"EHSAAS"-KYPH ff part 59(the end) pg 58

EHSAAS

: New fan fic featuring our favorite couple Angad and Kripa. This story is inspired by A.J Cronin's "The Citadel" and Hindi movie, "Tere Mere Sapne". Of course, I have modified it to suit our modern times and focus on A-K love story rather than other details. I hope you like it.

PART 1:

LECTURE HALL AT MUMBAI MEDICAL COLLEGE:

HEAD OF SURGERY ADDRESSING THE SURGICAL RESIDENTS:

"I would like to welcome all the surgical residents to their final year of training. As you all know, our medical college takes pride in training the best physicians and surgeons in this country. As per tradition, all our final year students have to spend one year training in an underserved area of our state. This part of your training not only helps you hone your skills as a surgeon, but serves the people of these smaller communities. This year, we have selected some towns, where we have not sent our residents before. As a part of your training, you will get to work with one of the local doctors and be paid a monthly stipend of Rs 1000.00 per month. I know it sounds very meager, but as you know you all are still learning, and we want you to get a taste of working in a smaller and underserved community. I am sure you would all cherish this experience and fondly remember this year in the years to come. Here is a list of the postings for all of you. GOOD LUCK!"

"Yaar...maine suna hai, kayi shehron mein tho bijli bhi nahin hoti......main aaj tak AC ke bina nahin raha.apni life mein....." Prithvi Bose, a final year surgical resident complained. He was the son of a rich doctor, who basically went to med school on his dad's insistence. He wanted his son to take over his lucrative cosmetic surgery practice after his retirement.

"Prithvi! Aisa kar, apne saath ek generator bhi saath le jaana......tere dad arrange kar denge....," Angad Khanna, his good friend and collegue said sarcastically.

Angad Khanna came from a middle class background. His parents had died when he was 14 years old. His sister, Kanan and brother-in-law, Nishant had helped him get through high school and medical school. Kanan and Nishant now lived in Bangalore, where Nishant was a software engineer at a multinational company.

Both Angad and Prithvi were popular in the campus, the former for his good looks, intelligence and charming nature; the latter for his good looks and fat bank balance.

Prithvi was a magnet for attractive young girls; he would rather spend his time flirting with them than focusing on his work. He knew that no one could stop him from graduating from this program, and he could join his dad whenever he was ready to practice.

Angad, on the other hand, was very ambitious and focused. He knew this was his chance to prove his worth and make a name for himself. He was looking forward to his posting at a nearby small town called Ramgarh. He always imagined working in a small town, where his skills could make a difference to the kind of care people received. He excelled as a physician and surgeon and had always graduated at the top of his class. He knew a lot of his female colleagues were interested in him, but he limited his interaction with them to casual friendships. He did not want to get into a serious relationship, till he was ready to settle down and most of all- FIND THE RIGHT GIRL!

Angad and Prithvi usually hung out with two other women, who they knew since the early days of medical college, Aaliyah and Anita. Aaliyah was now training to become an obstetrician and Anita, a radiologist. The four of them still took time to hang out together and go out for dinner or movies once in a while.

The four friends met at their favorite coffee shop before Angad and Prithvi left for their year-long assignments.

Aaliyah was almost like a sister to Angad, "Angad.....tho tum ek saal ke liye Ramgarh jaa rahe ho......hmm...kahin wahan koi gaaon ki gori na mil jaaye?" she laughed as she knew Angad liked women to be modern, independent and well-educated.

"Gaaon ki gori kam se kam tum jaisi chaaloo tho nahin hogi," he punched Aaliyah playfully

"Haan...par anpadh ganwaar tho ho sakti hai...." Aaliya teased him back

"NO WAY! No anpadh ganwaars for me! Don't worry Aaliyah, Ramarh jaise sheher mein English bolne waali bhi mil jaaye na tho ganeemat hoga.....i have my doubts....main ek saal ke baad jab wapas aaoonga, mere liye ek ultramodern ladki tayyar rakhna...OK!"

"Prithvi...tera kya hoga kaaliya?" Angad patted Prithvi's back

Prithvi sat with his feet on the table and blew smoke whorls in the air. He took another whiff of his cigarette and looked at the ceiling, "don't worry yaar! Mere dad ne meri saza kam karwa di hai....mujhey sirf teen mahine ek small town called Ferozpur mein kaam karna hoga.....the rest of my time will be spent in London..."

"London?" Anita had a puzzled look, "how did you manage that?"

"Money...my dear money....dad donated 20 lakhs for the new surgical wing...that's it.....money can buy anything...." Prithvi said proudly

Angad just grinned, "except ethics.....self-respect......hard work....."

"OH C'mon Angad! Not again....you need to go out in the real world, and then you will realize.....dekhtey hain ek saal baad tere iraade kya hote hain?" Prithvi scoffed at Angad's self-righteous comments as usual.

"OK guys...main chalta hoon....i need to pack, meri train kal subah 6 baje ki hai....see you all in a year!" Angad got up and hugged all his friends

"Phone tho karte rehna....." Aaliya said tearfully

"yadi gaaon ki gori ne ijaazat de di tho...," Angad pinched her nose and they both laughed as he left.

RAMGARH TRAIN STATION:

Angad arrived at the small, single platform train station and looked around, "Dr Misra ne tho kaha tha koi mujhey lene aayega…..yahan tho koi driver type aadmi dikh nahin raha….lagta hai richshaw ya paidal hi jaana padhega….,"

" Dr. Khanna …Dr Khanna!" Angad turned around as he heard his name. He was surprised to see a young, petite, small-framed woman waving at him. He went closer and saw a fair, pretty girl in a salwaar-kameez, with big brown, but very expressive eyes, "Jee…main Dr Khanna hoon..," he introduced himself.

"Oh HI! I am Kripa Sharma. I have come to pick you up."

Angad was startled and thought, "lagta hai yeh bhi Ramgarh ghoomney aayi hai…"

"Shall we?" Kripa asked, flashing her innocent and cheerful smile.

"Sure!" Angad picked his bag and followed the petite lady.

