Part 89
For the next half an hour Sid and Juhi had discussed Shashank's case. What bothered Sid was that Shashank's condition was not as critical as he had anticipated but his not responding to the medication had become a worry. Juhi's assumptions seemed to the best fit
Juhi: Extreme stress ...Shayaad woh Riddhima aur armaan ke rishtey ke problems se thak chuke hai. Kabhi khatam hone ka naam hi nahi lete
Sid: hmmm
Juhi: Riddhima is mature enough but as a parent for him to be concerned is obvious
Sid: hmmm
Juhi: Uspe socha ne koi fayada bhi nahi
Sid: Haan waise dekha jaye toh woh yeh un dono ke beech ki baat hai
Juhi understanding the possible discomfort she would cause ended the the topic 'I will check on Dr Shashank once again and come in a while'
Sid: ok ...
She returned after a while to tell him about her leaving to go home
Sid finally got himself to ask 'can you do me a favor?'
Juhi: hmm
Sid: Can you get someone to give to give me a report every hour?
Juhi: are you not going to go to check on him?
Sid: Don't know whether I should...?
Juhi: I can understand ...actually can I say something ...its best you don't go at the moment ...
Juhi had already realized that Shashank was upset probably due to Riddhima shifting out and armaan and Riddhima's marriage having no hope remaining To top it if he was to know of Riddhima's ex husband's presence it may complicate matters further
Juhi: I know you will understand why I am saying so
Sid realized what Juhi was hinting towards and his doubts about not meeting Shashank were due to the same 'I can understand '
Juhi: Thanks
Sid: mujhe thanks bol ke shraminda mat karo please
Juhi just nodded and left for the day
Riddhima returned to her place outside the ICU when the nurse informed her that Shashank was awake if she wanted to meet him Since he was shifted to the hospital Padma was the only one to visit him First Riddhima was busy with the doctors to get his treatment decided and then when the time came Riddhima could not get herself to face him What would she answer to the questions that may be rising in his mind
Her assumptions were no different than Juhi The stress of the consequences of her decisions were the reason for Shashank's condition in the first place and it not improving despite medication. She had wronged and she had to set it right. She had to do it and so she walked into the ICU room. All the strenght mustered came crashing down when her eyes saw the weak drained figure lying on the bed with multiple wires attached to it. She walked up and stood timidly in front of Shashank.
Seeing her walk to his bedside Shashank immediately looked away
Riddhima's assumptions got confirmed Her father knew everything 'Papa' her voice heavy with guilt 'I am sorry'
Shashank turned his head towards her Her guilt ridden eyes tucked his heart but he needed to know 'Kyu Riddhima?'
He waited for his daughter to explain The only response he got was a fresh stream of tears
Shashank: Kyu nahi bataya?
Riddhima: Main aapko aur pareshan nahi karna chahati thi Papa... Aap sab ne bahoot dukh saha hai Main aap ko aur dukh nahi dena chahati thi
Riddhima's guilt seemed to pierce Shashank's soul. He always found himself responsible for the mess in Riddhima's life. Firstly, by getting her to marry Sid and then forcing her to continue in the marriage for 9 whole months. Finally when things fall out between them he asked armaan for his hand in marriage for Riddhima. He thought that he was the best match for her and he had ignored this fact for too long. But by then she had almost detached herself from life. She was breathing but not living. He had felt history to be repeating itself. Her behavior was similar to that when armaan has first left her after the terrorist attack. She had become like a machine which was programmed to do exactly those tasks which seemed to suit the people surrounding her. But unlike the previous time it did not affect her professional life. She always seemed a different person while at work. But things would go back to sqaure one when she was with family. He always felt that once she is married to armaan things would settle down. Riddhima would once again be able to seek happiness, start living life for the joy of it only and be content with her life. But unfortunately that day was yet to come and now after what had happened he knew that it would remain an unfulfilled dream which he may take along with him. He had tried to seek the answers from Riddhima about herself and her life many times and later just let them linger in his mind. But he needed answers now.
