ek tha raja.. ek thi titli ! Story so far.. ! NO COMMENTS PLEASE !!!

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Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#71

Chapter Sixty seven...

aadhe adhoore... khwaab...

To my good old friends

Bawa Anjani Floridadoc..

It was at about 3 a.m. in the morning that nidhi opened her eyes and looked around..dr Ashutosh was sleeping with his specs on..his i pad in front of him..he had probably been mailing somebody but nidhi did not try to snoop..she never did..she just kept the i pad away and took off his specs..looking at those eyes for a moment..the sublime depth that they had..the softness the gentleness n the anger..she had seen it all..and as she just stood frozen..and suddenly Dr Ashutosh opened his eyes..n seemed shocked..holding her by the arm he said"tum kab uthi..kaisi ho..back "??nidhi smiled.."better hoon..abhi uthi..i am hungry..coffee banaaoongi...sandwich lenge.."??Ashutosh smiled.."hmmm.i knew you d be hungry. .kaka se sandwich banwa liye they maine..bus coffee banate hain..chalo"and he got up..

It was about 15 mins later as nidhi sat munching sandwiches n sipping from a large mug of coffee as her husband softly enquired "tell me about the viva..what did dr Sharma ask..were your diagnosis wrong??"nidhi shook her head n said"no..i had diagnosed kalazar through symptons n had started Hetrazan ..later the reports confirmed my diagnosis..so ..my stand was vindicated..buss aur kya..n now i can stand up to all these dr Sharma kinds...aap jo hain mere saath"!!

Ashutosh kept quiet and held nidhi's hands..."bus ek week me result a jayega n then u r in KGH.."nidhi giggled "phir se dr Hardstone ke under "!!and Ashu smiled as he replied "ab jaisa bhi hoon..tumhara hi hoon..take me or leave me.."!and nidhi kissed his nose "leave u???kabhi nahi..."!!

************

"Beta nidhi kaisi hai..nashta"??it was baba who asked Ashutosh as they sat for breakfast of idli n sambhar..Ashutosh smiled n replied"theek hai ab..bus aa rahi hai ..leejiye aa gayi"!and nidhi emerged in a scarlet kurta n grey churidaar ..as she sat n served ,baba asked "beta kaisi hai ab??finally ho gayi teri tapasya poori..tu ne bahut mehnat ki.."nidhi smiled..n bit into her fried idli..as Ashutosh explained to baba that nidhi will be joining kgh very soon..baba asked "beta kisne lita viva..kaisa tha..case handle kiya "??nidhi smiled and got up..to get some fried idli as baba looked at Ashu..n he said"dr Sharma was there..zaroor rag kiya hoga nidhi ko..but she is not divulging everything. ..anyway ..un sab ko to mai dekh loonga..but i am glad that nidhi handled them quite well..ab KGH me rahegi..kids ward bhi well looked after rahega..."baba looked at Ashu n said"beta...phir koi ummed..koi aasha"!Dr Ashutosh kept silent as nidhi emerged from the kitchen carrying her fried idlis..

***************

Dr Ashutosh had just emerged from the O.T.when he was informed by dr Ranganath that the IMA drs were waiting for him...Ashutosh slapped his forehead..yes the meeting had long been scheduled but he had forgotten about it..he noed n went off to change ..

As he emerged n walked to his cabin to have a look at the agenda ..he suddenly halted as he could hear two drs talking lecherously .."you should have seen her face..when i said ki father ke umr ke aadmi se..

"And the other dr laughed n said"but the icing on the cake was when you said ki bachche itte pasand hain..kyun..kyunki apne bachche nahi hue...i swear sets the woman right"!!

Dr Ashutosh stopped in his tracks..his fists clenched..his eyes burning coals...he knew it was dr Sharma n dr Rai...but how hurt nidhi must have felt...why did she have to suffer all this...n why didn't she tell him...why did she always choose to suffer alone...

Dr Hardstone walked into the conference room..ready for a show down...

Dr Ashutosh entered the conference room..most of the drs were there..dr Dubey smiled and bade him to sit..and s he sat..entered dr Rai n dr Sharma from the gallery..Ashutosh was sure...he looked at the agenda..talking to the health secretary about the demand for tax free pvt practise..he looked around and asked "before we present this to the govt..are we ourselves convinced "??most of the drs kept quiet..dr Dubey spoke "this proposal is basically from dr Sharma n the lobby led by him..but i too feel its not v ethical.."dr Ashutosh who had been made the prez of I MA just a few weeks back smiled and looked up "so dr Sharma..u want to earn but not pay taxes..

Why ??do u think its ethical..??"

Dr Sharma knew the proposal could not move ahead without dr Ashutosh's consent..he smiled tentavily and said"i feel yes..and afterall ..we have our old age coming up...after all not everybody makes wise investments..."the pun n sarcasm was not lost to Dr Ashutosh as he lioked at dr Bhagat..dr Sudhir..n called for voting.

The motion was defeated 29:4"that settles it...no proposal..earn money n pay ur taxes ...meeting adjourned "said an icy dr Ashutosh. .and as he shook hands with all...he looked at dr Sharma icily and said"thanks dr Sharma..for everything...aapke ehsaan main kabhi bhooloonga nahi..aap bhi lucknow mein hain..main bhi yaheen hoon...milte rahenge...waise woh kahawat to aapne suni hi hogi paani me rehke magar se bair nahi karna chahiye.."!and he walked to his cabin...knowing the impact he must have had on the sly drs...but then they had hurt nidhi..his nidhi..n anyone who hurt her would have to suffer...yes..Ashutosh could bear all but not nidhi's anguish...

******************

Nidhi was at home ..cleaning n arranging everything that had been neglected for long..the kitchen..the curtains ..the wardrobes..she cleaned everything...n then as she sat ..kaka came "beti ..ek baat kahoon..."??nidhi smiled n the old man added"yaad hai..ek baar bahut pehle tumne ashu ke kamre ke parde badle they...to uski zindagi badal gayi thi...beta aaj shayad phir naye pardon ki zuroorat hai..naye rangon ki.."nidhi tried to smile..but just bit her lip..as baba looked at her silently...

*************

"As gaya beta...dekh to nidhi ne poore ghar ko saaf ker diya..naye phool..naya decor...yeh crystal bowl..."ashu admired ...n emtered his bedroom..n almost stood rooted ..the pink n grey curtains had been replaced by floral multi coloured ones making the room look v cheerful..Ashu looked around ...for nidhi...as she emerged from behind ..n he held her fingers..."v nice..room garden jaisa lag raha hai...mera quila to tumne tode hi dala.."nidhi smiled...as Ashutosh held her close n said "yeh rang ..yeh kaliyaan sab tumse hain nidhi..sirf tumse..mai keh nahi paata..per tum mehsoos to kar pati ho na"??nidhi nodded...and held on to his arm...just then the cell rang..and dr Ashutosh had a deep smile in his eyes...as he thanked the caller n then looked at nidhi..

"Dr Bhagat was on the line...MD result aa gaya...hey doc..you have topped..i knew you are the best...:"and nidhi just stood ...gaping and ashutosh pulled her to him...kissing her forehead..before pulling her into his arms...n saying "thank you nidhi..meri wish poori karne ke liye..thank you"and nidhi just held on...

"Baba dekhiye ..nidhi ne top kiya hai md inspite of that..dr Sharma..see .."it was an excited ashutosh calling baba into the hall...as kaka organised sweets...baba hurried out and hugged nidhi...and as he blessed ger his mind n heart went back to Guddi. .his Guddi..for whom he had seen so many dreams that could never be fulfilled...he put his hand on nidhi's head n said..

Quite like the night in the storm when she had him n dr Ashutosh united..."beta..humare khwaab to tune poore kar diye...bus ab tere khwaab bhi poore ho jaayein...

Nidhi looked at Ashutosh. .her pain..her loss...her emptiness being reflected in his deep pacific eyes...she just stood there..for a few moments...as a usually reticent dr Ashutosh came forward n hugged her..holding her to him...as her frame quaked with that silent agony..the loss that made this achievement seem empty...she just held on to him...as if he was all she had...he was actually all she had...there was nothing else...

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Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#72

Chapter Sixty eight...

I love you...

TO MY DEAR SWATI SHUBH N BABITA FOR THEIR REGULAR COMMENTS..THEY ARE OFTEN MUCH BETTER THAN MY UPDATES!!

Dr Ashutosh sat reading the newspaper at the breakfast table as nidhi buttered his toast and gave him tea..he didn't even look up and continued to be absorbed in his paper and as nidhi sat nibbling her namkeen siwaiyyan ..he remarked "pasand nahi hai..to kuch aur kyun nahi banwa leti.."nidhi didn't answer ..just kept nibbling as he shot up an eyebrow n said"doodh ki strike hai kya..aajkal??do din se nahi pee rahi ho??"Nidhi pouted "mujhe nahi achcha lagta..aur aap meri warden hain kya"??Ashutosh didnt bother to answer n called kaka"kaka ..nidhi ke liye doodh"!and as the milk arrived,nidhi gulped it down n got up..to go into the bedroom while baba looked at Ashutosh. .a lil worried but dr Ashutosh patted his hand and went into the bedroom..

Nidhi was standing by the bedroom window..seeming agitated. .Ashutosh held her by the waist n asked"bored ho ya naaraaz"??nidhi pouted trying to pull away "aapko matlab?jaaiyre paper padhiye"and as she tried to push him away..he mocked ..raising an eyebrow n holding her tighter ..with an abstract authority .."main koi young boy friend nahi hoon tumhara jisse push kar do..shauhar hoon..aur woh bhi quareeb 20 baras bada"!nidhi let him hold her ..as she replied"jee nahi..aap 20 nahi sirf 18 baras bade hain..aur shauhar hain..ye yaad dilaane ki zaroorat nahi"!!Dr Ashutosh sighed as he turned nidhi to him.."achcha bataao..agitated kyun ho..gussa ho ya bored"??nidhi didn't reply ..as Ashutosh continued"teen din ke baad KGH join kar logi..tab tak ghoomo..anji ko visit karo..she might be needing u"!nidhi spoke a lil safly "woh ..apni mother in law ke paas hai..i dont like it there..."ashu kept quiet n probably understood her feeling..he cuddled ger closer n said"Rohan ke saath movie"??but nidhi shook her head.."chodiye aap..i d do something at home..kahi jaane ka mann nahi hai mujhe.."!as Ashutosh was trying to say something..his cell rang and nidhi said"jaaiye ..aapki surgery hai"!!Ashu held her for a second more ..kissing her softly as he left..looking back to see her returning to the window..gazing at ..probably the garden..that she was trying to keep green n colourful even during the sweltering summer...Ashutosh sighed...

As dr Ashutosh drove,he ruminated 6 nidhi..he knew she felt low n lonely ..he also knew it was a battle that she fought ..agsinst her loss..their loss and it d take a while for her to emerge victorious..

He also knew it was not easy for her to smile at Anji's impending joy..when she herself had been cruelly deprived of it..

He himself had been keeping himself over occupied at work..that was his only remedy to pain..but he realised he needed to devote more time to nidhi..

He had not taken her to consult Sudhir nor had shared about dr Pooja ..because as a senior dr he knew..this was going to take time..and it may never happen..he certainly did not want to give nidhi any false hopes..naah..she wouldn't be able to bear that..

His car reached KGH and s he walked briskly to the OT..giving his coat to the sister the world was left behind..evrything had to wait...even nidhi..

***************

Nidhi had cleaned n done up the house again..she had ordered some lilies which she arranged in the new crystal vase and then she n baba shared a light meal of veg sandwich and while baba sat to watch T.V ..she began to put some newly framed pictures in the hall..one of baba n ashu ..a recent one ..playing the violin..one with Armaan at the chess board..n one of she n ashutosh..with the sunset in the back drop ...Baba looked at her gaze on the large part of the wall still vacant..n he said"beta..ek di n aayega ki kisi ki tasweerein lagaane ko yeh ghar chota pad jaayega.."nidhi fought back her tears n worked a smile..but then went in as ..baba kept looking at her quietness ..but did not say anything..he believed ..at times she needed to be left alone..even cry..for there could be no physical healing till the heart had healed...

Nidhi had cried herself to sleep ..but was awakened by some sounds in the hall..she got up..it was 6!!she rushed to wash her face and dabbing it with her green dupatta;she emerged ..and almost screamed "ROHANNN"??and Rohan looked at her while he kept the big packets of packed food on the table n said"sleeping beauty..ready ho jaaiye.party time"!!and nidhi giggled"kis baat ki party hai..yeh to pata nahi..but thanx any way..tum se milne ko mann tha"!!Rohan looked at baba n asked"baba..do you believe this??meri sabse achchi dost ..na mujhe phone karti hain.

Na whassap aur kehti hain ki milne ko mann tha!!i tell you baba girls ka vishwaas hi nahi karna chahiye..never.."!!Nidhi smiled n held her ears "sorry Rohan..but thanx for all this..kya kya hai..aur itta kyun"??Rohan laughed "nidhiji..thankx aap apne dr saab ko boliyega..main to buss hukm baja raha hoon unka.."and then went on to explain how he had recd a phone call from dr Ashutosh requesting him to get the food from Rice bowl and Ram Asrey as..."15 logon ki party hai..dr Ashutosh ki wife ke MD top karne ki khushi mein..ab dr nidhi ko koi kahe ki woh thodi presentable ho jaayein"!!nidhi laughed..as she helped kaka arrange the crockery n cutlery and as she opened the food for warming ..she commented "kya combo hai..chow mein..manchurian..n Ramasrey ki kachoriyaan"!!Rohan laughed and said"to Raja aur titli ka combo kumstrange hai kya..jaise waltz aur disco "!!and baba added"ya ..mehndi hassan aur Pop "!!and all laughed..as nidhi asked "kaun kaun aa rahe hain??"Rohan smiled n answered"Dr Ashutosh aur ..unke guest..ab jaiye ready hone..nahi to Dr Hardstone avataar to aap jaanti hain"!!!

