PART 1 "Nidhi! Sweetheart..."
Ashutosh said softly, as he hurried over to help her stand up.
"Honey are you alright?"
She was shell shocked, but managed to nod in response to his query. And,before she or Ashutosh could respond or react, further to the bombshell Rangnath had dropped on them, the children came bursting into the room, and rushed to Nidhi, demanding that she needed to help them get ready. As if by tacit agreement, all the adults refrained talking about Mallika, choosing instead, to act normal for the kid's benefit. So, the rest of the time was spent in getting the children ready, checking out of the hotel, and then hurrying to the airport in time to catch the flight home.
*Later that Evening*...
As he waited for Nidhi while she put Khushi to bed, Ashutosh stood at the window of his room, "Their Room", and sighed in relief as he stared out into the night. Ever since that morning at the hotel, when they had learned Mallika was back, and he had seen Nidhi's reaction to the news, he had been really worried. They had had no time to talk, as other matters such as the children, and the details of the return trip home, required their attention. Also the both of them had deliberately avoided each other and the topic, not wanting to discuss it in front of Rangnath and Anji, who had enough on their minds, what with Anji's pregnancy being a potentially delicate, and risky one. Also Ashu wanted to give Nidhi some space. He had noticed that she did not want to talk, and seemed preoccupied during the return trip. The good thing was that though she had not spoken to him, except for a word here and there unless the situation required it, she had also not shied away from him. In fact, when they had gotten home, after dinner while he had been entertaining Khushi, she had even transferred all of her things out of her old room, to the master bedroom. While that was a relief in itself, it did not mean that everything was alright.
Ashutosh knew that things were still too new, still too tentative between them. And, though he and Nidhi were together again, and she had said that she still loved him, it was also a fact that she still had a lot of doubts about him and their relationship. He knew that she had just cause to be doubtful, it still hurt. He wished desperately that he had some magic wand or something, with which he could make all the doubts, and hurts of the past go away, but he knew that real life was not like that. One always had to suffer for the consequences of one's actions. He and Nidhi had suffered for five years because of his actions. His his sense of what he had thought was right, had put them both through unimaginable hell.
Over the past few days he had begun to hope that finally they had put the past behind them. He had hoped that, now that Nidhi had forgiven him, he would be able to make amends by filling her life with laughter and happiness, and giving her so much love that she would forget all the pain he had caused. But once again, it seemed that fate was conspiring against him. Apparently God had decided that he had not been punished enough, it seemed. Ashutosh sighed and closed his eyes as he leaned wearily against the window. *Please God, he thought, please don't let this come between us. I have just barely gotten her back, I will not be able to stand loosing her again.* He cursed Mallika silently. Why could she not have stayed away, as he had asked her to do? Although if he were honest with himself, he had to acknowledge that he had known she would not. He had always known that Mallika would not be able to leave him or Nidhi alone. He should have taken precautions, he cursed. He should have...
Ashutosh was interrupted in his silent thoughts, and he flinched unconsciously as he felt a pair of hands on his back. Then relief flooded through him, as he recognized Nidhi's gentle touch, and he closed his eyes as the knot in his stomach dissolved, as her hands slid slowly, and sensuously around his waist, caressing the hard muscles of his stomach, moving upwards over his chest until they finally came to rest on his shoulders. Then he felt the comforting warmth of her body, as she brought herself up flush against him, and laid her head against his back. Ashutosh let out a breath that he had not realized that he was holding, and leaned back against her, as he brought his own hands up to cover hers.
They stayed like that for several seconds, before he turned and pulled her into a tight embrace, burying his face against her neck.
Nidhi ran her hands up and down his back, as she too buried her face against him, and placed a gentle kiss on his shoulder.
"Ashutosh..."
Ashutosh's only response was to pull her tighter against himself. He shook his head, refusing to let her go, further tightening his hold on her. Nidhi smiled against his neck,
"Hey...suniye toh, I need to breath. Ashuji please let go of me. (when he didn't budge, she kissed him again) Please Jaan, look at me. Hmmm? Nahin? Hey, I can assure you I am not that bad. In fact, I remember when you used to dream of the time when we would be together like this ..."
She tried to coax him with her light banter, using a teasing tone of voice, but he refused to move.
Nidhi gave up and leaned against him, her hands unconsciously caressing his back,
"Ashu, mujhe aapse maafi mangni hai. I know that my silence must have put you through hell today. Please can you forgive me? It's just that I had a lot to think about, and also to come to terms with. Ashu I had to make some sense out of all the confusion and doubts that were clouding my mind, and heart. For both our sakes, and Khushi's. Please understand Jaan. I didn't want to say anything to you until I had my priorities straight, and gotten hold of my irrational fear. The news of her return just threw me for a loop. I am so so sorry."
Nidhi felt him shudder, and let out a long breath. Then slowly, he loosened his hold, and drew back to look at her,
"I understand Nidhi. And, there is nothing to forgive. I can imagine what must have been going through your mind, and your heart. Its just that I was scared...Nidhi.(he swallowed hard, and brought his hands up to cup her face, as he looked straight into her eyes, and let her look into his.) I don't think I could bare it if I lost you again. Nidhi...I...I...can't..."
He closed his eyes to hide his anguish, as he tried in vain to get the words out.
Nidhi could not stand to see her strong, and once stoic Dr. Hardstone like this. She stopped any further words by raising herself up and placing a gentle kiss on both eyelids, and then another one on his lips before she spoke.
