KTLK- 2nd Ver. Chap 9 Final Chap page 55 - Page 6

Nidhi, looked at the time, it was still very early, and she was not sleepy, but she was starting to get hungry, so she decided that she might as well go eat something. She wondered if the McDonalds near by was still open, she had been craving a shake and fries all day, and she had nothing better to do right now anyway.

Meanwhile, Ashutosh sat in his study, reading at book. He did not feel like going to the guest room, it even felt odd to be sitting here, instead of sitting at his little reading table in their room. He was so happy that Nidhi was back home, but it was so painful to see the distances between them. Nidhi, had put up so may walls between them, he dispaired of ever being able to tear them down, let alone when.

Nidhi, was right in saying that, since she was the one that Mallika had tried to kill, along with all the other plotting to get her thrown out of the house and creating a rift between her and Ashu...etc , how could he have forgiven Mallika, what had given him the right, and moreover how could he have accepted her back as a part of his life? Nidhi was a solutely right! He didn't have any of those rights, all the crimes had been against Nidhi, it should have been her prerogative to forgive Mallika or not. Instead he had taken away that choice from her. And now even if he were to severe ties with Mallika. Would that be enough, would that even begin to make up for his mistake? Ashutosh tried to put itself in Nidhi's place and think. The only answer was No, there was no way to make up for his mistake. No matter what he did now, would be after the fact, as if by cutting Mallika out of his life he was doing a favor to her. Because of his stupidity, and stubbornness, and refusal to see beyond his perception of right and wrong, he had made the biggest mistake of his life. And now, no matter what, even if they did get back together again, their would always be a knot in their relationship. He knew that no matter what, she would never be able to fully trust him ever again.

At one point , he had had her full and unconditional trust, and he had betrayed it. She would always wonder and second guess whatever he said, she might not say anything aloud but she would inside. One thing was plain, he needed to talk to Mallika, he had to tell her what the situation was and that he had to cut all ties. It might not be enough, but at least it was a start.

Ashutosh, took out his phone and placed the call, Ashu-"hi . Do you have a few minutes to talk"? Mallika said yes and wanted to know what had happened that day, and if Nidhi would be coming back. Ashu, then proceeded to give the details on what had happen that day, and the fact that Nidhi had come back home. He also tried to explain Nidhi's feelings to her. After which he said"Mallika, in trying to be fair to you and our past friendship, I have hurt Nidhi. And even though I know this will make you feel bad, but for me no friendship is not worth that. I have hurt her beyond measure, and now somehow I need to try and make it up to her, I have to try and show her how much she means to me. That no one and nothing could even come close to being as important to me and my life as she is. Mallika, I have to agree with her, I had no right to forgive you, it was her right and her prerogative, and I took it away from her. Your crimes were against her. She had to be the one to judge. Anyway, Mallika, Nidhi has made it more than clear that she wants nothing to do with you. And that our child will also not be allowed to have any connection with you", Mallika-" what about you Ashutosh, did she impose that condition on you too. Will you also cut off from me just because of her, just because she says so"? Ashutosh-" Mallika, Nidhi has done nothing of the sort. She says that I can do whatever I want , as long as I keep you away from her and our child". Mallika-" Oh thank god. I got scared for a minute. I knew that you couldn't cut yourself off from me. So, that's not a problem, I won't come to your house, but you could come to mine, right? Plus how will you be able to stay without visiting tinku, you love him too much to cut him out of your life". Ashu-"Mallika, you did not understand me. What I am trying to say is that, I cannot afford to have you in my life or be in yours. I need to pay attention to my family now. I need to try and put my home back together again. And even though it will not be easy for me, but no price is too high for me to pay to get Nidhi back. Mallika you need to try and understand, she is my life, I need her to live just I need to breathe. That is why I called you to tell you this and to say goodbye.". Mallika-"so, that's it, you are going to break our frienship, just like that. It's always been like this Ashutosh, the minute Nidhi comes into the picture, you forget all about me. But this time there is also my son, will you forget all about him too. I thought you said that he filled your empty spaces, and even Nidhi had not been able to do that.". Ashu-"Mallika, I didn't mean any of that. I was just hurting at that time, and I said things I had no right to say and definitely didn't mean. Nidhi, has always more than filled any emptiness within in me. Just her presence is enough to do that. And a child well that would have been a bonus. But at that time I was too stupid to realize that. I was being stubborn, and difficult because I thought that she was giving preference to a career over me. I didnt even take a minute to realize that she was so young, and at that age a few years don't matter. And even though I gave her two years I did so very grudgingly. And I made that very evident. I was not fair to her, or to myself. But now I intend to make it up to her. And even if i have to cut myself off from the rest of the worldd, than so be it. Mallika, I will always have a special place for your son in my heart, I have a lot of affection for him, but at the end of the day he is Your son, not mine. Nothing can take the place of my own child Mallika. I am sorry, if I have made you feel bad, but I felt that you needed to hear all the facts and realities from me. I am sorry if I hurt you, Mallika. But now o have to say Ggod bye.". Ashutosh was surprised that Mallika, had still not realized Nidhis place in his life. And the fact that there was still some resentment in Mallika towards Nidhi, was very evident in her voice and statements. Although, he should not have been surprised by this he was. How could she even think that Ashu would or could stay a part of her life when Nidhi made it clear, that she would never tolerate Mallika in hers. Right now she might think differently but, to Ashutosh, there was no life without Nidhi, her life was his. So if Mallika was not allowed in hers then she definitely was not allowed in his, there were no two ways around this. Maybe, He had been wrong about Mallika. Maybe she had not changed as much as she would have him believe. Never once during the conversation had she said anything about being happy for him that Nidhi was back, nor did she even once mention the baby, or the fact that she was happy he was going to be a father. All that concerned her was the fact that he should be part of her baby's life, he would definitely have to think about all of these things.

