Here's the next chap. Hope you guys enjoy it.😃
CHAPTER 8
Nidhi, came awake suddenly, expecting to see herself surrounded by children and Suraj singing the Musu Musu haati song. But she found herself in her bed and Ashutosh sitting next to her smiling. She saw that he was all dressed for work. She raised herself into a sitting postion, and Ashutosh helped her by putting the pilllows behind her back to make her comfortable.
-Aap ready bhi ho gaye, mujhe kyon nahi uthaya?
-Because, I want you to rest, completely. That means no getting up early, no cooking, and no working. All you need to do is just relax and take it easy, and spend as much time as you can in bed with your feet off the ground.
-But, how can I do that? if I just lie down all day and do nothing I will get bored. Woh toh mere se nahin hoga. But I promise I will take take things easy, and relax. I promise I will not do any work. OK?
-I guess thats the best I can expect out of you. But if I hear from Baba or HK that you did not listen to them and exerted your self in any way, then I promise that I will send you to your fathers house for the next 3 days, and let Dadi Bua take care of you. Got It!
Nidhi laughed and put her arms around his neck, and pulled him closer,
-Mere bina 3 din reh lenge aap, yeh toh main maan hi nahin sakti.
-Yeh toh tum sahi keh rahi ho, 3 din toh main nahin reh sakta, lekin Dadi Bua ko yahan toh bula sakta hoon na.
Nidhi laughed and held her hands up in mock surrender,
-OK, OK! You have me there. Theek hai, I'll follow your orders, Sir.
I wont do any work, but apne pati ke saath lunch karne ke liye toh aa sakti hoon na?
-Yes, you can come for lunch, only if you don't make the lunch. Let HK make it.
-Ashutosh aap thode se zyada overboard nahin jaa rahe. I mean, come on, I am pregnant, not exactly handicapped.
-I know you are pregnant, sweetheart, that's why I am going overboard. I don't want anything to happen to the baby or you. And you have been having high BP also, you know that you have to take care, and take it easy.
-Theek hai, ji. I promise I will take it easy. Ab aap jaayiye, aapko der ho rahi hogi na. I will see you at lunch.
Ashu, gave her a quick hug and kiss, and left.
After he left Nidhi lay back down, and thought back to her dream. It was so strange, and at the same time it had seemed so real, if she had not woken up when she had...But why on earth had she been dreaming about Suraj?she thought to herself, puzzled. Although, she had to admit that at times he did remind her a little bit of Rohan. She mused, maybe that was the reason. And there had been times over the last few months that she really had missed Rohan a lot. Nidhi understood why he had left, why he had had to leave, and she wished him well. He was one of the best friends that she had ever had. And the way Suraj was always taking care of her nowadays, reminded her a bit of how Rohan had cared for her and supported her. She wished Rohan all the best in life, and sent up a silent prayer for her friend. She asked god to please bless him with the all the love and happiness that he deserved, the kind she had found with Ashutosh, only minus all the pain that she had also gone through.
Although the part about Dr. Avasti, wow! That was bang on target. That was an issue, that no matter how much she tried to ignore and push towards that back of her mind, just kept resurfacing. And the dream, she knew, was her subconscious way of reminding her that no matter how much you wanted, there were some things that just would not go away, that sooner or later she would have to deal with this. And with the baby coming in just about three months, it would have to be sooner. The only problem she had with this was how to go about broaching it in front of her husband. They had gone through so much in the past few months, with their separation and all the misunderstandings, that they both were still very hesitant and wary around each other.
She did not want to hurt him again, and this would, she knew it. But at the same time, if she didn't it would keep festering in her mind. It's not that she didn't trust him, no actually it was. In some ways she didn't trust him, even now. She knew that he had in no uncertain terms, in front of her, thrown Mallika out of his life, but, hadn't he done that exact same thing before? And the moment Mallika had needed him, he had forgotten everything, and she and her wishes were pushed aside and ignored as the imaginations of an immature mind. That was the reason that she had to leave him, that was the reason he had missed out on the first 5 months of her pregnancy.