Nidhi smiled as she went in n hummed a melody..which made her blush...

Nidhi took out a new blue fab india kurta n a white pyjama for dr Ashutosh n as she arranged it..she caressed it n then went in to freshen up;emerging in a sky blue printed kurta ..with a black churidaar..

Dr Ashutosh entered as she was applying sindoor ..n smiled at her..nidhi looked at his image n smiled..her heart missing a beat at the sheer handsomeness that he exuded..Dr Ashutosh picked up his clothes n went in ..but nidhi caught his hand n said"thanx"!he didn't say anything..but just as midhi was getting up..he emerged in his towel

.held her n rubbed his beard on her neck n whispered "biwiyaan aise thanx nahi bolti"!and as nidhi blushed...he kissed her full on the lips and sucked her hard..but then released her saying "jaao..guests aaye honge.."!!and he was gone !!

*************

By 7.30 the hall was filled with dr Priyanka ;dr Jyothika ;Rohan ;dr Ranganath a huge looking Anji and finally dr Bhagat carrying a boquet of roses!

Nidhi served cold drinks while dr Ashutosh himself carried around the finger foods!

Nidhi was stopped by Anji who remarked;wrinkling her nose "nidhi ..u are so lucky..doing so well at ur career aur jeejaji kitne khush hain teri progress se...aur yahaan main hoon..stuck in mother in law n maternity! Nidhi smiled..caressing Anji.."hey dont be so unhappy..baby pe asar padta hai"!and then recalled how in childhood their pencils n rubbers used to get mixed up..it seemed their destinies n desires had also been mixed up by God!!

As nidhi moved,dr Ashutosh's gaze followed her and when she settled with her friends ..chatting ..did dr Ashutosh relax n sat with dr Bhagat n baba too came over!

As Rohan moved around ,joked..pulled nidhi's hair n she threw a cushion at him..dr Bhagat asked"who is this young man"?and dr Ashutosh replied"Nidhi ka best friend...aur shayad mera bhi..as Armaan is away"!!and dr Bhagat seemed a lil surprised!!

Ashutosh explained he had been in touch with the dr at Sydney..n then added "do y know Bhagat her name is Pooja.."!Dr Bhagat gave a sad n wry smile n replied "sir..is duniya ki bheed mein..meri Pooja mujhse chupna hi pasand karti hai..shayad..n i respect that.."n then looking into Dr Ashutosh's eyes he said"i feel she is Pooja..jo kabhi meri thi...but i d never contact till she chooses too...after all she had divorced me..."!

Dr Ashutosh meandered from the topic n asked "tell me Bhagat..do u feel nidhi will get digressed in eork.."??as dr Bhagat was about to answer,baba teplied"she is a dedicated dr...but as a paediatrician. .bachchon ke saath time spend karna..uske zakhm per marrham hoga ya..usse aur rulaayega!difficult to say"!!

There was a knock at the door and Dr Ashutosh stood up as there was a cake ...a large one that he had ordered..

Rohan put it on the table n called out "sirjee..message hai bus "Nidhi"!!

Ashutosh smiled as nidhi looked at him..knowing he was always weak with words...

He held her as she cut the cake n all cheered to nidhi's success..and she put a bite in dr Ashutosh's mouth..and he took a tiny morsel n piut it in her's..a lil embarrassed! !

As dinner proceeded Ashutosh could see Dr Rang's discomfort with Rohan joking with Anji..and he just sighed...lack of faith!!could he ever doubt Nidhi??NEVER!!and as he smiled Nidhi came n gave him his food plate..."main serve nahi karoongi to aap to khaayenge hi nahi"!!and he nodded"absolutely tight Doc"!!

As the guests left wishing Nidhi once again..nidhi thanked each one ..n had a nostalgia in her eyes as Dr Priyanka remarked"aaja KGH...dr Hardstone tera wait kar rahe hain"!!and as Dr Ranganath helped Anji..his protective hand on her big belly..nidhi couldn't help feel a strange jealousy..even though she knew she shouldn't have...

Lastly Rohan shook hands and happily accepted the payment for dinner saying "biwi aapki..to naturally treat bhi aapki!!waise sir aap OT se phone kar rahe they kya"??and As Ashutosh tried to pull his ear..he was gone..shouting "bye nidhiji..bye dr Hardstone"!!

************

Nidhi came to bed in her white nightie and as she lay ..looking at dr Ashutosh. .she asked"aaj padhenge nahi kya"??and he took off his specs n said "padhoonga. ..per kitaab nahi"!!and held her..close..as she seemed to quiver..he caressed her n cleared his throat..as if collecting courage..n nidhi asked"kya kehna chahte hain..kahiye na"??and Ashutosh held ger to his chest n said"nidhi..i have been in touch with a leading Gynaecological researcher in Australia. .she feels you may have a chance of...but we have to get some tests done.."as nidhi's eyes seemed to dwell up with clouds of hope..he wiped with his soft lips n said"buss..its an effort..it d take time..n it might fail..tum samajh rahi ho na"??and as nidhi nodded..he caressed her n added"nidhi..kuch ho ya na ho..hum dono sath hain..isnt that enough...bolo jaan?"and he separated to look at her..her eyes full of tears...but she nodded..held on to his kurta...as he said.."mai baar baar nahi keh paata..per nidhi..you know..I LOVE YOU...aur main in aankhon mei aansoo dekh hi nahi sakta.."!and hugged nidhi close. ...

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Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#73

Chapter Sixty nine...

If winter can come... can spring be far...

This one is for Jayasree n Anjani..the best friends forever.

Happy holi..though my update is an emotional one!

AS Ashutosh took his purse ..he looked at Nidhi still toyong with her dupatta..and he sighed"chalo..lets go..u need to have the tests.."nidhi nodded as she got up and they emerged..baba smiled as he payted nidhi.."ja beta..tu to itti samajhdaar dr hai..bhala fail hone ke darr se koi imtaahan se drop thode hi kar jasye hain..jaa..jo hoga..we d face it"!nidhi nodded..trying her best to be brave as Dr Ashutosh held her by the elbow n walked towards the car...

**********

"Oh hi Ashutosh..hullo Nidhi..kaisi ho ab"??it was the affectionate dr Sudhir who looked at nidhi n waited for her reply..she looked at her husband n then spoke"sir...there are some tests..."Dr Sudhir nodded n said"yes..i know ..but as Ashutosh must have told u..these are tiny steps towards an effort..the effort may fail..it may take time..u have to be very tough mentally..are you ready"??nidhi looked at Ashutosh n he just smiled n held her hand..

Dr Sudhir conducted a detailed sonography n ultrasound of the uterus,some advanced blood tests for hormonal levels .

As nidhi emerged after giving her blood samples,Dr Sudhir was showing the uterus sonography to Ashutosh..pointing to the weak posterior wall ..Ashutosh was nodding n the two were mailing to dr Pooja..

Seeing Nidhi;sudhir smiled n said.."chalo..torture over..ab tum dono jaao have some food..nidhi looks fagged out"!and then as an addendum asked "what do you like nidhi.."??and nidhi had a naughty smile after a long time n said"mcdonald burger with extra cheese"and dr Sudhir laughed...n shaking hands with Ashutosh smiled "to jao .go to mcd ..and let me know what dr Pooja says ..then will proceed..and yes have a normal life..bcoz abstenance would only bring hormonal levels down..i hope u understand nidhi.."and nidhi nodded as they emerged out and Ashutosh smiled as he said"to Mc D"??and nidhi asked"aur aap..kya lenge"??and Ashutosh scratched his beard n added "sochta hoon aaj main bhi burger hi khaa loon"and nidhi laughed..a strange hope twinkling in her eyes...n Ashutosh just gave her fingers a squeeze as a silent prayer escaped his lips...

As Nidhi bit into her maha veggie burger while ashutosh took a small bite of his classic veggie burger..his cell buzzed..it was dr Ranganath..n the hurry told nidhi that Anji had gone into labour..she was in a tizzy as she stuffed the remaining burger into her mouth n pushed Ashutosh out to the car.."chaliye hurry up..i need to be there..after all main maasi hoon..woh bhi paediatrician. .sab meri wait kar rahe honge..chaliye "!and Ashutosh smiled as he pushed the throttle...as nidhi was smiling after really long..

***********

By the time Nidhi ran into KGH;anji was already in the process of delivery..and as nidhi paced outside ..dr Ashutosh asked the dr who emerged "how s it going along..all well"??the dr smiled n said"sir..all normal..she is dialing..we d be through in a few minutes..busss..."!and nidhi clutched him and asked "kya hua Anji ko..."the dr smiled n said"no dr nidhi..anji will come through..its dr Ranganath who might faint..unke liye ho glucose lene jjaa rahi hoon"!!as Ashutosh broke into a laugh..n nidhi slapped ger forehead!!

It was about about 20 minutes later that the dr emerged from the labour room with a smile ..and as Solankis n dr Ranga's parents caught him..she smiled n added"its a healthy baby...boy"!!and dr Ranganath 's parents broke into a loud joyous scream at the mention of "boy!!!

As Nidhi clutched at the dr and looked at dr Ashutosh. .seeking permission to go in..he nodded softly ..looking at his watch..he still had time for his surgery..

He put hands in his pants pockets and sighed as nidhi went in almost jumping with joy...

Anji was being dressed..she was looking v tired as dr Ranganath held the baby n kissed him..nidhi looked at the baby n held Anji..saying"ohhh Anji..he is chooo chweeet..just adorable..tu dekh to.."but Anji had her eyes barely half open as Dr Ranganath said "she is v sleepy..raat se labour mei thi.."and went out with the baby in his arms..

Nidhi followed Anji who was wheeled into the room..and she saw as dr Priyanka studied the vitals n smiled at Nidhi..patting ger shoulder n said"kal se to join ker rahi hai as a paediatrician. ..to tu hi dekhegi baby ko..2 din.."!

Nidhi emerged smiling..and saw the family already fussing over the baby..Dr Ranganath 's dad was getting sweets..mother held the baby..while Solankis were dialling col verma to come soon from mathura where he n dadi bua had gone!!nidhi peeped at the baby..he was an absolute darling..and just as she wanted to hold him..he was taken by dr Ranga 's father..who kissed him..as Solanki saheb looked n said .."arre hume bhi to dekhne deejiye..humaare nati ko.."!and they took the baby..and as nidhi came to take him..and Shyama aunty was going to hand him over..dr Ranganath 's parents took him n kissed him...as nidhi said"kiss nahi kariye..new born ko infection ho sakta hai...plz"realising she might be hurting their sentiments..she looked apologetic..but the baby's dadi replied"arre chodo..maine paale hain bachche..kitaab padhna aur palne alag alag hota hai..ab tum to na hi sikhaao beta..ki bachche kaise paalte hain"!!

Nidhi bit her lip...n withdrew..dr Ashutosh who had emerged in his operating gown looked at her...but he had to go to the OT..there was a life to be saved..much as his own suffered...but before he went..he looked at nidhi..through all the people..the family..he was looking straight into her eyes...eyes that seemed to say.."nidhi...plzz...don't cry.."!and then he was gone...

**********

Nidhi completed her formalities of joining the next day..stood outside her cabin..where her name plate read DR NIDHI ASHUTOSH.

MBBS.

PAEDIATRICIAN

she touched it lightly as the head nurse spoke.."sir ne khud arrange karwaaya hai sab kuch...dekhengi nahi"??nidhi shook her head n said "nahi..aaj nahi.."and then went to meet Anji..who was now awake..n Nidhi felt..she must be waiting for her..for nidhi ..her best friend..

Nidhi began to walk towards the room..just when she heard hurrying foot steps n then the familiar "nidhijiii"it was Rohan..carrying a boquet of Red roses ..n one of mixed colours n a box of chocolates..hugging nidhi he said"arre phool to leejiye..apne nephew se koi khaali haath milta hai kya..main jaanta tha aap bhool jaayengi

.isiliye laaya..dont worry sab payment le loonga.."!!and nidhi just hugged him back!!

The two entered the room together..Anji was holding the baby..ar dr Ranganath dtood by her..mesmerised by the life in their arms..As nidhi smiled ..Anji opened her arms n took the flowers..n bit into the chocos..saying "ohh i was starving...i tell u labour is so tiring...u cant imagine..its to be experienced "!!nidhi seemed to flinch ..but then smiled. .as she held the baby..and anji smiled...Rohan joked "bilkul..Dr Ranganath jaisa nahi hai"!and as nidhi raised a gand to hit him..holding the baby tenderly..to her heart..the baby cried..n Anji..a new mother..spoke out "aaraam se nidhi..dono haathon se pakadte hain..new born ko..."!!nidhi wrinkled her nose ..and said"ab tu sikhaayegi mujhe??dont forget..i am a paediatrician. .kal se join jar rahi hoon..kgh"!!Anji looked at nidhi..extending her arms for the baby..as she said"i know tu paediatrician hai..per only a mother knows ki baby ko kya chahiye..dekho..mamma knows..mere raja ko bhooku lagi hai..dudu time..tell everyone to go..bye bye..."and a stunned nidhi looked up...as Anji smiled "jaa tu bhi aaraam ker..tired lag rahi gai..kal join bhi karna hai..but i tell you nidhi..kitta darti thi main..n yet its bliss to hold him..dr Ranganath. .maa babuhi ..kitte khush hain sab"!!

Nidhi was held by Rohan as they waved bye...n emerged..

Nidhi shrank away n said..rather mumbled..."i want to go home..tired hoon..bye Rohan...bye"!!

