all her time with Dev? Would she never be able to go out with him alone? When they went shopping Dev spent all his time pampering her. Showering her with all his attention. She felt like she was his universe. That was her time with Dev.
" Kya kehti ho Maa, thik hai na", asked Dev.
That got Ishwari back to reality... " Haan Haan kyon nahi..." Like she could say anything else. Dev looked so happy. How can she disappoint him.
" Ab toh tum Maa ki baat nahi tal sakti, Chalo"
And the three went shopping rather reluctantly. Ishwari shopped and Sona helped her with the choices. It wasn't that bad. Sona made every attempt to make Ishwari feel special. At one instance when they both couldn't decide, they asked Dev. Dev immediately shrugged it off... "Like I understand anything he said. My stuff was shopped by you Maa or Tina... now going forward Sona will help me. I don't understand this stuff. You girls take care of it yourself. "
On their way back Dev kept getting calls from his office. He was running a little late. He asked Tina to reschedule the meeting by half an hour and he would reach the location in 10 minutes as it was close to home.
As they got off, Ishwari asked , "Are beta, lunch... "
" Are,... Nahi maa... Already..."
" Nahi kaise.." , Sona cut him off. You promised you were not going to ignore lunch. It is ready. I called Bhola and am sure the table is all set. 10 minutes and you can be on your way, chaliye..." saying this she rushed to ensure that Bhola completed the work.
Dev smiled. Ishwari did too. But somehow, the smile didn't reach her eyes. Dev was going to refuse her and yet he listened to Sona.
Ishwari really wanted to make an attempt to be happy but these small incidents continued to make her restless. Radha Rani had already had lunch and only the 3 of them were left. Dev asked Sona to join them... But Sona refused. "Suddenly to start having meals with you it doesn't feel right"
" Come on Sona you are a part of this family now. Phir akele khaogi kya? " . Sona smiled " But I still work here. Give me some time to get used to the changes." She left the mother and Son have their lunch together peacefully and attended only if either required anything.
Something was amiss. Dev could sense it and yet he could place his finger on what was bothering him.
Afternoon:
Dev came back from him meeting at around 5. He overheard Radha Rani and Ishwari talking
" Hai Hai jiji ab naukaroon ke marzi se is ghar ka samman bhi aayega.." She stopped as soon as she saw Dev, but Dev heard her. He felt like he was being stabbed. But today was a happy day Maa had accepted Sona and he didn't want to taint it any further. He knew what exactly he needed to do.
But he couldn't let this slide by. He stormed into the house and announced. "Maa, I am going out for some time. Will come back and tell you. Sona get ready we have to go out."
"Par Kahan.." Dev refused to divulge any details. "Just collect your stuff and come"
As Dev was driving, he looked pensive. Sona was worried "Is everything okay? How was your meeting? Anything related to the Gujrals?" That snapped him out of his thoughts.
" You think I am worried about work. There is no other reason for me to get upset." Asked Dev.
"Why, did I say anything wrong to Maa? Did Maa mention anything? Is she upset? Did I unknowingly hurt her?"
"Sona... I am talking about you. I heard Mami make that comment. How can she speak like that to you. Why didn't you say anything to her?"
" Which comment?"
" Come on Sona, you heard her. You were there."
" Oh come on Dev. She says hundred such things a day. You told me not to let her affect me during Neha's wedding remember. So I just ignore her. If I started getting upset of every rude comment she made, I would have to sulk all the time. And If I said anything to her. Maa would get upset, you would get upset and I can't see you upset..."
Suddenly sona's phone rang. " Hello, Dr. Sinha... Yes tell me... Okay.., How old... alright. Right away is it?. Okay I will come"
"Dev I have to go to the hospital. Can you drop me off here? There is a complicated case I don't have the details but if it is okay, I would like to go see the patient. "
" Why drop you off, are you ashamed of being seen with me. I can wait for you. Let's go.. After your visit we can go out Dr. Bose. I had something else in mind but that can wait. Let's go"
Dev drove Sona to the hospital. They headed straight to Dr. Sinha's cabin.
" Mr. Dev, it's a surprise to see you. All well with your mother. How come you are here, Sir?" asked Dr. Sinha
" I was dropping Dr. Bose when you called so I just got her here. Is everything alright? "
Dr. Sinha explained the situation to both of them."Actually there is a 7 year old girl with Type-2 diabetes and multiple allergies. She is too young to understand the situation and her diet is going to be very crucial. I know Sona you work for Mr. Dev now. But can you consult independently on this one case. The parents are scared. One wrong choice of food could be critical for the child."
Dev retorted, " Yes, Yes Sona, of course. Do what you have to. I will wait."
He stepped back and picked up a magazine. At regular intervals he looked up and saw Sona discuss the case with Dr. Sinha. He saw her talk to the girl's parents and explain the situation to them. He saw how she handled the girl and explained to the little kid about the choices of food can she can ask.
Dev couldn't help but notice the shine in Sona's eyes. The parents of the kid were obviously grateful and Dr. Sinha also thanked her for attending to the patient at such a short notice.
As they were ready to go, Dr. Sinha asked "Dr. Sonakshi, how long is your contract with Mr. Dev. When does that get over? "
Dev was taken aback. He hadn't thought of the contract at all.
Dr. Sinha continued," I am sure you have multiple offers already. A talented doctor like you is respected and much sort after in the medical fraternity. But if you want to join back. I am sure Mr. Dev will also agree to the miracle you have worked on his mom. He can talk to the Board again. You should come back. "
Sonakshi beamed. It felt nice to be respected. "Dr. Sinha that's very kind of you to say. I shall let you know."
" Think about it Dr. Sonakshi. You have worked with us. We all respect you and are proud of your work ethics. We wouldn't want to lose a good doctor like you."
Dev and Sona were on their way. He started driving towards Sona's home. He looked pensive. " Did I make you wait too long? Are you angry?"
" Oh come on Sona... just thinking of something". Sona knew not to push the matter. Dev would share when he was ready.
But Dev couldn't let go of the matter. Two sentences kept ringing in his ears "Hai Hai jiji ab naukaroon ke marzi se is ghar ka samman bhi aayega , "We all respect you and are proud of your work ethics. We wouldn't want to lose a good doctor like you."
These words kept ringing in his ears.
It was time to stop thinking of his love alone it was time to think for his love.
Anupamaa
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