"Ashu sirf aap hi nahin, main bhi aapko dobara kho nahin sakti. Paanch saal ke baad maine phir se saans leni shuru kari hai, phir se bhavishya ke sapne dekhne shuru karein hain. I have begun to dream of our future again, one that we talked and planned for before. The thought of loosing you fills me with fear too. But sweetheart, we can't give in to that fear. We have to believe in our love. I can assure you that will never loose me. I will also never let you go. You are mine Ashutosh. Sirf mere ho aap. You were mine before also, but she stole you from me. But, never again! Ashu, I know Mallika. I know that she will not let things go easily. Woh phir kuch na kuch koshish karegi, humko alag karne ke liye. Specially now, that we are together again, and more so when she finds out we are married. Lekin she will find out that, that will not be so easy this time. We Are married. I am your wife, and you are my husband. This time by both human laws, and in God's eyes, you belong to me! And plus I have grown up in the past years. I am more than capable of handling her. Main bas thodi der ke liye kamzor pad gayi thi. I let My insecurities and fear of loosing you, get the better of me today. Par ab nahin. I managed to get my brain working properly again, and I am really sorry for causing you so much pain today. Mujhe maaf kar dijiye please. I love you Ashu. I always have and I always will."
Ashutosh felt as if a huge burden had been lifted from his heart. He smiled into her eyes,
"Thank you." He said, letting out a huge breath.
"I know I don't deserve it Nidhi...but, thank you. I loved you, and I caused you pain. Moreover, I knew exactly what I was doing to you. That is the worst part. I knew the kind of pain I would be giving you, but I went ahead anyway and did what I thought was right. I was stupid, and idiotic, and a fool. And also Arrogant. So full of my belief of what was right and wrong. And of course, blinded by my misguided trust in my friendship. I trusted people I should never have, and not the one person I should have. You don't know how that realization still tears me up inside. Nidhi I don't know if I will ever be able to make it up to you... All I can say is that I love you. I love you more than anything on heaven or earth. I thank God that you are such a generous person, with a heart that is as beautiful as you yourself are, because I doubt that anyone else in your place would have been able to forgive me, as you have. And I also thank god for giving me a second chance with you. I promise Nidhi I will spend the rest of my life cherishing and adoring you. You are all that I have ever needed or wanted in lfe. Ever since the moment I first saw you, I have been yours. Every breath I take is yours, every beat of my heart, every second I live, everything! Nidhi, with everything I am, inside and out, I belong to you. And just as you said, no one, and I repeat NO ONE will ever come between us again. Specially not Mallika. You don't ever have to worry about her again. I promise."
Nidhi smiled, and put a hand on his cheek, using her thumb to wipe the stray tear that had rolled out of his eye,
"I know. That is exactly the realization that came to me today. Jo bhi hoga, we will face it together. I know that you love me. That is my greatest strength. Plus, you also know my temper. You know mai kya kar sakti hoon. I don't think you would be insane enough to even attempt something so foolish as to leave me again. Otherwise..."
Nidhi said in an effort to lighten the mood. And Ashutosh smiled, just as she had meant him too. He pulled her into his arms tightly.
"I think we need to go away together. Honeymoon ka kya khayal hai. We haven't gone on our honeymoon yet."
She laughed. A bubbling sound, filled with happiness that worked like a soothing balm on his soul, easing away some of the pain.
"Ashu you are impossible. We just came back today. Honeymoon hi toh tha."
"No, it was not! This trip was a family vacation. A honey moon is where it's just the two of us. Nidhi I need you all to myself for a while, where there are no other distractions. Somewhere you can just focus on me."
"Ashu parents do not get to do that. I am afraid that you will just have to get used to sharing me. Our days will have to be devoted to the hospital, and our daughter. You will just have to make do with my undivided attention in the nights. And plus you are wanting more children. This is going to be our life now, I'm afraid. So... "
He sighed, pretending to give in,
"You drive a hard bargain. Theek hai, if that is all I can get. I guess ke Kaam Chalana padega. I have always been extremely adaptable."
SHe giggled,
"You are such a dramebaaz."
"Tumhara hoon, jaisa bhi hoon."
"I wouldn't have it any other way." She said softly as she tilted her face and kissed him tenderly.
Ashutosh drew back, and as their gazes locked, the rest of the world ceased to exist. Staring into her eyes, he lowered his face, coming to a stop a mere breath away from her lips.
"Speaking of nights, incase you have not noticed, I think that there is a big beautiful moon shining down on us from the sky. Mere khayal se raat toh ho gayi hai..."
Nidhi wound her arms around his neck, and inched closer so that their lips were touching. Just enough to tease him. In a touch as light as a feather she slid the tip of her tongue along his bottom lip, making him groan out loud, and turning his pupils black with desire,
"Ashu you talk too much."
"Umm hmm, you are right. Mujhe bhi aise lagta hai. I think I need to fix this annoying habit." He said as he finally covered her waiting lips with his.
He kissed her slowly, gently with deliberate care, running his tongue over the soft contours, before sliding it into slick heat of her mouth. But, no matter how softly they connected, the flood of desire that flooded through him literally knocked the floor out from under him. He grappled for control, wanting to rein in the desire that threatened to overwhelm his senses, as hungry to possess her as he had been the first time. He knew that she would not stop him, should he decide to go ahead and just take her, here and now, without any preliminaries. But, there was time enough for that later. They had their whole lives to make love. And he would in many different ways. But today, he wanted to make love slowly, to worship her body and bring her pleasure such as she had never even dreamed of. He wanted to fill all the empty spaces in her heart and soul, so that there no room in it for anything, or anyone but him, and his love. He wanted to feel her around him, he needed to hear from her that she craved for him as much and as desperately, as he did her. He needed for her to feel how much he loved her, and needed to feel her love for him in return.