'Jab maine armaan se tumhare rishtey ki baat ki thi tab mujhe laga tha ki woh tumhare liye sahi tha Shayaad main hi pehle samaj nahi paya tum dono ke pyaar ko Par shaadi ke baad sirf aur sirf problems face kiye iss rishtey ne kabhi kabhi lagta tha ki sab ke rishto mein problems aati hai Tumhare bhi ayenge par armaan aur tumhara beech ke problems khatam hone ka naam hi nahi le rahe the''. Kahi na kahi accept kar liya tha ki ye sab kabhi kahatam hoga bhi nahi'... Par yeh rishta phir bhi rahega kayam '''.. par woh bhi nahi hua '..aur tumne itna bada faisla le liya woh bhi hume bina bataye'
Riddhima: 'Papa '. Main sirf aapko tension nahi dena chahati thi '' Sab kuch itna achanak ho gaya ''.'
Shashank swiftly cut her in: 'aisa kya ho gaya?'
Riddhima was tongue tied How would she ever explain what really got her to take the decision after 10 long years. If she did not know of armaan's disgraceful deed it was quite possible that she would have carried this dead relationship's weight all her life just to avoid any further controversy and humiliation for her family. But what armaan had done not only hurt Riddhima's respect but had soured some of the most important relationships in her life. But how was she to explain her father what exactly happened. Explaining the reason for her decision would also need her to tell him about her disgraceful act of infidelity. After Sid left Shashank did harbor some grudges for Sid for not standing by Riddhima. He obviously would as he did not know the whole story. But overall he still did consider him to a nice person and hence at points the guilt of ruining Sid's life in the process of securing his daughter's future and happiness also pricked Shashank's heart.
Helpless Riddhima could do nothing but stand there with her head bowed down. Shashank had suspected something fishy when he had seen Sid in Sanjeevani. There was something that was going on in Riddhim's mind which he had to figure out. Riddhima's non responsiveness confirmed his doubts further. Shashank's patience ran out and angrily questioned her again. He wanted to hear it from Riddhima 'Aisa kya ho gaya Riddhima?'
The stern loud voice shook Riddhima completely. Quickly gaining composure she rushed to hold her father's hand 'Papa aap please gussa mat kijiye ''' it's not good for you ''.. please I beg of you '''.'
Shashank: Phir batau kya hua?
Riddhima was in tears. She had to tell him but she knew he would not be able to handle the whole truth. Considering his condition, state of mind and moreover not deserving the embarrassment she decided to tell him the partial truth.
Riddhima: Papa '''. Main thak chuki hoon '''. Main aur barsdaast nahi sakti armaan ki zyatiyaan ''.aur pichale dino jab mujhe kuch cheesey pata chali mere sabar ka bandh poori tarah se toot gaya '''.. main iss rishtey ka bhooj aur nahi handle kar sakti ya main nahi karna chahati '''''
Shashank: Kya pata chal Riddhima ''.. aur kisne bataya ''?
Riddhima: Papa please aap yeh sab mat sochte baitiyen''' Things are fine now ''' armaan ko bhi sab maloom hai ''. Maine use baat ki hai iss baare mein ''..jab woh Mumbai aya tha ek din ke liye ''..
His doubt finally confirmed and he angrily spat out 'Yeh sab tum Siddhant ke wajay se kar rahi hoo na ''''.'' ?'
Natural instinct never fails a person. Defending Sid was one. Riddhima was quick to lash back. 'Papa''.. Siddhant ko bheech mein mat layiye'
Shashank: Kyu na lau ''' uska yaha hona aur tumhara yeh faisla lena itne saalo baad it's not a coincidence'''
Riddhima: Sid ka mere faisle se kuch lena dena nahi hai ''.. jab maine armaan ka ghar choda mujhe maloom bhi nahi tha woh India main hai'''. aur hota toh bhi usse mere faisle pe koi farak nahi padta
Seeing Shashank's confused face Riddhima pleaded 'Trust me Papa Sid ka iss sab se koi lena dena nahi hai'
Before Shashank could ask anything further the doctor walked in to warn them to avoid talking too much. Both just nodded and Riddhima started to move out but not before assuring Shashank of Sid's innocence 'Papa jo kuch bhi hua aaj tak uss mein Sid ki kabhi koi galati nahi thi agar koi zimedaar hai toh woh sirf aur sirf main hoon ...meri Sid se nakamiyaab shaadi se lekar mere armaan ka ghar ghar chodne tak sab kuch ...aur aap please apne aap ko bhi doshi mat maniye ''. Aap sirf ab rest kijiye ''.. all is going to be fine '''trust me ''' Once ''' please'' Papa'
Riddhima moved out leaving Shashank to ponder on things. Hearing her talk about Sid solved his doubts which had been looming large on his mind since the evening he spotted Sid in Sanjeevani.
