Posted:
Yeh Lamha Kahaan Tha Mera COMPLETE
Night
Guilt was eating her up as she didn't want to subject Raman to such atrocity.
"Kya hua pagal Madrasan, sone kaa irada nahii hai kya? Kal clinic nahii jaana? Phir se licence rework toh nahii ho gaya?
As she sat there, lost in deep thought, a tear departed Ishita's eye to be caught by Raman...
"Please yaar! Yeh Star Plus ke TV shows dekhna bandh kardo; kuch zyada hi inspiration mil rahi hai!"
"Raman mein kabhii 'Maa' nahii ban saktii... yeh baat jante hui bhi aapne mujhe whole heartedly accept kia?"
"Senti kyun ho rahi ho? Mujhe toh lagaa tha tum Doctor ho? I was right tum Dentist ho Doctor nahii!!! Kyun ki agar tum Doctor hoti toh you would have known ke treatment hai iss condition ki!
After a pause, Raman continued
Meri zindagi toh tumse aur Ruhi se complete hoti hai lekin agar tum yeh chahti ho toh we will go for treatment."
Not once did Raman make Ishita feel degraded and demeaned for this matter. In fact, he respected and loved this woman in equal measures. No matter what anybody said: whether they questioned Ishita or taunted her, Raman always stood up for her. He knew very well that Ishita was a MOTHER in the truest sense. Not once did Ruhi feel a stranger in her 'Ishi Maa's embrace! What more did a man need.
"Thank you Raman for entering my life!" said Ishita beaming with pride
Raman smiled widely and patted his back for bringing back a smile on Ishita's face. He silently, in his mind, promised his warrior princess that their child would be with them within the next two years.
Two Days Later
"Doctor, I hope you remember maine aap se kahaa tha that I want to get my wife treated for infertility? When can we get it started?" asked Raman nervously.
"Mr Bhalla, iss country mein bahut costly aur risky preposition hai yeh! So I suggest ke aap UK shift ho jaaye. Wahan it'll be cost-free aur God forbid agar treatment successful nahii rahi toh at least aap ke paise waste nahii honge. Think practically..." The doctor left Raman to make his decision whilst he attended another patient.
The Doctor came back and asked Raman whether he would be fine with going to the UK for consultancy/ treatment
"Theek hai Doc. If you think ke yahi best option hai toh I'll go with the flow." With that Raman left to head back home.
Ishita had not gone to the clinic today as Raman wanted her to be at home when he returned. Therefore, she cancelled all her appointments. She was eagerly anticipating Raman's return from the Doctor's.
Raman entered and signalled Ishita to follow him to their room. Predicting from his expressions, the matter seemed serious. This tensed Ishita and as soon as she entered, she began showering questions at Raman.
She shut up only once she lost her breath. Raman rushed out the room to get her a glass of water which she needed immediately! Once she had gulped the water, she broke the silence...
"Kya kahaa Doctor ne? I hope koi problem nahii hogi? Batao naa Raman, what's the matter?" Ishita said demanding an answer NOW
"Ishita we will have to move out of India for sometime time tumhari treatment ke liye. Actually, mujhe aisa personally lagta hai it's better ke hum kisi aache hospital main ilaag karwaine."
"Lekin aase sab se dhoor mein adjust kaise karongi. You know right mere liye difficult ho jaayega! Aur Ruhi uska school sab yahaan pe hai; toh woh humare saath? Oh God Raman. I don't think hum jaa payenge! Ishita said a little dejected.
"Poori duniya ki fikaar sirf meri JHANSI KI RANI ko hi hai!" said Raman teasingly
"Ishita ab jab mauka haath mein hai, you can't let it slip.. I promise sab manage ho jayega. Aur ek baar treatment poori ho gayi, we will return. Humein wahan ghar nahii banana hai sirf kuch mahino ke liye shift karna hai. Ghar laute ke toh aana hi hai? Raha sawaal Ruhi kaa, you can chat with her everyday! Yahi toh hai kamaal technology kaa madam. Chill karo. Ainvayi load lene ki zaroorat nahii hai!" voiced Raman reassuringly
"Aap jab itna convince kar hi rahen hai toh fine. Lekin Ruhi se mein rooz baat karongi." Ishita said as though ordering Raman
"Theek hai yaar! Relax karo"
"Aap sab ko bataa dijyegaa aur Ruhi ko mein khud yeh bataon gi" exclaimed Ishita
"Arre ek baat toh poochna hi bhul gaye, jaana kahan hai?" asked Ishita amused by her own excitement.
The moment she had eagerly awaited was so close to her. She would soon have a child of her own. Her and Raman's own child. Not that her love for Ruhi would diminish.
"UK."
Evening At Around 6.35 PM
The Bhalla and Iyer family who Raman had specially called over today were having their dinner, in silence. This came out as a huge surprise to both Ishita and Raman. Well they were thankful because now they could calmly put forward what they had to tell.
"Mummyji, Papaji, Amma aur Aappa aap sab se bahut important baat share karni hai."
Ruhi who had been anticipating what was to arrive was tempted to ask...
"Ishi Maa kya aap baby laa rahe hoo?" Ruhi questioned innocently unable to understand the gravity of the words she had spoken.
"Meri Daadi Amma ko pehli hi pataa chal jaata hai ke kya hone waala hai. Aapne saahi kaha Ruh lekin uske liye Ishi Maa aur Papa ko Ruhi se dhoor jaana padega. Aapka school sab yahan pe hai aur aap miss nahi kar sakte!" said Raman in an attempt to convince Ruhi to agree to the departure.
