Dill Mill Gayye Season 3 (My Version. Only for Sid fans)

Part-1

"Iss shaadi ki pavitra bandhan ka aapmaan kiya hai maine."

"I'm so sorry."

"Sahi waqt aane par hi hum tumko batane wale the."

"Hum?!"

Siddhant toss and turned in his sleep.

"Riddhima ko bhi lagta hai, ki Armaan sirf uski hai."

"Locker room ki baate, maine sab sun li. Khatam kar do iss samjhote ki shaadi. Apna pyaar ka haath thamo. Mere fikr mat karna...main khush rahunga."

A lone tear escapes from Riddhima's eyes. Siddhant jerkes in his sleep.

" I love you Armaan. Will you be mine?"

"Haan basket."

Armaan kisses her on her forehead. Just then a ringing noise echoed from a distance. The noise amplified in a crescendo as he kept staring at the united lovers. The spotlight in the basketball court enhanced, almost blinding him. Just then he woke up with a jerk. Alarm ringing, heart racing and beads of sweat trickled down from his forehead.

He sat up heaving a huge sigh of relief that it was just a dream. He rubbed his eyes and then ran his fingers through his black messy hair. It's been 5 years, and still everything to him was so vivid. That night, his eyes had burned every little detail of her open proposal in his brain. It's been five years...and he still couldn't forget about her. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, just then he saw a flash of her hazelnut colored eyes and his eyes swung open. He did tell her that he was going to be okay, be he never knew that moving on in his life without Riddhima would be this painful. He didn't know that he loved her to such an extent that it would pain him this much, and still he loathed the fact that she couldn't see it, it was not visible to her, because for her, Armaan was the apple of her eye. He pushed aside his blanket in frustration and put on his spectacles. He looked at his alarm clock and saw it was 4 in the morning. He got up and wore his slippers, he twisted his upper body until he heard a satisfying crack of his vertebrae. He laid down on the floor and started doing some push-ups. This small activities really helped him taking his mind somewhere else rather than Riddhima. After a little warm up, he slowly went towards his balcony and leaned onto the parapet wall and admired the scene in front of him: The sky was splashed with black and dark blue color, the clouds were moving with the forces of nature, the moon shying away behind the clouds, the trees were swaying in the wind, the earthy smell filling the atmosphere, he inhaled all the fresh oxygen and didn't exhale for some time, after that he let go all the air. A slight melancholic smile stretched across his lips, he didn't know where life would take him. He's supposed to feel this way, his 'life' is with another man now. The moonlight gave its full attention on him, his bare masculine body was now bathed in the moonlight, he let the wind embrace him. Just then his phone beeped.

"Iss waqt kaun mujhe message kar raha hai?"

He slowly went towards his bed and grabbed his mobile, it was a message. After seeing the name of the sender, he froze to the spot and his eyes slightly widened.

It was Shashank.

Part 2:

Shashank's name kept flashing on the screen. He kept wondering on what he might want from him. It's been five years, and out of the blue he contacted him. He opened the message as a surge of curiosity ran through his veins.

"Hello beta. Maaf karna, tumhara neend disturb kar dala. Waqt itna jaldi guzarti hai, yeh maine kabhi socha nahi tha, paach saal beet gaye. Paach saal me na maine tumhe dekha, na tumhara koi khabar suni..."

For Siddhant, five years seemed like forever.

"...lekin inn paach saalon me mere mann me bohot pareshaaniyan aur sawal utri, aur main janta hoon, mere har sawal ka jawab tumhare paas hai..."

Siddhant knew what he was talking about.

"...iss liye beta please. Sanjeevani me aake mujhse mill lo. Agar hospital me nahi toh mere ghar aajao. Janti hoon ki tum ab Shimla me rehte ho, ek baar mujhse mill lo. Tumhe dekhne ka bohot mann kar raha hai."

A small smirk crept on his lips. Considering the fact that Riddhima was Shashank's daughter, he never despised Shashank. He always saw him as a fatherly figure and always had the utmost respect for him. But he feared the inevitable. He knew a day would come when Shashank will drown in a pool of questions that no one knew how to answer. When he read the message, he sensed desperation and a plea to help him vent out all those questions. He didn't know what to do, he was afraid to face Shashank, he will certainly want a reason to leave Riddhima twice now, but he can't run any further. He decided to meet him.

It was eleven in the morning. After going for a morning jog and then taking a shower, Siddhant stood in front of the mirror, just looking at his reflection. Ten days after the union of Armaan and Riddhima, he cleared out from his penthouse. He couldn't stay in that house anymore, everywhere he looked, he saw Riddhima. It haunted him in every way. He couldn't bear anymore and decided to move to his penthouse at Shimla. It was his family's and no one was there. He needed to get out of sight and fast. He thought about going back to America, but he'd have to face dozens of questions there as well . His whole family knows about his marriage, and they were pretty furious. So he went to Shimla, and started settling in. He closed that part of his life forever. He looked closely at himself through the mirror: Long gone that childish feature of his face, now it's all rugged and serious along with a beard, his mischievous eyes are replaced with brown orbs, all dark and intense, the mark on his chest, the mark he got while saving Riddhima, the scar still didn't fade. That mark reminded him that he wasn't fighting for her, he fought to save a 'gift' Armaan had given to her. To her that gift was more valuable than her life. Everytime he stared at the scar, it reminded him that he was fighting a losing fight, his marriage was not meant to be saved . He heaved a hugh sigh and let go of his towel, he slowly wore his pants. He didn't look chubby and boyish anymore, now he looked more like a hunk, his attitude, his looks, his personality make people, especially the girls go all gaga over him, but he never gave any importance to all that attention, he has evolved to more a focused man and always focuses on his work. He then wore a dark blue color shirt and started to tuck it in. He needed to look good, after all, he's meeting with his ex-father-in-law. All dressed up, he took his bag and walked out of his room and through the living room.

"Kaka, aap khayal rakhiye ghar ka, main mumbai jaa raha hoon."

"Theek hai beta. kitne dinn lagegi?"

"Teen, char dinn toh lagegi."

"Acha koi baat nahi beta, theek se chalna."

"Jee."

Giving a small smile to the housekeeper he left the house and called a taxi. He was immensely grateful the housekeeper. He was there for him at a time no one else was. He took care of him like his own son and Siddhant would do anything for him. He got in the taxi and moved forward to the bus station.

After some time, Siddhant made a ticket to Mumbai and got in the bus and settled himself for a window seat. He couldn't help but feel a bit tensed, what if Riddhima was there? What if Armaan sees him? What will happen to him? No matter how hard he tries, he can't ignore the fact that even looking at Riddhima would trigger close wounds to burst open. He heaved a huge sigh and focused his mind on meeting with Shashank. As the bus rode through the roads, Siddhant distracted himself glancing at the beautiful scenery around him. He once had a dream of shifting here with Riddhima and starting a family here, since Shimla was his favorite place, but it all remained a dream and now he's here, trying to mend his wounds by himself. He leaned his head back on the headrest of the seat and let the wind drift him to sleep.

As the bus reached the bus station, he got off the bus and saw his associate waiting for him. He went up to him and the associate greeted him with a smile.

"Sirji! kaise ho aap?"

"Theek hoon Balraj! toh yeh woh bike hai?"

"Jee haan, aapke liye specially uthakar rakha tha. ab aap isse use kar sakhte hai. Bike acha hai, aapke liye bohot kaam me aayga."

"Aana chahye. Warna dungi tere kaan ke nicche ek."

"Are bhai aap bhi na."

"Chal ab chalta hoon."

"Best of luck sirji."

Siddhant just gave a smirk at him. He mounted the bike, put on his helmet, started the ignition and drove away to Sanjeevani.

He was still tensed as to what will happen when he steps in that hospital. He can't afford to let his emotions slip by, that hospital gave him too many memories, and it hurts him, and after his disappearance for five years and then finally coming back to the place where it all started, it all seemed like a big dream to him. He was driving through the road when he saw one of the rickshaw's tyre was almost on the verge of catching the lady's dupatta. The dupatta kept lowering down to the tyre and the woman didn't even know it. Siddhant saw that and he punched the throttle to go ahead of the rickshaw. He moved ahead, turned left and stopped the rickshaw. The lady was terrified as to what the biker was doing. Siddhant slowly got off the bike and approached to that woman steadily. The woman was breathing heavily because it was this same exact place where she was harrassed and teased by a group of biker, looking at the one coming towards her, she started to freak out. She immediately looked away and closed her eyes tight. Siddhant stood up close and removed his helmet. As he saw how frightened she was, he let out a small sigh and released her dupatta from the tyre. He held the end of her dupatta and gently placed it on her lap. As she felt a slight drag of dupatta, she flew open her eyes and settled it on Siddhant's. Her eyes were going wide and no words were coming out of her mouth. She saw him gently placing the dupatta on her lap, meeting with her eyes for a few seconds and humbily walked away and rode away. A sense of peace and coolness spread throughout her heart as she saw Siddhant disappearing from her sight. She can't believe who she saw.

"Siddhant?"

A small smile appeared on her lips.

Part 3:

Moments passed by and Siddhant finally reached Sanjeevani. As he parked the bike, he took off his helmet and his eyes instantly fell on the big blocked letters of the hospital's name reading 'Sanjeevani'. He remembered the first time he saw that name...and the last time. Destiny is so cruel, he thought of never even passing by this hospital, and yet here he is, standing at the entrance...afraid to go in. He mustered up his courage and set his mind on meeting with Shashank, he took a deep breath and braced himself. He walked thorugh the entrance and his eyes instantly fell on the receptionist, he moved towards the reception desk. With a somber yet husky voice, he conversed with the receptionist

"Excuse me, mujhe Dr.Shashank se milna hai."

"Ji aap..."

"I have an appointment."

"Ji, woh unke cabin par hai, aap yaha se jaake left..."

"I know, thank you."

Siddhant was about to leave but his feet stopped. He needed to make sure of something.

"Acha...Dr...Riddhima...hai aaj?"

"Ji haan...woh surgery me hai, agar aap wait kare toh..."

"Nahi it's...it's okay."

The receptionist examined his confused yet tensed look. Siddhant cupped his hand on his mouth and then dragged it down to his chin. She got the hint that this man know them.

"Aap kaun?"

Siddhant looked at the receptionist's with irritation washed over his face and just walked away. It was better if he didn't answer that question. The reception was pretty offended by his gesture.

"Ajeeb aadmi hai."

He paced through the hall, it would be a nightmare if he accidentally bumps into Riddhima. His eyes widened when he realized that if Riddhima was here, so would be Armaan. It's not like a World War 3 would happen, it's just that he wants to avoid Armaan's childish behaviors towards him. The halls through which he was passing kept on taking him down the memory lane. Him back during his internship days. Tamanna, Yuvi, Naina, Jiggy, JP. Those were such good memories. A melancholic smile crept on his lips as he reminisced all those times, all those lively times he went through, and in the end he left with nothing. The smile disappeared as the flash of Armaan and Riddhima giving him a thumbs up appeared before his eyes. He jerked his head and then looked at the surrounding. He reached his destination. He knocked the door.

"Come in."

He took a deep breath and then slowly turned the knob of the door; he pushed the door to reveal himself to his ex father-in-law. Shashank looked up from his file and settled his eyes on the figure standing beside the door, his eyes widened and his mouth slightly gaped as he saw Siddhant standing there casually, holding the door knob and having a peaceful look washed over his face. Shashank slowly stood up from his chair, and got out from his desk. Moments passed by and they didn't utter a single word to each other. Siddhant humbly lowered his eyes and settled them on the floor, he couldn't believe how much he missed his ex father-in-law, the only person who believed in him.

"Waha khare rahoge ya phir andar aaoge?"

Like an obedient child, he closed the door without looking up at him. Shashank's heart just welled up with pride and happiness. He slowly moved towards him and gently grabbed Siddhant's shoulder. Siddhant looked up at him and he saw Shashank's eyes well up with tears. Shashank didn't utter a word, just moved forward and embraced him. Siddhant, like a little boy, clung to his father. Shashank hugged him real tight and patted his back, he just let all his barriers go down, he could not believe how much he missed Siddhant. After a few more pats, he moved away and looked at him with awe.

"Kitna bara ho gaye ho tum. paach saal ne tumhe badal diya hai."

"Waqt insaan ko badal deta hai."

"Aah...mujhe...mujhe bohot khushi ho raha hai ki...tumhare saath mulakat ho gaya."

"Mujhe bhi sir."

"Are betho na!"

Shashank, ecstatic to catch up with Siddhant after all these years. They both sit down and started coversing with each other. Though Siddhant was unsuccessful to show the same amount of excitement. Living alone for five years, with only his sorrow and heartache being his companion, he became emotionally numb.

"Aah...bolo. Kaise ho tum?"

"Theek hoon sir, aapke tabiyat kaise hai?"

"Chal raha hai...hehehe...ab main jawan nahi raha hehehehe, kaam toh karna parta hai na?"

"Hmm. Um..."

Shashank knew why he was feeling awkward, but still it pained him a bit seeing Siddhant become so emotionally shut that he doesn't want to go into any sort of emotional conversation.

"Mujhse baat karne ke liye...tumhe sochna parta hai?"

"Aise baat...(sigh)."

"Inn paach salon ne tumhe bohot badal diye hai. Itna gehra badlav mujhe acha nahi lag raha."

Listening to that remark, Siddhant couldn't help but feel irritated. He knew that Shashank was trying to break his barriers down, and he did not like it.

"Badlav ho gaya hai. Ab aur kuch nahi ho sakhta."

"Siddhant...tumne...apne aapko aise bandh kyun kar diya? Kisike saath tumhara koi contact nahi hai, balki mujhe tumhara contact tumhara hospital se lena para, aisa kyun?"

"Aage barna chahta tha. Apne aap, kisiki madat ke mujhe koi zarurat nahi tha. Yeh baat aap bhi jante hai, ke jab Siddhant ek baar aage badh jaye...toh piche murke nahi dekhta."

Shashank couldn't help but feel disheartened. That spoilt brat NRI is gone and dead, this person is a complete alien in his eyes. The person sitting opposite to him saw the world clearly and the bitter lessons turned made him realize that this world is not a fairytale. There are pain and suffering found in every corner of this world.

"(sigh) Dekho Siddhant. Main nahi janta ki tumhare aur Riddhima ke beech aisa ho gaya tha ki, tum dono ne phir se divorce kar dala. Believe me yeh khabar jab maine suna, tab mujhpar kya guzra tha, yeh bas main janta hoon. Lekin i wish...i wish ki main jaan saku ki aisa kyun..."

Siddhant looked into his eyes and saw nothing but raw pain and a defeated look.

"Lekin main yeh janta hoon ki, tum dono ki zindagi me...Armaan ka dakhal dena...issi liye. (sigh) Kher. Ab Riddhima aur Armaan shaadi shuda hai, ek dusre ke saath bohot khush hai..."

Siddhant's eyes turned wide, as he heard him say that.

Riddhima aur Armaan...shaadi?

He couldn't help but feel a slight tug in his heart as he heard that. Shashank was quick to notice it, but he realized that it was too late to do anything about it.

"I don't care who she marries. Main bas usse khush dekhna chahta hoon..."

Siddhant looked down at the table, fumbling with his nails.

"...main bhi."

Shashank kept staring at him as Siddhant continued to look anywhere else than his eyes. He knew that once he meets Shashank's eyes, he'll know what hell he's going through right now. But those two words, those two simple words, and his defeated voice answered a thousand questions Shashank had in mind. That his ex son-in-law, left his daughter for the sake of her happiness, something that Armaan couldn't do. Tears threatned to pour out of Shashank's eyes, Siddhant is just like him, always thinking about others. He managed to wipe a lone tear before Siddhant looked up at him. Siddhant managed to create a stern look, as he stared at Shashank. Shashank exhaled loudly then looked at Siddhant with pride.

"Thank you. For being there for my daughter at her most difficult time."

"Hmm."

Seems like her father was the only one who appreciate him. For some reason, those words felt empty to him. He put up a fake smile and was cursing destiny to ever bring him to his place.

"Anyway, actually kuch aur reason ke liye maine tumhe yaha bulaya."

Siddhant was intrigued after a long time, but what he was about to hear would terrify him to the spot.

"Main chahta hoon ki tum...wapas...Sanjeevani aajao."

Siddhant stared at him with utter shock, the last thing he ever wanter was to come back here.

"Sir...main..."

"I'm asking, not as your ex father-in-law...but as your mentor and as your superior. Aapko yaha aana parega, kyunki aapke record aur performance ke mutabik, aap perfect ho as the DO of this branch of Sanjeevani. Mere hospital ke performance dinn ba dinn dubti jaa rahi hai. Aap kuch badlav le sakhte ho. Aur aapse acha badlav lene wala...aur kaun ho sakhta hai?"

Siddhant stared at him with a stern face as he heard Shashank utter those words sarcastically.

"I'm counting on you...Dr.Siddhant Modi. Jitna jaldi aap kaam shuru karoge...utna hi acha hoga."

"Is that an order?"

"Yes. "

Shashank continued to give him a stern look, Siddhant looked away and ran his fingers through his hair. This is just too much, he can't even say anything to Shashank because he knows he's telling the truth. Sanjeevani's performance is sinking and only he can bring some changes. But the continuous fear of bumping into Riddhima is just shaking him to his feet.

No Siddhant. You cannot afford to be afraid now. Haqeekat ka samna karo, aur kitna bhago ge?

He filled his lungs with air and exhaled it all out, with his back facing Shashank, he did the unacceptable.

"Theek hai."

Siddhant moved towards the door, and as he opened it, Shashank's words stopped him right there.

"I'm glad to have you back...beta."

Siddhant didn't know why but the word 'beta' coming from Shashank's mouth always melted him down. He sighed and then gently closed the door before leaving the cabin. Shashank's eyes followed him until he disappeared from his sights. He dialed a number and waited for the recipient to answer his call, a sweet yet strongly willed voice emerged on the other end.

"Siddhant join kiya hai."

"Mujhe yakeen tha ki aap usse mana loge. Kuch der pehle usse dekha."

"Acha? Yeh toh bohot achi baat hai beti."

"Aap fikr mat kijiye sir, aaj se sab kuch theek hi hoga."

"I hope so beti...i hope so."

"Thank you so much sir."

"It's nothing, woh mera bhi beta hai, usske khushi ki parva mujhe bhi hai."

"...I know sir. Thank you again for everything, main aapse baad me baat karti hoon. Jai Shri Krishna."

"Jai Shri Krishna."

Shashank sat on his chair, feeling right as rain and just sat back and felt this moment of peace surging throughout him.

On the other hand the receiver, made another call to US.

"Aunty...Siddhant mill gayi."

"Mujhe maloom tha, ki tum usse dhundke humare paas leke aaoge."

"Of course aunty, jitna important woh aapke liye...utna zyaada important woh mere liye hai."

"Haan. Janti hoon beti."

"Aap fikr mat kijiye, bohot jald hum milenge."

" I hope so."

"I don't hope, i know it. Jai Shri Krishna."

"Jai Shri Krishna."

After cutting the call, she looked at herself in the mirror and smiled.

"Bohot jald hum ek dusre se milenge Siddhant, woh atoot bandhan aur dosti ko phir se mila ne ke liye...main aa rahi hoon."

Part 4:

She tossed her phone on the bed and went towards the balcony. The chilly wind prompted her to take her dupatta and wrap herself with it. A sudden surge of happiness flowed within her veins, seeing Siddhant today made all her efforts worth it. She held an old picture, the picture showed a boy wrap his arms around a girl and they both smiled at the camera so widely as if they had no hassles or pressure in their life. Two kids looked like as if they were best friends.

You haven't changed Siddhant.

She smiled thinking about him. Siddhant was always a gentle boy, eyes glowing with mischief and naughtiness but he was always pure at heart. Even when he was a boy, he knew the difference between right and wrong. They both used to study in the same school, but she always used to notice him. His smile was always genuine and although he used to play pranks and have fun, he was always honest. One day Siddhant's parents came to pick him up when he saw a gang of bullies attacking her for a lollipop. They were brutally beating her and he wondered why she didn't scream or hit back. He ran towards the girl, wanting to help her in any way.

"Let her go!"

"Ohh! Well if it isn't the hero to the rescue? Listen, this matter is between me...and the girl. So why don't you take your indian butt and get out of here?"

"No! I won't leave until you let go of her!"

The one with whom Siddhant was speaking was truly a bully by his actions and his looks. Although they study in the same class, that boy looked twice his age. He slowly made his way towards Siddhant, the girl stood up and stared at him in horror, and the more closer the boy came towards Siddhant, the more he felt scared.

"Get him!"

The gang of boys pinned Siddhant on the ground and started bashing him brutally, the girl wanted to scream but she was totally helpless. Siddhant kept receiving a barage of kicks and punches from the boys. In the end the gang spent all their energy on him, Siddhant was in the verge of being unconscious, he tried to get up but weakness overwhelmed him, the boy came up to him, unzipped his pants and then peed all over Siddhant. Tears kept flowing down the girls cheeks as she heard the boy giving a devilish laugh. After that the boy zipped his pants and then threw dirt at Siddhant who silently cried in a defeated position.

"That's for challenging me. HAH! A total idiot and a dumb mute! WHAT A BUNCH OF LOSERS!"

The gang left the premises laughing like hyenas. The girl took her lollipop and slowly sat beside Siddhant. She felt her heart tug when she heard Siddhant silently sobbing, she helped him sit up and wiped away his tears. Siddhant kept staring at the ground the entire time, crying silently. Just then Siddhant's parents and the girl's parents kept rushing into the playground searching for them when they find them both sitting on the ground. They ran towards them and were shocked to see their state. Feeling shocked to the core, the parents took away the kids. The girl hesitated to go away, she wanted to tell him something, but the angry parents didn't give her the opportunity. She walked away but her eyes were on Siddhant the whole time till he disappeared from her sight.

That night she arrived at the Modi Mansion along with her parents, as they rang the doorbell, the butler accompanied them to the living room and the first thing her eyes fell on was how Siddhant's mother Parvati held her injured son close to her heart. Siddhant's father Sartaj was surprised to see the guests and immediately greeted them.

"Are Pratap ji, Rashmi ji, aaye aaye. bethiye."

They all settle at the living room and Parvati settled Siddhant beside her but didn't let go of her.

"Aap dono achanak, koi problem hai? Khabar mili ki humare bachon ke saath aisa kaun kiya hai?"

"Nahi Sartaj, abhi tak kuch pata nahi chala, lekin vaada karte hai hum aapse, hum dhund lenge. Waise, hum aaye the kyunki Radhika bara zidd kar rahi thi yahan aane ke liye."

Sartaj smiled a fatherly smile looking at the adorable doll.

"Heheh aisa kyun?"

" Woh Siddhant kuch kehna chahti hai."

"Acha?"

"Ji haan, hua aise ki...Siddhant mere Radhika ko bachane ke chakkar me...khud mushkill me par gaye the."

"Lekin Radhika ko kyun..."

" Ek lollipop ke wajeh se. Maine diya tha usse."

"He Bhagwaan. aaj kal ke bache..."

"Radhika? Aap kya bolna chahte the?"

Radhika slid down from the couch and tip toed her way towards Siddhant who stared back at her with wide eyes. She climbed on his couch and said something to him in sign language. Siddhant narrowed his eyes trying to understand what she meant.

"Kya?!!"

The parents laughed heartily seeing the two kids communicating with each other, little Radhika smiled, revealing her sweet tooth and seeing her smile, Siddhant smiled heartily as well.

"Siddhant, yeh aapko thank you bol rahi hai."

"oh acha? You're welcome!"

Siddhant looked at her and the smile disappeared.

"Tumko bohot maar raha tha na?"

Siddhant just leaned forward and gave her a bear hug, digging her head in his small chest. Radhika was shocked and so were the elders. But then they realized that this was probably the most adorable thing they have ever witnessed. Siddhant released her and Radhika hugged the couch pillow and was blushing miserably.

"Agli baar hum dono milkar bohot marenge. Unn ladko ki chutti kar denge. Hai na?"

Radhika stared back at Siddhant and giggled heartily.

A strong gush of wind brought her back to reality. She smiled while shaking her head, thinking about the times when they had so much fun being the best of buddies. Even today, just when she felt most vulnerable, Siddhant came to her rescue.

Siddhant stormed out of Shashank's office and kept marching till he stopped near the fire escape. He looked through the door and all the buried memories came rushing in his mind. The same place where he poured out his heart to Riddhima, asking her to be his, and they way they hugged after that, made him realize that they were always meant to be together. He opened the door and slowly stood at the place where he proposed her, he gently touched the wall, thinking about Riddhima, the way she looked at him while he was revealing his inner most desires. The desire to be with her and her alone. He could feel his heart being tugged everytime the thought about her, he leaned forward and rested his head on the wall, slowly dragging his hand down the wall, thinking about his biggest loss of his life.

Tum kitne ache ho Siddhant

Radhika thought to herself and a melancholic smile washed over her face. She sat on her bed looking at the photo.

"Tum humesha se hi dusre ke bare sochte aaye ho. Apne bare me ek baar bhi nahi soche. Woh tumhare pyaar ke layak hi nahi tha."

Radhika kept staring at the picture and let her mind slip to another flashback.

It was a spring afternoon. Gone were those sweet teeth and the cute frocks and the pony tails. She was all grown up. Radhika was now an independent, pure at heart, elegant and outstandingly beautiful. Her white selwaar kameez gracefully covered her feminine figure, her dupatta hanging on her neck, her long black ebony colored hair flowing with the breeze, as she strolled in the garden of her mansion, picking flowers for her room. Once she collected all her favorite flowers, she wrapped them all up in a bouquet and walked towards the entrance of the mansion. As soon as she saw her mother walking downstairs, she ran up to her and gave her a tight hug.

"Phirse phool...ek lagaungi!"

"hehehe sorry maa."

"Kitna mehnat lagti hai tumhe pata hai?"

"Issi liye itna khubsoorat hai yeh phool. Acha yeh bataye, Parvati aunty ke saath baat hui kya?"

"(sigh) haan."

"Kaisi hai Siddhant? Woh toh Siddhant se milkar aaye hai na. Kaisi hai woh?"

"Kya tum sunne ke liye tayyar ho?"

" Of course maa."

"(sigh) Siddhant ki...shaadi ho gayi hai."

Hearing her mother say that, almost made her drop the bouquet on the floor.

Siddhant ki...shaadi?

She always had special feelings towards him; he was her knight in shining armor and also was her best friend. They were so close to each other, they were literally inseparable. Until the day came when Sartaj sent him to India, that's when the distance grew between them. As they grew up, they were riddled with pressure in their lives, learning how to cope up in their lives, but no matter what, she never forgot about him. When she reached maturity, she knew what she felt, and that she would give anything in the world to make it true, to be with him forever, but to realize that he is now far beyond his reach shattered her. Her mother saw the storm of emotion she was going through, her mother was her other best friend. She would understand everything just by looking at Radhika's face.

"Main tumhara dard samajh sakhti hoon beti. Tumhe apne aap ko kabu par rakhna hoga. Aur agar tum wakeh Siddhant se pyaar karti ho, toh yeh pratna karo, ki woh humesha khush rahe."

Radhika just looked back at her mother with a melancholic smile and just hugged her, letting all her emotions flow through.

Radhika came back to her senses and stood up.

"Hum kabhi bhi ek dusre ke dard bardasht nahi kar pate the. Aur aaj...aaj jab hum dard ke sagar me dub rahe hai, tab hum ek doosre ke koi khabar nahi."

She moved towards a small statue of Mata Rani and entwined her hands together.

"Mata Rani mujhe shakti dijiye. Ki aane wale har kathinayiyon ko dur kar saku. He Mata Rani, mere Siddhant ko shakti dijiye, usse har ek hakeekat ko muqaabla karne ki shakti dijiye...usse zarurat parega. Jai Mata Di."

Siddhant wiped a lone tear and stormed out of the fire escape.

"Isse pehle ki Riddhima mujhe dekh le, mujhe yaha se jana hoga."