After going home that evening he had tried to find out more about Sid's presence in Sanjeevani. But the answer he got baffled him further. 'Dr. Modi sirf do operations ke liye aaye the''. woh bhi by chance woh India mein the aur Purva Shah unki family friend ki beti hai isliye unhone woh operation kiya '''. Aur doosra operation unhone sirf isliye kiya kyuki patient ki family ke pass operation ka kharcha uthane ke paise nahi the''Woh aaj hi uss doosre case ka poora handover karke chale gaye ''''.aur shayaad kuch dino mein US wapis chale jayeenge.' Was Sid's presence a mere coincidence and if not then what did Riddhima take this decision due to Sid. Did she see Sid as an escape for her problems like I had seen him years back?
Shashank: Siddhant ka yaha hona sirf ek itefaaq hai aur shayaad main iss baat ko kuch jyaada hi ehmiyat de raha hoon ''..Siddhant ek bahoot hi sujha hua insaan hai ''.. Mujhe yeh maloom nahi ki kya hua tha Siddhant aur Riddhima ke beech jisske wajah se unki shaadi nakamayab hui par aaj maine Riddhima ki aankhon mein aaj maine ek chamak thi - saachai ki. Mera dil keh raha hai ki aaj Riddhima ne jo kaha woh hi saach tha''.Sid zimedaar nahi hai unki nakamayab shaadi ke liye aur naa hi uske faisla ke liya ''''.
Riddhima became a problem child for him only after armaan entered her life and continued to remain one when armaan was there in her life. Her anxiety and indecisiveness always peaked with it was anything related to armaan. But it was strangely absent today when she announced the reasoning for splitting ways with armaan. He somewhere felt happy to see this change in Riddhima. He wanted to believe in her decision in her beliefs. Maybe it was time to let the bird fly free leaving the nest to test herself and her belief.
Sid went and settled in Juhi's office to wait. The look in Riddhima's face kept tucking at his heart. She so needed support and the person who could provide it best was not there. What frustrated him the most was he could not help the situation at all. He spent the remaining afternoon taking hourly reports from the doctor and trying to think of alternatives available for Shashank's treatment.
In the evening when Juhi returned she looked even more stressed All of Riddhima and her attempts to fix a person for the conference were going in vain She worked her way through the files trying to arrive at the best fit for the conference once again. Sid watched her and after a while finally asked her 'Kya hua nothing much just the same the pile of work and this can I help?'
Juhi: No its ok its just admin work which I am trying to finish so that on monday Riddhima will not be bothered with it
Sid: What is it?
Juhi: Nothing just that ...seriously its nothing ... By the way are you not going home
Sid: Don't worry I am fine ...Tumne kuch khaya?
Juhi: Tumne khaya?
Sid: Todha light kuch khaya tha aur tum?
Juhi: Main ghar jaa ke kuch kha loongi
Sid: Do you want me to drop you home?
Juhi: Nahi meri car hai aur waise bhi tum bahoot thak gaye ho I would suggest go home and rest
Sid: Tumhare saath hi nikhal jaonga '''.shayaad ''''
He waited for some time watching Juhi trying to make adjustments in schedules which did not seem to work. Sid once again probed 'Kya hai Juhi?'
