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Dr ranganath came into the roomwhere an unconscious nidhi lay and dr ashutosh stood silently, "sir , police wants to meet you"dr ashutosh nodded and came out, inspectors ashok n samar were waiting for him, as the family members looked on, dr ashutosh took them to his cabin."dr ashutosh, amar aur bajrangi dono maare gaye, devender aur pappu humaari hiraasat mei hain, bodies ka panchnama hona hai...dr nidhi ka statement lene hai, sir"dr ashutosh nodded understanding the demands of law n justice but then explaining"dr nidhi abhi hosh me nahi hain, bullet to nikal di hai drs nei, per kaafi weak hain, jaise hi hosh me aayengi mai aapko khabar karoonga...aap mera statement le sakte hain..."the inspectors nodded , and recorded ashutosh's statement and then got up to leave, as dr ashutosh thanked them once again for having saved nidhi n nishu's life, the inspectors smiled as samar quipped'"dr ashutosh, hume kych khaas karna nahi pada...aapki patni ne aadhe se zyaada kaam to khud hi kiya..,sach mei..dr nidhi exceptional woman hain...auir aapka beta...usse chot to nahi aaye zyaada??"dr ashutosh smiled"nahi, nishu theek hai..bus bruises hain...aap mil sakte hain,.."inspector samar raised his baton"rehne deejiye, uss bachche pe already kaafi stress raha hai,,..aaraam karne deejiye usse...hopefully kal tak dr nidhi..."ashutosh completed"certainly 6 ghante mei hosh aa jayega...aap mil sakte hain...phir.,,"the inspectors walked out...as dr ashutosh came back to the family..."11 baj gaye hain, i feel aap sab ghar jaaiye, nidhi theek hai...dont worry, nai yehi rukoonga...armaan plz getme a fresh pair of clothes...aur nishu..."ashutosh looked at his young son ...his face bearing expressions of excitement..fatigue n worry...lifting him in his arms, he said..."nishu, chacha ke saath jaao, have a bath...change ...aur phir aa jao...aaj mere sath rahoge..yehi cabin mei...bolo"??and the boy put his arms around his father...as ashutosh kissed him once again and handed him over to armaan n vaba...col verma stood ...looking at his grandson...n then said to ashutosh"aaj usse saath hi rakhiyega...sub consciouly affected hoga...shall i also stay back"??"dr ashutosh smiled n said"thanx col verma..per aap bhi thak gaye honge ..plz go n rest...mai hoon yahaan pe...aur 2..4 ghante me nidhi ko hosh aa jayega...nothing much to worry now...i just hpe woh psychologically disturbed na ho...bus"col verma understood his son in laws concern , but said"i dont think so, dr ashutosh...itne guts dikhaaye hain usne...she has emerged a true victor...daregi nahi ab..."ashutosh nodded, as the two men shook hands and col verma left...dr ashutosh was left alone ...as he returned to nidhi's room..the vitals were nearly fine...but shecws still unconscious...ashutosh sat there...looking at her...at her bandaged shoulder...her bruised face, her injured soles...nidhi had taken a lot...in the encounter...ashutosh closed his eyes...dreading to think what might have happened had she not been able to escape...had the goons laid their hands on her...dr ashutosh shivered at the thought...more out of anger than fear...
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"Chalo chalo...nishu ko mai nehlata hoon..dekho baba clothes denge...maxi , tu jaa cs ke saath...aaraam ker ghar mei,..kaka hain ..."said armaan , taking off nishu's dusty clothes...and then as he got him to the shower, nishu seemed to shiver..."kya hua meri jaan..."??and nishu held on to him,...armaan hugged him tightly and said"beta, darr mat...woh log ab kabhi nahi aayenge...police ne maar diya...aur phir tu to itna brave boy hai..mamma ke saath escape ker gaya hai ba...kitni help ki mamma ki...so no fear...yaad rakh nishu..darr ke aage hi jeet hoti hai,..jo darr gaya, samjho marr gaya..."armaan repeated the dialogues of his favourite film sholay,...as the drops of water began to soothe nishu...
As armaan dried n changed him into the night suit, he took a pair of clothes for ashutosh and came out to baba, "baba..mai aata hoon..nishu ko hospital chod ke..."and baba nodded, caressing his grandson's cheek..feeling him...blessing him...thanking god for having been able to save him...baba was at a loss of words...the past few hours had made the family swing between utter despair n hope...
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"Ashu tu fresh ho ja...mai rukta hoon abhi.."said armaan..,the constant in ashutosh 's life...a friend who had stood with him thru thick n thin...who had always been there to share the lonely surgeon's gloom...n tried to bring cheer into his life...he was the one who prodded ashutosh ...prodded him on to meet nidhi again..."adhoori kahaaniyaan mujhe achchi nahi lagti..."said armaan...always...n finally the story had been completed...the story of eternal love ..bridging generations...the strong and irrepresible live of dr ashutosh n his intern...the bond of raja n his titli...
Dr ashutosh emerged, bathed clean n fresh ..in his tracks and tees...as he took a sleeping nishu in his arms and the trio came to the cabin, where nandlal had converted the sofa in to a comfortable bed...as ashutosh placed nishu tenderly, armaan returned with coffee n sandwiches..."chal khaa le kuch...tujhe fit rehna hai...nidhi ki dekh bhaal ke liye..."and dr ashutosh silently took a bite ...he knew he had to take a lot of care of nidhi...nidhi who had saved his nishu...nidhi who had fought so valiantly inspite of her condition...nifhi who was nestling life...his love..his daughter in her womb...nidhi ..who was his everything...yes he d take care of her...would see that no danger ever came close to her...