"Ishi Maa everyday aap se baat karengi. Promise aur woh bhi face to face. Ruh please maan jao!" said Ishita pleadingly.
"Okay Ishi Maa! Lekin yahan kya problem hai?"
"Yahan pe Doctors aache nahi hain beta! Woh paise bahut barbaad karte hain. Isi liye hume aap sab se away rehna padega!" Raman said feeling a little dejected
"Oye hun gal samajh wich aayi mainu. Tum dono... Mummyji realised she shouldn't be saying all this in Ruhi's presence so she sent her to Sharavu at Paati's house.
Mummyji continued... "Acha Ishita ilaaj deliye odhar jaa raaye hai. Jaa puttar teh Rab kare jaldh aasanh saaryaan knuh ai khush khabar mile!"
"Ishu meri kanna. Chamatha khutti. Finally, God heard my prayers. Tum ko bahut soon ek bacha hoga. My prayer are with you always. I'm there with Ruhi. Mein uski Paati. I'll take care of her. Don't worry. Sehri?
"Sehri Amma!" Ishita smiled
"Oh chup oye Madrasan! Ruhi meri pooti hai teh usde Daadi zinda hai. Tuhaanu zaroorat nahii hai usde fikaar karan di. Theek hai?"
"Acha!" and with that Amma left silently without creating a ruckus. She knew better; it was a crucial period for her daughter and she didn't want to indulge in unnecessary banter and quarrels, even though lighthearted.
Amma and Aappa had both yearned for the day when their dear Ishu had a child of her own. Ruhi had filled that void yet they knew that Ishita felt in complete somehow.
The evening had drifted away and now came the night. This night was special for IshRa. They had began packing their luggage as Raman had booked the tickets earlier this afternoon and Ishita had decided to take a sabbatical from work for a year or two. IshRa were now set to enter a new phase in their lives: together.
Their flight was after two weeks on a Friday yet excitement just couldn't resist. The two weeks passed in a jiffy; it all went in a blur with the entire Bhalla and Iyer clan scurrying around doing all they could to ease Ishita's nervousness.
Friday Early Morning
"Ruh baby chaalo utho beta. Ishi Maa ko bye nahii kehna? said Ishita in an attempt to wake up Ruhi who had been in deep slumber. Yet as soon as her Ishi Maa's voice travelled to her ears, she immediately bounced up and gave Ishita a huge hug and two kisses on her soft cheeks. Raman also followed Ishita to Ruhi's room. As Ruhi noticed him, she said
"Papa, please Ishi Maa kaa ache se khayaal rakhna warna main wahan aajaongi aap ki khabar lene!!! said Ruhi as though warning Raman
Raman posing as though he was intimidated by his little girl went near her and crouched down to say
"Papa aap se promise karte hain ke woh aap ki Ishi Maa kaa khoob ache se khayaal rakhkein ge and with this he winked at his JHANSI KI RANI who began blushing profusely as though a newly wed bride!
They were having a beautiful family moment when they heard Mummyji screaming at the top if her lungs to tell IshRa to get going.
"Oye Raman puttar chal cheti kar yaar! Flight nahii pakadni? Romi tussanh knuh chad aayega. Aao jaldi naashta karke the pher niklo."
Raman, Ruhi and Ishita payed heed and went to have their breakfast. Ruhi who knew she couldn't live a single moment without her Ishi Maa insisted she wanted to tag along.
"Ruh beta aap kaa school yahaan hai, friends yahaan hai. Isi liye Ishi Maa ko aap se dhoor jaana hi hoga. Lekin baabu, it's not for long. I'll be back very soon." Ishita refused politely, bearing a heavy stone on her light heart. She knew that this was uncalled for yet something; a part of her urged to go.
"Hum rooz aap se baat karenge via Skype, Ruhi promise!" promised Raman to their daughter.
They had had their breakfast and with that left home along with Romi and Ruhi who insisted on at least going over to the airport to see of Ishi Maa and Raman Papa.
Raman and Ishita had said their byes to Mummyji, Papaji, Amma, Appa and Simmi at home. The elders had showered blessings at IshRa and Simmi had wished them all the luck and said she'd pray to 'Maata Rani' that everything went off smoothly.
Ruhi smilingly let Ishi Maa and Papa leave and promised she would take good care of every one at home.
IshRa were know in the aeroplane waiting for it to depart and make them pursue a new journey of life; hand in hand! Ishita knew that it was difficult for him to be away from their family but for her happiness, he had given consent.
"Raman mein jaanti hoon ke aap ke liye mushkil hai aise sab se dhoor rehna. I'm sorry, I don't know yeh achanak kya hogaya. Mein Ruhi se ek Maa se bhi badhkad pyaar kartii hoon but I wanted ke humara khud ka ek bacha ho. That doesn't mean ke mera Ruhi ke prati pyaar kam ho jaaega. I'll still cherish her more than our very own child!"
Somehow pessimism stepped in and took Ishita out of her trance.
"Par agar yeh successful nahii raha toh. Raman mujhe daar lag raha hai!"
Raman who had till now calmly heard each and every word now became amused at the state his warrior princess was in.
"Relax Ishita. Hum sab jaante hain ke tumse zyaada Ruhi se pyaar aur koi nahii kar sakta. Yeh sachaai hai aur hamesha rahegi. Raha sawaal treatment successful hona kaa toh hume bas bharosa rakhna hai. The rest is up to God. Woh film dekhi hai 'Dhoom:3' wahan pe kaise woh kehta hai 'bande hain hum uske; hum pe kiska zhoor'. Ishita yakeen rakho. Please be positive. All izz well..!" reassured Raman, chuckling at the end to ease Ishita off her apprehensions.
