She walks in Beauty (story) - Page 2

Chapter-10

What happened??? You here? Are you Okay? Blood? and... and your shirt?

By the time she uttered all these words the man turns and was watching her agape...he was dumbstruck...he couldn't utter a word in response...is this a reality? or some sort of phantasm...she can't be here... I've gone crazy.

When she moves towards him...pulls his forearm... "Are you Okay? What happened?" He comes to his senses...with a radiant delight on his face...he exclaims, "What are you doing here???" Seeing her anxious as concern was quite visible on her face he immediately adds "I'm fine...I'm fine but what are you doing here?" She takes a sigh of relief... "I told you I'm going out for a dinner". He takes a deep breath and watches her unblinkingly and adoringly for sometime and speaks, "I wish God remains always so generous to me I was dying to see you" She frowns lowering her eyes and shaking her head...takes her phone and dials Anji, "Hello. Anji make that five and bring some sandwiches" Ashutosh frowns in askance but she makes another call... "Rohan, please lock the cars and come here and please bring my purse and the hand sanitizer from my car"

Ashutosh: Now whoz this Rohan?

Nidhi: My friend...he'll set the car right...whatz all this?

Ashutosh: Just nothing...there was an accident on the road...when I passed by I saw the crowd and found a man badly injured...I took him in my car so that I can drive him to some near by hospital but my car broke down here, thatz why this blood and all that...I somehow managed to get another car for him and here I'm trying to mend my own.

Nidhi: And now what did this mechanic turned neurosurgeon did...greased his hands...he turns a bit naughty and tries to touch her face with greased hands but she retreats to save herself and both were laughing when Rohan arrived...what happened Nidhi? Seeing her laughing with a handsome man he presumed that must be Dr. Ashutosh. Everything Okay?

Nidhi: yeah Rohan...meet Dr. Ashutosh and turning to Ashutosh "He is my friend Rohan" Emm the man who made me feel jealous for the first time in my life, recalled Ashutosh.

Rohan: Hello Sir. He extends his hand but Ashutosh showing him his hands by turning his hands up answered...I'm sorry. They both smiled and after exchanging pleasantries the Rohan offers to check the car and hands over Nidhi her purse and the sanitzer.

She takes some wet tissues from her bag and extends her hand towards Ashutosh suggesting him to wipe his hands who was leaning against car and watching her in wonder...she smiles shyly and gestures him to take the tissues but he continues with his gaze and closes his eyes in a gesture to tell her...let me relish the sight..She gestures by turning her eyes towards the Rohan who was checking the car engine...he shrugs his shoulders in response saying I don't care...she pouts and withdraws her hand that brings a grin to his face and he slowly comes forward looking fondly at her...the way he was closing in makes her heart to skip a beat and look at Rohan who was hidden under the car bonnet...but he was unrelenting looking at her blushing cheeks he moves very close to her left cheek as if intending to kiss her then glide towards her ear and whispers "Love you" and takes the tissue making her breath go faster...he wipes clean his hands watching her blushing cheeks...with tongue in cheek smile he gestures asking for more tissues and pouting she handsover him the whole pack that makes him smile widely. When he was done with clearing the grease Nidhi handed him the hand sanitizer. Purifying his hands he entwines his fingers in her hand and walked to see what Rohan was doing hiding their hands behind them.

Ashutosh: You need any help...if there is any serious problem we can leave the car here.

Rohan: No Sir, I think itz done. Nidhi if you can please start the car.

Ashutosh: "I'll do that" he looks at their hands and releases her hand pursing his lips. Nidhi suppresses her smile. When Ashutosh turns the car keys the car gets started, getting off he thanks Rohan for mending his car. "I am amazed you did it so easily what was the problem?"

Rohan: Nothing serious sir. Clogged fuel line was the reason. If I say it in your language a clogged fuel line in the car is akin to clogged arteries. The heart pumps blood, but it does not reach the brain and other parts because it has to flow through the arteries. I cleared the blockage and car restarted.

Ashutosh: Thank you. Smiling at the way he explained.

Nidhi's phone buzzes displaying Anji's call... " Nidhi Where are you?"

Nidhi: "Anji we are here just move a few steps ahead you can see us" Anji walks a few steps when she spots Nidhi and ends the call. Rohan moves forward to take the packs from Anji and nidhi finds the chance to ask Ashutosh is he comfortable with Dr. Rangnath and he answers "I think he is family" to which Nidhi smiles. Dr. Rangnath and Anji greet Dr. Ashutosh and after getting acquainted with the happenings Dr. Ranganth offers Ashutosh to join them in dinner. Surprising Rangnath Dr. Ashutosh accepts the offer saying but the dinner is on me.

Rohan objects: "No sir this dinner is long due on Dr. Rangnath so let him do the favour and of course you have a treat due so we can have that next time"

Nidhi: Treat due?

Rohan: By you I mean both of you and you want me to explain...Nidhi blushes...and Ashutosh accepts by saying "anytime you wish". Dr. Rangnath was finding it strange but being his Dr. Heartstone boss around he couldn't ask what was going on. He takes the coffee cups and offers to every one saying I think we should move now. All agree and when they were about to turn to move towards their cars Rohan asks Nidhi murmuring "I think I've to travel alone now" she gives a glare to Rohan and all except Dr. Rangnath laugh at that making Nidhi to blush.

Ashutosh opens his car doors for Nidhi and after settling her inside he takes the driver's seat. So doc "Shall we?" she shakes her head in a "No". Ashutosh frowns and asks "what happened?"

Nidhi: Have this sandwich first you must be feeling hungry it'll take us sometime to reach the restaurant. Ashutosh feels overwhelmed "you ordered this for me" she nods in a "yes" and opens the wrap of the sandwich and offers to him. He gestures her to feed him and waits for her to respond. She feels shy and with diffident fingers cuts a piece from the sandwich and feeds him. Swallowing his first bite he takes her hand and utters not like this...she frowns...he turns her hand towards her mouth and places sandwich near her lips and says take the bite. She turns her face and says "No this is for you I'm not hungry" but he didn't answer and waited for her in the same position till she turns her face back and takes the bite. He then turns her hand towards his mouth and takes the bite at the same place where she has bitten and makes a savouring sound "hmn...now it tastes like honeyed" making her blush. He takes a deep breath and drives the car when she is done with feeding he takes her hand places a lingering kiss on her hand and takes his cup of coffee. They were silent sipping the coffee and he was driving the car when he breaks the silence by asking her: "Love are you Okay" she answers looking outside "hmn"... "Dr. Rangnath doesn't know about us, does he?"... " No"... "Anji?"... she answers in a "yes"... "You don't want to talk to me" "she turns her head in surprise" he asks: "You know how much I missed you"... "that much that you didn't call" He stops his car at road side applying sudden brake and asks "you really think so"...She shrugs her shoulders...Seeing her suppressing her smile he says "Okay!!! Let me show you how much I missed you thatz the only way I can make you feel the pangs of my heart" he turns off the car lights and takes her right hand in his and gives her a soft pull Nidhi's breath gets caught she asks stutteringly "wh..what are you doing" closing in he answers huskily "making you feel how much I pined for you" she tries to move away but he holds her in his left arm grabbing her by shoulder... her breathing turns so sharp that he can hear her inhale and exhale...she was caged in his left arm and he slowly turns her face towards him with his right hand...Her face was blazing hot...blushing profusely...and..that makes his heart yearn for her more... holding and looking at her for sometime like that... he finds her lips more tempting... he was in a daze now...he caresses her lips with the thumb of his hand that was holding her face...moving his thumb slowly from one end to other...she cringes and murmurs in a moan "please" he pulls her a bit close and places his lips on hers and stayed like that, their lips touching each other waiting to see her reaction...and her phone rings to bring him back to his senses..she was panting...he bends his left arm and turns her more close to him holding her head in the crook of his arm and murmurs "sorry"... "I'm sorry love"...kissing her head trying to soothe her...after some time he felt her breath turning normal...he slowly turns her face up and asks: "Are you Okay?" She gives a slight nod...He pecks his forehead and makes her lean on the seat...and drives the car...after driving for few minutes...he asks "want to have some water" She shakes her head in a "No" he was cursing himself for making her ill at ease she was opening up and he felt her at her usual self since last night... what she must be thinking it's only fourth day and here I'm... Baba rightly said I've turned a lovelorn teenager...oh god! She has made me crazy...he was engrossed in his thoughts when her phone rings again this time she answers her phone "yeah I was talking to some one on his phone sorry... No car is Okay...we just stopped to have the coffee first" and hangs up saying it was Rohan. After sometime she asks... "If I"...he looks at her "If I give you something"...he frowns...he puts on the car lights...and utters " Nidhi" asking her to continue "If I give you something...promise me you'll let me know If you won't like that"...Okay I promise... "promise?"... "a gentleman's promise" she looks fondly at him and turns her head looking outside and pondering and saying to herself "that you are" she was feeling overwhelmed the way he put behind his desires for her if she was in such state he wasn't better either his heart beats when he held her close gave ample proof what he was going through...he was waiting for her and his "Love" brought her back and she opened her bag and gave him a gift wrapped box. "What is this?" "I bought this for you" "when?" "today... in afternoon" He tries to open the gift wrap with his left hand, as Nidhi saw him struggling with it she also helps him. When he opens the box he was stunned..."this is sooo beautiful!"... "Very nice!"... "I loved it" he offers her his left hand and gestures her to put on the watch. That was Girard-perregaux watch. She removes his old watch and helps him wear the new one in. He grabs and pecks her hand saying "thank you love". He entwines their fingers and asks "what was the need to buy such costly watch" "Does cost matter?" "No but..." she understands what he wanted to say... "I have enough money infact whatever I earned till date I've not spend a single penny except I bought gifts for Baba and Dadi Bua...once... and now for you...Baba doesn't allow me to use my money...he pays my bills and feels elated if I go on a spending spree." He smiles pecks her hand again and keeps on driving.

Dr. Rangnath was baffling "Anji...I'm confused...I'm surprised...I mean I don't understand how come Dr. Ashutosh agreed for the dinner and what was the treat that Rohan was asking for...why did he say 'by you I mean both of you'... Nidhi and Dr. Ashutosh... I just can't understand...Does that make any sense to you? Anji laughs at his bewilderment... " I thought my husband to be most smart atleast in such matters but I feel so sorry you don't understand a simple thing... what do you think Rohan could mean by both of them? They must be sharing something... may be a relationship...his car comes to screeching halt...you mean...(then a long pause)...Have you lost it?...I know him for last five years now...not possible...then I should have known much before you...you forgot we are in the same hospital.. that can't be the case.

Then what is the case according to you? I mean why she is travelling in his car? Why Rohan asked them for the treat? She was laughing at him giving him questioning looks.

Are you sure? Yes Nidhi... in his car!!!...you knew it. Has she told you? She nods in a yes ending his bewilderment but he did not comprehend, for him it was something next to impossible.

Anji: "Shall we move now? We'll get late?" He starts driving his car and murmurs I never saw anything...howz it possible? And then as if remembering suddenly he says " yes Anji one time I found it strange when he enquired about her I mean some two three months back but that doesn't give any hint... itz something unbelievable...if you were knowing why you never mentioned that?" Anji: I thought my husband can read such things easily I was waiting for you to make out yourself" He gives a resigned look that makes Anji to grin "they have confessed just four days before I mean in Dr. Priyanka's party and next day they went on a date" "I still can't believe this... if this is a prank... Anji let me tell you this is real bad one"... "If you can't believe you can find it yourself now".

They were driving with their hands entwined when Nidhi receives a call from Rohan, "Why are you so late? Romancing?? She answers "Shut up Rohan we are about to reach" and within five minutes they reached the garden restaurant. The restaurants ambience was like being in the lap of nature, a different world with its quaint architecture, design, surrounded by lush green trees, array of flowers, a place that could render solace from the boisterous city life. In the tranquillity of nature, embellished with natural blessings of flora and fauna it was like an oasis of peace and sanity amid the chaos. He was mesmerized by its sight I wonder I never knew a place like this exist here who has explored it. "It used to be a small restaurant in our childhood, on our family outings we always used to come here it looks nice during day time also". "I would like to come here again" after a look at the surroundings they went straight to the table where Rangnath,Anji, Rohan were already seated. Anji asks her "what took you so long?" to which Rohan cleared his throat in mischief and Nidhi gives him a glaring look. Ashutosh asks for a few minutes so that he can freshen up and can clean the blood stains on his shirt. As Dr. Rangnath saw Dr. Ashutosh leaving he loses his patience and asks "Nidhi is this...a fact ...I mean...what I heard...I mean you and Dr. Ashutosh" He finds it hard to give words to the news he got and he was not able to digest. She nods shyly confirming what he has heard is a reality. "I can't believe this!!! When did that happen?...she grins at the stunned expression on his face and waits for him to respond. When after sometime he was able to take the hard to believe fact he finally manages to speak... He is a nice person...a thorough gentleman...I've known him all these years...I admire him...I've seen many women chasing him... I mean a person like him...so hand some, good looking, famous, rich he has every quality to be an eligible bachelor...who won't wish to get him. I remember just two years back how one of the trustees was desirous of marrying his daughter with him. His daughter might have had a crush as she did PG under him. But he denied the trustee was after him for a whole year. I'm saying all this to answer the Anji's apprehensions... and about your age gap... I don't think that matters much when a relation is bound with Love. I'm surprised but I know he is a no nonsense type person he knows what he is doing and I'm happy for you Nidhi... he is a gem of a person. Nidhi's heart fills with contentment. By the time he came back and joined them Rangnath felt him in his usual self...he still wanted to read and observe him to witness the reality himself.

Ashutosh: So what is going on? I hope I've not disturbed you.

Rangnath: No sir, we were waiting for you. Shall we order something?

Ashutosh: Let the ladies decide. When they finished with ordering dinner he turned to Rohan "So you have some expertise in Automobiles or my car got mended by chance.

Rohan: Yes Sir I have done BE in Automobile Engineering then I did my MBA and now I am working with a multinational company in Delhi basically I've a research based job.

Ashutosh: And what are you researching into.

Rohan: "Hydrogen as alternative Fuel to power Vehicles" that catches his attention and he goes on enquiring and discussing with Rohan till the dinner arrives. He ends the discussion by saying I don't want to bore others here but I would like to know more about your research it is an amazing thing if we can get zero ...emission vehicles.

While having dinner he asks a few questions to Anji enquiring about her fashion designing, and then they chatted about Rangnath-Anji relationship, Anji Nidhi and Rohan's friendship, their childhood adventures where he comes to know about the mischievous side of Nidhi. He gives a surprised look to her and then the look turns fond and affectionate laying bare his feelings for her clearing Dr. Rangnaths left over doubts, who was watching him observantly. It was 10.30 and they were done with dinner when Rohan said "I think we should leave now...it'll take another 1 and hour to reach home...I have to leave early in the morning". They all agree and got up to leave. Rohan moved to get his car, Dr. Rangnath was paying the bill and Dr. Ashutosh and Nidhi waited for them at the exit of garden area. "Ashutosh was saying something and looking intently at Nidhi who was smiling and lowering her eyes shyly giving him intermittent looks" and Rangnath was watching them when Anji murmured tapping at his shoulder still not believing? He gives a side hug to Anji and utters "Anji I never saw him talking to anyone like this you know he hardly smiles but see" Anji takes a deep breath "yeah I hope all goes well with them" Rangnath gives her a gentle squeeze and says don't worry everything will be fine.

Rohan was waiting for them outside when he saw them coming he came forward and said "Dr. Nidhi I think you'll give me company this time?" Ashutosh quickly answers, "I think I can drop her Rohan!!!" Rohan laughs at that and says "yes sir". Everyone was laughing when they moved to their cars. Ashutosh opened door for her...her dupatta was hanging outside the car he takes the dupatta in his hand so that it doesn't get stuck...but he himself gets stuck in her dupatta...when she notices him doing that she tries to pull her dupatta but he resists looking into her eyes dotingly...and places the dupatta on her head...takes a sigh and shuts the door. He drives the car silently Nidhi was holding the end of her dupatta so that it remains on her head as he wished, after some time she feels a tug at her dupatta and when she turns to look at him he answers "it was now veiling you and teasing me" she smiles shyly at that and turns her head looking out. After driving a few miles she hears him saying "Nidhi"... "hmn"... "I want to spend a whole day with you...actually I had a plan for today but...can we?" she nods shyly and adds "anytime you wish"... "Hmn...let me check my schedule for coming days...I'll soon plan out a day". After a while Nidhi asks him, "why are you driving at such low speed" he answers "Have you seen a fool trying to hold the fleeting time" she frowns..."thatz me"...he takes a deep sigh... "You know how bad this parting is...I am trying to snatch a few moments more with you"...she feels overwhelmed.

After driving some more she tells him, "I'll call Rohan he'll wait for me at the crossing that turns to your house" "My house and whatz that to you?" He takes a sigh "Please don't take away the few moments I can get, let me drop you"...his sigh wrenches her heart she couldn't say no and said, "Okay! I thought it's getting late it'll save you sometime"... "and what serious you think I've to do at this time"...I don't know about serious I know most important thing thatz sleep"... "Emm...he takes a deep sigh" and drove silently.

After a few minutes he turns on the music player that played a song echoing his unspoken feelings:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5C5lhq2-Wg

zindagi jab bhi teri bazm mein laati hai hamen
ye zamin chand se behatar nazar aati hai hamen

surkh phulon se mahak uthati hain dil ki rahen
din dhale yun teri aawaz bulaati hai hamen

yaad teri kabhi dastak kabhi saragoshi se
raat ke pichhale prahar roz jagaati hai hamen

har mulaqat ka anjaam judai kyun hai
ab to har vaqt yahi baat satati hai hamen.

"I'm not sure how I'm going to live if..." and she hears a sigh with that they reach her house. He stopped the car and waited for her to get off...She gives a look to him when she was about to open the door saying "Good night" he answers her Good night avoiding to look at her. She couldn't see him like that...she takes a sigh and takes his hand in hers. He gave a quick look to her and looked at her hand that was holding his. She turned his hand places fingers in his fingers and utters "I love the spaces between my fingers... He gives a look to her as if trying to grasp what she is trying to say and she continues, "they are so right...so perfect...where yours fit perfectly"...and she entwines tightly her fingers into his and he responds with equal fervour they remained like that for a few moments when he releases his grip and she moves out her fingers and utters holding his palm, "No matter whether our fingers remain entwined or not but the space here is yours...Good night and drive carefully" with that she gets off and bends to look at him he had a smile on his face and was looking at her mesmerised...giving a long blink he says "Good night" and turns his car. She waited there for him till he turned the car and waved at her and left. Rohan was waiting for her at the entrance when she came in he was all praises for him. He seemed to be very impressed and that elated Nidhi.

After changing and lying down on her bed she gives him a call, "Reached?"... "hmn...he whispers just a sec"...she hears opening and shutting of door... "What are you doing?"... "I was entering the house now it is okay I'm in my room"... "Fine! Good night"... "hey whatz is this? not so soon"... "Go to bed and have some sleep... itz already 12...see you tomorrow"... "Where?"... "at paediatric ward of KGH"... "Nooo!"...She giggles and utters "Good night!" and hangs up after some time her phone buzzes with an incoming sms "Good Night and think about some better place where we can meet" She hugs her pillow and drifts to sleep.

Next day Morning after exchanging Good morning sms' they moved to their jobs...she remained quite busy Rahul's condition was little better and she discusses his case with Dr. Behl. His fresh reports were satisfying, his BP was under control and she thought it to be the right time for his surgery.

Nidhi: Sir, I think you can apprise Dr. Ashutosh about him...here are his fresh reports...it's apt time for his surgery he is bit stabilised.

Dr. Behl: Thatz good Dr. Nidhi I think let us take the opinion of Dr. Akash (a senior Neuro surgeon working under Ashutosh) before referring to Dr. Ashutosh. That'll help us to take the decision.

Nidhi: Fine sir, I thought to apprise you so that you can answer Dr. Ashutos's queries if he asks any during his round to the ward.

Dr. Behl: Thank you, Dr. Nidhi...thank you very much...he must be still in a bad mood...you know... after other day's episode...your diagnosis were good but you should have followed the hospital protocol.

Nidhi: Yes Sir, I apologise.

Dr. Behl: No No don't be...I told you only so that you take care and you can inform me in such cases.

Nidhi: I'll take care in the future...Thank you. She left his cabin in hurry she was finding it hard to suppress her smile. She was in the ward when team of doctors entered for the normal round but she was surprised when she saw the team was being led by Dr. Malika... "Where is he???" she so wished to leave the ward and see where he is...but she can't...she waited impatiently for the round to end so that she can move out and call him. When the round was over she hurried to the common room and called him but he didn't answer that worries her a bit. She came back to the ward dejected and waited for his call checking her phone constantly. After fifteen minutes of her call she receives a sms... "Missing me? Call you later." She smiles and takes a sigh of relief.

She was in the ward when Dr. Behl comes and orders her to go to the Accident & Emergency Department (A&ED) of the hospital as there had been some accident where school children have got injured though with minor injuries but the (A&ED) staff was falling short for the inflow of patients. She immediately rushes to the (A&ED) seeing the chaos there she quickly gets into action. She thoroughly examines the children one by one and orders nursing staff to dress their wounds. Though injuries were not of serious nature but dealing with the fear psychosis of the children and the concern of the parents made the whole situation so chaotic tiring her to the core. Ashutosh had a management committee meet he got free at 3 Pm. The first thing he thought was of her... when he entered his cabin he gave a call to her but she didn't answer waiting for few minutes...he checked his desktop for the latest duty schedule...he had given clear instructions to administrative department of the hospital to keep on updating the duty schedule of the doctors on the hospital intranet after every one hour so that he can keep track on the duties of the doctors. The duty schedule was not updated since morning. He gave a call to Dr. Rangnath and enquired as to why Duty schedule of the doctors is showing last updation time as 10 am. "Sir there was some technical snag but that has been set right now and we've already updated that...kindly refresh your page sir"... "hmn..okay! fine" the duty schedule displayed her duties at (A&ED) "So she is in the (A&ED) but why?" checking further he found three paediatricians at (A&ED). He quickly makes another call "Dr. Behl every thing okay I see three paediatricians in (A&ED)"... "Yes Sir, there has been a collision between three school buses going for a picnic and we had lot of children with minor injuries" ... "you want some more doctors there or"... "No Sir, I think we have managed"... "fine keep me informed"... "sure sir"...he takes a sigh and moves out to check the patients in ICU. As it is said leader's biggest asset is information...he always kept himself abreast of any developments in the hospital...as everybody knew it nobody dared to be lax in delivering.

She was in the common room leaning on the couch her eyes closed feeling dead tired. Her phone buzzes with incoming sms: "They hold me in quiet embrace of fortune...shading me in scorching heat of life...dousing my heart with thunderstorms and rain showers; engulfing me in the cold breeze." The fatigue vanishes but she was not able to comprehend, what does that mean? She was pondering when her phone buzzes again with: "Who dared to tame them?" she frowns she was about to write and ask the meaning behind his words when she receives another one: "the untamed tresses that has locked me in"

Her hand voluntarily moves to touch her hair she had tied in a clip when she was in emergency. "So...he saw me!" she opens her hair pin and combs her hair with her fingers to move out feeling fresh and energetic.

Chapter-11

She was walking in the lobby of hospital when she receives one more sms "Thank you". She turns to look around but there was no sign of him...he is around but where...confusion was written on her face...Dr. Ahana passing by asks, "Nidhi are you okay? Looking for some one? She shook her head in a "NO" but a team of senior doctors mostly deans of various departments came out from oncology ward of KGH waiting for some one. So he is here? She waits for him to come out as he was still in the ward and tries to converse with Dr. Ahana, she desperately wanted to see him. As he came out his eyes fell on her but he immediately averted his eyes and moved ahead passing them with team of doctors following him. They all went to the reception area of the hospital and were inspecting the place. She saw some black cat commandoes entering the hospital and Dr. Rangnath stopping them. On enquiring about the security Dr. Ahana revealed to her, "CM's grand son has been attacked I think he is being brought here". Nidhi was surprised "what? When did that happen?"... "Just an hour before, the hospital has been put on alert. He is being shifted from the City Hospital where he was admitted being near to the place he was attacked. The doctors in City Hospital have just read a medical bulletin to media saying he has got head injuries. I think CM may have opted Dr. Ashutosh to treat him. He is the best in our state and our hospital among top most hospitals." Dr. Ahana saw the team retreating and she preferred to disperse to avoid them. Nidhi also entered the ward to meet the children before leaving. She was missing him but he was so busy she felt helpless. She writes a sms conveying that she is leaving. The answer comes:"Fine! Call you later?"She felt dejected and left after biding good bye to all the children. She was very tired so on reaching home moments after lying on the bed she was fast asleep.