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Dr ashutosh had settled , hoding nishu close to him...it was not only the lil boy who needed comfort, it was also the middle aged father who needed security of the fact...that his son was alive...safe n sound...dr ashutosh drifted in to sleep, holding nishu to his chest...caressing his back..his hair...and hugging him..making the four year old realise he was out of all danger...
Dr ashutosh got up at about 4in the morning, and patting nishu, he extricated himself, instructing nandlal n laxmi bai to be with the boy..he walked into nidhi's room...dr deepak informed him , she was stable but had not regained consciousness, ashutosh seemed a trifle worried...as he took his stetho and tried to examine nidhi...just as he touched her...she stirred...opening her tired eyes...his touch hsd woken his sleeping beauty...dr ashutosh smiled ...as nidhi moaned...he put his hand on her forehead..."kya hua jaan...dard hai..kahaan ..pe..shoulder mei"??nidhi opened her eyes...as if awaking from a long long sleep...n then pouted"sab jagah...its hurting dr ashutosh"!!ashutosh smiled ..understanding her discomfort,..as he caressed her cheek saying"you are vv tired...aur injuries bhi hain...dekho shoulder me bullet hit ki thi...dr gandhi be operate ki...its been removed now...sole mei bhi stiches hain...glass pieces the,.."ashutosh's voice quivered with emotion...nidhi looked at him...n asked"nishu kahaan hai...kaisa hai"??"he is fine..bus bruises hain..yehin so raha gai..mere cabin mei...laaoon ..dekhogi"??nidhi said no...and then just as ashutosh finished examining her, she spoke"dr ashutosh...plz kuch khana hai...i am hungry..."ashutosh smiled...and said"abhi laaya "...he returned with juice n maggi...knowing it d bring a big smile on that tired face...the face that was his world...before coming to nidhi, he checked on nishu...still fast asleep..with laxmi bai sitting close to him..n nandlal at the door...a releved dr ashutosh entered nidhi's room to find her asleep...he smiled as he extended his hand..n this time he did not withdrww it, he pushed back her hair and as she opened her eyes, he whiered"chalo..kha lo...weakness hogi bahut"and he made her sit v carefully..and then began to feed her...nidhi smiled as she remarked"maggieee..."and opened her mouth loke a child...she ate hungrily...and then as she sipped the juice, she seemed to be gaining strength n consciousness...she looked up at her husband...n her eyes had a dreadful question...ashutosh understood..he wiped her lips with his hankey ..n said"both amar n bajrangi were shot dead by the police...baaki dono arrested hain...police is waiting for your statement...kal subah"nidhi seemed to be relieved...but suddenly the entire sequence of terrible events seemed to come back to her...how she n nishu escaped..the drive ...then how she ran...only to come face to face with her tormentors...nidhi shivered...in fear...fear of what could have been...as dr ashutosh put his arms around her...standing close to her..he held her to him.saying nothing...just holding her...in the security of his arms...
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It had been three days . The police had taken nidhi's statement, and the fast track court was trying devender n papou...m nishu was now sleeping at home with armaan, while dr ashutosh still stayed at kgh where his nidhi was...today was her check up..
Dr gandhi opened the bandage of the shoulder as dr ashutosh looked on...at the wound that had just begun to heal n at nidhi's face that had fading bruises..as dr gandhi looked at her..."dr nidhi, you are a lot better...i am removing the stitches of your sole but these will take time...a week..and you may go home..but you should not walk or move unnecessarily..just toilet n back...n yes..no bath...just a sponge ..twice a day..n dr ashutosh, sir be careful of this area ..its vv tender.."said dr gandhi as he bandaged the upper arm n shoulder..dr ashutosh thanked him..and as he went out , nidhi smiled"thank god,..aaj ghar..."ashutosh put a finger on her lips..and said"aahhha..just wait..sudhir is coming..let him give the final signal..."
A lil later after dr sudhir had completed a detailed examination..n an ultrasound..he beamed "nidhi..your baby is absolutely fine..no worries...i am really proud to have such a brave girl as my patient...bolo kya reward chahiye..."??nidhi looked up at dr sudhir..n spoke'sir...sabse bada reward to hai mere paas..."n looking at dr ashutosh, she said"bus ghar jaane deejiye"!!dr sudhir smiled n patted her hair"go...jaao but be careful...and the baby is now moving...so pain to hoga...just take things easy...aur have small meals rather than three heavy ones till you are able to move about...nahi to acidity hogi..ok"??nidhi thanked him as he left...ashutosh following him.."ashutosh, she n the baby are fine...but be careful...and yes..i think she deserves all the pampering that you can do"!!and dr ashutosh blushed ...even in his beard...the pink colour seemed to sweep across his face..
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"Chup chaap baithi raho"said dr ashutosh as the car stopped at mathur niwas, n nidhi opened the door...dr ashutosh quickly came around...and putting his arms very carefully around her, carried her towards the threshold if their nest...their home...as baba, armaan nishu, col verma n dadibua looked on, dr ashutosh laid her gently ..very gently on the bed...and then said "dont worry, sabko yehi bulata hoon"and soon everyone was sitting around in the bedroom...with kaka serving tea...n nishu sitting close to his mother...a silent understanding in his eyes...oerhaps he alone understood what she had gone through...as nidhi ruffled his hair, he smiled n called her close...he wanted to say something...nidhi bent ...as all looked attentively...was the child rattled..scared??nishu said something...n nidhi beamed...and both rubbed their noses together...as baba asked"bhai, hume nahi bataoge ma bete ka secret"??nidhi smiled as she cajoled nishu to share it...he smiled n said a lil shyly"mai mamma ko keh raha tha,..when i grow biiig...tab mujhe bhi apne jaisa car drive karna sikha degi...wrooom..."!!and all laughed...nidhi too...as dr ashutosh looked at his wife n son...so complete in each others company...