He marched out of the entrance door and mounted on his bike, he quickly started the ignition and drove away from the hospital, and the more distance he created, the more peaceful he felt. Little did he know that a pair of hazelnut colored eyes followed him until he disappeared from her sight. She could not believe her eyes and only one word came out of her mouth.

"Siddhant?"

Radhika stood up, feeling determined as ever.

" Main aarahi hoon Siddhant. Iss halaat ko saamna karne ke liye, main tumhara saath dene ke liye aarahi hoon."

Part 5:

A whole week has passed and Siddhant finally settled back in Mumbai. The day for Siddhant to make his re-entry to Sanjeevani arrived. As the sun slowly rose high above the horizon, he saw how his room slowly light up in brightness. He couldn't sleep, his mind was clouded with so many thoughts that sleep eluded him. He just kept staring at the ceiling. Birds singing melodious tunes, the smell of fresh oxygen, it prompted him to get up from the bed and admire the scenery. He closed his eyes and filled his lungs with air and exhaled slowly. He didn't even see this day coming, but it did. His wrist watch started beeping, it was time for his morning work out. After all, he needed to look prim and proper today, he would not want to disappoint Shashank.

Radhika came out of the washroom wearing a beautiful white suit with blue embroidered work on it. She loved the color white, it was Siddhant's favorite color too. They both had similar liking over such things. As she rubbed her hair with her towel, her eyes suddenly fell on a bracelet. It was a simple looking bracelet, but to her it was priceless.

Siddhant: Radhika!!!!! Happy Birthday!!!

Siddhant just gave young Radhika a tight hug. It was Radhika's 12th birthday.

Siddhant: Dekh! Main tere liye kya laya hoon. Hehe.

Radhika gave a wide smile at him and tried to take the gift from him but Siddhant didn't want to give in that easily.

Siddhant: If you want it...come and get it!!! HAHAHA!!!

Radhika chased behind him and Siddhant being the mischievous one kept running away from him. The parents loved the bond they shared and their laughters just spread warmth in their hearts. Radhika cornered him and then snatched the gift away from him. She tore open the wrapper, opened the box and found a beautiful bracelet embedded 'SR' on it.

Siddhant: Happy Birthday Mishti.

Siddhant gave his usual smile and Radhika looked at him and smiled shyly. He took the bracelet and slid it through her wrist and locked it.

Siddhant: Ab tu jahan bhi jaygi, mujhe yaad karegi. Yeh dekh. Yeh 'S' main hoon.

Radhika nodded cheerfully. Just then Rashmi came to him holding a small bowl of sweets and gave it to him.

Rashmi: Ab apni Mishti ko muh mithayi toh karao.

Siddhant: Hanji bilkul. Yeh le...

Siddhant kept feeding her gulab jamun and she kept eating it while looking at her bracelet.

Radhika: Mishti...

Everytime he used to call her by that name, her happiness knew no bounds. How she misses that name. She never gave the right to call her by that name other than Siddhant. It was something he started, and only he had the right, and today, she is finally going to meet him face to face after 25 years. Her excitement just kept enhancing. She slid the bracelet through her hand and locked it on her wrist. It was her first day in Sanjeevani, she needed to look proper for this new chapter which is about to unfold today...and face the challenges life will present now.

Siddhant sat up on the floor after finishing three hundred crunches and five hundred push-ups. He felt energetic rather than feeling tired after doing these sort of work outs. He felt strong and ready to face the world everytime he used to work out. He stood up and let out a huge sigh as he gazed at the clock hanging on the wall, it was eight o'clock. He needed to get ready for his introduction with the doctors...and he knew just how to handle them. He took his towel and went in the washroom.

Moments later, after having a refreshing hot bath, he walked out of the washroom wearing nothing but boxers, throwing the towel on the bed. After being convinced that he was fully dried, he wore his white vest.

Radhika was drying her hair with a peaceful smile on her lips with her mind drifted off somewhere, she was ready to meet him, after all these years. She turned off the hair dryer and stroked her hair to bring it into shape.

Siddhant: Tu nah, yeh style wyle mat kar, tujhpar suit nahi karta. Tu simple me hi achi dikhti hai

She smiled thinking that, he never liked her adopting fashion in her, he always wanted her to be simple, because it makes her look innocent...and he adored her for this. Radhika chuckled and then started combing her hair.

Siddhant was fixing his tie while looking himself in the mirror. With much concentration he fixed his tie and in a swift move slid his right arm in his black blazer and then his left and buttoned up the blazer. The blazer firmly embraced his masculine figure, showing off his biceps. He looked pretty good wearing a blue shirt with a pitch black blazer, he looked so professional. He clearly remembered his mission, to have a firm control over the progress of Sanjeevani, and disciplining someone...is something he can do best. He stared at himself through the mirror, today Shashank will introduce him with the rest of the doctors...and they better behave because this Siddhant not the same anymore. With an evil smirk on his lips, he wore his spectacles and slid his Rolex watch through his right hand and placed it on his wrist.

Siddhant: Here we go...

He took his briefcase and then stormed out of his room.

Meanwhile in Sanjeevani

Riddhima and the whole gang, including Muskaan, Rahul, and the others reunited and started working in Sanjeevani again. Anjali got transferred here after completing her work in the US branch of Sanjeevani, Muskaan really missed the gang and thought of continuing her career where it all started, Rahul came back hoping to finish what he started...a life with his beloved. JP and Jiggy didn't change at all, they were still the idiotic pair everyone loved. Shashank insisted on bringing both Abhi and Nikki, to handle the hospital...and to look out for someone special, and now they're working together, both as a married couple and as a team of talented doctors. Atul came back after finishing his role in Panchgani, he was excited to work with gang again, and Armaan and Riddhima both found their happiness by sealing the deal, now they're both doctors and a happily married couple. They were all at the locker room doing what they do best there...gossip.

JP: Hayye...24 ghante ki duty de di aaj Hitler ne. Humare pet me toh chue daur rahe hai.

Armaan: JP...tu kabhi nahi badlega na?

Anjali: I say...tum kitna khate ho? Ek dinn kha kha ke, tumhara yeh jo kamar hai na, woh kamra ban jayga.

JP: Are phlower ji yeh koi baat hui? Hum jitna bhi khate hai na, hume kuch nahi hota.

Abhi: Janta hoon, isi liye kabhi kabhi garam hawayein chor ti ho.

Everyone started laughing out loud, mocking poor JP, just then four interns entered the locker room, two boys and two girls.

Priya: Aaj mere dinn achi tarike se shuru hua. Bhagwaan kare mera pehla dinn, achi tarike se guzre.

Avantika: Mujhe nahi lagta darling. Tumne suna nahi? Sanjeevani me humara DO change ho gaya hai?

Shekhar: Haan, log kehte hai, ki woh Dr. Kirti se bhi das guna zyaada strict hai.

Vishal: Are koi baat nahi. Suna hai, aaj unki introduction hai, dekhte hai...kitna strict.

The rest of the gang was confused hearing their little tidbit. A new DO?

Riddhima: Naya DO? Magar Kaun?

JP: Woh bhi Hitler se zyaada strict...

Just then Kirti came in all surprised and astonished. She sat down on one of the benches and started breathing heavily.

Muskaan: Dr. Kirti, kya aapko pata hai, yeh naya DO kaun hai?

Kirti: Nahi...Shashank mujhe kuch bata nahi raha hai.

Armaan: That's strange.

Woman: I think that's a good change.

Everyone looked at the entrance and saw a new face. Dr. Kirti immediately knew who she was. JP and Jiggy were both stunned to see the beauty standing there, but Abhi and Nikki knew exactly who she was.

Kirti: Ah Dr. Radhika! Come in. Welcome.

Radhika: Thank you ma'am. Main keh rahi thi ki, Dr.Shashank ko shayad yeh sahi laga ki DO change ho jaaye...no offence ma'am.

Kirti: None taken, i think you're right.

Muskaan: Are you an intern?

Radhika: No, i'm a senior doctor, i got transferred here.

Riddhima: ah, i see. Well, welcome to Sanjeevani.

Radhika: Thank you.

Riddhima extended her hand forth for a shake and Radhika welcomed her greeting and replied her welcome with a warm handshake. JP and Jiggy and the other guys couldn't stop staring at the lovely women. Once Riddhima saw Armaan ogling at Radhika, she poked Armaan and he immediately came back to his senses.

Radhika: Now if you'll excuse me, mujhe Dr. Shashank se milna hai.

Everyone nodded slowly, but the male interns couldn't stop drooling at the gorgeous young woman.

Vishal: Nice! This made my day!

Kirti was fuming listening to the remarks the boys made

Kirti: Interns!! Behave yourself!! You don't want to ruin your first day!

Vishal and Shekhar both got startled and nodded vehemently to calm Kirti down, the other senior doctors giggled looking at their expression.

Meanwhile, Siddhant was on his way to the hospital driving his car when he saw a man vigorously trying to start his bike and failing.

Siddhant: Dr. Rahul?

He remembered reading his occupation in his portfolio. He wanted to help the poor doctor. Of course, he wouldn't want him to be late, but he also wanted to keep his identity a secret. He parked the car near the broken bike and popped his head out driver-seat window.

Siddhant: Excuse me? Kya main aapki madat kar sakhta hoon?

Rahul: Aww you would? Mujhe Sanjeevani jana hai.

Siddhant: Ah the hospital?

Rahul: Yeah! Best hospital in Mumbai.

Siddhant: hmm...alright let me give you a lift.

Rahul: Oh! Thank you man!

Siddhant: Hmm.

Rahul pranced to front seat while Siddhant stared at him with confusion. Rahul jumped into the car and quickly buckled his seat belt and waited for Siddhant to get in.

Siddhant: What is wrong with doctors these days?

He slowly got into the driver's seat and sat comfortably, then he buckled up his seat belt and rolled off. Rahul kept switching his look from the road to Siddhant, as if Siddhant has taken him hostage. The intense look Siddhant had while driving gave him the heebie-jeebies. Only the sound of the gears swtiching filled in the silence between them. Rahul kept patting his right foot and this irritated Siddhant, but Siddhant tried to keep his cool.

Siddhant: I would advise you to not do that.

Rahul: Oh. Sorry.

Siddhant: So. You work at Sanjeevani's huh?

Rahul: Sure do. Best place for any doctor to work.

Siddhant: Why's that?

Rahul: I dunno, I kinda love working there. Mere doston bhi waha hai, and the love of my life.

Siddhant: hmm...another love struck douche.

Siddhant: So you go there...for your friends and your love, not to save people?

Rahul: Well yeah, I do love helping people, but these little things make my work all the more worthwhile.

Siddhant: Hmm...If i were you, the only thing that would make me happy is to see the smile of a patient when they get to know they're okay. I think that's what really makes a doctor happy, then you know, that you're doing your job correctly.

Rahul kept staring at this guy sitting next to him. He didn't know why but looking at him gave him a cold vibe. He didn't know why he was so...mysterious. He just stared at the road and tried not to talk to him.

Rahul: Ajeeb aadmi hai.

Siddhant: Sanjeevani ke saare doctors ek jaise hote hai, kam ki nahi, personal pleasures ke liye aate hai. Sab theek karunga main.

Moments passed by and they both arrived at Sanjeevani.

Siddhant: There you go.

Rahul: ah...thank you.

Siddhant just stared at him and Rahul stared at him back just waiting for a 'welcome'. But Siddhant looked ahead and drove away without saying anything to him.

Rahul: Geez, what a loser!

As soon as Siddhant was convinced that Rahul had entered the hospital, he came back again and parked his car. He got out of the car and kept staring at the entrance.

Siddhant: Here we go.

Siddhant marched through the entrance. His stern look and his dark eyes made everyone around him look at him with astonishment. Some of the girls went almost gaga looking at him while others wished to go along another path rather than walk past him. As he passed the reception, the receptionist noticed someone walk past the reception desk.

Receptionist: Excuse me but you're not allowed t...

Siddhant just kept on walking while ignoring the receptionist completely.

Receptionist: bara ajeeb aadmi hai yeh.

Siddhant kept on marching as if he was about to punish someone, he was on his way to Shashank's office when he collided with a woman with great force and in an effort to catch her from falling, the woman fell on his arms. The lady's files flew into the air and sheets of paper floated down to the ground. Siddhant held on to the lady whereas the lady just covered her face with her hands. Basically, she knew she was falling, she just didn't bother to protect herself, and instead she stupidly covered her face, as if her face was the most priceless thing on earth. Siddhant looked at her with confusion.

Siddhant: Isse kya hogaya?

The lady felt herself being wrapped up by strong pair of arms, slowly she realized that she was hanging a feet from the ground. She slowly lowered her hands down her face and her eyes caught that one sight that she was waiting to see all these days. The sight of Siddhant holding her dearly...and closely

Sab Mera Tu...

Sab Mera Tu...

Her eyes widened when he looked into his dark brown eyes. The way he was looking down at her with confusion and his intense stern look, made her heart skip a beat. But she could also see immense level of pain and emptiness in his eyes, his spectacles are just a way of hiding those stories and emotions that his eyes wanted to tell. Siddhant didn't know why but there was something in her eyes just didn't want to let go off him. Her eyes completely captured his sight, those dark brown orbs that are filled with hope and happiness. Just then his mind uttered a word.

Mishti...

Siddhant: Mishti?

Siddhant didn't know why looking at her made him think of sweets. He shook his head and made Radhika stand straight, Radhika smiled at him.

Siddhant: Agli baar dekh kar chalna.

His voice was so straight and stern that her smile quickly fade away. Siddhant exhaled and then walked right past her leaving her shell-shocked.

Radhika: hmph!

She just shrugged and became busy picking up her paperwork.

On the other hand Armaan was clearing up his locker when he stumbled on an old photo of him and Sid. He smiled recalling all the crazy times he spent with each other. He was so wrong about him, he always took him as an enemy, but Sid never looked at him more than his big brother.

Armaan: Aaj tere wajeh se, main aur Riddhima ek hoon. I wish you were here, if i could thank you in some way...

Just then Riddhima came into the locker room and noticed Armaan drowned in complete nostalgia. She came close and brought him back to reality.

Riddhima: Kya hua?

Armaan: This...

He showed her their photo when they were fooling around in a club.

Armaan: I kinda miss him.

Riddhima looked at him and recalled that day when she thought she saw him in a motorbike. She thought of sharing that with him but she then concluded that maybe it was just an illusion. But yes, Siddhant will forever be that one person she'll cherish forever.

Riddhima: Yeah, he was a really...really good friend. He was there for me...was there for both of us when we needed someone.

Armaan: Yeah...i wonder where he is now.

Just then the two young beautiful interns came into the room discussing about a hunk they saw while duty.

Avantika: Aaj kal Sanjeevani me aisa handsome dude kahi nahi milti.

Priya: Thoda bohot achi lag rahi thi.

Riddhima: Kis ki baat ho rahi hai?

Avantika: Nothing ma'am...we were just discussing.

Armaan: Handsome dude huh? Check me out.

Avantika: I'd rather not sir.

Riddhima couldn't help but laugh loudly, while Priya poked her friend to be quiet.

Armaan: Hey! I'll have you know that i'm Dr. Armaan Malik, yahan ka Malik.

Avantika: yeah.

Armaan: hmm...

Armaan looked at Riddhima, who was still trying hard to control her laughter.

Meanwhile, Siddhant kept marching past the General Ward when a young man bumped into him, because of Siddhant's bulkiness, that young man was almost on the verge of falling on the ground.

Vishal: Ey!!!! Dekh kar chal nahi sakhti kya?

Siddhant: Ah...one of the interns...

Siddhant just looked down at him...staring at him actually.

Vishal: ooohhh attitude huh??! Alright dude, tu ne mujhe dhakka mara, issi liye tu mere yeh saare files uthayga.

Vishal kept giving him a stupid look while Siddhant was shooting daggers from his eyes.

Vishal: You must have a brain to think so much. Clearly you don't, itna socho mat, aur yeh sab kuch utha!

Siddhant: Siddhant...calm down, you don't wanna kill him now would you?

Siddhant reluctantly, with a grim look on his face, started to pick up his files without breaking eye contact. He picked all the files and then rudely gave them back to Vishal.

Vishal: Thanks moron, hope we never see again.

Siddhant gave a wicked smirk at him and then gave him an angry look. He didn't want to waste his time spending with this moron so he started marching vigorously now on the opposite direction. Vishal's stupidness, added more fuel to the fire.

On the other hand Radhika made her way towards Shashanks office, she took a deep breath and then politely knocked on the door.

Radhika: May i come in sir?

Shashank: Come in.

Shashank raised his head and saw a beautiful young woman standing modestly in front of the door.

Radhika: Sir, main...Radhika.

Shashank: Aree Radhika! Toh finally tum agayi...Tumse milke bohot khushi hui!

Radhika: Aapse bhi sir. Actually main yaha senior doctor ke position main aayi hoon. I just wanted to meet you.

Shashank: Haan haan main bahut khush hoon ke tumne Sanjeevani join karli. It's a good thing you came by. Are? Tum khadi kyun ho? Betho?

Radhika gave a sweet smile at him and politely sat opposite Shashank. She didn't know why but Shashank reminded her a lot about her father, he too was this jolly and professional at the same time.

Radhika: Sir main chahti thi ke aap mujhe mere kaam aur baki sab kuch samjhaye. Since i trasferred here, i want to get to know the place where i'm working at, that way i can assure you, that i will give my 110% towards my duty, I want to be ready for this position, but if you're busy then...

Shashank: Are nahi!! Now it's normally the time when i take a round around the hospital so let's go.

Shashank and Radhika both head off and starts taking their rounds. Just when Radhika and Shashank left, Siddhant came in front of his cabin but noticed the door slightly opened.

Siddhant: Yaha ka darwaza khula hai. Shayad sir iss waqt kisi patient ke saath hai. Office main intezar karta hoon.

Meanwhile Shashank and Radhika were both taking rounds together; Shashank showed her all the wards to make her familiarize her workplace.

Shashank: Yeh hai general ward, this is where you'll be spending most of your time taking care of the patients.

Radhika: yes sir.

Just then she sees Riddhima checking up on a patient, Radhika looked at her intently, this was the woman who was Siddhant's wife. To her, Riddhima seemed like a nice woman, who gave her full dedication to her professional life as well as her personal, she even shook hands with her that morning, still she couldn't put a finger as to why Siddhant and Riddhima's marriage was a failure. Shashank kept talking, unaware that Radhika was in a deep thought. He turned around and saw Radhika with a faraway look on her face. He came close to her and saw her gazing at Riddhima, and he knew instantly what she was thinking about. Radhika's reason for coming to Sanjeevani in the first place was just for Siddhant, otherwise she would've never had stepped foot in this hospital. Shashank brought her back to reality.

Shashank: Chale?

Radhika with a jolt, came back to her senses.

Radhika: Oh sorry sir, yes let's go.

Both Radhika and Shashank were heading their way towards Shashank's office. Radhika thanked Shashank for the tour and they both parted ways. Shashank with a smile on his face, opens the door and there he sees the man he was waiting for.

Shashank: Are Siddhant?! Tum kab aaye?

Siddhant: bas abhi sir, i have to admit, i can see why you wanted me for this job.

Shashank: yes now you see. Well i think it's about time for me to introduce our new DO to our staff.

Siddhant: Lead the way.

They head out to meet with the doctors. On the other hand, the gang were in the locker room having fun as usual, Radhika enjoyed this fun bunch when suddenly there was a voice on the intercom.

Intercom: Sab doctors please Hall Room me aajaye. Sab doctors please Hall Room me aajaye.

Kirti: Oh...the new DO.

Everyone's smile faded once Kirti mentioned that. They rushed out of the locker room.

All the doctors were gathered in the great hall room, the room was filled with the voice of doctors gossiping as to who their new DO would be.

Armaan: I can't believe he changed our DO, i have no idea what will happen to us now.

Riddhima: I should've been the DO, afsos, papa ko mujhpar koi vishwaas nahi hai.

Armaan: That's not true, in fact Kirti ke baare me socho, she was the DO like...forever.

Muskaan: haan, i have no idea how she's feeling.

Radhika was listening to their gossips but smiled thinking about the new DO. She felt proud of Siddhant. Little did she know how Siddhant is going to turn out to be. Just then the whole room went silent when Shashank entered the room.

Shashank: Good afternoon doctors. Aaj aap sab log yaha hazir hai, kyunki as usual aap sab log jante hai ki humare Disciplinarian Officer badal gaya hai. Humara naya DO...actually he was a doctor here before, and i'm glad that he's our DO.

Riddhima: yaha pehle kaam karte the? kaun hai?

Shashank: So without further ado, presenting the man who is once again the DO of this branch, Dr.Siddhant Modi!

Everyone clapped as hearing the name while the gang sat still as they saw Siddhant slowly entering the room. Armaan and Riddhima...and Vishal, looked at him with their mouth slightly opened, Siddhant has completely changed, long gone the boyish look, he has a goatee with a beard, his spectacles masking his dark intense eyes, those superman t-shirts were replaced by a formal suit that gracefully embraced his masculine figure. Not to mention his grown way taller than before, and his body looked a lot buff. As he entered the room with a stern face, everyone kept clapping.

Armaan: Oh...

Riddhima: My...

Avantika: God! It's him!!! Oh!! look at him!! He's so dreamy!

Armaan: Is it just me...or has he gone taller?

Riddhima: Oh my...Sid.

Kirti couldn't believe that Siddhant, who once used to take orders from her, would now take orders from him.

Vishal: This...can't be happening.

Vishal couldn't believe that this guy would turn out to be his DO. He knew he was done for. Armaan didn't know what he was feeling, but he was having a hard time believing this was real, and Riddhima couldn't believe...that Sid has changed so much.

Shashank: I'll leave you to your doctors now.

Siddhant: Yes. Thank you.

Shashank smiled at him and Siddhant nodded slightly in approval, Shashank left the scene, leaving his poor doctors to the hands of a lion. Everyone stayed quiet till they could only hear Shashank's footsteps, Siddhant kept staring at the doctors with an evil look which made everyone shift to their seats. At a certain point, hearing Shashank's footsteps gave them a sense of ease, until it faded away, and it was just them...and their DO. Siddhant just stood there with his arms crossed on his chest and took a good look at every doctor.

Shashank: Apparently...Dr.Shashank feels you are not dedicating your time...and your energy...behind your patients, like you're supposed to. If he did...he wouldn't have called me half way across the country to be your DO. So I think it's time...to tighten things up...don't you think?

Everyone felt there heart beat faster as if they were running a marathon. Siddhant's cold voice sent shivers down everyone's spine. Radhika has never seen this side of Siddhant...ever.

Siddhant: Let me remind everyone. This is Sanjeevani, one of the ranking hospitals around the world, so if you think that you belong here...you better prove yourself worthy to work here. Let me give you an advice, if you give your full dedication towards your work and most importantly...towards your patient, the outcome will always be sweet. We are doctors; we dedicated our lives in helping people. But if i see a single person become slightly careless...trust me...you do not want to see the worst of me.

Everyone took a big gulp, he wasn't a DO, he was like an army officer. Armaan just couldn't believe how much he's changed.

Siddhant: Now i want everyone except...the senior doctors...and the interns...to go back to your duties.

Everyone rose up from their seats swiftly, trying as fast as they could to go far away from Siddhant. The whole gang kept staring at Siddhant who was staring back at Vishal. Vishal, for the first time, was afraid to look anyone directly in their eyes, he bowed his head down as he saw Siddhant shooting cold vibes at him. He knew why Siddhant looked at him, and he was preparing himself for the worst.

Part 6:

Everyone in the hall-room left except for the interns and the senior doctors. Vishal stared at the floor, perspiring as Siddhant slowly walked towards him. He was preparing for the inevitable. Radhika and the others couldn't help but wonder what sort of trouble Vishal has put himself into. Riddhima was still shocked looking at this vast change Siddhant was projecting. He's no longer the same Sid she used to know. Siddhant walked towards him and stopped until he was just an inch away from him. Vishal could feel his heart pacing as he kept breathing as if he was on a marathon. Just the mere vibe that Siddhant was emitting made him realize that he was showing off to the wrong type of man, not to mention he was taller than him. Vishal looked so insignificant opposed to Siddhant. Siddhant stared down at him, looking at him from head to toe. Vishal could feel Siddhant's breath brush against his left ear. After a long pause, Siddhant bowed down, leveled his eyes with Vishal's and finally spoke in a low pitched husky voice...filled with anger and disappointment.

Siddhant: You know there's one kind of people that I hate. People who are egotistical, self-centered, and are just full of shit. You are so full of yourself that you don't know the common decency to behave with someone.

He lowered his head to look into Vishal's eyes.

Siddhant: Didn't your parents ever teach you anything?

Riddhima wondered just what did Vishal do that he's receiving this sort of criticism. Radhika felt bad for the poor lad. Armaan and the others just kept on staring at the two people in front of them.

Siddhant: I normally don't swear but I can't help it. The way you walk thorough these corridors...it's as if Sanjeevani is nothing without you, well guess what, Sanjeevani..doesn't...give..a damn. I'm saying this not because the way you behaved with me, but because I know just..who...you are, Dr.Vishal Saxena. I've heard about you, and they weren't good remarks. So Dr. Vishal, as your disciplinarian, I suggest you fix this cocky attitude of yours, because it's not going to get you anywhere. Sanjeevani is one of the top ranking hospitals in this country. I need doctors, not frat boys. You wanna work here? Then be responsible and mature and caring, otherwise Sanjeevani has no need for you. You understand?

Vishal felt as if someone punched him in the gut hard. He took a big gulp and replied to his question.

Vishal: Yes...

Siddhant: Yes what?!

Vishal: Yes sir!

Siddhant: Party time's over boy...time to get serious.

Vishal: Yes sir.

Siddhant kept on shooting at him intense looks while Vishal kept staring at the floor. Shekhar, Avantika and Priya sighed thinking what kind of a hitler Siddhant was. Siddhant stood up straight and then slowly turned towards the seniors. The interns were now ready to hear another lecture.

Siddhant: You know what, I can't fully blame Vishal, he is just an intern...but you people!

Radhika slowly stepped aside from the bunch of doctors. Riddhima, Armaan, Abhi, Nikki, Muskaan, Rahul, JP, Atul, Anjali, Kirti, Shubhankar...they all stared at Siddhant who just stared back at them with disappointment.

Siddhant: Just why the hell, do they call you seniors huh? It is because you people are supposed to guide the interns into becoming good doctors. Not just in medical practicing but to be a good human being. They're supposed to look up to you. It is your damn job to be an example in front of them, to be their role models. Everyday at least 30 to 40 patients come into this hospital in the hope that we can cure them. I want doctors who aren't a machine. I want doctors who care, and you people...do not care. It's not surprising for me.

Riddhima and the others looked up at him with guilt ridden over their face. Siddhant's gaze got fixed with Riddhima's. Siddhant thought that meeting with Riddhima would have him all shook up, but to his surprise, he was just too pissed off to feel anything.

Riddhima: Kyun Dr.Riddhima? Aap toh humesha sehi disciplinarian banna chahte the, at least you could've looked out for them.

Riddhima lowered her gaze feeling sorry.

Siddhant: But I guess...you were too busy with your life.

Riddhima looked up at him in total shock. She knew what he meant. Armaan looked at both Siddhant and Riddhima.

Siddhant: I certainly didn't expect this from you.

Riddhima continued to stare at him.

Siddhant : same goes for Dr. Abhimanyu and Dr. Nikki, and you too... Dr.Kirti.

Kirti of all the people felt more ashamed of herself. Someone who was once her junior, is now telling her what a poor job she's done.

Siddhant: You people better start acting like seniors. This hospital goes through enough shit, it doesn't need you to make matters worse. Anyway, Dr. Priya, you'll be assisting Dr.Abhi and Dr.Nikki in the Path Lab. Dr. Shekhar, you'll be assisting Dr.Muskaan, Dr.Rahul, Dr.JP and Dr.Atul in the OT, they'll need your assistance. Dr. Avantika, you'll be assisting Dr. Anjali and Dr. Shubhankar in the General Ward, and you Dr. Hotshot, will be assisting Dr. Riddhima and Dr. Armaan, OT room 2. Doctor...Dr.Radhika?

