The pull between Yash and Aarti was so strong that in a dazed condition they moved towards each other. With the forces of nature and the push from the pure souls of Prashant and Arpita, they found themselves in each other's embrace. He placed a assuring hand on her shoulder. She rested her head on his chest.
Prashant and Arpita said from behind, "You have got what was yours. Now you won't need us. Hold on to each other and move ahead in life".
Prashant's spirit then turned to Arpita's. Extending his hand he asked, "Shall we?"
She held his hand and smiled, "Our work is done. We have united two lost souls, two lovers. Now we have to start our new journey. So yes, we should leave from here". And their spirits faded away.
Yash and Aarti felt their body shiver as those two souls left them. The Shadows of the Past faded away.
Still in Yash's embrace, Aarti whispered, "Ansh...?"
He tightened his hold around her, "I won't let any harm come to him. I'll save him. We are together now and Together We Will Face This Storm..."
Two years back, on One Rainy Day, they had lost the meaning, the purpose of their life.
Today they found a New Meaning, New Purpose, their True Soulmate...
It was a loud thunder that broke them apart. Both were confused as how they ended in each other's arms! They stood there looking at each other when another thunder broke their trance. Ishita was standing on one side, equally bemused as she too had never seen Aarti this close to any male species after Prashant's demise.
"I'm sorry...". Aarti spoke first feeling embarrassed. "I don't know what came over me and I threw myself at...". She lowered her head as she could not look at him now.
"You are under stress and worried about your son. It's natural reaction of any mother to seek any sort of consolation from the Doctor in whose hands her sons life depends".
"Seeking console and assurance is different but to throw herself...!" Aarti shook her head as she was still in utter shock.
"Happens when the Doctor is very handsome!" Yash joked then immediately realized that this was a bad joke given the circumstances. He then mentally hit himself in the head for openly flirting with an distraught woman who was scared for her son.
What shocked and surprised him was that after Arpita's demise, he had never looked at another woman, much less flirted with, the way he had looked at Aarti and had flirted with her just now!... He was still trying to figure out what was wrong with him and his behavior when the door opened and he heard, "Papa...!"
A bright smile appeared on his face as he turned to face his five year old daughter. "Palak...!". He noticed his mother, Gayatri was also standing at the door and looked dumbfounded. Apparently she must have witnessed what had happened.
Palak gave a curious look to Aarti. "Who is sh... she?" She asked Yash.
A soft smile appeared on Aarti's face as she saw little Palak, all dressed up as a Doll. Palak reminded her of Ansh as she appeared to be of Ansh's age. She went near Palak and scrunched down to Palak's level. "Hey there! I'm Aarti and what's your name?"
Palak blushed and hid behind Gayatri. Gayatri encouraged her to talk to Aarti and Palak came forward. "I'm.. Pal.. Pa... Palak!"
Gayatri and Yash held their breath. Palak had a habit to stutter when she was excited or nervous or was not able to express her feelings. Mostly people, who met her for the first time, immediately reacted and showed sympathy to her. Which made Palak more self conscious. But not Aarti. She was as normal as if she had not even noticed the flaw in Palak.
"Hmm... Now what could be the meaning of such a beautiful name?" Aarti pretended to think.
Palak laughed. "Don't you know Palak means Lashes?" To make it more clear, she batted her lashes then, as if pointing it to Aarti. "Eye- lashes!".
Aarti smiled at her innocence. "And do you know why your name is Palak?" She asked softly. When Palak shook her head in a No, she cupped her face with her palm. "Because you are as beautiful as your eyes and lashes are!"
Palak blushed then smiled. "And your name is also so beautiful like the Aarti's that Dadi sings while praying!" She looked at Gayatri for her approval. Gayatri nodded fondly at her.
"Is it okay with you if I hug you?" Aarti's heart ached to hug her as she was reminded of Ansh. At first Palak hesitated then gave a small nod. Aarti immediately took her in her arms, kissed her on the forehead and hugged her. Hugged her tight to find the solace that her scared heart was seeking.
Palak realized that Aarti was crying. She moved back and asked, "Why are you crying?"
