Kashmakash S2 Th 10 Epilogue Pg 69 Aug 2 - Page 23

Originally posted by: Suvika.

evening around 4.00 Rajani 😃

Originally posted by: Suvika.

this is still sleeping time for the US readers..let them wake up and i will post😳

Originally posted by: arpitajaan

Hi deepa how r u?

Originally posted by: deepa17

I am fine .. How are you?

Originally posted by: Suvika.

good morning Deepa..

thank you Arpita...as for monetary benefit, may be i should talk to Tanu..😉😆 but on a serious note, i enjoy writing...right now nothing else matters to me except that i am able to write and all of you love and enjoy my stories.

guys..ready for the chap??

❤️ The reason why daughters love their Dad the most is that there is at least one man in the world who will never hurt her ❤️

Here is the final chapter of Kashmakash Season 2. Enjoy! Comments and / or like button clicks most welcome. 😊

Final Chapter

Nidhi walks towards her husband with a few more chuckles escaping her closed lips and extends her arms: Layiye..isse mujhe deejiye aur change karleejiye.

Ashu passes on Aasha to her and steps back giving her his usual lop sided smile: I..uh..I cleaned her up..(Aasha scrunches up her face and starts crying again making him pale a little.) Why is she crying again? Was I too rough?

Nidhi gives a reassuring smile: More like she doesn't want to leave you probably. Go and change. I will..

Anji walks in: Woohoo Jeejaji! Yeh kya kardiya Aasha ne? (She giggles and Ashu grins a little and ruffles her hair on his way out. She shouts after him.) Jeej..I need to distribute the wedding cards to my friends. So wear something nice. You are coming with me.

Ashu turns: Mein? Mein aake kya karoonga Anji?

Anji puts her fists on her waist: Kya karoonga matlab? Aap mere jeeja hain..farz hain aapka. Chaliye jaldi chaliye. We have to invite about 30 of my friends. We will leave my car here and go in yours. Yours is more stylish. All the ADs in my college would faint..aayhaaye!

Nidhi looks up from where she is putting on Aasha's diaper: Ab yeh ADs kaun hain Anji?

Anji: Ashutosh Deewanis! (His cheeks turn red but Nidhi comes forward with a glare and hits Anji hard on her back making her scream.) OUCH! Jeejaji!

Ashu shakes his head and his chuckle reaches them as he climbs up the steps. He leaves with Anji and its almost dinner time by the time he reach home. He tells BB and HK to go ahead and have their dinner and once again takes the dinner plate to Nidhi's room to feed her. After a couple of mouthfuls, she looks at him: Aap kyon nahi khaarahe?

Ashu brings another piece of roti to her mouth: Mein baad mein khaalonga. Pehle tum khaalo.

Nidhi scowls a little: I know what you will do. You will eat two spoons and leave the rest. (She takes the plate from him) Jaayiye. Aapka plate bhi leke aayiye. Kya dekhrahe hain? Jaayiye na. (She fairly pushes him from the bed only to have him lean in and kiss her ruthlessly until her lips tingle and both of them are breathless. He gets a plate for himself and both of them feed each other soon after which, he starts stuffing all the baby's and Nidhi's luggage into her bag.) What are you doing?

Ashu doesn't stop or look up: Taking you back to our room. I will put these things first and later shift the crib.

Her entire face glows in relief. She wraps her arms around his waist and hugs him from behind: Thank you Chweetu.

Ashu swirls around to face her: No Nidhi. Thank YOU..for coming into my life..for not leaving me..for loving me. Chalo..chalte hain. Woh kamra tumhaare bina kaatne ko daudta hain.

Hope gives an extra spark to her eyes although her voice is still a little tentative: Aur ab toh Aasha bhi haina?

Ashu nods and cups her cheek: You take her and go up. I will get the rest of the stuff. She will sleep with us for now. We will think about her room later.