Nidhi reached home..pushed her hair back n entered..she knew baba would be waiting for her...he was "beta..khaaya kuch tu ne..theek hai na"??his voice loathed in concern ..n nidhi put her purse down..turned around for a dplit second to dry her eyes n then looked at baba n said"arre baba khana to kha hi liya..but usse badi khabar suniye..main mausi bann gayi..Anji ko beta hua hai...kitta cute hai..chubby ..chubby..ek dum toy jaisa..badi badi eyes hain..aur ek dum choti choti soft fingers...mera to mann hi nahi tha usse chode ke aane ka...kal se to jaana hai duty pe..main hi uski paediatrician hoongi"!!and baba smiled ..adding "bhai waah..yeh to bahut khushi ki baat hai..per tu ab chasi pee aur aaraam kar..thak gayi hogi...jaa"!!and Nidhi went into her room..not switching on the light. .she wanted the darkness to envelope her..to engulf her..to swallow her...

***(***********

Dr Ashutosh emerged from the surgery..he saw Rohan pacing in the corridor outside his cabin..he smiled "arre Rohan..kya hua..mile Anji se.."??Rohan nodded n said "sir..plz do minute deejiye. ."

Dr Ashutosh listened patiently as Rohan narrated all that had happened..and dr Ashutosh said "i had been fearing..kuch aisa..anyway thanks..Rohan.."Rohan looked at Ashutosh n said"maine kabhi nahi socha tha ki Anjiji itti insensitive ho jaayengi..woh bhi nidhiji..jo unki bestie hain.."Ashu patted him n dighed"Rohan..apni khushi me quai baar hum doosron ke ghum bhool jaate hain...joy is a surge..its like a flood...takes quite a bit with itself..anyway i d leave now"!

Ashutosh drove home...thinking about the condition nidhi must be in..her sorrow..which might re emerge each day??was being a paediatrician a right thing at this point of time??his cell buzzed...it was a mail from dr Pooja..

Ashu parked the car on one side n opened the e mail...

"The posterior wall is weak..considering hormonal levels,we may start the new pills of oestrogen from the next cycle..

Hope to improve the situation in 8 to 12 weeks..pregnancy not advisable before 24 weeks.

Thanks .

Dr Pooja.

Phone no 00

1145323456

Ashutosh sighed..he knew it was just the starting of a long drawn out battle..in which nidhi's emotional stability mattered a lot..nonly if people would understand...

If they would be more sensitive..or if she could be tougher..if he could insulate her in his arms..in his love...

Ashutosh parked his car n entered..baba was watching news.."nidhi aaraam kar rahi hai beta..kuch bataya dr ne..."??ashutosh just said"baba bahut thaka hoon..kal subah baat karenge..zara nidhi ke paas..."and baba smiled as his son closed the door of the bedroom..

**********

It was pitch dark..and it took a few moments for dr Ashutosh to get accustomed to the darkness..he looked for nidhi..she was sitting on the sofa..looking outside the window. ..he switched on the light..n nidhi blinked..immediately wiping her tears..and smiling as she got up to take his jacket..n give him his night suit...

Ashutosh caught her by her shoulders...n then put a finger under her chin..she tried to move away..but he held on...as he took her face in his hands ..n said"pyaar ka matlab..kuch bhi na chupaana.."!and nidhi lowered her eyes ..as Ashutosh could feel her whimpering trying to control her tears...he sighed..knowing what he gad said..he did nit want to see tears inher eyes...but he could not ket her burn in thus silent agony..he brought her close...n said as softly as possible..."ro lo..mann kuch halka ho jaayega.."!and Nidhi clutched onto his shirt n broke down silently at first then into uncontrolled sobs...as he just held her...cocooned from all that could hurt her...

Together they stood..united in grief ..as they had been in joy...together through all seasons..spring ..fall or winter...and Ashutosh softly kissed her neck n recalled something that baba had taught him.."if winter has come...can spring be far behind"???

THATS ALL...LETS HOPE ASHNI GET COLOURS OF LIFE

Quote

Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#74

Chapter seventy...

thoda sa badal.. thoda sa pani.. aur ek kahani...

To all my friends who are so understanding n non complaining.

Ashutosh came to baba's room at night ..n baba looked up from the book "Geeta Rahasya"that he was reading..Ashu sighed as he just sat at his feet and baba smiled calmly.."ashu..kal se nidhi ka aspataal.."??ashu nodded "jee baba she joins from tomorrow. .in a way its good shed be busy but i am a lil nervous..i mean jitni sensitive ho gayi hai..pata nahi kis situation mei kaise react karegi..darta hoon..kahi usse kisi baat se thes na pahunche "!

Baba lept the book but said"beta geeta mei bhagwaan krishna kehte hain...ki karm ker..kyunki wahi hai buss tere haath mein..to buss Ashu ..do your best and leave the rest to God"!

Ashu nodded..as he got up n said "dr Pooja se touch me hoon..lets see..i have kept nidhi also in the loop..but its a long drawn battle baba..u are a dr.."

Baba soghed n said"beta main sab samajhta hoon..aur let me be honest..intezaar mujhe bhi bahut tha apne pote ya poti ka..per beta asal mei iss ghar ki khushi tu aur nidhi ho..tum sath raho..bachche ho ya na ho..kya farq padta hai..yeh ghar to mudhi ki hansi se aabaad hai..aur rahega..mujhe aur kuch nahi chahiye..bus woh bechari bachchi iss sadme se nikal aaye baahar..dekh KGH me busy rahegi..kuch doston se milegi.."Ashutosh nodded as he got up..stopping at the door and clearing his throat as baba had restarted his book..baba looked up"kuch kehna chahta hai aur"??Ashutosh smiled with an effort n said"babameri himmat..meri taquat aap hain."!baba laughed n then turning serious added"ashu jab main tujhe laaya tha na to teri aankhein tere hont udaas they..honton pe to dheere dheere muskarahat aa gayi..per aankhon me chamak to woh shokh chanchal intern hi layi..kyun dr Hardstone"??and Ashutosh almost laughed as he shut the door!

***************

Nidhi was arranging her clothes for the next day..a pale sari n a co trast jade blouseand then took out dr Ashutosh's suit n shirt..and tie..as she stood in front of the open wardrobe lost in thoughts..dr Ashutosh kept standing behind her till finally he held her by the shoulders n asked.."kya soch rahi ho..aur sari khareedni hain"??nidhi smiled n shook her head "nahi..buss yaad kar rahi thi..shaadi se pehle jab jabhi aapki wardrobe arrange karti thi..i think 3 baar.."ashutosh held her .."yaad hai..ek baar shirt mei button bhi kagaaya tha..pehne pehne.."!n nidhi blushed..as Ashutosh added "kaka bahut khush rehte hain tumse..kyunki tum itna dhyaan ..itna khayal rakhti ho mera.."

Nidhi looked away.."aur kuch to de nahi saki apko..is ghar ko..kum se kum.kuch kaam to kar hi sakti hoon.."!Dr Ashutosh tightened both his jaw n his grip on his wife's shoulder n said"nidhi..i want to say something..i really want to..suno meri baat ..kyunki main basr baar nahi keh paaoonga..i am not good at words..

NIDHI..TUM MERI PATNI HO..ISS GHAR KI BAHU HO..PER USS SAB SE ZYAADA..TUM EK AURAT HO..EK EDUCATED DOCTOR HO..TUM APNA POORA ASTITVA ..POORA LOCUS OF EXISTENCE SIRF MOTHERHOOD PE KYUN RAKHTI HO??ISS GHAR KO..SOCIETY KO KGH KO..TUMSE AUR EXPECTATIONS HAIN..JUNHE TUM BAKHOOBI NIBHA RAHI HO..AUR RAHI BAAT MERI..TO NIDHI..MAIN TUMSE PYAAR KARTA HOON..TUMSE SHAADI KI..POORE SAMAJ SE JHAGAD KE..KYUNKI MAIN JEE NAHI SAKTA TUMHAARE BINA..SAAN BHI NAHI LE SAKTA..HUMAARA RISHTA EK BABY PE NAHI TIKA HAI..MAIN JAANTA HOON TUM SAPNE DEKHTI HO USKE..MAIN BHI BHOOLA NAHI HOON USS TOOTE KHWAAB KO..PER NIDHI WAHI WAJOOD NAHI HAI HUMAARE RISHTE KA..HUMARI ZINDAGI KA..KYA HUM DONO BACHCHE KE BAGAIR KHUSH NAHI REH SAKTE..KYA MAIN TUMHE PYAAR NAHI KARTA..KYA YEH QUAAFI NAHI HAI NIDHI??MERE LIYE ...SACH MEIN..SUBAH UTH KE TUMHE APNI BAGAL MEI DEKHNA..YEH EHSAAS KARNA KI AB TUM HUMESHA MERE KAMRE..MERE GHAR..MERI ZINDAGI ME RAHOGI QUAAFI HAI."!!Nidhi couldn't answer she just held on to her husband's torso..and put her head against his chest..no more words were required...

"Nidhi..i have to rush..there is an emergency..u have to reach at 10..Priyanka se mil lena..u have already joined..ok"??said dr Ashutosh knocking at the toilet door as nidhi was bathing..she almost rushed out with a towel around her.."tab..whom do i report to..?"as her towel almost fell..Ashutosh smiled as he wrapped it around her bust n patted her cheek.."kahaa na ..Priyanka se mil lena..i have fixed everything. .jaaoon ab"?and nidhi smiled..blushed n twinkled at the same time..as she ran back n dr Ashutosh left with a sigh in his heart..but a smile on his lips..n yes hope in his eyes...Dr Nidhi..now his nidhi..was returning to KGH..it was sunshine time at KGH..and dr Ashutosh drove off.recalling how he had met with an accident a few years ago..n met his love of life..

He hummed after a long time..

Zindagi ek safar hai suhana..

Yahaan kal kya ho kisne jaana..

**************

Nidhi knocked at Dr Priyanka 's cabin and as she entered n said "hi...ma'm"!priyanka laughed n got up..hugging her "achcha to main MAM ho gayi..hut buddhu..we are friends..yaad rakhna"!!and nidhi warmed up..nervousness disappeared..as nidhi was taken to her cabin n Priyanka explained that shed be the paediatrician will be in charge of the children's ward..and d oversee the opd twice a week.

Nidhi sat on her chair n took a deep breath..the cabin smelt of dr Ashutosh's care..it had his impression everywhere..and nidhi kept her purse..wore her white coat with the badge "DR NIDHI ASHUTOSH.

PAEDIATRICIAN

KGH"

she walked for her first round with a stetho around her neck..she listened to the cases from the intern Poonam who followed her and the second door that dr nidhi knocked n entered was the one where her best friend Anji lay..rather sat crooning to her baby boy..kissing his chubby cheeks.She looked up as nidhi smiled n asked"how r both of u.."and anji smiled as Dr Poonam updated her about the vaccines ..n nidhi told ger to get the measles vaccine..and as Anji looked nervously ..nidhi deftly vaccinated the baby..n then caressed his hair..a faint flicker of emotion in her eyes..but then she patted anji n got up.."shaam ko miloongi..abhi round pe hoon"!!

And then walked out briskly ..on her job..it was after the pvt.wards that she entered the children's ward..the ward that housed underprivileged kids ..many of them suffering from TB or Hepatitis..n it was due to Dr Ashutosh's commitment that the ward had been working..and kids who would otherwise have died on the roads were now on the road to recovery...

Nidhi entered..as memories of dr Ashutosh n her initial days flooded her...

The kids were looking up at her..and most of them were new patients..12 of them..as nidhi smiled n introduced herself.."i am your dr NIDHI..aur tum sab ho mere best friends...ho na"??and the kids reciprocates..some smiled.

Some cheered n two younger ones ran n held nidhi's palloo...n nidhi smiled...her heart feeling the warmth of sunshine after a long time...

A muddle aged dr stood by the door and watched the scene..it was a sense of deja vu..he knew she was would strike a new relationship of love n warmth with these kids..he knew she would fill the world of kgh with smiles..all he wanted to affirm was that atleast a wisp of those smiles should reach her eyes too...he would do anything to see that twinkle in her eyes again...Dr Ashutosh stood silently..reminiscent of how years ago..this very girl..then a young vivacious intern had taught him..a lonely bitter Dr to smile...now life had indeed come a full circle..he had to bring a smile on thise lips..a colour in those eyes...

"Dr Nidhi..yeh sir ne kaha tha aapko dene ke liye.."it was sister sarla handing over the lunch box thst nidhi had packed n put in his cabin.."woh free hue "??the sister smiled"dr Ashutosh aur free??na re..aaj to 3 surgery..8 bajenge.."nidhi smiled as she continued compiling her reports for the day n then looked at her watch..it was 5.30.she had had a busy n absorbing day..after long ..really long no negativity had touched her..infact she had not had the time to think...she closed the files n yawned suddenly feeling v hungry..she opened the tiffin..two rotis had been eaten ..two remained eith bhindi n parwal..nidhi rolled them up n munched away..and then packing up ..walked to the kids ward..The kids were watching a tv show but seeing her they all smiled n asked"dr Nidhi aao na..lets play ludo.."nidhi smiled n replied"tomorrow ..pukka..aaj jaane do na.."and they all smiled as Nidhi ruffled their hair..and blew kisses at them..and walked to Anji's cabin...

'Arre aunty aap..."she was hugged by Shyama .."nidhi...kaisi hai beta..ab tu bata jaisa hai Anji ka beta"??nidhi smiled as she looked at the baby..sleeping blissfully "he s fine aunty..healthy hai...aur ..aur dimag se bhi theek hai..anji pe nahi gaya hai"!!😉😛..and Shyama laughed and opened the laddo box .."le laddoo kha"!and nidhi took one as Anji interrupted "moti ho jaayegi...watch ur calories.."nidhi laughed n said"aur tu..tu nahi hogi moti..."??Anji reparted"woh main to feed kar rahi hoon na baby ko...per tu..."and the moment seemed to freeze as nidhi kept the laddoo...and stood up..saying.."chalti hoon...ghar me bhi kaam hoga..."!Anji smiled as she added "jhoot to bol mat..jeejaji ek dum queen ki tarah rakhte hain tujhe..aur best part hai ki teri saas nahi hai..how lucky nidhi..."nidhi smiled as she waved bye..n was followed by Shtama aunty..who just held ger n said"beta..anji ki baat ka..."nidhi stopped her mid way n said"aunty..chalti hoon...aap chinta nahi kariye..i am ok..."!

