Monday, December 27, 2010

SR FF

Please note the title is decided yet not disclosing the same at the moment

This is my first attempt on writing an FF So please do let me know your feedback.

I would like to thank Monty She got me thinking to write one and Also to Shruti and Sudha who thought it may be an ok idea as they kind of know what the end would be like. Thank you all for encouraging me.

So here it is
The phone was ringing incessantly. The man tossed in his bed. He wondered whether he was dreaming or not. He got up searched for the phone on the side table to check. Two missed calls displayed on the screen. Some international number. He wondered who can be calling him. Irritated by the fact that his precious sleep is disturbed, he decided to switch off his phone. If anyone from work wanted to call for an emergency they could call him on the home phone number. Just as he was going to switch his phone off, it rang again.
Unknown voice at the other end spoke. It was the worst start that one could expect first thing in the morning. The man sat up in bed and listened carefully trying to take in every word and trying to make sense of what was being spoken. 'How could this happen?', 'When', the only words escaped from his mouth. He took a moment to grasp all the information and finally said 'Wait for me. I shall be there in 2 days.'
He got up from the bed. and started walking briskly around the room thinking how he was going to handle all this. How come he was contacted at the first instance? There was always someone dearer and closer who should be there already. Nonetheless he would go but how come he is being called for such a responsibility.
The man quickly started making the necessary arrangements for the trip. Once done he quickly showered and left for work. On the way he called his mother to inform her about this urgent trip. He told her about the phone call and informed her that he would be back in some days.
He reached the hospital. He did the necessary formalities for taking his time off from work and left for the airport directly.
While waiting for his flight. His thoughts started wandering. Why me? The question kept coming back? Why am I being called to complete the formalities and over and above that how come I am being entrusted with such a big responsibility? We lost touch a couple of years back, in fact I am not even a relative anymore then why me?
The flight announcement shook him out of his thoughts and he headed towards the flight which would take him back to the place which gave him loads of memories, which he wanted to elude. How much ever he tried yet could not get rid of them. Though the place gave his worst memory but his mind would not let it overpower the good, no great memories which the place gave him. It gave him one of the best phases of his life. It was indeed the start point of what he has come to be today. The Man, One of the Most Respected Doctor in his field.  
After a long journey, he flight landed. He had asked his sister to make arrangements for a car which he could use during his stay.
He collected his baggage and walked out of the airport. His thoughts constantly swaying between the questions he could not find an answer to, the tasks to be done and the memories of the place.
As he stepped out of the airport, he saw a man standing with a placard with his name written on it. He walked to the man and introduced himself. 'I am Dr. Siddhant Modi'. The driver greeted him. ' 'Welcome to India Sir'

Part Two
The lady looked at the watch and wondered how come he was late. He should have reached by now. Till she waited she decided she would just take a round of the hospital and settle the next day duties and hand over the list to a Senior Doctor for briefing, this way she would not have to come in too early.
She finished her tasks and settled in her office to wait. These were the few moments which she took for herself from her busy routine. Rare moments which she valued. ‘A few moments just to be with me, just be myself. As she said that she opened the locked drawer right at the bottom of her desk and pulled out a photograph. It was a very old photograph, she looked different in it. Petite with anxious eyes looking at the man standing with her. She drifted into her thoughts. ‘Those were some days, a wonderful phase of my life which I shall cherish all my life. I have come a long way from there. Ten whole years have passed by yet it seems like just yesterday. I can still feel the warmth in your eyes.’ As her thoughts progressed a tear escaped her eye. She had waiting for an hour now. Finally she decided to give one last try to call the person to check if he was coming or not to pick her up. She dialled the number, the man at the other end responded. Finally, he answered she thought.
Lady: Kya hua gaadi theek hui.
Man: Nahi madam, isko time lagne wala hai
Lady: Theek hai mein taxi se ghar chali jaongi. Tum gaadi theek karke kal le ana.
She finished the call and picked her belonging to leave for home. ‘Home’ the word always brought a strange smile on her face. In these past 10 years she knew why the strange feeling she got whenever she thought about a place she could call home yet could never understand why it happened. ‘Home’ the words escaped her mouth. She heaved a sign and walked out of her cabin.
As she was walking towards the lift, she was called from behind. ‘Dr. Riddhima sorry we are disturbing you but we need your help in this case. Can you spare a few minutes for this please’
She stopped in her tracks and smiled ‘Sure, anytime’ and walked towards the gang of doctors who were waiting for her.  She felt light and relieved suddenly. She felt Nice.




Part 3
Siddhant sat in the car and asked the driver about the destination. The driver nodded affirmatively and started the car.

Driver: Aapko directly waha jana hai ya pehle aap fresh hona chahate hai.

Siddhant (Sid): nahi directly chalenge. Waha pe pahonchna jaroori hai. 

Driver: Aap so jaye. Waha pe pahonchene ke baad mein aap ko jaga doonga

Sid: Neend toh nahi ayegi ......mujhe to iss waqt jagneka addat hain. Phir bhi sone ki koshish karta hoon Kal subah bahoot kuch karna hai.

Sid closes his eyes and tries to catch some sleep. Inspite of being tired sleep eluded him. His mind again stated wandering towards the past. Sid’s thoughts: Is jagah ko dus saal peeche chod ke age badh gaya .......kuch yaade aur ek dost leke gaya tha mein yaha se.......... He heaves a sigh and closes his eyes in pain and start drifting to sleep. 

