OS: On the Cusp of Paradise..Ch. 3 on P-28.please see p-41 - Page 18

Originally posted by: sshirley

Fine. My works also going good.

how about u? hows u? n how's studies going?

my studies are going good

thank u Tasha/sonu n others for keeping this thread active..

I m trying to write n post the next chapter soon..

uodate oon.. in a dy or two probably..

Originally posted by: sshirley

uodate oon.. in a dy or two probably..

really sorry for the delay friends

🥳🥳

where did u go again Shirley

Originally posted by: sshirley

updating in a while

😊

Chapter 3:

By the time Ashutosh returned home, Baba had gone to bed. Nidhi said, "Please go and freshen up. My stomach's on E'!"

Already stressed, he almost panicked and grabbed her shoulders out of concern, "What! You okay?"

She laughed at him, "'E' means empty! (Looking at his startled expressions) You know you really should work to keep up with your Young wife! Now go, I am going to the table."

He rushed to freshen up wondering how come she hadn't asked him any questions about her tests yet, especially given her reluctance and irritability while going them. During the drive home, he had been bracing himself to be bombarded with her questions, as soon as he stepped into the house. But no! Nidhi never behaved as he expected.

As soon as they sat down, she seved on two plates and started eating ravenously! He sighed, the poor thing was really hungry. "Nidhi, how many times have I told you to eat when you are hungry. You could have had it with Baba."

Nidhi with her mouth full of food, retorted, "And how many times I have told you, Aap ke bina kuch bhi acha nahi lagta.(I don't like/enjoy anything without you)"

Ashutosh didn't know how to respond to that. She had first said these exact words during their Sangeet ceremony before their wedding and many times since. Every time, they touched him. Only she had the power in the entire universe to touch his soul with the simplest of the words! He silently prayed to the almighty that she would recover fully and soon. For an agonizing moment of uncertainty, he closed his eyes, lest she should see his pain. Then, with an effort, he shook off all his negative thoughts. After all, he himself was a neurosurgeon, he knew SGCA wasn't that serious an issue. Then, why was his heart sinking at the thought that his beloved wife was suffering from it? Trying his best to reassure himself, he opened his eyes to see the purest smile he had even seen on an adult! It made him smile back automatically and he accepted the spoonful that Nidhi fed him.

Later that night, Nidhi, having changed, switched off the light and joined a brooding Ashutosh on the bed. He was so lost in his thoughts that none of this registered with him. She settled her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arm around him, and asked without any preliminaries, "How serious is my condition?"

He started and looked at her, "What! How did you..?"

She smiled, "You really think you can hide your thoughts from me by merely closing your eyes?"

He should have known! She could effortlessly see through his innermost thoughts. He hugged her protectively, "It's nothing, okay? It's just nothing. Just a small neurological issue, which needs to be corrected surgically. And I .. its.. nothing.. "

She almost laughed and said, "Means, the thief has chosen the police commissioner's house to rob?"

He stared at her uncomprehendingly. What was wrong with her? Did she even hear what he was saying? Was it a shock reaction?

She shook her head, "No! I haven't gone crazy yet, if that's what you are wondering! I am just saying, what's a small neurological issue for the wife of a world renowned neurosurgeon? Huh!"

In spite of the situation he could not help the small smile that escaped his lips. He tried once again to reassure himself more than her, "yeah I guess. I will handle everything. y..you just relax, okay? Don't worry.."
She said calmly, "I am not in the least worried. Lets sleep now"

"Don't you want to see your reports.. know the details?"

"what's the need? I'm sleepy."

The next morning, Ashutosh went to Mallika's cabin. She looked up, "Yes, Dr. Ashutosh? What can I do for you?"

Being so formally addressed, he recollected their last conversation and realized he owed her an apology.

He slumped down in a chair, and hid his head in his hands, "Mallika, I am really sor.."

Seeing his wariness and slumped shoulders, she intervened, "Didn't you sleep last night Ashutosh?"

"How could I? Nidhi needs a surgery and I just dunno who will be the best to perform it? I was thinking about Dr. Mark Johnson from London. I think you are in touch with him?"

"Yes, I'm in touch with Dr. Johnson, but trust me, you don't need him."

"You have a better suggestion then?" he asked anxiously.