With supreme effort, he drew back, and forced his eyes open, only to find that she was already staring at him. Her eyes were filled with love, and glazed with passion and desire. But just as he opened his mouth, he saw a flash of lightening, seconds before it started pouring rain. He looked up startled,
"Par abhi abhi toh it was absolutely clear. There was not a cloud in the sky." He said in amazement.
Nidhi smiled.
"Haan, par aaj hamari pehli raat hai, ghar mein, as husband and wife, in the real sense. Bhagwan ko bhi toh yeh pataa hai na. He had to do something special for us, to make it a memorable one. Akhir unko bhi toh pataa hai, ke kitne imtihaano se guzarne ke baad hamare pyaar ki jeet hui hai. Yeh unki taraf se hamare liye tohfa hai."
Ashutosh was puzzled, unable to understand what she was saying. Nidhi shook her head, and smiled.
Then stepping away from him she walked over to the glass doors that led to a small private balcony which overlooked the garden at the back of the house. Her mother had also loved the rain, and she could remember her opening the doors wide whenever it did. Sometimes, just sitting in a chair close to the doors, letting the wind blow in the a gentle spay that coated her face with the mist of the shower, and sometimes, going to stand in the downpour with her face raised to the heavens, her eyes would be closed and she would have a beautiful smile on her lips. As small as she had been when her mother had died that memory of her mother was a vivd one. One that she always carried in her heart. She had inherited her love of rain from her.
Nidhi smiled as she opened the doors, and closed her eyes letting the fine drops soak her face. Then she turned to Ashutosh, who stood there with a bemused smile on his face and held out her hand.
"Chaliye..."
Ashutosh grimaced,
"Nidhi...tumhe pataa hai na mujhe baarish mein bheegna pasand nahin hai."
"But you have before. Mere saath."
"Those circumstances were different. Pehli baar toh you literally pulled me out of my car. And after that all the subsequent times, I was basically caught unawares. Tum phir kabhi aur enjoy karna baarish ko. Abhi andar aa jao. I promise you will enjoy what I have in mind, much more. Tumhe shikayat ka mauka nahin milega, and you will not miss the rain."
"Ashu you are still boring. Who says we can't have the best of both worlds. Aayiye na..." Saying that, she started backing away from him. Then slowly, deliberately, all the while keeping her eyes locked to his, she untied the knot of her robe and let it slide down her arms. Underneath the robe, Ashutosh saw that she was wearing a very sexy, and very provocative lavender lace night gown. His heart started racing when he saw that it clung to every curve, moulding to her sexy body, ending at a point high on her thighs, barely keeping everything decent. His stomach clenched, and his body hardened at the sight of her. He watched her step out and into the rain. He thought that she looked like some pagan goddess sent from the heavens to seduce him, as she closed her eyes provocatively, and she raised her face and hands towards the skies, (much as her mother had once done) . Ashutosh's eyes widened and his breath hitched in his throat as he watched the rain soak her body, plastering the silk and lace to her skin, and his mouth dropped open and his pulse raced, when he realized that she was not wearing anything underneath the lace and silk. She had planned this he realized, with a jolt, making his heart race in anticipation, arousing him as never before. She had known exactly what the sight of her like this would do to him. That was when he knew he was a goner. He slowly walked towards his siren, unable to take his eyes off of her, stepping out onto the terrace in the rain. Ashu barely even noticed when the water soaked through his clothes, as he came to stand in front of her, just an arm length away.
Somehow, Nidhi knew the exact moment Ashutosh stopped in front of her. She lowered her face, and opened her eyes, basking in the fierce desire evident on his face.
"Ab aap aise hi mujhe dekhte rahenge kya?"
Ashutosh blinked, coming out of his daze.
"Nidhi tum kya ho. My very own Angel from the heavens, or a temptress sent to cast a spell on me. How can you look so innocent, yet sinful at the same time. You make me want you as I have never wanted anything before. All I have to do is just think about you, and my blood turns to fire. I don't know what to make of you."
She looked at him,
"I am neither Ashutosh. I am just an ordinary woman, who has been waiting for her man to come home to her. A simple girl who once had dreams and fantasies, their were shattered cruelly by fate. I Am just a soul that has been missing its soulmate. I am yours, woman, girl, wife. Mother of our daughter. Main aapka intezaar kar rahi hoon kab se. I have been waiting for you to come back to make me whole again. And now that you are here, I need you to make all my dreams come true. I need you fulfill all my fantasies, old and new. I need my soulmate. I need my husband. I need you Ashutosh. Make love to me please. I need you."