Aarti could not answer her. Ishita came forward and answered for her. "Hey Palak! I'm Ishita, Aarti's best friend. Aarti has a son who is of your age and he is not feeling well. Your father...". By now Aarti and her had guessed that Yash was her father as that is what she had addressed him when she had entered the room. Ishita continued, "Your father is going to treat him and cure him".
"What is his na..name?" Palak asked, at which Ishita replied, "His name is Ansh. Ansh Dubey!"
Palak wiped Aarti's tears with her small hands. "Please don't cry. My Papa is the be... best doc... doctor. He will immediately cure your son. He will make Ansh better very soon. Right Papa?"
Yash fondly stroked her head. "Yes my darling, I'll cure him". He then faced Aarti. "Ms. Dubey, I have looked at his reports. The clot is on the lower part of his skull and not near the brain. There is nothing life threatening. He will be okay after the surgery".
Aarti felt like a small knot had become lose in her stomach and her heart. She clutched at her heart to steady herself. Yes the danger was not over yet but this assurance was enough to get her going for the next few hours, till the surgery was done. She hugged Ishita as she needed support. She was crying.
"Papa! Why is Aunty crying again when you said that her son will be fine?" Palak got confused.
"That is because she is still scared as the surgery is not yet done". Yash explained. For some reason he could not see Aarti in such condition and that was surprising and shocking him.
"Uff oh Aunty!..." Palak tugged at Aarti and made her turn to her. "Dadi, Dadaji and everyone says th...th. that my Papa is the best sur...sur...". She struggled to say the word. "The best Surgeon...". Gayatri finished for her. She smiled at her Dadi and turned back to Aarti. "See now also she is saying that he best. Don't worry".
Aarti couldn't stop herself from hugging her. "You are a sweet angel. Will you pray with me?"
Palak nodded her head. "Dadi also says that God always listens to kids Prayers. Papa while you... you... treat her son, may I.. I.. stay with her and pray?"
Yash and Gayatri were amazed at the ease with which Palak, who was usually shy around strangers, was talking to Aarti and had warmed up to her. Yash nodded. Palak then got down from Aarti's arms and gave a gentle push to Yash. "Papa now go and do the ope... ope...". "Operation!" Yash finished for her. She bobbed her head. "While I sit and pray with Aunty".
Yash again assured Aarti and went out. Gayatri followed him. His first reaction was. "I didn't say anything in front of Palak but why did you bring her here in this heavy rain?"
"We got a call from her school that due to heavy rain her school was cancelled. When I went to pick her up, she insisted that she wanted to meet you. Don't know why but since this morning she has been saying that she wants to be with you!"
"Do you think that she senses that today is the day when Arpita left her?"
Gayatri answered. "Maybe! Kids are good at sensing their parents mood and what's in their heart. In her heart she must have known that this day would be hard for you and you would need her!"
"Ma do you know that lady in there...". He pointed towards the prayer room where Aarti was with Palak, "She too lost her husband in the same accident in which Arpita...". He left the sentence hanging in air.
"And today her son met with an accident!" Gayatri finished. "No wonder she is so scared. You did the right thing by consoling her".
Yash knew she was referring to the hug that she must've witnessed when she entered the prayer room. "Ma I don't know why I did that. I mean she is like every other patients relative. I don't go hugging all of them! I...". He still could not figure it out.
"When did you know about her husband? Before or after you met her?"
"ACP. Aman told me when I was contemplating on doing the surgery. I was not sure if I could do the surgery".
"But after hearing about her husband and after realizing that she could lose her son also, that also on this very day, now you want to do the surgery and save her from another tragedy". Gayatri concluded at which Yash remain silent.
Then he whispered, "Ma I saw her today... I wasn't sure that I would be able to do the surgery when I heard her voice. And then...then I saw her, standing there with the same radiant smile that she had. Wearing the Green Sari that I had gifted her on the day we brought newborn Palak home from the hospital, the sari that I loved to see her in...". He got lost in the memories.
"What did Arpita say?" Even though Yash had not taken her name, Gayatri knew that he was talking about Arpita as he had seen or felt her presence few times before also.
