When physicians' cars lined up outside RK mansion, the media began speculating the possibilities, both good and bad. Despite Bittuji's best efforts, the tabloids had declared Madhu either professionally sick or potentially pregnant.
"Ji haan, jab se Madhubala RK ki zindagi mein aayi hain, unki museebatain bhadti hi jaa rahi hain. Pehle toh unki media ke saath badtamzee (lightening strikes in the background). Phir, apni bhabhi Deepali se ladayi jaisa ke Deepali ne pichle hafte khud qubool kiya (another unnecessary lightening bold for added effect). Aur ab, Madhubala beemar ho saktee hain. Hamare saath hain iss sadi ke sabse bade astrologer Shri Pandit aur numerologist Dr. Ganitt. Pandit ji aapka kya maanna hai?"
"Dekhiye, Madhubala aur RK ek doosre ke liye acche nahi hain. Yeh ladki uski duniya mein toofaan layegi. Definately, Madhubala beemaar hai".
"I disagree", the numerologist was eager to give his two cents on the rumours. "I think she is pregnant. They are meant to be together. Voh dono ek se hain. Yeh jo bhi hai unko paas layega. Mujhe lagta hai yeh khuskhabri hai".
Bittuji switched off the TV. "Bhabhiji, they are just trying to cash in. You do not have to watch such nonsense. Hold on, I will give them a piece of my mind. How dare they!"
"So defensive, you two. They don't bother. I better", Madhu smiled at the silliness of the gents.
Bittuji forced a smile in return. What he really needed was a hug. The poor guy had been running around making sure chief and his wife had to face the least of the outside worries.
"Chief, aapke saare outdoor shoot mein cancel kardeta hoon. Interview ke liye toh pehle hi mana kar diya. Aap bas yahan ka dhyan rakhiye".
"Bittuji meine aapse kuch kaha kya?"
"Toh chief aap kya chahte hain, mein vahi kar deta hoon".
"Cancel kar do", RK scratched his head the absurdity of his argument.
"Vahi karne ja tha. He trying madad. Take it, you akdu", Madhu interrupted their little conversation.
"Don't you interfere with your broken hindi, Biwi. You are sick"
"Sick not dead"
And, they were back to their bickering selves. Bittuji went to check if the pole outside was still in its place.
The doctors decided upon sending Madhu to a rehabilitation centre. RK wouldn't have any of their reasoning.
"There is no way I am going to let my Biwi spend a minute with those other world crazies. She is not leaving this house. Money is not an object. Name your price, all of you".
"Mr. Kundra, its not the money we are taking about. She needs to break her routine. She needs a change from her surroundings. We will slowly rehabituate her to the stimuli she will face in the real world. We will eliminate any possible problem sources. During this time, we need you and any other familiar faces to stay away".
"How about I leave the house? I will change the designs, furniture, everything. It will be good as new. Can she stay then?"
The doctor reluctantly agreed. "You must really love her, Mr. RK."
"No, I just. She is my Biwi, okay?", RK responded like a teenager being questioned about his girlfriend.
------------------------------------------------------
"Bittuji, the shoot is back on", RK declared as he anxiously paced back and forth.
Madhubala gave RK the puppy dog look, asking him to stay.
"I can't put everything on hold for you, Biwi".
"Then don't. I like you". Madhubala's words came out of the blue and hit him like a tornado. He was flying high. He jumped on the bed and placed his body on top of hers."Bittuji I don't have time for special announcements. The door is on your right".
His rough lips touched hers. He placed a slight peck. Then, went back for a deeper wet kiss. "This time it really is goodbye, Madhu. I will see you when you are better".
Madhu pushed him off her. She wiped her lips with her hands and screamed. "Don't know what do with you". She pulled her hair to channel her frustration.
"Kiss me", RK smirked.
"Get out".
_____________________
Six months had passed. RK received regular reports of Madhu's progression.
"It was post traumatic stress, Mr. Kundra. She has recovered well. Her symptoms will disappear gradually. She might experience another fit but, nothing of such severity as in the past. Mrs. Kundra is ready to see you again".
An overjoyed RK rushed on the next flight home.
"I need to surprise her, Biituji. Make sure she has no idea of my return."
RK tip toed into his bedroom where Madhu was sound asleep. He contemplated waking her up. Then, he decided against it. He admired the drool the side of her face. "Me no drool", he imitated her faking a Russian accent, "liar". He lay down beside her and whispered, "wake up sleepy head. Look who's home".
Madhu opened an eye to peek at the picturesque frame of her husband. She poked him in disbelief. Then, she grabbed him by the collar and placed several kisses on his cheeks and forehead before nearly choking on his stubble. She spit out whatever she had gotten inside her mouth.
"Go shave", she ordered.
"Wow, is this real life?", RK was in a playful mood. "Did my wife just kiss me?"
"That nothing. Never happened. Dreaming. I kiss Prince Charming. I wake up, see you. What to do?"
"I am your only Prince Charming, Biwi. Don't back down now. You like me, remember?"
"Go couch. Pervert of sanctuary".
"Century Biwi".
She threw a pillow in his direction, "Take this! No correct me".
"Yes ma'am", RK sat on his side of the bed.
"Where think you coming? COUCH NOW!"
"Don't you think you are a little too demanding of a husband who was on a wanvaas for ya these six months", RK played the guilt card.
Madhu swallowed her saliva and signalled an okay with the kissing birds. RK jumped back on the bed and stared intently at the unique piece of work, his Biwi.
Ye Hai Mohabbatein