Since there is barely a week for Anji's wedding, things start moving fast and all the arrangements are full on. Nidhi's results come out in that period with her clearing the theory as well as practicals with flying colours. The boundless joy and pride that shines out of Ashu's usual stoic face and the way he hugs and twirls Nidhi around in front of CV and BB, makes the event all the more festive. They quickly decide that she would apply in CCH and Apollo after a few months. That taken care of, Nidhi gets herself ready to take active part in her best friend's wedding. But with her being a new mom, she is strictly prohibited from any and all kinds of strenuous work. CV picks her and Aasha up everyday and brings her to Anji's house where Nidhi takes care of everything related to Anji..her dresses, packing and the rest of the logistics as to what should go where with the caterers and decorators. The moment she enters Anji's house, DB fairly snatches Aasha from Nidhi and spends all the time taking care of her and once even takes her to the Hanuman mandir over riding CV's protest: Chupkar Yog. I know how to take care of her. Aur phir Shyama hain na mere saath! If I had my way, Aasha's naamkaran would have been done in a grand style but damaad babu wanted to wait until the third month so I am keeping quiet. I am going to take her to the temple and that's it. (She nuzzles Aasha's cheek softly) Chal meri bachchi..hum mandir chalenge..haan?

Nidhi's mouth hangs open: You agreed to postpone the pooja because of what your damaad babu said?

DB nods and smiles fondly: He wanted you to completely recover before handling such a huge function. Mere damaad babu hain aisa..he always thinks about everything and takes smart decisions.

Nidhi glares: And I don't?

DB also glares: YOU? If you had your way..

Shyama intervenes: Buaji..chale? Phir waapas aake cards baantne bhi toh jaana haina?

DB: Haan..haan..chalo chalo.

Shyama takes Aasha in her arms and they leave for the mandir. Ashutosh, although initially hesitant, soon gets pulled into the wedding arrangements. He limits himself to offering sound advice regarding the logistics and ends up spending more and more time with Aasha, getting more efficient in diaper changing and burping. CV and DB share indulgent looks whenever they see Aasha in the arms of her father and CV sheds his final reserve as he proudly introduces his son in law and grand daughter to all his friends and relatives. A few of them do make pithy comments but in the face of Nidhi's smile and CV's whole hearted acceptance of both daughter and son in law, there is nothing much anyone could say. The wedding goes on without a single hitch and with Ashu and Nidhi doing the gatbandhan for Anji and Ranganath and BB taking care of Aasha to make sure the couple take part in all events actively. Anji gives a tight hug to Nidhi and her jeejaji and after a slight hesitancy, Ranganath also hugs Ashu in a silent gesture of thank you. Having sent Aasha ahead with BB and HK, Ashu and Nidhi drop the newly wedded couple at Taj before making their way home to fall into each other's arms and sleep until Aasha wakes them up for her early morning feed.

Days turn into weeks and with each day that passes Ashu falls deeper and deeper in love with his daughter. Now when people mention that she looks like him or takes after him, his face glows with unmistakeable pride and joy. Although he still makes sure he is never completely alone with her, he looks forward to every minute that he could spend with her..be it giving her a bath or burping her or buying diapers and dresses for her with Anji's and once even Ranga's help. Ashu's sessions with Dr Rishab are now tapered down to once in 10 days and they consisted more of his progress with his daughter than of his painful past. The raw wound, now exposed to the air filled with hope and sunlight that brims with love, is raw no more and is well into the path of healing. The passing weeks bring about a lot of change in Aasha too. Now she follows people with her eyes and loves looking at the mobile hanging over the crib. She responds to voices and her feet start kicking whenever she hears her baba's deep voice which it never fails to make him smile, grin and laugh no matter how tired he is at the end of the day. Dr Sanjay even comments that she is well ahead in the milestones for her age. She is generally not fussy or cranky unless she has a tummy ache or fever. Like a couple of days back when she had her DPT vaccine. That night she had temperature and cried all through. Initially he had let Nidhi and BB handle her. But as one hour slipped into another, he couldn't stop himself. Why is she crying so much? Her leg seems a bit swollen too. What kind of doctors is KGH harbouring? Dr Sanjay is supposed to be very good with children. But apparently he doesn't know how to give a simple injection to a baby. He had got up from the bed, went outside into the lawn where BB was trying to console Aasha: Baba, give her to me and you go and get some sleep. BB, who never misses a chance to throw the father and daughter together, immediately hands over Aasha to him and walks off after exchanging a happy grin with Nidhi. Ashu spent the rest of the night carrying her around until finally her temperature cooled down and she drifted off to sleep in his arms. Nidhi's smile contained so much joy that night. The bonding between father and daughter had started to get stronger from that day on. Nidhi meets Dr K for her 6 week post delivery check up and the doctor after giving her Nidhi her all ok, teases her to share the secret of her special glow with her..that she plans to recommend the same thing to all the new mothers.

