Dill Mill Gayye (Season 3) My version

Hey guys! I'm really sorry for not being able to be frequent on this site. For those of you who don't know me, i used to be EternalSiddhima, but uh- i don't wanna be that anymore. I used to be an avid fan of Siddhima, but after the debacle of the ending of DMG 2, I lost all interest on this couple, mainly on Riddhima. But I always wanted to know what happened to Siddhant after the post AR reunion, so this is my vision of what happens to Siddhant. Also i want to be clear, this is a Siddhant/Karan Wahi FF. This is my vision of what DMG 3 is going to be if Siddhant was the main character of the show.

So it starts 5 years later after the events of AR reunion. Siddhant tries to live life by himself, accompanied only by Riddhima's memories. For him, it's a painful experience to live like this, but he knows that he still loves Riddhima and that his loyal to his love for her. But destiny has a different plan for him, and he will know, that true love comes for everyone.

-Part 1,2,3,4,5 : Page 1

-Part 6,7,8,9,10: Page 2

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 information 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 excitement suddenly changed into love. The man she loved for the past 12 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.

[Radhika's BG tune no.1]

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.