Nidhi, came out of her room, it was dark outside, apparently everyone had gone to bed. But she was really feeling hungry, and wanted something to eat. Well her car was not here yet, so she couldn't go to McDonalds, she could go there tomorrow, but right now she guessed she could go to the kitchen and see what was there.

Ashutosh, thought he heard something, like someone scrounging around in the kitchen. He looked at his watch, it was pretty late. So he got up and went to take a look. He found Nidhi, going through the cabinets, looking for something. Ashutosh-"Nidhi, what are you doing up so late, is there anything you want"? Nidhi-"Acuallyl, I was hungry, and I wanted to see what there was. I sometimes get hungry in the middle of the night now a days. I am sorry if I disturbed you.". Ashu-"don't be silly, this is your home, you can do whatever you like whenever you like, you know that. So is there anything in particular that you want, or anything will do"? Nidhi "well , I was wanting a shake and fries from McDonald's, but I can't as I don't have my car, so I was looking to see if you still had any noodles left somewhere". Ashutosh laughed," Nidhi, you will never change, will you? Noodles are not good for you, you know that, and right now, you are supposed to eat nutritional food. It will be good for you and the baby." Nidhi-"I have plenty of nutritional food, but sometimes I need junk also, so are there any noodles left?". Ashu-"I don't know about the noddles Nidhi, you will have to ask HM kaka that in the morning. But right now, why don't I take you to McDonalds for your shake and fries". Nidhi smiled-"if you don't mind, then , please, I have been craving them since this morning, but never got time to stop and get them. And tomorrow, I will have my car here, so you won't need to go the the bother, I can do that myself". Ashu felt really, hurt to hear her talk that formally to him, he remembered the times when she would simply demand and nag until he gave in. Ashu-"Nidhi, it's not a bother, and I would rather you ask me to take you than drive yourself, it's not safe out this late and that too in your condition. And next time if you have any cravings, please tell me, you don't have to wait all day for it. Now let's go".

