Kashmakash -thread 2-Epilogue(pg 99) - Page 55

Chapter 22:

Ashu: you sure its ok to travel? May be I should have gone alone or something.

Nidhi: you got to be kidding! This is ROHAN's wedding we are talking about. And yes, I got the OK from Dr K. ab buss, no more discussions. And we are going by flight na not by road like the rest of the family.

DB almost barges into their bedroom with a barely cursory knock: Damaad babu, aap ne Nidhi ke dactar se baat ki? Woh safar kar sakti hain na.

Nidhi: DB..

DB: tu chup kar. Mein damaad babu se baat kar rahi hoon na. I don't trust a word that you say.

Nidhi opens her mouth in astonishment: but you trust your damaad babu?

DB: yes. now just..

Ashu intervenes: DB, its ok. she can travel. And we are not coming by road with you all. Both of us are taking a flight this evening.

DB: I knew you would make a smart decision. Mera damaad hain hi aisa! (Nidhi rolls her eyes and Ashu looks away from Nidhi to stop his shout of laughter) achcha, Ashutosh beta, Yog ne bataya ki tujhe pakode bahut pasand hain. mein banaake layi hoon khaas tere liye. Yehi ruko. Laati hoon haan.

Nidhi puts on a sulky face: aur mere liye?

DB: haan haan tere liye bhi halwa laayi hoon. chalo chalo jaane se pehle kuch khaalo.

Delhi: residence of Rohan:

Rohan: kya Nidhi, it would have been great if Anji had come too. how can she even think of missing my wedding yaar. So not fair.

Nidhi: believe me, she has kicked up quite a fuss with her professor about this too. but her practicals are tomorrow. She couldn't do anything. And don't worry. So what if she misses the wedding, she would defo attend your honeymoon.

Rohan rolls his eyes: as if I would even THINK of inviting either of you!! yeah but if she wants she can come here and baby sit Sid for those 3 days. My mom and dad would be happy to let her help. (he winks) so, would be mother, you need anything else?

Nidhi smilingly hugs him: no. I am fine. how are you Rohan? Happy? Aanchal is sure about all this right?

Rohan's face glows at the mention of Aanchal's name: yup. She is sure. And yes, I am happy. More than I could probably say in words. She is just so..so..you know..

Ashu looks at both of them with his lopsided smile: Nidhi, yeh banda toh gaya! (all 3 burst out laughing then Rohan sobers up and comes to Ashu)

Rohan: Ashutoshji, I need a favour from you.

Ashu: haan bolo

Rohan: you know we are going to the register office tomorrow. But Aanchal's family is not with her in this. No one would be coming on her behalf. Can you..would you do the witness signature on her behalf?

Ashu puts his hands on ROhan's shoulders: Rohan, yeh bhi koi poochne ki baat hain kya? I would be glad to. Kitne baje chalna hain?

Nidhi: mein bhi chaloongi..mein bhi chaloongi (seeing that Ashu is about to refuse, Nidhi starts sulking and stomping her feet like a typical 5 yr old)

Ashu exhales: Rohan, this girl I tell you..!! it's a wonder my hair hasn't gone completely grey in all these months..(he stops talking and rolls his eyes at the identical sulky pleading expression on Rohan's face too) tum bhi? Fine. ok. (both Nidhi and Rohan give yippie sounds and smother Ashu in a threesome hug)

Rohan: ab chaliye dinner karte hain.

Ashu: I hope its something light. DB really stuffed me with food just before we left. it was as if she is making up for the last 6 months of feeding in one evening. When are Armaan and Maansi going to come?

Rohan: Anjali ko exams hain issliye Armaanji akele aarahe hain. he will be here tomorrow evening well before the reception time. now come on come on lets go.

