AshNi Bas AshNi..Story So Far..NO COMMENTS PLEASE - Page 14

Meri Dosti Mere Pyar

Nidhi knocked n entered dr ashutosh's cabin the thord time in the last 45 minutes..he was still finalising the chamged medicines for the neuro ward...she said ,a lil exasperated"plz, mai aito se chali jaati hoon...kitta kaam hai party ka...jaaoon"??she asked again as dr ashutosh did not reply...n just as she began to retreat,he drawled.."kahi nahi jaaogi...ruko chup chaap...abhi chalte hain..."and as she fidgeted n pouted ,dr ashutosh finally got up 15 mins later...saying in his typically caustic way"achcha hai khana kum banega ...kum calorie intake hoga...tumhari malaji ke hisaab se"!!and nidhi almost pulled him..into the car, begging him to drive faster...
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"Chakhiye to baba...zyaada oily to nahi hai na"??it was nidhi making baba taste the paneer ,at 7.30 as ashu emerged from the bedroom, relaxed in a kurta pyjama...she frowned"arre aapne yeh kya pehan liya"??and dr ashutosh lioked at her and asked..."kyun suit pehanna tha kya...tumhaari malaji ke liye...kaho to sehra bhi baandh loon"??and baba laughed as dr ashutosh said this with a straight face!!!"dekh beta..maine to suit pehan liya...kuch to impress hogi miss mala...aakhir armaan ki family hain hum log..."!!ashutosh smiled and replied"yeh sooraj barjatya ki family picture nahi..baba,mahesh bhatt ki romantic film hai...koi family wamily nahi chahiye..."and baba laughed...as armaan entered with nishu, carrying a big box from "wengers"the new bakery in lucknow..."yeh kya hai...armaanji"??armaan told nidhi"maine socha thoda low cal trouffle le loon, mala ko bahut...i mean sabko achcha lagega..."n then went in to change ...before ashutosh could say anything...and nidhi pleaded, as she kissed lil nishu"dekhiye..aap plz kuch aisa waisa nahi keh deejiyega...jisse armaanji ko chot pahunche..."!!ashutosh looked at nidhi and turning serious ,he said,"usse chot lagne se hi bacha raha hoon main..."!!and baba looked at a serious ,grave ashu ...n patted his hand...
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The food was laid , paneer butter masala, aaloo methi, mix veg,(baked), rajma, low cal pulao, tossed salad, boondi ka raita,(with no soda in it!!!!)and trouffle n gaajar ka halwa for sweet dish n cream of tomato soup for starters ..with veg cutlets..n smileys...nidhi rubbed her hands as she gazed at the beautifully decorated dining table...and ashutosh yawned"sab achcha hai...relax..koi exam nahi ho raha tumhara...dr dubey aur aradhanaji ko to tum kuch bhi khila dogi ,unhe achcha lagega...aur malaji ko ...kuch bhi nahi...so chill"!! Nidhi made a face and went into change...as she struggled with her kurta,stuck in her head, she felt dr ashutosh pull it down and then pushed her on to the bed.."thodi der leto, let me press your back...chalo"and before nidhi could resist, his strong arms put her on his side of the bed, as he put his hands in her kurta, and began to massage her back..pressing the muscles..as she arched..and he raised his eyebrow..."hurt ker raha hai..yahaan.."??his thumb pressing the middle..n she said"na...bus thodi soreness hai..."she tried to get up..and he helped her, helping her with the churidaar...and then grazed his fingers across her bump...saying"its 4 months, iss week sudhor se appointment loonga...aur cardio se bhi...we need an echo..mmaybe a doppler too"his voice seemed to trail off..into the horizon of worry,as nidhi patted his cheek...n he bent down..looked into her eyes...n kissed her...firmly on the lips...nidhi seemed to quiver under his strength...as he separated...and held her...panting..rubbing her back...with that worried look in his eyes,but nidhi stood on her toes n kissed his nose...as he smiled ...n said"chalo...ab hall mein..."
Nishu was playing with armaan n baba ..and as he saw nidhi in her pink n white churidaar kurta, he ran n hugged her..."mamma you are very pretty!!!"and all laughed as nidhi kissed him saying"chal badmaash..."and just then they heard aradhanaji saying"jhoota nahi, mera nishu bilkul sach bol raha hai...nidhi jitti sundar to koi ho hi nahi sakti..."and all stood up to welcome her..as she smiled giving a big car toy to nishu n said to nidhi..t"nidhi jhukna nahi...teri jagah dr ashutosh chho lenge mere paaon"!!and an embarassed dr ashutosh bent down...as aradhanaji held him mid way...n then turning to baba said"sach mathur...tumhare ghar aake ..sab pareshaaniyaan bhool jaati hoon..."and then moving to the kitchen ,she said"nidhi, apne aur mathur ke liye chaai banaa loon..tum log peeyoge"??nidhi looked at baba n smiled"aap pooch kyu rahi hain...aapka ghar hai...but i dont think hum log lenge chai..."
As baba n aradhanaji sat sipping tea, one from the cup, another from the saucer,nidhi looked at dr ashutosh...as he smiled at the balance this beautiful relationship had attained...though no formal social bond bound them...though they both had their respective families...n yet the passion of youth, the yearning of middle age had found solace in the simple togetherness of old age...meeting on leisurely sundays...talking over the phone...n sharing an occasional dinner...they did not seem to ask more from life...
Dr dubey n kusumji entered soon, carrying a big box of chocolates for nishu..as he smiled and said thanks, and ran to keep the gifts inside...nidhi smiled...she was happy, he could overcome his desire to rip them open in front of all...nidhi felt elated as a mother...kusumji smiled"so nidhi..itni badi good news...mujhe bhaai sahab ne bataaya...i am delighted..."and as dr dubey smiled, aradhanaji added"sach nidhi..iss baar tu chutti nahi lena..hum sab dada dadi, nana nani paalenge teri beti ko...kyun mathur"??and baba smiled, patting nidhi's hair..."sach kahoon to aradhana...maine to ummeed chod di thi ashu ke byaah ki..."aradhana ji laughed n added"per humari nidhi ne pighla diya dr hardstone ko"!!!! N all laughed...as ashu drew nishu into his hug, savouring the warmth of the father n son bond and looking at nidhi...who had made it all possible..nidhi seemed to blush as she got up to get soup..it was 8.30...dr dubey talked to armaan"tab bataao armaan, kaisi hai business..."??armaan smiled pleasently as aradhanaji poked him affectionately"kisi sundar si model se shaadi ker le...mathur ko ek aur bahu mil jaayegi..kyun mathur...humaari nidhi to seedhi saadhi hai..ab armaan koi zabardast ...koi mindblowing bahu le aa"!!as dr ashutosh smiled mischieviously at armaan, and armaan seemed to turn beetroot, baba intervened"bhai, bahu ka to pata nahi..per aaj armaan ki ek dost ..aa rahi hai..mala mukherjee...fashion house hai..uska ..kaun sa"??armaan added"the global trends...we might be business partners soon...collaboration ki baat chal rahi hai..."!!dr dubey smiled"waah very good!!...partnership to shuru hui...abb aage aage dekho..kahaan tak pahunchti hai..."nidhi came with the tomato soup and began to serve, smiling at armaan as he began to feed nishu...and suddenly there was a "HULLOOO GUYS...WHOA!!!!!"and all looked towards the door...it was mala..dressed in a lovely crimson evening gown n matching heels...her hair thrown open on her shoulders ...nidhi got up n came to the door"hi..aaiye na , plz come in..." n mala walked in saying a hi to every one, as armaan introduced dr dubey, kusumji, aradhanaji to her n then said"mala.mala mukherjee.."and as mala sat next to him, nishu smiled a lil tentavily n said"hi aunty..."she smiled and took his hand.."hi sweet heart...kya naam hai aapka"??"ateet..mathur..but home pe sab nishu bulate hain...":"okay..so nishu...you look smart in this outfit...wow"!!she said gazing at his tommy hilfiger tees of yellow colour..n jeans..nishu smiled"chacha laaye...for me"!!mala smiled..as she took the soup..and gazed at armaan feeding nishu..."nishu, you are a big boy...have it yourself...come on..."nishu looked at armaan...who smiled a lil nervously but added"garam hai...gira lega..."ashu said"come nishu ,papa paas..."nishu shook his head "no, papa...chacha pilaayega soup..."...baba smiled n said"itne logon me akela bachcha hai...so hum sab jaan chidakte hain nishu pe...khaas taur pe armaan...uski to jaan hai nishu"..armaan smiled as nishu finished the soup n ran to call maxi to clear the dishes...mala remarked"you are indeed lucky to have a babysitter like armaan...hai ba nidhi"??nidhi seemed a lil startled as she looked at dr ashutosh n then at armaan...armaan spoke.."hey..i am nishu's best friend...uska chacha..sab secrets share karta hai woh mujhse..."!!and dr dubey laughed ..adding"dr nidhi, soup bahut badhiya tha..."nidhi smiled n said"aur sir, maine kal hi baking soda bahar phenk diya tha,..."and dr dubey n ashutosh laughed as kusumji asked ...dr dubey said"chod..woh ek lambi kahaani hai..."n nidhi got up to organise dinner...as pooris were being fried, she fixed smebread for mala, she had specially got brown bread...and she called evry one..dr ashutosh, baba aradhanaji, dubeys, armaan sat, as maxi brought extra chair for mala n nidhi, nishu sat in baba's lap..nidhi served ..as dr dubey beamed"waah boondi ka raaita...mazaa aa gaya..Dr mathur aap kitne lucky hain...roz nidhi ke haath ka khana khate hain..."n baba laughed acknowledging.."khushkismat to hoon main..."as ashutosh looked at nidhi...with a silent pride...yes though so young, she had indeed united the entire household...no one could dislike nidhi..his nidhi..."no no nooo...no pooris..oh my god,.armaan how can you do this to your system..pooris are poison..."nidhi said apologetically"main brown bread laati hoon aapke lite..."and as nidhi got the bread ...mala looked at the slices..."nidhi...what brand is this..."??nidhi seemed at a loss of words..n added"britannia,..."mala laughed scoffingly"oh god!!no one eats britannai...you should pick bread from the LA PATISTRE...the only authentic place here..."nidhi bit her lip..n said"i am sorry...chapati banwa doon aapke liye"??mala shook her head.."dont worry..i am fine with salad..its quite good..."armaan seem to relax ..but stiffened as mala completed"i mean its quite palatable..but i dont really relish this kind of stuff...i am more of the continental kinds..." nidhi immiediately tried to serve the baked veggies.."yeh leejiye...plz low cal hai,.."mala stopped"hey nidhi..plz stop this..mujhe indians ki yahi baat nahi pasand..you people stuff your guests..."..nidhi withdrew...the hurt apparent in her eyes...as dr ashutosh gave a sharp look to an injured looking armaan..as he was about to say something...aradhanaji blinked at him n spoke"mala...yehi to humaari khaasiyat hai,...we indians are the warmest people...humara parivaar..humaari values..humaari cuisine...ab to duniya kaayal hai humaari...come on..khao thoda..nidhi ne kitne pyaar se banayaa hai...iss haalat mei jab usse zyaada se zyaada rest karna chahiye..."dr dubey n kusum nodded in approval...as baba looked at armaan...who finally mustered up to say"yes mala, nidhi ne jee jaan laga kar banaaya hai khana...plz have something...nahi to bura lagega usse..."mala sighed as she took a lil vegetable...and nidhi sank into her chair...aradhanaji asked her"tabiyat kaisi rehti hai nidhi...leavevpe kab proceed karogi"??nidhi smiled as armaan served her paneer..n ashu aloo methi.."haan theek hoon...bas thak jaati hoon...back weak hai..."dr dubey looked at ashutosh"ashutosh, dr nidhi ko panting hai...i can feel it..."ashutosh nodded"i know sir...will meet dr sudhir this week..i feel,2 weeks aur work ker sakegi..."nidhi nodded..."but agar aap allow karenge sir, to childrens ward me aaya karoongi roz..."dr dubey smiled"sure...but only if sudhir permits,.."the dinner seemed to be proceeding in fragile peace ..when nishu came to armaan..."chacha...i am sleepy..."and armaan hugged nishu ..scooping him in his arms..."aaja meri jaan"and as he took nishu in his lap..stroking him slowly...nishu seemed to close his eyes...n then suddenly got up to say"oh!!goodnight kehna to bhool gaya"!!and aradhanaji was bowled over...as nishu drifted into sleep, ashu got up to take him...but armaan said"sula deta hoon...dont worry..."dr ashutosh smiled as he looked at mala...