Ashutosh had no words, as he gazed down into the eyes of his wife. All the love he had been craving, all the need inside of him, was reflected in the dark depths of her gaze. Then as if in a dream, he reached out and pulled her into his arms, capturing her lips in a a kiss that stole her breath, and sent a current through her whole body that had her tingling from head to toe. Ashutosh kissed her like a man possessed, forgetting his earlier thoughts about taking it slow. All he could think about right now, was that he needed to be a part of her, needed to make her a part of him. Ashutosh ran his hands feverishly all over her body, showering kisses allover her face, before descending lower to give her little nips along her neck. He tried to push the night gown out of his way, but found it hard to do as the soaked fabric made it a bit hard. After a couple of tries he make a rough sound and pushed himself away, staring down at her. And before she could utter a word, he reached out and ripped the nightgown open. Nidhi's eyes widened at this, but she smiled thrilled that his impatience, flattered that she could drive him to such lengths. Her Dr. Hardstone, who had once hesitated to even hold hands with her, she thought, as she remembered how he had been when they first met and fallen in love. If anyone saw him now... Well nobody would ever see him like this other than her, she thought, jealousy filling her at just the thought of anyone else other than her even near him.
Ashutosh made short work of the torn garment, as he hastily removed it from her body. He stared at her hungrily, as she stood unashamedly in front of him. Before he could touch her Nidhi backed away, shaking her head. Ashutosh looked at her, confusion, impatience, irritation, written clearly all over his face.
"Nidhi..."
She placed a finger on his lips,
"SSSH!" She said.
Then, as her hands reached out and started to undress him,
"Turn about is fair play. Nahin?"
Nidhi slowly unbuttoned his shirt, taking her time, increasing his impatience. She teased him with light brushes of her fingers, and, when he tried to help her to hasten the process, Nidhi swatted his hands away, shaking her head, silently asking him not to interfere. She took her time, teasing him, with caresses, kisses, and smoldering looks. Just within reach, but not letting him touch her, pushing his hands away the moment he reached out. By the time she was done, Ashutosh was almost mad with desire. When she had completed her task, she smiled at him and stepped close winding her arms around him, burying her face against his neck. The feel of her body, and rain soaked skin sliding along his, just added fuel to the fire raging inside him. She rained kisses along his jaw, and teased the corners of his mouth. He bore the torture silently, keeping tight rein on his senses, but, when he could stand it no longer, Ashutosh crushed her against him self. He brought one hand up to her head grabbed a fist full of her hair, jerking her head back impatiently, but still taking care to not cause her any pain, and stared down at her, his look savage. Then, holding her in that position, with a growl, he bent and put his mouth to her breasts. A world of want swirled through her at his sudden attack. She arched into him, as his mouth opened greedily onto her skin, a willing feast for his marauding mouth. Somewhere along the way, she had no idea when, he had managed to lower the both of them to the ground, because the next thing she knew was that she was lying on top of the soft carpet of grass that covered the ground, and one of his legs tangled between hers, as the rain continued to pour over them, cooling their skin, at the same time fueling the heat of their desire.
Ashutosh licked the water from her body, his hands curving around her hips and gliding over her slick skin. Pleasure shot through her as his big hands grazed her back, pressing her abdomen against the hard length of him. The feel of his hands as they continued their frenzied exploration, the trail of fire that his mouth left, had her writhing helplessly in pleasure.
Nidhi's hands ran frantically all over him as she absorbed the strength of rock'hard muscle, and her insides melted in the flare of heat, turning her insides to hot liquid. Her breath caught at the look on his face when he lifted himself away, to reposition himself. Then with their gazes locked he entered her in one smooth, sure stroke. She contracted around him even as he entered her, her body quivering with the thrill of his possession. Ashutosh tilted her chin up to taste her lips as he drove deeper, filling her completely, as water continued pound down on their shoulders. Every drop pushing her closer to the release she sought, and the heat inside her became unbearable, and she responded mindlessly.
Then suddenly he increased the pace, letting go of all control as his body took over. Nidhi welcomed his savagery, and came alive as she cried out, her body already pulsing with beginning of her release. When his release own release came, right on the footsteps of hers, the fierceness of it not only matched, but far exceeded hers. The water continued to pour down over them, drowning their cries, as Ashutosh held her tightly against himself, trembling with the force of his release. He tangled his fingers in her hair, kissing her over and over again, murmuring her name, as they rode the waves of ecstasy and bliss together.
As she slowly came back to reality, Nidhi sighed, feeling completely fulfilled, and totally satiated, and thoroughly loved. Happiness radiating from every pore of her being, bringing home the fact that they were together again. Over the course of the last several days, they had made love many times. Ashutosh had been insatiable, making love to her every night. Many a times waking her up multiple times, sometimes by making slow leisurely love to her, and other times waking her up by just sliding into her as he took her hard and fast. No matter how he did it, she eagerly welcomed him into herself, as hungry for him as he was for her.
She had had many fantasies about their life together, five years ago, this one being foremost on the list. And Ashutosh had more than lived up to it. Of course she had not known that it was going to rain. But ever since she had seen the night's weather forecast, she knew that the time for her fantasy had come. She had tried not to let herself get too excited, but could not control her mind or her heart. Just the thought of herself and Ashu in the rain had been enough. The temptation had been too great, and she had not been able to stop herself from going ahead with her preparations and plans, keeping her fingers crossed. Of course, if it had not rained, she would have improvised, but was so happy that she had not had too. The weight of his body, as he lay atop was crushing, but she loved it. She loved the feel of him inside of her. And it made her feel on top of the world to know that he was as reluctant to withdraw from her body, as she was to let him. So, just as he started to move off of her, she tightened her arms around him, holding him still, and turned her face a little to give him a tender kiss on his cheek. The moment was so beautiful that she didn't ever want it end. She knew whatever had happened between them five years ago, was in the past. It had nothing to do with their present or their future.