The CM's grand son a boy of twelve years was admitted in one of the hospital's VIP suite that was well equipped with all the facilities. Only few commandos were allowed inside hospital that remained in the suite. Hospital's best Staff was assigned the duties. Dr. Behl was already assigned the job along with few Sr. neurologists and two junior neurosurgeons, and he was asked to choose the junior paediatrician to complete the team. "Dr. Nidhi Sir" he answered in the first instance and she was called for the duties. It was at 7 in the evening when she was getting ready after taking a quick shower her phone rings "Love getting ready?"... "hmn...Are you there?"... "yes why did you ask"... " hmn...nothing"... "Missing me" after a pause she answers "I want to see you"... he loved the way she said that poutingly... "I'm here waiting for you but...taking a sigh...we won't be able to talk"... "Hmn...if you are around that is enough"... "Looks like someone has really missed me"... "Looks like someone has not missed me at all"... "Don't instigate me I'm not going to retreat always keep that in mind... how much torture my poor heart can bear" she says nothing in response "Love!"..."hmn"... "you don't want to talk"... "hmn"... "what?"... "Yes!... you love to tease me"... "No..I love you" and she hears screech of car halting "you said you are in the hospital"... "when did I say that I said I'm waiting for you"... "where???"... "You'll see yourself come out now"... "but my car"... "yes in your car, come I'm waiting"... Taking her robe and stethoscope she literally flew. When she took a turn outside her house she saw his car on the road end and when she was about to reach near he started his car and drove ahead. She followed his car and stopped when he finally stopped his car on a road side. The road was on there way to hospital and was deserted unusually. It was dark outside but she saw him coming as her car's head lights were on, she put them off and unlocked the doors of her car. He opens the door on the left side and gets in saying "Hi" raising her eyebrows... "What is this? Why are you here?"...the moment he got into her car he looked at her intently "wanted to see you"... shrugged his shoulders and took her hand in his... "But we were meeting at hospital?"... "hmn"... "why do I feel there is some other reason also?"... "What were you doing since you were back home?"... "Why??? I was so tired I was asleep the moment I hit the bed"...he smiles... "Good you have taken some rest...the riots have hit the city since the news about CM's grandson spread"... "Oh! I didn't know...then what was the need to come here...you shouldn't have"... "Really?"... "Yes...she was pouting and murmured looking outside what was the need to put your life to risk"... he comes close to her and whispers "I came exactly for that...didn't want my life to put to risk?" she turns to look at him alarmed...he heard me... he raised his one eyebrow in response...there eyes remain locked for some time then she mumbles lowering her eyes "And who gave you the right to put my life to risk?" Hearing that he gets a bit emotional leans forward and places a peck on her forehead "let us protect our precious lives and move from here...I so wish to talk to you but we'll have to leave C.M's grand son needs immediate surgery"... She nods "and yes we are about to enter the area that is most hit by the riot the authorities have managed to control but the area is still very tense...keep your phone on hands free mode and let me know if you feel scared"... "I won't"...he raises his eyebrows in response and gives a lingering kiss on her forehead saying follow me... closely... Okay? She nods and he pats her cheek and gets off moving quickly to drive his car...she felt overwhelmed caressing her cheek with her left hand she waits for him to start his car and both drove towards hospital after a minute he calls her and asks "Are you okay?"... "Yes I'm fine concentrate on your driving"... "You think I'm an amateur driver?"... "No! You are very expert atleast who can forget the way you were performing surgery on your car engine last night... that makes him laugh... but sensing some tension around he turns serious and says "Nidhi be attentive I can sense something around let us move out fast from here" and both raised the speeds of their cars moving fast they here a voice of a bang and thud realising someone's car has been attacked by the rioters'...he asks "Love"... "I'm fine" he takes a sigh of relief and within minutes of drive they reach the hospital ...Nidhi realises whole hospital outside has been turned into a security garrison their phones were still on and she utters... "within a few hours the whole city has changed!!!"... "yeah...let us move now quickly"... "hmn"...but he was still concerned.. "Are you okay?"... "I'm fine!"... "Get off quickly I want to see you"... "What?"... "Quick...we are getting late"... when she gets off he was already locking his car he gives her a look and she hears him taking a deep breath... "You won't leave the hospital without my permission"... "No"...he was moving inside and she followed him. He repeats in a low but stern voice, "You are not allowed to move outside...got it?"... "But why?"... "You want me to issue orders...Okay fine?"... "You are mingling professional and personal life"...he was climbing the steps of hospital... "No I'm not I think I'm the boss here and a thorough professional you'll see" and cuts the call... Nidhi was miffed "hmn... I'm not going to listen".

Soon she saw him in action...first order to Divya the receptionist...I want to see Dr. Rangnath in my cabin immediately...a few steps ahead he saw Dr. Rangnath... "Dr. Rangnath please ensure no one in the ladies staff leaves hospital without being escorted or given a drop facility...city is not in a good state riots have hit the entire city"... "yes sir"... "And the staff posted at hospital's VIP suite is not allowed to leave without my permission not even after finishing their duties"... "Yes sir"... "I hope the OT is ready"... "Yes Sir"... "Good get the staff ready I'll be there in a minute" and he moves to his cabin...nidhi was more peeved...Dr. Rangnath read her face and understood why specific orders were given for the staff posted at VIP suite. He suppresses his smile and that miffs her more then he moves near to her and utters "I think this is concern Dr. Nidhi". She stomps her feet and walks towards her duties. All the junior doctors were closely monitoring the patient and waiting for the nod so that the patient is shifted to the OT when Dr.Ashutosh, Dr. Behl and some other Sr. Neurosurgeons entered to check the patient. Ashutosh checking the reports and vitals of the patient prescribed him an injection... he thought his BP needs to be normalised and left saying I think we need to wait for some time and turning to all the doctors "I want keen observation". The injection was administered to the patient and Nidhi alongwith the other junior neurosurgeons waited outside on the couch checking him intermittently... after some time she receives a sms from him "so doc...you are not leaving without permission"...she answers, "I am not a kid I can take care of myself"...answer comes... "Oh! My baby" she opens her mouth agape but realising where she is she immediately modulates herself. When she didn't answer she receives a call after some time and leaves outside to answer his call... "Yes"... "So much anger"... "hmn"... "Please!!!"... "No"... "Fine! If you want me to die worrying for you I'm Okay!"... "Ashutosh!!!"...after a silence of few moments...he calls her name twice but she doesn't answer then after sometime he pleads... "Please!"... "again no answer"... "please talk to me...Okay I'm sorry"... "No answer"... "you want me to apologise by kneeling down...Okay I'm coming"... "No answer'... "Please Love I wont say that again I promise...never ever...please" now he hears a sigh in response and then she utters "Are you going to escort me like this"... "Yes and Shouldn't I be doing that?... She had no answer to that she takes a sigh giving up... "Okay! All the best for your surgery"... "I don't need my lady luck is with me" she says bye smilingly.

Only half hour passed since the injection was administered on patient and He thought it fit to operate on him. Whole team geared up within minutes she saw him in his surgical attire she also scrubbed and joined the team...the surgery wasn't so complicated and ended in an hour and it was for the first time she saw him operating with such a precision that she was stunned she wished to kiss those hands that have the ability to save lives making her feel proud. When he was done he ordered his junior's for suturing and left giving a blink to her avoiding other's gaze. She smiles under her mask in response - a smile reaching to her eyes and lighting up his heart.

Ashutosh had a press meet at 10.00 Pm to brief the press about the patient's condition he came to check the patient in ICU at around 11.00 pm seeing him stable he left for his cabin and after some time she sends a message "why don't you go home now?"... "Leaving love...but you wont leave in the morning till I return- please" "Okay! But I want sms when you reach home"... "Sure"...On reaching home he SMS' her as promised. Next day morning he calls the DIG of the city and on his assurance that situation has been brought under control as curfew was clamped down in the city and strict instructions have been given to security agencies to ensure smooth movement of medical staff... he sends her a morning sms adding... "You can leave now its safe". Three days passed Ashutosh and Nidhi met in ICU at evening when he waited for her to have a look but they hardly got time to talk to each other. They were missing each other badly...a few sms' a day was the only respite from hard working days and nights. She remained busy during night shifts and he remained busy during day time... visits of VIP's...hovering of media and press conferences tired him whole day.

On fourth day morning Nidhi was leaving the hospital...the entrance was jam-packed with print and electronic media persons who were trying to enter the hospital premises to know about the health condition of CM's grandson...the city was abuzz with rumours regarding his deteriorating health condition...security men in the hospital were having hard time to control the situation. When the media person spotted her they all swarmed to ask questions to her... "Doctor we want to know about the health condition of CM's grandson... and what is this?...no one is responding here...where are the senior doctors in the hospital? We want answers...we all are curious to know."

"Nidhi lost her patience and took the situation in her stride...she politely asked them can you all please come to this side of entrance and leave other side for the visitor's who are desperate to meet their loved ones to know about their well being and also for the patients who want to come in for the treatment for their ailments. I hope you all have a sense of responsibility towards them too." They all move towards one side and the visitors and patients manage to come in that eased out the situation a bit.

"Now coming to your questions...I think the hospital reads a medical bulletin after every two- three hours and updates you and the general public about the condition of the patient. It's only 8 am and hospital reads a bulletin every morning at 9.30 after senior doctors check on him. Even the doctors answer your questions as well".

"Doctor you expect us to wait for one and a half hour more when there is so much unrest and rumours in the city dwindling the peace of the city. It's the responsibility of the media to make right news to reach the public...we can't wait for you and your hospital to apprise us according to your wishes...we want the information right now."

"yes the social responsibility of intentionally presenting information in a way that is intended to excite or shock people...I very well understand why you all are so desperate to get this news...a news that can have sensationalising effect on your channels and papers... but please can't we leave human emotions...we can...we can rise above TRP benefits...I understand your responsibility and I want you to understand the responsibility you have towards these patients...she points towards an old man on a wheel chair with his son entering the hospital after waiting long for media personnel to give him space to get inside the hospital"...She speaks a bit softly, "I always believed media has the power to guide and enlighten us towards truth and from darkness towards light and I appreciate your hard work and toil...I assure you CM's grand son is in good condition and is improving...I request you to wait in the garden area for the medical bulletin that will be read on time." The media persons retreated and some where seen thanking her when she was leaving"

Baba was elated to see her... he was watching TV...What a girl?...KGH has hired good staff...He switched to another news channel to watch her again when Ashutosh came to have his breakfast yelling at Hiraman

"Kaka breakfast I'm getting late"

"Vow Ashu I am impressed...he frowns a bit...KGH has very good staff."

"I can't understand what do you mean?"

"See for yourself...the girl who talked to media persons...very young but resolute...she has a spark...wait...wait they are showing her again" Ashutosh waits for the news to be relayed and when he saw her he forgot to breathe...he murmured Nidhi!!!...he mesmerizingly watches her...baba was praising her...when the report ends baba utters "who is she Ashutosh? she has a spark in her...you saw how she managed all the media persons and how she talked to them when people respond to media by giving politically correct answers to avoid getting caught in controversies how determinedly and brazenly she talked to them...she has such a confidence." Ashutosh was smiling hearing his baba's praises for her... "What is her name Ashu? Why are you smiling like that?"... "hey beta!...rolling his eyes while saying... Is she...I mean the one you love...Is she also like her?" "No Baba...taking a pause...she is the one...she is the one you wanted to meet"...Baba takes some time to get what he was saying and when he understands he gets up in joy moving close to the TV. Is she?...Ashu she is the one you love...She is the one!...Hiraman!!!! come here! come here! see our would be daughter in law...Ashu she is so pretty...he moves near Ashutosh, cups his face in his hands and pecks his forehead...I'm happy... so happy Ashu. When Hiraman comes he also acclaims yes doctor sahab she is very beautiful...he comes and places an affectionate hand on Ashutosh's head...Isn't she beautiful Hiraman? Yes Doctor sahib she is lke a doll...Ashutosh laughs at that...Baba orders "bring sweets I want to celebrate". "No Kaka..No Please...Baba why are you behaving like that? You can't have sweets you know that"... "O' Keep your advice to yourself...today not even your father can stop me"... "yeah how can he stop when he is behaving like a kid"...Hiraman get the sweets immediately can't you hear?

Sweets! What is this celebration for! A voice made them to turn their heads and glance at door...that was Malika.

Baba: Come in Beta..Come in...after such a long time... you forgot me?

Malika: Baba how can I forget you? Not possible not in this life...but what are the celebrations for?

Baba: Nothing beta...the Hiraman and Ashutosh look at each other...It is my...It is my...mother's birthday today.

Malika: Really!!! Great I can have sweets too...and when Malika looks at TV she gets surprised to see Nidhi in headlines and asks Ashutosh looking towards him, "what has she done now?"

Baba: No..she has done nothing... they will show her again...wait you can see yourself. When she watches the whole story...she shakes her head saying she is such ambitious girl...she can do anything... Ashutosh closes his fists in anger baba notices that.

Baba: why Malika beta why do you think so?

Malika: Baba you don't know her she always goes overboard in doing things...Ashutosh gets up saying "excuse me I'll be back in a minute" and moves to his room...and she continues narrating all the stories regarding her to Baba..Baba was feeling elated introspecting after every word he heard about her... "she seems indomitable...the way she takes care of her patients without concerning about her job...she must be very caring...she is very daring and is having very good virtues that's why she acts for doing good without thinking about consequences..and what he deduced hearing Dr. Sunil's episode was that his son really loves her...he felt satisfied that they'll be able to handle and make their relationship successful and will live a happy married life."

Ashutosh moving to his room gives her a call but after two rings he cuts the call thinking she might be taking rest...but much to his expectations she calls him back the very moment...seeing her incoming call a grin forms on his face and answers her: Hey my love...how are you?... "Fine"... "I hope you're not sleeping"... "so?"...No I thought you must be feeling tired... "so what? I can answer your call"...he laughs at that "still in fighting spirit"... "I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that but I couldn't bear... the patients were suffering"... "it's okay! But it could have turned bad confronting present day media you know how it is"... "yeah I understand I'm sorry"... "but my day has been made"... "how"... "I had the glimpse...then a long pause...I miss you love"... "but I don't"... "Nidhi! You've surprised me enough...enough for the day...take rest bye". She was smiling looking at her phone her love was heightening with every passing day...the care that he showered on her past few days was making her feel protected as if she has got a protective shield in her life..."he was right when he said I needn't to care about anything...he is there for me."

Four more days passed in that very state though the condition of patient was improving day by day but Nidhi wasn't able to understand why Ashutosh was still very busy. She didn't know he was toiling all for a one days break and for easing his future schedule so that he can spend time with her when she is free.

Ashutosh was feeling bad for the patients and the visitors who had to suffer due to frisking and security checks. Since he was fit to be discharged he thought to have a one on one meeting with CM and he managed to convince CM to take his grandson home. He assured him a doctor and few nurses will be provided by hospital and he'll be taken care at his home. The arrangements were made and he was ready to be discharged next day. Soon the hospital's security cover was withdrawn and hospital was back to normal. The staff posted at VIP suite was given three days compulsory leave to take proper rest. After taking some rest she got up at 11 am she thought to call him but finds a sms on her phone that said "having three surgeries scheduled so will remain busy"..she was missing him and he was...she threw her phone on her bed and went to take shower and get ready...after spending some time with her dadi bua, at solanki house and making phone calls to Rohan and Anji she had her lunch. In afternoon she thought to visit Rahul who was operated the very next day when CM's grandson was admitted in the hospital and she hardly got anytime to see him. She did go to see him two-three times in ICU but now he was shifted to ward and she thought to go there and meet all kids that way she can while away her time and kids will also feel good. When she entered the paediatric ward all kids were elated...she met them all one by one but she saw a boy of some 11 years a new entrant in the ward bit irritated..she tried to enquire but of no avail...when finally priya revealed, Nidhi Di he is a bad boy..he fought with her mother...he asked for the game Rahul is having but she doesn't have money to buy...and he hates her mom for that"

Nidhi: Oh! Thatz really bad! What's your name? He didn't answer but priya answers for him "Ankit"

Nidhi: Okay! Ankit I'm going to tell you a story of a boy and this is for all of you...to which all clap but Ankit showed no response...Janki Bai comes and pats the shoulder of Nidhi saying... "Thank you doctor you only can manage them". She smiles in response and begins her narration:

"This is story of a boy and his mother. His mother had only one eye. He hated her... he thought his mother as an embarrassment for him. His mother ran a small shop at a flea market. She collected little weeds and such to sell... anything for the money they needed. One day during elementary school on field day his mom came to see him he felt so embarrassed and annoyed that he threw her a hateful look and ran out. The next day at school his class mates taunted him... "Your mom only has one eye?!" and he felt very bad. He so wished that his mom would just disappear from this world so he said to his mom, "Mom, why don't you have the other eye?! You're only going to make me a Laughing stock. Why don't you just die?" His mom did not respond. He felt a little bad, but at the same time, he felt good to think that he had said what he'd wanted to say all the time. Maybe it was because that his mom hadn't punished him, but he didn't think that he had hurt her feelings very badly.

That night... he woke up, and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. His mom was crying there, so quietly, as if she was afraid that she might wake him. He looked at her, and then turned away. Because of the thing he had said to her earlier, there was something pinching at him in the corner of his heart. Even so, he hated his mother who was crying out of her one eye. So he resolved to himself that he would grow up and become successful, because he hated his one-eyed mom and their desperate poverty.

Then he studied really hard. He left his mother and went to another city where he studied and set up a very good business. He got married and bought a house of his own. He was living happily as a successful man with his wife and two kids. He liked the place as it didn't remind him of his mom. His happiness was getting bigger and bigger, when someone unexpected came to see him "What?! Who's this?!" It was his mother... Still with her one eye. He felt as if the whole sky was falling apart on him. His little girl ran away, scared of his mom's eye. And he asked her, "Who are you? I don't know you!!" as if trying to make that feel real he screamed at her "How dare you come to my house and scare my daughter! Get out of here now!!" And to this, his mother quietly answered, "oh, I'm so sorry. I may have gotten the wrong address," and she disappeared. Thank goodness... she doesn't recognize me. He was quite relieved. He made it that he wasn't going to care, or think about this for the rest of his life. One day, he received a letter regarding a school reunion he lied to his wife saying that he was going on a business trip. After the reunion, he went down to the old shack, that he used to call a house...just out of curiosity there, He found his mother fallen on the cold ground. But he did not shed a single tear. She had a piece of paper in her hand... it was a letter to him.

She wrote: "My son,I think my life has been long enough now. And...I won't visit your place anymore... but would it be too much to ask if I wanted you to come visit me once in a while? I miss you so much. And I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the reunion. But I decided not to go to the school... For you... I'm sorry that I only have one eye, and I was an embarrassment for you. You see, when you were very little, you got into an accident, and lost your eye. As a mother, I couldn't stand watching you having to grow up with only one eye... so I gave you mine... I was so proud of my son that was seeing a whole new world for me, in my place, with that eye. I was never upset at you for anything you did. I miss the times when you were still young around me. I miss you so much. I love you. You mean the world to me." HIs World Shattered. He hated the person who only lived for him. He cried for his Mother, He didn't know of any way that will make up for his worst deeds...

By the time she ended the boy was sobbing she quickly went to him and pacified him saying one should never hate one's parents, they give us life, they raise us better than they had been. Your mom must be trying to give you better than she ever had. Mom's are like that, say sorry to her she'll grab you in her embrace. You'll say sorry to your mom...won't you? He nodded in a yes. She moved to see Rahul who had tears in his eyes: "What happened Rahul?"

Chapter-12

She consoled Rahul... "Hey Rahul! Cheer up you are not the only one...I too don't have my mom...but we have so many friends...like you are my friend...so cheer up and give me a hug". She didn't know Ashutosh was watching all this at the door...he was there since she commenced the story...he came to check the Rahul but the sight before his eyes made him to stop at the door and watch her mesmerizingly...he loved her antics while narrating the story, the way she made Ankit realise his wrongs he felt spellbound and he liked the way she consoled Rahul...he was missing her... only he knew how he passed the past ten days...he sends her a message, "I too don't have mom?" the moment she read the message her mouth was wide open a slight glint of blush on her face "so he asks for a hug... he is around" but she didn't turn to look around...he was leaning against the door watching them all. He walks upto her and checks Rahul, " Hey Rahul how are you"... "I have little pain here...pointing towards his head"... "Let me check"...he checks Rahul and assures him "you are Okay Rahul...pain will take time to go...you take the medicine... sister will give you... and take some rest...no more talking...Okay"... "No not sister...Nidhi Didi will give me the medicine"... He smiles... "Okay!...stealing looks at her he whispers "But I tell you Rahul she is not a good doctor she doesn't give medicine to her patients even if they ask for"... "No she is a good doctor" he smiles and turning to her... "By the way Dr. Nidhi what are you doing here? I think itz your off today"... "Yes Sir! I just came to see Rahul"... he nods in response and leaves after ten minutes she receives a sms... "Thank you for coming here...going for the day's last surgery" she takes a deep sigh... She was feeling miserable she never thought she can miss someone so badly in life... past 10 days she has gone through a wringer. She never experienced the pain, never missed some one like that, not even when she was in US far away from her family... "how am I going to live without him...he has become my life...I feel dead when he is not around"...she was missing him so much past few days...that she was so near to an emotional wreck...the thought that he was not missing and was not sparing a moment for her was fanning the flames...she gives medicine to the Rahul and a peck on his forehead saying "Okay Rahul bye I'll leave now"... "No please stay here...I feel scared...please Didi"...and she had no option but to stay back. It was after one and a half hour when Rahul dozes off she places a soft hand on his hand and leaves after saying bye to all the children.

Dr. Ashutosh was leaving when Malika came up at the door of his cabin "Thank God Ashutosh you are here can you drop me, it looks like rain outside...I don't have my car with me"... "Sure Malika why not?" the moment they go into the car heavy downpour starts... "Thank God! We are saved...I hate this rain" Ashutosh gives a failed look to her and his mind recalls the moment when he first time saw her enjoying the rain in his car...his face glows and he looks fondly at the rain...he moves his hand out to the rain and enjoys the droplets on his hand...visualising her face.. "What happened Ashutosh? I never saw you enjoying the rain" he shakes his head in response and starts driving... reaching near the bus stop outside KGH Malika exclaims "What is Dr. Nidhi doing here?" Ashutosh frowns in response but he instantly spots her fully drenched in rain...he closes his eyes in dismay pursing his lips and stops his car near her...Malika waits for him to offer her the lift... when he didn't and she saw him looking out through the window on his side...she quickly offers her the lift and Nidhi gets on the car. Ashutosh after some time looks at her through the rear view mirror of his car the rain droplets in her hair giving her a scintillating look take his heart away but the drenched cloths and shivering body pains his heart and he speeds up his car... "why are you driving so fast? Whatz wrong with you?" asks Malika in fright... "Nothing Malika I forgot I have to see a patient and I'm getting late"... "Patient?"... "hmn... Baba's old friend"... "So what is the big issue if you get late"...he turns the car swiftly at a three-way towards malika's house that malika's breath gets caught... "What are you doing?"...he keeps mum...Nidhi was looking glaringly at him but he didn't look at her not even once since he speeded up his car... "It was better to drop Dr. Nidhi first she is all wet"... "Your house comes first Malika that way I'll get more late" after a drive of five minutes he reaches Malika's house..he waits impatiently for her and turns his car the moment she got off and waves a bye to her...she cries in response... "Please drive slowly"...and after reaching a safe distance out of Malika's view he stops his car. He bangs his fist at the steering wheel and composing himself says, "Come to the front" Nidhi sensed his anger she slowly moved to the front seat...he turns on the car heater and rotates its direction towards her...takes his hander kerchief from his pocket and extends towards her without saying anything...she takes that and he notices a slight shiver in her hand...he runs his hand through his hair taking in an exasperated sigh and waits for her till she wipes her face and arms...he takes his jacket, extends to her and turning his head to other side utters, "take off your dupatta" she places her dupatta at the back seat and covers herself with his jacket...he was leaning with eyes closed on the back of his car seat when she utters, "I got late because..." and he stops her fuming with anger.. "Don't you dare to speak a word? I didn't ask for any explanation." She remains silent and turns her face away mumbling to herself "Dr. Heartstone" after sometime she hears him say... sounding disheartened "You really think I'm yours"...that makes her to turn and look surprisingly at him giving him a questioning look... "You know when Malika saw cloudy outside she came and asked for a lift...and you...the one who should've ordered preferred to drench in rain so late in the evening" he takes a deep sigh and drives his car after some time he asks her, "would you like to have something hot...tea or coffee?" she answers in a "No" and both remain silent...Nidhi was feeling bad...she didn't know how to break the ice...after sometime he asks, "Where is your car Dr. Nidhi?"... "I left that at home I thought...if...if you can get sometime...may be...we can go out...but you were busy" he didn't say anything in response taking a deep breath he stopped car at the roadside took her hand in his right hand and squeezes it tight that she makes a sound "ouch" he releases his grip a bit and pulls her close holding her in the crook of his arm...nidhi was getting emotional her eyes were brimming with tears but she managed to control...he held her like that for sometime and utters after taking a deep sigh... "it seems ages since we last met Nidhi...I missed you... I lived a lonely life but my life was never so lonely"... he tightens his grip as if he would never let her go...and utters in a husky voice "wont you ever use up your right or you don't feel you have the right over me...you own me don't you?" she answers "hmn" ... "I feel loathed you preferred to drench in rain and that too so late and didn't call me when you knew I was around"... "you're busy"... "So what? you could have waited.. wasn't that more safe? And what if Malika wont have seen you? You have hurt me"... "I'm sorry" he releases his grip and makes her to look at him by holding her chin... "Are you Okay?"... "She nods her head in a yes"...their eyes remain locked...when she feels his hand on her waist ...inside his jacket she was wearing ...she closes her eyes at the sensation... "you are still so wet Nidhi you'll get sick"...she didn't say anything in response the only thing she knew was the sensations his touch was stimulating inside her ...he too gets lost his hand on its own start exploring her waistline...she arches at his touch and that encourages him more and when he raises his hand a bit upwards she couldn't resist that... she moves her arms around him holding him tight to protect herself from the inner turmoil his touch has invoked and grabs him in her embrace...he was the only anchor in the storm...and it takes him some minutes to comprehend when he wraps her up in his arms...their first hug...their hearts were beating each to each...she was missing him so badly that she so wished to hold him in embrace the very moment she saw him in the ward...she was feeling solace in his arms...he was for the first time feeling the softness of a woman...her intoxicating smell was sinking him in...and he was ready to drown...he presses her more close to himself and they stayed like that when a honk of a horn makes her realise that they are on the road side and in such close proximity...she wriggles a bit moving away... he tightens his grip... "hmn...you can't... not now...you have filled the vacuum inside me and you are locked here forever"... "We are on a road"... "so?...hmmnnn" ... "please"... " Nooo" his phone rings...almost in a murmur she says "your phone is ringing"... "I don't want to answer"... "what if there is an emergency"... he reluctantly releases her a bit but still holding her in his left arm checks his phone...displaying phone screen to her this is your emergency...Malika...he puts on the speaker and answers her call "yes Malika"... he tries to pull her back in his arms.. but she resists and moves away pushing him to his seat...while hearing Malika say "Hello Ashutosh! You reached home...you scared me to death" he got lost looking at her...she was giving him tongue in cheek mischievous smile...and he was finding her adorable... "Hello Ashutosh Are you there? what are you doing?"...Nidhi rolls her eyes towards phone telling him to answer her...he gives her an agitated look and answers his phone, "Yes Malika I'm here actually I am still driving can I call you later?"... "you are still out"... "Yes on my way to home"... "Okay! But you will drive slowly...promise me"... "Yes Malika...Okay! Bye"... Nidhi didn't like her concern she was finding her behaviour strange...when he ended his call and looked at her she was looking outside hugging herself... he starts his car "I'm sorry your clothes are drenched I'll drive you to home but promise me you'll take care and wrap yourself up in a warm blanket"... "I'm fine"... "I know" and she sneezes "oh god you'll get sick Nidhi...I'm sorry" and he speeds up his car... "You don't want to hold time today"... "No I can't...I want you to take care and be in good health so that I can see you tomorrow...not having your glimpse a day could mean~~~I don't want to repeat the word.. I promised you I won't say that again"...he stops his car at the nick of the road turning towards her house...checks her temperature...places a lingering kiss on her forehead...take care...I'll drop you near the gate but you won't wait for me to turn the car...please"...she nods and grabs her dupatta places his jacket at the back of the seat and he drops her at the gate and she swiftly moves inside waving bye to him.

