OS: Rishhton Ka Ilzaam..:Last ch. on p-78 - All rev./com. responded - Page 7

Looks like u took my idea and went to ski😉

Originally posted by: deepa17

Looks like u took my idea and went to ski😉

We already have 7-8 " in the ground

no yaar typing.. this ch required a lot of homework.. had to see many episodes repeatedly..

Hello Guys first chapter ready..

Chapter 1:

FIVE YEARS LATER:

As the cab left JFK Airport and made its way towards The Surrey hotel in the busy New York traffic, Dr. Nidhi sat back and closed her eyes to relax. A loving husband, caring in-laws and a career graph, which had earned the envy of even the senior doctors - what else could a woman ask for? She had been extremely lucky both professionally and personally.

It was a matter of great prestige to be invited for an international medical convention of this level. Unfortunately, her flight had got delayed by a few hours and she has more than half of the first day. She looked at the clock near the dashboard and once again ensured that she had got the local time right on her wrist watch and her cell-phone. She would miss the lunch too. But hopefully, she would be in time for the post-lunch session.

A short while later, she was being greeted by the receptionist at The Surrey. Preliminaries over, the receptionist got down to business.

Receptionist: Unfortunately, Dr. Nidhi, the lunch is over. Would you like to order room service or take lunch in one of our restaurants?

Nidhi: Thank you, I had my lunch in the flight. Has the post-lunch session begun?

Receptionist: (Glancing at the clock) actually, it is about to begin.

Nidhi had already missed the welcome address and the keynote speech. She had no intention to miss even a single minute of the post-lunch session.

Nidhi: Could you please tell me where the conference room is? And could you please ask someone to put my luggage in my room?

Receptionist: Sure Dr. Nidhi. As today is the first day, this is the last lecture for the day.

Nidhi entered the conference room. The entire hall was nearly full. Luckily, she found an empty chair in one of the back rows and took it.

Compere: And now, doctors, it gives me immense pleasure to introduce our next speaker for this afternoon. With his extraordinary contribution the field of neurosurgery, it can be said without hesitation that he has put India on the map for neurological health. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the eminent neurosurgeon Dr. Ashutosh from Dr. Kotnis General Hospital, Lucknow, India. Please grace the stage Dr. Ashutosh. It is indeed an honor to have you amongst us.

Dr. Ashutosh went to the stage amidst thunderous applause and began to speak on the challenges in pediatric neurosurgery. He emphasized on the post operative care and precautionary measures.

But Nidhi, sitting in the audience, had not paid attention to a single word. Her eyes had barely registered the sight of Dr. Ashutosh getting up from his seat and walking towards the podium. Dr. Ashutosh! The name itself brought forth all those memories she had buried in the depths of her heart. It had been 5 years! Five Damned Years! Yes, it had been 5 years since Dr. Ashutosh had so unceremoniously dismissed her from KGH. She still remembered the day so clearly in her mind's eye as if it had been just yesterday. She had awoken that morning to a call from him. He had asked her to rush to the hospital since he had something very important to tell her. She had excitedly rushed over to Anji's place and shaken her best friend awake from her slumber. She had animated asked Anji as to what could be the reason he had called her to the hospital so early in the morning. Anji had almost grudgingly suggested that he might be wanting to express his feelings to her. That idea of Anji's had given kind of given her wings - she had been on seventh sky. She had been almost delirious with excitement. What it would be like to hear from him? What would he say? Would he give her a rose or a gift while he confessed his love for her? Would he say the three magical words? How would they sound coming from his lips? In his deep voice? Would she again be a witness to his natural hesitation? Not that she minded it. His hesitation was characteristic of him, it made him all the more desirable. While driving to KGH, it had been difficult for her to control her mind which was racing with all sorts of imaginations and dreams - she had been barely able to concentrate on the road.

But the moment she had set her foot in that dreaded conference room of KGH, her dreams had been replaced with a living nightmare. The scene was still vivid in her mind's eye. His harsh words had hurt where it could hurt the most. Yes, she still remembered each word and the ruthless way in which they were spoken. Those words still managed to pierce her heart. And yet it had been her misfortune, that in spite of the shoddy manner he had treated her, she could not bring herself to hate him or even be indifferent to her. In spite of her best efforts, she could not deny to herself that she still loved him. Yes, Dr. Ashutosh had been her first and perhaps the only love! Unfortunately, she did not even know if the great Dr. even remembered an intern called Nidhi Verma!