So, what happened if something came up suddenly, and either Mallika or her baby needed him again? What would he do? Would he sweep her off to the side again? And what about their daughter, just exactly what would be her position in her father's priorities, if he had to choose between her and Mallika's baby? And, another question that continued to nag her, thanks to Mallika, was, would he have asked her to come back, if she had not been pregnant? Would he have been so aggressive in wanting her to come back to their home, inspite of the conditions that she had put. The Ashutosh she knew would not have. He would never have accepted her conditions, and on the other hand would have told her that if she had to put conditions on her return than she could very well just stay where she was and that there was no need to return. Nidhi was too uncertain and too scared of these questions, to even try and guess what the answers would be. But in not talking to Ashutosh, and not giving voice to her fears, she was doing both of them and their marriage a disservice. She would have to. Moreover for the sake of their relationship she needed to. She just had to figure out when, and how!
She had a feeling of deja vu, on the way to KGH to have lunch with Ashutosh. She just wished that the rest of her dream stayed a dream.
She was not in any mood, right now, to deal with any issues. All she wanted was to have a nice romantic lunch with her husband, and bask in his attention and love. There was plenty of time to deal with her "issues", later on.
Nothing had changed at the hospital, other than herself, and she was welcomed warmly, by everyone. They were all happy to see her and very excited by her news. She was told that Dr. Ashutosh had just come out of surgery and would be in his cabin. Hearing that, she hurried on up to his office, and knocked on his door. Ashutosh, himself opened the door for her with a big smile on his face.
-Hi sweetheart, I've been waiting for you. What took you so long?
-Dr. Ashutosh you are an excellent doctor, but you make a terrible liar.
Even if I hadn't been informed that you had just come out of surgery, just looking at your face is a dead giveaway.
Ashutosh laughed and pulled her into the office and closed the door. Then he drew her into his arms and proceeded to kiss her breathless.
-Wow! What was that for? Not that I am complaining mind you, but just for my general knowledge, so that whatever it is that I did, I can do it again, to get that kind of reaction from you.
-Sweetheart all you have to do, is be yourself, that's all. Just looking at you puts me in that kind of mood, don't you know that by now? I love you, Nidhi. It's as simple as that.
-Theek hai, itna senti hone ki koi jaroorat nahin hai. I am already yours, you don't need to work at pataoing me again. Hum toh kab ke aapke rang mein rang chuke hain, patidev.
-Thats good to know, but a little extra doesn't hurt. Always good to rack up extra brownie points, never know when they will come in handy.
Nidhi smiled and leaned over to kiss his cheek, than sat down on he sofa and started to lay out their lunch,
-You dont need any more brownie points, you already have enough.
Ab, yahan aake baithiye, and eat your lunch. I am hungry too, and if I don't eat, your daughter is gonna have something to say about that.
Ashutosh looked at his wife and her beautiful smiling face. Just seeing that smile and her trouble free eyes, were more than worth any sacrifice his eyes. Not that he was sacrificing anything. It was a pleasure to be with her. If it were up to him, he would not be away from her for even a minute. He knew that his presence was a constant source of reassurance for her. Just like he knew that she still had her doubts, and still did not trust him fully. Not that he blamed her for feeling this way, he had done more than enough to earn this. But, it still hurt him, a lot. He had seen the uncertainty, and questions in her eyes. And though,she made an effort to hide her feelings from him, he had seen through her. Ashutosh wished that she would come to him and talk about her fears. He wished there was something that he could do that would take away the lost, forlorn look that got in her eyes from time to time.
He knew that they were still walking on egg shells, and tiptoeing around each other, but so much had happened that it would time, effort and a whole lot of love and patience on his part to lay all her fears and doubts to rest. At the same time, he wanted her to come to him on her own, and in her own time when she was ready, and not because he forced her to.
He looked up, when he saw that she had suddenly gone too quiet, and smiled. His wife had gone quiet because she had fallen asleep, he laughed softly. He didn't have the heart to wake her up, poor thing was so tired she needed all the sleep she could get. So, he quietly cleaned up the remainder of their meal, and put it away. Then he gently lay her down on the sofa, covered her with a blanket, and shut all the blinds in his cabin and stepped out of his office to and finish off his rounds. He hoped that she would stay sleeping, while he tried to hurry and finish up work for the day. He also left word with his peon, to make sure that no one was allowed into the room without his permission.