"Agar mujhe Star Plus ke serials inspire kartein hain toh aap ko Aamir Khan! Kahan se chaanth kar yeh dialogues nikaal rahen hain? Hmm?" jested Ishita.
"Kya hai Jhansi Ki Rani, mujhe dialogues raathne ki aadat nahii hai! I'm spontaneous...! Hahahahahaha"
After around 7 to 8 hours of travelling, their flight landed and they were now at London's Heathrow Airport. Mr. Pillai, a colleague of Raman and Ishita's Doctor, Dr. Sengupta, had come to receive them.
"So Mr. Bhalla sab se pehle toh hum meri surgery mein chalte hain. Actually, we have to complete certain formalities before we proceed with the treatment. I hope that's okay with you?"
"Sure Dr. Pillai lekin usse pehle, I have to make a call to my mother. So can you please wait for a while after that we'll continue."
Raman made a quick call to Mummyji who was now reassured and gave Raman gave the phone to Ishita so that Ruhi could talk to her.
"Ishi Maa, I hope you had a safe travel? Kaise hain aap aur papa?"
"Ruh hum dono bilkul theek hain. Lekin aap ko bahut miss kar rahen hain. Jab hum lauteinge, aap ke liye khoob saare gifts layenge! Take care aapna aur humaari poori family kaa; aap responsible ho naa? That's my good girl. Now Daadi ko phone dijiye. Darasal unse aapki 'Bua Daadi' kaa address poochnaa hai."
With that Ruhi handed the phone over to her Daadi.
"Haan Ishita puttar tu likh address Shaila behenji daa"
Mummyji gave the address whilst Ishita made a note of it.
"Thank you Mummyji! Ab hum Doctor ki surgery mein jaa rahen hain. Wahan pe zaroori kaam hai..."
"Apnaa khayaal raakhi, acha? Teh agar uss 'khote di khur' kneh tuhaanu kuch bhi kahaa teh mainu baataa dena. Usknuh chaper laavaan gi!"
"Aap fikar maath karo Mummyji. Mein inhe handle karloon gi! chuckled Ishita
"Achi tarha handle kareen!" joked Mummyji and kept the receiver.
Mummyji felt content. Things were finally put in place. Raman's life was now set and everything seemed perfect. Soon Ishita too would be expecting and this close knit family would be complete. How things turned out to be so smooth.
Raman and Ishita were heading towards the surgery when Raman jokingly questioned Ishita about her conversation with Mummyji.
"Tum dono 'Saas- Bahu' ki jodi behaad ajeeb ho. Kahaan ek zamaane mein Saas aapni bahu ko saazish ka shikaar banaati thi. Par yahaan toh maamla saara ultaa hai." said Raman with that devilish grin of his
"Kuch bhi! Kya keh kya rahen hai aap?" asked ishita innocently; completely oblivious to Raman's prank
"Sach keh rahan hoon! Kya kaana pooshih chal rahi thi?"
"Aap mujhe cher rahen hain naa? Itni intelligent toh hoon hi main!"
"Theek hai yaar! Mazaakh kar raha tha!"
At The Doctor's Surgery
"Yeh kuch forms hain and aap ko fill karne padhe gein."
"Yeah sure mein abhi kaar detaa hoon. But treatment kab shuru kaar sakte hain?" asked Raman curiously
He had a tight grip over Ishita's hand to assure her all would go well. She felt confidence in his presence.
"Ek baar aap yeh form fill kardein, we will be able to continue from next week. That's because submission ke liye uthna waqt lagta hai. Rest assured Mr. and Mrs. Bhalla yeh treatment successful rahe gi!"
The Doctor's words had a soothing affect on Ishita. A medical professional had promised her she knew that this was ought to work! The thought alone brought a small smile to Ishita's face.
Raman and Ishita left for Shaila Bua's house. They were welcomed with great pomp and happiness. After all, Shaila Bua was a loud, boisterous woman, just like Mummyji. Not once did Ishita feel uncomfortable. In fact, she learnt how to prepare an array of Punjabi dishes to serve Raman's huge appetite.
A week had passed and Ishita was called in for her treatment. Raman was there by her side, recalling good old yet beautiful memories with Ruhi, himself and Ishita. Ishita felt a sense of security around Raman. This man had accepted her for who she was. Never once did he let her feel that she couldn't bare a child. In fact, when Ishita had felt that way, Raman was the one who made her realise their was a word called 'TREATMENT'. She felt bliss to have him around to tide through those days in life when things seemed incomplete.
Treatment had got over six months ago. Ishita had began to nauseate and feel giddy. Raman got Ishita checked up and discovered that the biggest joy of their life was at their doorstep. The moment they had awaited since such a long time was FINALLY here. It had been a smooth sail through the tides. It felt like just a yesterday when Ishita's treatment began and in the blink of an eye, Ishita was to be blessed with a baby.
Ishita had tears of joy, of content and of sheer blessing in her eyes. People had rebuked her, they taunted her; demeaned her. She was rejected many a times for being infertile. Today, she was thankful that she had been rejected. Had she been married to 'Subbhu' or 'Pratik', how would she have met Ruhi and Raman: the man who completed her in the truest sense. Ishita's joy knew no bounds. This feeling was too knew to her. Even though, she had been a mother to Ruhi, Ishita did feel incomplete. She wanted to experience the bliss of motherhood. She slipped down memory lane and recalled Pooja asking about Ruhi's delivery. At that point motherhood seemed a distant dream. However, now it was no longer a dream. It was the reality!!! She wanted to cherish each and every single moment of this phase with Raman, Ruhi, their entire family.
