Sorry guys, was not feeling too well.
hope everyone likes it.
Final Chapter (9)
After the Confrontation with Mallika three weeks ago, Nidhi knew that she was out of their lives permanently. She could tell that Ashutosh had finally seen who and what Mallika really was, and had well and truly cut her out from his life. And she herself felt much better than she had in months. She and Ashutosh were both excited about the impending birth of their child, and had begun preparations for the baby's arrival. Although, Nidhi was still going to the hospital, she was due to start her maternity leave in another couple of weeks, since she was already 7 and a 1/2 months along. What Ashutosh had not told her yet, and was keeping as a surprise, was that he had also arranged to take a couple of weeks off when the baby was born, so that he would get to spend sometime with his wife and daughter. He knew that she had been fretting over that, but he would tell her when the time was right. He couldn't wait to see her reaction at the news.
Nidhi had already finished her quota of night shifts so she was on the day rotations only now, which made it easier for Ashutosh to drop her off most mornings and pick her up in the evenings on his way back home. They had shifted over to Baba's farm house about 10 days ago, and were in the process of fixing up the nursery for the baby. Also in accordance with both their wishes, and also for lack of time, DB agreed to forgo the Godh bharai, and agreed that they would do something special once the baby was born, for her naming ceremony. The whole family, all the way from BB to Anji's Parents were excited, and couldn't wait for the baby to arrive. Everyone was busy making plans, and also helping whenever and wherever necessary, to get everything ready, and to make sure that the baby would have all the necessities. Nidhi did not want to say anything, but by the looks of the amount of things they were all buying, including Ashutosh, Nidhi had a feeling that the child would not need to buy anything till she was 20. It was a wonderful time for them both. It was like a new beginning, a chance to get to know one another and fall in love all over again. It was almost as if the oppressive weight that had been weighing down on them since the return from their honeymoon, had suddenly been lifted, and all the shadows and darkness had been banished from their world.
Ashutosh spent all his free time with Nidhi, taking care of her and pampering her, paying attention to the smallest of her needs. He had never been happier, and he was also relieved to see that all the shadows had disappeared from Nidhi's eyes too. She was like the Nidhi he had fallen in love with, who had filled his world with sunshine and happiness. There were times that Ashutosh would stay awake all night just looking at his wife and thanking God that he had been given a second chance in life. That he was also getting his hearts desire, his baby, was a bonus, almost a reward for his good deeds. He thanked his lucky stars everyday, that his life was so blessed.
About 4-5 days before her last bimonthly appointment was due, Ashutosh began to see some signs in Nidhi's heath that began to worry him. He already knew that she was having frequent intervals of high blood pressure, and had taken steps to make sure that she had a good diet and plenty of rest, but over the last day or so she had gotten restless and irritable and complained of frequent headaches and backaches, and nausea. But the day before her appointment, when she got up in the morning Ashutosh saw that her face had swollen up over night, long with her hands and feet, and when he checked her blood pressure, it was really high, but what set off the panic bells in his brain, that along with feeling nauseous she threw up after eating breakfast. He knew what all this indicated, he told Baba, who agreed with him that he needed to call her doctor immediately. Ashutosh placed the call to Dr. Kothari, and when she came on the line he introduced himself as Nidhi's husband, and talked to her about his concerns and Nidhi's symptoms. Dr. K also agreed that it was indeed very concerning, and asked to him to bring Nidhi over to the hospital immediately for a check up. And despite her loud protests that there was nothing wrong with her, and he was making a fuss over nothing, Ashutosh put her in the car, and took her to the hospital.
Dr. K came out of the exam room, and took a seat at her desk, where Ashutosh was waiting.
-- Dr. Ashutosh you were right, it's what you suspected. All the signs point toward preeclampsia. I am just waiting for the result on the urine tests, but with her elevated BP and going by the swelling, nausea, and her pulse rate I am pretty sure. But no need to worry, abhi the levels are just slightly higher than normal, so as long you are able to make her take all the precautions, and with proper rest and diet, I think that we should be alright. Also, that's what I am here for, so don't worry, Dr. Ashutosh I will take good care of her.