"Nothing like a joint family..."said kusumji...n nidhi smiled in agreement..saying"mera to mun nahi kagta..baba aur armaanji ke bina...aur kaka bhi to hain..."mala smiled n added"its also because your son is looked after by them...tumhe to kuch khaas nahi karna padta..."dr ashutosh breathed in sharply...as nidhi put her hand on his...calming him down...but mala contd."its easy for you...yeh baby bhi look after ho jaayega..nahi"??armaan had come back..n seemed to be red faced as baba answered"beta, tum humari family dynamics nahi jaanti ho abhi...ashu nidhike bachchon ka intezaar kar rahaa tha yeh aangan...aur hum nahi madad karenge to kaun karega..."mala kept quiet...as her met the oleading eyes of armaan...who got the desserts...cake n halwa...armaan said"maxi..nishu ke liye rakh do thoda cake..plz"mala drew a long breath...n said"oh really armaan i never knew you were such a good nanny !" N then looked at nidhi..."dear could we have some sherry..or wine with the cake...it d add to the flavour..."ashutosh gave a light squeeze to nidhi's hand n covered it...replying"miss mala...i dont drink...n we do not serve alcohol at home...you may have tea coffee lemonade..."mala coughed..."oh really!!my god...unimaginable...anyways...i will manage...by the way nidhi...dont you feel your career will suffer bcoz of your baby"?? Nidhi smiled...a radiant smile"malaji...i am fine in my skin..i love working..but i am not driven by ambition...phir pick ker loongi..once the baby grows up...!!"dr dubey added"are mala..you dont know..humari nidhi kuch bhi kar sakti hai..she is an all rounder..ek fashion show kiya tha kuch saal pehle hospital me...50 lakhs ka fund collect ker liya tha..it was a big hit...all for charity"!! Mala truly seemed dazed"ohreally..cant believe it...how was that...nidhi doesnt seem to be a fashion person...she is what you call a typical indian bahu..you know the great bhartiya nari..."!!no one missed the caustic tone...and dr ashutosh said in a voice of controlled anger"miss mala, you dont really need to bother yourself about nidhi...woh meri biwi hai...aur mujhe bahut pasand hai..."mala smirked"thats a strange thing to say..dr ashutosh...typically chauvinist i must say...and nidhi is such a convenient wife...doesnt seem to have a voice of her own!!" Nidhi sighed n tried to speak...but armaan pitched in"mala, every marriage has its own equilibrium...ashu is so right about nidhi..."!!..mala seemed a lil surprised n said"well i really didnt know that nidhi had an advocate in you...all i am saying is..that the institution of marriage as you guys view it...well i d say..i think i should say it in hindi for the benefit of all...shaadi mei girl ka status..ek maid se bus thoda sa better hota hai..i mean she doesnt have any say...in anything...probably not even in having children...n a girl like nidhi fits into the mould very well..."nidhi looked at dr ashutosh...he was half amused n half irritated...as he tapped the arm of the sofa n said"oh!!miss mala...if you think ,idominate n overpower nidhi...well you are entitled to do so...but any marriage has a lot of give n take...from both sides...do u understand"??mala looked at nidhi..sitting by dr ashutosh's side n asked"tum kuch kaho nidhi...i am sure youcan express your opinion...in front of elders..can you not"??nidhi turned to mala..."malaji...i dont know..."mala interrupted her with a wave of her hand"hey dear dont call me "malajee' i feel ancient...i am just about a year or two your senior..."ashutosh raised his eyebrow as he gave nidhi"i told you so,.."looks...nidhi faced mala"ok mala...i dunno aap shaadi ke baare me kya sochti hain...but though i do agree there are cases across social strata where women are discrimanated n violated...but in general...shaadi mei love faith air commitment chahiye hota hai...aur infinite patience...you need to really nurture it...aur jahaan tak joint family ki baat hai..if two people love each other...the family adds to their strength..n if they dont then the family cant help them in any way...aur jahaan taak meri aur dr ashutosh ki shaadi ka sawaal hai..to mala..pyaar mei koi compromise..koi len den ..koi adjustment efforts nahi hote...pyaar me bas pyaar hota hai,...aur kuch nahi..."mala countered"so you are happy playing mrs ashutosh mathur...no identity of your own...except this mangalsutra..."??nidhi almost laughed"no mala...main ..aradhanaji..aur kitni aur auratein..bahut si identities ke saath jeete hain..just as we do multitasking, we also have multiple identities..i am mrs ashutosh mathur, baba's bahu...armaanji's bhabhi...his friend...nishu's mother...n my father's daughter..."mala asked"aur dr nidhi...is she there,..."?? Dr dubey seemed to be getting impatient ..as nidhi answered"offcourse i am dr nidhi for my patients...but yeh dr nidhi agar apne pati ke liye khana banaati hai,..ya baba ka sar dabaati hai...to uski identity khatm nahi ho jaati..."ashutosh wrapped up saying"miss mala, nidhi ki individuality kisi naam..ya kaam ki mohtaaj nahi ...she is..manythings ..many roles in one person...per aap nahi samjhengi..."
As the dessert got over, nidhi got up to remove the dishes, dr ashutosh helped her..n took the tray..nidhi tried to veer away from controversy ..n said"yaad hai sir...pichli baar jab aap aaye the..."n dr dubey laughed aloud ..n then added"haan..ashutosh ne violin sunaaya tha...bhai iss bar bhi ho jaaye..kyun dr mathur"??baba nodded as nidhi got up toget the violin,..caressing the strings that filled music in their life..ashutosh took the instrument...with reverence...it was his earliest bond with baba..but today he looked at armaan...and as he placed it...the symphony that filled the room was...
"KOI KAHI DOOR NA JAAYE
MERE SANG AAYE
KI PUG PUG DEEP JALAYE
MERI DOSTI MERA PYAAR...
DONO KE HAIN ROOP HAZAAR
PER MERI SUNE JO AANSAAR
DOSTI HAI BHAI TO BEHNA HAI PYAAR...
KOI KAHIN DOOR NA JAAYE..."and as he stopped, everyone clapped while armaan got up..n went to wipe his tears...
It was 12 n everyone got up...as the seniors left...mala took armaan's arm..."come on armaan..no time to sleep..lets go for a drive...chalo bhi...ki baby sitting karni hai..."?? Armaan seemed stung...but ashutosh suggested.."tu ja armaan..keys leja...enjoy yourself...mala has got a lil bored i think..."mala smiled"not really..i enjoyed the discusdion...though not yhe meal...n i must say..nidhi is not as dumb as she looks..."as ashu looked up...armaan took mala's hand"come mala...i want to come back n catch some sleeo..phir kal meeting hai..."

Dr ashutosh came to the bedroom...a tired nidhi had slumped to the bed...without changing...ashutosh came with her blue nightie..'chalo...kapde utaaro...i mean change karo..."...and he helped her take off her churidaar kurta..and as she was sleepily putting the nightie on her head,ashu stopped her...gazing at a blue patch on her breast..."yeh kab hua...chot lagi hai "??nidhi looked at his finger holding her left breast ...yes there was an oval blue patch ..but she didnt know how,...ashu wore his specs as he pressed the area...observing nidhi...no there was no pain...that was worrisome..he knew it ws internal epistaxis...due to her valve prolapse...she needed to visit a cardiologist soon...he d take an appointment tomorrow itself...but she needed to be away from tension...ashutosh lay her down...as she was just to sleepy n tired...he came to her side...massaging her hair...kissing her fingers...as she mumbled "dr ashutosh..."and he kept looking at her...and finally slept into a worried sleep...