"Raman, I am carrying the symbol of our love in my womb! I feel complete today and this is all thanks to you. People used to taunt me, point fingers at me. I had been subjected to immense pain. Nobody was there to speak up for me. Everybody just passed comments and walked away and I was left to weep."
"Itni khushi ke mauke pe itni senti baatein kyun kar rahi ho? Haan?"
"Tum khush ho naa? Please khush hi rehna kyun ki iska seedha assar humaare baache par hogaa! Toh you better beware!"
Over the next few months, Ishita's excitement just grew. Yet Raman was expected to put up with all her mood swings but Jhansi Ki Rani was not going to change for anything. She expected Raman to do all the household chores, take care of her and their unborn baby. Raman was willing to put up with anything for his Jhansi Ki Rani. He just loved her too much to refuse her.
One night, IshRa were watching an emotional film and Ishita began weeping when their baby kicked. Ishita's scream came out.
"Yeh dekho, bacha abhi se hi warn kar raha hai ke meri maa ko maath rulao!!!"
"Haan Ruhi wahan aur yeh yahaan. Aap ki class abhi se hi leh rahen hain dono. Actually, mein mile gayeh, kuch mahino baad, toh phir kya hogaa!!! You better beware Mr. CEO." chuckled Ishita
"CEO hoon toh business world mein. Ghar pe apne baachon aur biwi ke liye nahii!"
"Raman, Ruhi se baat karni hai. Please Skype connect kijiye."
"Yahaan 10 baaje hain. Ruhi soh rahi hoogi!"
"Apni Ishi Maa se baat karne ke liye I'm sure Ruhi ko koi problem nahii hoogi? Aap Romi ko phone kijiye aur Romi ko kahii yeh ke Ruhi ki baat mujhse karwaye through Skype."
Raman phoned Romi and asked him to connect Skype and get Ruhi online.
"Jee bhai mein abhi hi kar deta hoon." Romi said enthusiastically
"Ishi Maa, Papa kaiso ho aap dono? Aap chubby lag rahe ho Ishi Maa; Papa aap ka khayaal ache se rakh rahe hain. Well done, Papa!"
Ishita and Raman began laughing at Ruhi's words.
"Mujhe aap ki buhat yaad aa rahi thi Ruh! Kaiso ho aap, Daadi, Daadu, Chachu aur Bua?" asked Ishita excitedly.
"Sab theek hain par aap ki bahut yaad aa rahi hai hum sab ko bhi! Please jaldi se wapas aa jao!"
"Ruhi, Papa aur Ishi Maa, within 4 months aap ko yahaan bulaa lenge."
With that 4 months passed and Ishita's labour pains began. During this period, Raman was all along her. The pain didn't cause much disturbance and Ishita was very excited. After 4 hours, the Doctor broke the news to Raman. Raman couldn't believe his ears. This was the happiest moment in his life. He felt butterflies in his stomach; mixed feelings engulfing him. They had been blessed with a baby boy.
Raman and Ishita were in ecstasy. They felt complete: the symbol of their love was held in Raman's embrace. Raman just couldn't seem to get his eyes off his son. Every second seemed so fulfilling. Raman was so lost that he forgot anybody else was around, even Ishita!
"Ahem ahem, Raman shayad aap bhul rahen hain ke yeh mera bhi beta hai! Can I please hold him?" asked Ishita who had lost her patience now.
"Of course. Lekin yeh hai itna adorable ke I can't stop looking at him!!"
"Haan toh yeh humaara hi beta hai. Jee bhar ke dekh lijyega, aaram se!"
With that, Raman gently handed over their child to Ishita.
"Ishita mein sab ke liye air tickets book karwa detha hoon!"
Ishita was too consumed by her own happiness to look at anybody else. Ishita was COMPLETE. She had become a MOTHER today. Her entire world now began to revolve around her son. Yet, Ishita's LOVE for Ruhi didn't DIMINISH even an inch. Ishita's love for Ruhi was immeasurable. It was too divine to be compared to the love she had for her and Raman's own son!
Two Days Later
The Bhalla and Iyer clan took turns to come and meet Ishita at the hospital. Amma was the happiest person alive today. The frustration and desperation Amma felt when Ishita was rejected left, right and centre for being infertile had now vanished. Ishita was a MOTHER today: a COMPLETE woman. Amma couldn't thank Morugan any further.
Whilst in London, the Bhalla and Iyer family conducted the 'Naam Karan' ceremony and her also Mummyji and Amma's quarrel began. Amma wanted a South Indian name whereas Mummyji wanted a Punjabi name. However, Ishita who was witness to this, gave Ruhi her DAUGHTER to choose a name for her BROTHER.
"Daadi aur Paati ke jhagre toh laage hi rahen gi. Par mein chatein hoon ke apne chote bhai ka naam aap rakhein!"
"Mere bhai kaa naam hogaa Sidhaarth kyun ki mein 'Sidhaarth Malhotra' ki bahut badii fan hoon!"
"To phir decided, Ruhi ke bhai kaa naam hogaa 'Sidhaarth'!" said Raman and Ishita in unison.
The Photo shoot
Raman- Ishita- Ruhi and Sidhaarth alongside their entire family posed for a photo shoot to celebrate the happiness that had just entered their lives. Ishita was beaming with happiness; she had with herself the child she had yearned for from years!
