Here it is guys, the final chap.
Final Chapter
Chapter 6
When Nidhi came too, she found her self lying on the hospital bed in the ER. For a moment she was really confused, and then all of a sudden everything came back to her, and she remembered Janki Bai, coming and telling her that Ashutosh had been hit by a car. But, Ashutosh was fine, wasn't? Or was she imagining that...Nidhi was still trying to figure everything out when,
--Sleeping beauty has woken up I see. But yeh kya, I didn't even get to kiss you yet. How can you wake up without my kiss?.
Nidhi turned her head and found her self face to face with Ashutosh's smiling face. But she saw that the smile was a very hesitant one, and his eyes had a worried, kind of scared apprehensive look to them. She under stood. He probably thought that she was going to withdraw from him again. That she had only run to him because she had thought he was hurt. Nidhi pondered on whether she should let him suffer a bit more, or should she put him out of his misery. When she glanced up at him again she saw that this time even the smile had disappeared, and the only expression on his face was worry, and desperation, and love. Tons and tons of love. There was no way she could let him suffer any longer, she could not see him so miserable, she decided. Now later on maybe she could make him suffer a wee bit more, but for now, they had been apart long enough, and she just wanted to be in his arms again. But then again, she thought, maybe just a tiny bit...
--Toh kya aap koi Prince Charming hain, jo main aapke kiss ke liye wait karti?
She sounded so stern and unwelcoming that Ashutosh did not know now to respond. It was as he had feared. Once she came too, she would want to leave him again. Maybe he shouldn't have cracked the joke about sleeping beauty. It was too soon, of course she would not want to hear such things from him yet. She probably didn't even want to see him.. But he could not let her get away from him either, not now not ever. Somehow he had to convince her that he loved her, that he could not live without her. That she was his whole world, and Mallika meant nothing to him. But how? He had no idea where to even begin. Well maybe he could start by telling her that he had been joking, and had not meant any harm by his sleeping beauty remark. Although for the life of him he couldn't figure out what had been so offensive about that. Anyway, she was angry with him, so nothing else mattered! If she was offended then he had to do something to pacify her, that was it.
--Nidhi, I didn't mean anything..., I mean I didn't mean to offend you or anything. It was just a joke. Of course, I am not Prince Charming,
I know that. It's just...that...well you see I was trying to...that is I was just...
And, in the middle of his botched, halted attempt, he heard her laugh, which made him stop and look at her. She was smiling! And she had a mischievous look in her eyes, which turned into tenderness and love, as she lifted her hand and cupped his cheek.
--Yes you are. You are my Prince Charming. Aap ko abhi tak yeh bhi nahin pataa.
--Nidhi tum,...tum mujhse naraz nahin ho.
--Apni zindagi se koi bhala kab tak naraz reh sakta hai.
Ashutosh just stared at her, and put his own hand on top of hers, and turned his face in her hand to place a kiss on her palm. He had tears in his eyes, which were running down his cheeks, when he turned to face her again. And before he could say anything else, she swung her legs over the side of the bed, and lifted herself into a seating position, then took his face into her hands and brought herself closer and kissed both of his eyes, then his cheeks, and a gentle kiss on his lips, before she drew back again.
--I am sorry. Aap mujhe maaf karenge?
--Par Nidhi, tumhari koi galati nahin hai, saari galati meri thi. Na main malli...
--Uske liye nahin, jo baat maine kal raat ko Rohan aur Anji ke samne kahi thi uske liye. Muje pata hai, aapko toh pata chal hi gaya hoga. Can you ever forgive me? I didn't mean it, and I know how much it must have hurt you. A lot!
Ashutosh was quiet, he didn't know what to say. She humbled him. She was apologizing to him, because she knew what she had said last night hurt him. For her things were very simple. He wondered ke usko Nidhi ke iss bholepan, aur saaf dil ka ehsaas pehle kyon nahin hua. Galati kari to maafi mang li, aur kuch galat laga to usse bhi utne hi saaf dil aur sacchai se sab ke aage rakkh diya. Koi chhal nahin. Koi banawat nahin. Why had it taken so long to register with him? And he had always misunderstood, and taken someone else's word over hers. Ashutosh felt really small.
He had been quiet so long, Nidhi thought that he did not want to talk, and that he was still hurting, or angry, so she bent forward and lay her head down on his shoulder,
--I am really sorry. Meri wajah se aapko bahut dukh ho raha hai. But really, I was just hurt and angry I did not mean it. Main kabhi bhi aapse hamesha ke liye alag ya aap ko chodne ke baat soch bhi nahin sakti.
--Nidhi, tumhe kisi bhi cheez ke liye sorry bolne ki koi zaroorat nahin hai. Sorry to mujhe bolni chahiye tumse. Maine tumhe bahut dukh diya hai. I dont even know where to...