The next day morning ROhan, his parents, Ashu and Nidhi all leave around 10, pick up Aanchal and Sidharth on their way and reach the register office. After a round of introductions and hugs all around, Rohan and Aanchal get married with a minimum fuss and in a simple way. Ashu signs the form on behalf of Aanchal and ROhan's father on behalf of Rohan. Soon after the ceremony, Sid (Aanchal's 2 1/2 yr old son) comes running to Rohan, lifts his hands to be picked up, gives a smacking kiss on Rohan's cheek and says "papa!" ROhan's eyes fill up at hearing that for the first time and he tightens the hug around the little boy: "yes Sid! Papa!" Aanchal gives Rohan a tremulous smile and Nidhi goes to congratulate and hug her before adding softly: Aanchal, I know that you don't know me well as yet. But believe me when I say that Rohan is a great guy. He will take great care of you and Sid. Just trust him. ok? (Aanchal nods her head and smiles at both Ashu and Nidhi)

That evening the reception is held at one of the grand wedding halls in South Delhi where Rohan's parents have gone all out and invited anyone and everyone they knew. Their wholehearted acceptance of Aanchal and Sid into their household has been made clear in the best way possible. Sid, although a little shy like his mom, clung to Rohan without any reservation and spent most of the time at the reception sitting in his lap. CV and DB are one of the first ones to wish and bless the couple on stage. Armaan, who arrived a few hours ago, got himself a soft drink and sat with Ashu and Nidhi.

Armaan: so, would be parents, kya haal chaal?

Nidhi: it's a good trip Bhaiya. A pleasant change for both of us.

Armaan: you doing ok? morning sickness kaisa hain? any of Maansi's tips working out?

Nidhi: I don't have much actually. Just in the mornings as soon as I get up. Baaki time I feel fine. yes, her salt biscuits are doing the trick. Rohan is calling me. Just a min ok? (and she gets up and goes)

Armaan gives Ashu a concerned look: Ashu, counselling kaisa chal raha hain?

Ashu shrugs: I am almost done actually. A couple of more weeks to go..i think. Its helping me Armaan. Its not easy but..probably worth it. for Nidhi's sake if for nothing else. For her, I am ready to go through anything.

Armaan looks at Ashu with a smile on his face: can't believe you are the same Ashu. This marriage has been good for you buddy. NIDHI has been good for you. You smile, you laugh, you seem..content..and soon you will have a little one tagging behind you "baba, mujhe juice peena hain..baba mujhe utao na please" karte hue.

Ashu gives Armaan a startled look. Its as if he has just realized the complete significance of Nidhi's pregnancy. Of a child coming into their lives. Baba! A tender soft dreamy look enters his eyes as his gaze once again falls on Rohan with Sid. How would it be to have a kid come running to him and clinging to his legs, asking to be picked up..would the kid have the same naughty pouting look like his mom? If he has the same inner strength of his mother, he would be a force to be reckoned with! Armaan's voice brings him back from the dream land: oye, kahan khogaya? (Ashu shakes his head as if to say nothing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbo9IoT2rTo&feature=relmfu

just then a traditional waltz music starts and Rohan extends his hand to his wife. the newly married couple take to the dance floor first, seemingly lost in each other's eyes. Sid, now in the arms of his new found dadi, giggles and claps at the sight. Slowly a few other couples also join in. Ashu's gaze falls on Nidhi, who looks on the dance floor with a wishful look on her face. He looks back at Armaan and blurts out: I wish I could dance Armaan!

Armaan: AY! You wish to WHAT??

Ashu gives him an embarrassed look: I know..crazy huh!!

Armaan: abe isme crazy wali kaun si baat hain? if you want to dance, go dance.

Ashu: but..

Armaan: its not a competition going on over there. and I know Nidhi loves it and probably knows how to go about it. she will guide you. the steps are simple enough. Maansi makes me go through this everytime she hears a waltz. So if I can dance, you sure can. Don't think so much. Now go.

Before he can think twice and talk himself out of it, he gets up and goes to where Nidhi is standing: shall we dance?

Nidhi's eyes literally bug out and her mouth hangs open: you want to dance? (then her entire face seems to be lit from within) really?

Ashu gives a small smile: yeah. I mean I don't know how to but if you tell me..

Nidhi gives him an impulsive hug in front of about 200 wedding guests: chaliye chaliye..and don't worry. Just relax and follow where I lead you. we will keep it really simple.