Radhika looked at him with surprise, who looked back at her with no expression on his face.

Siddhant: Dr.Radhika Singhania?

Radhika: Yes that's right. I recently got transferred here.

Siddhant: Yes yes i know all about it. You are assigned for Children's Ward.

Radhika: alright.

Radhika couldn't believe that after 18 years, he finally talked with her. Though, he still doesn't know who the she is. Radhika was a little disheartened, but she shrugged it off. She was in good spirits today.

Siddhant: That's it doctors...dismissed.

Radhika turned in the opposite direction when...

Siddhant: Dr. Radhika...welcome to Sanjeevani.

Radhika swiftly turned towards him and saw him giving a small smirk and a reassuring nod. Radhika couldn't help but smile, she accepted his welcome with all her heart. The way he was smirking indicated that he wasn't all dead inside, there is a chance to change him. Radhika turned again and then walked away in the opposite direction. Just then his ears catched a sound. It was the jingling noise from her bracelet. His eyes got fixed at how the bracelet jingled as her hand swayed while she walked, that long, elegant but simple looking bracelet she was wearing on her right wrist. It struck something in his mind. He started to have a distinct feeling that he saw that bracelet somewhere. His mind got lost in an another world, trying to figure out something as he kept on hearing the jingle. Kirti on the other hand was wondering why there was no duty for her. She slowly walked up to him and cleared her throat to bring him back to reality. Siddhant slightly jolted and then faced her.

Kirti: Is there any duty for me?

Siddhant: No, Dr. Kirti come with me. I need to discuss something with you.

Kirti wondered what sort of a discussion that Siddhant has in store for her.

Siddhant: Follow me.

Kirti, like an obedient child, started following Siddhant. As they were walkign through the corridor, Kirti couldn't help but look at him from head to toe. His get-up, his built, that confidant posture, his style of walking, she was amazed as to how much this man has changed, and she clearly knew what changed him. She was brought back to the present when she heard his calm but husky voice.

Siddhant: What is your opinion about the doctors?

Kirti: My opinion?

SIddhant: Yes, your opinion.

Kirti: Well they are certainly bright and talented doctors...sir.

Siddhant couldn't help but look back at her, who was putting up a reluctant smirk for him. Siddhant looked ahead and couldn't help but smirk a little.

Kirti: But like you said, they need to learn a lot.

Siddhant: I always speak the truth doctor, you know that very well.

They reached his cabin and Siddhant courteously opened the door for her.

Siddhant: After you.

Kirti was slightly confused as to what's going on. Just a few moments before he lectured her and the doctors and now he's being all gentle with her.

Siddhant: Please take a seat.

Kirti looked at the chair and then looked at Siddhant who indicated a chair for her to seat in. She sat on the chair with confusion washed up on her face. She looked around his desk; files arranged alphabetically, a picture of him and his family on the right corner of his desk, his diploma hanging on the wall. She realized how fast time had ticked away. She gazed at his picture hanging on the wall, a small smirk but no glitter on his eyes. His eyes were dead and showed no emotion. She couldn't help but ponder how Siddhant went through 5 years with the pain of not having Riddhima. As much as she rejoiced uniting Armaan and Riddhima, she couldn't get over the fact that Siddhant loved her dearly as well. She has seen it in front of her eyes. For that short moment, her mind completely forgot that he was a disciplinarian, she now kept thinking about that childish Siddhant, who loved and honored his wife and his friends. Siddhant was walking back and forth, thinking of a way to start a conversation with her. Even though he was now the DO, he still didn't forget the fact that it was her from whom he learned so much. She was much a mentor to him as Shashank is. Not to mention the fact that she's older than her. He still respected her like he used to before. He slowly came in front of her, breaking her trance and slowly sat in his chair. Awkward silence filled the atmosphere. Kirti stared at him, who looked at glass on his desk.

Kirti: H...How are you?

Siddhant looked up at her and smirked.

Siddhant: I'm fine...thank you. And you?

Kirti: I'm doing okay.

Siddhant kept looking at her slightly nodding his head.

Kirti: You have done extremely well Siddhant. I'm really proud of you.

He was quite used to getting these sorts of compliments from people, he never boasted himself with the praises he used to get, but coming from Kirti meant a great deal to him. It actually prompted him to smirk again.

Siddhant: Dr. Kirti I brought you here because I needed to discuss with you about the very behavior Sanjeevani has been dealing with. I reviewed on every doctor and their performances and there are obviously some trouble makers here.

Kirti: I understand.

Siddhant: We need to give each problem maker some additional responsibility. Their progress depends on its performance hence they will not go wrong. Plus this will leave them less time to waste and also boost their esteem.

Kirti: But responsibility with authority will not work.

Siddhant: The authority is their reward but it will come only after appraising the person. The mentor will have to work extra hard, first to mentor, then take decisions in the initial phase and finally to review. But what we shall have is after the appraisal period a person to delegate work to. Second in lines will get created automatically and this will motivate others also to take on additional work.'

Kirti: How do you plan to do this?

Siddhant: I will not do anything. You will.

Kirti: Huh?!

Siddhant: You know it better here. I have already informed Dr Shashank that I am not taking over complete charge. You will continue to do many of the activities that you did earlier. I am here only here to support you in them.'

Kirti: But i don't understand, I thought you were our new DO.

Siddhant: No Dr. Kirti, I am the new DO, but I won't be working in a vacuum. I'm just an extension of you. Everybody took you for granted; now with my help, you have the chance to take back your status. Remember, i'm just here to support you, nothing more.

Kirti couldn't help but ask...

Kirti: Why?

Siddhant: To be honest...this hospital needs you. You're still best suited for the job of a DO, and you deserve to be.

Kirti couldn't help but feel awestruck by the man sitting in front of her. The supportive attitude won over Dr Kirti and filled her with a renewed vigor to take on the challenge of turning things around. She could not thank the board enough for sending this man here. If it was someone else, she would be sitting in the OPD doing patient check-ups only. She smiled at him and her eyes showed nothing but immense gratitude towards this man. Maybe he hasn't changed after all.

Kirti: Thank you very much Siddhant.

Siddhant: Don't thank me; you've created such a status of yourself that no one can erase that. Pat yourself on the back Dr. Kirti.

Kirti: Nevertheless I have you to thank for.

Siddhant: hmm. That is all Dr.Kirti.

Kirti rose up from her seat and extended her hand for a shake. Siddhant stared at her hand and then looked at her overwhelmed face. He welcomed her gesture by shaking her hand gently and gives a slight smirk.

Kirti: I will see you soon.

Siddhant nodded lightly and saw her leave his cabin with a smile on her face. She entered his room as an individual and now she left the room as part of a team. Siddhant felt at peace for now. He sat down slowly and leaned back on his chair and shut his eyes for a second. The images of him holding Radhika and her jingling bracelet flashed before his eyes.

Mishti...

Siddhant's eyes flew wide open, suddenly, confusion spread over his face. Siddhant couldn't help but brainstorm as to why he was thinking about someone who he had never seen before. Just then he looked out through the cabin glass and saw Radhika pass by his cabin and walk through the corridor, there was something about her that couldn't put a finger on. As she kept on walking to a distance, he kept on wondering why he was thinking about her.

Siddhant: Mishti?

Part 7:

He kept on gazing at Radhika who walked away in a distance until his eyes couldn't follow her anymore. His mind flooded with confusion. Never before has he pondered about a woman in five years, but this woman managed to cloud his mind confusion, as if he knows her. He sat back and rested his head on the head rest of his chair, just then a nurse knocked on his door.

Nurse: Dr. Shashank is expecting you.

Siddhant instantly rose up from his chair and marched out the room and made his way towards Shashank's cabin.

Meanwhile, Radhika was having a polarized feeling. On one hand, she was happy and excited at meeting Siddhant, and on the other hand, she was surprised and astonished as to how much he has changed. She didn't see her childhood friend in front of her, instead she saw a man with dark intense eyes and who clearly walks around with a lot of baggage. As she was approaching the Children's Ward, she couldn't help but feel unnerved as to how much Siddhant has changed. It fueled her curiosity to know what went wrong in his marriage. For all she knows, it was his marriage that turned him into this. The children's laughter and giggles brought her back to reality with a jerk. As she saw the children having fun, she put up a beautiful smile and skipped her away into the ward. Two kids were fighting in the middle of the room, hitting each other with their teddy bears.

Kid 1: This will teach you not to tear my teddy again!!

Kid 2: Your teddy sucks!!

No one in the room saw Radhika standing at the entrance, she wondered how these kids get the energy to fight when they're in a hospital for a reason. She sighed and chuckled thinking how cute these kids were. Their fight got her reminiscing a memory.

Sid ran down the stairs while the giant Radhika chased him holding a beheaded teddy bear. Poor Sid tried his best to run away from the fatso. For the first time in his life, he has seen the rage of Radhika and a realization that he valued his life more than anything. As soon as he reached the end of the staircase he screamed he lungs out calling his mother.

Sid: MAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Parvati came out rushing from her room hearing that dreadful scream of his. She got scared to the core, as if some murderer barged into their house.

Parvati: What is going on?!?!?!? What's happening?!?!?!?

Sid: I said i'm sorry!!! It was an accident!!!

Poor Radhika couldn't talk and unleash her rage, she just kept on chasing him.

Parvati: QUIET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Parvati's scream shirlled across the living room, the kids instantly stopped runningand stared at the woman in horror. Parvati calmed down and walked towards them.

Parvati: Now...will somebody tell me what the heck is going on?

Both of the kids looked at each other, then looked away.

Parvati: Radhika, you tell me.

Radhika: (showing her headless teddy bear)

Parvati: (gasp) really?!?!?

Sid: I did not!!

Parvati: alright alright! Sid, why is she saying that you did it?

Sid: Ok, i went to her room and saw her bear for the first time. The bear's head was sticking out of the trunk and i got curious. I tried to pull it out to see it and it tore away!

Radhika: mmm!!!

Parvati: Now beta you know you did a terrible thing, what are you gonna do about it?

Sid: i dunno.

Parvati: don't worry beti, you're mom and i are going shopping tomorrow, we'll get you another huggie bear.

Radhika got ecstatic listening to that news. She jumped up and down and hugged Parvati tightly.

Parvati: You're welcome darling. Now you two sit tight, i'll fix you something to eat.

Parvati kissed both of them on the cheek and then walked towards the kitchen. Sid had an apologetic look all over his face while Radhika ignored him completely.

Sid: Why do you need a huggie bear anyway?

Radhika looked away and then said to him in sign language that she likes to hug it a lot.

Sid: Pfft! You don't need a huggie bear for that. You got me, i could be your walking, talking huggie bear Mishti.

Radhika: (blowing raspberries)

Sid: I'm serious!

Radhika: (blowing raspberries)

The racket those kids were causing brought her back to reality. She laughed at them and marched into the room.

Radhika: Ey!!! What's goin' on here?!

As soon as she entered the room, all of the kids gazed at her with their mouths dropped slightly. It's as if they've seen an angel. Radhika knelt down and gazed at the boy who was tightly holding the girl's hair. The boy slowly let go of her and gazed into Radhika's deep blue eyes. The girl also dropped her headless teady on the floor and both of them stared at Radhika.

Radhika: Why are you two fighting over such a small thing? You boy, have you no shame fighting with a girl? Chalo sorry bolo.

The boy obeyed her as if Radhika hypnotized him with some spell. The boy apologized to the girl but the girl kept staring at Radhika. The boy turned back to Radhika and gazed at her, her hair was gently flowing in the air, her deep blue and teasing eyes, and her 440W smile. The boy felt things he never felt before. Radhika sensed his hesitation and asked him...

Radhika: What's wrong?

The boy didn't know where to hide, he was blushing beyond anything.

Boy: Nothing it's just, you're beautiful.

Radhika: Awww! Come here.

Radhika grabbed him and planted a tight kiss on his cheek. The boy almost fainted but controlled himself.

Radhika: You kids are so cute. Let me introduce myself. I'm your friend Dr.Radhika, what's your name?

Boy: Nihal.

Radhika: And you?

Girl: Akshara.

Radhika: My what beautiful name! Come on, go to your beds.

The kids obediently climbed up on their beds, excited for Radhika to check up on them. She check up on them one by one until she came to a patient where the bed was three times the size of him, and he was a punjabi munda. He was staring at Radhika in a rather cheeky manner.

Radhika: Kya hua?

Kid: Kuch nahi.

Radhika: Kuch nahi huh? Hmm...

The kid was again looking at Radhika in a cheeky manner and this time Radhika caught him staring at her.

Radhika: Ab kya hua?

Kid: Kuch nahi.

Radhika: Dekho ab main jo bolungi woh karna, saase lo.

Kid: Sirf saase kyun? Humare heart bhi dekh lo ji. Aaj bohot dinne ke baad zor se dhadak raha hai.

Radhika was baffled to hear this kid speak with such maturity. All the other boys were all fuming.

Nihal: Abbe ey!! Radhika ji ko kaam karne de aur tu chup chap beth!

Boy: Hmph!

Radhika: Tum bohot bolti ho. Heheheheh!

Boy: Main aisa hi hoon ji, acha pehle yeh batayye. Yeh kya hai?

Radhika: Yeh stethoscope hai.

Boy: Acha? Main dekhun?

Radhika: Dekho.

Boy: AAAHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Radhika jumped off from the bed cupping her ears while the children rolled on their beds laughing. Radhika gazed at the punjabi kid laughing so sweetly.

Radhika: Acha bachu? Abhi dikhati hoon main tumhe.

The boy jumped off from the bed and started running all over the room laughing while Radhika chased him. Radhika cornered the little brat and then started tickling him. All the other kids joined her and they were all having fun, just then she felt and eerie sensation that someone was watching her. She swiftly turned her head and saw Siddhant gazing at her. Her eyes got locked with his as he casually stared at her with his hands in his pocket. Radhika felt her heart beating fast and her palms sweat as she saw him gazing at her with such intensity.

My God. How long was he standing there?

She slowly stood up, not breaking her eye lock with him. She could literally feel her heart skip beats. Her hands started to feel cold, she could see his thick locks swaying in the breeze.

Yaar hai tu, pyaar hai tu

Arzu tu, justuju tu

Zindagi tu, bandagi tu

Rab mera tu, sab mera tu

Sab mera tu...

Sab mera tu...

Siddhant has been watching her this whole time. The way he was staring at her, she almost thought that he knew who she was, but sadly that's not the case. He was on his way to Shashank's office but then caught a glimpse of Radhika checking up on the kids. He wanted to see how the new senior doctor was doing, and this whole time, he felt that she was familiar. As if he knew her from way before. The way she chased the kid stirred a lost memory in him. He was trying to pinpoint what this feeling was. He then realized that he had to go, he heaved a huge sigh and then approached towards her

He took slow steps and gave the kids their sweet time before he ruins it. He casually approached towards Radhika and the kids. Radhika almost felt hyperventilated.

Siddhant: Acha bacho, khelne ka time khatam hogaya hai. Ab aap sab log apne beds par jayye.

The kids obediently climbed up on their beds. One little girl was sucking her thumb, slowly jerked Siddhant's hand. Siddhant knelt before her.

Siddhant: Kya hua?

The girl was feeling hesitant to say it.

Girl: Mujhe bathroom jana hai.

Siddhant couldn't help but smile at her.

Siddhant: Nurse!

One of the nurse ran into the room

Siddhant: Inhe bathroom jana hai, uske baad inhe kuch khila dijiye, aur uske baad inki medicines de dijiye.

The girl didn't want to let go of Siddhant's hand, she was feeling hesitant.

Girl: Aap mujhse milne phir nahi aayenge?

Radhika felt relieved to see this side of Siddhant. At least, he has a soft side for kids. Siddhant smiled for the first time and the kissed her little hand.

Siddhant: Aaunga. aapke bed time stories parke main jaunga.

Girl: Ok!!!

The nurse then escorted the little tyke to the washroom. As soon as Siddhant stood up, his disciplinarian attitude struck again. He turned towards Radhika, who looked into his eyes, then lowered her gaze. Siddhant didn't understand why she stood there as if she's done a great crime.

Siddhant: Aap apne nazre jhuka kar kyun khade ho?

Radhika: Woh...main...ek doctor ke hesiyat se hi, inn logo ke saath thoda mazag kar rahi thi.

Siddhant gazed at her.

Radhika: Kabhi kabhi, yeh bache bohot demoralized ho jaate hai. Positive psychological boost ke liye hi...

Siddhant: Main janti hoon. Lekin yeh bhi yaad rakhiye ga ki yeh bache bimaar hai. Inn patients par koi physical pressure nahi parna chahye.

Radhika: Yes sir.

Siddhant: Good. Maine aapki profile pari hai. Very impressive records.

Radhika looked up at him and smiled.

Radhika: Thank you sir.

Siddhant felt hesitant to ask but he said it anyway...

Siddhant: Have we met before?

Radhika wanted to scream out and say "I'M YOUR CHILDHOOD FRIEND", but she wanted him to find out.

Radhika: Actually i think we did, you saved my dupatta from tangling with the rickshaw's tire. I know it was you.

For a moment, Siddhant drowned in confusion but then he remembered it was her on the rickshaw. Yet that informantion didn't bring him any ease, it fueled his confusion even more. He knew she was someone, yet he couldn't come up with any terms as to who she really is. Her voice, her face, her personality, it was awakening memories he thought he never had. All his 5 years, he has thought about one woman and one woman only. Riddhima. Now suddenly this mysterious woman appears in front of her, and she managed to boggle her mind simple with her mere presence was unsettling her. There's something more to this woman that he needs to find out. Radhika saw his confusion and she smiled inside. She did fuel his confusion more, just as she wanted. She stared at Siddhant who was lost in his thoughts, she was getting more and more hyped about this. Her excitment suddenly changed into love. The man she loved for the past 18 years is standing close to her, she gazed at his face. His messy thick locks, his dark intense eyes, his sharp facial features. She sighed steadily and her sigh brought Siddhant back to reality. Radhika realized what she was doing, she swiftly averted her eyes, because if he only saw what her eyes were saying, his whole world would've turned upside down. Siddhant was trying to focus and then he realized that he still has to go to Dr.Shashank's office. Radhika calmed herself down and kept on looking here and there.

Siddhant: Get back to work.

Siddhant then marched out of the room and headed straight off to Shashank's office. Radhika kept gazing at Siddhant till he disappeared from her sight. A sweet sensation made her tummy tickle and she heaved a huge sigh and then smiled.

Radhika: Siddhant...you better figure this out quick.

Siddhant was in the verge of running, running for two reasons: the fact that Shashank was waiting. Secondly, to run away from all that confusion his mind was creating. He needed to think about something else rather than her. The only thing which baffles him, is that Radhika matters something to him, and this is what astonishes him. She's nobody, then why does he feel that she IS somebody? That she's no ordinary woman. Siddhant didn't even realize that he reached Shashank's office. He broke off from his trance and slightly shook his head.

Siddhant: Come on Siddhant. What is wrong with you? Why are you thinking so much about her? She's nobody. Keep you head in the game.

His own words of consolation brought him peace. He took a huge breath of air and knocked on Shashank's door.

Siddhant: May I come in sir?

Shashank: Come in.

He stepped into his room and to his surprise both Armaan and Riddhima was there. Armaan and Riddhima turned their head to see Siddhant standing there. They both gazed at him, Siddhant felt as if he interrupted a family discussion.

Siddhant: I'll come some other time.

Shashank: Don't be silly, come here.

Siddhant closed the door and then walked a few steps towards Shashank

Siddhant: You called me sir?

Shashank: Yes, I called you here to ask you if you're free tonight.

Siddhant: Well...

Siddhant found a new subject to get confused at, the way Armaan and Riddhima was staring at him, he was feeling quite unsettled.

Siddhant: I'm free after 6:00 p.m. If i may sir, why do you ask?

Shashank: Well i want you to have dinner with us!

Siddhant felt like as if someone slapped him real hard on his face. Bad enough he joined Sanjeevani, seeing Riddhima every single day, now he wants him to have dinner with him...especially with Armaan.

Shashank: The moment Padma got to know you've started working here, she got really ecstatic to meet you. Actually he called me like a dozen times today, to invite you over to our house.

Armaan couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy, ever since Siddhant left, Padma and Shashank was never wholeheartedly happy of Armaan marrying Riddhima. For one thing, they've always wanted to know why Siddhant left Riddhima, and they never had any answer. He knows this for a fact, that Siddhant was a more desirable son-in-law than Armaan. Still he took this in his stride and tries to become a better son-in-law than Siddhant. Riddhima had a small smile on her lips. For one thing she was extremely happy to see her knight- in-shining armor back and for another thing, she knows why her mother was ecstatic. Siddhant was there for the Gupta family at a time when no one else was. Not only did he take care and love Riddhima, but he also took care and loved her family. Padma always took him not just as her son-in-law, but as her own blood son, and he made sure that her love was well received. Riddhima knew this, and reminisced those times. Siddhant remembered Padma, she was like her own mother, if she insisted to see him, then it's his duty to see her as well, no matter how complicated the situation was, he was going there to meet her only.

Siddhant: I'll be there.

Shashank: Excellent!!! We'll wait for you.

Siddhant gave a small smirk towards Shashank.

Siddhant: Is there anything else sir?

Shashank: No that's about it. We'll see you there.

Siddhant: Yes sir. I'll take my leave.

Shashank: Alright.

Siddhant swiftly turned and walked out of his room like a robot. Shashank looked at Riddhima and Armaan sitting in front of him and his smile slowly vanished.

Shashank: I trust, his presence won't cause a problem now would it?

Riddhima: Of course not papa! We are as much as excited as mama is.

Shashank: That's good. That man has gone through enough for you two, i expect you to honor him.

Armaan: Don't worry papa. We know.

Shashank: Good.

A few hours passed by and Kirti finished her work and was on her way to tell everyone the big news. She had a smile on her face as she saw everyone present at the Locker room. They were all preparing to be done with the day. Everyone noticed her uplifting mood as she entered the room. She opened her locker and began stashing files in it. JP and the others were staring at her, wondering what's going on.

JP: Dr. Shubhankar, maaf kijiyega lekin chakkar kya hai? Aisa muskurahat...humko toh lagta hai ki inhe phirse pyaar hogaya.

Shubhankar was stunned to hear JP say that. It made him think if all this was because of Siddhant or not. Since the moment he saw him, he reluctantly admitted that Siddhant was the most attractive guy among all of them. On top of that, he carries an attitude which is exactly like Kirti's. Armaan, Rahul,Atul encircled him and teased him.

Armaan: hmm...I think that's the case.

Rahul: (whistling a love tune)

Shubhankar: That's not possible.

Shubhankar needed to feel reassured so he asked...

Shubhankar: Having a good day Kirti?

Kirti: Yes!

Shubhankar: What's up?

Kirti: I've been given back my lost position.

Everybody turned towards her in confusion, Radhika looked at Kirti and closed her file.

Shubhankar: What do you mean?

Kirti: Dr.Siddhant gave me back my job. Disciplinarian.

Everybody was elated hearing this news. To them, Kirti is way better than this new and angrier Hitler. Shubhankar was relieved, that man had every feature to steal away his wife.

Shubhankar: You mean Dr.Siddhant is not disciplinarian anymore?

Kirti: No no! I mean, I will work with him, as an extension.

Their elation dropped down as they thought about the fact that Kirti is going to work alongside Siddhant. One hitler was enough...but a tag team? That's crazy. Shubhankar stared at Kirti who still kept smiling.

Kirti: He hasn't changed.

Riddhima and Radhika both looked up at her, they were amazed to see a faraway look on Kirti.

Kirti: He's not as bad as you think people. There's a reason why he gained so much respect from our seniors. In fact i've heard people say that he's a walking angel with attitude problems (laughs)

Radhika and Riddhima both could relate to her words. Riddhima knew very well about this side of him, the fact that he's such a good man still beats hard in her heart, and Radhika knew him since they were kids, this is one of the reasons why she fell for him in the first place. But both of them had to agree to themselves that he's still the same...but yet so different.

Kirti: Moreover, the reason he did this is for you people. He gave me a chance to do my work which i didn't do properly all this time, and i assure you, i will not let his belief in me go in vain.

Everybody straightened up hearing her stern voice. They all had that feeling that a tough time is coming up ahead. They all slumped tiredly thinking that Kirti and Siddhant, together will make their life a living hell. They all felt disheartened, except for Radhika. She was proud of Siddhant, and she felt good to hear that he still respects Dr.Kirti enough to give back her job as a DO. They were all discussing this matter with each other when suddenly they heard a stern voice.

Siddhant: Dr.Kirti.

Everybody turned towards the entrance and saw Siddhant boldly standing there with his head held high and his hands in pockets, emitting a cold vibe to the room, giving everyone a scrutinizing look.

JP: Sid bhaiyya!

JP instantly ran towards him to give him a tight hug, his internship days with Siddhant blinded him the fact that Siddhant is not that Sid anymore. JP ran towards him but felt his legs freeze as he saw Siddhant just standing there with his hands in his pocket, giving him a cold vibe. JP stopped as he saw Siddhant shooting him intense looks, with a slight disgust washed over his face. JP was his only friend when he first stepped into the hospital as an intern. They shared great and fun filled moments when they were first assigned to the Path Lab. They literally were the closest buddies, but it all went down the drain when Armaan stepped in. JP and Jiggy both became like his minions at work. He could live with the fact that JP found Armaan more interesting than him, but the fact that he literally helped Armaan win Riddhima over, made him lose his respect for JP. The day when Armaan and Riddhima reunited, he saw JP excited and ecstatic and most importantly happy for the long lost lovers. He saw Siddhant standing there, and the thought of him being in excruciating pain never crossed in JP's mind. On top of that, JP did help Armaan insult Siddhant in front of everyone, even in front of Riddhima. The day Siddhant went away, he broke all relationships from these so-called friends. Siddhant was giving him an uninterested look, and with that one look, JP knew that he had no place for him in his heart as a friend. He slowly stepped back and with head hanging in shock. Everybody in the room was quite stumped seeing Siddhant reject JP like that, and they were quite amazed to see that even after JP saw Siddhant that morning, thrashing Vishal, he still had the nerve to hug a beast like Siddhant. Riddhima was quite sad seeing one friend reject another like that. She witnessed their friendship, to see Siddhant outright reject JP was quite shocking for her. Siddhant took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

Siddhant: Dr.Kirti, may i have a word with you?

Kirti instantly closed her locker door and ran behind Siddhant, she didn't want to keep him waiting, seeing as to how he was on the verge of losing his temper. Even though he was junior to her, she wouldn't like to see the dark side of Siddhant. She caught up to him and then roughly stopped as she saw Siddhant turning towards her to talk to her.

Siddhant: I'll be off now. These are some of the files that I want you to go through, we need to discuss these cases.

Kirti: Yes of course.

Siddhant: Good bye.

Kirti: Bye.

Siddhant gave a slight nod then marched away till he disappeared from her sight. Kirti sighed thinking how much he has changed, she shook her head and scoffed looking at the irony of his life.

At the Modi Penthouse

Siddhant was taking a hot relaxing shower. He stood under the shower, motionless, letting the water pat on his tensed muscles. He needed this, a relaxing shower, but his mind constantly kept on wandering off into thinking about his dinner with the Gupta family, the fact that Riddhima...with her new husband will be there. He dragged his right palm down his face, wiping away the water flow. He calmed himself down and concentrated on feeling relaxed. After some time, he turned off shower faucet, took his towel and began to dry himself off. He looked at himself in the mirror and though of shaving his goatee, but then rejected the idea. He got used to the look, he liked it. He vigorously began to rub his head with his towel and entered into his room, with a towel wrapped around his waist. As soon as he finished drying his hair, he threw the towel on his bed, and let go of his towel wrapping his waist. He could feel the gush of the sharp winter winds brushing against his loins.

Siddhant: Holy crap it's cold!!!

Hysterically, he ran towards his bed and desperately tried to put on his boxer shorts.