Once again Nidhi cut him off.
--I think that hum dono kahin aur bhi baat kar sakte hain. Yeh hospital hai, aur hum ER mein. You never know, they might need the room. And since you are Ok...Par janki bai ne toh mujhe bataya tha that you had been hit by a car. What happened, I dont understand, and kisne kiya? Par pehle mujhe sach sach bataiye, aap theek toh hain na, koi chot toh nahin lagi na appko?
Ashutosh hugged her,
--Yes Dr. Nidhi I am absolutely fine. I promise you, not a scratch. Although I might have some pretty nasty bruises and maybe some aches and pains, but otherwise I am fine. I was on my way to the parking lot, and this crazy person guns his car straight at me, woh toh luckily samne doctor priyanka thi, and she yelled my name and I was able to jump aside at the last second, nahin toh the speed at which he was coming for me, I don't think all the bandaids in the world would not have been able to put me together.
Nidhi shuddered at the thought that something might have happened to him, and hugged him tightly to herself.
--Please don't even joke about something like this. I don't even want to think that you could have been hurt or that something could have happened to you. I couldn't bear it.
Ashutosh kissed her gently and once again hugged her in reassurance.
then Nidhi pulled back a little and looked into his face, and with tongue in cheek said
--Besides, aapko nahin lagta ke aapne hospital ki privileges ka kuch zyada hi fayda utha liya. Jab dekho jab patient ban kar aa jaate hain.
Kabhi sar par chot laga kar, kabhi pair par. I think ab apni position ka misuse karna chod dena chahiye aapko, Kyon?
Ashutosh laughed, the imp, he thought. And just as he was going to answer, there was a knock at the door.
--Come in Dr. Rangnath.
Rangnath came in, and Ashutosh was surprised to see that he was followed by Rohan and Anji.
--What are you two doing here?
Anji went to him and Hugged him,
--Main toh yahin thi Jeejaji, inke liye wait kar rahi thi ghar jaane ki.
Then Rohan also came and shook his hand and gave him a small hug,
--Aur main paas mein hi tha kuch kaam se, and when Anji got the news that you might have been hurt she called me, and I came right over. We were both really worried, until Dr. Rangnath told us that you were fine.
Ashutosh looked at the three of them. He had, over time, somehow developed a deep affection for all three of them. They were not only Nidhi's friends, but now also his. Ready to support the both of them in all times, good or bad. And also not hesitating to to give even him, a piece of their minds, when they thought that he needed or deserved it. Friends just didn't get any better than this. He was lucky to have them in his life, Ashutosh thought.
--Sir, the inspector is wanting to finish up with you if you don't mind.
--No, not at all Rangnath. Please have him come in, and lets get this over with.
The inspector came in with another officer, and looked around, finding the room to be filled with so many people,
--Dr. Ashutosh agar yeh sab bahar thodi der ke liye jaa sakte hain, toh hum apna kaam jaldi khatm kar lenge.
--No inspector. Yeh sab yahin rahenge mere paas. This is my family.
Aap ko jo bhi baat karni hai, in sabk saamne kar sakte hain.
The inspector, once again looked at everyone, then began,
--Dr. Ashutosh, we have caught the man driving the car that tried to hit you. His Name is Dr. Jagan. He looks like he is a mad man Sir. And he says that he was taking revenge, because...
The inspector hesitated, once again looking around at everyone,
--Because of what Inspector. Revenge for what?
--He says Dr. Ashutosh that you are having an affair with his wife, and got her pregnant.
There was a collective gasp from everyone. And shock was plainly evident from their expressions.
Before anybody could say anything, and even before Ashutosh could respond, Nidhi spoke up,
--What utter rubbish! That is absolutely not true!
The inspector looked up at her,
--Aap please beech mein nahin boliye. Yeh ek police matter hai. By the way aap kaun hai?
--Police matter sirf yeh hai, ki Dr. Jagan ne Dr. Ashutosh ki jaan lene ki koshish kari hai. Bas. Aur jahan tak meri baat hai, ke mai kaun hoon. Main Dr. Ashutosh ki Patni hoon. Mujhe poora haq hai ke main apne pati ke paksh mein boloon.
The police Inspector raised his eyebrows in surprise
--Aap inki patni hai? He asked in shock.
Nidhi Was furious, but her voice was extremely calm. Ashutosh, had been looking at her with surprise also, he had not expected this. But he should have known better, this was Nidhi! And with Nidhi you should always expect the unexpected. She had once again succeeded in surprising him. She was like a tigress defending her cubs, Magnificent! Ashutosh knew that tone, he had experience on how deceptive it was. The poor inspector didn't know what he was in for, he thought with amusement, and Pride. His Nidhi was defending him!