Ashutosh was feeling at peace...watching delightfully the drizzle outside through his bedroom window...the cold breeze was soothing him...he closes his eyes and hugs himself tight savouring their first hug...he sniffs deep as if smelling her in the puff of her...he comes out of his stupor when he hears Kaka calling him for the dinner...he laughs at his dazed state looking around and murmurs to himself "Oh! God she is so huggable". At dinner Baba notices his ecstasy and smiles asking "I think Nidhi's night shifts are over?" Ashutosh overtly answers "yes" seeing a smirk on Baba's face understanding dawns on him and he avoids him giving attention to his dinner. Baba pulls his leg "I told you once you have turned a lovelorn boy Ashu"... "Baba please!!!"... "What Baba?... Talk to her otherwise I'm going to tie your knot...with the daughter of my friend...you remember I told you she is a doctor" he raises eyebrows in response... "I'm serious!"... "Yes I know...I'm done" he gets up and moves to his room leaving behind all smiling Baba and Kaka.

He had messaged her thrice enquiring about her health since his return. He leans on his bed and takes his phone to call her. Nidhi on seeing his call found solace after wait of ten long days she was having his late night call... "I messaged I'm fine there was no need to call"... "Why you don't want me to call?"... "No I think you're so busy... last ten days I didn't receive any call"... "Last ten nights you're working...and I didn't wish to disturb you...you had an important assignment" ... "Because he was CM's grand son!..I think every life is important"... "Absolutely No one can deny that...but that involved security concerns...even a little distraction could've turned detrimental"... "You really didn't call for that reason?"... "Yes... taking a deep sigh...otherwise who would love to torture once heart...you don't know how much I missed you"... nidhi became very emotional and uttered almost in a whisper "I missed you too"...he felt her pain in every sense and called her tenderly "Nidhi"...she didn't say anything she was trying to calm herself and after some time he called her again "Love"...she answered "hmn"... "Are you fine?"... "hmn"... "Whatz this hmn? What does that mean?"she sneezes "I think you have caught the cold" "No I'm fine..You had your dinner?" "Yes I finished quickly" "why?" "Because of Baba" "Baba?" "He is hell bent on getting me married" After some silence on both sides. "What did you say?". "Nothing! He's chosen the girl already what can I say? I had no optionI said yes". "Really!!! Good whoz the girl?" "A doctor Daughter of Baba's friend" Ashutosh was smilling "I'm happyso good for youhope I'll be invited.Ashutosh's smile vanishes he didn't say anything in response "HelloAre you there". "Yes I'm hereso you want to be invitedand I waited all these years in vain." Now Nidhi was smiling but she knew his insecurities have surfaced again and she couldn't bear his pain... "Yes I think you have no option you'll have to invite me if you have to marry at all." "a sigh Without you that is a dream a shattered dream!" "You told Baba?" "hmn" "Really??? What did he say?" "He wants to meet you." "What!" "I have promised him to bring you homelet us seetomorrow.or a day after tomorrowI thinkyou should take rest nowwe can decide that tomorrow" "Nooo!" "yesss!Good Night" pouting she answers "Good Night" Ashutosh was smiling and murmured fondly looking at his phone "love you" after she hung up.

Next day morning she receives a call blearily after checking her phone she answers her phone: "Good Morning" "Ah! My sweet heart is still sleepingI woke you up" "hmn..itz okay!"How are you?" "Fine! Leaving for hospital?" "No! It's my day off todaySpending whole day with my love"she felt excited and jumped out of the bed and asked "Really!" "Yes my love...let me know when you are ready...I'll pick you up" shyly she answers "hmn""Bye" after saying bye she hurries to get readyshe chooses a fawn colour dress bearing embroidered maroon motifs around neck and a thin maroon lace around hems with a maroon and fawn colour dupattaand wore a ruby pendant setafter seeking Baba's permission for a friends day out and having her breakfast she sms him the time and place of meet. She makes a detour to Anji's house to meet and inform her and waits for him at the fixed spot.

After a few minutes he stops car near her and she gets inhis eyes pop out and after giving her the once-over he leans forward and kisses her forehead "My homage to the beauty god has bestowed me withHow are you?"she nods shyly in response...the desire in his eyes was so vivid...that she had no answer but to lower her eyes but she didn't miss the handsome look he was presenting wearing an off-white Tee and jeanshe drives car and asks "Sneezes gone?" "hmn why didn't you tell me yesterday you've taken a day off?" "Actually I had the intention but the way you're shivering and sneezing...I held back" "I hope you are fine?"she sneezes and that makes them both laugh..but concern takes over him and he takes her hand to check her temperature "you have fever" "yes but I have had medicine early morning..I'm feeling better now"he was angry "and you didn't let me know when I asked what you wrote in response?" "It wasn't something so serious" "who are you to decide that?"she didn't say anything in response and he continued drivingafter a long period of silencehe takes her hand and entwines their fingers places a soft peck on her hand and says "you know why I keep you informed about my whereaboutsI did that even during past ten days when we were so busy that we hardly had anytime to talkshe gives him a questioning lookI do that because I feel you have the right over me..more than I have on myself" he gives her a look that conveys much more his words were conveyinglove has its own language vociferous than the words can sound..She understands the pain behind that anger and manages to murmur"sorry" he in response gives a slight squeeze to her hand he was holding "Okay tell me where would you like to go?" "Anywhere you like ...you have planned it"then she suddenly realizes that they are moving out of city and she asks "we have already left the city behind where are we going?" he smiled in response and gave an intent and adorable look to her...she lowered her eyes but raised them back after some time as he couldn't resist feasting her eyes with delightful look of his smiling face. She leaned her head on the head rest and was looking fondly at him with all the love in her eyesshe so wished to cup that face in her hands and leave kisses and caresses all over his facehis eyes that made her to plunge in himshe remembered the tug they fought through their looks and the way she used to confront his stares and her face splits into a grinher looks trail down to his broad chest where she loved to be last nightshe so wished to caress the crook on his neck that she didn't know how desire was pouring out of her eyes "You think I'll be able to concentrate on driving when you look at me like that?" that brings her out of her stupor and she turns her head to other side blushing at her unashamed oglehe smiles at that and stops his car under a shade of the tree on road side and pulls her very close "Just see what your blushing cheeks do to my heart" he takes her right hand and places on his hearthis heart was throbbingshe moves closer shifts her hand and places her head with right cheek touching his strong chesthe wraps her in his arms and holds her like that for some time and she burrows her head more inafter sometime he starts caressing the left side of her face with his hand and asks "you see the road turning to the left here" she turns her head a bit and nods in yes "that goes to our old housewould you like to go there or we can take the road straight that leads us to the Kukrail Forest-a nice picnic spot I hope you have been there" she answers.. "yes I have been there but I'd like to see your house". "but..that is a secluded placewe have a caretaker there and there won't be anyone around just we two" She raises her head and asks.. "Shall we go now?"he smiles in response places a lingering kiss on her forehead revering the trust she has reposed in him.

They reach near a large iron gate fencing some 200 acres of land, on his honk porter comes from a little outhouse near the gate and opens the gatea man in 60's living in the house with his family greets Ashutosh and welcomes him. Ashutosh introduces her to the man saying Nidhi meet Kaka ...he and his family take care of this houseand turns to the old man "Kaka we'll stay here for the dayso prepare lunch for usthe old man nods and Ashutosh drives in along a pathway shaded with trees on each sidethe beauty of the green grass and the blossoming flowers was presenting a serene beauty around the housewhen he stopped his car near the house Nidhi couldn't help saying "this is so beautiful" "you loved it?" she nods and he adds "this is the place I've spent my childhood and grown upcome let us go inside"the house was like some palatial houselarge big rooms..well maintainedshe asks, "why don't you live here now". "We still live here we come frequentlyon weekends..and on holidays..Actually I bought that house as travelling from this place to KGH was taking long time dailyand on getting late I used to stay therethen my stay there turned more frequent and later on Baba also shifted to that house as he didn't wish to live alone but we do come here as and when we feel like going home..this is our homeI've all my memories living here I love to stay here" she could see how his eyes glowed while he said all that "Can I see the house?"he gives her glaring look that she quickly makes amend and said "I want to see this house" they both laugh and she turns to explore the house. He acquaints her with every corner of the house recounting the photographic memories of his past every corner was associated with and when he reaches a room in the first floor of the househe says this is the room Baba has spared for his daughter-in-law...he opens the door and the room was emptyshe asks, "why is this so empty?" he leans against the door and answers looking fondly at her"Baba wants my bride to do its interiors as per her wish" she smiles and enters the roomlooks around and moves out on the balcony "Vow this is so beautiful"the room presented a panoramic view of the lush green backyard... "Yes this is beautifullast month I watched sunset from here it was so beautiful giving golden hue to this whole area you know I never used to come here a few months ago it meant nothing to mebut now I love to come here" "few months ago?" "yes mam you have pierced into my heart the moment I saw you"she looked at him and asked "in pediatric ward?"he comes close to her and whispers in her ear "No"she gives a questioning look he entwines their hands and continues "Ten days before we met there,I saw you in the shopping mall looking ethereal in the white dress in that moon lit night...looking deep into her eyes these doe eyes pierced into my heart and took away my sleep"he closes in and holds her in his armsher breath gets caughtand she murmurs looking around "what are you doing?"... "there is no one around except the nature and our love" "please?"... "Nonot todaylet me pay homage to those beautiful eyesplease"her heart was thumping and she closes her eyes in anticipation as she saw him leaning forwardhe waits a second looking at her and places a soft kiss at her right eye then moving to the left she tries to stop him..but he resists and cups her face in his hand and kisses her left eyeshe shudders at the touchhe was looking at her watching the blushing facehe was so close he could feel the heat of her blushesshe slowly opens her eyes and saw him gazing at her with smouldering eyes unable to bear she twirls herself and turns her back to himhe back hugs her and rests his head on her shoulder calming himselfhe wasn't wishing to make her uneasythey stayed like that for sometimewhen he felt calm he pecked her shoulderher ease self flincheshe smiles he was loving the effect his touch was having on her..he turns her facing him and says "come let us have lunch first then we'll move out" "I want to see the rivulet there in the backyard"he smiles places a kiss on her forehead and says "Sure..but I want you to have some rest after taking lunch and the medicine you are still feverish"..she lowers her eyes and turns to leave murmuring... "thatz all because of you" he catches her arm and stops her but she didn't turn to look at him and he whispers moving close to her ear and utters huskily "I haven't done anything yet" and leaves with a mischievous grin on his face. She looks at his passing figure agapestunned at his words she prefers to stay there for sometime to calm herself and then follows him.

He was waiting for her at the tablekaka was serving the lunchshe came and took the chair at the other end of the table far from himAshutosh seeing that turns to Kaka... "thank you kaka..I think we can help ourselves" and he leavesAshutosh looks at her and calls her "Love pleasecome here" "No..I'm fine"he gets up and extends his hand asking for her hand but she resists "please..Okay I'm sorry"she gets up and takes the seat next to the seat he was having that makes him to laugh and coming to take his seat he says, "Oh God you are miffed"and murmurs near her in a sheepish grin.. "Did I say anything wrong?" she gives a squint look and that makes him laugh out loud "you are looking soo cute in anger"she closes her eyes and takes a piece of bread and stuffs in his mouththat surprises him and makes him to bite and swallow the bread controlling his laugh and she suppresses her smilehe gives her a look conveying you'll seeshe lowers her head suppressing her smile and starts taking her lunchafter sometime she saw him extending his first morsel to herwith all the affection in her eyes she takes the bite and both finish their lunch exchanging fond glances at each other. After their lunch he forces her to take the medicine and they move out to explore the area around the house.

"Loveyou are not feeling well and it's not possible to walk around all these acres of land..let us move to the place where I love to sitwe can delve into these woods next timeOkay?"she nods and he takes her to the garden area they had developed near the rivulet the garden had all kinds of roses and flowers the cascade of river and sounds forming due to the waterfall was like a lullaby in the serene atmospherewhen they reach near the tree where chairs were placedshe sits on a chair and exclaims, "to live in this house is like living in the lap of nature" he smiles and says pointing towards the nearby tree "I have spent most of my evenings there under that tree"she gets up and moves towards the tree and he follows her she says "let us sit here" she didn't notice there was a closet near the tree he goes and gets a mat and spreads under the tree and waits for her to sithis phone rings and he gets busy with answering the call...when she realizes he was busy with the call she walks upto the rivulet to take its viewshe gets tempted to see the clear water stream and prepares herself to tread on a pebble in the water..when she was about to step onhe calls her Nidhi! And when she turns he clicks a photoshe smiles and he takes another one screaming "don't go there" he was walking upto her but she turns to move onshe hears his squeal again but she moves on and when she was about to step again on the pebble..pair of two strong arms catch her from behind and holds her tight "what are you doing?" "Please let me go" "No not todayyou have all the life to enjoy this...but today you are sick" she pouts and jolts herself out of his hold and walks to sit on that mat againhe follows and sits beside her leaning against the treeshe takes the phone to see her pictures when she notices his new phone "You bought new phone?" "Yes yesterday on my way back to homeold one didn't have nice camera" "this is nice having loads of features" she turns and takes his picture "hmn...nice"he gestures her at the place next to him saying come here "let's click one together"she frowns a bit "Noo..not like thatI'll show you"she twirls to his side and leans on his chestand takes the picturewhen she raises her head to look at him and show him the pictureshe gets aware about what she has donehis eyes were gleamingshe tries to get up and straighten herselfbut she was too latehis arms were already locking her inhe pulls her back and she was back leaning on his chestthey remained like that for sometimehe leans forward and places a peck on her head asking her show me the photoshe extends the phone and he exclaims "vow..take one more like this"she diffidently raises the phone to take one morethis time when she was about to click he leans forward to peck her headand the picture displayed him pecking on her head "that is a sweet one" she exclaimed forgetting her shynesshe answered "hmn.. caressing her tressesevery picture today has a meaning to meyou know I remember some words I read long before but today I understand their meaning" she was loving this proximity now leaning on his broad chest caged in his armsshe can't ask for anything better she was ponderingwhen he didn't continue she asked "what are the words?" and he answered: "Wherever there is nature, there is life. Wherever there is life, there is happiness. Wherever there is happiness there is a meaning and that meaning can only be influenced by you." They remained silent for sometime...savouring the moment and their closeness...she tries to explore the phone and turn on its FM radio...on hearing the song Ashutosh tells her "don't stop"... "why you like the song?... "sort of it gives words to some of my fantasies" she knew the song and she understands what the fantasy is...she opens his arms and sits in a comfortable position folding and turning both her legs to one side and gestures her towards her lap...with almost moist eyes he comes forward and rests his head on her thighs...closing his eyes...savouring the song that was playing on the phone...

When the song ends as if not able to control his desperation and desire of having her in life he gets up in promptness making her feel perplexed and asks her"let us leave and go to meet the Babaafter that we'll go for the dinner to that garden restaurantthen I'll drop you home"She answers in Okay! And they make a moveon their way back they listened to the music holding each other's hands.

When he stopped the car outside his house she clasped his arm "What? feeling nervous" she bites her lower lip in response and he laughs at that "Come let us go inside"reaching and opening the door for her "Please come in" and that makes Baba to turn his head looking at the door and when Baba catches the glimpse of herhe gets up in joy "Ashu: Nidhi?"..He nods in response and he jubilantly comes at the door to welcome herNidhi says "Hello" and leans to touch his feet when Baba stops her midway "No beta..there is no need" looking fondly at her..he places his hand on her head and in choked voice utters.. "God bless you beta..comecome"by the time Hiraman Kaka comes with Aarti "No doctor sahib not like this" he does the Aarti and she comes in..all settle in the couches placed on drawing roomand hiraman kaka comes with drinks...Baba was looking intently at her as if unable to believe the reality before his eyes and Ashutosh gets captivated by the sightall were silent when Ashutosh breaks the silence "Baba you wanted to meet her" trying to get Baba out of the stupor and gestures him to talk to her...Baba laughs at that " yes I wanted to meet her"and tries to begin the conversation asking her "where do you live beta?" she answers "In Indira Nagar, Sir"

Baba: Sir!!! I'm your Baba..call me Baba..I've been theremy friend used to live thereDr. AwastiI don't know where he is nowWhat is your father..and what's his name?

Nidhi: My father is a retired Colonel and his name is "Yograj Verma" baba hearing that frowns a bitlooking perplexed he gets up moves towards her by that time she also gets up trying to gauge his reaction and he asks her "What is your Mother's name?'

Nidhi: NandiniBaba presents an expression having mixture of joy and painHe tries to cup her face..and then withdraws his handsthen he tries to embrace herbut he gets down his arms midway..as if unable to decide what to dohe turns his shocked and befuddled self and moves into his room...shutting the door with a bang...leaving behind mystified Ashutosh and Nidhi.

Chapter-13

"Baba what happened? Please open the door... Baba...Baba!!!" Ashutosh banged the door constantly pleading baba to open the door...after 10 minutes of fretfulness Ashutosh finally eases a bit when he hears Baba say, "Don't disturb me Ashu...I'm fine..Leave me alone for sometime"...Hiraman Kaka also gestures Ashutosh to let him be and he moves back to the place where Nidhi was standing still...dumbstruck at the turn of events...not knowing how to react...Ashutosh takes her hand in his hand patting her shoulder with the other and with long drawn blink assures her everything will be fine.

Next day Ashutosh had to leave early in the morning due to emergency in the hospital... he did send her a sms in hurry but that was not delivered when he checked his phone after three hours of surgery he saw delivery report on his phone that said message has not been delivered...why hasn't she called then?...she should've?...it was 9.30 in the morning when he tried to call her he found out that there was some problem in network... phones were not working...she must be worried...he had no option but to wait for mobile network to restore...he got busy with his daily routine but he tried to call her in between...at around noon when the network got restored he called her but she didn't answer...he gave another call after 15 minutes...but there wasn't any response...he sends a few sms' asking her to call him or to respond his messages...when he finally after half an hour of wait receives a sms from her "I'm fine...I'll call you later" he founds a bit of solace only to make him more worried "what is she busy with?...why she can't answer his call?...I hope everything is alright"...he suddenly finds everything going topsy turvy...it was afternoon when he was in the cabin pondering over how to tackle the situation...he didn't see Baba since last night when he shut himself in the room as if closing the doors for the whole world... he calls Hiraman Kaka with the intention to know if Baba has had his breakfast or not...and he comes to know Baba has left the house without letting Hiraman Kaka know where he was going. The moments were relaying before his eyes he was so happy to take her along to meet Baba...he had in a vain attempts tried to persuade Baba to open the door of the room even after she left but he was adamant...the only thing Baba responded with was... "Don't disturb me I want to be alone?"... What is the reason that he has preferred seclusion...what has Nidhi got to do with Baba's infuriation...he remembers Nidhi's gloomy face when she left the house forcing him to stay back with his Baba when he offered her to drop her home...it wasn't so late at that moment but he didn't wish to leave her alone...he felt caught between a rock and a hard place... where he wasn't knowing whom to choose...both were important...if one is his life...the other is the reason of his being. His heart torments when he saw her assuring him hiding her worries... "Don't worry everything will be fine...you trust our love...don't you?" he nodded in response he couldn't utter a word he felt his voice choked with emotions...the care she was showering on him..though she being younger and was equally disturbed... she consoled him with such calm that he was moved. He couldn't call her since last night...he didn't know what to say in response if she enquires about Baba... they exchanged a few sms' last night...but he was missing her like hell...a little grin forms on his face when he remembers how she bid him adieu last night when he accompanied her to the bus stop to help her get a taxi...she was walking with most heavy steps as if every step they moved took them far away from each other... he closes his eyes wincing at the thought of their separation...and he recollects how just a few paces away from bus stop she stopped and turned to him uttering... "Promise me you wont fret about anything"...he took her hand in his hands and assured her with a nod...her eyes were moist and she continued.. "I can't see you like this...please smile"... "I can't live without you...please don't go"... she smiled in response "I'm not going...not going anywhere...she placed her hand on his heart...I'm here!...right here!"... that makes him smile...he looks intently at her for sometime then blows a kiss that makes her to lower her eyes...his smile turns to a big grin and he gives her a side hug saying come let us move now you'll get late...it's dark already"... when he opened the cab door for her she was finding hard to get into the cab quite evident she was not willing to leave him... his mind contemplates...what if? what if he'll have to choose between Baba and Nidhi...the musings spin his head...he takes the phone and calls Dr. Ranganth to inform him and leaves for home.

Nidhi's night and morning passed in the same dilemma as Ashutosh's...she early morning tried to call him but on seeing network was not responding she at 9.00 am calls the hospital and asks for Ashutosh's cabin number...knowing he must have reached hospital and must be worrying as the cell phone connectivity was not possible...but the call was answered by Dr. Malika. She discloses her identity and says that she needs his opinion on some patient with neurological disorder...when she comes to know that he was busy with some surgery...she only hopes that Dr.Malika informs him about her call so that he comes to know and doesn't worry much...as she knew the hope was contrary to her expectations she thought to visit hospital personally after sometime.

She was sitting in drawing room reading newspaper and her Baba was ready to leave for work when the door bell rings...she heard Chote Sarkar talking to a stranger...who was asking for Colonel Verma...Colonel verma asked him to bring in the guest...she turns towards the door to see who has arrived and she froze to see the guest coming in... "Dr. Ashutosh's Baba!!!"...she got up in surprise...and then gives a look to his Baba when his befuddled state surprises her more... "Does Baba know him?"...she watches them giving intermittent glances...to grasp the expression their faces were presenting...the expression of desolation and delight...anger and remorse...her surprise takes another leap when Dadi Bua exclaims: Dr. Mathur!...both the men come out of their daze when colonel verma after evident hesitation speaks:

"Dr. Mathur...you here?"

Mathur: "Yes Colonel...I've come here long after losing everything...long after losing my daughter...I'm here after spending years in remorse. Can I...Can I ask for your forgiveness...Can you forgive me?...Please?..my daughter might have waited for this day in whatever little life she had...she was my entire world and when she eloped the way she did...she broke me into pieces...she trampled my honour...I was angry..I was disheartened...yet I loved her...when her mother died...I spent my entire life with only one aim that was her upbringing...you are a father of a daughter ...and that time you may not have realised and felt my pain...but today you can understand what I must have gone through...I wasn't against your marriage...I only wished her to complete her course first...I may have gave in even that wish of mine for her if you would have asked...I don't know what made you to take the decision without even informing me...without even asking me...at least for once you could have tried...you could have tried...I won't have lost my daughter...I would have seen her the time...the time she left the world...and with that he broke down sitting on the floor...sobbing terribly...Nidhi comes forward to hold him...when he calms a bit...he repeats his words... I would have seen her the moment she left the world... Nidhi's words... "Nanu...get up...please get up"...makes him realise his grand daughter was holding him. He cups her face in his hands...and looks tenderly at her...as if trying to find his daughter in her...not able to hold himself more...he takes her into a hug...and cries bitterly...murmuring one word repeatedly...Nandini!