When Nidhi was confused when she woke up and saw where she was. The last thing that she remembered was the two of them having lunch, and she must have fallen asleep somewhere in the middle, she realized. Her husband, the sweetheart that he was, did not bother her, but let her sleep, and had even made her comfortable. Poor thing, she had virtually thrown him out and taken over his cabin, she thought with amusement. Then she got up, and tidied the office a bit, and went to his private washroom to freshen up, before going to find her husband to tell him that she was leaving. She was just about to open the door to leave, when she heard a couple of angry voices outside. She realized that one of them belonged to her husband, and the other one, she strained to here, the other one belonged to MALLIKA. That moment she froze and some perverse voice inside prevented her from making her presence known to the people outside.
-Mallika, I thought that I had asked you to stay out of my life, and yet here I find you once again, right outside of my office. What do you think you were doing trying to force your way in by lying to the peon. When did I ever give you permission to come here, and wait? I never said anything of the sort, and you know it. Once again I see you are not above using lies and deceit to get what you want.
-Ashutosh whats the big deal? I wanted to talk to you, and I knew that this was the only place that I could. And what's the big deal about telling the peon that no one could come in here without your permission? Whats the big secret, what are you hiding in here?
-Mallika, not everyone is like you, you know. And I have nothing to hide. Nidhii, was sleeping in here and I did not want her to be disturbed. Thank god that she has left, otherwise I would not know how to explain your presence here today. You are becoming a regular headache do you know that, and a very annoying one at that.
-How sweet Ashutosh. So now you are using you office as a bedroom.
Where have all of your professional ethics gone? You were always the one advocating keeping personal lives separate from our professional one. And now, I see you are breaking your own rules.
-Mallika, you are not here to debate about our code of ethics, so why don't you cut the crap and get to the point, and then get the hell out of here.
-I am surprised at you Ashutosh. I have never heard you use that kind of language before. And, I see that you are still annoyed with me. I thought that you would have cooled down by now. After all, what have I done that is so bad, that you want to cut all your ties with me for? I can't believe that you would listen to your wife. How can you let her brainwash you like this. Ashutosh, I am your friend. And you above all know the value of friendship. I still can't get over the fact that you want break it off with me, just because your wife doesn't like me.
-Mallika, for me just the fact that Nidhi doesn't like you is reason enough to cut off all ties with you. I am just sorry that it took me this long to come to that realization. I nearly lost Nidhi because of you, and believe me I am not stupid enough to make that mistake again. But even if not for that, there are plenty of other reasons, ones that you yourself have given me. The biggest being your hatred and intolerance for Nidhi. No matter how you try to hide it, your feeling always come through. I have realized that no matter what, you will never change. You will always, in some form or the other, try to separate Nidhi and me. And you will always use any means, even if it means causing her physical harm, to achieve your goal. It might have taken me awhile, but believe me you yourself, have shown me how evil and unworthy you are to be my friend, or anyone's friend, for that matter. I don't know how many ways I am supposed to tell you, that will make it sink into your thick skull, that I do not want you in my life, and I do not consider you a friend any more.
-Ashutosh, I know that is not you talking. It's that baby that she has inside her that is making you behave this way, and making you say such cruel things to me. You would have been satisfied with my son, if she hadn't been pregnant. In fact the way I see it, it is the only reason that your brought her back into your life. You were perfectly satisfied without her. Before you found out. So now, once again I am being thrown out of your life, and not only me but also my son who is an absolute innocent in all of this, is also being cut out because of your child bride and her coming baby. How is this called being fair, Ashutosh? I have done nothing to deserve this kind of treatment from you.