--Kyon, aapko ismein bhi koi shaq hai?
--Nahin madam, woh bas isliye ke aap aur Dr. Ashutosh...
poor guy did not even get to finish the sentence, when she slowly climbed down from the bed, and went to stand near Ashutosh
--Main aur Ashutosh kya inspector?
By now the inspector had a very panicked look on his face, and his eyes darted around looking for support, as he tried to use a finger to try and loosen his collar,
--Nahin madam, I didn't mean anything. I just meant to say, that I had not known that Dr. Ashutosh was married.
--Koi karan tha ke apko yeh baat pata honi zaroori thi?
--Nahin, bas woh...kyon ki...
He was really at a loss for words, when Nidhi decided to take pity on him,
--Inspector, my husband and Dr. Mallika are just friends. Not that I see that this has anything to do with anything. Anyway, She is upstairs, you can go and ask her yourself. My husband was only trying to help his friend. Dr. Jagan is a abusive husband, and Dr. Mallika is pregnant, and has also filed a police report against him, which is why he was trying to hurt my husband. There is no other reason.
--Oh! We just trying to cover all of our bases, Doctor thats all. Thank you for your time Dr. Ashutosh. We will get back to you. But I am afraid that you will have to come in to the station to fill out some necessary paper work, if you don't mind? Sometime tomorrow?
--Of course, Inspector. I will see you then.
--We will see you then. Nidhi interjected.
--Uh well yes, of course, thank you. Dr. Ashutosh could we please go and have a word with Dr Mallika also?
--Yes of course. Dr. Rangnath could you please take the inspector to Mallika's room, and stay there till he is done.
--Of course, Sir. This way please Inspector.
As soon as they had left, Anji came up to her,
--Nidhi, tu bilkul pagal hai. Police ko Dr. Mallika ke paas bhej diya.
you know thatshe will never take your side. She will do anything to keep the two of you apart.
--You are right Anji. Dr. Mallika will never take MY side. But, she will always take Dr. Ashutosh's. She will never do anything to harm him, no matter what. If given the choice between separating us, and saving him from harm, she will always choose to save him.
--But, how can you be so sure?
--Anji she loves him more than she resents and hates me. Its that simple. She would never do anything to harm him.
Ashutosh looked at her with a mixture of awe, admiration and respect.
--I love you!
--I know that. It is the biggest unshakeable faith of my life.
Ashutosh was lost. If anything he fell in love with her all over again, just for that. He was just about to take her in his arms again, when Rohan cleared his throat, and brought home that fact hat they were not alone. Ashutosh turned and smiled,
--Well, I hope you guys don't expect me to apologize for that. After all I have just gotten back with my wife after a long times, thoda toh lapse hoga hi na.
Anji and Rohan both started laughing aloud at that, and went up to hug Nidhi. They were both very happy and relieved that these two were together again. Specially Rohan! He was very happy that Nidhi had lost that sad look in her eyes. That was what he had wanted for her all along. To be happy. And he knew the the man standing next to her with his arm around her shoulder, holding her close, and looking at her with his heart in his eyes, was the only one who could ever put that look in her eyes. He had accepted that long ago, and was at peace with it.
--Toh Ab toh treat banti hi hai. Kyon Sir, Party ho jaye?
--Abolutely Rohan. A party is definitely in order. Kab chaihiye?
--I was thinking, tonight. Aapko ghar toh aana hi padega na, Nidhi ka saman lene. Toh why not tonight, poori family ke saath, and we can celebrate the two of you getting back together.
Nidhi pulled away from Ashutosh, and said indignantly,
--Why is everyone assuming that I am moving back. Have I said anything to that effect?
Ashutosh was stunned, he had assumed that since, everything was alright now, she would move back home with him.
-Par, Nidhi tumne hi toh kaha tha...
--Kya kaha tha Dr. Ashutosh? Maine kab kaha ke main aapke saath ghar chal rahi hoon.
Anji--Nidhi yeh tu kya bol rahi hai.
Nidhi--Anji tu beech mein mat bol please.
And then she turned back to Ashutosh.
--Aapne ek baar bhi mujhse ghar chalne ko kaha kya? Toh phir?
Jab kaha hi nahin, toh yeh kaise assume kar liya ke main chal rahi hoon? Dr. Ashutosh , har cheez ka apna ek tareeqa hota hai. Pehle mujhe pyar se manayiye, phir mujhe apne saath ghar chalne ke liye boliye, tab aage baat karungi. Uss se pehle you can't just presume ke main chalungi. Uh Uh, thats not done!
Ashutosh laughed in relief, she had him really scared there for a minute.
--Theek hai Dr. Nidhi! Will you...
--Aise nahin Dr. Ashutosh. Pehle Baba ke ghar aayiye, aur wahan mujhese baat kijiye. Phir main dekhoongi. Abhi main Ghar ja rahi hoon Anji aur Rohan ke saath. Bye.