Sid: Kya kar rahi ho jaana nahi hai ......aaj pehla din hai hospital mein ........mujhe late hona pasand nahi hai...........

The girl still getting ready for the day ignores Sid royally. 

Sid screams : SHILPAAAA !!!!!!!!!!

Shilpa comes out of the room. ‘Kya hua. Chilla kyu rahe hoo aa rahi hoon. Ab di ki tarah tum bhi Hitler bana chahate hoo. 

Shilpa knew any mention of Riddhima softened Sid immediately. 

Sid: Ok chalo ab. Der ho rahi hai. Yuvi ko bhi pick up karna hai .............

Shilpa after leaving Sanjeevani completed her internship in India itself and then moved to US to join Sid on his suggestion.

Both were still nursing their wounds. Both helped each other try to ease each other’s pain. After all both were the victims of the same people whom they thought were their own.
Sid found a good friend in her always. While for Shilpa Sid always remained her di’s husband her jeeja apart from being a dear friend.

Sid: SHILPAAAAAAAA!!!!

Sid wakes up with a startle. He thought it seemed just like yesterday. He wipes the sweat from his brow and looks out of the window. Yet again the question returned to his mind. Why was he being called??? Was she not there? Does she even know? Should I ask her?


Part 4
Riddhima finished her work once again. This was the nth time such a situation has happened and she has not hesitated. Regardless what time of the day it was, she was always there to wait back to help anyone. 

She finally walked out of the building which was her haven. She was waiting for a taxi when her phone rang. The person at the other end spoke. She listened to what was being said. Once the call ended she did not know how to feel, upset, angry, hurt, dismay or let down or something else which. Many a times she could never place her finger on her feelings. Why am I like this? This thought that came to her many a times. She finally decided her course of action and hailed a empty taxi and left for her destination.

Sid on the other hand was toying with his phone. Finally left it aside and tried to catch some sleep. His train of thoughts just did not seem to leave him.

Yuvi: Yaar tu kab tak aise rahene wala hai. Sab aage baad gaye aur tum ho ki aaj bhi wohi pe khada hai ............ jin logo ne tumhari kadar nahi ki unke aapno se kyu itna lagav hai........

Sid: Kyuki woh mere aapne hi hai .......Shilpa woh insaan hai jisne tumhare baad mujhe samjha hai ....jaana hai mujhe ..........aur mein bhi .......... jaanta hoon uske dard ko ............. aaj bhi woh din yaad hai jab usne mujhe aapna maan ke mujhse apne zindagi ka itna bada sach bolo tha........... aur mein bhi ussi dard se guzara hoon jis dard se woh guzari hai .........

Yuvi: Seriously movie ke dialogues mat mar ab ........

Sid genuinely irritated by Yuvi casual approach. Kya matlab hai tumhara ........drama kar rahe hai hum...... tamasha hamare zindagi ka bana aur tumhe ye sab mazaak lag raha hai .......... actually you know what mazak hi hai .......actually mazak ban chuke hai hum sab ki nazaro mein ........
Yuvi: Dekh mere khehene ka yeh matlab nahi tha.......... Dekh ....... you both have been through a lot you both need someone who can be your support ...........then why not each other then ...........Shilpa ek achi ladki hai ........pasand hai sabko ....... toh tum uske saath age kyu nahi badta............Jaise mein bhada ........... Naina ne job hi kiya for that matter what I did with her ......... but I realised......... maybe that was destiny ........aaj mein khush hoon ......... Sue ne mera us waqt saath diya aur jo saath nibhata hai woh hi saccha humsafar ban sakta hai ......

Sid has a sarcastic smile on his face ......’Yeah sure ........ saath, saacha humsafar, etc etc etc .......Its not that I don’t want to but I can’t .......with Shilpa atleast ........woh equation hi different hai .........’
Shilpa walks in at that moment. Kya baate chal rahi hai mere baare mein .........

Sid immediately jumped in and said ‘Kuch Nahi aise hi .......... aur bolo kaisa raha tumhara din Khana kha ke ayi hoo ya banana padega.........

Shilpa ‘Tum toh rahene do .......pak chuki hoon tumhare haath ka kha kha ke ........ Kyu na mezbaan aaj bait ke khaye aur mehmaan pakaye..........

Yuvi taking a clue from Sid decided to end the topic there itself and start off jokingly defending his place in the house. ‘First of all I am not a mehmaan ........i am indeed is ghar ka hone wala damaad so khatir meri honi chahiye aur agar yaha aap mujhse expect karte ho ki mein pakavu toh forget it ......after marrying Sue I will be doing it anyways ...........pata nahi kab proper khana khane mile ...... So let me enjoy my last few days of peace and tranquillity I am ordering khana hai toh khavo nahi toh bhooke soo javo...........

Shilpa hearing these accusations about Sue jumped in to defend. After all ladkiyon ki izzat ka sawal tha ........ego hurt hua tha ‘what do you mean? Hum ladkiyan .........

But before she could complete Sid jumped in and said he will cook and they can eat.

Shilpa was not going to let it go so simply ‘Nahiiiiiiiiiiiii aaj nahi either Yuvi cooks or we order Actually lets order pata nahi kya khila dega ......... pata chala shaadi ke preparations karne ke vajay hum bhaite hai kahi ........ counting the number of times we went ...........

Hearing that Sid and Yuvi screamed Yucks ............and all started laughing.

Sid wondered how those days were. Yuvi brought up the topic many times after that and every time it was a dismissal reply from Sid.