Siddhant: (sigh)

He never felt this nervous before, although the only reason he agreed to go there was to fulfill Padma's wish to see him, but going to his ex-in-law's house was quite weird for him. He took a deep breath and tried to regain his confidence. He moved forward for his navy blue shirt, and slowly slid his arms in and started to button up. The whole time while he was dressing up, his mind kept wandering off somewhere. He experience something like this a long time back, the feeling of having someone cloud over your mind that completely knocks you off of reality. Throughout his 5 year time, he was always focused, nothing affected his mind other than his job, but today, the dinner plan with the Gupta's knocked him off balance, and not to mention, that mysterious woman who instantly caught his attention, so much so that he literally spent half of the day just thinking about her. He sighed and then opened his closet for a tie. He then went for an ebony black tie, and started to wear it. He was looking quite good as a matter of fact: pitch black trousers, his navy blue Nautica shirt, tucked in, revealing his masculine figure and his strong biceps, his black blazer made him look more manly and mature, and his ebony black tie, making him look all the more professional. He looked carefully at himself though the mirror, he reluctantly admitted that he really did look good, and he needed to look good, he is meeting them after all. He sat down on his bed and started to wear his shoes, which was all polished and clean. He then stood up and went towards his dressing table and picked up his Icy Cool after shave, and started applying it. It was always in his nature that wherever he needed to go, he needed to look good, whether it was for a dinner party or his work, he needed to look posh. He then ruffled his hair and came up with a look which satisfied him, the same black and messy locks.

Siddhant: (sigh) Okay...let's do this.

He then took a deep breath and marched out of his room.

Thirty minutes has gone by and poor Siddhant was stuck in a motionless traffic. He felt irritated with the horns blaring at every direction.

Siddhant: How long is this going to take?!?!?!

He never liked arriving late; he liked to be at his destination on time. With each passing second, Siddhant was getting more and more pissed off, but he was a gentleman. He controlled his temper while everyone around him screamed at each other to move their cars. After fifteen painful minutes the traffic finally started moving, and Siddhant hurriedly drove away from that particular godforsaken highway. As he neared the Gupta house, he saw a small stall which was selling beautiful fresh lillies on the side of the road. He involuntarily stopped the car and thought about Padma.

Padma was at home all alone, watching the regular daily soaps while cooking for the family to come home. It was summer time and hot weather caught up to her. Wiping her sweat away from her forehead, she closed the lid of the pot simmering Rajma chawals' and made her way to the living room to catch a breath. She was cooking Rajma in the hope that her son-in-law might drop by to see her. As she slumped on the couch, she closed her eyes and let her sweat cool off. She sighed and then opened her eyes to see a big bouquet of lilies placed beside her. She sat up swiftly, shocked to see this bouquet, and then turned around to see her son-in-law standing there casually with his hands in his pockets with a bright smile on his face.

Siddhant: You should really lock your door next time.

Padma was touched and a sense of motherly love surged through her very veins as she saw how his boyish smile at her.

Siddhant: Hi maa.

Padma smiled widely then moved forward and dug her head in his chest while patting his back. She needed this refreshing gesture.

Padma: Hello beta. It's so good to see you!

Siddhant: It's so good to see you too. Ah, would you stop working so hard? We don't need to everyday you know.

Padma: Nonsense! It's my job to get food in your bellies after a long day's work.

Siddhant: Still, don't stress yourself please.

Padma: ...I won't.

Padma grabbed Siddhant by his hand and then dragged him to the dinner table.

Padma: Sit.

Siddhant: What...

Padma then started to fill up the dinner table with food for him, especially Rajma chawal.

Siddhant: You think I came here to eat don't ya?

Padma: I don't care, you're going to have to eat, you rarely come to meet me, I think it's my right to feed you like heck.

Siddhant: (sigh) You're the best.

Padma: I know.

Siddhant and Padma both laughed heartily with her comment. Padma then went to the living room to fetch the bouquet of lilies.

Padma: How did you know I love lilies?

Siddhant: I just know.

Padma: I said how.

Siddhant: I remember you buying a bouquet of lilies for the house. The way you smelled it gave me the impression you like the flowers.

Padma: How observant.

Siddhant: Thank you.

Padma: No thank you, for these beautiful lilies. I love them.

Siddhant(eating): They're beautiful...like you.

Padma: Don't flatter.

Siddhant: heh heh.

Padma: Now eat. You're losing weight!

Siddhant: Oh!!

A small smile crept on his lips as he went through the memory lane. He would forever cherish the bond he shared with Padma. She was like his mother in every sense, always looked out for him, and the fact that she wants to see him even today proves how much she really cared for this man. He got out of the car and went to the stall to buy a big bouquet of lilies. As he held the bouquet in his hand, he realized that this is probably the only thing he was looking forward to.

A few minutes passed by and he finally reached the Gupta House. He stared at the house for quite some time and his heart was already feeling heavy. Too much memory was in this place, but he shoved it off and got out of the car, holding the bouquet of lilies, closing the car door and confidently walked his way towards the entrance. He exhaled deeply and gently pressed the door bell. He looked here and there, feeling a tinge of nervousness, he then turned back to see the garden and he could smell fresh lilies on the far side of the garden. As he admired the beautiful garden, he heard the door opening and he could sense an unmistakable presence behind him. He felt that presence before, that same presence which used to make his heart skip beats. Siddhant slowly turned around to see her.

[Siddhima BG no. 2]

Beautiful as ever, Riddhima stood there...just gazing at Siddhant. For a moment, Siddhant's heart began to beat quickly as he saw her same hazelnut colored eyes. She was wearing a red suit, her dupatta resting on her neck, and a small but lovely smile on her lips. Siddhant's lips were slowly turning into a small smile but it quickly vanished as he saw her mangalsutra and her vermillion on her forehead. Siddhant quickly realized what he was doing. He then shook his head slightly and took a huge breath of air to calm down. A sudden sense of pain and guilt evolved in his heart thinking that he was feeling' something for Riddhima: a married woman, the wife of Armaan Malik.

Riddhima: Hi.

Siddhant didn't speak; he just simply nodded his head in assurance. Riddhima admitted to herself, that she did feel good seeing Siddhant in front of her. No matter if she's the wife of Armaan's, she will always have a soft corner for Siddhant: the man who loved her unconditionally, and the man who sacrificed his unconditional love for her sake.

Riddhima: It's good to see you again Sid.

Siddhant gazed at her, her eyes sparkling with happiness; a beautiful smile crept on her lips. Siddhant just kept on staring at her with null eyes.

Siddhant: ...It's Siddhant.

Riddhima's smile slowly vanished. In that two words he literally told her that he's not the same anymore. The fact that Sid' is dead, and he's not coming back.

Siddhant: May I come in?

Riddhima(stumped):...yes by all means do...do come in.

Riddhima swung open to the door completely to let him in. As he passed by her, he could smell the familiar honey fragrance emanating from her. He used to love this fragrance of her, now that fragrance does nothing but revive buried memories he tried so hard to forget. Riddhima's eyes were on him the whole time as he slowly passed by her.

Shashank: Ah Siddhant!

He was instantly greeted by Shashank. The old man, ecstatic at meeting the young man, walked up to him and tried to hug him, but Siddhant raised his hand and stopped him. Shashank's smile was slowly vanishing as Siddhant looked deep into his eyes. Then before his very eyes, Siddhant knelt down holding the bouquet with one hand and touching his feet with the other for his blessings.

Shashank: Ahahah! God bless you son.

Shashank laid his right palm on Siddhant's head and gave his blessings from the bottom of his heart. Siddhant meant a great deal for Shashank. He was there for him at a time when no one else was. He took care of his daughter, married her to save his honor, and sacrificed pretty much everything for this family expecting nothing in return. As Siddhant rose on his feet, looked at him with a small smile on his face, Shashank then pulled him for a fatherly hug. Riddhima stood behind them, admiring the scene before her. The two men who gave her a meaning to exist: one man gave her an identity and a life to live for, and when she wanted to give up, the other jumped in to save her, gave her another life to live for. Till this day she still can't figure out whose favor was mightier, Siddhant's or Shashank's, but she will live with the fact that she owes her entire life to both of them.

Padma: You done?

Siddhant and Shashank broke their hug when they heard a beautiful voice coming ahead of them. Siddhant looked over and there she was, his another mother. Siddhant gazed at her, old age caught up with her. Few strands of hair got white, wrinkles all over her face, dark circles covered her eyes, yet she still looked gorgeous, at least for Siddhant. She was wearing pink suit and spectacles to help her with her vision. She gazed at Siddhant trying to hold back her excitement. Armaan came and stood beside Riddhima, watching everything. Siddhant slowly walked up to her, and knelt down for her blessings. Padma had to hold back her tears, Siddhant, who considered her more than a mother-in-law. He treated her like as if she was his own blood mother. She carried a lot of memories with him. He gave her the feeling of how life would've been like for her if she had a son, not to mention what he did for her family. She loved him with all her heart. Siddhant started getting confused as he kept kneeling down and yet seeing Padma motionless while she was down the memory lane.

Shashank: ahem!

Padma was rudely brought back to reality and she instantly placed her right palm on his head.

Padma: God bless you dear.

Siddhant confusion got replaced with relief and a small smile appeared on his lips. He rose up on his feet, and stared deep into her hazelnut colored eyes. He then presented her the bouquet of lilies to her. Padma's eyes sparkled as she saw how beautiful these lilies were. She grabbed the lilies and felt flattered. Even after 5 years he still remembers it.

Padma: You didn't take them out from my garden did you?

Siddhant's eyes turned from cold to warm. Still keeping that smile, he shook his head gently.

Siddhant: No.

Padma: Well good.

Padma then moved forward and hugged him like she used to.

Padma: It's good to see you again son.

Siddhant: You too...ma'am

Padma's smile started to vanish when he called her that. She was struck by the awful realization that he is no longer her son. Padma's smile turned melancholic and she broke the hug and looked at him. Armaan saw the whole scene and felt a tinge of jealousy. He saw more love for Siddhant in their eyes than they have for him. He sometime wonders whether they consider him as their son-in-law. They have fixed this in their minds that maybe Armaan is the reason Siddhant and Riddhima's marriage failed...again. He looked to his left and saw Riddhima smiling, admiring the reunion. For the first time in his life, he felt completely insignificant.

Siddhant: Where are Anjali and Atul?

Atul: We're right here.

Just then Atul and Anjali came into the scene. Atul and Anjali have been married for three years now. When Atul came back from USA, he heard about the news that Siddhant and Riddhima got divorced and that Armaan and Riddhima were together now. He was happy hearing the news but he also felt pity for Siddhant. He knows how much he loved her, and he had the feeling that Siddhant united them, because he knew that for Siddhant...Riddhima's happiness is enough for him. From that moment on, he grew immense respect for Siddhant but at the same time felt bad for him that he sacrificed his love for her. As days passed, Atul and Anjali grew close to each other and decided to strengthen their relationship through marriage. Atul has been in cloud nine ever since. Atul walked over to Siddhant and extended his hand for a shake, and he quickly got a response from Siddhant as well, as they both shook hands like gentlemen. Atul move a bit closer and tip toed to level his face to Siddhant's ear.

Atul(whispering): Well built attitude dude! You really got the entire hospital on a leash.

Siddhant slowly turned his head to look at him, gazing at his cheeky smile, he then whispered...

Siddhant: Thank you doctor.

They had one last shake smiling at each other, acknowledging their wittiness. Out of all the guys, he liked Atul.

Padma: What are you boys bickering at?

Their attention got diverted by the beautiful woman. They looked at her and she looked back at them smiling.

Anjali: Hello Siddhant.

Anjali came forward and stood in front of Siddhant, carrying a half smile on her lips. Siddhant extended his hand forward for a shake.

Siddhant(slightly nodding): Anjali.

Anjali: How you've been?

Siddhant:...I'm alright.

Shashank: Hehehehe enough with the greetings now, let's sit at the living room.

Everybody followed Shashank there. A long session of chit chat took place and Siddhant was partially enjoying it. He carefully diverted whenever Shashank or Padma talked about what he's been upto for the past five years, he understood that they wanted answers from him. Slowly he started to get the feeling what this dinner was all about, they had so many unanswered questions that they had no other choice but to talk to Siddhant directly, and they got disheartened when they saw Siddhant dodging their questions. Siddhant mainly talked about his career and spent most of the discussions learning about how Atul and Anjali came to be husband and wife. He didn't even bother asking how Armaan and Riddhima got married, that would give the two elders more chance to question him. At times when he talked to Atul, he could feel Riddhima's constant gaze on him, he could see her gazing at him from the corner of his eyes and it used to make him shift in his seat. Riddhima realized how hard it must be for him to dodge questions like that for the sake of Armaan and Riddhima. She felt somewhat guilty. Padma realized that this is going nowhere.

Padma: Oh would you look at the time! It's time for dinner people.

Riddhima: We'll help you maa.

Padma: Thank you beta.

Everybody followed her to the dining room.

As Padma set the dinner table, everyone started to enjoy the food. Padma kept on insisting Siddhant on taking more Rajma Chawal but he used to graciously dismiss her offers, and yet still he would end up eating more Rajma Chawal.

Siddhant: Ma'am...i do not plan on getting fat.

Padma: This is what girls usually say. Men are supposed to eat more.

Siddhant: I agree, but I don't have the tummy to eat a whole dish.

Padma: Ah stop the caterwauling. Eat!

Siddhant: Sir...

Padma: You know her, she won't let you escape that easily.

Siddhant: (clearing throat)

Riddhima couldn't help but smile looking at Siddhant's nervous face. Anyone would've gotten irritated by her constant insistence, but not him. He would put a small smirk and keep on eating. It brought a sense of peace within her.

It was 9 o'clock in the night and Siddhant was at the patio, admiring the garden, everybody else was in the house chit chatting with each other, suddenly he could hear footsteps coming behind him, it was Padma. She wrapped herself in a furry shawal and handed Siddhant a hot cup of coffee.

Siddhant: Thank you.

Padma: Hmm...why were you dodging my questions Siddhant?

Siddhant was about to sip on his coffee when he suddenly stopped, listening to that question. He sighed as Padma gazed at him.

Siddhant: Some things are best left unanswered.

Padma: The hell it is.

Siddhant turned towards her as she charged at him.

Padma: We were happy to have our daughter with you. When you married her again, both of you married again by your own decision, then suddenly we get the news that you divorced her? What happened Siddhant?

Siddhant: Nothing. We just weren't happy living with each other.

Padma: I don't believe that, I know how much you love...

Siddhant twitched his eyebrows when she uttered that word. He was afraid of this discussion and it did dawn on him.

Padma: ...how much you used to love her, and you...you would've never backed away unless something compelled you to. What was it?

Siddhant: (looking away)

Padma:...It was Armaan wasn't it?

Siddhant: (no answer)

Padma: It was Armaan.

Siddhant: No ma'am. It was for the sake of your daughter's happiness. I divorced her, because I knew could never keep her happy, and my decision was right. Now your daughter is happy with the man she loves. I would expect you to respect my decision ma'am, because whatever I did...it was for your daughter.

Padma just kept on gazing at her.

Siddhant: It's a dead marriage if there's no love between a husband and a wife. She shouldn't sacrifice her happiness for a marriage which was doomed to fail.

Padma: And yet you sacrificed your happiness.

Siddhant: I don't care about myself. My first and only priority...was Riddhima.

Padma(looks down): (sigh)

Siddhant: And another advice to you ma'am...i think it's best if you start considering Armaan as your son-in-law.

Padma looks at Siddhant with shock in her eyes.

Siddhant: He is your son-in-law. You need to give him a chance for him to create another unique bond with you, he does love you.

Padma: But what if...

Siddhant: What's past...stays in the past. You have to focus on your present and future now. Don't give yourself headache thinking about what happened five years ago.

Padma: (scoffs)...Yet you still dodge...alright beta. I'll leave it. But let me ask you one thing.

Siddhant: sure.

Padma: Will you still come to meet me like you used to?

Siddhant was taken aback with that simple and earnest request of hers. His heart cringed thinking about how much she had missed him over the years.

Siddhant: I'm afraid...it would be unwise to meet you like I used to. I'm not your son-in-law anymore.

Padma felt her heart break when he said that, as if he outright dumped her. She did realize that it would be unwise for him to meet her frequently. God knows what her neighbors might think. She tried her best to hold back her tears. Just then she felt him patting her head to calm her down. Padma raised her head to look deep into his eyes.

Siddhant: But I will come often, just to meet you...Mrs.Gupta.

Padma smiled widely, she knew Siddhant could never see her hurt. Siddhant smirked seeing her smile like that.

Padma: Mrs. Gupta huh?

Siddhant: Yes. I don't have the right to call you maa anymore.

Padma: Oh my dear...you will always have that right.

Siddhant: Heh...still unwise.

Padma: ...yes.

Armaan listened to their conversation and felt his heart cringe when he got to know what Padma feels about him. Siddhant was still her favorite, and always will be. He felt disheartened realizing that. Siddhant grabbed her hand and patted her as a sign of reassurance.

Padma: Promise me...when she'll be all alone at times, you'll be there for her.

Siddhant: She has someone ma'am. She doesn't need me.

Padma: Oh she does...she does. She won't admit it...but she does.

Siddhant:...why?

Padma: You couldn't be her husband, but you've been her friend, and a good friend. She misses that.

Siddhant took a deep breath and scrutinized her.

Siddhant: I've moved on ma'am...but I will keep your word.

Padma: (relieved) thank you beta.

Siddhant: But you must learn to trust Armaan as well, he is in fact, her husband now, and he loves her. I'm sure I won't be needed.

Padma: But when all else fails...

Siddhant: ...(slightly nodding)

Padma: (relieved) I'm sorry beta, I'm asking too much from you.

Siddhant: ...It's alright.

Padma has asked of him something that he never thought he'd end up doing. Now he has to keep his word, because she feels Siddhant would never let Riddhima down. He feared he might let Padma down. Just when he thought he buried his past, it is now crawling out of its grave to haunt him. Padma felt cold and then walked into the house and Siddhant followed her. Padma took his cup and went towards the kitchen whereas the rest were cleaning up the table. Siddhant saw frames of photos hanging in a corner of the living room and he slowly walked towards them. He saw a variety of photos: A picture of Shashank with his two young daughters, pictures of Shashank and Padma, even a frame of Atul and Anjali's wedding. But the one that caught his eyes were the wedding pictures of Armaan and Riddhima. A picture of Armaan, filling the tip of her forehead with vermillion, and Riddhima leaned over, with her eyes closed and with a peaceful smile, allowing him to. Riddhima looked happy in all of those pictures; they both looked good in them. Siddhant could feel his heart weigh a thousand tons, not because he was feeling jealous, but because he thought to himself that he wasn't good enough for her, that he was just a burden in her life. But at the same time he was relieved that his decision was right and that Armaan was truly keeping her happy. He sighed as he kept gazing at Riddhima's beautiful smile, so beautiful...so happy...and so far away him.

Armaan: Beautiful isn't she?

Siddhant was rudely brought back to the present as he heard Armaan's voice behind him. He turned around and saw him standing in front of him.

Armaan: How you've been?

Siddhant: Better

Armaan: mmm...

Armaan slid his hands in his pockets and avoided looking at Siddhant's face, whereas Siddhant kept his head held high and gazed intensely at him. Riddhima was watching them from a distance and feared if something might happen. Her husband...and her ex-husband both in the scene. Armaan was unsure whether he liked Siddhant or not. He is the only reason why Riddhima is his now, but he always was the apple of everyone's eyes. To see Siddhant getting so much attention was kind of unsettling for him, but he dismissed that idea as he thought that was childish.

Armaan: Well how-

Siddhant: Before you speak Armaan, I need to know something.

Armaan:...yeah.

Siddhant: You are...keeping her happy right?

Armaan:...well ofcourse. I love her Siddhant, I would do anything for her.

Siddhant: Good, because I don't want a single drop of tear coming from her eyes because of you or from anybody.

Armaan: (getting irritated) Is that a threat?

Siddhant: No...just a reminder...that I gave up everything, so that Riddhima could live with the love of her life. I sacrificed my life...and breath...for both of you. I hope you try to honor that.

Armaan: (sigh)

Siddhant: Don't let my sacrifice be in vain.

Armaan: (sigh) I won't.

Siddhant: Thank you.

Armaan: (slightly nodding)

Siddhant: And you better spend time with your in-laws, it's time to start becoming their new favorite.

He wasn't sure whether Siddhant was challenging him or provoking him. Siddhant then slightly nodded at him in assurance, Armaan understood that he was giving him a friendly advice. As much as Siddhant hated Armaan, he felt somewhat pity for him that his in-laws don't like him that much. He knows that Armaan tries hard but he needed to give him an advice to him, because as much as he hates him, he still has a heart, and he knows he has to keep this attitude with Armaan for the sake of Riddhima's happiness, but for how long only time will tell. Riddhima was looking at the two men and heaved a sigh of relief as she they were having a friendly chat. A small smile appeared on her lips. As the clock started to chime and Siddhant realized that it was quite late.

Siddhant: I should be going.

Shashank: Nonsense! Stay a bit.

Siddhant: I can't sir, I need to go, I have some things I needed to sort out.

Mostly, he just wanted to get out from this suffocating place. It was getting quite hard for him to handle this night.

Shashank: Alright beta, I won't keep you. You take care.

Siddhant: You too.

Padma: We'll see you soon?

Siddhant: ...sure.

Padma(folded her hands): Alright then. Namaste.

Siddhant(folded his hands): Namaste.

Siddhant then looked at Armaan and nodded at him with a blank expression, and Armaan nodded back. He then turned around and walked towards the door and Riddhima followed him. As soon as he stepped outside the door, his feet stopped instantly.

Riddhima: Good night Sid.

Siddhant(instantly turning around): It's Sidd-

Riddhima: I know...but to me you're still Sid.

Siddhant: ...It's Siddhant, it's better if you get used to it.

He then turned back and marched towards his car, while Riddhima's eyes followed him.

Riddhima: That's the thing Sid...will I ever get used to it?

As she kept thinking that, the screeching of the tires brought her back to reality and saw Siddhant driving away from there. She then heaved a sigh and slowly closed the door.

Siddhant heaved a huge sigh of relief as he went far away from that house. Riddhima's presence unsettled him in a great way. He turned on the radio to hear the traffic news but instead heard a song from Nickelback.

I love you

I loved you all along

And I miss you

Far away for far too long

I keep dreaming you'll be with me and you never know

Siddhant disgustingly turned off the radio, the last thing he wanted was to hear that song. He hated the lyrics.

Radhika(singing): Stop breathing if I don't see you anymore

Radhika was walking out of the hospital as she made her way towards her home. She kept on walking while listening to the radio and stopped at a bus stand. As a few minutes passed, she could hear clouds rumbling and the sky flashing. She slowly pulled out her earplugs realizing that she didn't even bring an umbrella, and all the buses were full and were not willing to take her, and without a warning, it started raining.

Radhika: Great! Who would've thought it would rain on December?

She stood under a tree, trying hard to keep herself warm. Siddhant was driving and was shaking his head thinking what a night this is.

Siddhant: it's raining in December. What is God upto?

He was about to pass a bus stand where he saw a young lady, standing under a tree, all cringed up and rubbing herself to keep her warm. Siddhant thought of giving the lady a lift but then fell in a dilemma whether it would be wise to pick a stranger, he looked carefully and saw a beautiful face, all drenched up, it was Radhika.

Radhika: Stupid day!! Just my luck!! Oh!

She kept on shivering and simultaneously kept on swearing at her luck for this unannounced rainfall. She cringed and hugged her bag closely, when suddenly she stopped feeling the rain falling on her head and felt a definite presence beside her. It was Siddhant. He held an umbrella and sheltered Radhika while Radhika raised her head and locked her eyes with his. At that single moment, she felt her surroundings calm down, she felt time passing slowly as she gazed deep into his dark brown eyes.

Will you still love me, when I'm no longer young and beautiful

Will you still love me, when I've got nothing but my aching soul

I know you will

I know you will

I know you will...

At that single moment, she thanked God for this rain and for sending her love to save her from it. Siddhant saw her gazing at him with her mouth slightly opened, he was quite confused by that look.

Siddhant: Dr. Radhika?

Radhika: (no answer)

Siddhant: Dr. Radhika?!

Radhika(startled): Huh?! Yeah?

Siddhant: It's raining heavily, would you like me to give you a lift?

Radhika: Yes please!

Siddhant almost noticed slight excitement in her voice, Radhika mentally slapped herself for being too ecstatic. She then smiled widely at him.

Siddhant: Come along.

Radhika followed him like a child to his car. Siddhant opened the front seat door for her and made sure she sat there comfortably; he then walked towards to the driver's door and then sat on his seat. Then they both drove away to the distance. The entire time, not a single word was exchanged between them. Radhika wanted to talk to him but Siddhant's deep concentration on the road made her change her mind. Radhika gazed at Siddhant, his intense look towards the road, his deep brown eyes focused on getting home, she noticed he didn't even blink. Radhika's love of her life was so close to her and yet so far, she wanted to say so many things to him but she made a promise to herself. She wanted him to figure out who she was. But she had a hope, that one day, Siddhant will be hers. Siddhant could feel Radhika's gaze piercing through his skin. He shifted his gaze at her but then Radhika quickly shifted her gaze elsewhere. Radhika closed her eyes in embarrasement and could feel blood rushing to her cheeks, blushing miserably. Siddhant wondered why she was acting so unusual.

Siddhant: So where do you live?

Radhika: Hmm?

Siddhant: Where-do-you-live?

Radhika: Just opposite to your house.

Siddhant was quite baffled hearing that she was his neighbor.

Siddhant: You're my neighbor? How come I've never seen you?

Radhika didn't know how to answer that. How was she supposed to say that the only reason she took that house was to be near him.

Radhika: Uh...I recently moved there.

Siddhant: hmm...

Siddhant pondered it for awhile while Radhika gazed at him, analyzing his expressions. Radhika then looked away and gazed at Siddhant's reflection on her window. She felt at peace just gazing at him while Siddhant drove through the lane. As minutes passed by, Siddhant was driving through his road.

Siddhant: Which one is your house?

Radhika: The one opposite to yours.

Siddhant then parked the car right in front of her house. As the rain was still falling heavily, Siddhant got out of the car with the umbrella and then opened her side of the door. He then extended his hand to her, she looked at Siddhant, and with a small smile, shyly placed her small hand on his and then stood up. She blushed beyond words, and was trying hard to hide it. Siddhant then accompanied her to the door. Radhika then fumbled with her bag and pulled out a key and then unlocked the door. She then turned towards Siddhant, getting herself completely lost in his eyes.

Radhika: Thank you so much for the lift.

Siddhant: Anytime.

Radhika: (smiling like a fool)

Siddhant: Do you want to say something?

Radhika: I uh...no.

Siddhant: ...well alright then. Good night.

Radhika: Good night.

Siddhant then walked towards his car and then drove to the other side of the road and parked it there. Radhika's eyes were fixed on Siddhant until he entered his house and closed the door.

Radhika: I know Siddhant, I've really had you on a leash today. You'll soon figure out who I am, and maybe...I'll finally have the chance to claim your heart.

Radhika had a determined smile on her lips, she then turned around, walked in and then closed the door, happy that finally, things were going the way she wanted.

Part:8

Siddhant parked his car on the driveway and then slowly opened the driver's door and got up from the seat. There were too many things going on in his mind that he can't fathom, on top of that, he didn't feel good with the excess food Padma shoved down his throat. He pressed the lock button on his key remote and then walked his way towards the entrance door. As he was about to press the door bell switch, Kaka opened the door and greeted him.

Kaka: Aao beta.

Siddhant: hmm

Siddhant tiringly entered the house.

Kaka: Itni der laga di? Kuch hua hai kya beta?

Siddhant: Nahi kaka. Barish ke wajeh se...thoda der hogayi.

Kaka saw the distress washed over his face, he clearly felt uncomfortable.

Kaka: Kya hua beta?

Siddhant: Kuch zyaada hi kha liya maine.

Kaka: Hehehehe! Acha aap fresh ho jayye. Main aapke liye kuch le aata hoon.

Siddhant: ji.

