Note - please forgive my atrocious Hindi grammar...am not a native speaker nor have I studied it formally!
"What is this punishment for? Wanting a career, questioning you over Dr Mallika or daring to walk out of your home?"
I look up from the discharge papers I had been scanning. She stands there with flashing eyes and flaring nostrils screaming rage.
I sigh to myself. I had known deep down that this was coming. Yet, I thought she had become so indifferent to me that maybe it would not matter anymore. My heart feels a little lighter that I have been proved wrong!
"Not that I really care. Your life and your choice! Who am I to question you on either? I just asked because I don't want you running away from here because of me. I don't want KGH to be deprived of its best surgeon. Why should I live with the burden of this guilt for the rest of my life?"
The happy bubble bursts. So, she does not really care. So, I am right again. Right about my cursed fate that has no happiness written in it! Or if it has, then it is fleeting like a mirage! Right about my dratted conscience that ensures that I screw up any chance of personal happiness all by myself. The butterfly had been stifled by the oppressive life that the Raja chose to lead. It had spread its wings and flown away, leaving the Raja to revel in his bitterness and loneliness. The butterfly had tried hard to teach its Raja to sprout wings and fly by its side. But, it had no clue that the Raja's feet were manacled by the weight of his own principles.
I keep my tone as normal as possible and loud enough so she does not hear the sound of my heartbreak!
"I know, Dr Nidhi. I know that you don't care. And you need not worry about the weight of this decision on your conscience. My life and my decisions have nothing to with you anymore!"
She flinches as if physically hit.
"The decision to leave is entirely my own. I am needed somewhere else and the management understands my compulsions!"
Her eyes widen and I know my unwitting barb has struck home. Not that it gives me any joy. All I feel is a great sadness!
I pull open the table drawer and get a brown envelope from it, I hand it over to her.
"I was intending to courier this to you. But since you are here, let me give it to you. You may need it sooner or later!"
"What is this?"
"Papers for our legal separation, I have already signed them and you are free to carry the process forward, My lawyer's contact is in there. She will make sure I am present at the courts whenever! I have also made Baba's house over to you. And before you ask, I have already paid Dr Mallika for the same. It is your legacy and yours to keep!"
"Goodbye then, Dr Ashutosh! Please excuse my absence at your farewell party this evening!"
I nod my head and she leaves.
The brief sojourn is ended. It is time to move on!
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Udne Ki Aasha
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