She nodded.

"See, that's why I rely upon your judgment in these matters. Just name him or her and I will ensure, he adjusts his schedules to operate on Nidhi ASAP."

Mallika smiled wryly, "that would not be an issue at all! (As he looks at her uncomprehendingly, she continued) You still don't get it? I am talking about you!"

He was startled, "Me? No way!"

"Why?"

"I.. I simply can't.. no way.. what if I get overwhelmed and my hands don't work? No way.. I can't.. I won't take such a risk! Nidhi's life is too precious!"

"Strange! You are just not making any sense to me, Ashutosh. You can leave her precious life in someone else's hands? But you can't operate on her yourself?"

"But Mallika, I'm scared.."

"I understand what you are saying, but you operate so many patients every month for SGCA and each and every surgery was successful. Don't mind my saying this, but it's a fairly routine surgery for any neurosurgeon. Besides, I think.."

She was cut off by the ringing of her landline. She picked up, "Hello? .. Oh Dr. Johnson? What a pleasant surprise, Sir! We were just talking about you? No, no, it was about a case...oh great, will await you then.. thank you so much Sir."

She replaced the receiver and said to Ashutosh, "Well, you wanted Dr. Johnson and he's in Lucknow already. He will be here around noon. But I still suggest that you perform this surgery."

He looked visibly relieved, "See! I take it as a sign."

She simply shrugged as he left to go about his routine. She knew that no amount of directly coaxing him would help. However, when consulted, their old professor from the prestigious medical college of London shared the same opinion that Ashutosh should operate on Nidhi himself. Ashutosh reluctantly agreed, but only after eliciting a promise from Dr. Johnson to be present in the OT with him.

The three proficient surgeons discussed and debated amongst themselves on the procedures and techniques. Ashutosh and Mallika, due to their sentimental attachment to Nidhi, preferred the least invasive surgery using methods like radiation, so as to reduce the risks they perceived to be present in traditional surgery, though in minuscule percentages. Dr. Johnson, on the other hand favored the traditional and tried-and-tested surgical methods. He failed to understand, why Ashutosh, of all surgeons, didn't not agree with him on this, since Ashutosh had performed countless surgeries on SGCA patients, using the traditional techniques and had had a cent percent success rate!

The three doctors had not arrived at a consensus, when they parted that day. Since it was her day off, Nidhi had gone to Verma house to spend the day. So, Ashutosh went straight from the hospital to pick her up from there. To his dismay, he encountered worried faces of Col. Verma, Anji and the Solankis, before being told that Nidhi had a headache and so was sleeping. Shyama also apprehensively shared that Nidhi had barely eaten anything since morning and complained of nausea when they tried force-feeding her.

He looked around anxiously for Dadibua, dreading her tirade of questions and accusations of being unable to take care of her baby. Dadibua, however, emerged from the Puja room with Prasad for him, stunning him.

She blessed him with her hand on his head and smiled at him, "You know dactar, today I did not ask God for anything. I thanked him. Actually, I should thank you. Now that my biggest wish has been fulfilled, I don't have anything else to ask. Indeed, if I were to die to tomorrow, I would die contented. With Nidhi expecting.."

Her words were interrupted by exclamations of surprise by all and that of dismay by Anji, who had been told everything by Ranganath the previous night itself. Ashutosh was totally stunned. Recovering, he avoided everyone's excited faces and said quietly, "Nidhi's not expecting Dadibua."

Dadibua, however, laughed it off, "Come on, Dactar, don't kid me! I don't need to read all your medical books and see all those test reports to know that. I can see the symptoms."

Overwhelmed and unable to see so many expectant faces, he slumped in a chair. Anji walked to him, and crouched before his chair, saying softly, "tell them, Jijaji"

Dadibua in her euphoric state, refused to register the gravity of Anji's tone and continued her sojourn in her dream world, "Yes dactar, we would like to know everything. Especially, when is the due date?"

Ashutosh lost it completely now. In an agitated state, he got up and walked up to Dadibua before almost assaulting her with words, "For the last time Dadibua, those are not symptoms of pregnancy! They are the symptoms of a tumor. Nidhi's suffering from brain tumor."