Dr Ranganath entered the cabin..and looked at his son..with joy n pride..n then was about to eat the half laddoo..thinking it to be Anji's leftover but Anji stopped him"woh nidhi ka jootha hai..."Dr Ranganath listened in silence as anji narrated the incident..and ended .."i was not wrong..was i"??dr Ranganath stood up n smirked "anji...kya tum kabhi galat hoti ho??mujhe..maa ko..aur ab apni best friend ko chot pahuncha ke u ask ..if u are wrong??i am ashamed "and Anji seemed to lose her temper as she threw the file that was on the side table and Shyama aunty raised her voice"Anji..."At this juncture Dr Ashutosh entered.."hi anji..kaisi ho..n hows this lil one "??Anji was in a huff as she replied "jeejaji..sab mujhe hi gussa hote hain..aap bataiye ..."n Ashu listened..not saying anything..he got up n patted Anji n then walked out sighing...with Dr Ranga n Shyama following him.."sorry sir..."Ashu stopped n took a moment n then said"dont be silly dr Ranganath. ..aur aap Anji ka khayal rakhiye..motherhood us never easy...nidhi ko mai sambhaal loonga.."and then as Shyama aunty stood by him...he said"Anji aur Nidhi ke khwaab jaise aapas mein takra gaye hain...daur hai..guzar jaayega..bus hum bade hain..mature hain..hume dekhna hai ki..unke rishte mein daraar na aa jaye.."as Shyama folded her hands in front of dr Ashutosh. .he smiled"plz ..aap nidhi ki maa jaisi hain..umr me na sahi per rishte me aapse chota hoon main..plz haath nahi jodiye..aur sach maniye to..mujhe khushi hai ki Anji mein motherhood sprout kar rahi hai...its good.."Shyama interrupted "aur Nidhi..."??Dr Ashutosh shook his head and replied"dheere dheere sab zakhm bhar jaate hain..ya hum unke saath jeena seekh lete hain...nidhi ko bhi seekhna hoga...aur phir main hoon nidhi ke saath..humesha.."and he walked off...as Shtama stood tooted to the dpot wondering why had the world taken so long to recognise the love of this middle aged man for his bubbly intern...it was not an infatuation. .it was a love as strong as an oak..n as evergreen as a deodar..it was beyond reasons..it was beyond seasons...

"Aaj kitni der ho gayi..chaliye dinner pe..Armaanji bhi hain aaj.."it was a seemingly busy nidhi who took Dr Ashutosh's ciat n stetho n gave him his tees n tracks.."kurta pyjama pehnenge kya"??asked nidhi..n Ashu answeted"whatever u give.."and nidhi smiled..as she took out a whilte kurta pyjama instead ..n soon the family sat for dinner..hari pyaaz..alo tamatar n boondi raayta..as armaan said"tab nidhi..thak gayi.."??nidhi replied stuffing her bite "hmmm v busy..but kum se kum books nahi padhni padi.."!!baba laughed n asked "koi tough case...handle kiya"??before she could reply Armaan quipped "kya baba..roz to bechari din rast handle karti hai na iss tough case ko..dr hardstone"!!and all laughed..as nidhi spoke ..in a voice that was different"sach baba..children's ward me jaa ke bahut achcha laga..un bachchon ko treat karna..unke saath khelna..it was..."and she got up midway.."bus i am full..."and got up..baba looked at Ashu who signalled that he understood she was hiding her tears...

It was at 9.40 that she entered the bedroom in her pink cotton nightie and sat on the sofa...As dr Ashutosh looked up from his study table.."baal nahi ponchogi.."??and she didn't reply..probably hadn't heard...ashutosh stood up..closed his book n got a towel...as he tenderly dried her long tresses..tresses under which he had felt the flaming of unbridled passion..but tresses which needed his tending tonight..he got a comb...n tried to smoothen them...as nidhi closed her eyes...the events of Anji's room ..the way the tiny kids of the ward had held on to her pallo..all tugging at her heart...but what echoed the loudest was the silence of the man who was holding her silently..protectively..tenderly..Nidhi dropped a kiss on his warm hand..playing with his fingers..with the band she had given him..n he always wore that..she smiled n turned "jaante hain..sochti hoon apni first salary se aapke liye ek diamond ring khareedoon.."and he laughed"aur phir mujhse return gift maangogi..."??and nidhi stood still...looking into those deep eyes..calm like the ocean..ready to abdorb all her agony her pain n sorrow...

Ashutosh hugged her n said.."mujhe to mera evershining diamond mil gaya..haan suit khateed dena is gareeb neurosurgeon ko"!!and she laughed "aap aur gareeb"??n he caressed her "haan nidhi tumhare bina..itte baras ek tarah se gareeb..ya mahroom hi tha main..tumne sab diya. .pyaar saath..aur ..aur..bhindi masala"!and they laughed...

It was much later as nidhi slept..in deep slumber..and dr Ashutosh kept gazing at her..his emotions for her..a rainbow of varied colours..yes he admired her..was attracted to her vivaciousness,had no shame in admitting he desired her...but more than that he wanted to protect her..to cocoon her from all or any barb that could hit her..he could give away all that he possessed to bring a smile on that face..

She was his student..his intern..his responsibility. .n most of all his love n his life..

The difference if 18 long years ..gave a texture to their relationship. .his caution n her gay abandon..his maturity n her spontaneity. .his calm n her bubbliness..yes they were not an ordinary couple..their love had many strands..many threads..many colours but one thing was certain ..the interwoven strands were so strong..so deeply intricately woven that nothing..age gap..time..or loss could undo or erode them..they were truly together..forever..

Ashutosh sighed n smiled n then dropping a kiss on her forehead lay down ..facing the lamp..looking at her pic by his side...only to feel her arms around him ...n he turned n she settled as always upon his chest...her haven of refuge from all travails...of life n time..their live would heal all wounds...sooner or later...

Quote

Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#75

Chapter seventy one...

Quile se ghar tak ka safar... Raja aur titli.. ( first anniversary special )

"Dekho na mummy..yeh doodh hi nahi pee raha.."!it was Anji who complained to Shyama as she entered her daughter's room..Shyama held the 4 day old baby n tried to assess...as dr Ranganath entered..looking tired n jaded..as Shyama aunty reported he seemed worried.."having a close look he said..dr nidhi needs to come..i d call her"!and he dialled...anji seeming close to tears ..as the baby cried inconsolably...

****

Nidhi was packing dr Ashutosh 's n her own tiffin of Pav bhaji with salad when the cell rang and she took it...

Ashutosh who was in a lazy mood ..still in his kurta pyjama reading the newspaper. .looked up n raised his eyebrow..nidhi seemed worried.."anji ke baby ko problem hai..feed nahi le raha..id rush..aap..."Ashutosh got up.."tum chalo..id get ready n come..n yes do not panic..maybe its just colic .."nidhi nodded n was gone leaving both the tiffins on the table!

As dr Ashutosh emerged,baba said "beta ..yaad hai kal...kal ka din..jab.."!Ashutosh nodded "jee baba..yad hai..humari shadi ko ek baras ho jaayega"!Armaan interrupted.."party..."??Ashu seemed confused.."dekhta hoon..maybe just spend some time with her...bujhi bujhi se rehti hai..dekhiye khana bhool gayi apna...chalta hoon baba.."!and he left carrying both the tiffins ..and contemplating what should he do that d bring a smile to the face that had lit up his life ..made his house a home!

***********

"Kya hua Anji..why didn't u call me..kab se nahi pee raha doodh..kal to theek tha.."!Nidhi put the stetho to check the baby's chest and then felt his abdomen with her hands..."seems hard..kuch infection ..maybe..but how..let me check for fever..."and she timed the pulse n inserted the thermometer in his tiny ear.."100.4F...but how"??Nidhi looked at Anji n so did Shyama aunty..Shyama aunty narrowed her eyes n asked"anji tu ne kuch baahar ka to nahi khaaya..."Anji shook her head nervously as Dr Ranganath gave her a questioning look...Shyama repeated the question and Anji seemed nervous...Nidhi cajoled "Anji you need to tell the truth..otherwise how d i treat him..."!Anji lowered her head n whispered..."woh kal shaam ..mere designer friends aaye the..so they had got some tikki chaat...i had some..unhone hi force kiya "!!dr Ranganath breathed in sharply and said in a steely voice"waah log flowers laaye hain..cards laate hain..aapke dost chaat laye they. .u must have told them..spicy food ke bina reh nahi sakti ho tum..chahe yeh bechara marr jaye..kuch fiqr hai..he s got the infection through the milk..."!

Anji seemed defiant.."but i am fine..mujhe to kuch hua nahi.."nidhi looked up from the baby n said formly"Anji use ur head..u are an adult..n he is 4 days old..naturally more susceptible. .anyway..let me treat him..n tumko antibiotics de rahi hoon taki latent infection control ho..he can't have ur feed for 24 hrs.."Anji looked aghast as nidhi took the baby.."to..woh..hungry rahega kya..."!nishi smiled.."dont worry..formula feed is safe..wahi karati hoon..just let me work..will you plz"!and nidhi went out to return with a new sterilised bottle and a box of lactogen..she made 2 ounce milk ..shaking the bottle well..n testing the temperature she held the baby in her arms n fed him...the baby suckled...as nidhi caressed him with one hand ..n crooned ..Shyama aunty fought back her tears..Dr Ranganath had a deep softness in his eyes ..but anji seemed agitated.."laa mujhe de..i can do it..."and the baby cried 'eee"!

Nidhi was irritated she looked at Anji defiantly n said"Anji stop being a donkey..tere bete ko snatch nahi kar rahi hoon..usse feed zuroori hai..n let me do my job..kal tak theek ho jaayegi tu..then he can have ur feed...milk me maine bifilac milaya hai..his infection d be controlled ..ab chupp.nahi to maaroongi tujhe"!and turned around to feedthe baby..moving around and crooning a lullaby. .As dr Ashutosh walked in..through the door..nidhi was facing away..but he could see the baby's feet n nidhi crooning...he stood ..mesmerised as shyama aunty came n stood next to him..and he kept looking at nidhi..n the poignant motherly way in which she was caressing the baby...

As she kept the bottle away..and put the baby in Anji's arms..patting her sulking friend..she turned around wiping a tear...but there stood her Rick of Gibraltar. ..n she smiled..hiding all her grief..n pushing her hair back..she said"mild stomach infection. .nothing worrisome..ab i am off to the Kids ward..."and as she walked ..Ashutosh tapped her on the shoulder n raised her yelliw lunch box...nd she smiled"thank you..itti fiqr kyun karte hain aap..."!Dr Ashutosh didnt reply..just smiled n said"surgery me jaa raha hoon..lynch kha lena..samjhi"??n she nodded..."jee"!

Dr Ashutosh emerged from his OT at 3,somehow feeling very hungry ,he asked laxmi bai about nidhi n ws informed that nidhi was assisting dr Mirchandani in a child's appendix removal n would take another hour or so ..Ashutosh sighed and began to eat his lunch,pavs eith minimal butter n bhaji with loads of salad..nidhi cooked so very well..he smiled realising how she had ignited the love for food in him..it was not only the way she cooked but the general joy that she permeated around n that rubbed on to him..yes he was very happy..very happy inspite of the incomplete feel..that nidhi had..n he too sometimes felt..yes she had sparked that buried desire of fatherhood ..yes he missed those moments when he d put his hand across her tummy to feel the life within..but then he had gulped down the bitterness of life because seeing nidhi in his home..waking up next to her..being secure that she would always remain his was probably all he wanted..it was enough..more than enough. .n yet he too hoped against hope that dr Pooja would work some magic..n that was for the sake of his nidhi's joy..to make her eyes spark again...or did he too nurture the dream..

Nidhi came out from the OT n after changing went into dr Ashutosh's cabin..she knocked..there wasn't any reply so she entered ..he was away..she looked around n saw his tiffin n opened to check whether he had eaten or not..she smiled as she saw a nearly empty tiffin..but for a piece of salad n v lil bhaji..nidhi smiled and took the piece in her hand..dipping it in the bhaji she savoured it...nothing seemed tastier than sharing his meal..she smiled to herself..the smile almost reaching her eyes .and she suddenly felt she was starving..she looked at her watch..she had about 20 mins ..she walked fast to hr cabin ..opened the yellow tiffin n almost gobbled up the food..taking a long deep breath..n wishing she could have some hot tea..but there ws hardly any time to go to the canteen...there was a knock at the door n she said"come in plz"n in walked Sulekha bai with a hot steaming cup of tea..as Nidhi gave her quizzical looks n the nurse who had been a wutness to this love story smiled n explained "dr Ashutosh ne kaha tha...ki jab aap lunch ker lein to chaai dene ko..thak gayi hogi OT mein.."and as nidhi seemed lost in the thoughts of the man who captivated her soul..Sulekha bai smiled n closed the cabin door..and nidhi took a sip of the adrak wali chai...the chai that had been the catalyst of their live story...n nidhi kissed the cup n said"aapko kaise humesha pata chal jaata hai ki mujhe kab kya chahiye..."!

