She walks in Beauty...Th4 Chap-48 pg 132 - Page 88

"I am being accused of loving you, that is all
It is not an insult, but a praise, that is all

My heart is pleased at the words of the accusers
O my dearest dear, they say your name, that is all

For what I am ridiculed, is not a crime
My heart's useless playtime, a failed love, that is all

I haven't lost hope, but just a fight, that is all
The night of suffering lengthens, but just a night, that is all

In the hand of time is not the rolling of my fate
In the hand of time roll just the days, that is all"(faiz)

Ashutosh was driving his car silently with Nidhi on his side and Malika seated on the back seat. Trying his best not to add to Malika's pain and maintaining a distance with Nidhi, he was peeping at her through the corner of his eyes, savouring the feast his eyes craved for all day. Malika was engrossed in her thoughts the world she cherished for twelve long years in her dreams was someone else's reality. Twelve long years, whenever she boarded his car she with every right sat on his side and always thought that she owned the place rightfully, the position she had every right to own. She never thought Ashutosh would like someone else. How much she tried to keep him away from those ogling eyes that drooled over him. With all alertness, she was always heedful of those desirous eyes. But the way Ashutosh had all these years made himself inaccessible and lived a life almost of a hermit, she knew for sure no one is going to tread the sanctuary of her love. But unaware how someone peeped in her sanctuary and also in his heart, dwelling his heart and embossing it with her name throwing her away. Away! Was she even there??? She sighed and looked far away through the window.

Why Ashutosh? Why you abandoned me? Why you abandoned like the moon abandons night's skies, like the evening light abandons its earlier surmise? Why you snuffed out even the flickering torch of hope Ashutosh? Why? She sighed again and turned to look at them. They were so quiet and distant that her mind coerced her to mull over the question. The bubbly wife and heart stone husband, Are they compatible? The difference in their ages as well as temperaments, Nidhi, young and jolly, Ashutosh a recluse and so workaholic. Will this relation last for long? Will they be able to go through and take it to zenith? Will Nidhi be able to hold back her desires, her expectations which Ashutosh surely won't be able to match. They are poles apart. Did they ever think over it, they have a huge gap in between. Malika was jolted out of her thoughts when she heard Nidhi say, "Ashutosh! Stop the car here"

He gradually slowed down the car and gave her a questioning look. She smiled and winked saying, "I'll come in a moment, " and got off the car. His eyes followed her till he saw her entering a nearby mall and mumbled her stock of chocolates might have depleted. Malika who got amazed hearing Nidhi calling him by his name exclaimed, "Chocolates!"

Ashutosh was surprised, realizing his mumble has reached her ear, he nodded his head saying, "yes she loves chocolates"

That reminded Malika of the chocolate she found in his drawer a few months ago, "Was that chocolate for her and is she the reason Ashutosh didn't allow me to have that."

She retorts"And you don't like sweets at all"

"Hmm"... Before he could react, he saw Nidhi coming out of the mall with a bouquet and of course with a bag full of chocolates. He quickly got off to take the bouquet and asked, "you are going to eat all these chocolates?"

"Not for me, they are for Anji"

He smiles and shakes his head, "So she too is a junkie"

Nidhi glared at him and mock punched his arm. He chuckled and turned back to get into the car. Though the moment they turned they got conscious of Malika's presence and managed their demeanour, but she didn't fail to notice their banter.

Anji has been running to manage things in her kitchen and get dinner ready. She had to take a day off and to give up the idea of inviting them at a restaurant for dinner when Ashutosh expressed his desire to taste dinner prepared by his sister in law. Dr. Rangnath ever since his return has been helping her and making sure everything is perfect. The boss who never went to anyone's house and accepted anyone's invitation was coming to his house for the first time. He had been quite relaxed with him and had been able to know him better since he got married with Nidhi but who really can remain at ease when Dr. Heartstone is expected or is around. Anji has been smiling at his nervousness. They were almost done when their doorbell buzzed. Anji answered the door bell and received the guests and in a moment Dr. Rangnath also joined her. Nidhi presented the bouquet to Anji and hugged her excitedly. Ashutosh held her in a side hug and waited for Anji and Malika to exchange pleasantries and finally all moved inside.

"What? We are not at KGH. This room has turned into a conference room of KGH"

Ashutosh raised his eyebrows at his wife's protest, carrying a tray of juice glasses followed by Anji carrying the snacks. Anji, offering him the snacks sits next to him and adds, "Come on jiju leave KGH. You are with your sis-in-law. Talk to her she can divulge a lot of things about your wife. Not interested to know?"