There was a moment's stunned silence, before everyone started speaking all at once - some in shock, some in acute agony. Looking at their state, Ashutosh regretted his outburst. This was not the way to disclose such a matter before the family. It took him better part of an hour to answer all their questions in details, assuage their doubts and assure them as well as he could under the circumstances. By the time he was done, Nidhi awoke and they left.

On their way home, Nidhi was still quiet, and looked weak. He decided that the much-dreaded surgery could not wait much longer. Nidhi's aggravated symptoms indicated the worsening of her condition.

His thoughts were broken in by her shout of "STOP! STOP!".

As the car stopped with a screech, he asked anxiously. "what happened? You okay?"

"Gol gappe! I want to have Golgappe from my favourite stall!" she said smacking her lips.

Ashutosh was exasperated! Here he was getting worried over such a serious surgery and now she would pester him for such a unhealthy thing as Golgappe!

He tried, "Nidhi, you know that you are due for a surgery in a very few days. How can we take such a risk?"

Her eyes widen, "Risks?! That's such a pathetic excuse! And the surgery is all the more reason! God knows when I would get the opportunity again."

The last sentence tugged at his heart! He cupped her face tenderly, "Soon, Nidhi, very soon. I promise!"

"So you say! As soon as you become my doctor, you are going to dictate me a 1000 do's and don't's. Please.. look, I'm starving. I have practically eaten nothing all day." She pleaded.

He tried to dissuade her but finally had to give in. But he pestered the vendor so much about maintaining hygiene and cleanliness that he got fed up with the routine he was made to go through it. First, Ashutosh made him wash his hands properly, then gave him hand sanitizer from the kit in his car, then insisted on him opening a fresh packet of Puris and finally made him use freshly boiled potatoes. Even Nidhi was getting irritated with all the fuss he was making and the scene he was creating.

"If you do that, he won't want to serve us ever again.." she complained with her mouth full. He merely smiled indulgently, "You done? Or want more?"

"No. I am full. Besides you ruined the mood," she said half-joking.

He shook his head in mock exasperation and asked the vendor, "how much?"

"40 rupees."

He handed him three 100-rupee notes, at which the vender looked up as if Ashutosh had made some mistake in paying him. But Ashutosh simply said, "Keep it."

The vendor's entire demeanor changed. If he was miffed earlier, he grateful now, "Thank you sir. Please do come again. I will wash my hands and serve you as hygienically as you want.. I will take every precaution you want. Please do come again!"

Ashutosh smiled "Sure, madam won't let me in peace until I bring her here" and led Nidhi to the car.

That night after dinner, he told his father about the issue and consulted him about Nidhi's case. Dr. Mathur saw all the reports and listened carefully to all the details and Dr. Johnson's opinion which Ashutosh told him. In spite of the late hour, they had a video conference with Dr. Johnson and Mallika.

Finally when he came out of his father's room at almost midnight, he saw Nidhi awaiting him, sitting in the living room. She simply asked, "when is the surgery being scheduled?"

He began apprehensively, "I don't think we should wait any more. I was thinking that you go through the pre-surgery tests right tomorrow and the surgery the day after tomorrow, since Dr. Johnson too will be free."

She nodded "Okay. But Dr. Johnson? Who's he?"

"He was our professor in London, and the best neurosurgeon I know."

She firmly shook his head, "I don't want him to perform this surgery. I want you to operate. For me it's only you and no other surgeon."

"I knew it Nidhi. Don't worry. I will myself operate but he has kindly consented to be present with me in the OT. And now, I insist on telling you about your condition and the procedure we are going to follow. First, you should see these reports. As you can see.." And he briefly but comprehensively explained everything to her.

The next morning, Nidhi got admitted, and despite her repeated insistence, the extended family, including the Solankis, refused to budge from her room. DB even refused to go home at night. But Ashutosh succeeded in sending everyone home after repeatedly assuring them.

It was finally at 10 p.m. that they were finally left to themselves. Ashutosh tenderly ran his hand in her hair, "Now, sleep. It's late!"

"Hmm.. you go home, I will sleep."

He kissed her forehead, "Why should I go home? Ever since our marriage, have we spent a single night apart?"

She smiled and put her arms around him, "But my dear Neurosurgeon, you also have to think of the patient you are gonna operate on tomorrow morning! Otherwise, who knows? The next thing I know, a sleep-deprived Dr. Ashutosh made a mistake.."