At McDonalds, Nidhi started to get out when Ashu stopped her and told her to stay put and that he would go inside to get whatever she wanted. She told him she wanted strawberry shake and French fries. Few minutes later when he came back with her food, she barely waited for him to sit down before grabbing the bag from him. She opened the bag and sniffed the food,"heaven" and started eating with enthusiasm. Ashu smiled, that looked like his old Nidhi, who enjoyed life, and was excited by even the littlest of things. Her simplicity and zest for life was just one of the things that he had fallen in love with. Well if she craved french fries and shake so much, he would make sure that she got it, without even having to ask. Ashu looked at her stomach, the proof of their love, growing in her body. Due to his own stupidity, he had missed more than five months of nidhis pregnancy, he would do everything in his power, to make sure that he did not miss any more. He wanted to pamper her and give her anything her her heart desired. Ashu, wondered whether, Nidhi could feel the baby's movements yet, he wished that he could just reach across and touch her stomach.

Nidhi, looked over and saw him looking at her stomach with a deep naked yearning on his face. She really needed to have her head examined, she sighed to her self, and rued the fact that she could never deny him anything, nor could she see him like this and not give him what she knew what was only in her power to give. Love really made you weak, she shook her head, and smiled wryly, and reached over and took one of his hands and brought it over and put it on his stomach. Ashu, looked at her surprised,"Nidhi, why did you...I mean how did you know..."? Nidhi-" It was written on your face, even a blind man cold see what you were wanting.". Ashutosh-" but I never expected that you you ever let me do that, touch hou that is." Nidhi-" I am not, not technically that is. I am letting you feel the baby. Now I don't know whether she will kick or. It seems, she has a mind of her own. Sometimes she will stay quiet the whole day, and sometimes she will kick so much that I think I am having a football match in my stomach. But for the most part, she loves to kick at night, oh boy, once she starts she won't stop, she likes to keep me awake", ashu saw that she was once again lost in thoughts of the baby, the expression on her face and her smile, Ashutosh would remember both for as long as he lived, it was so beautiful. And the fact that she was sharing facts about the baby with him was amazing itself, he didn't think that she would do that. But then his Nidhi, had the biggest heart in the world how could he have forgotten that. Her generosity never failed to surprise him. Then he felt it, it was small and quick, like a jab. He waited keeping his hand there and staying still, in the hopes that the baby might kick again, then he felt felt it again, only this time it was not quick it was a slow movement like something moving slowly whilst rubbing against the edges. He was awed, he couldn't even begin to describe the feelings running through him. He looked at Nidhi, and said"Nidhi, I don't know how to thank you. That was the most wonderful thing I have ever experienced in my life. I can't wait until she comes, to hold her in my arms". Nidhi smiled at him ,"I know what you feel, I felt the same way, when I first heard her hear beats and then the first time on the sonogram. I am still awed by the fact that their is an actual human being growing inside of me, who is a part of me. And the first time I felt her kick , well I felt exactly what you are feeling, it was an awesome experience". Ashu-"thank you. I wasn't sure that I would get to feel her. I didn't think that you would give me that privilege. But I should have remembered that it was you, and you are the most generous person I have ever met in my life. I should not have underestimated you. For that I apologize". Nidhi-"Dr. Ashutosh, I will never keep you away from your child, I can't do that even if I wanted to it would be fair, not to you and most of all not to the baby. This was the reason that I came back to your house, right? It would defeat the purpose of my coming back if I kept you both away from each other. But yes, I will not allow you to come near me, not emotionally, nor physically ever again. But as far as the baby is concerned, you can be as involved as you want with my pregnancy, until she is born, and after that, I know you won't be able to stay away, so that is a moot point"? Ashu looked at her, any other woman would use the baby as a weapon against her husband, to make him suffer, but not Nidhi. She was too good a person to do anything so mean and cruel. He was so lucky, that she was his wife, only he had been a fool for ot recognizing and appreciating these qualities of hers, other than just superficially, sometimes giving her a pat on the head.