Saying that she takes his hand and brings him onto the dance floor. Rohan doing a close dance with Aanchal, gives AShu an encouraging thumbs up sign and a wink. And DB and CV have super proud smiles on their faces with DB whispering to CV "hamaara damaad kitna handsome hain na. lagta hi nahi hain 40 ke ooper hain. jodi kitni pyaari hain Yog!" CV chuckles at DB as usual going overboard with her comments/compliments. With Armaan looking on, his face reflecting the genuine happiness of his friend, they take the traditional waltz position. Nidhi: don't be so conscious Dr Ashutosh! look into my eyes. Forget everyone else. Ready? First to the right then step back then step front. Ok? (Ashu, looking into her eyes, nods and both of them slowly waltz along the dance floor. Neither look away from the other. They are lost in the music and in each other. As one number changes into another, Ashu moves his hand from her hand to her waist so that now both his palms are holding her waist and Nidhi has both her arms on his shoulders.) so, howz it?

Ashu: how is what?

Nidhi: dancing

Ashu: I don't know. I am just looking at you and going with you. that's it.

Nidhi: so you don't know how many times you stepped on my toes until now?

Startled Ashu stops dancing: I did? I am..(her naughty eyes give out her lie) you are very brave in a crowd Dr Nidhi. lets see how you keep up with we are back in our room.

Nidhi: you have doubts in that dept Dr Ashutosh?

Ashu: no. (then his tone turns a bit tentative and serious) so whats my kid doing in there today?

Nidhi blinks her eyes rapidly to clear away the rush of joyful tears. This is the first time he asked a voluntary question regarding the baby she is carrying referring to it as "mine" and "kid". She puts her head on his chest: your kid is fine. you know, I feel..slight movements..more like flutterings right now but..

Ashu: I know. I felt them too the other night.

Nidhi closes her eyes as emotions overwhelm her. "he has come such a long way..faced the fears of a lifetime and is coming out with flying colours. I don't know what kind of nightmarish existence his childhood was full of, but can imagine the amount of courage it might have taken for him to even think of taking this leap in faith. God! Please guide me. Let me be his strength. never let me falter or lose my patience. Let my love for him make him stronger. Let it make ME stronger."

Soon the music ends and the couples make their way back to their tables. Armaan has a late night flight to catch so says bye to AshNi and makes his way to Rohan and Aanchal: chalo Rohan, I am making a move. Have to leave for Singapore right away. So..

Rohan hugs him: thank you so much for coming Armaanji. Aanchal, Armaanji is actually Ashutoshji's friend but all of us came close during Nidhi's marriage. Now its like a circle that's just growing.

Armaan: so true. I actually had 2 motivations for coming today. One your wedding and two, to see both of them. (he gestures towards AshNi) now I just feel so happy. And you,my dear friend, yaad hain na, all the advice that I gave you..??

Aanchal shyly intervenes: bachelor party wale din?? (her beautiful black brown eyes hold laughter and a hint of mischief)

Armaan covers his mouth: Rohan, you too?? honestly, you and Ashu!! Joru ke ghulam ho tum dono!! You discuss BACHELOR PARTY with your partners!! Honestly man!! I mean..chalo jaane do..there is no point..take care both of you and enjoy your honeymoon.

Much much later that night: Rohan's residence: AshNi's room:

Ashu: Nidhi, you ok? why are you so restless?

Nidhi: too much food. I feel so full and my back aches and my feet ache and I can't find the proper position and..

Ashu: ok. I think I get the jist. Turn to the side and I will give a back rub. May be you shouldn't have danced for so long.

Nidhi: it was a slow dance na. I was hardly jumping on the dance floor.

Ashu: as if I would LET you jump on the dance floor. (his fingers work their magic on her back and then on her feet. She slowly relaxes and drifts off to sleep. after a few minutes of listening to her deep breathing, he stops his massage. Then as if unable to resist, he once again puts his hand on her tummy. This time the fluttering movement is a bit stronger. He closes his eyes to better experience the sensation, softly kisses the tummy and starts talking even more softly) aap ki mama bahut pyaari hain. unhe zyaada tang mat keejiyega. Ok? let her get some sleep. and you should sleep too. raat bahut hogayi. Goodnight.