And without another word she walked out, and after a slight hesitation and a shrug, Anji followed.
Rohan came up to him, and patted him on the shoulder, and said
--Dr.Ashutosh, Man, I do no envy you. You certainly are a brave man, to take that on.
Ashutosh looked at him in surprise, and laughed,
--I wouldnt have it any other way Rohan. How many women do you who who would have the kind of courage, and a heart as pure and honest as her?
Both men looked at one another in perfect understanding, and the starting of a whole new friendship.
Ashutosh was so happy, he hummed an offbeat tune all the way home. Baba was very happy to here about the events of the day, and was ecstatic to hear that Ashutosh was going to be bringing Nidhi back home that evening. He declined to go with him, saying that he was going to stay at home to make preparations to greet his granddaughter on her return.
CV and Dadi Bua greeted him warmly on his arrival, and welcomed him in. He noticed that Rohan, Anji and Rangnath were already there. Ashutosh felt as nervous as a teenager on his first date, as he waited for Nidhi to come out. The next second he froze, when he looked up and saw her approach. She looked like a vision in the dark blue and turquoise sari that she wore. CV and Dadi Bua smiled indulgently at his expression.
--So Ashutosh, rohan tells me you came to ask for something.
CV prompted.
Ashutosh looked abashed, and blushed, as he dragged his eyes away from his wife.
--Yes Sir, that is, I did. I came here to ask your permission to take Nidhi back home with me. If its alright with you?
Nidhi's father laughed with delight,
--Ashutosh, you don't have to ask for my permission to take your own wife home. Nidhi is my daughter, but you are her husband, its your right. I am just relieved that both of you have worked things out.
Nidhi---Baba, aapse kisne kaha ke we have worked things out? Ashutosh hasn't even asked me yet if I want to come home, let alone asked me to come home. He has asked you, Toh aap chale jayiye.
--Nidhi, stop being a brat. Ashutosh is doing this the right way, the way he should. He is giving me my due respect as your father, and his father in law.
--Baba, maine kab kaha yeh kuch galat kar rahein hain. Mai toh sirf yeh keh rahi hoon, ke I haven't been asked yet. And jab tak yeh mujhse nahin kahenge, main kahin nahin jaungi.
Baba looked at her with exasperation, and looked at Ashutosh with something akin to sympathy,
--Sorry Ashutosh, I sympathize with you. But, I am sorry to say that better you than me. Yeh shaadi ke baad se aapke museebat hai. I have already done the kanyadan. She is not my problem any more.
Ashutosh laughed, both father and daughter are crazy he thought to himself.
--Accha bhai,bahut ho gayi baatein, ab in bachchon ko bahar jana hai. inko der ho rahi hai.
--Par Dadi Bua, party toh hum sab ke liye hai, aap log nahin chal rahe?
--Nahin Ashutosh , tum sab jao. Yog aur main, hum dono ghar par hi rahenge. Hamare liye yeh bahut hai ke tum dono kush raho.
-- lekin Dadi Bua, CV...
CV cut him off
--Ashutosh don't you think that its time we dispensed with formalities.
I would really like it if you would call me Baba, also. After all you are my son in law. Umr se kya hota hai, rishta to hamara sasur aur damaad ka hai na. Toh is naate se main aapka bhi to Baba hua, kyon?
--Jee, aap bilkul sahi keh rahein hain. Lekin ek shart par. Ap bhi mujhe sirf Ashutosh keh kar bulayiye, aur 'aap' kehna band kijiye. Agar bete ka rishta establish kiya hai toh phir poori tarha se hona chahiye na?
Nidhi had tears running down her face as she saw her father get up and embrace Ashutosh to him warmly. The two most important men in my life, she thought, as the sight of them embracing moved her beyond words.
--Theek hai, ab tum log jao, aur enjoy karo.
And with these words Dadi Bua ushered them out the door.
It was a fun evening, the five of them had plenty to talk about, and Ashutosh felt totally at ease. Some how the age difference didn't seem to bother any body, so other than the initial discomfort, it ceased to bother him also. They were all wonderful people, these three friends of Nidhi's. And that they had so readily accepted him as a part of their group, made him very happy. And where on a normal day, he would have felt very happy, and be enjoying himself, today, he just wanted the evening to end, so that he could take his wife home, and have her all to himself. Almost as if someone was listening to him, the band struck up a wonderfully slow romantic number. Ashutosh stood up and held out his hand to Nidhi,
--Nidhi could I have this dance?
Nidhi looked at him in astonishment, then she smiled. He was learning, she thought, there is still some hope left for him! And put her hand into his and let him lead her to the dance floor. Ashutosh sighed in contentment at finally having her to himself, and tightened his arms around her, as she leaned her head on his shoulder, and began slowly moving in time to the music.