Part 5

Riddhima reached her destination and alighted from the taxi. As she walked towards the door she thought about the phone call. The rang the bell and waited for her mother open the door.

Padma: Tum toh aaj jaanewali thi............tumne toh kaha tha ki aaj kaam jaldi ho jayega.............

Riddhima: Haan maa....... Kaam aaj der se khatam hua.........

Padma: usse baat hui kya ..........phone aya tha ????................

Riddhima: Haan ............aya tha .........woh aaj nahi aa raha hai ............shayad directly woh jaanewala ............ suddenly irritated ...........jaane ne do maa ...............

Padma: Acha jaane do ander aao ............khana khaya ya ...........

Riddhima: Nahi par aap chinta mat kijiye ............mein fridge mein check loongi..........nahi toh kuch bana loongi apne liye............

Padma: Theek hai tum fresh ho javo mein rukti hoon tumhare liye..........

Riddhima: Nahi maa theek hai aap soo jayiye .............

Padma: Nahi mein rukti hoon.......baate karni hai pooja ke baare mein

Riddhima in a disappointed tone.........Kal pandit baar karlenge ............ kya kar sakte hai........... agar uske bina ho sakti hai pooja toh .......kal baat karte hai ...........aap soo jaye...........mein bhi soo jaati hoon........

Padma: theek hai ......... khana khana hai toh kha lo......... Knowing very well Riddhima’s habit she knew there is no point to coax her. Over the years, the inclination to persuade her to something as simple as getting her to eat her food had died down. Padma had started feeling this disconnect right after Sid exited their lives. Padma brushed away her thoughts ‘Jaane do’ She bid Riddhima goodnight and moved towards her bedroom.

Riddhima went to her bedroom and crashed on the bed. The room which she has so many nights at times felt so unfamiliar. Infact, she felt out of place at times in this home which her father brought her to despite of not being hers.


She was never made to feel like a burden but over the years, she felt may have become a burden. Nooo!!!... my parents are too nice hearted to make me feel so but then somewhere I don’t feel like I fit here. I don’t fit here but yet I feel I am little more peaceful than my house.




Part 6
Sid: Mom yeh kya le ke bait gaye hai aap .................

Sid’s Mom: 2 saal hone ko aye hai aur tum aaj bhi yahi keh rahe ho ......... uss ladki ko milo toh .........Kuch bhi kaho tum yeh rista bahoot achaa hai .............usne tumhare aur Shilpa ke riste ko lekar bhi koi sawal nahi uthaye hai ......... Mein aaj tak samaj nahi payi hoon .........Shilpa aur tum ab 1 saal se ek saath rah rahe hoo ........... log kya sochenge...........

Sid: Logo jo sochna hai sochne do ...........Shilpa ko mein akela nahi chod sakta........

Sid’s Mom: Aur shilpa kya woh tumhe akela chodegi ........ aaj woh kisi ka saath chahati hai phir bhi ...... uske baare mein socho .......Pehle mujhe bhi tum dono ka saath rahena khatka tha...........Lekin laga ki shayad aap dono apni zindagi aage badana chahete ho isliye chup bait gayi ...........Mujhe Shilpa pasand thi chahe woh uss (anger brewing in her voice)

Sid: Mom bas .........Riddhima ko beech mein laane ki koi zaroorat nahi .............. uska and mere rishta khatam hai ...........aur agar aap bol rahe ho toh Shilpa mere saath is liye hai kyu ki woh meri achi dost hai...........

Sid’s Mom: Kyu jhoot bol rahe hoo...........kya mein nahi janti .....ki aaj bhi Riddhima ki khushi tumhe kitni pyaari hai ........... aur Riddhima se joode har cheez ko tum ki bhi keemat par sambhaloge..........Shilpa se tumhara lagav do tarfa hai .......... ek dost ke naate aur kyuki woh uski behen hai .........Mein sirf yeh keh rahi hoon ki tum apne baare mein bhi soocho ...........

Shilpa walks in Aunty sahi keh rahi hai .......... Mein aage baad gayi hoon lekin tum aaj bhi ussi mod pe khade hooo........

Sid’s Mom: Mere shaadi karne se ya na karne se tumhari relationship kaise affect ho sakti hai .........mein tumhe pehle hi keh chukka hoon you can go ahead...........

Shilpa: Dekho mein yeh nahi keh rahi ki tum mere khatir shaadi karo lekin zindagi mein koi aapna hona chahiye ............... jiska haath pakad kar tum is zindagi ka safar kar sako .........

Sid: Kyu .....shaadi hi ek solution hai ..........

Sid’s Mom: Isse baat karne ka koi fayada nahi ............ and turns to walk away........... At the door she stops and calls out to Shilpa. ‘Hum kaal Vishal ke ghar jaane wale hai 6 baaje .......... tum uske pehle Sid ko leke hamare ghar aa jana .........aur haan .........shaadi ke pehle tum hamare ghar shift ho javo .if not hum yaha kuch din rahene aa jayenge .......tayari karte waqt assani rahegi

Shilpa nods and turns towards Sid Sid knew what was coming his way,

Shilpa: Mein yeh nahi keh rahi kit um Riddhima ko bhool javo ............usse bhoolana muskhil hai mein jaanti hoon .............par jo un dono ne kiya hamare saath uske wajay se tum aaj kyu dar rahe hoo ....kyu lagta hai ki koi aur tumhare saath wohi karage...........