Ashutosh looks fondly at his wife and answers, "I know her"

"More than me?"

Ashutosh holds his tongue in cheek and looking intensely at his wife for some time who in response popped her eyes out slightly, he answers with a smirk, "Yes"

Anji opens her mouth stunned. Malika and Rangnath look at him amazedly.

Anji turns naughty, "Okay! You know your wife? You'll have to answer my questions"

Ashutosh puckers his brow, "Answer your questions?"

"Yes! Come on let me see how much you know your wife"

He turns to look at Nidhi. She smiles and Anji asks the question?

"What is Nidhi's favourite colour?

"Blue"

Anji exclaims, "What jiju you failed in very first question?"

Raising his one eyebrow, "You are lacking knowledge"

"I don't have knowledge. I don't know about Nidhi" She turns and asks, "Nidhi let your husband know what is your favourite colour?"

Nidhi smiles looking at Ashutosh and answers, "Blue"

"What? Not fair. You are taking your husband's side. You forgot I knew each and everything about you"

"Arrey... what is taking sides in this... As on date my favourite colour is blue... And what is this? You invited us for taking a compatibility test"

"Not fair Nidhi you know Jiju challenged me and Isn't this better than discussing your KGH and your patients. I'm saving myself, I'm the only one here who is not a doctor"

All chuckle at that and Dr. Rangnath retorts, "We don't want to discuss dresses and designers"

Anji glares at Dr. Rangnath and Rangnath adds, "Sir, this is what happens to husbands in a few months of marriage."

Ashutosh smiles and his eyes turn towards his wife, he wanted to linger on his stare, but had to avert his eyes quickly. He had been missing and longing to be with her all day. He couldn't make for lunch when she so lovingly invited him and waited for him. He got stuck at the last moment and had to inform her that he can't make it for lunch. Even on his return he had wished for a moment with her, but she was busy talking to Riya on Skype and they had to rush to pick Malika up. All along his drive to Anji's house he has been thinking about Nidhi and their life. He wasn't naive to the feeling that even in the initiation of their life together Nidhi had to compromise with his busy schedule. He raises his eyes again to steal a look when he heard Anji complimenting Dr. Malika, "Dr. Malika, Nice saree"

Malika quite courteously mumbles a "thank you"

Nidhi joins in, "Anji Dr. Malika has a nice choice. She always wears nice colours"

Malika surprised to hear Nidhi's words, "Really! Didn't know you like my sarees, thanks for the compliment"

"By the way, the saree you are wearing is also very elegant. Arman's fashion house? You did all your wedding shopping from there"

Dr. Rangnath butts in, "Ladies! Stop right there"

All startled, turn to look at him and he adds, "Have mercy on us, don't get started."

And all the ladies burst into laughter. Ashutosh only displayed a smile, feeling inwardly contented with his decision for inviting Malika for dinner.

After a while Anji serves dinner and Nidhi helps her in laying the table.

"Anji you had to give up your work today. Ashutosh doesn't like to eat outside I think that's why he requested you to cook dinner yourself"

"No Nidhi! I think he wanted to come here. He wants to foster his new relations and he really knows how to do that"

Nidhi smilingly turn to look at him. He was busy talking to Dr. Malika and Rangnath. Anji adds, "You know I wonder why people always dread him"

Nidhi chuckles, "because you haven't seen him in his heart stone form"

Anji turns serious, "But you haven't seen him. Have you? I mean he doesn't shower his anger on you"

Nidhi smiles at her friend's care and concern and asks, "What do you think?"

"He loves you a lot. I'm having no doubts about that. I have seen him suffer when he heard about your illness"

Nidhi smiles again at Anji's rebuttal and asks, "Then why did you ask that question?"

"What else can I construe? When you vouch for his heart stoniness?"

"You haven't seen him throwing a fit...you are his well-liked sis-in-law"

Anji smiles and beckons everyone for dinner. Dinner was liked by all. Dr. Ashutosh relished food and when he acclaimed Anji's cooking skills Dr. Rangnath answered, "I think you have not tasted my sis-in-laws cooking yet"

Ashutosh didn't respond, he only smiled looking at Nidhi.