As ashutosh opened his eyes...nidhi was awake...emerging from the wash room...he beckoned her...n opened her nightie...she pulled away"jaaiye bhi..subah subah...aap bhi..."!!and ashu pulled her.."chup raho..let me check you...blue patch tha...its gone now...nidhi...i am seeking an appointment with sudhir n dr chandra..the cardio..ok"??nidhi smiled"ok...jo aap kahein..mai to hoon hi aapki "dutiful wife"!!ashu smiled ...almost sadly"actually mala is confused n crazy...pata nahi armaan kab realiae karega...karega bhi ya nahi,..."?? Nidhi laughed"time deejiye dono ko...i hope settle karein...but haan...issues to hain..i feel mala doesnt understand aapki..humaari nishu ki relationship armaanji se..."ashutosh nodded..."yes...she is v v self centred...apna kaam..apna business...i feel armaan is more of her trophy...than anything else...naina was so different..."nidhi nudged"mujhe bataaiye na naina ke baare mein..."ashu was grim.."phir kabhi...ab ready ho jaao...main sudhir se baat kaeta hoon..." nidhi smiled"ok..main armaanji aur baba ko dekhti hoon..nishu ko sone dejiye ..uski chutti hai..."...nidhi came out n took tea to baba in the hall...not ginding armaan she asked..."armaanji...kahaan hain"??baba indicated"so raha hai...shaayad...kal ke bad sochne ki zuroorat bhi hai usse...mujhe mala kuch ...vichitra lagi...armaan aur woh samajhte nahi hain ek doosre ko..."nidhi smiled"aapko yeh kaise lagta hai baba"??baba patted nidhi..."beta jab tujhe aur ashu ko saath dekhta hoon,to ek tassalli..dikhti hai ..tum dono relaxed lagte ho saath mei...armaan to tension me mara jaa raha tha...itna strain kisi sachchei rishte mei nahi ho sakta..."nidhi sighed as she took a fresh cup of tea n eknocked at armaan's door...there was no answer...she entered...the room was full of smoke...it seemed armaan had smoked the whole night...nidhi couldnt stand it...she couldnt see him...her head swirled...as she gasped for breath...the tray fell from her hands...n gsping...she staggered out..."nidhiii...beta kya hua...ashu...jaldi aa..."dr ashutosh was buttoning his shirt n was going to call her to put his tie...when he heard baba n rushed out...nidhi was on the sofa...gasping for breath...trying to inhale but unable to...her eyes full of tears...n her lips blue...dr ashutosh rubbed her hands...n back.."nidhi...saans lo...plz inhale..."as she tried...she only coughed...miserably ..holding her baby bump...armaan..seemed to have been woken up by the commotion...he opened the door n emerged...as he saw nidhi n rushed towards her...the smoke from the room seemed to fill the hall...n nidhi wheezed n fell unconscious..."nidhi...aankhe kholo..."ashutosh realised how dangerous asphyxia could be in this condition...as he lifted her n carried her out into the lawn...sitting on the bench...as armaan rushed with pillows...and nidhi seemed to stir...as dr ashutosh ..baba n armaan rubbed her limbs...n back...and she coughed violently...and as fresh air filled her lungs...she seemed closer to life...ashutosh kept holding her...rubbing her back...and as she slowly opened her eyes...she saw ashutosh looking at her blue lips...in absolute grim tension...she looked at armaan...standing there...his head bowed...as ashutosh made nidhi sit...his eyes watching her breathing...n then he took her pulse...nidhi murmured"theek hoon..gussa nahi kariye...plz ...armaanji pe...plz"and armaan looked up...dismayed...as dr ashutosh met his gaze...with eyes that had a question...an invoking ...and a strange disgust,...
Armaan shut his eyes for a moment...he knew he was at crossroads...with roads of relationships criss crossing...which one would he choose...???did he know...??

Dukh toh apna sathi hain

As nidhi slowly revived and sat up..,baba felt her pulse...n looked at dr ashutosh.."ashu, sudhir se keh ..chandra se appointment fix kare...nidhi ko leja check up ko..."dr ashutosh nodded as he got up n dialled dr sudhir...having talked, he took nidhi inside ,saying "11 baje ka appointment hai...tab tak rest karo...no hospital today..."he walked past armaan...notsaying anything..and laid nidhi on the bed...
He emerged from the washroom, n began to dress..and as he fixed his tie, he said"mai hospital se aata hoon...kuch khana nahi abhi..." nidhi didnt reply..and he came close as she was facing to the other side..."nidhi..sun rahi ho..."??nidhi nodded...but did not speak anything, dr ashutosh sighed and stood by her...he could see tears in her eyes...and he knew what was making her worried..he stood for a moment..n then said...almost sternly"rone ki zuroorat nahi hai...mai kuch nahi keh raha hoon armaan se..."and before nidhi could respond, he walked out of the bedroom...to baba n armaan in the hall, looking at both, he said in a restrained tone"11 baje ka appointment hai..mai hospital se hoke aata hoon...usko aaraam karne deejiye...n ..maxi ko kahiyega nishu ko dekhegi..."as he walked away...armaan followed him..."ashu..sun yaar...i am sorry...tu naaraaz nahi ho..."ashutosh stopped and looked at armaan...his friend since as long as he could remember...one who had stood by him through thick n thin...one who had made him face the fact that he loved nidhi..one who had left all to be with him...had accompanied him on that desolate trip to kerala...yes ..the same armaan was standing in front of him...his head bowed...ashutosh took a deep breath...n put his hand on armaan's shoulder..."dont worry...theek ho jaayegi woh...tu dil pe mat le...aur apni meeting pe chale jaana...mala ke saath...nidhi ko mai le jaaoonga dr ke yahaan...dont worry...raat ko milte hain...i am getting late..."dr ashutosh drove off...as armaan stood...rooted..thinking how ashutosh had held him thru naina's last months...had it not been for him...armaan could not have...would not hsve survived...armaan sat in the lawn...recalling that cold 1 january...when he had entered naina's hospital room ...one last time...her parents had stood outside...with dr ashutosh..knowing that their daughter wanted to be with armaan...in the last few minutes that life had for her...it was early morning...and lucknow was enveloped in fog...naina had been in coma for three days...and the last time she had spoken to armaan...she had looked at him with longing ...that day...as she lay..with tubes running into her frail arm...armaan had put the yellow roses in a vase...she always loved yellow roses...n then sat next to her...holding her frail hand...and then ..knowing that it was nearly the end of that beautiful dream they had seen together...he had taken out the gold band from his coat pocket...what he had bought to give her this valentines day...to seal their relationship..into engagement...but now he knew...dr had admitted ,she d not last that long...so he slipped the ring on her finger...and kissed her hand...she was beyond response...but armaan knew that much beyond consciousness...her heart..her soul must be happy...at peace...that he had fulfilled his promise...the promise of fulfilling the dream that they had both seen together...and sadly the dream that could never be completed into reality...and just soon after ...the monitor had beeped that dreaded long beep...drs had rushed in...but bowed their head...n armaan had realised it was all over...as with trembling hands...hands that had slipped on the engagement ring on her finger a few moments back...with the same hands ,he had covered her face...for ever...
As armaan had emerged out of the room...he had felt numb...lifeless to the condolences...to the loss...to the freezing cold...till ashutosh had put his hand on his shoulder...firmly n said..."armaan...mai hoon na ...tere liye humesha...humesha,..."and how armaan had hugged him and wept...tears stung armaan...as he was suddenly shaken by lil nishu"chacha...kya hua...??chalo breakfast ready hai...chalo na...mai nahimkhaaoonga tumhare bina..."and armaan took nishu in his arms...n kissed him...without any words...n came in...

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Dr ashutosh helped nidhi into the car...as they drove to dr sudhir...sudhir did the ultra sound..n confirmed that the baby was big...just as nishu had been...and told a tense ashutosh..."take her to dr chandra...he d do the echo n doppler in his clinic..n then let me see ..i will wait..."n then he looked at nidhi n added"nidhi..dont worry..tumhara dr main hoon...we are just consulting a cardiologist...samjhi baby"??and a quiet nidhi had nodded...
Dr chandra was a few year senior to dr ashutosh..a man of about 50, prim n proper and a thorouhh professional, he greeted them,asked nidhi..whom he addressed as "mrs ashutosh"about her symptoms ..n then looked at her ultra sound..he pursed his lips n said"well ashutosh, i am sure you are aware the danger into which you have put your wife...but lets see..."and then he had instructed his nurse to take nidhi for echo, n doppler...asnidhi got up, she looked at dr ashutosh...as he nodded"aata hoon..."but as dr ashutosh had wanted to enter the echo room , dr chandra stated categorically"no ashutosh...i dont allow patient's attendants to enter...sorry you would have to wait outside...dont worry...i know what i am doing...your young wife is in safe hands"dr ashutosh had not missed the contempt...he knew dr chandra was one of those who believed in conventional marriages n had pooh poohed ashutosh nidhi union..like many others of his generation...but he was an excellent dr...n an upright man...dr ashutosh sighed n thrust his hands into his trouser pockets...as he walked outside...in turmoil n tension...
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"Hi armaan..."it was mala..."darling...the meeting has been postponed till tomorrow...my c.a had some issues...n yes i hope you sort out your labour tangle...just give your workers 3 months wages...it d be about say ..1 crore...which is not much..considerong the gains we d be making...so just get rid...i dont want you to come to me or our company with any guilt...hain na"??ar,aan had remained silent...n hung up...he reflected..."come to me or to my company.."was mala taking him too much for granted???he kissed nishu, dressed him up n then handing him to baba n maxi ,said"baba..main zara apne warehouse se aata hoon..."baba just smiled n said"ja beta...tasalli se ja..chinta na kar..?sab theek hoga..."
Armaan..just wished so...as he drove off to his ware house...he had decided to talk to his workers...150 of them...above 55 years of age...
As he entered, they stood up...lead by jumman miyaan ...who lead them..an old man of about 65 ..he did aadaab n looked at armaan...armaan who was nervous as to where to start...how to start...?????jumman miyaan spoke"kuch pareshaani hai saaheb??farmaaiye to sahi...kitne din me order poora karna hai..Hum sab jaan laga denge aapke waaste...namak khaaya hai aapka huzoor..."armaan gulped...he knew they had never let him down...it was due to them that he had been able to deliver on time...grow from strength to strength...but today...he had to...tell them...he signalled them to sit...n started"doston...maine aap sab ko kabhi workers nahi samjha...apna ..apne wearhouse ka hissa samjha ...lekin..."
