SS. Arrangement

It was 10 days to the wedding. Ragini was tensed if she had made the right decision. She had decided to marry Dr. Aman on his insistance. But her heart longed for Nachiket or Neil as Nivedita called him. Was one small misunderstanding enough to break a bond formed over 10 years. 

"Its not like I confessed my love to you. And then that incident took me far away from you. I wish you would have been there atleast as a friend in my life. But I think it is just not meant to be. I wish you happiness and success always. I would have waited for you till eternity but maa is unwell and she wants her daughter to be married. I am 34 years old after all. And then my medical condition which won't let me concieve. You loved kids which always made me think I would let you down. But Dr. Aman just needs a trustwortht woman who he can show as his wife. He has a son who studies in Shimla and doesnt need a mother. 

So this is it. I agreed for this proposal that benefits all but me. I love you and I always will. But you will never know that."

Ragini shut her diary. She looked out of the window. She looked at the moon and smiled with tears in her eyes like she did for the last 7 years. Nachiket had cut her off completely. He hated to look at her face. It hurt her a lot. But she never let him know how hurt she was. She knew Nivedita was young and beautiful. She would be able to give Nachiket the life he deserves. Last week when he proposed marriage to her at the annual party she felt her world crumble. But then again she had already said yes to Aman a few days before that. She went to bed and cried herself to sleep for the nth time. 

Ragini got up to a loud bang. It was 5am. She ran to the kitchen and saw her mother fallen on the floor. She checked her pulse which got her to panic. She didnt know what to do and picked up the phone and called Dr. Aman who said he would call an ambulance as he had a 6am flight to Shimla that he couldn't miss. 

The ambulance arrived around 7am. Dr. Kumar said the patient is in immediate need of surgery with 80% blockages. Chances of survival were slim. She got a call from the nurse saying the specialist had reached. When she turned around her eyes met a rather concerned Nachiket staring at her. The nurse left. Nachiket asked her to come to his cabin. Just his voice taking her name made her feel much better. She walked in and Nachiket along with Dr. Kumar briefed her about the surgery. 

As the discussion was over, Dr. Kumar left the room. Ragini got up and walked to the door when she felt giddy and held on to the chair. Nachiket ran and held her in his embrace. He made her sit and offered her water and asked the nurse to get her some tea and sandwiches as well as asked her to check if the OT is ready. 

He gave Ragini water while she refused to meet his eyes. The nurse came with the food and said he had 4 hours till some prelimnary tests were performed and the surgery could commence. He told her that he had some important work her needed to care for in those 4 hours so would not liked to be disturbed. Ragini knew this was his routine. He always isolated himself before a big surgery. Noone knew what he did at that time. But none dared to ask as all feared his anger. She smiled and moved her trembling hand to give her support to get up.

N - kaha jaa rahi ho?

R - woh main apne cabin mein aram karti hoon.

N - Sit down. I got this food for you. Not for myself. You know i never eat bread. 

Ragini smiled. Nachiket returned her smile and sat besides her. He began to feed her which shocked Ragini but she just let him. He carefully saw to it that she ate most of the food. Once she signalled she was full he didn't force her and began eating the remaining sandwiches. 

N - woh adat pad gayi hain kabhi kabhi bread khaane ki. Bachelor hoon naa. 

R - Not for long. Nivedita is very pretty. You both look perfect together.

Nachiket looked away.

N - we are only engaged. She has her career and me mine. Everyone is not in a hurry like you.

R - Your getting old. Marry her before she runs away.

Nachiket smiled - why didnt you tell me about maa. I work here in this hospital you know.

R - we haven't spoken much in the last 7 years. Dr. Kumar was a better option.

Nachiket sighed - maybe we should move on and give our friendship another chance. 

R - Are you serious?

N - yes. I missed my friend. I was looking for ways to talk to you. But couldn't. I don't want to waste another 7 years.

Ragini smiled with tears of joy and lept into Nachikets arms for a hug as she cried her pains away. Nachiket held her close and cried himself silently. She realised what she had done implusively and tried to move away but the grip around her was strong and possessive. Nachiket wiped her back slowly helping her relax. Her breathing settled and thats when Nachiket knew she had fallen asleep. He leaned behind holding her close. Put an alarm for 3 hours and fell into deep slumber himself.

The beep of the alarm woke both the sleepy heads. Both smiled at each other. Nachiket picked up his phone and asked the cafeteria for some lunch. 

They freshened up and began eating.

R - what do you do normally before surgeries.

N - wat i did today - sleep n eat something light.

R - thats all! I was expecting some important routine 

N - eating and sleeping is important 

R - do u think maa will be ok? 