Malika also added, "Anji you really cook great! Well Dr. Rangnath I must admit I didn't expect her cooking to be so good, bearing the fact that she has been working immediately after her studies, one really finds difficult to manage time and try our hand at gaining such skills"

Dr. Rangnath smiled, looking fondly at Anji.

Curious Malika didn't stop here but asked Rangnath, "Dr. Nidhi also cook as well?"

Anji was quick to answer, "As well! She cooks mouth watering. Whatever I'm able to cook are all because of her recipes. You are right, I didn't know even to make a cup of tea. A day before my wedding, she wrote recipes in my diary and that's how I manage to cook a meal"

This was a revelation for Ashutosh but an anti-climax for Malika.

They were tasting sweet dish when Anji demanded, "Jiju I want you to play a piece on violin"

"Violin? For that you'll have to come to our place. Where will you get a violin here?"

"You needn't worry about that" and with that she stands up and moves out of the room.

Within moments she returns and places a box in his hands, "This is for you." Ashutosh opens the box and exclaims, "Violin!"

"Yes for you. I want you to play always for my friend. So that she has the melodious life"

Ashutosh and Nidhi smile and exchange a glance.

Ashutosh plays a beautiful piece looking at Nidhi though trying his best not to hurt Malika. Malika's eyes turn moist, she heard him play after a long time. In London he used to play for her and she got lost in those moments. The moment he stops, the magical spell of music breaks and everyone claps for him. Anji exclaimed, "Wow Jiju! This was so mesmerising"

Malika added, "You reminded me of those days. When you used to play and I used to be your only audience"

Ashutosh exchanged a glance with Nidhi and answered, "And you used to even sing sometimes?"

Nidhi exclaims, "What? Then we would like to hear Dr. Malika as well" She turns to Ashustosh, "You play something for her she will sing"

"I'm ready to play if she is willing to sing"

"You want me to sing"

Ashutosh shrugs his shoulders, "Yes, if you wish, please!"

He only touches the strings and Malika starts singing. Ashutosh flinches a bit hearing her lyrics, but continues giving music to the song:

The night was haunted by your memories
And my moist eyes smiled all night long)

Malika's eyes were glued at Ashutosh while she sang the first few lines, after a while she stood up, walked a few steps away and continued her song, with her stare and lyrics aimed at Ashutosh.

The candles of pain kept the night awake
And the flames of sadness kept flickering all night long)

Ashutosh looked at Nidhi and feeling a twinge in Nidhi's eyes, his eyes remained glued on her. Waiting for her one glance so that his love can rekindle her doe eyes and wipe that poignancy.

Ah, the sweet, soulful yearning of the flute
Kept tugging at my memories all night long)

Nidhi turned her eyes to glance at Ashutosh and saw his eyes, waiting fervently and offering the love that was only for her. She responded to his pensive gaze with a wink and he feels back at ease.

(yaad ki chaand dil me utarati rahi

chaandani dagamagaati rahi raat bhar

As the moons of a memory would set in my heart
The moonlight kept shining like a beacon all night long)

Dr. Rangnath and Anji were lost in mesmerized song of Malika.

(koi divaanaa galiyo me phirataa rahaa

koi aavaaz aati rahi raat bhar

A forlorn lover kept wandering the streets
And a voice could well be heard all night long)

When Malika ended song Anji and Rangnath were the first ones to applaud her. Her pall of gloom touched Ashutosh and Nidhi's heart and took them some time to express their plaudits. Her song twinged their hearts equally, but a tinge of gloom on Nidhi's face erupted edginess in Ashutosh. After some time he thanks Anji and Rangnath for a great dinner and asks for their leave.

An uneasy calm prevailed in the car; Ashutosh was driving a bit fast as if trying to get over this silence that has been forced between him and his Nidhi. Nidhi was watching outside through the window with her head resting on the back and Malika too was lost in her own world of despair. To divert the attention of his Nidhi he exclaims, "Nice full moon night, reminds me of one such night when the moon was shining at its best"

Nidhi turns her head and smiles, her eyes twinkle seeing glint in his eyes. Malika responds, "Yes the night is marvellously lit and when was night like that? Hmm, let me guess, the night we spend wandering on the streets of London after that concert. Wasn't that similar to this one?"

Ashutosh didn't know what and how to respond and exchanging a glance with Nidhi he sped up his car. Within moments they reached Malika's place and he heaved sigh of relief. Malika got off the car and thanked both and Ashutosh in response waved a quick bye saying, "I'm sorry. I'm getting late. Have an important call to make. See you tomorrow."