-Mallika, I am tired of explaining this to you again and again. So for the last time listen up and listen up well. Nidhi had nothing to do with any of this. This was all your fault, right from the beginning. If you had accepted my relationship with Nidhi from the start, then we might still be friends. But you did everything you could, and using all methods possible,even attempted murder, to try and separate us. I was the stupid fool who failed to recognize your evil and vindictive nature. That, and only that is the reason that I hate the very sight of you now. As for my baby. Well, if I ever hear a word about her from your mouth again, then beware, like I have told you once before, I make a very formidable enemy. And believe me Mallika, you would not want me as one. And let me clear one very huge misconception of yours. I was never satisfied without Nidhi. Not a day, or minute went by, during our separation, that I did not long for her. I wanted her back desperately, and not a day went by that I did not try and look for her. But I did not know where she had gone, and there were no clues as to her whereabouts. And regardless of whether she had been pregnant or not. I would have done anything to get her back. Yes I am ecstatic that we are going to have a baby, one of my greatest desires is being fulfilled, but even if Nidhi were not pregnant, it would not change my feelings towards her. Also Mallika let me assure you my love for her does not have boundaries, even if I had found out that we could never have children, my love would still be the same. You see for me she is my world, my life. She is the one who gives me completion, not the child. Our baby is a bonus, a gift, a blessing if you will, by the fates and God. But even without the baby Nidhi was, is and always will be everything to me. I do not need the baby to make me complete, I just need Nidhi. And once again, you have lived up to my opinion of your extreme self involvement, and selfish nature. For you to use your son as an incentive to get on my good side, is absolutely loathsome and sickening. I have only ever viewed him as the son of a friend, who is now an ex friend. From here on out, I will not have, do not have and will never have anything to do with you or your son, or your life ever again. And Mallika if I ever see you near me again, or Nidhi, I will get a retraining order against you, and file charges for stalking. This is my last warning, next time I will act first and answer questions later. Have I made my self clear to you, once and for all? Now please get out, I need to go home, my wife will be waiting for me.
Mallika's face had lost all color, and her eyes acknowledged once and for all, that it had finally sunk in, the fact that Ashutosh was absolutely serious in his statements about wanting her out of his life forever. So, with slow steps and head hung low, she left.
In the bathroom, Nidhi hesitated. She was feeling really ashamed of herself for listening in on the conversation between her husband and Mallika. But, at the same time she was also filled with an elation that was spreading like wild fire throughout her being. It seemed that a huge weight had been lifted from her heart. She knew that Ashutosh was still outside. She also knew that she could not hide in here forever. She would, at some point, need to tell him that she had overheard everything that had happened between him and Mallika today. There was no way she would lie to him about something like this, and pretend ignorance. So, she took a deep breath and gathered up her courage, and opened the door of the washroom and came out, with an almost apologetic look on her face. Almost because, no matter how much she tried, there was no way she could hide the fact that she was not sorry. In her opinion, this conversation, better than anything else, convinced her how groundless her fears had been. Her Ashutosh loved her, and needed her, regardless of the baby. She knew that it was awful for a mother to be jealous of her own child, but she could not help it. She needed to know that if Ashutosh would have behaved the same way, if she had not been pregnant. And she had gotten her answer.
Ashutosh looked up startled, he thought that Nidhi had left,
-Nidhi what are you doing here? I thought that you had left. And what were you doing hiding in that bathroom?
Nidhi went up to him, her face was radiant and her smile brilliant, and she put her arms around his neck and sat down on his lap, and buried her face in his neck
-Nidhi, kya hua? Why are you smiling like that?
Then as if the thought suddenly occurred to him,
-You've been in there the whole time haven't you? You heard the whole conversation between Mallika and me, And that's why you have a smile as big as the world on your face. Right? You should be ashamed of yourself. I thought that you were better than that. You should not be listening to other peoples conversations like that.
Nidhi drew away a little and leaned back down to kiss him.
-Yes you are right, I should not have been listening, and should have made my presence known. But I am not,sorry that I did.
Ashutosh looked at her with one eyebrow raised, in the way that she adored. He knew what was coming, and he had been waiting for this for a while, but he still wanted to hear her say it to him,
-And why is that, may I ask?