Just then an orderly knocked on her door and came and handed her a file. Dr K. opened the file and checked through it, then she lifted her head,
--These are Nidhi's test results, there are proteins in her urine. This has just confirmed our diagnosis. But, I will only repeat what I said earlier, Dr. Ashutosh. Don't worry, and just take care and everything should be fine. And now, for the fun part. Lets go and take a look at your daughter, I sent Nidhi to the sonography room, and they just let me know that everything is ready. I believe that this will be your first time.Yes?
Ashutosh nodded
--Yes Doctor.
--Toh chaliye phir, main aapko aapki beti se milwati hoon.
Being a docotor Ashutosh had seen many sonography's, but they had always involved other body parts, maybe long ago, also a couple of human fetus' , but that was nothing compared to seeing your own child.
Just seeing his daughter...it was awesome. The feelings going on inside him were indescribable. And even though he could not see everything, what he did see, was beautiful. She had suddenly become real. She is real, and she is going to be here soon, he thought. Ashutosh thought that his heart was going to burst with joy, he could not wait to hold her in his arms.
Ashutosh had not realized that he was crying, until he Nidhi reached out to wipe the tears from his face, and caught hold of his hand. He smiled at her, and the expression on his face made Nidhi catch her breath.
--Nidhi! She is really there, isn't she? She is really coming, this is really happening!
Nidhi laughed softly,--Toh ab tak aap kya lag raha tha? Kya Mai aise hi moti ho rahi hoon, ya maine takiya bandh rakkha hai? Of course its happeneing, Sweetheart. And you have felt her kicking, often enough.
--Nidhi pata hona, aur aankhon se dekhna, it's two different things.
I cant believe it Nidhi, that's our daughter! ISN'T SHE BEAUTIFUL!
--Ji, she is.
After, the scan was done, Dr. K showed Nidhi her file. And went over everything that she had discussed with Ashutosh.
--Nidhi, I have explained everything to your husband. But you are a doctor too. You know everything. I shouldn't be having to tell you all of this. But I am. If you want to have a healthy baby, and a normal delivery, you need to take care of yourself, and start following instructions. The most important being, lots of rest, good diet, and no STRESS. For the next two months, you need to forget about everything except this baby. There is nothing to worry about at this point, but it is still too early Nidhi. You don't want her coming now. And being a doc you know the possible dangers of preeclampsia. So, I need you to promise me that you will follow instructions, and take care. And no more hospital duties Nidhi. You need to be on bed rest. I have already talked to your HOD, and have gotten the sanction for your leave. Oh and I want to see you again next week.
Nidhi was very subdued on the way home. When Ashutosh saw this he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.
--Kya baat hai?
--I was just thinking of what the doctor said. Ashutosh, I don't think I could take it if anything happened to her. I am a doc, I should have paid attention, I should have known what was happening. How could I have been so careless?
--Nidhi sweetheart, you cant blame yourself. You are a human being, aur isme doc hone ki kya baat hai. Any one could have mistaken the signs. Apart, they are very common occurrences of a normal pregnancy, its when they are put together that you can see the picture. And the only reason I saw it was because ever since your firstBP episode, I have been keeping a close eye on you. Aur waise bhi mere hote hue, why would you have to pay attention to your self. Usske liye main hoon na. Aur tum bilkul chinta mat karo, main kuch nahin hone doonga. Na tumko, aur na hamari beti ko. I am going to take care of you and our baby. I plan on calling the hospital, and telling them that I will be taking a short sabbatical, for the next 2-3 months. That way I can be with you the whole time. So ab chinta karni chod do. Hmmm?
--Sabbatical! yeh kya keh rahein hain aap? Ashutosh aap aisa nahin kar sakte. Thats not right, what about your patients? You have a duty towards them also, how can you just abandon them like that?
--Nidhi I am not going to be abandoning anybody. I will fulfill my obligations, until the hospital can find someone to replace me, tab tak I will ask Dadi Bua to come and stay with you during the day, until I get back home. Hopefully it wont take very long, and then I will be there with you the whole time till our baby is born.
