She walks in Beauty (story) - Page 3

Chapter 20

Life is a jest, and all things show it;

I thought so once and now I know it.

Some say a broken heart is like a shattered vase...fragile pieces scattered all over the place. The shattered pieces of broken glass seem to go everywhere...Unlike the pieces of a broken heart that seem to pierce your soul.

With faith and hope Malika had tried all these years to keep her broken heart intact...but slowly it went off...a jolt after jolt...it developed cracks and broke down into shattered pieces... the sight she saw is something she never expected...she has always fantasized herself there at the place she saw someone else...no one but she existed there with him...and seeing him with someone else seemed quite easy than seeing him showering his love on someone else...that's why the reality was far off...far bitter than one can conceptualise. She gathered herself up again...went to washroom cleared her stained face not to leave a trace of her shattered state, perceptible for others...not even to the love, she would have loved to lay herself open and bare to his gaze, a rueful smile forms on her face at the prank life has played with her

If love brings with it the feelings of soreness and tenderness on its failure it also brings an exalted energy that gets us on an emotional height to bear those pangs...she was literally feeling her heart torn and bleeding...so palpable was the wound she felt scared to touch the place... the wound that was smouldering like salt sprinkled...flowing eyes were hard to contain... she wished to lament on her own state... "why I loved him?...why I wasted my life?...what is left with me now?...were the questions his mind was constantly posing her... and her heart dressed in mourning was busy weeping inconsolably...lamenting... "My tormentor...my love...bring the balm of musk and relieve me of this pain"...but he was far... far..far away hard to be conceived even in thoughts. The emptiness she was feeling past few days turned more void and there was no way out to fill that void inside her...she resolves she will have to live with it...and will have to brace herself up to face the fact that he doesn't love her and she can never get place in his heart.

Dinner at the Arman's house remained boisterous because of Arman and his joyous nature...that helped her to maintain the calm she fashioned herself into...pretending became easy...though Ashutosh noticed her puffy eyes...she felt what his eyes noticed...but he didn't say anything...the care and concern she yearned for past fourteen years didn't come as a breather now, but as a tumultuous wave that turns her inside upside down, that made her to laugh ruefully at herself. After dinner they chatted for hours till late night...Nidhi remained silently listening and Malika sometimes broke the silence to remain the participant in the conversation that involved Ashutosh, Arman and Sneha. The glimpse of Ashutosh and Nidhi's life swayed before her eyes and she found hard to control her thoughts that drifted back continuously to their private moment. When she found hard to stop herself wandering...she pretended sleep and slipped to her room. Soon Nidhi and sneha followed to retire to their rooms leaving behind two friends who catched up on almost everything past four months they haven't met.

At 12.30 a.m Nidhi turns on her bed ,after a peck on her forehead, disturbed her sleep...after sometime she felt a few pecks on her eyes...she raised her hands to push away the intruder who was intruding her beauty sleep...she swayed her hands in air...sensing no one she turns to other side...a murmur, "sorry my love" followed by a deep breath made her to open her eyes groggily and when her eyes meet the person who was disturbing her, with her eyes wide open she gets up to exclaim... "What are you doing here?"

Holding his ears he whispered, "sorry I disturbed you but I coudn't resist myself from coming here...I wanted to come the moment you came here but Arman kept on talking...and when I came here and saw you sound asleep I thought to go back...but the moment I turned I found myself tugged...a tinge of jealousy crept in my heart that said how can you allow the person sleep so soundly who made your sleep to elope"

A resigned look ..."Now you woke me up...happy? Contented?...now go to your room"

Raising his one eyebrow..."You think I did all this to only wake you up...No ma'm...you are badly mistaken...now that you are awake...he lifts her up in his arms...let me continue with my plan"

"Leave me... I'll follow you...please"

"Sshh"...he shushes her silent and she had no option but to let him do what he was doing...he climbed the stairs and took her up to the terrace...and grounded her on reaching its entrance...the cool breeze coming from the sea nearby tickled her senses and the star studded sky made her to lift her head to watch the vast sky...she hugged herself and turned to look around...not aware what he was doing...after acquainting herself with the surroundings she turned to look at him...and saw him getting the seats from nearby divans...the divans were placed in the centre of terrace...roofed and surrounded with lots of vases having flowers and green plants planted in them...though the whole terrace was filled with plants but the center was maintained as a sitting area having couches and divans placed around a carpet.

"What are you doing?"

"I'll let you know...If you'll help me" she offers the helping hand and when he finishes placing two seats of divan together with two pillows understanding dawns on her...her heart thumps...making her hot and glowing with blushes.

"Let us go to our rooms" she turns to leave when he catches her hand and makes her to stop.

Coming near to her... he lifts her up and makes her to lie down on those seats sitting beside her watching intently her lying form...when she turns to her side to avoid his gaze leaning forward he makes her to turn and face him.

"What if someone will come here?"

With his eyes smouldering with desire...he only shakes his head saying no one will come. She couldn't utter a word in response...their eyes locked...she lying on the pillow and ashutosh resting on his elbow...the only sound that broke the silence was their palpitating hearts and fast breaths. Ashutosh leans forward to touch her and she closes her eyes in anticipation in a writhing expression that makes him to close his eyes and fists at the same time to control and contain himself...he plops himself on the nearby pillow and talking deep breaths calms his inner turmoil.

Nidhi after some time opened her eyes to look at him and saw him lying next to her gazing on the star studded sky with his fists still closed...his restrain takes her heart way...she places a soft touching' hand on his fists making him to release his hold...their fingers entwine and they kept on looking the star studded sky silently for sometime...Ashutosh turns to her and asks, "Can I hold you in my arms, please" and she didn't know when she went into his embrace with her head hidden in the crook of his neck, "my life"... "my love"...and a tight squeeze...a peck on her head...he makes her to rest her head on his arms so that he can see her...he looks into her eyes as if he wanted to drown into them forever...the unease was visible in Nidhi's eyes...their breaths were touching and mingling to vanish in one...when she lowers her eyes he calls her, "Nidhi look here"...she shakes her head in response...he starts caressing the arch of her foot using the ball of his foot...she pulls her foot away and he pulls it back using his leg... She murmurs in response..."Please"...and he whispers "what?? I did nothing...I only want you to look at me...and then in a tone of plea...let me drown in to those eyes Nidhi" she raises her eyes and their eyes remain locked...he was holding her so close that they were feeling their breaths against each other's skin...their lips were so close and Ashutosh's frequent pecks on her lips and cheeks turned her blazing...the moment she lowered her eyes a peck followed on her eyes making her to raise her lashes back.

Nidhi: What if someone comes here?

Ashutosh: Who cares?

Nidhi: So shameless?

Ashutosh: Thatz how I'm.

Nidhi: Leave me I'll go to my room.

Ash: Sorry! Not before dawn...and pulls her more close to him though there was no space left.

Nidhi: What???

Ashutosh shrugged his shoulders...then continued in a serious husky tone... "Let me have this night...to cherish... till such nights become my destiny"

"Okay leave me...I won't go anywhere"

"No way...you are caged here for all the night"

"I want to turn to other side...one can't sleep whole night in one posture"

"No problem...he twirls her up and turns her to other side and looks at her in a loop sided smile raising his one eyebrow."

She smiles in response and lowers her eyes and he pecks at her lashes...

In a frowning look she asks, "Does that mean we aren't sleeping whole night"

Smiling in response... "I can't sleep I want to talk to you whole night"

"Okay! So that means when such nights become our destiny...we have to forget our sleep" the smile on his face and glint in his eyes makes her to feel he is on some mischief...but she quickly butts in... "Leave me...I want to see the stars in the sky" and understanding her quick reaction he laughs out loud and giving a gentle squeeze he whispers... "You are a sweet heart"

She snuggles close to him and hides her face in the crook of his neck...after a silence of few moments...she feels his pecks on her head and hears him call her, "Love"

"hmn"...

"I forgot to ask...you want to buy something from her...we can shop early morning"

She shakes her head in a no in response

"Are you sure?"... " hmn"...then silence prevails for a few minutes again and he asks, "when are you going to talk to your Baba?"... "What is the hurry?"...he remains silent and after a few minutes she hears a deep sigh...raising her head and looking into his eyes, "the moment I tread on the entrance of my house I'll scream Baba, 'I'm in love!'...Happy?"...miffed he closes his eyes...that twinges her heart...she raises her head a bit and place soft pecks on his eyes, he opens his eyes wide and looks into her eyes with stunned silence... "I'll talk to him in a day or two"...he closes his eyes for a while as if bracing himself and asks, "what do you think...I mean...how'll he respond?"... "Well I think he'll agree...why won't he?...I mean there is no chance of disagreement...he has always taught me to take my decisions...supported me whatever decision I took...he will trust my decision as he has done always"

"You really think so?"... "Yes! Why won't he? ...he knows me...he is my Baba..and whatever I'm is the way he moulded me and brought me up"... they were discussing this for the first time and Nidhi's words bring a relief to his tense heart...and he keeps his fingers crossed...bringing her more close to himself...resting his chin on her head and feeling her breath at his chest...he closes his eyes...and both drift to a beautiful sleep.

Early morning Nidhi stirs with a tentative smile on her lips when she feels a strand of hair wavering on her face...she hugs herself snuggling close to him when she realises the wrap she was enfolded in all night was missing...she opens her eyes... and gets up startle, finding herself on the bed in her room... "How come I came here...who brought me here?...she taps her head at the question...who else it could be? But how come I don't remember...I didn't even feel...strange! she miles at the thought...hugs herself one more time...smells deep his scent on her clothes...stretches out and slips to restroom to get ready".

Malika's morning wasn't such pleasant...before she opened her eyes fully...she felt the simmering pain in her heart...she couldn't sleep whole night and she didn't remember how in the wee hours in the morning after weeping her heart out she felt asleep...the only thing she remember was how she felt her aching heart even during her sleep...in a deep sigh he gets up to get ready to return to her home after losing her belonging in the place she visited with...

On their way back to home Ashutosh dropped Malika and Nidhi at their respective places and after cherishing one final look of his love...as he couldn't say even a proper good bye to her because of the driver... he moved to hospital...the gap of four days at hospital... he knew what that meant... he could hardly get time to see her for coming few days...

Nidhi was welcomed at the house..her Baba and Dadi bua was waiting for her...Dadi bua was pacing in the room and Col. was smiling at her impatience...when he saw Nidhi coming in...no matter how much he smiled at her bua's impatience...he leaped and held her in a tight embrace...he was missing her daughter equally...Nidhi was the only reason why he was living and during her stay at US only he knew what he had to go through to bear the pain of separation...It was during that time when he discussed and agreed with Bua on her proposal to marry Nidhi with Rohan. Rohan was known to him...a jovial young man who cared for and was a very good friend of her daughter...and was living in the same town... he couldn't say no to Bua for the reason that Rohan had plans ultimately to settle in his home town and he will have his daughter around all the time...that was also a temptation to say yes to bua's proposal besides the surety he had that he'll keep her daughter happy.

Nidhi after catching up with things at home...meeting Mahesh uncle, Dadi Bua's son...and checking his reports, freshens up and had her lunch at around 3 pm with her family that was waiting for her. While having lunch Anjie arrives and both the friends move to her room leaving behind all smiling solanki's and her family. In the evening as usual she goes to meet her Nanu...Ashutosh was at hospital...she tried to call him but he answered with a Sms 'in a meeting'... she couldn't talk to him even at the night at it was very late when he returned home to get some rest... but last nights adventure kept them fully awake...tossing and turning at their beds...missing the warmth they spent last night in...Ashutosh cursed himself... "It was a real bad idea...Dr. Ashutosh! The cure- to spent a night in her warmth to soothe my coming nights has worsened my ailment...and here I'm on pins to hold her again in my arms...now what to do? A deep sigh...but to spent nights tossing and turning on this desolate bed"

Next day almost replicates the previous one except they exchanged a few glances and had a few glimpses of each other at hospital as Nidhi joined back on that day. On third day early morning he had to leave early he called her up...he knew her shift was starting at 11 am and she must be sleeping but he preferred to woke her up to talk to her to comfort his pinning heart who was missing her badly...the early morning chat with her after two long days and nights renewed him and he moved to the hospital with new zeal to deal the busy schedule.

Nidhi was enjoying breakfast with Dadi Bua and Baba when she thought it fit to talk to her Baba about Ashutosh.

"Baba I wanted to share something with you"

"Yes Darling I'm all ears"...answered Col. Verma who was reading morning paper sipping tea.

"It is about Dr. Ashutosh"

He gives a tentative look and answers "that reminds me your uncle has an appointment fixed with him at 4 in the evening...you want to talk about that" dadi bua was listening the conversation silently...

"Yes I know and I don't want to talk about that...looking at dadi bua...I mean we can discuss that later when he checks him up...a pause...I want to talk about us I mean him and myself"

A frown forms on Col. Verma's face and he looks at her daughter waiting for her to complete...

"You know Baba...how love is...that deepens the creases on Col. verma's forehead and he listens intently...I saw him on the very first day when I joined KGH and I felt something for him...then slowly and gradually those feelings got deeper when ultimately one day...I mean some four month's back I realised what my feelings meant...that I have started adoring him...that the feelings I felt were Love...It didn't took us long to realise that we were sharing the same feelings and we confessed the feelings we felt for each other...

she gives a look at Col. verma's face and most impassive expression meets her eyes but she continues... he wanted to come personally and talk to you but I thought I should let you know first...

newspaper drops off his hands and he only manages to utter Baba knows?... Yes Baba...Nanu knows... infact our love is the reason that I met Nanu...he took me to meet him on the day before Nanu came here and he came to know about who I am? When he asked me the name of my parents...

and you didn't bother to tell your father all these days...No Baba I wanted to share but was waiting for the right moment...he raises his head and gives a far away look in oblivion but Dadi bua joins...beta you know what you are saying...he is not a suitable match for you... How can you say that Dadi Bua...You haven't seen him...have you?...He is a nice guy...a guy any girl would dream of...he has every thing a girl can wish for...and ask for in her life partner...but he is...(a pause)...how many years older than you? Only 14 years...only fourteen years...do you have any idea what you are saying...fourteen years means something... What has age got to do with that...we fell in love...and she turns to look at his Baba who in same expressionless face was listening all... and love doesn't know any statistics Baba...you have loved yourself...you still love mom...don't you?...

yes I do...I loved her...and today you know how much I feel sorry for that hasty decision... I agree that was a hasty decision...even if you won't have taken a hasty one but your decision would have remained same...you would have taken the same decision...to marry her only...Isn't that Baba? She waits for her Baba to respond who takes a deep sigh and gets and paces to and fro in the room with his hands in his pant pockets...pondering in silence...a silent but uneasy calm prevails in the room...that gets broken by Mahesh's cries...

They all rush to see him...Nidhi checked his vitals but he was moaning and sweating in pain holding his head tightly...they all panicked but Nidhi made them to calm down and decided that they will shift him to KGH.

Dadi Bua was weeping and Nidhi was consoling him at the hospital waiting lounge outside neurological department. Mahesh was admitted right away the moment they arrived at KGH. Dr. Rangnath also joined them. He also tried to console Dadi Bua saying he'll be fine but no words seemed sufficient to calm her.

Col verma: Why Dr. Ashutosh has not come to see him?

Nidhi looks at him...but Dr. Rangnath answers, "Uncle he is called at extreme emergency...the neurological department have other senior doctors...they are treating him...he'll be taken to a CT Scan and only then if they feel they need his help he'll be called."

Col. Verma: Can't you call him...Mahesh has already appointment fixed with him for today...you know that.

Dr. Rangnath gulps down, "He is at present delivering a lecture at KGH Medical College and we can call only in extreme emergency...No body here can dare to call him without any valid reason."

Nidhi: Baba let us wait and see his CT scan reports first and then we can decide.

They all turn hearing Dadi Bua's voice from behind, she emerged from the ward after seeing his son and pleaded them at their back, "Please call him... my son is suffering" and starts weeping bitterly.

Dr. Rangnath gives a helpless look to Nidhi...Nidhi tries to console Dadi Bua, "Dadi Bua please wait let the reports come...we'll call him.

Col. Verma seeing a senior neurologist who was treating Mahesh emerging from the ward stops him and requests to call Dr. Ashutosh...the doctor smiles in response saying, "Don't worry Sir...we have administered medicines to him and he'll start responding in a while...there is no need to panic...we in any case have to wait for CT Scan reports.

Col. Verma nods in response and settles himself in the chair besides Dadi Bua.

Soon Solanki's and Anji arrive and Nidhi takes their leave knowing Anji will take care of her Dadi Bua, "I'll come in a while my shift has started...I'll arrange some one at my place."

After an hour...

Everyone was waiting outside the ward when Dr. Rangnath came and informed them, "Mahesh Uncle is having a clot and he'll need surgery"

Col. Verma: who is going to operate upon him?

Dr. Rangnath: The neurosurgeon who is treating him.

Dadi Bua in an annoyed tone: But why can't we wait for Dr. Ashutosh...if we cannot call him we can wait for him...giving a tentative look to Nidhi who joined them back moments before Dr. Rangnath came...

Soon there attention gets caught by the hustle and bustle that began in the calm hospital environs...everyone was moving fast as if fore warned and the long corridor turned deserted only a few ward boys and doctors were found walking, all attentive and on alert. A gentleman emerges from the other end...col. verma, army personnel didn't miss the resoluteness in his steps... nodding in response with firm solemnity at everyone who wished him on the way.

When he passed them...Dr. Rangnath wishes him, "Good Afternoon, Sir" and follows him. Anji announces consoling Dadi Bua, "Dadi Bua don't worry...he is Dr. Ashutosh...Rangnath will talk to him...everything will be fine."

All look at his back and Dadi bua exclaims, "Dr. Ashutosh!" Col. verma looks at her daughter he didn't miss how alien they behaved not looking even at each other...though he can never come to know how Ashutosh's heart leapt out seeing Nidhi there but he averted his looks.

Within minutes they saw him coming back...very courteously he wished Col. Verma and added, "I'm sorry Sir...I didn't know you...I mean we have never met before...so...and turns towards ward...let me check him up"...Col. verma responds him with equal fervour and both move inside, he checks the patient and speaks out, "I think he needs immediate surgery and turning to Col. verma...Don't worry sir...he'll be fine"... this time too he didn't look at Nidhi who followed them in.

Soon preparations were made, patient was shifted to the OT and Dr. Ashutosh entered OT before assuring Dadi Bua and Col. Verma about patient's wellbeing. They all waited outside praying for him and Nidhi stood by the Dadi Bua all the time consoling and pacifying her. When Dr. Ashutosh emerged from OT declaring surgery as successful...Dadi Bua gets up and folds her hands in gratitude towards him when he stops her mid way saying all he needs is her blessings and her eyes turn moist and she places a soft hand on his head. Col. Verma also comes forward to thank but he didn't allow him... "Please Sir there is no need, this is my duty" a slight nod to his head and moves toward his cabin.

After two days:

Whenever we love someone we never know when our barriers with person melts away and brings us into a relationship with our beloved in ways beyond our understanding whether the person acknowledges our feelings or not...Love works endlessly in own secret ways to conquer the willing heart...Malika who have been striving all these years to win his love... after joining at KGH on her return felt a strange emptiness at hospital...the feeling, the hope that was living with her all these years was missing...she was feeling lonely...the emptiness inside her scares her and within an hour of her joining at KGH she applies for the leave. She wanted to flew away...the moment she landed in lucknow she felt every single thing staring and mocking at her all she wanted was to escape and shut herself up so that no one sees her defeated self. Ashutosh tried to stop her but when she requested saying that she wants to be alone for sometime he agreed and sanctioned her leave...though he felt bad for her but he hoped that on her return he'll see her better and fighting fit.

She comes out of her house and wanders aimlessly driving in the whole city as if she has all these days gathered herself up and was ready to face every mocking stare at her...after driving whole day she finds herself staring at the house leaning against her car. The house of her dreams...the house she wanted to be the mistress of...tears of disappointment flowing her eyes, she walks its courtyard taking steps involuntarily towards the house...when her eyes saw Dr. Mathur's face she murmurs Baba...wiping her tears she moves in...pondering whether Baba still loves her... when Baba's eyes catch her glimpse he gets overjoyed and welcomes her in, wholeheartedly as he used to do...she felt nothing missing in those eyes but this time the silly hope was not there in her, to trap her again...she felt relieved she has won the ludicrous thing, that always caught her in its wings...this time she didn't leapt at Baba's gesture of love...she felt contented...the questions her mind was posing was still there...she had no answer to those questions...as if to find the answer to those questions was the second reason why he left her house wandering on the roads...she knew there was no answer...yet she continued with her search.

Baba makes her to sit and have dinner with him as Ashutosh hardly joined them for dinners due to his busy schedule past few days...he forced her to give company to him... but on that day while H. Kaka was laying table for the dinner Ashutosh arrives...he really feels happy to see her there...they had dinner together while recalling and reliving moments from the past...he felt relieved as she seemed comforted and helping herself cheer up...they were laughing when their attention gets diverted by the door bell...they all frowned...who has turned up so late...H. kaka goes to answer the door and his frowned face splits into a big grin and he exclaims, "Nidhi Beta!."

Past five days they hardly met or talked to each other they were missing each other badly...the Sms and the glimpses they caught at Hospital carried them through.

Ashutosh feels elated on hearing hiraman kaka exclaim, "Nidhi" but the joy turns into annoyance the moment he realises she has come so late? When she enters followed by Rohan he gets up and welcomes them...Malika also frowned hearing her name...does that mean Baba knows about them?...mulling over her arrival in the house, she greets her as formally as they always have been doing...

Baba: where have you been? You forgot me...she comes forward and he hugs her

Nidhi: Nanu! how can I forget you...Malika is startled to hear her calling him Nanu...Ashutosh acquaints her about their relation and introduces her to the Rohan.

Ashutosh turns to Baba, "Baba this is Rohan"... "Yes Ashu I know...I met him yesterday in the hospital Col. introduced me...he has made him to come here in urgency"..."Oh!"...

Baba: Come beta come sit here...he makes Rohan to sit by his side and began chatting with him...Malika gets up to leave saying she is getting late...Ashutosh gets up to see her off but she stops him and leaves.

On leaving the house...she turns and gives a final look to the house...making her heart to understand the dream she lived all these years was a fragile reality that is broken now...she was feeling a serene sense of calm...on driving back to her home...she suddenly felt as if she has found answer to her questions...she reverberates the answer making her mind to understand,

"What if I have wasted my life...what if I've lost everything...I've loved...I've known the divine feeling that may cost dearly but never hurts anyone...the feeling that is supremely free yet attaches us with strongest bonds...I've had the greatest blessing... isn't it better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all" She takes a deep sigh and drives to her home.

Ashutosh was in his room waiting for her when Nidhi steals a moment and opens the door of his room...he turns and looks at her intently till she comes closer to her...he opens his arms and she leaps into them...holding each other in bear hug...he asks her after sometime, "Why you came here so late?"

"I was missing you"... "hmn...does that mean you'll leave house so late at night"

She comes out of the hug and speaks looking at him, "Can we discuss that later...I've come here to tell you that I told Baba about us...Ashutosh stiffens and grips the hands tight he was holding in his hands...I wanted to tell since the day I told Baba...he gives her a questioning look...the day when Mahesh Uncle got ill... but we hardly got time to talk"

He promptly asks "What did he say?"

She shakes her head, "the moment I told him, Baba remained listening silently and before he could say anything Mahesh Uncles health condition worsened and we all rushed to see him...since then we never talked on this"

"So he knows... Don't worry give him sometime...let us wait for his response"

He holds her back in his embrace...kisses her forehead...looking intently at her says, "You go now Nidhi...you are getting late"...she nods her head in yes and turns to leave when he catches her hand and pulls her back into a hug...reluctantly releasing her asks, "Shall I drop you" she smiles is response, "what is the need? Rohan is with me"... he purses his lips in response reluctantly release her hand after a gentle squeeze and she leaves...

Next ten days pass in the same impasse as past four days...when on fourteenth day Ashutosh answers knock on his cabin door by Col. verma...he gets up to welcome him and offers him a seat...

Fearing the worst and hoping the best he hears him say, "Dr. Ashutosh I heard you are discharging Mahesh a day after tomorrow"

"Yes Sir...he is fine now... only he'll need a lot of care at home"

"Thank you! I 've come to ask...I mean If that is Okay...Can he get discharged tomorrow?...actually my daughters shagun is fixed for tomorrow and I don't want to postpone that...the date was finalised some twenty days back and the next good mahurat is after two months...so you know" and waits for his response.

He couldn't understand whether he was actually saying what he was hearing or...in that fix he nods his head and col. verma gets up to leave...saying a polite thank you.

He leaves and Ashutosh plops down in the chair with a thud.

Chapter 21

The ground beneath Ashutosh's feet seemed shaken...his legs were wobbling...he felt as if someone caught his heart suffocating him to the core and released after a wrench making his heart to thunder and blood to gush...confusion and fear takes over him and he forgets to think coherently...amidst all this turmoil the only thing his mind is able to conjure up and pronounce is Nidhi!

He keeps on repeating the name till his mind and heart realize he was reciting the name of his rescuer...he takes the phone to call her...but his mind alerts him with a few questions...why she didn't tell me...she must be knowing about this...but last night when we talked she seemed okay...she said she didn't get time to talk to baba...running a desperate hand through his hair... Is she okay?...Oh god! Why I didn't talk to her early morning...I thought she must be sleeping...she needs rest as she stays here with his uncle till late...Should I call her?...I'll have to...no matter what...I'll confront every one...whosoever comes my way...I can't let her go...I can't live without her...Oh God!..taking a deep sigh...Nidhi! You are mine...you are my life...I need you like my next breath...yes! Come what may I want you...I'll have you in my life...no matter how hard I'll have to fight...I'll...yes ...I'll...the resolve makes his mind regain his composure but the twinge in his heart is nascent...he dials her number and waits anxiously for her to answer his call...he dials four to five times and when she didn't answer he bangs his fist on the table...his eyes blazing with anger and frustration...not knowing what to do..he makes a call to his home to talk to Baba...that was answered by Hiraman Kaka saying Baba has left for Jeevan sandhiya...he decides to call him on his mobile but negates the thought...No I need to talk to her first...let me decide things first with her then only I'll tackle the world...he again takes his phone to dial her number when Malika enters his cabin...she had joined her duties a few days back. She notices the expression of a frenzied rage on his face and asks,

"Are you Okay? What happened?"

He almost rebukes "Nothing! Malika please leave me alone"

She frowns a bit...something is wrong I see him reacting this way after a long time... "actually there is an emergency...you are needed Ashutosh...you remember the patient admitted in one of the VIP Suites of hospital...he has developed some complications and needs immediate surgery...I'm ready to operate upon him...but he is adamant that you only should perform his surgery...we can't say no to him...you know he is an affluent businessman of the city and has donated huge sums in the past for our free of charge wards"

He runs an exasperated hand through his hair and gives a resigned look to Malika and takes a deep breath nodding his head in acceptance.

Malika looking at him asks again, "you are Okay"

This time averting his eyes he nods his head in response and she leaves.

An idea strikes his mind and he quickly turns to check the duty chart of the doctors...seeing that her duties still stand in same order...he takes a sigh of relief that means she is joining her duties on time and hasn't taken any off...she must be on her way...shall I wait for her? No I can't do that... I can't risk a patient's life...but I want to see her...one glimpse before I go for surgery. Dejected he turns to leave to check on the patient when his phone buzzes with incoming sms, "Sorry caught in bad traffic will call you after sometime" emotions flood him seeing the sms...his eyes turn moist...and he takes a sigh of relief...he kisses his mobile...if you are with me I'm not scared of anything...no one can separate us...

He replies her sms, "focus on your driving...I've a surgery...you'll wait for me...I need to discuss something important"...Nidhi frowns a bit reading, "something important" and answers... "Sure! And all the best" he cools his nerves closing his eyes in sheer relief...and his phone pings again, "Miss you" a smile forms on his lips and another one follows, "Love you" and his face splits into a big grin...he writes back... "You are my life you know that...come soon I'm waiting for you"...a bit relaxed he leaves his cabin to perform his duties.

Malika was waiting for Nidhi to arrive...the state she saw Ashutosh in, she thought it better to talk to her...she must be knowing...why he is so upset?...I can't let him perform surgery in this state...where are you Nidhi?...past few days Malika and Nidhi have turned quite cordial.