Ashutosh raised his face,
"Nidhi, sweetheart I must be crushing you?"
"Mmm...a little. But I love it. I wish I could stay in your arms like this forever."
"My love, you are in my heart. I belong to you. You and I are never apart. But, I understand what you are saying, and I promise you, this is only the beginning. Besides, the night is not over yet. By the way, did I live up to your expectations. I mean, did I manage to fulfill your fantasy?"
She was floored. How had he known,
"But...How...?"
"Sweetheart, I know you. The Rain Has always held a magical quality in your eyes. So..."
"You made it Magical. The rain only added to it. My reality far exceeded anything I had ever thought about. Thank you Ashutosh."
"It's my pleasure, my lady. I am always at your service. And let me know about any other fantasies you might have. I promise to try my best to make all of them come true. Specially if they are anything like this one, well then, all I can say is sweetheart, keep them coming. But just warn me though, OK? I think that I will start take my vitamins regularly. Akhir I will need something to keep my strength up to keep my young wife happy, hai na?"
He grinned wickely as Nidhi blushed, and pouted as she punched his arms lightly,
"You are really bad. Saare time mujhe tease karte rehte ho mujhe."
Ashutosh chuckled softly,
"That's because you are so cute. Tum itni jaldi react jo karti ho. It is so easy to get you riled up, and plus I love it when you pout. It makes you look so sexy." he said, as he bent to kiss her lightly, and lifted himself off of her.
Nidhi sighed, already missing him, as he stood up. She stared up at him, towering above her, looking magnificent, like some greek god, with the rain pouring over his beautifully chiseled body.
Ashutosh, smiled tenderly, as he stretched out his hand and helped her up.
"I think ab andar chalna chahiye, hai na? Otherwise hum dono bimar pad jayenge."
Nidhi nodded, and then reluctantly bent to pick up their clothes. But before she could, Ashutosh swept her up in his arms, and started walking towards their room.
"Later. Abhi I have something else in mind."
Her eyes widened,
"But...abhi abhi toh,...phir se..."
"Hey you had your turn, now it's mine. I told you na, that I had something else in mind. Nidhi, I have five years of wanting to make up for. Five years worth of dreams and fantasies to fulfill. Not just yours, but mine too."
"Par..."
"Mujhe rok rahi ho kya? Hmmm. I will if you say so."
Nidhi smiled, and shook her head. Then curled her hand around his neck and pulled his face down, as she reached up to kiss him.
"I was not complaining, nor was I stopping or denying you. I was just surprised that you could want me again, so soon,...you know...I mean we just..."
She blushed and hid her face against the crook of his neck, as he grinned wickedly enjoying her discomfiture.
Ashutosh chuckled softly, delighted at her shyness. Her innocence captivated him. The fact that she could be so inhibited during their lovemaking, and be so shy afterwards, just made him want her all that much more. Over the last week or so, ever since they had gotten together, they made love several times, and had explored every part of each other. She was probably as familiar with every inch his body, just as well if not better than he was, and the same went for him. Nidhi was an incredibly passionate lover, never shy of showing her love and always willing to follow along which ever path led them down. She was everything a man could want in a wife, the mother of his children, and partner. The past week had been the best of his life. She had given him everything he had ever dreamed of, and not once had she brought up the past. Her forgiveness total. Her acceptance of him unconditional. He had thought that he loved her before, but it seemed that that was nothing compared to how much he loved her today. The love inside of him for her, just kept growing, increasing. She had always amazed him before, with her generous nature. But now, now he was in awe of it. He did not think that he had ever, in his life, met anyone with a heart as big, or a nature as sweet as hers, and he was so proud that she was his wife. Ashutosh vowed silently to himself, that he would never let anything or anyone ever hurt her ever again. As long as there was breath in his body, he would thank God everyday for giving him a second chance in life, and vowed never take her love for granted again.
He came out of his silent thoughts, as Nidhi stirred in his arms, and saw that she was looking at him questioningly. Ashutosh shook his head and smiled as he let go of her legs, and let her stand.
"Kya hua Ashutosh? Aap suddenly itne chup kyon ho gaye?" She said, as she tenderly reached up to put her hand on one cheek.
Ashutosh turned his face, and pressed a kiss to her palm,
"It's nothing Jaan. Just thanking god, that he gave me another chance at life. I love you Nidhi. More than I can ever say."
She stared up into his eyes,
"I know you love me. Aapka pyaar aapki aankhon mein dekh sakti hoon. And not only you, but yeh mera bhi toh second chance hai. Ashutosh thodi galati shayad meri bhi thi. Mujhe aapko itni aasaani se nahin jaane dena chahiye tha. I should have fought harder to make you listen to me. I should have tried to..."
"Stop it Nidhi! Jaan meri, there was nothing you could have done, and you know that. But I thank you from the bottom of my heart for trying to lessen the burden of my mistake. Sweetheart I had not trusted you enough. If I had... Anyway, ab past ke baare mein baat karna bekar hai. Jo ho gaya usse main reverse toh nahin kar sakta, but I can go forward, and make sure that nothing comes between us again. It's juat that when I think about the pain I caused you...Nidhi it is unbearable. I would do anything to be able to wipe these last years from our lives, but I can't. And that will remain with me for the rest of our days. Par main tumhe promise karta hoon Jaan, I will love you forever, and main hamare beech ab kissi ko bhi nahin aane doonga. Nidhi...you don't have to ever worry about Mallika. You know that, don't you? It doesn't matter that she is back. There is nothing she can do or say, that will make me believe her again. I know what and who she really is, and what she is capable of. I promise. Uske aane se hamari zindagi mein koi fark nahin padega. Bas mujhe tumhara saath aur tumhara vishwas chahiye."