Night
Guilt was eating her up as she didn't want to subject Raman to such atrocity.
"Kya hua pagal Madrasan, sone kaa irada nahii hai kya? Kal clinic nahii jaana? Phir se licence rework toh nahii ho gaya?
As she sat there, lost in deep thought, a tear departed Ishita's eye to be caught by Raman...
"Please yaar! Yeh Star Plus ke TV shows dekhna bandh kardo; kuch zyada hi inspiration mil rahi hai!"
"Raman mein kabhii 'Maa' nahii ban saktii... yeh baat jante hui bhi aapne mujhe whole heartedly accept kia?"
"Senti kyun ho rahi ho? Mujhe toh lagaa tha tum Doctor ho? I was right tum Dentist ho Doctor nahii!!! Kyun ki agar tum Doctor hoti toh you would have known ke treatment hai iss condition ki!
After a pause, Raman continued
Meri zindagi toh tumse aur Ruhi se complete hoti hai lekin agar tum yeh chahti ho toh we will go for treatment."
Not once did Raman make Ishita feel degraded and demeaned for this matter. In fact, he respected and loved this woman in equal measures. No matter what anybody said: whether they questioned Ishita or taunted her, Raman always stood up for her. He knew very well that Ishita was a MOTHER in the truest sense. Not once did Ruhi feel a stranger in her 'Ishi Maa's embrace! What more did a man need.
"Thank you Raman for entering my life!" said Ishita beaming with pride
Raman smiled widely and patted his back for bringing back a smile on Ishita's face. He silently, in his mind, promised his warrior princess that their child would be with them within the next two years.
Two Days Later
"Doctor, I hope you remember maine aap se kahaa tha that I want to get my wife treated for infertility? When can we get it started?" asked Raman nervously.
"Mr Bhalla, iss country mein bahut costly aur risky preposition hai yeh! So I suggest ke aap UK shift ho jaaye. Wahan it'll be cost-free aur God forbid agar treatment successful nahii rahi toh at least aap ke paise waste nahii honge. Think practically..." The doctor left Raman to make his decision whilst he attended another patient.
The Doctor came back and asked Raman whether he would be fine with going to the UK for consultancy/ treatment
"Theek hai Doc. If you think ke yahi best option hai toh I'll go with the flow." With that Raman left to head back home.
Ishita had not gone to the clinic today as Raman wanted her to be at home when he returned. Therefore, she cancelled all her appointments. She was eagerly anticipating Raman's return from the Doctor's.
Raman entered and signalled Ishita to follow him to their room. Predicting from his expressions, the matter seemed serious. This tensed Ishita and as soon as she entered, she began showering questions at Raman.
She shut up only once she lost her breath. Raman rushed out the room to get her a glass of water which she needed immediately! Once she had gulped the water, she broke the silence...
"Kya kahaa Doctor ne? I hope koi problem nahii hogi? Batao naa Raman, what's the matter?" Ishita said demanding an answer NOW
"Ishita we will have to move out of India for sometime time tumhari treatment ke liye. Actually, mujhe aisa personally lagta hai it's better ke hum kisi aache hospital main ilaag karwaine."
"Lekin aase sab se dhoor mein adjust kaise karongi. You know right mere liye difficult ho jaayega! Aur Ruhi uska school sab yahaan pe hai; toh woh humare saath? Oh God Raman. I don't think hum jaa payenge! Ishita said a little dejected.
"Poori duniya ki fikaar sirf meri JHANSI KI RANI ko hi hai!" said Raman teasingly
"Ishita ab jab mauka haath mein hai, you can't let it slip.. I promise sab manage ho jayega. Aur ek baar treatment poori ho gayi, we will return. Humein wahan ghar nahii banana hai sirf kuch mahino ke liye shift karna hai. Ghar laute ke toh aana hi hai? Raha sawaal Ruhi kaa, you can chat with her everyday! Yahi toh hai kamaal technology kaa madam. Chill karo. Ainvayi load lene ki zaroorat nahii hai!" voiced Raman reassuringly
"Aap jab itna convince kar hi rahen hai toh fine. Lekin Ruhi se mein rooz baat karongi." Ishita said as though ordering Raman
"Theek hai yaar! Relax karo"
"Aap sab ko bataa dijyegaa aur Ruhi ko mein khud yeh bataon gi" exclaimed Ishita
"Arre ek baat toh poochna hi bhul gaye, jaana kahan hai?" asked Ishita amused by her own excitement.
The moment she had eagerly awaited was so close to her. She would soon have a child of her own. Her and Raman's own child. Not that her love for Ruhi would diminish.
"UK."
Evening At Around 6.35 PM
The Bhalla and Iyer family who Raman had specially called over today were having their dinner, in silence. This came out as a huge surprise to both Ishita and Raman. Well they were thankful because now they could calmly put forward what they had to tell.
"Mummyji, Papaji, Amma aur Aappa aap sab se bahut important baat share karni hai."
Ruhi who had been anticipating what was to arrive was tempted to ask...
"Ishi Maa kya aap baby laa rahe hoo?" Ruhi questioned innocently unable to understand the gravity of the words she had spoken.
"Meri Daadi Amma ko pehli hi pataa chal jaata hai ke kya hone waala hai. Aapne saahi kaha Ruh lekin uske liye Ishi Maa aur Papa ko Ruhi se dhoor jaana padega. Aapka school sab yahan pe hai aur aap miss nahi kar sakte!" said Raman in an attempt to convince Ruhi to agree to the departure.
