"Ashu ...Listen "his baba looked up from his news paper'
"Hmmm'"
"I had an interesting case yesterday '..You know?"
"What case '?" Ashu asked looking up '.
"One lady, she was admitted to our hospital last week '.she met with accident on the way to her work, she slipped into coma within hours 'and she was in ICU from last 3 days '..And guess what happened, when she came out of coma?"
Putting his paper aside, Ashu asked "what?"
"She said that she saw everything ''right from which doctor handled her case, what they spoke and you know 'what happened in hospital '.she saw everything "
Ashu guffawed "Baba 'I am not 5 year old "
"Well even I dint believed at first '..But she said such minute details of each and everything which made it impossible for us to refuse to believe'"
"And you believed her '?"
"Of course'."
"Unbelievable'"
"Why you think so '."
"huh'.because I think its ...nothing...I think, it is trick of her brain after coming out of such a long sleep " Ashu mumbled suddenly losing interest in that particular topic
"Exactly '.it is nothing but a brain trick ' after that incident , I came across this particular article online where it mentioned about such experience 'it say that , this happens when a person feels disconnect between the brains circuits that process these types of sensory information' medically we call it lucid dreaming "baba replied
"May be '..How is she now?"
" Ohh 'she says , she never felt better before " he replied smilingly
" Hello uncle " just then Mallika entered and slumped in a chair next to Ashu's
"Hello Beta ..How are you? , sandwich khayegi ?"Ashu's baba asked her '.as Db came holding morning breakfast
"Dadi bua'.Please not again ' same boring sandwich, I asked you to prepare aloo paratha " Ashu cribbed
" why are you asking me ?...ask your Baba'he is the one who asked me to prepare sandwich for breakfast.."
"Baba'" Ashu grumbled
" Aaj ek din khaalena, I will make sure tomorrow you will get your Aloo paratha'.Pakka promise " Alok sweared smilingly '" how come you are here so early beta ?" Alok looked at Mallika
" Arman asked me to pick up Ashu '.He do not trust Ashu on wheels considering what a bad driver he is " mallika grinned
" Arman and his over cautions'" Alok smiled
" And beside uncle today is D-day '.." She spoke taking piece of sandwich in her plate
" D-day ?" DB asked enquiringly
" yaa ..Today is our college election "
" ohh ..I completely forgot about it, Ashu when do I get to hear your results 'I promised my fellow doctors that I will give them small treat in hospital canteen ..." he winked looking at his sons face
" oh uncle , that's cool'." Mallika jumped in
" Not sure baba '.I will let you know once results are out '." Ashu joined in gleefully
Once his baba left for hospital and when dadi bua moved away to check something in kitchen..Ashu slide towards mallika and whispered "so how was it ?"
" how was what ?" Mallika stared at him perplexed
'Your dinner date with Mr Jagan .." Ashu winked
" shhh'slow down your voice " she punched him hard " ouch that hurts " he grumbled
"What if DB hears it '." Mallika asked
"So someone is sneaking out and dating '." Ashu looked at her with mischievous grin
"Oh Shut up ..What about you ?"
"What about me? '" Ashu stared at her baffled
" ohh do you really think , I don't know your little secret 'Mr Nidhi verma " Mallika grinned looking at his sudden flushed face
" huh ..what ..what made you think that '.?" Ashu looked away to hide his flushed face
" ohho..Someone is blushing ..." mallika chuckled
"are you inviting her today 'for party?" after a brief pause mallika asked chewing last piece of sandwich
'Common mallika 'Still we have to wait for election results "
" I dint mean that way .." Mallika stared at him
"You mean '.to ask her out? Startled Ashu looked at her face
"Yes"
" I don't know ..Should I ?"
"Why are you asking me 'you are the one to decide"
" do you think ..she will come ?" Ashu asked her after a brief pause
" I donno 'may be "
"She do not talk much '.sometime not at all 'I don't know what is going on in her head 'about me?" Ashu mumbled
" she was not like what she is now '.you know what I mean , she changed after whatever happened with her sister '.I think , she took it too hard " mallika muttered thoughtfully
" what happened to her sister '.?"
" I don't know '.I heard that she killed in car accident ..but still everyone recall the incident a bit .you know 'hazy, unsettled " mallika mumbled
" what do you mean ?"
" I don't know .. you just forget all about it '" mallika mumbled and moved away
"Can I say something " she asked him when he came out getting ready to leave for college
" Why are you asking like that '.? " Ashu narrowed his eyes
" just like that '.."