He told her how Arpita convinced him to perform Ansh's surgery. He told her everything, leaving out the part at how Arpita had told him that Aarti was his sole mate. Had he told Gayatri about it, she would have started making preparations of his marriage with Aarti. Instead he said, "And then when I saw Ms. Dubey's condition it reminded me of the time when Arpita was breathing her last in my arms...". He closed his eyes as that scene flashed in front of his eyes.
"Maybe that is the reason why you embraced Aarti. You know her pain. You have been there and faced the same. She needed assurance that she won't lose another loved one of hers and that is what you were offering her". She explained to him.
He was about to say something when he saw Aman coming towards them. There was another man of Yash's age, with him.
As Aman had never met Gayatri before, Yash introduced him to Gayatri. Aman greeted her. Then when Yash and Gayatri looked at the other man, Aman introduced him. "He is Pankaj Jaiswal".
"I'm the one who was driving the car with which that innocent kid got hit". Said Pankaj. His face and voice were filled with guilt and penitence.
"It was an accident. I saw it, lots of people saw it and even the kids mother saw it. And she is not the kind who would press false charges". Aman assured him.
"But I will never forget this day and this incident". Said Pankaj lowering his face. "If it's okay with you, I'd like to take care of all the expenses of Ansh's treatment". Aman had told Pankaj about Ansh's name that's how he knew.
"That is not my decision to make. That decision is his mothers". Said Yash.
"If you don't mind, may I meet the mother and the child?" Pankaj requested.
"I don't think she is in a condition to meet anyone. I would advice you to wait till the surgery is done and Ansh regains consciousness". Gayatri suggested.
Pankaj got a bit disappointed. Then said that he would wait in the hospitals visiting area till the surgery is done and Ansh regains consciousness. He then left. Aman too had to attend to some work, he too left. Yash said he had to go as it was time to start the surgery. Taking Gayatri's blessings he left.
Gayatri went to the prayer room and saw that Ishita, Aarti and Palak were sitting with their hands folded and praying. There was a huge idol of Lord Ganesh, who is also called as Bappa Moriya. Palak prayed to Him, "Please Bappa, make Ansh better. I promise I'll listen to Dadi and Vidhi Bua and I will also drink milk before going to bed".
Once again Aarti started crying hearing Palak pray. Palak hit her own head with her palm. "Uff oh Aunty! Are you a kid?" She then again wiped Aarti's tears. "Whenever I or Vidhi Bua cry, Dadi and Papa says that beautiful girls should never cry or else their eyes will swell and their eyes won't look beautiful. See how beautiful my lashes are?" She again batted her lashes and made Aarti notice it.
Aarti could not help herself but laugh at her innocence. She also noticed that Palak's stutter was not a frequent thing. Wiping her eyes, she opened her purse, "You know what! I have got something for you". She then took out a chocolate bar and gave it to her.
Palak saw Gayatri was also in the room, she looked at her for permission for she was taught not to take anything from those who were not family members. Gayatri blinked her eyes and gave her permission. Palak's smile widened as she saw that it was her favorite chocolate. "Ooo. It's my favorite".
"These are Ansh's favorites too. When he gets better I'll buy lots of chocolates for both of you. I'm sure when he meets you, he will like you".
Palak was busy opening the wrapper, when Ishita noticed that Aarti, who was still wet, was shivering slightly. "Aarti let me go home and bring you some clothes and something to eat".
"No Ishita, till my Ansh is out of danger I won't change my clothes or eat or drink anything". Said Aarti in a firm tone. Ishita insisted again and again but Aarti was firm and adamant. Gayatri told her that Aarti won't listen to any reasoning till Ansh's surgery is over.
Aarti went and sat on the floor in one corner. Palak went and sat next to her. Ishita covered them with a blanket. When Aarti shot an angry glance at her, she pointed at Palak, "If not for me or you, then use the blanket for this innocent child's sake. She is worried about you. Do you want her to get sick by sitting next to your wet body?"
Aarti looked at Palak who was looking back at her with hopeful eyes. She then took the blanket and spread it on her lap. Palak put her head on her lap. Aarti gently stroked her head as the way she stroked Ansh's to put him to sleep. Soon Palak dozed off.
Gayatri's heart melted and she went out. She called her daughter, Vidhi. "Vidhi could you come over at the hospital? And bring some food". She told Vidhi what to bring. She then went inside and sat next to Ishita. They both were worried about Aarti. Aarti had closed her eyes and had rested her head on the wall.