--You are being silly. The doc said na, that is nothing serious. She said that as long as I take precautions, and follow instructions everything will be alright. So, No! You aren't taking any sabbaticals.
--But Nidhi...
--No, Ashutosh. Thats not right. You have a duty as a doctor.
--Nidhi I also have a duty as your husband.
--Haan, toh maine kab mana kara hai. Woh bhi ho sakti hai, uske liye you don't have to take time off.(when he would have protested further) Meri baat suniye, just keep your schedule light, maybe like till in the early afternoons, and then come home. Tab tak like you said Dadi Bua can come stay with me. And you forget that Baba is also here and he is a doc too. He will know all the do's and don'ts. So you needn't worry.
After more arguments back and forth, Ashutosh seeing that she was adamant, finally gave in.
When they got home, Baba was pacing back and forth, anxiously waiting for their return. When Ashutosh and Nidhi were seated, he asked
--Beta, sab theek toh hai na? Doctor ne kya kaha?
Ashutosh told Baba about the doctors concern, and her warnings. He then preceded to tell him about the converstion with Nidhi in the car about his taking leave of absence from the hospital, and Nidhi refusal to let him.
--Baba aap hi samjhayiye na Nidhi ko. Meri toh koi bhi baat nahin sunti hai, shayad aap ki baat sun le.
--Ashu beta Nidhi theek keh rahi hai. Chutti lene ki koi zaroorat nahin hain, haan bas apna din ka schedule light rakkhne ki koshish karna, aur kya. Aur phir main aur Hiraman to hain hi, aur baaki samdhanji se baat karlete hain, woh din main yahan aa jayengi.
--Baba, aap bhi Nidhi ki hi side le rahein hain, mujhe pata hona chahiye tha.
Dr Mathur chuckled--Beta main kisi ki side nahin le raha, jo mujhe sahi laga bas uske saath agree kar raha hoon. Aur waise bhi agar chutti leni hain to tab lena na jab bachcha aa jayega. Tab toh maza bhi aayega. Hunh?
--Woh toh main waise bhi le raha tha. Nidhi ke liye surprise tha.
Nidhi whipped her head around to look at him. He was going to take off after the baby was born, for me, She thought. And it filled her with a feeling ofwarmth and joy, that he loved her so much.
--Achcha chal beta, tu Nidhi ko apne kamre mein le ja, aur settlee kar, itne mein mai samdhanji se aur Col se baat karke sab pakka karta hoon.
Ashutosh helped Nidhi lie down on the bed and made sure she was comfortable. Just as he turned to leave, she caught his hand and pulled him down to sit on the bed.
--Aap ko bura laga mera chutti ke liye manna karna?
Ashutosh looked at her tenderly, and brought her hand up and placed hit on his heart, and bent down and kissed her,
--Nidhi, mujhe bilkul bura nahin laga. On the other hand, I was so proud of you, tum soch bhi nahin sakti. I am so proud that i have a wife who is so selfless, and caring. I love that you care about my patients and my work. Nidhi mujhe bura nahin laga, but I wanted to be here for you. Maine bahut kuch miss kiya hai abhi tak, sab meri stupidity...
Nidhi stopped him from saying anything further, but placing her hand on his mouth,
--Aapne mujhe promise kara tha na ke ab pichli baaton ko hum dono mein se koi bhi kahbi bhi mention nahin karega? Suniye, please, mere liye. Please lets put the past behind us once and for all. Hum dono ne galtiyan kari, aur hum dono ne na sirf khud, but ek doosre ko bhi bahut pareshan kiya. But that is all in the past now. Ab we have to look at our future. And wait for the new phase of our life to begin. So lets not mar the present and future by talking and bringing up the past all the time. Ab aur nahin. We are together and we are happy! And thats all that counts. Right?
Ashutosh laughed softly, and hugged her
--Right Madam! I love you Nidhi.
--Haan toh theek hai na, aapki biwi hoon. Ab mujhe toh pyar karna hi padega na, aur nahin toh kaise guzara chal sakega.