Malika on the day she resumed her duties have straight away turned to talk to Nidhi...she was feeling a contented bliss in her heart...no sign of remorse...no it wasn't the feeling of loved and lost...her spirits were booming with love and only love...On her return from Ashutosh's house that night she has really felt bad for herself and for the thoughts she had about her feelings for him...She in the process to detest her feelings seem to have found a new meaning of love... " shouldn't I be loathing on the remorse I felt for the unseen substance that flows from my heart...I turned the sacred feelings in me as obsession which they were not...what if he can't be mine does that change the fact and the meaning of what I feel for him...agreed I can't have him but he is still mine...the centre and focal point of my...nay, not attraction...but my unstinting devotion...the connotation my word of prayer holds... love is never ending process...love is a feeling to have even when your beloved doesn't reciprocate your feelings...love is to spread love around to eradicate all the hatred inside and around...and how can I hate myself and my feelings for him and how can I hate the feelings he feels for HER...for his love...love is no matter how you feel, to feel happy for your beloved... love is the sense of soul and you are alive only if that feel is with you." Nidhi had been quite surprised when she asked,

"Dr. Nidhi Can we have a cup of coffee...surprise evident in Nidhi's eyes...I want to talk to you"

"Sure Ma'm...I'll join you in a minute"

When Nidhi entered the canteen..Dr. Malika was waiting for her...she had already ordered the coffee and moments after Nidhi got seated the coffee arrived...first few moments passed in silence...both sipping the coffee and waiting the conversation to begin...Malika finally breaks the silence:

"I' m sorry Dr. Nidhi for the way I behaved with you last few months"

"Please no need to feel sorry ma'm...I guess every time you told me off...I was wrong and you tried to correct me...that's it...you are my senior..and you shouldn't be apologizing"

She smiles at her words, "No wonder Ashutosh's love chose you"

Nidhi not knowing what to answer remained silent.

"Nidhi I think you must be knowing about the feelings I had for Ashutosh...Hmn..I need to correct myself here...feelings I have for Ashutosh" she utters the last sentence with assertion.

Nidhi is stunned but manages to keep an impassive look on her face...what is she up to now...she is openly accepting her feelings for Ashutosh... what does she want?...Malika looks at her and waited for her response...getting a slight nod from Nidhi...she continues,

"I won't lie feelings doesn't change overnight...so I thought it fit to correct myself...I don't know about future but for now I still love him...and I have no qualms in accepting that...I have loved him past so many years and my feelings for him may not change for ages to come" while talking she keeps giving intermittent looks to her to gauge the effect of her words on her...but seeing her unaffected she prefers to continue...

"When I saw you together and should I say when I saw him looking towards you the way I never saw him looking at anyone all these years...the words swell Nidhi's heart with happiness...I felt a tinge of jealousy...and in that resentment I ended up reacting the real bad way...which I sincerely apologise"

"Ma'm please there is no need...anyone could have reacted the way...she deliberately didn't complete the sentence"

Malika smiles in response... "I don't know about any one...but I really feel bad for myself...but I don't feel bad for what I feel for him...and looks straight into her eyes feeling proud for her feelings...can't help it you know that is something beyond one's power"

Nidhi smiles trying to deduce the meaning of her words, "I agree Ma'm...and I understand... I know how such feelings originate... the person who is in love...can never dislike a person with similar feelings"

"But I did!...you are generous enough and no wonder the divinity above has given you the edge over me...only persons with such golden heart can possess and nurture such reward...I don't feel bad...I lacked somewhere...that's why the divine power above chose you to be the blessed one" the softness in her voice melts Nidhi's heart she finds every word uttered with notable sincerity.

"Blessed is not only the one who gets love...I think more blessed is the person who bestows love" She gives her a smile exalting her.

"Lets stop praising each other...my only intention was to clear my feelings and make you hold nothing bad against me and I'm glad I took the step, I came to know more about my own self rather than you...I'm sorry if you don't like but this is something beyond my power and I can't help loving him"

Nidhi smiles in response, "I understand"

Malika rising from the chair extends her hand, "Ashutosh is my friend...and it will give me immense pleasure if you too count me in your friend list".

Nidhi smiles and offers her hand in accord and both move to their duties.

Since that day that frosty atmosphere melted between them, they met affably to each other...shared a few coffee's, had a few casual chats on varied subjects including latest trends and fashion.

As the ice stands melted Malika finds it acceptable to ask her about Ashutosh's tense state though they never talked about him since that day. She was pacing to and fro waiting for her to come and when her gaze fell on her she hurried herself towards Nidhi. Though Nidhi frowned seeing her tense features but she followed her silently as she grabbed her hand saying, "I need to talk to you Nidhi" and stopped in a lonely corner of the corridor.

"Is everything Okay? I mean Ashutosh seemed tense...I never saw him like that before..he is going to operate upon a patient...please talk to him"

"How can I go there...you know we don't talk much in hospital and there may be other doctors as well in the OT...but why is he tense...I'll have to see him"

She grabs her hand again, "you don't worry about that...let me see what we can do...he must be scrubbing up this time"

Malika takes her to the changing room...there was one more senior doctor present there...when Ashutosh sees Malika he frowns a bit...but his face lights up when he notices the head emerging from her behind...turning his eyes to Malika he asks, "you here everything Okay?" and he turns his gaze back to Nidhi...he was waiting to take her full view...the love in her eyes was enough to stand his world erect...he closes eyes in satisfaction and that gesture was enough to convey Nidhi! "I'm fine"

Malika noticing the blissful look on his face frowns...he was in a state of disarray... "I was passing by... thought to wish you all the best for your surgery"...he nods in response and both leave after ashutosh and Nidhi exchange an intense glance.

"I wonder he seems fine..but he was very tense..Dr. Nidhi"

Nidhi was lost in her thoughts... something is wrong but what... "Hmn...thank god he is fine and thank you Dr.Malika...I'll join my duties...see you later" she nods in response and both move to their respective duties.

At 2 in the afternoon Nidhi was busy at pediatric ward when she receives a sms... "I am waiting for you outside hospital" she frowns how can I leave so early...She was about to respond his sms when Dr. Jyotika calls her at her back... "Nidhi you can leave I've come to replace you" now how come she knows...She prefers not to ask her any question and leaves after thanking her. She takes fast steps and after turning on the road right to the hospital...her gaze catches his car. When she boards the car...he starts up the engine and moves fast...moving away from hospital after sometime he slows down his car... takes her hand in his and places a lingering kiss on her hand... holding her hand in his he gears up his car again...she watches him silently...there was something different in his demeanor...he seemed tense to her...the way he was squeezing her hand...entwining their fingers...as if assuring himself about her presence. Unable to bear it further Nidhi asks,

"What is this? Why you left hospital so early? And how come Dr. Jyotika came to replace me"

"There is something important I need to attend to...and I sanctioned your leave and told Dr. Ranganth to replace your duties with someone"

"Now what is that important you have to attend" he takes a sigh in response and places a peck on her hand again...and pulls her in a side hug... "Please...you are driving"... "So what? Stay here" he holds her tight to himself and when she raises her head to look at him he kisses her at her forehead says "I missed you Nidhi...I missed you badly"... "And that is the reason you left your patients"... "I didn't leave my patients...there was no serious case" when she turns her head to look at his face he bestows another kiss on her forehead...this time the kiss was lingering that honk of a car forces him to break, "Isn't it better you stop the car"... "I can't"... "Why?"... "Because I want to take you away...far far away from this world"... "And why do you think I'll let you do that"...he stops his car on a road side releasing her, and looks intently at her...deep into her eyes...the look that made her feel a quivering sensation in her stomach...with their eyes locked she asks, "What are you trying to find in my eyes?"

"These eyes have ensnared me in the very first look and I'm trying to find whether I'm a free person now"

"You want to be free?"

"Rephrase your question Nidhi... ask: you want to breathe your last breath this very moment"

She closes her eyes in a deep sigh. He flinches in response and pulls her into a hug...with her eyes still closed...she burrows her head in his chest holding him tightly. After a few pecks on her head he utters, "I am sorry"

"I hate you" that makes him smile and answer "I love you"

Staying like that for few minutes Ashutosh realizes that they are on a road side he eases his hold and she getting the cue comes out of the hug and looks straight into his eyes, "you want me to ask or you are sharing what you are trying to fight alone?"

He tilts his head a bit and asks in a lopsided smile, "How do you know I'm fighting something?"

She shakes her head, "the hint of gloom I saw fading when our eyes met in OT told me"

He chuckles, "you make me to forget my pain...I totally forgot we are here to discuss something important"

She in a questioning look waits for him to continue and he answers, "let us first go to someplace where we can talk without any disturbance"

Holding her hand in his, he drives the car silently...Nidhi closes her eyes reclining her car seat a bit...and she resting so peacefully on his side makes his incensed self serene...his world seemed so complete...giving intermittent glances to her... and branding few pecks on her hand... he was driving smilingly...pain forgotten...in the envelop of her love... the silent language of gestures soothed him more when he giving a gentle squeeze on her hand was responded by a beam on her face, made his drive enjoyable...

Nidhi opened her eyes when he stopped the car near a cliff. He was looking unblinkingly at her waiting for her to open her eyes... "Slept well"

She stretched her arms and he opened his inviting her in...with her eyes popped she shakes her head, "we have come here to discuss something important...if you've forgotten" that makes him to sigh deeply and her heart twinges, "what happened?" she was waiting for his answer and he was looking far away when after a few moments of silence he surprises her asking, "would you like to marry me without your Baba's and Nanu's consent?"

She frowns, "But why would we do something like that? Nanu is already wiling and I'm sure Baba will give his consent too"

"Answer my question without posing questions in response Nidhi...say yes or No" he asked in a stern tone that stuns Nidhi.

And "No" comes the straight answer.

Ashutosh feels a stab in his heart and he throws his head with a thud on the back of his seat closing his eyes and fists tightly. She watches him silently.

"What happened why you asked this?"

Shaking his head... "Nothing let us move back"

"No I want to know...what is the reason behind this question?"

His anger raging "Not important any more"

"How can you decide that?"

He doesn't answer and starts the car but she was prompt to get off... "You can leave I'll stay here"

He stops the car and follows her... standing by her side silently... "Tell me why you asked such question?"

He purses his lips and shakes his head in response.

Now Nidhi lost her patience, "what kind of behavior is this? You wanted a straight answer to the question, I gave you and now if I'm asking you a question...you too are supposed to answer...and what do you want to hear...I gave you my heart and soul without asking anybody's permission...now to give away my body why would I need anybody's consent" that stuns Ashutosh and he turns to look at her but she continues, "I told you before social acceptance doesn't make a relation...we are already in a relationship...already married...well marriage according to me is the communion of souls and our souls are already one"

Ashutosh looks at her in stunned silence...She turns her eyes to look faraway...when after a while she hears him speak, "I am sorry...I can't tell you how frustrated I feel...I myself want our relationship to be accepted by all...I don't want to hurt anyone and I'm not able to decide...his voice turns emotional..I don't want to lose you...I can't live without you... and turns his back towards her to hide the tears that brimmed his eyes"

Nidhi turns him to look at her but he averts his eyes, "I'm sorry...I know you are upset but tell me why are you feeling so low...you always say 'you are mine...now why do you feel you'll lose me...I'm all yours you know that"

"Your Baba came early morning into my cabin and said he has planned your shagun tomorrow"...it takes few moments for Nidhi to comprehend the meaning of his words...she was stunned...and he was watching her in sheer pain

"What? What did you say? Come again"

He closes his eyes, "yes you heard me right...he said tomorrow is your shagun ...how can he even come and say something like that to me he knows what we feel for each other...don't he?"

"But how is that possible...I mean I didn't hear any such thing at home...she shakes her head in confusion...not possible...my shagun and I don't know...with whom?...wait a sec...does that mean Baba has given his nod to our relation...yes!...Nidhi's yell of joy, "yep!" make him to open his eyes...he looks at her in surprise... "How can you even deduce something like that from this?"

"Why? What else can I deduce from this?...he said tomorrow is my shagun...but with whom...there has to be someone and I don't find anyone other than you "

"But if he has found someone else for you"

She smiles at that "And you think he well coerce me for that...without even discussing with me...without even letting me know who that guy is he will fix my shagun..not possible...he has accepted our relationship that is the only deduction I get from this..yep!"

He takes a deep sigh, "Okay yell, jump, jig and when you are done...let me know...may be you need sometime to actually figure out the meaning of my words"

She comes closer...making him to open his arms crossed on his chest...holds his hand in hers and looking into his eyes, "what is there to fret...he said tomorrow is my shagun...right?... he nods his head...that means time to rejoice..that means Baba has accepted our relationship..my Shagun! and who else it could be with..you and only you" and raises her eyebrows looking at him.

"How can you say so? Did he say anything like that to you?...and...and what if your inference turns out to be otherwise..What are we going to do? "

She looks fondly into his eyes and answers assertively "Anything you decide and I'm with you...and I don't need to discuss that"

"What if I decide to elope with you?"

"I said 'anything'...if you want us to jump from this cliff...I'll precede you"

He pulls her into a hug...makes her head to rest on his chest above his heart...and his chin resting on her head asks, "you really think I'll ask you for something like that"

"No...you wont...I know you will take a decision after taking into consideration every pros and cons...and I only wanted to assure whatever you decide...I'll obey that"

Cuddling her more... "You are mine Nidhi"... "Hmn...all yours"... "and what was that you said just now"...she raises her head to look at him "what?" ... "that to give away your body ...what did you say?..what was that?"... smirk on his face makes her to blush and she hides her face in his chest... "Look here"...she shakes her head...he pulls her head up holding her chin...her cheeks blushing she keeps her eyes closed...their hearts start thumping...ashutosh places soft kisses on her lashes...then on her cheeks cupping her face in his hands... following a kiss on her lips... "you are mine"... caressing her jaw line with his lips makes her body to curve and hold him tightly at his shoulders...his hold at her waist pressing close to him "It is just that I haven't claimed my right on your body...otherwise you are mine...a gentle nibble at the side of her neck makes her to gasp...body and soul"

His mouth and his words left her blazing hot...the cold gentle breeze at the cliff touching her hot skin boosts the tingly sensation... her thumping heart misses a beat when his lips move towards her neckline after a sudden gust of wind blew her dupatta and enveloped Ashutosh laying her sleek neck bare to his gaze...she manages to mumble... "Ashutosh!"...his voice turns husky "yes..come again...I just love the way you call me Nidhi"...lips on the crook of his neck...she puffs out "please"...he starts tasting the place and that makes her neck to tilt his side ... "hmn"...following a gentle nibble on the side of her neck...gasping she utters "Ashutosh!"...and wraps her arms around him to hide herself from his gaze...he closes his eyes savoring her warmth after long time and clasp her in his arms holding her tightly till their heart beats regain normalcy.

"Nidhi! I missed you so much"

She stirs a little and cuddles to him more...she equally missed to be in those arms. He holds her like that for some time when his phone rings and he releases his arms... she snuggles to him more that fills his heart with bliss...He cuddles her, pecks at her head and let go his one arm to answer the call holding her in the other. Done with the call...he ruffles her hair, "Jaan...we got to go"... "hmn..she turns her head burrowed in his chest"... "Love! there is an emergency"...in a pout she answers "Okay" and releases him... "Not like this" he pulls her into hug again...releasing kisses her still blushing cheeks and in a side hug makes her to get into the car.

"My bad luck! I so missed you past ten days...I would have loved to hold you like this...till my last breath" and starts his car.

Nidhi listened to him silently looking out through the window, "Jaan talk to me..these are the few moments when we can talk then I'll get busy and tomorrow I don't know...a big sigh! and a intense look to her... You'll stay in touch...please!"

She shakes her head and smiles "Harking back"

One more sigh... "You don't understand my state and you can't"

"And how is that different from mine"

That makes him to look at her fondly, "I'm not that strong"

"Dr. Heart stone saying!"

"Ah! He lost himself not so long ago"

She giggles "Oh! Feel so bad for him."

He pulls her to himself and holds her in his left arm... "No need to feel bad for him...he is happy losing himself"

He drops her near an alley that leads to the back door of the hospital ...they almost entered the hospital premises at the same time. Malika notices the change in Ashutosh when she saw him coming in, content feel compared to the dispiriting in morning, feels surprised but when her eye catches Nidhi following Ashutosh surprise vanishes and a twinge creeps in her heart. No matter how much she tries to feel happy for him the struggle to bear her own scars was still palpable, but it was hard to define what gave her more pain the sore in her heart or the sullen look on his face.

Ashutosh lost the count of calls he made on Nidhi's number. "This is the umpteenth call...if she answers fine...if not I better go and ask Baba" he thought making his mind to wake his father up in the mid night and confront him...he was getting restless he hasn't heard from her since her last sms when she left the hospital...he was in OT when her shift ended...back to back surgeries kept him busy till 11 in the night when he saw her sms...the moment he left hospital he kept calling her but she wasn't responding... "Is she sleeping? May be that is the reason why she is not answering my call...but how can she sleep...doesn't she know how her other half is feeling...can't she sense my pain?" he plops on the couch in the bedroom restlessly fiddling with the phone and waiting for her call as he dropped the idea of rousing his father from his slumber...which he surely must be in as the house was quiet and dark when he came in.

Reclined, with his head on the back of couch, eyes wide open staring in the oblivion in pitch-dark room at 2 pm in the night, his phone pings with an incoming sms, the sound pierces through him making his heart to miss a beat and race at the same time, when with diffident fingers he opens the sms and reads:

"Through every single sleepless night...I'm your companion"

The words brought lump to his throat and his eyes blurred with tears...he gulps down his pain and closes his eyes and answers her, "How long my nights are going to be single and sleepless?"

And she answers "Night is always darkest before the dawn"

And another one follows, "I have a tryst planned with my love in his dreams"

A smile splits on his tense face and he writes, "Waiting!"

The Sms' seemed a balm to smear the disquiet in his heart...he looks fondly at his phone and moves to his bed.

In the wee hours in morning he receives a call from hospital and he had to rush as there had been a bus collision on the highway killing few and injuring many... mostly with head injuries...back to back surgeries, routine check-ups, keep him busy when finally he returns to his cabin at 12 in the noon. The first thing he did is checked his phone...not a single call or sms...Nidhi Where are you? What a life doctor has...whole night I spent on tenterhooks waiting for the dawn to break, so that I can set my life right and here I'm at noon knowing nothing about my life"...but what surprises him is three calls from Arman...he checks his desktop to check the duty schedule only to find she is on leave. He gets up and bangs his fist on the table...collecting his car keys and phone he leaves his cabin...the rage evident on his face...he strictly orders his secretary that he should be called only in case of extreme emergency...he was walking the corridors of KGH when his phone rings with Arman's call:

"Arman I'll call you later"

"Hold on buddy...I need to talk to you...it's important"

"I Can't Arman...and he was about to cut his call when he hears Arman's shout...It's about Nidhi"

"What?"

"Yes! Where are you?"... "Leaving hospital...I'm going to meet his father"

"Hold on...don't act in haste..I'm in Lucknow...in my fashion house...come here..I'll accompany you"

"No need Arman I can go on my own"

"Please Ashu why don't you understand... I have to discuss something important...come here I'm waiting for you" and Arman hangs up the phone...leaving no option for Ashutosh but to drive his car to his fashion house.

Arman's Fashion House

"What the hell? Why you told me to come here? I would have gone straight to talk to her father"

"Yes Ashu! Don't you think you need to talk to your Baba first...come we'll go and talk to him first" Ashutosh was about to protest when Arman stops him, "Don't spoil everything...It's only her shagun...she is not getting married...there is no need to act in haste...calm down"

"Calm down...do you have any idea what I'm going through"

"I Know Ashu that's why I'm saying...don't spoil everything...you have taken so much care of her and her honour...don't put everything to stake...they must be having guests in their house at the moment"

"What do you want me to do Arman?...plopping in the couch...I'm feeling so helpless... only I know how I spent last 28 hours ever since her father informed me about her shagun...I waited helplessly...which I shouldn't have and...and the end result is this...I'm knowing nothing about her"

"Now don't waste time we are going to meet Baba...let us talk to him...quick!" he makes him to get up before grabbing a bag in his hand and both leave to meet the Baba.

Arman drives his car and ashutosh was lost in his thoughts...within half an hour they reach the Ashutosh's house and when Arman stops the car Ashutosh realises that he has driven him to his old house, "why have we come here?"

"Ashu Baba is also upset..you know how much solace he finds in this house...so he his here"

Ashutosh gets off and walks the path way to his house and stands dead in his tracks to find his house decorated and illuminated...Riya's yell "achu" bring him back to his senses...and he realises his Baba, Nidhi's family, solanki's, Rohan, Dr. Rangnath and Sneha were in the house ...he gives a look to Arman...who was grinning and enjoying his plight...Baba comes forward to take him into a hug when Dadi Bua stops him. "No Mathur Sahab...let me do the Arti first"

Ashutosh was not still able to conjure up what was going on...he was all oblivious to happenings around him when Arman takes pity on his friend and shakes him grabbing his shoulders,

"Ashu this is not only Nidhi's shagun...this is your shagun as well...Cheer up buddy!"

The rapture of joy ...sheer joy assimilates him...and his face expresses all sort of pleasant emotions...ranging from contentment to intense joy...feeling whole and alive...the past twenty eight hours of agony seemed zilch against this zillion tonned joy...the joy his face presented gets reflected on his father's face when he opens his arms to hold him in his embrace. He feels his son trembling, grinning unable to utter a word when he comforts him with gentle pats on his back, "Ashu I'm sorry Beta...this Arman made us to do all this...he wanted to surprise you and pulled us along" and in this emotional upheaval he only manages to utter, "I'm going to kill him Baba" and all burst into laugh.

"Now Ashu what would you like to do first...Kill me? Or shagun?" and with these words he flees into the house and Ashutosh gives him a killer glare.

Ashutosh's arrival caused quite a commotion in the house...he was welcomed in like a groom...Col. verma hugged him saying, "I'm sorry I came to inform you but you didn't ask and I had already promised them that I won't be telling you the truth on my own" that makes Arman to receive one more glare from Ashutosh...Sneha joins, "Come on Ashutosh this is the time when such pranks are played and more so you will remember the past twenty four hours all your life...past twenty hours made you to realise what she means to you and you won't take her for granted" he bothers least to answer her and his eyes roam the entire hall to have a glimpse of her but she was nowhere.

Anji who was coming down the stairs had her eyes on Ashutosh...she comes forward to wish him and asks "Looking for her?"

"Where is she?"... "She is upstairs...looking up at the room... getting ready"

Arman butt in , "So what have you decided Ashu...you want to kill me first or complete these rituals first...he glares at him...Arman extends the bag in his hand... Go get ready own her first before Col. changes his mind...you've got all the time in life to kill me."

He snatches the bag from his hand and moves upstairs to change in his room... stopping and giving a fond look at the door of the room... Nidhi was in.

When he comes down donning a royal blue kurta with a milky white trousers...the kurta had embroidery, pearls and white studs embeded around the neck...All look at him in awe...Arman's eyes turn teary he had waited all these years earnestly for this moment...and the look in his eyes melts Ashutosh and he goes near him and hold his friend in a side hug.

Anji exclaims, "Wow! Jeeju you are looking so handsome" her Jeeju brings a gleam in his eyes.

Arman rebuts, "We are going to give your friend a tough competition"

Ashutosh: No one can stand her in competition Arman

Anji's eyes pop out...this was the first time she was seeing him brazenly expressing his feelings for her...all others give a hoot of laugh and Arman exclaims, "My friend is a gone case!"

Chapter 22

Decked up in anarkali dress, combination of creamy white chiffon and velvety blue, bodice exhibiting gorgeous and colourful zari along with resham embroidery embellished with stones and pearls, head clad with sprawled dupatta, ears flaunting diamond dangles.

"There is no need to put dupatta on your head...let me tie your hair then" that's how Anji protested when she took the loose end of her dupatta and put on her head.

The gleam in his eyes every time he saw her clad with dupatta... flaunted before her eyes...looking at her reflection in the mirror one final time... "He used to visualise me this way always!...what else could the gleam in his eyes mean then...Oh God!...little blush graces her cheeks"

"You can't understand Anji...let it be here"

Anji frowns and shakes her head in dismay... "Okay let us move"

She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that's best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes;

Thus mellowed to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,

Had half impaired the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress,

Or softly lightens o'er her face;

Where thoughts serenely sweet express,

How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,

So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow,

But tell of days in goodness spent,

A mind at peace with all below,

A heart whose love is innocent!

All heads turns towards the stair...it seemed an epitome of elegance and beauty descending from the heavens above only for him...some eyes turn in awe and envy, some gleamed in yearning...

Arman shaking Ashutosh, "Ashu release your breath buddy" hearing Arman's words everyone turn to look at him...who in his daze gave a tentative look to Arman and turn his gaze back to the object of his fascination...the eyes remain locked and everyone's giggle break his reverie.

Ashutosh lowers his eyes only to raise them back to meet the Nidhi's eyes... still watching him unblinkingly deeply in the trance since her eyes caught him...obviously he was the first person her eyes looked for, the moment she stepped down the first step towards the hall. Her eyes smouldered devouring the sight...tall dark handsome prince charming she used to fantasise in her childhood...but this prince was way ahead the princely image of her fantasy.

"Nidhi I know Jejaji is looking charmingly handsome but stop devouring him so unabashedly" Anji's words break Nidhi's trance staining her cheeks with red and making her to lower her eyes.

Ashutosh'a heart leaps out to the sight...blushing cheeks, eyes lowered and head clad in dupatta some where it concurs with his fantasies, and yearning grips his heart and mind.

Dadi bua and shyama aunty getting in the way of his gaze throng Nidhi taking Kajal from their eyes and marking a speck behind her ear to protect her from anything unpleasant, making Ashutosh to frown. But the frown gets erased instantly the moment she becomes visible to his eyes again. Dadi Bua helps her walk up to him and blesses the couple placing hands softly on their heads in blessing.

Dadi bua makes them to sit in the three seater couch and asks for pandith ji's permission to start the shagun. Pandith ji nods and begins to recite some mantras while Dadi bua and sneha do the tilak of Ashutosh and Nidhi respectively and exchanging some gifts. All clap when pandith ji declares the shagun is done.

Nidhi steals a chance to look at him and he returns the glance looking through the corner of his eyes while playing with Riya who was enjoying seeing her Achu and Mashi together. Sneha takes a piece of sweet and makes Ashutosh to bite...when he opens his mouth she retreats her hand a bit saying "Don't eat whole leave some for her" and offers him the sweet again.

Ashutosh grabs her hand and takes towards the Nidhi's lips, "let her take the first bite then"

Sneha looks at him with wide eyes and turns to Baba, "Baba is he the same Ashu we knew" making all laugh and Baba giving a fond look to his son.

Nidhi takes a small bite timidly and then sneha stuffs the whole piece in Ashutosh's mouth every body laugh at that and start exchanging sweets with one another. Ashutosh seeing every one busy glides his hand slowly towards Nidhi's hand, caressing her hand for a while he entwines his fingers with her then gives a small squeeze making her to look towards him. Looking fondly and contentedly at each other...they savoured a private moment...in everyone's presence. Baba's voice catches their attention and they turn to look towards him.

"Pandith ji as I talked to you early morning can they exchange their rings this time...we still have good mahurat?"

"Pandith ji nods...yes Dr. Sahib they can exchange their rings but I suggest after 15 minutes"

"Good! Till then why don't you find a suitable mahurat for their wedding?"

Pandith ji starts finding a mahurat and all watch him impatiently...Ashutosh's heart jumps with joy hearing Baba's words...he gives a gentle squeeze to Nidhi's hand...Nidhi now draping her dupatta on one side was hiding their hands perfectly under it... making her to lower her head suppressing her smile.

"There are three mahurats in coming six months one is exactly after one month another after two and half months and third one is on 15^th in the sixth month"

"I think mahurat after one month is okay, what say?" Baba turns to look at all and especially to his son who seemed happy with the proposal...Col. Verma looks at her daughter but couldn't read much behind her shy expression...every one turns to see what Col. was looking at, and wait for Nidhi's answer.

She shyly asks "Can't we decide that later, Nanu?"

"Sure! Beta why not?" Ashutosh frowns looking at Nidhi but smiles after sometime thinking he will talk to her later.

All get up to begin preparations for the engagement ceremony. And within minutes Sneha and Anji come with their respective rings. Ashutosh was the first one to present the ring when he takes the ring from Sneha who was holding the box amidst flowers on a tray...he gets surprised, eyes popped he looks at sneha and then at Arman who winks in response and gestures him to put the ring in her finger. He turns makes her wear the ring looking adorably at her...Nidhi who had also taken the ring from a similar tray from Anji makes him to wear hers...All clap in jubilation...They seek everyone's blessings together first time as a couple and that seemed heartening to Ashutosh after last nights turmoil she was finally his. Finally their relation was able to gain the credence he wished for.

After done with the rituals...Arman started yelling with the hunger pangs and Dadi bua and shyma hurry to set the table.

Arman gets a scold from sneha, "Who can say you are Riya's father? She is more patient in hunger than you"

"Sneha you know when I'm happy no quantity of meal is enough to satisfy my hunger"

"And what quantity satisfies you when you are not so happy?" rebuts Ashutosh.

"Come on, why are you all hell-bent to pull my sons leg?" speaks Baba

Arman finds a rescue, "Just see Baba...how great my friend and wife are?"

"Come on! Stop your drama and have your lunch and don't forget you are to be slaughtered very soon."

"Ah! What a slaughter it would be! Slaughter by the great neurosurgeon!"

Ashutosh throws Riya's ball at him...and Riya giggles in amusement...all were enjoying their banter when col. verma spoke up in a serious tone.