The car accelerated and Ashutosh whimpered, "What happened love?"

Nidhi shook her head and answered, "Nothing"

"You are fine?

She nods her head. "No you are not. You are scaring me"

Ashutosh waited for her response, but Nidhi silently leaned forward, holding his chin, she turned his face towards the road and rested her head on his shoulder slipping her arm in his. That gesture eased Ashutosh's restlessness and pecking at her head, he concentrated on his driving.

In the car porch, he waited for her to raise her head, but when she didn't he softly caressed her head and uttered, "Nidhi we are home"

She opened her eyes and answered, "Oh! I didn't realise"

"I think you are feeling tired"

They get off the car and move inside the house. Kaka and Baba were asleep. Nidhi waited for Ashutosh to latch the door and turn off lights and together they moved upstairs to their room. Slackening his pace Ashutosh took off his jacket and loosened his necktie, and plonked on the bed. Nidhi emerged from the dressing room in her pink nightgown and looked fondly at her husband's supine form. He had his eyes closed and hands entwined on his chest. She walked up to him and leaned forward to gather his jacket up, but she felt a tug on her arm and fell with a thud on him.

He didn't speak a word and looked intensely and expressively at her. The intensity of his stare scorched her, she places her forehead on his chest and he responds by tightening his arms around her.

"Do you have any idea? What I've gone through whole day and... and the whole evening with all those enforced restrains and now with your aberrant silence? Is Malika reason behind your silence?"

Nidhi sighed deeply and he added, "Hmm... that's the only thing left now to tear my heart into pieces"

She crept and kissed at his heart, "Don't say a word about my heart"

"When did I say a word about your heart? I'm talking about mine"

She moved up a bit and burrowed her face in his shoulder and he softly straightened her tresses in response, "I'm sorry I don't know whether I should be angry at Dr. Malika or feel sad for her. I actually feel both."

He tightened his arms and turned to his side. Laying her softly on the bed, he reversed their positions and kissed all over her face.
"I knew it. You felt bad, why she sang that song for your...pecking at her lips in a husky voice he added...love, only your love. That feeling of yours makes me feel elated. You feel bad because I know what a...kissing at her heart...what a sweet and compassionate heart I possess"

She looked fondly at him and then answered sheepishly, "What would you say if I...If I say I wanted to kill her for the way she was looking at you"

With bated breath she waited for his response and he glared at her. When she lowered her eyes, he couldn't suppress his laugh. Hearing him laugh, she mock punched him and laughing, he delved in her neck and bit at her crook mumbling, "You are a sweetheart. You know that? Thank you for loving me so much Nidhi."

She moans as he tastes her all around her neck and grabbing his hair, she pries him out, "You don't have to change"

In a groovy voice he replies, "Hmm...No...What's the need? Hold me in your arms. I missed you so much"

She held him snugly and softly caressing his hair she murmurs, "I missed you too"

He embraces her in response and after staying like that for a long minute Nidhi calls him, "Ashutosh"

"Hmm"

"You never felt for Dr. Malika"

Ashutosh stifles and remains silent, Nidhi continues, "I mean she is so beautiful, a perfect woman any man would dream to have in his life...she paused and asked...you never liked her?"

He twirls and pulls her up on him, "What happened Nidhi? What is wrong with you? What are you asking?"

She purses her lips and answers, "I didn't mean that, I mean"

He pushes her head softly to him and kisses on her lips.

"What has Love got to do with flawlessness? Did I love you after knowing you? Didn't you ensnare me even before you knew me? Didn't only one glimpse of you left me hankering for you? I never felt for any woman what I felt for you, love. When you were born, I think desire for you was created in my heart and I waited for you, longingly. I think when souls are created they are paired there and that's why they say marriages are made in heaven and just celebrated on earth"

Nidhi listened to him quietly and asked, "And why do some souls wander forlorn?"

He inhales and exhales a deep breath and answers, "Don't know my love? All are not so lucky and as blessed as we are"

"And what if God someday, answers their supplications?"

Ashutosh flinches and embraces her tightly understanding the depth of her eloquent silence and the meaning underlying her spoken words, admiring her equanimity, he replies, "Only two equally loving hearts are paired, and that is you and me. Only you and me!"

"I'm sorry. I know how much you love me, but Ashutosh her pained eyes are haunting me"

"Sh...pecking at her head...you don't need to think about her. I'll try my best to get her out of this. Don't worry"

"But I want to help you"

"No my love let me handle this...Forget her now, please!"