That night: In the study room:

Nidhi comes behind and closes Ashu's eyes: Guess who?

Ashu: How would I know? Some stranger probably.

Nidhi pouts: I have become a stranger to you?

Ashu pulls her hands away from her eyes and she comes in front of him and sits in his lap: Haven't you? You are always busy with Aasha. My daughter has tied you to herself. She is not even sharing.

Nidhi pulls his cheeks before kissing one: That's because she takes after her baba.

Ashu's face glows with spontaneous parental pride: So, what does Aasha's mom want now?

Nidhi settles herself comfortably in his lap and his arms automatically come around her to pull her even closer: Not Aasha's mom..Chweetu's wife wants to say something.

Ashu bows his head a little: Hukum keejiye Doctorni Sahiba. Banda aapke khidmat mein haazir hain.

Nidhi chuckles: I went for my 6 week check up today and Dr K gave me an all ok.

Ashu: Oh that's good. (Nidhi waits for a while to see if he is going to add anything else but he just gives her a cute smile. She giggles and leans forward to hum in his ear) Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayaal aata hain..(Her lips glide over his neck) ki yeh badan yeh nigahen teri amaanat hain..

Ashu digs his fingers into her hair and pulls her back to look into her eyes..his own dark with passion and desire: Really? (She nods and bites his lower lip softly making him groan and bring her in for a deeper kiss before stopping abruptly.) I don't have anything to use.

Nidhi bites his earlobe making him shudder: IUD.

Ashu's arms once tighten until she can barely breathe: Missed you Nidhi..missed you so much!

Nidhi smoothes the fabric of his shirt before unbuttoning it one button at a time and easing her palm inside over the hard delineation of his chest muscles and touching his now hot skin. He becomes completely motionless, his breath changing to a slower, deeper rhythm as he lets her explore him to her heart's content. After all these months tumoil and staying away from each other, both of them are starving but determined to savour every touch and taste. He lowers his head very slowly and touches his mouth to the side of her neck, brushing the sensitive skin before opening to get a taste. With a shaky sigh she locks her arms around him as he continues to explore her neck with exquisite leisure. He pulls back enough to ask in a hoarse voice: Aasha?

Nidhi starts peppering kisses all over his face: Fed and asleep.

Ashu's hands go under her night shirt: Door..

Nidhi arches her neck inviting his hands and lips: Locked. (In one swift move, he gets up from the chair and pulls her over and down onto the diwan before starting to unbutton her shirt. Her fingers stop him.) I..I have changed.

Ashu gently removes his fingers from her grasp and finishes the task. His fingers drift to her throat caressing the vulnerable curve and then travel to the wing of her collarbone before gently cupping the new fullness of her breast: I changed you Nidhi. You carried my baby within you for 9 months. I never realized the anormity of it all until after I held our daughter in my hands. (Reassured more by the way his eyes devour her rather than the words, she arches her back and tries to bring his head closer to her.) But the way you feel..(He bends his head to taste her) and the way you taste..that has not changed. Mine! All mine! Forever mine! Hold me Nidhi..hold me..don't let go. Not now..not ever. (Their fingers fumble and tremble as they undress each other and their lips get in the way as they try refresh their memories. Each kiss turns more desperate than the previous one. The feel of him over her after all this time makes them both shudder deeply and just hug each other for a few moments in pure glorious joy.)