"I sincerely want to apologise Dr. Ashutosh...I should have told you...but I was bound by their promise...you may not be knowing your Baba was a party in all this"

"I was a party but It was all Arman's doing...he wanted to see your reaction on Yog's refusal...since yog didn't agree to that he played the drama"

Arman receives a glare from Ashutosh and Col. Verma continues, "there was no chance of saying no to the proposal...I trusted my daughter's decision...I had more trust on my upbringing...the way I brought her up there was no question having doubt on her selection...Nidhi's eyes shine and turn moist looking fondly at her Baba...I won't deny that still there was a father in me that had some qualms but whatever doubts I had all vanished during Mahesh's hospitalisation... I met Ashutosh in Hospital and got to know him...It was purely due to the father in me that hold me up otherwise I had full trust on Baba's upbringing...if I loved Nandni for all the great values Baba had inculcated in her...and how come Ashutosh's upbringing would have been any different...definitely that were Baba's values that spoke in him...turning to Arman... when he said he will wait for our acceptance...when I came to know that...even father in me couldn't say no to the proposal...turning towards Ashutosh and Nidhi...I'm proud of my daughter's decision"

Nidhi couldn't hold herself she gets up and leaps towards her father who held her in side hug. Ashutosh seeing the daughter and father turning emotional moves forward and speaks, "Sir I want to thank you for the trust you reposed in me and I assure you I would never let you down."

Col. Verma pulls him also in hug saying, "I trust you my Boy...don't think this Col. missed the joy my daughter beamed in past few months"...that surprises Nidhi she comes out of the hug to look at her father... "You forgot your father is a retired Col."...that makes them to laugh...and speaking to Ashutosh... "And what is this Sir? Dr. Ashutosh...you are soon to be life partner of my daughter"...seeing hesitation in Ashutosh's eyes... " Ashutosh... beta! In our country we respect relations...love and affection derives how we value persons around us...according to Indian philosophy...One human needs to respect another human irrespective of their age...no wonder we respect and treat our elder brother as our father...the elder sister- in- law becomes our bhabi ma...such things happens only in our country"

Ashutosh smiles and responds in a very soft tone, "Thank you..Papa!"...Nidhi's eyes glitter with happiness...Col. Verma holds him in a hug... "I'm happy to have a son like you" and pats him at his back. Ashutosh's eyes gleaming with inexpressible joy look at Nidhi...and seeing the joy reflecting on her face he kisses at her in air...her eyes wide open she turns to look around and when her eyes meet Arman's eyes who was smiling at them...she blushes and lowers her gaze.

Ashutosh come out of hug and looks smilingly at Col.verma...who in return place hands on their heads saying, "Gold bless you and may you live a long happy life"

"Can we have lunch now...or you have planed to make me die starving Ashu"

Ashutosh shakes his head exasperated and all get up to move towards the table...Arman comes forward and hold his friend in a hug...then gives a side hug to Nidhi and Congratulates them saying, "I'm sorry Ashu...I couldn't help... I got a chance after a long time to rag you...how could I've missed the chance...then I got the chance to see immense joy on your face...which I longed to see all these years...how could I've missed that"

"I'll teach you a lesson...don't worry Arman"

"You can't do a thing now... she is here to protect me" placing arm around Nidhi and raising eyebrows to Ashutosh.

Who in return gives a Dr. Heartstone glare that he slips away from there.

Then Dr. Rangnath and Anji comes forward to congratulate them...Dr. Rangnath had been watching Ashutosh dumbstruck...the reserved, reticent boss enjoying his life's greatest moment...he was truly feeling happy for him...his eyes conveyed much more than he managed to utter , "Congratulations on your engagement, Sir" and Ashutosh understanding the sentiments of love pulls him into a hug. Anji comes forward and hugs Nidhi.

"If all of you are done... let me remind you sir you still owe the treat"

"How can I forget Rohan? You never visited Lucknow since that day" answered Ashutosh.

"I know Sir! Just joking!...Congratulations Sir!"

"Thank you Rohan."

After lunch elders settled themselves in couches discussing marriage plans...Sneha helped Hiraman Kaka in clearing the table...Riya was playing with Rohan...Anji, Rangnath and Nidhi were watching the greenery outside through the open window...Arman and Ashutosh were still on dining table discussing something:

"Arman how come you got that ring?"

"It's your engagement Ashu...how I could have bought any other ring for Nidhi! Obviously that had to be of your choice...and what better option I had than that?...you know on that day in Mumbai when you bought that anklet for Nidhi...I heard you talking to that sales girl...I saw the disappointment in your eyes when she told you the ring is sold out...next day early morning I gave them the order to make another one...and here I got that for your Nidhi!"

Ashutosh turns his gaze to look at Nidhi...My Nidhi!... "Thank you Arman!"...Nidhi in her antics was pointing towards something outside window while talking to Dr. Rangnath and that was enough to distract Ashutosh. He gets up saying, "Arman come lets move out"...he walks up to the window and makes them to turn and look at him when he asks, "What is going on?"

"Nothing serious Sir... just were enjoying the view outside"

"Lets us move out then...and enjoy better"

Dr. Rangnath: "Sure sir!"

Sneha and Arman were already moving out...Anji gestured Rohan as she saw Baba napping...and all turn to move out...Nidhi stopped Anji saying, "you guys carry on I'll join you in a minute...I'll change this dress" Ashutosh who was ahead walking with Arman and Sneha, heard her talking to Anji. They were waiting for her on the pathway...when she joined them back within moments still in the same dress...Anji asks:

"You said you want to change but you are in the same dress"

Stealing a look at Ashutosh, "Yes I thought why to keep you all waiting...I'll change later"

Anji didn't miss the gleam in her eyes while she said that...as all started their walk towards the lake... she pulled her to the side and asked, "What is going on?"

"What?"

"Why didn't you change?"

"Because your Jiju didn't want me to"

She looks in surprise towards Ashutosh...and he watching them returned her glance with a smile.

Anji, Rangnath and Rohan were seeing the house and its surroundings for the first time so they were mesmerised by the beauty surrounding the house...when they walked near the well maintained lush green garden area...Anji exclaimed in joy, "This so beautiful Jiju" he smiled in response saying "there is lot more to explore"

Nidhi walking upto the stream, "Just see Anji how the waterfall in this stream pierces the serene atmosphere here...it seems like a lullaby"

Anji treads on the pebble and touches the water...Riya yells in excitement...Nidhi takes little water and sprinkles on Riya...that excites her more...and she moves forward to touch the water herself...Nidhi pulls her up and makes her to sit on the pebble...first she gets scared and yells "Mashi" but when her feet touch the water she loves it...she tries to get up and paddle along...sneha gets scared "No Riya" and she sits back on the pebble...Rohan takes a few pics of her and Nidhi pulls her back and she yells "Mashi No"...Sneha grabs her in her arms saying, "No lets us play here...here is your ball"...Riya got miffed she took the ball and threw into the water. Arman quickly jumps into the stream and grabs the ball...Riya was jumping in joy!...My ball! My ball!

When Arman handed her the ball she tried to push that back into the water...Rohan stops her and kicks her ball faraway... "Go get your ball"... "No...sea!"...Rohan frowns... "What is this sea Arman ji?"... "Oh! She means this stream...we live near the sea beach...so she calls it sea"...when she again tries to go near the stream...Arman says, "I think it's better to move from here...let us move towards the backyard".

All agree and Ashutosh asks, "When are we going back?"

Arman: Back? We are staying here for the night Ashu...we'll leave tomorrow from here...We've our flight in the morning"

Ashutosh's heart did a jig in joy...A night with Nidhi! "I'll have to leave then...you guys enjoy!"

"Leave?" ... "yes Arman...I'll have to go...I need to check my patients...I'll be back soon" he added the last sentence intentionally seeing disappointment on Nidhi's face.

All move towards the backyard and he turns to leave giving one final look to Nidhi.

When he was moving out of the house after changing the clothes he saw Nidhi waiting for him near the car... "You here!"... "Hmn"... "I'm sorry...you know how much I want to be with you and enjoy and celebrate this moment of ours...but love I operated upon the patients in the morning...I need to check them...but I promise I'll come back soon"

"I understand...but promise me you'll drive slowly" he was touched...only I know how much I pinned to have a lonely moment with you...but now when we are alone...I can't talk to you if I get swayed...there is no way out for my return...I have to be at hospital...he nods his head and without a word he turns his gaze away from her and gets into the car...driving away looking at her through his rear view mirror till she is out of his gaze.

Nidhi move to the backyard and joined the others...after exploring some area for an hour as it wasn't possible to delve into those woods spread on acres of land...they turned back. Dadi bua and shyama had already made some snacks for evening tea and were waiting for them to return. The moment they returned and freshened up tea was served...sipping tea together and hearing Col. verma's acts of valour during his span of service in Army was all fun.

Dadi bua turned to all and asked "what are you going to have for dinner...if there is any special wish let me know...every one's favourite dish will be prepared...It's very special day for my grand daughter"

Col. verma: Bua can I suggest something for your grand daughter's special day...I mean if all agree we can have a bonfire party...what say?

Baba exclaimed... "Wow that will be great... if we can do that" and everyone joined Baba in chorus "yes"

"Yes we can do that...all we need is to gather tinder, kindling and small, medium and large logs."

"But we'll still need something to eat or you think bonfire is enough for dinner tonight"

"You don't worry bua...we'll prepare our dinner there...there is nothing more comforting and delicious...than cooking in the glow of dancing bonfire"

"Okay! As you wish"

"Now I want Dr. Rangnath, Arman and Rohan to get all the material required for bonfire...Anji, Nidhi and Sneha...you get aluminium foil, water-soaked wooden skewers, cheese, honey, rosemary, chilli soup, potatoes, butter and sour cream if we have any, bread, fresh and dried fruits"

All get to their jobs and soon the backyard was glowing with bonfire...mattresses were laid around the bonfire...music player was placed at one corner and everything was looking great... as there was enough time for dinner all enjoyed music, jokes and pranks played by Rohan and Arman and waited for Ashutosh to return...Riya and her antics also remained centre of attention for some time as she too was enjoying the glittering fire though Sneha had hard time protecting and taking care of her till she finally fell into a deep sleep after having her dinner.

Nidhi was little down missing Ashutosh immensely but she managed to hide her inner discontent. Arman sensing her displeasure called Ashutosh, "He is on his way back to home...I think we shall start preparations for dinner". The glow on Nidhi's face was obvious hearing the news.

All agree and Col. Verma begins the process...he gets excited "wow camembert and sweetened ricotta...we had this?"

Nidhi looks sheepishly at Col. verma... "Baba Rohan bought that from nearby mall"

"I knew it!...you and your weakness for cheese"

He removes the Camembert round from its wooden package and wrapping. Soaks the wooden package in water; replace the cheese and top with honey and rosemary. Cooked the cheese-filled package in the fire.

He also wrapped microwaved soft potatoes individually in foils and puts on a grate to cook in the fire.

He also kept ready the chilly soup to heat before serving.

They all were waiting for the food to cook when the soft music on the music player changes playing a beautiful song...all turn to look and check who changed the music...but there was no one...Rohan answered, "I changed the music...I thought the wait for the food will turn sweet"

All nod and turn back their attention to the food when Rohan gestured Nidhi towards the tree...She turns to look and finds Ashutosh watching her in dark leaning against the tree. The moment her eyes catch him he blew a kiss to her...her heart thumped she looked around seeing everyone busy she raises her eyes back to him...So he played the song...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPD3H1AZqhE

Ban Ke Titli Dil Uda, Uda, Uda Hai Kahin Door..
Chalke Khushbu Se Juda, Juda, Juda Hai Kahin Door..O..
Aaj Se Yeh Kaise Ansuni Se Jaise
Choome Andheron Ko Koi Noor..
Ban Ke Titli Dil Uda, Uda, Uda Hai Kahin Door..O..

Wu..Sirf Keh Jaaun Yaar...Aasmaan Pe Likh Doon
Teri Taareefon Mein...Chashme Baddoor.. O..

Ban Ke Titli Dil Uda Uda Uda Hai...Kahin Door..O..
Chalke Khushbu Se Juda Juda Juda Hai...Kahin Door..O..

Bhoori Bhoori Aanhein Teri
Kankhiyon Se Tezz Kitne Chhode
Dhaani Dhaani Baatein Teri
Udte Phirte Panchiyonke Rukh Bhi Mode

Adhoori Thi Zara Si...Main Poori Ho Rahi Hoon
Tere Saadgi Mein...Hoke Choor..O..

Ban Ke Titli Dil Uda Uda Uda Hai Kahin Door..O..
Chalke Khushbu Se Juda Juda Juda Hai Kahin Door..O..

Raatein Ginke, Neendein Bun Ke
Cheez Kya Hai Khwaabdaari Hum Ne Jaani
Tere Sur Ka, Saaz Ban Ke
Hoti Kya Hai Raagdaari Hum Ne Jaani

Jo Dil Ko Bhaa Rahi Hai
Woh Teri Shaayari Hai
Ya Koi Shaarayaana Hai Fitoor..

Ban Ke Titli Dil Uda, Uda, Uda Hai Kahin Door..O..
Chalke Khushbu Se Juda, Juda, Juda Hai Kahin Door..O..
Aaj Se Yeh Kaise Ansuni Se Jaise
Choome Andheron Ko Koi Noor..

Ban Ke Titli Dil Uda Uda Uda Hai Kahin Door..O..

Wu..Sirf Keh Jaaun Yaar Aasmaan Pe Likh Doon
Teri Taareefon Mein Chashme Baddoor..O..

When the song ends he comes forward and makes himself visible to everyone's eyesNidhi was almost in a tranceRohan was first one to notice, "Ah! Dr. Ashutosh is here"

Baba: "Come beta we were waiting for youand when he noticesgood you have changed and freshened up already"

Anji who was sitting next to Nidhi gets up to offer him the place next to herhe murmurs a thank you in response.

When everyone's attention turns back to cooking she steals a chance and asks in a murmur, "What was that song for?"

"To express the pent-up feelings I have been waiting to express all dayand I couldn't control myself when I saw you still wearing the same dressthank you"

She looks at him eyes wide open "What are you doing?"

"Trying to hold your hand"

"Everyone is around!"

He shrugs his shoulders, "Put your dupatta to some use"

She gives a squint look in response and hides their hands under her dupattaAshutosh suppressed his smile.

Col. Verma declares "I think dinner is ready"

The Camembert was cooked until the box started to char; he carefully removed the box from the fire and served the delicious, gooey contents with crusty bread and sliced fresh and dried fruit. The reheated chilly soup was also served. He served the potatoes with melted butter and sour cream. The food was delicious and every one was relishing.

Ashutosh: "Papa I didn't knowyou know cooking"

"I'm army man betawe are trained to know everything"

"And whose idea was this bonfire party"

Nidhi answers, "This was Baba's ideaour lori's always turned to be like thisand turns to her fatherBaba my ricotta?"

"Almost done Beta.I've already placed some apples in foil"Col. Verma had cored the apple filled with butter and sweetened ricotta"

After done with dinner elders retire to their rooms and rest chatted for a while...then Arman, Sneha and Rohan took their leave saying that they have a flight to board early morning...and after some time Anji and Rangnath also thought it fit to leave the to be bride and groom alone.

The fire was not so bright... under the dim light Nidhi straightened her dupatta feeling his gaze... Ashutosh was lying on the mattress with his head on a bolster...he extended his hand asking for her and when she offered her hand he pulled her to himself...she was now on his side...leaning forward with her elbows on his chest...he gave her a soft pull making her softness to touch against his hard chest and that laid bare to his eyes the velvety soft cleavage...his eyes darted to cherish...the desire made his body to stiffen...the cringe in him makes her to look in to his eyes and when she notices what his eyes were gazing...she snuggles to him and burrows her head in his chest...Ashutosh pulled her atop and held her in a bear hug...he realised both their hearts were thumping...after some time he twirls her to his side with her head lying on his strong arm...she was flushing and the cold breeze touching their hot skins was tickling their senses...kissing her flushed cheeks he called her... "Nidhi! Open your eyes please"... "Please"... "Love"...seeing her not responding he continues... "Okay! I'm sorry" she promptly opens her eyes making him smile and kiss her forehead...she burrows her head in his chest saying "let us go to our rooms now"... "Why? You don't want to be with me?...I've pinning all day for this moment"

"This is not Mumbai if you have forgotten we have all our elders around us"

"What has Mumbai and Lucknow got to do with that...and if you have forgotten let me remind you...early morning you were found in your own bedroom on that day"

"And what if some one finds us here before that"

"First No one can come here so late in the night...and second if someone sees us like this...tightening his hug... I don't care now...you are now mine"

"Now?"

"I mean to say officially...he pulls her arm out and grabbing her hand he smacks a kiss on her engagement ring"

"So shameless"

"I haven't done anything yet that I should be ashamed of"...with that he starts nuzzling her neck...the sensations make her to curl her toes...Ashutosh placing his leg on hers starts kissing her neckline and Nidhi twirls herself that only gave Ashutosh better access...he frantically starts caressing her neck again holding her gripped under him...nipping the sides of her neck...tasting the crook...moving up to her jaw line...the way she was twisting under him was turning a turn on...when he removes her earrings and takes her earlobe...she moans and manages to puff out "Ashutosh!" ...that pulls him out of his frenzied state...realising she was gasping holding him at his shoulders...her nails digging in his arms...he chides himself and pulls her into a hug...holding her tightly to himself...giving her intermittent kisses at her head...till they both calm themselves...Nidhi wasn't unaware of his state and the way he holds himself back makes her to fall for him all over again.

After holding each other in embrace for a long time... Nidhi stirs and comes out of the hug...her head lying on his arm...she looks at him mesmerizingly...he wasn't asleep but kept his eyes closed...finding difficult to resist she kisses him at his lips and his lips curl in to a grin seeing him smiling she hides her head in the crook of his neck.

"What was that?" she shakes her head in response and snuggles more to him.

Burying his fingers in her hair...he starts caressing her head... "I'm Sorry"

"Sorry for loving me"

Taking a deep breath... "Can I ever feel sorry for that?...just this wasn't the right time and it disturbs me...adds to my pain...but I can't resist"

"Disturbs you?"

"Hmn...You know after that night in Mumbai...how I spent my nights... how I missed holding you in my arms...how empty I felt"

She kisses him in response at the place where her lips were touching his chest...he digs his fingers in her head and she closes her eyes tightly...feeling her body stiffen he pulls her out and asks distracting her or rather them... "Hey! I forgot to ask...you liked the ring?

She looks at him surprised... "Yes I loved it but why are you asking?"

"You know when I saw the ring in that jewellery store in Mumbai...your delicate finger wearing the ring flaunted before my eyes...at that very moment I thought to buy this for you... not knowing this is going to be your engagement ring... but the ring was already sold out...she frowns hearing that...next day Arman had ordered the ring and bought that for me. Nidhi places a kiss on her ring "thank you for selecting my engagement ring"...he could see the happiness in her eyes hearing that her engagement ring is of his choice.

"And how you find the one I chose for you?"

"You chose it?...he pouts...so you were knowing all this"

"No I didn't know...when I returned from hospital...Baba told me to select one ring as they were selecting the ring that time...I resisted and that compelled them to reveal the truth...Baba had on purpose called the jeweller home at that time"

"And you didn't find it fit to inform me...you knew what I was going through"

"You think I can see you in pain...I was left with no choice when Arman Bhaya made me to swear upon you that I'll hold my tongue"

He kissed her lips...then both the rings on their hands...she raised her hand and softly fondled his eye lashes making him to close his eyes... "Have some sleep...you couldn't sleep well last night"...He cuddles her closing his eyes and she ruffled his hair softly till he fell into a deep sleep.

Chapter 23

Sun's rays were piercing the darkness, birds were chirping and temple bells were ringing disturbing Nidhi's sleep making her to turn to her side and try to burrow her face in the pillow. Feeling caged she tries to pull herself out but the grip caging her intensifies, a kiss on her forehead forms a frown, another one on her right eye deepens the frown and one more on her left eye makes her to open her eyes wide only to lock up with two pair of teasing and bright smiling eyes of her love. After drinking his fill he leans to peck her lips breaking the spell they got caught in, when their eyes met. She pushes him grabbing his shoulders,

"What are you doing here?"

Grabbing her arms he pulls her to him, "So my sleeping beauty forgot I slept whole night in these beautiful arms"

"But we're in backyard" that makes him chuckle.

"You remember that?"

She mock punches him and comes out of the hug "why are you up and ready so early?"

A deep sigh! "There is an emergency so I need to go. See you in the hospital, you are coming?"

"Hmn...I dont think so its only second day of my engagement, how can I?"

"Oh!... raising his one eyebrow...So you got engaged?"

"Yes! To a not so handsome neurosurgeon"

"Well I'll deal later with that not so handsome guy...making her giggle...but this neurosurgeon got to go... getting late

He leans forward looking deep into her eyes slowly laying her down; gliding to her left side gives a soft nibble at her neck making her to gasp and whispers in a husky voice, " I'll be waiting..see you soon" and in a quick twirl gets up to leave but Nidhi was more quick to hold his hand.

"Please leave me Nidhi..I won't be able to go otherwise...I'm getting late"

"Promise me you'll drive slowly" he nods and leaves without turning to look at her.

Nidhi tossed and turned on the bed she felt as if she has been thrown suddenly out of her shell. She was missing the warm cocoon she loves to be enveloped in...the strong hold of his arms. She hugged herself tightly but that didn't give her any respite. Her condition seemed nothing less than a fish thrown out of a pond. She thought it fit to get ready for the day. After taking a quick shower and dressing herself in a kurta and matching leggings she packs her things up. Her mobile buzzed with a message from him that read 'miss you' a smile graces her face and she answers back 'miss you badlyreached hospital?' and he responds 'yes on my way to OT'. Nidhi takes a deep breath sensing a long tedious day that has begun for him.

After having breakfast all leave for their respective destinations Arman and his family leave for Mumbai, Rohan for Delhi, Baba and Hiraman for their home and solanki's and verma's for theirs. Nidhi changed into a sky blue plain chiffon saree with diamond studs and a small pendant around her neck...the pendant and the studs complimented the two rings on her hand. Her shift starts at 11 am she reaches hospital at 10.30 am with a small box of sweets in her hand. On entering hospital she straight goes to the common room knowing her colleagues must be sharing their coffee there. In common room:

Nidhi: Hello Everyone!

Priyanka: Helloo...where have you been?

Jyotika: Yes Nidhi...where have you been?...why you were on leave yesterday?

Nidhi: Well! Let me have my coffee first...I'll let you know.

Ahana entering the common room: Here is your coffee...I saw you coming...nidhi extends her hand to take the coffee but Ahana retreats...wait a sec...scaning her head to toe...saree!...you seem changed...what is this glow all about?

Nidhi grabs the cup... "Oh! Really am I glowing...hmn...may be thats what we call the glow of first love"

Ahana: What do you mean? You're in love?

Nidhi: yes, I'm in love and I'm engaged...displaying her ring.

All say in chorus: what?

Nidhi: And before you ask let me clear...I didn't know all this till I came to know a day before yesterday when I returned home after my duties.

Priyanka: you didnt know and you got engaged...you must be joking Nidhi!

Nidhi: No I'm not joking...I liked the guy and we got engaged in a small family function.

Jyotika: Who is the guy?

Nidhi: A Doctor.

Ahana: where? And what is his name?

Nidhi had butterflies in her stomach in anticipation to see their reaction... "In Lucknow and his name is Ashutosh"

Jyotika: Hmn..got it! There is something with this name... he must be handsome if not like our only handsome hunk but somewhere near him...Is that the reason you said yes without thinking over.

Nidhi got lost... "Nobody presumed him"

Ahana in a deep sigh: Who is going to be that lucky one? Will he ever marry? and one more deep sigh!

Priyanka shakes her head: you all have gone mad he hardly looks at any one...she gets up and hugs Nidhi...Congratulations Nidhi! I'm so happy for you.

Then jyotika and Ahana follow the suit. Nidhi kept her mum...suppressing her smile thinking what a sight that would be to see the expression on their faces...when they'll come to know and meet the only handsome hunk.

Nidhi: Okay guys! Got to go...here are the sweets for you.

Nidhi couldn't see him since morning. She was waiting in the paediatric ward...it was the time for his rounds...when she turned around to look at the door...she saw him looking at her...their eyes met for a few seconds emanating love they are brimming with...he turned his gaze and began his round followed by the team of doctors...when he reached near the bed where Nidhi was standing...he talked to her in a stern voice:

"Dr. Nidhi where is your robe?"

Nidhi had placed her robe on the bedside where she was standing she takes the robe and answers, "Sir...it's here"

And in that very stern tone he answers "Put on your robe, Please"

Nidhi gulps and wears the robe...though she didn't sense the anger in his voice but she found his reaction strange. He left the ward and she resumed the job she was doing. After five minutes she feels her phone vibrating in her robe. She takes her phone checks the message:

"If you dont want this neurosurgeon to lose his senses please dont wear sari to hospital" a slight blush creep her cheeks and her free hand involuntarily move to straighten her robe.

She was still engrossed trying to comprehend the meaning of his words when a ward boy calling her at her back made her to come out of her musing,

"Dr. Nidhi, Dr. Behl wants to see you in his cabin and he said he wants to discuss the case of the kid admitted day before yesterday"

She understood, she saw Ashutosh and Dr. Behl deliberating over his reports during his round...he must have given some advise, she thought. The kid was admitted after being hit and hurt by a fast speeding car. The driver had been probably drunk and had hit the child who was walking on the roadside. The wound on his head was badly oozing at that time but there was no sign of complicacy. He actually had a narrow escape...though he was wounded and little horrified but he was in his senses when he was brought to hospital.

After a perfunctory knock she entered his cabin and handed over the file to him, "Sir here is the file"

"Yes Dr. Nidhi please have a seat...Dr. Ashutosh has prescribed some medicines you must have seen and he wants to check his fresh reports...as his parents have pointed out and we are of the opinion that he must have gone into partial dementia"

"Oh! Didnt know Sir"

"Yes unfortunately that is what I perceived last night and early morning I ordered Dr. Jyotika to take him for immediate scan...I hope there is no internal injury...I had already asked for his reports on priority...please collect the reports and seek Dr. Ashutosh advise"

"She nodded in response"

"I'm Sorry I can't go myself...I've to attend the boy in ICU" he said sorry as he knew how people dreaded going near him.

"No problem Sir...Ill collect the reports and take his advice"

"Thank you" She leaves and collects the reports from lab...then she first orders the Janki Bai to administer him the injection prescribed by Dr. Ashutosh.

"Sorry Dr. Nidhi...I checked already the injection is not in stock"

"Oh! You talked to Dr. Rangnath"

"No! I was about to go there"

"It's Okay! You stay here I'll talk to him...I'm going to show his reports to Dr. Ashutosh" her heart did a happy Jig when Dr. Behl so politely requested her to seek his opinion on the child's reports...she was missing him...but the sms...when she recalled, her heart missed a beat.

She took a deep breath and went to talk to Dr. Rangnath about the out of stock injections...the boy needed medicine first. Dr. Rangnath informed her that the medicines have already arrived and will be supplied to the ward within a few minutes. She was talking to him when a new face in doctor's robe entered his cabin asking for the same injection.

Dr. Rangnath: Dr. Aditi the vials have already arrived and will be supplied in a few minutes.

Dr. Aditi: That's good... thank you Dr. Rangnath.

Dr. Aditi meet Dr. Nidhi a pediatricain and Dr. Nidhi she is Dr. Aditi a neurologist...KGH pass out...Dr. Ashutosh's favourite student she did her PG here some two and a half years back...Nidhi didn't miss the glint in her eyes and smirk on Dr. Rangnaths face while all this was uttered...and her father Mr. Avasthi is one of the trustees of our hospital. Dr. Nidhi and Dr. Aditi exchanged pleasantries and Dr. Aditi took their leave.

"What was that Jiju...now dont tell me you didnt say those words intentionally"

"What did I do? She is 'the favourite student of our dean'...laughing out loud after seeing changing expression on Nidhi's face...that is what she used to claim those days"

Nidhi's expression change back to normal... "Oh God! I thought you are going to kill me"

"Jiju!"

"But jokes apart she is a very good doctor and was a very brilliant student"

"Is she the same girl who wanted to marry him...that day you said one of our trustees intended to marry his daughter with him...as she had some crush or something"

Dr. Rangnath's eyes wide open, "You remember Nidhi! Oh! You caught me"

"How can I forget anything about him?"

"Yes! How I forgot that"

Nidhi knocks at Ashutosh's cabin...the tap on his cabin door resonated in her heart...taking a deep breath she asks after slightly opening the door,

"May I come in, Sir"

Ashutosh was checking some reports...he raised his lashes to look at the door and slowly leaned backwards towards the back of his chair and watched her unblinkingly and smilingly, entering his cabin.