*****************************************
In the operating room, they were prepping Ansh for the surgery. Ansh was lying on his stomach. He was heavily sedated after the anesthetic gave him anesthesia. One nurse was shaving his head. As his skull became visible, so did his wound. Yash's eyes welled up unknowingly. He gently rubbed Ansh's back, "Don't worry Champ. We won't let anything happen to you. Stay strong and cooperate with me. I promise you we will be out of this room very soon. Your Mumma is waiting for you to hold you, to embrace you, to shower her love on you. Stay strong for her. She needs you more than ever". His voice choked. Which didn't go unnoticed by the other doctors and nurses present in the room.
They knew that he had not performed any major surgeries since his wife died. He needed assurance and their full support. One nurse came to wipe his eyes with an tissue as he was wearing surgical gloves. "What is this Dr. S? We have a reputation of being a strong team. Do you want to spoil our reputation, especially in front of Ansh's mom?"
"Have you seen her?" Second nurse asked. "She is pretty hot. I'm sure Dr. S is worried that he won't see her once her son fully recovers, hence the tears!". She injected.
"Shut up girls!" Yash chided them. "You know very well that I have not done any major surgery in the past two years and I have never operated on a small child before".
"Well there is a first time for everything". Said the assisting doctor. "Think of it as your first operation. Take it as a challenge. We all have faith in you. This child and his mother have faith in you. Take a deep breath and start the procedure".
Yash had got support from his staff. He needed support from one more person. He closed his eyes and saw her. He saw Arpita's face. She smiled at him. Her eyes filled with love, which showed her confidence and faith in him. He got his encouragement. He began the surgery.
******************************
A little while later, Vidhi entered the prayer room. She handed the tiffin box to Ishita. Ishita then called Aarti's name startling her. Aarti moved with a jerk which woke Palak. As she opened her eyes and saw Vidhi, she jumped with joy. "Vidhi Bua!" She ran to her,
Aarti got up hesitantly. Gayatri introduced them. "Vidhi this is Aarti and her friend Ishita. And this is Vidhi my middle child, she is younger to Yash". She then told Vidhi about Ansh's accident and that Yash was doing the surgery. She then asked Aarti to eat something.
Vidhi, who was around Aarti's age, around 28, insisted her to eat something, but Aarti was adamant that she won't eat anything till she gets any news about Ansh. But the others were adamant too. "Aarti, we won't force you to eat, but you'll have to change your wet clothes. Do you want Ansh to wake up to a sick mother? Poor child will be so worried when he learns that you have fallen sick!" Ishita scolded her.
"Please Aunty change your clothes. It's so cold in here. If you fall sick than Papa will give you medicine which are so bitter". Palak made a face as if she had just now tasted a very bitter medicine. Her expressions made everyone laugh, including Aarti. She said, "I'll change my clothes but I don't have any".
Gayatri handed a bag to her. "You are of Vidhi's size and height, so I asked her to bring you fresh clothes".
"They are new". Vidhi said as Aarti was hesitant to take the bag. "Few days back Yash Bhaiya had gifted me this dress for no reason. I didn't got a chance to wear it. I'm sure he won't mind. Plus I never liked this dress anyway".
Aarti smiled as she sensed that Vidhi was lying so that she won't feel embarrassed for borrowing her new dress. She was also touched by the love and support that Gayatri, Vidhi and little Palak were giving her.
She changed her clothes. When she returned to the prayer room, Ishita offered her a cup of tea. "We know you won't eat anything but the least you can do to stop us worrying about you is to drink this tea".
Aarti could not refuse to her and drank the tea. She then again went and sat in front of the Ganapati Idol and whispered. "Prashant where are you? I need you one last time!" She closed her eyes and saw him. He didn't say anything but smiled at her assuringly.
Suddenly there was a loud thunder which made Palak shiver and she clung to Aarti. "Are you afraid of rain and thunder?" Asked Aarti.
"Sometimes". Admitted Palak shyly. "But I'm a brave girl. I like rain just like Papa. He says that my Mumma was afraid of thunder and didn't like rain. Are you afraid of thunder?"