"Ishi Maa everyday aap se baat karengi. Promise aur woh bhi face to face. Ruh please maan jao!" said Ishita pleadingly.
"Okay Ishi Maa! Lekin yahan kya problem hai?"
"Yahan pe Doctors aache nahi hain beta! Woh paise bahut barbaad karte hain. Isi liye hume aap sab se away rehna padega!" Raman said feeling a little dejected
"Oye hun gal samajh wich aayi mainu. Tum dono... Mummyji realised she shouldn't be saying all this in Ruhi's presence so she sent her to Sharavu at Paati's house.
Mummyji continued... "Acha Ishita ilaaj deliye odhar jaa raaye hai. Jaa puttar teh Rab kare jaldh aasanh saaryaan knuh ai khush khabar mile!"
"Ishu meri kanna. Chamatha khutti. Finally, God heard my prayers. Tum ko bahut soon ek bacha hoga. My prayer are with you always. I'm there with Ruhi. Mein uski Paati. I'll take care of her. Don't worry. Sehri?
"Sehri Amma!" Ishita smiled
"Oh chup oye Madrasan! Ruhi meri pooti hai teh usde Daadi zinda hai. Tuhaanu zaroorat nahii hai usde fikaar karan di. Theek hai?"
"Acha!" and with that Amma left silently without creating a ruckus. She knew better; it was a crucial period for her daughter and she didn't want to indulge in unnecessary banter and quarrels, even though lighthearted.
Amma and Aappa had both yearned for the day when their dear Ishu had a child of her own. Ruhi had filled that void yet they knew that Ishita felt in complete somehow.
The evening had drifted away and now came the night. This night was special for IshRa. They had began packing their luggage as Raman had booked the tickets earlier this afternoon and Ishita had decided to take a sabbatical from work for a year or two. IshRa were now set to enter a new phase in their lives: together.
Their flight was after two weeks on a Friday yet excitement just couldn't resist. The two weeks passed in a jiffy; it all went in a blur with the entire Bhalla and Iyer clan scurrying around doing all they could to ease Ishita's nervousness.
Friday Early Morning
"Ruh baby chaalo utho beta. Ishi Maa ko bye nahii kehna? said Ishita in an attempt to wake up Ruhi who had been in deep slumber. Yet as soon as her Ishi Maa's voice travelled to her ears, she immediately bounced up and gave Ishita a huge hug and two kisses on her soft cheeks. Raman also followed Ishita to Ruhi's room. As Ruhi noticed him, she said
"Papa, please Ishi Maa kaa ache se khayaal rakhna warna main wahan aajaongi aap ki khabar lene!!! said Ruhi as though warning Raman
Raman posing as though he was intimidated by his little girl went near her and crouched down to say
"Papa aap se promise karte hain ke woh aap ki Ishi Maa kaa khoob ache se khayaal rakhkein ge and with this he winked at his JHANSI KI RANI who began blushing profusely as though a newly wed bride!
They were having a beautiful family moment when they heard Mummyji screaming at the top if her lungs to tell IshRa to get going.
"Oye Raman puttar chal cheti kar yaar! Flight nahii pakadni? Romi tussanh knuh chad aayega. Aao jaldi naashta karke the pher niklo."
Raman, Ruhi and Ishita payed heed and went to have their breakfast. Ruhi who knew she couldn't live a single moment without her Ishi Maa insisted she wanted to tag along.
"Ruh beta aap kaa school yahaan hai, friends yahaan hai. Isi liye Ishi Maa ko aap se dhoor jaana hi hoga. Lekin baabu, it's not for long. I'll be back very soon." Ishita refused politely, bearing a heavy stone on her light heart. She knew that this was uncalled for yet something; a part of her urged to go.
"Hum rooz aap se baat karenge via Skype, Ruhi promise!" promised Raman to their daughter.
They had had their breakfast and with that left home along with Romi and Ruhi who insisted on at least going over to the airport to see of Ishi Maa and Raman Papa.
Raman and Ishita had said their byes to Mummyji, Papaji, Amma, Appa and Simmi at home. The elders had showered blessings at IshRa and Simmi had wished them all the luck and said she'd pray to 'Maata Rani' that everything went off smoothly.
Ruhi smilingly let Ishi Maa and Papa leave and promised she would take good care of every one at home.
IshRa were know in the aeroplane waiting for it to depart and make them pursue a new journey of life; hand in hand! Ishita knew that it was difficult for him to be away from their family but for her happiness, he had given consent.
"Raman mein jaanti hoon ke aap ke liye mushkil hai aise sab se dhoor rehna. I'm sorry, I don't know yeh achanak kya hogaya. Mein Ruhi se ek Maa se bhi badhkad pyaar kartii hoon but I wanted ke humara khud ka ek bacha ho. That doesn't mean ke mera Ruhi ke prati pyaar kam ho jaaega. I'll still cherish her more than our very own child!"
Somehow pessimism stepped in and took Ishita out of her trance.
"Par agar yeh successful nahii raha toh. Raman mujhe daar lag raha hai!"
Raman who had till now calmly heard each and every word now became amused at the state his warrior princess was in.
"Relax Ishita. Hum sab jaante hain ke tumse zyaada Ruhi se pyaar aur koi nahii kar sakta. Yeh sachaai hai aur hamesha rahegi. Raha sawaal treatment successful hona kaa toh hume bas bharosa rakhna hai. The rest is up to God. Woh film dekhi hai 'Dhoom:3' wahan pe kaise woh kehta hai 'bande hain hum uske; hum pe kiska zhoor'. Ishita yakeen rakho. Please be positive. All izz well..!" reassured Raman, chuckling at the end to ease Ishita off her apprehensions.