N - yes. U trust me right.

R - she is my only family i can't loose her

N - i am always there.

Ragini smiled 

N - also we have your Dr. Aman. Were is he? Shouldnt he be here. 

R - he had to go to shimla to meet Arush. He called for the ambulance though.

N - why are you marrying a man with a kid? You can do so much better. He definately has a past. 

R - he divorced his wife 8 years back. It was mutual understanding. 

N - when is the wedding?

R - in 9 days

N - are you kidding me. Maa is sick. Just use it as an excuse. Get out of the wedding. I have to go. Wish me luck. We will continue this topic later.

R - all the best.

Nachiket bent down and kissed her on her cheek and walked out. He then realised what he had done but just smiled and continued.

Ragini on the other hand thought how would she tell Nachiket her reason for marry Aman. She said a silent prayer for her mum and left for her cabin.

When Nachiket walked out of the operation theatre with a smile on his face, Ragini was there to greet him. 

N - maa is in the ICU. She will be there for a few days. Surgery went very well.

R - thank you. I dont know what i would do without you. 

N - Dr. Kumar would have helped. 

Ragini just sighed with a frown.

N - lets go home. You need rest. Get better so you can care for maa once she is conscious tomorrow.

R -  i wont argue. You are right.

N - i am never wrong. Ditch Aman.

R - lets go.

N - this topic isn't over. 

Nachiket dropped Ragini home after they had dinner out. He knew alone she woudnt eat. He said he would return in the  morning and they can have breakfast and leave for the hospital.

"Today is the happiest day of my life. Maa had a successful surgery and i got Nachiket back as a friend." She closed her diary and fell asleep. 

She got up early and made Nachikets favourite breakfast with coffee. When the door bell rang she ran and opened it.

R - aap kab aaye Dr. Aman?

A - Aaj subah. Aunty kaisi hain? 

R - theek hain. Nachiket saved her.

A - oh really. All this food is for your breakfast date with him?

N - Dr. Aman mind your language. 

A - should I? And let you date my fiance. 

R - Dr. Aman please. 

N - get out. 

A - what? I am the fiance. You need to leave 

Ragini tried to calm both the men.

Nachiket walked towards Ragini. Pulled the ring out from her finger and threw it at aman.

N - i did my research about you all night. Got an article in a local paper in shimla that said your wife left you as you are a womaniser. You are marrying Ragini so you can get custody. And Ragini his divorce was finalised just 6 mths ago. 

A - nice Dr. Nachiket. You came prepared. But your Ragini is no angel. She is marrying me for her motives. 

N - what motive will she have?

A - her ailing mother is worried noone will marry her 30 something daughter who apparently can't have kids. I am not the only one benefiting here. I will leave now. Ragini you can continue to work at the hospital but the marriage is off. I got arushs custody anyways yesterday. I can marry someone worth my time or maybe not marry at all

Aman left leaving a shocked Nachiket. Ragini just stood staring at the floor. 

After a few minutes of uneasy silence Nachiket looked around to find Ragini no where to be seen. He panicked and started calling her name and looking around the house. Thats when he saw the kitchen table filled with all the breakfast options he loved. There was enough variety for him and another person to eat all day. He smiled at how thoughtful his friend was and his eyes got watery wondering how he should have been there for the past 7 years. That issue didn't even feel big enough to fight over now. His leaving India for the US for 6 years. Returning to India 7 months back and landing up in the same hospital.

He went to Raginis mothers bedroom and found her sitting in the corner crying with her mothers picture held close to her heart. It broke him to see Ragini in this condition. At that moment something made him think he had to sort his friends issues. She was to weak to think logically at this point. 

He went to her and made her get up.

N - we will figure this all out. Aman was never worth it

R - i dont care about aman. I am worried how maa will take this news. She is already so sick. I dont know what to do

N - we will handle this together. One step at a time. Telling maa about this is my responsibility. For now lets eat some of the amazing food you have made. Pack the rest and go to the hospital. 

Ragini nodded like a kid. They ate and left for the hospital. Her mom had some complications because of which she was given sedatives with some additional medication. Nachiket told her that she will wake up by early morning the next day. They shared their meal with Dr. Kumar who was all praises for Raginis cooking. He literally swiped of everything. Nachiket was livid as he wanted some of the dhoklas for later. Ragini smiled looking at him frown.

Thats when Nachiket received a call.

N - yes. How are you? I was busy. Raginis mother is the patient. Just a minute...

Ragini i will be back

Nachiket went out of the room.

N - yes nivedita. I dont think you can ask me that question. She is my friend. I know you dont like her. She needs me and i will be there for her.