Nidhi was also crying she felt the pain of his grand father...the pain her mother must have gone through... she didn't know much about her mother...she never asked his father about her mom...whenever his father talked about her mother she felt him going through a lot of pain...she then avoided asking him any question about her..whatever little she knew about her mom was through Dadi bua and Mrs. Solanki.

She raised his grand father from the floor and made him to sit at the near by settee and uttered, "Nanu please don't cry...please...mom wherever she is...must be feeling very bad...her father visited her home first time and he is weeping so badly...please???...she wipes his tears and he looks fondly at her that his heart moves and he caresses her grand daughter...he controlled himself as if Nidhi's smile told him that she is his Nandini...the blood of his daughter...his Nidhi. They were looking at each other contently when Nidhi heard his father bursting into sobs...all the time Baba talked col. Verma was listening with his back towards his father in law...nobody knew he too was shedding the tears of remorse...when Nidhi placed her hand on his shoulder and made him to turn to face her...she saw him in flood of tears...her heart wrenches.. "Baba! Why are you crying so badly..no please"... she makes him to wipe his tears and gestures him to talk to her grand pa...col verma nods and moves near Baba sitting in a squatting position facing his father-in-law with his hands folded... "Please forgive me...I'm the reason for all your pain Dr. Mathur...I never gave a thought about what I was doing at that time...I got carried away in the emotions and acted in haste...I never thought I should come and talk to you before doing the ultimate...I admit that was the last resort...I should have thought...but the youth...I think is a untamed whirlwind...someone has rightly said 'Youth is a blunder' and I did one...Baba looks at him in a little frown...No... No...I don't mean loving her was a blunder...I loved her...I love her now when no one can see her but for me she is around...she is always with me...and I'll love her always...it always pained me when ever thought came to my mind...I made both of you to suffer..she was happy but that happiness missed something...she always missed you...he broke down again saying... she did...after a long pause...Can you forgive me?...with hands folded he pleaded..please?...Dr. Mathur holds him by his shoulders and makes him to sit by his side and said, "I think whatever happened in the past has happened we can't change that but we can make our present and future better and merrier..he extends his hand towards Nidhi and makes her to sit on his side holding both father and daughter in his arms...I can shower my love to my grand daughter...Nandini's daughter...I can see Nandini in her..and she has right to her share of love too...I missed her childhood... I don't want to miss single moment of her life now...I want to be with her and enjoy being his grand father...the proud grand father of a sweet little young woman."

Nidhi pouts at that, "sweet little young woman!...Nanoo!!!"... "Oh! How can I forget... the press conference...my daring sweet little young woman"...Col. verma laughs at that and all laugh out loud. Dadi Bua hurries to get the breakfast and the sweets to celebrate the tying of loose ends of his nephew's life...after having breakfast Col. Verma makes his father-in-law to stay and have lunch with them...he decides to take off from the work...soon the house was full with hustle and bustle presenting a view of festivity...solanki's were also invited and Nidhi called Anji also for lunch to introduce her to his Nanu. All were chatting sharing some light and gloomy moments from the past with Baba...when Baba noticed gloomy look on Nidhi's face... he saw her checking her phone...Baba steals a moment and asks her

"Nidhi won't you show your house to Nanu"... she jumps in a joy and says... "Yes Nanu...please come" Showing around and on reaching her parents room..he gets emotional...Nandini's pictures were in every room...but col. Verma's room was overflowing...he goes near the picture that displayed her as a bride and caresses that with his fingers...he gets lost...he moves to touch the another picture...that was taken during her pregnancy with her hand on her baby bump...Nidhi mumbles from behind... "I always feel her blessing me in this picture Nanu..Isn't that sweet" both had tears in their eyes...Nidhi places her head on Baba's shoulder and both look fondly at the picture...after some time they move to her room when Nidhi shows her childhood pics...shared her childhood moments with Nanu...the first painting of hers...the first award she won in a debate...she showed him the painting of her family which she draw in her childhood...that had the sketch of his Nanu as well but the face was not drawn fully...She still in that childlike antics begins to complete her picture and Baba watches her mesmerizingly..when the picture was done...Baba hugs her in praise...visualising the little Nidhi in her...he turns emotional.. "I missed your childhood..I wasn't around...I'm a bad grand pa beta"... "No Nanu...never say that again...I'm still a kid you can still see me grow"... he laughs at that "yes now I'll see you to grow as my daughter in law"...Nidhi blushes at that and lowered her eyes...Baba places a soft hand on her head... "I'm sorry beta about last night...I know what Ashu and you must have gone through...I'm sorry"... "Please Nanu..no more Sorries...yeah I got scared...I thought...she couldn't complete the sentence...but he was more upset...her cheeks blush while talking about him and lowering her eyes she asked ...you talked to him?... "No beta I didn't see him since last night...I was busy fighting my lone battle...I never thought about you...No problem we'll give him a surprise...you'll come with me"...nidhi's eyes glistened her eyes brimming with happiness... Baba and Nidhi exchange a high five when Col. Verma comes and exclaims at door... "Vow! The grand daughter and grand father duo forgot everyone"...both give a sheepish look and Col. Verma laughs at that...you know Baba I've heard people say that grand children return you ...your childhood and I can see that...what is this Nidhi...you have brought all your old toys...Oh God! This girl is only one piece and that has been gifted to me"...Baba laugh at that and gives side hug to Nidhi...suddenly life gave him in abundance...he felt overflowing with happiness and his son-in-law calling him Baba makes him more overjoyed.

They were having lunch...laughing at the pranks of Anji and Nidhi...when Baba's mind drifts towards Ashutosh and he asks Col. Verma... "Beta if you don't mind Can I take Nidhi along...I'll send her back by night"... "Of course...why do you ask for my permission Baba...she is your grand daughter...you have every right" he smiles in response and both leave after having their lunch...it was 3.30 when they reach Mathur mansion...Baba gives fresh introduction of Nidhi to Hiraman Kaka who in response says.. "Yes Dr. Sahab...I knew last night when she said her mother's name is Nandini...I got at that time that she is our Gudi's daughter"...Nidhi exclaims Gudi!...yes that was your mother's nickname name... Nanu I want to see my mom's childhood pics...please...please...let me see"... "Okay!" He pats her cheek and moves towards his room when Hiraman Kaka stops him saying: "Dr. Sahib talk to Ashutosh first he is very upset"... "What? both Baba and Nidhi were surprised...where is he? Is he back home?"... "yes he came a half an hour before... he is in his room"...Baba gestures Nidhi and moves towards his room...when he open's the door he saw Ashutosh sitting on the couch with his head lying on its back...his eyes closed...his coat, tie and watch scattered on the bed...Baba moves close and runs a tender hand on his head...making him to open his eyes...when he saw Baba he straightens himself saying, "Baba How are you? Are you Okay? Where were you?"... Baba looks fondly at the tense and gloomy face of his son... "I'm sorry Beta...I hurt you...didn't I?"... "No Baba...but what is the matter?"... "Nothing Beta...I was fighting my old demons or should I say my bad deeds...I never told you...I had a daughter...who married an army personnel without my consent...and I cut my ties with her...after two years of her marriage I came to know about her death...that tormented me and after years lamenting on her death...you came into my life..but that guilt was weighing me down...I buried that deep inside my heart...last night when Nidhi gave her introduction...the stark and harsh reality of my past was facing me...Ashutosh had a frown and questioning look on his face...yes Nidhi is my grand daughter."

Ash: what??? Shaking his head constantly...Are you sure?

Baba: yes that is true...that was the moment of truth for me...I couldn't decide...I shut myself off...fighting my lone battle...when finally I resolved to stand up and take it and accept whatever the future holds...I lost my daughter and was not ready to lose my grand daughter now...I went to meet them..I had only one thing in my mind and couldn't see you were suffering...I'm sorry beta.

It was equally harsh reality for the Ashutosh...he wasn't able to comprehend...he was expecting the worst... fearing consequences of this outcome on their relation...he very timorously asks, "Baba...I hope everything is Okay now...What did they say?

Baba sensing his apprehensions quickly replied taking in a deep breath... "Everything is fine now...forgiven and forgotten...I'm happy and I feel so much better like a heavy burden has been lifted off me...I hope my daughter up in the heavens forgive me too."

Ash: Baba...how is...Ni..dhi...you saw her.

Baba: Yes beta...she was fine...she must be a little unhappy at the turn of events...but I'm sure both of you'll move on...now the way things have turned...you'll have to forget each other.

Ashutosh felt a lump in his throat...he felt suffocated as if someone caught his heart...and it ceased to beat...he was feeling short of breath...he held his head down...hiding his face so that Baba is not able to read his pain...when tears came lashing down...he got up and stood still near the window...Baba couldn't bear the pain of his son and continued... "I seriously think you should get married now and I have called the daughter of my friend...she is here and I'll ask her to come in and I think you should meet her"...Ashutosh didn't respond he was numb...Baba moved to the door and called her over, "Beta..come in" when she came in...they waited for him to turn his head but he didn't...Baba called him again.. "Ashutosh look who has come in! He was still and motionless...Nidhi frowned at his behaviour...she gave a questioning look to Baba...who in return gestured to her and said, "Come beta I think he is tired..We'll wait for him outside"...Nidhi in response uttered "Nanu" in askance and that brought life in Ashutosh's numb form...he turned to look in wonder...and Baba grinned in response...Nidhi watched the expressions of both the men in bewilderment...Ashutosh came forward and placed his hands on Baba's shoulders saying "how can you do this to me Baba? and hugged him tightly...Baba patting his back in response asked, "how you thought Ashu that your Baba can do that or let anything like that to happen?" he comes out of the hug and gives a questioning look raising his eyebrows...Ashutosh lowered his eyes...and murmured... "Sorry Baba!"...he patted his cheek and said "Come have your lunch first...we are in my room...Come Nidhi!"...Nidhi turns to move following Baba and glancing at Ashutosh who was looking at her with his heart in his eyes...the look that made her feet to plod... she turns to look at moving form of Baba and turns her gaze back to Ashutosh...to make impossible for her to move...he narrowed his eyes as if saying "please don't go"...with their eyes locked she takes slow steps forward...Ashutosh grabs her hand and she rolls her eyes towards Baba...He releases her hand and follows Baba saying.. "I'm also coming I don't want to have lunch"...Baba turns and gives him a glaring look "I know you don't want to have lunch now...glancing at Nidhi...but go and have lunch first...you have skipped your dinner last night and breakfast in the morning...you think I don't know"... "I don't feel hungry"...but Nidhi's pleading look makes him to give up and say... "Okay! I'll have lunch first...Kaka please serve the lunch...Nidhi why don't you join me?"

"she had her lunch" Baba answered grabbing Nidhi's hand...and turning to Nidhi.. "Come Nidhi...I'll show you my room" Ashutosh takes a deep sigh looking at their backs and move towards the table to have his lunch...Baba was smiling at his son's impatience. He took a few morsels in such haste as if he was starving for ages...kaka was finding hard to control his smile. Ashutosh quickly gulps down some water and says, "I'm done Kaka! Thank you" and moves to Baba's room...Kaka was nodding his head and smiling.

When Baba and Nidhi enter his room he makes her to sit on his bed...he goes to the cupboard and gets a big wooden box...he opens the box and takes out a photo album... "This box carries all your mom's belongings...and here is the album...the treasure trove of my lost happiness...baba had tears in his eyes...he turns the leaves of the album...living his gone days with his grand daughter...the album had Nandini's photographs right from the day she was born...Nidhi turned equally emotional knowing and learning about her mom...the missing part of her life...she hardly knew anything about her mom...and every leaf Baba turned and every story he told about the pictures was acquainting her with her mom...at times she felt she is a shadow of her mom... "I'm like my mom Nanu...look this picture resembles me...Isn't that?"...he laughs in response... "yes you resemble her in every sense she was like you"... "No I'm like her"...he smiles and takes her in a side hug and their eyes caught Ashutosh who was watching them mesmerizingly...Baba giving him a smile, "what are you doing there? Why don't you come in?"...he comes in and sits at the other end facing Nidhi and Baba...as the Baba and Nidhi got busy looking at the pictures he watches her unblinkingly...it doesn't take her much time to feel his gaze and she gets uneasy with Baba's presence she was finding hard to stand his gaze...she tries to gesture him "Baba is here" but he was relentless...her heart misses a beat when he pursed his lips in a kiss to her glare...she lost her attention...her cheeks were blushing...and she wasn't able to answer Baba coherently when he asked something"...he was now trying to catch her eye but she was refusing to meet his gaze... and he was finding her more adorable..shy..blushing cheeks..and the way she was averting her eyes quite conscious of his looks. With a tongue in cheek smile...he takes a piece of paper from his pocket...rolls the paper and throws at her aiming at her hand...when the paper touches her...she looks at him in surprise...now her heart was thumping.. she slowly takes the paper and hides in her fist..giving him a pleading look avoiding Baba...He smiles and twirls and turns to her left side...to join them to look at the album... "can I see nidhi's lookalike" ... "yes Beta why not?"...he slowly places his hand on her left hand and Nidhi's breath gets caught...Baba was quite close and he was turning shameless... She was now in the centre holding the album and Baba and ashutosh were on her sides... with his hand still placed on her hand he asks a few question about some pictures...Nidhi was slowly gaining her calm...she adjusts her dupatta and places the end on their hands...he so wished to kiss her at the gesture but instead he squeezes her hand a bit that makes her to give him a quick look...She saw a photo and asked, "Nanu Isn't that cute?...he smiles and answers yes she was pouting asking for something when I clicked this photo" Ashutosh murmurs close to her ear.. "Now I know where from the sweet pouts came"...Baba hears him murmur and asks What?... "Yes Baba you don't know your grand daughter also pouts the same way and on everything" she gives a resigned look to him and Baba chuckles at that..he places an affectionate hand on her head and gets up saying... "You watch the album it's my time to visit Jeevan Sandhya now...Nidhi Beta you stay here...Ashu will drop you home after dinner"...bubbles of joy sprout out in Ashutosh's heart...he is spending whole evening with her...Baba notices the happy grin on Ashutosh's face and places a soft hand on their heads saying... "God bless you both" and leaves the room...they remained like that for sometime and Ahutosh who was very close to Nidhi watching her turn the leaves of album...moves a bit closer on hearing the main entrance door open and shut..he was so close his exhale was touching the side of Nidhi's neck...he blows out air aiming at Nidhi starting from her ear down to her neckline...that makes her to turn her head and close her eyes...her heart was thumping at the feel of his breath...he was now watching her breathlessly and that makes Nidhi to open her eyes and look at him...seeing his smouldering eyes she makes a slight move and before she could get up...he places his arm around her holding her tight to himself... "where were you since morning?"...when she didn't answer he takes the album from her hand put that on the side...twirls himself lying on the bed and rests his head on her lap and closes his eyes... "You know past twenty four hours took away ten years from my life...I have spent many sleepless nights...but last night was horrible...I want to erase that from my memory"...she was fondly looking at him...she raises her right hand and ruffles softly his hair... "I missed you too"...he opens his eyes takes her left hand in his hand and pecks her hand... "Mobile phone network made things worse"... "Hmn"... "But I called you in the morning...on your office number"... "Really! but I wasn't there"... "hmn..I know..Dr. Malika answered the call"...he frowns a bit.. "what was she doing there?...She asked many questions?"... "Um..I told her I needed your opinion on a case...she told you're busy...I'm sure she didn't tell you"... he was looking at her pecking her hand in between and her hand was also ruffling his hair... "No she didn't tell me otherwise why I would've felt so worried"... "I don't know...I'm not sure...I mean...I find her behaviour so weird...what is her problem?"...she waits for him to respond when he didn't she continues... "I think she doesn't like me...she doesn't talk to me nicely...I mean as compared to others...you know no one in the hospital said any thing about that press conference but she did...I mean she tried to warn me...you know...I feel she is always ready to tell off"...they hear kaka's footsteps outside and she makes him to get up.. "Kaka is here...we forgot...get up please"...he gets up closing in towards her lips...she pushes him away and runs towards window...by that time Kaka reaches at the door and asks, "would you like to have some tea or coffee"...Ashutosh answers "Yes Kaka a cup of tea would be great...Nidhi is that Okay?" She nods and Kaka leaves...Ashutosh walks upto the window and hugs her from the back and makes her rock back and forth with him... "Please Kaka is around...what are you doing?" his phone rings he holds her still for sometime...pecks at her shoulder and moves to her side to answer his phone... "Yes Malika!...No I'm fine...had a little headache that's why I left hospital early..I hope everything is Okay...okay fine... see you tomorrow" she gives him a sombre look and turns her eyes...Kaka comes with tea and leaves...he waits for her to take the sip and when she did...he exchanged their cups...she gives him a questioning look... "the tea wasn't so sugary" she lowers her eyes and smiles...after sometime she leans forward and places her elbow on windowsill with her face on her hand gazing out of the window...to avoid his look as she felt his unblinking gaze...a look she always found hard to hold to...they slowly sipped the tea...on seeing Ashutosh in deep thoughts smiling and looking at her she asks... "What are you pondering at so deeply?" He smiles looking deeply into her eyes...with slight blush...she asks.. "What???" and he take a deep sigh and with sweet smile on his face he answers in Shakespeare's words :

I am too bold, 'tis not to me she speaks:
Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven,
Having some business, do entreat her eyes
To twinkle in their spheres till they return.
What if her eyes were there, they in her head?
The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars,
As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven
Would through the airy region stream so bright
That birds would sing and think it were not night.
See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand!
O, that I were a glove upon that hand,
That I might touch that cheek!

Chapter 14

Ashutosh spoke all the words looking deep in her eyes...closing in with every line...she lost herself in him...oblivious to happenings around her...he took away her cup and kept both cups on windowsill...keeping her hooked to him with their eyes locked...when he caresses her cheek with his fingers and tries to lean forward to kiss at her cheek ...she cringes and moves backwards...but he grabs her by her hand...pulling her close to him...and continues...

O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?

(O, will you leave me so unsatisfied?)

He tries to wrap her in his arms but she turns her back to him...undeterred he cages her in his arms and tries to nuzzle her neck...he gets surprised when he hears her say...

What satisfaction canst thou have to-night?

(What satisfaction can you have tonight?)

He smiles and answers...

Th' exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine.

(The exchange of your love's faithful vow for mine)

She continues...

I gave thee mine before thou didst request it;

And yet I would it were to give again.

(I gave you my vow before you asked for it,
And yet, I wish I could give it again.

He answers huskily whispering near her ear...

Would'st thou withdraw it? For what purpose, love?

(Would you take it away? Why, love?)

She responds...

But to be frank, and give it thee again.
And yet I wish but for the thing I have.
My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite.
I hear some noise within. (he shushes her not letting her to say... Dear love, adieu!)

(Only to be honest and give it to you again.
And still I wish but for the thing that I already have.
My treasure has no boundaries, just like the sea,
My love is as deep as the sea; the more I give to you,
The more I have, for both my love and the sea are infinite.
I hear some noise within. dear love, goodbye!)

Don't ever say that...don't I won't be able to bear...last night was enough for life time...he holds her like that wrapping her close in his arms snugly...resting his head on her shoulder...after sometime he turns her facing him... "So my sweetheart knows Romeo and Juliet"...she smilingly shrugs in response...he turns serious and requests... "please...hug me"...narrowing his eyes... "pleaseee"...feeling his grip loosening she pushes him away and flees ... when she turns to look at him on reaching the door... he gives her a squint look suppressing his smile...and follows her. Seeing him following...with tongue in cheek smile... she turns towards the kitchen ... he sulks and sits on the couch in drawing room and turns on the TV.

Kaka notices Nidhi coming in...he quickly asks, "Beta! what are you doing here? you need anything?"... "No Kaka...I just came to see you...what are you cooking?...Shall I help?"... "No Betiya...I can manage...I'm cooking Ashu beta's favourite dish...Hare chane ki kari and methi mutiya"... "What is that?...I haven't heard before"... "You'll taste in dinner...actually Ashu is starving since last night...I thought he'll love to have his favourite dish...he is happy today"... "why!!!...but he had lunch???"...he smiles... "hmn...a few quick morsels"...she understands and blushes in response...but there is still lot of time for dinner... "Kaka is there any bread"...he says yes and points towards the bread...she quickly makes a few sandwiches and takes for him...Kaka had tears of happiness in his eyes...glad that his son has chosen so caring life partner...he treated him like his own son as he brought him up and was with them since his childhood.

Nidhi walks in the drawing room he senses her coming but he prefers not to look at her...still sulking he tries to surf TV channels...She extends the plate towards him and requests, "Please!"... "Thank you..I'm not hungry...I don't feel like having"... "but you didn't have your lunch properly"...Ashutosh feels ecstatic at her concern but he doesn't let go his sulking expression... he gives a sombre look to her and she narrows her eyes...he turns his gaze and speaks... "My request wasn't paid any heed?"... "and what about my request...you had your lunch?"... He gives her a warm look that always melted her insides and responds... "How would a person feel if he is stuffed with food when he needs a breath of fresh air?...yet I had only for you"...her eyes moisten...noticing that he says... "Come here...you think I can defy you...never...never ever"...makes her to sit next to him... "This is something you made for me for the first time...my love you deserve this"...he opens her hands places lingering kisses on her palms and fingers...she flushes and pulls her hands back...and murmurs... "Kaka is here!"... "He wont come here...Ashutosh whispers with his eyebrows raised... "and...what about my request?"... she lowers her eyes..."What?"... in a husky voice he repeats "Hug"... "Stop it"... "you know how tempting your cheeks have turned"...her heart misses a beat... "I won't come here"...he smiles...and whispers in her ear.. "you have to come here only"... "Please!"... "If you please!"... "I'm leaving"... "yes let us leave it is better to go somewhere where there'll be no kaka and Nanu"... "what?"... "yes I'll get car keys"... "I've to wait for Nanu"...he laughs at that...looking intently at her...he repeats... "please..you don't want me to have sandwiches"...she lowers her eyes and didn't say anything...he leans forward to kiss her...she leans back alarmingly glaring at him with thumping heart...he purses his lips in a kiss and leans back taking his sandwich. She started surfing channels and Ashutosh having his sandwich was watching her ardently. After sometime Baba is back from Jeevan sandhya...his heart fills with delight when he saw them both watching TV in drawing room. The view he would like to see always on his return to home. When he utters "watching TV?" they get aware and turn to look at him. Ashutosh answers "yes Baba...Just...You are back"... Nidhi gets a glass of water and he smiles fondly at her... "What Nanu?"...He shakes his head "nothing beta we are not used to see a woman in this house and seeing some one suddenly that too who is my would be daughter-in-law is very gratifying"...She smiles and blushes in response and Ashutosh's heart also gets ecstatic on hearing his Baba addressing her as his daughter-in-law...he too visualised Nidhi offering him the water like a daughter-in-law...he takes a deep sigh...expecting this sight will turn into reality very soon. They chatted together for some time when Baba asked Hiraman Kaka to serve the dinner so that Nidhi is not late...after having dinner...Baba asked Ashutosh to drop her home...who was living in a blissful joy...and Baba's words make him to realise that this joy is still far...Baba saw her out and waved at her when Ashutosh turned his car...Baba was feeling relieved... the burden of his lifetime was gone...he was feeling at ease after ages.

Ashutosh feels bad to drop her home...brooding over why the evening ended so early...but then suddenly a gentle breeze reminds him of last night when he was accompanying her to bus stop to help her get a cab... he compares present with past evening and a sense of satisfaction prevails him and he smiles and takes a deep breath...thanking god...Nidhi watches him mesmerizingly at his changing expressions...when he turns to look at her...he saw her smiling at him...raising his eyebrows he asks "what doc?"...now her smile turns to a big grin... "So you are done?"... "done with?"... "done with musing over things...you were so preoccupied"... "yeah..you knew what plan I had for last evening...then suddenly how life took those odd turns"...she adds... "only to bring the good ones"... "hmn...yesterday I would have scoffed over the thought...that we could spend the whole evening at home...and we can see each other so easily now...yesterday it was a distant dream...today this is a beautiful reality"... she leans back with her head on seat and feels the colossal joy after hearing him compare two evenings...she comes out of her stupor when he stops car at a road side...and turns to look at him...the gleam in his eyes took her breath away but she manages to utter... "what?"... in a husky tone he answers "My hug"... "tomorrow"... "hmn...that'll be for tomorrow...what about today?"... "what???"... "yes hug a day for time being will do"...she gives him a pop-eyed look... he opens her arms waiting and gazing her...the cocoon she always feels protected in...she always loves to be in..was awaiting her...the pull was hard to repel... she didn't know when she went into his arms...all she knew was the bliss that warmed her insides...the feel that made her feel embraced...he tightly wraps her into his arms and murmurs... "I feel so complete...I love to hold you...tightening his grip... in my arms"... he clutched her so tight that she felt suffocated...her please bring him back to his senses...when he releases her and looks at her he asks... "I'm sorry...did I hurt you?...she answered shaking her head in a 'No' and he felt relieved...he places a lingering kiss on her forehead and reluctantly open his arms... she in a shy..smirk look leans back on her car seat and he helplessly sighs looking intently at her...she turns serious on hearing his sigh and gestures him with a little frown and shaking her head not to take the sigh...he shrugs in response as telling her he feels helpless and takes again a deep breath and drives his car...all the way to her home they remain silent...he stops his car near her gate and waits for her to get off avoiding to look at her as if finding hard to see her going...her "please" make him to turn his head and look at her...he says good night but the tone made her feel how reluctantly he uttered those words... "What? That way I won't be able to go"... with his heart in his eyes he says "don't go"... "please!!!"...he nods his head...smiles for her and bids her "Goodnight" which she answers with all the love...She waved waiting for him to turn his car...he responds with a flying kiss making her blush and drives his car back home.