"Kripa jee…kaisi hain? Kya haal hai madam?.....Aaj bacchon ko school nahin bheja madam…..Namaste madam….." a lot of passers by seemed to know Kripa well. They all smiled and greeted her respectfully.

"Lagta hai aap thode he dinon mein kaafi popular ho gayi hain…" Angad said

"Thode hi din? She was surprised by his question

"Nahin…mera matlab hai ki aap bhi tho ek visitor hai na yahan?"

"Visitor? Nahin..nahin main tho issi sheher ki hoon…..paida bhi yahin huyi thi aur maroongi bhi yahin……" Kripa looked back and smiled at him.

There was something very enchanting about her smile; Angad found himself staring at her lips and beautiful teeth intently.

Kripa snapped her fingers, "Doctor sahib..kahan kho gaye?"

"Oh…kuch nahin….I guess I figured you are a visitor because…because…." Angad hesitated

"I am an English teacher at the local elementary school…..I hope that clears your confusion…," she laughed as she understood why he was so intrigued.

Angad was really surprised again when Kripa unlocked the door to a car, and let him in to the passenger seat.

She took his bag and put it into the trunk. He was amazed and just stared at her.

Kripa sat in the driver'seat and started the car, "tho aap soch rahe the main aap ko taange mein lene aaoongi…..ab yahan Basanti ka raaj nahin hai…..this is the 21 st century doctor, ab Ramgarh mein bhi cars zyaada aur rickshaw-taange kam dikhte hain….chalein?"

This girl was full of surprises! Angad thought, "Aaliyah…you need to meet this gaaon ki gori!"

"Kuch kaha aapne?" Kripa asked as she turned at the stop sign.


"Nahin….kuch nahin…tho aap English teacher hain?…hmm….phir Dr Misra ko kaise jaanti hain?" Angad asked

"Wo mere maama hain……main waise tho school mein padhaati hoon, par unke ghar aati jaati rehti hoon…wo akele hai na ab…..aur boodhe bhi ho gaye hain…..I like to hang out with him….he is happy that you will be working with him…," Kripa kept chatting and telling him about Dr Misra and his practice.

Angad was amused to see how chatty this English teacher was. He just listened to her as she went on and on.

"Aap kuch bol nahin rahe doctor?" Kripa finally asked

"Lagta hai Basanti tho chali gayi, par apni legacy chhod gayi hai….," Angad laughed. Kripa joined him and laughed aloud, "you have a good sense of humor doctor!"

..to be continued….
Edited by bheegi - 15 years ago

PART 2:

Kripa drove through the crowded streets of Ramgarh effortlessly. She was very familiar with every pothole and curve on the road.

"Arre…arre…watch out…aage ek bhains baithi hai!" Angad warned her.

"Don't worry…..mujhey aadat hai….mamaji ne car tho kayi saalon se le rakhi hai, par unhey drive karne se darr lagta hai…..tabhi main hi chalaati hoon unki gaadi….aap bhi use kar sakte hain….gaadi ghar par hi khadi rehti hai….maamaji ka clinic ghar par hi hai na….unhe yadi kahin jaana hota hai tho wo abhi bhi rickshaw hi bula lete hain…..kyonki wo drive karne se…," Kripa rambled on

Angad just nodded his head and rolled his eyes, "darrte hai na!" he completed her sentence.

Kripa turned a little red-faced from embarrassment, "sorry Dr Khanna…..main thoda zyaada bolti hoon…..," she looked at the visiting doctor from the corner of her eyes and noticed a faint smile on his handsome face. He had little stubble on his face from not having shaved today and she noticed that he barely had any leg room for his tall legs-she thought, "yeh sach much doctor hai kya? Mujhey tho actor jaisa lagta hai…."

Angad glanced at her and caught her staring at him, "kya hua? Chup kaise ho gayi aap?"

"wo…wo…kuch nahin…..main soch rahi thi ki aap kaam aaj se hi start karenge ya aaj thoda rest karna chahenge?" Kripa stuttered.

"Jaisa Dr Misra chaahe…." Angad replied

They arrived at a cute little two-storey home surrounded by a tall concrete fence. There was a small garden with beautiful flowers in front of the house. The house looked old from outside and seemed like it had not been painted for years. There were benches and chairs in the front patio-probably a waiting area for the patients.

Angad took out his bag from the trunk and followed Kripa.

"Mamaji…mamaji…," Kripa yelled as they walked in.

"Kripa bitiyaa…..Doctor sahib abhi ek mareez dekh rahe hain….," a middle-aged lady came out and said.

"theek hai maasi….maasi yeh Dr Angad Khanna hai….yeh mamaji ke saath kaam karenge….," Kripa introduced the visitor.

"Namaste!" Angad said politely

"Jeete raho beta…..main yahan Dr Misra ki nurse hoon…..kuch bhi chahiye tho bataana….chalo Kripa main chalti hoon, Doctor sahib ke saath Raghuram ke ghar jaana hai…." The nurse said. Her name was Damini and she had worked with Dr Misra for the last 25 years. She had not undergone any formal training to be a nurse, but her hands-on experience and dedication to Dr Misra had trained her very well. No one could tell that she had never been to nursing school.

"Yaad aaya Raghuram ki biwi ke baccha hone waala hai na?" Kripa remembered.

"Haan….Dr Khanna aap bhi chalenge?" Damini asked

"Sure…par main ek surgeon hoon…..bacche paida nahin karta…." Angad hesitated at that suggestion

Kripa started laughing, "Dr Khanna…..yahan aap sab kuch hain….this is not Mumbai…..aap surgeon bhi hai aur gynaecologist bhi hain….."

Angad took a big gulp and wondered, "yeh kaisi training hai? Main apni surgical skills kahin kho na baithoon.."

"Aap chai peeyenge Dr Khanna?" Kripa asked

"poonch kyon rahi hai…..banaade….Dr Khanna thak gaye honge…." Damini intervened

"Nahin main chai nahin peeta…." Angad added

Damini and Kripa laughed, "tho aap yahan survive kaise karenge?"