" what is it ?" he asked when she did not replied
"don't drag her in a relationship 'if you ..you know not sure about it ..that girl is already hurt '.you know what I mean " mallika stared at him'.
" yes '." Ashu nodded his head
" I am not sure about nidhi but I am sure about one thing '.." Mallika grinned
"What?"
"If you ask her out '.surely Armaan going to come behind you to spank your head'.he think she is trouble" mallika chuckled and burying his face in his palm 'Ashu smiled ''only to find her beautiful face lingering in his mind'. her shadowy eyes which twinkled once in a while ..That guarded smile '.and her voice, soft and seductive which make his heart beat faster '.his knees go weaker and make him fall for her again and again.
A lot we have in our head,
But my dear ,
things of heart are not yet dead,
They have done none, but just fled,
Out of us, Forgotten, just been bled'..
Abruptly, Ashu closed his palm sized notebook and buried it in his side pocket
"Counting is started "Arman muttered dragging Ashu by shoulder '
"What is the situation'"Ashu asked
"You are going to win '.after your canvassing and strong support from girls '. Can't you see all girls are in love with you "Arman chuckled dragging Ashu towards student union council building where counting is going on '.
They walked through the mob of supporters lined up on either side of path which lead to union council building..Ashu turned around searching to get glimpse of nidhi 'he looked around but she was nowhere in sight...his thoughts got interrupted as supporters of both student leaders mouthed their slogans cheering for their leaders ..
" Armaan bhai ..shukla has come out ..I think he is going to give some update" one boy whispered in Arman's ear
They rushed few steps ahead towards podium of union building
"Dear students..Counting is over "one middle aged man with little potbelly uttered addressing the whole crowd
Everyone cheered and after a brief pause he continued "the student leading on the secretary position is ram kumar '.." A small crowd of supporters cheered and jumped in air ..
"And for general secretary 'it is , mihir Singh " he announced
"Coming to key seats of election '." He paused " jai shukla for vice president '" a bit large crowd cheered and danced hearing the announcement
Ashu could feel tension building up as he waited with bated breath to hear the final result
" lastly on the president seat'. the student leading the election this year is '."
"Aditya .." Someone cried out in crowd
" Ashuthosh" someone else blurted out
"Its Ashuthosh mathur '."The shriek of the large mob that accumulated in front of union building reached its festive pitch '..The supporters danced, without showing any retreat'.
Arman took ashu in bear hug , someone put red thilak on his forehead '.and even before he could retreat someone pulled him up ..On their shoulder, cheering, exhibiting '.celebrating his victory..
Ashu looked around '.At far end ,he saw Aditya and troop standing with morose faces, disappointment, defeat, anger bubbling up on their faces '
In between those dejected faces, he saw her...Standing behind her brother '.like dissolved shadow
He looked straight into her eyes; her eyes twinkled when she caught his gaze '..As he kept on looking at her 'she smiled ' like sunshine, like fog in breezy morning '..Spinning his whole world, rocking his whole universe with her one smile ''.
Staring at her '..He too smiled as his friends hurled him up in air '.up and up in the air '
" Ashu where are you going '.just wait one second " Arman tugged at his shoulder
Ashu tried to get away from his grip '.sensing the reason behind Ashu's restlessness, mallika jumped in " Ashu 'Shukla sir was asking for you '...Why don't you go? "
Ashu looked at her perplexed; in turn she winked at him and signaled him to go fast '. He mouthed a silent thank you and ran out even before Arman could get chance to hold him back '.
He ran through corridors, searching in classrooms, in canteen, in library 'finally he found her standing near bio lab all alone
" Nidhi ..Wait '" he called out gasping for breath
She turned around ''as he moved near her, he sensed that she is fidgeting, clutching her pen in tight fist ,throwing nervous glances here and there '. "Relax 'your brother is not here '.huh'.I saw him going out 'of campus ...if that is what bothering you "Ashu smiled looking at her face
"Water '?" Ashu extended his hand
She looked at him perplexed '" I came running...searching for you '. I am bit thirsty '.."
She gave him water bottle '" why '?" she mumbled
Ashu smiled '." Because, I wanted to meet you...see you "he gazed at her intently
She lowered her eyes to hide the happiness which suddenly exploded in her heart'.." so 'did '.did he said '.. Something 'your brother 'after whatever happened yesterday?" Ashu asked her nervously '
"No" she replied 'as soon as her words were out she saw him heaving out sigh of relief '.
