FF - Destiny's Play (4) Chapter 13 Pg 104 SIGGY pg 130 - Page 38

Kuch nahi ..bhaiya ko bahut dhyan se dekha...movie mast tha...enjoy kiya ...aur laut ke aa gayi...bhaiya looked damn scary re😉

Do one thing try posting only chapter... Not your comments 😆 May be you comments have invalid msg

Nini thanks a bunch. got it.

Chapter Twelve

Ashutosh functioned on autopilot for the next one hour. The doctor in him wouldn't give him a choice. He held the meeting with his team in his cabin, discussed the case and line of treatment before sending them on their way with clear-cut instructions. Nidhi gave him concerned looks as she left the cabin. Her eyes questioning him if everything was alright. He tried to smile and nod but he knew she hadn't been fooled by it. How she could appear normal after that scene downstairs was beyond him. Was she really that hardened? The tough exterior that he had often seen before..was that now an integral part of her?

If you stop this now, she has a chance to settle down with someone closer to her age. Don't leave the decision until her reputation is in tatters Ashutosh.

Mallika's words played over in his head again. He sank back into his chair and closed his eyes. A brisk knock later, the door opened. But he didn't open his eyes. He knew who it could be. One of the meddling duo. Honestly, were they getting any work done in KGH or having him under 24*7 surveillance their full time job now?

"You look lost in thought. Care to share?" Armaan's voice was neutral.

"Why bother when you already know?"

Armaan sighed. "Ashutosh.."

Ashutosh opened his eyes. "How long has this been going on? And please don't try to sugar coat it for my sake."

Armaan shrugged. "It had been there when she did her internship here. And then now..ever since you got back from your Europe trip."

"Am I being selfish in wanting her back Armaan? Am I making a mistake once again? I never wanted any of this for her yaar. She doesn't deserve it."

"But she chose it for herself Ashu. Stop treating like a child."

He banged his fist on the table. "I'm not treating her like a child." His reply was swift and furious. "I just want to protect her. Is that so wrong?"

"It is not wrong but this is not the way to go about it. She has been fighting alone all this time buddy. You were just there to see it for yourself today. She is a strong woman and this battle has made her stronger. These darts and sling shots don't even touch her. They don't even matter to her is what I think."

"How can they not matter? These are all supposed to be her colleagues and friends. And they are standing there and judging her just because she had the misfortune to fall in love with an older guy."

"Misfortune?" Armaan shook his head despairingly. "This falling in love..do you consider it your misfortune?"

"No." His reply was swift, fierce and sure. No hesitation. No doubt.

"Then how is it different for her?" Armaan leaned forward and said in an earnest voice, "Mere bhai, this battle has been going on in her life for a very long time now. If you can't and don't want to fight along with her..if you are not strong enough or brave enough, at least try to let her know that you support her. That she is not alone."

"And what would this fighting achieve in the end Armaan, care to explain?"

Mallika's question made Armaan scowl and swear inwardly. This lady! The last he checked, the birth rate in India was 29 babies per minute. Why don't some of them come to KGH? It sure would make her too busy to butt into anyone's business. "People would soon get bored and leave them alone Mallika. Go for something more interesting. These two would become old news soon enough."

"They haven't become old news so far." Mallika moved her fingers in a quoting gesture.

Armaan finally lost it and snapped. "Then it would be worth the fight because my friend would have a happy life. A family of his own. Love, peace, passion, contentment. He would have it all. With her."

"Provided she stays long enough to give him that. Ashutosh is my friend too. I love him. He knows that I love him. And despite his refusal to accept, I've stayed with him." Mallika rounded on Armaan. "And what did she do Armaan? She waltzed in, waltzed out and now has waltzed in again. The next time something happens to part them, she would waltz out again."

Neither noticed Ashutosh picking up the phone until they heard his deep baritone voice saying, "Ranganath, I want you to arrange a full staff meeting in the conference room in 20 minutes. With the exception of the staff and doctors in the OT, I want every single member there. No exceptions and no excuses. 20 minutes." He replaced the phone and looked at his friends. "See you both in the conference room."

That effectively dismissed both of them who left the cabin after glowering at each other one last time. And sure enough, 20 minutes later when he walked into the conference room, it was packed with the KGH staff, their faces etched with varying degrees of curiosity. The senior doctors including Armaan, Mallika and Kiran were in the front row while Nidhi occupied one of the seats at the back along with other junior doctors, her face wary. Why did she have the feeling that this was not a strictly official call?