--Achcha memsahab, toh yeh baat hai. Par zara yeh bhi toh bata dijiye, ke aap humse pyar nahin karti hain ya nahin?
She pulled him closer
--Yeh toh appko hi decide karna padega, patidevji. Aap hi batayiye, aapki biwi aapse pyar karti hai ya nahin?
Ashu looked into her eyes, and bent down to her once again. After a few minutes he lifted his head,
--Thank you
--Kis liye
--For loving me.
Baba knocked on the door, and came in and told them that he had talked to Col Verma and Dadi Bua. And both of them were on their way, but had also readily agreed with their suggestion of Dadi Bua coming during the days, to come and help take care of Nidhi.
Nidhi, was almost nodding off when the doorbell rang waking her up, and indicating that her father and Dadi Bua had arrived. She silently braced her self for what she knew was coming,"Lord help me," she muttered, before Dadi Bua came bursting into the room, and took her into her arms, in a smothering hug.
--Nidhi, beta yeh kya sun rahi hoon main. Kehti thi na, kaam par mat ja. Main toh chahti hi nahin thi ke tu doc bane, lekin yeh tera baap, bas bilkul jallad hai, tereko doc banakar hi choda, chalo woh bhi theek hai. Par jab maine kaha ke aisi halat main tujhe ghar par aram karna chahiye kaam nahin, tab bhi meri ek na suni. Par tu bilkul phikr mat karna, meri bachchi, teri Dadi Bua sab theek kardegi. Tu bilkul theek ho jayegi.
--Dadi Bua theek toh jab hongi jab zinda rahungi. Aur woh tab hoyega jab aap mujhe chodengi taaki main saans le sakun. Itna kas ke pakad rakkha hai mujhko aapne. Mere upar nahin to aapki hone waali granddaughter ke baare mein to sochiye, aur please mujhe chod dijiye.
Dr.Mathur, CV, and Ashutosh, who were standing there witnessing the whole scene, snickered, and were given a glare by Dadi Bua, which had them all shutting up.
Anyway, starting the next morning , for the next 2 weeks a routine was set up. Dadi Bua would come early in the mornings, sometimes accompanied by CV, and would spend the day at Nidhi's house, taking care of her making sure she got rest and ate right, and alternatley entertaining her when she got bored. Then Most evenings Ashutosh would be home by 2 or 3 pm, and after having tea, Dadi Bua would leave to go home. Her evenings were spent with Ashutosh. He stayed with her the whole time. Nidhi had never felt so loved in all her life. Ashutosh treated her as the most precious thing on earth, and with that any lingering shadows of the past were banished.
The only thought the continued to bother Nidhi, was the strange feeling that this happiness would not last. She felt as if something was going to happen, only she didn't know what.
It was saturday, Ashutosh's day off. They had just come back from a visit to the doctors. It had been two weeks since her episode, and Dr. K was very happy with her progress. Other than a bit of swelling on her feet, and general discomfort, which was normal, given that she was 8 months along, Nidhi was in fine health.
Nidhi had wanted to spend sometime sitting in the outside, so Ashutosh had seated her on one of the chairs in the shade, and had gone inside the house to ask Dadi Bua to get something for Nidhi to eat, while he went to get her the book which she had been reading, and wanted to finish, for the last couple of days.
When he came back out, he saw that she was on the phone with Anji, making some sort of plans.
--Kya plans ban rahe the Anji ke saath?
--Ashutosh, can I go out for a little while with Anji, and do some shopping for the baby. I haven't been out for a while now, and even the doctor said that I don't have to be on strict bed rest now. And I promise, that I wont be gone long, sirf thodi der ke liye please.
Ashutosh didn't want to but could also not refuse her, and the doctor had said that she could go out and stuff, for reasonable periods of time, specially if she made sure not to tire herself out. Baba and Dadi Bua were also of the same opinion, that as long as it was just for a while it should be Ok. By the time Anji arrived, and if she had been physically able, Nidhi would have been jumping up and down with excitement. To look at her you would think that this was the first time that she was going out ever. Poor thing, Ashutosh thought, she really must have gotten bored and tired of being cooped up for so long.