She snuggles to him and he pulls her up on him, "Let me love my life now and that reminds me I've something to settle"

She startles, "No"

In a gravelly voice, he asks "You are saying No?"

"No. I'm saying No for all the mischief I see in these eyes"

"That you should have thought before getting into mischief"

He twirls and pins her down and she gasps, "Nooo" after that Nidhi's giggles resonate through the room, giggles turn to groans and moans and finally to pleas, "Please!"

"I'm sorry Ashutosh"

"Please"

"Please Jaan"

Ashutosh stops and asks in a breathy voice, "What? What did you say?"

His lips trace her jaw line and she murmurs, "I said jaan, jaan , Yes you are...you are my li-iffe...umm"

Before taking her lips a gasp escapes Ashutosh's mouth, "my love!"

At the first streak of dawn Nidhi's mobile rang and she opened her eyes blearily, groping for the mobile to stop its alarm tone, she felt herself caught in her husband's arms. Somehow she manages to extend her arm and silence her mobile but she was pulled back. Ashutosh she whispered tousling his hair to make him open his eyes but he didn't. She whispered his name repeatedly, strangely, he didn't even stir, but his tight hold on her was narrating some other story. Involuntarily "jaan" escapes her lips and he pushes her head closer to drop a peck at her lips. "So you are awake, get up. Why you didn't answer I called you again and again?"

Cuddling her in his arms "I answered when I heard my right name."

Oh! My husband loves to be called by sweet endearments "But I called you by your right name-Ashutosh!"

"That's not what I'm to my wife. I'm her life' and love to be called that only"

"Okay!!! You would like to hear that in hospital as well"

"In the hospital, I'm not your husband. You forgot no mixing of professional and personal lives"

She cuts him, "Great! I really feared your cabin may turn our bedroom"

He chuckles, "Hold on ma'am! Hear me first. I said no mixing of pro-privy lives in hospital except my cabin and except the place where we are alone"

"Not fair! You enjoy all the privileges and do whatever you like!"

"You forgot I'm the boss!"

She pushes him away and answers in a huff, "And what if I need my husband?"

He pulls her back in his arms, "He is always at your service, ma'am, at your beck and call...Now get up want to see you in gym in five minutes"

He gets up to move and she laughs, "you are going like this"

He tweaked her cheek "Go get my sweats otherwise I won't mind wearing your night gown...he pecks the place he tweaked...if you are ready to take off"

Ashutosh was taking a shower when Nidhi knocked on the restroom door, "I'm leaving Ashutosh" He didn't answer. She calls again, "jaan"

He responds, "No you can't"

"But I'm getting late"

"I said you can't"

She paced the dressing room till her husband finally emerged from the restroom, wrapped in towels.

He swished his head so that water from his hair sprinkles on her face. Then he leans to taste those tempting droplets.

"Hmm...I've to leave...I'll be late"

"And how are you going?"

"I'll take a cab"

He didn't utter a word in response instead giving her a sidelong glare he swept her up in his arms and lands her in the cupboard and demands, "My clothes"

She looks at him in a pout. He leans towards her lips and she pushes him away, "Take your shirt, you still have enough time but I'm getting late"

"I know how much time it takes from here to reach the hospital"

"In your car Sir"

"So the car is mine?"

"You still have one and a half hour to leave and I've only half an hour left"

"And what do you think I'm going to do here without you"

She looks fondly at him and helps him with his jacket. He turns pecks her cheeks and leaves a lingering kiss on her lips and then takes her in a tight hug saying, "I'm going to miss you all day"

Nidhi pecks at his forehead and utters, "I Love you". He tightens his arms responding, "I love you too"

His car entered the hospital compounds and one of the ward boys retreat his steps announcing Dr. Ashutosh is here. The other one receiving information exclaimed, "Even after his wedding he is here early morning, this man is not going to change"

Soon the man talked about, enters with the same dogmatic attitude that flexed the confidence of many, He just leaped the flight of stairs entering the hospital, turned to give a final glance to his young, beautiful wife who was walking a step behind him, raising his hand to answer the greetings of receptionist he turns to move towards his cabin when the receptionist with great effort braves to stop him, "Excuse me Sir! Someone is here to meet you"

Ashutosh glances where she was pointing and mumbles, "Dr. Jagan!"