He withdrew his hand, and started the car back up, and drove home. By the time they got back, Nidhi had finished her food, and he saw that her eyelids were drooping. He got out and went to her side, and helped her climb out of the car. On The way in she stumbled. She was really sleepy, so he quickly put and arm around her waist, and held her hand and helped her inside the house, he wondered if Nidhi had even noticed that he was holding her and that her head was resting on his shoulder. He had been waiting so long to hold her in his arms, it was heaven. Even if only for a little while, at least it was a start.

Nidhi, was indeed very very tired and very sleepy. But she was not that sleepy that she would not notice Ashutosh, was holding her and that his arms were around her. She missed him so much. She missed this, just being with him, being in his arms. And being back in the same house, how long could she go on resisting him. How long could she keep on staying apart from him. They both were in pain, she knew that he was hurting as much as she was. But she did not know how to resolve all the issues and misunderstanding that were still there between. Until they came to some sort of a compromise or a solution she didn't how how she could be with him again. And what compromise could there possibly be? How could he make all of the hurts, and painful memories go away. Even if she did forgive him, all of that would still be there, still between them, keeping both of them from being completely happy.

Nidhi, did not know what to do, she wanted to ask him to stay and not let her go ever again, but she just could to force her mouth to utter those word. In her room, she with drew from his arms, and went and sat down on the sofa and turned to look at him.

Ashutosh saw her face, she looked so sad, she was looking at him with such longing and love. And an immense amount of sadness too. He went to her and knelt down beside her, "Nidhi, my love, is there nothing I can do that will make you forgive me. Nothing that will let you take me back into your heart. Sweetheart, we are both of us, incomplete without the other. I can see your longing for me on your face and in your eyes, please is there no way, we can be together again. I promise you, I will never hurt you again. You will feel loved and cherished by me always, and I will always, place you first in my life. I will not let anyone come between us ever again. Please, my love, give me another chance, give us another chance". Nidhi-"Ashutosh, I have already forgiven you, I did that long ago. I know that I can never be happy apart from you. But I also can't be happy with you. All those things are still between us, I don't know how to make them go away. Even if I was to come back to you, they would still be there between us, stop us from being truly happy with each other. And Dr. Mallika, she will always be there too. How do I deal with that"?

Ashu-"Nidhi, we can try, at least. I know that I can't wipe out the past, but at least give me a chance to show you that I can mmake the future beautiful for the three of us. And as for Mallika, she was the biggest mistake of my life Nidhi. And my forgiving her was unexcusable. But Nidhi, being without you these past few months have made me realize that nothing, and nobody means anything to me or my life, other than you. And now even having you back here and you are still miles away from me, it's killing me Nidhi. Nidhi, neither Mallika, nor her child mean anything for me. Please believe me. Yes I had forgiven her, but not the way you think. I forgave her simply as a one human being forgives another. She was really regretting her crimes and begging for forgiveness. So I forgave her, even god forgives those who truly repent, and I am no god, I am just a human, who also had made so many mistakes. When I myself was seeking redemption for mine, who was I to begrudge her. As a friend, I have never ever forgiven or forgotten her betrayal, and I will never trust her again. She misunderstood me when I told her that I forgave her. But Nidhi, she has been my friend for a very Long time, and old habits do not die that easily. Of course I have a soft spot for her, but there are no longer any feelings in me for her. And as for her son, I have as much affection for him as I would for a friends child, nothing more nothing less. Nidhi, just the thought of our child, fills me with a kind of love, I have never experienced before. Any other child, Mallikas or anybody's for that matter, cannot even close that. Nidhi, the photographs were,...were just accidental, the one you found in the book, I had forgotten all about that, she had given it to me, and rather than throw it away in front of her, I just put it in my book, intending to throw it away later, and then forgot. As for our honeymoon picture, I did not replace that. When you left I took that picture and put it near my bedside, I looked at it every day, along with our wedding picture. It's still there Nidhi, only it's in the guest room now, with the rest of my things. And Baba, put the one with Mallikas baby here instead. He said that he liked it and would pretend that it was our baby, and he would wait to replace it with that. I didn't have the strength to argue with him and let it stay. It didn't matter to me, you see nothing mattered to me other than the fact that you had left me, and it was my own fault. My stubbornness, my foolishness, everything, had forced you into leaving me. Nidhi, I can't live without you. You are the very air I breathe. Please cant you give me another chance. I promise you, I will love you so much that my love will erase all the memories and wipe out all the pain. I love you, Nidhi. Please come back to me."

