Rishbala SS: Dil, Dosti, etc...Last Chap & Epi Pg65 - Page 20

For the first two weeks, Radha was helping Madhu with Adit's bath. He was too delicate to be handled alone. On the third week, the nanny fell ill and did not turn up for work. Incidentally Radha had somehow hurt her back while picking something from the floor, and she was completely unable to sit on the floor with the baby in her hand. "Ma, I am so scared, I don't think I will be able to bathe him on my own," said Madhu hesitantly. "I know," replied Radha thoughtfully, "But it is so hot now, the baby needs the bath." It was Sunday, so Rishabh was at home, having his tea while reading newspaper. "Wait beta," said Radha and called Rishabh. Madhu looked at her wide eyed. "Yes, Ma," said Rishabh while entering the room. "Rishu, my back is aching so much. Could you please help Madhu with the baby's bath?" "Me?" asked Rishabh shocked, seeing a similar expression on Madhu's face as well. "Arrey beta, I am sitting on the bed here and I will instruct you. You just follow me," replied Radha, as if there was hardly anything to bother about. "Rishu, you hold Adit. Place a hand below the neck and the other below his spine. He will try to move and wriggle, but hold him firmly. And Madhu, you can now pour the water," instructed Radha. Madhu and Rishabh followed her with full attention, holding the baby as delicately but firmly as possible, pouring the lukewarm water on his body, applying the soap and rinsing it off. The moment Madhu poured water on his head, Adit started crying aloud and throwing off his limbs. "Adit, Adit, behave yourself," rebuked Rishabh, while trying to hold him more firmly. "Don't shout at him. He will cry more," complained Madhu while wiping Adit's head. "I am not shouting. I am just asking him to behave like a gentleman," justified Rishabh. Taking his cue, Adit peed on Rishabh's shirt the moment he was about to hand him over to Madhu. "Serves you right, for rebuking my baby," said Madhu and took Adit away. "Did you see that Ma? She will make Adit a spoilt brat!" exclaimed Rishabh. "Oh, stop making such a drama Rishu," replied Radha and went out laughing.

"Hey Trishna, what happened? Why do you look so morose?" asked Madhu, as Trishna entered her room that evening. "Nothing. How's Adit doing?" replied Trishna, as she took Adit on her lap. Madhu could see traces of tears on her eyes. "What is it Trish? What happened? Tell me no," asked Madhu again. "I don't know Madhu. Sultan is no more the same Sultan I knew. It's just one and half years of our marriage, and he is already bored with me," replied Trishna, as tears started rolling down her cheeks. "What? Sultan? I don't believe that. There must be some misunderstanding Trish. I will talk to him," said Madhu worriedly. "No Madhu, trust me, I am not making up any stories," sobbed Trishna, "He used to be so very caring. Always kissing me while going to the office, hugging me after coming back. He would wait for the weekends to come, so that he could spend as much time with me. But now, he is always busy with his work, always jittery. He doesn't even hold me while sleeping. And anytime I try to talk to him about it, he gets irritated and snaps at me." Madhu did not know how to react, so she patiently waited for her to continue. "I was told by people that the shine of marriage wears off after few years, but so soon, Madhu? We don't even have kids. What will he do after having kids then?" questioned Trishna as tears flowed continuously. "I wish I could help you with this Trishna. But genuinely I could not be with Amit that long to know of such changes in behaviour," lied Madhu, as she had never told Trishna about Amit's indifference post their marriage. Trishna wiped away her tears and held Madhu's hand. "I am sorry Madhu, I did not intend to hurt you." "It's ok Trishna. But I am really hurt to see you hurt. Trust me, things will all be fine, very soon," assured Madhu with a smile.

"Rishu, why are you making Adit see all those dhishum-dhishum English movie?" Radha asked Rishabh, who was sitting in the living area, watching Terminator on the TV. He had Adit on his lap, who was also busy looking towards the source of sound. "Ma, Adit needs to grow up as a big man. He loves watching action movies," said Rishabh, then bending towards Adit he asked, "Do you want to watch a rom-com or saas-bahu serial beta?" Adit contorted his face, as if about to cry. "See Ma, he is just like us. Hating all girly stuff," exclaimed Rishabh. Radha made a face and retired to her room for the night. Rishabh lowered down the volume and gently cradled Adit, so that he falls asleep. It had become almost a ritual for Adit to sleep on Rishabh's lap at night. Then Madhu would carry him back to his crib.

"He's asleep," whispered Rishabh, as he saw Madhu approaching him. "Rishabh, I need to talk to you," replied Madhu softly. "Yes, tell me," said Rishabh and pointed her to take a seat. Adit was in deep sleep, so he would not be bothered by their whispers. "Today I was talking to Trishna, and she seemed very upset with Sultan," said Madhu. "Why? What happened?" asked Rishabh astonished. Madhu narrated her conversation with Trishna. "What? Sultan? Being indifferent? I don't believe this!" exclaimed Rishabh. "Shh, Adit will wake up," said Madhu and took the baby from him to his crib. Then she returned again and said, "I don't know what to say or do. But I think being friends we should help them." "Yes, you are right. But I don't want these things to happen here at home. I don't want Ma to be bothered by such things. Can you spare an hour tomorrow? We can call them for a short 1 hour meeting at the nearby caf and talk through their problem?" suggested Rishabh. "Okay," replied Madhu.

Next evening after feeding Adit and putting him to sleep, Madhu went to the caf with Rishabh where Sultan and Trishna were waiting for them. Sultan looked dejected, and Trishna had a very gloom expression. "Hey, what happened? What have you done to our dear Haddi, Trishna?" asked Rishabh taking his seat. "I have not done anything. It's he who is ignoring me these days," replied Trishna agitatedly. "What did I do? Didn't I take you for shopping last week? Didn't we plan for a trip next month? What more do you want?" blurted Sultan. Rishabh and Madhu exchanged a look, and instead of letting it go further, Madhu spoke, "Sultan, it is really appreciable to go for shopping or some trip. But don't you think there are some nice little gestures that won't even cost a thing, but will keep your wife happy?" "Is there anything like that? Even I should know, so that I don't go around spending bucks to please chicks?" replied Rishabh, getting a smack on his hand by Trishna. "A little time together, may be just over a coffee at your living room, while watching a horror movie. Then taking a walk at the park in the evening, recollecting the beautiful moments of courtship days. Or just a small touch, now and then, assuring you are there for her, always. Does it really take great effort or time to do all these Sultan?" asked Madhu. Rest of them stayed silent, brooding over every word spoken by Madhu. Somehow both Rishabh and Sultan could not manage to look in Madhu's eyes, as they knew how much she must have waited for Amit to have such delicate pleasures of companionship. After few more moments, Sultan held Trishna's hand and said, "I am sorry Trishna. Please forgive me." Trishna hugged him tightly and Sultan kissed her cheeks. "Okay, enough of PDA now. Adit will wake up. Madhu and I need to leave. In the meantime, get a room man," said Rishabh amusingly. "Shut up you bugger," Sultan smacked Rishabh and resumed his act.

"That was really amazing Madhu, the way you could put those emotions in words," said Rishabh while going back home. "Often men think that girls love only glittery things, but actually these are the things that makes a girl much happier," replied Madhu with a faint smile. Rishabh just nodded his head in agreement, and to make the mood lighter, said, "This moment I declare you as my Love Guru. I will follow all your preaching from today onwards," and bowed. Madhu laughed out loudly and said, "As you wish my Shishya."