Almost a week passed like that... in the evenings she visited her Nanu and spent some time with Ashutosh... he was happy he got to see her every evening though she didn't spent long evenings but he found it to be a good respite as normally it wouldn't have been possible for them to meet every day. Next week it was Monday morning she was entering the hospital when she received his sms "congratulations" she frowns congratulations but for what when she was about to write back and ask... Janki bai invited her attention, "Dr. Please come quickly... I'm not able to manage the paediatrics ward only you can deal with those naughty children...she laughs in response and hurries towards ward...It was after two hours when she finally got time to have a cup of coffee and came to know about the good news in the common room when Dr. Jyotika told her the whole hospital is celebrating our chief of staff has been given additional charge as Principal of Kotnis Medical College...what? she asks surprisingly "I didn't know"... so the congratulatory sms was for that...she was happy more on the thought that he congratulated her for his achievement...she so wished to go and meet him and congratulate him...she was so elated and the joy was hard to contain she decided to go and see him in his cabin...after all what is wrong if I go to wish him there? She resolved and left the common room to meet him. Just outside his cabin she met Dr. Malika... "yes Dr. Nidhi what are you doing here?"... "Ma'm I just came to congratulate Dr. Ashutosh"... "He is having a meeting in his cabin...he is busy right now...anything else?"...she felt dejected... "No! Dr. Malika...I'll come later...thank you!" and leaves...after an hour she gives him a call which he quickly answers... "yes"... "busy?"... "yes anything serious"... " No I thought to congratulate you...I even came to see you in your cabin..but Dr. Malika didn't allow me"... "hmn...what was the need to visit that place..you shouldn't have"...the way he was answering made her to realise that he has someone around and wasn't talking freely... but what he answered was much to her expectations...she answers... "Yes you are right I shouldn't have...I'm sorry...you carry on with your job...see you later" and hung up.

In evening when Ashutosh reached home his eyes searched for her but she was nowhere to be seen..he impatiently asks, "Baba where is Nidhi?"...he smiles... "she left beta she had to go for shopping with her friend...she told me you have been appointed as principal of KMC...congratulations beta!" he came forward and bent to touch his feet but Baba stopped him and hugged him tight...Ashutosh felt sad...Baba didn't miss his gloomy look...he went to his room...freshened up and asked Hiraman Kaka for a cup of coffee...he was missing her enormously...he went back to his room and called her up...he waits impatiently for her to answer the call...when she answers he quickly asks, "where are you?"... "at home why?"... "Why?...Why you are not here? Can I ask?"... "First I had to shop then I thought to spend sometime with Baba...so I came home"...he remained silent he didn't say anything in response...she felt some unease...when she wished to talk to him and see him...she couldn't see...and his words that she shouldn't have come to meet him...made her miserable...she broke the silence and asked... "How was your day? You were very busy"... "hmn...Nice..and a deep sigh!"... "you must be very tired...I think itz better to have dinner and take some rest"... Ashutosh's heart feels a sting... "Why? You don't want to talk to me?"... "Why shouldn't I?..I thought you are tired...so"... "So?"... "What is the need to tire yourself more...when you should be getting some rest?"...in a whimper he utters "Nidhi!!!"...she didn't say anything in response...both remained silent for sometime...only Ashutosh's sighs at times broke the silence...the sighs that were enough to compel the Nidhi to say... "Please!!! I only said to take rest...what are these sighs for?"... "My life is oozing out drop by drop...you want me to take rest"...she feels a tug at her heart but remains quiet... almost in a whisper he asks "Did I hurt you?"...and in a squeak she answers, "No"..."talk to me Nidhi...scold me if you feel bad...but don't chuck me out...don't shun me please"... "Now when did I do that?"... "You don't want to talk to me...what else is that?"... "Does that mean when you avoided me in the day...you're shunning me?"... "Now when did I do that???...I was busy...you know"... "Now I'm busy right now"... in a pooped voice he says, "Nidhi!!!"...hearing a knock on his door he turns his attention towards the door...the door opens bringing in Kaka calling him for a dinner...he answers "No Kaka I'm not hungry...you and Baba can have the dinner...I'd like to have some rest"...Kaka answers "we'll wait for you...you finish your call first" and closes the door. His attention turns back to the phone when she says, "Go and have your dinner first"... "Let me know why you are sulking first"... "I'm not"... "Fine in ten minutes I'm coming there"... "what?"... "yes my love...my world has come to a halt...I can't sit over here...savouring my dinner"...she hears the clank of keys and that prompted her to say "Please"... "tell me"...she takes a deep breath and responds, "I just came to wish you and you said there was no need... I felt bad...I wanted to see you...long pause...and he hears her sniff"... "Jaan! ...Please...Love!"...when she didn't answer he continues... "Okay! I'm sorry...please...I was in a meet at that time"... "Why you said there was no need...Do I tell you the same when you wish to meet me raising her tone...and..and..what is Dr. Malika's problem...who is she to stop me?"... "Okay I'm sorry...but I didn't mean that...you know how much I yearn to see you and be with you...Don't you? We can talk about that tomorrow...Now please... I won't like to see your sullen look...Please?"...she in a pouting voice says "Okay! But have you dinner first"...he taking a deep breath says "sure...but can I call after dinner"... "hmn"... in a husky voice he answers "thank you...love" and hangs up the phone.

Baba was smiling and shaking his head when he saw his son's gloomy looks gone... "So Ashu if that is going to be your state every time not seeing her here I think I should talk to Col. to get her here forever...otherwise God knows how much I'll have to starve waiting for you"... "Thank God Baba your little starve made you realise and remember otherwise I thought you forgot you longed for a daughter-in-law...with a frown he starts having his dinner and continues...your grand daughter made you to forget your son"... "Oh..ho..ho... I didn't know my son is so impatient that he can't wait for some days...I only want to give her my love as grand father afterwards she'll always be my daughter-in-law"... "hmn...I know...I know"... "You are trying to instigate me...You have turned so shameless Ashu...he laughs at that and then turns serious...touch wood Ashu I'm so relieved to see you happy...I was longing to see you this happy...I'm happy you came out of the shell you caged yourself in...Confining yourself to a mundane routine home to KGH and KGH to home...Ashutosh was listening silently the pent-up feelings of his father... when Arman was here...he being always barrel of laughs...forced you to enjoy...but since he shifted to Mumbai...Ashutosh's phone rings and he interrupts saying, "talk of the devil and the devil is here" Baba smiles "Arman!" Ashutosh answers his phone... "Hey buddy! Back from your trip... how are you?" Arman answers " I'm fine how are you...Howz Baba?"... "Baba is fine...we are having dinner and we're just talking about you"...Baba takes the phone and they talk for sometime...Ashutosh was done with dinner he takes the phone and moves to his room to talk to Arman. He is married to Sneha their classmate and childhood friend turned Arman's love and they have a two year old daughter ... "So How was your trip?...hope you gave sometime to Sneha and my little-one...Howz she?...I missed her Arman...Oh! She is sleeping...Okay I'll talk to her tomorrow...Sneha must be also tired...No I'm fine but you forgot your friend...you didn't give a single call all these months...what busy?...When I needed you...you're not here...shut up now...I don't want to hear your stupid excuses...Ashutosh hears a beep of incoming call and on checking his phone and seeing Nidhi's call he runs an exasperated hand through his hair...he forgot he told her he'll call her after dinner.. Arman hold on yaar..I need to attend one more call before my life turns topsy-turvy...just a minute buddy" he answers Nidhi's call and puts Arman on hold... "Hey Love! I'm sorry...Arman is on line..he called when I was having dinner...Can I call you after sometime?"... "Okay! No problem..but you had your dinner"...with love brimming his heart he says, "Yes!...Love you"... "Bye"...He answers now Arman's call..Arman: "Now How come hospital emergencies have the power to turn your world upside down?"... "That was not a medical emergency"... "Oh! Really what else have got that power yaar"... "that is what I so wished to share with you Arman"... "How I wish Ashu what I want to hear...you say that"... "Yes...I wanted to say that only"...it takes some time for Arman to get... he was actually hearing what he wanted to hear...he always wished him to marry and he knew he was waiting for the love of his life... and he was praying all the time for his friend...he screams in joy... "What????????" he was dancing and Ashutosh was smiling at his jubilation...before Arman could ask his wife snatches the phone and straight utters the question...whoz she?...Arman takes the phone and puts on hands free mode... "Her name is Nidh! She is a doctor in KGH and some days before she turn out to be Baba's grand daughter"...Arman was puzzled Baba's grand daughter! And when Ashutosh narrates the whole story he asks,"but she must be" and stops... Ashutosh understands and says, "yes she is fourteen years younger than me"... "and Baba?"... "No he has no problem...hope everything goes well"... "Sms her number Ashu...I want to talk to her"... "what? this time?"... "Sms her number otherwise I'm going to ask Baba for her number"...Ashutosh gives up... after disconnecting the call he sms' him...her number and also sends a sms to Nidhi saying "Arman is going to call you" and waited for them to end their call...but that didn't happen...when he opened his eyes in the morning he realises he slept waiting for Arman to end his call so that he can talk to Nidhi...He sighs and gets up to get ready.

He remained busy in the hospital and college and then some important/complex surgeries which he had to attend himself that he couldn't talk to her whole day... he reached home very late at night...they only exchanged a few Sms' during the day...he only received a call though of few minutes duration from Arman and came to know that they talked till late night...he was all praises for her...he said they are happy for him and have decided to come to Lucknow by weekend to see them and meet her but Ashutosh requested to desist saying "you have just returned from long trip...don't bother I'm attending a conference in Mumbai next week so we can meet there"... "O' Who wants to meet you...We are coming to meet her...We want to see her" ... "I know Arman...you want to see her...and I think she is also attending the conference...I'll confirm that later"... "Really great...we'll be waiting."

Next day morning he called her up but she didn't answer his call...He waited for her call till he left for hospital...he sends a sms saying, "Leaving for Hospital...want to see you"...when he reached hospital...he went straight to the paediatric ward but she was not there.. "Where is she?"...he checked the duty schedule and found it was her day off. Taking an exasperated sigh he begins his day. At 10 am he receives a sms "Good Morning...I'm sorry I was sleeping and my phone was on silent mode...take care." He frowns a bit reading her sms and contemplates... "So she is still miffed."

It was 3 in the afternoon when he came back to his cabin...he was missing her...the thought that he has left her sulking was making his plight worse...he calls her and she answers instantly...a big grin replaces his gloomy look.. "Howz my Love?"... "fine"... "I'm missing you"... "hmn"...he raises his brow realising the intensity of her sulk... "I want to see you"... "hmn"... "So see you late in the evening"... "No I've something else planned for evening"... "And what is that?"... "Something personal"... "Really"... "hmn"... "So you are not coming to meet even Baba" She hears his cabin door open and Malika's "Ashutosh are you busy" he answers her "just a sec" and waits for Nidhi to answer... "No..I'm going to meet Nanu this time and I was about to leave"... "Okay! Fine...bye" and that miffs her more.

She presses the door bell to buzz, on reaching Nanu's house...door opens...but there was no one...she was puzzled who opened the door?...She calls "Nanu!..Kaka! Strange no one is answering...who opened the door" her breath gets caught when she hears someone behind her shutting and locking the door... she turns to look and was astonished at the sight.

Ashutosh staring at her ...his arms wide open inviting her to come in...she turns back trying assiduously to give her features a sombre expression...only she knew how much she missed him and how harsh she was on herself attempting to do the most difficult thing turning her back to him...she didn't miss the look of longing in his eyes...she moves away from him and asks, "where is Nanu?"...he follows and back hugs her...she closes her eyes relishing his touch and the warmth she loves to be cocooned in... nuzzling her neck... "He is in Jeevan Sandhya had some emergency and before you ask Kaka has also gone to meet some relative"... his caresses today was making her emotional...he didn't know her eyes were filled with two pearl drops...reaching the brim when her tears spill and a droplet lands on his hand...making him aware he turns her to face him...seeing her tears his breath gets caught a lump forms in his throat...his eyes turn moist...he pulls her into a bear hug...murmuring..."I'm sorry"...he hold her like that uttering a few 'sorries' ...after sometime she pulls herself out and turns her back to him... "No need to say Sorry...you were busy and when one is so busy...how can he think about sulking someone"... "No someone...he back hugs her again...say my second self...my love...my whole world...and what is this we both missed each other you could've come to meet me"... "Oh! Really where?...and how when I've to seek Dr. Malika's permission to meet you?" that brings a smirk on his face.

Chapter 15

"No need to say Sorry...you were busy and when one is so busy...how can one think about sulking someone"... "No someone...he back hugs her again...say my second self...my love...my whole world...and what is this we both missed each other you could've come to meet me"... "Oh! Really where?...and how when I've to seek Dr. Malika's permission to meet you?" that brings a smirk on his face.

Ashutosh: "why you could've come...like you came on that day to meet me in paediatric ward"...

Nidhi open his arms and move towards window he follows when she ask him "why? Why can't I come to meet you wherever I wish? Agreed I should not be visiting your cabin...often...but what is wrong if I do...Once in a while...who's she to stop me?"

He gives her a lopsided smile and that irritates her more...giving him a sombre look she turns to leave but he manages to catch her hand...without turning to face her he pulls her back and cages her in his arms placing his hands on window sill on her sides... "Are you jealous Nidhi?"

Crossly she answers "why should I? As if I care"... "Really"... he closes in "you would let go what is your own"...not looking at him she manages to mumur... "What can I do if someone wants to"

Huskily he whispers near her ear... "No someone...your...Ashutosh"...gliding down aiming to kiss her neck...she turns her head...her heart was thumping...she manages to mutter... "then why didn't you answer my questions"...

"If I would have answered I would've missed...she gives a dazed look...the possessiveness I see in your eyes...Aah! How I yearned to see this!"...her look turns pop-eyed... "Now I see you claiming your right".

Giving him a glaring look "You upset me just for that...you knew more than her odd manners...your silence was tormenting me...and turning emotional she uttered...and you did that deliberately" she pushes him away by placing her hands on his broad chest and sulking turns her back to him.

Slowly raising his hands he holds her in a back hug... "No my love I didn't mean to hurt you...I'm sorry"...he turns her and holds her in a bear hug which she didn't resist...they remained like that for a while and when she makes a slight movement to pull herself out he whispers... "hmn...stay here...I missed you so much Nidhi!"... After sometime he speaks again... "Jaan your paper on 'paediatric neurological disorders' has got selected...next week you are attending the conference in Mumbai".

"Really!" raising her head to see him...as he didn't release his grip though he eased it a bit to the extent she manages to look at him closely facing each other ...he answers her huskily "hmn" keenly looking at her lips...seeing that she tries to pull herself out... "Leave me".

"Sorry"...

"please"...

"he shakes his head in a No still looking at her lips"... hard to resist he places a peck on her lips...her heart thumps and she hides her face placing her forehead on his chest...he places another peck on her head... "Look here"... she shakes her head in a 'No" in response...

"Love please"...the door bell rings and Ashutosh murmurs... "Aah!" in a deep sigh... releasing her he holds her chin to raise her head and have a look at her...she was blushing and had her eyes lowered... smiling lovingly at her... he places a lingering kiss on her forehead...and moves to open the door bringing in H.Kaka...

Ashutosh???...Nidhi avoiding to meet his gaze turns her back to them and looks through the window.

H. Kaka: Nidhi Beta you are also here... nidhi only turns to give him a smile...

Ashutosh: Yes Kaka I had to come for her...no body was here.

H.Kaka: I'm Sorry Beta...I didn't know...she always come in the evenings so...she stood there staring out of the window...he gives a hesitant look to them and perceptively leaves them alone...moving towards kitchen...I'll get something for you to eat... you had your lunch?

Ashutosh shouted in response: No Kaka...A cup of tea only.

Ashutosh walks upto the window and stands on her side...he waits for her to look at him... he knew she was avoiding his gaze...when she didn't turn he mutters... "Love...I'll have to go this time"...she turns and looks at him with a little surprise...the surprise turns into a pout... and her pout turns into a sulk when she saw him giving her a tongue in cheek smile...stomping her foot she turns to move but he stops her stretching out his arm on her way and when she looks at him he gestures her to stay by narrowing his eyes...she gives in and turns back to look outside.

Ashutosh: Nice weather! She answers: Hmn... and after sometime she asks: Who else is joining the conference..

Ash: Dr. Behl and your antagonist...she looks at him with a little frown... Dr. Malika. She gives him a glaring look and he finds hard to control his laugh.

His laugh makes her to say "now you love to tease me...I think"...

he takes a deep breath and utters... "Yes! may be... I never owned any one the way I own you...after a silence of few minutes... I missed you Nidhi!...looking at her with all the love in his eyes...his voice turns serious... you know Nidhi I wanted to share about Malika...we are friends I think you know that...but the feelings aren't same on both sides...we have been friends for a long time...we met in medical college then we're together in London as well during our PG...She became my best friend...I don't know when her feelings changed...changing the friendship we were sharing...She started liking me..."

taking a bit long pause he continues...

"I mean she loves me...she got caught in one-sided Love... the predicament where you find no escape route... she disclosed her feelings long back...and since then I sort of detached myself...maintaining a distance...she too might have felt that but she never gave up...taking in a deep breath...

...I...I feel she always try to...I mean I could feel... rather should I say that she may have read my feelings for you...she might be feeling insecure as she is still having hope...I could sense that...at times I really feel bad for her...

A pause and a deep sigh he continues and Nidhi was hearing him silently feeling the concern he is having for his friend and the trouble he is having giving words to the feelings he is revealing...

"I often wondered why the people choose to engage in such an emotional bind... and love the person who doesn't reciprocate your feelings. Back then I thought it to be downright stupidity...may be because I wasn't in Love I didn't know what it means to be in Love... I was waiting the Cupid to be generous to me to favour me with the bounties of love... but I think it is difficult for any person to realise what it means unless you experience those sacred feelings yourself... at times I ask myself "Am I to blame? I tried my best to make my feelings clear for her but?" he runs fingers through his hair...

Nidhi feels his helplessness...placing her hand on his hand she assures him... "No you are not to blame...the Love understands no other language...think what you would do if you find yourself in her place...you too would prefer to wait for me ... I would do same and that is what we all do when we are hopelessly in love with someone...she takes a deep sigh...I really feel bad...I'm so sorry...the revelation turned to be a paradigm shift for me...I can actually feel her pain Ashutosh!!! her eyes turn moist...Ashutosh pacifies her by taking her in a side hug patting her arm softly and taking pride mesmerizingly in the inner beauty of his love...how painful it must be to wait hopelessly for someone you love...she closes her eyes in fear...they hear Kaka coming and they move apart.

When Kaka serves the tea and leaves he looks unblinkingly at her...the air between them was still gloomy...when she found hard to stand his stare she raises her hand and cupping his chin turn his face to look away...that brings a little smile on his face...giving her a fond look...he takes a deep breath and utters... "you can't force yourself to like someone can you?...the glaring fact is I never felt for...never ever for anyone Nidhi what I felt for you the moment I saw you... when I said I lost myself in those beautiful doe eyes I really meant that...I really meant when I said 'that is where I go...when I go home'... his voice turns husky looking deep into her eyes he continues...

"I want to drown deep into their depths everyday... every night drowsily when they take me to the slumber I want to wake up intoxicated in their fill with a winged heart... and after a tiring day I want to feel homecoming when they take me in blissfully in their welcoming caresses...he kneels down extends his hand and asks:

'Would you favour me with such... gravelly he utters... nights, such mornings and such evenings?" and waits for her response... his words the way he said nights added a light hue to her cheeks but she didn't waste a moment and said "yes" placing her hand on his hand.

He grabs her hand placing a searing kiss on her hand...gets up and takes her into a bear hug saying, "When we are back from conference I'll talk to Col. Verma so that I can have you here 24x7 this distance is so painful Nidhi"

The chink of utensils in the kitchen makes Nidhi to realise their proximity and she pulls out...Ashutosh takes a sigh and reluctantly releases her...he holds her hand and frantically signals her towards his room...she gives a pop-eyed look but unrelenting he pulls and takes her to his room... when he tries to close the door of his room she resist...

"What is this? What'll Kaka think?"... "I think he knows we are in Love"... "and what does that mean? Nanu can come anytime"... "So!"...he pulls her in and cages her in his arms and closes the door on her behind... Nidhi's heart miss a beat...her heart raced and the proximity they were in he could feel her racing heart beats... she pulls herself out only to come up against the door on her behind... he closes in and presses her against the door...she turns her face to the right side...the desire in his eyes was hard to stand...her profuse blushes were maddening him...whispering in her ear...

"Jaan! Look here...she shakes her head and only manages to murmur... "Please"... "hmn..hm... not today... you know what I went through past three days?... you deliberately avoided coming here in the evenings...didn't you?...he waits for her answer when she didn't he continues... You are caged now...I want an answer...who gave you the right to hide yourself from me"... "I was angry"... "Angry! Does that mean you can take my life away"... "Noo"... "you know how much my heart ached"... she turns her head and almost in moist eyes look at him mumbling "sorry"... his fond gaze rests again at her lips...getting conscious she lowers her head trying to hide herself in his chest...Ashutosh places a peck on her head... "look here"...she shakes her head... "I told you not today you have to pay for... what you did since yesterday"...cupping her face he raises her head and brush his lips to her...her heart was thumping so fast that he could hear her racing beats...her cheeks turned blazing hot...his condition was almost same...his heart was beating as unruly as hers... he inches forward to kiss her and she cringes in response...hard to resist she whimpers... "Ashu..tosh!!!"

He answers huskily... "Yes my love... I'm here"...she couldn't stand his passion filled eyes...grabbing his arms she almost forces him to release her face... already on edge Ashutosh loses his control and places a searing kiss on her red cheek facing him... Nidhi's legs tremble she couldn't stand erect...he grabbed her in his one arm and turning her face he places kiss on the other cheek...Nidhi's eyes were tightly closed...he softly asks "open your eyes Nidhi... Please...I want to look at the treasure these eyes hold for me" she takes her time and slowly opens her eyes...Ashutosh's heart leaps out...the love was brimming in those eyes...when she raised her lashes slowly he truly felt her unveiling the treasure for him...the gaze mix of shyness, desire, passion took his breath away...he leans forward and places kiss on her eyes...when he glides his gaze down to her lips...she clutches the collar of his shirt and barely manages to utter.. "pl..ease" he stops just an inch away from her lips...then places a soft peck and utters slowly and huskily...

"You know your lips make my heart throb like the trembling lips of a thirsty man...but I'm not going to quench my thirst ...I'm not going to sip this wine...I'll nurture my thirst...yearning for it day and night... till that moment comes when I'll take away all the veils of your shyness...unable to stand his words...her already unruly heart misses many beats, her breath gets caught she quickly places her hand on his lips exhaling ... "Stop it!"...his searing kiss makes her remove her hand...the way he was looking at her makes her to lower her eyes but her every core felt his smouldering gaze... as if suddenly realising her only shore in the tempestuous storm, he broke in their hearts, she holds him in tight embrace...he responds her hug with equal fervour and both calm the tempest in their hearts anchoring each other.

After sometime he ruffles her hair and calls her name bringing her out of her haze...she slowly eases her hold and comes out of her hug but still caged in his arms...their heart beats where normal but Nidhi's blushes were still glowing...he places a soft peck on her cheek and she pushes him away and moves towards the window to soothe herself...Ashutosh smiling turns to look at her and lets her be... he opens the door and sits on bed side...after some time Nidhi hears the sweet melody of violin...stunned she turns to find Ashutosh playing beautiful melody on violin...mesmerising and luring her towards him...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n49-W3cX8g

A time for us someday there'll be

When chains are torn by courage born of a love that's free

A time when dreams so long denied

Can flourish as we unveil the love we now must hide

A time for us at last to see

A life worthwhile for you and me
And with our love through tears and thorns

We will endure as we pass surely through every storm

A time for us someday there'll be

A new world, a world of shining hope for you and me

A time for us at last to see

A life worthwhile for you and me
And with our love through tears and thorns

We will endure as we pass surely through every storm

A time for us someday there'll be

A new world, a world of shining hope for you and me

When he ended...they found Dr. Mathur watching them affectionately at the door...Both Ashutosh and Nidhi get up...Nidhi exclaims, "Nanu! When did you come?"