-Because, it saved me from coming to you with these question, myself. I did not want to tell you that I still could not fully trust you in certain matters. And in particular, in regards to my pregnancy. I admit that I could not get the thought out of my head that maybe the only reason you were so insistent that I come back was because I was going to have your child. I had my doubts if you would have asked me or been so insistent if i hadn't been pregnant. After all, what woman wants to be wanted by her husband, just because she was pregnant. A woman wants to be wanted and loved for herself, not for the child she is bringing into the world. The child should be the embodiment of that loved, not the cause of it. And I was not sure. I am ashamed to tell you that I doubted your love for me, Ashutosh, and I am very very sorry for that. And I also think that no amount of convincing on your part would have fully relieved me of my doubts and fears as my overhearing of todays conversation did. So why should I be sorry? I think that somehow I was meant to overhear.And I also had /have the fear that if or whenever the situation warranted it, and let's not kid ourselves, we know that at some point or the other Mallika would have made sure that you would be faced with the eventuality of helping her out again. I was afraid of what your reaction would be if you found yourself in a position like that again. Actually, Ashutosh, regarding this particular subject I still have fears. I really don't want to hurt you, but I have been hurt before, that's why I must say this. Once before you threw her out of our lives, right after she tried to kill me, and at that time I thought that finally we were rid of her, but I was mistaken, and it happened again. And, this time I was forced to leave you, because I just could not face being second in your life, yet again, to Mallika. Ashutosh, I am afraid if that will or can happen again, then what will I do? And this time theres not only me, but our daughter to consider as well. I have tried, honestly I have, but I just can't seem to get these doubts cleared from my head. I am sorry, I hope you are not very angry at me, but I felt that it was necessary for me to tell you this, so there are no more misunderstandings between us in the future.
Ashutosh was quiet for a few seconds, before he answered.
-Nidhi I have known for sometime now that there were still doubts and uncertainties in your mind, regarding me and our relationship, and I have been waiting for the time when you yourself would trust me enough to come and talk to me about them. Of course, knowing what's to come and actually facing the situation when it arrives are two totally different things. Your doubts regarding me, and my feelings, and intentions, have always hurt, and I knew that that would hurt even more when you said them aloud in front of me. But I am not going to lie to you, I had never even imagined how badly they would, until just now.
Ashu cut her off just as she started to speak,
- Nidhi please listen to what I have to say first. Yes, you did hurt me, but I was hurt more when you were trying to hide your feelings from me. You see hiding things basically are an indication of distances between two people. And I can't bear for there to be any between us. I would rather we both hurt each other a little and clear out our doubts and fears rather than try to hide them. That hurt will go away, but the other one remains and festers. So, you see, even though I am hurt, I am glad also that all of this has been brought to the fore, where we can deal with it. Now in concern with your doubts, well both of them are completely justified in their place. And I would be concerned if you didn't have these doubts, that would mean that you have become indifferent to our relationship, and the fact that you do tells me that you care. After going through such a period of pain and misery, fears and doubts are normal. The only thing is that we need to learn to deal with them for them to go away. To try and sweep them under a rug, or to try and ignore them, only causes them to keep festering. And that is not healthy for any one.
-Ashutosh I really didn't mean to...I mean if I could have, I would have spared you this pain. That's the last thing I wanted to do, but...
- Nidhi, there's no need to keep apologizing, I just told you that. What you are feeling is perfectly normal, given the cicumstances. I would be surprised and a little concerned if you didn't. I am glad that your doubts regarding the baby have been put to rest. That is a big relief for me. And for the second, my feelings and reactions regarding Mallika and my friendship for her, well sweetheart, you have heard me a couple of times now that I want nothing to do with her anymore, but given the situation that I myself have created, there is nothing I can say that will put your doubts to rest. I have found that in certain situations and cases, actions speak louder than words. So, while I will still continue to the best of my ability to try and allay your fears, I will, for the most part, let's my actions back me in this case. And then over time, I hope that one day, these doubts too, will be put to rest.
The only thing I have to say sweetheart, and I've said this a lot, is that I love you. I think that I fell in love with you the second we met, and I have loved you ever since. I know that my actions have contradicted my own words but, Nidhi no one and nothing will ever change the way I feel. You are my soul and the light of my life, I exist because of you, you are the very beat of my heart, and also every breath I take.
-Ashutosh I feel the same way about you. You know, I have never been a very possessive person. But where you are concerned, I go ballistic. I can't stand to see you with anyone else. That was the reason that I took such a dislike to Mallika. Although, I sympathized with her too. But as far as I am, concerned you are all mine. You belong to me and no one else. And that's just the way it is, and is always going to be. So, you will just have to grin and bear with my possessiveness.