"Kyon? Chai ke bina bahut log survive kar lete hain.." Angad was puzzled at that comment

"Nahin Dr Khanna…..aap ko tho yahan din mein 10-10 baar chai peeni padhegi…..aap jis ke ghar bhi jaayenge wahan yadi aapne chai nahin pee tho wo bura maan jaayenge….Ramgarh ke log mehmaanbaazi mein bahut vishwaas karte hain…..yadi aapne kisi bhi cheez ke liye na keh diya na, tho wo rooth jaayenge…." Damini smiled and said.

"Oh really? Ok……par pehle aap mujhey mera room dikha deejiye, yeh bag rakhna hai…." Angad wanted to get away from these two talkative women

"Chaliye….mere saath chaliye…" Kripa led the way upstairs.

Angad was pleased to see his room- it was small, but neat with a twin bed and a desk in the corner, "Thanks Kripa jee…"

"Kripa jee?" she laughed out aloud, "aap mujhey sirf Kripa keh kar hi pukaariye…..main aap se choti hoon…..kuch chahiye tho mujhey awaaz de dena….main neeche hi hoon…."

Angad smiled and nodded his head, "Thanks Kripa!"

"You are welcome doctor!" she said cheerfully and disappeared.

Angad freshened up and came downstairs to find a number of snacks and tea ready in a kettle on the coffee table, "itni jaldi sab kaise prepare kar liya?"

Damini was still there, "Dr Khanna aap yahan kuch din rahenge tho samajh jaayenge ki Kripa ko aap ek kaam bolo, par wo dus cheezein ek saath kar degi….wo hi sambhaalthi hai Dr Misra ka ghar…..unki patni kuch saal pehle hi chal basi, tab se Kripa hi unki sab kuch hai…."

"Oh really? Par Kripa school mein teacher hai na?"

"Haan….wo bhi karti hai……par aaj schools ki chutti hai…." Damini poured tea in a cup

" Hello Dr Khanna! I am Dr Suryabhan Misra!" a tall, grey haired gentleman walked in with a slight limp.

Angad got up and shook his hand, 'Hello Dr Misra! It is my pleasure to meet you.."

"Baitho…baitho….aaj Kripa bitiya ne kya banaaya hai hamare mehmaan ke liye….oh samose aur Jalebi?" Dr Misra's mouth watered

"Mamaji…aap ki sugar kya thi aaj?Hmm…..no jalebis for you…" Kripa walked in and brought a bowl of upma for Dr Misra, "aap ke liye yeh hai…..jalebi ki taraf dekhiye bhi mat!"

"Uffo….tu tho mujhey aise hi maar degi…….kabhie tho apne boodhe mama par taras khaaya kar?" Dr Misra said dejectedly

"Aap kitne mareejon pe taras khaate hain?" Kripa fed Dr Misra the upma with a spoon like a mother.

Angad was amused to see the dynamics in this house. Looked like Dr Misra and Damini were both very dependent on this fragile looking petite girl.

"Dr Misra…..Raghuram ke ghar se bulaawa aaya hai…..daai keh rahi hai ki doctor ki zaroorat hai……" Damini came back in with a message

"chalo Dr Khanna….aapka first case…..jao tum Damini ke saath chale jao…..main kuch der aaram kar leta hoon…..aaj jodon mein zyaada taqleef ho rahi hai…" Dr Misra slumped into his rocking chair.

"Main?" Angad took a big gulp of the tea

"Haan……it should be straightforward Dr Khanna…..Damini sab sambhaal legi….."

Just as Angad was mustering some courage to step out into the real world, a man came running into the house, 'dr sahib…sr sahib…..mere bete ko bachaa lee jiye….uska pair tractor mein aa gaya hai….."

Dr Misra jumped up from the chair, "chalo Damini…..mere saath chalo….aur Kripa tum Dr Khanna ko Raghu ke ghar le jao…."

Angad was baffled, "Aap? Aap chalengi mere saath? But you are not a medical professional…"

Kripa did not answer and went into the clinic. She came back with a bag and few other supplies, "let's go Dr Khanna!"

Angad just followed her; he had no choice.

They arrived at a small house in the middle of a crowded neighborhood.

"aayo Kripa beti…..shakuntala bahut dard mein hai…." Raghuram met them at the door, "doctor sahib nahin aaye?" he was disappointed to not see Dr Misra

"Yeh, Dr Khanna hain…Mumbai se aaye hain…" Kripa gestured at Angad

"Namaste!" Angad folded his hands politely

"Naya doctor? Bitiya badhe Dr sahib ko bula lo….." Raghuram sounded skeptical when he saw the young, inexperienced doctor.

"Tum fikr mat karo Raghu! Yeh desh ke sabse acche hospital se aaye hain.." Kripa reassured him and walked inside the dimly lit room.

Angad was horrified to see a lady on a small bed, crying out in labor pains with at least a dozen or so other women watching over her and giving her advise.

The room was very dimly lit, "yahan batti nahin hai?" Angad asked as he took position to assess the pregnant woman

"Nahin dr sahib…..batti nahin hai…..kya lalten se kaam ho jaayega?" a lady asked

"theek hai…..jo bhi ho.." Angad put on his gloves and was shocked as he felt the baby's head was ready to deliver.

"Kripa! Give me some instruments…..the head is stuck!"

Angad was not prepared for this precipitous delivery. His only experience with pregnant women was his month long rotation in medical college and that too under strict supervision of the best gynecologists in the country. His head started spinning as he tried to recall his textbooks on what to do if the head was stuck, "FORCEPS! Forceps Kripa! Lekin do you know what they are?"

Kripa laid out a tray next to him with all types of instruments. He was surprised that Kripa was so calm and collected when he was panicking like a novice.

She quietly gave Angad the required instruments and helped him deliver the baby effortlessly. Kripa took the baby and left Angad to stitch the lady up where he had made an incision to aid with the delivery.

Angad saw that the baby was still blue and not crying. Kripa held the baby upside down with his legs and patted the baby's back vigorously.

Angad was horrified, 'KRIPA! DON'T DO THAT! THAT IS NOT SAFE!"