Siddhant then walked up his stairs and then entered his room and slowly closed the door. Kaka's eyes followed him until Siddhant entered his room. He then walked towards the kitchen and then pulled out his mobile phone, and started text messaging to someone.

Siddhant tiringly got rid of his black blazer, and then slumped on his bed. He took off his shoes one by one. Feeling a bit relaxed, he loosened his tie and then threw it on his sofa. He heaved a huge sigh and then took a towel and then went to the washroom.

Radhika locked her doors and then slowly climbed upstairs entered her room. As she pushed the switch, the entire bedroom suddenly bathed in bright light, relieved from the darkness it was in. A small smile appeared on her lips as she reminisced that moment, where Siddhant just generously sheltered her from the rain, the way he just patiently stood beside her and held the umbrella while nearly getting wet himself just made butterflies bump in her tummy. He was always like this, and this was the one reason why she loved him in the first place. The way he simply looked at her, with those dark brown intense eyes, just sends shiver down her spine. She blushed as she reminisced that, she looked over her dressing table and saw the picture of Siddhant adorned in a photo frame. That picture was given to her by his mother, so that she could search for him, ask people where he might be, and now...God has paved a way for her in such a fashion that they're both neighbors, that she can clearly see him if she peeked over her window. The moment she found out that he lives in this neighborhood, she immediately rented the bungalow adjacent to his, only because she needed to keep an eye out for him, to see that after a tough day's work, is he worried or relaxed, but more importantly, she wanted to be close to him. At times she feels like as if she's a spy or a stalker, and she would always mentally scold Siddhant for making her feel like this, but she also knows that it's necessary since her ultimate job was to let Siddhant's parents know that he's alright. As she gazed at those dark brown pools in the photo frame, she gently caressed his motionless face and wondered when the day will come when he realizes who she is. She smiled and slightly patted her head for daydreaming like a fool. She carefully kept the frame back on the dressing table, took her night gown and a towel and went straight to the washroom to take a hot steamy bath.

After a few moments, Siddhant came out of the washroom, rubbing his hair vigorously, trying to dry his hair so that he doesn't fall sick. He wore a black night pant and covered himself with a robe. As the rain stopped, and the cool winter breeze filled the atmosphere, he felt like sitting on the balcony and think about certain things. He looked to his left and saw glass of coca cola sitting idly on the table with a note beside it.

Kaka: yeh pi lena beta, behtar mehsoos karoge.

A small smile appeared on his lips, he wouldn't be surviving if it weren't for Kaka. He tied up the laces of his robe tightly, took the glass of coke and went to the balcony and sat on his rocking chair. As the moon started to shine behind the clouds, the entire neighborhood bathed in the moonlight. The dew drops reflected and sparkled like diamonds; he inhaled a big breath of this earthy aroma and exhaled, feeling better already. He sat back and started rocking his chair slightly, letting his mind cloud him with questions. As he took a sip of coke, he started wondering what God was planning for him. Here he is, trying as hard as he can to cut himself from the past, and the past just keeps haunting him. It's as if he's playing a cat and mouse game with his life. He intended to stay far away from Riddhima as possible, but his ex-mother-in-law made him promise to be always there for her. It was a very selfish thing to ask from him and she knows that, but she's desperate and he knows that, it's what any mother would do for the well-being of their children. But would he able to keep that promise? Considering how much history he has with her? He literally named his mind, heart and soul for her, and to be rudely separated from her and then come back trying to be her friend? Is that even possible? He flinched thinking that no matter how hard he tries, he will always have a soft spot for her and that he will always care for her, and what horrified him the most is the thought that being just mere' friends with Riddhima would bring his long lost memories back to haunt him again. He gripped his glass even tighter just thinking that and heaved a huge sigh just wondering the spheghetti he tied himself up in. Just then sound of windchimes brought him back to reality, He didn't know why but the melodic sounds the windchimes were making started to ease him up a bit. He looked for the source and gazed straight ahead to find a beautiful young girl sitting on a chair, wrapped in a thick shawl, sipping on a cup of hot coffee. He couldn't distinguish who she was and since he doesn't like oogling at another girl, he was about to turn his head away when he saw a familiar face. As she pushed back a strand of hair, she revealed her face to her crush unknowingly. Her face was completely bathed in the moonlight, as if the moon's attention was fully on the beauty sitting on the balcony, looking ethereal as ever, Siddhant gazed at her intently. Radhika Singhania...another question mark in his life, as he kept on gazing at her, he didn't even realize that all his thoughts shifted aside and it was just pure silence. All he saw was how happy she looked and how she kept on gazing at the full moon shining brightly. He scoffed thinking how happy she is while putting him in a pool of questions. Who is she? Why does she matter to him? Why is she significant enough to be in his mind? More importantly, why does he see her wherever he goes? As he saw her slight wavy hair flowing in the breeze, he reluctantly admitted that she is rather beautiful.

Siddhant: Men must claw their eyes out to be with her.

Radhika enjoyed the wind embracing her; she had never seen a night so beautiful like this, the way the moon just kept shining, made her feel warm inside. Just then she received a text message.

Kaka: Aapne jo kaha hai maine kiya. Achi baat hai, koi toh inki fikr karti hai.

Radhika smiled and continued sipping her coffee. Just then she felt like someone was watching her. She looked for the source and immediately found Siddhant gazing at her. As soon as Siddhant realized what he was doing, he quickly turned his head and concentrated on drinking his coke. Radhika smiled widely and blushed miserably. Siddhant felt like an utter fool to be gazing at a colleague. He peeked at her with the corner of his eye and saw Radhika still staring at him with a rather mischievous smile that said caught ya'. Siddhant then turned away and gulped down the glass of coke and quickly went inside, shocked as to what he was doing, he looked at himself in the mirror and saw himself shockingly blushing.

Siddhant: ...my God.

He quickly turned off the lights and untied the robe and went to sleep.

Radhika: How sweet!

Radhika couldn't help but feel great seeing his reaction. It seems she does have the power to get his attention. She just smiled widely and shook her head thinking about his reaction. She finished er cup of coffee and then went inside. Love was filling in her heart as she turned off the lights and hummed a melodious tune. She kept the empty cup on the table and laid flat on the bed and wrapped herself with a thick blanket. She turned on a nightlight, and shut her eyes with a smile on her face.

Radhika: aaah...

The next day

"Haan...maine Armaan ko I Love you bola. Lekin...tumne mujhe pyaar ka matlab samjhaya."

Siddhant frowned in his sleep and flinched.

"Humesha...yehi teen shabd bolke mujhe ehsaas dila te rehna...ki tum humesha mere saath rahoge."

Siddhant tossed and turned in his sleep.

"Siddhant aap...mano ya na mano lekin...mere liye iss shaadi ka ehmiyat bohot hai. Ab yeh rishta hi meri sachayi hai. Ab aap hi meri sachayi ho...mujhe farak parta hai."

Siddhant: (Gasps in his sleep)

Riddhima(in a dark tone): Wake up Siddhant. Time to start another miserable day.

Siddhant woke up with a jerk, his heart racing beating fast and he was sweating like anything, as if he ran a marathon. Siddhant looked around his bed, wondering how he heard Riddhima's voice. It felt so real to him, as if she was right there, but her tone seemed so sinister, as if she was mocking him because of his state. Siddhant sat up and shut his eyes tight, trying to calm himself down. He then wiped the beads of sweat forming on his forehead, and sighed looking at his pathetic state. Whatever he heard, whoever that voice was, it had the right to mock him. He was sadistic and a broken human being and he knew that. He got up from the bed, wore his sandals and slowly went towards the looking glass on his dressing table. He took a good look at himself, scars almost covered his body as if he fought a war, his rugged face, his dark intense eyes, and his sorry excuse of a life, which is nothing but sad and pathetic. During his time in Shimla, he thought of taking his life away countless times, but it was his duty as a doctor that kept him going, it gave him a reason to live his miserable life, but he couldn't ignore the fact that he is just hollow inside, no life in him, he is just a dead man walking. As he stared at his face, blood began to boil in his veins. He looked so pathetic, it made him sick, and before he even realized, he lost his cool.

Siddhant: AAAHHH!!!!

Siddhant puched his reflections with such a force that it shattered the entire mirror, he was sick and tired of his past haunting and mocking him like that. He took deep breaths, trying to calm himself down while his eyes burning with raw anger. Kaka came rushing to his room hearing the noise and swiftly opened the door and saw Siddhant looking down at the floor with his eyes wide open, shards of mirror and the drops of blood coming from his bloodied fist covered all over the floor.

Kaka: Baba?!?! Kya hua?! Yeh kyun kiya aapne?

Siddhant: (no answer)

Kaka: Aaiye, main daway laga deta hoon.

Siddhant: Nahi Kaka.

Kaka: Bhagwaan ke liye mere baat suniye. Chot bohot gehra hai, daway lagana zaruri hai.

Siddhant looked at him and scoffed sarcastically listening to his statement. Kaka then held him and made him sit on the bed. He quickly rushed to get the first aid box, grabbed it and then sat in front of Siddhant while Siddhant just looked ahead. Kaka held his hand in his softly and gently as if he was holding a new born baby. Siddhant gazed at him as he took out the bexisol, a wad of cotton and a wrapping cloth from the box. As Kaka attended to his wound, he realized he wouldn't have made this far without this man. Not only was he a caretaker of his house, he has been a mentor and a teacher of life. As he led a poor life, he knew a lot of moral values and Siddhant was always fascinated by it. Siddhant and Kaka met each other when Kaka was looking for a job as a cook. Siddhant knew, no matter how hard he tried, he wouldn't survive in that godforsaken neighborhood somewhere in the city of Shimla. The amount of crimes that used to happen in his neighborhood sometimes got him baffled. There were days were Siddhant used to get attacked by street gangs asking for money, and they used to torture him until he gave up. Siddhant would come home all injured, barely walking and Kaka used to tend to his wounds and tell him that he's always there for him whenever he needed him. That's when he realized that Kaka was a man of principle and would never betray him, so he promoted him from a cook to a housekeeper. Kaka would take care of his den, and Siddhant would learn his values and implement them, a good deal. He would tell Siddhant to fight for himself and for other's and to never give up, that's when he started feeling a slight balance in his life. He self-trained himself by learning martial arts and hand to hand combat. By doing that, living in his neighborhood became easy for him. This is how he transitioned from being a boy to a man, and Kaka's influence on him has been nothing but fruitful. But as he saw Kaka tending his wounds, he saw nothing but pain in his eyes, and he knew...he hurt him.

Siddhant(lowering his gaze): Mujhe maaf kar dijiye.

Kaka: Itna gussa theek nahi hai beta. Dekho kya haal bana ke rakh diya. Kitna dard hua hoga.

Siddhant: Dard sehte sehte...ab koi dard mehsoos nahi hota mujhe. Puri zindagi dard saha hai, aadat ho gayi hai mujhe.

Kaka looked at him with a slight anger in his eyes.

Kaka: Aap yeh jo kar rahe hai na, who sirf aap ko hi nahi, dusro ko bhi thes pohchata hai.

Siddhant just kept on gazing at him.

Kaka: Bhale aap ke saath kuch bura hua ho, lekin iska matlab yeh nahi ki wahan aapke zindagi rukh jaaye. Aapke paas bohot saare wajeh hai: aapke pariwaar, aapke doston, aapka kaam, woh kaam jo dusro ke madat karne ke liye bana hai. Jiss baba ko main janta hoon...woh aisa nahi hai.

Siddhant listened to him attentively.

Kaka: Aur haan...aisa kabhi mat samjhiye ga, ki aap akele hai. Aapke zindagi me aisa bohot saare log hai, jo aapse behat mohabbat karte hai, bas aapko yehi baat samajhna hai, aur intezaar karna hai unke liye. Yaad rakhiye ga.

Siddhant slightly frowned thinking to what he meant while Kaka smiled softly. He finished wrapping his fist and pinned it in a fixed position.

Kaka: Aap naha ke niche aajayye, main aapke liye nashta tayyar karta hoon.

Siddhant had a small smile on his lips and before Kaka could bring the broomstick to clean the floor, he stopped Kaka and hugged him tightly. Kaka smiled and stroked his head like a father.

Siddhant: Thank you.

Kaka: (chuckling)

They both broke off the hug, Kaka patted on his shoulder while Siddhant nodded in approval. After Kaka left the room, Siddhant took a towel and carefully dodged the shards of glass and went to the washroom.

At Sanjeevani

Riddhima opened her locker and took out her lab coat and her stethoscope, but during the whole time she had been thinking about Siddhant, and how uncomfortable he must've felt last night. What she did to him, she could never forget it in a million years. If she it was anyone else beside's him, he would've straight told her parents that she cheated on his ex-husband and now happily married with the guy sh cheated...but this was Siddhant: a man, who would always do the right thing, do things before thinking twice, and would never hurt anyone, even if that person sent him a trip to hell and back. Siddhant...he was so true to his name, a man of honor and principle. His bond with Padma also made her realize that how high her parents think of him, and that they loved him as if he was their own child. After the reunion between Armaan and Riddhima, Armaan asked Shashank for Riddhima's hand four months later. Shashank and Padma both were hesitant at first but Anjali was able to convice them and the date got fixed. She knew that her parents never liked Armaan but she hoped that Armaan would win their hearts. During her wedding day, as she sat in her room looking like a bride, her mind would drift to the day when she first married Siddhant. She wished that he would be in her wedding day, but nobody knew where he was, he cut of contact with everyone, even with his own family. But at times, she would feel a familiar presence as she sat on her room alone, that same warm feeling whenever she was with Siddhant. She thought he was here, but her search for him went in vain. She settled herself on the bed and calmed herself down, and kept on thinking about the man she was about to marry. But no one...not Armaan, not even God can change the fact that Siddhant will always be...her first husband. She closed her locker and decided that it was time to talk to Siddhant face to face, try to mend old bonds.

Armaan: Hey basket.

Armaan's voice brought Riddhima back to the present and she was quickly engulfed in his arms. Riddhima responded back to his hug.

Armaan: Were you thinking about me?

Riddhima's smile started to disappear, she knows how Armaan is: charming, handsome, hot, a proper lover, but can sometimes get ridiculously insecure and that's the part she doesn't like about him. She took a deep breath and thought, it's safe to try.

Riddhima: I was thinking about last night. About Siddhant.

Armaan's smile slowly disappeared. His wife thinking about her ex-husband...that's never a good sign. He was already feeling left out by his in-laws but now his wife? He needed to hear her completely before jumping into conclusions.

Riddhima: The way he kept dodging their questions...I...I felt guilty Armaan.

Armaan started to feel a little relieved; his mind was reeling into so many things. OMG Armaan he looks sooo good!' He sooo handsome now!' I think I'm starting to feel something for him again Armaan.' But her statement eased him a bit, and what she said was completely true.

Riddhima: They kept on asking why we got divorced...and at times I felt that he would tell the true reason. But he never did.

Armaan: He wanted to protect us...protect you actually.

Riddhima looked at him with shock in her eyes.

Armaan: And I agree to him...Riddhima we have no idea how your parents might react if they knew the real reason, and this is a secret I'm willing to take to my grave Riddhima.

Riddhima: But Armaan...

Armaan: Riddhima...i can't...afford...to lose you again. If we tell this to Papa, there are tonned he can do. He can separate us, he can kick us out of his home, he can...

Riddhima: I get it.

Armaan: Riddhima I know...what we did...to Siddhant...it was unforgivable...and I thought that it was nothing harmful...but now I know...what a crime we did to him.

Riddhima: and to see him...cover all that up for us...

Armaan: And I'm really grateful to him but...I don't think we can ever be friends Riddhima.

Riddhima: Why not?

Armaan: There's too much tension.

Riddhima: You can try right?

Armaan: Dunno...

Just then JP and Jiggy comes into the LP, and sees Armaan and Riddhima looking into each other's eyes.

JP: oho! Kya baat hai Armaan bhaiyya? Yahan bhi shuru ho gaye?

Armaan and Riddhima turned towards JP's position, hearing his ridiculous remark. Armaan smiled at him and got up on the sitting bench dramatically.

Armaan: Dr.Malik ko mohabbat karne ke liye koi jagah nahi lagta. Who jahan bhi jaata hai, wahan sirf pyaar...pyaar...aur pyaar hi rehta hai.

Riddhima snickered looking at him.

Anjali: How dramatic.

Anjali entered the LP and shook her head looking at Armaan.

Anjali: You'll never change...would ya?

Armaan: Heeelll noo.

Anjali: (sigh)

Atul: You know how he is Anjali. You ever expect him to change?

Armaan climbed down and both of the buddies shared a hug. The interns joined the gang but were immersed in their own conversations.

Shekhar: Do you ever think anything besides girls and cars?

Vishal: Nope.

Priya: Then why the hell did you ever become a doctor?

Vishal: EGAD!!! You said hell'!!!

Avantika: uff!

Vishal: Look Miss Puppy Gayab, you mind your own business okay?

Shekhar: Puppy Gayab?

Vishal: Yeah! She looks like as if she lost her puppy. (laughing)

Priya couldn't help but fume listening to him say that. Just then Vishal heard the clacking sound of high heeled shoes and he started feeling funny inside. He knew exactly who that woman was. As she was nearing him, his surrounding felt like a scene cut straight from a bollywood movie: wind blew out of nowhere, sound of music ringing in his ears, heart beating fast, girl approching at him in slow motion. Priya and the other two interns wondered at whom he was gazing so dreamily, and they looked out and saw Radhika, looking as beautiful as ever. They couldn't help but conceal their laughter. As Radhika approached towards him smiling brightly, Vishal almost held out his arms trying to hug her but she passed by him.

Radhika: Hello Dr. Vishal, hello interns.

Shekhar, Priya, Avantika: Hello ma'am

Vishal(dreamily): A very beautiful morning ma'am.

Radhika: Isn't it? I thought so too.

Vishal: (smiling like a goof)

Shekhar(whispering): Have some respect, she is your senior doctor.

Vishal: I like elder women.

Priya: Ay chee!

Avantika: Shekhar just leave him, he's insane.

Radhika came up to her locker and smiled at Riddhima. Riddhima, went up to her to greet her.

Riddhima: Hi!

Radhika: Hi!

Riddhima: Hey, did you have any trouble getting to your home, yesterday it rained heavily.

Radhika: (sigh) Don't ask. It started raining out of nowhere, and it happened so heavily that no transport was available.

Riddhima: oh my god. How did you get home?

Radhika: You won't believe it. Okay, so I'm waiting at the bus stop for transport, and I see that there's not a single vehicle roaming anywhere. I sat there feeling hopeless, with my bag to cover my head, and suddenly I felt something sheltering me. I looked up and saw...Dr.Siddhant.

Riddhima: Whaat??!?!?

Radhika: Yup, apparently he was passing by the road and saw me; it was raining so heavily that I didn't even notice the car halting. He offered me a ride home.

Riddhima: Dr. Siddhant has always been like that, looks like he hasn't changed.

Radhika didn't mind being friends with Riddhima, it didn't hurt anybody. But she wanted to see how Riddhima would feel like if she knew Radhika stays next to Siddhant, but in the end she scraped that idea.

Vishal: Isn't she beautiful?

Avantika: very much, and very much out of your league.

Vishal: Oh yeah? Hehehehehe! Challenge accepted. I'll try to attract her towards me. I mean seriously, who can avoid this hunk?

Shekhar (laughing): good luck with that!

Vishal: (mocking his laughter) we'll see.

Just then Kirti comes in and instantaneously, the interns straighten up and prayed that she didn't overhear them. Kirti went straight for her locker and greeted the doctors with a slight smile on her face.

Riddhima: Ready to start your day as the DO?

Kirti: Not The DO', assistant DO.

Riddhima: yeah I meant that.

Kirti: Hell yes, I'm ready.

Just then her smart phone beeped and she took it out and saw a message from Siddhant.

I'll be at Sanjeevani in about 5 minutes, I want the doctors prepped and ready for briefing

Kirti read the message and her heart just sank, the staff of the hospital wasn't ready yet, and if Siddhant comes in and sees doctors half asleep and all messed up, he's going to rant off on Kirti.

Kirti: Oh my god...

Radhika: What's going on?!?!

Kirti immediately rang the receptionist.

Kirti: He's on his way, tell everyone!!

Just then Nikki comes in, feeling amused as to her brother-in-law controls everyone on the tip of his finger.

Nikki: He's not supposed to be here until nine.

Kirti: Well I dunno, he's coming right now!

Abhi followed Nikki into the LP and smiled seeing how tensed Kirti was.

Abhi then walked out of the LP room and stood in the corridor.

Abhi: ALRIGHT PEOPLE GIRD YOUR LOINS!!!

As soon as the staff heard him say that, everyone single personnel went into overdrive, they instantly got the news that the Great Hitler is coming. The interns got the message and scattered in different paths, trying to be ready. Muskaan and Rahul ran and stopped at LP.

Muskaan: I know he's all good looking and all but, this guy needs to chill man.

Rahul: I've never seen the hospital like this.

Kirti(arranging her files in a hurry): Well, he wants everyone to be ready.

Armaan: Seriously, I feel like I'm in an army camp.

Kirti: Well it wouldn't have come to this, if we all did our work properly.

Abhi: True.

Armaan: Don't you feel a little disconcerted that your little brother bosses you around?

Abhi: No Armaan, he's just doing his job.

Nikki: He might look like a Hitler, but when the day's finished, he's just like my brother-in-law. Never forgets to take care about us.

Both Riddhima and Radhika smiled thinking about it, while JP stood there all sad.

Kirti: Oh crap he's here. Everybody let's go.

Everybody ran to the Reception, waiting for Siddhant to come.

At the Reception Room

Everybody was waiting for the DO to arrive. As they were waiting, they saw people step aside to pave way for someone and they knew it was him. The gang kept on gazing at Siddhant while he marched through the corridor busy with his cell phone. Just then Shubhankar arrived and settled beside Kirti.

Shubhankar: Oh god I hope I'm not late.

Kirti: You're just in time.

Rahul: look at him...what a hotshot.

Muskaan: Don't be jealous, he's a cool guy.

Riddhima was about to look at Muskaan when something caught her attention. The dreamy, cute but dangerously bold look Radhika was shooting at Siddhant. Riddhima kept staring at Radhika and couldn't help but smile looking at her. She leaned towards her...

Riddhima: Earth to Radhika.

Radhika: huh? H...uh...

Riddhima: hehehehehe!!!

Radhika blushed miserably, being caught by the ex-wife. She looked away as her heart kept beating fast. Siddhant looked up from his cell phone and saw the doctors and the interns waiting patiently for him.

Siddhant: Good you're all here, but before I start...

He slowly turned towards Vishal; the interns already felt their legs trembling in fear.

Siddhant: Perhaps you didn't take me seriously. When I said that Sanjeevani is one top-ranked hospitals in the country, I expect you...to at least take that seriously...DOING YOUR DUTY HALF-WAY AND LEAVING YOUR PAPERWORK INCOMPLETE IS NOT THE WAY DOCTORS HERE DO THINGS YOU FAGGOT!!!!!

Everyone got shocked listening to his remark. Siddhant genuinely was angry, it was upto him to straighten things up and he didn't like the fact that things aren't going the way he wanted. Vishal looked at the floor with anger boiling in his veins.

Siddhant: If you're too lazy to do your job then you better get the hell outta here. I said it before and I'll say it again...Sanjeevani is not desperate to have you. You better start doing your job properly son, you haven't seen my worst. Either you treat patients, or you don't do anything at all. I don't wanna see anymore irregularaties regarding you, you understand?

Vishal:...(nodding)

Siddhant: Say the words!

Vishal: I understand!

Siddhant took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He looked at Kirti with seriousness washed over his face.

Siddhant: Dr.Kirti, please brief the doctors while I go meet with Dr.Shashank.

He looked at Vishal

Siddhant: There's something important I need to discuss with him.

Vishal felt as if his heart sank, reporting this to Shashank would mean nightmare. He prayed to God to stop Siddhant if he even had an ounce of good inside him. He then looked back at Kirti and handed him a file which stated everyone's duties and trotted away. Radhika exhaled deeply.

Kirti: You know Dr.Vishal, I wish you at least try to do your job properly. Alright your duties...

Siddhant marched towards Dr.Shashank's cabin and stopped in front of the door. He then gently knocked on the door until he heard a voice.

Shashank: Come in.

Siddhant open the door slightly and he entered gently.

Siddhant: You wanted to see me?

Shashank: Ah yes! Well, there has been a problem down at the Lonavla Orphanage. Some of the kids fell really sick due to the winter and the supplies been running low. I need you to head over there along with a good pediatrician; Dr.Radhika is specialized in this field. I would ask you and Dr.Radhika to go there tonight and attend the children.

Siddhant: Of course sir.

Shashank: You're going to be staying there for about a week, til then Dr.Kirti will handle hospital. Let Dr.Radhika know about this.

Siddhant: Yes sir. Anything else?

Shashank: Yes...take care of yourself.

Siddhant: hehe. Will do sir.

Shashank: Good, that's all.

Siddhant gave a slight nod and exited his cabin. He then looked left and right and then paged Radhika.

Radhika was at the OPD when her pager beeped.

Come to my cabin, need to discuss something with you.

Radhika felt her heart flutter, Siddhant wants to see her. Then she realized that not all thoughts are gonna turn out romantic, she sighed and went straight for his cabin. Siddhant was reading the file Shashank sent him about the children state there. As he stood near the window, he started concocting all ideas to make them all fit and fine. What fueled his determination was the fact that he loved the children there, and one in particular. His mind diverted to the door when he heard someone knock.

Radhika: May I come in?

Siddhant: Come in.

She entered the room slowly, feeling a bit shy. The cool breeze brushed against her thick wavy locks, she looked beautiful. Siddhant turned towards her closing the file and stood there. He was wearing a white shirt that just embraced his masculine figure, an ash colored tie, and a matte black pant. He looked so handsome. Radhika felt her heart flutter until she saw his right hand, bandaged and still bleeding slightly.

Radhika: What happened to yo-

Siddhant: Dr.Shashank gave us a job to do.

Radhika: ah...

Siddhant: He wants us to go to the Lonavla Sanjeevani Orphanage. The kids have gotten really sick and they need us. Since he needed a trained pediatrician to go there, he decided you were the best choice.

Radhika: I'm flattered.

Siddhant: He needs us to go over there by tonight. Here are the case files, study them and share any ideas that comes into your mind.

Radhika: Yes sir.

Siddhant: Good.

Radhika: Since we got that out of the way, may I now ask what happened to your hand?

Siddhant: No you may not doctor.

Radhika: Doctor please, it's still bleeding. Let me at least see it.

Siddhant: Dr.Radhika you may leave.

Radhika was not used to being shoved off by her best friend like that. But she realized that it's not the same person anymore. Whether it was love or not, she couldn't bear to see someone whom she cares about...being hurt.

Radhika(getting angry): Okay, last night you gave me lift home right? Well consider this as me returning the favor.

Siddhant looked at Radhika.

Radhika: I'm a doctor and I treat patients...and you're injured. That injury won't help you tonight. I'm not leaving this room until I attend to that injury.

Siddhant kept on gazing at this woman who was just brimming with determination. She reminded him about one person, she reminded him about Riddhima. Riddhima was just as stubborn and determined as he is, and right now...Radhika proved the same. The resemblance made him tremble to his knees and he looked away from her and gulped slowly.

Siddhant: The first aid box is at the bottom right hand side of the book shelf.

Radhika smiled and walked towards the first aid box, grabbed it and went up to him.

Radhika: Please sit down.

Siddhant sat on the couch and Radhika sat beside him, she opened the first aid box and picked out everything she needed. She then looked at Siddhant and then looked at his bandaged hand, she could feel her heart beating strong against her chest as she reached out to hold his hand...that too after such a long time. As she placed her hand underneath his, she could feel how cold his hand was, as if no blood flowed through it. It was a picture perfect moment for her, her hand in his; a small melancholic smile appeared on her lips as she drifted back to her past.