Weeks pass by with Nidhi's pregnancy progressing beautifully and Ashu slowly coming to terms with the impending fatherhood. Except her duties and studies, he doesn't allow her to lift a finger and seems fascinated by all the changes that pregnancy brings about in her..starting from the breast tenderness to the baby movements to her increased appetite to her slow change in gait. As she enters the 7^th month, her walk changes to a waddle and after his initial reaction of bursts of laughter and her killing glares, he realizes the difficulty she has in climbing the stairs to reach their bedroom and coming down again to the hall and kitchen. One day by the time Nidhi comes home from her college, their bedroom is shifted from upstairs to the downstairs guest bedroom. Everything except their bed has been moved with Ashu declaring that they can shift back up later on after the delivery. Anji had also been called in to help with the shifting of Nidhi's luggage. And if Ashu is not there to accompany Nidhi whenever she wants to go out, Anji is always present. To hold her hand or generally fuss over her. DB is a constant visitor to their house and BB expresses his doubt as to who is getting pampered more..Nidhi or Ashu. She hounds Nidhi to eat as much as she runs after Ashu trying to tempt him with various delicacies that she excels at. Ashu although slightly uncomfortable with all this mothering and Damaad Babu thing, doesn't say a word in protest. Talking to the baby after Nidhi goes off to sleep becomes almost like a routine to him.

One lazy Sunday evening Ashu and Nidhi are sitting in the hall watching a scifi movie when one of the window pane cracks and a ball comes rolling in. Ashu gets up and picks up the ball and keeps looking at the broken window pane. Shortly, there is a tentative knock on the door and Nidhi opens it to find a 6-7 yr old boy with a tentative smile and a slightly scared look on his face: hello aunty. I was playing cricket with my friends and I hit the ball hard. It broke your window.

Nidhi smiles: yes. I see it broke the window. And you got what? A sixer? (boy nods. Nidhi takes the ball from a motionless Ashu's hand) leejiye aap ka ball.

Boy: thank you aunty. Are you..will you complain to my mom?

Nidhi chuckles: when I was a small girl na, even I played cricket with my friend and broke quite a few windows. Don't worry about it. I won't tell anyone. But there is a play area in the next street. It's a nice place to play cricket. Why don't you try there?

Boy happily nods: ok aunty. We will do that. thank you. you really played cricket? I have a sister. She always plays with Barbie dolls.

Nidhi: yes. girls usually do that. but I am different. (she winks at the kid and the boy laughs and runs away. Nidhi closes the door and turns to find Ashu missing from the hall. Where did he go off so suddenly? She then shrugs and thinks he probably got a call or something)

A small boy of about 7 huddled below a table in a dingily lit room, shaking with an unnamed fear. His face was a mixture of guilt, in-credulousness, fear, terror and all other emotions that he would not identify with. Tears had streamed down his face and had formed rivulets in the grime layer around his cheeks; he had unsuccessfully tried to contain them by wiping with the back of his hands. Somehow he had managed to crawl below the table and silence the whimper that arose from his throat, maybe an animal instinct for survival still existed somewhere in his subconscious being. The sound of flies humming around roused the boy out of his stupor as he cautiously emerged out of his shelter. He felt wet, sometime during this event; his bladder had emptied itself involuntarily as a result of pure unnamed fathomless fear. He crept warily to his mother, sincerely expecting her to open her eyes and smile his anxieties away...but she was not forthcoming any more as he gingerly touched her hand. The coldness of her contorted hand snapped something in him; he suddenly realized the enormity of the situation. she lay, grotesque, motionless in front of him. A trail of semi-clotted blood led from the back of her head to her saree palloo and beyond; the boy could see blood as far as he could see in the darkness. Blood had splattered all around the room, including the ceiling, indicating the arc that the cricket bat had traversed after the impact. His mother's outstretched hand pointed an accused finger at him, sightless eyes which were soon drying up of the natural warmth; flies were beginning to buzz and gather around her nose and mouth. The boy's face was not familiar to him but the mother..the mother lying there in a pool of blood..is..NIDHI!

Ashu comes out of the nightmare with a horror filled scream: NIDHI! (his face and body are drenched in sweat. His eyes are still stuck in his nightmare of seeing his Nidhi..Nidhi is jerked awake from deep sleep with the shout of her name. she sees Ashu sitting up in bed..shivering but otherwise completely motionless. She slides near him as fast as she can in her condition and cups his cheeks)

Nidhi: Chweetu, Chweetu, kya hua? Chweetu, look at me. Idhar dekho.