As cv n dadi bua left, dr ashutosh came to the room...nishu was kissing his mom on her bruises..."mamma...pata hai ..chacha ne bola..woh bad uncles ko police ne maar diya..shoot kiya ...aise..."and the lil boy imitated the action...as nidhi hugged him..."nishu...bhool jaao beta...its all over,..ab hume koi trouble nahi karega,..."and nishu held on to nidhi..his arm around her ...as dr ashutosh came n sat...patting nishu...he said"nishu...ab papa drop kiya karega tumhe every day...aur baba chote sarkar ke sath ja ke pick kiya karenge...so just dont worry...aur..."he whispered something in nishu's ear that made him smile from ear to ear..."arre papa mai to bhool hi gaya tha,.."and nidhi asked"kya..jahaan maza aayega..."??and ashutosh said"yeh papa bete ki secret hai...abhi nahi bataayenge tumhe"!!and thoigh nidhi tried her level best , nishu only giggled n gave nothing away...
As nishu yawned , he got up n mumbled good night...ashutosh caught him..."baby, papa mamma paas soyega"??nishu refused, shakung his head he said"no, mujhe appe bed me achcha lagta hai...papa...jab choti baby aayegi...to woh mere room me soyegi"??nidhi smiled as ashutosh knelt to answer his son".beta, uska bhi room banwaayenge...jaise tumhara blue hai..uska pink hoga...usme souyegi ...but you will be the big bro. Agar chahoge to tumhare room me sula denge,..."nishu smiled at being called the big bro.and held ashutosh, saying"papa...usko pink room ne sone doonga...but raat me i will go n check her...ki kahi ro to nahi rahi...aap bhi to check karte ho mujhe..."!!and ashutosh could not help smiling ...his son knew all...As he settled nishu in bed, and came out, leaving the door ajar, he said"nishu, door open hai...darr lage to aa jana papa mamma paas..."n nishu replied"papa, band kar do door...chacha told me..i am brave...dana nahi chahiye...aur phir bad unclesko to shoot kar diya police ne..."ashutosh kissed his brave son...as he came back to the bedroom...relieved..almost thankful to see nidhi lying on the bed...he came n gave her the medicines ...and then helped her to take out her gown...nidhi was comfortable in her cotton nightie...as ashutosh helped her lie, and then he saw her soles...still red ..the marks still fresh...he bent to kiss where the thorns, yhe glass had ripped his nidhi's soft glesh...it was his balm as well his tribute...to the suffering n the bravery of his wife..his love ..hs nidhi...
As he lay...caressing her long hair...nidhi spoke"jaante hain...mai bahut darr gayee thi...i was really scared.lag raha tha..ki sab kuch khatm ho jaayega..."ashutosh held her face "phir..kaise itni himmat aayee...kahaan se itni taaquat..is haalat mei"??nidhi touched his collar and said"aapse...aapke pyaar se...aapke bachchon se...i had to save nishu...although sach kahoon to mujhe nahi laga tha ki mai apne aap ko aur isko bacha paaoongi...i was really scared...but ...i tried...humaare bete ke liye...aapke kal ke liye...agar kahi nishu ko kuch ho jata..."and tears dwelled in those big eyes flowing out, as ashutosh kissed them...putting his finger on her lips"bus...chup..nishu ko bhi kuch nahi hoga aur tumhe bhi nahi...aur...aur..isse bhi nahi"completed dr ashutosh , kissing the baby bump...as the baby seemed to move recognising her father.."hey baby...we r waiting for you.12 weeks more..."and nidhi moaned...as the naughty baby seemed to kick her...dr ashutosh hugged nidhi...as he hummed to lul her as well as the baby to sleep...and then holding his world in his arms...a world that he had almost lost a few days back...he closed his eyes...in peace n joy...he jnew his paradise had been regained and he d not lose it again...ever...
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"Dr ashutosh...aap...aap plz aa jaaiye...bahut vomits ho eahi hain...all yellow water...i am not well...plz"it was a distresssed nidhi on the cell, as ashutosh was walking to the canteen with dr fubey for a cup of tea..in the evening, ashutosh lost his colour...and replied"i am coming nidhi,..ghabraao nahi...just take some nimboo paani,..."and then explained to dr dubey"sir...nidhi us unwell...i d have to go..."dr dubey nodded as ashutosh rushed out...talking to sudhir while he drove..."i feel, acidity hogi..nothing else...give her some antacid...n make her walk a lil...she d feel better...acidity is quite common...specially with such a big baby..."ashutosh rushed in...baba was pacing in the hall, as maxi held nidhi in the washroom...as she renched her gut...asutosh held her...as maxi came out to bring cold water...ashutosh washed nidhi's face with cold water ...as she came n slumped to the bed...and dr ashutosh soothed her...forcing her to take the antacid..."i hate it...muhe nahi peena..."but like a true senior dr, he forced it down her throat...and then made her sip water...as she closed her eyes...and he smiled ...holding her hand...planting a light kiss on her cheek...as she said"yahaan to nishu ko kiss karte hain aap"!!and ashutosh held her nose..."chup chaap raho..no shaitaani...tum nishu ki mamma ho..leki usse zyaada bachpana hai..."and as a pouted nidhi rested, ashutosh sat, loosening his tie...and just gazing at her...it was the ultimate bliss...