Kripa was surprised, as that was the most common way she had seen dr misra and Damini resuscitate any baby who was not crying. She gave him a quizzical look, 'Why doctor? The baby is not breathing"

Angad was grinding his teeth in anger, "THAT IS TOO OLD FASHIONED…YOU CAN HARM THE BABY! THAT IS WHY I DID NOT WANT YOU TO COME WITH ME….YOU ARE NOT A MEDICAL PERSON!" The mother was bleeding profusely and Angad could not leave his place till he had finished stitching her up.

Kripa was offended; she did not care for being reprimanded in front of so many people and that too by this stranger. Fortunately, the baby took some deep gasps and started turning pink to the relief of everyone in the room.

"Aaj tak mamaji aur Damini maasi ne mujhey kabhie nahin toka….maana main dr ya nurse nahin hoon…..I am just helping out……who does he think he is? This is not Mumbai…..he needs to learn how to work in these situations……pata nahin kyon aaya hai!" Kripa had tears in her eyes as she handed the baby to the new mother and spoke to herself.

The family thanked Angad and Kripa; Raghuram was overjoyed to see a son, "doctor sahib…..chai peekar tho jaaiye….yeh leejiye mithai khaaiye…..arre bhai logon yeh naye doctor sahib hain! In hone mujhey ek beta diya hai! Jai ho doctor sahib ki!"

All the family members and visitors came and thanked Angad. They lifted him up on their shoulders and did a little dance.

"arre..arre…mujhey neeche utaar dee jiye…..maine tho kuch nahin kiya…..ladka tho hona hi tha….wo tho 9 mahine pehle hi ban gaya tha…." Angad got off their shoulders.

"Nahin…nahin doctor sahib….yeh aapke haath ka jadoo hai…..ab aap sab gharon mein baccha paida karne jaayenge…" one old man spoke.

Angad could not believe his ears; how could people be so superstitious and ignorant in the 21 st century!

He looked at Kripa for answers, but she was packing the instruments and purposely avoiding his gaze. She was still upset, "chaliye Dr Khanna….." she said curtly.

On the way back, Kripa drove silently. Angad felt a little adrenaline rush inside him after the whole delivery experience-he could not believe what had just happened. He was dying to call Aaliyah about his first real world experience. He noticed that Kripa was unusually quiet.

"Kripa….thanks for all your help…" he said softly

"Next time, find someone else to help you! Main ek teacher hoon, medical professional nahin!" she said curtly

"Oh..yeh baat hai!…..Well Kripa jo aap kar rahi thi wo galat tareeka tha…..you could have harmed the baby….babies can get brain hemorrhage like that!" Angad said angrily.

"How do I know? Mujhey aaj tak kisi ne bataaya thode hi hai…I just help out….I have no desire to be a dr or a nurse!" Kripa replied back angrily.

"Chote shehron mein yahi problem hai……no wonder there are so many quacks in these places…." Angad said arrogantly. Angad was very proud of his training at one of the premier institutes in India. He had worked with some of the best doctors in the nation and they all had a slight condescending attitude towards small town hospitals and doctors.

Kripa tried to suppress her tears as they returned to Dr Misra's house.

Kripa got off quickly and took all the supplies inside. Angad followed her without noticing what affect his words had on her.

He followed her into the clinic and saw that she was cleaning the instruments and placing them in the little outdated autoclave for sterilization.

He went close to the autoclave and read the temperature gauge, "Yeh tho theek kaam nahin karta…..kab se use kar rahe ho yeh autoclave?"

Kripa continued to clean the instruments and refused to answer his questions.

"Yeh kya kar rahe ho aap log? Is temperature mein tho kuch bhi sterilize nahin hoga!" Angad yelled again, but stopped short when he saw tears rolling down kripa's tender cheeks. He felt really bad; he did not mean to hurt her feelings, "Oh Kripa…I am sorry…"

Kripa finished loading the autoclave and left the clinic, maintaining a cold silence.

Angad kicked himself, "may be I was too harsh on her…..uski kya galti hai….she is doing what she has been taught……galti Dr Misra ki hai….i must apologise…."

Angad looked for Kripa everywhere, but finally found her in the kitchen.

He crossed his arms and observed her cutting the vegetables and making the dough.

He came closer, "can I help?"

"It is not necessary…aap jaaiye….i will call you when lunch is ready," she replied coldly.

"Aap ne meri help ki, ab main bhi aapki help kar sakta hoon…." Angad lowered his head and looked into her tearful eyes.

Kripa smiled a little, "pehle daant the hain phir aap aap kar ke mujhsey baat karte hain…"

"OK…tho kya main TUMHARI help kar sakta hoon?" he smiled back

…to be continued…..

oh this is really good ...secondly i was laughing that ...."doctor saab ab app sab ke bacha paida kerna "   ......GOD that is hillarious .......really ppl of small towns are so innocent ............ 👏

that was really good..
cont soon..

awesome ff.
liked it.
plz cont. soon.

Originally posted by: ridhijai

awesome ff.
liked it.
plz cont. soon.

thanks 😊

PART 3:

Angad was about to help Kripa in the kitchen, when he heard Damini's voice, 'Dr Khanna…..aap ko Dr sahib bula rahe hain…."

"Oh…Ok…sorry…I can't help right now.." Angad excused himself. Kripa just shook her head, "Dr Khanna, aap apne kaam se kaam rakhiye….zyaada taqleef karne ki zaroorat nahin hai…" she mumbled to herself

"kya bhun-bhun kar rahi hai?" Damini asked, 'aaj Gayatri nahin aayi?"

"Nahin maasi….bas main khaana banaakar ghar hi ja rahi hoon….maa ki tabiyat kuch theek nahin hai…" Kripa said

"Kya hua Gayatri ko? Phir blood pressure high tho nahin ho gaya?" Damini looked concerned

"Maa ka tho aap jaante hi hain maasi….papa ke jaane ke baad wo apna dhyaan kahan deti hain?…" Kripa said as she placed the pans on the stove.