***************

Nidhi completed the detailed round of the kids ward ..almost all the kids were doing fine ..There had been a wt gain in mamta who had TB n Raj was coughing less ..his chest was clear ..the symptoms of others were also positive ..except for the lil piyush who seemed flushed with a rash. .nidhi was a lil worried..was he hyper allergic or was it something else...she administered him a strong anti allergic n wrote her notings on the observation pad..and as she came to Pooja..lil homeless pooja who had congenital Emphysema ..and was surviving in one lung..whose mother ..a maid visited her but never took her home ..scared that the violent husband would just beat her as well as the daughter..whose paternity he doubted..nidhi caressed Pooja..pooja for whom hospital was home..who knew no other home..no other sanctuary..except the institution of dr Ashutosh! Oh this is what made nidhi fall in love with him repeatedly..."pyaar baar baar hota hai..aapse"!!n he d smile n pull her nose to reply in his typically cryptic way"thank god doc!mujhse hi hota hai baar baar..kisi aur se hota to mushkil hoti"!!and she d pout...

Pooja's tug at her hand and lil Sanjay's pulling at the corner of her dupatta...nidhi smiled n lifted the three year old up in her arms..his chubbiness ..she adord n his non stop lisping was a pull at her heart strings..he was the child of a carpenter. .n like his mother suffered from epilepsy..dr Ashutosh was treating him himself..."Didi..stoly sunaao na peeease"!!and all the kids laughed ..as pooja nudged "yes didi please..mera bhi bahut mann hai"but another kid threw a spannner"Pooja tu to humesha se yahi hai aur yehin rahegi..teri mummy tujhe le ke to jaayengi nahi..tu to humesja apni choice ki story sunegi..."Nidhi could see tears dwell up in lil Pooja's eyes..n she chided the boy "hush!!!Pooja ko to hum jaane nahi dete..Pooja chali jaayegi to meri aur dr Ashutosh ki absence me iss ward ka khayal kaun rakhega bhala"!!!and kissed Pooja ..as kids looked at her intently n she started "aaj suno..Cindrella ki kahani..jise mila apna raj kumaar..."!!

"Kaise didi..bataao na..."and nidhi smiled as she began to enact the story ..with the kids spell bound ..lilSanjay following her holding her dupatta n imitating her actions...

Dr Ashutosh emerged in the corridor almost at the end of the story..when Cindrella was running away from the ball n her slipper was left behind..as nidhi ran ..she almost collided with him..his strong arms holding her..n Pooja smiling "mil gaya Cindrella ka prince"!!

"Nidhi...kya soch rahi ho.."??it was dr Ashutosh as he put his hand on nidhi's shoulder as she sat looking outside the window..a steaming cup of coffee in her hand..she smiled "buss yehi ki aapke sath coffee pete peete ek baras beetne ko aaya.."!Dr Ashutosh smiled n then putting his hand on the coffee mug and taking it from her..sipped it n returned..saying"byss issi coffee ki tarah hum sab kuch baant lenge..aise hi baras dar baras guzarte jaayenge..mausam badlenge ..nai rut aayengi..per.."nidhi looked into his eyes n completed"humaara pyaar sadaa aise hi rahega..."Ashutosh nodded n then plucked the mug n said"to dr nidhi..kal mera credit card kahaan halaal hoga"??"ya ghar pe party..bolo..anything u say"!!nidhi looked lost but then smiled slowly and added"salary to mili nahi ki aapko diamond ring de sakoon..."ashutosh laughed n said"chalo main de deta hoon tumhe..."nidhi shook her head"no..mujhe nahi mann...chutti bhi nahi mil sakti..abhi..buss ghar pe khaayenge..shayad Rohan aa jaye..woh to moctober ki baarish hai..bin bulaaya mehmaan"!!dr Ashutosh smiled n said "bhai mujhe to bin mausam barsaat aur Rohan dono bahut pasand hain.."Nidhi stood up and held dr Ashutosh n just held his hand ..n then his face..feeling his beard in her soft hands ..she wanted to say a lot..but somehow words were failing her..and she just stood there..till Ashutosh put his strong arms around her n drew her to him..cuddling her in a way that made her feel desired..protected n so very complete..really there was absolutely nothing to say...nothing at all..

The moment was silent n yet strong n resolute complete in itself..so much like the Ashni love...

"Kahaan gaye they itti subah.."asked a sleepy nidhi as dr Ashutosh entered the room and smiled at her..and took out a large cadbury dairy milk.."chalo..aaaj bina brush kare kha sakti ho..anniversary jo hai humaari"!!and nidhi giggled as she opened the wrapper took a big bite n said"thank you..n aapko bhi..idhar aaiye na ..have a bite "!!dr Ashutosh laughed n said"ab dr Nidhi..aapke pyaar me paagal to main hoon per itta bhi nahi ki bina brush kare chocolate kha loon...haan per i dont mind..agar..."and he kissed her chocolate lips..n said"hmmm...yes achchi thi.."!!nidhi asked"kyya main ya chocolate"??n he reverted"difficult question to answer..."and nidhi threw a pillow at him!!

Nidhi emerged in a plain yellow n mustard cotton with her mangalsutra ..and she bent to touch baba4 feet..as he hugged both of them n said"kitna shukriya karoon tera..iss makaan ko ghar banane ka..mujhe mere Ashu se phir milane ka..aur .."armaan added"dr Hardstone ko dr heart throb banane ka"!!nidhi smiled n replied"baba..kuch shukriya to mere huq me hain hi nahi shayad..but aap na hote..armaanji na hote to hum dono kabhi ek na ho paate.."

"Lo ji..isse kehte hain height of selfishness!!meri to salary khatm ho gayi aapko ghuma ghuma ke..kerala phone ker ke ..aur mera kahin naam bhi nahi..not fair nudhi ji...aur jab zuroorat ho to "Rohan ..maggi bana de "!!"and all laughed..nidhi the most as dr Ashutosh went up n hugged Rohan n said"yaad hai na maine kaha tha..jo tum ho nidhi ke liye woh shayad main bhi nahi..tumne uski aankhon mei khushi laa di..thank you Rohan ..thank you so much..."!

Rohan laughed"oye sirjee..iss dhoke me rehna nahi..yeh jo smile wile hain a ..yeh girls hume nahi humari gifts ko deti hain buss..."n then walking to nidhi he handed her a boquet n a big bumper pack of MAGGI ..n to Ashutosh a heart shaped agony pad for clutching..."sir this will help u to cope up with my best friend dr nidhi..urf miss maggi..sorry mes maggi Ashutosh. .waise naam achcha hai..."and nidhi ran after Rohan...as mathur mansion seemed to smile...

************

"Dr Ashutosh..aapka kya schedule hai aaj"??asked nidhi as they drove together .."surgery gets over by 3 ..unless there is an...emergency..dont worry..shaam ko looong drive pe chalenge..chahe kitti bhi der ho jaaye..ok"??and she smiled as he held her hand...

Nidhi was busy very busy through out the day..and it was at 4 that dr Priyanka jyothika n others came to call her ...as she emerged..they gave her a big cake n said "chal den mei..wahaan jaane ki himmat to tu hi ker sakti hai buss..."nidhi smiled n took them..they knocked but there was no reply...they entered..his coat wasn't there..that means he was not in OT..where was he...Dr Priyanka smiled"never mind..lets keep it here..jab sir aayenge to hume bula lena ok"??

Nidhi fiddled with things ..not understanding where could he be...till a thought came to her mind n she walked towards the kids ward...

Dr Ashutosh was sitting there..lil Sanjay in his lap..n Pooja sitting next to him..he was playing games with his fingers..showing them child like magic..till Sanjay lisped "dr Ashutos ..stoly peeease"!!and Others prodded "sir plz..wahi jo aap sunate they..hume Shehanshah ne bataya tha..Titli ki story..."!dr Ashutosh smiled..his ears seem to turn pink..but he cleared his throat..n said "sunoge ...to suno..Raja aur titli..."!

As he settled on a chair with Sanjay in his lap..n pooja sitting close by..others settled around him...as he started

"Ab tumhe yeh to pata hi hoga ki khadoos Raja apne quile me kisi ko daakhil nahi hone deta tha..bus akele..woh aur uski tanhaai...per yeh jo titli thi..rang birange pankhon wali..yeh aake khidki ke baahar baith gayi..aur baithi to maano fevicol se chipak gayi..udne ka naam hi na le..buss apne pankh phadphada ke Raja ko impress karti rehti...dheere dheere Raja ka quila jo black n white tha..titli ke rangon se bharne kaga..pink aur purple..green aur red..."Jay said"jaise colours dr nidhi pehanti hain..."Ashutosh nodded ...and went on.."anb Raja ko bhi intezaar rehta tha ki kab titli aaye aur woh khidki khole apni...aur phir ek din..pata hai Raja ne kya kiya, ??"and the kids spoke in unison "kya dr..kya kiya"??dr Ashutosh replied "Raja ne ek din Titli ko apne quile mein bula lita aur khidki band ker li...buss ab titli rehti hai Raja ke saath..."!!

"Aur quile ka kya hua"??asked the kids ..

Ashutosh laughed"quile ka kya hua...kila toot gaya kab ka...ab wahaan ek ghar hai..chota saa..aur wahin Raja aur titli rehte hain..aur jaante ho..titli maggi banati hai raat ko..aur Raja bhi seekh raha hai..rangon se pyaar..."the kids clapped as Pooja whispeted to Sanjay...who giggled n clapped and said"mujhe pata hai..Raja hain aap..aur titli hain nidhi didi...woh khati hain maggi..."!!Ashutosh laughed...as nidhi who had been standing behind the door wanted to move back to wipe her tears..but he called " eavesdropping is a bad habit...doc..come right in"!!and as she entered the kids clapped n just then Sulekha bai entered with pastries..fruits n maggi for each child...as dr ashutosh n nidhi gave each child ..till pooja asked"sir yeh party kyun hai"??and dr Ashutosh replied"beta..party kabhi bhi ..kahin bhi ho sakti hai..titli ne yeh sikhaaya Raja ko..iss ek baras mei..Titli ko Raja ke kile ko ghar banaye hue poora ek baras ho gaya..."!!and then he got up..n looked at nidhi ..as dhe kissed the kids n they waved...

Raja n Titli cut the cake with the drs...n it was at 7 that they drove back...in silence.of perfect symphony...as Titli asked the Raja.."Raja khush hai titlu ke saath..."??Raja smiled n replied"hmmm...titli ne Raja ko khushi ka ehsaas sikhaaya...rangon ki duniya dikhaayi..uski duniya khushiyon se bharr di..uski aankhon ko khwaab diye...aur jab tak titli Hai Raja ke saath..tab tak.Raja hur dukh jhel sakta gai..bus usse uski titli ke pankhon ki sarsarahat sunaiye deti rahe..bus..itti si khwaaish hai ...bolo poori hogi.."??n nidhi replied"jee"!!!!!

Quote

Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#76

Chapter seventy two...

Muskurahat...

"Nidhi...just listen for a second.."it was dr Ashutosh pulling dr nidhi's hand from the kid's ward at about 6 p.m."i have to go to PGI to meet dr Bhagat..n Sudhir zara ek case discuss karna hai..thodi der hogi..u can go home.."nidhi was a lil surprised. ."kab tak aayenge "??he patted her n said:"dont worry..aa jaaoonga..ab kahaan jaaoonga"!and nidhi smiled as Dr Ashutosh walked away n nidhi stood looking at his handsome figure walk away!

*************

Dr Ashutosh drove to the PGI where the drs were awaiting him..for different reasons..dr Sudhir because Ashutosh wanted to discuss the case with him..n dr Bhagat because he was connected to this case in a strange way..n yess the case was nidhi..his nidhi!

Nidhi's cycle was almost over n he had e mailed to dr Pooja n even had a short conversation ..the talk had made him realise what had been a lingering doubt..this dr Pooja was none other than dr Pooja Bhagat..his one time junior ..n the one time wife of dr Bhagat...yess he still remembered he had been a witness to their court marriage..years ago..more than a decade back..probably longer..

He wanted to talk to Sudhir about what Dr Pooja had said n to dr Bhagat..that Dr Pooja..was his Pooja...

As he entered ..dr Sudhir was waiting .."arre Ashutosh kya hua.."?dr Ashutosh sat n sighed.."bhagat"??Sudhir replied "he has gone for a surgery..a short one..buss abhi aa jaayega.."Ashutosh nodded as he explained "i had talked to this dr Pooja..as now nidhi is nearly over with this cycle..she has sent this mail..basically for u..her gynaec.."and he showed him the cell..as Sudhir read n contemplated "so we start 5 days from now with oestrogen shots ..n a course of calcium for 2 weeks then Progesterone. .."Ashutosh looked up..as Sudhir nodded"it does make sense..because the alternation of hormones d help to heal the inner walls of uterus..but thats the first step..the second step that is implantation ..will it be possible or not..i am not too sure..in such cases the patient has to be resilient..n positive..also after 3 weeks we would have to tie up for a meeting with dr Pooja.."!dr Ashutosh smiled n said"Dr Pooja has said she is coming to chennai for presenting a paper in about 3 weeks..so we can call her here..or take nidhi to..."!Dr Sudhir got up n said"thats great..buss keep nidhi in the loop..n lets hope for the best..hopefully she should be able to..conceive.."!And dr Sudhir got up to leave ..n then as an afterthought asked "but why did u call me here..."??Ashutosh smiled a lil sadly n replied "because..dr Pooja is none other than dr Pooja bhagat..dr Bhagat's estranged wife..."and both looked at the door where stood dr bhagat...a strange softness in his eyes...

Dr Sudhir smiled..and got up..stopping at the door he looked at Bhagat n said"remember second innings is always more important than the first.."and he walked out as dr Bhagat sat in his chair..and looked at Ashutosh. ."mujhe ehsaas tha..per sure nahi tha..aur waise bhi woh to kisi doosre zamaane ki baat lagti hai..ab kya faayda yaad kar ke..humara rishta to bujhi hui raakh ka dher hai..jaise"!!Ashutosh smiled n got up n then said"Bhagat..bujhi hui raakh mei bhi chingaari to rehti hai.."and he waved at his one time junior ..leaving him alone with his memories...