--Nidhi?
--Hmmm.
--Mujhe maaf kar diya na?
--Depends..
--On what?
--Ke aapne mujhe kal raat ki baat ke liye mujhe maaf kara hai ke nahin, abhi tak.
--Nidhi there is nothing to forgive. You were justified in all of your actions and reactions, considering what I had put you through. Haan, thodi si der ke liye bahut hurt hua tha. But this evening, when you came running to me in the ER, and held yourself together long enough to make sure I was Ok before you fainted, more than made up for everything. Ab tumhari baari hai. Tum mujhe maaf kar paogi?
--Agar nahin kiya hota toh kya iss tarha aapke saath hoti main abhi.
Jab main aaj subha uthi, aur mujhe realization hua ke maine kal raat to kya kya bina soche samjhe bol diya tha, aur uss se aapko kitni chot pahunchi hogi, tabhi saari baatein bhula di thi maine. I realized that none of this was worth it. I missed you so much, that in that face of that misery my anger seemed so nonsensical and baseless. All that mattered was that you loved me. I was coming to you to tell you all of that, and to say sorry, when Janki bai informed me about your accident. Main aapko bataa nahin sakti, mere upar kya guzri yeh baat sun kar. It was as if my whole life flashed before my eyes, and I knew then that if anything had happened to you, I would not want to stay alive either. And at that realization, any residual anger or resentments that I had also were washed away. Ashutosh, nothing is more important to me than you are. I love you. I can't even contemplate a life without you, much less try to live it.
Ashutosh, once again did not know what to say. Her generosity of spirit and her capacity for compassion and forgiveness continued to render him speechless.
--Nidhi, maine bhi tumhe bahut miss kiya hai. There is not a single night that I slept without thinking of you and what you were doing, and wondering whether you were missing me, even half as much as I was missing you. And not a single morning went by where, my hand did not reach out for you. I have not slept properly in all the time you have been away, and my arms have felt so empty without you there falling asleep on my shoulder, cuddled up against me. Ive missed you so much Nidhi, that I have felt like only half a person, missing his most important part.
Nidhi please come back home with me. The house, our room, our bed, and mostly my heart have been so empty, and so lonely without you. Its become unbearable. Please come back to me Nidhi, our home is waiting for you.
--Ek shart par...
--Anything, you name it its yours. Tum bolo to sahi.
--Apko mujhe promise karna hoga, ke no matter what, no matter how angry you and I are at each other, no matter what we say in that moment of anger, you will never tell me to leave our house again. More than anything, even your siding for Dr Mallika, taking her word over mine, lying to me about meeting her and helping her, even more than your accusations that I tried to harm her and made an attempt on her life, more than any of those things,that was the thing that hurt me the most. That you could so easily ask me to leave, and not be bothered about it. That those words could come so easily to you, hurt me beyond belief. To me it meant that I was not that important to you or your life that you could so easily dismiss me from it, whenever it suited you. That is the only promise and assurance I need form you. I don't mind if you stop talking to me, or your yelling and scolding me for anything, just please even in anger, never push me out of your life again. Next time I will not be able to bear it.
Ashutosh trembled as her hugged her tighter to himself.
--There will never be a next time Nidhi. This one time, of your being away from me was enough to last me a life time. I know I let my temper get the better of me sometimes. But I did not mean it. I guess that based on the past times I had said the very same thing, and had gotten away with it, just made me take it for granted that you knew I did not mean it. I thought that you understood that I was angry. I never in my wildest imagination thought that you would actually ever leave me.
I promise Nidhi, no matter what, I will never take you for granted again. I have realized that even when you know that another person did not mean the words that were uttered in anger, doesn't mean that they hurt any less. Being without you all of this time, has made me face a lot of things and have made me realize a lot of things. I am sorry Nidhi. I hurt you so much. I am sorry, I will never hurt you like that again. Just please say that you will forgive me and come back home with me, where you belong.
She smiled, a beautiful smile, that one again lit up his world and his heart.
--I already forgave you a long time ago. And I let my anger and hurt, go this morning. And Yes I will come back home with you. I have been empty and lonely with out you, also. I love you!
--I love you too.
And this time when they walked back to the table, Nidhi and Ashutosh's three friends let out a relieved breath once again as they saw the happiness on both of their faces, and knew that finally all of their differences had been put to rest.
After dropping Rohan home and collecting Nidhi's bags, and getting blessings from CV and Dadi Bua, Ashutosh took his wife back home.
Baba and HK had indeed prepared the house and they greeted Nidhi like a new bride. Baba also had her promise him that come what may, and no matter how bad the situation, she would not leave home again.