Siddhant and Radhika were playing tag on the garden, they were about to reach teenage life and they still were the best of friends. Siddhant tried to catch her but he tripped off a rock and fell on top of her and in the process, Radhika's skin peeled off a great amount from her side-arm as she fell hard on the ground. Siddhant immediately got up and sat beside her, feeling guilty as hell for hurting her, not a single noise came out of her mouth, nothing but streams of tears. Siddhant felt so bad, poor girl couldn't even cry loudly to give her some ease.

Siddhant: I'm so sorry! Ah! Here...

Siddhant took out a handkerchief out from his pocket and slowly wiped off the dirt from her bloodied arm but it hurt her even more.

Siddhant: okay okay okay!! I'm sorry! Please don't cry.

Siddhant cupped her face in his hand, and held it delicately.

Siddhant: Don't cry. (wipes off the tears) Look at me.

Radhika slowly looked into his eyes while tears streamed down her face.

Siddhant: I have an idea. Mom said, love always triumphs pain.

Siddhant lowered her head kissed her boo boo, and that brought her a small sense of ease.

Siddhant: There...now you'll feel better.

Radhika smiled with teary eyes.

Radhika gazed at his hand, back during her childhood days, they would always comfort each other when they were hurt. Right now, she didn't have the right to kiss his wound to make his pain go away...but soon she will. A small smile appeared on her lips.

Siddhant: (ahem)

Radhika was rudely brought back to the present hearing Siddhant clearing his voice. Siddhant felt quite uncomfortable the way Radhika just stared at his hand all this time; he needed her to finish what she started. Radhika focused on his hand and slowly opened the bandage, and then what she saw made her heart stop for a second. His knuckles had gone purple, skin split slightly apart almost revealing his muscles, and small shards of glass still stuck deep within his skin. Radhika wondered what might have happened to him, why Kaka didn't inform her about this, and how reckless and careless this man really is.

Radhika: Are you kidding me?! My God.

Radhika quickly took a small bottle of Xylocaine and a syringe and filled about 5 mg of it. She then wore plastic gloves and pushed the needle at the effected area. Radhika looked up at Siddhant to see if he flinched but, he looked like nothing's happened. He kept on looking ahead while Radhika did her job. She then sat there for a minute to let the anaesthesia kick in. For a whole minute, there was nothing but silence. Siddhant kept on looking ahead and Radhika sat back on the couch, looking here and there. Radhika gazed at Siddhant, he's changed so much and she doesn't even know why and how. The fact that he doesn't feel any pain proves just how emotionally numb he is.

I'm here now Siddhant. You don't have to worry anymore.

She thought to herself, and a small smile appeared on her lips. No matter what he went through, she wouldn't let him suffer anymore. His Mishti was here for him. Siddhant felt a pair of eyes gazing at him, but he didn't look at her. He still wondered why God kept on setting these meetings with Radhika. First the rickshaw, then at the reception, then at the Children's Ward, the rainy night, the balcony, and now here she is...tending his wounds. He didn't know why, but he felt that this wasn't a coincidence; from the very beginning this woman stole away his calm and his thoughts. There was something more about her, he just didn't know what.

Siddhant: It's numb.

Radhika broke off from her trance and realized that well over three minutes has passed. She took a twizzer, and slowly started to pluck away the small shards of glass. After she's done that, she took a bottle of Betadine, drenched a wad of cotton in it and started cleansing the wound. Siddhant slowly turned his head towards her and attentively gazed at her as she held the needle on her hand. Her hand started to shake slightly and she didn't know why. The wound on her beloved's hand was so deep, it really affected her, she then calmed herself down otherwise she knew Siddhant would make embarrass her. As she started to stitch, she could feel Siddhant's penetrating gaze at her. Siddhant analyzed her work. A woman, whom he barely knows, cares more about him then he does. He didn't want Radhika to do it, but in a corner of his heart, he thanked her for this. His ice cold eyes, slightly turned warm as he saw how attentively Radhika sewed his wound. Radhika could feel a tingle on her back, his gaze made her blood rush to her cheeks. Never in her entire life did she ever find a simple task like stitching to prove so difficult in this case. She couldn't help it, she locked her eyes with his.

Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful

Will you still love me when I've got nothing but my aching soul

I know you will

I know you will

I know that you will

The last time she locked eyes with his in this way, it was a long time back. That was the day she realized she loved him. Today was no different. His dark brown eyes locked with her blue eyes, she felt as if time stood still. She fell in love with those eyes, and it's making her fall for them again.

Siddhant(in a husky voice): Why'd you stop?

Radhika realized what she was doing...but she didn't break the eyelock. She counter-argued, it felt like the intelligent thing to do.

Radhika(in a husky voice): Why were you staring at me?

Siddhant immediately realized what he was doing and quickly looked away. She was right, why was he staring at her? No wonder, she might've felt uncomfortable. Siddhant mentally slapped himself, it was not in his nature to gaze at women, a sudden sense of guilt washed over him, and he thought Radhika was probably swearing at him, whereas it was the highlight of her day.

Siddhant: I...I'm sorry.

Radhika: It's okay.

Radhika almost finished stitching, and started bandaging his hand.

Radhika: You need to take care of yourself, this could've spread into an infection, and you might've lost your hand.

Seriousness started spreading across his face again.

Siddhant: I've lost a lot of things Dr.Radhika. I've got nothing left to lose now.

Radhika was about to clip the bandage when she stopped hearing him say that. That blankness returned in his face, and all she could see was emptiness in his eyes now.

Siddhant: That'll be all for now. You may leave.

The bluntness in his voice made Radhika's blood boil a bit. She needed to get used to this Hitler.

Radhika: We're even now.

Before Radhika reached the door, her feet stopped and her anger started to calm down.

Siddhant: Thank you.

Radhika turned back and smiled at him.

Radhika: You're most welcome doctor.

Siddhant nodded in approval and watched her leave his room. Radhika started walking towards the OPD smiling, and she couldn't wait for the trip to Lonavla.

Part 9:

Siddhant's eyes followed Radhika, her graceful walk, with her head bowed a little, and the locks of hair covering her expressive eyes, all he could make out was her small peaceful smile that she had, he had his eyes on her until he couldn't see her anymore. He then slowly looked to bandaged hand and reminisced the moment where she tenderly took care of his wound. Her focused eyes when she stitched his hand, and how she beautifully executed the bandage, not too tight and not too lose.

"Why were you staring at me"?

He came back to his senses and shook his head vigorously.

My God...what was I doing???

Riddhima: Yes what were you doing?

He looked to his right and saw Riddhima, with her arms crossed across her chest, with a scrutinizing look. But she was nothing more than a shadow that has been haunting him for the past 5 years.

Riddhima(in a dark tone): How can this be? My Sid...thinking about someone else rather than me? Unforgivable.

The shadow hit him were it hurt him the most, and asked such a question that Siddhant himself didn't have the answer. Guilt washed all over him as he thought about Riddhima's words. Riddhima was the only one whom he had truly loved; to think about someone else...he truly felt that he was betraying his own heart. He gazed at the floor, couldn't put a finger on how he was feeling, but he was definitely not feeling good. Riddhima smiled heartily seeing him in his sorry state and slowly tip toed her way and brought her lips close to his ear.

Riddhima: You love me...don't you? Stay away from her...she's dangerous...

Siddhant felt so intimidated by this shadow, he searched for a glass of water on his desk, as soon as he gulped the last drop of water, he instantly turned to face Riddhima...but she was no longer there. Siddhant tried to calm himself down, the last thing he ever wanted was his past haunting him while his working. Radhika did turn out to be quite dangerous for him. He heaved a huge sigh of relief as he felt his nerves calming down, he turned towards his table and slowly kept his glass. A sense of determination spread through his veins. When he left Riddhima, he promised to himself that he would never let anyone near him again. The love he had for Riddhima was pure and loyal, even if she didn't care about it, he gave a lot of importance to the littlest promises he made to himself, and he intends to keep them. Although, he couldn't put a finger as to how this stranger had the power to conquer his thoughts. But not anymore, and as much as he hated to admit it, the shadow was right, for some reason, Radhika has the power to affect him. He took a deep breath, stood up straight and fixed his tie and focused on his work. He looked over his desk and kept searching for a file regarding on a case that he was working on.

Siddhant: Where did I keep that file? Ah! It's in my car.

Siddhant marched out of the room and heads towards his car.

On the other hand, Radhika walked through the corridors slowly as she kept thinking about Siddhant. A surge of love and every other emotion ran through her veins and gave her goosebumps as she thought about the way he gazed at her. The way his hand was almost clasping her own, all these feelings, these proximity, it was all new to her. A simple touch from him drove her crazy, and why wouldn't it? She concealed her feelings for him for 15 years, and it seemed that God was saving him only for her. As she thought about it, she couldn't help but skip a little, feeling this wonder surrounding her. Riddhima walked on the opposite direction and saw Radhika skipping, twirling, immensely happy about something. Riddhima smiled looking at her and wondered what could possibly make her behave like this, but in the back of her mind, she started drawing the conclusion already. She walked towards Radhika who hugged her case file as if it was dearest thing to her.

Riddhima: What's up bubblehead?

Radhika was instantly brought back to reality when she heard a familiar voice, she turned around and saw Riddhima smiling a I know what's going on' smile.

Radhika: Bubblehead?

Riddhima: yeah! You always look happy, as if you're in love, like you live in a bubble.

Radhika: yeah yeah yeah...

After that comment, Radhika and Riddhima both started walking together slowly, but Riddhima didn't draw her eyes away from Radhika. To her, it was quite amusing; it reminded her the first time when she started feeling something. Radhika could sense her gaze and looked at her, all blushing miserably and Riddhima couldn't help but smile widely.

Riddhima: So?

Radhika: What?

Riddhima: What's the matter?

Radhika: Nothing.

Riddhima: Right.

They started walking quietly again...

Riddhima: You have the hots for Dr.Siddhant right?

Radhika: WHAT THE...how'd you know?

Riddhima couldn't help but laugh seeing her reaction.

Riddhima: I see the way you look at him, actually you and a whole lot of girls in this hospital.

Radhika couldn't help but feel a slight tingle down her spine when Riddhima mentioned that.

Radhika: Really?

Riddhima: Yeah. He's good looking, killer attitude, has a good position. He's basically any girl's dream guy.

Radhika: The way he scrutinizes every doctor in this hospital, you'd think they won't have the guts to be this bold.

Riddhima: Well...you do. Hehehehe!!!!

Radhika: That's coz I have the right to.

Radhika couldn't help but feel a little intimidated. She already started having some competition.

Riddhima: You're cute, but be careful, Siddhant isn't an easy going man.

Radhika: hehe...heh.

Riddhima: Well I gotta scoot. Your admirer gave me tones of work that I need to finish.

Radhika smiled listening to her cheeky remark. Riddhima patted on her shoulder and smiled.

Riddhima: I'll see you later, always a pleasure to talk to you.

Radhika: You too.

After exchanging their goodbye's they both took different paths and went towards their duties. As Radhika kept on walking with her case file still close to her heart, her mind started to cloud with a barrage of questions.

Radhika: I wonder... why Riddhima is being so nice to me? His ex-wife admiring his new found admirer? What's the catch?

Riddhima: All I ever wanted is to see Siddhant happy, to see that he's moving on in his life, and I believe Radhika is the only person who can bring back the Sid I once knew...there's something about her...

They both marched to their respective duties.

On the other hand, Siddhant headed towards his car through the underground garage when he saw some guys teasing a woman. He stopped on his tracks and analysed the situation, he couldn't see the woman.

Man 1: Come on, I'll treat you good. With a body like that, men must've clawed each others eyes out to be with you.

Woman(feeling scared): Please leave me alone!! If you touch me then it won't be good for ya!

Man 2: You hear that? Hahahaha!!!!! As if you can do anything!

Woman: Please...

Siddhant felt obligated to help that woman out. He marched towards the gang of men, and silently stood behind the man who was obscuring the woman's face.

Siddhant: Leave her alone.

The man who was standing in front of the woman, turned slowly towards Siddhant with his eyes narrowed and giving him a who the hell are you' look. Siddhant was not afraid of these wanna be gangsters. He was taller and buffer than them, not to mention those five years really gave him an edge on situations like this. Siddhant's eyes fell on the woman's face. It was Avantika. Siddhant's temper instantly relaxed a bit when he saw who the woman was. She was trembling in fear and sweating like anything. As soon as Avantika saw Siddhant, a sense of peace instantly rushed through her veins. His concerned look gave her the feeling of being safe, but her peace was only temporary, when she saw the man slowly revealing a knife out of his pocket.

Man 1: What did you just say?

Siddhant's concerned eyes got exchanged with pure rage by looking at the audacity of the man. He started shooting intense looks towards the man.

Siddhant: I said...leave her alone.

The man took a step forward and brought his face close to Siddhant's.

Man 1: Or yeah? And what are you gonna do?

Siddhant: You're about to find out.

The man tried to drive the knife through his belly but Siddhant professionally jumped back and dodged it.

Avanika: SIR!!!!

Siddhant: Avantika! Stand on the side and don't move a muscle!

Siddhant then unbuttoned his suit so that he can move freely. The gang started feeling intimidated as Siddhant was not tensed at all; they all rushed forward to finish Siddhant. The man, who teased her, ran to him to stab him but instantly got punched in the face before he could make a scratch on Siddhant. Another man came from the side but Siddhant deflected his attacks and punched him hard on his stomach almost digging his fist through it. Two more men came from his back, and Siddhant laid a 540 kick on them, dropping them on the ground. If he's learned anything from his days living at Shimla, it is that the world ain't a nice place; you need to live like a warrior if you have to survive. Avantika, like any other girl, was feeling horrified and impressed by the way Siddhant tried to protect her. All of a sudden, her focus was only on Siddhant, everything else seemed to blur out for her. All her life, she's been treated as an item girl, an object, not a single guy she's dated ever really cared about her other than her looks, but this was the first time when someone really stood up for her, and he doesn't even know her that well. The moment he first introduced himself as the DO of the hospital, and seeing this dark nature of his, it made her scared and at the same time attracted. She always liked a man with an attitude, and now, unintentionally, he was winning her heart. Siddhant dodged another man, held him by his throat and choke slammed him on the ground. The attacked was instantly knocked out cold. Siddhant slowly stood up, breathing heavily, his hair almost messed up; sweat dripping down his face and still his eyes were glowing with rage. All the attackers were on the ground, trying hard to get up on their feet but couldn't, Siddhant's stitched hand was bleeding again with all that punching but he didn't feel a single pain. Avantika's admiration quickly turned into fear as she saw how the gang tried to recover, and quickly realized what Siddhant was capable of. Siddhant's blood kept on boiling, and wanted beat the crap out of them even more, but tried to restrain himself since a collegue was watching him. Siddhant picked the almost knocked out gang' one by one. Siddhant then grabbed the man who teased Avantika by his collar, dragged all the way to Avantika and threw him in front of her.

Siddhant: APOLOGIZE!

The man grabbed her feet in fear and asked for forgiveness.

Man 1: Please please! Please forgive me! I'll never tease another girl in my life.

Avantika felt embarrassed as heck and didn't know what to do.

Avantika: okay okay!

Siddhant then grabbed him by the collar and brought his face close to his. That man almost peed his pants as he looked deep into Siddhant's eyes.

Siddhant: If I ever see you low lives around my hospital again...

The man managed to free himself from Siddhant's threatening grasp and ran for his life, and the gang followed him too. Siddhant's eyes followed the running men until he could see them no more. He exhaled loudly, trying to calm his nerves and slowly buttoned up his suit. He then turned towards Avantika who was shootin dangerous and bold looks towards her savior. She couldn't help but notice that he looked even more handsome with his messy hair. Siddhant kept on looking at her and Avantika lowered her gaze, trying to avoid his eyes as she felt blood rush to her cheeks. Siddhant slowly walked towards her and stood right in front of her.

Siddhant: Are you okay?

All Avantika did was nod.

Siddhant: What were you doing here?

Avantika looked up and met his dark intense eyes. He was standing right where the sunlight spotted him, the beads of sweat literally sparkled.

Avantika: Holy crap! He's like a real Edward Cullen!

Siddhant: Well?

Avantika was rudely brought back to reality and realized what Siddhant was asking. She started mumbling out words, and she didn't even know why she was tensed.

Avantika: a.a.aactually! I uh...left something in my car...came to pick it up.

All Siddhant did was nod suspiciously.

Siddhant: Well then get on with it.

Avantika: I uh-yes sir.

Siddhant then started walking towards his car, but then stopped and turned around to say something to her.

Siddhant: You know...

Avantika: Yes?

Siddhant was about to comment on her way of dressing but then realized it was rude to make a remark on that. So he dismissed that idea.

Siddhant: Nothing. Go back to work.

Avantika(dreamily): oookay...

Siddhant then opened up the front seat door, and took the file, locked the door and marched to the hospital again.

After 10 minutes later

Avantika came to the locker room, with that one vision in her eyes, Siddhant. The gang was in the room and heard about the news that Avantika was molested. As soon as they saw Avantika walking through the door, Kirti instantly rushed towards her and showed her concern.

Kirti: My God, are you alright? Heard what happened.

Priya: Yeah! I mean the security here has degraded if a bunch of men managed to get into the hospital grounds to tease girls.

Kirti: Yes...i need to have a talk with the security team.

Seeing Avantika smiling like a fool, Kirti and the others couldn't understand what was happening.

Armaan: What's up with her?

Radhika: She doesn't look that disturbed.

Riddhima: Wait wait...

Riddhima went up to her and clicked her fingers, it instantly snapped Avantika back.

Anjali: What is wrong with you? You went through such a thing and you're smiling?

Avantika: oh yeah...it was scary...but what Dr.Siddhant did...hee...

She caught Radhika's attention, Riddhima slowly looked over to her and saw her confused.

Radhika: What did he do?

Avantika: He kicked their ass, that's what he did!

Riddhima couldn't help but smile a bit when she saw the way Radhika was fuming.

Avantika: He saw the men teasing me so he stood up for me, and man he knows how to kick butts.

Vishal for no reason, started feeling nervous. He started fearing Siddhant ever since he knew about his position, if he knows how to fight then that's bad for him.

Avantika: You should've seen him! Man! He knows martial arts!

Priya: wow...

Riddhima(smiling): Typical Mean Modi.

Avantika: I mean, the guys were no match for him, they were literally flying all over the place, couldn't put a single scratch on him.

Radhika didn't know what she felt, the way Avantika was showing her admiration was settling her back a bit. Riddhima was right, she was facing competition. The other men felt intimidated for no reason.

Rahul: Heh! I'm pretty sure they were amateurs.

Avantika: No! they had knives and tried to stab him.

Radhika's heart stopped as soon as she heard that.

Radhika: My God is he alright?!?!?!

Avantika: Yeah he's fine, like I said, not a single scratch.

Abhimanyu smiled looking at this smitten girl, he was proud of his cousin. Nikki leaned close to Abhi.

Nikki: That's our Sid. Heheheh! Look at Radhika.

Abhi's eyes shifted to Radhika and saw how irritated she looked as Avantika kept on blabbing about her savior.

Abhi: Heh!

JP just stood at a corner, isolated from everyone. He kept on listening Avantika's babbling. He still couldn't get over the fact at how much Siddhant has changed. His mean eyes kept flashing in his mind. He wondered why Siddhant was so angry at him. Atul noticed him being distracted. Concerned, he went towards JP.

Atul: What's up?

JP immediately flinched in a trance. He looked at Atul and just smiled.

JP: Nothing, was just wondering something.

Shekhar: I would love to see him in action.

JP and Atul both looked at him.

Shekhar: I love martial arts, if would've been awesome if I were there to see it.

Avantika's smile turned into irritation.

Avantika: It wasn't entertaining dumbo, but it sure was amusing! Ehee!

Shekhar: ...I meant that.

Radhika: Oh God...

Just then Riddhima's eyes fell on someone. Siddhant was approaching the LP and Avantika still kept on blabbing about the incident, standing on the bench.

Avanitka: I mean it was so awesome; he executed moves that I didn't know it existed.

Siddhant heard that and slowly walked in and stood behind her, watching her babble. All the doctors were in guard, and stood still as if they were held captive, and Avantika didn't notice a thing. She kept on talking and every word she said irritated Siddhant, the last thing he wanted was a fan girl.

Avantika: He looked so dreamy when he was fighting...

Siddhant immediately felt a little shy. He looked here and there and then fixed his gaze on her again. The doctors started stepping back from Avantika as if a monster was standing behind her, and Avantika noticed this.

Avantika: Hey...what's wrong?

Kirti tried to signal her with her eyes.

Avantika: huh?

Radhika then pointed at someone, and since it wasn't her, Avantika had that tingling sense of trepidation. She started to feel a presence behind her, she slowly turned around and saw the pair of intense brown eyes, staring back at her. As soon as she saw him, she freaked out and her shoe tripped on the edge of the bench and she was about to fall, but Siddhant caught her in time. Avantika fell on his arms with a jolt and her eyes immediately got locked with his. Radhika couldn't help but feel jealous. Just when she was about to enter his life, every girl in the whole world needed to butt in. Riddhima had her eyes on Radhika, and to her, it was all amusing. Siddhant's arms were gripping her while she got lost in those eyes. Siddhant realized that people were watching and gently placed her on the ground.

Siddhant: Dr.Avantika, I'd remind you to be serious in this hospital. What were you thinking stading on the bench like that?

Avantika realized what she was doing. But she was not sorry at all.

Avantika: Sorry sir.

Siddhant sighed shaking his head slightly.

Siddhant: Anyway, Dr. Kirti, may I have a word?

Kirti: Of course.

Siddhant and Kirti stood on a side while everyone had their eyes on them.

Siddhant: I trust, the hospital will be well maintained by the time I'm coming back?

Kirti: Oh yes doctor. You can count on me.

Siddhant: Never doubted on it...alright then.

Siddhant and Kirti then went back to the LP.

Siddhant: Doctors, this week Dr.Kirti will act as the DO on my absence. I'm sure you will treat her respectfully and will abide by her orders. If I get any sort of information that even ONE of you...did not abide by her rules, then there will be severe consequences. Since I'm getting ready for Lonavla, Dr. Kirti, you're in charge.

Kirti: Yes doctor.

Siddhant then looked at each doctor carefully and his eyes got locked with Vishal, who tentatively hid his face behind Shekhar. He then looked for Radhika whose eyes were always locked on Siddhant.

Siddhant: Dr.Radhika, these are the paperworks for Lonavla, I want you to take a look at them. We have to reach Lonavla by tonight.

Everybody was surprised about this news, Radhika and Siddhant on a journey to Lonavla. Riddhima couldn't help but remember all the bad times she had with Siddhant there. She secretly hoped Radhika would change his experience there. Radhika nodded her head smiling with hope in her eyes that this trip would work to her advantage, while Avantika's joy came into a halt when she heard the news.

Avantika knew Radhika had the hots for Siddhant. It seems whenever Siddhant used to be within range of her radar, her face would bloom and she would always smile like an idiot, even a blind man would notice how Radhika behave. Radhika, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop her emotions take control of her, and now, Radhika has the chance to spend an entire week with the guy she's started to feel something for. She looked at Radhika, who still kept gazing at her love, with her arms crossed across her chest, shooting daggers with her eyes. Siddhant reached out the paper with his injured hand and Radhika came forward and before she grabbed the paper, her eyes got fixed at his bloodied bandages again. Radhika's eyebrows twitched and she looked at Siddhant with utter shock in her eyes. The moment Siddhant saw that look; he immediately regretted reaching out that hand in the first place. Now he has to hear all the blabbering from her yet again. Everyone else looked at them wondering what was going on.

Radhika: What the...Sir?! How did this happen again?

Siddhant: In case Dr. Avantika hadn't told you, I tried to fend of the guys, so I had to play dirty.

Radhika: Great...all my effort just went down the drain. Seriously you are the most careless man I've ever seen.

Everyone gasped when they heard that remark. Riddhima gasped lightly. She knows Radhika has feelings but it's even stupid for her to make such a remark as if she's already a part of his life. Siddhant looked at the woman in front of him while she gazed deeply at his hand. He couldn't put a finger on it, but there was something about her that immediately makes him absorb her remarks. Kirti's eyes were widened with shock, and she immediately felt the need to defend Siddhant.

Kirti: Dr. Radhika, you have no right to-

Siddhant: It's okay...Dr. Kirti...no offence given...none taken.

Siddhant stared at Radhika who kept on gazing at his hand.

Siddhant: It's rude...to keep a person waiting.

Radhika snapped back to reality and realized what she was doing. She almost let her guard down, and talked to him like his Mishti rather than Radhika. She immediately grabbed the papers and avoided looking at his eyes.

Siddhant: And for the sake of your profession...never talk to me like that again.

Radhika looked deep into his eyes and then bowed her head.

Radhika: Yes sir.

Siddhant: Study them...i'll pick you up at 8 in the evening.

Radhika: (nodding)

Siddhant then swiftly turned around and started walking away. Radhika then slowly entered the LR with irritation washed over her face.

Radhika: Jeez what a hardass!

Vishal just found his hero. The woman he has a crush on has the courage to talk back at his nemesis. He couldn't help but look dreamily at Radhika.

Armaan: Man! For a girl, you got guts!

Rahul: Yeah!

Radhika: Sometimes he can really get into your skin.

Vishal: Tell me about it.

Nikki: Siddhant...has changed a lot.

Abhi: For the right reasons of course.

Armaan: What do you mean for the right reasons'?

Abhi: I was like him when I was DO, only he's much more strict, and pissed off for some reason.

Armaan: Heh...yeah.

Anjali: I can see that he's trying to do his job as a DO, but he could go just a bit easy on us right?

Muskaan: Yeah. I mean, he talks to us as if we're not worth his time.

Kirti: We aren't. The only reason he's like this, is because the last time he was elected to be the DO, you people didn't give him a damn. You guys took him for granted...like you did with me. The only way for people to take someone seriously is to be serious and a hardass. He's doing his job, even if we don't like it, we have to accept it, because I can probably tell he didn't want to step foot in this hospital in the first place if it weren't for us, and because I failed to do my job, he's forced to work here.

A few of the people in the room understood what she meant by that, especially Armaan, Riddhima and JP. Riddhima knew from the get go that it was her fault for turning Siddhant into this. No matter how hard she tries to conceal it, everytime Siddhant spoke with those numb, expressionless eyes, she would feel raw guilt surging through her veins.

It's Siddhant Modi...from now on.

That was the time when it hit Riddhima hard on her heart. He's changed, and it was all because of her. JP couldn't help but stare blankly at the floor as he was hearing Kirti. She rudely reminded him of his internship days, the way he and his pal Armaan mocked Siddhant in front of the hospital, in front of his wife, and all Siddhant did was bow out feeling disheartened. He shut his eyes tightly, not bein able to bear the guilt. He was never a true friend of Siddhant's, but always a handiman of Armaan's. Radhika secretly looked around the room, feeling intrigued by Kirti's words. True, she knows Siddhant was divorced, and that's why he left Sanjeevani, but she never got to know why he got married with the same girl twice and got divorced. She really wanted to know, but she'll have to wait for that.

Shekhar: I still go awestruck when I think about his carreer. Five years ago, he was a mere intern, and now, he has an M.B.B.S, is a heart specialist and has a high rank in the medical co-operation. He was actually sent here as a recommendation from the agency. How'd he achieve so much in a matter of 5 years?

Kirti: Beats me, I guess, he really did start working hard after he left.

Shekhar: I dunno about you lot, but he's my role model.

Vishal(sarcastically): wow...

Shekhar: What? He's successful, he always gets high praises when he meets with our superiors, and women love him, because he's young and beautiful.

Vishal: Yeah right.

Shekhar: Were you not here like 10 minutes ago? Avantika was talking as if she just fell in love.

Avantika: WHAT THE??!?! I...i.i.i. I'm not at all...

Shekhar: Please.

Priya: He's right you know.

Avantika: I'M SO NOT...

Vishal: alright alright we get it.

Kirti(smiling): Shekhar is right...ever since Siddhant came back, women in the hospital kinda go all gaga over him. I guess I have to work extra hard from now on.

Shubhankar kinda got irritated by hearing his wife's constant praise for someone who's considerably younger than him.

Shubhankar: I'm sure.