***********

"So Advit..whats the plan today ..we can go out for a drive.."??it was pooja as she served sandwich to her son..all set for school..he made a face n then said"we d drive to that water park..it has an indian restaurant too..what say mamma"??and pooja smiled..as she nodded and her son kissed her on the cheek before saying bye n rushing to the school bus..

Pooja sat lost in thoughts..talking to dr Ashutosh had been a revelation. .a revelation to her feelings..to the fact that the past still lived in her..or did she still live in the past..the conversation had sprouted the times of lucknow..the college..the romance..n the marriage..how she had walked out of her parents'home..to marry..they wanted her to pursue a career..do research..but she had felt her eorld was only one man..dr Arvind Bhagat...

Dr Ashutosh had been their senior..their friend and also the witness...but then the bliss had hardly lasted..she still recalled the feel of emptiness when she had walked out of the marriage to pursue her resaech in USA..determined to abort the baby...much as dr Bhagat had begged her not to...she had even entered a clinic in New York for the D&C when..something had stirred her to retrace her steps..till date..10 years hence she was unable to make out what it was..was it love for the unborn baby or for his dad ...!!Pooja wiped her tears ...got ready for the day..another day of life without dr Bhagat!!

***********

"Aa gaye aap.."and Ashutosh caressed nidhi's hair as she took his bag n stetho.."kya hua..badi khush ho.."??nidhi smiled"aap fresh honke aaiye to batati hoon.."!Ashutosh nodded..but when he emerged nidhi was not there..she was tslking over the phone..to someone at the hospital..he couldn't make out the context of the conversation. .throwing the towel..he came to her n she ended the call n explained"yehi to batana tha aapko..aapke jaane ke baad..a lady from Andrews Ganj got a lil baby..a boy about 18 months old..it seems abandoned hai..he was found in the neighbourhood ..helpless yesterday..she tried finding her parents but of no avail..so she got him to us..as he was running fever..i took him..in ..its our policy..maine kuch wrong to nahi kiya na..??she has given her address n no.n she d keep trying to find..ab kal we can contact the police too...bahut cute baby hai..aur maine jaise hi uthaaya..he kind of stuck to me...sula ke aayi..bolta hai..just a lil..."nidhi seemed to be lost in a dream...a reality..which was her long desired dream..and then looking up at Ashutosh she asked"aapka case..how was it..."??Dr Ashutosh held her face ..in his hands...n then looking straight into her eyes ..he said"we were discussing u..dr Pooja n i talked..she has recommended oestrogen n calcium from this week..n then Progesterone. .lets see..but you have to be strong..its not going to be easy..we might fail..jaanti ho na..n yaad rakhna maine jo kaha tha...main aur tum sath gain..mere liye yehi kaafi hai..bus"!!nidhi nodded n added"jaanti hoon..ab chaliye kha leejiye kuch..aur dekhiye ..is new baby ki snaps...i took them..hai na ek dum living toy jaisa..."and as Ashutosh looked at the pictures of an extremely fair brown haired kid..nidhi kissed the picture ..n he seemed to gave a lump in his throat...

Quote

Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#77

Chapter seventy three...

kuch aisi kasak uss lamhe mein thi...

"Kitti der lagaa rahein hain aap..hospital nahi jaana kya"??it was nidhi prodding a relaxed Dr Ashutosh as he scanned the newspaper n she almost snatched it away ,putting the breakfast in front of him !baba laughed"bhai kya baat hai??aaj nidhi ko bahut jaldi hai hospital jaane ki"!!n nidhi smiled as she said"baba..inhone hi sikhaaya hai..never be late for duty.."!and dr Ashutosh went to get ready as nidhi packed the tiffins ,tea in a flask...n then opened the fridge to take out a few chocolates and took the entire cadbury bag that dr Ashutosh had brought for her just a couple of days back...

As dr Ashutosh drove n nidhi sat with him..she remarked"aapke saath hospital jaane ka mazaa hi kuch aur hai"!!and he smiled "lekin waapas aane mei der ho sakti hai..jaanti ho na"??she giggled n replied"of course i know...aapka intezaar to humesha karoongi..humesha"!!and dr Ashutosh squeezed her hand as he dud not miss the pun in the lines..but the big smile on nidhi's face was intriguing to him...what was giving her so much of joy??was it work??the hope of dr Pooja's treatment or the new entrant in the kid's ward??dr Ashutosh had a shadow pass across his eyes!!

Nidhi almost ran into KGH,putting the tiffin n flask in dr Ashutosh's cabin and as laxmi bai wanted to say something about the OPD she told her to follow as she hurried into the kid's ward!!

The kids were having their breakfast ,milk cereal n fruits and as they wished her n shed smiled back..her eyes kept looking for the new entrant till the ever understanding Pooja asked "aap uss smarty to dhoondh rahi ho na??dekho so raha hai..bed no.6 pe"!!and nidhi's eyes fliyted to the baby sleeping blissfully ..unaware of all around him!!

Nidhi looked at him with adulation and was about to hug him when the night nurse stopped her"dr nidhi..plz sone deejiye..raat me uth ke ro raha tha kaafi..bahut myshkil se sulaaya hai..shaayad apni family..apni maa ko miss kar raha hai..."!nidhi bit her lip...n asked the nurse "tabiyat to theek hai na iski"??she nodded n said"jee..kal raat mei dr Jyothika ne bhi examine kiya tha..medical parameters are fine but he s very irritable..aur khata nahi hai..kya oata apni maa kaa feed leta ho ab tak.."!!nidhi pushed her hair back..n with drew but not before giving lil Sanjay a hug n promising all of them a new game in the afternoon!

She addressed the new nurse on duty "bed no.6 ke baby ko koi problem ho to plzmujhe bulana OPD se...aur thoda dhyaan dena plz "!her eyes seemed to have a strange imploring in them..the elderly nurse smiled n said"dont worry..dr nidhi..i d call you"!nidhi walked to the OPD..secretly hoping that there would be fewer patients today..she was feeling a strange pull towards the children's ward..had the nameless baby made a place for himself in her heart??As she entered the OPD she was engulfed in the tide of patients ..the rush of life seemed to take over...

**********

It was at 2.30 that she got over with an unusually tough n long day at the OPD n hurried out..the nurse called "dr nidhi..aapka lunch.."she looked back and asked "dr Ashutosh kahaan hain "??and the nurse pointed to the red light of the OT n she smiled n forgetting all about her own lunch ..just peeped into his cabin..yes he had eaten..n she again picked a spoon of poha that he seemed to have deliberately left and felt deeply fulfilled..as if she had been satiated..and then she walked with brisk step to the kid's ward!!

All the kids seemed to be awaiting her..she checked the medical appraisal of each..administered medicines n then with a smile came to bed no.6 ...

Lo!!the baby had changed his attire..he was in a blue top n pyjama ..and as nidhi took him in his lap..the nurse explained "sir ne kaha tha change karne ko..unhone examine bhi kiya..theek hai per shaayad teething ho rahi hai.."!nidhi nodded ..so dr Ashutosh had come..n seen this cute lil baby..she got up with him in her arms..as he seemed to yell in agitation and pulled at nidhi's apron..his eyes catching her name label..n then her hair...nidhi asked him in an animated way.."ka hua...bolo..bolo to..."??but he did not comprehend..infact his face puckered and he began to sob!!

Pooja and other kids came around..their eyes concered "didi..woh kyun ro raha hai..??uski mamma kahaa hain"??to which someone replied"uski maama kho gayi na.."!!and lil Sanjay pulled at nidhi's pallu n said"nidhi didi...aap uski mamma bann jao to woh chup ho jaayega na..."!!and nidhi's eyes clouded ..n her lips had a smile...

On the doorway behind her stood dr Ashutosh ..just out of his surgery..!!

It was at about 7 that dr Ashutosh finally completed his work n looked around for nidhi..the nurse informed "kids ward mein hain..woh bachcha aayaa hai na..usko khilaa rahi hain...itta khush dr nidhi ko bahut din baad dekha hai sir.."dr Ashutosh did not reply but walked with firm steps..

Nidhi was playing with the kids..fly game "tota udd...mainaa udd..."and as Pooja lifted her finger on "doggie udd"all clapped at her stupidity..n nidhi admonished "no..."and to everyone's surprise the baby repeated loudly"nooo"!!nidhi was stupefied! !he had hardly responded so far..but he suddenly caught on the word "no..."did his mother say tthat often??was he a child of english speaking parents???where were they??

The questions seem to stare at nidhi..she just shrugged them aside n looked at the endearing kid n lifted him..n said "what should we call him..iska name kya rakhein"??n pooja responded "itta smart hai..ek dum fair..SMARTY kaisaa rahega"??and all clapped..nidhi hugged him tight n kissed him on the cheeks ..n then looking at the other kids ..she smiled "tum sab itte good kids ho..so a gift for all of u..."and she took out the pack of Cadbury n began to distribute. .with the kids giving her a hug...and dr Ashutosh standing tall..firm but very quiet behind her..unknown to her..till she stepped back n collided!!

"Arre aap kab aaye"??Ashutosh spoke "kaafi der se khadaa tha..tumne mujhe dekha hi nahi..."nidhi stood frozen for a second n then said"aapko dekhti nahi..mehsoos karti hoon main...buss aaj..."and he smiled as he waved a hullo to the kids who thanked him for the apples they loved in the morning n he promised grapes the next day.."but milk ke baad...milk is compulsory "!!n Smarty clapped n lisped "mill..."dr Ashutosh eyed him closely ...as he seemed to be drawn to the man in the suit..n to everybody's shock opened his arms n cried...Dr Ashutosh took him...n he touched his beard...n then looked into his eyes...as nidhi took the specs.."kahin tod na de..."and as the baby looked into Ashutosh's eyes...the sedate dr..the equinamous neurosurgeon seemed to have felt a strange tug at his heart strings...nidhi caught the moment and her heart seemed to have missed a beat...

Kuch aisi kasak uss lamhe me thi...

Dr Ashutosh cuddled the baby n then as Nidhi extended her arms ..he handed him over n then caressed his curly hair n said"Smarty..so jaao..ab"n pooja interrupted "woh english samajhta hai..english boliye"!!n Ashutosh smiled as he whistled at Smarty n said"sleep time Baby"!!and Smarty blinked his eyes..as Nidhi rocked him..as the kids seemed attracted to the small baby ..all enthralled n none jealous!

It was at 8 .30 that Nidhi tucked Smarty in his bed ,instructed the nurse n walked out..but not before looking back again .till she saw a patient dr Ashutosh stand at the main door..his hands in his trousers pockets!

As they drove..both were quiet..lost in their own thoughts..or were they worried about each other's emotions..or was it simply concern for Smarty??

*********

"Aaj badi der ho gayi beta tujhe...apni gaadi bhi nahi le gayi thi..to phuss gayi dr Hardstone ke chakkar mei"??nidhi laughed n said"abhi baba..dinner pe batati hoon sab kuch.."!!

As the family sat for dinner ,nidhi narrated the arrival of the lost child..n how he had become their Smarty!!Baba listened intently to the animated description of nidhi..but he also didn't miss the spark of joy in his Ashu's eyes!!He chose to keep quiet n just remarked.."to ek aur guest aayaa hai kids ward mein"!!and nidhi smiled missing his emphasis on the word "guest"!but dr Ashutosh never missed any signal of baba..his baba..

As nidhi tidied the kitchen with kaka,Ashutosh waited for her as he sat looking out of the french window..and reflecting of the relationship between himself n baba..a bond beyond blood...was another one in the making..he touched his beard..n recalled the soft hands of the child as he had touched it...and inadvertently he murmured "Smarty..."!!

Nidhi came in with coffee n smiled "Smarty ko yaad ker rahe hain na...humaara Smarty hai hi aisaa"!!

Ashutosh sipped his coffee and finally turned serious ..."nidhi..aao to idhar...mere paas"!!and nidhi who was arranging his suits but she got up n came ..to sit in Dr Ashutosh's lap..He took her hand..playing with her fingers.."kuch kehna chahte hain..."??He nodded"hmmm...kal shaam se tumhara progesterone course shuru ho raha hai..we d have to mail dr Pooja each day about how u feel...n then 10 days mein we d be meeting her...samajh rahi ho na tum??"

Nidhi nodded..and held his tee shirt...putting her head on his chest.."sab theek hoga..aaj bahut dino baad bahut positive feel kar rahi hoon..ek ajab khushi aa gayi hai..jaise pankh lag gaye hon..mujhe.."!!

Ashutosh caressed her hair n nidhi smiled remembering how Smarty had pulled at those..."jaante hain..aaj Smarty ne..."Ashutosh suddenly stood up..looking away from her...he said"nidhi..i wanted to tell you..Kal Smarty ki photo bhejni hogi police ko..press mein..you see we need to search for his parents...or family...koi to hoga...uske kapde..they were Tommy Hifiger..means he comes from a rich family..he seems to understand english..so maybe he has a foreign parent..."nidhi looked at him..and then spoke..."kya pata..ho sakta hai they are dead...or maybe have abandoned him..."Ashutosh turned...n held nidhi..lifting her face to look into her eyes..."nidhi..ho to kuch bhi sakta hai...per main nahi chahta ki tum koi jhoothi ummeed paalo...jab ummeed toot ti hai to..to khwaabon ke tootne se zyaada taqleef hoti hai"!Nidhi held on to him..and caressing his chest..she smiled"lekin uski dekh bhaal to karni hi hogi..hai na..usse aise to unlooked after nahi rehne de sakte na"??dr Ashutosh sighed but did not answer...he brought her to bed..and as she moved closer...he wanted to hold her n drown all thoughts n tensions..apprehensions..in their union...he kissed her..as she opened his tee shirt..