In the evening, he helped her wear her walking shoes as now it had been 10 days of her return...n they came out to walk...as nidhi smiled seeing nishu play cricket with maxi, ashutosh looked at her...n narrowing his eyes commented"ab to tum theek kag rahi ho...kahi yeh sab mujhe hospital se jaldi bulane ka bahaana ti nahi tha"??nidhi smiked n retorted"nahi...bus test karna chahti thi...ki kitna pyaar karte hain mujhse...karte bhi hain ta nahi..."??ashutosh looked into her eyes..."to kya pata chala...mere pyaar ki gehraayee ke baare mei"??nidhi turned serious"yehi,..ki aapki hunsi mei...aapke aansoon mei...aapki dhadkan mei..aapki saanson mei..bus mai hi mai hoon...aapka pyar mere jeene ki wajah..mere jeevan ki dor hai...dr ashutosh...sach to yeh hai..aapke pyaar ki gehraayee..aapke vishwaas ki oonchaai...mai lafzon mei bayaan nahi ker sakti..."ashutosh just looked at her...n then putting his arm around her , he said in his typically ashutosh way.."kuch jazbaaton ko lafzon ki zuroorat nahi hoti..."and then with a glint of naughtiness in his eyes , he added"aur ab tum theek ho...to mai hospital ho aaoon..."n nidhi pouted...hitting her head on his chest...as he laughed n hugged her..."aree ..mazak bhi nahi samajhti...come on..."and they continued their walk while nishu ran runs and baba looked at them from his rocking chair...in bliss n peace, finally calling out"bhai hiraman, zara woh chai banao...adrak wali"!!
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It was sunday evening nidhi had just got up from sleep , n as she went into the kitchen , to help herself to a glass of juice, she could see no body...she called out"baba...armaanji..nishu..."but there was no one...she seemed apprehensive...walking out , she felt herself being pulled ..n as she shrieked...she was held...on that familiar chest..."kya karte hain aap..darr gayee thi mai...kahaan hain sab"??dr ashutosh smiled"nishu gaya hai armaan ke sath, kaka aur baba gaye hain col verma ke ghar...aur main hoon apni biwi ke paas..."and then getting her inside he sais"chalo jaldi ready ho jao...party hai...woh gown ..."nidhi seemed amazed"arre woh party to 10 din pehle thi...aaj kahaan"??ashutosh tapped hernose"woh party tumhare bina nahi ho sakti...so chalo..aur stop playing the CBI..kyun.Kahaan kaise.Kab???"
A confused nidhi wore the gown...lovely colour...wine with golden straps n a flowing bow...as she touched her bump...ashutosh xame from behind...looking devastating in his black tuxedo n bow tie...as nidhi seemed dazed, he hugged her..his hands warm n posessive on her baby bump...caressing it...as she tried to ask...he quietened her...in his inimatable way...n said"chalo...tumhe kidnap nahi kar raha hoon...bus party me le jaa raha hoon..."and nidhi was swept by him..."per mai kaisi lag rahi hoon..uyeh mark bhi dikh raha hai"!!!said nidhi showing the mark from the bullet...dr ashutosh bent n kissed ot...n then her shoulders n neck..."bus..bahut achchi lag rahi ho...meri nazron se dekho..."and as nidhi wore her solitairre tops , n sat in the car...dr ashutosh drove ...his gaze still lingering on her...
They arrived at the Taj Awadh...and he escorted her to the lift "kiski party..."ashutosh was not even listening...and as the lift opened , he put his hands on her eyes...bringing her into the durbaar hall...and then as he removed his hand...pink petals of roses fell on them...as nidhi hugged by nishu..looked around...the hall was decorated in pink ...heart shaped baloons, baby pics..and a big pic of nidhi ...with ashutosh n nishu...with a caption"BABY SHOWER..."as the lights gleamed nidhi saw...baba , col verma..dr sudhir solanki uncle, dr dubey ...and many other friends all in suits...n ladies in pink n wine coloured saris or dresses...lil nishu hugged nidhi...standing handsome in his black tiuxedo with bow tie,..just like his father...he smiled"mamma..yahi thi humari secret..."and dr ashutosh came holding pink hear shaped balloons...and as he handed them to nidhi...looking resplendent with joy ..he whispered"happy baby shower...n thank you nidhi...thank you very much"!!as yhere was clapping all around , ashutosh took nidhi and made her sit on a lovely pink sofa chair...as anji put a pink ribbon in her hair...gifting her a pink barbie doll...shyama aunty, nanda, mrs nagpal, priyanka , jyothika , ahana all came n kissed nidhi n gave her pink gifts...armaan handed her a huge bundle of pink nappies"(sabse zyaada useful gift)"he winked...n col verma got a pink baby dress n toys, baba came in a dark grey suit pushing a pink pram ..for his poti...and finally dadi bua commented"to yeh hai modern gode bharai...achchi hai bhai...bahut achchi hai"!!!
As finger foods were served, and dr ranganath clicked pics, dr ashutosh carrying khushi ina pink gown n nishu is black tuxedo...his hands full...nidhi could see their future...and then dr ranganath clapped"your attention please..sabne to dr nidhi ko gifts shower ker diye...per mamma to be ko papa to be se kya gift milega..."and there was a loud applase as the youngsters as ahana n jyothika ..with anji n priyankacried in chorus"come on...dr ashutosh..come on"
Ashutosh , adjusted his cuffs ...as to nidhi's surprise he came n asked for her hand...they danced...Slowly, gracefully ..nidhi feeling ashutosh's hand around her swollen waist...and then she saw a wall turn and lo!!there appeared a lovely classic piano...nidhi smiled as dr ashutosh made her sit n then struck the piano keys...