"Tu hi zara uske saath zyaada raha kar….." Damini patted Kripa's back affectionately

"Maasi…..koshish tho karti hoon….ab yahan mamaji bhi tho akele hain….phir unka clinic bhi hai……yadi maa yahan apne bhai ke paas aakar reh lein tho sab problem door ho jaaye…" Kripa sighed

"Gayatri nahin aayegi…..wo ghar uske pati ka hai aur wo ghar kabhie nahin chodegi…..tujhey hi dono ghar sambhaal ne honge….." Damini sat down on a chair.

"mujhey koyi problem nahin hai….ab Dr Khanna ke aane se mamaji ko meri clinic mein itni zaroorat nahin padhegi…." Kripa said as she put the spices in the dal and sabzi.

"Main sochti hoon ki jis din teri shaadi ho jaayegi, tab Dr sahib aur Gayatri kya karenge?"

"Befikr rahiye maasi…..na meri shaadi ho rahi hai, aur na main kahin jaa rahi hoon…..jeena yahan marna yahan…iske siwa jaana kahan…" Kripa started humming an old song.

"Arre Kripa….tera gaana nahin suna itne dino se…..kya riyaaz karti hai aaj kal?" Damini asked

"Maasi!…..Haan karti hoon!….SAPNE MEIN! Aap hi bataiye, time kahan hai mujhey?" Kripa said angrily as she missed singing too. Her father was a classical music teacher and she had inherited his musical genes. She had no formal training but had an ear for music. She could sing any type of song in her sweet melodious voice, but lately had had no opportunity to show off her talent.

Angad met with Dr Misra in his clinic. Dr Misra showed him around and explained him the daily routine. Attached to the clinic was a small operation theatre, where Dr Misra took care of minor surgeries.

"Sir….yadi patient ko major surgery chahiye ho tho?" Angad was disappointed, as there was no canvas for the surgical artist in him to paint.

"Beta…tab wo ya tho paas ke government hospital mein chale jaate hain, ya phir bhagwan ko pyaare ho jaate hain….is sheher mein tho bas main hi hoon….jo mujhsey hota hai, main kar leta hoon…..baaki bhagwan par chhod deta hoon…" Dr Misra said as he sat in his chair.

Angad was appalled and thought, "Why the hell did they send me here! Main yahan kya karoonga…..bilkul bekaar ho jaaoonga….what a waste of time…."

"Dheere dheere tumhey bhi aadat ho jaayegi yahan ki….abhi abhi Mumbai se aaye ho na….shuru shuru mein mujhey bhi bahut niraasha hoti thi, par ab 30 saal ke baad lagta hai, yadi main nahin hota tho Ramgarh ki halat aur bhi buri hoti…..My contribution is just a drop in the ocean, but somewhere I know that drop is enough to quench the thirst of at least someone!" Dr Misra said philosophically.

Angad was not satisfied. He was very ambitious and had expected a lot more from this hands-on assignment in the small town. He shuddered at the thought of becoming like Dr Misra one day- an outdated and tired old man, who did not want to change with the times.

"Doctor sahib…Dr sahib!" a young man in his 30's walked in to the clinic

"Kya baat hai Abdul?" Dr Misra addressed the intruder.

"mere bete ko dekh lee jiye…aaj subah se bahut pait mein dard hai…..ab tho chal bhi nahin paa raha hai…"

"Theek hai le aao….yeh Dr Khanna hain….wo dekh lenge tumhare bete ko….." Dr Misra got up from his chair and patted Angad's shoulder, "he is all your's son!…..main lunch karne jaa raha hoon…"

Angad received the 10 year old son of Abdul and examined him, "iske kuch test karne honge Abdul…jaise Xray, ultrasound, khoon ki jaanch……"

"Test? Dr sahib hamare paas kuch paise nahin hai…." Abdul got worried

"Phir humein pata kaise chalega ki tumhare bete ko kya hai?…" Angad said angrily.

"Kaun se test karne hai Dr Khanna?" Kripa walked into the clinic

Angad looked at Kripa quizzically and thought, 'isko kya pata?"

"Aap bataaiye….main aapko estimate deti hoon…." Kripa looked away and said matter-of-factly

Angad named a battery of tests needed. Kripa did some mental calculation, "Abdul bhai…in sab tests ke kareeb 7000.00 rupees lag jaayenge…."

"7000?" Abdul almost had a heart attack.

"Abdul bhai, aap zara bahar intezaar kariye…..please…." Kripa helped Abdul out into the waiting room and came back, 'Dr Khanna, kya test karne zaroori hain?"

"Who are you to question me? Tumhey the medicine ka ABC bhi nahin pata hoga….you are just a…" Angad said arrogantly

"JUST AN ENGLISH TEACHER! YES, I DON'T KNOW ABC OF MEDICINE, BUT I DO KNOW KA, KHA, GHA (HINDI ALPHABET) OF MEDICINE! Dr Khanna, main yahan mamaji ke saath kayi dino se kaam kar rahi hoon, itna zaroor jaanti hoon ki yadi accha doctor ho tho usey hamesha 7000 rupees ke test karne zaroori nahin hote…..shayad aapke medical college mein sirf kitaabon par zyaada dhyaan diya gaya tha, mareejon par nahin! Main Dr Misra ko bulati hoon!" Kripa felt offended once again by this arrogant city doctor and this time she was able to suppress her tears.

Angad just stood there, clenching his fist and jaw. He had not come here to be lectured by a mere 21-22 year old English teacher!

"Haan….Angad….so what do you think?" Dr Misra came back wiping his hands with a towel.

Angad was disgusted to see that Dr Misra was still chewing on his lunch as he examined the 10-year old boy.

"Hmm….Dr Khanna, this is a straight forward case of appendicitis…jao Kripa beti Abdul se keh do yeh dawaaiyan le aaye….aur Dr Khanna ke liye operation theatre tayyar kar do…..he will perform his first surgery today…." Dr Misra scribbled something on a pad and gave it to Kripa.

Angad felt a little humiliated, 'Sir…..how can you be sure?….kam se kam ultrasound tho karwaana chahiye…."

"Beta ultrasound Ramgarh mein nahin hota…uske liye paas ke ek sheher mein jaana padhega…tab tak is bachhe ki haalat aur kharaab ho jaayegi…." Dr Misra explained

"But you could be wrong sir!" Angad challenged the older physician

"Sure…Dr Khanna…no one is perfect…remember we are not God…we are doing our best under the circumstances" Dr Misra left the clinic to finish his lunch.