Ashu's still horror filled gaze falls on Nidhi and slowly awareness creeps back: Ni..dh..i..(his fingers grip her hair and he smothers her face, neck and shoulders with desperate kisses. There is not an ounce of desire in them. just a desperate need to reassure himself of her vital presence..right here..right beside him..with him..touching him..looking at him with the same bright love filled eyes. Nidhi keeps quiet and lets him take his fill of her. she runs her palms over his hair, shoulders and back silently soothing him. "Nidhi, you are ok, right? You are here, right? The baby is fine? the baby is scared?"

Nidhi has a bewildered look: Chweetu, I am fine. the baby is also fine. why would the baby be scared? See, touch here. You can feel the movements. (saying that she puts his palm on her tummy. Sure enough, the baby responds to his touch with a solid kick. Ashu smooths his hand over it as if quietening the baby. The slight tremble of his hand is now the only indication of his agitated state of mind) what happened? Bad dream? (he nods jerkily) about your childhood? (no response) don't want to tell me? (a shake of his head as in a no) you got a bad dream about me and the baby? (silence again. She gives him a slow long passionate kiss until she feels his body relaxing and the tension holding him tight loosens its hold on him) kuch nahi hoga. As long as you are there with us, nothing will happen to us. YOU won't let anything happen. (she gives him a glass of water to drink, makes him lie back down on the bed and softly keeps running her fingers in his hair until sleep claims him again)

Next day morning:

Nidhi: arre bfast toh karte jaayiyeji.

Ashu avoids looking into her eyes: no. have OT today. Back to back surgeries. You don't have college?

Nidhi comes from the kitchen into the hall where Ashu is busy putting on his shoes: no. I took an off. Scanning is scheduled at 11 today.

His hands stop tying the knot for a few seconds and then resume: I probably won't be able to attend. May be you should ask Anji to accompany you. (he still doesn't look at her. its as if all his fears are back and all he wants is to run away from the situation. and before she could react to that statement he leaves)

BB: Ashu chalagaya beti?

Nidhi swallows down her hurt and tries to smile: ji baba. He has surgeries scheduled so..

BB: Nidhi, idhar dekho meri taraf. (she raises her sad hurt eyes to him) beti, he has come a long way in all these months. Now don't lose hope. Even if I had searched the whole world, I couldn't have found a better partner for my son. I have full confidence that as long as you are beside him, he can win any battle it. now, cheer up. Lets have bfast and then you can call Anji. Come come come.

At KGH:

Technician: Dr Nidhi, would you like to wait for Dr Ashutosh?

Nidhi: I asked the staff. He is still in the surgery. Could take another couple of hours at least.

Anji: that's ok Nidhi. ek kaam karte hain. we will ask her to print the snaps of the ultra sound. Its possible na. then you can show them to jeej.

Nidhi's face brightens at that idea. She looks at the technician: can you do that for me?

Tech: sure ma'am. not a problem. (Nidhi lies down and the tech spreads the gel over her tummy. The screen is facing away from Nidhi so only Anji is able to see the images. Her eyes round up with excitement)

Anji: nidhi, this is awesome yaar! I can see the face of the baby. Oh look look that's one hand. Hey he is sucking his thumb! Wow!

Nidhi: HE?

Anji: figure of speech buddy. I don't know if it's a he or she. But I am sure if you look you can find out..you being a doc and all. Want to see?

Nidhi: no. print the pictures and I will them later.

Tech: waise you want a boy or girl Dr Nidhi?

Nidhi: either one is fine.

Anji: names decide kiya kya?

Nidhi: no. we'll decide once the baby gets here. (the tech gives the ok and prints the report along with the pictures. A while later, Anji and Nidhi peek into Ashu's cabin and Nidhi leaves the cover holding the baby images on his desk with a note. Both friends make then make their way to Dr K for Nidhi's check up and then home.)