Seeing him undeterred she asked "What? Don't forget we are in hospital"

In response he raises his eyebrow, gets up and walks up to her...looking deep into her eyes...reaching near her he stops and stares at her for sometime and then moves to stand behind her... she feels a hand gliding under her robe...her breath gets caught he back hugs her...his hand touching and caressing her bare curves and lips nuzzling her nape...she wanted to stop him but wasn't able to utter a word as if she suddenly lost her voice...her throat was dry...he was touching her bare curves for the first time and she was feeling a pleasurable sensation at his touch and was losing all her senses...when he slowly makes his hands to wander and explore the lower front part of her body...her neck arches backwards and she grabs his arms finally finding voice to utter 'Ashutosh' that makes him to flinch and he clinches his fists...after a few secs with his fists still clenched he takes his hands out of her robe and back hugs her tightly whispering sorry near her ear followed by a kiss on the side of her neck. She had her eyes closed since the moment she felt him clenching his fists. Ashutosh released her slowly and turned her to face him, "Jaan please open your eyes"...she couldn't... she wanted to throw herself in his arms to soothe and calm herself but controlled herself knowing that wasn't the right thing to do at that moment...they're in hospital...when she opened her eyes slowly hearing him say "Jaan" again...she saw the desire repressed in his eyes. He kissed her at forehead and without uttering a word turned her back and made her to sit on the chair after pulling the chair for her. Then he started to collect the scattered papers and the file that slipped from Nidhis hands the moment he lost his senses... nidhi tried to stop him but he didn't relent and both picked the papers. He asked,

"These are the reports of that child" she nods averting to look at him. He closes his eyes tightly chiding himself inside and leans forward with his hands holding the arms of her chair "Jaan I said I'm sorry"...she looks at him through the corner of her eyes that tempts him to kiss her at her cheek, but she quickly retreats and leans to her side with a pout on her face. The pout that always took his senses away...after straightening himself he responds in a deep sigh, "you are going to be my death Nidhi" that angers her and he realizes the slip of his tongue and was quick to ask

"Sorry"

"I came here to show you the reports...please have the look"

"I'm sorry"

She placed the reports on his side on the table and turned her head to look away.

He walked towards the side she turned her gaze and uttered sorry again holding his ears...that dissolved Nidhi's anger and she took a deep sigh and waited for him to take his seat. He seats himself in his chair but Nidhi was silent. He thought to give her sometime and checked the reports, "I think there is nothing serious with the boy...you checked the reports?" She didn't answer

"Dr. Nidhi?"

"No Sir! I didn't check" he suppresses his smile and asks, "You should have checked the reports before getting them here"

She answers curtly "Sorry Sir"...He asks "Nidhi!"...She answers "Sir"

He utters "I love you!" She answers "I hate you"

Suppressing his chuckle with a tongue in cheek, he calls her "Love!"

She quickly retorts "Hate" that makes him to burst into a laugh... "That was not a perfect rejoinder! Jaan" she pouts looking at him in response and the desire gleams in his eyes and his eyes get glued to relish the sight...when she didn't hear him nor sensed any movement for a while she raised her eyes to look at him and their eyes get locked...a knock on the door breaks the trance both were in.

"Good! Both of you are here" exclaimed fuming Malika the moment she entered his cabin. Taking the chair next to Nidhi she continues, "Congratulations on your engagement" Ashutosh and Nidhi exchange glances not knowing how to answer and explain things to her though they uttered a contrite "thank you"

"So Ashutosh you thought I can't see the ring on your finger...hmn?"

"No Malika! I can never think like that and I'm sorry... but believe me I didn't know anything about that...you know I was here till noon yesterday... then he narrates the whole story"

"So Arman forgot to invite me...I better seek an explanation from him"

Ashutosh shrugs his shoulders in response and answers, "Grill him if you can that will make me happy"

Nidhi and Malika smile in response and Malika wishes them again and take their leave.

"So where were we?" asks Ashutosh.

"You're checking the reports Sir!" that makes Ashutosh to narrow his eyes and give a beseeching expression and she smiles in relent.

After checking the reports he speaks, "Thank god Nidhi there is nothing serious I think hell get normal if we continue with the medicines I prescribed...please try to convince his parents they were really worried yesterday evening"

"hmn"

He hands over the reports to her, "So! Howz your not so handsome neurosurgeon"

She smiles in response... "Oh! He is good so much that he has no qualms mingling the professional and personal life which he otherwise would detest"

He answers, "Poor guy he must have lost his senses having a beautiful fairy in his life"

Her pupils dilate and he gets serious, "I never told you Nidhi you look devilishly charming in a sari and I always have hard time not to lose my senses"

The words stain Nidhi's cheeks with red and she finds hard to meet his smouldering gaze, the knock on the door brings the needed respite and Dr. Aditi enters the cabin.

"Sir need your signatures on the file" and extends the file towards him...till he signs the patients discharge papers she exchanges a smile with Nidhi. He returns the file but she seemed struggling with something inside her as if wishing and trying to say something. Ashutosh looked at Nidhi and then asked,

"Yes Dr. Aditi...anything else?"

"Sir I...she gulps down...and Nidhi suppresses her smile...I wanted to invite you for dinner...papa wanted to invite you personally but I told him Ill do the honours"

"Thank you Dr. Aditi! You know I dont like to socialise and I hardly go anywhere...she was about to protest but Ashutosh was quick to add...besides Ive a dinner already planned with a friend...so I'm sorry" the last three words were uttered in a tone that conveyed to her ...you can go now. Nidhi was finding hard to control her giggle...she felt sorry for her and the way people dread him.

"Why you said no...You should have gone"

"You dont want to celebrate"

"Celebrate?"

"Hmn...Our engagement...I've planned out the evening or should I say night...now I can take you out anytime...can't I?"

She smiles in response and he gets up... "I've to check the patients... then I've to deliver a lecture...I'll come and pick you up in the evening"

She nods and gets up to leave...he waits for her...asks for her hand and pulls her to him...kisses her forehead and leaves giving her a side hug.

In the evening she was trying to decide what to wear for the dinner...her phone buzzes receiving a sms from him "Want to see you in the black saree" her heart gets enveloped in the joy remembering their first date and the day he proposed her she picks the saree from her cupboard and hurries to get ready. After half an hour he calls her, "Ready?"... "hmn"... "Come out then...Im waiting" she hangs up the phone and taking the leave of Dadi Bua and her father she moves out.

The moment he saw her walking the portico his heart leaps out...her walk and the curvy figure donning a black chiffon sari made his heart to swirl...Ashutosh it was a bad idea how am I going to control my self now...Oh God! Save me. When she reached near and saw him leaning against his car with his hands in his pant pockets and his eyes devouring her...she blushed but couldnt resist looking at him...he was looking smashingly hot...attired in a black suit made of a fabric having fineness and little shininess, white shirt and white satiny pocket square...he didnt miss the gleam in her eyes and that makes him to hold his tongue in his cheek and suppress his smile. When she reaches near him he opens the door for her and waits till she gets in and then gets on, on his side.

"Thank you! You are looking beautiful" he was thanking her for wearing the black sari but she wasnt aware lost in hardy masculine scent coming from his freshly showered body. Ashutosh suppressed his smile and drove his car.

"So where would you like to go with this not so handsome fianc of yours"

So these are the after effects of 'not so handsome' comment of mine... "How do I know you have planned all this?"

"I've a plan to have dinner in that garden restaurant...that way we can also enjoy long dinner"

"hmn" he turns his gaze towards her and looks fondly at her. "What?"

"You know when I saw you first time in the sari...I had hard time containing my unruly heart"

She turns her head and looks at the sight outside...he continues driving slowly and silently when after some time she feels his hand touching hers...he entwines their fingers and calls her 'Jaan'... 'hmn' he chuckles... 'Look here...talk to me...are we going to enjoy like this?'... "hmn"... "Then it's better I turn my car back and go back to our homes"... "You can drop me and have your dinner with you favourite student"

"Favourite student?"

"hmn...Dr. Aditi...I heard she was your favourite student"

"What?...he repeats in a tone of surprise "Favourite student?"...and then continues... "hmn... I don't know about her but I'm really planning to make one now"

"Planning to make one!"

"Yes! I really wanted to ask since the day I heard you in conference...why dont you do specialisation in paediatric neurology"

"You mean...No!...how can I?...thats not possible now"

"Why?"... "Our elders are planning our marriage in a month...how I can get time after that"

"What has marriage got to do with your studies Nidhi? You can work and study like you have been doing"

"Hmn...We can decide that after marriage" "And when are we marrying?"

"After six months...you heard what pandit ji said" "And why not this month?"

"What's the hurry?" Ashutosh sighed deeply and remained silent. After some time she heard him say, "I think you can live without me, Nidhi!"

She couldn't say a word in response and he drove the car silently...for half an hour...only his few sighs broke the calm and every sigh pierced Nidhi's heart but she couldn't utter a word...she feared his anger, she feared if he asked for an explanation...what'll she say in response...how she can explain this is not the right time...she dreaded what if she'll never be able to find that right time.

Ashutosh kept on driving silently and Nidhi waited for him to break the silence commending the courage of the people who dare to talk to him in his anger. She was fidgeting with the end of her sari in her desperation and that didn't go unnoticed. He was well aware of her state but he was hurt...he thought she was longing to be with her as he was pinning but her put off disturbed and saddened him...His eyes fell on the coffee day outlet where they met on that day when she was going out for a dinner with her friends...he recollected how she ordered a sandwich for him and how they shared that sandwich while driving to garden restaurant...a smile forms on his face he turns to look at her...his heart saddened to look at her gloomy face... taking a deep sigh he asks,

"What about a coffee?" the glow his few words brought on her face, reflects on his heart lighting up every corner of his heart...leaving no room for darkness of gloom.

She answers vivaciously, "yes sipping while travelling like we did that day"...he smiles in response and parks his car.

He gets off and she follows, "I'll accompany you"

"what's the need Ill get the coffee"

She pleads avidly "please?" and he couldn't say no.

Ashutosh holding coffee packs in his hand was leaving the cafe' and Nidhi following him only a few steps away when he came across someone greeting him "Hello Sir! You here!"

Chapter 24

"Hello Dr. Aditi"

"Sir! you here!"

He answers "yes" in a very typical heart stone style that she didn't dare to utter another word...her eyes spot Nidhi and she exclaims "Oh! Dr. Nidhi is also here"...Ashutosh turns his head to look at Nidhi lackadaisically..Nidhi greets her and Ashutosh moves ahead... "Dr. Ashutosh is also here!" when she turns to look at him he was gone. Nidhi finds hard time to suppress her smile... "Sorry Dr. Aditi! I've to go...you enjoy your coffee" She thanks her and both move to their ways.

"Why you left in such hurry?" Nidhi asked when she got on the car.

"I don't like to talk when I'm in bad mood"

"Oh! Didn't know"...she offers him the coffee and he raises his one eyebrow in response that makes her to smile and extend her hand to make him sip the coffee...they enjoy coffee driving slowly and enjoying the calm and tranquil twilight."

"By the way why you are in bad mood?"

Shrugging his shoulders "How can I explain when my heart is so unaware?"

She looks fondly at him "And what does your mind say?"

Giving her a resigned look "When one loses heart you think mind remains in place?"

That makes Nidhi giggle, "Feeling very sorry for your patients"

His eyes turn into squint, face glowers and car comes to a screeching halt. He pulls her and looks deep into her eyes just holding her like that for sometime he asks,

"What are you feeling sorry for? And what was that giggle for?"

Nidhi was taken by surprise...the way he reacted and was holding her so close she gulped, "What are you doing?"

He closes in and pecks her lips, "asking for an explanation...what was that giggle for?...blowing out his breath he trails her neck and that makes her body to curve and her head arches backwards... trapped in his left arm...he stares at her fast thumping chest...and asks in husky voice "you love to torment my heart?"

She manages to murmur, "What did I do?"

Raw pearly white skin veiled under black thin fabric froze him, holding himself at the edge... the voice still husky due to the daze he answers, "Nidhi even angels would fail to contain themselves how can I hold myself and not pay homage to such beauty"... brushing his lips to her skin and flinging out the pendant he makes her to gasp... the fine line of his restrain slips and he dips in to explore the virgin territory...Nidhi takes a loud hiccupping gasp at his maddening touch and he comes back to his senses...he leaves her and thuds himself at his car seat...both were panting having their eyes closed...for Ashutosh it was coming back from the doors of tavern parched and thirsty...he was having hard time not to hold her back in his arms and sip his fill till his thirst quenches...he opens the door of his car and gets off...leaning against the car he takes deep breaths of fresh air... and cools himself.

After some time he realises that he has left her, alone and in an appalling state...he opens the car door to get on but finds her missing...his breath gets caught when looking around he didn't find her anywhere he takes his phone and calls her and hears the phone ringing at cars dashboard...Oh God! Where are you Nidhi? He moves a few steps away from his car and his eyes catch the loose end of her sari swaying in air behind a tree...he takes a deep breath in relief and walks up to her...she was leaning against the tree, "What are you doing here?"

She shakes her head averting his eyes and mumbles "nothing" and turns to move towards car. He catches her wrist and pulls her to himself and holds her in a bear hug...first she didn't respond but after sometime she raises her arms and clings to him and mumbles in a choked voice "sorry...I'm sorry" he tightens his grip...slowly patting and caressing her back and answers her ..."Sorry for what...you think you can stop me...no my love... if I won't have stopped I would have lost myself...and this wasn't the right time and the right place... to show my reverence...she comes out of hug and looks at him...yes I adore you, revere you and treasure you...placing his hand on his heart...here...taking the swaying end of her Sari and wrapping her in...you are mine only mine...there eyes remain locked and after few moments he closes in and kisses her forehead...the beauty I revere" and pulls her in a tight embrace... a honk from moving vehicle springs them apart...looking sheepishly at each other they run towards the car.

"Oh! God...what were we doing on the road side?"

"I'm not to blame you make me to lose my senses...all your fault"

"Okay Fine. Look at the road ahead and concentrate on driving"

"You think I can do that...she gives a questioning look and he pulls her into a side hug...not until you stay here like this" She tries to come out and he pleads, "Please stay here"

Narrowing her eyes, "please"

He purses his lips and releases her and drives sulking. She lets him be and that irritates him more. When they reach the garden restaurant he parks the car and waits for her to get off...she turns to open the door he locks it back...she looks at him he opens the lock and when she was about to open the door again he locks it back... "What?"

He shrugs shoulders and asks in a questioning look "what?"

She pounces on his hand and he traps her... "hmn...here you come"... "Leave me"...

"Not till you pay for what you did"... "What did I do?"...

"You didn't allow me to enjoy my drive...now make up for my lost time...otherwise we are staying here whole night"

"Okay! We'll stay here"... "Really?"... "hmn"...he looks at her lips and keeps their eyes locked... "Really?" ...her heart was thumping she couldn't utter a word in response...he places his hand on her bare waist and starts caressing, she loses all her guards... "Ashutosh"... "jaan"... "Please"... "hmn..hm.. Open your eyes"

She opens her eyes "If you want me to stop you have to kiss this not so handsome neurosurgeon" and he offers his cheek...with thumping heart she kisses his cheek and he offers another one...she kisses him and remarks "these kisses won't make you handsome"... "What?" he catches her again and she cries "I'm sorry!...sorry!" kissing her hard at her cheeks he leaves her.

They go inside and take the table at far end, a secluded corner of the garden...Ashutosh leans back in his chair and looks fondly at her...the look turns intense and Nidhi chides him "what are you doing?" he takes a deep breath...You know Nidhi last time when we came here I had so many doubts...how I wished and yearned for this day... and today when I'm actually living this day, it seems like a dream. Please say yes and let us get married this month

You still have doubts?

Looking intensely deep into her eyes as if trying to find an answer... he slightly shakes his head.

Then?

The face presenting a sombre look, gazing her as intensely as he was, he sighs and shakes his head.

That wrenches Nidhi's heart and she lowers her eyes...they remain like that for long time and when she raises her lashes to look at him...he was still looking at her unblinkingly.

"Shall we order?" he doesn't answer... "what?" she takes a rose from the vase and throws at him...but he didn't give up...that was upsetting Nidhi she felt his gaze piercing her insides... she tries to evade and asks again "what would you like to eat?"

"You" she gives him a pop eyed look.

"That's what I wanted to do when I saw you first time in this sari...and that is what I want to do now...just to eat you up"

Least did he know his words and his gaze already ate her up...she felt a wave of current through her body...her body temperature blown up was emitting heat...cheeks were brazen red and she lowered her eyes...after a while waiter comes and asks for the order that makes Ashutosh to turn his gaze...he asks him for a little time and he leaves giving a look to Nidhi.

Ashutosh straightens himself and takes Nidhi's hands in his and asks, "I won't say sorry for what I said...you and you only are the meaning of the words I uttered...the desire my heart yearns for and you and you only deserve to know about such desires of mine...you and you only make me feel what I feel for you" he takes her hands and kisses at them... "Love!" she raises her eyes looks at him and lowers again...that makes him to chuckle...he gives a gentle squeeze to her hands and asks "Let us order now...I'm really feeling hungry"...holding his tongue in his cheek gives a look to her...she throws another rose at him in anger and he laughs out saying... "You are a sweet heart"

When the waiter serves the food...and they began to eat...Nidhi offers her first spoon to him...that stuns and moves him, he leans forward with all the love in his eyes and takes the first bite and offers his first to her. The dinner ends up chatting about their favourite foods, some likes and dislikes and exchanging their spoons intermittently feeding each other.

"This is a place worth a visit"

"If you have your companion around any place is worth to live in"

"hmn...and if you don't have your companion with you, life even in your home turns a solitary confinement"...Nidhi understands the meaning of his words she remains silent...the waiter comes with Ashutosh's card and they get up to leave.

"Don't you think this evening ended like a flash"

"Like a flash! Hmn... I don't think so" Ashutosh purses his lips in dismay and Nidhi fails to suppress her smile... and he gives her a you'll see' look that makes her to giggle.

Driving back to home he asks her, "Can I enjoy my drive now?" she shakes her head, "No that's not safe" He narrows his eyes, "there's very little traffic now...please"...she leans forward places her head on his shoulder crossing her arm with his...driving silently for sometime he asks her, "Nidhi can we go on a long drive?" ... "What? So late"... "It's not that late...we can enjoy some more time together in this full moon night"... "But I've early morning shift tomorrow"... "Why can't we stay together now? We are engaged now"... "What?"... "Yes you stay with us tonight?" "I can't come there now...dadi bua's strict orders"... "What???" he takes out his arm and pulls her in a side hug "then sweetheart forget about the other mahurats...I'm coming with a barat on first mahurat...and I'm not asking" she remains mum... and he continued driving silently and pondering What are you hiding in this silence...why can't I read you Nidhi?" when he turns to road to her house he stops as usual and takes her in an embrace... and takes a box from his pocket and offers her.

"What is this?"

"A gift for someone I Love"

"This is not a chocolate" he chuckles and waits for her till she opens the box having beautiful diamond anklets... "Wow! They are so beautiful!" she looks at him surprisingly "you bought these anklets in Mumbai...I forgot to ask last night...what for?...what was the need?"

"Does that mean I can buy things for you only when you need them? I wanted to buy anklets for you since the day we went to see our old house...when you tried to plod on that pebble ...that moment I felt anklets missing...and wanted to buy for you"

"I already have...you should've told me"

"After a long time Nidhi I got someone who belongs to me...someone for whom I can say I'm living...I never felt this joy... never knew what it means to spend your earnings on the person you want to bestow upon all the happiness in life...suddenly it makes me feel that all this hard work has a meaning now...I mean there is someone special I have to earn for...it gives a unique sense of belongingness"

She leans forward and pecks his cheek... "Thank you and be ready to spend all your savings"

"All yours my love"

Next day morning Nidhi wakes up to Dadi Bua's yells and cries...she seemed to have been planning for something big...she was taking chote sarkar to task for stale vegetables which the poor guy has bought early morning...Nidhi leaves her room and enquires, "What is happening Dadi Bua? Why are you so hyper?"

"Come my child see what this good for nothing fellow' did... I sent him to get fresh vegetables and see...see for yourself what he has bought...how fresh the vegetables are"

Chote Sarkar: "Whatz wrong with them...they are good"

Dadi Bua: "They may be good but not for my would be son-in-law"

Nidhi: "What?"

"Yes I'm inviting Doctor for dinner and these vegetables are not so fresh" She orders Chote sarkar "Go and get fresh vegetables otherwise don't come here"

Col. Verma was watching all this silently. Nidhi goes and sits next to his father and tries to make Dadi Bua understand, "Dadi Bua you should have asked him first...he can't come as and when we invite him...you know how busy he is...I think you invite him first and if he accepts the invite only then you make all these preparations"

"What is wrong with you Nidhi...now don't tell me that to come here he'll have to seek his secretary's permission"

Col. Verma: You are right Bua...exactly even to come here...he'll need to check his schedule first...that's what I was trying to make you understand since early morning. What's the fun we'll wait here for him for dinner and he might be operating someone or in a worst case he'll have to postpone some patient's surgery to make us feel good. After all this is his first time...he won't even be able to say no to us.

Col. verma's words make some sense to her, "No I don't want someone to suffer... Okay...I'll call him first.

She makes a call and that was answered by Dr. Mathur. After exchanging morning wishes Dadi Bua in all her excitement comes to the point:

"Dr. Sahib I have called to ask you over for a dinner tonight...I hope Ashutosh can come"

"Well Samdanji I've no problem I can come but Ashu you know how busy he is...I'll have to ask him first...you just hold on...I'll let you know" he enquires and answers Dadi Bua "Samdanji he can come but not before 10...I think that'll be too late...let it be on some other day"

"No doctor sahib...10 is fine... not so late...okay! Done see you at dinner tonight" and hangs up the phone giving no chance to Dr. Mathur to turn down. Nidhi shakes her head at Dadi Bua's excitement and hopes that he doesn't get caught in any emergency. She moves to get ready for her day.

Day passed normally and Nidhi was quite sure he'll be able to turn up for the dinner. She sends a sms saying "I'm leaving my shift is over...you are coming for dinner...I'll be waiting for you"

She was walking in the parking lot when her phone pings, "Hello!"... "Isn't sun very bright today?"

She raises her head to look up and receives an air kiss... "How shameless...what if someone catches you doing all this?"

"You think I care now"

"What's the need?"

"hmn...Need!"...she senses the naughtiness in his voice... "I'm getting late...bye" that makes him laugh... "Ah! My love...I wish I could show you how much is the need"

She hangs up the phone...he calls her again she didn't answer after sometime she raises her head to look at him...he gestures her pleadingly to answer his phone, "What?"... "Why you hanged up like that?"... "I'm getting late"

"Okay! You leave but do remember the score is unsettled...you'll have to pay for this"... "Emn"

"Very nice...keep it up...that's only strengthening my resolve"

"What???" she answers pouting... he chuckles and answers "Okay! I'll try my best to be there on time"... "Leaving?" ... "Hmn"... "Please don't go?" that makes her to giggle and he purses his lips "Look here...she looks at him and hears a smack... "Bye and miss me" she looks fondly at him and answers "Bye...missing you already".

Every one was waiting for him. Rangnath and Anji were also invited for the dinner. Dr. Mathur and Col. Verma were playing chess. Kapil Solanki and Rangnath were watching them play. Dadi Bua and Shyma were busy making preparations for dinner. Anji and Nidhi were chatting sitting at dinning table. Nidhi was checking her phone constantly. It's nine in the evening when her phone rings and she moves to her room to answer the phone... "When are you coming?"... "Sorry Jaan...I don't think I can come now" ... "why? What happened?"... "Emergency"... "No"... "I've surgery to perform"... "I am waiting for you"... "Don't wait...I may not be free till mid night"... "Come whenever you are free...I'll wait for you"... "No you have your dinner"... "We'll have dinner together" she hears a honk and asks "where are you?" he chuckles "you caught me...just parking my car outside"...she asks excitedly "Really" and runs towards window...their eyes catch each other and lock for a while. Anji calls her at her behind and their trance breaks...she hangs up the phone moves out to living room to receive him. Dadi bua stops him at the door till shyama Aunty comes with Arti and welcomes...he finds all this very odd and strange...gives a save me' look to Nidhi and she smiles giving a can't help' expression in response. Dadi bua was overjoyed she welcomed him giving due respect to the would be son-in-law of the house...Chote sarkar came with cold drinks, snacks and sweets that Ashutosh's eyes widened seeing the variety of snacks and sweets, giving a squint look to Nidhi he takes a glass of drink. Dadi bua offers him sweets and snacks. He takes a small piece of a sweet and answers "I don't like sweets and I can't have this whole lot if you want me to have dinner, please" Baba laughs and comes to his rescue... "Samdanji he is very choosy let him have whatever he wishes"

Dadi Bua quite surprisingly conceded...Anji who was standing next to Nidhi murmurs, "Nidhi there is something in Jiju that no body dares to insist otherwise Dadi Bua giving in so easily is nothing less than a miracle" Nidhi suppresses her giggle. Ashutosh enquires about Mahesh and express his desire to see him. Dadi bua asks Nidhi to take him to his room and he gets up to see him.

While walking the lobby moving back towards living room after checking Mahesh...he exclaims, "Nice house"... "Thank you"... "You're staring out through the window of your room"... "hmn"...they walk a few steps and she points towards her room, "My room" and she turns towards her room and he follows. The room painted in a soft blue tone combined with the white was presenting quiet and relaxing environs. The bed also was covered with the combination of white and soft blue and blue curtains a tinge darker than the soft blue on walls was adding to the ambience of the room. Room had only few wall paintings and a corner was filled with huge cupboard shelving lots of books...Ashutosh's feet take him towards the book shelf and after going through the shelves he looks startlingly at Nidhi. She gives a questioning look.

"Strange didn't know paediatricians hold interest in literature as well"

"Why? You think only neurosurgeons can read Shakespeare"

He laughs "yes! You surprised me that day...but collection here has surprised me more"

He raised his arms to grab her but had to withdraw midway when his glance fell on door...giving an expression of frustration...that makes Nidhi to suppress her chuckle. "This is second time...remember you are going to pay for this" and he turns to move out of the room. Nidhi follows "what did I do?" when he reaches near the door he shuts the door turns swiftly and kisses hard at Nidhi's cheek saying, "You tease my heart so much that it aches...and in husky voice repeats kiss on other cheek...aches badly" and leaves the room. Nidhi's hands touch her cheek it takes her sometime to come back to her senses and when she joins them back Ashutosh gives her a teasing smile that makes her to pout. Oh God! She's going to be my death. He takes his phone and writes a sms "How I wish I could dissolve this pout with another kiss" she reading the sms gives him an angry glare and he suppresses his smile.

Dinner remains a jolly affair...kapil solanki and col. verma's bantering added spice to already delicious dinner...Ashutosh liked his favourite Hare channe ki kare and maithe muthiya' but when he came to know his special was made by very special person in his life...he gives a fond look to her and ate the dish relishing. When dinner ended Dr. Mathur asked Nidhi,

"Nidhi Beta what have you decided now? We'll have to begin the preparations then if you are ready for the mahurat in this month"

She looks at Ashutosh and lowering her eyes answers, "Nanu I want to be with my Baba for some more time please" she didn't dare to raise her eyes and look at Ahutosh.

"Beta you are in this very city...you can come and meet your Baba anytime...now live for some days with your Nanu...god only knows how many days are left with me" that makes nidhi to close her eyes and she only manages to answer, "Please Nanu" she gets up and runs to her room. All exchange glances surprisingly Anji gets up saying, "I'll see her". Dadi Bua adds, "I think she's turned emotional...happens with every girl...you men will never understand what it means to leave the home you've lived all your life in and the people you have been with so many years of your life"

Anji places hand on Nidhi's shoulder who was staring in oblivion outside through the window of her room. Anji's touch makes her to turn and she wipes her moist eyes. "What is this Nidhi?"... "What'll I do Anji...I can't see the displeasure in his eyes...I know how desperately he wants to get married this very month and I've no answer to his questioning look Anji"

She hugs her in response, "Don't worry everything will be fine... this way you are adding to his pain Nidhi...come let us move out...he must be worried"...Nidhi nods in response and both leave the room.

Ashutosh's eyes were on the entrance that connected living room to lobby...his eyes were seething with anger and the anger transformed in pain when their eyes met. Nidhi's heart wrenched seeing the pain in his eyes...she lowered her eyes and moved ahead...Ashutosh stood up and addressed to Baba, "Baba let us move now...we are getting late"

Baba noticing Nidhi moves forward and places a soft hand on her hand, "Nidhi Don't worry Beta take your time if you are not ready for this month...make your mind for the next month...pandith ji has already given us three dates...but Beta don't make this old man to wait too long...six month's is quite a long time...I want to see you both happy together and may be if God allows me some more time I can play with my grand children"

Nidhi's face gave an expression that was mixture of joy and pain with a tinge of shyness. She glanced at Ashutosh but he had his eyes at floor, sensing her gaze he turned towards Col. verma and others asking for their leave and left the house, every one followed to see them off. When he waited for Baba to get into the car...he waved bye to everyone but avoided to look at Nidhi who was staring and waiting for his one glance. Every one moved inside but she stayed there and watched him go as usual and Ashutosh also kept his gaze on her through his rear view mirror till he finally turned his car at the end of alley.

She sighed and moved inside...Anji and Rangnath were also ready to leave...Anji gave a hug to her and murmured near her ear, "Don't worry Nidhi...everything will be fine". She nods in understanding and moves to her room. After freshening up she gives him a call...he didn't answer...muttering a silent "I'm sorry looking at her phone" she sends him a good night sms and he answers thank you and good night' that brings tears to Nidhi's eyes. She takes a sigh and holds the phone close to her heart.