Ashutosh smiled and hugged this precious precious woman of his close to his heart. MINE he thought, all MINE. And his hold tightened
-Welcome to the club sweetheart, because that is the exact way that I feel about you. I guess we'll just have to put up with each other, huh?
-Yes, I guess so. So you have any problems with that?
-Not a one sweetheart, not a one.
There was quiet for a little while, then reluctantly Ashutosh drew back from his wife, and looked at her ruefully.
-I am sorry to have to cut this short sweetheart, but for where we're headed right now, the hospital, and in particular my office, is not the ideal place. And besides, it's late. I think we should think about heading home now?
Nidhi smiled sheepishly, and started straightening his disheveled hair with her fingers,
-Yes, I guess we did get carried away a little bit. Theek hai, let's go home, it's very late and Baba and HK will be worried and wondering where we are.
-Actually, I had called home when I sent your car back this afternoon, and I told Baba that you had fallen asleep here, and that I didn't want to disturb you, so we would just come back together after I got done for the day. And then Baba suggested to me that since we were out anyway, if we both wanted, we could just have an evening out and enjoy ourselves. So, I agreed with Baba, and to not wait up for us
-That sounds just wonderful. Toh aap mujhe aaj kahan le kar jaa rahein hain?
-Tum batao tumhara man kya kar raha hai, hum wahin jaayenge. So, just let me pack up, and then we will head out to the car, and in the mean time you can make up your mind.
She smiled and hugged him one last time, then got up from his lap and waited while he gathered his things and signed out for the night.
When they were in the car, Ashutosh looked at her
-So, have you decided what you want for dinner, and what you would like to do afterwards?
-Well, I was thinking...
-Nidhi, not again!
-Kya? Kya not again. Aap toh aise keh rahein hain jaisi aapko pataa hai mai kya bolne waali thi.
-That's because you have a one track mind my darling. I know what you are going to say. Gol Gappe and chaat right? And after that, maybe a long drive or a movie, after which on the way home some French fries and a strawberry shake? So, how'd I do? Was I right, or not?
Nidhi punched him lightly on his arms before leaning sideways to kiss is cheek.
-OK! You have me there, that's exactly what was on my mind. So can we?
-Now, how can I say no to a beautiful face like that. OK, rani sahiba, aapka hukum sar aankhon pe.
After, eating chat, and gol gappe, nidhi opted for the drive. And as predicted on the way home, demanded fries and shake. Ashutosh was more than happy to indulge her. It took so little to satisfy her and make her happy, how could he refuse. And look at her now, like a kid, satisfied and replete, she had fallen asleep. She was so precious to him, he wished that he could save her from this world, but he couldn't. The best he could do was give her all that he could. And this time he promised himself, he would not fail her.
The next day was a saturday, both Ashutosh and Nidhi were lazing in bed, not yet willing to leave each others arms, too content, just to be close, when the doorbell rang, and after a couple of minutes
-Nidhi, meri bachchi kahan hai tu? Dekh jaise tune kaha tha, hum sab aagaye
Nidhi, bolted out of the bed,
-Oh My God, Dadi Bua. I had totally forgotten. Suniye, uthiye na. Abhi time nahin hai aur sone ka. Sab log aagaye, aur hum dono tayyar bhi nahin hue hain.
-OK, Nidhi, calm down. And now tell me exactly what is going on, and why is Dadi Bua here so early, and why did she say hum sab aagaye. Kaun hum sab, aur kyon aagaye?
-Can you not ask your questions later, and just get up and get ready. In the meanwhile I'll go out and tell them that we overslept.
-Nope, sorry! I am not budging from here till I know whats going on first.
Nidhi sighed in exasperation,
-You know, you can be worse than a child when you put your mind to it. Kaun kahega ke aap papa banne waale hain. OK. Hum sab is our whole family, my family, Anji and Dr. Rangnath, Shyama Aunty, and Kapil Uncle. Then BB, and HK and us. That who. And I invited everyone here today, so that we all could spend the day together and have fun. It's been so long since all of us have spent any time together as a family. So now that your questions have been answered, can you please get up.