"Maine tere liye hi saat rang ke sapne chune...
Sapne sureele sapne...
Kuch hanste kuch gum ke...
Teri aankho ke saaye churaaye raseelee yaadon nei..."and as the guests looked on ...nidhi was held by ashutosh's intense gaze...his eyes telling more than his lips...his silence more than his words...he had waited to sing this song for a long time...he wanted to tell nidhi that she had fulfilled all his dreams ...n no dream of his could be completed without her...and now finally..after so many pitfalls n tears..their dream..their family was going to be complete...they did not need anything else...this was eough...more than enough...as nishu came to ashu n he held his fingers to press the jeys...as baba had taugyt him...nidhi smiled...a beautiful smile...she was a daughter...a doctor...and a mother...but nothing completed her as much as belonging to her husband did...it was he...the great neuro surgeon, the harsh dr hardstone..the middle aged dr with grey side burns that completed her...gave her life a new meaning...made her smile...thru her eyes...nidhi could not sing...she didnt have the voice...nor the confidence...but she hummed to herself...the lines of an old song that aradhanaji often sang...nidhi could remember just two lines...but they defined her...n her love for dr ashutosh...she hummed
MAI BANDINI PIYA KI...
MAI SANGINI HOON SAAJAN KI...
MERA KHEENCHTI HAI ANCHAL MANMEET TERI HUR PUKAAR...
yes...for her dr ashutosh was the reason for living...for smiles n joys...for each pleasure...she was incomplete without him...and for her the world meant..their love...their commitment to stand with each other by each other...thru thick n thin...ASHNI...BAS ASHNI...in all seasons of life..ashni bas ashni...
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"Chalo chalo...nishu ko mai nehlata hoon..dekho baba clothes denge...maxi , tu jaa cs ke saath...aaraam ker ghar mei,..kaka hain ..."said armaan , taking off nishu's dusty clothes...and then as he got him to the shower, nishu seemed to shiver..."kya hua meri jaan..."??and nishu held on to him,...armaan hugged him tightly and said"beta, darr mat...woh log ab kabhi nahi aayenge...police ne maar diya...aur phir tu to itna brave boy hai..mamma ke saath escape ker gaya hai ba...kitni help ki mamma ki...so no fear...yaad rakh nishu..darr ke aage hi jeet hoti hai,..jo darr gaya, samjho marr gaya..."armaan repeated the dialogues of his favourite film sholay,...as the drops of water began to soothe nishu...
As armaan dried n changed him into the night suit, he took a pair of clothes for ashutosh and came out to baba, "baba..mai aata hoon..nishu ko hospital chod ke..."and baba nodded, caressing his grandson's cheek..feeling him...blessing him...thanking god for having been able to save him...baba was at a loss of words...the past few hours had made the family swing between utter despair n hope...
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"Ashu tu fresh ho ja...mai rukta hoon abhi.."said armaan..,the constant in ashutosh 's life...a friend who had stood with him thru thick n thin...who had always been there to share the lonely surgeon's gloom...n tried to bring cheer into his life...he was the one who prodded ashutosh ...prodded him on to meet nidhi again..."adhoori kahaaniyaan mujhe achchi nahi lagti..."said armaan...always...n finally the story had been completed...the story of eternal love ..bridging generations...the strong and irrepresible live of dr ashutosh n his intern...the bond of raja n his titli...
Dr ashutosh emerged, bathed clean n fresh ..in his tracks and tees...as he took a sleeping nishu in his arms and the trio came to the cabin, where nandlal had converted the sofa in to a comfortable bed...as ashutosh placed nishu tenderly, armaan returned with coffee n sandwiches..."chal khaa le kuch...tujhe fit rehna hai...nidhi ki dekh bhaal ke liye..."and dr ashutosh silently took a bite ...he knew he had to take a lot of care of nidhi...nidhi who had saved his nishu...nidhi who had fought so valiantly inspite of her condition...nifhi who was nestling life...his love..his daughter in her womb...nidhi ..who was his everything...yes he d take care of her...would see that no danger ever came close to her...
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Dr ashutosh had settled , hoding nishu close to him...it was not only the lil boy who needed comfort, it was also the middle aged father who needed security of the fact...that his son was alive...safe n sound...dr ashutosh drifted in to sleep, holding nishu to his chest...caressing his back..his hair...and hugging him..making the four year old realise he was out of all danger...