Nidhi was jolted to the present by the voice of the person sitting two rows ahead of her. It was then that she looked around and realized that the speech was over and the Q & A was going on.

The person sitting two rows ahead of Nidhi: (With his hand raised) Excuse me Sir, but you were talking about post operative care. But Sir, isn't it difficult to deal with kids? I mean, they don't take kindly to medicines and giving them an injection is quite an ordeal, isn't it?

Everyone chuckled slightly at the question.

Dr. Ashutosh: (With a smile)Yes, I admit that you need something else to deal with kids, especially those kids who have just undergone surgery or those suffering from serious diseases. But if you learn how to handle them, I can assure you that they are much easier to deal with than grown-ups. But unfortunately our books of medicine do not teach us this something else'. Let me admit, it took an intern, a junior of mine to teach me how to deal with kids. With our haughty attitudes of being seniors, we never realize that our interns may also teach us some valuable lessons of life. She humbly told me that life teaches us these things, but in reality, SHE taught me this. Can you believe? The kids from my hospital's Children's Ward used to eagely await her to administer injections and medicines! (In a tentative tone) Kids actually looking forward to Injections and medicines - sounds impossible? Yes, it is. But SHE made it possible. You know how? (After a pause during which the audience murmured in perplexity) Along with administering injections and medicines, that intern of mine told stories and cracked jokes! (The audience looks in surprised admiration) Can you imagine, she organized picnics for them? I mean, doctors arranging picnics as part of treatment? Sounds weird, doesn't it? Yet the results were self evident, yet surprising even for a supposedly experienced doctor like me. This intern of mine was actually unique. (Not realizing that he is getting carried away, with a fond smile and tenderness in his eyes) She was as playful and mischievous as she was talented. You could neither get angry with her, nor punish her, even though she broke some set rules. Yet, she had her heart in the right places and her actions always yielded positive results, which far from harmed the patients. So, you could not take action against her, even though she did bend some rules. I remember her as a Titli, the Hindi word for butterfly. She indeed was one! She spread color and cheerfulness wherever she went. She was my .. (Suddenly realizing he got carried away, his smile fades and he says abruptly in a stiff voice) Any more questions?

Nidhi's eyes watered incessantly throughout this reply of Dr. Ashutosh's. Not only did she still exist in his memories, but he actually remembered her words, every minute detail. What was that in his eyes as he spoke of her? Was it just fondness and tenderness or was it LOVE? Her heart told her it had been love. And, she decided, she had to confirm it. And confirm it NOW.

She recollected herself and looked around. She realized the session was over and everyone had been leaving the hall. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Ashutosh leaving through the door. She made a move to follow him, when to her chagrin, one of the organizers saw her and motioned to her to come up to the front. He asked her to complete the registration formalities since she had been late. With apparent impatience that bewildered the organizer, she filled up the form and signed in the register. She barely nodded when he thanked her and told that he would see her at dinner that evening, as she rushed to look for Ashutosh.

Meanwhile Ashutosh was relaxing by himself in the hotel's lounge. The one innocuous question by a member of his audience had spurned so many forgotten memories. Forgetten? Not really! He still remembered Nidhi every single hour of his waking life..and he dreamt about her often. He is still musing over it, when his cell phone rings. He sees the caller ID flashing his bosom friend Armaan's name and picks up.

Armaan: (Enthusiastically) Hi Ashu meri jaan

Ashutosh: Hi Armaan

Armaan: Itna feeka hi? Kya baat hai meri jaan? You okay na?

Ashutosh: Arre nahi Armaan, nothing like that. I am perfectly fine.

Armaan: Ashu, main teri aawaaz ki har taal ko pahchaanta hoon. Your mind is clearly somewhere else. Bata baat kya hai?

Ashutosh: Come on now Armaan, kyun baal ki khaal udher rahaa hai. I am just jet lagged and I guess.. tired. On top of that, (with a sigh) I had to give a speech too.

Armaan: Yes, I know. Giving a speech on your subject must have been stressful for you, right? (Without waiting for his reply, a bit irritably) Who are you trying to fool Ashu? Has your work ever stressed you?

Ashutosh: (In a pleading tone) Drop this please Armaan! Tell me.. hows your fashion house going?

Armaan:Its going great. Yesterday's sales totaled 2 lacs.

Ashutosh: Great! Aur tu..