Barely a couple of hours later, he heard a car stop, and saw that Anji and Nidhi had returned.
--Arre wah aap dono toh wakai bahut jaldi aa gaye wapas, I was thinking that you both wou...
He stopped talking, when he saw Nidhi face, and the worried expression on Anji's, and the way she was supporting Nidhi. Ashutosh
rushed over to them and took Nidhi from her and picked her up and took her to the room and lay her down on the bed, and asked Anji to get her a glass of water, while he took off her shoes and and took her wrist to feel her pulse. It was racing! Just where did they go, and what did they do, that would upset her health like this. He called for HK to get his BP machine.
Dadi Bua, CV, and Baba all came hurrying into the bedroom with Anji, who handed Ashutosh the water for Nidhi. Ashutosh helped her sit up a bit, and made her drink some water, while Hk handed him the BP machine. Ashutosh lay her back down, and took her BP. It was skyrocketting. He noted that her color also did not look good. he turned to Anji,
--Anji tum dono aise kahan gaye the, aur aisa kya kar rahe the jo isski aisi halat ho gayi.
--Jeejaji, we were just at the mall, getting stuff from the baby store, and we happened to bump into Dr. Mallika. She was really abusive to Nidhi, and made quite a scene. She blamed Nidhi for the fact that you had severed your ties with her, and used the baby to trap you. She also mentioned that who knew if the baby was, even yours Etc Etc. We tried to escape but she kept on blocking us, not letting us move. She even tried to get a hold of Nidhi, but I didn't let it happen. Anyway, she made such a ruckus, that the management had to call security to haul her off. and I brought Nidhi straight here.
Ashutosh cursed under his breath, and was about to say something, when Nidhi let out a small moan, and curled up
--Nidhi kya baat hai.
--Ashutosh mere ko ek dum se bahut dard ho raha hai...
And when she moved a little Ashutosh saw blood on the back of her shirt. His face lost all color. Ashutosh told Anji that they needed to take Nidhi to the hospital immediately, and to get the car ready. Anji ran out, and Ashutosh once again picked Nidhi up in his arms and hurried out followed by Dadi Bua and BB, and CV.
Since he had to sit with her in the back, there was only room for one more person, so Dadi Bua got in the front with Anji, and told BB and CV to follow in the other car. On the way to the hospital Ashutosh placed a call to Dr. K, who as it turned out was still at the hospital, and had just finished up with another delivery. She assured them that she would have everything ready and waiting for their arrival. Mean while
Nidhi's cramps had increased in intensity, and Ashutosh saw that she had bled some more.
When they reached, Dr, K was waiting for them in the ER, and immediately took charge, and had Nidhi wheeled in. Ashutosh was also about to go in, when Dr K stopped him
--Dr Ashutosh, please aap thodi der bahar hi rahiye, while I see whats going on with Nidhi. Then I will inform you.
--But doc I wanted to be with Nidhi. She must be really scared right now, needs me to be with her.
--I understand, Dr. Ashutosh, but please you are too distraught right now. And Nidhi knows me and trusts me too. She and I have become quite close over the past months that she has been here, and I have begun to think of her as a member of my family, like a younger sister. I assure you I am also very concerned about her and will take good care of her. So, please bear with me for a litle while, I will come and tell you whats going on as soon as I examine her and run some tests.
Ashutosh had no choice but to wait. But inside, he was going through hell, and constantly berating himself for ever agreeing to let her go out.
And also cursing Mallika to hell and back. He would take care of her once and for all, as soon as things were alright with Nidhi. BB, Dadi Bua, and Cv, all had worried looks on their faces, but were trying to give him strength and comfort assuring him that everything would be alright.
It had been almost 45 minutes, and Ashutosh was just about out of his mind with worry, when he saw Dr K walking towards him. He ran over to meet her halfway,
--Doc how is Nidhi, is she ok, and the baby?