Dr ashutosh got up at about 4in the morning, and patting nishu, he extricated himself, instructing nandlal n laxmi bai to be with the boy..he walked into nidhi's room...dr deepak informed him , she was stable but had not regained consciousness, ashutosh seemed a trifle worried...as he took his stetho and tried to examine nidhi...just as he touched her...she stirred...opening her tired eyes...his touch hsd woken his sleeping beauty...dr ashutosh smiled ...as nidhi moaned...he put his hand on her forehead..."kya hua jaan...dard hai..kahaan ..pe..shoulder mei"??nidhi opened her eyes...as if awaking from a long long sleep...n then pouted"sab jagah...its hurting dr ashutosh"!!ashutosh smiled ..understanding her discomfort,..as he caressed her cheek saying"you are vv tired...aur injuries bhi hain...dekho shoulder me bullet hit ki thi...dr gandhi be operate ki...its been removed now...sole mei bhi stiches hain...glass pieces the,.."ashutosh's voice quivered with emotion...nidhi looked at him...n asked"nishu kahaan hai...kaisa hai"??"he is fine..bus bruises hain..yehin so raha gai..mere cabin mei...laaoon ..dekhogi"??nidhi said no...and then just as ashutosh finished examining her, she spoke"dr ashutosh...plz kuch khana hai...i am hungry..."ashutosh smiled...and said"abhi laaya "...he returned with juice n maggi...knowing it d bring a big smile on that tired face...the face that was his world...before coming to nidhi, he checked on nishu...still fast asleep..with laxmi bai sitting close to him..n nandlal at the door...a releved dr ashutosh entered nidhi's room to find her asleep...he smiled as he extended his hand..n this time he did not withdrww it, he pushed back her hair and as she opened her eyes, he whiered"chalo..kha lo...weakness hogi bahut"and he made her sit v carefully..and then began to feed her...nidhi smiled as she remarked"maggieee..."and opened her mouth loke a child...she ate hungrily...and then as she sipped the juice, she seemed to be gaining strength n consciousness...she looked up at her husband...n her eyes had a dreadful question...ashutosh understood..he wiped her lips with his hankey ..n said"both amar n bajrangi were shot dead by the police...baaki dono arrested hain...police is waiting for your statement...kal subah"nidhi seemed to be relieved...but suddenly the entire sequence of terrible events seemed to come back to her...how she n nishu escaped..the drive ...then how she ran...only to come face to face with her tormentors...nidhi shivered...in fear...fear of what could have been...as dr ashutosh put his arms around her...standing close to her..he held her to him.saying nothing...just holding her...in the security of his arms...
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It had been three days . The police had taken nidhi's statement, and the fast track court was trying devender n papou...m nishu was now sleeping at home with armaan, while dr ashutosh still stayed at kgh where his nidhi was...today was her check up..
Dr gandhi opened the bandage of the shoulder as dr ashutosh looked on...at the wound that had just begun to heal n at nidhi's face that had fading bruises..as dr gandhi looked at her..."dr nidhi, you are a lot better...i am removing the stitches of your sole but these will take time...a week..and you may go home..but you should not walk or move unnecessarily..just toilet n back...n yes..no bath...just a sponge ..twice a day..n dr ashutosh, sir be careful of this area ..its vv tender.."said dr gandhi as he bandaged the upper arm n shoulder..dr ashutosh thanked him..and as he went out , nidhi smiled"thank god,..aaj ghar..."ashutosh put a finger on her lips..and said"aahhha..just wait..sudhir is coming..let him give the final signal..."
A lil later after dr sudhir had completed a detailed examination..n an ultrasound..he beamed "nidhi..your baby is absolutely fine..no worries...i am really proud to have such a brave girl as my patient...bolo kya reward chahiye..."??nidhi looked up at dr sudhir..n spoke'sir...sabse bada reward to hai mere paas..."n looking at dr ashutosh, she said"bus ghar jaane deejiye"!!dr sudhir smiled n patted her hair"go...jaao but be careful...and the baby is now moving...so pain to hoga...just take things easy...aur have small meals rather than three heavy ones till you are able to move about...nahi to acidity hogi..ok"??nidhi thanked him as he left...ashutosh following him.."ashutosh, she n the baby are fine...but be careful...and yes..i think she deserves all the pampering that you can do"!!and dr ashutosh blushed ...even in his beard...the pink colour seemed to sweep across his face..
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"Chup chaap baithi raho"said dr ashutosh as the car stopped at mathur niwas, n nidhi opened the door...dr ashutosh quickly came around...and putting his arms very carefully around her, carried her towards the threshold if their nest...their home...as baba, armaan nishu, col verma n dadibua looked on, dr ashutosh laid her gently ..very gently on the bed...and then said "dont worry, sabko yehi bulata hoon"and soon everyone was sitting around in the bedroom...with kaka serving tea...n nishu sitting close to his mother...a silent understanding in his eyes...oerhaps he alone understood what she had gone through...as nidhi ruffled his hair, he smiled n called her close...he wanted to say something...nidhi bent ...as all looked attentively...was the child rattled..scared??nishu said something...n nidhi beamed...and both rubbed their noses together...as baba asked"bhai, hume nahi bataoge ma bete ka secret"??nidhi smiled as she cajoled nishu to share it...he smiled n said a lil shyly"mai mamma ko keh raha tha,..when i grow biiig...tab mujhe bhi apne jaisa car drive karna sikha degi...wrooom..."!!and all laughed...nidhi too...as dr ashutosh looked at his wife n son...so complete in each others company...
As cv n dadi bua left, dr ashutosh came to the room...nishu was kissing his mom on her bruises..."mamma...pata hai ..chacha ne bola..woh bad uncles ko police ne maar diya..shoot kiya ...aise..."and the lil boy imitated the action...as nidhi hugged him..."nishu...bhool jaao beta...its all over,..ab hume koi trouble nahi karega,..."and nishu held on to nidhi..his arm around her ...as dr ashutosh came n sat...patting nishu...he said"nishu...ab papa drop kiya karega tumhe every day...aur baba chote sarkar ke sath ja ke pick kiya karenge...so just dont worry...aur..."he whispered something in nishu's ear that made him smile from ear to ear..."arre papa mai to bhool hi gaya tha,.."and nidhi asked"kya..jahaan maza aayega..."??and ashutosh said"yeh papa bete ki secret hai...abhi nahi bataayenge tumhe"!!and thoigh nidhi tried her level best , nishu only giggled n gave nothing away...