"Just a few moments before...he holds her in a hug and placing a soft hand on her head... Thank you Nidhi...she frowns looking at him, he smiles and continues...after ten long years I heard my son playing violin...first in his childhood he so loved to play the violin that our house always echoed with his violin tones...but then gradually he turned away and past ten years I thought my son has forgotten to play the violin...I feel so happy today ...I'm also going to play... Nidhi hugs him in joy and gets violin for him...he settles himself on the couch in Ashutosh's room and takes the violin to play...

she stayed there whole evening enjoying the violin concert between father and the son and after dinner Ashutosh drops her home...she leaves her car behind at Ashu's place...

"So ready for the conference"..."Hmn..you are accompanying...I'm happy"... "I'm left with no choice"...she gives him a questioning look... "Actually my lectures are on second and third day earlier I would have preferred two days only but now..."

"But now?"

Taking a deep breath he puffs out "I can't survive a day without you now!!!"

Nidhi's eyes turn moist his words almost brought a lump to her throat...both remained silent and as usual every inch they were nearing her house she found him taking deep sighs...his sighs make her say.. "If you are going to behave like this always I'm not going to stay till late at your house or you allow me to drive myself" ... "None of the options will do... you have only one choice...come to stay there forever"... "and what if I wont"...he turns to look at her giving her a glaring look...their eyes get locked...a honk from a opposite coming vehicle break their eyelock...both get alarmed as they were close to collide with the vehicle but Ashutosh manages to turn his car at right time hitting the tree on roadside...they take a sigh of relief...Nidhi's face was pale he takes her in a hug and asks "Are you Okay?" she just nods her head in a yes...after some time she pulls apart when she hears him murmur "you wanted an answer.. this is the answer my Love...this will happen if?" she places her hand on his lips not allowing him to complete his sentence... "You won't say anything like that...you have promised you forgot...tears brimming her eyes... promise me if at any point of time we'll have to live at a distance...you'll take care of your self...not for yourself..but for me...you are mine..Aren't you?"...the dumbstruck Ashutosh only manages to nod his head in yes... "I can't live a day without you Nidhi"..."You have lost the rights on yourself...I have the right to decide for you...Haven't I?" he again nod his head in yes "and this is my order...Come what may you'll protect my life?"...he nods his head... "No we'll both protect our lives" and gives her questioning look...tears flowing her eyes she answers in a choked voice... "I promise" taking her in a bear hug he reaffirms "I promise too...I'll wait for you till my last breath...and it won't take much time for my last breath to come if I lose hope of having you in my life Nidhi"...

After few days at Airport:

The flight to Mumbai was in half an hour and Nidhi's whereabouts were not known...Ashutosh, Malika and Dr. Behl were in the waiting lounge waiting for Nidhi to arrive...Ashutosh gets up and moves a bit away to call Nidhi...she wasn't answering his call and every passing minute was adding to his unease...final announcement was made for the passengers and Ashutosh's anger skyrocketed...

"Where are you Nidhi??? I don't want to attend the conference if you are not accompanying...three days without you I'll die Nidhi! Come soon"

Ashutosh was on tenterhooks... He got concerned why she isn't answering his call... "Is she Okay?" Every passing minute was adding to his annoyance. He makes a quick call to Baba...when he was about to enquire about Nidhi...he saw her coming in...He closed his eyes in relief and turned his back to her...Dr. Behl gets up and welcomes...

"where're you? Come fast we are getting late...we're waiting for you"...

Malika nods her head in dismay and they all move to board the flight...Ashutosh was walking ahead he didn't look at her all the way till they reached Mumbai though she yearned for his one glance.

When they reached airport cabs were waiting for them ...Dr. Malika, Dr. Behl and Nidhi took a cab...nidhi saw Ashutosh moving towards a cab besides a chauffer having placard of his name... the cabs take them to the Renaissance Mumbai convention centre. The hotel having the state of art conference rooms situated at banks of Powai Lake having magnificent outdoor spaces, amidst greenery, lush walkways and relaxing views of the serene lake, was apt for international conferences like the one they were attending. The conference had attendees not only from India but also from other parts of the world. When Nidhi saw the list of distinguished speakers having the names of doctors of international repute and the name of her love on the fourth number her chest swelled with pride.

Ashutosh didn't look at her not even once...he was angry...now sulking...his heart was aching to talk to her, only he knew how he was holding himself...he takes a deep sigh leaning on the couch in the Lake view suite of the convention centre after exploring the whole suite. The suite having a lake view bedroom, large living room, two connected rooms, had no meaning that was too far for his state... suite seemed so empty and meaningless to him... he missed his Nidhi when he viewed lake on the balcony connecting bedroom...he remembers how she loved to be on balcony in his old house, how she loved nature there... he starts pondering how Nidhi has changed his life...the vacuum he feels now if she is not around wasn't there...taking a deep sigh again...he exhales "Aah! What is the fun of this suite...this is so empty without you Nidhi...your presence has made me feel the vacuum in my life...I never felt so lonely" he takes his phone to call her...but negates the thought at the same time... "how long you leave me sulking I want to see...I'll bear this ache my love"...

Chapter 17

"Hope is to cherish a desire with anticipation...a desire with expectation of obtainment...to expect with confidence...a belief in a positive outcome."

Malika in her bed mulled over things and decided that she should change her stance towards Nidhi. "Ashutosh is getting irritated seeing my behaviour towards Nidhi...I shouldn't let my insecurities and my indifferent attitude towards her, allow her to pave the way to win a soft corner in his heart...I should change my attitude she resolved"...As the fear and the insecurities sometimes doesn't want us to see the stark reality facing us...evading we shut our eyes in horror...she in her scare concede that only her behaviour makes him to defend her otherwise he would never care for her... he was never the type to mix with girls even in medical college he talked with very few girls... she being his friend was the only exception... and he cared only for her...that was the faith she clung to ever since she loved him. "He always valued hard work, dedication and intelligence and there is no doubt she is very intelligent and efficient... yes I should be careful things haven't turned so bad yet... after all I never saw anything explicit to prove my point...Em...what I earlier suspected was not entrenched... if that would have been the reality, things won't have remained same... in fact things were never the way I thought... past few months I hardly saw Nidhi in his cabin... and the day she was drenching in rain when Ashutosh gave her the lift he hardly talked to her...enough to refute my nagging doubts... my sneaking feelings made me to forget the basic etiquettes... I never behaved with any one like that" with these reflections she decided to let go her fears and doubts and not make a fool of her in others eyes especially Ashutosh's.

Next day morning:

Nidhi in her jeans, knee length white lucknowi Kurti, with white pearl studs and pendant, looking stunning was kneeling before a laptop placed on bed waiting for the laptop to get started...oblivious to the fact how Ashutosh was watching her mesmerizingly at the restroom door. The moment she came and sat beside his bed he opened the door of his restroom...his heart leaps out at the sight...leaning against the door he starts relishing the sight. Fresh cool morning breeze coming in through the open window from the lake ruffling her kempt hair was tickling her... and him at the same time. She tucked some loose strand of hair behind her ears...but the wind seemed adamant made her hair sway...she turned her hair to one side laying bare the smooth and slender neck to his eyes...his eyes smoulder... then a strand swings touching the side of her neck...tickling Ashutosh's insides as she was unaware in her desperation trying to search something in his laptop... Ashutosh's trance gets broken when he hears Dr. Malika yell at her. She couldn't bear to see her touching and having access to his personal things forgetting all her last night resolutions she ticks her off at her behind making her to turn and look at her in surprise:

"What are you doing here? and with Dr. Ashutosh's laptop"

"Sorry ma'm my flash drive is not opening...I think that day I saved a copy of my paper in this laptop...I'm just trying to find that"

"And why do you think he'll keep a copy of your document in his laptop"

Nidhi remained mum she had no answer how she can tell her he can never delete what she saved on his laptop... Malika not hearing anything in response continues...

"you sought his permission first or simply barged into his room to look sneakily in his laptop" Nidhi seemed to be finding right words to answer her question when Ashutosh answered surprising both...they didn't know he was watching them...Malika pursed her lips while she heard him say, "If she is having the password she is having the permission Dr. Malika"

Nidhi glared at him making him to hold back and not to say anything to her...and spoke instantly "Sir I've found the paper can I take your laptop to take its printout." He responds only with... "Please". She takes the laptop to the living room to connect to the printer. Malika also turns to leave when Ashutosh stops her... "Malika you need anything"... "No nothing I just came to see you"... "hmn...If you've got a minute...I want to talk to you"... all her fears returned she thought it is better to avoid to hear him this time "Can we talk later...I've to get ready"...he nods his head in response...on her way out she just looks at Nidhi and leaves his suite.

Nidhi taking an exasperated sigh turns to do her job when she gets caught by strong pair of arms around her...feel of his lips on the nape of her neck make her to hold her breath...in a soft whisper near her ear he utters, "Good morning"...she also responds in a murmur releasing her breath... "thanks my love for making my morning so good"... "Leave me the door is open"... "If I lock the door can I hold you like this" he tightens his grip... "We are getting late"... "who cares"... "I have to read my paper" ..."hmn...and what'll I get in ransom"... "what?"... "You are caged and if you want me to release you...I should get something"...she couldn't respond feeling his lips move instinctively on her neck slowly moving up and behind her ear lobe...she arches her neck to other side the sensations he was creating makes her to whimper and Ashutosh lost the last bit of restrain and nibbles her nape...Nidhi hoarsely puffs out, "Ashutosh!"...he has been falling in love with the way she calls him in such a state...the joy he feels hearing her call his name was ineffable...he turns her and takes her in a tight embrace calming their racing beats. After a while he asks, "How are you feeling today?" and she answers reticently, " Better"...raising her head he places a kiss on her forehead and utters, "you are looking stunning do you know that...a peck goes on her lips...my beauty!"...he leans forward to place a kiss on her cheek...but she pushes him away and takes the print out looking at his chasing eyes and the hands ready to grab her again she makes a swift move, in a tongue in cheek smile and 'I win' look she waves him bye at the door and leaves after receiving a flying kiss in response.

Conference room:

The organising secretary of the conference started the day's proceedings inviting Dr. Johnasen who was sitting in the first row alongside Ashutosh, to begin the conference...Dr. Johnasen a man in his sixties with pepper and salt hair, neurologist of international fame begins the conference sharing all his experiences, acclaiming the contribution of India to neuro-sciences and then applauding the organisers for the conference claiming it to be an experience worth gaining for the budding doctors. After taking questions of many doctors in the hall he thanks many doctors present in the conference and finally to his brilliant student- Dr. Ashutosh...

"It gives me immense pleasure to share with you all that I am the proud teacher of Dr. Ashutosh, I taught him at first during his PG then two years later when he came to receive 'advanced training in neurosurgery and neurosciences' I was his dean at Montreal Neurological Institute, Canada ...he is an outstanding medical expert in India today who combines excellent professional competence as Neurosurgeon with internationally acclaimed scientific research and plays a critical role in development of Neurosciences in India. He has authored some 100 odd papers and has trained many neurosurgeons... His present research efforts dealing with neurological disorders of the nervous system, including developmental defects and foetal neural transplant merits commendation...I won't take much of your time now instead I would like to invite him to share his experiences and knowledge and tell us something about the latest developments in his research work" a round of applause follows and he gets up to address the gathering consisting of doctors, interns and medical students...Nidhi felt butterflies in her stomach for the first she came to know about his contribution to neurosciences...they never discussed their professional lives infact they never had the time...she never asked anyone about him...all she knew was he was held with high esteem in medical fraternity for his professionalism and the knowledge though she had the glint of his expertise on the day he vetted her paper but she didn't know he is doing research as well... and he has authored so many papers but she knew he is writing and has written many articles in medical journals...her eyes were hooked to him displaying...pride and admiration at the same time..her eyes turned moist when she began to ponder and contemplate...What made her so lucky?

He never prepared for the speech... so he carried nothing along... no lap top, no tab or any paper...he was so proficient in the subject, he nurtured and mastered all his life in a consuming passion...he was immersed fully deep down its depths... yet the thirst for knowledge was as unquenched as it was some 15 years back...the way he began his speech and enthralled his audience for two long hours mesmerised Nidhi... after answering questions of the doctors, senior as well as juniors, interns and medical students who were keen to know about his research work...he thanked all which was instantly responded by a tumultuous applause and a standing ovation...Nidhi's heart leaps out finding hard to resist the temptation of yelling and screaming at her loudest to tell the world "He is mine!!! and she belonged to him"

She yearned for a moment with him...he was having his lunch with Dr. Johansen and other senior doctors...though they stole many glances at each other...they were missing each other badly...so close yet they can't talk...Ashutosh could not bear sad look on her face and he didn't miss that she hardly ate anything...her phone buzzes with incoming sms her face brightens...she opens the message "Am I going to have only five spoons of food in lunch I'm starving if you have forgotten I had only soup in the dinner last night" she gives him a questioning look and her phone buzzes with another sms "when are you going to take the sixth one and have mercy on my poor starving tummy" she suppresses her smile and begins her food relishing every bite knowing they are together though sitting in the far corners in the restaurant...after having food she sms him "Howz my poor starving tummy feeling now...want to eat more"...she glanced around and saw him smiling ... "Thanks Jaan you're done"...she gets up to leave and sms' him... "My number is second"... "I know...all the best! and don't worry you'll cover yourself with glory."

After Lunchtime Session:

Nidhi never felt nervous, this is for the first time she was feeling a bit nervy not for the reason she wanted to make an impact on everyone she never bothered for such thing...she always believed in if a thing is worth doing, it's worth doing well...her concern today was what if her hundred percent missed to match his stature...what if she couldn't impress him...she geared herself up giving a glance to him...he returned an assuring gaze as if saying "Don't worry I'm here"...and she began to read her paper...everyone remained deeply engrossed till the end...and when she answered the varied questions of the audience on Epilepsy, Neuro-oncology, stroke, neuro-immunology Ashutosh was knocked for six. It was now his turn to be stunned to see the confidence, expertise of his love. When she ended answering last question on neonatal neurology...her eyes fell on his face...the shine and sparkle in his eyes make her to take a relieved breath in contentment... this is what she wanted to see... to be worth...to deserve his love.

Nidhi was entering her room after the first day's proceedings were over...she was pinning to meet him and talk to him...but she saw him leaving the hall with Dr. Johansson...she wasn't sure whether he was going out or...then suddenly she refutes her thought "No he'll inform me if he moves out of convention centre...he must be here...I'll call him after sometime"...and her phone rings...

Col. Verma: Hello Beta, How are you? How are you feeling now?

Ni: I'm fine Baba... feeling much better.

CV: Good! Take care of yourself...a pause... beta you know your dadi bua's son Mukesh is here.

Ni: Really when did he come?

CV: Yesterday morning...he returned to India last month you know that?

Ni: Yes Baba I talked to him...he wasn't feeling well at that time...howz he now...he is having some neuro problem I guess.

CV: Yes Beta he is here for that only...

Ni: For that...what do you mean Baba?

CV: yes Nidhi...some neurologist Dr. Johansson has referred him to Dr. Ashutosh. He is having medication as per his advice...but he advised him to visit Dr. Ashutosh only... if he feels any need during his stay in India and Beta he is complaining pain from last few days.

Ni: So whatz the problem he can take his advice...and the neurologist Dr. Johansson is also present here in the conference...but I'm not sure Baba whether I can talk to him or not.

CV: You see if you can talk to Dr. Johansson but I think...he is staying here in India for sometime it is better to take Dr. Ashutosh's advice...I tried yesterday...his assistant has fixed an appointment after one month...and then on Dr. Rangnaths reference he gave an appointment after one week...

Ni: Well Baba he is here for the next two days and then he must be having large number of patients already lined up...why don't you talk to him personally?

CV: No Beta I don't want to...doesn't look nice to use personal relations otherwise I could've talked to Baba...but I don't want to...so unethical.

Ni: Baba..You and your army principles...it's a matter of life and in case of medical emergencies we can do that...we can't wait for a patient to develop complications.

CV: Okay! As you wish. I'll talk to him and let you know...you take care, Beta. But Nidhi...

Ni: yes Baba

CV: I had no idea our Lucknow city is having such a famous Neurosurgeon.

Ni: Yes Baba...he is very accomplished in his field. Here in conference I came to know how much he is being admired...his contribution to neurosciences is acclaimed so much. Baba you know he has already 100 papers to his credit and he is currently working on a research project that can do wonders in neurosciences.

CV: Taking a deep sigh...Baba- your Nanu is his mentor...he has brought him up...and seeing that my guilt has swelled...I did so wrong to Nandini...she too could've touched skies...she couldn't complete her course...

Ni: Please Baba...What has happened has happened we can't change that...don't worry I'll fulfil all your wishes...mom's and Nanu's wishes.

CV: Taking a sigh again...God bless you Beta.

Nidhi smiles looking fondly at her phone... lying on her bed she starts pondering how Baba will react when he comes to know about their love... thinking about her Baba she realises she should be the one to tell him first... "Baba may feel bad if he comes to know about our relationship through someone else...I've always shared everything with him...he remained always by my side like a friend...I should be the one to tell him first" she decides to discuss with Ashutosh and gets up to refresh and get ready and see if she can steal a chance to meet him...she was on her way to washroom and her phone rings again:

Ni: Yes Baba

Cv: Beta I talked to him...he was so generous...he talked to your uncle over phone...enquired about his health asked a few questions and then told us to mail the scanned copy of his reports and prescription so that he can advise medicines till he is back and can check him up.

Ni: Oh! That's great.

Cv: yes convey my thanks to him when you see him.

Ni: Okay! Baba.

CV: Take care Beta.

Nidhi tries to call him after freshening up but he didn't answer...presuming he must be busy she waits for his call.

After an hour:

Ashutosh was busy with a conference call when he receives her sms:

"going to see Arabian sea view point"...she was on her way to move out of the convention centre with Dr. Sidarth, when she receives his sms "No love you can't"

She purse her lips "Sorry Siddarth my Baba wants to talk to me I can't come this moment he has to discuss something very important, actually my uncle is not feeling well"...

Siddarth: "Nidhi you tried to give hundred excuses ever since I asked for ...you're not wiling to come...Okay!!! I'll go alone" and with that he leaves.

She couldn't say no when he insisted a lot though she tried to avoid...she too wasn't wishing to go... she won't have been able to enjoy...taking a deep breath she takes the lift to reach her room...the moment she shuts the door and plonks herself in the couch her phone rings, "where are you?"...

"Why didn't you allow me to go?"

He shrugs his shoulders... "My wish"... "but I want to see the Arabian sea"...

"Your wish is my command ma'm"

She smiles... "Fine, let us go!"... Laughing in response... "Not now... may be tomorrow"...

"Why? Why can't we go this time?"... "Okay! I'll take you there but you'll stay away from water"...

"hmn...what is the fun of going there when you can't feel the waves breaking and crashing against the shore?" ...

He laughs at that "you know you can't do that...you want to catch fever again...I promise I'll take you there"...

Taking a resigned sigh she agrees "Fine! But It's so boring here"...

"It's getting dark outside...let us take a stroll to have a lake view"... "Really!"... "hmn...I'll wait in the lawns and we can meet there by chance"... she giggles in response... "Yes by chance"

When she moved out she looked around for him... she saw him on the walkway towards lake chatting with Dr. Behl...when their eyes met he started his amble towards the lake stopping and looking around occasionally and Nidhi followed them...on reaching the lush green embankment they sit on a wooden settee... soothing themselves looking at the serene waters of the lake...presenting a view of moonlit and star studded sky with reflection of moon and lights twinkling on its silent ripples...

Dr. Behl- "Nice view sir and it is quite cool here"

Ash- "Hmn" he never talked much so they remained quite, staring at the tranquil surface of the water...

Nidhi remained a bit away but Ashutosh's eyes followed her averting Dr. Behl's gaze... he wasn't knowing about her presence but soon taking a look around he spotted her and murmured...Dr. Nidhi is also here...Ashutosh turning his head looking towards her their eyes met and she smiled and walked up to the place where they were sitting...

"Hello Sirs!"... Ashutosh kept his mum but Dr. Behl answers, "Hello...Dr. Nidhi! You enjoying?"...

Ni: "Yes Sir, I just love it"

Ashutosh raised his eyes giving her a meaningful look she couldn't comprehend her articulate little frown made clear to him...Dr. Malika's "Vow KGH is here" make them all to look at her...

Nidhi answers "yes ma'm we met here... by chance"...accentuating her 'by chance'...that makes Ashutosh to suppress his smile...

"Hmn...Can I join you?"

Dr. Behl answers, "Most welcome ma'm but I'm sorry I'll have to take your leave as I'm going to meet my Aunt in Bandra" he leaves and Nidhi's phone rings displaying Rohan's call...she moves a bit away to answer her call but within the vivid reach of Ashutosh's gaze.

Malika looking at the lake... "I heard there are some 10 to 12 crocodiles in the lake"

Ashutosh: "hmn" he was staring at Nidhi...who was laughing at something while talking on the phone...her smile was enough to lure him towards her...Malika turned to look at him and was stunned to see him watching her like that...his eyes seemed mesmerised...her doubts were seeing a blatant reality hard to deny... her calm goes bang and makes her desperate to ask and enquire about the reality but at the same time she wanted to hold herself and not to annoy him but his unblinking gaze at her was hard to stand and she blurts out almost in a murmur... "You are falling for her...aren't you?" and waits for him to react...after a few secs when Nidhi ended her call he asks, "Did you ask anything?" she shakes her head.. Nidhi after taking a few steps on her way back receives another call from Anji that makes her stay put with the call... Ashutosh with his gaze fixed on Nidhi utters... "I am not falling for her I have fallen for her" stunning Malika...he turns to look into her eyes and continues "She is my love Malika...the Love I waited for ages"...giving a look to Nidhi he turns his head back... "I wanted to share this with you in the morning but couldn't"

Malika gulps down, the words she would have never wished to hear; the land beneath her feet shook the moment she heard him say... "I have fallen for her"...she felt her breath ceasing as the pain took over the hope filled heart...she gulps down one more time...her pain...her broken hope and asks, "Do you have any idea what you are saying? She is fourteen years younger than you"... "Yes I know Malika...When does love evaluate and analyse it just happens?...My heart doesn't know how old I am and how old she is and just for the gimmick of numbers I can't deny my heart the first joy... my heart ever asked for...I only know I love her and with every fibre of my being...she may be younger than me but she is a mature grown-up person"...

Malika saw her retreating after hanging up the phone, she gets up saying: "I am going back to my room"

Ashutosh: "Malika Please" he grabs her hand... "Sit here"

Malika: "Please Ashutosh I want to be alone for sometime" tears brimming her eyes...Ashutosh felt helpless and released her hand...by that time Nidhi reaches there and notices Malika's changed countenance...Malika averting her eyes walks away swiftly...surprising Nidhi... and the pain and helplessness clearly written on Ashutosh's face prompts her to ask him, "What happened? Everything Okay?"

Ashutosh looks far away to clear the blur, calms himself taking deep sigh holds her hand and makes her to sit by her side... "I told her Nidhi"

She frowns a little then understanding dawns on her and she enquires in response, "About us?"... he nods his head in a yes.

Giving a resigned look she asks, "What was the need? You could have waited for the right time"

Ash: "Right time? What do you mean by right time?...Don't you know how she was behaving with you?"

Ni: "So what? Since the day I came to know I never felt bad"

Ash: "But I felt!...I felt bad for both of you...I felt bad for the way she was behaving ...you expect me to watch silently my friend behaving ludicrously when I could've stopped her...she is not like the way she acted up whenever she saw you"

Ni: I know...I know she is a nice person...you needn't feel bad for that...I never thought about her that way...though I felt bad in the beginning but since the day you told me about her feelings...I never took her behaviour otherwise. A silence of few moments...I think you should go and talk to her...just go and see how she is feeling...

Ashutosh nods in response and they both get up...they walked silently till they reached back...near the reception nidhi breaks the silence... "You go and see her... I'm in my room" he nods silently in response and leaves.

Malika was sobbing her heart out when he opened the door of her room which she hadn't locked in her desperation to enter the room quickly to cry out the pain that was ceasing her breath and give vent to pent up emotions ever since she heard him say "I have fallen for her..I love her"...the words were reverberating in her ears...she in vain attempt tried to close her ears by placing hands on her ears so that the echo of the words doesn't resonate her empty room...the thought 'she can't have him...she lost him and the hope she clung to all these years is broken" makes her to howl in pain. She burrows herself in a pillow so that her sobs doesn't reach other room...she was lying on the bed sobbing when Ashutosh entered her room...seeing him she quickly gets up wipes her tears...tries to calm herself...and manages to mumble, "I am fine"

Ash: Yes I can see that...a pause...Malika I'm sorry

Malika: "Sorry for what? For not loving me??? He purses his lips in response when she looks at him.

Mal: To love or not to love is not in our hands...if it would have been our discretion I would have tried my best not to love you...not even to look at you...taking a deep sigh...someone above plays the game...then a silence of few moments...Does she know about it?...You told her?

Ashutosh nods his head in response... "She loves me too"

Mal: I behaved very badly...didn't I? She must be laughing at me...

He shushes her, "No need to talk about that... she knows you are my friend and she respects you a lot.