Sid: Mein dar nahi raha hoon .........You know what every person has an aim in life for me it was Riddhima’s happiness............aaj woh khush hai ............uske saath ............ aur mein khush hoon ki woh khush hai ............

Shilpa: Kya tum nahi dekhna chahoge ki woh khush hai ya nahi ............

Sid: Nahi ........kyu ki mein jaanta hoon ki woh usse bohoot pyar karti thi aur ab uske saath hai toh phir khush kyu nahi hogi ............mein usse milke aur ek dohrahe pe nahi khada karna chahata............

Shilpa: par tum ussi mod pe khade ho jaha aur rahena chahate hoo.............

Sid: Nahi Shilpa ............aaj mere priorities different hai .......... mera kaam, tum ho, mom dad sue aur yuvi hai ........... Riddhima bhi rahegi .......lekin aur koi shayaad............. dekh mein yeh nahi kehta ki mein kabhi kisi mein interested nahi hoonga lekin mein khud ko force nahi karna chahata and nahi kar sakta hoon.....................trust me ............I have moved on ........in terms of I don’t live in the past ........she has moved on ............ i have moved on with my work career etc being my priorities.............

Shilpa: Nice ........keep repeating it to yourself .....and maybe you will believe it but we are not stupid to do so ..........Anyways kal tayaar rahena...........jaana hai .........

Sid Trying to lighten the atmosphere: Hello shaadi tumhari hai meri mein aur ladki tum ho mein nahi so i should be saying this to you ..............

Shilpa: whatever ................

Shilpa knew somewhere deep down that Sid had moved on .........in terms other things had started occupying his mind but she always was worried that he would not be able to accept anyone else in his life and that is a dreadful thing cause she knew what it means to lead a solitary life. She had experienced it. Somewhere deep down she felt guilty cause her own sister was responsible for it and also the person she once loved.

Shilpa went to the bedroom to change and Sid was left alone to ponder.

Suddenly, Shilpa remembered its dinner time. She called out to Sid to check if he had eaten. Though he had not eaten he answered affirmatively. He was anywhich ways in no mood to eat after the dreaded confrontation.

Suddenly the car took a sharp turn and Sid was woken up from his sleep.



Part 7

Riddhima laying on her bed was thinking what should she do. Get up and eat or first change. Finally she got up to go and freshen up. Once done she headed to the kitchen to eat her dinner. Sitting at the dinner table her thoughts drifted.

Anjali: What happened Riddhima khana kyu nahi kha rahi hoo tum ........Fatafat kha lo kuch you have a surgery god knows when will you be able to take the next breather.

Riddhima: in her own thoughts .....unconsciously replied ..... hmmm .......... and she was again drifting in her thoughts ‘kya usne khana khaya hoga bahoot careless hai woh pata nahi kaise hoga phone karoo toh jawaab bhi nahi dega shayad. Itna upset ho ke gaya tha’

Anjali: Kya soch rahi hoo ....God don’t tell me you are still wondering about whether he has eaten or not It’s been two years now............ you don’t need to be all lovey dovey still .........and if you so love him why does this small small arguments keep erupting every time.

Riddhima snapping out of her thoughts: Di meri koyi galti nahi thi .................. Here we are trying to work things out and he is not bothered actually you know what he was never bothered I knew that ... just that I could not ................forget it no point you all will never damn understand. An angry Riddhima stormed out of the cafe and walked towards her cabin.

Riddhima snapped out of her thoughts. Finished eating her dinner and went to her bedroom. Sleep eluded her. She picked up a book to read but could not concentrate. Her thoughts kept drifting. Why is this happening today? Why do I find you so close today? Like you are somewhere here itself when I know that you are away. Can I really sense you again? Maybe but this is not the feeling I got when I last sensed your presence. I really need to collect myself. I have lots of work tomorrow. I need to sleep. Riddhima get hold of yourself. This is not going to help. Saying this she shut her book and pulled the blanket and shut her eyes trying to sleep.

But one cannot control one’s mind. It a free bird which roams as per it’s will. She tried hard but could not control it. Finally she got up pulled out some files which she had carried home and started working on them.

She worked for few hours till her eyes started becoming heavy. She lied down and closed her eyes once again. Blurred images and faint voice flooded her sub conscience mind. ‘Bahoot taaki lag rahi ho. Itna jyada kaam mat kiya karo’ A faint smile came on her face and she slipped into deep slumber.

Part 8

Sid: Aur kitna time lagne wala hai .......

Driver: Aur 3 ghante lagenge

Sid: Paani hai kya?

Driver: Nahi saab ek kaam karta hoon koi hotel mile toh waha pe ruk kar le leta hoon .................

They continue driving towards their destination. Sid looks out of the window to see the passing scenery. ‘10 years ago I left this place. It has been a long journey since then.’ and his thoughts again start drifting into the past.

Shilpa: unhe kehne ya bata ne ki koi zaroorat nahi ............