Angad felt trapped; he had no choice but to prepare for the surgery. Damini and Kripa helped get the boy ready. Angad was surprised to see that Damini not only acted as his assistant but also as the anesthesiologist during the procedure. Angad was pleasantly surprised to see that Dr Misra's diagnosis was right on.

Dr Misra joined them midway through the operation. Kripa had left for her house by then.

Dr Misra was pleased to see Angad's skill on the operation table; he gave him a appreciative nod as he joined him. Angad's eyes smiled above his mask as if saluting the older doctor for his accurate diagnosis.

Looked like the ice between the two doctors had melted. Angad was beginning to acknowledge that experience was as important as knowing state of the art techniques and skills. Dr Misra was reassured that his town was in good hands now…….

After the surgery, Angad politely informed Abdul, 'tumhara beta theek ho jaayega…1-2 din mein chutti kar denge…."

Angad was famished after the surgery. He suddenly remembered that Kripa was nowhere to be seen. He looked around, but was disappointed as she had already left.

"Wo…wo Kripa kahan gayi?" Angad hesitated

"Dr Khanna, Kripa apne ghar bhi tho jaayegi.." Damini intervened

"Oh…wo yahan nahin rehti?" Angad sounded disappointed. He did not know why, but he was kind of missing her. He remembered how rude he had been with her in the clinic. He kicked himself for losing his temper in front of her.

"aisi kya baat hai uss ladki mein jo main usey kuch bhi bol deta hoon?….abhi tho pehla din hi hai….theek se jaanta bhi nahin…par aisa lagta hai usey barson se jaanta hoon….." He pondered with his own feelings.

NEXT DAY:

Angad woke up and came downstairs. The breakfast was laid neatly on the table. He looked around and saw no one.

He went to the kitchen and was hoping Kripa would be there, "hmm kahan gayi? Kahin meri baaton se naaraz tho nahin ho gayi? I should apologise"

"Kisey dhoondh rahe ho Dr Khanna? Wo tho subah ka nashta banaakar school bhi chali gayi….aap so rahe the shayad…" Damini gave Angad a teasing smile. She could see that this city doctor was showing unusual interest in Kripa….why not? She was very beautiful, well mannered, cheerful, and most of all very good at heart!

"Oh…Daminiji aap?" Angad felt awkward that Damini had caught him looking for Kripa everywhere.

"School ki chutti 3 baje hoti hai…" Damini dropped a hint and left.

Angad worked in the clinic all day, but kept staring at the wall clock all day.

Finally, at 2.30 in the afternoon, he left the clinic and asked Dr Misra, "Main soch raha hoon ki thodi der bahar jaakar sheher dekh loon…"

"Haan…haan hao….chaho tho car le jao…" Dr Misra gave him the keys

"Thank you sir" Angad stepped out and saw a Rose bush outside the house. He plucked a red rose and put it in his shirt pocket.

Angad drove through the horrendous traffic of Ramgarh, 'kaise chalaate hain yahan log gaadi? Kripa kitni aasaani se car chalaa leti hai yahan…..I have to admit she is an amazing woman…..ghar aur bahar dono ke kaam itni aasaani se kar leti hai…."

He finally arrived at her school at around 3.15, but was disappointed to see that everyone had left by then, "kaash yahan ki sadakein better hoti tho main time se pahunch jaata"

He did not know where she lived, so he turned around to go back to Dr Misra's house.

He was hoping to see Kripa at home, but she was still not there.

Damini walked out of the clinic with some papers and saw Angad looking for Kripa everywhere, "Hmm…..lagta hai abhi tak mulaqat nahin huyi….jao oopar tumhare kamrey mein hai…"

"M..Mere kamrey mein kya kar rahi hai?" Angad acted surprised

"Dhobi ke kapde aaye the…tumhare room mein rakhney gayi hai…." Damini gave him a smile and went back to the clinic.

Angad ran upstairs as fast as he could.

There she was.

"Oh….tum tum…yahan kya kar rahi ho?" Angad acted as if was not expecting her there.

"Sorry…..mere resume mein shayad aapke kapde rakhna nahin likha tha…" Kripa said curtly and turned around to leave

Angad blocked the doorway, "Main tumhare school gaya tha…"

"Dekhne ki main sach much teacher hoon ya nahin?" Kripa said sarcastically

"Lagta hai abhi tak naaraz ho…" Angad took the droopy rose from his pocket, "yeh tumhare liye…lagta hai yeh rose bhi meri tarah sorry keh raha hai…"

Kripa had a faint smile on her face as she saw the drooping flower, "mujhey aaj tak sirf mere students ne hi phool diye hain…aaj pehli baar teacher se phool mil raha hai…."

"Main teacher nahin hoon…..shayad abhi bhi student hi hoon…..," Angad came close to her and looked into her eyes, "aur hamesha student hi ban kar rehna chahta hoon….sirf tumhara student…."

Kripa blushed at his comment, and ran from his room. She had never been spoken to like that before; something in his voice and eyes said that he meant what he had just said……she could still feel her hair rising when she thought about his words.

"Main jaa rahi hoon maasi," she ran as fast as she could and left for her home.

Angad was still frozen at his doorway, "yeh mujhey kya hua achanak? Maine na jaane kya kya keh diya Kripa ko?…..kahin wo phir se bura na maan jaaye?…but why do I care?…..why does it bother me if she is upset with me?…..aakhir wo kya kagti hai meri?"

……to be continued……

amazing fanfic
its really intresting
cant wait 2 read the next part
👏

Fab update.
plz cont. soon.

PART 4:

Kripa reached home, but was still dazed by the incident in Angad's room. She looked at the drooping rose in her hand and held it close to her nostrils. She took a whiff and shut her eyes; there was something special about the fragrance of this rose, "kya hai yeh? Harr gulab ek sa hi hota hai, par iss gulab ki khushboo jaise mere dil tak pahunch rahi ho,"

"Kripa! Beti tu aa gayi?" Gayatri came out and saw Kripa standing with her eyes closed and smelling a rose, "kya hua? Yeh gulab kisney diya? Aise aankhein kyon bandh kar rakhi hain?"