--Dr. Ashutosh, I am afraid that I have bad news. Due to the sudden rise in her BP, she started having contractions, and with examination, I fear that there is some Placental abruption. Now how much will be determined by a sonogram, which we are in the process of setting up. But Nidhi refuses to do anything further, until you are there with her. she was getting very agitated, which is really not good for her, so i assured her that I would come and get you. So, please if you could follow the nurse and gown up, she will bring you on back.
Ashutosh looked back to where all three of the elders and Anji stood.
They told him to go ahead that Nidhi needed him and not to worry that they all would be right there. And with a smile of gratitude, Ashutosh hurried after the nurse.
5 minutes later he followed the nurse to a room on the labor and delivery floor, where Nidhi was, he saw that she was hooked up to a fetal monitor that was monitoring the baby's heartbeats, and an IV had also already been started. As soon as she saw him she held her hand out and he quickly walked up and took hold of it. Dr. K came up behind them and seated herself on the stool next to Nidhi and began the scan, all along pointing out the sight of the bleeding and telling him exactly what was going on, she was still talking when Nidhi let out a yell, and gripped Ashutosh's hand hard. Dr. K looked at the monitor again.
--Ok, theres no more time, Dr. Ashutosh we need to do an immediate C Section, and deliver the baby. We don't want the baby to go into fetal distress, from lack of oxygen. Nidhi's pulse rate has also just gone up and so has her blood pressure. We no longer have a choice and we cannot delay. please go ahead with the nurse and sign all the consent forms while we prep her for surgery, and then the nurse will come and get you.
Ashutosh could not believe that this was happening. He signed all the consent forms with trembling hands, and asked the nurse to bring his family upstairs to the waiting area, and to also let them know what was going on, then he hurried back to Nidhi's room.
They were about to take her into the operating room. Ashutosh went to her, and took her hand and kissed her forehead
--Nidhi tum bilkul phkr mat karna, sab kuch theek ho jayega, and I will be right there with you, by your side holding your hand the whole time...
--No! No Ashutosh, I don't want you in there with me. You need to wait out here. Dr. K can you give me a minute with my husband please.
--Nidhi every minute is critical, no I am sorry.
--Nidhi, Kyon...
--Because I know that you wont be able to see me like that, and that image will stay with you for the rest of your life. Besides, if anything were to happen...
--Nidhi don't talk like that.
--I know that kuch nahin hoga, but just in case I want you to promise me that you will always take good care of our daughter, and always keep smiling. Promise me.
when he nodded, she smiled and said.
--Achcha ab jayiye, aur BB, Mere Baba aur Dadi Bua ke pass jayiye. Aapko unka bhi toh khayal rakkhna hai, na. Aur meri phikr mat kariyega, I will befine. I love you.
Those were the last words she said as they wheeled her into the OR.
Ashutosh went to the waiting room where he saw that Anji's parents had also arrived along with Rangnath. Anji came up to him and hugged him. Then Dadi Bua and the rest of the family did the same. Dadi Bua said that she was going to the Mandir and pray for her bacchi, and asked Rangnath and Anji if they would take her. Meanwhile BB, and Cv stood beside him, offering their support.
After a little while, Ashutosh moved to stand next to a nearby window, and looked out at the sky and the stars. He prayed as hard as he could, like he had never done before. Ashutosh did not think that he would be able to survive if anything happened to his Nidhi. She was his life, there was no life without her. In some ways, what she was going through now, was his fault. If only he had listened and trusted Nidhi none of this would have happened. All because of hid stupid ethics, and
so called humanitarian actions regarding mallika. She would not have been able to do this if he had not encouraged her and mistreated his wife. He had given the false impression that she was more important to him than his own wife. Well, He had warned her. Apparently she had thought that he had not meant it and that like always she would get away with it this time. So, he would show her that she had made the biggest mistake of her life in underestimating him. The first call he placed was to a friend of his in the Police department, and filed charges against Mallika for harassment, and assault. Then filed a petition for a restriction order, warning her against coming near any member of his family, and resulting violations would allow for immediate arrest, pending trial. He also filed Attempted murder charges, for her attempt on Nidhi's life. Once that was done he placed a few more calls one to the hospital where she worked and the next to the medical board filing charges for medical misconducts, and abuse of her medical knowledge to try and cause physical harm with the intent to take a human life. Ashutosh was sure that all this was enough to ensure her permanent exit from not only their lives but maybe if he was lucky from the country. He did not think that after this she would ever be able to work as a doctor again. Finally, he had worked up the courage to do what was right. When he turned around he saw that his family was standing behind him. They too had heard everything, and their approval was evident from their expressions.