Sid: Par woh tumhari behen hai............. Kya tum nahi chahati ki woh tumhari shaadi pe aye
Shilpa: Chahati thi ....... infact abhi bhi chahati hoon ki di aye ........ lekin shayaad woh mere saath koi rista nahi rakana chahati..........nahi toh saab saach jaane ke baad ek baar bhi nahi poocha mujhe................. Poora ek saal intezar kiya unka aane ka.......... Socha ki woh ayegi aur mujhe gale lagayegi ..............poori zindagi tarasi hoon unke pyaar ke liye ...............lekin Unhe toh sirf ek armaan chahiye apni zindagi mein...............aur waise bhi aye toh bhi unke saath armaan bhi hoga ...........mein nahi chahati ki woh aye ............jis aadmi ne............jaane do ............ chodo

Sid could understand how miserable Shilpa felt. He had told armaan about Shilpa being Riddhima’s sister and requested him to break the news to her. Yet nor armaan nor Riddhima ever contacted Shilpa. First he used to think that she must have not accepted the fact and used to get upset. But later he kind of made peace thinking that it is for the best. Riddhima would never be able to come to terms with her guilt of what she did to her sister. Shilpa indeed at one point loved armaan. Yet he always contemplated whether did armaan really tell Riddhima the truth cause he knew that armaan was not one of those people who would come clean with facts. Like Riddhima had mentioned to him ‘armaan kabhi kuch nahi batata’. He had bounced this thought with Shilpa and today again to convince her he brought this possibility up.

Shilpa: Agar armaan ne nahi bataya hai toh bhi ab kuch farak nahi padta............. woh chaha kahi mar gayi ........... aur waise bhi mein nahi chahati ki unhe guilty feel ho ya phir ............taras kha kar mujhe milne aye ........ ya phir sirf ek formality ke liye............ jaane do na Sid ..........Shilpa was now visibly irritated.

But Sid was not going to let this go by easily as he always wanted that Riddhima be there for the rituals when Shilpa gets married. Afterall some family member needs to be there to perform the same.

Sid: Par phir bhi Shilpa koi ghar ka hona chahiye na koi bada jo ye sab kar sake

Shilpa absolutely irrated with the Sid’s reasoning ‘Kyu tum nahi ho ............ ya phir tum bhi ab apna nahi mante ya phir kabhi mana hi nahi’

Sid: Shut up Shilpa ........... meine kab kaha ki tum apni nahi ho........... agar Riddhima tumhari behen bhi nahi hoti toh bhi hamara rishta kabhi nahi badalta...............Theek hai toh phir kanya dan ki rasam mom dad ko karne ke liye kehte hai ..............Happy .......

Shilpa: Nahi ............

Sid surprised at her answer ‘Tumhare dimaag mein koi aur hai ya phir ye vidhi nahi karvani’

Shilpa: Haan .........karni toh hai par actually mein chahati thi ki tum mera kanya dan karo ...........Agar Riddhimadi aur tum saath hote toh tum dono karte na .............. aur jaise tumne kaha Riddhimadi ke hone na hone se hamare riste mein farak nahi padega ..........toh phir .............

Sid was moved by Shilpa’s gesture He quickly wrapped her up in his arms to give a warm hug.

Sid thinking woh ek din tha aur aaj ................

The driver halted the car at a dabha.

Driver: Sir aap ko kuch aur chahiye

Sid: Nahi ..............

Driver: Aap ki permission ho toh kya mein fat se ek chai pee loon kya

Sid: Haan haan bilkul ...........thinking for a sec .........actually chalo mein bhi ek chai pi leta hoon .............bahoot saal ho gaye aise chai peye ........aur phir thoda stretch bhi karloonga ............ baaite baaite tange akad gayi hai .........





Part 9

Sid places his tea next to the khat and lies down on it while the driver goes to fresh-up. It feels nice to lie down like this after a long flight.

Being in such a place, flashes of the past start flooding his mind. He quickly get up and tries to focus on the task that was ahead of him. He could not let his mind waver like this. He gets irritated with himself and decides to move towards the car. He makes the dhabawala transfer the tea into a plastic glass

The dabha was on the other side of the road. He is crossing over towards his car trying not to spill the hot tea in the flimsy plastic glass. Suddenly a few drops spill on to his hand and he stop midway to steady his glass so there is not too much damage. Speeding car is fast approaching. Seeing this he stops and lets the car pass.
The driver noticing that he has moved towards the car quickly finishes his tea and moves towards the car. Sid suggests that they make a move. The driver who having freshened up and having had his tea immediately gets into the car and starts the car. Looking at the driver rush he says ‘Bhaisaab tension mat lijiye aaram se gaadi chalaye ............ mujhe waha pe pohonchana hai!!!’ ....and smiles at his own joke.

Driver taking a hint laughs out and says ‘Nahi Sir aap bahoot pardesh se aye hai toh laga aap time pe phohochna chahate hoge .........

Sid: ab time pe phohochane ka kya fayada .................waise bhi boohot der ho chuki hai ...........

The driver is a little taken aback with the disappointed tone in Sid’s voice but does not probe further. Changing the topic.

Driver: Aap bhi tension mat ligiye mein in rasto se vakif hoon ............ yahaan pe kaafi accidents hote hai .........aapne abhi dekha na kaise fast ghadi chalate hai log..............mein dyanse gadi chalaunga .........aap tension mat lo............
Sid continues to look out of the window and his trail of thoughts return.