Ashu, had to admit that it was a good idea. After they had gotten ready, everyone had breakfast, which had been a very noisy affair, everyone, was talking over the other person, but the only person who could be heard above all else had been Dadi Bhua.
After breakfast, the women all got up and went to the kitchen and packed lunch for the picnic that was planned for the afternoon. Ashutosh took them to the same hilltop that he had taken Nidhi, Anji and Rangnath, when Mallika had been staying with them. Nidhi was really happy that he had brought them all here, this gave her a chance to once again wipe out the bad memories and to replace them with happy and precious ones. She knew that he had done that on purpose, just for her.
After all the sheets had been spread out, on the ground, everyone started playing the games that had been planned, of course with keeping Nidhi's condition in mind. After a couple of games, of cards, and antakshari, Uncle and BB lay down to take a nap, saying that the fresh air made them sleepy. Dadi Bua, and Shyama Aunty talked about taking a walk down to the nearby village, and maybe doing some shopping, Anji had told her about the fresh produce sold there. And Dadi Bua wanted to go and visit the village temple. CV said that he would join them, and help carry their stuff back. After a while, Anji and Rangnath also wandered off, using the excuse that they wanted to take in the scenery. So, by mutual consent, and also, because they were the only two left who hadn't gone anywhere, or we're asleep, Ashutosh and Nidhi also got up and started walking in the opposite direction from the one that Anji and Rangnath had taken.
And as if by fate, they both ended up in the same clearing where they had both been, so many months ago.
-Aapko yeh jagah yaad hai?
-Of course yaad hai. Issi liye toh main tumhe in yahan laya hoon. I wanted to give you some new and better memories to take back from this place.
-But, aapko aisa kyon laga ke yahan ke meri yaadein achchi nahin hongi?
-Kyonki last time hamare saath yahan Mallika bhi aayi thi. And I know that that must have been very uncomfortable for you. So...
-But you are wrong. My memories of here are of love, and the beautiful rain we got wet in. I don't even remember Mallika, she is not a part of my memories of this place. All I can remember is your saving my life, and telling me how love had given you the strength to get up and walk, so that you could save me. Those are the only memories that I have of here. But, I am glad that you brought me here, now we can make some new ones to add the the ones before.
-What kind of new memories are you talking about, Nidhi? I really don't trust you when you look at me like that. It makes me feel really nervous. So, out with it.
-You know you really are a spoilt sport. Now I don't want to say anything. You are the first husband I know who distrusts his wife so much.
-Koi baat nahin wife. I know what you wanted, even without your telling me. I could see it in your eyes.
-I don't think so. Appko kaise pataa, aap psychic ho kya?
-Sweetheart, where you are concerned, yes. As far as the rest of the world is concerned, who cares. You're all that matters, and I know what my wife wants, without her having to tell me. You want me to show you?
-Prove karengein to maanungi, otherwise...
And, before she could utter any more words or dare him again, Ashutosh proceeded to prove to his wife that where she was concerned, he was indeed very very psychic. And by the time both of them left the little clearing, Nidhi had a whole bunch of new and beautiful memories to take back with her.
By the time they reached their picnic site, everyone else had already returned. And when they saw Ashutosh and Nidhi come through the wood, looking at each other with love, it brought tears to Dadi Bua eyes.
-Dekha samdhiji, dono kitne khush lag rahein hain. Mere bajrangbali ki kripa se in dono ke pyar bhare hasne khelne ke din wapas aagaye. Bas, ab meri yeh hi prarthana hai yeh mere yeh dono bachche aise hi hamesha khush rahein, aur inko aur inke pyar ko kisi ki nazar kabhi na lage.
-Sahi kaha aapne samdhanji, dono bahut khush hain. Aur inke khush hone ke saath saath mujhe iss baat ki bhi khushi hai, ke dono ne apne faasle khud mitaye hain. Jo bhi shikve shikayatein thi dono ko ek doosre se, dono ne baith kar apne maslon ko khud suljhaya hain. Akhir mein inn dono ne apna pyar, aur ek doosre par bharose ko sabit kar diya. Appne bilkul theek kaha, Bhagwan inko buri nazar se bachaye, aur Inka pyar hamesha yunhi barkarar rahe.