A silence of few moments prevails again with Malika's sighs breaking the calm intermittently...after sometime she asks,

"What if her parents won't agree?" and turns to look at him

Shrugging his shoulders in response he takes a deep sigh and keeps his mum again his eyes turn teary

Malika: "Don't worry...what'll HE do with three broken hearts"

A sad smile forms on his lips...then pursing his lips... "Take care...see you at dinner..you are coming? Aren't you?

She nods in response and he leaves.

Chapter 18

After having dinner Ashutosh was sitting on the couch leaning against its back with his eyes closed. He always felt a tug at his heart whenever the thought about losing Nidhi came to his mind. When Malika asked what will he do if Nidhi's parents doesn't agree to their relationship, his mind and heart got occupied in a tussle of its own...his heart is confident but his mind tries to reason... there was nothing to worry about after all he knew he had everything a girl's father can wish for his daughter but the unknown lineage and the disparity in their ages was haunting him whenever he mused about their relationship. Nidhi has become an inseparable part of his life...he can't imagine his life without her...an involuntary urge escape his lips when he uttered opening his eyes and looking heaven wards "I only want her...please!" a deep sigh follows and he closes his eyes again tightly as if shutting her in his eyes and treasuring her presence in his life, not allowing her to run away. A smile forms on his lips when a familiar scent strikes his senses, pair of delicate arms cocoon around his neck and a peck on his forehead, breaks his daze making him open his eyes. He grabs the beautiful braces that has fastened him in the garb for the lifetime and makes her to walk around the couch to sit beside him.

"Why you took so much time to come here?"

She responds his question with a question, "May I know first why you look so gloomy and what are you pondering about? I saw during dinner time you're not in your best mood...I thought to message you that very moment but for Dr. Malika I held back...how is she feeling now?"

He poses another one, "And how do I look now?"

Taking an exasperated breath, "Answer my question first"

I think I'm the one who asked first... "Where were you?" and pulls her in a side hug looking deeply in her eyes.

"Some doctors were talking in the lobby in my floor I waited for them to disperse." and gives a look saying now your turn and nestles to him resting her head on his chest and waits for him to answer her question.

"hmn...a deep sigh...Malika is better now...it'll take some time for her to come to terms with reality...she had all these years nurtured a hope that was doomed to break...I couldn't save her all these years from clinging to that hopeless hope and now from the pain she must be going through today"

"But what can we do for something that is beyond our power" she raises her head to look at him and asks "what's the other reason that I missed smile in those eyes"

Looking fondly at her he asks "Do my eyes smile...I didn't know?"

"For me they do...only for me...and only I can understand that"

Placing a peck on her forehead...he holds her tightly her cheek close touching him near his heart... "I was missing you"

She shakes her head "Not true...you were not missing me...because I was there with you...she burrows her head more deep...right here...I found myself in the every look you gave me" he tightens his grip more "Wasn't that something...what if...what if we..Can't" he tighten his grip more that stifles her and she murmurs... "Please"...he eases his grip a little... holding her tightly... "I'm sorry but please don't complete that Nidhi...don't...nothing like that would happen...you are mine...mine for all times to come"

"Thatz what I want to say we belong to each other...and no one and nothing can separate us...social acceptance gives a relationship recognition in society that doesn't make a relation"

Her words soothe the tempest inside him, "But I want you by my side... like this... tightening his grip a little...always...I need that social acceptance so that I don't have to wait to find a moment to be with you...thatz why I want to talk to your Baba as soon as we return"

"What if I talk to him first...she looks at him to see his reaction...I think he'll feel bad...if he comes to know about us through anyone other than myself... I always shared everything with my Baba"

"I've no problem Nidhi... but are you sure?...I mean I don't want you to face the outcome alone...I want to stand by your side"

"I always feel you by my side...don't worry everything will be fine...and if need be we'll fight together every odd that comes our way"

Looking assuredly at her...he nods his head...and pulls her close to his heart.

"That reminds me you talked to Baba again...how's uncle? I hope there is nothing serious"

"He is having a clot...he may need surgery in near future...the way he is complaining nasty recurring headaches... I think he needs further examination only then we can decide...I'll check him up when we return"

"Baba has told me to convey his thanks to you"

"So you have come to say his thanks"...seeing a glint in his eyes Nidhi shrugs her shoulders and answers "why would I?" Ashutosh understands and smiles in response.

"Last night you didn't allow me...Can I see this suite today?"

Releasing her he gets up and speaks austerely, "So you need the permission...yes Dr. nidhi you can have a look around" and moves to the bedroom.

Nidhi after visiting the suite knocks at the bedroom door...Ashuosh was lying on the bed... checking his mobile... his tie off... a few buttons of his shirt open...laying bare his broad chest.

Nidhi hesitates after seeing him in the state she changes her mind and asks... "Okay! I'm leaving Goodnight!"

He raises his eyebrow in his typical style and utters, "Come in and close the door".

"It's getting late I think I should go".

He gets up saying "Hmn...you are right you are getting late and you... lifts her in his arm... shoulddd go".

"What are you doing? Leave me"... "hmn..mn..you are staying here tonight"

Her mouth wide open... Nidhi's heart misses a beat and starts palpitating fast... he closes the door giving a slight kick and with a tongue in cheek smile looks at her...she was blushing... "Switch the lights off".

"No I can't... leave me"...her radiant blushes always took his heart away, in a husky tone he pleas, "Please Jaan".

Nidhi gets lost in his eyes and unknowingly raises her hand and turn the lights off...he steps out carrying her in his arms and drops her softly onto the balcony...when Nidhi straightens herself and shyly turns her back to him to avoid looking at his broad bare chest her eyes fell on the lake outside...she walks a few steps forward mesmerized at the sight and exclaims after a few seconds... "Wow! this is so beautiful"

Ashutosh who was waiting breathlessly for her reaction walks up to her and wraps her in his arms, "hmn...now this looks beautiful...so..so...beautiful"

"Why you didn't tell me last night?"

"Ma'm was busy seeking permission and I was not in a mood to allow anyone to tread on my personal space...both remain silent for sometime turning her hair to one side he pecks at the side of her neck making her writhe and speaks breaking the silence... "Why you need my permission Nidhi?"

"Who said I need your permission then I would have sought one before using the laptop in morning.

A smile forms on his face and he starts caressing her neck using his lips..."You are so soft Nidhi"...

Maddening caresses only make her utter, "please"... unable to bear she makes him to open his arms and turns to hide herself in his chest hugging him tightly...slowly raising his arms he holds her in a tight embrace...

After some time he softly ruffles her hair and ask, " Jaan...you don't want to look at the beautiful sight"

pouting she answers "With so much disruption how can one get pleasure from looking at the beautiful sight...he laughs out loud...I'm going back to my room".

He chuckles... "Didn't I say you are staying here tonight" and in a tongue in cheek smile waits for her response..

"I can't you know that"... he turns her back to look at the view she was enjoying and asks "Why you can't stay here?"

"What if some one comes here?"

"Who'll come?Dr. Behl has gone to meet his Aunt...Malika? If she comes...no problem...she knows now"

She didn't respond and both remain silent for sometime...looking at the serene waters and twinkling lights on its waves...Nidhi breaks the silence... "This must be presenting an equally beautiful view during day time"

"Well! I don't know"

"Why? You didn't see" and turns to look at him with a little frown...

Looking deep into her eyes... "When you are not around...heaven is hell for me...yesterday evening I only had a quick look... when I saw I couldn't take the second glance"...Nidhi turns emotional... their eyes remain locked...their trance gets broken when they here some sound from nearby balcony... Nidhi whisper in his ear "Let us move inside"...he whispers back... "No one can see us...It's quite dark... thatz why I made you to turn off the lights".

They remain silently watching the view and enjoying the moment cuddled up together...Ashutosh takes a deep sigh...caressing her arms with his hands and burrowing his face in the side of her neck... Ashutosh's sighs of contentment occasionally breaks the silence... she raise her hand and ruffle his hair with her delicate fingers...when she makes a slight movement...he whispers "hmn..stay here"... "Let us go in"...

"Why you are not enjoying...you like such views"... "hmn...I just love it"...a nibble in response makes her to straighten herself... "You repeated that...you can't love anyone and anything else...only me"

Nidhi understands what he meant by that frown when she said those words when they were on lakeside... "But I don't love you"...

"Really!"... "Hmn...did I ever say...what gave you the delusion"...realizing his grip on her loosening...she turns and swiftly moves into the room but he follows quickly and manages to come on her way making her to retreat her steps slowly...

"Repeat...what you're saying Dr. Nidhi" he moves a step forward and she takes a step backward with their eyes locked when finally nidhi plops down on the bed"

Ashutosh sits on her side and grabbing her shoulders makes her to lie back on the pillow and leaning forward places a soft peck on her forehead... "Repeat your words Jaan"...

Reticently she answers, "I said I don't love you"...a peck goes on her right eye, "come again"...her heart thumping she murmurs, "please"

A peck on her left eye, "I'm waiting"...blushing profusely she manages to utter "I don't love you"...

A lingering kiss goes on her right cheek, "hmn"...but Nidhi forgets what she was saying he huskily whispers near her ear... "Come again"...

"Please"...he waits and when she repeats her "I don't...he brands a searing kiss on her left cheek...that leaves her blazing hot...and "love you" escapes her lips...both the hearts beating one and racing enormously...when he moves to kiss her lips.."what did you say?...repeat"...he waits for her...she had her eyes closed...he trails her lips with his thumb and asks in a husky voice, "repeat" not able to bear anymore she blurts out, "I love you" he leans forward and places a soft gratifying kiss on her lips.

Raising his head he gives an intense look to her...the sight before his eyes was compelling... "blushing cheeks...raising and falling chest...hair sprawled on the pillow... and fists tightly holding the bed sheet...he slowly makes her release her fists and taking her hands in his, places kisses on her hands...pulls her up in a tight embrace saying, "I love you Nidhi" and keeps her cuddled till both calm their mounting tempest.

Nidhi after a while tries to move out of the hug, "I think I should leave now"...as usual gloom takes over Ashutosh's face and he relentlessly holds her back and asks her to stay there.

"I can't ...you know"... "please" a pleading look. She pushes him away and his hand touches the LCD remote control...the sudden boom in the uneasy calm environs jolts Nidhi that makes him to laugh and she also joins him...shaking her head she gets up to move but he holds her hand with the same pleading look and a song plays on the TV

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2jg36hzR5o

Saanson Ko Saanson Mein Dalne Do Zara

The song lyrics and his unblinking look brimming with desire melt her insides...

Saanson Ko Saanson Mein Dalne Do Zara
Dheemi Si Dhadkan Ko Badne Do Zara
Lamho Ki Guzarish Hai Yeh Paas Aa Jaaye
Hum... Hum Tum...
Tum... Hum Tum...

Ashutosh gets up turns her to face him...holds her chin to make her look at him...the eyes she was averting now...

Aankhon Mein Humko Utharne Do Zara
Baahon Mein Humko Pighalne Do Zara
Lamho Ki Guzarish Hai Yeh Paas Aa Jaaye
Hum... Hum Tum...
Tum... Hum Tum...

Saanson Ko Saanson Mein Dalne Do Zara

He picks her up in his arms and makes her to lie down on the bed by his side...she twirls her back to him...but he turns her back and caress her blushing cheeks with his fingers...

Salvatein Kahin Karwatein Kahin
Phel Jaaye Kajal Bhi Tera
Nazron Mein Ho Guzar Tha Hua
Khwabon Ka Koi Khafila
Jismo Ko Ruho Ko Jale Do Zara
Sharmo Khaya Ko Machalne Do Zara
Lamho Ki Guzarish Hai Yeh Paas Aa Jaaye
Hum... Hum Tum...
Tum... Hum Tum...

Saanson Ko Saanson Mein Dalne Do Zara

Choolon Badan Magar Iss Tarah
Jaisa Surila Saaz Ho
Hum Hai Re Chupe Tere Zulf Mein
Kholo Ke Raat Azaad Ho

Unable to bear the lyrics of song and the glare resonating every word of the song...she turns swiftly and gets up to flee...but he manages to hold the corner of her dupatta and breath hiccups when she feels the tug at her dupatta and manages to hold it by placing a hand on thumping chest...his pull makes her to retreat and sit back on the bedside...

Aanchal Ko Seene Se Dhalne Do Zara
Shabnam Ki Boondein Phisalne Do Zara
Lamho Ki Guzarish Hai Yeh Paas Aa Jaaye
Hum... Hum Tum...
Tum... Hum Tum...
Saanson Ko Saanson Mein Dalne Do Zara
Bahon Mein Humko Pighalne Do Zara
Lamho Ki Guzarish Hai Yeh Paas Aa Jaaye
Hum... Hum Tum...
Tum... Hum Tum...

When song ends he simply asks her "you don't trust me?" and Nidhi forgets everything...she leans back settles herself on the bed and waits for him to lie down on her side.

With eyes little popped out with surprise and look gratifying with the trust she reposed on him he leaps himself to her side and lies down next to her...Ashutosh straightens her long hair sprawled on the pillow and burrows his face in her hair taking in her smell...she turns her head a bit...and slowly ruffle his hair...his few sighs told her how much he was trying to contain himself...a thin thread of distance between their bodies told her how much he sanctifies her trust...after sometime she hears his consistent breaths and finds him sound asleep.

She stops soft ruffles on his hair... slowly makes him to turn and pulls out her hair...she watches him sleeping unblinkingly... when hard to resist she places a soft kiss on his forehead and smiles at the way he turns back to the same position as he was sleeping...slowly moving out of the bed she tucks him under the comforter and leaves his room...the floor only had suites, and only senior and distinguished doctors were staying in the floor...so the floor remained mostly deserted...she quickly takes the lift and walks away to her room...her floor still had doctors moving as it wasn't that late when she moves in to her room.

Malika hardly ate anything in the dinner...the few morsels she had was only on Ashutosh's insistence...she was ruefully smiling at her own state in her bed musing over the thought whether she should weep on losing him or enjoy his care and concern after such a long time. She had felt him maintaining a distance always ever since she disclosed her feelings for him...he has felt a friend by her side after a long time...it seemed ages to her...today he waited for her in the dinner and after a long time they dined together...past few years she hardly saw him even initiating a conversation with her...she was always the one who moved around him..but today when every hope dashed to the dust...she suddenly found her friend back...come what may she won't lose his friendship again she resolves...but the pain of losing him takes over and tears start flowing...the thought Nidhi will have first right on him...right above everyone else the thought makes her to sob her heart out...she stole a few glances to look at her while having the dinner to confirm herself whether she loves him too...but she didn't see anything...their looks were impassive...but he said she loves him too...he won't lie... how he would be looking at her...the way he was looking at her intensely at lakeside...how she would be feeling at his intense gaze as empowered as I could have felt to see love in his eyes...how he talks to her...the same way he talks with everyone...or lovingly and adoringly like a man talks to his woman... only she will see that side of him...how she must be feeling at his touch as coveted as I could've felt...no he may not have touched her yet...but ultimately he'll touch her with all the love I saw in his eyes...no matter how gentleman he is...but he is a man...she has funnelled desire in him I saw in his stare...the look I never saw in his eyes for anyone ever...he would want her, touch her like his woman...the thoughts swirl her head...unable to bear even in her thoughts that he belongs to someone else...her slow tears turn to sobs and she cries herself to sleep.

Next day morning Ashutosh wakes up to a pleasant morning...the familiar scent on his bed makes him to burrow himself deep into the pillow...suddenly he remembers last nights happenings and he extends his hand to touch her at the side she was sleeping...feeling an empty space he opens his eyes and turns to look other side of his bed...when emptiness stares him he shakes his head in exasperation...refuting the happenings as a nightmare...I may have been hallucinating last night followed by a beautiful dream all night...he pulls his comforter and delves deep into the pillow on the side he felt her all night...but the smell on his pillow brings him to his senses and he gets up...when he saw he hasn't even changed he was still in last day's clothes...he takes his phone to call her...the ring coming from his bedside table further jolts him out of his trance she has left her phone here...he moves to bedside to take the intercom to call her...when his eyes locate the pearl pendant she was wearing near his pillow...his heart misses a beat...he takes the pendant caresses it looking fondly at it...he quickly dials the number of her room...a sleepy hello on the other side makes him to take a deep breath...she recognises the intake of breath and sleepily utters, "Good morning"...her wish makes him to take a sigh of relief... "How are you jaan?"...sleepily she answers... "I'm fine...why...what happened? Had a nightmare"... "If I behave again like the way I behaved last night...you have my permission...you'll hit me hard wherever you wish...to bring me back to my senses"...his words woke her up fully...she giggles in response and asks, "who are you to give me the permission? And I can never hit you"...closing his eyes in response... "Yeah you don't need my permission but promise me you'll hit me hard and won't relent to any of such demands"... "Oh! Really? Okay! Let me sleep"...he says nothing in response and she didn't hang up the phone... "How and when you returned to your room...I hope no body saw you"... "Relax! I came back last night...you're sound asleep after 15 minutes...I slowly slipped out and came back...nobody saw me it wasn't that late...it was only 11 at that time"... "How can you relent to any such demand of mine...I lost my senses and you followed whatever I said"... "What was wrong in that I trust you and I trust our love"... "And what if anyone would have seen you...I put my honour at risk and you didn't bother to stop me"... "Relax! Thatz why I came back to my room...no body saw me"... "but..."... she cuts him... "Enough! Stop it now"...taking a deep breath...he plops back into his bed... "after ages I slept such a sound sleep thanks my love for the wonderful night and this blissful morning" his mind starts wandering how her presence made his mornings so beautiful...live is worth living when you are around love "You have left your phone here"... "hmn...I know...I came to know last night when I reached here"...and there is also something else I found besides your scent resting on my side...whatz that?...your pendant...she remains silent...both start cherishing last night's moments they spent together...he knew she must be blushing...and in glint of mischief he asks, "Repeat the words you said last night"... "Bye I have to get ready" and she hangs up the phone...he smiles and kisses the pendant and again delves deep into the pillow... "Oh god! When can I have her by my side...when I don't have to hold this stupid yet so lucky pillow immersed in her scent"

She knocks at his door short while after calling him from her room saying that she'll come to take her cell phone and he was waiting for her, almost all the doctors had moved towards the convention centre...when he answers her knock he turned his eyes towards living room whispering "Malika" and hands over her the phone pocketed in his coat...she gives a long drawn blink saying she understands and leaves after receiving an air kiss from him...Malika was lost in her thoughts looking outside through the open window...her trance gets broken when he utters... "Shall we move"...she nods in response and asks "who was on the door"... "hmn..Room service"... she again nods her head and both move towards the conference hall...the day passed like the previous day...in the second session it was Malika's turn to speak to the gathering...though dejected and gloomy...she spoke with sheer professionalism...Nidhi's heart felt her pain...she deliberately avoided her since last evening...feeling that her presence may add to her pain...though they never openly exhibited their feelings for each other...but in Malika's presence she even avoided to look towards him.

Malika's eyes were on them...she was trying to find and see the hidden side of her lost love...the side she wanted to see which only Nidhi can see now...she wanted to see how he looks at her...and how she reacts when he glances at her lovingly...but she finds nothing...actually glances they passed to each other where the ones only they understood...just for a fraction of a minute...that was hard for anyone to understand...their love taught them the knack and more so Ashutosh's expertise in maintaining the professional demeanour helped her to learn the professionalism. She always wandered after seeing his so desperate side when they are alone, how he manages to hold himself so well in presence of others.

When that day's session ends he calls her from his room, "what is my love doing?"... "Nothing"... "Get ready we are going to see Arman" ... "And what about sea view" he laughs in response "sometimes I see a glimpse of a kid in you"... "Fine! I don't want to see"... "What happened...missing me?"...she remains silent...he knew... he too missed her with equal enormity...they didn't talk even once during the day... "So how much time you need...ten minutes?"...she answers "hmn"... "See you my love..and hey jaan...malika is also accompanying us"... "That is great otherwise I would feel guilty to keep her bearing her pangs alone"...Ashutosh feels joy in his heart he smiles in response and says a silent thank to god for the lovely woman she has bestowed him with. "Fine! see you in ten minutes"

Ever since Malika came to know about them she was facing Nidhi for the first time...Nidhi decked up in a sky blue chiffon saree having silver lines drawn on borders and wearing silver dangles was looking breath taking, she politely wishes her when she saw her coming waiting for Ashutosh at the reception..."Ashutosh hasn't arrived yet?"... "No Ma'm, Sir is coming in a minute"...Malika frowns hearing Sir from her and seeing her behaving formally...Nidhi was doing that deliberately as she didn't want to add her unease and pain...she saw Ashutosh coming who got stuck at the sight after seeing Nidhi she lowers her eyes seeing the intensity in his glance...she raises her head again and pointed towards him... "He is coming"... "Hello ladies! Ready?"...Malika nods in response..." Ashutosh please you go I'm waiting here for Dr. Banerjee she wants me to go shopping with her... I couldn't say no to her... Ashutosh and Nidhi exchange glances... "But you were coming to see Arman "... "I'm sorry I couldn't say no to her, she has remained our teacher...I promise if I get the time I'll join you there"... "Are you sure?"...She nods and Ashutosh and Nidhi silently move out and get into the cab that was waiting for them.

"I think she was ready she avoided at the last moment"...Ashutosh shrug his shoulders in response... "I don't think so but she did right though I wished her to come because I felt bad leaving her alone in such state but now if she is going out with Dr. Banerjee that is much better...she may have felt more bad"

They travel silently towards Arman's place the calm was broken by Nidhi's soft exclaim when she saw they were moving towards the Sea... "Arabian sea!" he smiles in response and answers, "Arman lives in Juhu...his living room presents panoramic view of the sea"

She gestures looking at him, "I want to go there and points towards the sea"... suppressing his chuckle he nods his head and asks driver to take them to Marine drive. When the driver stops the car...they both get off...he holds her hand and walks the boulevard with her...

"Happy!"...she nods her head...the sun was setting and it was presenting a breath taking look...Nidhi was watching the sunset mesmerizingly but Ashutosh's eyes were watching the sunrise of his life...when Nidhi gets aware of his eyes...she turns and gives a questioning look to him...he shakes his head but continues watching her intensely and unblinkingly...Nidhi looks around... "What are you doing?"

A deep breath... "Do you know you are looking breathtakingly beautiful". He takes out his mobile and take a few pictures of her and sunset in the background...

"Can we take a pic together?"... "But how? Who'll take the picture"...Nidhi gestures him to wait and he frowns in response. She stops a girl and asks politely for her favour...the girl clicks the photo and poses a question, husband wife? Nidhi abashed looks at Ashutosh who seemed enjoying her question ...Nidhi shakes her head in a 'no' in response...the girl gives a look that conveyed she found odd and hard to believe that they are a couple...

Ashutosh smiles at girl's weird stare "does that mean we should marry soon...we are acceptable as married couple...but not the one dating and in love"... "hmn...arranged marriages do happen with such difference in ages...but to be in love is exception"

"I want to paddle along the sea shore"...he gives her a pop eyed look ... "Have a look at your dress?"

"What is wrong with this dress? Don't people visit seaside in a saree?"

"No there is nothing wrong...if you can hold your fabric against the strong sea wave...I've no problem"

Understanding dawns on Nidhi and her cheeks turn red when she realises what would be her state if she gets steeped in a sea wave. Ashutosh smiles when he saw her covering herself with loose end of her saree...only he knew how hard he was finding to avert his eyes and not to look at her when the wind was making her every curve quite obvious.

"Shall we move now?...it was getting dark he holds her in a side hug and walk towards their cab...we can see that on our return"... She was still blushing and remains silent.

When they reach Arman's place...a small white bungalow on a seaside... Ashutosh enters first... Nidhi was walking behind as she took sometime looking around...when Arman and Sneha see their friend they almost jump in joy and Arman holds his friend in tight embrace...Ashutosh gives Sneha a side hug and Arman gestures him... "Where is she?"

Smiling at his impatience he turns his eyes towards door and Arman's sight catches her...he yells at her... "Hello sweetheart!"...

Nidhi smiles and mumbles "Arman Bhaya"...she walks quickly towards them. Arman takes her in a side hug and Sneha follows the suit giving her a tight hug ...Ashutosh looks fondly at them... contemplating who can say they are meeting first time.

When they enter Arman calls out her two year old daughter... "Riya...look darling who's here" who seemed little cranky in her maid's lap...when she turns they all wait for her reaction...she quickly gets down and comes yelling... "Nidimashi"... "Nidimashi" hard to comprehend but Nidhi understands and she leans forward and grabs her in a quick embrace... "Howz my sweet heart?"... "my chocooate" Ashutosh's eyes popped out... she forgot her chachu...Nidhi and Arman smile in response.

Sneha: Come let us sit ...they all settle in the couches...Riya was still in Nidhi's lap ...they exchanged few kisses on their cheeks...Ashutosh was watching them astonishingly.

Ashutosh: "Riya, sweetheart...you forgot your chachu"...as if she hasn't seen him she quickly gets down and run towards his chachu. All smile at her expression..Ashutosh cuddles her and makes her to sit in his lap. She leans against his chest...Ashutosh feeling her head hot ...checks her pulse and calls Arman who was busy talking with Nidhi, "Armaan Riya is having fever"

Arman: Yes Ashu...she has been cranky all day...last night when she had fever...I took her to the doctor but she has not responded well to the medicines so far.