Nidhi's eyes fill up: I love you Chweetu.

Passion once again takes over them and minutes tick by as they devour each other. Finally his face taunt and intent, he slides into her and stops. She senses the effort its taking him to hold still so that she can once again become accustomed to him. Wordlessly, she tightens her arms and legs around him as she experiences a curious feeling of protectiveness and tenderness. Her hands slide over his back, following the deep arch of his spine. She hugs him to herself and listens to the way his breath hitches and his movements start picking up speed. She quickly catches on to his rhythm. Desire filled eyes in a passion flushed face blaze at her: You ok? (She barely manages to nod before arching up and dissolving around him. Her small scream gets swallowed by his rough groan of release as together they shatter in each other's arms. Much, much later, he raises up on his elbow to look at the sleeping form of his wife..the contentment on her face and the lingering smile on her lips. He softly traces her body with his fingers as his heart hums the song..

Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayaal aata hain

Ki jaise tujhko banaya gaya hain mere liye..

Tu abse pehle sitaaron mein buss rahi thi kahi.

Tujhe zameen pe bulaaya gaya hain mere liye..

A couple of days later: Evening:

Nidhi picks up her phone: Hello?

Dr Sanjay: Nidhi..Sanjay here.

Nidhi moves away from the kitchen: Hello sir! How are you?

Sanjay: Fine. Fine. How is your kid doing?

Nidhi: She is fine sir. Suna hain aap kisi vacation par jaanewaale hain?

Sanjay: Yes. I am already there actually. That's the reason I am calling you. I need a favour Nidhi.

Nidhi: Kaisi baat karrahe hain sir. Aap buss boliye kya karna hain.

Sanjay: You remember Ninaad? The 3 year old boy?

Nidhi frowns trying to recollect: That asthema case?

Sanjay: Yes yes..the same one. He is almost four now. And with this sudden change in weather, he has had a severe attack. The parents are bringing him in to KGH as we speak. He needs to be stablized and nebulisation is a must.

Nidhi nods: I remember sir. The previous time was horrible.

Sanjay: True. That's why I am contacting you. You already know the case history..have handled the child previously and know what to do. I don't want to hand him over to someone new now and take a chance. As a special favour, can you go to KGH and handle this one for me? I will tell the staff to expect you and Ranganath will handle any formalities that are required. You are a full fledged paediatrician now anyway so it shouldn't be a problem. (A slight pause) You would need to stay overnight probably.

Nidhi thinks for all of a second before replying: Sure sir. Not a problem. I will leave right away and if required will call you.

Sanjay: Thanks Nidhi..oh..you are not even my student any more. I should probably say..thank you ma'am.

Nidhi chuckles: Sir..aap bhi na..rakhti hoon.

Sanjay: Thanks again..bye.

Nidhi cuts the call and quickly explains to BB who pats her head affectionately: Don't worry about Aasha. This is more important beta. Tum jao. Hamaara Ashu hain na. He will take care of his daughter (He winks playfully and after a slight hesitation, Nidhi quickly sends an sms to Ashu and leaves. All through her journey to KGH, her fingers grip her mangalsutra. He loves Aasha with every fibre of his being but has never voluntarily taken care of her alone by himself. Always made sure someone was with him. What would he do today? Her mom's voice echoes in her heart.. Success is not final, failure is not fatal..it is the courage to continue that counts.)

That night:

Ashu finishes his dinner before tentatively asking: Baba, you will keep an eye on Aasha, right?

BB shrugs: Her crib is in your room. How will I keep an eye on her? But if you have any problem, wake me up.

Ashu immediately springs to Aasha's defence: No no. She is not a problematic kid. She usually sleeps through the night. But it's the first time her mom is not putting her bed so..

BB pats his son's cheek: Mom is not but her baba is, right? Goodnight beta. I am tired.

HK takes the cue from BB and fakes a yawn: Mein bhi bahut thak gaya hoon Ashu beta, I am off to bed too. Goodnight.