"Agar mujhe Star Plus ke serials inspire kartein hain toh aap ko Aamir Khan! Kahan se chaanth kar yeh dialogues nikaal rahen hain? Hmm?" jested Ishita.
"Kya hai Jhansi Ki Rani, mujhe dialogues raathne ki aadat nahii hai! I'm spontaneous...! Hahahahahaha"
After around 7 to 8 hours of travelling, their flight landed and they were now at London's Heathrow Airport. Mr. Pillai, a colleague of Raman and Ishita's Doctor, Dr. Sengupta, had come to receive them.
"So Mr. Bhalla sab se pehle toh hum meri surgery mein chalte hain. Actually, we have to complete certain formalities before we proceed with the treatment. I hope that's okay with you?"
"Sure Dr. Pillai lekin usse pehle, I have to make a call to my mother. So can you please wait for a while after that we'll continue."
Raman made a quick call to Mummyji who was now reassured and gave Raman gave the phone to Ishita so that Ruhi could talk to her.
"Ishi Maa, I hope you had a safe travel? Kaise hain aap aur papa?"
"Ruh hum dono bilkul theek hain. Lekin aap ko bahut miss kar rahen hain. Jab hum lauteinge, aap ke liye khoob saare gifts layenge! Take care aapna aur humaari poori family kaa; aap responsible ho naa? That's my good girl. Now Daadi ko phone dijiye. Darasal unse aapki 'Bua Daadi' kaa address poochnaa hai."
With that Ruhi handed the phone over to her Daadi.
"Haan Ishita puttar tu likh address Shaila behenji daa"
Mummyji gave the address whilst Ishita made a note of it.
"Thank you Mummyji! Ab hum Doctor ki surgery mein jaa rahen hain. Wahan pe zaroori kaam hai..."
"Apnaa khayaal raakhi, acha? Teh agar uss 'khote di khur' kneh tuhaanu kuch bhi kahaa teh mainu baataa dena. Usknuh chaper laavaan gi!"
"Aap fikar maath karo Mummyji. Mein inhe handle karloon gi! chuckled Ishita
"Achi tarha handle kareen!" joked Mummyji and kept the receiver.
Mummyji felt content. Things were finally put in place. Raman's life was now set and everything seemed perfect. Soon Ishita too would be expecting and this close knit family would be complete. How things turned out to be so smooth.
Raman and Ishita were heading towards the surgery when Raman jokingly questioned Ishita about her conversation with Mummyji.
"Tum dono 'Saas- Bahu' ki jodi behaad ajeeb ho. Kahaan ek zamaane mein Saas aapni bahu ko saazish ka shikaar banaati thi. Par yahaan toh maamla saara ultaa hai." said Raman with that devilish grin of his
"Kuch bhi! Kya keh kya rahen hai aap?" asked ishita innocently; completely oblivious to Raman's prank
"Sach keh rahan hoon! Kya kaana pooshih chal rahi thi?"
"Aap mujhe cher rahen hain naa? Itni intelligent toh hoon hi main!"
"Theek hai yaar! Mazaakh kar raha tha!"
At The Doctor's Surgery
"Yeh kuch forms hain and aap ko fill karne padhe gein."
"Yeah sure mein abhi kaar detaa hoon. But treatment kab shuru kaar sakte hain?" asked Raman curiously
He had a tight grip over Ishita's hand to assure her all would go well. She felt confidence in his presence.
"Ek baar aap yeh form fill kardein, we will be able to continue from next week. That's because submission ke liye uthna waqt lagta hai. Rest assured Mr. and Mrs. Bhalla yeh treatment successful rahe gi!"
The Doctor's words had a soothing affect on Ishita. A medical professional had promised her she knew that this was ought to work! The thought alone brought a small smile to Ishita's face.
Raman and Ishita left for Shaila Bua's house. They were welcomed with great pomp and happiness. After all, Shaila Bua was a loud, boisterous woman, just like Mummyji. Not once did Ishita feel uncomfortable. In fact, she learnt how to prepare an array of Punjabi dishes to serve Raman's huge appetite.
A week had passed and Ishita was called in for her treatment. Raman was there by her side, recalling good old yet beautiful memories with Ruhi, himself and Ishita. Ishita felt a sense of security around Raman. This man had accepted her for who she was. Never once did he let her feel that she couldn't bare a child. In fact, when Ishita had felt that way, Raman was the one who made her realise their was a word called 'TREATMENT'. She felt bliss to have him around to tide through those days in life when things seemed incomplete.
Treatment had got over six months ago. Ishita had began to nauseate and feel giddy. Raman got Ishita checked up and discovered that the biggest joy of their life was at their doorstep. The moment they had awaited since such a long time was FINALLY here. It had been a smooth sail through the tides. It felt like just a yesterday when Ishita's treatment began and in the blink of an eye, Ishita was to be blessed with a baby.
Ishita had tears of joy, of content and of sheer blessing in her eyes. People had rebuked her, they taunted her; demeaned her. She was rejected many a times for being infertile. Today, she was thankful that she had been rejected. Had she been married to 'Subbhu' or 'Pratik', how would she have met Ruhi and Raman: the man who completed her in the truest sense. Ishita's joy knew no bounds. This feeling was too knew to her. Even though, she had been a mother to Ruhi, Ishita did feel incomplete. She wanted to experience the bliss of motherhood. She slipped down memory lane and recalled Pooja asking about Ruhi's delivery. At that point motherhood seemed a distant dream. However, now it was no longer a dream. It was the reality!!! She wanted to cherish each and every single moment of this phase with Raman, Ruhi, their entire family.