Ashutosh took in the whole assembly before nodding. "Good morning. Something has come to my notice this morning." His gaze snared and held Dr Kiran. She flushed and looked away. Ashutosh continued. "I do realize that gossip is a part and parcel of KGH. Curiosity is a basic human nature and I don't begrudge anyone of that. But.." He glance encompassed the whole room before he continued, "As doctors and members firmly connected to the field of healing medicine, I do expect you all to have and maintain a certain amount of dignity while you debate the personal lives of other doctors and staff members. The corridors of KGH where patients and their family walk around are definitely not the place to do that. As long as the person is doing his or her duty and is not endangering the patient's life, what happens in his or her life is basically none of your business. And you should learn to respect that boundary." His gaze fell on Nidhi and her wide stunned eyes had a strange calming effect on him. He adjusted his eyeglasses and exhaled. "And if any of you want to say something to me or about me and my personal life, I suggest you do that to my face. You're likely to get straight answers that way. I neither need a translator nor a mediator for that. And the next time you have something to say, I hope you all remember that and take up my offer. Thank you and good day."

The room seemed to deflate at the collective release of breath from everyone as Ashutosh with a final polite nod, turned and walked out. Ranganath's face split into a wide grin as he instructed all the exit doors to be opened. Armaan got up, stretched and couldn't resist humming, "Pyaar kiya toh darna kya jab pyaar kiya toh darna kya..pyaar kiya koi chori nahi ki..chup chup aahen bharna kya.."

Ranganath laughed outright. He had been waiting for the song of the day and sure enough Armaan sir hadn't disappointed him. Mallika's stunned eyes turned to Armaan. "What the hell has gotten into Ashutosh Armaan? This is not the Ashutosh I knew!"

Armaan smiled as he donned his white coat. "He is the same guy Mallika. His love is his weakness and also his strength. You're seeing that strength now. Don't underestimate it again."

****

Nidhi's feet barely touched the ground the rest of the day. Good thing that the OPD was light because her concentration levels had been shot. All she wanted to do was jump and dance around. And she couldn't just wipe the silly goofy grin off her face no matter how hard she tried. By lunch time she was ready to explode. Only the thought and determination of not embarrassing him further kept her away from his cabin otherwise she would've broken all protocol and barged in to kiss him senseless. With a quick look around she stepped into the empty common room, pulled out her phone and opened her picture album. She scrolled down until she reached his image and kissed the screen. The snap was an old one taken more than two years ago during one of their visits to the orphanage. Her phone changed after that but she had kept the picture safely. After another loving look, another kiss and a tight hug to the phone, she started to close it. But her glance fell on the date display. Her brain short circuited as the implication hit her. It was the day her results would be out. Her PG results. She had to get to her laptop. Nidhi quickly checked the time. They would come online any time now. Or maybe they already did. Her first instinct was to go to her Ashuji but she stopped herself. No. She couldn't..wouldn't tell him until she herself knew the result first. What if she plunked? Oh God! No! She can't think like that! She had done it well. She was confident. But she wanted her Ashuji to be proud of her. She would tell him. Of course she would tell him. But she had to know it herself first.

With that thought in mind, she quickly went to his cabin and knocked.

"Come in."

"Ash..sir?" Ashutosh looked up and this time both of them smiled at the slip.

"Yes Nidhi?"

"I need a half day off. Today."

That wiped the smile off his face. "Why? Is everything OK?"

She smiled and hoped it covered her nervousness. It didn't. "Yes sir. I just..need to do something."

Ashutosh's frown deepened. "OK sure but.."

Nidhi didn't give him a chance to say more. "Thank you sir. I-uh-I'll call you. OK? I'll call you." And turned tail and almost ran out of the cabin leaving him bewildered and bemused. Looked like his Nidhi was back in full form tying him up in knots once again.

****

Nidhi bit her lip in an effort to chomp down her excitement. It was almost seven in the evening. Should she call him or message him? What if he was in a surgery or handling some emergency? Better to message. But message was so impersonal. OK. She would try calling once. If he doesn't pick up, she would leave a message. Yeah. She would do that. She took a deep breath and swiped the screen to connect the call. The phone rang. Once. Twice. Thrice. Disappointed, she was about to disconnect when it was answered.

"Hello Nidhi?"

"Ji."

"Where are you?"

"At my apartment."

"What happened? You left so suddenly..said you would call..?"

"Igotmyresult Iclearedmy examsbatch topper." She ran the words together in her excitement.

"Wh-WHAT? Hang on. Just give me two minutes OK?"

He didn't wait for an answer. Just disconnected leaving her stunned and.. disappointed. She had obviously caught him at a wrong time but..he could've at least said congratulations na. She pouted. Nidhi plopped back into the small two-seater sofa and sulked some more. Her phone rang. She quickly looked at the caller id and sighed before picking up. "Kya hain Anji?"

"Congratulations! Just saw your message. Awesome yaar!"

"Thanks."

"Arre what happened? You're not excited?"

"He didn't even say congrats."