Ashu gives them both a helpless look: Ok. Goodnight. (Then he slowly makes his way up to their bedroom and peeps at the sleeping form of his daughter in the crib. He wets his lips in an uncharacteristic display of nervousness.) Looks like its just you and me now. Don't worry. Sleep tight. Aaapke baba aapke saath rahenge. I..I can take care of you..I think! (Saying that, he pulls the crib closer to his side of the bed, puts one hand through the crib bars onto the baby's back and looking at her tiny face with chubby cheeks, slowly relaxes and slides off into deep dreamless sleep. He is startled awake by the sound of Aasha's crying. He quickly glances at the clock. 4.00 am. Ok. He quickly changes the diaper first. Then milk time. Now what? He lifts her into his arms and Aasha kicks her legs in delight at being in her baba's arms. She tries balancing her neck for a while, nodding this way and that, stuffs her whole fist into her mouth and crunches up her face in the beginning of a cry: Whoa whoa..don't cry. Lets go into the kitchen and get your bottle. Ok? But how do I hold you AND prepare your feed? Hmmm..ok ok..shshhh..come on. I will take you along with this sheet. (He puts the sheet on his one shoulder, adjusts her on the other one and goes down into the kitchen. After spreading the sheet haphazardly on the kitchen floor, he lies her down on it and rushes to find the bottle and the formula. Luckily, everything is on the counter including the boiled and cooled water. Aasha, already impatient, kicks her legs, waves her hands and starts crying loudly.) There there there..I am getting your milk. Don't cry sweetheart. You know I can't stand it when you cry like that. See, I am preparing it really fast. See see. Here is the water, I have put the formula like this.. (Suddenly it dawns on him that she has stopped crying ever since he started talking to her and her head is titled to the side as if listening to him intently.) You like to hear me talk, huh! Just like your mom! She yaps and wants me to yap along with her. Now you too? You know I don't talk much, don't you? (As if she suspects him to stop talking, she kicks her feet and her face screws up in the beginning of another cry session. He hastily continues.) No..no..no..Ok..ok..fine. uh..how about I sing a song? You like that? (Some more kicking of the legs and she starts to suck on her fist making him grin.) Which one do you want to hear? How about..how about your mom's most favourite song? You want to hear that? Ok. here it goes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8vQxix0yyo

Aa Chal Ke Tujhe, Maein Leke Chalun

Ik Aise Gagan Ke Taley

Jahaan Gham Bhi Na Ho, Aansu Bhi Na Ho

Bas Pyaar Hi Pyaar Paley

Ik Aise Gagan Ke Taley

Suraj Ki Pehli Kiran Se, Aasha Ka Savera Jaage

Chanda Ki Kiran Se Dhul Kar, Ghanghor Andhera Bhaage

Kabhi Dhoop Khile Kabhi Chhaanv Mile

Lambi Si Dagar Na Khale

Jahaan Gham Bhi Na Ho, Aansu Bhi Na Ho'

Jahaan Door Nazar Dauharaein, Aazad Gagan Leharaey

Jahaan Rang Birange Panchhi, Aasha Ka Sandesa Laaein

Sapnon Me Pali Hansti Ho Kali

Jahaan Shaam Suhaani Dhale

Jahaan Gham Bhi Na Ho, Aansu Bhi Na Ho'

Aa Chal Ke Tujhe Maein Leke Chalun'

He continues his song while picking her up and goes back to their room, sits on the rocking chair and starts feeding her. She grips his finger with one hand and takes to the bottle without protest, as if completely mesmerized by her father's voice.

And around 6.30 am, Nidhi tiptoes into the room and stops as if spellbound by the sight in front of her. A warm rush of emotions flood her heart from all directions. She leans against the door frame and gazes at her husband and daughter with melting tenderness. In the rocking chair, Ashu is fast asleep and sprawled on his tummy, her tiny tiny fingers clutching his t shirt, her cheek nestled over his heart, Aasha sleeping contentedly. She stares at the sight before her, taking it in to her heart's content before moving on wobbly legs to the chair. His face holds a deep sense of peace. Smiling tenderly, she smooths his hair near his forehead, bends and kisses his cheek. He blinks opens his eyes: Hey! (Then his glances down at the sleeping baby and lowers his voice to a whisper.) Hi! When did you come?