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Dr chandra emerged from the echo room...telling ashutosh ..to follow him to his cabin...ashutosh cast a concerned look at nidhi..struggling to get up...being helped by a nurse...he couldnt do much...as he followed dr chandra..."see ashutosh"said dr chandra , showing him the echo n doppler reports on the flourscent screen"she does have a mid systolic click...that is at present a murmur..due to the increased volume of blood duie to her pregnancy..it seems worrisome but not unmanageable...we cant give her any ace inhibitors ..or beta blockers...but i have prescribed these special new generation drugs...safe for pregnant woman...but you must get back to sudhir...and yes she needs to cut down on work...and probably have a more regulated life..i mean eat low salt...and walk...not climb stairs...you know the usual stuff for mvp mothers..dont worry, i d be there with sudhir for the delivery...i have told your wife as well..."dr ashutosh thanked n got up..hurrying up to take nidhi..who was walking out from the room...looking a little disturbed...dr ashutosh put his arm around her ...adjusted her kurta...that seemed a lil awry and walked her to the car..."ab sudhir ke paas..."nidhi did not say anything...just leaned against the door...as ashutosh tried to assess her...he realised how insecure she felt in check ups ..without him ..but then professional ettiquette..had held dr ashutosh back..."kya hua...taqleef hai kuch..."??nidhi didnt answer...ashutosh tried to hold her hand...but she drew away...ashutosh banged the steering...and honked in irritation...
Dr sudhir looked at the reports n read dr chandra's notings..and then looked up..."ashutosh, as of now , not much of a worry...but yes nidhi you must be wary of smoke...or anything that causes a breathing problem...walk karo thoda...aur yeh injections to continue honge...and yes ..i feel panting zyaada ho to, ghar me portable oxygen rakho...it will give instant relief..."and then he focussed on an unduly quiet nidhi..."kya baat hai baby??dont you worry...sab theek hoga...your baby is doing fine...but yes ab thoda kaam kum karo..."nidhi lowered her eyes ...n sudhir looked at ashutosh questioningly...ashutosh smiled n replied"woh dr chandra ne mujhe nahi aane diya echo ke liye...so she is upset..."and nidhi suddenly felt her eyes cloud with tears...as she looked away...n then got up mumbling 'excuse me...'as a worried sudhir looked at a distraught ashutosh..."she is crying..."ashutosh nodded"i know...upset hai...kuch agitate bhi ho jaati hai..."sidhir understood n said"remember ashutosh...she is in for a difgicult time...not dangerous but yes difficult...so just be careful...aur i feel ab chandra ke yahaan bahi le jana...we d manage...is haalat me uska peace of mind bahut importanthai...n plz give her time...she needs you more than ever...chal ..dekh usse...aur dhyaan rakhna.."dr ashutosh emerged ...to find nidhi sitting outside in the waiting area...he took her...putting his arm around her,...and as she sat...in the car...he put a hand on hers...n asked"hungry hogi...chalo kuch khaate hain..."nidhi shook her head"nahi...bus mujhe ghar drop ker deejiye...aap jaaiye hospital...nishu wait ker raha hoga..."ashu didnt say anything...but stopped at mcdonalds and got down...as nidhi refused to...he came back with take away meals...
As they reached home, nidhi almost dashed inside...as he followed...shocked to find her crying bitterly..."hey nidhi kya hua...kya baat hai...i am sorry...i know you didnt like dr chandra...but jaan he s the best..." nidhi' was sobbing helplessly as ashutosh held her trembling shoulders...putting his finger under her chin...as her lips quivered...n she spoke"aap kyun nahi aaye...i hate check ups without you...aap jaante hain...mujhe darr lagta hai,...aur..."n she heaved with sobs n hicupps again...ashutosh was really worried now..why was nidhi so broken...he held her...putting his arms around her ...drawing her to his chest...and caressing her hair...and as she sobbed...he looked into her eyes...as she spoke"dr chandra to delivery ke time bhi honge...aapko nahi aane denge mere paas,...us time..."and sobs of insecurity seemed to wreck her apart...as dr ashutosh hugged her...tight ...understanding her fears...n said"kaise nahi aane denge...meri wife ki delivery hogi...aur woh bhi mere hospital me...how will he stop me...how can you even think ki main tumhe akela chod doonga...us time"??nidhi gave vent to her ire as she hit dr ashutosh's chest with her forehead..weeping "to aaj kyun nahi aaye...kyun nahi..."??n ashutosh put his hands to hold her face...as he wiped her tears...n kissed her ling n strong...n then said"sorry jaan...promise ...never again...bus ab maaf kar do,..."and nidhi seemed to smile inbetween her sobs...as ashutosh pulled her to the bed...n got a wet towel to wipe her face...n then said"dekho to burgers ro rahe hain tumhari yaad mein...chalo...nishu ko bhi bulata hoon...nishu...nishu..."
As nidhi helped herself to the second burger...nishu fed her a finger chip...n wiped his hands...running off to play...ashutosh took nidhi's hand...n said"chinta nahi karo...armaan ko kuch nahi kaha hai maine...aur infact usse baat karoonga...he doesnt have to choose between us n mala..we need to support him...buss woh sure ho...thats my only concern..."nidhi nodded..in understanding..."dr ashutosh...armaanji aapke bina nahi reh sakte...mala or no mala..."ashutosh smiled"jaanta hoon..main "nidhi cleard the dishes n asked"jaayenge nahi kgh"??ashutosh pulled his tie lose..As he came to the bedroom followed by nidhi..."naa...chutti li hai...nishu ke paas...aur uski mamma ke saath rahoonga,...aur haan ..next weekend maine promise kiya hai dadi bua ko ..we willgo there..for two days...ok"??n nidhi hid her face in his arms...whispering..."thanks..."
Nishu , baba ashu n nidhi were playing their 4 game of snakes n ladder...nishu dancing with joy as ashu's coin was bitten by a snake on 99 tumbling him to 6!!!!and as nishu got 4 and reached 100...he jumped..."i won...won..."baba n ashu looked at him with joy n pride...as ashutosh got up to answer the bell, he had ordered the medicines n oxygen set for nidhi ,that had arrived...and as he arranged everything...nidhi came to him..."aap ko bahut trouble karti hoon na...naaraaz ho jaate hain mujhse"??dr ashutosh looked at her...n replied"ab jab ek shokh...chanchal intern se shaadi ki hai...to yeh pareshaani to uthaani hi padegi...kyun"??n nidhi pouted"uuunnn...intern nahi...jr dr hoon ab..."and dr ashutosh sealed her lios ...to put an end to all arguments...his fingers on her bump...posessive n protective...
Nidhi nestled to him...knowing he was her sanctuary...
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Armaan was surprised to find ashutosh sitting in the hall, as he returned at 11.30in the night...all had gone to sleep...including nidhi...feeling guilty at her tantrums...and ashutosh had explained that it was the pregnancy hormones that were probably causing all this...to which nidhi had amswered..."aap cardiologist kyu nahi hue...woh sickening dr chandra se to bach jaati..."and ashutosh had laughed..."pata nahi tha ki tum milogi...nahi to gynaec...cardio..paed..sab ban jaata..."!!!and then he had kissed her baby bump...applied coconut butter in the stretch marks...and smiled...as she seemed to have been geeting aroused by his touch...he had rubbed his nose on her breasts...saying"aaj ke liye kaafi adventure ho gaya...yeh mission...kal ke liye..."
"Armaan...tera hi wait ker raha tha...chal tu change kar...mai chaai lara hoon..Burger bhi laayi hai nidhi tere liye..."armaan smiled n went into change..and soon dr ashutosh entered with hot adrak wali chai n two burgers...armaan took the tea ...n held the burger...as he asked"nishu ne khaaya...??"n then "kya kaha dr ne...kaisi hai nidhi..."??ashu replied"theek hai...we just need to be careful..."n then ashutosh settled himself on the sofa chair...as armaan stood by the window...gazing at naina's picture on his table...n the stars in the sky...trying to think what life would have been had she been alive...had she not gone to become a star...some where..."armaan...maine bahut socha...n i relasy feel...i was being unfair to you...n mala...dekh mujhe koi problem nahi hai ussse..Aur you dont have to choose between us n her...if you want to marry her...you guys can live here..i mean yeh tera bhi utna hi ghar hai..jitna mera hai...n i know she is more independent...to chahe to first floor pe...ya aur rooms bhi construct kar sakte hain...anything you say...tu pooch le ..."and then as armaan seemed to be looking intently at him...ashutosh got up to face him..."armaan..apne aap ko kabhi akela nahi samajhna...main hoon tere saath...humesha...yeh ghar..parivasr..sab kuch...its all yours...bus be sure of what you are doing...main tujhe taqleef mein nahi dekh sakta...apne hisse ke gum tu jhel chuka hai..."he said...glancing at naina...n remembering that new year morn...armaan sighed"jaanta hoon ashu...hum dono ne aadhi zindagi to ek doosre ke aansoo hi ponche hain...meri jaan...zindagi me main us muquaam pe ..us doraahe pe khada hoon...jahaan ek taraf ek raah hai jo naina ki yaad ki taraf le jaati hai...to doosri mala ki taraf kheenchti hai...yeh raah anjaani hai...darta hoon ispe paaon rakhne se...ya yun kahoon...naina ke dukh ki itni aadat si ho gayee hai ..ki ab mala ki khushi se darta hoon..."ashutosh kept the tea cup n looked outside..."dekh armaan...raah tujhe tai karni hai...main to yah kahne aaya hoon ki tu jo bhi raah chunega...usme main...hum tere saath honge...bus apne dil ki sun...aur haan...yeh nahi bhool ki...kuch raahein..kuch raaste khoobsoorat to bahut lagte hain...per kai bar...they are just a mirage...apni khushi dhoondte dhoondte ...kahin tu na kho jaana..."dr ashutosh took the tray of cups n emerged out...as armaan was left alone once again...reflecting on what dr ashutosh had said...yes he had the sweet but sad memory of naina ..on one side...n the dazzling smile of mala on the other...the only consolation was that whatever he chose...his best friend had promised to stand by him...n probably that was enough...more than enough...as armaan opened a cigarette packet...but then threw it out of the eindow...he touched naina's soft eyes...the gentle smile...n he inadvertently hummed...a song that seemed to show him the way out of this quigmire
RAHI MANWA DUKH KI CHINTA
KYUN SATATI HAI...
DUKH TO APNA SAATHI HAI...
SUKH HAI EK CHAAON DHALTI
AATI HAI JAATI HAI...
DUKH TO APNA SAATH HAI...

Yeh Dil Aur Unki Nigahoon Ke Saaye..