"I was worried '." He admitted giving her a nervous smile'..
Nidhi leaned back next to him and stared ahead ''after a while of silence 'he whispered a bit crossly
" I am waiting you know'.."
Perplexed she stared back "for what?"
"You are not going to wish me '.?" He asked her with a bit of annoyance
She chuckled; "I wished you already '.if you remember when your friends hurling you up in air '."
He blushed but he was quick to buck up '. "So since you wished me '.shall I assume that you don't hate me ...for winning over your brother "Ashu asked in jest
Rolling her eyes in annoyance, she muttered" as you wish '."
Ashu chuckled "I dint knew that Ms Verma sometime gets angry '.."
"huh 'So is that all "she asked limply trying to show him that she is miffed but her face betrayed as her eyes darted and met his gaze '.a thin smile drew up on her lips '.before she could speak he leaned sideways towards her '..Running his trembling fingers through his dark hair..Ashu breathed in , after taking couple of breathings , he mustered all his strength 'and asked her " will you come '..With me...Today...You know there is small party 'Arman arranged in his farm house '."
As he saw radiant joy in her face for a second he contemplated that she will say yes '.But it remained just for a second but then same grim expression clouded on her face "you know ' I can't '." She muttered
He looked lost 'he gazed at her to understand '." Why you can't" his words were out even before he could stop it '.
"Because, I just can't "She looked away '.her blank expression remained fixed refusing to give out anything '. He tried to hide his disappointment but he failed as deep sigh escaped his lips, Looking at his face she wished, her life was easy and uncomplicated '.she wished, she too can go out with him; sit next to him whole day '.oh doesn't she wish that ? 'she wished that he understands her silence in a way she cannot express, that yes..she want to come along with him under his protective wings and just stay there and never leave his side '.'.she wished he understand that '
"If ..it's because ..you know , if this because of your brother ..you are saying no '..hmm then ..you don't have to worry '. I will come and ask your Baba's permission 'will that do?" he asked her genuinely
Say yes Nidhi , he prayed dearly '
When she did not responded even after a second '.he turned his head away
Understanding her plight, he did not push her much '.Even though he knew that there still some unknowns demons which she is keep it to herself...there are some fears which still she find hard to shoo away '..He wished, he could help her and make her tell him what it which is keeping her quiver in fear '..
Hiding his disappointment, he gave her a small piece of paper "this is my number '..Call me, if you know '..Changed your mind...I will come pick you up '." He whispered and smiled at her ''
Clutching the small piece of paper safely in her tight fist 'she walked away from him ''as he stood behind with his eyes still fixed on her , hoping that she will turn back and that she will come back ''
____________________________________________________________
Keeping her things aside, Nidhi went inside to check on her baba '.
His hands trembling fingers coiled and twisted ' She ran when she saw him struggling to get a glass of water '.
"Baba" holding him in firm grip, she made him lean back '.
Taking his half filled glass she made him drink sip by sip '.after wiping his mouth with clean cloth, she asked him to lie down 'but he signaled her that he want to sit...
Adjusting a pillow behind his back 'she let him sit '..
His right hand, which he can move, patted her head and ruffled her hair affectionately '.she smiled and slowly mumbled, snuggling close to him
"baba '"
He nodded his head and looked down 'it became kind of routine for nidhi to sit next to him and tell him '..About Ashuthosh, what he said 'what he asked, how quickly he managed to solve one of organic equation which she found too difficult to understand '.over the days, she realized that her baba started liking this boy...who driven glint of smile on her face and managed to pull her out of her silence '..
Sensing for what he is waiting to hear, she mumbled '."Ashuthosh 'won"
Nidhi saw the change in her baba's expression 'as happiness poured out of his eyes. Slowly he raised his arm pointing at Aditya's picture
Nidhi's face lost color, a kind of disgust and fear mingled when she remembered her brother'
She shook her head,:" He lost '" her reply came out more like spittle of rage'
Her baba looked at her thoughtfully and lifted her face up and signaled her to smile which in turn she did '..
She sat next to her baba for some time, after a while she showed him small chit which Ashuthosh gave her '.her baba, looked at it for some time and at her perplexed
Realizing his confusion, she mumbled ''Ashuthosh asked me to come to his party '.."She replied
It was not a question; but just a piece of information which she just wanted to share 'she wanted to tell him everything '.like her sister used to do with her '..Her little treasure of secrets, her sister used to call her with that name '.