Nidhi, did not know what to do. She was so tempted, it was very hard to say no, moreover did she even want to. Nidhi, knew that living without him was not acceptable to her, and he had explained that he had cut Mallika out of his life totally. As far as the past what good would it do to keep on beating a snake. She had already forgiven him, could she not try to put the past behind them also. Wasn't their love worth that. And five months apart from her, surely that was enough of a punishment, hadn't it been for her. She was miserable without him, and she had not even been able to even enjoy her pregnancy to the fullest because he had not been there to share it with her. She needed to face the facts, she did not enjoy anything unless he was there to share it with her. Nidhi, acknowledged, somewhat ruefully, to herself, that she had always known that she would forgive him, she had just not counted on it happening so fast. She had wanted to make him suffer for just a while longer but, what the heck, she had been a fool as far as he was concerned from the second they had met. And now was no different. And how could she resist him when he looked at her like that. He was looking at her with fear and hope intermingled, with a whole world of love, how could she reject that.

Nidhi, looked at him, her handsome, wonderful neurosurgeon, there kneeling on the ground beside her, and sighed, and in that one breath she let go of everything, all her anger, all of her hurt, all of her hesitations, and smiled. His knees were probably killing him, she thought and laughed softly, "Come on get up from there you fool, you're knees are probably killing you right now.". Ashutosh smiled sheepishly," yes, they are". Then he got up and sat down next to her. The silence between them seemed to stretch forever until," Say something"! She smiled at him again, and closed both of his eyes with alight touch of her fingers, and kissed him,"Well, are you just going to sit there and do nothing. is that how how you welcome your wife home after five months. Lagta hai sab Kuch bhool Gaye ho aap. Phir se yad dilaana padega kya"? Ashutosh opened his eyes and saw her, she was smiling at him with all the love he could ever want shining out of her eyes and tears running down her cheeks. And arms wide open. Ashutosh took her into his arms, and held on to her as if he would never let her go" NO, I have not forgotten anything. Shall I show you"?

When Ashu woke up early the next morning he was afraid to open his eyes, for fear that last night had been a dream. But the next instant he felt that wonderfully familiar weight on his shoulder, and sighed with relief, and opened his eyes, and saw his wife. This was possibly the most wonderful sight ever. Ashu, could not believe his good fortune. The fact that Nidhi, had forgiven him yet again, and so quickly was a testament of her love for him. He vowed to himself that he would never again take her or her love for granted. He promised god, that come what may, he would treasure her forever, and make sure he did everything in his power to keep her happy and smiling. He never again wanted to see her as he had yesterday, tired, sad, and beaten down. His Nidhi, was full of life. And he intended to see that she remained that way for ever. Nothing and no one would ever come between them again.

And their baby, their daughter, would probably be the most precious and the most loved baby in this world. He couldn't wait to hold her in his arms. Ashu, shifted his position gently, so as not to disturb Nidhi. Then gently he put his hand on her stomach, and grinned. Nidhi, had been right, his daughter was indeed most active when her mother was resting. He gently caressed her stomach, the way he had seen nidhi do," she won't stop, you know, she loves to wake me up early. Just like her Daddy". Ashu looked up to see that Nidhi was wide awake, and smiling at him. Ashu-"I am sorry Nidhi, I didn't mean to wake you up". Nidhi-"you didn't, she did. I have been awake for a while now. Our daughter. Is the boss, she decides when I have had enough rest. But I didn't mind today. I was just enjoying being back in your arms again. It feels like I've come home. I missed you and missed being held by you". Ashu-"I missed you too, more than words can say. Nidhi, I want to thank..."