Part 10

Riddhima stirred in her bed when the alarm went off. She looked at the time. ‘Why did I not shut this off last night. Now I am not going to be able to go back to sleep once awake. How stupid of me’ Riddhima hardly had few hours sleep yet she felt completely refreshed. Such peaceful sleep had eluded her many times in these past years. She lazed in her bed thinking of how wonderful she was feeling. I have not slept so well in a long time......... I wonder is it because of what I felt last night. Am I actually missing him? ‘I don’t know it’s not possible after all these years’. The minute the thought crossed her she started getting uneasy. I never missed him ever in the last ten years then how come now. This whole thought started unnerving her Hence she decided to try to sleep some more. Anyways what would she do going so early to the hospital. She buried herself into the blanket and tried to shut out all the thoughts and sleep. Surprisingly she once again slipped into deep slumber to be rudely awakened by a bad dream. Sweat had formed on her brow and she was trembling. She tried recollecting but could not. She sat up in bed and prayed that all be fine. ‘Whatever that dream was it felt horrible. Please just everyone be safe God Please God Please’

She promptly put the thought aside of going to sleep again in fear of the dream relapse. She quietly got out of bed and went to the kitchen to make some coffee. She made her coffee and sat down to drink her coffee. She started flipping through a med magazine which she had carried to the kitchen. She turned to the page containing Atul’s article. Her thoughts trailed ‘Atul was never the bright sort but today has gone places. He has changed in these years. People change so do relationships. But here I guess some of my decisions were the reason why my relationship with Atul changed. Even when I was in Delhi at Di’s place He never came to visit me nor did he come later to Mumbai when all shifted. He was not in favour of my decisions I guess though we never got down to talking about it. But somewhere I feel so. His interactions now a days are so dry and to the point. Champ!!! That’s what armaan used to call him. Today he is a Champ but I somehow miss my friend Atul in him. She collected her thoughts and went back to reading her magazine.
Midway reading her thoughts again started drifting. ‘The last heart to heart conversation I had with Atul was I guess 11 years back. He had given me his shoulder to cry on when I needed it the most. He was the only person whom I could share my feelings then. Kabhi kabhi bohot akela mehsus karti hoon. Ek aur dost mila tha............lekin..........damn why am I thinking so much today.’

Part 11

Sid was looking visibly tired. Noticing this, the driver said that he could sit in the front seat complete reclined. That way he will get more leg room and he cab lie down for a little while

Accepting this offer Sid shifted to the front seat reclined and they started on the journey. He once again started on his attempt to catch some sleep. His thoughts were constantly running towards the past recollecting all that had happened in these 10 years away from this place.

Sid: Shilpa ....tum ne aur Vishal ne kya naam rakne ka socha hai is little angel ka........Sid holding the adorable child in his hands. He was looking at him with so much love that Shilpa could actually visualize how it would have been if it was his own. She has never seen Sid so happy in last 3 years. He actually had danced with joy when he had known that Shilpa was expecting. 

Shilpa: Woh abhi decide karna hai lekin ........ek cheez already decided hai .........

Sid: Kya......looking at Shilpa suspiciously ...........

Shilpa: Ye tumhe bada ho ke kya bulayega............

Sid: Please mein modern hoon aur ye mujhe Sid hi bulane wala hai ......... mein training doonga...........I will play with him......... mere playstation ke saath bhi khelne doonga............

Shilpa: Tum aur tumhara playstation ........kabhi toh apni umar ki cheese karo .........

Sid: jaise ....... wait wait don’t even answer that question a fight will erupt and I don’t want my angel to see me fighting with his mother.............. asar acha nahi hooga ..........pata chal jayega kitni harassing maa mili hai ............and laugh out loud

Shilpa: Ok ........we shall see that .......anyways back to the topic.............. see we have decided he will call you bade papa...............

Yet again Sid was touched. Shilpa and he had always shared a bond but Vishal also had whole heartedly accepted him. These were one the most important people in his life.

Sid: Bade papa .......itna bhoodha nahi hua hoon ..............

Shilpa: Ho nahi toh ho javoge ............ agar aise hi .......before she could complete her statement the baby started crying. Sid handed the baby to Shilpa and walked out leaving her alone to feed the baby.

Sid coming out of his thoughts. ‘Siddhesh’. Kaise hoga woh ab .........God please take care of him. Sid closed his eyes and tears slide from the sides.

Its been ages since he has cried. Last time was when .......and Sid again drifted into his thoughts. There was visible pain in his eyes.


Part 12

Woh char saal kitne ache the.....Shilpa Vishal aur mein kitna acha waqt bitaya tha humne.......Rohan ki jaan basti thi mujh mein........Masti jo karke deta tha ..........

Shilpa: Seriously Sid tum na ghar aana band kar do ...........ye sab tumhare wajah se hai........

Sid: Dekh Shilpa meine pehle hi kaha tha........bache pe bura asar padega harassing maa ka
Laughing out loud he went searching for Rohan.

Sid: Ab kaha chupe ho ..........mama ayenge aur mujhe daath padegi ...........

Rohan: Bade papa .......

Sid: Siddd............. 

Rohan: agar mein aapko Sid bulavu toh maa daath degi........aur papa bhi.................

Sid: achaa theek hai ............jab hum akele honge toh Sid bulana ............hum waise dost hai na......toh phir deal

Rohan: Deal ..............

Sid: Ab Sid ........seeing Vishal approaching he said ............okkkkkkkkkkk ab Bade Papa ki baath mano aur fatse ye doodh pe lo................giving indications with his eyes that Vishal is approaching.......

Vishal: Achaa chal raha hai .........aap yaha chupe hai aur hum sab aapko ghar bhar dhoond rahe hai ........ Chalo dudh pee lo aur dudh peene ki aadat dal do nahi toh Bade Papa aur meri tarah strong kaise banoge..............