He went back in the room 

N - that was nivedita. She is coming back today from kolkata. I will pick her up around 5pm. 

R - thats good news. I will go finish some paperwork. Anyway maa will wake up in the morning. Call me in case anything changes.

In the evening Nachiket came with Nivedita to the hospital. He said he just had to check on some patients and then they could leave.

A - hi Nivedita. What a pleasant surprise!

Ni - hi Dr. Aman. I heard your fiances mother is ill.

A - she is no longer my fiance...he told her about everything that happened in the morning

Nivedita walked away all shocked. This is what she feared. Ragini and Nachiket getting closer.

Nachiket returned and they left in his car. 

Ni - wen are we getting married?

N - you said you needed 2 years. Why this question now?

Ni - lets move in together

Nachiket halted the car with a jerk

N - you dont know me at all, do you? I am a traditional guy. I believe in marriage. I cant believe i proposed to you. I knew you were not the one for me. Still ...

Ni - still what...that Ragini is your dream woman. 7 years ago she filed that case of medical negligence against you. I saved you.

N - she didn't file it. Her friend who was my patient did. She just came as a witness. I was wrong as well. But my ego was hurt as the case tarnished my reputation. But i am doing very well today. She did her duty to her friend. 

Ni - i can't marry you. You don't let me even hold your hand in public. But the hospital is buzzing with the news of how close you and Ragini have gotten in the last 36 hours. 

N - you are right. You shoudnt marry me. Because you have never and will never be someone i can be myself with

Ni - you are calling off our relationship because of that Ragini. She is a nobody. You are a world renowned doctor. She does administrative work at the hospital. Do you not worry about your image. She cant even mother a child

N - thats enough! I see you have spoken to aman. Get out of the car now. I am sure you will get a cab. Its only 7pm. 

Ni - you will repent for this Dr. Neil Khanna. 

Nivedita got out of the car and left. As Nachiket drove off all he could think about was how he would handle Raginis mother. He dropped Ragini a message saying they need to reach the hospital by 7am. He will pick her by 6.30am.

When he got home, he looked at his empty bachelor pad. He had an old family bunglow but when he returned from the states he choose to stay in this two bedroom flat. In US he lived with his sister Pam, her husband and kids. He loved his sisters family. He craved for his own. But he always met women who wanted to marry Neil not Nachiket.

He ordered some food from the restaurant and had a drink. He just realised how he was 36years old and still an eligible bachelor as his sister called him. He left Ragini a goodnight message and waited for her reply. Only then could he sleep.

Raginis mom was conscious the next day. Her recovery was speedy. She was shifted to the general ward. After a few days Nachiket told her about Ragini engagement breaking.

M - thanks beta. You saved my Ragini from a bad marriage. I know she has passed the ideal marriage age and her chances of finding a nice guy are slim because of her medical condition. But that doesn't mean she should marry just anyone. My daughter is a very kind hearted lady. She will be a good home maker but if that is not her destiny then i am sure God has better plans. But as a mother i would love to see her with someone who will care for her. Her simple dressing sense and behaviour is not something people value. But i am happy she got her friend back. She seems happier now. Can i ask you a question?

N - sure maa

M - i have been sick. I dont know how long i will be around. I have seen the kind of women you date or i would have asked you to marry Ragini. She wears cotton sarees and ties her hair in a bun while your girl friends wear trendy clothes and hold professional jobs.

Nachiket didnt know why but whatever he heard made him uneasy.

M - after me can you just see to it that she is fine. She may have to live alone all her life and i dont know where you will be with whom. But just call once in a while to see she is taking care of herself. 

This he hated even more. He was glad Ragini was in a staff meeting. He nodded a yes and left her room in a daze and just went walking to the garden.

Raginis mother thought to herself...now my job is done. Nachiket will forceably think about Ragini as his life partner. 

A few days passed by and Raginis mothers health deteriorated again. Nachiket came for a house visit. He asked her if she was taking her meditation on time. She said seeing Ragini settled would be her cure.

After a lot of thought he asked Ragini to go to the beach on sunday with him. Once they had enjoyed their usual street food they got some falooda and sat down to chat. That's when nachiket told her about all maa told him. Ragini felt awkward and just looked away.

N - i know i have dated women who are very different from you. But i want to propose an arrangement to you.

Ragini looked at him with a blank face. 

N - marry me and lets see if it works out. And if it doesn't we will think what to do later. Because i dont have an answer to that part. And what maa told me is turning me nuts. Why didn't we ever get together. I know i have been a ladies man. But if you are 34 i am 36. If there are bleak chances of you conceiving, I dont know if i still have it in me to father a kid. That did not come out right. Sorry!