Nidhi, had put her fingers on his mouth, stopping him from saying anything further," No! No more sorries, I have had enough to last me a lifetime. Dr. Ashutosh, I want us both to move on, and look towards the future, and try and forget the past. Jo ho gaya so ho gaya. Past is past. That's all. You are not the only one who made mistakes, I did too. And as a result both of us have suffered immeasurable pain. But no more, this is a new beginning for the both of us, and in more ways than one. Dr. Ashutosh, both of us need to look forward to our new future, with our daughter, right. So promise me you will not talk about the past or ever say sorry again. You and I are together now and that is all that matters". Ashu-" Nidhi, you humble me. I have never seen any body like you ever. I can't believe that you just forgave me. No questions, no conditions, just total acceptance. What do I do with you"? Nidhi-" AB, yeh bhi aapko bataana padega?". Ashu felt as if a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders "I think I can manage to remember, of course I may need a little help, though. I love you Nidhi, very very much". Then there was quiet, as they both lost themselves in the wonder of discovering each other all over again.

When Ashutosh woke up next, Nidhi was not in bed with him, but unlike the last time, he was not scared. He knew that she was near by. Just then, she came out of the bathroom toweling her hair dry. Again one of those beautiful sights, he had so missed during the last five months.

Nidhi-"So, you're awake, good. Ab, uthiye, hospital ke liye tayyar nahin hona hai."? Ashu-"I don't feel like going in today. I want to spend the whole day with you." Nidhi laughed and went to sit down next him, on the bed,"Well, I don't know about you, but I am just a lowly resident, and I can't do that, I have to go., plus you remember, I am on call tonight. I won't be back until tomorrow.". Ashu's face fell,"Nidhi, I didn't want to say anything before, but are you sure that, it's alright for you and the baby to be working so hard and for so many hours at a time"? Nidhi-" I am fine, please don't worry about me. And nowadays it is perfectly normal to be working almost until the last month. Dr. Ashutosh, everyone there treats me with kid gloves, and does or let me overtax myself. I promise. I will not do anything that will affect mine or the baby's health. Now please stop worrying". Ashu-"I will always worry, you know that. Ok, Nidhi I will take your word for it, but you must promise me that you will stop the moment it becomes too much, and I promise that I will try not to go overboard too much". Nidhi-" I promise. And don't worry, I know you are going to go overboard. I am looking forward to it. I know you are going to drive me crazy in the process also, but that's ok, and I love you anyway". Then she bent to give him a kiss, and as she started to get up he pulled her down again. After, a few minutes, "if you keep this up, I will be too tired and too late to go to work, and so will you.". Ashu-"that's ok, I don't mind.". Nidhi," but I do, now please, let me get up, some of us, who aren't HOD's, have to go to work". She tried to scoot out of bed, but being six months, made it a little hard to maneuver. Ashu, thought she looked really adorable, trying to struggle out of bed, and he told her so. Nidhi grumbled-" Yes, I really feel cute. I'd like to see you like this, and then we will see how cute you feel, now will you please stop smiling like that and help me get up". Ashu laughed and went to give her a hand. And still laughing, went or get ready for work. Nidhi, felt so happy, to see him this so carefree, and lighthearted. She could not stand to see him so beaten down and dejected, like he had been yesterday. She would have done anything to put that smile back in his eyes. Maybe, it had been a bit preemptive, but she was glad that they had sorted out their differences last night. No price was greater than his happiness, not in her eyes.