Her vision blurred as memories of lost days engulfed her '..
Staring at her sudden saddened face, realizing her distress '.he picked up the piece of paper and gazed at her...
Understanding what he is asking She shook her head vigorously ..." No 'Baba 'I cannot go "she muttered '.
He sighed, not understanding her plight '.." I will go and check what chote sarkar has done for dinner '..You please rest "she smiled at him reassuringly
Later that night, as she sat alone in her bed '. Closing her eyes, she imagined his face 'suddenly turned sullen as she said "No", the cheerfulness washed away as she blurted out her words '.pushing her thoughts aside, she tucked the little piece of paper carefully away in her drawer, like her secret treasure 'she remembered, even her sister did this once and asked nidhi whether she can keep this little wrap inside her '.. For days followed after that, Nidhi feared that in jest of talking she might end up blurting it out'.But she didn't! She never betrayed her sister 'not when , keeping this little something in turn making her sister so happy '.she remembered her sister, those days when she looked like someone who is just fallen in love '.there were dreams and jest of happiness as she moved holding nidhi's hand'.She never betrayed ..She never gave away that little secret '..Never told anyone not even when all of it lost its meaning '..When all those secrets lost its magic and became just gibberish words
She turned her head as she heard heavy footsteps outside her room; and the familiar heavy groggy voice of her brother echoing through nights stillness '.all his rage exploding towards whatever is coming on his way '' closing her eyes tight shut...she tried to block him out''She know he is in rage now , he will take days to come out of this failure'. He cannot take defeat
"How can this happen'bloody, I asked you take care of things before hand." he is cursing someone 'grousing over phone.
"How can this happen to me nidhi '.he spoiled everything "her sister's hysteric sobs echoed in her head '.
"I asked you to listen to me '..you should listen to me " his voice was sharp now '.and demanding
"I am not going to listen 'to any of your gibberish "her sister's chocking voice echoed in her conscience'.
" I lost ''I worked so hard on this and crap ..I lost "he is exploding now '..
"I am sorry to hear about your sister '..my mom told me , that she died in car accident .." her friend's curious glances pained and it is paining her till now'..
.."it was not meant to happen '..There were chances'.I could have made it work "he was grouching'.
"Nidhi '.there was no chances that she could have made it '.don't you, see, it was not your fault ' '.don't be so hard on yourself"
Choking with sobs , she tugged at her pillow ''Straining against the walls of absurdity 'she realized she will burst soon if she can't escape '.if she can't make it to the other side to scream and pound and follow her heart '..it was reckless desire , to be near Ashu, to see his smiling face in between all this gloominess '.Sitting upright in her bed , she pulled the little piece of paper which Ashuthosh gave her '..nibbling at paper , she pulled her phone out as she dialed his number '.with tears streaking down her face , her heart fluttered , carved to hear his soothing voice '.to get away from here , away from everything and '..Towards him '.and lands herself into safety '..Where his gaze follow her like a protective blanket and where she feel safe '.
_______________________________________________
It was well past midnight, when Arman dropped him back '.opening locked door, he entered quiet living room area and collapsed on adjacent couch '..Stretching his leg bit further, he yawned as he leaned back and half closed his eyes out of tiredness '..
His tummy grumbled in hunger as he made his way towards kitchen and saw a small note sticked on top of freezer "heat it before you eat "...he smiled as he switched on oven and placed the curry which dadi bua prepared for him '
He sat alone in dining area gobbling down his food in haste, just then his cell phone ringed...he know it is his baba, to check whether he reached back home '.he grinned when called ID revealed that indeed it is his baba " Hi baba '" Ashu replied concealing the tiredness out his voice '.
"Ashu, you came back home '.?."
"Yes, Arman dropped me back'..having my food now" Ashu replied chewing his food
" khaana nahi kaya kya party main '.."
" no baba'I was not hungry before '.now suddenly felt hungry after seeing Db's delicious curry " he grinned
" Acha '.teek hain , listen , I cannot come tomorrow '"
"What happened? 'how is your patient now?"Ashu enquired
"Not sure '..Still he is under observation '.so I have to be here till tomorrow, so I will come back by tomorrow night...Ok?"