Nidhi: Just now.

Ashu: How is the child now?

Nidhi nods: Better. He can be discharged this evening.

Ashu looks once again at Aasha: I fed her and was singing to her. Looks like both of went to sleep.

Nidhi cups his cheek and turns him towards her: You wanted proof that you are not your father. I think you just got it Chweetu.

Ashu looks startled: What?

Nidhi: You single handedly took care of her all through night. Fed her, changed her when she was crying. Did you get angry at her at any point of time last night?

Ashu: NO. (Aasha stirs at his loud tone and he immediately pats her little bottom) No.

Nidhi: Chweetu, nothing tests one's temper more than a crying baby. But all you feel for her is love and tenderness.

Ashu looks at her with hope and belief slowly dawning in his eyes: I am..I am not my father. I really am not my father, Nidhi. (He puts his other hand on Aasha's head and bends to kiss her hair. Nidhi nods with tear filled eyes.)

BB's voice calls her from downstairs: Nidhi beta, tu aagayi kya?

Nidhi raises her voice a little: Ji baba. Aati hoon.

She gets up to go but Ashu holds her hand in a tight grip. The eyes that look at her are free of all the shadows with joy and hope shining brightly in them. He places a hard kiss on her palm: Freshen up and get some sleep Nidhi. I will take care of Aasha today. Aur shaam ko baahar chalte hain. (Nidhi nods with a tremulous smile and leaves.)

That evening:

Dr Rishab looks up in surprise and delight: Ashutosh! Come come. Hello ma'am. How are you?

Nidhi smiles: Hello sir.

Ashu adjusts Aasha on his shoulder: Sorry to come without an appointment.

Dr R waves it away: That's perfectly alright. Sit. Sit.

Ashu takes a chair and pats Aasha's back as she gurgles and tries to wave her hands and kick her legs: I wanted to introduce you to my daughter..Aasha.

Dr R leans forward to touch the baby's hair: Oh hello there beautiful! Hi Aasha..nice meeting you. (Ashu turns her so that Dr R can get a better look. Her ummm is followed by her fist once again getting stuffed into her mouth. All three laugh at that. Dr R smilingly looks at Ashu.) I don't think you would be needing another appointment, do you?

Ashu looks at Nidhi: No Dr Rishab. I don't need another appointment. Thank you..for everything.

Dr R: My pleasure. Although I can't take the entire credit. Its your own will power and the support of your family that has helped you in cutting off the roots of fear in your mind. (All three get up and Dr R extends his hand to Ashu.) Wish you all the best. (Nidhi makes a move to take Aasha from him so that he can shake the doctor's hand but Aasha has a tight grip on his collar and refuses to release it. Dr Rishab's grin widens.) Father's darling daughter already, I see!

Ashu's throat clogs up and he swallows a couple of times before nodding and hugging his daughter closer to his heart: Yes Dr Rishab. She is her father's darling daughter. (His eyes turn towards his wife as he extends his free hand to her.) Chale?

She nods and places her hand in his. Both of them come out of the clinic and get into the car: Toh ab?

Ashu fastens the belt on Aasha's car seat before coming to the driver's side: Ab! I am going to take some time off Nidhi..(He shrugs) May be a month or so.

Nidhi's face lights up: Kahi ghoomne chale?

Ashu glares: With a barely 2 month old baby? Most definitely not Dr Nidhi Mathur. (He pushes the tendrils of hair that have fallen on her forehead.) Lets just catch up Nidhi..spend some time together..as family..with friends..Armaan..Anji..lets get to know each other all over again.

Nidhi nods and with a small yelp leans forward and gives a smacking kiss on his cheek.

Originally posted by: deepa17

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