"Ashu you don't have to say these things. Yeh mujhe sab pataa hai. I know you love me. Maine aapse pehle bhi kaha tha na, ke mujhe pataa hai ke even though we were apart, you have always loved me. Door reh kar bhi, hum alag nahin the. Not really. Deep down we both knew. SO its ok. Please aap pareshaan mat hoyiye, and let the past go. Ashutosh, we won. In the end, no matter what she did, she could not keep us apart. Hum ek doosre ke liye banne hain, Ashu. Mallika is nothing. She means nothing, never to me, and now not to you either. I am fine. Believe me. I know she will try, lekin woh kuch nahin kar sakti. Aap ab mere hain. Aur duniya ki koi taqat aapko mujhse alag nahin kar sakti."
"I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I am grateful to you for loving me." he said in a voice full of awe, his heart overflowing with love, and eyes bright with unshed tears.
"Woh toh theek hai. Par you see, mere motives itne pure bhi nahin hain. You see, I need you. Abhi toh aapne sirf ek fantasy poori kari hai, abhi toh pata nahin kitni baaki hain. Unka bhi toh mujhe tally rakhna hai na. I can't afford to let you disappear."
"Accha, ( he said, bring her closer) toh jab aapki saari fantasies finish ho jayengi tab...tab kya. What do you plan to do with me then? "
Nidhi stepped closer still, and tightened her arms around his neck, and slowly brought his face down,
"Uss ki aapko phikr karne ki koi zaroorat nahin hai. You see I have so many that aap kabhi saari poori nahin kar payenge. Umr beet jayegi, koshish karte karte. So I am afraid that you are stuck with me."
"It that right?"( she nodded, and then leaned to rest her face against his bare chest) So Mam, meri fantasies ka kya hoga? Hmmm. AGagr hum saare time tumhari fulfill karne mein lage rahenge toh meri toh baat reh hi jayegi."
"Haan, I can see that that might be a problem. Accha aisa kartein hain. Turns lete hain, ek baar aap, ek baar main. Toh baat bilkul fair rahegi."
"Yes fair toh hoga, lekin phir jo fanasy to baaki reh jayengi unka kya? Woh kaise poori hongi."
"Usmein kya badi baat hai. Woh agle janam mein kar lenge. Akhir hisaab toh hisaab hota hai. Usmein toh koi gadbad nahin karsakte. Jo baaki bache next life mein, phir usse next, and then the next. So you see, you are booked, I have bought exclusive rights to you. I am afraid that agle saat janmon tak you are mine."
"And saat ke baad...uske baad I am free."
"No Sir, you are out of luck, there is no chance of that ever happening. You see, jitne bhi janam lenge hum dono, aap mere siva kissi aur ke taraf dekh bhi nahin sakte. You will never be free of me."
"I don't want to be free. So, I guess I will have to work very hard to make sure, yeh saare hisaab kabhi poore na ho."
"I don't think you could, even if you wanted too. You see har janam mein puraane ssapno ke saath, aur naye sapne and nayi fantasies ka bhi toh hisaab hoga. So my love, there is no chance. You are mine for all eternity. Main aapko kahin bhi kabhi nahin jaane doongi."
"Now you are talking. Speaking of which, I think that this time you the one who is talking too much."
Nidhi answered him by closing her eyes, and putting her lips on his. Ashutosh once again swooped her up in his arms, as he carried her over to their bed. Then he lay her down, and proceeded to fulfill a fantasy of h is own, one that lasted far into the night, to the early hours of dawn. After which they finally fell asleep exhausted, in each others arms.
It was two very exhausted parents, who nonetheless had a happy smile on their face, that dropped off their daughter to school the next morning, before going to the hospital. Ashutosh walked Nidhi to her office, where he gave her a hot searing kiss, before leaving her to go his own. After he had left, Nidhi sat at her desk pondering over the last few days, and how her life had changed once again. She had Ashutosh back. He was hers once again, and he loved her with all his heart, she knew that. But, she still couldn't let go of this little tingling at the back of her head, that kept her from being totally happy. She had a feeling that their this feeling of euphoria, was an illusion, and that it basically was the calm before the storm. She could not say how she knew, but she had a strong feeling that something was about to happen. Of course, it could all be just her imagination, just her insecurities coming to the fore, but somehow she did not think so.
Last night she had told Ashutosh that Mallika did not worry her, which actually had not been the whole truth. Mallika being back worried her quite a bit. She had said all those things for his sake, to make him feel better. Ashutosh had suffered a lot during their five year separation, also. Infact more than she had. He had been alone, totally, without anyone to support him. Where as she had had her family, and her daughter. She could only imagine what it had been like for him. Firstly being forced into marrying a woman he had not loved. Secondly finding out that the friend he had trusted and relied on throughout his life had deceived him, destroying his life. Then the living with the guilt of the pain he had caused her, not to mention being apart from her, and always wondering whether she had forgotten him and moved on with her life.