Armaan: I am fine and so are my amma and bauji. Done with the priliminaries? Now tell me what's bothering my buddy!

Ashutosh: Nothing like that Armaan. Rakhta hoon. Have some work.

Armaan: (Angrily) Not so soon, don't you dare to hang up on me Ashutosh.. Out with it.. NOW

Ashutosh: (with apparent irritation) Armaan, please. How many ways do I have to explain there is nothing..

Armaan: (With genuine concern and tenderness) Ashu, I know you are thinking of something? Mere saath nahi toh aur kiske saath share karega yaar?

Ashutosh: (With a resigned sigh) 5 year have passed Armaan, still..

Armaan: NIDHI!

Ashutosh just grunts.

Armaan: I see. So, Nidhi is also there, she is also participating.

Ashutosh: No, Armaan, she is not here.. (reluctantly) thankfully. But.. I can still see her, I can still feel her around me. (Sighing heavily) Uska vo chulbulapan, bholapan, woh masoomiyat.. meri titli. (Closing his eyes) When I close my eyes, I still see her getting drenched in the rainy night, I can still feel her pulling my hand, dragging me into the rain.. Getting drenched in that rain, as if washed away all the fatigue of my life.. that tea stall.. that ginger tea..that blue dress.. vo uska chehekna.. aaj bhi use apne irdd girdd mehsoos karta hoon.

Ashutosh opens his eyes and sees Nidhi walking towards him. With a rueful shake of his head, he dismisses it as his hallucination.

Armaan: Ashu, her memory is still so fresh in your heart, you still haven't forgotten her. You still love her.. Considering all this, don't you think you made a mistake?

Ashutosh: (Strongly, with his voice full of conviction) No Armaan, I did what was right! I did what was best for her, right for her! And if I have not been able to forget her, its entirely my problem. If I still see her eyes - mischievous at times, (Nidhi is actually walking towards him) sometimes sad, filled with accusation and anger at other times..

Nidhi: (In a partly sarcastic and partly sad tone) Hello Dr. Ashutosh.

Ashutosh realizes with a jolt that he is not hallucinating, and Nidhi is actually there. He hastily tries to regain his composure.

Ashutosh: (into the phone) Armaan main.. I will call you later. (Disconnecting the call and pocketing his call phone, mumbling and acting as if trying to recollect) - aap? umm... Dr.. Nidhi.. Dr. Nidhi Verma. Right?

Nidhi: (Somewhat defiantly) Its Dr. Nidhi Malhotra now! Dr. Nidhi Rohan Malhotra

Ashutosh: (Trying to get his bearings and noticing the faint sign of vermilion in her hair parting) Ah.. I.. I see.

Nidhi just looks at him accusingly, with a hint of tears in an accusing tone. Ashutosh could not even answer her gaze, so he chose to avert his eyes. Thankfully for him, a group of American doctors came there.

Dr. Xaviers: (Cheerfully, walking towards them) Hello Dr. Ashutosh, what are you doing here?

Both of them hastily regain their composure.

Dr. Xaviers: (By now reaching them ) and Dr. Nidhi is also here! Why don't you both join us at the coffee table?

Ashutosh: (Immmediatly following him) Sure Dr. Xaviers lets go.

Nidhi: Sorry Dr. Xaviers, I have some work, I will join you later.

Nidhi moves in the opposite direction and Ashutosh is relieved. Since all the doctors at the coffee table are men, they talk about sports, latest news, etc. However, to Ashutosh's discomfort, the conversation starts veering towards flings and affairs. They all share their incidences of passing indescrepancies, flings and affairs. Finally they all look towards Ashutosh.

Dr. Johnson: (Playfully nudgung him) Your turn Dr. Ashutosh. Come on, be a sport, share ur lil' secret with us (winking).

Ashutosh: (Uncomfortably) Well, I m sorry to disappoint you guys, but I have no such secret to share.

Dr. Yamaki - I really don't believe you! Did no colleague or junior doctor or intern ever catch your fancy?

Ashutosh: (In a voice that lacks conviction) No.

Dr. Johnson: Come on Dr, Ashutosh, don't hold out on us. It is rather unfair to us, that you know our guilty secrets and refuse to share yours.

The others too agree with Dr. Johnson, and forces him. Relenting, Ashutosh decides to share it with them, especially since Nidhi is not there.

Ashutosh: (In a cautious tone) Well, there was one intern..