That night: a little after 8: at the mandir where Nidhi and Ashu had gone the day before their engagement:

Ashu enters the mandir with bare feet, and also minus his coat and tie. The doors leading to the idol have already been closed and the place is almost deserted. He had come out of the OT and found Nidhi's note on his table. "the first look of our baby." He knew after reading the note what was inside the envelope attached to the note. He had gone to meet Dr Rishab after that, who patiently heard and once again reassured him with his optimistic words. "Dr Ashutosh, you are not your father. you may look like him but you are not him. you chose a profession in which compassion is the foundation. You don't even enjoy watching violent movies. That kid who broke your house window is what triggered your nightmare. you saw yourself in that kid. the nightmare is a carbon copy of what happened during your mother's death, right? what you went through and where you hid and how your mom looked at you in her death. And combined with your wife's pregnancy, it took a new dimension in your mind." He had felt restless even after the session so here he is..standing in front of the One who is instrumental in engineering everything in his life. He doesn't fold his hands in a gesture of prayer. Instead, Ashu stands defiant infront of Him. "I prayed. I prayed for almost 35 years not send anyone into my life. You didn't listen. You sent Nidhi and swamped me with so many feelings that I could not resist her. I prayed for her safety and begged you not to involve a kid into the equation. You didn't listen to that either. Fine. you want me to be a father. I will be a father. No matter what tests you put me through, I never lost my faith in you. but if anything..ANYTHING..EVER happens to my wife OR my kid because of me, I will hold YOU responsible. I will come after YOU with everything in me. Remember that. ok? remember that!

Back at home:

Nidhi takes his coat and tie from him: so, how was your day?

Ashu doesn't answer. Just pulls her along until both of them are sitting on the sofa: woh sab baad mein. First lets see how our kid looks like.

Nidhi's face starts glowing: you haven't seen yet?

Ashu: no. and I know that you wouldn't have seen either. So come on. Ready? (Nidhi nods eagerly. He takes the images out of the envelope and both gaze at the picture that shows the baby's face sideways. The next one is the one where the baby is sucking its thumb. Both laugh at that one. and the next one is a full body picture. They try to determine if it's a boy or a girl but since the legs were folded in a crouched position, it was impossible to know.) looks like its going to be a surprise. What do you think? Boy or girl? (his eyes though a bit apprehensive, still hold a deep tenderness and joy. Denying himself the joys of fatherhood and the fact that he loves this baby even before its born, is beyond him now)

Nidhi snuggles into his arms: doesn't matter. Either one is fine. if he is a boy, he should have your killer smile and lop sided grin. If it's a girl she should have your eyes.

Ashu pulls her cheek: no. if it's a girl she should be your carbon copy. In every way. And if it's a boy..hmmm..he should have your optimism and your determination.

Nidhi: enough flattery. Chaliye. Khaana khaate hain.

Ashu pulls her back: not flattery Nidhi. i mean it.

Nidhi puts her head in his lap with a contented sigh: you are feeling ok now?

Ashu rubs his thumb over her cheek: yeah. I think so. Went to Dr Rishab again today.

Nidhi: I thought you would. (then smiles and changes the topic) I am feeling hungry.

Ashu: ok. let me get up and get changed, we will have dinner. BB and HK are done?

Nidhi: yup. Done. And I want you to feed me today.

Ashu: as you wish my Lady!

The next couple of months fly by for Ashu and slow down for Nidhi. she literally starts counting backwards to the due date. her overall weight hasn't increased much courtesy of her college and night shifts and long walks within the college campus. Her stomach really starts showing in a big way now and she feels really glad that her maternity leave has begun. In between Armaan and Mansi make a trip to see her and Rohan also comes along with his family. All friends including Anji and Ranga have a grand time for those couple of days talking and chatting up and doing general masti. On the onset of Nidhi's month, DB plans godh bharai for her with the help of Shyama and Aanchal. Even with Nidhi insisting every step of the way to make it simple, the whole function takes on a grand scale with friends and relatives literally pouring in from every direction to bless and give all kinds of gifts to the would be mother. Ashu just tries to keep himself out of the way as much as possible except in trying to make sure that his wife is not over exerting herself. DB had already declared that she would be taking Nidhi to maika soon after the godh bharai function. Everything in him protests at the idea of being away from Nidhi but BB and Armaan (over the phone) finally manage to talk him into it. Nidhi, however is not so quiet in showing her displeasure. "DB, we live in the same city. Why do I need to come there for this one month?"