A heartbeat of silence later, "Nidhi.." Anji bit her lip. Nidhi had plunged into deep waters again and she couldn't help but worry. "Achcha chal chod..when is the party?"

Nidhi smiled a little. "Whenever you want. You decide."

"Tomorrow?"

"OK. Tomorrow dinner. Tell Ranganath also. Hey listen, my intercom is ringing I'll catch up later OK?"

"OK bye."

Nidhi went and picked up the phone. "Yes?"

"Madam, aapse milne koi Ashutosh sir aaye hain."

http://www.saavn.com/s/song/hindi/Zakhm/Gali-Mein-Aaj-Chaand-Nikhla/MkUZRAJRR0k

"Huh?"

"Aapse milne.." The security guy started repeating.

"Bhejdo bhejdo. Unhe andar bhejdo."

"OK Ma'am."

Nidhi jumped up and looked around the room before clasping her palms over her cheeks. He is here! He is here! He is on his way up! Oh God! She hugged herself and twirled around in the room before hastily adjusting the pillows on the sofa. She ran to the mirror and brushed her hair. Oh God! She was in her t-shirt and tracks. Should she change? No time. He is already here. She hugged herself and rubbed her arms to diffuse the goosebumps raising all over her. She took a deep breath and opened the door just as his hand raised to ring the bell.

Tum aaye to aaya mujhe yaad, gali mein aa chaand nikla
Jaane kitne dinon ke baad gali mein aa chaand nikla
Gali mein aa chaand nikla

Her spellbound eyes locked with his bright ones. She blinked. And blinked again suddenly overwhelmed with the emotions bombarding her from all directions. How many days and nights had she dreamt of something like this happening? That he would one day come to her and tell her that he couldn't live without her. That he wanted her back and would never let her go. Some nights the dreams had been so vivid that she had gotten up to check her peephole in case he was there on the other side. And now here he was! Standing at her threshold. Her eyes filled up despite her repeated swallowing and she staggered back trying to balance her roiling emotions.

Yeh naina bin kaajal tarse
Baara mahine baadal barse
Suni rab ne meri fariyaad
Suni rab ne meri fariyaad, gali mein aa chaand nikla
Gali mein aa chaand nikla
Tum aaye to aaya mujhe yaad, gali mein aa chaand nikla

He didn't say a word. Just stood there and took in the expressions chasing across her face. The light in his eyes dimmed as comprehension dawned on his face. Still silent, he crossed the threshold and closed the door softly behind him and opened his arms. With a small inarticulate cry, she threw herself into them and hugged him tight. Her silent tears wet his steel grey shirt. He felt the wetness and pulled her back until he could look into her swimming eyes. He shook his head but she could see his own eyes were glazed. He closed them before cupping her cheeks and kissing her forehead.

"Congratulations Dr Nidhi Verma! I'm so, so proud of you. Damn proud."

His voice was hoarse and trembled towards the end. She smiled, giggled a little, laughed, cried, and smiled again before catapulting back into his waiting arms.

Aaj ki raat jo main so jaati
Khulti aankh subah ho jaati
Main to ho jaati bas barbaad
Main to ho jaati bas barbaad, gali mein aa chaand nikla
Gali mein aa chaand nikla
Jaane kitne dinon ke baad gali mein aa chaand nikla

After a few moments, Nidhi took a deep breath and brought herself under control a little. Stepping out of his arms, she caught his hand and pulled him completely into the room.

"H-have a seat. Uh..I-I didn't know you were going to come." Her lips trembled but she sternly controlled it. He smiled that special smile of his. Lopsided and intimate. Just for her. He never smiled that way to anyone else. It was for her and her alone. She grinned knowing well that she probably was staring at him like an idiot.

"I was driving when you called." He exhaled and tried to appear casual. Like all this was not affecting him, turning him in a mass of blistering emotions. "So..batch topper..no sweets? No celebration?"

Nidhi blinked, biting her lower lip in consternation. "I didn't think. I mean I wasn't expecting..there is nothing.."

"Hey, that's OK. Relax. Meete ke taur pe shakkar bhi chalega. Woh toh hoga na?"

Nidhi giggled. "Haan. Hain. Mein..lati hoon. Abhi laati hoon. Aap..aap baitiye na. Just..I..have a seat."

She almost ran into her small kitchen and searched for a bowl. Taking the sugar container, she added a few spoons into it before giving up on the task and leaning against the sink. With shaking hands, she opened the tap and splashed cold water on her face. But all she could think was..he was here. In her house. In the hall. She was not dreaming. And she cleared her exam. What she had set out to do as a benediction to what he meant to her..she had done it and he was there to celebrate her achievement. Firm hands caught hold of her shoulders and turned her around to face him. He took out his hanky and gently wiped her face.