Kirti: I heard that during the last year's medical conference in Australia, a woman actually proposed to him.

Everyone in the room got shocked, especially Radhika. Vishal scoffed in ignorance.

Vishal(thinking): Seriously...the old man has a charm?

Abhi smiled thinking about it.

Nikki: Oh how I would've loved to see his face at that time.

Abhi: Hehehehe!! Yeah!

Kirti: And why wouldn't women want him? He's got a great profession, a stable carreer, earns more money than us, and is extremely good looking. He's grown as a person the last time I saw him, both is spirit and in mind.

Kirti had a small smile on her face as she uttered those words with a faraway look. Everyone in the room stared at Kirti. The Hitler was smitten, and her husband didn't like it one bit. Riddhima looked at Kirti and then shifted her gaze towards Radhika who looked away so that Riddhima wouldn't notice her eyes, her eyes were blazing. Sure, Siddhant was worthy of compliments, but women are getting attracted towards his just when she was about to make her stand. She couldn't believe her luck. Kirti came back to reality and realized what she was doing.

Kirti: Anyway, here I am blabbering whereas I should be working and making you work. DISMISSED!

All: Yes ma'am.

Everyone started moving towards their respective duties, while Radhika started strolling aimlessly and confused.

Siddhant headed towards his cabin, he couldn't understand why Radhika had such an effect on him. He really doesn't know her that well...still...he feels like she has a history which could interest him. The way she talks to him, it's as if she knows him like how a friend would know. Is is just that? Or is it simply because she's earnest and simple and is very caring? Either way, he had to stay away from her, but he knows it's going to be hard now since they're getting ready for Lonavla. Just when he was about to open the door, a familiar voice caught his attention.

Woman: Superbro!!?!?!?!?!?

Siddhant froze on the spot. Superbro...only one person calls him that. He turned around and saw a woman, wearing a light blue suit with high heels, bangles up to her wrists, attractive feminine figure, wavy black locks of hair, a mangalsutra adorning her neck, a pair of glasses and that beautiful but cute face with vermillion coloring her forehead. Siddhant couldn't believe it, after more than five years, he finally got to meet his sister Suvarna. She couldn't believe her eyes, she came to Sanjeevani just to meet up with her old colleagues but she never thought she would see her long lost brother. Tears started forming in her eyes, she ran towards him crying, unable to hold her emotions anymore and crashed onto his chest, burying her little head in his broad chest. Siddhant instantaneously engulfed her in his arms, he couldn't express how much he missed her, but he did. Every single day, he remembered his family, and how much they would miss him. But the only reason he didn't go back, was because he couldn't face all those questions which was sure going to be tossed at him, he didn't have the courage to meet eye to eye with his parents knowing he fumbled with the family reputation. But seeing Suvarna, a sense of peace embraced his heart as his sister sobbed digging her face in his chest, nearly drenching his shirt with her tears.

Suvarna: Sid...

Siddhant: I'm here. I'm here...don't cry.

Siddhant slowly took her into his cabin and closed the door while still hugging her. Suvarna's face was drenched with her tears, she felt as if her whole body was getting numb. Ever since she got to know about the divorce, she searched for Siddhant like crazy, the fact that her brother was in pain and was alone completely shattered her, she kept on searching but was unsuccessful in finding him. He was completely out of radar, and now when she's finally in the arms of her brother, she couldn't help but completely numb, or more like relaxed. Siddhant made her sit on the couch, took off her spectacles and handed her a tissue box. She wiped away her tears and blew her nose, making Siddhant smile a bit. She then put her spectacles back on and gazed at him in wonder.

Sue: Where the hell have you been?

Siddhant knew this was coming.

Siddhant: Away from people, far away from my past but...(looks around his room) seems as though...i couldn't stay far enough.

Sue: Five years...five years and you didn't even find it necessary to contact us...not even me!

Siddhant: I didn't even know where you went, and I knew that mom and dad would eventually find me if I ever contacted you.

Sue: Why bro? What's wrong with a mother and a father trying to find their child?

Siddhant: There's nothing wrong with it Sue...it's just...I couldn't bear to see the disappointment on Dad's eyes, when he'll look at me.

Sue: Sid...

Siddhant: I've done nothing but embarrass them. I'm sure they got the news. I just can't face them Sue.

Sue: But you couldn've put me out of my misery! You have no idea how much I missed you bro...

Siddhant: I missed you too Sue. Every single day for the past five years, I've missed you...whenever I was sad, you'd come to me, trying to cheer me up. I wanted that...but you were so far away.

Sue couldn't help but start crying again. Siddhant instantly engulfed her in his arms again, trying to stop her from sobbing.

Sue: I feel so guilty bro...

Siddhant: No Sue. It's not your fault. I'm sorry for making you feel like this.

Sue: No bro...

Siddhant gently pushed her away, and kissed her on her forehead with a smile. He quickly noticed the vermillion on her forehead, and then his eyes shifted on her mangalsutra.

Siddhant: Sue? Are you...

Sue: Married? Yup...

Siddhant: ...wh...who's the guy?

Suddenly a loud irritated voice came from outside the cabin.

Man: Jeez! Where did the woman go??!

Sue: I'm in here!

Siddhant could see his shadow from the glass pane. The door slowly started to open, and surprised Siddhant to the core.

Siddhant: What the...

Yuvi: SIDDHANT!?!?!?!?

Siddhant stood up with his eyes widened while Yuvi smiled widely and moved forward to hug him. He embraced Siddhant like a usual brotherly way and Siddhant slightly reciprocated.

Yuvi: Godddamn it's good to see you again!!

Siddhant stared at Sue blankly.

Siddhant: You married him?

Sue: Yeah!

Siddhant then shifted his gaze at Yuvi and the shifted his gaze back at Sue.

Siddhant: There are like 60 million people in this country...you couldn't find any other bloke to marry?

Yuvi: HUH?!?!?!?

Sue: Okay okay calm down! The reason I married him because...(hugs Yuvi)...i love him.

Siddhant: ...how did this happen?

Sue: Well it's a long story...some other time maybe.

Siddhant: Welp...I guess it's okay, this way, I can keep tabs on ya. You do know that you gotta call me bhaiyya from now on right?

Yuvi: In your dreams you jackass!

Siddhant couldn't help but smile heartily. He missed his best friend, the only friend who stood by him. Yuvi smiled back at him and laughed loudly. Siddhant moved forward for a handshake and Yuvi reciprocated warmly.

Siddhant: It's nice to have you back.

Yuvi: Oh no Sid. It's nice to have YOU back. We really missed you man.

Siddhant: yeah...by the way, where were you two all these years?

Sue: We were in USA, finishing our internship, mom and dad liked him very much so they agreed for marriage, although now, we're thinking of moving back to India, and start a new life.

Siddhant: That's good. When did you come to India?

Yuvi: Last night. We thought of meeting up with some friends.

Siddhant: Where are you guys staying?

Yuvi: We checked in a hotel.

Siddhant: Pack your bags, you're staying at the Modi penthouse.

Yuvi: Dude, we don't wanna impose...

Siddhant: Nonsense! You're coming.

Yuvi: Okay.

Sue: Alright you work, we're gonna go and see the rest of Sanjeevani.

Siddhant: Alright.

Sue: It's good to see you again bro.

Siddhant: You too.

Yuvi: We'll see you tonight then.

Siddhant: Right. Here's the address, just knock the door, a person will open it.

Yuvi: okay...

Siddhant: See ya.

Sue: See ya.

They both left the cabin waving goodbyes at him, while he lightly smiled holding a file in his hand. As soon as they closed the door, Siddhant immediately went back to work, he was running late. Sue couldn't help but feel light headed. She met up with her brother after such a long time, her joy knew no bounds. They made their way to the LR when Sue accidentally bumped into someone.

Sue: Excuse me ma'a...

It was Radhika. Sue's eyes widened and so did Radhika's. Yuvi looked at her with confusion in his eyes.

Sue: RADHIKA DID--?!?!?!?

Radhika: SSSHHH!!!! Keep it down, otherwise Kirti will come looking for you.

Sue: What are you doing here??!?!?

Radhika:...(gazing at her seriously)...I'll explain it to you later. If you really wanna know, meet me at the terrace in 15 minutes, right now I've got work to do. Act as if you don't know me, I'll explain everything.

Sue couldn't understand what was going on and neither did Yuvi. But they silently accepted her conditions and walked away feeling all confused, although Yuvi started drawing conclusions already. They started walking towards LR where they saw JP and Jiggy. Jiggy was being his usual self but JP looked distracted.

Yuvi: Hey guys!

Both of them looked up and saw their old friends after such a long time. JP quickly got up from the bench and hugged him tight.

JP: Yuvi bhaiyya!

Yuvi: How are you?

JP: I'm fine! How are you?

Yuvi: Pretty good.

JP: aur phlowerji?

Sue: You didn't change at all.

JP: sure I did. I lost a lot of weight and now I'm a senior.

Sue: Congrats!

JP: Thank you...(smile disappears)...although...it's not the same anymore.

Yuvi: What do you mean?

JP: Since Sid bhaiyya's return, I sensed that he's changed a lot. So much so that he doesn't even consider me as a friend.

Yuvi: What? Why?

JP: I dunno. But I plan to find out.

Sue: You two catch up, I'll be back.

She leaned towards Yuvi's right ear.

Sue(whispering): come by the terrace quick.

Yuvi: hmm.

Sue then quickly marched to the terrace.

A while later

Radhika stood there, staring blankly at the city while the cool breeze embraced her. Dark clouds were covering up the sun, it was about to rain. She loves rain, it reminded her so much about the time she spent with Siddhant. They both loved to jump on the puddles, ruining their clothes, but they were carefree and happy and that's all they needed to be. She smiled widely and shook her head wondering how the slightest things in life reminded her about Siddhant. She sighed, although the breeze was cool, she felt warm inside, a mere memory of Siddhant was enough for her. But now she has the chance to make new memories. She heard sound of high heeled footsteps and her smile grew wider, she turned around only to see Sue stand there with confusion in her eyes.

Radhika: Suvarna.

Sue: Radhika didi? What are you doing here? And why were you telling me to be discreet?

Radhika: Coz you were really loud.

Sue(feeling embarrassed): Dear God, it's really good to see you.

Radhika: You too darling.

Sue came forwards and they both exchanged hugs.

Sue: I've heard about you becoming a doctor, but I never knew you were working here.

Radhika: Yeah. Sanjeevani really is a good hospital, I've been transferred here.

Sue: At the same time Sid did?

Radhika: Yeah! Hehehehehe!!

Sue: What a coincidence.

Radhika: Yeah...

Radhika was getting the feeling that Sue was about to find out, but she was not going to stop her from deducing the situation, after all, she needs all the help she can get.

Sue: Did you ever meet up with mom and dad?

Radhika: A lot of times before I came to India. I really miss them and my parents.

Sue: Don't you skype?

Radhika: All the time, but it ain't the same you know.

Sue: So I see. By the way how long were you in India? Or did you just shift?

Radhika: Oh no, it's been 6 months.

Sue: So I see...so...(suddenly smiling)...mom dad sent you here didn't they?

Radhika: What?

Sue: Unable to find Sid themselves, they told you to find him...coz a close friend won't be able to hide from his other close friend.

Radhika, slightly shocked, slowly turned around and gazed at the city again.

Sue: I guess, even your parents wanted you to find him. Knowing how much you care about him, they knew you'd be successful. Holy God!! How could I have not known this before?!?!?! Uff!!!

Radhika kept on gazing at the city and all of a suddent silence covered the atmosphere. She didn't speak for quite some time, until...

Radhika: How did you know?

Sue: It kinda hit me the moment I met you and you told me to be quiet. You didn't want Siddhant or any of the doctors know who you truly are.

Radhika: ...

Sue: And why wouldn't I know? I know you care about him a lot, ever since you were kids...and you cared about him so much, that you eventually fell for him.

Radhika: (smiling)

Sue: I've seen you two together since I was a little girl, you were always there for me as a sister, how could I not know how you felt, seeing that everytime you looked at Sid, your eyes would twinkle and you'd smile like an idiot.

Radhika:...(in a slight dark tone)...clever girl.

Radhika slowly turned around and Sue saw a tiny drop of tear on her cheek while she still smiled.

Radhika: I'm Siddhant's lover...and I'm here to mend his broken heart.

She couldn't believe what she heard. After all these years, she's finally found a ray of hope, a hope to see Siddhant happy again, and for her to be in peace, she has found her savior, and she knew, that this woman is the only person who can bring Siddhant back again. Riddhima smiled widely...as she heard Radhika smiling at Sue, while she hid behind the entrance door.

Riddhima: Is this real? Do I have a chance to be at peace?

Riddhima gazed at Radhika, and her ray of hope started to enhance with the passing seconds. The determined look on Radhika's face gave Riddhima a sense of peace. As her mind stormed a thousand different questions she heard fast moving footsteps behind her, and she immediately hid behind the door. She heard the person passing by her and peeked a little to see Yuvi arriving. She heard enough and got all the information she needed, she ran away before someone noticed her. Yuvi stood beside Sue, breathing heavily climbing those flights of stairs, and suddenly saw both the women smiling and shedding tears. Yuvi couldn't understand what was happening.

Yuvi: What did I miss?

Sue: A lot. Hehehe.

Yuvi: Let me guess...you're here for Sid aren't you?

Radhika: How'd you know?

Yuvi: I saw some of your pictures in the Modi Mansion when we were in US. I guessed Maa and Baba both sent you here because they thought you could find him.

Radhika: (Smiling)

Yuvi: And even before I ever saw you, I think Siddhant mentioned about you before.

Radhika was stunned to hear this revelation. All these days she thought Siddhant might've forgotten about her, but the fact that he remembers that friend' made her truly happy.

Radhika: Really???!?! When?!?!?!

Yuvi: Hehehe! The day Armaan and Riddhima got reunited, we went to a bar and thought of just drink away the night.

Flashback

Yuvi: I knew what was going on in his mind...in his heart. I thought it was my duty as a friend, to at least make him feel better.

Both Siddhant and Yuvi took a table and called a waiter.

Yuvi: Two scotch on rocks please.

Siddhant: Nah Yuvi...i.i don't wanna drink.

Yuvi: Oh c'mon! We've seen each other after such a long time...

Siddhant: Ehh...okay.

Yuvi: Yeah! You heard the man! Keep them coming!

Yuvi: I knew he was in a lot of pain. Of course he was, he just saw his love in the arms of another man. But he would never show it, he would always keep this smile on his face and act like nothing happened, whereas whatever happened will change his life. I wanted to distract him, I wanted to take some of pain away, and this was the best way I could think of. After hours of gulping down shots of drinks, he gave up, and finally started to pour out his heart to me. I restricted myself, because I wanted to remember what he wanted to say.

Siddhant: You know...it was nice to see Riddhima so happy...sooo niiiccee.

Yuvi: Yeah. She really did seem happy.

Siddhant: She has to be...if I don't see her happy...i'll...i'll personally go and kill Armaan.

Yuvi: I'm sure you will.

Siddhant: You know what hurts the most?

Yuvi: What?

Siddhant: The people you love...forget about you...it doesn't take a second.

Yuvi: ...

Siddhant: I've cared about these people so much, and they don't hesitate to stab you in the back.

Yuvi: (silent)

Siddhant: What hurts me the most...is that...nobody even asked about me. Nobody asked, whether I was...okay or not...whether I was...alive.

Siddhant suddenly started to sing in a monotone voice, Yuvi couldn't even understand what Siddhant was singing, other than the fact that he felt guilty and sad seeing his best friend in this state. Only he could relate better than anyone else, he went through the same heartbreak, but Siddhant's was far worse.

Siddhant: JP...Jiggy...nobody...even asked anything about me. When I was standing there, nobody saw me, I was invisible...like I always was.

Yuvi: Sid...

Siddhant: Sirf naam ka dost paya hai maine.

Yuvi: Yeh sach nahi hai yaar.

Siddhant slowly raised his eyes to look at Yuvi gazed at him for seconds and smiled.

Siddhant: You're right... I have you, and Shilpa...although I don't even know where she is.

Yuvi: That's right...you have us.

Siddhant: (smiling) Speaking of friends, you know...now that I think of it, when I was a kid I had this friend, girl friend.

Yuvi: HUH?!?!?! You had a girl friend when you were a kid?!?!?!

Siddhant: Abbe nahi yaaar!! She was a friend...family friend...good girl...she was always there for me. We were the best of friends...kya naam tha? (clicks his fingers) are kya naam tha?!?!?!?

Yuvi: (waiting for his answer)

Siddhant: (gives up) Abbe yar...chod...(clicks his fingers) HAAAN!!! MISHTI!!!!!

Yuvi: Mishti? Ab yeh item kaun hai?

Siddhant: Item nahi hai, dost hai mera...pata nahi kaisi hogi woh...dekhna parega...call karunga shayad...lekin...yaar...main thak gaya hoon...thak gaya hoon zindagi se...

Yuvi: (silent)

Siddhant stared at his empty glass and after a few minutes, tears started flowing from his eyes.

Siddhant: Yaar...mera dill dukh raha hai...can you fix it?

Yuvi:...Main chah kar bhi nahi kar paungi yaar.

Siddhant: Riddhima...(sobs)...i love her yaar...main kya karun...kaise jiyun uske bina...kyun hua yeh sab mere saath?...aisa kya ghalati ki maine?

Yuvi: He just bowed his head and cried like a little boy...and I had nothing to do other than just pat his back to provide a sorry excuse of a comfort.

Flashback ends

Radhika and Sue couldn't help but feel but feel heartbroken. Not only because Siddhant was in pain, but mostly for the fact that they failed to carry out their duties as being friends, especially Radhika, because a single drop of tear on Siddhant's eyes meant her whole world crashing down...she loved him that much, and Sue felt even more guilty. Where she had experienced the luxury of being in love, her own brother got to see the nasty side of love, and she felt that it was unfair that God favoured her more than her own brother. Radhika wiped her tears away and determination washed over her face. Sue looked at her in a demanding way.

Sue: I will never forgive the people who hurt my brother, but now, since I know what your intentions are, i'm getting the slight ray of hope that you can do something...promise me...you'll do something.

Radhika: Oh I will...don't worry.

Yuvi: Then what is your plan? Coz it looks like whatever you're trying to do, it's a longshot. As far as I know, Siddhant isn't the kind of man who'll forget the person he loved and move on with another woman.

Radhika(turns away from them and looks at the city): I know...trying to make a place for myself in his heart won't be easy. But I will try my best. I will show him that he doesn't need to be alone anymore, that someone cares for him. But like you said, it's not going to be easy. (turns to them) I can't do this alone... I'm gonna need your help.

Sue: Whatever you need. But what's your plan?

Radhika: I'll be going to Lonavla tonight with him. Let's see what happens. Maa and Papa and your parents will be coming to India very soon, but for what reason, I dunno. I have to make the most out of this trip. Just for now, stay beside him, he needs you.

Yuvi: I'm guessing he doesn't know you.

Radhika: No he doesn't, I wanted to see if he remembers me, and he will...in time.

Sue: I dunno why...but I'm getting excited!

Nikki: So are we.

Radhika and the rest looked towards the entrance and found Abhi and Nikki standing there smiling.

Radhika: Nikki? You guys knew about this?

Abhi: Well of course. Parvati chachi told us everything. This is the reason why we're here in India again.

Radhika: Of course.

Nikki: And I knew the game was about to begin when I saw you here for the first time.

Radhika: Well, my first and foremost objective is to bring Siddhant back to his parents. They missed him so bad and to see him go off radar worried them sick.

Abhi: and what about your own objective?

Radhika: ...(blushing)...I'm working on that too. I've already informed maa and papa, they said that they and Siddhant's parents will be arriving after a month. He sounded real serious about it.

Abhi: Hmm...

Nikki: You know...he isn't gonna be that easy.

Radhika: Well quit demoralizing me you guys! I need your help in this, he needs all of us.

Abhi: We got your back sweetheart.

Nikki: Seeing him this miserable kills me everytime, I'm glad to see that there's a hope to see my little Sid smile again.

Abhi: And remember, he'll do anything to stay away from you. You've already cast a spell on him (*winking*)

Radhika: I know (smiling confidentaly). Dekhti hoon kab tak duur bhagta hai mujhse.

Sue: Ohh! I'm getting all excited.

Yuvi: Let the games begin.

They all look at each other and shared high fives with each other. Radhika felt much more determined and strong after recruiting her minions. She knew that she couldn't fight this battle alone. She needs all the people she can get to break Siddhant's huge emotional barrier. She smiled at Nikki and was slowly getting anxious to go to Lonavla.

Siddhant was in his cabin checking for a few things before heading to his home for packing when suddenly there was a knock on the door.

Siddhant: Come in.

He heard her payal clinking with each other and the sound of footsteps coming to a halt right behind him. Siddhant instantly got frustrated thinking about the presence behind him.

Yeh ladki mujhe kabhi akela nahi chodegi.

Siddhant: Dr. Singhania, don't you think your visit to my cab------

The moment he turned around to face the presence, his heart skipped a beat. Those hazelnut colored eyes, that beautiful face, that heart warming smile. Siddhant's eyes instantly got fixed with hers, and for a moment he forgot everything around him, and all he could see is that beautiful woman standing in front of him, holding a file. Siddhant brought himself back to the present before the person felt awkward.

Siddhant: Dr. Riddhima?

Riddhima: hmm.

Siddhant: How may I help you?

Riddhima: Actually...Dr.Shashank wanted me to give you this.

Siddhant immediately opened the file and started checking it, it was the only way to distract himself.

Riddhima: It's additional case files regarding the children in Lonavla.

Siddhant: I see.

Riddhima kept gazing at him while he tried to concentrate at the case files. Riddhima's gaze was so penetrating that he could literally feel a pair of gorgeous eyes looking at him. His mind started to wander off to those moments he spent with her, slowly and steadily. No matter how hard he tried, he would always go weak when she's around. He tried real hard looking at the cases but he couldn't. He started to feel nervous sensing her gaze. At a certain point, his anger took the better of him. He quickly shut the case files and gaze straight back at her, almost startling her.

Siddhant: Is there something else you need...Dr.Riddhima Armaan Malik?

Riddhima could feel and rage and spite underneath those words, but she absorbed it, because she realized that she made him uncomfortable. She knew that meeting with each other face to face would bring back a lot of bad memories, but she had to try it, because she missed her savior, her Siddhant, and she made a point of trying to break the ice between them. With a straight face and soft eyes, she replied...

Riddhima: No sir.

Siddhant: Then you may leave.

Riddhima: (slight nod)

Riddhima slowly walked towards the door, and opened it, and before leaving, she turned around slowly and gazed at him again, feeling slightly disheartened.

Riddhima (with a soft voice): Sid...

Siddhant instantly froze on the spot. The way she uttered his name, a feeling of nostalgia covered him. As if her presence wasn't enough, now she calls him like that. Siddhant immediately put up his serious front.

Siddhant: It's Siddh"

Riddhima: I know what it is...but to me...you'll always be Sid.

My Sid.

Siddhant's eyes was glued to the floor, feeling quite shocked.

Riddhima: And I hope that one day...we could sit together...and talk...like we used to.

Siddhant gulped down and still looked at the floor, while Riddhima slowly closed the door. He closed his eyes, letting her words sink in, and exhaled deeply, thinking how cruel life is.

Riddhima walked through the corridor thinking how much things have changed over the years. She knows who Radhika truly is now, and she knows Radhika is the key to opening his heart again, but she can't ignore the fact that she has a role to play too. She needed to see her, she walked through the corridors and thought of splashing some water on her face so she headed for the dressin room in the LR. Once she entered the LR, she kept her own case file in her locker and opened the door to the dressing room and froze when she saw the person in front of her. Radhika bowed down, splashing water on her face. As soon as she heard the door squeaking, she instantly knew who that person was. Riddhima, for some reason, felt nervous starting a conversation with her now. If she's here for Siddhant, then she probably knows that she was his ex-wife.

Radhika: I know why you're here.

Riddhima: You do?

Radhika(closing the tap and taking a towel): Of course. You thought I didn't see you hiding behind the door to the roof did ya?

Flashback

At the roof

Sue: I've seen you two together since I was a little girl, you were always there for me as a sister, how could I not know how you felt, seeing that everytime you looked at Sid, your eyes would twinkle and you'd smile like an idiot.

Radhika:...clever girl.

Radhika slowly turned around and Sue saw a tiny drop of tear on her cheek while she still smiled.

Radhika: I'm Siddhant's lover...and I'm here to mend his broken heart.

Riddhima: Is this real? Do I have a chance to be at peace?

Riddhima gazed at Radhika, and her ray of hope started to enhance with the passing seconds. The determined look on Radhika's face gave Riddhima a sense of peace. As her mind stormed a thousand different questions she heard fast moving footsteps behind her, and she immediately hid behind the door. She heard the person passing by her and peeked a little to see Yuvi arriving. She heard enough and got all the information she needed, she ran away before someone noticed her...but she was noticed...by Radhika. Radhika clearly saw a person run away before Yuvi entered. Radhika smirked when she realized who that person was.

Flashback ends

Radhika: Well aren't you curious.

Radhika said that almost scrutinizingly. Riddhima could sense another person hiding underneath that flesh.

Riddhima: I...I need to talk with you.

Radhika: Why? Can't bear to think someone else loves him.

Riddhima: (complete silence)

Radhika: Or is it because you couldn't? That's the reason Siddhant is in such pain. My...Siddhant.

Now Radhika was getting under her skin. Yes, she couldn't love him, yes she couldn't give him what was his right, but it was clear that she cared unintentionally for him and that she had a special feeling towards him that till this day, she can't figure it out. Riddhima was getting all fired up, but the she bowed her head and closed her eyes trying to calm herself down. There was no point in quarreling over this, and there was nothing that Radhika had said wrong. Radhika's scrutinizing gaze was fixed on her. Riddhima then raised her head and met with her eyes, being completely honest about her answer.

Radhika: You're right. I couldn't love him, I couldn't make him happy. The one man...who sacrificed everything for me, just to see a smile on my face, is in this state...because of me.

Radhika's scrutinizing glare was immediately calmed down when she heard the sadness in her voice and the fact that it was purely honest. Riddhima slowly walked pass her, thinking about her days with Siddhant while Radhika's eyes followed her.

Riddhima: We were always fighting when we first met. He was this...rich, spoilt brat from an NRI family, always breaking the rules, always taking things jokingly, and I was a serious and responsible doctor, always prioritizing my work but always carrying a certain emptiness in my heart.

Radhika: Wasn't Armaan there to fill this emptiness in your heart?

Riddhima sensed the scrutinizing tone again, but she took it in her stride.

Riddhima: Years ago our hospital had a terrorist attack. One of the terrorist fired a bullet while I was reaching out to Armaan and it hit me, when it did, I fell on Armaan and Armaan fell down, hitting his head on a glass table. We were both lying down, bleeding profusely. I somehow managed to survive it, but then I got the news that...Armaan was...dead.

Radhika immediately felt a certain regret uttering those words.

Riddhima: When I came back to Sanjeevani, that's when Siddhant was doing his internship. Heheheh. We fought countless of times. It was ridiculous hehehe.

Radhika's heart kind of pricked seeing Riddhima reminisce those fruitful memories.

Riddhima: But then, I found out that Armaan was actually alive, in a mental hospital, that blow in the head changed him. When I found out, I lost complete control over myself, I became hysterical, to the point of almost being mad. Betrayal and shock got the better of me.

Radhika: Betrayal?

Riddhima: My father hid the fact that Armaan was alive. He felt that it was best to just let me move on in my life. But how could I? I love him.

Radhika: (sigh)

Riddhima: Papa couldn't understand what he should do so Siddhant offered to help him, and so he sent him to aid me.

Radhika: (smiling)

Riddhima: He saved my life countless times, brought me back to my senses when at times I completely lost it. He was a true friend, and went through a great deal, just so that I could be happy.

Radhika: (smirking)

Riddhima: When finally I was unable to find Armaan, papa made the decision that we should get married...actually...it was Siddhant's idea.

Radhika: Really?