Next day morning as usual they exchange Good Morning SMS'...they met when she was entering the hospital and he was leaving...it was noon. The pain in his eyes was palpable...thatz what she felt and there was something in Nidhi's eyes which Ashutosh saw but couldn't name...his deep sigh pierced her heart.

Nidhi on that day exchanged her coming day night shift with Jyotika as she thought to take off for two consecutive days. Ashutosh and Nidhi were missing each other badly. His rage was now more due to pangs of severance than disappointment on her deferral of their marriage. She was wishing to go running to him and smooth over his anger but she didn't know how to answer his questions. As they never talked on her night shifts she receives a good night sms from him. The despondency was clearly written on her face...she gulped her unshed tears...though they were hard to contain but she managed to hold them in her eyes and answered his sms with "Good night"

The morning sms were exchanged at 6 am... Her shift ended at 7am in the morning...after taking rest for few hours she took a shower...got ready and left for hospital to meet him. She thought she needed to talk to him before leaving. She knocked at his door a cross "come in" from the other side conveyed the severity the rage has taken. When she entered he was discussing some patient's case file with Dr. Aditi. The irate expression in his eyes gave way for quick fading happiness before he lowered his eyes and rage took over again. He asked sternly,

"Yes Dr. Nidhi! How come you are here? It's your off I think"

"Yes Sir...today is my off I was on night duty last night"

"So! Are you here to remind me your duty schedule?" that stuns Nidhi...she looks at Dr. Aditi and lowers her eyes saying... "I'm sorry Sir! I think you are busy...I'll come later"

"As you wish" and Nidhi giving final look to him leaves the cabin. Ashutosh's eyes didn't miss the pain in Nidhi's eyes and that tormented him whole day. He took his phone number of times...checked for her sms...fiddled with his phone holding back his desire to call her. When in the night he finally plopped in the chair in his cabin...the pang of severance turns unbearable and he dials her number...he looks at his phone repeating in dismay...how come her phone is out of reach?...he dials their landline number but no one was answering...running a desperate hand through his hair...one name comes to his mind... yes Baba! Baba must be knowing about her...he dials his number but instantly gives up the idea...It's 10 already Baba might have gone to bed...and I can't ask him directly... I'll have to ask him tactfully... I better rush to home. He takes his phone and keys and hastily rushes to home.

On reaching home he enquires about Baba...Hiraman kaka informs Baba was having little headache and has gone to sleep...Hiraman kaka serves his dinner but he couldn't eat...after taking a few morsels he moves to his room and tries to call her again...but her number was still out of reach...he simply throws his phone on bed and moves to freshen up.

He comes out after taking a quick shower and takes his phone to dial Dr. Rangnath's number.

"Hello Dr. Rangnath sorry to disturb you at this time...can I talk to Anji"

"Sir there's no need to be formal...you can call anytime...we are a family now"

"Thank you"

"Just a moment Sir...I'll handover phone to Anji" Anji takes the phone and answers:

"Hello Jiju...How are you?"

"Thank you Anji I'm good...you know anything about Nidhi...where is she?"

"She didn't tell you...I mean she told me she'll inform you before leaving"

"Leaving? Where? I mean she came to meet me in the morning but I's busy...we didn't talk"

"Oh! She has gone to her ancestral home"

"You mean that old age home"

"Yes Jiju some of the oldies have fallen sick and she has gone to check them"

"What'll she do there...they are not kids" the words and irritation in his voice make Anji to smile.

"No Jiju...they are not kids and they don't need a doctor...they have two doctors among them...she has just gone to see them as past few months she never visited the place...she used to go there at regular intervals"

"Where is papa and..." Before he could complete she answers:

"You forgot they told you...they're going to accompany Mahesh uncle to Kanpur...they'll be back by tomorrow"

"Oh! It completely slipped off my mind...thank you Anji and sorry to trouble you so late at night"

"No problem Sir!"

"What was that Sir for?"

"For the reason you thanked and apologised"

"Sorry...Anji her phone is out of reach... any other number I can contact her on"

Anji chuckles "missing her?"

"Badly and madly Anji" she giggles.

Chapter 25

Last night, your faded memory came back to me as though
Spring stealthily should come to a forsaken wilderness
A gentle breeze its fragrance over burning deserts blow
Or, all at once be soothed somehow the sick soul's distress.

That's how Ashutosh fell into slumber after tossing and turning in his bed for long time...Anji was the last hope but as she too was unable to cure his pain...his guilt-ridden self turned more restive...Nidhi's pain filled eyes flaunted before him.

"Am I reading too much in her No? What's the big deal if she wants to defer our marriage for sometime...why I reacted so crossly? I should have happily given her sometime...waited for her till she makes up her mind for leaving her home and his father...her heart, I can never doubt...wants to be with me...how can I talk to her like that...I've demeaned my own feelings...I'm sorry Nidhi...I'm sorry"

Beautiful pair of eyes stared at him in darkness of night...suddenly his heart's remorse vanished...and he felt lost in the memory of the days spent with her...her fragrance swept through the whole room and he felt himself cuddled in her warm embrace.

Beep on his mobile make him to smile in his sleep and stretch his hand to get his phone lying on the side of his bed ... he mumbled in his sleep "Good Morning love" getting hold of his phone he opens his eyes and checks the sms...the message on the phone wipes his smile and he gets up alarmed... "Thank you Anji for the address I should hurry up and leave...my night will not turn into morning Nidhi! until I see you or hear from you...Where are you? Why I haven't received your morning wish... until I receive that the darkness of the night will prevail even in this bright shining morning...I'm coming to see you...I have a meeting scheduled at 9 am and if I hurry up I'll be back by that time"

He after taking a quick shower was getting ready when his phone buzzed with his secretary's call. The secretary informed him that his meeting has been preponed and has been scheduled at 8 in the morning. The clock was nearing 6 and his mind and heart had started tussle...mind was saying if he goes to meet her he won't be able to reach hospital on time...and heart was saying if he won't see her he will have to suffer all day.

He plopped on his bed...his head resting on his palms...desperation visible on his face...his phone pings with incoming sms followed by another one...with a little frown he checks his phone and the phone displays... "Good Night...leave you to god's care" Nidhi's good night sms...he runs a soft finger on the screen gliding through the words...her addendum to the routine night wish wrenches his heart...he closes his eyes to retain the moisture that gleamed his eyes...after a while he opens his eyes and checks another sms that was the routine morning wish. He checks the time and realises that he has received the night's sms in the morning. He quickly dials the number and calls her but her number was still out of reach. Her sms' bring a little reprieve to his aching heart and he answers her morning sms hoping she receives his sms. Musing for a while he decides to attend the meeting and deal with his urgent assignments at hospital first and meet her later and spend entire day with her.

His meeting ends at 11 am and after ending his rounds he was signing some files in his cabin when Dr. Aditi knocks at his cabin door.

"Yes Dr. Aditi anything important"

"Sir I'm here to show you the findings I've noted as per Dr. Anands (Sr. Neurologist) questionnaire on our project"

He was answering her while signing his files and she was finding her own time to ogle.

"You should've discussed with Dr. Anand first"

"Yes Sir...I did. I just want to discuss these reports"

"I don't have time Dr. Aditi"

"Sir Please...you just have a look on the reports of the patient" that angers Ashutosh but he maintains calm, "Okay fine have a seat...and let me finish with this"

His anger scared her...he seemed to be in hurry. When he finished signing his files he turned to check her reports and his phone rang, the gloom, the anger on his face changed into ecstasy...the expression on his face changed in a way as if he suddenly landed on the seventh heaven. He answers the phone and hearing the voice from other side closed his eyes arching his neck backwards and responds with a soft "Hello!"

"I hope I'm not disturbing you sir"

He didn't know what to answer but after few seconds he manages to utter "No you are not"

"Thank you sir"

In a soft murmur he asks "How are you?"

"Sir I called to seek your opinion...I have come across a patient who I think is suffering from Alzheimer's"

He was about to utter something when he noticed Dr. Aditi staring at him in awe...she didn't miss to see the myriad of emotions changing on his face. She lowers her eyes and Ashutosh speaks, "Dr. Aditi you leave the reports here...I'll check them in a while...I've an important call...displaying his phone"

She nods her head and stands up to leave and Ashutosh attends his phone again.

"How are you?"

"Sir If I point out the symptoms...he cuts her and mumbles... "Jaan!" and Dr. Aditi's ears catch the sound of his words while leaving the cabin.

"Sir, I think you are busy...I'll call later" she didn't hang up and he didn't answer for a few minutes hearing each other's breaths. Then he calls her in a husky voice...the voice that contained the pain and wait of past twenty four hours... "Nidhi!" she didn't answer but he hears her sighing deeply.

"I'm sorry...Love!"

"Please don't be...you did nothing wrong Sir!"

He gulps the pain and asks "When are you coming back?"

"I didn't call to remind you my schedule Sir"

Her pain filled eyes when he uttered the same line to her yesterday displays before him and he closes his eyes in dismay...unable to utter a word in response. Silence followed for a while and Ashutosh's deep sigh pierced through silence. His sigh was enough to melt her anger and she mumbles in a choked voice, "Please?"

"Nidhi!" ... "hmn"... "my love" she answers in "hmn"

"I missed you" ... "hmn" a smile splits his face and after twenty four hours of disquiet he feels at peace.

He asks "Jaan say something" "you had your lunch"

"Hmn..not yet...he remembers he was going to meet her, his soft voice change to vibrant ...you wait I'll be there in an hour and we'll have lunch together"

"What? No...I don't want you to cancel all your appointments"

"I already had the plan...so I'm coming... it won't take me more than 45 minutes"

"I said No...Order your lunch and get back to your work after having lunch"

"I want to see you and please don't say No"

"Okay fine you can come for dinner...I don't want you to neglect your duties"

He gives up "Okay! I'll try to end my day soon...you wanted to ask about a patient?"

"I'll ask later...you've your lunch first...Bye"

"Hey...hold on...promise me I'll hear from you at regular intervals...past twenty four hours"

She didn't allow him to complete "You think I did that deliberately...there was some problem with network here"

"I know...I received your last night's sms in the morning"

"Now have your lunch...we can talk later...Bye"

"Okay your highness" she giggles in response...He loves to hear her giggle and kisses her smacking his lips... after sometime he turns emotional and calls her "Nidhi! Remember always you are as important to me as I need air to breathe...never forget that" and hangs up the phone.

She turned equally emotional as his words conveyed every word he meant and she quickly sends him a sms saying "Love you always" that enlightened his heart. Leaning back on his chair in peace after bearing twenty four hours of tumult inside him he suddenly began to feel hungry...after having his lunch he went on with his daily schedule...he called Dr. Aditi checked the reports she had left...deliberated with her on her observations...she was noting every thing he was pointing out but her mind was preoccupied with singling out the reason for the change in him. Though he was in his very demeanour but something was amiss earlier she felt.

He receives a sms that brings a little gleam in his eyes while he answers though in a word and turns back to his job. That makes her to think Has someone really won him? Did I hear the word right...he called someone Jaan...who is his Jaan". The sms was Nidhi's asking him whether he had lunch which he answered in yes. After done with Dr. Aditi he checks his patients in ICU...gives a lecture in KGH college then spends some two hours dealing with KGH college administrative issues and comes back to check the patients already having taken appointment for the day exchanging intermittent sms with Nidhi. When his secretary declared that the patient he checked was the last one for the day he leans back breathing deeply in exhaustion and checks his watch for the time. He sprang up alarmed seeing it was 9 Pm. He calls Nidhi and she answers teasing him "So the Busy Neurosurgeon is finally free to call it a day or the day is still left" He purses his lips and answers pouting "I'm leaving". "hmn...call me when you reach home"

"Why you forgot I'm coming there"

"No I didn't forget but you're not coming now...not so late...not after such a hectic day...and you were planning to postpone all your tasks for the next day that could have overburdened your already busy schedule...you love to toil"

"You know what I love... so I'm coming...I want to see you"

"Would you insist coming here even if I say we'll have dinner together at your home"

"If that was a joke that was bad one"

"No that wasn't a joke...you hurry up now I'm feeling hungry"

"Nidhi? Where are you? You came back?"

"Bye...Be quick and call me when you arrive at home" and she hangs up the phone and Ashutosh looks irresolutely at his phone.

He reaches home and calls her. She didn't answer...a frown forms on his head and he plops on his bed. His phone pings, "welcome home Sir! Now go and freshen up till your dinner gets ready and yes we'll have dinner in your bedroom" her sms amazes him but he stands up to change.

He comes out after a quick shower and takes his phone to call her again when Hiraman Kaka knocks at the door and comes with his dinner, "Have your dinner first and then go to bed...not good to skip your dinner always"

Ashutosh looks amusingly at him and at his phone...not knowing what to say or ask and to whom. Hiraman Kaka leaves after placing tray on the table and his phone rings. He answers her phone grumpily, "Where are you?"

"In Dr. Heartstone's heart"... "Nidhi"... "Okay where is your ipad? Put that on and click the icon named as skype" he gets his ipad and clicks the icon in a few seconds he receives her call and he gets lost seeing her after such a long time that seemed ages to him. She asks "what?"

He shakes his head slowly his eyes feasting on the sight...he wanted to clutch her in his arms but the distance... "No I'm coming there to meet you...you stopped me just for this"

"I didn't want to stop you...but after such a hectic day I think your body needs rest"

"And what about my soul?"

"Enough...can we have dinner now?"

"Enough! I see you after 32 hours and I can't touch and kiss you like this... and giving a resigning expression and I can't even hug you"

"Okay fine you don't like to see me like this...it's better to end this call...shall I?"

He raises his one eyebrow in response and begins eating his dinner sulking...Nidhi loves to drool over his sulking look. Noticing she wasn't eating and was watching him like that he asks, "You're feeling hungry just now" she smiles, leans back and takes a slice of apple to munch on... "What is this Nidhi? You are having fruits?"... "Yes I've put on weight so...she shrugs her shoulders"... "Weight?" He laughs out loud.

"What did you find in that to laugh at?" he was still laughing and that angers her but she eats her slice looking at him.

After suppressing his chuckle he asks her "Go get something to eat you can have fruits later"

"I'm serious my doctor says I need to cut on my weight"

"Your doctor says...whoz your doctor?"

She realises her slip of tongue...she tries to find an appropriate answer and quick wittedly answers, "Hmn...the famous neurosurgeon...you might have heard about him"

He asks surprisingly "When did I say that?"

"The day you lifted me in your arms, your puckered brow said all"

He exclaims "that's not fair when did I do that? let me recall...hmnn"

She quickly distracts him, "can we have dinner first?"

"Okay" he begins to eat his dinner again and asks, "Who downloaded this application on my ipad?"...She smiles and shrugs her shoulders, "Who else has the access to your ipad?" He smiles lovingly at her.

Dinner ends and they take a small break to begin again after settling in their beds. Both lying on their beds with ipads placed on their sides were staring at each other. Nidhi after sometime lowers her eyes shyly and that makes him smile and he continues gazing her lovingly. She places a hand on her ipad's camera and removes quickly seeing him flinch. He grabs his ipad and holds atop his face and asks:

"Promise me you won't go again anywhere like this"

"Like this? I came hospital only to see and inform you"

"First you shouldn't have come to inform me at the time of departure and second you had the right to make me hear whatever you want me to"

"First...Sir If you remember you're not talking to me... second you had your favourite student in your cabin"

"Does that mean I've every chance to get caught in such situation again?"

She laughs "No we won't get caught again in a circumstance like this because I've learnt a lesson well ...that informing you anything on final moment has every chance to turn a debacle"

"I'm sorry...hey Nidhi what have you decided? She gives a questioning look about doing advanced course in paediatric neurology"

"I haven't decided anything yet...future holds so many uncertainties"

"You are scaring me" she smiles and asks "Why"

But his look remains sombre and he finds himself at a loss. Taking a deep breath he asks, "Shouldn't I be knowing about the uncertainties of my future"

"I never meant the uncertainties of your future"

"So our futures are different"

"When did I say that? In our future I see you as a husband and myself as a wife...a huge difference"

He loved to hear her reference to husband and wife "What is the difference?"

"Difficult to explain now...let us see what future unfolds"

Ashutosh answers "I only see bliss...pure marital bliss"

They talked for long hours finally Nidhi asks him to sleep so that he can take some rest. He first dissents then gives up making her promise that she'll call him early morning before leaving.

Her shift begins at 9 in the morning. As was routine with her she travelled early morning to avoid heavy traffic so she was ready to leave at 6.30. She discussed the line of treatment Ashutosh advised for the patient, she feared having early symptoms of Alzheimer's, with the physician in the old age home. At 6.45am she calls him and takes his and every one's leave...while travelling she received a few calls from him...he seemed to be waiting impatiently for her...though he and Dr. Mathur, as well, insisted her to make a detour to mathur house as she had enough time left but Dadi Bua's strict instructions turned the nip in the bud. Dr. Mathur orders Hiraman to pack breakfast for her and advises Ashutosh to carry that for her to the hospital.

He too left for the hospital early and was waiting for her in his cabin. She enters the hospital and avoiding every one's sight she enters his cabin surreptitiously. The moment she enters their eyes lock and he comes forward opening his arms for her to take her in a hug. He sways her holding in his arms saying "Oh Nidhi! I missed you so much" he kissed her checks, her eyes and stops near her lips...pecking softly releases her. Nidhi smiles at him, seeing the desire in his eyes she lowers her eyes admiring the control he always shows, whenever he gave soft peck to her lips.

He makes her sit on the couch...sitting next to her, he pulls her in a side hug but she chides him and makes him to sit on another seat after he takes a peck from her on his cheek in recompense. They enjoy their breakfast together in his cabin making up for the lost time, and after enjoying each others company for 45 minutes she stands up to move out of his cabin carrying a few papers in her hand so that the visit gives professional impression. He stops her near the door and takes her in a bear hug after bolting his door.

"Can we go out in the evening?"

She answers "No...not tonight...today Baba and Dadi Bua are also coming back...So need to stay at home"

"No problem now I've the video calling option"

She looks at him with her eyes wide open, "That option was available only for last night"

He raised his one eyebrow and patted her cheek in response and she pushes him away and leaves his cabin.

Ashutosh was all content and smiling with his life returning to normal. He reconciled that he'll give all the time to Nidhi to decide on their marriage. He won't force her for anything. Just a day without she being around was a torment to live and he reiterated to himself that he doesn't want to live that day again.

Days passed...Ashutosh never raised the topic of their marriage and Nidhi was feeling disquiet in her heart. The way he gave up and resigned to her desire holding back his own desires was tormenting her. She in her helplessness was suffering miserably and the haunting poignancy in his eyes was conveying much to Ashutosh. He was trying hard to find an answer and reason behind that suppressed gloom in her eyes but he never voiced his concern.

They frequently started going out in evenings but avoided crowded places. Dr. Aditi spotted them number of times though not the way she could have drawn any conclusion. Since the scepticism caught her the day she heard him calling some one Jaan and Dr. Nidhi's presence near the surroundings she spotted him was making her to have a nagging suspicion that she might be the person.

A month passed since their engagement and Ashutosh was engrossed in his thoughts at his breakfast table, thinking about Nidhi. Past few days he has been noticing Nidhi's fair skin reflecting a tinge of paleness. He had resolved last night that first thing arriving at hospital he'll do is call her and ask her about that. Enough of letting her be, something is bothering her and he needs to find out before it is too late. In his musings he didn't notice Baba has already joined him for the breakfast.

Baba: Ashu...what are you so engrossed in?

He was jolted out of his thoughts; he smiles at his Baba and wishes him Good Morning answering "I was waiting for you Baba"

Baba raising his eyebrows asks, "Now you are dodging your father"

Baba's words stun him and he laughs out loud. Laugh as much as you want I would love to see you always smiling and laughing but Ashu I want an answer. Ashutosh gives a questioning look.

First tell me "Is everything Okay between you and Nidhi"

Ashutosh was taken by surprise but he answers, "Of course Baba but why are you asking?" Baba looks intensely at him as if trying to find the real meaning behind his words. Sensing inquisitiveness in his stare he takes his phone and shows him their call records for past few days. Baba smiles more in relief that all is well between them and at how well his son reads and understands him.

"Last evening I met Nidhi"

"Yes Baba I know"

"Ashu I tried to know her opinion about next mahurat for your wedding...but I found her evading the question every time I asked...I saw something in her eyes that makes me feel that she doesn't want to evade the question but something is compelling her" he gives a look to Ashutosh and waits for his answer who seemed to have got lost in Baba's words. Baba's presumptions were coincidently meeting his and that gives a solid reason to him to hold on to his own inferences.

"Baba I don't know I never asked or discussed any thing about our marriage. I want to give her time and I want her decide on this of her own accord"

Ashutosh words give Baba a deep sense of contentment. He realises his son loves his grand daughter wholeheartedly. The unconditional love always succeeds. He closes his eyes in silent prayer for them and their blissful life ahead.

Ashutosh deliberately didn't share his concerns with Baba. He didn't want him to worry about her but he resolves he seriously need to do something to get to the real reason.

Before leaving for the hospital he calls Anji. "Hello Anji"

She pulls his leg "How come I'm receiving this call so early in the morning...Nidhi missing"

"Anji!" "Just joking!"

"Anji I want to know about Nidhi...I better come straight to the point... I want to dig out the reason behind Nidhi deferring our marriage and there is something in her eyes that I feel she is hiding something...I wanted to ask can you help me in any way?"

"Jiju I would love to but she is my friend...and there is something called friend's secret and I shouldn't be divulging...I think you should ask her and I really feel you both need to talk on this"

"Thank you Anji...your words have really been a great help" with that he bids her good day and hangs up phone. He got the point that's all he needed her words solidified his conjecture.

He was driving to hospital with a renewed resolve musing whether he should ask Nidhi directly or try to find out something more to support his conclusion so that when he brazen out his inferences to her she won't find a chance to evade. He was concerned and he frantically needed to know what was bothering his Nidhi? With all these thoughts going on in his mind he catches the glimpse of his life coming out of a private clinic of a renowned gynecologist of lucknow and his car comes to screeching halt.

Chapter 26

Ashutosh on reaching the hospital was about to call Nidhi when Dr. Malika entered his cabin. She has come to remind him about the annual function of the orphanage she is associated with and Ashutosh is attending as Chief Guest. After she left his secretary came to remind him his schedule for the day ahead. As soon as he was done with his reminders Ashutosh ordered him to send in Dr. Nidhi. The Secretary was leaving when Nidhi emerged puff and pant:

"Sir!...puffing... Please come"...Ashutosh gave a look to his secretary and he nodded and left. Ashutosh stands up and walk up to her "What happened? Nidhi why are you panting?"

She takes a few deep breaths "Rahul has been brought to hospital...please come he is in very bad state"

"What?"

"Yes...I think he hasn't received good care in orphanage and has caught serious infection but I want you to check him" Nidhi's eyes turn moist while uttering the words...Ashutosh takes her in a quick side hug "Don't worry he'll be fine?" and pulls her along holding her hand which he releases the moment they are out of his cabin.

He checks Rahul in ICU who was in semi conscious state...the warden informed, he has been puking since last night and was complaining of persistent headache last few days. Ashutosh was about to explode on warden for being late in providing him the medical help but Nidhi was quick to tweak the arm of his coat to stop him. He thoroughly checked and examined him, prescribed some medicines and tests. The medicines were quickly administered and strict monitoring was followed.

Ashutosh assuring her, "You are right Dr. Nidhi he is having acute infection...still we'll monitor him closely" She nods in response and he leaves.

Nidhi remains busy till lunch time...she visits common room to check if any of her friend is available for lunch. Opportunely all her gang present there were talking about her and when she enters she overhears Dr. Priyanka ticking off about Dr. Aditi:

Priyanka: "First I tried to laugh off but when she uttered Nidhi's name...I thought I'll throttle her...how one can even assume such a thing firstly about Dr. Ashutosh...whenever he raises his eyes towards someone...the only thing person thinks about is escaping...such is his glare...inspite of girls drooling him no one dares to look straight into his eyes and she thinks Nidhi is in the process of wooing him. I would've accepted but why would she follow him when she is already engaged"

Aahana: Why not? Why not? Anyone can go gaga over him! What has engagement or marriage got do with that? Tell me honestly priyanka don't you find him drool worthy? Hmn?

Jyotika shakes her head smiling at their natter when her gaze falls on Nidhi, priyanka who was about to answer Aahana observes Jyotika's stare and turns to look at the door.

Nidhi: What is going on?

Aahana: Nothing Nidhi! We heard... these days you are after Dr. Ashutosh!

Nidhi smilingly answers, "Yes...I've every right he is my fianc"

Jyotika: Nidhi they are not talking about your fianc.

Ahana: Seriously Nidhi don't you think by now we should have met... you should've introduced us to him.

Nidhi: What's the big deal? Let us go and meet him.

Priyanka: This time?

Nidhi: Yes...we have enough time.

She leaves and they follow her...while walking the lobby she quickly turns to them "Hey why don't we do one thing...we will seek Dr. Ashutosh's permission...that way if we get late by ten or fifteen minutes he won't get a chance to bang us...what say?

All three look at each other but no one dares to say anything in affirmation.

Nidhi: "Don't worry...I'll talk to him and seek his permission...you only will have to accompany me...and if he gets angry I'll bear his brunt"

She gives a questioning look to them and they gulp down their scare nodding timidly. They walk a few more steps when a shout from behind calling Nidhi stops them...they turn around to look and find Anji walking towards them. The moment she reaches near Priyanka teases her, "Wow! Anji you miss Dr. Rangnath so much"

"Stop it! I came here only to meet you all and you are teasing me"

Nidhi: "Anji you did fine...come on join us...we are going to meet Ashutosh...she winks at her...but we are seeking Dr. Ashutosh's permission first...then we'll have lunch together"

Anji suppress her smile, "Oh! good...I'll also accompany you... I'll say Hi to him"

"Hi to him"...jyotika butts in raising her eyebrows.

"Yes! He is my husband's boss" she shrugs her shoulders.

Nidhi: "Come on guys we are getting late now"

She knocks at the door and he quickly answers "Come in" he understands her tap on the door. He was leaning back on his chair staring at the door...he smiles the moment she enters and then straightens himself when he notices other's following her. Anji was the last one...by the time she entered he had turned his gaze to his file asking, "Yes what is it about?"

Nidhi: "Sir, you know them they are my friends and they want to meet my fianc and I want to introduce them to him...do I've the permission?"

He looks at her in surprise and then gives a slight shrug to his shoulders turning his gaze to them. Nidhi turns to them saying,

"Meet my fianc...Dr. Ashutosh and Ashutosh...they are my friends you know them but I'll introduce them formally...Dr. Priyanka, Dr. Ahana and Dr. Jyotika"

Their eyes popped out, mouths agape...they look at her shocked and stunned...Ahana screams "What???"

Ashutosh: "Nice to meet you all" His words bring them back to senses and they stutter and falter even in uttering a word in response. After struggling a bit Priyanka manages to utter "Congratulations on your engagement Sir...we are very sorry...we didn't know...we are very sorry to disturb you sir" though Priyanka was uttering those words but she was yet to digest the piece of information she had received. Nidhi had to hold her tongue in cheek seeing their expressions and Ashutosh gives her a squint look suppressing his smile.

Anji comes forward making herself visible to his gaze, "Hi Jiju"

"Nidhi! you forgot to introduce her" Ashutosh teases and Anji responds pouting "Jiju!!!" Nidhi and Ashutosh smile at that. The other three watched them in wonder, not able to come out of the shock they all got. Ashutosh noticing the discomfort of the Nidhi's friends decides to leave his cabin for a while.

"I'm sorry I've to check a patient in ICU...I'll be back in few minutes...and Nidhi please order something for your friends" Nidhi nods in response and he leaves.

"We won't spare you Nidhi" spoke priyanka... "How can you do this to us?" butted Aahana ...moving to grab Nidhi but she swiftly turns towards the other side, standing behind Ashutosh's chair. "What did I do? I told you I got engaged to Dr. Ashutosh...you couldn't guess that's not my mistake"

Jyotika: yes that's not your mistake...you could have explained.

Ahana: Even I compared the two Dr. Ashutosh's at that time and you say what did you do?

Nidhi giggles and Ahana takes some papers from Ashutosh's table and throws at Nidhi. "How can you laugh at us?"

Anji: "Come on guys...stop all this... I think you all have forgotten... you are in Dr. Ashutosh's cabin...he can be back any moment" her words bring back them to senses and they hurry to leave. Nidhi tries to stop them "Come on how can you leave...you wanted to have lunch with us"

Priyanka: We'll see you Nidhi and you'll have to explain everything... mind it everything...we want to know how this inevitable happened?

She smiles in response and answers "What about lunch?"

Jyotika: you think we can have lunch with Dr. Ashutosh.

Nidhi: Why not? Not as your dean but as my fianc...you can have lunch with him.

Jyotika: It'll take us sometime...to see him that way.