They both went out to breakfast together. The happiness in their eyes was plain to see. BB looked at the both of them, and smiled. It looked like the two of them had made up. After saying good morning to BB, and touching his feet, they sat down to breakfast. Baba tried to draw Nidhi into a conversation, but other than answering his questions and responding at the appropriate places, Nidhi, kept to herself, and ate her breakfast quietly. BB was sad to see that his granddaughter was still angry with him. Well, now that she was home he hoped that he would also get a chance like Ashutosh , to try and make up with her. When she had almost finished, HM kaka came to the table and told Nidhi, that her DB had called and told him to pack her lunch and her dinner, as she was on call that night. Nidhi was about to thank him, when Ashu spoke up," Kaka, lunch is fine but don't worry about her dinner right now. I will come home and pick up,dinner and take it to her, that way I can make sure she eats properly, and will also get to have dinner with my wife". Baba, and HM both smiled and nodded their heads.

After breakfast, both said bye to BB and HM, and went out to go to work. Nidhi's car was there, just like her father had promised it would be. She took out her keys, and turned to say goodbye to Ashu, when he came and took them from her hands and put them back in her purse. Nidhi-"Why did you do that"? Ashu-"Nidhi, I don't want you driving in your condition, please. I will feel better if you let me take you wherever you needed to go". Nidhi-"You are not being practical, Dr. Ashutosh, how can you do that? You just can't keep going back and forth like that. I am fine to drive right now. Of course, in a little while I won't be, but for now it's ok. And I am a very careful driver. Please". Nidhi looked at his face, and sighed, "ok, fine but just this time, and then after this I will drive myself. No arguments". Ashu, knew when to give in, and besides he thought, it would not be for long, pretty soon, she would have to stop driving, as well as working. He knew that he had to let her have space. It was enough that he had his wife back, and that he was going to be a father as well.

Before dropping her off, Ashu made her promise to eat lunch on time and get get as much rest as she could in between. Nidhi, promised him both, and then leaned forward to give him a kiss, but found out that it was not that easy any more. Ashu, smiled tenderly at her and came forward to give her the kiss that she wanted. And then, with a promise to see her later that evening for dinner, drove away.

Throughout the day, Nidhi, was on cloud nine, she just could not stop smiling. Several people even remarked , that she was positively glowing with happiness, and that they had never seen her like this before. Lucky for her that it was not a busy day, otherwise there was no way that she could have gotten any work done. Ashutosh, had been calling her up practically every hour. The last time she had to threaten him that she would switch her phone off, if he didn't stop. She laughed and tried to imagine how he was getting any work done, she just hoped that he did not have any surgeries scheduled for today. The whole day passed uneventfully, but it was still pretty busy enough that by the, end of the day, she was looking forward to putting her feet up for a while to rest. So, when finally, she had seen her last patient for the evening, she went to the doctors lounge, and thankfully put her feet up and closed her eyes. She was also looking forward to dinner, and couldn't wait to see her husband. He should be getting there any time now. Ashutosh had called her to tell her that he had picked up dinner and was already on his way to her.

When she heard the door open, she smiled and turned her head, fully expecting it to be her husband, but it wasn't Ashutosh, that was standing there, it was Dr. Mallika! Nidhi, was surprised.

Nidhi-"Dr. Mallika! What are you doing here? Is everything alright? Is there anything wrong with the baby?

Mallika-"The baby is fine Nidhi. I am not here for that".

Nidhi was confused-"then why..."