Ashu: "Her Nidhi Massi can check her... but Arman how come she know her...mashi"

Nidhi: We talk almost every night on skype...so we have...in a way... met already...Ashutosh nods his head looking towards Arman who was sitting next to him.

Nidhi checks Riya and asks for a torch to check her throat and ear. After checking her she concludes, "She is having infection in her ear" and prescribes an eardrop. Arman calls out his driver and asks him get the medicine...in no time the driver comes back and Nidhi administers eardrops in her ear.

Arman who was watching her keenly as if unable to believe that his friend has finally lost his heart and she is the lucky one who has won his friends heart. Ashutosh observe him watching her and understands his friend's joy...he places a hand on his hand in silent understanding when Arman utters... his stare still at Nidhi... "I can't believe Ashu though I talked to her every night...Is she really the reality...I'm so happy...tears of happiness flow his eyes...I so wished and waited for this day"

After 15 minutes till Ashutosh and Nidhi finish their cold drinks...Riya is back in her normal mood with her temperature little down.

Arman remarks, "Wow! Ashu you just fell in love or you chose her...a good doctor...a perfect match for a perfectionist"

Ashutosh smiles looking at him... "That happens when you wait ages for your love"

Arman: Hmn..you get a perfect person...and a perfect match...that may be true for you...but what about Nidhi...she hasn't got the best. Nidhi! I feel sorry for you dear.

Ashutosh glares at him and Nidhi responds with a smile saying... "I know...thank you for your concern Bhaya"

Ashutosh raise his eyebrow looking at Arman as if saying, 'Not an easy target for teasing'... who in response says, "Perfect for Heartstone" and they all smile...

Chapter 19

Riya was pointing Nidhi towards her room by turning her head and pulling her uttering a slurred... "Getup... Bariedoll?

Sneha able to grasp her slurred words quickly, explains, "She wants to show you her new Barbie Doll".

Nidhi hesitate a bit, but seeing Riya unrelenting she look towards Sneha. Sneha understanding her reluctance tells, "Why are you looking at me this is your home, please go".

Ashutosh and Arman were busy catching up things when Sneha's words distract Arman's attention and he cries out at against that... "What is this Ashu haven't you told her this is her second would be home."

Ashutosh and Nidhi smile in response and she moves carrying Riya in her arms to her room. As soon as Nidhi left, Sneha and Arman flood Ashutosh with questions to hear how the unbelievable happened...Ashutosh answered their every question...they were his friends especially Arman the person he has shared everything with. Arman has remained pillar of his life right from the day they met first day in their school...after Baba he was the one who welcomed him with open arms and remained by his side unconditionally even bearing the bilious mood he always remained in due to the bitterness life made him to taste in his early days...Baba and Arman's love made that sourness fade away and helped him if not wipe out but to hold that at bay. He was more of a brother than friend and Ashutosh was more than willing to share with him. He always had a jovial time with him and his humorous nature always ameliorated his difficult times. When Arman hears how his sleep eloped for days after seeing her first time Arman was hooting and dancing ...

"I can't believe you couldn't sleep for nights ...oh god why I missed to see you in that state...Mr. Heart stone!...I wished I could have seen you"...

when Ashutosh narrated how he spent the night when Baba came to know she is his grand daughter...Arman soon got up and give him a side hug, that was a gesture enough to convey if he missed to be with him in his delirious state he equally felt bad for not being with him at the doleful time when he had to bear that pain alone.

After answering their inquisitiveness they deliberated over the issue of their marriage...Arman in his impatience to see his friend married soon, planned so many things in one breath that Ashutosh had to stop him saying,

"Arman take a breath...let her father accept our relationship first...I'm not sure how he will react"

"Don't worry...We'll try every possible way to make him agree and if he doesn't you can marry her without his consent...what is the big deal...she is an adult...she can take her decisions"

"No I can't do that, to form a bond with her I can't make her to lose the bonds she has lived all her life with...her father she loves and reveres much... I understand what it means to have a person in life who loves you unconditionally...I've missed such relation in early years of my life...if Baba and you won't have been in my life I would not have survived...I can't separate her from her father...not because he is her father... You know how much I believe that shared blood does not create a bond...Every relation is decided solely upon the presence of love...I'm lucky one to have my Baba who loves me as much as her father adores her...Can I live if I'm isolated from Baba...No!... she has become my life now...but she is already his father's life...he hasn't married after the death of his wife and has lived his life for her...I can't give pain to him...I'll wait for his consent till my last breath Arman"

"And what if he forces her to marry some other person...of course he won't keep her at home till your last breath"

A frustrated look to Arman..."She won't...I know she'll wait for me as I would wait for her...she loves me"

Arman put his head in his palm... "Don't complicate it so much Ashu...you marry her if he doesn't agree...after sometime he'll come to terms with that"

Sneha intervenes "what are you saying she is Baba's grand daughter...do you think Baba will agree to that?"

Arman: "I'll make him to...don't worry about that"

Ashu: No Arman even if he agrees I won't...do you have any idea what Baba has gone through since his daughter eloped with her father. I don't want her father suffer like Baba did.

Arman; you have lost it...if this is going to be your stance on this...It's better for you to forget her.

Ash: "the day I'll forget her ...I won't be remembering any thing...you don't know what you are saying...Do You?"

Sneha seeing the pain in Ashutosh's eyes tries to appease: "why are we even discussing this thing...what if he accepts this easily and happily? The point you are discussing becomes irrelevant ...think positive... if Baba has accepted this relation her father will also do...if his first reaction would be negative...I'm sure he'll understand and give preference to her daughters happiness at the end...we'll have to be patient and give him sometime."

Her words wash away the pain from Ashutosh's eyes and hope catches him again, "See stupid if she won't have married you I don't know what would have been your state"

Arman taking cue from Sneha's words smiles and mends the damage ... "yes why are we discussing even such thing...we should wait for his reaction...don't worry I also hope he'll understand and give priority to his daughter's happiness...come let us see what his daughter... and my daughter is doing...and turns to Sneha...Sneha she has come here first time and I'm sure Riya must have got her on her nerves" they all smile at that and get up to see Riya and Nidhi.

Ashutosh: Don't worry Arman she manages the children best...she has got her own way.

When they were climbing the stairs they heard Riya's giggles...on reaching the room they see Nidhi trying to grab Riya. Nidhi pretending failure to catch and Riya enjoying and laughing at her own swiftness...both Arman and Ashutosh look fondly at them...when Riya saw them she quickly goes and takes a leap towards Ashutosh who catches her in his arms.

Riya's room was filled with toys scattered all over... "What have you done Riya? I think she has shown you all her toys Nidhi...generally she doesn't allow anyone to touch her toys?"...Arman's eyes catch the bunch of chocolates lying on Riya's bed and asks, "Riya so many choocates?"..she gives a sheepish smile then a giggle and answers "Mashi gave"..Nidhi what is this? You are her doctor now...you know she is not well...and what was the need to get bag full of chocolates for her". Before Nidhi could answer Ashutosh answers, "Arman she herself has a crazy craving for chocolates...she can't say no to her"

Nidhi looks pouting at him and both laugh at that. When they leave the room Arman made her to have a look around showing her every nook and cranny of his house... Arman on reaching near some specific room stopped and asked for her attention... "Nidhi just see"...he calls Riya and asks, "Riya can I go there?" and he touches the door trying to open the door...Riya screams so loudly that Nidhi had to close her ears...Ashutosh stops him: "what is wrong with you Arman? Stop irritating her"

Ashutosh pacifies her "No he wont go there Riya...who can go there?"

She answers, "Achu" they all smile

Ashutosh: And Riya?

Riya: she nods her head and adds...And Mashi!

Arman: Oh...ho...ho...See Ashutosh she knows...and Arman turns towards Nidhi...Nidhi this is Ashu's room...the surprise was evident in Nidhi's eyes a room for Ashutosh in Arman's house...and she doesn't allow anyone to tread here...only you three have the permission... you got it !

She smiles shyly in response.

Ashutosh opens the door of the room and sees everything at the place where he has left...the room a spacious one, with large glass windows facing sea, was clean and tidy, white curtains with light golden motifs was adding serenity to its ambience "Nidhi this is the best room in this house presenting sea view and this stupid fellow prefers to have it closed all the time"

Arman: "This is your room and no one can use it"...Nidhi looks out through the window and watches mesmerizingly... "Ashu please sit here for sometime and bring life to this room" he winks at him and leaves to look Sneha who was in the kitchen... before leaving he tries to pull Riya along but she yelled at him the moment he touched her hand to grab her.

Ashutosh: Arman I wonder would there be a day when I'll see you grown up.

Arman: Yes the day when I'll have my niece to pamper like you have...Ashutosh looks at Nidhi who was busy looking outside following a glare at Arman who shrugged, winked at him in response and fled.

Ashutosh's mind got drifted towards Arman's words and savouring the thought a smile forms on his face and he looks at her and gets rooted at the sight...when a sudden gust of wind from the sea blows the loose end of her saree and she trying to catch its hold...turns...catches the wavering end... and adjusts and covers back her torso...a sight though for a fraction of seconds...makes him standstill...unaware what she stormed inside him...she turns back to look at the view. Ashutosh gulps down and to soothe himself he moves out on to the balcony...Riya's loud "Achu!" bring them both back from their reverie, when Nidhi turns to look around she saw an empty room...following Riya's babble she reaches them...their eyes meet for a second but Nidhi didn't miss smouldering eyes before Ashutosh turned them away.

Nidhi: what are you doing here Riya? She smiles at her and turns her attention back to the Ashutosh's pen in her hand ... trying to remove its cap.

Nidhi moves to Ashutosh's side and looks where he was looking...soon the control was lost and he turns to look at her and savour the beautiful sight on his side... feeling his gaze she reprimands him without turning her head...

"Sir if you have forgotten shall I remind you...you are holding your niece in your arms... please order your eyes to behave well"...

A grin displays on his face "Well they can behave well if they get what they want?"...

She turns to look at him and he gestures asking for a kiss... after a pop eyed look she raise her eyebrows saying "you must be joking"...He answers raising his one eye brow "challenging me" she holds Riya with the intent having Riya in her arms there remains no chance for him to come close to her and turns to move inside but he manages to stop her by catching her hand...

"Hold on Ma'm you can't leave after throwing a challenge to me" she looks at Riya who was watching them seriously what they were doing... that brings a smile on their faces...Ashutosh pecks at her cheek saying, " what are you watching sweet heart?"...she smiles...speaking and nodding her head at the same time...fighting?

Their smile turns to a grin... "Yes your bad Mashi is fighting over a small thing"... "Okay! Riya's Mashi is bad"... "Very bad!"...she was walking backward a step and he was forwarding one when finally her back hits the glass door and she gets caught...with a tongue in cheek smile he raises his eyebrows asking "now what?"...she turns her eyes towards Riya as if reminding him he can't behave like that...responding in a triumphant smile...he places his hand on Riya's eyes and brands a searing kiss on her cheek... and in a don't challenge me look to her...pecks Riya grabbing her in his arms who yelled agitating..."Achu"... saying... "Sorry sweetheart" and moves inside.

Nidhi remained rooted there pouting...after sometime when she didn't go in, he comes back...Looks intently and smilingly at her but she turns her face away..."miffed?"...she didn't respond... "Okay I'm sorry I take my kiss back"...saying that he kisses her back at the same place...surprised she turns her face and looks at him peevishly... "Now what? I took my kiss back...Okay I'll do that once more" in a mock anger she pushes him away and moves inside...laughing out loud he follows her.

Nidhi sat beside Riya on the bed, who was still struggling with the pen...when she saw Nidhi...she turns to her, "Mashi open"...Nidhi mock tries and says ... "Sorry! Riya Mashi can't open"...now she turns to Ashutosh who was standing a few paces away still smiling and looking at Nidhi... "Achu open"...he comes forward sorry sweetheart chachu can't open either but he can help your mashi open the pen...Nidhi seeing him sitting close to her straightens herself but he wraps his arms around her... place his hand on hers and while trying to remove the pen's cap nuzzles her neck...she writhes, "what are you doing?"... "trying to open Riya's pen"...Riya was looking at the pen in eager anticipation... "thank you! There's no need I can remove its cap"...she tries to pull the cap but his hand on her apply the reverse pressure and she fails...in a resigned laugh...she turns her head to look at him...the smiley naughty glint on his face mesmerises her... Riya's... "Achu try" brings her back and makes her to plea him... "Someone will come, please"...in a resigned sigh he pecks her neck and allows her to remove its cap... Riya was all jubilant... "Achu opened...Achu opened"...Ashutosh moves a bit away and leans against the bed...pulls a writing pad from side table and throws towards Riya...she gives a happy contented smile to him and starts drawing lines on the pad.

Nidhi: She is very attached to you.

Ash: "hmn...Arman set up his fashion house in lucknow when she was six months old...he used to visit frequently lucknow...she is more attached to Baba. Many times she and Sneha stayed back with us for days and Arman had to return alone...as she would miss Baba here in Mumbai. It's only past four months when he was travelling abroad and I got busy with something...in a tongue in cheek smile... 'Very bad' we didn't see each other.

Arman who was entering surprised them asking, "What was that 'very bad' Ashu?" Nidhi and Ashutosh exchange a glance and before they could answer Riya answers his question, "Mashi"...they all look stunned at her and burst out laughing.

Maid knocks at the door, "Sir some Dr. Malika has come?"

Arman: welcome her in ...I'm coming...and turns to Ashu...let us move to living room.

Ashutosh nods in response carries Riya in his arms and they all move to the living room...Sneha was already there talking to her...when Malika saw Riya...she got up to cuddle her and in a baby talk asks her, "Come here Baby give me a cuddle"...but she yells in response and doesn't allow her to touch her.

Ashutosh: Malika she is not feeling well...she is a bit cranky...how was your shopping?

Malika: I didn't buy anything...She had to buy something for her grand daughter...she bought a few things and after dropping her at hotel...I came here.

Arman: We're waiting for you... though I thought you were not coming.

Malika: That was not possible...coming Mumbai...and not to call in on you...not possible.

Maid comes with Riya's feed but she burrows herself in Ashutosh's chest yelling "No"...

Sneha: Come on Baby you don't want to have food that's not good...you won't grow into a big girl...come I'll feed you"

Sneha takes her and feeds her a few spoons when Riya comes back excitedly with a chocolate in her hand calling "Nidhimashi" and goes towards Nidhi..who was sitting silently in the couch hearing Arman, Ashutosh and Malika chat. Malika gets attentive hearing her 'Nidhimashi'... "Just in few hours she has formed a bond with her...Dr. Nidhi you are very good with children"...She just smiles in response.

Sneha invites all for dinner and they all move to have the dinner. The dinner was fun Arman narrated their childhood mischief's and Nidhi listened calmly, today she had one more glimpse to Ashutosh's inner self when sneha had a chat with her while she helped her laying the table for dinner. Sneha knew everything about him, his likes and dislikes...she had prepared all his favourite dishes...and Nidhi was surprised when she heard she has made 'banana split' in sweet dish.

"But he doesn't like banana split...does he?"

"No his love likes Banana split...he told me last night to prepare that for you"

Nidhi shyly lower her eyes but her heart brims with happiness...she feels on top of the world. When Sneha saw her lost in her thoughts... "What happened?" she shakes her head in response.

"You know Nidhi you are very lucky to have me...not because he is famous, successful or a good looking guy but for the reason he waited for you. He could have settled long back in his life...in fact we tried a lot but he always denied saying he doesn't want any arranged relation in his life...when Arman a few years back tried to convince him 'that arranged marriages also tend to grow gradually surpassing the love in the unarranged marriages'

He replied, "I agree arranged marriages have worked for ages I might also be a product of arranged marriage but I have only this relation to make I can't leave it to chance"

and when he tried to allure him by saying, 'think Ashu you need a familial bond that only blood relations make...you'll have your own blood...your kids' and he answered , " Love create bonds between people, shared blood is just a product of the creation of the physical relation...only those who do not believe in love, disregard love as the defining element of family, mine and Baba's relation is an example, if I have to own a blood relation I'll have that out of love...if lord has destined my hearts bond with someone I'm bound to have her and if HE hasn't destined that connect with anyone I wont marry at all"... you are that precious to him...I know how much he must be treasuring you Nidhi...her eyes turn moist...Sneha continues, "we have seen him suffering...the lonely days of his childhood haunted him badly for a long period...he is a very strong guy otherwise any one could turn ruthless seeing those bad days in childhood...the childhood that lays the foundation of our life...the deciding factor how good or bad our life can turn, due to the grooming you get during your early years...when a child needs to be protected in a shell of maternal love...the shelter that only mother's lap can offer, like a kernel is protected in a husk, it is nurtured better... but in those years of his life he has been wandering on roads alone, starving, and unprotected, frightened to death in dark nights under this vast sky. The scare of those dreaded lonely nights remained with him for long time. Nidhi understands how and what he must have felt when she slept by his side last night...her heart wrenches...the sleep he drifted to within moments...and what he meant when he said this was the beautiful night of his life...because he wasn't lonely...her eyes were flowing when sneha shook her... . "Nidhi please...she gives him a side hug... I'm happy for him...we always wished that he would get a life partner that loves him...a partner that is as empathetic as he is for others."

Nidhi was feeling a lump in her throat...she hardly ate a few spoons avoiding his gaze...but she loved to have that banana-split, she savoured its every bit...it was very precious dish...as if someone has bought it by giving the valuables of his life. His adoration was so priceless. She remained lost in her thoughts...all the way on their way back to hotel...When Arman received a call from his fashion house and rushed to leave...they also left...though she found odd why Ashutosh hurried to leave...he was sitting at ease till dinner...his thought process gets interrupted when she hears him talking to Malika who was sitting in the front seat of the cab...while talking to her he places his hand on hers and entwines his fingers with hers, "I'm dropping you at the hotel and going to meet Arman at his fashion house"...and gives a gentle squeeze to her hand... "Why you didn't get time to talk to him?"... "hmn"...and turns to look at Nidhi as if waiting for her response...she answers by giving a gentle squeeze in response conveying her nod. The glimmer in his eyes told her he got the answer he was waiting for.

When she entered her room...her phone rang...in response to her hello, he was quick to ask, "Are you okay jaan?"... "hmn...why?"... "No, you seemed lost"... "No I'm fine"... "Really!"... "hmn"... "shall I come back"...she smiles... "Why? Go wherever you wish to"... "Now that's not fair I sought your permission first"... "I know!"... "Okay! I'm coming back"... "No!...Please go...I was just"... "Okay! You must be tired...you go to sleep...we'll talk tomorrow"... "When are you coming back?"... "Don't know"... "Okay take care"...in a whisper he answers... "Love you."

Next day early morning

Nidhi was getting ready when she has to answer room service at the door and receive a box gift wrapped for her. Sender's name was missing...she opens the wrap and finds a beautiful classy off-white saree having white and cream colour stones studded on its borders. She knew, to wrap up the conference they are having evening bash in the lawns of convention centre and party's theme colours are black and white, "But who has sent this white saree?" she was trying to find an answer when her phone buzzes, "You liked that?"...the words that revealed senders name and lit up her face... "that's so beautiful...but when did you buy it"... "last night from Arman's fashion house"... "but what was the need I have a white dress to wear"...he doesn't answer her question... "keep your bag packed we are checking out in the evening"... "But our flight is tomorrow at noon"... "You really want me to explain"...she remains silent and after a few sec answers in a soft assured tone... "NO"... he answers in husky voice... "Bye."

The lawn was well-lit with bright and glittering white lights, and the party was in full swing when Ashutosh arrived looking smashingly hot in his black suit and white shirt minus tie, many heads turn to look at him, not oblivious but he overlooks, probing the whole lawn looking only for one person, but she was no where to be seen. When Malika's eyes fell on him she smiles and walks up to him, she was looking elegant in her black saree and when Ashutosh after years complimented her she felt a fleeting joy, all these years she tried to look beautiful only for him but she never got an eyeful and today when he noticed she was smiling ruefully at her own self.

Malika got busy talking to Dr. Banarjee when Ashutosh got a chance to call her...the moment he takes his phone...he saw her emerging at the entrance...his eyes get stuck, spellbound and transfixed as if magnetized by the view, the view that was beyond his imagination...when he got that saree for her he never thought she would look that beautiful...that his heart would leap and provoke him to take her somewhere faraway to cherish and love her, treasuring her all his life. His trance gets broken when his phone rings, a call from Dr. Behl...he close his eyes for a moment chiding himself for getting carried away and moves to a side to answer his call. After answering his call he talks to Malika:

"I have promised Arman that I'll stay at his place tonight... so I'm checking out the moment concluding ceremony is over...would you like to come with us"

Malika after giving a thought, "Dr. Nidhi is also going there?"

"I haven't talked to her yet...Dr. Behl has left... one of his patient's condition has worsened...and his surgery is scheduled for tomorrow early morning. The patients parents have requested him to be present during his surgery...he has managed an air-ticket for this evening and he has checked out."

She nods... "Okay! I've already packed my bag to some extent... and it'll take me a few minutes to pack rest of things"

After half an hour when ceremonials ended and he heard co-ordinator speak "I thank you all for attending the conference, please enjoy the party" the words- Ashutosh was waiting for him restlessly to speak out, he had a plan already to check-out after the party is over but Dr. Behl's leaving turned a windfall and he decided to leave the party half-way. He informed Nidhi, she had already her bags packed...bid farewell to his seniors and some of close acquaintances and they all checked-out the hotel.

On their way to Arman's house:

Malika: "Ashutosh can we make a detour to Arman's fashion house...I'd like to check his collection"

Ashutosh: "Sorry Malika it's such a boring thing...I'll drop you there and you can come back with Arman...If that's Okay with you?"

Malika: "Okay! You drop us...we'll come back with Arman"

Ashutosh: Us???

Malika: Why Dr. Nidhi will also like to shop...and she waits for her to answer.

Seeing Ashutosh pursing his lips she suppresses her smile and answers, "No ma'm I'll check some other time...I'd like to spend sometime with Riya"

"Malika remains silent"

Ashutosh takes a sigh of relief, after dropping her at fashion house gives a contented look to Nidhi...who smiles in response and gestures him towards the driver making him to turn his gaze. Holding her hand they were travelling silently when Nidhi breaks the silence seeing a toy house, "Can we stop here...I want to buy some toys for Riya"...he nods and they both get off to buy toys for her.

Riya was all jubilant the moment she saw them and the toys... she took the toys to her room and got busy playing...Ashutosh desperately wanted a moment alone with Nidhi...he has planned all this to fulfil her wish...without wasting a minute he gets up and speaks to Sneha, "We are going to take a stroll outside and will be back by dinner" she nods smiling in response and they leave.

"Where are we going?"

"Where you wanted to go"

She exclaims, Beach!...He nods his head smiling fondly at her.

At Beach:

Ashutosh rolls up his pant and starts paddle along seashore with her...it was a serene moon-lit night...he was truly finding difficult comparing her beauty to the full moon, shining along them... watching her mesmerizingly he was pondering how Shakespeare might have felt when he wrote, "Shall I compare thee to a summers day" ...there was nothing more heartwarming for him than watching her antics while beach combing and picking up seashells to listen into...luckily the tides were very low at that time...he never knew it was so beautiful to paddle on the sea shore.. and enjoy the coolness of sea breeze...they were walking silently when suddenly Nidhi screams, leaps onto him and hold him tightly with her feet off ground...Ashutosh wrap his arms around her... and when he felt her pulsating fast...he asks, "what happened jaan?" she clungs to him more... "you are scaring me...let me know what happened?" he looks around but there was nothing of that sort...she slowly turns her head and looks below at the sand... "I think I treaded on a crab"...looking at her forsometime...he burst out into a laugh...twirls sweeping her along in his arms... "you are such a sweetheart...you know that"... she straightens her legs and place her feet back on the sand...and pouting asks him, "Leave me, what's there to laugh about?"...cuddling her more, "why you got so scared I was here with you"...they remain silently holding each other when a strong tide hits the shore and steeps them fully...pulling apart they ran away laughing... panting when they stopped... they turn to look at the sea...after sometime Nidhi feel his gaze...she gets aware of her state...lowering her eyes she wraps the wet loose end of her saree around her averting his eyes...Ashutosh tapping his head chides himself and quickly takes off his coat and covers her up saying, "come let us move back."

Malika was looking through the window when his gaze fell on Ashutosh and Nidhi...they were walking on pathway to Arman's house...unaware about Malika's presence...Ashutosh stopped grabbing Nidhi's hand pulls her to himself...she was still averting his eyes...holding her close to himself he asks,

"Did I tell you? You took my breath away when I saw you in this Saree"...

She wittily answers her eyes lowered... "hmn...the saree is really beautiful"...

In a tongue in cheek smile he answers, "Can I pay homage to this beautiful saree"

She looks at him and lowers her eyes when she feels his arms wrapping her in...a red tinge grace her cheeks while he was looking unblinkingly at her...holding her chin he raises her head and places a soft peck on her forehead... "this is my homage to the beautiful saree"...then he moves to kiss her blushing cheek but she pushes him away and swiftly moves inside...stopping at the entrance, turning and giving a look to him...who was smiling in a "you'll pay for it" look.

Malika got rooted...her eyes were flowing...she felt choked...something inside her came crashing down and she broke down on the floor.