Of course she had also suffered, but she did not have to live with any guilt. Guilt, specially the kind that he had to live with, constantly ate at your insides. He had definitely paid for his mistake, and had suffered unimaginably. He did not deserve any more. It was not Ashutosh, or his feelings that she had any doubt about, it was Mallika. She knew exactly what the woman was capable of. And that was what worried her. She had never told Ashutosh everything, although she had told him quite a bit, and some he had learned about himself, but he still was in the dark about some stuff, that if he ever found out about, she did not not know what he would do. Nidhi shuddered as she remembered to what lengths Mallika had gone in her efforts at separating them, which was why she was scared. Ashutosh still had no idea, and she, for one did not ever want him to find out. Nidhi absent mindedly picked up a pencil and put it in her mouth as she wondered if Mallika had found out about their marriage. Maybe that was the reason she had come back. Nidhi just hoped that whatever the reason for her return was, that she would get a few days respite before Mallika showed her face. Of course, never would be a better option, but, she knew that she was not that lucky. Mallika would...
Just then her office phone rang. It was the nurse from the OPD, telling her she was needed there for an emergency, that had just come in.
Nidhi's schedule was booked any given day, but with her being away, it was jampacked. Then the emergency on top of everything else, put her behind by an hour or two. Nidhi was kept busy with her appointments, running back and forth between her appointments and her other hospital responsibilities. The day passed so quickly that she hardly had any time to breath, let alone have any spare time to think about Mallika. She was so caught up in her work that she did not even notice that it was almost evening until there was a knock on her door and she saw a tiny face peeking at her from behind the door. Nidhi quickly glanced at the clock, as she put down her pen and smiled as Khushi came running in followed by Ashutosh. The little girl threw her arms around Nidhi's neck, and planted a wet kiss on her cheeks,
"Mamma, Mamma, look Papa picked me up from school today. I was missing you, par Papa bole ke aap bohot busy ho. Mamma aapke saare sick people theek ho gaye. "
"Haan baby, thode theek ho gaye, aur thode se dheere dheere ho rahein hain. So how was your day. School mein kya kiya aaj?"
"We had a lot of fun today Mamma. Everyone was talking about Nishi's new baby. And Nishi and I were making plans . Hum Massi ki help karenge, and usske saath bahut khelenge. Par Mamma Mera Baby kab aayega. Papa ne promise kiya tha ke aap mere liye bhi baby brother layenge."
Nidhi looked up at Ashutosh, who grinned down at her. He bent and scooped the little girl into his arms,
"Well sweetheart, Papa is trying hard. And if your Mom keeps cooperating with me everyday, like she has been, toh Jaldi hi aa jayega tumhara baby."
Nidhi blushed, and glared up at him.
"Ashutosh app bhi na...you are too much. Bacche ke samne?"
Ashutosh bent down and kissed her cheek. Then whispered in her ear,
"Maine kya galat kaha, besides she can't understand right now. What say tonight after the imp goes to sleyou do some more cooperating. After all we promised our daughter, how can we disappoint her? Right? So what say?" He said, leering at her suggestingly.
Nidhi blushed some more, and swatted his arm, then turned away and started clearing her desk,
"You are impossible. I give up. Accha aap dono mujhe bas do minute dijiye, let me tidy my desk up, and then we can leave."
"Take your time Jaan. Hum dono ko koi jaldi nahin hai. We will wait."
"Lekin Papa, humein jaldi hai. Aap bhool gaye aapne mujhe kya promise kiya hai."
Nidhi looked up absentmindedly,
"Kya promise kiya hai Papa ne, Baby?'"
"Mamma hum Massa and Anji Massi and Nishi ke saath pizza khaane Pizza Hut chal rahein hain. Massa Nishi to school se lene aaye the, tab Nishi aur maine Papa aur Massa se poocha tha, and Massa and Papa ne haan boldi. Toh Aap jaldi kaam finish kariye please, mujhe Pizza Hut jaana hai. Nishi toh wahan already reach kar gayi hogi."
Nidhi glanced up at Ashutosh, and raised her eyes brows in surprise. He shrugged, and smiled ruefully, in a silent reply. She smiled back in perfect understanding. She looked at the two of them, and saw the bond that had formed so quickly between her husband and daughter. No one looking at them could say that they were not Father and daughter, and had not even known of the others existence until a few months ago. She knew that Ashutosh did not care for pizza too much. But, like any other father, he had given in to his child's request. He adored the little girl as much as she did, and Khushi in turn thought that the sun rose and set with him. Life just did not get any more perfect than this, she thought, closing her briefcase, then turned and smiled,
"Ok I am ready lets go. Ashutosh are we picking them up, or are we meeting them there."
Ashutosh reached to take the briefcase from her, and opened the door for his two girls.
"They are meeting us there. Rangnath was saying that that would make things easier. As that way we all can go straight home after. Inn dono ko homework bhi toh finish karna hai, and uske bad time se sona hai. Right Baby."
Khushi nodded enthusiatically, causing Nidhi to shake her head, , as followed Ashutosh and their daughter to the car. This was the first time she had seen her daughter agree, so readily, for homework, and bed.
All three were laughing and talking, as the car eased out of the hospital parking lot, and out into the street.
The fact that Ashutosh and Nidhi were totally engrossed in the child'd chatter was good, because had any one of them glanced back, they would have seen the woman stepping out of the taxi, and that would have taken all the joy out of their evening. There would be time enough for that later. Somethings were unavoidable!