Mamma, i want sandwich in tiffin...parantha nahi khana..."nishu was telling his mother, as ashutosh reading his book ,looked up n smiled..nidhi ...while adjusting n arranging their bed said"theek hai..but i didnt know ki tumko sandwich itne pasand the..."nishu cried out from his room..."oh..i love sandwiches,...jaise papa khaate hain..."nidhi wrinkled her nose n teased "ok..papa ki dum...bana doongi sandwiches..ab so jaa...goodnight" n nishu closed his door...hugging his brown teddy , he was soon fast asleep...
Dr ashutosh looked at nidhi n she answered by coming to settle her large self in his lap...he held her...his hands protective on the belly...as nidhi said"thoda dhyaan dena hoga armaanji pe...let him not feel left out...it must be tough for him...i feel is weekend baba ke yahaan ka plan cancel ker deejiye..."ashu caressed her bump n shook his head"nahi...i feel he needs time alone...to come to terms with reality...to accept it...thoda samay lagega per kar lega...you dont worry...aur we certainly would go to colonel verma...maine promise kiya hai..woh wait karenge...chalo ..ab so jaao...mujhe thoda padhna hai abhi..ek surgery hai complicated ..kal subah"nidhi pouted n said"pata nahi aapki yeh padhai kab khatm hogi...mujhe nahi neend aati aapke bina...mai kya karoon"??and she looked up at him..her eyes wide innocent...n full of love...dr ashutosh smiled...patiently..knowing she needed him more than ever...he held her face in his large hands...n kissed her forehead...and then murmured"tum leto...main bus aadhe ghante mei aaya...ok"??nidhi got up...and kissed him on his grey sideburns...and came to lie on the bed...looking at his fogure...completely lost in the book...she knew he d not come in half an hr...but then he had to be well prepared,...nidhi kept looking at him...his gentlemanly handsome looks...n his grey side burns...oh she simply adored them n was thankful that he did not yield to her n did not dye them...age really did not matter much in their relationship now...dr ashutosh n she had bridged all gaps..of age n experience with their love n faith...n now their children...nidhi smiled as she thought of nishu..who was emerging to be so much lije his father,...n what would this baby be like...she thought...trying to imagine a fat cute baby girl...playing in dr ashutosh's arms...nidhi's eyes were drooping with sleep..when finally after about an hr and a half, dr ashutosh closed his book...yawned n stretched himself...n then got up to peep into nishu's room...putting the teddy away..he closed the door n returned ...nidhi had dropped to sleep, as ashitosh took off his spechs and settled close to her...he did not bring her to his ches now...he knew she was uncomfortable that way...so he lay on his side...holding her...drawing her head cloae to his throat as nidhi mumbled in her sleep...and he smiled...as he bent to kiss her...lightly on her lips...before closing his eyes to sleep...

Dr ashutosh was awakened by nidhi ...her fongers caressing his chest hair...as he opened his eyes..."uthiye...naha leejiye..sab ready hai...bus naashta karne aaiye..."ashutosh looked at his watch..."aur nishu,..kaise gaya school..."??"main drop ker aayi...aap raat der se soye the...phir sirgery bhi hai..."ashutosh frowned"nidhi...i dont think ab tumhe drive kerna chahiye,...its the fifth month now...you ..i mean we need to be v careful..." nidhi smiled"theek hai ..ab nahi drive karoongi...lekin uth jaaiye ab..."and nidhi went back to the kitchen...she was ready ..ashutosh was glad that inspite of the big baby, she was managing prerty well...n there had been no pain bouts ...as such...he thanked god silently..as he got up..and saw his shirt..suit ..socks n shoes ..all arranged neatly...he smiled...as many times before...
"Armaan kahaan hai..."it was ashutosh who sat for breakfast with baba n nidhi..n looked at armaan's vacant chair.nidhi answered"woh kaam se gaye hain..naashta ker liya gai..he s fine aap worry nahi kariye...leejiye .."and as ashutosh looked up to take the sandwich..he saw nidhi turn suddenly white ...and an"oouch"escaped her lips...he got up n held her...as baba looked on with concern...nidhi had her eyes closed...as a spasm of pain seemed to pass...and she opened her eyes...looking straight into dr ashutosh's worried n concerned ones..."kuch nahi..suddenly movements jaise feel hue...i am fine now..."ashutosh sat down...still looking very worried...as baba spoke"beta...ab nidhi ko leave pe proceed ker jaana chahiye...i feel.."ashutosh nodded"jee baba...dekhta hoon...bus..dr priyanka iss week rejoin ker legi ..to nidhi can proceed on leave...aur nidhi careful raha karo ab...no risks ...no overwork..."nidhi smiled ...as dr ashutosh cried "kaka..doodh nidhi ke liye plz"and nidhi looked at the tumbler of milk that arrived ...n she sighed as she saw both baba n her dear husband looking at her ...she began to drink ...as ashutosh seemed to relax n looked at baba"baba...iss weekend..hum col verma ke yahaan jaa rahe hain...aap chalenge kya"??baba smiled"v good , zurroor jaao..per beta main yahi rahoonga...padhoonga thoda ..ek research aayi hai on treatment of tumors.."ashutosh raised his eyebrow in surprise..."yes..dr zeiman ki...aap follow ker rahe hain usse"??baba smiled"beta..once a surgeon ..always a surgeon...aur han iss weekend woh senior drs ke liye IMA bhi party ker raha hai...aur armaan bhi rahega..to bus muhe rehne do..tum log jaao..aakhir beti ko apne papa ke ghar to jaana hi chahiye..."as nidhi pouted...baba exclaimed"abhi jab teri beti hogi ..tab tujhe pata chalega...betiyaan kitni special hoti hain...bus kuch badkismat ...unko samajh nahi paate...waqt rehte..."and baba seemed to be lost in self thought...as nidhi looked at him...hoping that he would get rid of his guilt...once he got his grand daughter...his poti who would grow in his arms...in front of his eyes...nidhi always felt that her relationship with baba could never be of a grand father grand daughter...for two reasons..one because baba ashu relation was probably the most important relation to both of them..and nidhi was always ashutosh's love n wife...than anything else to baba ..n secondly bcoz he had never seen nidhi as a child..never held her in his arms...heard her lisp n cry ...they had met as adults...n though both knew the bond of blood they shared...but the bond of love...of their mutual love for dr ashutosh overtook every other thing.whenever nidhi looked at baba...she saw him as dr ashutosh's father...hugging him in that old house..that stormy night...n whenver baba thought of nidhi...she was that young dr...who brought a strange intense ...n unfathomable yearning in his middle aged son's eyes...he always recalled the mazaar where he had seen the two look at each other in silence...n then move away...seeming they were being torn apart...from life itself...baba patted nidhi"kyasoch rahi hai beta...colonel kiyaad aa rahi hai "??nidhi smiled ..."nahi baba...mai to aapke baare me soch rahi thi...teen din aap akele..."baba laughed"itna dependent nahi bana mujhe...aur haan aradhana aayegi party me jaane...to outing bhi ho jaayegi...monday to tum log aa hi jaaoge..." ashutosh smiled...looking at both of them..he always knew ...he was the fulcrum of this relationship...n also of their lives...ashutosh got up..n then helped nidhi to stand .."baba, nishu ko aap le aaiyega.mai car aur driver bhej doonga..." baba stopped ashutosh"ashu, main soch raha tha...honda city to ghar per hi rehti hai..ek full time driver employ ker lete hain..to tujhe chinta nahi karni hogi...woh devender hai na..usi ko rakh leta hoon...if its fine with you..."ashu smiled"baba..poochne ki kya zuroorat hai..jaisa aap theek samjhe...kal se hi rakh leejiye...aur uske saath nishu ko pick ker sakte hain...now i dont want nidhi to drive..."baba nodded in agreement ..as nidhi emerged from the kitchen carrying her juice n snack box...n a smile spread over ashutosh's face...just as sun peeps out from behind the clouds...
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"Sir...mala madam milne aayi hain..."it was akhtar announcing this in armaan's cabin...as he sat seeing new designs..he looked up...as mala, clad in a dark brown business suit entered...n a shocked armaan indicated her to sit...as he recovered from the surprise of her unexpected visit..."yes mala..."mala smiled..."yes armaan...i know its all over between us...infact probably there never was...i should have known it...you were not in love with me...you were in love with naina's look alike...unfortunately that was me...you never tried to see mala...never ever..."armaan sighed as he got up..."aisa nahi hai mala...i was attracted to you because you look like naina...but then...you know...n finlly we broke off because we ..were incompatiable...hum oh do nadiyon ki tarah hain jinki disha alag alag hain..jo kabhi nahi mil sakti..never..."mala smiled..n stood close to him...surprisingly the proximity did not seem to affect ..armaan...mala spoke "well i dunno all about rivers n all..but what i do know is this...Armaan agar main sab kuch chod doon...business ambition...everything..even if i change myself completely...become like...nidhi...tab bhi tum mujhse pyaar nahi kar sakoge...because tum ...sirf naina se pyaar ker sakte ho...you are still stick up with someone who died ages back...thats your problem..."armaan looked at mala..straight into her eyes..."you are right mala...i love naina...but its not my problem...its my life...woh mar to gayee 18 saal pehle...per mere dil me..meri saanson mei..meri dhadkan mei aaj bhi zinda hai...mujhe dukh iss baat ka nahi hai ki tum naina jaisi nahi ho...mujhe taqleef shaayad iss baat ki hai..ki tum mere aur naina ke ...mere aur ashu ke ..nishu ke rishte ko kabhi samajh hi nahi saki...you are so full of..."mala completed"yes...i am so full of myself...because i have made myself what i am today...i did not have a brother or a father to protect me...ihad to be my ...n my sister's own guardian...n you know what armaan ..i am not sorry...because for me my success is my security...i just came to return your papers ..n tell you that we are going to dubai for a few years...my stores are cooming up there...chalti hoon...tumhe tumhara akelapan mubaraq...aur mujhe meri quaamyaabi..."as mala patted armaan n went out...armaan took a deep long breath n said"mala..tum phir galat thi...mujhe mera akelapan nahi...mera dost..mera parivaar air naina...uski yaadein...sab mubaaraq..."and armaan sat down...relieved that he had taken the correct decision...he n mala could never have been together...they were not meant to be...he called out"jumman miya..aaiye designs ready hain..."the cog wheels of life began to move once again...as armaan hummed "mai zindagi ka saath nibhaata chala gaya...Her fiqr ko...dhuen me udaata chala gaya..."