Another hour went by, without any word, and Ashutosh felt helpelss. He didn't know what to do. He was pacing back and forth when he heard footsteps, and saw Dr. K coming towards him with a smile.
--Congratulations Dr. Ashutosh you are a Daddy. You have a beautiful daughter, who was born approximately 30 minutes ago, weighing 5 lbs 7 ounces. and she is absolutely normal and perfectly healthy. Although she is about a month premature, but there is nothing to worry about.
--But Doctor how is Nidhi.
--Aap apni beti ko pehle dekhna nahin chahenge?
--Nahin Doc, woh sab baad mein, mujhe bas aap pehle yeh batayiye, meri Nidhi kaisi hai. Agar woh theek hai, to sab sahi hai.
--You know Dr. Ashutosh, you both are indeed a match made in heaven, the perfect soulmates. Aaj tak toh suna hi tha, ab dekh bhi liya. Nidhi ne mujhe pehle hi bata diya tha ke app yeh kahenge. Isliye usne mujhe bola tha ke kuch bhi bataane se pehle, mein sab se pehle aapko yeh bataa doon ke woh theek hai, bilkul theek. She told me you wont listen or pay attention to anything else even news about your baby till then. But I am sorry, I just had to see for my self also. I hope you realize how lucky you both are.
--So Nidhi is fine?
--Yes, She is absolutely fine. There was some hemorrhaging, but nothing we couldn't control. We had to transfuse her. But she is fine, and perfectly normal. And she is waiting for you.
Dr. K looked at the rest of the family standing alongside him, also
--I am sorry abhi Dr. Ashutosh ke siva Nidhi ke paas koi nahin jaa sakta. Aur baby ko bhi humne incubator nein rakkha hua hai. Par aap log bilkul phikr mat kariye, woh dono bilkul theek hain, aur Hafte bhar mein ghar bhi ja sakenge. Par app log kal subha tak unse nahin mil payege. Toh ab main yehi keh sakti hoon ki sab ghar jaake aaraam se so jayiye, aur subah aake apne dono beityon do dekhiye. and Dr. Ashutosh app mere saath aayiye.
Ashutosh, once again turned to look at his family, they all came up and hugged him and congratulated him. They told him they they would all be back in the morning, and to go to Nidhi, as she was waiting.
Nidhi was lying half propped up, and holding the baby in her arms when he came into her room. Ashu saw that she was looking tired, but very very beautiful, and very very happy. She looked up when he entered, and smiled and like before held out her hand to him. Ashu rushed over and took her hand and leaned in to kiss her.
--How are you?
--aapko kaisi lag rahi hoon.
--Aisi, jaise koi apsara uthri ho zammen pe, sirf mere liye. Jaise sooraj ki pehli kiran, Jaise baarish ki pehli boond. Jaise meri zindagi ki kushi.
Aisi lag rahi ho.
Nidhi had tears in her eyes, as she looked up at him with adoration.
--Ab meri tarref hi karte rahenge ya apni beti ko bhi dekhenge.
And she lifted up their precious tiny little bundle and put her into her fathers, waiting arms.
Ashu looked at his daughter with awe. My god she was beautiful, he thought. She looks exactly like her mother. He could not believe that he was holding her at last, in his arms, and that this beautiful little miracle was his, a part of him, his own flesh and blood. some one who would carry his name, and be a testament to his and Nidhi's love for one another. He looked over at his childs mother,
--Thankyou Nidhi.
--Kisliye?