"Buss Nidhi. Buss. Ab aur nahi. Buss." In the next instant his lips descended and met her wet ones. And she was lost. Her arms moved of their own accord and reached his shoulders, halted for a moment before moving up to grip the hair at the back of his head. His hands held a fine tremor as they ran over her back before landing on her neck. As his lips nibbled, bit and sucked hers, his hands hesitantly slid from her neck and gently landed on her breasts. Her breath hitched up and his shuddered out as she tore her lips away and arched her neck up in dazed delight. His slightly rough, slightly soft beard tickled her cheeks and chin as his lips made their foray towards her neck. He gently bit the spot where her neck met her shoulder and licked away the small bite. She moaned as her fingers pulled his hair and dragged him back to meet her lips once again. One of his hands wrapped itself around her waist as the fingers of his other hands touched and felt the plump treasure that it found.

"Ashu..tosh.."

Her slightly disoriented moan of his name elicited a rough groan from him. He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. "Say it again. Say my name again."

"Ashutosh," she whispered.

"Again," he growled.

"Ashutosh."

"Nidhi! My Nidhi! Mine! Mine! Mine!"

His arms tightened until she could barely breathe as both of them fought to bring their raging bodies and emotions under control. After a few silent tense minutes, he gave her one last squeeze and reluctantly released her. She stepped back and adjusted her shirt. With a rueful smile, he removed his smeared up eyeglasses and wiped them on his shirt. Then with overwhelming tenderness, he pushed the tendrils of her hair that had fallen on her face and cheeks. Cupping her cheeks, he placed another whispery soft kiss on her lips and led her into the hall. Both of them settled down on the low level diwan cot. He sat with his back to the wall and pulled her until she lay over his lap with her head resting on his broad muscular chest and legs stretched out on the divan. Contentment wrapped around both of them as they revelled and relished the new level of closeness.

Maine tumko aate dekha
Apni jaan ko jaate dekha
Jaane phir kya hua nahin yaad
Jaane phir kya hua nahin yaad, gali mein aa chaand nikla
Gali mein aa chaand nikla - 2
Jaane kitne dinon ke baad gali mein aa chaand nikla

Nidhi's fingers played with the buttons of his shirt. "Ashuji?"

Ashutosh didn't open his eyes. Merely rubbed his fingers through her scalp and rumbled a "Hmmm?"

"What happened this morning? That meeting and all that..so suddenly?"

"It would've happened sooner if you had told me what was going on." He sighed and shook his head before opening his eyes into slits. "Forget that. Did you give this news to your baba and dadibua?"

Nidhi nodded from the place on his chest. "They've gone to Haridwar. Expected to be back late tonight. But I left a message on baba's cell and I'll go and meet them in a day or two."

"So you do go? To your house I mean?"

"Yeah. Not very often but yeah. Usually over a weekend or holidays.."

"Baba never asked you to come back?"

She shrugged. "He wanted to know who.." She stopped and shook her head. "Leave all that. We'll discuss it later. You want to eat something? Shall I make some dinner? You didn't even have that sugar!" Her eyes twinkled at him.

He grinned and pulled her head up for another long deep kiss. "This Dr Nidhi Verma is sweeter than anything that I've ever tasted." He sighed and looked at his watch. "And as for dinner, I'm supposed to have it with Sunil. So.."

"You need to go?" She couldn't hide her crest-fallen expression.

He ran the back of his fingers over her soft cheek and his thumb touched the corner of her lip and stretched it until the smile was back on her face. "I'll see you again tomorrow. I mean not just in KGH but.." She pouted a little before accepting and smiling. Loathing every second of it, they reluctantly got up and faced each other. "Toh mein jau?"

She nodded but just as quickly shook her head. He smiled and pulled her into his arms. "Kal milte hain. OK?" He didn't tell her where they would meet.

****

Colonel Verma continued to hold on to the phone even after disconnecting it with a thoughtful look on his face. Nidhi cleared her exam. As a batch topper. Any father would be proud at such an accomplishment from his daughter. As was he. More than he could probably express in mere words. But..there had been something different about the way she had spoken to him just now. It was like he had been talking to his old Nidhi. With laughter in her voice and brightness in her tone. The very things that had been missing in the last two years. He could put it down to the results. But something..probably the instinct of a father told him that that was not the reason. And he needed to ask her. Now. Before his bua returned from Solanki's house where she had gone to give the prashaad. He would go to her apartment and..

His impatience notched up a few degrees at the sound of the doorbell. Since he was closer, he got up and opened the door instead of calling out to Chote Sarkar. And was taken aback at the man standing before him.

"Dr Ashutosh? Aap?"

And that was Chapter 12 for you all. How was it? Did you all LIKE it? Awaiting your response.