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Nidhi was talking to a lady of about 35 in the opd...she had miscarried many times over..n now was in deep depression as her husband wanted to marry again...because for him the family lineage was very important...nidhi tried to talk to the lady's mother..encouaged her to take legal action against the man...but sadly even the mother felt convinced that her daighter was bound to suffer as she had failed at her primary duty...of filling her husband's home with the laughter if his children...nidhi bit her lip...as she wrote anti depressants and also referred her to the clinical psychologist...nidhi completed her work...but somehow could not get the hapless lady out of her mind...those sad vacant eyes..the utter hopelessness...and the unfathomable pain..."kya hua...dard hai...bolo"?? Nidhi looked up..wiping her tears,...as she saw dr ashutosh standing in front of her..."nahi kuch...bas aise hi...aapka kaam ho gaya"??he tried to measure her up...n said"kaam to ho gaya...per tumhe kya hua...sudhir ke paas chalna hai kya..."??nidhi shook her head"nahi..i am fine...leave application de di hai ..dr dubey ko...next weekend se..."ashutosh nodded as he waited for nidhi to wind up...he could sense something was troubling her...what it was..had to be found out...As he helped her sit...she touched his hand...he looked at her...raising his eyebrow in question...she didnt say anything...During the drive dr ashutosh tried to draw her by asking"kal ..col verma ke ghar kab jaayenge...bolo"??she replied absent mibdedly"jab aap chahein...its fine with me..."ashutosh pursed his lips...as they reached home...n nishu cried"hi mamma papa..aaj vaba ne pick kiya mujhe ...bada maza aaya"and nidhi opened her arms as nishu ran to her...n she hugged him tight...baba smiled...as ashutosh gave a quizzical look...
After dinner while nishu lay in their bed...n nidhi was making him revise all his syllabus...and dr ashutosh was immersed in his i pad,.discussing sirgery technique with dr malcom in U.S. as he finished he saw nishu fast asleep...n nidhi looking at him with a deep devotion...almost thankfullness in her eyes...ashutosh got up n lifted nishu...to take him to bed..and when he retuened ,he found nidhi lost in thoughts again...nidhi was torn in conflict,..much as she had begun to enjoy n savour motherhood, she could not gulp the fact that it was thought to be a woman's primary duty...her entire happiness her life depended on whether or not she could give birth...was this fair??how could men condense their relationships with their wives to that one point of procreation...did one marry just to have kids??could there be no joy for couples who were childless??and ...what if she had not had kids...what if this time she miscarried again...what if she deprived dr ashutoshof his daughter...???"nidhi...tell me ..kya baat hai...i know there is something on your mind...you have to tell me"!!it was dr ashutosh settling next to her...nidhi knew she had to share it...she neeeded to ask him..."dr ashutosh...aaj ek lady aayi thi opd mei...she was childless..you know a history of miscarriages n inability to concoeve there after...n you know her husband is marrying again...no one is bothered about her...not even her own mother...ashutosh snuggled nidhi close ...he could comprehend the doubts n fears in her mind...pregnancy always brought out all latent fears...she looked into his eyes ...n asked...what had been troubling her for long"dr ashutosh...agar yeh baby nahi aa paaya...agar humaare bachche hote hi nahi...if i had not been able to concieve...to kya hota...what d you have done..."???dr ashutosh held her fingers...he contemplated for a few moments ..recalling how he had almost pleaded with her after qnji's wedding to start a family...n then many years later ..afyer nishu ..her terrible tragic miscarriage...dr ashutosh gulped ...as he said"nidhi...to be very honest...you know..i was very keen to have a baby...my own...our own..flesh n blood..."nidhi looked at him apprehensively...as he contd."i wanted someone in whom i could live my lost child hood,..in whose smile i could forget all my losses..."ashutosh..wiped the teqrs flowing out of nidhi's eyes"but nidhi...delighted as i was with nishu's birth...let me assure you...agar nishu na bhi hota...agar yeh baby nahi bhi aa sake...for any reason..."he touched her swollen belly ..n thn held her face"tab bhi nidhi...mai tumhe utna hi pyaar karta...shaayad usse bhi zyaada...jab hume pyaar hua...humaari shaadi hui...to bachchon ke sapne thode hi dekhe the...yeh sapne to tumhare saath reh ke ..meri aankhon me aaye...yeh adhhore bhi rehte ..to bhi mera pyaar thode hi kum hota...yes you made me dream for a family...but i did not marry you for having kids...mai to her pregnancy mei bahut worried raha hoon...i can never risk to lose you...tum ho to sab kuch hai...meri nazar mei...bachche kisi shaadi ke kaamyaab hone ki wajah nahi hote...aur jin shaadiyon me bachche nahi hote woh shaadiyaan bhi utni hi sukhi aur kaamyaab hoti hain...nidhi...humaara dil ka rishta hai...sirf bachchon ka nahi...but i am a lil pained ki mujhe yeh sab tumhe kehna pada...i havenrt been able to make you feel secure in my love...it seems"nidhi put a finger on his lips"no..aisa nahi kahiye...but yes mai darr jaati hoon...i am sorry...i really am" ashutosh wiped her tears...n kissing her hair added"nidhi...remember one thing..love is faith...n faith is forever...humesha humesha..."and as his words seem to clear the mist of nidhi's doubts...she hugged him ...n took his hand to keep over her bump...secure in the reaffirmation that their love was beyond their kids...it was because of them...n what they felt for each other...thats the way it should be...nidhi closed her eyes in the security of her dr ashutosh's love...
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The crv stopped in front of col verma's house as dr ashutosh opened the door n held nidhi as she got down ..while nishu n maxi jumped out from the rear seat.."welcome welcome...'"said col verma as he hugged nishu n then ashutosh...n finally his nidhi..."sambhal ke beta..seedhiyon pe..."said col verma..as nidhi climbed the three stairs that took her to her abode of 24 years...the album of her childhood...her youth..her school n college days...n so many moments...when she had missed dr ashutosh...talked over the phone...cried for him in the silence of the night..."meri bachchiii aa gayi..."nidhi's thoughts were cut short by dadibua exclaiming in joy...before going into an overdrive...of fixing dinner...as chote sarkar n maxi settled the stuff in nidhi's bedroom...nishu came running n asked"mamma...mai kahaan soounga...mere liye to bed hi nahi hai"??ashutosh laughed as nidhi began..but was stopped by col verma'"nishu..tum aur main room share karenge...dekho maine tumhare liye teddy bhi rakha hai...tumhari ma ka..."nidhi smiled recalling the small pink teddy that she always had in her bed...right till she grew up...n found her prince charming..."nidhi teddy se khelti thi...mujhe to pata hi nahi tha..."said dr ashutosh ..as col verma exclaimed "arre dr ashutosh..khelti hi nahi...saath leke soti thi...aur ek baar bua ne iska teddy dho diya...to rote rote bukhaar aa gaya tha..ki mai kaise sooungi teddy ke bina..."!!
As the family sat for dinner, cs served bharta, mix veg , dal tadka n roti...ashutosh exclaimed"dadi bua, aapke jaisi daal duniya me koi nahi bna sakta..."as dadibua laughed...truly elated and then as maxi came with hot rotis , she turned serious n sais"daaktar...mai sochti hoon..ki ab maxi aur chote sarkaar ke byaah me der nahi karni chahiye...byaah ke baad bhi to nidhi ki dekh bhaal ker sakti hai...nahi to sarkaar ko bhi bhej denge wahi...tum kya kehte ho"?? Ashutosh smiled"jee aap bilkul theek keh rahi hain...infact jaldi se jaldi shaadi ki taiyyari karni chahiye..kyun nidhi"??as chote sarkar blushed n ran in...n dadi bua screeched"aarre manhoos tu kyu sharma raha hai...sharmaati to ladkiyaan hain"!!!
After dinner as col verma n ashutosh settled for a game of chess on the ivory chess board that ashutosh had bought from europe,nidhi went into change...and though deeply engrossed in the game , dr ashitosh said, without looking up"dont lock from inside..."and nidhi smiled...as she went in...in to her room...into a deluge of memories...she saw pics on the wall...herself in pig tails in secundrabad...then here playing with anji...in shyama aunty's lap...with dadi bua...both grumpy bcoz they had fought just before...she looked at her bed..where on the evening of the wedding she had sat chatting with her friends...they teasing her...and then how shyama aunty had helped her come to terms with the fact that she was indeed stepping into a new life...a life where she d have to share not only her body but also her inner most thoughts with her husband...nidhi smiled as she recalled all those far off days...the midnight noodles woth rohan...rohan...who was now in usa...but was always dear to her...she gently touched a lic of herself anji n rohan fight over a maggi bowl...as cs had clicked the moment..."mamma...ninni...i am sleepy"!!it was nishu...she smiled as she changed him n took him to the wash room...n then came to the hall"baba..yeh raat ko trouble karega aapko...humaare saath hi..rehne deejiye..."cv laughed"aarre beta..apni ma se zyaada nahi trouble ker sakta...dr ashutosh aapko pata hai...std 1 se jab nidhi ka maths exam hota tha..to darr ke maare na khud soti thi..nahum logon ko sone deti thi..."and as he hugged n lifted his grand son, nishu cried"good nite all...subah milenge"!!n dadi bua added"haan nashta shyama ke yahaan hai..."a beaming dr ashutoah added"good..col vrma chess le chalenge...solanki sahed ko haraana hai chess mei"!!!
Ashutosh took the water jug n glass that maxi was getting ..n said"thank you maxi...aur tumhari shaadi next month fix ker raha hoon...khush ho na"??n maxi giggled n said"thank you sir...per kaam mai aapke yahaan hi karoongi..."!!as she ran to dadibua's room...