Riddhima: Yes. Seeing as to how the people were talking about my madness over a man was shadowing my family's reputation and honor. So Siddhant offered himself up to that task, and we eventually got married.

Radhika: I see...

Riddhima: After marriage, things were so clear for me, I was actually ready to move on with Sid, and I realized how much he had done for me and my family. He is my savior...my one...true...friend...without him...i wouldn't be standing in front of you.

Radhika was startled at seeing the emotions going through Riddhima, she wondered if Riddhima actually loves him or not. A lone tear escaped from Riddhima's eyes. Oh how she missed her Sid. She slowly turned towards Radhika with beads of tears still slowly flowing down her face.

Riddhima: I need him to be the Sid I once knew. I need him...to live again. I'm in pain already Radhika, but my pain is nothing compared to the pain he's been carrying for 5 years. Please...you're my only hope Radhika.

Radhika, shocked at listening to her request.

Riddhima: Will you help me?

Radhika: (silence)

Riddhima: (waiting for her answer)

Radhika: Yes...

Riddhima instantly heaved out a sigh and then smiled widely listening to her answer. She now has a hope to make things normal, just the way it used to be before. She let out a slight giggle and looked at Radhika who smiled back at her. She then walked up to her and hugged Radhika tightly.

Riddhima: Thank you...so much!

Radhika was moved by how much she actually did care for Siddhant. More so, she needed helpers now more than ever. She smiled and returned her hug.

Radhika: hehe... no problem.

They both stayed in that position for some time, while Radhika let Riddhima mellow down, comforting her like a friend.

At the evening:

Radhika was at home packing when Sue came into her room carrying a glass of water.

Sue: For God's sake just sit down and catch some breath.

Radhika: My God I didn't realize how late I am! He'll straight chop me up if I end up getting him late.

Sue: No he won't.

Radhika: Ohhoho then you haven't seen the REAL Siddhant now.

Sue: Why?

Radhika: You'll see.

Yuvi came up to their room, being his cheeky usual self.

Yuvi: Okay, one question. How is it that your house is completely opposite to his?

Radhika smiled when she heard his question.

Radhika: Because...

Sue: Because?

Radhika stopped her packing mid-way and just went into a trance. She turned towards the window and gazed at Siddhant's house. She smiled a bit while thinking about him.

Radhika: Because I wanted to be close...

Sue: ooohhh.

Radhika: Wanted to see him, check if he's alright.

Yuvi: Well ain't that creepy.

Radhika came back to reality listening to his words, she quickly turned towards him, questioning his words.

Radhika: Why?

Yuvi: It's like you're spying on him.

Radhika: Well...yeah...but for his own good you know.

Yuvi: If you two ever end up getting married, I'm so telling him this.

Radhika: Oh geez! Please don't!

Yuvi: I will.

Radhika: Yuvi! If you do that I swear...

Yuvi: You'll what?

Yuvi's mockery made Radhika chase him everywhere in the room while Sue tried to stop them. Yuvi was having a great time teasing Radhika when suddenly Radhika's cell phone beeped. They all stopped running and Radhika grabbed her phone and looked at the message.

Kaka: Beta. Siddhant tumhare ghar aaraha hai.

It was as if Radhika's heart dropped down to her belly.

Radhika: He Bhagwaan!

Radhika quickly packed everything she needed, while Yuvi and Sue sat down on the bed, looking at Radhika running here and there grabbing stuff just like two kids looking at their mom being crazy. Radhika was just grabbing things and stuffing them up in her bag. She heard the door bell ring and she went to the mirror, took some lip gloss and eye shadows and applied them like crazy while Sue and Yuvi giggled silently seeing her entertain them. She heard a second door bell and she was almost on fire.

Sue: Alright alright calm down, you've got everything you need. You're perfect, now just answer the door.

Radhika: Alright uh...foods in the fridge, your bed's have been made, everything's been settled for you, just stay here as long as you like okay.

Sue: Don't worry, we'll be sure not to overstay your welcome. You've been a good friend, in the meantime Yuvi will look for an apartment.

Radhika: Okay uh...what else...oh right! See ya!

Radhika gave a quick peck on her cheek, took her suitcase and was about to run when Yuvi stopped her.

Yuvi: Wait.

Radhika: Whaaahahat?!? He's waiting downstairs.

Yuvi: Do you honestly think you'll be able to carry that?

Yuvi grabbed the bags and took them downstairs, while Radhika followed him. Yuvi then quickly ran upstairs before Siddhant could see him. Radhika opened the door and saw an irritated Siddhant.

Siddhant: You're late.

Radhika(nervously giggling): Yes...i know.

Siddhant: get in the car.

Radhika(offended): alright.

Siddhant: Is this your stuff?

Radhika: Yeah.

Siddhant was about to grab the bags when he realized how heavy it was.

Siddhant: We're going for a 1 week trip to Lonavla for medical purposes and she packs like we're going on a vacation.

Radhika just kept standing there with her arms crossed over her chest, just watching Siddhant's antics and thinking what a hardass he's become. Siddhant kept the bags in the trunk of his car, closed the trunk and then marched straight towards the driver's seat.

Radhika: AHEM!

Her hint made him realize that he didn't offer Radhika to sit down, so he shut his eyes tight and sighed, thinking of his bad manners and then opened the front door for her.

Radhika: Why thank you sir.

Siddhant twitched his eyebrows listening to her sarcastic tone and then closed the door for her after she comfortable settled down. He then walked past the front of the car and then sat down on the driver's seat, buckling up his seat belt.

Siddhant: The weather's been so bad, I dunno how long it's going to take to reach there.

Radhika: I don't mind for a long road trip.

Siddhant looks at her scrutinizingly, while Radhika thought of her words and then sat straight up.

Radhika: I mean, it's been a long time since I've been anywhere.

Siddhant: You...(sighs)

Siddhant was mostly worried about the patients there. It's bad enough that Radhika pushed back his schedule but the bad weather could be a problem. He started his engine, shifted the gear to the first gear and drove away with her in the distance. Sue and Yuvi saw the entire scene from the balcony of Radhika's room.

Sue: It ain't gonna be easy for her to tame that lion.

Yuvi: True dat. So...wanna fool around?

Sue: What?! NO! Have some respect.

Yuvi: Oh I have the utmost respect for you and for our love and our love demands that we need some lovin' to do.

Sue: Well I'm sorry darling, but find a way to satisfy your own love. We're in someone's house for God's sake.

Yuvi: All the more reason to fool around!

Sue: You're unbelievable.

Yuvi: I know. You did marry the Mr. Unbelievable right?

Sue: Hehe. Now move aside while I clean up her room.

Yuvi: Alright alright. But don't be surprised when I find someone else to do the lovin'.

Sue: I challenge you to find someone Mr. Unbelievable. Not a girl is as crazy as I am to end up marrying to you.

Yuvi: Whoa wait wait...are you crazy about me?

Sue: AND THAT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN IS THE BIGGEST TWIST IN THE TALE OF SUVARNA AND YUVRAAJ. Why else would I marry you?

Yuvi: Well...that sounds nice.

Sue: Now was that enough to satisfy your love? Now help me with this.

Yuvi: Yes ma'am. But tonight, you're not gonna stop me from loving you.

Sue was cleaning Radhika's bed and rose up listening to his words when her eyes instantly met with his, and she started to feel weak right in the spot seeing the intensity in his eyes.

Yuvi(slowly walking towards her): Because Mrs. Suvarna Yuvraaj Oberoi, this Mr. Unbelievable needs to show you how much he loves you.

Sue: (looking at him with dreamy eyes)

Yuvi: If you're crazy for him...he's ten times crazier for you.

Sue: (blushing) Okay Mr. Unbelievable, but in one condition, you'll help me clean this mess up.

Yuvi: There goes the romantic moment. Okay meri maa, chalo saaf karte hai.

Sue laughs heartily while Yuvi rambles with himself, failing in the attempt to successfully seduce his wife.

Siddhant and Radhika were driving through a desolate lane which appears to be forests on either side of the road. It was nearly 10 in the evening and the road was pretty abandoned. Siddhant took the shortcut to reach for highway to Panchgani. Now in this situation, a girl would tremble in their knees, looking here and there; feeling scared looking at the environment. But young and beautiful Radhika just sat back, analyzing the scenary. They passed by a big sign and Radhika saw it and just for the heck of it, thought to share something.

Radhika: You know, it is said that a ghost lives there.

Siddhant: What ghost?

Radhika: The sign that we just passed by, it is said by many people that this forest is haunted. It is said that during the historic times, a youn woman and a king fell in love with each other even though the king was already married. The young woman's happiness knew no bounds when she knew that the King loves her, so she asked if they could get married. Of course this was all done in secret, but the Queen's maid saw all of this and reported it to the Queen. Out of anger and betrayal, the Queen sentenced the young woman to death, by cursing her saying that she'll never find true love and that she'll always be incomplete. Now her ghost is trapped in this realm and she's trapped here for 350 years and-

Siddhant: Oh would you just be quiet!

Radhika(offended): okay okay, jeez...i think someone's scared.

Siddhant: (in a grunt voice) I'm not scared. And you know what...that woman deserved. I think the King deserved to die more than the woman, serves him right to cheat on his wife.

Radhika: (observing him closely)

Siddhant: This is why I hate people who betray others, it ends up hurting the ones you love.

Radhika for some reason had a faint idea of why Siddhant uttered those words with raw rage.

Radhika: Does it have to do something with his own marriage? Or maybe friends?

Radhika was brutally brought back to the present hearing Siddhant's voice.

Siddhant: I would appreciate it, if you stayed quiet until we reach the highway.

Radhika: Fine...jerk.

Siddhant looked at Radhika with irritation and then focused on the road again.

Siddhant kept driving the road but his mind was somewhere else. He didn't know why he's always irritated with Radhika, or the mere tone of her voice pisses him off. He couldn't put a finger on why she could affect him in this way. He realized that it was his own fault; he was being a real jerk with her, while she was just sharing something that she thought was interesting. He sighed.

Siddhant: I apologize.

Radhika: For what?

Siddhant: ...for being a jerk.

Radhika: Wow!! You do have a heart in there!! You do have feelings!! At one point I was beginning to think you're a cyborg.

Siddhant(in a uninterested voice): that's hilarious.

Radhika looked at Siddhant and scoffed.

Radhika: Anyway, apology accepted.

Siddhant: Oh thank God. Now she can shut up.

Minutes later they finally pass the lane and enter the highway to Panchgani. About 10 minutes into the highway and they already caught up with traffic. Siddhant was all shifty in his seat while Radhika listened to music in her cell phone.

Radhika(singing and head bobbing): I kissed a girl and I liked it. Lalalalalaaalala...

Siddhant: Ugh...

Radhika(singing and head bobbing): It felt so wrong, it felt so right, don't mean I'm in love tonight

I kissed a girl and I liked it, I liked it.

Listening to those lyrics, it made Siddhant's stomach churn upside down. He couldn't help but feel so irritated.

Siddhant: She has such bad taste in music.

Siddhant: Hey.

Radhika(singing): laaalallaaala.

Siddhant: Hey!

Radhika(singing): laaalallaaala.

Siddhant(shouting): HEY!!!!!!

Radhika(startled): Hey whoa what?!?! What is it?!!

Siddhant(In a deep voice): You mind not singing that disgusting song out loud?

Radhika: Why? Is it bugging you?

Siddhant: ...What do you think?

Siddhant glared at her in such a way that it made her stop the song and pull out the ear plugs from her ear. Siddhant then sat back and gazed at the traffic.

Siddhant: It's 11 in the evening and we still not halfway to Panchgani. I think I should call Rekha Maasi.

Radhika: Rekha Maasi?

Siddhant: She's the caretaker of the Panchgani orphanage.

Siddhant dialed up her number and called her.

Rekha: Hello?

Siddhant: Hello? Rekha Maasi? Namaste. It's me Siddhant.

Rekha: Are Siddhant beta!!! How are you?

Siddhant: I'm fine thank you Maasi. I trust by now you got the news that me along with my colleague are coming to the orphanage?

Rekha: Yes yes. Shashank explained everything to me? When will you reach here?

Siddhant: That's the reason why I called you, it might be late. The weather is quite bad, plus there's a lot of traffic.

Rekha: Don't worry darling, you come here safe and sound.

Siddhant: I will. Jai Shri Krishna.

Rekha: Jai Shri Krishna.

Siddhant: (sigh) well that settles one thing. Now we can just take our time.

Radhika felt this was the best time to attack.

Radhika: We do? Coz I'm really hungry.

Siddhant: Well...it is late, and I'm kinda hungry too.

Radhika(smiling): hmmm...

Siddhant: So where would you wanna go? Italian, Indian, Chinese?

Radhika: At a Dhaba.

Siddhant: Dhaba?

Radhika: Yeah!

Siddhant: You wanna go at a Dhaba.

Radhika: I'm sorry. But do you see any hotshot restaurants here?

Siddhant: (glaring at her)

Radhika: Dhaba it is. C'mon giddy up!

Siddhant: What an irritating girl.

Completely irritated with her, they plan on stopping at a dhaba. As the traffic finally started to move, Radhika honestly couldn't help but feel really hungry. The last thing she wanted was Siddhant to hear her tummy roll. Now that would've been plain embarrassing. Siddhant could see Radhika fidgeting in her seat and could understand that she was hungry. So he drove the car and he immediately saw a dhaba nearby.

Radhika: Yes! Finally!

Siddhant looked at her, and she immediately shut her mouth. Siddhant parked the car nearby and got out of the car. He then moved towards Radhika's side and opened the door for her. The got out of the car, and she couldn't resist the fresh monsoon air as she filled her lungs with it.

Radhika: Isn't the weather awesome?

Siddhant: Yeah.

Radhika: Let's go!

Radhika walked ahead of Siddhant and Siddhant kept looking here and there when he suddenly froze in the spot.

Siddhant: No.

Siddhant quickly realized, it was the same dhaba that he brought Riddhima over when they were going for the Sanjeevani concert, and more importantly, right after he confessed what she meant to him. Radhika walked but suddenly stopped noticing that Siddhant isn't following her. She turned around and saw Siddhant lost in his memories with a melancholic expression. Radhika's mind switched from her fun self to the real Radhika. She could clearly see a thousand different emotions going through his mind. If it was the right time, she would've ran towards Siddhant and hugged him tight until he forgets those painful memories. But now is not the right time, and even though Riddhima was the one to make him go through all of this, she herself is in a cage filled with regret. Radhika did promise Riddhima that she'll be with Siddhant, but more importantly, it was a promise she made to herself. Radhika pushed that thought out the window and focused on Siddhant.

Radhika: Dr. Siddhant?!?!?

Siddhant was brought back to the present by Radhika's shrilling voice. For a moment, he despised Radhika and her irritating voice of hers. Little did he know that she did that intentionally, Siddhant looked at her with irritation while she was her jolly self.

Radhika: Let's go!

Siddhant: This woman...

Siddhant slowly walked into the dhaba without realizing the fact that Radhika just saved him from drowning in his pool of forgotten memories.

The moment Siddhant entered the dhaba, he couldn't help but feel confused. People were eating their food like a bunch of gluttons, no table manners at all.

Man: Oy koi lassi wassi la de!

Siddhant gazed at the man, utterly confused. Radhika was all excited, but seeing Siddhant standing idly again analyzing the surrounding, she walked towards him.

Radhika(teasing): Sir? What's wrong? Scared?

Siddhant was taken aback by her words.

Radhika: I knew it, this sort of place is out of your league. If you want, we can go someplace else?

Siddhant: Have I said anything about me not liking this place? No.

Radhika: (obeidiently shaking her head)

Siddhant walked towards a table, when he slightly tripped over a rug.

Siddhant: Tsk.

Radhika couldn't help but giggle.

He reached for a table but analyzed the sanity of it. Even though he was tough and prim and proper, he was also very cautious about hygine. Radhika stood behind him and poked him on the shoulder. Siddhant looked at Radhika and he stepped aside, letting her sit first while he still kept looking here and there. Finally he was sitting down when one of the legs of the chair snapped, making him almost fall on the ground. Luckily he held the table and saved himself from the humiliation. Radhika cupped her mouth, trying hard not to laugh but this didn't escape Siddhant's eyes.

Radhika: Oy chotu! Ek chair le aana.

A teenager brough another chair, and before Siddhant could sit on it, he tested the agility of the chair.

Radhika: The chair is fine for God's sake, sit down.

Siddhant(frustrated): You better watch your mouth. You're talking to your senior.

Radhika(irritated by his remark): Well you are making a fuss out of nothing, now can we order our food so I can eat?

Siddhant: Fine.

Siddhant was obviously frustrated by the fact that he's eating at the same dhaba where he brought his ex-wife but this time with a stranger, and the fact that he's already making a fool out of himself. The teenager took a out a notepad and a pencil.

Teenage: Bolo saab. Kya leke aau? Aalo matar, Daal fry, chicken masala, shahe panir-

Siddhant: Ek minute...menu card nahi hai?

Radhika couldn't help but smile at his question.

Teenager: Nahi saab yaha nahi banta.

Siddhant: Lekin-

Radhika: Sir. Hold on.

Radhika: aap ek kaam kijiye, aap ek daal makhni, ek butter chicken, ek shahe panir...

Siddhant: (looking at her ordering so many food)

Radhika: ...do lassiyan, aur haan lache paratha leke aaye.

Siddhant: (his mouth slightly dropping)

Radhika: aur saath me peyaaz kat kar laana.

The teenager nodded his head and went away.

Siddhant: Dr. Radhika, all this food...just for us?

Radhika: W..why sir? Is it not enough? We'll order more later.

Siddhant: (shockingly staring at her)

Radhika: You see...i don't like wasting food.

Siddhant: Not only does she have bad taste in music...she eats a lot as well.

While they were waiting for food, a bunch of kids just ran through the entrance and started playing tag.

Man: Oy puttar aaram se! idhar betho aaram se. haan.

The family sat on a table and Radhika smiled and greeted them.

Radhika: Sasriyakal bhabi ji.

Woman: Sasriyakal ji!

Radhika: Aapka dupatta bara sona hai.

Siddhant gazed at Radhika and then shifted his gaze to the woman. The man noticed Siddhant sitting there and as a usual Punjabi he got excited.

Man: Oh bhaisahab! Sasriyakal ji!

Siddhant(a slight nod):... Hmm

The man and the woman looked at each other disappointed at the response. Siddhant was clearly not comfortable at this place.

Woman: Yeh banda toh bara aajeeb hai. Are tujhe kahan se mil gaya?

Siddhant was shocked hearing this.

Radhika: Are nahi nahi, yeh Mumbai ke kothe me rehne wale log aaise hi hote hai.

Siddhant glared at Radhika.

Radhika: Nah unhe hasna aata hai, aur nahi kisi se baath-

Radhika looked at Siddhant angrily gazing at her.

Radhika: -aata hai.

Radhika instantly stopped talking.

Just then two Punjabi kids came up to him and started poking him. Siddhant gazed at him.

Kid1: Coat kyun pehna hai? Thand lag rahi hai?

Siddhant: Nahi toh.

Siddhant slowly opened his coat and kept it securely beside him. The kid then pointed at his collar.

Siddhant: Hmm.

Siddhant slowly unbuttoned his collar, looking more casual now.

Kid1: Yeh bahar kiski gaari hai? Tumhari hai?

Kid2: aap hume uss me ghumao ge?

Siddhant couldn't say anything to an innocent child, he stared at Radhika while she smiled at the kids.

Siddhant: This woman...is dangerous.

The kid noticed his gaze and then poked him.

Kid1: Aap uss aunty ko ghur kyun rahe ho?

Siddhant: Kya?

Kid1: Haan.

Siddhant: Main kisiko ghur nahi raha hoon.

Man: Are bache idhar aajao!

Siddhant heaved a sigh of relief.

Radhika: Sir? You like kids?

Siddhant(immediately): No! I don't like kids.

Just then the food arrived. Two big plates just filled with food. Siddhant was utterly confused now, he hasn't experienced something like this. Radhika looked at him.

Radhika: Sir? What's wrong? Dig in.

Siddhant: hmm. But first I need to wash my hands.

Radhika: Does a lion ever wash his hands?

Siddhant: What?

Radhika: eh...nothing. Chotu!

The teenager came running to them.

Radhika: Inki haath dhula de.

The teenager brought a jug of water.

Siddhant: Yehi pe dhona hai?

Teenaager: Yahapar nahi toh kya chandigargh jaake dhoge?

Siddhant was taken back by his remark, clenching his jaws. The teenager poured the water while he washed his hands with frustration.

Siddhant: Napkin dena.

The teenager gave his cloth to him, Siddhant once again, frustrated by everything.

Siddhant: Nahi chahye.

Radhika enjoyed this scenary, it's been a long time since she's seen Siddhant like this.

Siddhant was about to wipe the water on his pants but decided not to. His gaze got fixed at something really brutal. A man, bringing their glasses of water with his fingers dipped in them, holding two glasses together like that and placed it on their table that made Siddhant feel utterly disgusted.

Radhika: Sir? Let's start. Their butter chicken is awesome!

Radhika chewed a morsel of food and savoured the explosive taste of it.

Radhika: mmm. Their daal makhni is really good. Dig in!

Siddhant lost his apetite long ago. People around him were pouring food all over their plates and mixing them with their fingers, made him sick. His gaze got fixed on Radhika, while she ate her food gracefully biting green chilli along the way.

Radhika: You know? A food is incomplete without green chilli. Once that spice hits your tongue, it's mouth watering. Try it!

Siddhant: No thanks.

Man: Are bhai saab! Ek baat bataun aapko? Ek dum theek keh rahe hai aap. Inn auroton ke baat me mat aana. Ek baar meri patni mera pyaar hasil karne ke liye pata kya bola? Bola ke pandra mirchi kha jao! Ab bhai saab tab jaake inko vishwaas hua, ke main inse pyaar karta hoon. Who gaana suna aapne? Mohabbat hai mirchi janam! HAHAHAHA!!!!

Siddhant: (looking at him disgustingly)

Radhika: Pandra mirchi?! Yeh toh koi Punjab ka dillwala hi kar sakhta hai! Hai na uncle ji? (intentionally saying) Sheher me kahan mill sakhta aise dillwale?

Woman: Aisa kyun bol rahi hai kuriye? Yeh tera sher dekhne me toh bara dill wala lagta hai.

Siddhant: (shocked)

Radhika(blushing): Hehehehe! Nahi! Yeh mere sher nahi hai!

Siddhant: (blushing)

Radhika: Mera matlab hai, aisa kuch nahi hai! Yeh meri boss hai. Sirf boss.

Woman: Are? Toh kya boss dillwale nahi hote?

Radhika: Nahi aunty ji. Main to mazag kar rahi thi. Yeh mirchi nahi kha payenge. Jane dijiye na.

Siddhant: (feeling offended and challenged) What do you think? I can't eat chilli?

Radhika: No sir I was just-

Siddhant: You think I can't eat chilli huh?

Siddhant took a big fat green chilli, while Radhika was surprised seeing his confidence. Siddhant bit the chilli and kept chewing it as if he was chewing wafer sticks.

Radhika: Sir?!?!?! These are really spicy?!?!?!

The couple was shocked as well seeing him bolstering like that. Siddhant ate one chilli after another until his eyes watered up and his started coughing, he could feel his throat tearing apart with all that chilli. Radhika kept on stopping him but he wouldn't. Surprised with his stubbornness, she finally held his hand, making him stop. Siddhant slowly raised his teary eyes and met with Radhika's who was shocked to the core. She quickly handed him a glass of lassi before he started having heartburn. Like an obedient child, Siddhant gulped down the glass of lassi, letting the cold lassi cool down his aching throat, while Radhika stared at him feeling guilty. Siddhant gulped down the lassi gazing at her, wondering why she looked sad all of a sudden. As he finished it, his upper lip was covered with lassi.

Woman: Dekha kuriye? Ab pata chala kitna dillwala hai tera munda?

Siddhant was feeling better, accomplishing something.

Radhika: Nahi aunty, aisi koi baat nahi hai. Maine aapse kaha na...yes sirf meri boss hai.

Siddhant: hmm.

Woman: acha baba sorry ji. Sorry.

Radhika slowly looked at Siddhant and noticed the lassi patch on his mouth. She politely pointed it out to him but he couldn't understand it. He ended up wiping away his tears. Radhika leaned forward and put her fingers on his lips. He gazed at Radhika while she wiped away the lassi from his lips, he could feel her fingers shaking. Radhika felt her heart skip beats after beats. She couldn't stop her fingers from shaking. She fixed her eyes with his and shared an eye-lock. For a moment, Siddhant forgot where he was, all he could see were those dark brown orbs, those eyes, which tried to say something to him but he was still blind to see. Radhika realized what she as doing and she swiftly wiped away the lassi from his lips. Siddhant sat up straight, realizing the awkwardness that just surrounded them.

Siddhant: We uh...we need to get going.

Radhika: Hmm.

The teenager came up to them and received the bill. They both got up, Siddhant wore his coat and they both walked towards the car. Radhika walked ahead of him while his eyes got fixed at one thing, the bench where Riddhima and Siddhant enjoyed their cup of tea. He could see his younger self talking to Riddhima and smiling and giggling. Siddhant missed those times...so badly. Radhika once again brought him back to his senses and he realized what he was doing. He heaved a huge sigh and then walked towards his car. They both sat down and they drove away to Panchgani.

After a good 2 hours, they finally reached the orphanage. As Siddhant drove through the driveway, Radhika was amazed by the beauty of the orphanage. She was surprised to see such a beautiful place. Siddhant parked the car in front of the doorway, Rekha Maasi opened the door, came out and quickly greeted them.

Rekha Maasi: Are! Siddhant beta! Chalo jaldi aajao, thand lag jaygi.

Siddhant couldn't help but realize that he indeed missed her. He came forward and touched her feet.

Rekha Maasi: Are jeete raho beta. And who's this?

Siddhant: This is my colleague, she's a pediatrician sent here by Dr.Shashank.

Radhika: Namaste.

Rekha Maasi: Namaste.

Girl: Genie bhaiyya??!?

Siddhant could instantly understand that voice. As he saw the girl in front of her, he couldn't believe his eyes, she's gotten tall and elegant and beautiful, but her eyes showed the same mischeviousness she always had.

Siddhant: Tamanna?!?!?!

Tamanna: Genie bhaiyya!!!!!!!!!

Tamanna ran towards him and hugged him tight.

Siddhant: Holy God, you've gotten so big!!! And so tall!!!

Tamanna: I missed you so much you have no idea. Why didn't you come and visit me huh?!?!

Radhika saw another side of Siddhant with this little girl, she saw the Siddhant she knew before. More surprisingly, his attitude and behavior comepletely changed.

Siddhant: Well Tamanna. It's a long story.

Tamanna: Well go on! I have all the time.

Rekha Maasi: No you don't. It's getting late young lady, no go to sleep.

Tamanna: But-

Rekha Maasi: Go. Don't worry, they're here to stay. You can talk all you want tomorrow morning.

Tamanna: Really?! You're here to stay.

Siddhant: Yes.

Tamanna: And who's she?

Radhika: Oh! Silly me. (knelt down in front of her) I'm Radhika, I'm doctor too.

Tamanna gazed at this beautiful woman. More importantly, she reminded her of Riddhima, and thinking about Riddhima, she wondered what happened to her. She's seen their love story bloom, Siddhant coming here without her, made this little girl wonder.

Tamanna: hhhiii...

Rekha Maasi: Okay, it's getting late, you go to bed Tamanna.

Tamanna: Okay. See you guys tomorrow.

Siddhant: Tomorrow.

Radhika: What a sweet kid. I thought you didn't like kids?

Rekha Maasi: If he said that to you, he lied. He loves kids too much to the point he spoils them.

Siddhant: ...

Radhika: (smiling)

Rekha Maasi: I'll tell Kaka to bring your luggages inside, in the meantime, get inside and warm yourselves up.

Siddhant: hmm.

Siddhant followed Rekha inside the house while Radhika stood there with her hands on her hips, smiling mischiviously.

Radhika: Well well...this is gonna be interesting.

She went inside the house, excited for what this trip will bring to her.