As nishu yawned , he got up n mumbled good night...ashutosh caught him..."baby, papa mamma paas soyega"??nishu refused, shakung his head he said"no, mujhe appe bed me achcha lagta hai...papa...jab choti baby aayegi...to woh mere room me soyegi"??nidhi smiled as ashutosh knelt to answer his son".beta, uska bhi room banwaayenge...jaise tumhara blue hai..uska pink hoga...usme souyegi ...but you will be the big bro. Agar chahoge to tumhare room me sula denge,..."nishu smiled at being called the big bro.and held ashutosh, saying"papa...usko pink room ne sone doonga...but raat me i will go n check her...ki kahi ro to nahi rahi...aap bhi to check karte ho mujhe..."!!and ashutosh could not help smiling ...his son knew all...As he settled nishu in bed, and came out, leaving the door ajar, he said"nishu, door open hai...darr lage to aa jana papa mamma paas..."n nishu replied"papa, band kar do door...chacha told me..i am brave...dana nahi chahiye...aur phir bad unclesko to shoot kar diya police ne..."ashutosh kissed his brave son...as he came back to the bedroom...relieved..almost thankful to see nidhi lying on the bed...he came n gave her the medicines ...and then helped her to take out her gown...nidhi was comfortable in her cotton nightie...as ashutosh helped her lie, and then he saw her soles...still red ..the marks still fresh...he bent to kiss where the thorns, yhe glass had ripped his nidhi's soft glesh...it was his balm as well his tribute...to the suffering n the bravery of his wife..his love ..hs nidhi...
As he lay...caressing her long hair...nidhi spoke"jaante hain...mai bahut darr gayee thi...i was really scared.lag raha tha..ki sab kuch khatm ho jaayega..."ashutosh held her face "phir..kaise itni himmat aayee...kahaan se itni taaquat..is haalat mei"??nidhi touched his collar and said"aapse...aapke pyaar se...aapke bachchon se...i had to save nishu...although sach kahoon to mujhe nahi laga tha ki mai apne aap ko aur isko bacha paaoongi...i was really scared...but ...i tried...humaare bete ke liye...aapke kal ke liye...agar kahi nishu ko kuch ho jata..."and tears dwelled in those big eyes flowing out, as ashutosh kissed them...putting his finger on her lips"bus...chup..nishu ko bhi kuch nahi hoga aur tumhe bhi nahi...aur...aur..isse bhi nahi"completed dr ashutosh , kissing the baby bump...as the baby seemed to move recognising her father.."hey baby...we r waiting for you.12 weeks more..."and nidhi moaned...as the naughty baby seemed to kick her...dr ashutosh hugged nidhi...as he hummed to lul her as well as the baby to sleep...and then holding his world in his arms...a world that he had almost lost a few days back...he closed his eyes...in peace n joy...he jnew his paradise had been regained and he d not lose it again...ever...
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"Dr ashutosh...aap...aap plz aa jaaiye...bahut vomits ho eahi hain...all yellow water...i am not well...plz"it was a distresssed nidhi on the cell, as ashutosh was walking to the canteen with dr fubey for a cup of tea..in the evening, ashutosh lost his colour...and replied"i am coming nidhi,..ghabraao nahi...just take some nimboo paani,..."and then explained to dr dubey"sir...nidhi us unwell...i d have to go..."dr dubey nodded as ashutosh rushed out...talking to sudhir while he drove..."i feel, acidity hogi..nothing else...give her some antacid...n make her walk a lil...she d feel better...acidity is quite common...specially with such a big baby..."ashutosh rushed in...baba was pacing in the hall, as maxi held nidhi in the washroom...as she renched her gut...asutosh held her...as maxi came out to bring cold water...ashutosh washed nidhi's face with cold water ...as she came n slumped to the bed...and dr ashutosh soothed her...forcing her to take the antacid..."i hate it...muhe nahi peena..."but like a true senior dr, he forced it down her throat...and then made her sip water...as she closed her eyes...and he smiled ...holding her hand...planting a light kiss on her cheek...as she said"yahaan to nishu ko kiss karte hain aap"!!and ashutosh held her nose..."chup chaap raho..no shaitaani...tum nishu ki mamma ho..leki usse zyaada bachpana hai..."and as a pouted nidhi rested, ashutosh sat, loosening his tie...and just gazing at her...it was the ultimate bliss...
In the evening, he helped her wear her walking shoes as now it had been 10 days of her return...n they came out to walk...as nidhi smiled seeing nishu play cricket with maxi, ashutosh looked at her...n narrowing his eyes commented"ab to tum theek kag rahi ho...kahi yeh sab mujhe hospital se jaldi bulane ka bahaana ti nahi tha"??nidhi smiked n retorted"nahi...bus test karna chahti thi...ki kitna pyaar karte hain mujhse...karte bhi hain ta nahi..."??ashutosh looked into her eyes..."to kya pata chala...mere pyaar ki gehraayee ke baare mei"??nidhi turned serious"yehi,..ki aapki hunsi mei...aapke aansoon mei...aapki dhadkan mei..aapki saanson mei..bus mai hi mai hoon...aapka pyar mere jeene ki wajah..mere jeevan ki dor hai...dr ashutosh...sach to yeh hai..aapke pyaar ki gehraayee..aapke vishwaas ki oonchaai...mai lafzon mei bayaan nahi ker sakti..."ashutosh just looked at her...n then putting his arm around her , he said in his typically ashutosh way.."kuch jazbaaton ko lafzon ki zuroorat nahi hoti..."and then with a glint of naughtiness in his eyes , he added"aur ab tum theek ho...to mai hospital ho aaoon..."n nidhi pouted...hitting her head on his chest...as he laughed n hugged her..."aree ..mazak bhi nahi samajhti...come on..."and they continued their walk while nishu ran runs and baba looked at them from his rocking chair...in bliss n peace, finally calling out"bhai hiraman, zara woh chai banao...adrak wali"!!