Nidhi shakes her head smilingly at the way they were trying to flee from the cabin and watches them leaving. Nidhi picks the papers Ahana threw on her and sets them back on the table. Anji waits till she sets the papers and when she was done she asks:

"Nidhi what did your gynaecologist say? You had an appointment today"

Nidhi shakes her head turning her back towards Anji and looking out through the window, gazing at the vast sky she answers in a solemn voice "Reports are normal Anji...she was also concerned...she changed the medicine and said she is hopeful that the new medicines can work...and my two months prolonged periods stop...such medicines have their own set of side effects that's why I didn't want to have them but there seems no other option."

"But that's what she assured last week as well?"

"She was equally concerned Anji...she has changed the medicines...let us see"

"Hmn...let us hope for the best...and Nidhi I think you should talk to Jiju now...Don't you think your deferral must be posing many questions to him?"

"What'll I say to him Anji...even if whatever I'm going through is solely due to Hypothyroidism...It'll take some time for me to get normal...my cycles are so irregular past six months and last two months I don't recall a moment when I can say the course was normal...and when my gynaecologist has also started having doubts what'll I say to him? Besides you think... it would be just to him... to have a wife with such abnormality?"

"You have lost your senses Nidhi... firstly Hypothyroidism is not some incurable disease...and secondly what if there is really some other problem...you'll need to share with him...what are you going to do then?"

Anji had been persistently imploring her to talk to him since their engagement...and her words scared her now...and she felt irritated, "Then there remains nothing to talk Anji...I love him but my love doesn't make me egocentric... all I see then is a dead end" when she uttered the words she turns to look at Anji and her eyes meet anguished pair of eyes...her lips murmur a breathy "Ashutosh!"

Anji turns to look at her behind and exclaims "Jiju!" What followed was an awed silence.

Nidhi gulped down her fear, his pain filled eyes brought in a gush of pain that stormed her heart and she was reeling under its effect. She wasn't sure about how much he heard but the last sentence she uttered might have stabbed him such was the enormity of pain in his eyes.

Anji tried to break the silence "Jiju you are back" he took a few steps inside...he was plodding...he tried to give her a forced smile in response but that didn't seem easy.

Anji thought it was fit to leave them alone, "I'm sorry Jiju I'm getting late I'll have to leave...see you later Nidhi" she gives a look to Nidhi who nodded her head slightly in response... face devoid of any expression and Anji left assuring her giving her a long drawn wink.

Nidhi was pursing her lips, her heart was throbbing when she made a vain attempt to talk...she found her voice missing...the words she wanted to utter weren't coming out of her mouth...she managed to walk a few steps towards him but he noticing her walking towards him through the corner of his eye retreated saying "I've to check a patient" and left without looking at her.

Her feet gave away the strength to carry her, her legs wobble and she leaning a bit to her right manages to hold the arm of nearby couch and she plops in it...incessant tears overflowed her eyes...the pain she saw in his eyes were piercing her insides...his pain filed eyes tormented her...she manages to hold herself and stands up in a resolve to wipe away his pain... I can't sit here and watch him suffering...I can't let him suffer.

Wiping her face she left his cabin and tried to search him...the neurological ward, ICU and then children's ward but he was no where. The receptionist finally confirmed that he left the hospital. She called his number many times but every call went unanswered...her heart was palpitating badly...she felt suffocated. In her desperation she called Anji...she needed to talk to someone...Anji answered her call on very first ring,

"Anji he left...he left without saying a word to me...What'll I do now? I don't know how much he heard of our conversation...if he heard the last sentence only then he might have misunderstood everything...what'll I do now?" and then what followed was her sobs.

Anji not knowing how to react enquired about her whereabouts "Where are you Nidhi... tell me where you are?"... She screamed"

Sobbingly she manages to mutter "in parking...near my car"

"You stay there I'm coming" she was still in hospital in Rangnath's cabin...within a minute she reached near her and held her in a hug...consoling her... "What's this Nidhi? I can't believe you are behaving this way...is your behaviour also due to hormonal changes...first you should have discussed this with Jiju...I don't know what on earth made you to hold this to yourself ...what on earth makes you to behave the way you are behaving...as she was weeping inconsolably she reprimanded her...Stop it nidhi! Are you the same Nidhi...who was always ready to fight every odd?...Seriously Nidhi first I thought your behaviour is all due to the sickness but now I feel Love makes fool of us all'...she stops and looks at her...What? I know you are the doctor but I also know the symptoms of your sickness which include depression, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks etcetera... etcetera...but now I've experienced there are many ways the love blinds us and the live example stands before me...a doctor who has forgotten to reason on facts...medically"

Pacified she remains mum for sometime and then answers her "This has got nothing to do with my ailment...this is called love...and I too would like to answer your quote in Shakespeare's words And yet to say the truth, reason and love keep little company together' In love we even forget to use common sense because emotion takes over. Logic doesn't always have anything to do with love because emotions aren't always logical. You don't know Anji how much he loves kids...and you know the disparity in our ages...and if he immediately after marriage aspires for a kid...would I be able to match his desire...isn't my concern justifiable?"

"Okay...then why're you weeping?"

She gives her an irritable glare, "you didn't see the pain in his eyes...I saw that and no person on this earth could be such brave to bear the pain of his or her love"

"Then how do you expect him not to behave the way he is behaving...shouldn't he be feeling the pain you deliberately inflicted on him... She gives her a questioning look raising her eyebrows...he is angry...but he loves you...you know that and he'll understand the moment his anger vanishes"

With a little pout "I want to wipe his anger"

"Give him sometime and feel content...what you feared to share with him...he knows now...discuss with him and stop afflicting pain on yourself and yes on him as well"

She sighs deeply and Anji gives her a hug, "Get back to your work or you really want to confirm my doubts that true love really made you to forget completely that you are a doctor?"

Nidhi mock punches her and she waves bye to her laughingly.

She watches Anji going away and the pain in her overtook her again but she consoles herself and tries to call him again. He didn't respond. She writes a sms, "Why you are not answering my call???"

"I'm Busy" she receives an answer finally. "Where??? And with What???" she writes again and moves inside to attend her duties. She waited for his reply but didn't receive anyone.

Ashutosh wasn't able to decide whether to answer her sms or not. He was staring at his phone myriad of emotions displaying on his face sitting at the wooden bench near a cliff. He left hospital perplexed not knowing how to react to the revelation that got divulged to him by chance. If he won't have returned back to his cabin with the intention to take Nidhi out for a lunch so that he can talk to her and ask her about the issues she was fighting alone. Seeing her coming out of a gynaecologist's clinic scared him and her health was more important to him. He didn't find a moment since morning to talk to her he thought to take her out so that he can enquire about her health at peace and without any one's disturbance. Not knowing what was waiting for him in his cabin.

He didn't want her to be recipient of his rage that took over him the moment he heard those last words... even recalling and repeating them was so painful...he left his cabin and drove away till he reached the cliff, the place they have been together many times. Ashutosh was baffled by his own emotions at that moment. It was all amalgam of pain- he felt for her, frustration- that she didn't share her pain with him and wrath- that in her pain she thought to the extent of tearing them apart. Staring at her Sms her words resounded in her ears and he threw his phone away yelling...how can you? How can you Nidhi? I can't even think any thing like that how you uttered those words Nidhi?

Ashutosh after sitting silently there for sometime and soothing himself gets up and drives back to the hospital. Nidhi was very concerned... she checked many times with receptionist...this time receptionist answered in affirmation and she took a breath of relief. When her shift ended she went to meet him but his secretary stopped her, "Sorry Ma'm you can't go in...Sir has strictly ordered that he may be disturbed only in case of emergency." Disheartened she retreats and sends him a sms, "My shift ended...leaving" but he didn't answer. When she reached near her car she looked up towards his window but the curtains were drawn. What she didn't know was that he was peeking at her through the curtains.

Whole evening passes in a discomfort she missed him to the extent that tears welled up her eyes many times but she managed to gulp down and hide her tears. He didn't call her and she wasn't even knowing whether he was at hospital or at home.

Ashutosh reached home in the evening and first thing he did on reaching home is he called Anji. Anji seeing Ashutosh's call answered on first ring, "Hi Jiju...I'm fine...How are you?"

"I'm fine Anji...How is your friend?"

"Oh! still locked in stalemate? You didn't call her?"

"No I didn't and I won't"

"Jiju please...you know what she is going through...don't add to her pain"

He answers in an angered tone "And what about the pain she wrought on me...how come she dared to do that...I won't talk to her until she tastes the meaning of her own words...it was so easy for her to say...let her taste now"

"She didn't mean that Jiju"

He sighs deeply in response, "Anji can I get her reports and prescriptions please"

His words were enough to repose hope...Nidhi is fool...how can she be so stupid...you love her so much Jiju...my friend is so lucky.

"Anji are you there?"

His words bring Anji back and she answers happily "Yes Jiju...I'll get her reports...tomorrow...early in the morning"

"Thank you Anji...he was about to say something more but stops and Anji senses that she smiles but he couldn't stop himself and asked... how is she? You called her?"

"Don't worry Jiju...she is fine...I talked to her...Just half an hour ago"

Sighing he answers, "she needs to take care of herself and I think she has got anaemia"

"Yes Jiju you are right...don't worry I'll take care of her"

"Thank you" and he hangs up the phone.

After having dinner Nidhi calls him but he didn't answer...tears welled up in her eyes but she manages to contain herself...pouting she looks at her phone and her phone pings with incoming sms "Good Night" she hugs her phone in excitement mumbling continuously "I'm sorry" and answers his sms. His night sms came as a breather that was enough for her aching heart. She was missing him but she knew her words hurt him and she was ready to bear his rage.

Ashutosh too was missing her equally...turning and tossing on his bed... he grabs his ipad and watches their engagement photos on ipad, he gets lost and forgets the pain her words afflicted on him.

Early morning Nidhi wakes up to ringing of her mobile...his morning sms...bright smile creeps on her face and she answers back and calls him immediately after sending him sms to check whether he answers her phone or not but he didn't. The crestfallen look reappears but she gets up when hope catches her with the thought that she may find time to talk to him at hospital.

After having breakfast she was getting ready for her work...when Anji enters her room and she asks surprisingly, "How come you are here...so early in the morning?"

"I thought to accompany you to hospital"

"Why so?"

She shrugs her shoulders, "I've to meet my Jiju"

Nidhi gives a questioning look, "you should have gone with my Jiju...why you came here?"

"I needed to fetch your reports and all the prescriptions"

"What for?"

"Jiju has asked for...that's why?"

"He called you?" "Why? he needs your permission to call me?"

"Anji!" "Where are the reports?"

Pouting she takes her reports and hands over to her, "How's he Anji? Still Angry?"... Anji looks affectionately at her friend and answers "Don't worry...you talk to him and he'll be cool".

"I'm trying but he isn't answering my call" Anji hugs her in response and pats her at her back, saying "you hurt him and now you only can appease...no one can help you in this Nidhi...you need to help each other" she nods in response and they leave for hospital.

On reaching hospital Anji goes straight to Ashutosh's cabin...he didn't wait even for her knock and opened door for her. "Hello! Jiju! Waiting so impatiently!"

He purses his lips in response and takes the reports, "What did you tell her? She gave you the reports easily"

"She didn't give to me...she gave them to you...I told her you asked for the reports"

Bit of anger smothered, "How are you going back? You came in her car?"

"Yes I left my car at her place...you watched us coming?"

Ashutosh didn't answer that, "My driver will drop you Anji and thank you once again for the reports."

"You need to thank me?" He smiles in response. "Okay bye! Take care I'm getting late" and she takes his leave.

Whole day Nidhi made attempts to meet him and talk to him but she didn't get a chance. Now I understand how difficult it is to meet him...why people have to wait so many days for his appointment? The appointment word strike a chord... she smiles in excitement and moves to meet his secretary.

"I need an appointment with Dr. Ashutosh"

Secretary smiles and asks, "Who is the patient Dr. Nidhi?"

"Hmn"

"Patients name...the patient you would like to make an appointment for"

"Nidhi Verma" the secretary nods in response and starts writing name...alarmed he looks at her "What happened Dr. Nidhi...everything Okay?"

"Yes fine...everything is fine...just that nasty recurring headaches"

Secretary gives her a sympathetic look and asks, "You should have taken Dr. Anand's advice first...I'll fix an appointment with him"

"NO!!!!" Secretary was taken aback at her response "No! I mean...I want Dr. Ashutosh's advice only...please...after all he is the best...pleaseee"

"Okay! As you wish...but you know Dr. Ashutosh...I'll have to answer him why you're not referred to Dr. Anand first"

"Oh! You don't worry about that...I'll take care of that"

"Hmn..Okay then your appointment is fixed for 9 pm on 22^nd of this month"

"What? I'll have to wait for eight long days...that's not fair...I'm working here...you have to give some consideration to that...I want an appointment for today itself"

"I'm sorry doctor...that is not possible he had surgeries scheduled for whole day today...and you got an early appointment only because you are working here...I'm sorry"

"Eight days!!! And you say early...I don't have any such grave problem...I won't take much of his time"

"Well in that case I can try on Monday...you'll have to wait for two more days...today is just not possible"

He uttered last words so sternly that she had to give up.

Ashutosh discussed her reports with some of his friend, a gynaecologist who assured him that the line of treatment she is following is right and it'll take some time for her to respond to the medicines. Twenty four hours pass in same impasse exchanging morning and evening sms' that was the only respite for their aching hearts. It was Sunday evening and Ashutosh was getting ready for the annual day function of the orphanage he was invited by Dr. Malika to attend as a Chief Guest. As he wasn't in a right mood he requested Malika that he'll attend the function at final moment for a few minutes. His mind was preoccupied with the thought...how to find a chance to see her? and as desperate as his heart was he decides to visit her home on his way back. He thought he'll go to meet her family and that way he would be able to see her as well.

The moment he enters the orphanage he was welcomed by the organisers and the guests by giving a huge round of applause...Nidhi who was also invited by Dr. Malika at the last moment got surprised to see him there and being welcomed as Chief Guest. Malika and Nidhi were seated in the first row and his chair was reserved next to Malika's seat. The moment he says Hello to Malika his eyes caught Nidhi sitting next to her...Malika smiles, "I invited her...I thought to give you a surprise". He slightly nods his head and turns his attention towards the children who were performing on the stage. Nidhi loses her interest in the function and her eyes stay on him...she was watching her so closely after forty eight odd hours...though she saw him during the rounds but he averted his eyes...their eyes met after two days...she was turning emotional and was finding hard time to contain her tears. Ashutosh wasn't oblivious he felt her gaze on him and avoided looking at her.

When the performances were done he was invited on podium for saying a few words and he gets up followed by a round of applause,'

"I'm thankful to you all for inviting me and bestowing me with such an honour...I'm sorry I couldn't make it on time here but I really enjoyed the performances of these wonderful and talented children...I being an Orphan myself was brought up by a very kind and considerate father that the paternal care I received and the bond I share with my father shames me if I call myself as an orphan today...I'm not...I have a father who loves me nothing less than any caring father.

I'm a strong believer of the fact that Blood no more defines bonds...I recently read a book by L.M. Browning The nameless man' the book inspired me more. The writer's thoughts on bonds of love and parenthood are so unconventional. He feels,

"Blood can reveal shared genetics but nothing more; our blood does not dictate who we shall love or who shall love us. Bonds are created from the presence of love. The depth of the bond is defined by the depth of the love felt. Family cannot be defined by the vein. It must be defined by love. We are led to believe that blood alone defines family, that when shared genetics are present, familial bonds are inalterable.

He further writes,

"Birth of a child and love of that child once went hand-in-hand. In the old world when a man and woman gave birth to a child they were the undisputed parents of that child; for in the old world, not loving your child was inconceivable. Here however, in the time since evil rose, things are different. Here children are born as a consequence of lust and loneliness; they are born as a mistake or miscalculation"outrageous terms to apply to one's child. And it is because a child can now be born unto loveless people that a child can be born into the arms of those who are not their parents. As odd as it may sound to you, a child can be born to a woman who is not its mother and be put into the arms of a man who is not its father"

So I strongly believe we should never wait for blood relations to make us parents...All we need is love in our hearts that can define our parenthood and make us blessed parents. Love for these little innocent hearts who are always ready to captivate you in their world of love."

The audience give a standing ovation...organizers thank him and he distributes gift to the children who performed in the function and also to the children who have excelled in their studies. He also offers donation to the orphanage.

When he was leaving Nidhi stops him, "Sir please I want to talk to you"

He smiles at her looking around and whispers "Dead ends aren't passable...and in raised voice Dr. Nidhi I need to go this time...I'm sorry"

Chapter 27

"But I Love your feet

only because they walked

upon the earth and upon

the wind and upon the waters,

until they found me." (P.Neruda)

Nidhi watches him going...every step he walked away, her heart sunk and her eyes turned moist. All the time she watches him going her eyes also darted glance at the footsteps he was leaving behind. She wanted to retrace his footsteps and cleave to him to follow him where ever he goes...with a deep sigh she turns to wipe her eyes as the moisture makes her vision blurred.

While she wipes up her eyes Ashutosh turns his head to take a stealthy glance of her before getting into his car...his heart also throbbed at every step he walked away and he felt a tug, a magnetic pull pulling him towards her and making his feet to plod. He wanted to grab her in his arms and never let her go...but he controlled himself...he wanted her to reconcile with herself first, the words she uttered that day he wanted to know whether she actually harboured them or they were just an outcome of incipient frustration due to her ailment and her fears. He travelled back to his home with a tingle in his heart, his mind engaged with her thoughts.

The tingling sensation in their hearts, throbbing as one, was adding to their uneasiness...his anger, his aloofness may have hurt her but she didn't miss and he couldn't hide the love that was sparkling through his rage. His words on parenthood, love and thoughts about orphans enlightened her mind, heart and soul. His thoughts, his words ensnared her and she was busy musing over them all through her way to home. All the musings on his thoughts made her not only to feel proud for him but also for her luck that favoured her with a gem of a person as he is and she chides herself for how she in her stupid fears made him to suffer.

The moment she parks her car outside her house she notices her grandfather leaving her house. Her father and her Dadi bua were also with him...to see him off.

Nidhi: "Hi, Nanu why are you leaving?" She walks swiftly towards her Nanu...who opens his arms and takes her in a hug.

Baba: "I thought you may get late so"... she didn't let him complete. She pulls him holding his hand... "and you decided to leave without meeting me...how can you?"

By that time they enter the house and sit in the couches...Dadi bua calls out Chote sarkar to bring tea and snacks.

Baba: "No, Beta I was waiting for you in fact I came here to meet you only"

Nidhi: "Yes I know...I can see that" and she pouts.

Baba smiles seeing Nidhi's pout and remarks, "Ashu was right you pout like Nandini". Mention of Ashutosh turns her attention back to the tingle she is feeling in her heart and she sighs deeply and silently.

Chote Sarkar comes with tea and snacks and Baba starts asking her about the orphanage and the function she attended. The proud feeling in her makes her to be all praises about Dr. Ashutosh's speech and his thoughts that Baba's eyes got moist when he heard how Ashutosh has proclaimed that he doesn't like to be called as orphan having a father like him.

After a silence of few moments Baba asks her, "What have you decided beta...would you like to marry my son this month now?"

Col. Verma: Yes Nidhi we're just discussing that...what have you decided beta?

Nidhi lowers her eyes: "As you wish Baba what can I say? If you have decided to throw me out of this house"

Baba: "Not fair...this will always be your house...we only want you to own one more house and be with your Nanu for sometime and that is more needed since Samdanji has ordered you not to visit that house... what other option do we have?"

Nidhi smiles in response and answers, "I'm ready to come anytime...let us go Nanu"

Dadi Bua: "No you can't go there...not till your wedding"

Nidhi: Dadi bua what kind of a rule is this? I used to go there

Dadi Bua: I said No... and my No... means No

Nidhi says hmn...and mumbles...only because of your bars I have to strive so much to meet him.

So Nidhi, Beta Shall we start making preparations for this month's mahurat. She smiles in response and Dadi Bua gets up to get the sweets to celebrate the happy news. After sweets are exchanged all elated Baba decides to leave to share the news with his son. He didn't have his car with him and Nidhi offers to drop him at his home. When dadi bua was about to open her mouth to protest Nidhi was quick to retort "Don't worry I won't go in...I'll wait for twenty five days...I promise" All laugh at that and Dadi bua mockingly slap her cheek in response.

While she drove her Nanu to his home He asks her whether she needs anything special for her wedding

"What nanu?"

"Anything... You want from your Nanu"

She shrugs her shoulders, "I've everything Nanu"

"What everything? Don't tell me you don't want to shop for your marriage?"

"No I have to but all through Baba's credit card"

Baba laughs at that "What problem you have in using my card?"

Nidhi looks at him in surprise "But why Nanu? If I won't use Baba's money what'll he do with all the money he has...I need to spend his money as lavishly as I can...so that he will get back to earn more"

Baba laughs again and then turns emotional, "Yes he is very lucky that he earned, so that his daughter can spend and I...Nidhi looks at him...I too had a daughter but I couldn't spend all my earnings on her marriage...I'm so unlucky that I couldn't do even her Kanyadaan"

Nidhi felt his pain and to cheer him up she answers "Nanu Please...you have a son why don't you do his putrdaan"

Her words bring smile to his face and he answers, "You think he is worthy of that daan and that too with his anger...by that time they reach near his house...see how he is bursting out on someone."

Nidhi look towards him he was really fuming...talking to some one on phone outside his house and ready to leave...she felt bad that because of her he is in real bad mood. She thought she got a chance to talk to him and she wishes to grab that oppotunity. When Ashutosh's eyes catch them...he quickly speaks to Baba, "Baba you are back...I've to leave...it's an emergency" and gets into his car and drives away. When the car passes Nidhi, She tries to stop him raising her hand but he drove speedily. Nidhi feels irritated but she manages to control her emotions for Baba who was still around. Waving Bye to Baba she got into her car and drove back to her home with a resolve to face him and see how long he remains distant to her.

After half an hour she receives his sms asking "where are you?"

"Now why does he need to know about my whereabouts...when he didn't even stop to talk to me?" she writes back with a smirk... "Wandering under this vast sky" Ashutosh who was on his way to ICU in KGH turns more enraged. He dials their landline number that is answered by Chote Sarkar. Nidhi hears him saying, "Yes she is back home...she is in her room... Okay you call her on her cell phone" and he hangs up the phone. She stomps her foot and moves inside her room and plops on her bed sulking.

After dinner he sends a "Good night" sms as usual but she didn't answer after waiting hours for her sms he starts getting anxious. What'll I do now? Now I can't even call on land line...good Dr. Nidhi...very good...he sends another sms still wandering?' A smile forms on Nidhi's face and she answers yes in my dreams with my heart stone" Ashutosh smiles ruefully and mumbles your heartstone...hmn'

Next day morning they exchanged their usual morning sms'... he watched her coming through the window of his cabin. He was missing her badly and it was turning real bad after many days he was smiling, smiling at his own state, the heart stone's anger that never smothered for anyone melted only for her...the void he felt for few hours when she didn't answer his sms last night was enough to bring him on tenterhooks, the severance of few days have maddened him he knew that...last evening the burst out on estate agent was all due to the pine he was feeling for her.

He sits back in his chair when his phone rings displaying Baba's call, "Ashu where are you Beta? Last night you came so late and today you left so early...hope everything is fine?"

"Yes Baba...I'm fine...just some emergencies...I told you last evening"

"Yes I Know Beta you told me but I had to discuss something important"

"What is that Baba? You want me to come there?"

"No..No Beta...you carry on with your work...I'll discuss that later but I want to ask something important"

"Yes what is that Baba?"

"Are you ready to marry on the next mahurat...I mean can you manage your schedule?"

A gloom envelops him and he answers "That's not so important Baba? I think you better ask Nidhi first"

"I have already asked her... last evening she expressed her willingness...now if you can confirm we'll start preparing for the ceremony"

Ashutosh was grinning jaunty, "Yes Baba fine with me"

Baba was all joyous "Okay Beta you carry on we'll talk later...I'll confirm with yog"

Ashutosh hangs up the phone and taking a deep breath in relief he rests his head on the back of his chair...closing his eyes his mind ponders again at her words and despair catches him again what if she has taken this decision because of past few days indifference he showed towards her...No I don't want her to take the decision in desperation...she should think over it and decide on it...in a calm and composed self" His phone rings again and he gets distracted...running a hand through his hair he averts his thoughts and concentrates on his work.

Nidhi had already resolved in her mind to confront him today and she was quite optimistic to make him listen to her and end this impasse between them that was hurting them both. Her pangs were not less in enormity than him...she was suffering equally. She was hoping that her decision about their marriage may have smothered his anger.

Rahul the child from orphanage was feeling better and was shifted to ward. Seeing his fresh reports an idea strikes to Nidhi's mind and she decides to meet him. She takes Rahul's reports in her hands and knocks at his door.

Ashutosh's heart skips a beat. Emotions flood him he looks at the door for a while with fond eyes...then closing his eyes he lowers his gaze looks at the file he was checking and answers sternly Come in'. She walks a few steps inside and stands near his table silently. He was waiting for her to speak and when she didn't...he asks, gaze still at his file "yes please"

"I want to talk to you"

"Yes Dr.Nidhi"

"Nidhi! Nidhi wants to talk to you"

He turns his eyes up and gives her a look..."I don't have time...and I don't discuss my personal life at hospital"

"Personal! Oh No Sir! You are badly mistaken...why I would come here to discuss your personal life"

"I know very well Dr. Nidhi how can I forget... that you don't discuss your personal life with anyone"

The way he made their personal lives one... and the way he uttered these words... her heart wrenched...she mumbles "I'm sorry" and waits for him to respond but he didn't he continued to study his file. Nidhi's eyes turn moist but she manages to contain her tears...no problem Sir I'll see how long you won't discuss your personal life.

Hearing a knock at his door she turns to leave without uttering a word. Ashutosh closes his eyes in pain but couldn't stop her as the knock brought Dr. Malika in. She exchanges smile with Dr. Malika and leaves.

Nidhi was talking to Rahul when he entered the ward for usual rounds. She winks at Rahul the moment he enters. It takes him near about 10 minutes to reach to Rahul.

Ashutosh: Hi Rahul...You are feeling good today.

Rahul: Yes I'm good.

He didn't look at her checked his reports asked questions about him to Dr. Behl and turned to move ahead but stopped when Rahul called him. "Yes Rahul". He gestures him to come forward and offers him something in a gift wrap "what is this Rahul?" He gestures him more close to himself and whispers in his ear... "Nidhi didi has given for you" Ashuosh's eyes pop out in stun but he administers his expression quickly and uttered, "thank you Rahul..thank you" and moves ahead taking the gift wrap. Nidhi had hard time suppressing her giggle.

Ashutosh opened the gift wrap...a small card saying I'm sorry along with fruit and nut chocolate...makes him smile...he sits on his chair taking a deep breath and calls Anji.

Anji: Hi Jiju

Ashutosh: Hi Anji Are you free...I need your help.

Anji: Sure Jiju...always at your service.

Ashutosh smiles: Anji I intend to buy a new house...I wanted to take Nidhi there but now I want to keep that a surprise for her...can you see that house and let me know whether she'll like that or not...the estate agent is pressing hard I've to say yes or No to him.

Anji: No problem jiju I'll go there.

Someone knocks at his cabin and on his answer Dr. Aditi comes in with some files, "Sir you asked for the files" He nods his head and gestures her to wait.

Ashutosh answers his phone again, "Okay I'll sms you the address and phone number of agent...you talk to him and he'll show you the house...the house is very nice I've seen that... if you like and if you feel...he stops...you know what I mean...say yes to the agent there and then...I'll finalise the deal"

Anji: Okay jiju you sms the address I'll let you know in half an hour.

He really feels grateful and says thanks to her reiterating "but do remember that's a surprise now" she smiles at that and answers "Okayyy!" and they end the call. Ashutosh turns his attention to Dr. Aditi...she was looking at the card and the chocolate...he takes the chocolate and card and places in his drawer that makes Dr. Aditi to avert her eyes and straighten herself to pass on the files. He checks the files and answers "Fine! You can leave" and she leaves his cabin...wondering about the chocolate and the card...Who in KGH can gift chocolate to Dr. Ashutosh? and that card a teddy bear holding a red heart with sorry what does that mean...who's so daring to say sorry to him and this way.

Ashutosh was entering KGH College and his gaze fell on Dr. Behl and Nidhi, who were in the lobby with the NRI guest lecturer- the paediatrician Dr. Daksh. Daksh was talking to Dr. Behl but his left arm was around Nidhi and that irritates him. He enters his cabin in college and watches her through the glass window.

Daksh: She is my younger sister, my cousin Anji's best friend and as good as my sister. I know her since she was a Baby and very naughty Baby I must say...Nidhi mock punches him...So you can understand Sir how surprised I'm to see her here groomed as a young lady.

Dr. Behl laughs at that and invites Daksh for lunch.

Daksh: Thank you Sir but I would like to have lunch at my Aunt's house... you know Sir I've come lucknow only for a day as I couldn't say no to you...I've to go back to Delhi my flight is in the evening...so not much time left. Can I take my sis along?

Dr. Behl: Oh! sure her duties are almost over. He bids bye to him and they leave.