Dr ashutosh entered the room..as nidhi was adjusting clothes in her wardrobe...half hidden...n he said"hey doc"!!...she turned around...as both remembered the moment when dr ashutosh had entered her room...to try the size of the wedding ring...n then their hug...albeit an incomplete one..."bus abhi aayi...leejiye change ker leejiye"she came with his kurta pyjama...and he looked at her lazily...admiring her...intimately..."kya dekh rahe hain...wahi hoon..jo roz hoti hoon..."dr ashutosh came closer...and rubbing his nowe in her hair he said"mujhe iss teddy ka nahi pata tha...mujhe to lagta tha ki tum sirf mere bina nahi so pati ho...i didnt know i had a competitor..."nidhi giggled playfully n exclaimed"woh to toy tha mera...aap to..."ashutosh raised his eyebrow...n pulled her closer...opening her gown..."neuro surgeon saahib..darwaaza to band er leejiye"teased nidhi...as ashutosh bit his lip n closed the door...and hugged nidhi ..."aap bhi na...how can you forget the door...yaad hai..shaadi..."??but dr ashutosh seemed too mesmerised by his wife...to be in her room...he did not recall rather did not wish to recall any memory...he desired to create new ones...as his hands worked hurriedly on her nightie...and brought her to the bed...lying next to her...he caressed her back...as she had tears in her eyes...remembering those long dark nights when in tis very bed she had cried ...wept in hopelessness..wallowing in the darkness of a life away from him...and today...she lay in the same very bed...in his arms...pregnant with his second child...life indeed had come a full circle...she almost choked as dr ashutosh 's lips descended on hers...she responded...as he began to explore her...his fingers...seemed to be more demanding ...probably he too wanted to unite with her in this very room...where he had putvthe valentine day chain around her shoulders...careful not even to let his fingers brush against her skin...n then the meeting for the ring,..he had known on both the occassions that she had yearned for him...but he was the elder..the more mature partner ...n would never do..or allow her to do any thing that was not probably right at that moment...but toniight he wanted to more than make up for it...as his stubble grazed her breasts...and he took one taut peak in his lips..biting gently ...as his other hand teased her earlobe...his hands touched her belly...and he began to kiss her...as she opened her arms to hug him...but he was careful...even in this storm of desire...he knew he must not hurt her...and so he kissed her...repeatedly ..till she was almost crying with desire...his lips probed her navel...as her hands pulled at his hair...and his finger began to discover...new virgin spots in her...his strokes turning from gentle feathery ones to strong rightful ones...probing all her secrets...pressing her in a way that she seemedhit by a hot wave...felt herself to be tossed up in the high seas of desire...to be swirling in the darkness of the universe...feeling a hundered supernovas explode within her...and the only word she could utter between her moans...n cries was"dr ashutosh..."and then she was being turned...and felt the joy ..the ecstacy of union...of completion...as her husband and she crossed all zeniths of bliss ...and then suddenly feeling very shy of the way she could let him touch her...nidhi hid her face in ashutosh's chest...and he stroked her hair...as she kissed his lips...and took his hand across her breasts...and dr ashutosh drew closer...n said"chalo...now close your eyes...time to sleep..."n bent tonkiss her...both wanting more...but ashitosh who knew her body n mind so well...also realised that he had to restrain himself a little...for her sake...for the sake of theor baby...for the sake of his nidhi's well being...and as he drifted into sleep...nidhi remembered that lovely song ...wishing she had the accumen to sing it...
YEH DIL AUR UNKI NIGAAHON KE SAAYE
MUJHE GHERE LETE HAIN BAAHON KE SAAYE...
and she closed her heavy eyes...savouring the protective arms of dr ashutosh enveloping her...it was a moment that defined life for her...

Dr ashutosh yawned as he opened his eyes...n looked around,taking a moment to orient himself in his new surroundings...but then as his gaze fell on nidhi...sleeping peacefully..he smiled n looked at his watch...it was 8.20 nishu must have got up...he had to awaken nidhi...he extended his hand to touch her cheek..but then wothdrew...not wanting to disturb her...he got up..arranged the room ..n then emerged ..in his crumpled kurta pyjama..as nishu ran to him.."papa...dekho eee maine brush ker liya...nanaji ne mujhe new tooth brush diya...tiger wala..."and he ran in to get his new treasure...as dr ashutosh n col verma settled for tea ...dadi bua emerged from the pooja room...and as dr ashutosh wished her, she asked"nidhi kahaa hai..."ashutosh replied"dadi bua woh so rahi hai...so lene deejiye thoda aur..."dadi bua frowned"aath bajne ko aaye aur so rahi hai..such daaktar tu ne iss ladki ko bahut bigaad diya hai...bhai 9.30 pe shyaama ke yahaan jaana hai.."ashutosh tried to calm her "dadi bua aap worry nahi kariye ..uth jaayegi...weekend hi to milta hai sone ko..."as dadi bua seemed unconvinced, col verma switched on the tv to watch rangoli n digress from the discussion...
GAATA RAHE MERA DIL..
TU HEE MERI MANZIL
KAHI BEETE NA YEH RAATEIN
KAHI BEETE NA YEH DIN
GAATA RAHE MERA DIL...
col verma smiled as he observed dr ashutosh...his son in law completely mesmerised...as the song ended, col asked"aapko bhi old songs pasand hain kya...nidhi to nahi sunti hogi..."??ashutosh laughed as he asked cs for another cup of tea .."adrak daal dena sarkar plz"and then answered"jee, mujhe to puraane gaane bahut pasand hain...nidhi bhi sunti hai ab..."...a sleepy eyed nidhi in her gown entered"jhooth nahi boliye...aksar sunti hoon..."and as cv n ashutosh laughed, she called maxi"maxi, nishu ka doodh..."and ashutosh added"aur nidhi ke liye bhi..."at which she wrinkled her nose..."aaj sunday hai...plz aaj doodh nahi..."and chote sarkaar entered with a tray of tea for ashutosh n milk for nishu n his mom,singing"AAJ SUNDAY HAI,.AAJ SUNDAY HAI...DIN ME DAAROO PEENE KA DAY HAI.."and col verma smiled as he looked at nidhi taking the milk unwillingly...n ashutosh raising his eyebrow...as she pouted n began to drink...col verma asked ashutosh"dr ashutosh..beer chilled hai..lenge naashte ke saath..solanki to is ever ready.."??ashutosh looked at nidhi ..n said"no col verma...no alcohol for me...aur i feel solanki saheb ko bhi avoid kerna chahiye...after his heart attack..." nidhi nodded in agreement ..and as she finished her milk, ashutosh gave her his cup.."lo thodi chai pee lo..taste theek ho jaayega..." dadi bua smiled gleefully ...seeing the two share their tea...
Nidhi dialled home"goodmorning baba..naashta liya aapne..juice..aur dawaai nahi bhooliyega..aur haan aapke dono suit pressed hain..wardrobe mei...aur..armaanji theek hain na..."??..after baba had assured her that all was well...she kept the phone and smiled...dr ashutosh called nishu..who came with nidhi's teddy..."dekho papa..mamma ka teddy...see "and ashutosh took the lil old teddy...a faded pink ..and looked at nidhi...who blushed ..as his eyes seemed to say"to yeh hai mera competitor"!!
Ashutosh helped nishu have a bath n change..it was becoming increasingly difficult for nidhi to do so..n though he could manage on his own in his toilet...in a new place he needed help...as nishu ran outside..all ready in a white tee n denimm shorts, ashutosh told nidhi.."jaao..ready ho jaao..."nidhi took a shower..and wiped herself...peeping out she said,"door band kariye...i cant change in here ..."ashutosh got up and bolted the door as nidhi emerged wrapped in a towel..and switched off the a.c and then just sat...ashutosh looked up...she was panting..."kya hua nidhi...tired"??he began to rub her back...as she tried to take deep breaths..."i get tired these days ..."ashutosh nodded in understanding...and soothed her..till the breathing returned to normal...as she changed, he stood..letting her manage but watchful each moment..finally she was done...in her green churidar kurta...and ashutosh said.."i d take ten minutes..tab tak tum leto...you d feel better..."nidhi tried to take out his clothes from the almirah..but he held her...n took her to bed"i can manage jaan...casuals hee to pehanne hain..."and as he pulled out his tees n grey tracks, nidhi closed her eyes...
Nidhi was awakened by the drops of water from dr ashutosh's hair...as he dried them in a towel..."aa gaye...chalye ..10 baj gaye...aunty wait karti hongi..." ashutosh smiled as nidhi struggled to her feet...he knew things were getting tougher now...but he did not want her to see apprehension in his eyes...he knew he had to be strong ...he was her anchor..after all...
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"Aaiye aaiye...badi der kardi..meherbaa aate aate..."it was solanki saheb at his poetic best..as he n shyama welcomed ashutosh n family with col verma n dadi bua ..and all sat down for breakfast...which was actually brunch..with poha, cutlets, khandwi n chane kulche...followed by juice ..as all ate heartily and then ashutosh settled with dolanki saheb for a much awaited chess game ,sayong"aaj to aap ko haraana hi hai..."and then he looked up at dadi bua who was going home"dadi bu..lunch nahi...plz .."dadi bua smiled n said"achcha bus dahi bade...nidhi ko pasand hain bahut..."!!ashutosh acquised"theek hai ..per bas dahi bade...aur dinner bhi halka..."shyama aunty laughed'"ab sasural aayein hain to khaatir to hogi hi..."ashutosh smiled n answered"aunty ab yeh sasural kahaan..yeh to ghar hi ho gaya hai...nidhi se zyaada to mujhe yaad aati hai col verma ki...aur shatranj ki baazi ki..."all laughed as dadi bua went home n the three men descended onto the game ..dr ashutosh v/s solanki saheb ...with col verma giving his inputs to both..nishu was taken by maxi to play with dadi bua...n shyama said"chal nidhi..hum log ander baatein karenge...inhe yahaan..sahib biwi aur gulam kerne de...aaja"..