Sid used to always go to Shilpa and Vishal’s house over the weekend for breakfast or dinner. It was a routine. They enjoyed having him around. He was at times their babysitter. They could take some time off for themselves and Sid used to take care of Rohan. It was a win win situation for all.

During week days, Sid’s mother used to take care of Rohan when Shilpa was not free. She also loved having Rohan around. By now she had given up hope that she would ever get to see Sid’s children.

Suddenly the car took a swift turn to avoid another car. Sid What the hell was that.
Driver visibly upset about what happened and half scared that Sid will get really upset. ‘Sir meri koi galti nahi hai .........woh banda pee ke gaadi chala raha tha lagta hai ...............mein toh theek tak speed pe chala raha hoon woh pata nahi kaha se mere samne aa gaya

‘Vishal’ the words escaped his mouth.

Driver: Sir aapne kuch kaha
Sid: Nahi .............absentmindedly

Vishal met with a freak accident. After battling it out for almost 2 days finally the inevitable happened.

‘Why does God have to be so cruel. Shilpa ke naseeb mein apno ka saath likha hi nahi tha lagta hai .............’
But all this merriment and peaceful life came to an abrupt end.





Part 13

Driver: Sir aap theek toh hai na.......

Sid: Haan mein theek hoon. ................snapping out and coming back to reality. Aur kitna time lagaga

Driver: Shayad aur 1 ghanta. Aap ko kaha jana hai uska address de dijiye.................

Sid pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to the driver.

Reading the address the driver was a little confused.

Sid: Kya hua ?

Driver:nahi .......kuch nahi........... actually yeh jagah theek se pata nahi ...........par tension mat lijiye ....... kisi ko pooch lenge..............

Sid once again slipping into his thoughts. Vishal ke jaane ke baad Shilpa Rohan aur uski zindagi poori tarah se bhikhar ne lagi.............

Shilpa used to regular have major mood swings. She was a strong girl always but she could now not come to terms with the happenings. She grew up as an orphan, with a sister inspite of her being there. She once loved armaan but he choose to not see beyond Riddhima. She so wanted to blame him at times but could not. She had the same reasoning as Sid for Riddhima. When you love someone you will always try to give him the benefit of doubt whatever be the case. She had finally built her world with Vishal. She finally felt she belonged someplace but unfortunately it was too short lived.

All these mood swings had started taking a toll on her. She regularly used to break down in her cabin or some isolated places of the hospital. Sid so true to his nature always made sure that she has him when she needed a shoulder to cry. With Rohan growing up it was becoming difficult for Shilpa to handle things. Sid hoped that his parents move back to US. They were fond of Rohan and Shipa and Rohan would then have the feeling of family once again. Also, it would be helpful to have the care and guidance of loved ones. But they decided to settle in India with Sue and Yuvi. Finally took things into his hands and made Shilpa once again shift in with him. Shilpa and Vishal’s wellbeing was Sid top most priority. Their bond was completely different. Sid’s family knew what kind of relationship they had hence did not object. But soon they had to suffer a lot of gossiping. People could never understand their relationship and make sense as to why Shilpa is with Sid.

Sid over the years after being divorced was used to this type of talk as he had faced it from relatives and in general people around him. He managed to ignore it. But not Shilpa. She tried to reason with her but he would not listen.

Shilpa: Sid tum samajhete kyu nahi ..................India ho ya US human tendency nahi baldalti. Aur mein tumhare ya tumhare family ke liye shramindigi ka karan nahi bana chahati.

Sid: What crap are you talking? Bhoj, shramindigi, etc etc etc.......... I don’t care a damn about what people say.

Shilpa: But  I do ...........Rohan ki socho ...........agar kal usse koi sawal karega toh kya kahega.........

Sid: Achaa toh bolo mein kya are ............Sid was not completely loosing his cool

Shilpa: Shaadi kar lo ............... Shilpa meekly said that and waited for Sid’s response. She had been pestering him for marriage since his divorce. Many a times jokingly, or with reasoning, various ways. But today when this suggestion came from her Sid completely lost his cool.

Sid: Shaadi ..........kya shaadi se yeh problem solve ho jayegi..............aur kyu karo mein shaadi............I am absolutely fine the way I am. I have my life settled. I am doing pretty fine, I have Rohan, you are there..............

Shilpa: yes ...........we all are there but these talks are also there...............

Sid: Toh tumhe lagta hai ki shaadi kar lene se ye problem solve hone wali hai ................you think she will be able to understand this relationship.............will she be able to give me space for Rohan.

Shilpa: Tum yeh saare bahane mat banao ..............tum toh kabhi age badna hi nahi chahate ............yeh kyu nahi kehte ki aaj tak ..................

Sid sharply cut her in ‘Enough Shilpa itni mere baare mein sochne ki koi jaroorat nahi.................

Shilpa: Kyu tum soch sakte ho hamare baare mein............... agar itna sochne ka mujhe adikhar nahi toh tumhe bhi nahi hai .............
That was the first day Shilpa and Sid had argued. But that was the just the first day.

All the memories were flooding his mind and once again he was heading towards the place which has always taken away something from my life and given me a never healing wound.