Whole evening Ashutosh was irritated. He knew her shift ended at 3 and she left with Dr. Daksh but she didn't inform him as she used to do. He waited for her sms at that time instead he received Anji's sms. She gave thumbs up for the house but he couldn't feel the joy. He was checking his outpatients with a gloomy and a heavy heart...where is all this leading to...one more day passed and today she didn't even inform me on leaving...does that mean if I won't talk to her she won't even bother to mollify...but she tried...but he refutes at the same time No she didn't...she least bothers about me...she won't have thought of a dead end then...but he was missing her...he checked the time it was 7 Pm in the evening...he closed his eyes in dismay and called his secretary how many more patients left?

He answered, "Only one sir"

Okay, "send the patient in and let us call it a day"... he hangs up the phone and answers the knock on the door... "Yes please"

Thousand violins begin to play...gloom vanishes in a ray, when the sunshine of his life walks his way. He watches her in awe till she takes the seat...his eyes turn moist and frown bubbles over in a smile which he suppresses... he swivelled round his chair to look out of the window asking her, "You here?"

She held her tongue in cheek seeing the effect on him when she walked in...intentionally wearing the white dress she saw her in for the first time "I'm your patient Sir...so you can't turn your back to me...you are supposed to hear me and treat me"

He suppresses his smile again and asks, "What is this now?"

"What?" she shrugs her shoulders.

He turns back to look at her maintaining the solemn look, "You think this is some kind of joke going on here"

She gives an alarming expression, "How can I? I can't even think that too about the great neurosurgeon of our country" blinking her eyes innocently.

"This is consultation time for my patients...so please let me do my job" he picks the phone and asks, "Where is the patient"...the secretary answers, "Sir the patient is Dr. Nidhi...she has taken the appointment"... "Okay...Okay...she is already here" and ends the call. Nidhi looks at him raising her one eyebrow imitating him. The fiasco makes him to suppress his giggle but he fails and bursts out in a laugh.

She looks fondly at him, taking an eyeful of his laugh and his grinning look. He forgets his laugh when his eyes meet her intense gaze and their eyes get locked...looking each other unblinkingly, taking their fills for a long time...he breaks the silence but eyes still locked, "why are you trying to pass the dead end?"

"No dead end can stop me to pass...if you are on the other side"

"Why am I on the other side?... I always thought to be on the same side as you"

"Hmn...I thought so... the intense gaze breaks and he looks questioningly at her...but you are very far from my reach...her eyes turn moist and his face frowns... I had to take an appointment to meet you...four days I had to struggle to meet you...Ashutosh closes his eyes and purse his lips in pain and moves to her side.

He leans against the table near her chair with his legs crossed and answers, "Now I'm on your side"

Past four days pain takes over she turns emotional seeing him so near...bowing her head placing on his thigh she mumbles, "I'm sorry"...Ashutosh runs a soft hand through her hair and she loses her hold on her tears...she swivels her chair and gets up swiftly to move out but he holds her hand and pulls her to himself and traps her in his arms.

"You think I can let my patient leave without examining" he holds her tightly, her hands on his strong chest.

"I don't need any consultation...let me go"

Sighing deeply he answers huskily "Never ever"

"Hmn...that's why you didn't even look at me past four days"

"Who says I didn't look at you? My dawn won't break until I see you"

"And your days passed nicely without talking to me...in a choked voice she mutters...I missed you so much"

He pulls her arms out and holds her close to his heart and answers after a deep sigh, "You know how your heart stone is"

Pouting she answers, "No he is not mine"

He laughs and answers "Why do you then wander in dreams with him"

"My dreams...and my choice...I can wander with anyone I like"

He holds her chin and makes her to look at him, "you don't have permission...you can wander only with your heart stone" he bends forward and pecks her lips. The desire blows up, separation of four days takes toll and he frantically kisses all over her face...her eyes, her cheeks, her nose, nipping her chin he for the first time sucks her lower lip and she gasps, sensations flood her and she pulls herself out and manages to mumble, "we are in your cabin".

His eyes were brimming with desire and he looks intently at her...she was panting...and blushing profusely, she lowers her eyes and moves away...he too straightens himself moves to his side, collects his things, after donning his jacket he takes the chocolate and calls her. She had her back still turned towards him and when he calls she turns to look at him. He offers the chocolate...his look was still smouldering...she avoids to look into his eyes and answers, "that's for you"

"But I don't like chocolates" She gestures towards dustbin and he raises his eyebrows in response. He walks up to her and taking her in side hug answers, "Okay! Let us leave" when they reach near the door he releases her and gestures her to move ahead. She pulls the door handle and he bolts the door. Caged in his arms she looks at him and he smiles at her in mischief. Nidhi tries to push him away but he turns her and holds against the door...she looks at him agape, "What are you doing?"

"I want to have this chocolate...but my way"

She frowns and looks at him questioningly he answers, "Take chocolate from my pocket I want to taste that" she turns her eyes and takes the chocolate from his pocket, opening its wrap she offers him a bite. He holds her hand and turns chocolate to her mouth and waits for her to take the bite. While she takes the bite he speaks, "Don't gulp it down this is not for you"

Her breath gets caught and she shakes her head. He slightly shrugs his shoulders and answers, "If you don't give me my chocolate back...keep that in mind...you have to stay here...like the way you are...and I'm not going to budge"

He pulls her chin and asks, "Are you going to offer or you want me to have on my own". Her eyes pop out holding her lips closely. He leans forward and trails her lips with his tongue...her lips tremble and she turns her head to other side...gasping she opens her mouth...he turns her face to have her mouth again but she stops him placing hands on his chest...she closes her eyes and clutches his coat in her fists...sticking her tongue out she offers him the chocolate...looking fondly at her he leans forward and takes the chocolate giving a soft nibble to her tongue.

He relishes its tatste, "hmn yummy" and Nidhi hides her face in his chest. Holding her snugly in his arms he kisses her head and whispers in her ear, "that nibble on your tongue will always help you... to keep in your mind... not to utter the words you uttered few days ago".

He pulls her out to have a look at her...she had her eyes closed and was blushing hot...he kisses her cheeks heaving a sigh of relief he mumbles, "I would have died Nidhi if all this would have prolonged more...I missed you badly and madly"

She snuggles to him and he smiles, "I'm unlocking the door". He opens the lock and she comes out of hug slowly. Ashutosh feels the emptiness the moment she comes out. He offers her the chair, settling her in the chair he moves towards phone and informs his secretary that he is leaving. The Secretary asks, "Sir is Dr. Nidhi fine...she is still there"... "Yes she is fine...why you want to her to consult you"... "No Sir...I just" Ashutosh hangs the phone before he could complete.

"Come let us move" He asks her. She was still blushing. She places her hands on her cheeks to soothe herself and he smiles waiting for her till she walks up to him. He quickly places kiss on her cheek and mumbles "now okay"

She mock punches him in response and he kisses at her second cheek...Nidhi pouts and he was smiling when his cabin door was flung open by Dr. Aditi. Ashutosh's glare makes her to apologise quickly, "I'm sorry sir I was in hurry I thought you may leave...need your signatures on this file"

He signs the file and Dr. Aditi turns to look at Nidhi. She saw the expressions on their faces when she opened the door and was trying to read further but couldn't read anything. Nidhi asks Ashutosh "Sir I'll Check Rahul"

He answers "Yes Dr. Nidhi You go... I'm coming"

After she meets Children in the paediatric ward she leaves...Ashutosh was waiting for her in the car. She gets on and he drives, after driving a while she asks, "What If Dr.Aditi would have come a minute before?"

He shrugs his shoulders and answers, "So what? As if I care now"

"Don't forget you are heading the hospital?"

"What does that mean? I don't have personal life"

"Your hospital cabin is not your bedroom Sir"

"My bedroom? I only sleep in my bedroom and there is still lot of time for that...she smiles holding her tongue and turns her head... and he continues...I'm sorry but that's all because of you...how I spent last four days only I know"

She leans to his side... hold his arm and rests her head on his shoulder...Ashutosh pecks on her head in response and they travel in the silence feeling each other's presence after a longing of four long days. Finally he stops the car near the cliff...it was onset of night after dusk...birds were in their nests with little chirping adding soothing music to serenity in the calm and pleasant environs on the cliff. They walk a few steps away from car. Ashutosh's eyes were following Nidhi who was busy taking the view around when she turns to look at him he throws open his arms to invite her in.

The enticement that was hard to resist, that she longed for all these days, she wanted to swoon in the cocoon of his arms all these days, the temptation makes her to leap to him and he cages her in murmuring "I missed you love" to which she mumbles in response "I missed you too".

After long moments basking in each others warmth in silence... enveloped by the cool breeze gushing around cliff... Ashutosh breaks the silence and asks her "How are you feeling now?"

Nidhi who got transported to the world of bliss the moment he wrapped her in his love answers in "hmn" in her daze.

"What hmn do you have any idea how worried I was?"

"Why you saw my reports?"

"I'm asking about now"

"I'm fine now...finally I responded to the medicines"

"Why you made us suffer for simple Hypothyroidism"

She answers glumly "I don't want to repeat all that again...you know why I was worried"

"Yes I know and for that you thought of..."

She doesn't allow him to complete "Please...don't say that"

"But you thought that"

"You think I really meant that and I would have survived after that"

He squeezes her "Don't say that...you know you are my life"

"I'm sorry". They remain silent for some more time when Ashutosh breaks the silence again and asks, "NIdhi "... "hmn"... "Are you sure you want to get married on the coming mahurat? I mean are you happy...if you want to wait more...we can...I mean I can wait for you all my life"

"Just those words made you to think that I don't want our communion...you think I don't like to be in your arms like this...now she tightens her hold...when you hold me like this ...I feel complete...you make me complete...I don't want to wait even for these twenty odd days...I want to be with you all the time"

Hearing her words he swirls her around in the air...and then grounding her pulls her out to kiss her on her forehead. He looks fondly and unblinkingly at her for sometime and then his gaze darts towards her lips...

Nidhi lowers her eyes and hides herself in his chest... "Look here" She shakes her head in no.

"I want to taste the chocolate again"... "NOOO"

He laughs at that "I'll keep this chocolate preserved and I'm going to have it the way I tasted it" she slowly slips her hand in his jacket and takes the chocolate from his pocket. Ashutosh senses the movement he tries to catch her but she flews away after chasing her for sometime he catches her but she was puffing. He holds her in his arms saying "Okay relax...I'll keep that here... he takes the chocolate and stuffs again in his pocket... I won't taste it now".

She after relaxing comes out of his arms and looks at him but he turns his gaze angrily away.

"Now what did I do?"

"Why you let this all to aggravate to such level...don't tell me all these symptoms came into being overnight... so much lack of energy"

She lowers her eyes and sheepishly answers, "I usually forget to have my daily dose prescribed for thyroids and that aggravated all"

He holds her chin and makes her to look at him saying... "now you forget all those things you needn't remember that now"

Nidhi gives a questioning look and he answers "from now on that's my job...okay?" and she smiles in response.

"Come let us move now...our dinner is waiting for us"

"Dinner? Where?"

"The restaurant where we had dinner on our first date"

"But by the time we reach there it'll be late...we won't get a table so easily there...you know that"

"Our table is already booked...I booked a table in the morning"

"You had a plan... she looks at him...he nods in response I told you it was turning difficult now...If it would have lasted a day more I would..."

She places her hand on his lips...looking into his eyes tears brim her eyes and she mumbles... "I'm sorry".

Chapter 28

The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again...

The happiness in their hearts was uncontainable... driving to restaurant holding each other's hands...their faces were glowing in the bliss of reunion...and the chime of wedding bells mingling with their joy was brimming their winged hearts.

"Nidhi" "hmn"

Ashutosh gave a gentle squeeze to Nidhi's hand to bring her back to present. She seemed lost in a dream world of her own...her cheerful face was presenting a refreshing look...the look that contented and soothed his tumultuous insides for once and all...he was relieved, the fog of pensiveness his Nidhi was shrouded in was gone...her face was shining in ecstasy and the beams were lighting his world up.

"You know when last time we visited there I had so many doubts and fears in my mind...when I was coming to meet you there...I drove all the way contemplating... if you say yes what'll I do...the plain thought transported me to the world of joy that changed my world... and when I thought about your No...I got lost in a deep despair...then the thought that I'll ask you for your company for one evening to cherish my whole life consoled my heart...I didn't know how destiny was going to favour me with...raising his eyes heaven wards...I turned out to be the most luckiest person on earth that evening"

"And what did you think about...what I said in priyanka's party?...You still had doubts?"

He smiles..."What you said in Priyanka's party was like a bout of life offered to a dying man and you know why I had those fears...I bared my heart out to you on that day...Didn't I?"

Leaning to his side she kisses him and he answers with a peck on her forehead and Nidhi rests her head on his shoulder... "Why you talk about those fears now...they are gone...aren't they?

He nods his head in response... "Your presence in my life leaves no room for fears...you illumined every deepest and darkest corner of my life Nidhi"

Nidhi kisses him again and he looks fondly at her...She turns his head, "Look there on the road"

"Hmn...I won't not till you kiss me here" offering his second cheek.

"So shameless!" she turns his head again. "What is this Nidhi? If my love desires any thing why you call me shameless"

"Because you are" she releases his arm and moves to her side seating herself erect.

"And who makes me the one...huh" she gives him a pop eyed look and he continues mumbling, "How I wish I show you how shameless you make me"

Slight blush tinges Nidhi's cheeks and she turns her head to look out through window...after driving silently some more they arrive at the restaurant. Ashutosh opens the car lock and closes back the moment he saw her raising her hand to open the door, she turns to look at him and he winks and smirks at her...she returns his smirk with a smirk when she notices valet waiting for him to park his car. The moment he notices the reason of her smirk he sulks and opens the door...passing his car keys to valet...he moves towards garden area and Nidhi follows him.

She notices the table... set at the same place where he proposed her...the same corner of the garden having white curtains draped around...and red and white balloons scattered all over...Nidhi was moved to tears seeing inspite of all the anger how thoughtfully and how beautifully he had planned and thought about their make up. He pulled her chair and waited for her as she stopped looking stunningly at the surroundings presenting the same view as on their first date.

Ashutosh didn't miss the happy glint in her eyes. He still in his sulk clears his throat to catch her attention...Nidhi suppresses her smile...holding her tongue in cheek she moves towards the chair. When she reaches near him she looks into his eyes...and he returns her glance with an intense smouldering gaze that she felt butterflies in her stomach...his sulk was adding to his smashing looks and she found hard time controlling herself not to fall in his arms. She lowers her eyes and takes the chair and holds his hand the moment he turns to move towards his seat...he gives a questioning look and she gestures him to come near her as if wishing to have a word in his ear...he leans forward frowning and waits for her to speak, and his face splits into a big grin receiving a peck on his cheek...and hearing in her soft voice:

"Thank you! This is so beautiful!"

He answers her peck with a kiss on her forehead and moves to take his seat. Seating himself he asks her "So you liked it...but you didn't mention that first time"

"I thought there was no need...weren't my eyes eloquent that time"

"As eloquent as they are today...as eloquent as they were then when they ensnared me in... I love the way they speak...I understand their language...raising his shoulders in pride...and why shouldn't I...I dwell in them"

Nidhi was hearing him smilingly when a waiter asking for the order distracts them. Ashutosh gestures her to order the dinner and he takes the menu to have a look.

"You order for yourself...I would like to have a glass of juice...or a bowl of veg and bean soup only" Ashutosh gives her a glare and orders himself orange blossom lemonade and vegetable seekh kebab for starters' and asks him for sometime to order the main course. The waiter leaves with a nod and Ashutosh turns to look sternly at Nidhi.

"What?"

"What is this Nidhi? You know how much you need to take care of your health and you are having juices only...don't tell me you are still following your diet food" he gives her a questioning look.

"I don't want to gain weight and I think I've put on a lot already"

"No you have not and How do you know? You have the dinner properly I'll check"

"You will check... how?"

"Let us see how much I pucker my brow" her eyes widen and he smiles his eyes glinting with mischief.

The waiter arrives with the starter and she orders their dinner without waiting for him to gesture or ask her. Ashutosh was all smiles leaning back in his seat...looking at her while she ordered and deliberated on cuisine with waiter. First he was very attentive to their conversation later he didn't know when he got lost in the expressions on her beautiful face and the childlike innocence and antics that never fail to mesmerise him. When waiter leaves Nidhi gives him a questioning look...seeing dreamy expression on his face... she picks up a balloon and throws at him that breaks his daze and she giggles.

He smiles saying, "You ordered dinner?"

"Yes...why?"

"No I thought we may end up having lunch" when his words make sense to her she pouts...and he closes his eyes... "You know Nidhi...when you pout like this my heart leaps out...in a husky voice...please have mercy on me"

She knew what he meant...lowering her eyes she starts having lemonade...after sipping silently for sometime he asks "How do you know Dr. Daksh?" his words stun Nidhi and she in a slight shrug to her shoulders answers "I guess we are in the same profession...he is a paediatrician...and a very very close friend"

He stuffs a piece of Kebab in her mouth and giving her a doleful expression he turns his attention to his plate. She finds hard time controlling her giggle...gulping down the piece of kebab...she offers a piece from her plate but he refuses to have, "Thank you I have had enough"

"Then who's going to have the dinner" he didn't answer and she holds her tongue in her cheek. Nidhi tries to change the topic... "It's so pleasant here...I love this autumn cold...so soothing"

"hmn"

Dinner arrives and waiter leaves after serving their dinner...he offers her the first bite... "You didn't have mine...why would I have yours?"

"wait for twenty five days only" she looks at him in a frown and he continues "I'll make you to forget this yours and mine...I promise" her heart skips a beat...she lowers her eyes and takes the bite, he was offering and waiting for her to take and then she offers him her first bite and they start having their dinner.

She was having her dinner silently averting her eyes, not looking at him...Ashutosh sensing the discomfort his words brought in, chides himself, and makes her to look at him when he utters with his eyes on his plate, "I'm sorry"

She looks fondly at him and offers him one more spoon from her plate...it takes exchange of few spoons... the feel of uneasiness to vanish in thin air.

While having the dessert he asks her, "Nidhi Is there anything special you want in our marriage...seeing her questioning look he continues...I mean any special way you want our marriage to take place...any fantasies you might be having"

"No I'll prefer marriage to be as simple as it could be...without any pomp and ceremony but at the same time I don't want to dampen the spirits of our elders...I want them to enjoy the way they like...so I would prefer going their way as long as they don't go overboard which I'm sure they won't...and what about you?"

Looking affectionately at her, "I only want you in my life... doesn't matter how?" she returns his look with fond gaze and eyes remain locked till waiter arrives back with his credit card and they get up to leave.

They were waiting for the valet to get his car...when they saw Dr. Priyanka and her husband coming out of the restaurant. Nidhi and Ashutosh exchange a glance and wait for them till they near them. Dr. Priyanka was the first on to wish him "Hello Sir" followed by her husband. Both husband and wife were presenting an astounded look...though Nidhi revealed about their relation to her friends but the revelation seems still hard to digest for all.

Priyanka's husband congratulated them on their engagement and asked about the marriage...to which Ashutosh answered "Very soon". That surprises Priyanka and she looks at Nidhi who nods her head in a yes'. Priyanka hugs her and congratulates them both.

Men engrossed in their talking, Priyanka finds a chance to ask Nidhi, "Why didn't I see you in the restaurant?"

"We weren't in the restaurant...we dined in the garden area."

"Private dining!" her eyes pop out looking at Ashutosh who was busy talking to her husband.

"I can't believe Nidhi...is Dr. Ashutosh really so romantic"

The valet arrives with their car and they bid good night to them. Priyanka looks at him...amazed at the way he opens car door for her and waits for her to get into the car...mumbling to her husband... "I really can't believe this...Is he really Dr. Ashutosh"

Ashutosh after leaving the hotel holds her hand and tries to pull her to himself but she resists and gestures him towards the road...he takes a sigh...

"I've to go back to the hospital" he uttered the words very disconsolately.

Nidhi sensing his urge to be with her answers "I'm also coming... my car is in hospital"

Turning his eyes "And you think I'll allow you to drive alone so late at night...last night you also drove alone when you know how much I hate that"

"That wasn't late at night... what's wrong in driving so late at night...and I need my car tomorrow...how'll I travel to work early morning"

"You have this...bowing a little...permanent chauffer at your service 24X7 Ma'm...she shakes her head amazingly...and my love do I need to tell you it's not safe to travel alone so late at night"

"So what? Does that mean we should stop living in fear?"

"What's the need to take the risk? She was about to open her mouth to protest but he stopped her...I don't want to discuss this...there are certain things in our life where you are going to have no say...whatever I say you'll have to follow and this being the one...so no point in discussing"

Her mouth agape... she looks at him in wonder and he holds his tongue in his cheek...she asks irately "Huh...and what are the other things where I'll have no say...I would like to know"

"Hmn...Other things...well you'll come to know slowly"

"Why not this time?"

"I don't have time honey...It'll take time" she crosses her arms and looks out throw window crossly. He switches on the music player and Nidhi turns attentive she knows he just doesn't listen to... any... song.

Tu Hi Haqeeaqat Khawwb Tu Dariya Tu Hi
Pyaas Tu Tu Hi Dil Ke Beqarari Tu Sukun Tu Sukun

Jau Mein Ab Jab Jis Jagah Pau Mein Tujhko
Us Jagah Saath Ho Ke Na Hoon
Tu Hai Roobaru Roobaru
Tu Humsafar Tu Humkadam Tu Hamnava Mera
Tu Humsafar Tu Humkadam Tu Hamnava Mera

Aa Tujhe In Bahon Mein Bharke Aur Bhi Kar Loon Main Kareeb
Tu Juda Ho To Lage Hai Aata Jata Har Pal Ajeeb
Is Jahan Hai Aur Na Hoga Mujhsa Koi Bhi Kushnaseeb
Tune Mujhko Dil Diya Hai Mein Hoon Tere Sabse Kareeb
Mein Hi To Tere Dil Main Hoon Mein Hi To Saason Mein Basu
Tere Dil Ki Dhadkano Mein Mein Hi Hoon Mein Hi Hoon

(she senses his gaze but avoided to look at him)

Tu Humsafar Tu Humkadam Tu Hamnava Mera
Tu Humsafar Tu Humkadam Tu Hamnava Mera

Kab Bhala Ab Yeh Waqt Guzre Kuch Pata Chalta Hi Nahi
Jab Se Mujhko Tu Mila Hai Hosh Kuch Bhi Apna Nahi
Uff Yeh Teri Palkein Ghani Si Chav In Ki Hai Dilnasheen
Abb Kise Dar Dhoop Ka Hai Kyun Ki Hai Yeh Mujhpe Beechi
Tere Bina Na Saans Loo Tere Bina Na Main Jeu
Tere Bina Na Ek Pal Bhi Reh Saku Re Saku

Tu Hi Haqeeaqat Khawwb Tu Dariya Tu Hi
Pyaas Tu Tu Hi Dil Ke Beqarari Tu Sukun Tu Sukun
Tu Humsafar Tu Humkadam Tu Hamnava Mera
Tu Humsafar Tu Humkadam Tu Hamnava Mera

He stops the car and she realises that they have reached the turn where he usually stops near her house.

"Love..when she didn't turn he turns her to face him...pecking at her forehead...you know how precious you are to me...don't you? Am I doing wrong if I'm protecting my treasure...Nidhi's anger smoother and she gets lost in his love his eyes and words were brimming with...believe me when I say you are more precious to me than my live...I mean it... I can't explain and you'll never understand the joy you brought in my life...I'm incomplete without you...every single breath I take in your absence is a torment"

Nidhi stops him placing her fingers on his lips and he lifts her hand after kissing at her delicate fingers then at her palm and pulls her in a hug...holding her snugly as if his words were not enough to explain what he meant.

She comes out of the hug... "You'll get late now"

"I don't want to go...hold me in your arms Nidhi" her heart twinges and she runs a soft hand through his hair... "What about your patients?"

He purses his lips and she smiles...Kissing her at her forehead he drives his car drops her at her house and takes her leave...as it was late he coerced her to go in and didn't allow her to wait there for him and watch him going.

When he reaches hospital he sends her a sms "Reached...don't wait... go to sleep and yes have your medicine first" Nidhi touches her mobile softly as if feeling the concern he showers on her before answering his sms with "Drive safely and Good Night"

Next few days he remains very busy...he rescheduled all his appointments and surgeries keeping their wedding date in mind...he wanted to keep himself free as much as he can to spend time with Nidhi...four days passed since their dinner date and they hardly met, frequent phone calls and glimpses they had of each other in hospital was the only respite...Nidhi missed him more...whenever she had free time he was working...Nidhi understood why he was toiling so much but the way he was working concerns her greatly and she thought to talk to him.

It was morning and she received his morning sms...what moved her to the core was past four days inspite of such busy schedule he never forgot to remind her to have her medicines. She takes the medicines and answers his morning sms with a call which he answers quickly, "Ah! My love...up so early you have taken off today"

"You send me sms just now and you are asking...up so early?"

"I thought you'll have your medicines and go to sleep again"

"Aaw...you think I took an off for sleeping all day...you forgot we have a puja in house...to begin the marriage preparations...Are you coming?"

"No we are not...Dadi Bua is coming to do a puja here as well...she didn't tell you"

She pouts "No she didn't...and here I thought...we can meet today...huh...you don't seem to miss me" and she hangs ups the phone.

Ashutosh looks at his phone in dismay...he had a plan to shift to his new house a few days before marriage but Baba and Dadi Bua thought that will add to the demands at that time...as they had little time left for marriage...they thought it's better to end up with chores of shifting first and do house warming puja today itself and the puja in new house will also mark the beginning of the celebrations for their marriage...he agreed to their idea as it seemed time saving...otherwise two pujas in twenty days and in two separate houses would have been too time consuming seeing the way Dadi Bua was preparing for the puja.

Nidhi didn't know anything about this. He had secretly shown the house to her Dadi Bua and Shyma Aunty as well. They have loved the house. House is little spacious than his old one, a two storey house having more rooms and a large beautifully managed front garden and a small back garden...sufficient to accommodate his new extended family and Arman's family.

He called her back, "Now what?"

"So much anger Nidhi"

"Yes I'm angry and why are you working so much?"

"You really think I don't miss you...she remains mum...we can meet in evening I don't have any surgery scheduled for today"

"But you are checking your out-patients...No! I don't want you to postpone all that...I'm going shopping with Anji after puja...you carry on with your schedule"

"But! How am I going to see you...don't punish me like that?"

"That we'll see later...Okay Bye I've to get ready" he looks in wonder at his phone and shakes his head.

After puja is done at Nidhi's house Col. Verma, Dadi Bua and Anji's parents and pandit ji leave for Ashutosh's house and Nidhi and Anji leave for shopping. Ashutosh's new house was presenting a festive look...house newly painted in light and pastel shades...was basking in, in nicely done interiors, artefacts, antiques and artwork, and flower decorations.

Ashutosh was staring at his new world...leaning against the tree in the garden...the dream house that is soon going to be the reality of his and Nidhi's life...he is going to live the dream of his life in this house...they together will make new and pleasant memories in this house...the soon to be realities...that will turn into beautiful past paving way for new memories.

If Nidhi is in his life every moment will be worth living in this house...he was missing Nidhi...he wanted Nidhi to come in puja as well...but Dadi Bua didn't agree. Glimpses of their future life display before his eyes...he visualises Nidhi moving in the house...smiling, laughing, moving around the house in her child like antics...what he didn't know was he was smiling in oblivion and his eyes were presenting dreamy look while he was visualising her pouting in the front balcony of his house.

"There are still twenty days left come out of your dream Ashu" Arman who was looking amusingly at him bring him back to the present.

He takes some time to come out of the daze and when haze clears he yells in excitement "Arman you here?" and pulls him in a hug.

Riya's Achu catch his attention and he realises Sneha was also accompanying him with many bag packs. He welcomes sneha and picks Riya in his lap... "last night why you didn't tell me...you all are coming"

"You think I'm a fool... then how could I've seen you lost in dreams like that...by the way why were you smiling in oblivion" Arman raises his eyebrow and Ashutosh gives him a glare in response.

Baba who was coming from back garden of the house spots Arman and his family and calls Riya in excitement. Riya too turned all jolly and leaped towards him...Ashutosh carefully grounded her and she ran towards Baba...yelling Dadu...Dadu. Baba hugs her and Arman and Sneha walk up to him...they touched his feet to seek his blessings but he stops them and takes them in side hug.

"Arman you did fine...you came here beta...I would've never been able to manage all this...now my daughter in law will hold the reins and I'll assist her"

Ashutosh: But Arman how'll you manage there.

Arman: Don't worry Ashu I'll keep visiting Mumbai...I can manage...you forgot this was the dream of my life...how do you expect me to come as a guest in your marriage and what about Riya and Sneha I can't deny them their right...Riya has the right to enjoy her Achu's wedding and sneha as first daughter in law of the house has the right to manage everything in your wedding...don't you think so?"

Ashutosh's eyes turn moist and he takes his friend in hug. "Thank you Arman...you have relieved me...I'm feeling an incredible sense of relief... I was really worried... how I'll manage everything with such tight schedule at work"

The honk of the car makes them to turn and look at the gate. Nidhi's family arrive. Dadi Bua was all elated to see Sneha there. She too was worried about them. How they are going to manage all the rituals associated with marriage was her concern but she never revealed to any one...she really heaved a sigh of relief.