After that they sat and chatted with Baba for a while. And when Baba retired to his room pleading tiredness, they also more than happily went to theirs
As soon as He had closed the door to the room Ashutosh pulled Nidhi into his arms, and held her tight. Nidhi, who had also been waiting for this moment was only too happy, and clung to him tightly in response.
Ashutosh drew back a little and stared into her eyes, and seeing his own desires reflected in her own bent down to touch his lip to hers.
And when he found the same desperation in her response as was inside of him for her, Ashutosh nearly lost all control. Nearly, but not completely. He held himself back, and could tell from her reaction, that she was disappointed. But he did not let that matter. He needed to savor this time with her, after so many nights of doing without her, and having only memories for their loving to keep him company, he needed to reassure himself of her presence, back in his life, and in their bed. He wanted to take things really slow, to show her exactly how much he had missed her, and longed for her, and to show that he understood that she she must have felt the same. Ashutosh, brushed the hair away from the nape of her neck, and placed small tiny kissed all along her her jaw, and down her neck to her shoulders, from where he looked up at her and once again took possession of her lips, while his hands were busy, trying to free her from the sari she wore. After a few unsuccessful attempts, Nidhi laughed and took over the job of removing the safety pins, that would make his job easier. After that he quickly finished the task he had started, and soon the sari lay in a puddle at her feet. His lips brushed the corner of her mouth, and skimmed over her eyelids and cheeks, making her moan in need.
Her hands slowly crept up his chest and started working on the buttons of his shirt, and sighed in appreciation once it joined her sari on the floor.
And when her hands once again glided up his stomach to his chest and wound around his neck, his mouth suddenly became very greedy on hers, and his body pressed hard against hers trapping her hands in between them. With his lips still on hers, Ashutosh picked her up in his arms, and carried her to their bed. His control broke when he felt her tremble against him in need, and his pulse beat faster, and hers also beat in tune to his. Ashutosh saw that though her lids had fluttered down, they had not yet closed all the way, and she was looking at him through her lashes, while her breath came quickly.
Nidhi closed her eyes on a moan that was as much protest as appreciation, as he shifted his lips from hers to nibble along her jawline, and down the side of her neck. Her lips still ached for his, but at the same time she felt thrills of anticipation course through her body, at the feel of that clever mouth teasing over her skin. His hands were already on her, moving with a thoroughness, that he had always brought pleasure to her. His fingers skimmed all over her, promising paradise, until she was almost out of her mind with desire. They were so wrapped up in each other, enjoying the closeness once again, that neither knew the moment when the world around them ceased to exist. It might have winked out in an instant; it might have spun slowly to a stop, they never knew, nor did they care, there was nothing for them but each other. His mouth came back to hers, drawing out the last moment before, oblivion would lay claim to them. They were both trembling when they became one, and Time seemed to hold still for them, before it came spinning back until it was all speed and whirling urgency. And Ashutosh buried his face against her throat, and lost himself in her.
As they slowly came down to earth, Ashutosh sat up and pulled the covers over them both and once again pulled her into his arms, and held her close.
--I've missed you so much Nidhi. My nights have been so very cold and lonely with you here to warm me up. I never want to be without you ever again.
Nidhi was so tired that she that she barely move, but still lifted her face to place a tender kiss on his jaw.
--It's alright now, I am back, and I promise that I will never leave you again.. You will never need to feel lonely or cold ever again. And, you will always have me near, to help you fall asleep.
--Promise?
--I promise. Leaving you was hard enough the first time, I don't have the strength to do it again. And now, husband, go to sleep, I am right here, close to your heart. I will hold you till you do.
And she did.
Then next morning when he woke up, he stretched his hand out blindly, expecting to feel his wife lying beside him, but the only thing that met his hands was an empty space. Had it all just been a dream? Lord knows he'd had enough of them. But he had been sure it was real. Nidhi had come back to him, hadn't she? The thought had him bolting upright in panic. But, the moment he saw her sitting at her dresser combing her hair, Ashutosh sighed in relief. Thank god, he didn't know what he would have done if it had once again been just a dream.
Nidhi, noticing that he was awake , turned to him and smiled,
--Aap uth gaye? Chaliye toh phir jaldi se uth kar tayyar ho jayiye. Dekhiye maine aapke liye aapke kapde bhi nikal kar rakkhe hain.
Ashutosh laughed and held out his had to her, which she readily took, with a smile, and laughed delightedly as he pulled her down on top of him.
--Itni jaldi kya hai uthne ki. Aur yeh mujhe ghar se bhejne ke liye saari tayyari bhi kar rakkhi hai. Kyon Ji? Bas itni jaldi pati se thak gayi.
--Yeh aap kya keh rahein hain. I just got everything ready so that you don't get late for work. You know I would love to have you with me the whole time, but aise thodi hi ho sakta hai.