"Fine '..You do take care "cutting the call ...he walked towards the open kitchen to drink some water '.. Washing his hands and making sure everything is placed back in correct place ...he came outside and slumped back in couch ''
He sighed in frustration when his cell phone buzzed again '." Yes, baba '" he just mumbled
"Just called to remind you to '.lock the door properly before going outside "
"Ok '.."
"And not to stay out for long time '."
" ok "
" and call me tomorrow first thing in morning '.."
" huh '..baba! ok 'I will do '"Ashu huffed out
"I am just concerned ''" his baba justified '.
" hmm' ok '"
"what's wrong with you '?..Why are you replying like that "
" sorry 'I will do , now 'I am sleepy , can I go " Ashu asked in his meek sleepy voice'.
" ok 'good night " turning off the call 'he sat there staring at nothing in particular'.
Suddenly he felt too lonely and too empty 'for a second he felt nothing, tracing his feet and feeling the cold tiled floor, it is then her anxious eyes darted in his mind making him dwell deep in his thoughts ' It felt strange that within such a short span of time, how much he started expecting so much from her, he know her plight, her inability to agree for what he asked from her'he know there are still some fears, which she can never get over '.but still he could not shoo off his disappointment which crept in his heart when she refused '.His happiness looked so incomplete, so shallow without her.
His breath hitched knotting with his restlessness...As he sat there trying to smother his sadness '..
He felt this impatience swelling up in his inside as his heart longed to see her 'shaking his head to shake of those thoughts he tried to slip back to sleep '.
It is then his cell phone buzzed again, with deep annoying groan he picked it up "Baba '.why don't you let me sleep" he mumbled annoyingly
There was total stillness as he blurted out his words '.followed by her meek "Sorry"
"Nidhi '. Huh is that you?" He jumped up suddenly getting up from his sleep '.
"I '..I am sorry...I shouldn't had called you "she replied meekly
"No '.No ...Don't hang up "he tried not to sound desperate ''
" Nidhi '..are you there " he breathed in
" yes 'I am ..here " she mumbled after a while
He smiled as His heart fluttered and strange happiness filled his heart ''but this time he did not tried to hide the oozing happiness nor the utter joy which he felt at that precise moment '.he let it flow through his voice as he leaned back holding his cell phone close to his ear '.
" I thought you got mad at me 'or something " Ashu spoke grinning brightly'
" No , I am not 'are you alone at home ?" she enquired
" yes 'baba is in delhi ..huh 'some emergency and dadi bua gone to Kanpur to attend some function '.."
" ok 'how was your party ? " she asked slipping under her blanket '..
" I don't know '."
" what kind of answer is this ? " she asked
" a kind of answer ..Which I don't know how to answer'."
" you dint liked it '..?"
" No '.I don't know , I dint enjoyed it '." He admitted
"why ?"
" just like that '."
" that is not an answer '"
" yes , it is '."
"Your friends must have worked so hard to organize that party '."
"Yes 'and I did not said, it was bad '..I just ..Dint enjoyed it " he replied '.
"Why are you up so late ..."he enquired, when she did not replied even after a second "is everything fine '." He asked her, He tried to smother the worry but realized he could not hide it anymore '.
She smiled hearing his concerned voice, somewhat she felt better after talking to him '." Nothing 'just like that '"
"What kind of answer is this? "He enquired
"The same kind of answer, like you just gave me..." she giggled'.
They both went silent after that..." You know 'I was thinking" Ashu mumbled meekly
"What?" she asked
"Nothing 'hmm'you just ..." he staggered with words as he tried to restrain himself from asking her to come out with him.
"What happened?" she asked when he went still '.
"I couldn't not enjoy today'..could not Celebrate my happiness without you "he mumbled
When she did not responded he continued "forget it ' I just told, just like that"
She smiled hearing his peeved voice '
"Did I say anything ..." she enquired
"No'."
"Then?"
'"What then '? 'are you 'will you come then?"
"But your party is over ..." she teased
"So what? we can organize '.hmm , just you and me 'I mean 'I can celebrate once again '..I want to "he replied gleefully
She giggled'.." nidhi, will you come '.then tomorrow?" he asked excitedly
" where '?"
" I want to take you somewhere 'will you come ?"
There was total silence for couple of beats and then her reply came softly as "yes"'. his heart went wild with joy, as he smiled and grinned till he thought he will burst with happiness '..
Tomorrow , I am going out of town but I will try to post next part by evening once i return else Saturday morning ...pakka 😊
Hope you liked it this chapter also , let me know 😃
Anupamaa