Ashutosh seeing all the bustling in the house felt their marriage is nearing. His mind turns towards Nidhi but Dadi Bua distracts him when she calls pandit ji to begin the puja. After pandit ji reciting some mantras...sneha took the idol and entered house as first daughter in law of the house and rest followed him. She then placed the idol at the specified place and pandit ji began chanting mantras again... he did puja of the whole house...sprinkling the holy water in every nook and cranny of the house and declares the puja over. He also declares that they can now also begin preparations for the marriage...blessing all in the house and especially the groom he leaves the house.

Arman teases Asutosh, "Now pandit ji has declared you groom...where is your bride?"

He mumbles, "Shopping"

"Hey, how can she I told her last night to wait for me...new bridal collection is arriving in my store today"

"How do I know Arman ask her?"

"That I'll...I don't need your permission"

Ashutosh take their leave and move to his room to get ready for the hospital. With all the bustling going on and every one present he was missing her. He called her and she answered his call on second ring. "So you are free now"

He sighs in response, "There is no way that I can show you my heart...and you'll come to know how much I missed you"

"Hmn...I know" "How?"

"I felt every pang in my heart"

He smiles, "where are you love? I want to see you."

"No! You can't come here...Anji and jyotika are here with me"

"I only want to have a glimpse"

"We'll meet in the evening" "Really?" "Hmn" "Love you"

She whispers in response "Love you too" he smiles and hangs up the phone and moves to hospital.

When verma's leave for their house Riya sulks insisting for Nidhi mashi. Arman tries to pacify her but she didn't give in and they had to accompany them to their house. After waiting for sometime Nidhi returns from shopping and Riya turns all jubilant seeing her Nidhi mashi.

Sneha takes her in a bear hug and Arman starts complaining, "Why did you go for shopping I told you to wait for a day last night?"

"No Bhaya I didn't buy anything special...I just bought some casuals...I was waiting for Sneha Bhabi"

He raises his eyebrow, "Sneha Bhabi...my profession lost all sheen before her status"

Sneha mock punches him and they all laugh at that. Riya and Nidhi spend lot of time playing together. And when she feels contented Arman and Sneha decide to leave offering there help to Col. verma and Dadi Bua in marriage preparations overwhelming them all.

Ashutosh was checking his phone constantly waiting for Nidhi's call but she didn't call him...he was missing her and every passing minute was adding to his sulk. When he checked his last patient he called her but she didn't answer. He thought to examine patients in the ICU and leave for the home. When he was returning from ICU he receives her call.

"Where are you?"

"Waiting for you in your cabin" All gloom fades away and he rushes towards his cabin. The moment he enters his cabin and finds her sitting there in the couch turning the pages of medical journal he smiles at her and heaves a sigh of relief. He walks a few steps towards her and his intense gaze makes Nidhi to get up and leap towards him and he holds her in a bear hug.

"How come you are here?"

"I replaced my night shift with Dr. Jyotika's...so tonight I'm on duty"

"But why?"

"That way I can save a day's leave"

"You forgot you are not feeling well and it's not good for you to strain yourself so much"

"But you do?"

"You know Nidhi why I do that"

"But not anymore I want you to go home and take rest"

"yes that's why you choose a night shift...now I can't even talk to you at night"

She smiles, "That's why I thought to have dinner with you"

"Really let us go?"

"Go! Where?...the dinner is here...we are going to have our dinner here in your cabin"

When she shows him the bag...he laughs, "You have brought the whole kitchen Nidhi"

"You go wash your hands I'll serve the dinner" he looks dreamily at her and she asks "what?" he shakes his head in a no and turns towards the washroom...how much he wished to tell her how he visualised her today in her new house...the glimpse of which he caught when she directed him to clean his hands and she'll serve the dinner. He smiles at the thought that this is now going to be the everyday reality of his life...she'll always serve dinner for him now. When he emerges from washroom he saw the table set and Nidhi waiting for him to serve the food. He sits in the couch and watches her serving the food and when she begins to fill her own plate he stops her shaking his head and she gives him a questioning look. He gestures towards his plate and gives a long drawn blink saying this one is sufficient.

She asks, "No what if some one comes?"

He didn't answer her and takes the spoonful of food to feed her and hands over the plate to her. She takes the spoon and feeds him... relishing food and catching the days happenings they relish their dinner. Ashutosh feeds her the last spoon when his intercom buzzes he enquires, "Who are the neurologists on duty?"...and ... "Okay send Dr. Aditi here" Nidhi hearing his words gets up to leave but he stops her, "Stay here love...I called her deliberately"

"But why?"

"I think she is still harbouring those feelings...you know" knock on door makes him to hold and he answers knock on his door.

Dr. Aditi: "Sir you called me"

Ashutosh: "Yes...I'm prescribing medicines for the patient...if his condition worsens administer him the medicines...and keep check on him all night"

"Yes Sir" she waits till he writes on the paper and turns to look around...she smiles at Nidhi and takes in the view...she notices the dinner on the table...but couldn't contemplate...the only plate on the table couldn't give her any indication...but Nidhi's presence around him is still shrouded in mystery for her. She takes the prescription and leaves.

Ashutosh starts again, "Aditi's father in last meeting gave a cue Nidhi"

"Cue about what?"

He smiles, "About his proposal..you know that...don't you?"

She grins, "Not bad you have two proposals in line"

He gets up and sits by her side...pinning her against the couch, "You seem to take great delight in it" she giggles but his intense gaze makes her to forget her giggle. He pecks her lips and pulls her in a hug trying to contain himself, "Have your medicine...I'll leave...Okay?" she comes out of the hug almost in a daze and nods. He waits for her till she takes her medicine and when they move to leave...he stops near the door turns and takes her in a bear hug...pecks at her forehead and leaves without looking at her. She follows him but he didn't turn even once to look at her ...she watched him going feeling the pain that enveloped both the hearts beating as one.

Chapter 29

He is gone.
But a tender moment,
from when he was here is stuck;
On the back of my hand (and) in my life
like a crescent.

She watched him going and her heart sank... every step he walked away he fought a burning desire to go back to her and hold her in his arms... the way he left she felt a twinge in her heart...the twinge that stayed whole night in their hearts...the covet desire to be together, in each other's company...blazed their hearts whole night. Though the days were not left much but staying away from each other was like going through a torment.

Nidhi was ready to leave, at 6 in the morning walking the pathway outside KGH premises...she checked her phone, changed its mode of alert from vibration to ring and her phone rings...the face flickers in bright smile...shining someone's world she was unaware of...she answers her phone, "Good Morning!"

"Good Morning Love! Turn to your right...not left"

"Why?...and she stops when her gaze fell on his car outside main entrance of KGH" without uttering a word she hasted towards the entrance and got into his car"

Huffing... "Hi!...you here" he offers her the bottle of water and drives his car. Nidhi gulps down a few sips and asks again, "why are you here so early in the morning?"

He takes a turn towards a road that was deserted...Stopping his car at the roadside...he turns to look at her and answers, "I'm sorry about last night"

"Sorry! What happened?"

"You Know"

"No I don't"

He sighs deeply gazing out at the road and answers her, "your gaze followed me...stared at me whole night...in a choked voice...couldn't sleep whole night...after a pause...you waited for me to turn didn't you?"

Her heart twinges..."Yes but I understand what you're wishing at that moment...how much you controlled yourself...in a mumble she adds...I think we're sailing in the same boat"

He smiles hearing her mumble... "Really!" she gives a slight playful nod to her head and he continues... "You know...Ah! How I wished to sleep in your arms at that time...if I could have died in these arms"

She quickly places her fingers on his lips and gives him a sulking glare...he lifts her hand, kisses at her fingers and continues, "Seriously Nidhi whenever death beckons me I want to be in your arms at that time"

She gives him a push and turns back at her seat looking out of the window and mutters, "Thank you for all these morning wishes...I am going"

She opens the car lock but he closes back quickly and pulls her back in his arms...looking with all the love in his eyes...he replies, "I didn't want to hurt you jaan...but some day death has to come...and what is wrong if I expressed my wish to you"

She looks at him in moist eyes and he closes his eyes squeezing in pain and pulls her in a hug, "Okay I won't share with you any of such wish now...happy?"

She sighs and he crushes her in his arms, "Please love...let me live some more...you are killing me...I don't want to die now...and I don't want to die bachelor...I want to see my bride...and whispers in her ears...and I want to love her...and murmurs huskily...up to my hearts content...and ages aren't enough to make me feel contented"

His words scorched her and she tries to cringe but he tightens his grip, "hmn...stay here...make me complete...the void I felt whole night... killed me every moment...I missed you...I missed you so much my love"

Holding each other in embrace...silently and snugly making up for the whole nights pining... they sprung apart at the honk of a car passing by...sheepishly realising the extent to which his yearnings for her has made him unabashed, he mumbles a quick sorry.

She responded with a quick glance and turned away her eyes. Ashutosh started his car again and moved ahead slowly...driving for sometime he asks her, "When are you visiting Arman's fashion house?"

"Whenever Sneha bhabi asks for?"

"No tell her...you'll come at noon...she turns to look at him...I want you to have some rest first"

She lowers her gaze and he continues driving silently. Stopping his car near a restaurant he asks her, "Let us have breakfast first then I'll drop you home"

Alighting from car she asks her, "What about my car?...I need that...you know"

Looking affectionately at her, "You still think you need to worry about things"

She keeps her mum and they move inside...when he takes the table she asks for a moment and goes to freshen up.

The restaurant wasn't packed...but had a very few customers... Ashutosh taking a look around starts mulling over the things that transpired between Nidhi and him past twenty four hours...if he missed her badly she wasn't disparate either...the way she held him grippingly in her arms conveyed how much she too was pining.

He shakes his head in dismay sighing to avert the thoughts and to avert the realisation that how much the pining for her has made him completely irrational. He is behaving unruly and he is not having any control on his desires. The desire of having her around every time is pulling him towards her as mesmeric as no one and nothing ever did...not even when he thought himself completely immersed in his job and his duties. He wants to have her in his arms as...as if she is the only hope to clutch in the maddening whirlpool of his emotions. What he wasn't able to understand was why he was feeling so desperately for her even when he knows she is only a few days away...he is soon going to have her, always with him.

He sighs when his gaze catches her coming...walking gracefully wrapping her saree around her slender waist...Ashutosh recalls the first time he saw her, she was the same beauty that walked in his life that day and his heart was also in the same commotion that up roared it to its depths first time ...he smiles ruefully at his state ... "nothing has changed since then...the more close you come... the more my heart goes frenzy" He was smiling and his gaze was following her intensely...she frowns looking at him and asks, "What?"

He holds his tongue in cheek and shakes his head in a no, "Shall we order our breakfast?"

"I have ordered that already" while she answered him waiter comes with their breakfast.

Having breakfast she asks, "Are you having a busy day ahead?"

"I think so...why? why are you asking?"

She answers "Emm...nothing" in response as if reluctantly...and he narrows his eyes trying to read the real meaning behind that zilch...his attention diverts when she asks, "You must be feeling relieved with Arman Bhaya and Sneha Bhabi being there in the house"

"Very much...I don't have to bother about anything now...they'll take care of each and everything...I'm trying to quicken my pace at work so that I can spare some days to enjoy my married life"

"But you don't need to tough grind yourself for that...a pause...promise me you won't"

He smiles and gestures assent through a long drawn blink. After having breakfast he reminds her to have her medicines and they leave. He drops her at her home asking for a promise to take proper rest before going out for shopping. Nidhi waits for him till he turns his car...she waves him bye and he responds with air kiss...making her to lower her eyes after looking around...he smiles and drives his car looking at her through the rear view mirror of his car.

Nidhi was getting ready after having rest as promised to him...Sneha has offered her to pick her up but she insisted on coming on her own as Anji was also accompanying her. After getting ready she tries to call him but he didn't answer as he was busy delivering lecture to his PG students in KGH College. She sends a message and leaves. Stepping down the stairway outside her house she feels astounded and turns quickly to ask her grand mother, "Dadi Bua my car who brought it here?"

"Ashutosh send through a driver...his driver delivered just half an hour before"

Her face beams with contented smile...and his words "You still think you need to worry about things" reverberated in her ears.

Arman's fashion house

Riya was juggling with a long saree...throwing that up in air and giggling at the ripples cloth was forming, falling in a wave. Arman was watching her helplessly and Sneha and his staff was trying to suppress their laugh.

Arman: Riya sweetheart..what'll Nidhi Mashi say...look what you have done...trying to take the saree from her hand...your Nidhi Mashi is coming.

Riya yells and he takes his hand back saying "Okay baby...do whatever you want but don't cry...don't cry please"

Sneha tries to suppress her laugh, "I told you... Ashutosh wants her to be part of every event in his marriage... so you'll have to bear all this."

He answers petulantly "Yeah she and her Achu...I don't have any other job to do"

Nidhi who was watching all this was smilling...she comes to Arman's rescue and calls Riya...who seeing Nidhi leaves everything and leaps towards Nidhi in a way that Arman closes his eyes scaring she may hurt herself.

When Nidhi takes her in her arms...she screams Achi' all exchange surprised glances and Nidhi lowers her eyes shyly...she understood whose doing that must be.

Sneha asks her, "What did you call your Nidhi Mashi...she is your mashi...Isn't she?"

Riya rebuts, "No!...no mashi...Achi"

Sneha asks "Who taught you this...Baby?"

Arman answers quickly, "Who can teach her Sneha...except her Achu...last night this is what they were busy with"

Sneha: Yes Arman she was playing with Ashutosh till late night...but how can he? ...I want her to call Nidhi Massi always.

"For that you need to consult your brother-in-law...I've no objection and I don't mind any name she calls her...come on hurry up with your shopping I have other things to do as well"

Sneha, Nidhi and Anji got busy choosing sarees for her...after done with Sarees...they start choosing her wedding dress. Nidhi picks out three after trying number of dresses for hours...Anji was all praises for Arman's collection...she too decided to select some dresses for herself.

Sneha and Anji after done with Nidhi's shopping were choosing dresses for themselves. Nidhi so wished to show her dresses to Ashutosh and select and wear her wedding dress as per his choice but she knew how busy he is...she was looking dreamily at the three dresses in Arman's office displaying at figurines when two strong arms hold her from behind and the familiar smell of cologne smashed her senses...the nuzzle on her nape make her to arch her neck... a soft nibble on the side of her neck makes her hold him by plucking softly his hair but he kisses her undeterred, gliding his lips towards her collar bone he makes her to turn and face him...she gasps out Ashutosh! hidding herself in his chest clutching him tightly... he remains with no option but to wrap his arms around her...they remain like that for sometime when clatter outside Arman's ofiice force them to break their hug.

Ashutosh had longed for this moment since last evening and when he saw her alone in Arman's office... he couldn't control himself...Nidhi was turning too great a temptation for him...so irresistible that he was loosing his senses...he quite irritably releases her but her pink cheeks and downcast eyes fondle his heart and he smiles after sighing deeply and kisses at her forehead.

Nidhi mumbles in response... "What are you doing here? I told you...you are turning shameless"

"You remember what I said in answer... that day"

She lowers her eyes and asks, "I didn't expect you here"

"And I didn't expect you to hold back your wish... you wanted to say this in the morning...Didn't you?"

She nods her head, " But I knew if you came here...you'll have to work till late...which I don't want"

"How many times you think we're going to get married...he raises his eyebrows...this is the only time... how can you hold back your desires Nidhi"

"I'm sorry...I wanted you to choose my wedding dress"

"And I wanted you to select mine" she looks at him surprised and he answers giving a soft twitch to her nose... "Why? You thought only you wanted me to be here...seeing her looking at him stunned he continues...I needed to be here Nidhi"

Nidhi ecstatically gives him a quick hug and asks, "I have picked out these three...now tell me which one is good"

He looks at the dresses and answers, "Beautiful! They are really very beautiful...but you know I have no such experience...I mean choosing ladies dresses so I can't decide just looking at them"

She pouts, "So you don't want to select one for me"

"No! I don't want to select one for you...I want to see you in all the three"

"No I'm not going to wear them now"

"Neither I want you to wear them now...I don't want to loose my senses...she looks at him questioningly...yes I'm afraid that is going to be the only upshot if I see you in them...so please have them all"

"But I need only one"

Shrugging his shoulders "Choice is yours...in a soft pleading tone...but I really want to see you in all the three"

She looks at him undecidedly...plead in his tone makes her speechless...and pondering a little she decides to pick all the three..."Okay now you decide what are you to going to wear"

"Don't tell me you haven't chosen one for me yet" he raises his eyebrows and she smiles in response "yeah I liked one but that's not of your size...now I've chosen another one let me show you"

They both leave his office to see his sherwani...walking towards the men's section in Arman's store he asks her, "I want to see the dress you liked Nidhi"

"But what's the fun...that won't fit you"

"I want to see that" she looks at him, "Okay let me show you"

She takes him towards that row and points out, "This is the one"...a stylish golden sherwani...he liked on the first look...he calls Arman...waiting for him they had a look around... and when Arman arrives he asks him quickly, "Arman can't we order this sherwani...of my size, in same stuff and style and of course the same colour"

"Yes! Why not you liked that...hmn...very good...very good choice Nidhi"

"How do you know that is my choice Baya?"

Grinning... "You expect me to think that he can choose this for himself...a sherwani...give me a break Nidhi... I never knew him buying or wearing anything other than formals"

Nidhi smiles in response and Arman quickens to place an order for his sherwani so that sherwani is received on time.

Sneha and Anji spot Ashutosh and Nidhi. Shocked sneha shouts, "Ashutosh you here" but Riya hearing her mother shout outflanks her in yelling "Achu...Achi" Ashutosh looks at Nidhi in mischief who lowers her eyes her face beaming with the intensity and the depth word Achi hold for him...and also for her.

"What is this Ashutosh? You taught her this word Achi...Nidhi is her Massi and she will remain her Massi"

"Oh really! let us see what is Riya's wish...taking her in his arms who leaped to him the moment they reached near him he asks, Riya who's she?"

She answers "Achi" Sneha rebuts quickly "No Massi" Riya repeats "No Achi" Sneha stares at Ashutosh dumbly and he raises his eyebrow in response.

After sometime Ashutosh tries to pass on Riya to her mother but she resists and clinches to him, "Baby I've to go" she crankily answers "No" and Ashutosh looks at Arman helplessly. Arman tries to appease her and take her in his arms but she refuses.

Nidhi comes to their rescue giving Ashutosh a cue, "Okay let us get chocolate for Riya...Okay Riya?" she nods her head in yes. Nidhi gestures Ashutosh that she'll accompany him and will bring her back. Ashutosh takes their leave and moves out with Nidhi grounding Riya to walk along with them. Riya excitedly holds Nidhi's hand and mumbles to herself repeating continuously and excitedly "Chocolate"

They move to ground floor of the mall to get chocolate for Riya. While they were moving down through the stair lift Nidhi's gaze fell on a dress displaying in a kid's apparel store. She turns to Ashutosh the moment they reached the floor, "You please get chocolate for Riya...I'll be back in a minute"

"But where are you going?" She hurries, "I'll see you in a minute...you go get her chocolate" Ashutosh rounds his eyes and purses his lips seeing her fleeing towards the opposite side in the floor. He gets chocolate for Riya and waits for her...when someone taken by surprise invites his attention and makes him to turn to look at his behind.

"Hello! Sir you here!" that was Dr. Rohit a junior neuro surgeon working under him accompanied by Dr. Aditi and two more junior doctors working in neuro department of KGH.

"Hello! Doctors!"

Dr. Aditi comes forward, "What a cute child sir...she caresses her cheeks and Riya smiles unusually in response...who's she?"

"She is my niece"

Riya's eyes catch Nidhi and she slips away from her uncle's hold and run towards Nidhi who was unaware about the presence of doctors around Ashutosh. She hands over a bag pack to Riya saying, "This is for Riya" and Riya comes excitedly dragging the pack along towards Ashutosh chanting, "This is for me Achu"

Ashutosh nods to her in response and look towards Nidhi who was taking hesitant steps forward...saying Hello to them she turns her attention to Ashutosh but he was very quick to speak, "Please take her along Dr. Nidhi" she nods her head and he leaves, leaving no room for Dr. Aditi not to believe that Nidhi is trying to woo him and Ashutosh too harbours some interest for her. The other doctors also were surprised to see Nidhi and his niece together...that wasn't making any sense to them and before they could have asked Nidhi took their leave and moved upstairs taking Riya in her lap.

In the evening Nidhi was in her room... showing her dresses to Dadi Bua and Shyama Aunty. Anji offered to make coffee for them...she was staying with them now till her marriage...to help col. verma and all in arrangements Dr. Rangnath last night had offered to shift to his in-laws house and she was relieved that she won't have to drag herself from pillar to post to manage both houses.

Anji turns back moments after she left the room...she flung open the door hurriedly, "Dadi Bua! Jiju and Arman Ji is here"

Nidhi gets surprised, "what?"

They all move to the drawing room and Nidhi follows them. Arman and Ashutosh were sitting in the couches talking to Col. Verma. Seeing Dadi bua they get up take her blessings. Ashutosh sitting back, his eyes glinting with love steals a glance at Nidhi who smiles in response exchanging the same glint.

Just then Mr. Solanki and Dr. Rangnath arrive and Anji offers to get tea for all and her mother follows her to help. After Anji comes back with tea and snacks for all, Arman turns towards col. verma and Dadi Bua "Sir we are here to suggest something, if you all agree we want to perform wedding ceremony together"

Col. Verma looks questioningly at them. Ashutosh glancing at Nidhi answers his questioning look, "Papa I think you are straining yourself a lot...which I'm not liking...I have already discussed with Baba and he has agreed...I think we should perform wedding with very close friends and relatives joining the ceremony and hold a grand reception next day where we can invite all and whoever we want" he pauses and waits for his answer.

Col. Verma turns speechless emotions clog his throat but he manages to utter, "No Beta I'm not straining myself...I have only one daughter and I love doing all this for her wedding"

"What is the need Papa...you treat me as your son...don't you?"

Col. Verma was quick to answer, "Of course no doubt about that"

"So let me do my duties as your son...I can't join and help you in all the preparations...let me do it at least this way...please"

Col. Verma turns to look at Dadi Bua and Solanki.

Ashutosh adds, "I don't want you to hold back your wishes papa...do whatever you wish to do but not on grand scale...and also let us share some of your responsibilities"

Arman adds, "I'm making arrangements there and it won't make any difference if I arrange things for both the houses...and I need to do that as Nidhi's brother...he glances at Nidhi...she calls me Bhaya"

All emotional Col. verma look affectionately at them...Dadi Bua gets up and placing hands on their heads blesses them.

Ashutosh asks again, "So Papa what've you decided"

"You have made me speechless...what can I say except...I'm the most lucky person to have you as my son-in-law."

Arman: "So all done...we are just going to place orders for invitation cards...I'll get printed yours as well"

Dr. Rangnath: "Not fair you forgot I'm also son-in-law of this house...and I too have my duties to perform...you can't absolve me of my duties"

Arman: Who says...we are going to share our tasks...let us go and order invitation cards first.

All three get up to leave...Nidhi was moved...she was watching all this silently...seeing her that way he so wished to talk to her but couldn't get the chance.

After having dinner...everyone move to their rooms...Nidhi who was yearning to talk to him ever since he left called him but he didn't answer...after settling herself in bed she was turning pages of magazine waiting for his call...when her phone rings, "Hello love!"... "Hi...where're you?"...

"Busy arranging things for your welcome"... "hmn"... "What hmn"... "Jaan"... "hmn"

"How I wish these days pass like a blink"... She remains mum... "Seriously Nidhi...can't stay away from you...every moment is a torture now"...she remains silent and he asks again... "Why are you silent? Are you fine?"

She was turning emotional with a lump in her throat she mumbles "Thank you for everything" He smiles... "You need to thank me?...really?" She smiles wiping her eyes, in response.

"Keep always smiling your smile brightens my world Nidhi"

"How do you know I'm smiling" "Didn't I say your smile brightens my world"

"Huh...I know...now go to sleep...you must be very tired"

"No! Not so early I want to talk to you"

"No!" "Please" "Noo!" "Pleaseee" "No!" "Nidhi this is not fair"

"This is!...you forgot you couldn't sleep last night" He sighs "Okay! I'll go to sleep if I get a sweet good night kiss"

"What?" "Yes I'm waiting" "please" "Okay fine talk to me then"

She smacks in response...and he answers huskily "Love you...goodnight!"

Next few days pass almost in an impasse... Nidhi and Ashutosh remained busy with their duties and shopping. Their phone calls and the meetings at hospital remained a big respite. Their relation was turning a searing expose' since the doctors saw them in mall. There was a silent hissing going on. People have been watching them with prying eyes when ever they met in ward or on the way trying to gauge the facts behind the rumours but their professional demeanour especially Ashutosh's didn't reveal anything. So, for everyone the facts remained hard to swallow.

Nidhi didn't fail to notice the probing eyes around her the very next day when they were seen together in the mall. She even discussed this with Ashutosh but his answer that he is not bothered about anyone now makes her to hold people's inquisitiveness at bay. As they were not revealing anything through their actions publicly no one dared to ask her any question...but she came to know through her friends, the gossips about their relation are making rounds in KGH corridors. If they were not giving anything the way they were reacting publicly but her one or two visits a day to his cabin wasn't hiding anything either.

What surprised her was that Ashutosh's secretary never stopped her from going there...whenever she enquired about him he more courteously gave the information about his whereabouts and also kept him informed about her visits if he was out of his cabin. She thought to enquire about his unusual behaviour from Ashutosh. May be he must have given instructions to him not to stop her and also pass on any information she wants about him, she thought. He might have felt bad for the way she had to take his appointment a week before.

Ashutosh was in his cabin when Mr. Avasthi taps on his half- open cabin door. He turns his gaze towards the door and answers, "Welcome Sir! Please come in"

Mr. Avasthi takes his seat in the three seater couch and Ashutosh had to get up and come and sit next to him. He takes the single seat couch.

"Sir! you here?"

"Yes had to come Dr. Ashutosh...I have known you from past so many years...I thought it fit to talk to you first" he talked in a haughty manner that amused Ashutosh.

Talk to me first "Yes Sir how can I help you?"

He talks in the same condescending tone as if he was there to compete and had got some edge over his competitor that was surprising Ashutosh...No one ever dared to talk to him like that not even trustees and members of governing board that was the way he was seen and that was his persona in public.

"I have been informed about something that makes it imperative for me to call for a board meeting to decide whether we should continue with you as principal of KGH college or not"

"About something...what's that?"

"I have come to know... I mean many people informed me that you have been seen with a young girl...hesitantly...you know how it is...and...and... I'm sure whatever I have been informed about, is not acceptable... that must be the doing of critics...and to prove your detractors wrong I think if we can offer an announcement about your and Aditi's relation...that would be enough to nip those gossips in the bud...that would be a nice answer...looking at Ashutosh trying to infer his reaction...otherwise you know I'll be forced to inform the trustees and governing board of the hospital...you know we can't put image of this reputed institution at stake...we'll have to do something to arrest the spread of these rumours"

Ashutosh was in cognition while hearing him...he was thanking his own self that he didn't mix his personal and professional life...otherwise the whole thing would have turned murkier having people like Mr. Avasthi around... how can he even think to hold me to ransom...he was about to speak when he holds himself thinking No he deserves an answer better way to suit him...he smiles gratefully and answers, "Thank you so much Mr. Avasthi...that's really so nice of you...but I need sometime to think"

Mr. Avasthi thought he has won him over "I'm afraid Dr. Ashutosh I can't give you much time...I'll wait for two days...and If I won't hear from you...I'm sorry then...we'll have to meet in board's meet"

Ashutosh nods his head and Mr. Avasthi takes his leave.

Ashutosh was seething with anger when Nidhi asks for his permission, "May I come in Sir"

A smile cracks his anger and he turns to look at her extending his hand to welcome her in. She holds his hand after closing the door and he pulls her to himself making her to sit on the arm of couch he was sitting in.

Nidhi in her excitement couldn't read the suppressed anger in him and asked chirpily, "Sir! How come your secretary allows me to visit your cabin as and when I wish? The thing of surprise is that he doesn't stop me even when you aren't in your cabin"

Ashutosh caressing her hand answers, "His boss doesn't have authority to stop you...how can he?"

Nidhi notices the tinge of rage in his eyes and asks, "Every thing Okay?

He looks at her affectionately that made the tinge of rage to fade in his eyes...he nods his head...and asks, "Are you leaving...let us go out tonight"

"No I've to collect dresses from tailor...then I'll start slowly packing my stuff...not much days left now"

Her words tint his heart with joy and he pulls her to peck at her lips. She gets up, "We are in your cabin...people are already snooping"

"And a board meeting is being called to discuss whether I should continue my duties as principal"

"What?" she looks at him agape.

He makes her to sit back on the couch and answers, "Yes! I guess Dr. Avasthi's plan...Don't worry Nidhi nothing will happen"

She looks at him in worry, "I told you...see now... how you put everything at stake"

"Hey don't worry nothing will happen...why do we need to worry? I don't give a damn! Cheer up!"