--Kyon nahin Dr. Nidhi? Kyon nahin ho sakta?
--Aap kuch batane ki koshish kar rahein hain kya?
--Yes Dr. Nidhi, I am. I am trying to tell you that your husband has taken the day off, the entire day today, to spend with his beautiful wife.
And I have also arranged for your leave for today also.
--Koi plans hain kya, Patidevji?
--Of course hain, but I am not going to tell you what they are. suffice it to say that I am going to take you out for the whole day, and we will spend all of it renewing old memories, and renewing our vows of love.
Accha, bas bahut ho gaya, mujhe delay karne ke tactics. Ab mujhe jaane do, so I can get ready, and then we can leave.
Nidhi laughed and mock punched him on the arm and moved away so that he could get off the bed. When he came out of the shower she saw that he had not worn the clothes she had taken out, but was sporting a black pair of jeans, with a white Vee necked full sleeeved t shirt, which he had rolled up at the sleeves. She had never seen him like this before.
He looked incredibly handsome absolutely delicious.. When she told him the same, he blushed. Yep! that was her husband, she thought. Still the same. Always surprised when somebody complimented him on his looks. She reached up on tiptoes to kiss his cheeks, and was about to turn around to finish getting ready, when he caught her arm and stopped her.
--Nidhi, I need you to do something for me.
--Kya?
--Well, I really love this dress you are wearing, you look very beautiful in it but, if you wouldn't mind could we save this for another day?
Nidhi looked on with confusion as he turned back to the closet and took out a big shopping bag, and handed it to her.
--Can you wear this for me today. I brought it while you were away. I had gone to the mall for something, and saw this in the window, and couldn't resist. I knew that it would be perfect for you. Please.
She loved him so much, Nidhi thought as she took the bag from him. He had brought her a present, and instead of wanting her to say thank you or appreciate him for the gesture, he was apologetic about wanting her to change into it. Sweet sweet man, she smiled to herself, as she went to change.
She was wearing the most beautiful white anarkali churidaar suit, with a navy blue border on the hem, neck, and sleeves, that she had ever seen. It was gorgeous she thought as she looked at herself in the mirror a short while later, and so were all the accessories that went along with it. Nidhi did not know that he had it in himself to do these kinds of things. Apparently, she'd been wrong. There was still so much that she still had to learn about her husband, and she had a smile on her face as she sat down to finish getting ready.
Ashutosh came into the room just as Nidhi was about to put the finishing touches, which was her sindoor and mangalsutra. When he saw what she was about to do, he stopped her and came up to her and took the sindoor from her hands and put it for her himself, after which he placed a kiss on her forehead. Then he took the mangalsutra from her dresser and put it around her neck. The whole time he had looked into her eyes, with an intense look of love that spoke volumes, about his feelings for her. She went into his arms, and hugged him tightly to herself, just savoring the feel of him and his body close to her.
--You look beautiful sweetheart. I can hardly take my eyes off of you.
--Thank you but aapke hi choice ke kapde hain, I had nothing to do with it.
--It's not the clothes i am talking about. Its you. These clothes are just a foil for you, not the other way around.
--Accha Ji, ab biwi ki bahut tareef karli ho to chale. Par bata to dijiye ke kahan jaa rahein hain.
--Woh toh main nahin bataunga. Thats going to be a surprise. Ready?
At her nod, he took hold of her hand and led her out of the room. After they said bye to Baba, who seemed only to happy to see them going off together, Ashutosh proceeded to their first destination. No matter how much she asked he refused to tell her where they were going. It wasn't until they were almost there that she recognized that they were going to the Durgah. And she looked at him questioninly.
--Aap humein dugah lekar jaa rahein hain?
--Haan Nidhi. Yahin toh humne pehle baar ek doosre ki feelings ko jaana tha. Aur Doosri baar bhi hum yahin aaye the, pehli baar bichadne ke baad. Aur teesri baar bhi Peer Baba ne hi haumein milwaya tha. Isliye main yeh chahta tha ke hum phir se ek baar Peer Baba ka shukriya ada karein, aur unse yeh aashirwaad mangein, ke ab ke baad hum kabhi bhi ek doosre se juda na ho. Theek kiya na?
Her throat was so clogged up with emotion that all she could do was nod her head in agreement, and squeeze his hand in understanding.