Exasperated by Sid's questioning she answered 'kuch nahi hai Siddhant we can't figure out a person for the conference Riddhima was supposed to go and if not her then it should be me'
Sid: Then you go
Juhi: But if I go there is no one to look after my department because my second in line is on leave
Sid thought for a moment 'You had once suggested consulting here will my chipping in help?'
Juhi's face immediately brightened up Yes if you do that then I can get the management to give you charge of my department for three days
Sid: Then that's solved
Juhi: But then what about the other work
Sid: I can take care of that also if that's ok''..
Juhi: No the DO stuff
Sid: Juhi ''how many days you would be away?
Juhi: Three days Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Sid: Cool ''' Tuesday ka kaam hum Monday ko schedule kar denge ''.. if anything is required I can tweek the schedules and if sanctions are required Riddhima will be there in the hospital we can manage something '''. As for Wednesday and Thursday I can prepare and mail you once you approve we can have do the same ''.. as done for Tuesday wherever tweaking required I will manage
Juhi looked a little skeptical about the whole idea but later on when she spoke to the person in the management team He too seemed to agree with the plans Everything seemed to be falling in place. Sid's presence was indeed being a boon for both Riddhima and Juhi. Juhi noticed the visible change in Riddhima and she knew the reason. Though she did not go further and probe about it.
Once all settled Juhi gathered her stuff and started to move out of her office Seeing Sid sit quietly she asked Sid to leave with her to come back next morning. Sid needed to rest She was not going to let him stress himself out like this She did not budge till he left with her They quietly walked down the corridor when they met the doctor who was in charge of Shashank He had some good news for them Shashank was showing some improvements Both their joy knew no bounds After a brief chat walked towards the lift when they were spotted by Riddhima The glee on their faces brought a strange satisfaction to Riddhima She always noticed how comfortable Sid was with Juhi
Juhi: I am so glad things are fallen place and now I don't have to worry I haveyou to help out
Sid: I think you are getting excited too soon I think you should think again about me taking up this consultancy here
Juhi was baffled by Sid's rather serious tone Why?
Sid: Shooch lo mere jaise kya tha woh ...Haan!!! Khadoos ko jhelna padega
Juhi: oh shut up will you ...smacking Sid on his arm
Ouch that hurts ...Sid exclaimed laughing and rubbing his arm What was that?
Juhi: complimentary gift for your honory services said Juhi jokingly
Sid: I am scared now
Juhi: What?
Sid: Yes ...for the people who work here ...in fact I should warn them ki kitni berahem unki boss hai ...
Juhi: oh please ...said Juhi smacking him again Don't you dare spread rumors about me ...
She wanted to meet Juhi but retrieved She could not understand why? She returned to her place outside the ICU.
The pangs of jealousy were again hitting her hard though she felt happy seeing Sid relaxed and happy Was their happy banter their comfort level? The more she thought of it more strongly Juhi's previous night's conversation started ringing in her ears
She hated the thoughts and emotions all that came with it
Restlessness took over and she started pacing the corridor As she passed Shashank's room she peeked in and her mind drifted away from those thoughts
She stood there for a moment to collect herself As she felt sober she settled down in her chair trying to focus on the priorities in her life And she drifted off to sleep.
Sid escorted Juhi to her car and settled in his He did not feel like going home Seeing Sid not starting his car She called him on his cell phone and urged him to leave Sid started his car and both drove out
Though all was beginning to settle down his heart did not find rest Riddhima teary eyes kept bidding his presence He finally turned his car and headed back. On reaching Sanjeevani he headed towards the ICU to find Riddhima sleeping out in a chair. Her worn out look answered why his heart could not find peace. He waited there looking at her from a distance.
The crowd had completely receded The effect of air conditioning was being felt more strongly Riddhima seemed to shiver from the cold He beckoned a nurse requesting her to cover Riddhima with a shawl Riddhima snuggled pulling the blankets closer as her mind sub consciously took in the warm gesture from the person who always made her feel secured Seeing her at peace Sid walked away to settle into the alley adjoining ICU
Link to the next part
https://india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1697442&PID=43721412�
Edited by DJ.. - 14 years ago
Current Affairs
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