As soon as she got back to her hotel, Mallika stomped her feet in exasperation. She had not been able to meet with Ashutosh yet again. She had been back for nearly 4 days, and had not seen so much as a glimpse of him so far. And when she had enquired about his whereabouts from the hospital staff, all she had been told was that he was out of town on family business, and was due to return in a few days. She had tried to get some more details, but had run against a brick wall. She had no clout at KGH anymore. The fact that she had previously been a senior member of the staff, and a very sought after and respected surgeon in this very same hospital, did not seem to matter.. There had been no consideration for her, she had been treated with cold politeness, nothing more. They had not even allowed her into his cabin. She controlled her fury with great effort, and even made herself smile, and forced a Thankyou to the sour faced young girl who had been manning the reception desk. Then she had turned and calmly walked out, when all the while, what she had really want to do was bash her artificial smiling face into the wall. Ashutosh must have given instructions to that effect, she knew it. Well, he couldn't avoid her forever! She would catch up with him eventually, she thought smiling to herself.
It was a fun evening, the adults chatted while the little girls gorged themselves on pizza and coca cola. And with unvoiced agreement, the topic of Mallika and her return was avoided.
While Ashutosh and Rangnath talked about the patient, Ashutosh had operated on that day, Nidhi had taken the opportunity to ask Anji how she was feeling and whether she had made her appointment with the OB for her checkup. She also asked Anji to let her know when it was, as she wanted to accompany her and talk to the doctor herself. She wanted to discuss all the precautions and care that Anji would need to observe during the next several months, to ensure a safe delivery, and a healthy baby.
"Dekh Anji, koi chance lene ki zaroorat nahin hai. Tujhe apna poora poora khayal rakkhna hai abhi. No over doing anything. In fact aisa kartein hain, let me take care of Nishi. I can cut down my office hours. I will ask the staff to limit my appointments so that I can be done in time to get the children from school, and take them to their activities. I can drop Nishi home after that. That way tujhe bhaaga daudi nahin karni padegi. And Also..."
Anji chuckled, although her eyes were bright with unshed tears at her friends love and concern. She reached out and touched Nidhi's arm,
"Bas bas bas yaar. I am pregnant, not an invalid. Nidhi tu toh aise kar rahi hai ke jaise yeh meri pehli pregnancy hai. Yaar mujhe pataa hai kya karna hai, sacchi. Also, pehle doctor se toh baat karlein. Checkup ke baad jo bhi advised karti hain, usske according dekhtein hain kya karna hai. Nahin? And tujhe apne office hours cut karne ki zaroorat nahin hai, abhi. Tere patients mere upar chadhai kar denege agar unhe pataa chal gaya ke mere karan unke appointments mein aur delay ho gayi. You know that they wait for months to get an appointment with you. Na baba, I can't take that risk." Anji said, jokingly, and raised her hands in mock surrender.
Nidhi looked embarrassed at the praise, and was annoyed by the teasing,
"Anji yaar tu bhi na, bilkul Ashutosh ki tarha hai. Har dum mujhe chidati rehti hai."
Ashutosh and Anji looked at one another and grinned. Then Ashutosh put an arm around her shoulder and pulled her in for a quick hug,
"Ab hum kya karein? Tum ho hi itni cute, and you get annoyed so easily, ke tumhe tease karne mein bahut mazaa aata hai."
Then he turned to Anji,
"But on a more serious note,... Anji, Nidhi theek keh rahi hai. You need to be careful. Koi bhi unnecessary chance nahin lena chahiye iss samay. And being over caution is better, then being under cautious. I think that agle kuch mahino ke liye, jab tak baby nahin aa jaata, you should cooperate with us, and do as we advise. Kyon Rangnath, sahi kaha na maine?"
Rangnath smiled, and nodded his head
"Jee, Bilkul theek kaha aapne. Mai bhi yeh hi koshish kar raha hoon isse samjhane ki, par yeh hai ki zid kar rahi hai. Aaj bhi itni mushkil mujhe jaane diya, nahin toh khud lene jaa rahi thi Nishi ko. Ab aapne bola hai isse, toh shayad aapki baat maan jaye. Meri toh ek nahin sunti."
Ashutosh looked sternly at Anji,
"Maanegi kaise nahin. Jeejju hoon iska. Bada hoon. And badon ki baat toh manni padti hai. Kyon Anji? You are going to listen to me, na?"
Anji sighed, she knew that she was outnumbered
"Jee Jeeju. I will listen to you guys. Par you all also have to control yourselves, ok? No going overboard."
Ashutosh chuckled and reached out to ruffle her hair,
"OK Salliji, promise. I will not go over board, and neither will Nidhi. That is Rangnath's job. As your husband and also the father to be, that is his right. Tumhe sehna hi padega. Baaki there will be no issues. But, only so long as you cooperate. Yes? Other wise all bets are off."
Anji opened her mouth to reply but was cut off as Khushi piped in,
"But Papa Massi can't opertate with you. Woh toh Mamma ki job hai."
Ashutosh looked at his daughter affectionately,
"Sweetheart I know Massi can't operate. She is not a doctor, you Mother is."
"Papa mujhe pata hai Massi doctor nahin hain. Par main woh nahin bol rahi."
"Toh Phir...? "
"Papa, aap hi toh Mama se keh rahe the na, jab hum unhe lene gaye the, ke Mamma aapke saath everyday operate karengi toh meri Baby Brother ya Sister jaldi aa jayega. Massi ne toh Massa ke saath operate kar liya, woh aapke saath kaise karengi. Aapke saath toh Mamma ko operate karna hai. Right Mamma?"
Fan Fictions
Anupamaa