Dr. Yamaki: Uh huh?.. the one u mentioned in ur speech?

Ashutosh nods uncomfortably.

Dr. Xaviers: So? Out with it! Had a fling with her? Or still seeing her?

Ashutosh: No, uh.. nothing of the sort.

Nidhi (Walking in, towards the coffee table) Sorry doctors, I'm late.

Dr. Xaviers: Oh no, not at all Dr. Nidhi, please take a seat (she does, right opposite Ashutosh) You have come at the right time! We are just asking Dr. Ashutosh about his fling with the interm he mentioned in his speech.

Nidhi: (First mildly shocked, then looking at Ashutosh challengingly) I see. Even I am eager to know about that intern.

Ashutosh: (Very uncomfortably and rather stiffly) Please doctors, I don't think its a fit topic to be discussed before our female colleagues. So, lets drop the matter.

Nidhi: Come on, Dr. Ashutosh, these things are pretty common for our generation And, actually, I am also eager to know - where is that intern now? Given the fact that you were all praises for her in your speech, I'm sure that she must be in a good position at your hospital, right?

All the other doctors nod, agreeing that it's an obvious thing.

Ashutosh: (Feeling cornered, putting on a stern demeaner) No! As a matter of fact, she was dismissed!

All doctors are shocked, while Nidhi looks at him with pain in her eyes, while he tries to avert his eyes.

Dr. Xaviers: But I thought u were impressed with her.. Then?

Ashutosh (Uncomfortably) Well, she was highly unprofessional n indisciplined.

Nidhi: Really? What were the charges against her?

Ashutosh, feeling all the more pushed into the corner, angrily rattles off the all charges that were in the dismissal sheet.

Nidhi: Wow Dr. Ashutosh, strange isn't it?

Ashutosh: (Angrily) What's strange Dr. Nidhi?

Nidhi (Shrugging casually, and turning to the others) Well doctors, don't u find it weird that he is all praises for a dismissed intern and still remembers such minute details of why she was dismissed.

By now, Ashutosh is fuming inside with anger, but maintains a calm demeanor.

Ashutosh: (In a deceptively low, controlled voice) So? What are you tryin to get at, Dr. Nidhi?

Nidhi: (shrugging casually again, which irritates him even more) Well, I'm just trying to assimilate the facts.

Ashutosh (In an angry, hushed undertone) Bas karo! Meherbani karke bas karo!

Other doctors: What?

Nidhi: Uh nothing, I think, he was trying to tell me the actual reason.

Dr. Yamaki: Actual reason? For what?

Nidhi: (In a painful voice) For my... uh.. the intern's dismissal.

The doctors look expectantly at Ashutosh, but they too start feeling uncomfortable, thinking that the atmostphere has gone suddenly serious.

Ashutosh: No nothing... (Abruptly) its quite late, I think, we should be getting back to our rooms to get ready for the dinner.

All agree and get up. Nidhi too helplessly gets up. They all get to the elevator. All their rooms are on the same floor/ As they reach their respective rooms, they take the group's leave and go to their rooms. At last, there are just 3 people left in the corridor - Ashutosh, Nidhi and Dr. Johnson. Dr. Johnson's room arrives first and he excuses himself to go to his room. The next room to Dr. Johnson's is Nidhi's. Before Ashutosh can move away from her, she suddenly pulls him into her room and bolts the door!

Ashutosh: (Totally taken aback, angrily) Dr. Nidhi, ye kya badtameeze hai?!!

Nidhi (Lightly, not taking his anger seriously) Well, mujhme na toh tameez hai, na professionalism aur nahi discipline! Abhi aap hi ne toh kaha.

Nidhi: (Very seriously) Aapse kuch nahi chahti! Bas aapka kuch dekhna bahut zaroori hai.

And she takes out a pendrive from her purse n puts it in her laptop.

Thank u for the update Shirls will read n come back😛

fabulous start. and you were right. here Ashu is consistent with the Dr Ashutosh we saw in your rologue...every word and every gesture.

Originally posted by: deepaligupta197

Thank u for the update Shirls will read n come back😛

Originally posted by: deepali.rock

Res

Originally posted by: ttrocks

Ch-1 up!! Great Shirley!!

Originally posted by: Suvika.

fabulous start. and you were right. here Ashu is MB through and through...every word and every gesture.

Not able to connect with this Nidhi though. So will wait for further chapters.