"Sometimes" Aarti mimicked Palak making her giggle. "But I used to love rain and loved to drench in rain. But not anymore".
"Papa al..al..also don't like rain anymore" Palak got sad. Vidhi didn't want her to bother Aarti anymore so she said, "OMG! Palak did you see what cartoon is coming on TV right now?"
Palak shook her head in a no. Vidhi told that her favorite cartoon show was coming. She then took away a delighted Palak to children's play area which was on the same floor.
Ishita sat next to Aarti. "I can understand how painful it is for you. The rain is also not helping".
"Ishu..". That's what Aarti and Aman called her. "Ishu.. I saw him again. When I was sitting here all alone and when I had to sign those papers he was right here with me". Aarti patted at the spot in which she was sitting. Ishita understood why Aarti was sitting in that particular spot as she wanted to feel near Prashant.
"He talked to me. Consoled me and when Dr. Yash came, he... Prashant left". Aarti broke down. "I need him Ishu.. I need him. Why is he not with me when I need him the most? He had promised me".
Ishita hugged her. "I'm sure he is with Ansh right now. Ansh needs him more than you do. He can't be at two places at the same time, right?".
As if Aarti understood. She nodded her head. Hearing their conversation, Gayatri was surprised. She came out and went to Vidhi. Palak was busy playing with other kids so she got an chance to talk to Vidhi and told her everything. About Aarti, about Prashant's accident and then how Aarti too saw and talked to her deceased husband, just like Yash saw and talked to Arpita.
"Mom, what could be the meaning of this?".
"I don't know Vidhi. We don't believe in ghosts or spirits. But something tells me that it's all destiny which is playing with all of them. Her son meeting with an accident on the same day. Her meeting Yash and they embracing each other subconsciously".
"Does this mean that destiny is trying to unite Yash Bhaiya with Aarti?" Vidhi's voice had a tinge of excitement. "If that's the case then we must do something to bring them close".
"It's too soon to say anything or act on our impulse. If it's all destiny's play then let destiny do what it has planned. Let destiny do its part and we will do ours. But first we will have to wait calmly and patiently and watch the situation before doing anything. And once I'm sure, I'll make sure that my son gets his lost happiness".
Gayatri then realized something and regretfully looked at Vidhi. "I'm sorry we could not do anything for you earlier but when I get chance I'll bring back happiness in your life also".
"Mom let's concentrate on one persons life at a time. I'm still young and if there is someone in my life that destiny has chosen for me, I'm sure I'll meet him one day". Though she herself was not sure about it, but still Vidhi assured her mother as she knew how worried her parents were for her and Yash.
Taking Palak with them, they went back in the prayer room. Just then Aman walked in with a man whom neither Aarti nor Ishita had seen before. Yet Aarti felt something familiar about him. As Aman was about to introduce Pankaj to Aarti and Ishita, Yash walked in the room.
Aarti stilled, her heart stopped beating. She slowly walked to him and came and stood in front of him. "Ansh?" Was all she could manage to say.
"The operation was successful. We removed the clot. He is out of danger. He is and will remain unconscious for several hours. Till then you can go and see him. He is in the I.C.U".
All Aarti could hear was that Ansh was out of danger, after that she could not hear anything as world started to spin and her head started spinning. Yash noticed the change in her demeanor and reached out to her. As he wrapped his arm around her, Aarti fainted...
-------------
----------------------------------------
Note...
If you all have noticed then you'll see that this time also Prashant and Arpita appeared in front of Aarti and Yash. But this time they didn't say anything. Just gave them an assuring smile. This was to show that they are Fading Away.
So far I'm sure that they won't make any more appearances unless I feel that it is extremely important to bring them.
The above chapter is to show the bond that have formed between Aarti and Palak. And also how Gayatri and Vidhi supported her despite her being a complete stranger to them.
Next chapter will show what is the connection between Aarti and Pankaj. Also Ansh will regain consciousness.
Right now I'm working on the next chapter of my Fiction "Devil's Vengeance". I'm sure I'll be able to post it by late Next Week. Only after that I'll start to work on the next chapter of this story.
Till then take care and have fun
Nikki...
Hindi TV Shows
Bigg Boss 19