Kripa came out of her trance-like state and opened her eyes, "Oh Maa…yeh..yeh mere ek student ne diya hai….bahut acchi khushboo hai iski…lo aap bhi sungh lo…," Kripa held the rose in front of her mother.

"Khushboo tho acchi hai, par aisi koi khaas baat bahin hai…..jaise sab gulabon mein hoti hai waisi hi hai…" Gayatri commented

"Maa…..aap nahin samjhogi….," Kripa took the flower to her room and safely put it away between the pages of her diary.

NEXT FEW DAYS:

Angad was worried that after the rose incident, Kripa would misconstrue his intentions and get upset with him again. He did not see her much, as she was busy with school and shuffling between the two homes. He was relieved when one day he bumped into her in the clinic. She was arranging a bouquet of roses in a vase.

"Hmm…..lagta hai tumhey gulab kuch zyaada pasand aane lage hain….pehle tho kabhie yahan phool sajaaye nahin tumney?" Angad came behind her as she arranged the flowers.

Kripa just blushed, "lagta hai is saal bahaar jaldi aa gayi hai…..baahar garden mein itne phool khil rahe hain ki socha kyon na aap doctors ki zindagi ko thodi khushboo se bhar dee jaaye…"

"Doctors ki chinta tum kyon karti ho? We can take care of ourselves!" Angad tried to provoke her and put his bag down to sit down on his chair. He was pleased that Kripa was still her cheerful self and not mad at him anymore, but she turned around and snapped, "so be it doctor!" and left.

Angad was disappointed to see her leave, "oh no!…yeh itni jaldi gussa kyon ho jaati hai? Naak parr tho jaise makhhi baithi rehti hai!" He had anxiously waited for this moment, when he could be with her or talk with her, or simply just listen to her blabber. He just sighed and got down to work.

Angad was beginning to get a hang of the routine and working style of Dr Misra and this small town. He had decided to stop comparing the facilities and technology available in Mumbai with what was available here in Ramgarh. He was learning how to diagnose, treat and cure with minimal ancillary help and rely more on his clinical acumen and gut feel. He did not mind taking care of non-surgical cases now, as he knew that was part of his job. In fact, he even started enjoying treating the patient as a whole, rather than just focusing on his surgical organ or ailment.

The patients were beginning to trust and like him more and more everyday.

Angad stopped challenging Dr Misra and Damini about their methodology, instead he kept a running list of equipment, medications and supplies he needed. He had decided to go to the nearest big city one of these days and purchase what he needed himself, instead of complaining and demanding it from the staff here.

Kripa had not accompanied him to deliveries or house calls in a while. How he wished, he had respected her skills and willingness to help, then she would still be going with him everywhere. Kripa on the other hand was relieved that she had one less thing to do, although she kind of missed Angad's wrath-kuch tho apna pan hai uski daant mein bhi…..mann karta hai wo phir waise hi daante mujhey…..

One day, when Angad was alone at the clinic, a middle-aged lady walked in, "bhaiyya…bhaiyya! Kahan hai aap?"

Angad got up from his seat and greeted the pleasant looking lady, "aaiye….aap kisey dhoond rahi hai aunty?"

"Arre…tum naye Dr ho na? Dr Khanna?"

"Jee!" Angad said politely

"Mera naam Gayatri hai…mai Dr Misra ki behen hoon…mooh boli behen…."

"Namaste aunty….tho kya aap Kripa ki?…." Angad asked cautiously

"Haan…wo meri beti hai….bataa rahi thi tumhare baare mein…." Gayatri smiled and sat down

Angad asked nervously, "kya keh rahi thi mere baare mein?"

"Yahi ki bahut gussa karta hai….par tum tho bilkul waise nahin ho…" Gayatri gave him an affectionate look

"Aunty….yeh tho wo hua, ulta chor kotwaal ko daante….wo baat hi aisi karti hai ki mujhey gussa aa jaata hai…" Angad frowned

"Beta…wo bachpan se hi aisi hai…uski baaton ka bura mat maan na….wo jitni jaldi gussa hoti hai, utni jaldi pighal bhi jaati hai…" Gayatri defended her daughter

"Oh really? Ab aap bataaiye kaise aana hua?" Angad asked. He knew gayatri was right about Kripa's temper, but he acted as if he was unaware.

"Beta…bhaiyya mere blood pressure ka ilaaj kar rahe hain….par iss dawa se kuch faayda nahin ho raha….mere roz sar mein dard hota hai, aur Kripa mera BP check karti hai, abhi bhi bahut zyaada aata hai…." Gayatri complained

Angad examined her and checked her medications, "aunty, yeh dawa ab koi istemaal nahin karta….main aapko doosri dawa likh deta hoon….ho sakta hai wo yahan na miley, main weekend par paas ke kisi badhe sheher jaa raha hoon….aapke liye le aaoonga…."

"Arre…itni takleef mat karna beta!" Gayatri said

"Takleef ki koi baat nahin, mujhey aur saaman bhi laana hai…" Angad reassured her

"Waise is saturday ko Kripa bhi Kartik se milne Pune jaa rahi hai…." Gayatri said

"Pune? Oh! Yeh Kartik kaun hai?" Angad got a little worried.

"Kartik? Wo meri behen ka ladka hai….Kripa usey rakshabandhan par rakhi nahin baandh paayi thi kyonki wo London mein tha….iss liye ab jaa rahi hai…."

Angad took a sigh of relief and had an idea, "waise auntie main bhi Pune jaane ki hi soch raha tha….train se sirf 4 ghante lagte hain…hai na?…hum day trip lagaa sakte hain."

"Aisa karo, tum Kripa ke saath hi chale jao….mujhey waise bhi usey akele bhejne main darr lagta hai…" Gayatri was pleased that her young daughter would have company.

Angad was in seventh heaven; he did not know why, but the thought of spending a whole day with Kripa excited him a lot. He had never felt this way about anyone before; he had always been too focused on himself and his career-everyone else was always incidental in his life, but Kripa……what was special about her?