He parked their car, and helped her get out. Then they went to the near by stall, aur wahan se babako chadhane ke liye phoolon ki chaadar aur baaki saman lekar baba ke darshan ko gaye. Phir wahan paas mein hi ek jagah, apni mannat ka dhaaga bandhane ke baad, they went back to their car. Both of them had not said a word to each other since they had first exited from there, their eyes communicated their feeling to each other, and that was enough for them both, words were not needed, they were superfluous
Before going to their next destination, Ashutosh stopped at a chat house, and much to Nidhi's surprise, not only let her eat gol gappe, but also ate with her. Nidhi was enjoying this new side of her husband very much. And was even more surprised when she saw their next venue. It was the place that she had taken him to on their first valentine's day together. Shehzadi Saluba Ki Barah Dari. That he had taken so much trouble on her behalf, and thought of all of this moved her beyond words. There was nothing that he could have possibly said to her that could have better conveyed his feeling of love, more than the way his actions had done today. Both of them went in and paid their respects, and then to her surprise, Ashutosh bought another Kandil, and proceeded to write their names on it.
--Par hum toh ek baar kandil already chadha chuke hain yahan. Toh phir yeh...
--Nidhi, main dobara chadhana chahta hoon. Pehli baar hamara pyaar kamyab zaroor hua tha. Par kuch kami reh gayi thi shayad. Yah to hamare pyar mein, yah humne jo ashirwad manga tha usse mangne mein. I want to do it right this time. I want to get all those blessings again. But iss bar, taaki koi bhi cheez hamare beech kabhi na aa sake, aur hamara rishta aur bhi mazboot ho jaye. Nidhi, tumhare bina mera kuch bhi nahin hai. Aur tumse juda ho kar main kuch bhi nahin hoon.
Tumhare saath hi meri subah hoti hai, tumhare saat hi raat, tumhaare se hi meri zindagi shuru hoti hai, aur tumhare par hi khatm. Tumhi se mera Jahan mukkamil hota hai. Tum jahan Mai wahan. Tum nahin to mai bhi nahin Nidhi.
Nidhi had tears running down her face, as she took him into her arms.
--I promise you Ashutosh aaj se, abhi se, I will not let anything come between us ever again. And I will never leave you, I will love you always, throughout this life, and into the next. Forever and ever, and a day after that. I am yours, and you are mine.
After the had lit the Kandil and hung it up they looked at one another and once again let their eyes renew the vows that they had just made.
In the car, Ashutosh turned to her and drew her to him and kissed her. It was not a kiss of need but of a promise. That this time it would be Forever.
The last stop of the day, which she would never have guessed in a million years, was the dhabba, that Nidhi had taken him to, once. Where she had made him eat Paneer pakode for the first time, and despite his misgivings he had given in and joined her. They had also listened to Heer. And he had fallen even more deeply in love with her. She was so excited when they got down from the car, that she was literally jumping up and down. And the minute he joined her, she took his hand and dragged him to the nearest charpai, and called for one of the attendants.
--Are praji zara sunna.
It was a boy of no more than 15-16 years old who came and asked for thier order.
--2 plate paneer de pakode, chatni de naal. Chhetti.
Ashutosh smiled, as she called him back and said
--praji yahan koi heer suna sakta hai.
And with that, she made him fall in love with her, yet once again.
About 6 weeks later
Nidhi ran up the stairs, too impatient to take the elevator. She had to tell him. she had to tell him the excellent news that she had just gotten, and once again looked at the paper in her hands. Wow, wouldn't he be surprised. I bet that he would not be expecting this, she thought. And on the most pefrect day ever. Their first Wedding Annversary.
Wait till he read what was in this paper, it is the best present ever.
When she reached his cabin, without knocking, she pushed the door open. Lucky for her he was there, and that he did not have anyone in the room with him.
She closed the door and ran to him and waved the piece of paper in her hand, under his nose.
--Yeh dekhiye. Dekhiye na. And then tell me that you can top this for an anniversary gift.
Ashutosh laughed and stood up
--Dekhunga tab na, jab tum koodna band karogi. I cant even see the paper clearly much less read whats on it, the way you are waving it madly in my face.
When he saw that she was still excited, and simply could not keep still
--Achcha, why don't we try another approach. Tum kyon nahin bataa deti kya likha hai iss mein.
--You are about to become a Daddy!
And with that one statement, she once again, fainted, in his arms, Again!
Ashutosh was stunned, what a way to find out. Then, seeing the humor, he laughed. Only his Nidhi had the flair to carry it off, like that, he thought wryly. No frills, no blushing no shyness, basically nothing like the way anyone would be expected to be told that he was to be a father. Just flat out straight to the point.. And then, as if that wasn't enough, she also had to faint, to give it even more of a dramatic effect, he shook his head ruefully as he picked her up in his arms.
Ashutosh smiled at the unconscious woman he was holding, she was indeed something, he acknowledged, and he was lucky that she belonged to him.
And she had been right, there was no way he was gonna be able to top that!
THE END
...u have hell of a brain anu😆...i sometimes wonder how u even manage to remember the details of each story n not jumble up anything😆...i always review the previous chapter first to refresh the track in my mind before reading any new update😆😆...HATS OFF TO U😃
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