DB: because first delivery is done at your father's place only. That's why. And there is no woman to take care of you here that's why. And because I want it like this. That's why. You need more reasons? Now stop this argument and make sure your bags are ready. If I had my way, I would have done this function in the 7^th month and taken you then itself. But you didn't agree to that. ab buss chup.

Nidhi goes into the room with a sulky face and puts her head on Ashu's shoulder: you will come to see me every day right?

Ashu: you need to ask me that? yes. I will. Every day. Now take care of yourself. Ok?

Nidhi's face brightens as a thought occurs to her: may be we can start sending sms to each other again! Like before our marriage! Shall we do that? oh please! Say yes. yes yes.

Ashu grins at her child like enthusiasm: yes. ok. we will sms each other. Now go before DB barges in..(sure enough DB barges in after a cursory knock)

DB: sab taiyar hain meri bachchi? Aur Damaad babu, you don't worry. We will all take good care of your wife.

Ashu: ji DB. I know that. (soon after that Nidhi takes blessings from BB and HK and DB, CV, Anji, Shyama and Solanki along with Nidhi make their way to her maika.)

HK: bahu ke bina ghar soona soona lagega Mathur saab.

BB: haan Hiraman. But its only for a while and when she comes back, there will be double rounak and double khsuhi. I can't wait I tell you. mein apni bahu ko dekhne roz jaaonga.

Nidhi sends her first sms to Ashu as soon as she sits in the car on her way home: miss you Chweetu!

Ashu grins at the beeping sound signalling the incoming messgage. He can still see CV's car backing out of the driveway and madam has already started. He replies back: miss you TWO.

The next one month and one week goes by with both of them exchanging sms at every opportunity and Ashu coming to his sasural every night on his way home from KGH. most nights he had his dinner with Nidhi and gave her back rubs and stayed with her until she drifted off to sleep. her sleep is very disturbed in the last couple of weeks with the baby practically sitting on her bladder and as the date approaches, her restlessness also increases. 3 days before the actual due date, Nidhi wakes up in the morning with severe backache. The whole day she feels edgy and tired and by evening she is sure that her labour pains have started. She starts timing her contractions and calls Shyama aunty to help her out. chaos erupts when everyone realizes its time to take Nidhi to the hospital and Anji makes a panicked phone call to her Jeeju: jeeju..woh Nidhi ke labour pains shuru hogaye..she was having back pain since morning and she didn't even tell me..now its like..

Ashu: Anji Anji..calm down. I am on my way to KGH right now. bring Nidhi straight away ok? and YOU don't even think of driving the car. Sit beside Nidhi and tell Verma Uncle to drive. Ok? OK? bye.

Ashu's panic sets it after putting the phone down. He informs BB and HK and all 3 of them make their way to KGH arriving almost at the same time as Nidhi and Co. he sipes the sweat on his forehead with the back of his sleeve and takes hold of Nidhi's hand as they push her stretcher along to the labour room: don't worry. Ok? everything will be fine. take care. I will waiting right here.

Nidhi nods her head and kisses his knuckles before another contractions seizes her and she cries out "MAA!" Dr K walks in and puts a hand on Ashu's shoulder, smiles in a confident reassuring way before following Nidhi into the labour room. The next couple of hours are spent with everyone either pacing or praying alternatively. Dr K comes out in between to reassure that everything is fine and it won't be long now. Ashu becomes quieter and quieter with each passing minute. He stands away from everyone near the window looking out into the night with his fists stuffed into the pockets of his trousers. Anji is the only one who dares to approach him. she goes and puts a hand on his shoulder: Jeej, it won't be long now. don't worry. Ok?

A shudder runs through his body and he puts his hand around her shoulders to pull her into a one armed hug. Whether he is getting comfort from her or offering her his comfort is tough to say. Finally at 11.45 pm..

Dr K: Dr Ashutosh, Hearty Congratulations! You are a father of a healthy baby girl. Both mom and daughter are fine.