As luck would have it, as soon as they started to unpack the lunch it started raining. So amidst shouts and laughter, and a whole lot of scrambling they packed up and headed for home.
Since the rain showed no,inclination of letting up they decided to spend the rest of the day at home. After lunch, Dadi Bua insisted that Nidhi needed to go change her clothes, as it was dangerous for her and the baby if she got sick. So Nidhi went to her room to change, and saw that Anji had followed her.
-So, Nidhi, I just wanted to ask you if you and jeejaji enjoyed your walk, this afternoon. It must have brought back a lot of memories na?
-Haan, par wahan ki memories were not all bad. And yes we enjoyed the walk. It is a beautiful place, with lots to see. Who wouldn't?
-Nahin, I was just wondering, what you guys were doing up there so long. We were all waiting for you both, and you guys took forever.
-We, we're walking Anji. Ab aisi halat mein, rock climbing toh nahin kar sakti na, na hi bungi jumping, toh walking hi reh jaati hai. We just went further than we planned that's all. That why we were late. By the way, tu kya kehne ki koshish kar rahi hai. Saaf saaf kyon hain kehti.
Anji looked at Nidhi with a mischievous and naughty grin,
-Nahin, I just thought that maybe you guys were busy making some new memories that's why you were so late. I mean I don't mind, I was just curious that's all.
Nidhi, blushed a deep red from the top of her head to the tips of her toes
-How did you... I mean why...I...Tujhe kaise...
Anji laughed out loud, and went on laughing till she had tears running down her face,
-Nidhi, see, making New Memories, is great and all that, but you have to make sure that when the memories have been made that you try and put them in their covers the right way too. Ab agar cover hi ulta hoga, toh pata to chalega na, ke daal mein Kuch kaala hain. Aur phir tujhe dekh kar to bada obvious sa tha ki daal mein Kuch kala nahin, entire daal hi kaali hai.
When Nidhi still looked puzzled
-Arre bewakoof, tune apna, churidaar ulta pehna hua hai.
Nidhi glanced down and saw what Anji was talking about, and covered her face
-Oh god Anji, ab main kya karoongi? How will I face everybody?
Once again Anji laughed, then she pulled Nidhi's hands from her face and pulled her into a hug.
-Nidhi, main toh mazak kar rahi thi. Kisi ko Kuch nahin pata chala hoga, tere churidaar ka rang aur style hi aisa, hai. Don't worry mere siwa kisi ko bhi Kuch nahin dikhai diya hoga, I promise.
Nidhi looked up at her sister/friend and smiled. Well, she thought, she had never been much good at hiding anything from Anji anyway. She always got caught. Something's never change, she felt glad to know that. And Anji looking at the happiness on her best friend's face, sent up a prayer of thanks.
When Anji and Nidhi came out of the room, they found out that, everyone had opted to watch a movie after dinner. And that Ashutosh and Rangnath had gone out to get the movie, and the ladies Dadi Bua and Shyama Aunty were in the kitchen with HK and CS busy getting dinner ready. So, both of them went to the kitchen and offered their help, but we're shooed out, and told to go and enjoy and relax, and that as soon as dinner was ready they would be notified.
As expected, both the making and the eating of the dinner, we're noisy, chaotic and hilarious affairs, with Dadi Bua presiding over both. And, after everyone was done and the cleaning up was finished, they all gathered in the living room to see the movie. Ashutosh sat with Nidhi on the small couch, which was just perfect for the both of them, and at the same time provided enough space for Nidhi to rest comfortably.
About half way through, Dadi Bua glanced up towards where her son-in-law and granddaughter sat, what she saw brought tears to her eyes and a prayer from her heart to the gods, and she thanked the day that her nephew had disregarded her wishes and given his blessing for Nidhi's marriage to Ashutosh. There on the sofa with her head resting on Ashutosh's shoulder and his head resting on hers, they were both fast asleep. And even in his sleep, Ashutosh had one arm around his wife, and was holding her protectively, while the other was holding Nidhi's hand which lay over her stomach. Both of them were sleeping peacefully, blissfully unaware that they were being stared at by 7 pairs of eyes, which were smiling at the scene before them.
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