His face contorted with horror as he put his hand on her mouth, to stop her words, "DON'T!! Don't Nidhi, don't say that! This is one surgery I simply can't afford to make even the slightest mistake with!"

She looked at him apologetically, "I am sorry.. I didn't mean anything like that. I don't know why the words came out .." and she took his hand and kissed it. After he had calmed down, she again told him to go home and get some sleep.

"You know I can't sleep without you. I am sitting here. But you sleep."

"Very good then, let's watch some movie on the TV. Even I'm not sleepy."

He said in a mock-stern voice, "Patients are supposed to obey their doctors, so sleep now."

She pouted, "But what can I do doctor? I can't sleep without my husband's arms around me." And then she shifted on the bed to make some space for him, and then lovingly beseeched him to join her on the bed. He couldn't refuse, even though it was against the hospital's rules. Thinking that he would get up after she goes to sleep, he pulled the duvet over both of them. With their arms around each other, they went to sleep.

And that is how Mallika found them, when she came to check on Nidhi before leaving for the day. The sight before her squeezed her heart by pulling it in different directions; so varied and extreme were her feelings. On the one hand, seeing them sleeping so peacefully content in each other's arms, she felt happy for her friends and prayed once again for their togetherness as well as Nidhi's health. On the other hand, the selfish part of her couldn't help but feel the piercing pangs of resentment. As if the physicality of the act would increase the impact, with a determined shake of her head, she tried to squash her resentments and rationalized that what she witnessed was a very natural thing for a married couple, especially one so madly in love. Little did she know that the sight would recur to her again and again during the sleepless night.

As she turned to leave, she saw the nurse on night duty entering the room. She too looked surprised, but was more perplexed about what to do. The nurse requested Mallika to awake Ashutosh since it was the man himself who was a stickler for rules. But a single glare from her silenced the nurse and made her withdraw. Mallika softly closed the door and left.

The day of Nidhi's surgery dawned clear and sunny. Preparations for the surgery began after Ashutosh and Nidhi freshened up in the bathroom attached to his cabin. After seeking everyone's blessings and good wishes as well as calls from Armaan and Rohan, Nidhi was wheeled into the OT. While she lay down and final preparations were going on, Ashutosh insisted on administering the anesthesia himself even though the anesthetist was present. Then, his eyes met Nidhi's. After a brief but tender eye lock, he looked around the room, and said to Mallika, "Would you please check on Dr. Johnson? See if he is scrubbed?"

"Sure" she nodded and left. He then said to the junior staff, "Could you kindly leave us alone for a couple of minutes?" The staff nodded and silently withdrew.

Nidhi smiled as she sat up, "tell me,"

He hugged her tenderly but the hug signified to her in no uncertain terms how vital she was to his very existence. Then he backed off a bit and complained, "Today is the most important surgery of my life. Where is my good luck kiss?"

She complained back, "Even you didn't wish me luck yet." And with that, they closed in for a kiss.

Outside the OT, everyone was alerted to the start of the surgery by the red light going on. Dadibua started chanting fervently. Col. Verma, Dr. Mathur and others alternated between pacing nervously and sitting restlessly. Mallika remained seated near the door, constantly on the alert, in case something was needed. She had secretly taken all precautions and had kept everything that could be possibly needed within easy reach. However, if one saw closely, one could see the constant concern in her eyes, and the occasional clasping and unclasping of her hands.

After what seemed endless hours, the red light on the OT was switched off, signifying the end of the surgery.

thanks for update Shirley off to read it

wonderful update Shirley Really liked it a lot really wonderfully written. really I could imagine each and every scene .Really liked ashu's concern for nidhi a lot .Really liked how he told the golgappe Walla to wash his hands and all the other things this shows how concerned he is for nidhi and how much he loves her .liked the scene where u showed where Dadi bua thought nidhi is pregnant and how ashu suddenly told that she is not and having a tumour .Really loved that scene .The hospital scene where ashu and nidhi go to sleep on the same bed was soo nice really liked it a lot .the kiss before the operation was so important really liked that part of the update. thanks a lot for this wonderful update. But how can u stop at such a important part no this cannot be done u have kept me hanging

Shirley Mam, I am here...😊