Kripa reluctantly agreed, 'theek hai maa….parr saare raaste mujhey daant tha raha tho?"

"Theek hai sun lena daant! Tujh se umar mein kam se kam 3-4 saal badha hai, aur doctor bhi hai!" Gayatri explained

"Maa…doctor hai, bhagwan nahin! Bahut ghamand hai usey apne doctor hone ka, sochta hai hum chote sheher waale sab ganwaar hote hain…" Kripa frowned.

"Bahut accha ladka hai wo…..kitna aadar kiya tha mera…..Ab jaldi tayyar ho jaa….kartik ke liye mithai bhi laani hai…" Gayatri scolded her.

"Sab log mujhpar naaraz hote rehtey hain!" Kripa stomped out in fury. Although, she was visibly unhappy about traveling with Angad, a part of her was in seventh heaven-she was craving to be with him…..and that too alone….she had goose bumps just thinking about it.

The train journey was a pleasant ride through the open country.

Kripa and Angad sat across from each other in the train. Both pretended that they were reading a book, but kept checking each other out, and glancing each other with their eyes.

"Aaj itni chup kaise ho?" Angad finally spoke.

"Kyonki maine kuch keh diya, aur aapko pasand nahin aaya, tho aap phir daant dengey mujhey!" Kripa said

"Lekin mujhey nahin lagta ki tumhey kisi se darr lagta hai….." Angad smiled and put his book down

"Darr nahin lagta, parr aap jaise ghamandi logon ke mooh nahin lagti main!" Kripa gave him sharp look.

Angad rested his elbows on his knees and bent forward towards her face, "tho kiske mooh lagti ho tum?"

Kripa buried her face in her book and mumbled, "aapke tho bilkul nahin!"

Angad smiled, sat up straight and picked his book again.

They both went into their imaginary world, as this song plays in the background, reflecting their feelings:

http://www.dishant.com/lyrics/song-12216.html

Kishore: Suniye
Asha: Kahiye
Kahiye
Kishore: Suniye
Suniye
Asha: Kahiye
Kahiye na
Kishore: Suniye
Kehte, Sunte, Baaton Baaton Mein Pyar Ho Jaayega

They arrived in Pune and went to the drug store to pick up all the supplies. Angad also picked up Gayatri's medicines. The pharmacist picked his calculator to make the bill. Angad was amazed that Kripa was able to mentally calculate the amount that they owed faster than the pharmacist could punch in the keys.

"Wow! Are you sure you are not a math teacher?" Angad was pleasantly surprised

"Dr Khanna….one learns to be a Jack of all trades in a small town!"

Angad knew this was a jab at him because he had been hesitant in treating patients who had a problem outside his surgical expertise. He just shook his head and thought, "this girl will always make sure that I stay grounded on my feet….and I like that…"

Kishore: Suniye
Asha: Kahiye
Kahiye
Kishore: Suniye
Suniye
Asha: Kahiye
Kahiye na
Kishore: Suniye
Kehte, Sunte, Baaton, Baaton Mein Pyar Ho Jaayega
Pyar Ho Jaayega

They had to cross a busy highway in Pune. Angad noticed that Kripa was a little anxious about crossing the multilane road.

"Kya hua? Darr gayi? Lo mera haath pakad lo…," Angad did not give her a chance and grabbed her hand possessively and crossed the highway with her.

Yeh Pehli Nazar Ka Uff Kya Asar Hai
Tumhari Kasam Dagmagaaye Se Hum Hai
Asha: La La La La La
Kishore: Nahin Jispe Qaabu Yeh Hai Kaisa Jaadu
Mere Liye To Sach Bhi Bharam Hai
Suniye
Asha: Kahiye
Kahiye
Kishore: Suniye
Asha: Kahiye
Kahiye na
Kishore: Suniye
Kehte, Sunte, Baaton, Baaton Mein Pyar Ho Jaayega
Pyar Ho Jaayega


"Tum chote sheher waalon ki yahi problem hai….ek sadak cross karne mein darr jaate ho!" Angad teased Kripa.

"Aap badhe sheher waalon ki problem hai ki aap itne badhe hote nahin hai, jitna dikhava karte hain!" Kripa snapped back.


Ghata Chand Bijli Barkha Pawan Mein
Shaamil Ho Tum Meri Har Kalpana Mein
Asha: Taareef Meri Itni Karo Na
Udne Lagun Main Kahin Aasman Mein
Kishore: Suniye
Asha: Kahiye
Kahiye
Kishore: Suniye
Suniye
Asha: Kahiye
Kahiye aha
Kishore: Suniye
Kehte, Sunte, Baaton, Baaton Mein Pyar Ho Jaayega
Pyar Ho Jaayega

They reached the other side of the road.

Angad was till holding on to her hand; he looked into her eyes and softly said, "tum chote sheher waale bhi itne chote nahin hote hain, jitna dikhte hain…," he scrutinized her petite frame from head to toe with his piercing eyes. Kripa shivered a little and avoided his gaze, as she could tell his gaze was resting at her feminine curves; she gently released her sweaty palm from his hands and looked away, "chaliye…Kartik bhaiyya ke yahan chalte hain…"

Tumhari Ada Hai Woh Sabse Judaa Hai
Chaaha Hai Tumko Isi Vaaste
Asha: Hum Bekhabar Hain Tum Besabar Ho
Us Pe Hain Dekho Naye Raaste
Kishore: Suniye
Asha: Kahiye
Kahiye
Kishore: Suniye
Suniye
Asha: Kahiye
Kahiye
Kishore: Suniye
Kehte, Sunte, Baaton, Baaton Mein Pyar Ho Jaayega
Pyar Ho Jaayega
Kishore: Suniye
Asha: Kahiye
Kahiye
Kishore: Suniye
Suniye
Asha: Kahiye
Kahiye
Kishore: Suniye
Kehte, Sunte, Baaton, Baaton Mein Pyar Ho Jaayega
Pyar Ho Jaayega

The song played in the background as they took an auto to Kartik's house.


…to be continued….