Mallika-"you think you are very clever don't you, Nidhi? I am sorry now, that I told Ashutosh, about you. Once again, you have succeeded in taking him away from me and out of my life. What kind of person are you? Does it make you happy to see other people suffer? I would have been happy to have him in my life just simply as a friend, but no you are so jealous and vindictive that you had to even take that away from me. First you take my place in his life and now you are having a baby, and it is going to take my sons place. Why can't you ever let me live in peace Nidhi. I had thought , that I would not ever do anything bad again, I had thought that we could both be happy, and have ashutosh in our lives, but once again you are forcing my hand. I will make you very sorry Nidhi. Very sorry that you ever came back into Ashutosh's life. You know exactly what I am capable of don't you. Well first of all I am going to get you thrown out of this hospital, just loke i did from KGH, I have enough influence to do that, you know.. And then next, I am going to separate you and your baby, from Ashutosh, permanently, he will throw you both out of his life. After all, you have been separated from him for five months, who knows who that baby belongs to. I just have to whisper a hint in his ear, who do you think he will believe Nidhi? You...". Before she could say a word Nidhi, cut her off,"That's enough Dr. Mallika. Just Shut up. You have a filthy mind. I am surprised that a man like Dr. Ashutosh ever considered you a friend. And, I think that my reputation stands for itself here, and if they choose to fire me at your word, than I am better off for it anyway. As for Dr. Ashutosh, he will never believe you, not in a million years. And...". Before Nidhi could say another word she too was cutoff," Thank you Nidhi". It was Ashutosh, he must have arrived sometime after Mallika. Apparently he had heard enough, he looked furious, and Mallika had lost all color to her face " Ashutosh, tum kab aaye"? Ashutosh,"I have been here long enough Mallika. This time I have heard everything with my own ears, so you can not claim that Nidhi was lying. I should be surprised at you , but somehow I am not. Mallika, you have not changed one bit. And Nidhi is absolutely right, I would never have believed you. I can doubt myself, but I can never doubt Nidhi. And as far as the baby is concerned Mallika, she is OURbaby, Nidhi's and mine. And while I still have affection for your son, that's all it is, is affection, after all its not his fault that he has a mother like you. Nothing can come close to what I feel for our daughter, and she hasn't even come into this world yet, just think what I will feel once I get to hold her in my arms. I pity you Mallika, people like you never learn their lesson in life. I won't even waste time feeling contempt for you, you are not even worth that. And this is the last time I will say this to you, I want you to keep away from my family. If I ever see you near Nidhi, or my daughter, I will make that you regret it till your dying day. Nidhi, was generous enough to let you go, after your attempt on her life, but remember Mallika, I can and will file a criminal complaint against you. I will forget that we were ever friends. Infact I regret that I ever even considered you as a friend. Now I want you to leave and I never want to see your face again. Is that clear"?

Mallika ,"Ashutosh, you can't mean that. I didn't mean any of those things, I was just trying to frighten Nidhi Thats all. I thought that if she was scared enough she would not ask you to cut your ties with me that's all. I never really meant those things. Please Ashutosh you have to believe me. I didn't mean it". Ashu-"whether you meant it or not Mallika, it is enough for me that you even came here and said those things. And For the record Nidhi, never asked me to cut my ties with you. I did that on my own. And now I am glad that I did. You do not deserve my friendship, in fact you do to deserve anybody's. Now get out of here, just the very sight of you makes me sick"! And then he turned his face away from her. Mallika tried to call out to him again, but when Ashutosh, picked up the phone and threatened to call security. She left, quietly closing the door behind her.

Ashu looked at Nidhi hesitantly, afraid of her reaction. But Nidhi, put her arms around him and said"You are my knight in shining armor. Thank you for coming when you did. I was actually getting scared". Ashu-"I can't believe that. my Nidhi is not scared of anything. And from where I stood, you were doing a fair job of defending yourself and me. You didn't need me at all". Nidhi" yes I did. I did not know how I was going to get rid of her. I am glad you were here. Dr. Ashutosh do you think that we are rid of her, finally"? Ashutosh-"I don't know, Sweetheart. I certainly hope so. I am kind of getting tired of her popping up like the proverbial rotten apple, all the time in our lives. I hope she understands, and leaves us alone, but even if she doesn't , I will always be there to protect you. She can never harm you again, and I promise that she will never have any influence over me or our lives ever again". Nidhi smiled, so brightly that it seemed that the whole room lit up with her smile," I know she won't, because I know you won't let her. Just as I know that you love me and our baby. And I know that you will be there to protect and care for us always, forever and ever.". And then she put her arms around him and he lifted her up and carried her to the sofa, and sat her down, " Now let's have dinner, my daughter and I are starved, aren't you"? Nidhi, sat there just looking at him for a second , then started laughing, a wonderful happy laugh the along with the room also lit up his heart.