As nidhi settled on a comfortable chair ,shyama aunty sat on the bed...n looked at nidhi...a girl who had been almost a daughter to her...now a mother herself..."sach bata nidhi...maine aaj tak nahi poocha...per tu khush to hai na...dr ashutosh ke saath...uss ghar mei"??nidhi looked at shyama aunty ..a lil surprised"aap yeh kyun pooch rahi hain aunty...offcourse main bahut khush hoon..."shyama halted ..then continued.."bus beta..kabhi kabhi chinta hoti hai..main bhi to waqt nahi nikaal paati tere liye...yeh bata...umr ka faasla dooriyaan to nahi bana deta tum dono ke beech...sunte hain dr ashutosh teri baat..."??nidhi laughed"aunty ...sach kahoon ...umr ka farq to hai..per yeh faaslaa nahi hai..woh 18 saal bade zuroor hain mujhse ..aur humare nazariye bhi alag hain zindagi dekhne je...per jaanti hain na..pyaar...sab kuch aasaan ker deta hai...dr ashutosh ke saath aisa lagta hai...jaise koi fiqr..koi chinta nahi..woh hain sab sambhal lenge...and i can be myself..."!!aunty smiled n continued"samajhti hoon...beta..aur unki fikr tere liye saaf dikhti bhi hai,..per yeh bata...bachchon ko leke khush hai tu...yeh tera bhi faisla hai na nidhi...kyunki ab pg tu kai saal nahi ker paayegi..kahi aisa to nahi ki unhone tujhe convince ..."nidhi got up n walked to the bed...kept her hand on shyama aunty's "nahi aunty...shuruaat mei ..woh zuroor chahte the...per phir jab maine hospital join kiya to unhone poora support kiya...woh humesha meri marzi ko priority dete hain...nishu ka faisla bhi mera tha...aur uske baad to woh itna darr gaye...but i want a second baby...family poori ho jaayegi humaari...i wish beti ho iss baar...dr ashutosh jaan chidkenge uspe...mai jaanti hoon..."!!shyama aunty patted nidhi...looking relieved...but now nidhi questioned her"per aunty...aapke mann me itni chinta kyun...kya aapko dr ashutosh ..."shyama shook her head"nahi beta...mujhe to woh humesha bahut hi zimmedaar aur suljhe hue insaan lagte the...per bus umr ka faasla ..woh bhi 18 baras ka..Kabhi kabhi lagta hai..kahin tu...regret na karti ho apna faisla...ya akela na mehsoos karti ho..."nidhi ruminated as she spoke"jaanti hain aunty...woh kum zuroor bolte hain...per jitna woh mere liye apne aapko badalte hain...adjust karte hain...shayad main nahi karti...jaanti hain..jab kabhi dard hota hai...zara bhi ..baby ke movements se...to lagta hai mujhse zyaada taqleef unhe horahi hai...aaj itne saal ho gaye humaari shadi ko...per woh mujhe utna hi chahte hain...samajhte hain...mehsoos karte hain ..sach to yeh hai...ki ek doosre ke bina hum adhoore hain...shaayad yehi pyaar hai..."?? Shyama wiped her tears...as she seemed at peace,..and nidhi got up..."ab chalte hain aunty...2 baj gaye...inki chess to hafton chal sakti hai..." As nidhi emerged, ashutosh was engrossed in the game...which was a close fight between him n solanki...and as he finally proclaimed victory with "check n mate" solanki sahib sulked saying"aap jamaai hain..isliye haar gaya..."and ashutosh laughed n said"agli baar jamaai nahi..dost samajh ker kheliyega aur laaiye ab zara aapka bp check karoon to...ranganath se to aap karwaate nahi honge..."!! And dr ashutosh took out the bp instrument from his bag...as solanki saheb sulked..."170 by 90...thoda high hai...but you are fine..bus walk kariye..aur no alcohol n red meat..."as they got up..ashutosh touched shyama aunty's feet n solanki saheb growled"bhai yeh baat theek nahi...ab to mai haar bhi gaya...ab to paaoon choone padenge,..."and an endearing ashutosh bent ..as solanki saheb hugged him...
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"Dekho papa...mamma ki frock...kitni small...mere se bhi small"it was nishu who ran into the hall carrying a green frock of nidhi...his mom when she was three months old...ashutosh held it...mesmerised...as dadi bua came out "arre nishu kahaan gaya..."and then stood spell bound seeing ashutosh hold the frock fondly..."daaktar dekhoge nidhi ka bachpan...aao"and dr ashutosh entered with nishu...as col verma followed them ...while nidhi was resting ..oblivious to the fact that her husband n son were peeping into her childhood...
Dadi bua opened a suitcase...full of frocks n sweaters...of sizes varying from a new born to about 12 years..."yeh sweater bua ne banaya tha do din mei...nidhi ke liye...machal gayi thi...apni friend ka sweater dekh ke..."dr ashutosh held thevvibrant sweater in his hands...each strand oozing of a grandmother's love...he looked at dadibua"dadibua..agar aap bura na maane to...yeh sweater kya nishu pehan sakta hai...is winters usko aa jayega..."dadi bua...seemed moved to tears..."daaktar..pehnaaoge tum apne bete ko..yeh purana sweater..."??ashutosh nodded...unable to speak...as col vrma, showed him a tiny pink frock that nidhi had worn...when he had got her home..."6...7 maheene tak nidhi ki photos hi nahi hain...uski maa ki maut se itna hil gayaa tha mai...ki sambhalte sambhalte waqt laga..."dr ashutosh looked up...nsaw a devoted husband ...in his father in law...he held his hand..n added"agar ..hume beti hui...to usko pehnaayenge yeh frock...jab ghar aayegi..nidhi ke saath..."n then there were albums...as ashutosh was introduced to nidhi of various ages...from a chubby baby to a tall young girl...and one with anji...both sitting atop a tree...dr ashutosh remembered theirhoneymoon...when nidhi had wanted to climb a tree...ashutosh took out his cell and sealed a few moments of his wife's childhood...something that he had not been introduced to...till now..
He looked up...at col verma n dadibua...both reliving nidhi's childhood in those old relics...and he realised the depth of their bond...with nidhi"jaante hain col verma...ab..shayad poori tarah to nahi..per kisi hud tak mai samajh sakta hoon...aap dono ka gussa...humare rishte ko leke...woh nidhi ke liye aapki fiqr thi...shaayad main bhi waise hi react karoon...agar meri beti..."col verma patted dr ashutosh n reminded him of the wisdom of dr mathur's words..."woh kya hai ..ki hum betiyon ke baap...apni betiyon ko leke kuch zyaada hi posessive ho jaate hain shayad"!!and ashutosh smiled in complete understanding...his eyes caressing the baby frock...in which he hoped to see their lil daughter...
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"Mathur...kitna time lagaate ho ready hone mei...itni der me to main beauty contest ke liye taiyyar ho jati..."it was aradhnaji in a lovely navy blue sari with a pochampalli border knocking at dr mathur's bedroom door...as he was dressing inside for the IMAmeet...armaan could not control his naughty self as baba emerged in his closed brown suit...n armaan commented"wah baba!!aap lag rahe hain top model ke saath laayak" n aradhanaji scared him"chup badmash ..nahi to pitayi karoongi...aur teri maa ko khabar karoongi...ki maa da laadla bigad gaya"!!!baba looked at aradhanaji...n smiled..blur had always been his weakness...n then as they sat in the car ...n devender drove...he looked at the gracefully aged companion...n then at the separate invites...wondering what it would have been if the card d have read...dr sagar n aradhna mathur...but then ..almost reading his thoughts...aradhanaji smiled n said"KABHI KISI KO MUQUAMMAL JAHAAN NAHI MILTA..
KAHIN ZAMEEN TO KAHIN AASMAAN NAHI MILTA..
itna socho mat...jo hai..woh kaafi hai"!!
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As dr ashutosh entered their room...at col verma's home...nidhi stood looking out of the window..into the distant skies...ashutosh smiled and put his arms around her...almost startling her...and then drawing her close, he said"kya hai mann mei..jo kehna chahti ho mujhse...bus keh daalo..."nidhi lowered her eyelids...he was always able to guess her thoughts.."dr ashutosh...aisa nahi tha ki aapse chupaana chahti thi...bus bataane ka mauqua nahi mila ...ab tak...per aaj iss ghar mei waapas aake mehsoos hua...aapko bataana chahti hoon...plz samajhne ki koshish kariyega...ki..ki...roha..."dr ashutosh smiled as he put his hands on nidhi's shoulders n made her face him...and looking into her eyes completed "ki rohan ko tumse pyaar ho gaya tha...yehi na"??nidhi nodded..."aapko kaise pata..."??ashutosh smoothened her hair...and held her hands reassuringly"kyunki mai tum dono se kaafi bada tha...shayad maine uske mehsoos karne se bhi pehle mehsoos ker liya tha...ek raat jab usse ..kerala ke baad maine akele ghar bulaya tha...yeh kehne ki woh tumhara khayal rakhe...meri amaanat samajhker...tab maine dekhi thi uski aankhon me tumhe khush dekhne ki chaahat...aur phir sagaai ke din...kitni udaas thi uski aankhein...main jaanta tha nidhi...per iska yeh matlab nahi ki woh tumhara sachch dost nahi tha...agar nahi hota..to iss tarah sab kuch chod ker america na chala jata...aur jahaan tak mai rohan ko jaanta hoon...aaj usse dukh hota hoga ki usne apni sabse achchi dost ko nahi samjha...nahi samajh paya..ki tum mujhse aur sirf mujhse pyaar kar sakti ho...i am suire..woh jab aadhi raat ko noodles khata hoga...to yeh sochta hoga...aur shayad tumhara number dial karte karte ruk jaata hoga..."nidhi was silently weeping as she said"shayad iss darr se ki aap kahin galat na samjhein..."ashutosh smiled"nidhi...yeh movie nahi zindagi hai...aur main koi shakki...suspicious pati nahi...tumhara humsafar ...hoon...aur aisa kuch nahi hai jo hum dono ke beeh daraar daal sake...aur main kaise bhool sakta hoon jab mazaar pe usne aur armaan ne milwaaya tha hume...so dr nidhi...apne dil pe se yeh bojh hata deehiye ki aapne apne pati se kuch chupaaya hai...kyunki aap chaah ke bhi nahi chupa sakti..her khayaal aapke dil..o ..dimaag me aane se pehle..mujhse hoke guzarta hai..."nidhi pouted..."to bataaiye main kya soch rahi hoon abhi..."??dr ashutosh hugged her and looked into the starlit sky..."tum soch rahi ho...ki ..humari zindagi mei ...woh nanha sa taara kab chamkega...ya chamkegi...jis se humari duniya aur bhi jagmaga uthegi...yehi na??am i right"??nidhi nodded as she surrendered to him"yes...always right..."and as dr ashutosh switched on the radio...the eternal rajkapoor nargis love song brought a smile on his lips...as he n nidhi listened..
RAATEIN DUSO DISHAAON SE
KAHENGI APNI KAHAANIYAAN
GEET HUMAARE PYAAR KE DOHRAAYENGI JAWAANIYAAN...
MAIN NA RAHOONGA ,TUM NA RAHOGI
PHIR BHI RAHENGI NISHAANIYAAN...
Yes their love...their relationship was timeless...endless...just like the