Hours later as they lay in each other's bare arms..tired n sleepy..their eyes closed in fatigue n hope..hope for the morrow..and asthe minds of both were preoccupied with how the treatment of dr Pooja would work out...but their eyes..reflected the new image in their heart...Nidhi recalled him cry "Nooo"n Ashutosh smiled as he remembered him touching his beard...yes Smarty captivated their thoughts...

The moment had become a part of them...

Quote

Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#78

Chapter Seventy four...

maangi thi ek dua... qubool hogi kya ??

Dr Bhagat kept his whiskey glass away and loosened his tie..it was 1 in the night but he could barely sleep..he knew Pooja was coming to Chennai for a conference. .and he knew it was Gis Pooja..or at least one time she was his..and he wondered what life would have been if she had not left him..if she hadn't been pregnant..wasn't it his fault too...the baby could have waited..they were still so young...he smiled a sad ..really sad smile..life doesn't wait for anyone..it had been 10 long years..he still remembered her signatures on the separation papers that he had sent...though surprisingly neither had pressed for a divorce. .but in today's world relationships were no loner dependent on legality...Dr Bhagat sighed as he recalled how she had left behind her chain..the chain with their pic in a heart shaoed pendent...wonder if she ever missed it..or him?? But why had she to abort the baby..she could have given it to him..he d have lived to bring up his son/daughter..but then...Dr bhagat rued...he sighed but inspite of all the loneliness all the bitterness..he could still not hate Pooja...The words of dr Sudhir rang in his ears"we indians play our second innings much better"!!did they have a second chance??would they meet again??maybe she could come to Lucknow to examine dr Nidhi n they could meet once..at least once more..maybe one last time!!

Dr Bhagat slipped into his night suit n fell onto the bed!

***********************

"Dr Ashutosh..yeh kaisa rahega Smarty ke liye..would he like it"??asked nidhi as she showed him the attractive Mickey Mouse toy!Ashutosh smiled n said"i think so..aaj uske photos bhi police ko bhejne hain..tv aur press mein..maybe he has parents...somewhere. ."nidhi looked into the sky visible from the dining room n whispered "maybe not..maybe they are dead or have abandoned him.."Ashutosh smiled as he looked at her with a deep look in his eyes..just as baba emerged looking rather grave and remarked"Ashu beta..nidhi ka injection laga..aaj to second wala hoga naa..dr se baat hui"??Dr Ashutosh sensed an unusual worry in Baba's voice as he answered "baba shaam ko lagega..aur dr Pooja saturday ko aa rahi hain Chennai.."baba nodded..as nidhi got up fondly holding the mickey mouse toy as they walked to the hospital...

*****************

Just as they entered Laxmi bai came running .."dr nidhi ..dekhiye na..Smarty subah se ro raha hai..doodh bhi nahi liya..aaiye na plz"and nidhi almost dropped her purse and ran to the kid's ward..dr Anita was holding the baby ..trying to calm him but he strtched his hands n yelled"ma..."and as nidhi ran to him..he almost jumped into her arms and clutched her

..n nidhi held him tight...and crooned "mera baby...dekho mamma aa gayi..mamma is here.."

As nidhi moved around with Smarty in his arms..lil Sanjay holding on to her dupatta n saying "didi..usse gaana sunao to so jaayega"!!and nidhi smiled as she sat on the bed n cuddled him ..n gave Sanjay a hug...Smarty lookedat the toy that she gave him...n aeeing it..he yelled once again n looked around helplessly yelling"paaapaaa"!!dr Ashutosh who was standing outsidecoulfnot control himself n moved in...as he took him from nidhi..the baby touched his beard again as if looking for familiarity..n then smiled n said"papa..."!!

Dr Ashutosh looked at nidhi..and found her unable to hold back her tears!!

Dr Ashutosh cuddled Smarty ..n baby talked him..the baby didn't seem to comprehend hindi but as dr Ashutosh began to talk in english..he seemed to comprehend n smiled..and dr Ashutosh then handed him over to Nidhi and said"feed him..n talk in english..its quite clear he understands only that language"!and he caressed the child n walked into his cabin..where inspector Samarth was awaiting him . Ashutosh smiled as the inspector got up and he sat him down n explained how Smarty had arrived..he handed him the photos that dr Ranganath had clicked n made him note that the baby understood only english ..n his complexion n hair did suggest that he could be a foreigner or of mixed parentage..The inspector nodded n replied that they d flash his pics on tv n publish them in papers n also make enquiries n till then Smarty d have to stay in KGH!

TO this dr Ashutosh smiled..a satisfied smile spreading into his eyes..

*************

It was after a busy day that he checked the opd records..Nidhi had been there ..n had now left for the kids ward..he smiled n rubbed his beard..whispering to himself "Smarty..."!just when the door opened..and baba walked in..Ashutosh seemed shocked!Baba smiled n patted his son..answering the question before he could ask it.."tujhse kuch important baat karni thi..so chala aaya..waqt hai na tere paas..teri PA ne bataya tu free hai abhi.."!Dr Ashutosh made him sit ..n baba requested "ashu ..main thoda pareshaan hoon..worried hoon..iss bachche ko leke..kya naam hai uska..Smarty.."Ashu looked up"kyun baba kya hua"??baba scratched his beard n replied"beta nidhi ka usse lagaav..."Ashutosh countered"so what baba..there is no harm..infact nidhi kitti khush rehti hai aajkal"!baba shook his head "no ashu..no..yeh bachcha koi khilona nahi hai jo tu nidhi ko de sakta hai uska jee behlaane ko..yeh ek zindagi hai..ek jeeta jaagta insaan..ek jaan"!

Ashutosh countered"i know baba..but bura kya hai..nidhi usse bahut attached hai..mujhe bhi bahut pyaara lagta hai..nidhi ka dol behal jaata hai..aur bhawishya ka kya pata..dekhte hain..maybe..we ..bring him home..."!Baba stood up..in agitatation "na Ashu na...usse adopt karne ki mat sochna..abhi nahi..."!Ashutosh raised his eyebrow..n baba answeted"ashu meri bast doosri thi..jab main tujhe laaya..tab tera koi nahi tha..i am sorry to say but u were an orphan..iss bachche ke baare me we r not sure..."Ashutosh tried to tell baba that police were trying to find his parents..but if they were alive why had they abandoned the baby..n why d they come back..

Baba sighed"Ashu..think logically..agar tum usse le aate ho..use adopt karne ki sochte ho..aur uske parents aa jaaye to??kya hasl hoga nidhi ka,??sambhaal sakegi woh apne aap ko..."??Ashutosh sat n sighed "baba..nidhi ke iss nazuk daur mein main day to day jeeta hoon..jis din uske chehre pe khushi rahe..woh din khoobsoorat hai...and medically aap jante hain..this relationship with Smarty d help her heal faster...much faster"!! Baba remained silent..n got up."ashu ..i know faisla bahut myshkil hai..aur jo bhi tum dono decide karoge main tumhare saath hoon..bus main nidhi ko..aur tujhe aur dukh mein nahi dekh sakta beta..koi aisi chot na laga lena beta jo naasoor ban jaye...

'Nidhi kya soch rahi ho.."??it was dr Ashutosh who looked from his study table to nidhi who sat on the sofa looking out into the darkness ..while he was posting her report to dr Pooja who was in flight to Chennai..he got up n came to her n caressing her hair he asked softly"is the injection hurting"??nidhi had taken the second progesterone shot..n he knew hirmonal shots created a physical n emotional whirl pool..nidhi shook her head n just put it down on his thighs..as he continued caressing her hair..understanding what was playing on her mind but not wanting to discuss it..Nidhi spoke"suniye..woh Smarty kab tak reh sakta hai kgh mein"??dr Ashutosh explained that the police were trying to locate his family n till then he could stay..Nidhi smiled n added"i dont think..uska koi hoga..hota to aata nahi..aap ko kya lagta hai.."??Ashu pursed his lios n then nidhi asked..what he had been expecting "suniye..agar uska koi bahi mila to..can we get him home..here..can we...ad.."dr Ashutosh cut her short as Baba's wise words came back to him n he said"i m sure uski family mil jaayegi..socho kitta khush hoga apne parents se mil ke"!!nidhi smiled wistfully as she said.."aapki beard kaise sehlata hai...aur bolta hai..Paaapaaa"!!Ashutosh wisely changed the topic n asked"coffeee"??n nidhi twinkled"india waali ya french"??and her middle aged hubby replied with a sedate smile "dono..."!!

Hours later as they lay in each others arms ..their clothes still lying discarded..nidhi caressed his chest hair n asked"aapko kya lagta hai..mil jaayenge Smarty ke parents..."??dr Ashutosh looked at her ..his eyes trying to hide his own live for the child..mind ruling over heart ..as he said"nidhi...let us search for his parents honestly..every child deserves the love of his parents"!nidhi countered"but maybe they have abandoned him...thrown him.."Ashutosh laughed at her wishful thinking..n did not reply..instead asked "dr Pooja is in chennai by morning..we d go to chennai for a day..."nidhi nodded...as she came closer..."suniye...aap sun rahe hain na...its not that i dont want our baby..but hum Smarty ko bhi to laa sakte hain na ghar...plzzz"Ashu looked at her..he couldn't bear the pleading note in her voice...as he held her to him..his chest firm against her soft marble breasts...n he spoke straight n firm "nidhi..Smarty ko huq hai apne parents ke paas jane ka..they must be missing him..ho sakta hai kisi mushkil me hon...but tes...i promise agar koi nahi aata hai ..uski family se..to we d bring him home..but plzzz nidhi..don't start dreaming..jab sapne toot jaate hain to kitna chubhte hain yeh tum jaanti ho..main tumhe dobara bikharte hue nahi dekh paaoonga..."!and nidhi lowered herself on his face ..kissing his benevolent eyes...n saying "Thank you..Ashutosh..."

Quote

Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#79

Chapter Seventy five...

Kaash...

"Nidhi..kal dopahar ki flight hai..dr Pooja se milne jaana hai na..we d return day after..by noon..so that we can catch up half day at the hospital..is it fine"?it was dr Ashutosh as he prinyed out the tickets n nidhi nodded..as she began to pack..n her hubby kept her medical reports n case history carefully..

"Suniye..hospital me to time hi nahi mila aapko..aaj..kych pata chala Smarty ki family ka"??

Dr Ashutosh shook his head n said"no..inspectorSamar has said hed flash his pics today on all english news channels even CNN BBC..lets see.."and then as a natural afterthought he added"kal miss karega hume..humara Smarty"!!Nidhi bit her lip ..but added"plz Laxmi bai ki night duty laga deejiyega..usse bahut attached hai Smarty..."and then as she closed the over night bag she repeated"Smarty..Smarty..pata nahi kaise zinda they hum Smarty ke aane se pehle.."!!and Dr Ashutosh smiled a smile..which had a touch of apprehension in it..

Nidhi sensed it as she came close to him..."i know..Smarty humaara nahi hai..shaayad kabhi na ho sake..per kya karoon..yeh kambakht dil maanta hi nahi"!Ashutosh did not say anything..he just walked away...after giving nidhi a deep long look...

**********

"Bhagat..kal..kal jaa rahe hain hum Chennai..Pooja se milne...would you like to..."it was a mature friend in dr Ashutosh who was testing the waters. .dr Bhagat laughed a hollow laugh"kya karoonga mil ke Sir..kya kahoonga..kya sunoonga..shaayad khaamoshi ke alaawa kuch hai nahi hum dono ke beech..there is no purpose..aur shaayad she has moved on..who knows..Sydney mei zindagi ki raftaar Lucknow se bahut tez hogi..pata nahi meri yaadon ki ret kab ki udd gayi hogi.."

Dr Ashutosh hung up..as nidhi came out..giving him questioning looks..he kept quiet.."kal..flight mei baat karenge..abhi bahut thak saa gaya hoon..

************

It was after a great many instructions that nidhi left the kid ward..n then just as she reached the door..she turned n ran back to hug Smarty..n the other kids as they squealed...n she smiled at laxmi bai who said"chinta nahi kariye..main jaanti hoon aapki jaan basti hai in bachchon mei..aur khaas ker ke iss naughty Smarty mein!!!"

Dr Ashutosh came in and rubbed his bearded cheek against a joyous Smarty's ..n then lifting lil pooja n Sanjay he said"kids..kal main aur dr Nidhi der se aayenge..you have to be good..really good kids..promise"??and the kids said yes in unison..with lil Smarty giving a confused smile...

*************

As the smile took off..Ashutosh caressed nidhi's hand and said"remember..the visit might be a disappointment. .its not easy..jaanti ho na..."??nidhi nodded..suddenly very quiet n sedate..the reality of their childlessness dawning on her as they flew away from Smarty..she held to his arm n enquired "aap kych kehna ..bataana chahte they.."??n Ashutosh began the long story of convoluted relat4of Dr Pooja n Dr Bhagat..n as he told her about how the pregnancy had ripped them apart..nidhi quietly looked out of the window..wiping her tears silently...

*********

"Mom...will u take me to the city where dad n u met...n stayed...can i meet him..atleast see him.."??it was what dr Pooja had always feared..Advit seemed to have an inexplicable yearning for his dad...could she put him off for long...n what if she told him the truth..the moment of reckoning was at hand...she had to tell him...

As she dressed in a sari..after ages..she looked into her son's reflection in the mirror..waiting for a reply as he solved sudokus by the second..he sure had the brains of dr Bhagat...she sighed..

N said"Advit...your dad doesn't know about you..he doesn't know you exist..."!

Advit looked at her with his eyes widening in surprise..or rather shock...n then filling with tears...

Dr Pooja had just finished presenting her paper in the specialist fertility conference when all through her mind n heart had been yearning for Advit whom she had left alone with his sudokus..Rubik's cube and i phone..the companions of a lonely child...had she been grossly unfair to him??she really wanted to bury her head like an ostrich in the sands of time..she was collecting her i pad n stuff when her cell buzzed...it was Advit.."hey mom..i am ok..kind of..dont panic..n yes do ur work..i am busy ..but come back for dinner..will you"?Pooja smiled n kissed the cell.."my darling..i d be there for sure..sweet heart..."and as she completed her convo n turned around..she came face to face with some one who had been her mentor ..kind of..years ago!Dr Ashutosh stood there..having heard her convo..he wondered if Bhagat had been right..life in Sydney was not as dlow as it was in Lucknow!!