--Mujhe iske roop mein dobara jeevan dene ke liye. Mujhe mera bachpan, lautane ke liye, par sab se zyada, mujhse pyar karne ke liye.
--Aapne naam soch hai iska?
--Main? Main kaise rakkhoon iska naam. Yaad nahin hai, Dadi Bua to promise kiya tha, ke naam rakkhne ki ceremony karenge.
--Woh aap mujhe par chod dijiye, mujhe pataa hai, Dadi Bua ko kaise patana hai. Aap bas batayiye, apni beti ka kya naam rakkhna chahte hain aap.
--Well, ek baar soch tha, Ashni. Ashutosh aur Nidhi ki ASHNI.
kaisa laga?
--Like It's the most beautiful name in the world.
Just then the nurse came into the room. she said that the baby had to go up to the nursery now, and that as soon as her temperature stabilized, they would bring her back to them. But before the Nurse took her Ashutosh looked at his daughter, and said
--Beta, there is one thing that I need to ask you. It is my wish and blessing for you. When you grow up I want you to be exactly like your mother.
And then he placed a little kiss on her forehead, handed the tiny bundle over to the nurse. -
--Yeh toh koi fair baat nahin hui
--Kya?
_-Aapne Ashni ko mere tarha banane ke liye bol diya. Main uss se bolne waali thi apne Baba ke jaise banane ke liye.
Ashutosh laughed and hugged her
--Well, sweetheart, tough luck I beat you to it. I was first now she will do what i want. Ab Kya karogi?
--Its simple really. Isme koi badi baat thodihi hai.
--Kya matlab tumhara.
--Main hamare bete se bol dungi apne Baba ki jaise banane ke liye.
Ashu could not contain the joy in his heart. The joy that this beautigul woman had brought into his life.
--Tumahare jaisa koi aur nahin ho sakta Nidhi, and I am so lucky you are mine.
He had not even finished his sentence when he saw that his wife had fallen asleep, in his arms with a smile of pure contentment and peace on her face. Was ther anything more perfect, than this moment he thought, once again placing a gentle kiss on her brow.
Well He was about to find out...
24YEARS LATER
Ashni came running into the room, and when she saw her Nani Bhua, she screamed in delight and ran to hug her.
Ashutosh and Nidhi and their two sons, Abhinav, and Ashish were observing this along with BB and CV. They all knew that Ashni was the apple of Dadi Bua's eyes. For the the sun rose and set with her.
Dadi Bua drew back
--Zara mujhe Jee bhar ke apni Bachchi ko dekhne to de.
Ashni laughed and kissed her on the cheek.
--Nani Bhua, main waisi hi hoon jaise aap ek mahina pehle chod ke gayi thi.
--Arre, yeh toh main dekhungi na. Tu kaise keh sakti hai.
Then after giving Ashni an once over Dadi Bua turned to glare at Ashutosh and Nidhi.
--Tum dono bhi bilkul mere bhatije ki tarha nikle. Main kehti reh gayi, ki isse doc na banao, par meri iss ghar mein sunta kaun hai? (Out of necessity, and in consideration for their advancing years, Nidhi and Ashutosh had made CV and Dadi Bua move in with them several years ago. And now everyone lived together, happily, in Dr. Mathurs farm house) Tere Maa Baap ne tujhe bhi apne tarha doctor bana diya. Aur ab dekho, main ek mahine bahar kya rahi, meri bachchi ki ky halat bana dali hai. Tere itna sundar chehra...
Ashni--Sukh ke angoor se kishmish ki tarha ho gaya
DB--aur teri aankhen, itni sundar hirni jaise aankhen hain mari bachchi ki aur ab dekho
Ashni--Khoti chavanni jaisi ho gayi hain.
DB--Aur teri hansi, itni pyari, jaise poori ghar mein dhoop nikal aayi ho, aur ab toh bilkul
Ashni--Aisi ho gayi Jaise Suraj ko Peeliya ho gaya ho...
meanwhile Standing behind their daughter, with both of her sons and with her husbands arm wrapped lovingly around her shoulders , Nidhi looked at her father and smiled...
THE END
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