"Raman, I am carrying the symbol of our love in my womb! I feel complete today and this is all thanks to you. People used to taunt me, point fingers at me. I had been subjected to immense pain. Nobody was there to speak up for me. Everybody just passed comments and walked away and I was left to weep."
"Itni khushi ke mauke pe itni senti baatein kyun kar rahi ho? Haan?"
"Tum khush ho naa? Please khush hi rehna kyun ki iska seedha assar humaare baache par hogaa! Toh you better beware!"
Over the next few months, Ishita's excitement just grew. Yet Raman was expected to put up with all her mood swings but Jhansi Ki Rani was not going to change for anything. She expected Raman to do all the household chores, take care of her and their unborn baby. Raman was willing to put up with anything for his Jhansi Ki Rani. He just loved her too much to refuse her.
One night, IshRa were watching an emotional film and Ishita began weeping when their baby kicked. Ishita's scream came out.
"Yeh dekho, bacha abhi se hi warn kar raha hai ke meri maa ko maath rulao!!!"
"Haan Ruhi wahan aur yeh yahaan. Aap ki class abhi se hi leh rahen hain dono. Actually, mein mile gayeh, kuch mahino baad, toh phir kya hogaa!!! You better beware Mr. CEO." chuckled Ishita
"CEO hoon toh business world mein. Ghar pe apne baachon aur biwi ke liye nahii!"
"Raman, Ruhi se baat karni hai. Please Skype connect kijiye."
"Yahaan 10 baaje hain. Ruhi soh rahi hoogi!"
"Apni Ishi Maa se baat karne ke liye I'm sure Ruhi ko koi problem nahii hoogi? Aap Romi ko phone kijiye aur Romi ko kahii yeh ke Ruhi ki baat mujhse karwaye through Skype."
Raman phoned Romi and asked him to connect Skype and get Ruhi online.
"Jee bhai mein abhi hi kar deta hoon." Romi said enthusiastically
"Ishi Maa, Papa kaiso ho aap dono? Aap chubby lag rahe ho Ishi Maa; Papa aap ka khayaal ache se rakh rahe hain. Well done, Papa!"
Ishita and Raman began laughing at Ruhi's words.
"Mujhe aap ki buhat yaad aa rahi thi Ruh! Kaiso ho aap, Daadi, Daadu, Chachu aur Bua?" asked Ishita excitedly.
"Sab theek hain par aap ki bahut yaad aa rahi hai hum sab ko bhi! Please jaldi se wapas aa jao!"
"Ruhi, Papa aur Ishi Maa, within 4 months aap ko yahaan bulaa lenge."
With that 4 months passed and Ishita's labour pains began. During this period, Raman was all along her. The pain didn't cause much disturbance and Ishita was very excited. After 4 hours, the Doctor broke the news to Raman. Raman couldn't believe his ears. This was the happiest moment in his life. He felt butterflies in his stomach; mixed feelings engulfing him. They had been blessed with a baby boy.
Raman and Ishita were in ecstasy. They felt complete: the symbol of their love was held in Raman's embrace. Raman just couldn't seem to get his eyes off his son. Every second seemed so fulfilling. Raman was so lost that he forgot anybody else was around, even Ishita!
"Ahem ahem, Raman shayad aap bhul rahen hain ke yeh mera bhi beta hai! Can I please hold him?" asked Ishita who had lost her patience now.
"Of course. Lekin yeh hai itna adorable ke I can't stop looking at him!!"
"Haan toh yeh humaara hi beta hai. Jee bhar ke dekh lijyega, aaram se!"
With that, Raman gently handed over their child to Ishita.
"Ishita mein sab ke liye air tickets book karwa detha hoon!"
Ishita was too consumed by her own happiness to look at anybody else. Ishita was COMPLETE. She had become a MOTHER today. Her entire world now began to revolve around her son. Yet, Ishita's LOVE for Ruhi didn't DIMINISH even an inch. Ishita's love for Ruhi was immeasurable. It was too divine to be compared to the love she had for her and Raman's own son!
Two Days Later
The Bhalla and Iyer clan took turns to come and meet Ishita at the hospital. Amma was the happiest person alive today. The frustration and desperation Amma felt when Ishita was rejected left, right and centre for being infertile had now vanished. Ishita was a MOTHER today: a COMPLETE woman. Amma couldn't thank Morugan any further.
Whilst in London, the Bhalla and Iyer family conducted the 'Naam Karan' ceremony and her also Mummyji and Amma's quarrel began. Amma wanted a South Indian name whereas Mummyji wanted a Punjabi name. However, Ishita who was witness to this, gave Ruhi her DAUGHTER to choose a name for her BROTHER.
"Daadi aur Paati ke jhagre toh laage hi rahen gi. Par mein chatein hoon ke apne chote bhai ka naam aap rakhein!"
"Mere bhai kaa naam hogaa Sidhaarth kyun ki mein 'Sidhaarth Malhotra' ki bahut badii fan hoon!"
"To phir decided, Ruhi ke bhai kaa naam hogaa 'Sidhaarth'!" said Raman and Ishita in unison.
The Photo shoot
Raman- Ishita- Ruhi and Sidhaarth alongside their entire family posed for a photo shoot to celebrate the happiness that had just entered their lives. Ishita was beaming with happiness; she had with herself the child she had yearned for from years!
Indian Idol 15
16