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It was sunday evening nidhi had just got up from sleep , n as she went into the kitchen , to help herself to a glass of juice, she could see no body...she called out"baba...armaanji..nishu..."but there was no one...she seemed apprehensive...walking out , she felt herself being pulled ..n as she shrieked...she was held...on that familiar chest..."kya karte hain aap..darr gayee thi mai...kahaan hain sab"??dr ashutosh smiled"nishu gaya hai armaan ke sath, kaka aur baba gaye hain col verma ke ghar...aur main hoon apni biwi ke paas..."and then getting her inside he sais"chalo jaldi ready ho jao...party hai...woh gown ..."nidhi seemed amazed"arre woh party to 10 din pehle thi...aaj kahaan"??ashutosh tapped hernose"woh party tumhare bina nahi ho sakti...so chalo..aur stop playing the CBI..kyun.Kahaan kaise.Kab???"
A confused nidhi wore the gown...lovely colour...wine with golden straps n a flowing bow...as she touched her bump...ashutosh xame from behind...looking devastating in his black tuxedo n bow tie...as nidhi seemed dazed, he hugged her..his hands warm n posessive on her baby bump...caressing it...as she tried to ask...he quietened her...in his inimatable way...n said"chalo...tumhe kidnap nahi kar raha hoon...bus party me le jaa raha hoon..."and nidhi was swept by him..."per mai kaisi lag rahi hoon..uyeh mark bhi dikh raha hai"!!!said nidhi showing the mark from the bullet...dr ashutosh bent n kissed ot...n then her shoulders n neck..."bus..bahut achchi lag rahi ho...meri nazron se dekho..."and as nidhi wore her solitairre tops , n sat in the car...dr ashutosh drove ...his gaze still lingering on her...
They arrived at the Taj Awadh...and he escorted her to the lift "kiski party..."ashutosh was not even listening...and as the lift opened , he put his hands on her eyes...bringing her into the durbaar hall...and then as he removed his hand...pink petals of roses fell on them...as nidhi hugged by nishu..looked around...the hall was decorated in pink ...heart shaped baloons, baby pics..and a big pic of nidhi ...with ashutosh n nishu...with a caption"BABY SHOWER..."as the lights gleamed nidhi saw...baba , col verma..dr sudhir solanki uncle, dr dubey ...and many other friends all in suits...n ladies in pink n wine coloured saris or dresses...lil nishu hugged nidhi...standing handsome in his black tiuxedo with bow tie,..just like his father...he smiled"mamma..yahi thi humari secret..."and dr ashutosh came holding pink hear shaped balloons...and as he handed them to nidhi...looking resplendent with joy ..he whispered"happy baby shower...n thank you nidhi...thank you very much"!!as yhere was clapping all around , ashutosh took nidhi and made her sit on a lovely pink sofa chair...as anji put a pink ribbon in her hair...gifting her a pink barbie doll...shyama aunty, nanda, mrs nagpal, priyanka , jyothika , ahana all came n kissed nidhi n gave her pink gifts...armaan handed her a huge bundle of pink nappies"(sabse zyaada useful gift)"he winked...n col verma got a pink baby dress n toys, baba came in a dark grey suit pushing a pink pram ..for his poti...and finally dadi bua commented"to yeh hai modern gode bharai...achchi hai bhai...bahut achchi hai"!!!
As finger foods were served, and dr ranganath clicked pics, dr ashutosh carrying khushi ina pink gown n nishu is black tuxedo...his hands full...nidhi could see their future...and then dr ranganath clapped"your attention please..sabne to dr nidhi ko gifts shower ker diye...per mamma to be ko papa to be se kya gift milega..."and there was a loud applase as the youngsters as ahana n jyothika ..with anji n priyankacried in chorus"come on...dr ashutosh..come on"
Ashutosh , adjusted his cuffs ...as to nidhi's surprise he came n asked for her hand...they danced...Slowly, gracefully ..nidhi feeling ashutosh's hand around her swollen waist...and then she saw a wall turn and lo!!there appeared a lovely classic piano...nidhi smiled as dr ashutosh made her sit n then struck the piano keys...
"Maine tere liye hi saat rang ke sapne chune...
Sapne sureele sapne...
Kuch hanste kuch gum ke...
Teri aankho ke saaye churaaye raseelee yaadon nei..."and as the guests looked on ...nidhi was held by ashutosh's intense gaze...his eyes telling more than his lips...his silence more than his words...he had waited to sing this song for a long time...he wanted to tell nidhi that she had fulfilled all his dreams ...n no dream of his could be completed without her...and now finally..after so many pitfalls n tears..their dream..their family was going to be complete...they did not need anything else...this was eough...more than enough...as nishu came to ashu n he held his fingers to press the jeys...as baba had taugyt him...nidhi smiled...a beautiful smile...she was a daughter...a doctor...and a mother...but nothing completed her as much as belonging to her husband did...it was he...the great neuro surgeon, the harsh dr hardstone..the middle aged dr with grey side burns that completed her...gave her life a new meaning...made her smile...thru her eyes...nidhi could not sing...she didnt have the voice...nor the confidence...but she hummed to herself...the lines of an old song that aradhanaji often sang...nidhi could remember just two lines...but they defined her...n her love for dr ashutosh...she hummed
MAI BANDINI PIYA KI...
MAI SANGINI HOON SAAJAN KI...
MERA KHEENCHTI HAI ANCHAL MANMEET TERI HUR PUKAAR...
yes...for her dr ashutosh was the reason for living...for smiles n joys...for each pleasure...she was incomplete without him...and for her the world meant..their love...their commitment to stand with each other by each other...thru thick n thin...ASHNI...BAS ASHNI...in all seasons of life..ashni bas ashni...
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