Ragini burst out laughing. Nachiket joined her. They walked towards the water.

N - so what say...you want to arrange your marriage with me?

R - i need time to think. 

N - we are both old. Lets not waste a lot more time

R - you are in some big hurry to marry now

N - no i am in a hurry because i can marry you. What's better than marrying your best friend?

Ragini began crying. Nachiket wiped her tears and held her face.

R - i cant wear western clothes daily.

N - i will wear kurta and pyjama to complement you.

R - i cant do all the dolling up and partying.

N - but you can leave your hair open which makes you look angelic. 

Nachiket didnt know where that came from

N - what say?

R - yes

N - thats a smart choice. 

Nachiket just hugged her softly and kissed her forehead. He knealt down and got a ring out. Ragini extended her hand and they were engaged. It felt like a dream to ragini and nachiket was just feeling very content. As they walked to the car Nachiket held her waist possessively. Ragini just kept blushing which didn't go unnoticed by Nachiket. He instead tightened his grip which sent shivers down her spine as his hands had intentionally moved from her saree to her bare waist.

Please do continue...waiting here

As they drove away from the beach Ragini began to wonder how her life was about to change. She kept looking at the ring. It looked very expensive. She wanted to get Nachiket a ring as well. She knew exactly which one.

They reached home and maa opened the door. Before Ragini, Nachiket told her everything. Maa went inside and came out with a ring that belonged to her husband. Ragini happily put it on Nachikets finger. Nachiket felt very proud to wear the ring. He then asked maa to move in with them after the wedding. 

M - i will but not immediately. You both need your space to work on your relationship. Dont worry about me. I will live with my friend in her house for few days. Her husband passed away last year and children are married. We plan on catching up with some old school friends. I have a whatssap group with them. They actually pushed me to ask Nachiket to marry you.

R - maa. Are you serious.

M - you both took soo long on your own. Definately needed a little push from me. Nachiket speak to your sister and think about what kind of marriage you guys want.

N - my sisters kids have school so they wont be here. Marriage i want is simple. Can we have a mehendi ceremony at your house and then a sangeet and small wedding in a hotel. We have college and hospital friends but not too many. Ragini is that ok with you?

R - yes. But can everything be simple. I spent a lot on maas surgery.

N - i dont mind taking you with me after a court marriage. But a traditional wedding will give us good memories. It will be simple. You spend for the mehendi and i will take care of the rest. Don't argue with me. This is final.

M - its done then. Let me go speak to the pandit.

N - maa i want to show ragini my house. Is it ok if we go now?

M - yes please go

They all chuckled while the new couple left.

R - you live here? When did you change residence?

N - when i got back from the states. I know its a bachelor pad. I did it up when i moved in. But just let me know anything you want changed and what all you will need.

R - its a very elegant house. Simple yet classy. Kitchen just has bread and maggi. Will need to change that. I need somewhere to put my clothes and a cabinet in the bathroom 

N - done. 

R - i love the drapes and all the linen. Whats this here? Omg. The master bedroom and living room have balconys facing the sea. I love this house. Can we have a little sitting area with a coffee table and a few chairs?

N - yes. I like that idea. Do you want to watch a movie? I can arrange popcorn and ice cream.

R - sure

Ragini sat on the sofa and looked around for a television.

Nachiket came with the popcorn and ice cream. He set his coat aside. He looked so handsome. She was having some naughty thoughts. 

He sat close to her and used a remote to start the projector. They put on an English film. A romantic comedy.

Ragini loved Nachikets choice in everything. He just seemed to make no mistake. After sometime they just happened to share an eyelock when Nachiket pointed out to some ice cream on her lips. She couldnt clean it off so he helped her. He went back to the movie but ragini was still stuck in the moment. Realising that Nachiket went closeby and asked if he could kiss her. Ragini stormed off to the balcony with Nachiket following behind her.

R - you don't even love me

N - do you?

R - yes...

Ragini replied without a second thought and turned away not knowing what to expect. She felt his arms wrap around her and he whispered in her ears.

N - I love you and i always will. Dont leave me. Noone gets me like you. 

Ragini turned around and hugged him tight.

N - now can i kiss you?

R - i am not sure i know how to

N - that's it

Nachiket put her against the balcony wall in the corner so noone from anywhere could see. He kissed her senseless. She got taken a back but then began responding. Nachiket was loosing himself as his hands went from her head to her back again on her waist inside the saree. Ragini held onto him. After sometime they just stood there gasping for air. Nachiket knew his limits. He didn't want to scare ragini off. He guided her to the sofa and they continued the movie. 

Thats when they got a call from maa telling them to come home for dinner.