Dr Pooja smiled ..n extended her hand "dr Ashutosh. .our dear dr Hardstone. ..so nice to see you...its been ages.."dr Ashutosh smiled..a warm smile though the pain of Bhagat lingered in his heart...and dr Pooja asked"so..where is the young mrs Ashutosh "??Ashutosh smiled n explained that nidhi was in the hotel room n ge wanted to brief her about her emotional condition..the murderous attempt of mallika..."can we meet for dinner..with nidhi"?asked dr Ashutosh. .to which Dr Pooja seemed non committed. .n dr Ashutosh recalled the convo"oh i see..u are busy.."and Dr Pooja just smiled as they sat in the coffee shop n she saw the reports..finally conceding "well it does seem bad...as i am sure y ou are aware of...but tell me why is your wife not ready to wait..i mean she us just 25...time us on her side.."Ashutosh kept quiet..but then spoke"dr pooja desire for motherhood is quite strange..n probably defies logic..some desire it ..some don't. .clearly nidhi..my wife does..n its playing on her psyche..she has now..."n he went on to explain the deep bond nidhi had developed with Smarty!

Pooja ruminated.."you know this bond may actually help her in hormonal healing..like its inexplicably common for childless women to conceive within months of adopting a baby..."Dr Ashutosh looked at her"we cant adopt this kid as of now..his parents might be found..n i shall not cheat in him ever.."!!Dr Pooja nodded"i know sir..ur ethics..they came down to all of us.."!

"Pooja i want u to tell me n nidhi the blatant truth..we need to live with it..nothing hurts more than lies..."!Dr Pooja looked with a strange look in her eyes...when her cell buzzed..n she grabbed it"yup sweetie..just coming..love u my darling"!!and as dr Ashutosh seemed uncomfortable. .she said"lets meet post dinner..give me ur room no...i d be there.."Dr Ashutosh looked at her a lil critically n said"101..we shall wait for u..that is if u can make it after dinner..."!Dr Pooja did not respond but walked away..her head held high..as Ashutosh suddenly felt v sad for Bhagat...it seems there was no hope for the second innings...

Dr Pooja looked at Nidhi..having examined her in the hotel room..as dr Ashutosh had stood silently. .nidhi looked up ..apprehensively as dr Pooja did not smile..finally nidhi spoke up"dr ..i d like to know if we do have any hope..am i healing fast enough"??

Dr Pooja looked from the young nidhi to the ageing Ashutosh n sighed"nidhi..let me be candid..you are healing but it might take a long time before ur uterus can nurture and sustain life ..for 9 months..right now even if u conceive. .you d not be able to carry it through..so best to wait..it may take sometime..maybe an year..or more..maybe never..i need to tell u the truth..

The only plus point is that age is on your side..n yes ur overall disposition is going to help u...so be happy..remain happy..and wait..in the mean time i am prescribing these hormonal pills..start taking them..but watch ur weight.."!

Nidhi smiled...with a deep thankfullness "thanx dr for telling me the facts..i d try to do as u have advised..."and then looking at dr Ashutosh n dr pooja she said"i and dr Ashutosh are so grateful to you..for having given us time..thanx "!drpooja patted nidhi n walked out..as dr Ashutosh followed her n exclaimed"thanx pooja...now atleast she knows the bitter truth..which is better than sweet lies..i d manage her...she d be heart broken..but never mind.."!pooja looked up..emotions mirroring her eyes"sir..ur wife us v sweet..n i really really hope my diagnosis is wrong..in gynaecological research we always say..never rule out wonders..so lets hope.."Ashutosh nodded as he cleared his throat n said"tomorrow we return ..to Lucknow..yaad hai lucknow"??Pooja bit her lip n turned as Ashutosh exclaimed .."Bhagat aaj bhi hai..wahi..jahaan tum chod ke gayee thee usse. ."but dr Pooja wasn't listening as she almost ean to the elevator...leaving Ashutosh a lil confused...till he turned around and entered his own suite...

Nidhi had changed..n sat by the window..the waves of the beach so clearly visible on thst moonlit night..Ashutosh stood behind her..and then carefully put his hands on her shoulders..expecting her to sob..she did not...she just sighed...n Ashu held her close..trying to fathom.her disappointment. .her pain..it was after about half an hour that he finally asked "nidhi..kya soch rahi ho..kuch sach accept karne padte hain...aur dekho hum dono hain na..."nidhi looked away ..n spoke"kuch baras pehle ..shayad do baras..mere liye aap ke saath se bada koi khwaab tha hi nahi..phir hum ek ho gaye..aur aankhon ne kya kya khwaab saja liye...kaash...kaash..dr mallika mujhse itti nafrat na karti...kash main itti nafrat ke laayak na hoti..kaash.."!Ashutosh held her tight...n caressed her.."hey..aisa nahi sochte...tumne meri zindagi badal di..mera kamra..mera ghar..meri subah aur shaam badal di...aur kaun jaanta hai...yeh khwaab bhi..."!Ashutosh stopped as his cell rang..ot was inspector Samar...there was a brief convo..n nidhi's eyes seem to light up...Ashutosh looked into them...n spoke"no response to Smarty's pics so far...shayad tumhe ..."n nidhi's eyes filled up with tears of hope...

It was after a light meal of a sandwich n soup that Ashutosh settled ..his eyes closed for a moment..trying to analyse his own thoughts..dod he not desire a child??had he forgiven msllika?could he ever do that??what could he do to assuage nidhi..his nidhi..his love. .who had already faced so much..

Nidhi came n settled close to him...as he opened his eyes n looked at her..into her eyes..which were so transparent...n ashutosh could take it no more...he held her n said"nidhi..lagta hai tumhara Smarty tumhe mil jaayega..pyaar kar sakogi usse??"nidhi suddenly whimpered...n said"aur aap..."!Ashutosh smiled..n held her...and said"kal airport se kuch toys le lena..wait kar raha hoga..."n then touching his beard ..he saidn nidhi completed "aur aapko choo ke kahega.."papppa"!!

********as inspector Samar settled in his bed...his phone beeped...there was a notification...

************

Ashu held nidhi in his sleep..caught in the web of a dream...in which he saw nidhi...n himself lost in a barren land...which seemed full of water...but as they braved the heat to reach it...it was just a mirage...n Ashutosh woke with a start...n his eyes softly looked at nidhi..sleeping innocently. .n murmured in her sleep...Smarty!

Quote

Bhavit Kapoor

@bawaswift

Stunner

Posted: 9 years ago

#80

Chapter Seventy six...

Zingagi kaisi hai paheli... haai...

"Chalo..buy whatever u wish to..."said dr Ashutosh to nidhi as they entered Mark &Spencers on way to the Chennai airport..

Nidhi's eyes seemed to be dancing with joy as she stood mesmerised in the baby section n then went into a tizzy picking up tees n shorts..bibs n socks n then toys as Ashutosh himself chose a few ..thinking of Smarty's smile n his gurgling "papppa"all the while..as he touched his beard..

It was after a mammoth 1 hr shopping that nidhi finally said"i feel we are done..ab rest when he arrives...hai na"??and dr Ashutosh nodded as she enquired "aap ne adoption cell se baat ki...aap to member hain adoption board ke..shouldn't be a problem.."?apprehension seemed to creep into her voice as Ashutosh said"dont worry..if he is unclaimed..which he is..we can adopt him"!!and nidhi almost hugged him..but stopped as he cleared his throat..self consciously suggesting this was not a proper place for public display of affection..

Dr Ashutosh was constantly hooked to his cell in the cab as finally nidhi asked"kiski call ka intezaar kar rahe hain"??and he replied"kisi ki bhi aa sakti hai..but no network today..tumhara cell"??and nidhi took her's and pouted"no network..."!!Dr Ashutosh seemed a trifle worried ..as nidhi smiled"dont worry..sab theek hoga..bus just think jab woh aayega to..."!!He smiled..caressing her with his eyes"tum manage kar paaogi.."??Nidhi laughed"ofcourse..kar paaoongi..bus thode din leave pe rahoongi..."!!Ashutosh seemed a lil lost as nidhi tugged at his shirt..n he smiled"soch raha tha kis school me bhejenge usse"??and nidhi just put her head on his shoulder...n whispered "zindagi bhi na...ajeeb daastaan hai..kabhi to dil se sanjoe hue sapno ko ek jhatke me tode deti hai...aur kabhi achaanak jholi bhar deti hai...bina haath uthaye dua qubool ho jati hai...shaayad isi ka naam zindagi hai..."!and Ashutosh entwined his fingers in her's as the flight took off to lucknow...and he said"lets catch up on sleep..Smarty sone nahi dega abhi..."!!and nidhi smiled..closing her eyes..with the eyelids heavy with the weight of dreams...l

********************

Dr Pooja nibbled with the breakfast as Advit eyed her..."whats it Mom..aap jana chahte ho na ..Lucknow..but you ae scared.."??Dr Pooja tried to digress n joked "arrey..me n scared??whatever of:"??and Advit..looked straight into her eyes n replied"you are scared that my father would take me away from you...isn't it"??Dr Pooja kept her fork..kept looking at her son..how well he could read her..her mind her heart..her thoughts...she nodded silently as Advit held her hand"mom..i am not a baby or a candy..no one can snatch me from you..i am dr Pooja's son..ab chalo breakky khao..come on..my good mom"!!pooja blinked her eyes..tears did not come easily. ..but yes she was v deeply stirred at the love n maturity of Advit..was she depriving him of his dad...was she paranoid..could Bhagat be really so heartless??what if he didn't believe the paternity. .what if he wanted a DNA test??could she put Advit through all this heart ache..n for what purpose??she shook her head to herself...n said"chalo..lets pack for Sydney..tomorrow night..."and Advit smiled...his eyes giving nothing..absolutely nothing away! !

Just as they walked through the hotel lobby Dr Pooja saw a young couple play with their 3 year old son..making him see things..as the dad held him over his shoulders..n the boy cried "my papa strongest..."She gulped..ruffled Advit's hair..n asked"Advit...game for a short trip to Lucknow"??and Advit's eyes twinkled as never before...Dr Pooja smiled..Yes she owed it to him...she certainly did...

While in LucknowDr Bhagat was spending another tumultous night..acutely conscious of Pooja being around..he wanted to reach out to her. .but what if...time never waited..specially in Sydney..did it"??

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Inspector Samar was trying dr Ashutosh's phone but couldn't get through ..as he banged his fist n finally dialled home..baba took the call n explained both Nidhi n Ashutosh were away n would come back today noon...n then he asked"koi khaas baat inspector..."??and Samar replied "jee woh..it was about that unclaimed child in KGH...USKE PARENTS..."and he disconnected ..

Samar took the other call ringing repeatedly and answered "yes sir...will be there...at the airport"??and then added "ok sir..i d wait at the Town Thana ..send them sir!"

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As nidhi n Ashutosh deplaned at Lucknow..and waited for their luggage..nidhi hugged the shopping bag ..which she had insisted she carries in her hand luggage...and as they finally took their suitcase n walked out..nidhi trying to search for signal in her cell..she collided and her shopping fell..."oh..."and she looked up as a handsome couple who had collided into them helped them puck the toys..the wife was if nidhi's age with hazel eyes n dark hair..while her husband had grey eyes n a beard...as they smiled n apologised"are they for your daughter..."??n Ashutosh smiled as nidhi replied"no..for our son..our lil Smarty"and the couples waved and went past..not realising how destiny had made them criss cross each other's paths n lives...

"Hullo..baba ..hum log land ker gaye hain..per hospital jaa rahe hain straight..jaldi hi lautenge ghar..aapke liye ek bahut bada surprise leke..rakhta hoon..."it was an excited Ashutosh informing baba as the cab drove to KGH...baba wanted to say something..wanted to inform that inspector Samar had called...but...baba sighed...as he whispered"khuda..mere bachchon ke kitne imtihaan baaki hain abhi"??

As the cab drove throuh the traffic..nidhi just kept smiling incessantly while Ashutosh tried fixing an appointment with the adoption board ..

The road to kgh had never seemed linger and as they reached ..Ashutosh just took the luggage n handed over a 1000 rs note as he followed an excited nidhi...his own joy seemed to be spilling over..yes Smarty would come home...to be their's forever...not only would his laughter fill up their home..but nidhi's joyous one too...n who knows one day...their baby might just also arrive ...but yes it d always be Smarty first..he d give him the same love..protection..

Adulation that baba had given him..

Nidhi rushed into the kid's ward..leaving the luggage behind..everything could wait..she first had to hold her rather Their Smarty to her bosom..to feel her mother's heart..and as she entered n Lil Pooja smiled she caressed her hair but then came to Smarty..playing with a colourful ball ..n as he saw her..he smiled...she opened her arms..n he clapped n she said"say..mammma"??but Smarty just clapped n she could wait no longer n just hugged him to her bosom..his heart beating against her's. ..just when she felt Smarty kick n squeal..n cry..."mammma"!and a surprised nidhi separated him a lil to say"mamma bola??once more my lil Smarty"??but the child was looking over her shoulder...as he cried. .she turned around...to find Inspector Samar standing with the same couple they had met on the airport...a strange n deep joy in their eyes..as dr Ashutosh stood at the door..looking absolutely crestfallen. ..

The young man came up to nidhi and extended his arms ..the baby almost jumped into him...n immediately caressed his beard n murmured"papppa"!

Dr Ashutosh sighed...as he looked at nidhi..her eyes in a daze..not wanting to believe what she saw...the cruel game of destiny...