Question hai shoot I will try to answer if I can without disclosing the key points.........
As for this part I sincerely request you to please read Riddhima's dialogues carefully Requesting you all not to rapid read her dialogues.
If you like the part please hit the like button This is only to understand that the part is not irritating for you to read.............Yes constructive criticism welcomed




Part 14


Riddhima’s thoughts kept drifting ...........She could not keep hold on them. This was quite unusual as she had trained herself to focus on her priorities. Except for some spare moments where she was herself.
She started to think about the horrid nightmare. It’s been two hours since she was up but for those two hours since she was up. Straining her memory she questioned herself What did I see........??? She was trying hard to recollect but could not. Had something bad happened? She was tried to place the finger but all that returned now was a reassuring feeling that all indeed is well nothing untoward has happened. In those past two hours her mind did not wander towards the nightmare. Finally she just concluded that it indeed was a just a strained mind which was working up and all is fine..........
 She finished her coffee and got up to take a shower and get ready for the day. It was 8 am in the morning.

She got ready for the day and decided to go to the kitchen thinking she will some breakfast for everyone. As she walked into the kitchen she saw Padma was up and ready making breakfast.

Riddhima: Maa aap kyu kar rahi hai mein aane hi wali thi breakfast banana. Riddhima would make breakfast whenever she was at Gupta house.

Padmi: Nahi theek hai soocha ...........tum raat ko der se aayi ho toh mein bana deti hoon. Tum baito ho chukka hai ........Padma had noticed the coffee mug ..........Tum wapis coffee peene wali hoo kya.....

Riddhima: Haan maa ek aur cup ........par ko kaise pata mein coffee pee chuki hoon ........

Padma indicated to the cup. Riddhima smiled and sat down at the kitchen table.

Padma set the breakfast at the breakfast table for Riddhima and was going to call Shashank for breakfast. Suddenly she turned and looked at Riddhima .............tum kitne baaje uthi .........

Riddhima: 6 baake kyu............

Padma looked at Riddhima and said ‘Nahi .........kuch nahi and walked out. Riddhima looked refreshed today. Padma was surprised she had not seen Riddhima like this in many years.

Riddhima started digging into the plate placed in front of her casually going through the paper. After calling Shashank Padma came back to make coffee.

Riddhima: Aaj wapis todi der ho jayegi ane mein..............

Padma gave a dissaponted sigh and just nodded. ...............

Just then the land line rang. Padma went to pick up the phone. While Riddhima picked up the coffee mug and let to go the bedroom. She wanted to avoid any further conversation pertaining to her stay.

She finished her coffee and picked her bag to leave for work. On her way out she dropped into the kitchen to place the coffee mug back. When Padma spoke ‘Tumhara phone shayad switched off hai...........

Riddhima checked her phone but it was fine. Nahi maa ............shayad network nahi mil raha hoga.....

Padma: Hmmmmmmmm usne call kiya tha ............

Riddhima just nodded and turned to leave. She took a couple of steps and turned back. Maa usne kya kaha woh kaha hai .........woh kal Mumbai mein toh nahi tha nah..............

Padma now visibly irritated.............But controlled her temper. Nahi woh abhi bhi wahi hai ..........aur 2 din rukega wahi pe uske baad woh directly .........while saying this Padma turned and noticed that Riddhima was in her own thoughts was walking out of the kitchen.

Padma: Pata nahi aur kitne din aise chalega...............

Riddhima still in her own thoughts suddenly turned back ‘Maa ........mein pandit se baat kar loongi ........ aur khane pe mera intezar mat karna Bye see you in the evening ............she waited for a moment and  ‘Love you maa Take care.’

She turned and left from the kitchen. She went out and hailed a cab to leave for the hospital.

Trying to occupy her mind by looking at the morning hustle bustle did not work. Her mind had again started posing the same questions.
He was not here yet I could sense him? But the feeling was definitely different though Definitely not like what I had felt when I last sensed him. It felt nice. Did I actually miss him? It not at all possible. I feel good How can I feel good. Or............ But I did sense him ............... No !!!!! Thats not possible or is it possible? How can this be possible.........????? is he here? Does he not want to me to know that he is here? Maybe ............. if that’s the case so be it.................
Sweat started forming on her brow even in these chilly winter months and for the nth time the question again popped in her mind. Why did I still feel pleasant?


Part 15

Sid: Pohoch gaye kya .........

Driver Nahi saab .............todha time aur time lagega...........

Sid: aree 1 ghante pehle toh bola tha ki pohoch jayenge ............

Driver: sorry ek galat turn le liya .........
Sid: Kitna baaja hai ........

Driver: 7 baaje hai .......
Sid: Looked out of the window .......... ‘In saalo mein sab ne mere saath chod diya’

Sid: Tum yeh kya kar rahi hoo yeh sab karne ki kya zaroorat hai...............

Shilpa: Mein ab yaha pe aur nahi rahena chahati......... Door jaana chahati hoon ............is jagah se Vishal ki yaadon se.........

Sid: Yeh kyu nahi kehti ki tum mujhse tang aa chuki hoo kyu ki mein tumhari baat nahi maan raha hoon ..............

Shilpa: Nahi Sid .........yeh roz roz ke tension se mein ab door rahena chahati hoon ............Aur mere samne Rohan ka future hai ............jo mujhe nahi lagta yaha rahe kar mein sawar sakoongi ........Tumhe mere liye bahoot kuch kiya hai .......lekin ab mein tumhe aur pareshani nahi dena chahati

Sid: Pareshani ...........tumhe kya lagta hai ki tum dono mujhe pe bhoj ho..............Rohan ko mein ek din bhi nahi milu toh mein toh unsettled feel karne lagta hoon ............

Shilpa: Exactly aur uski wajah se tum apne haat aye huye ache oppurtunities gawah rahe hoo

Sid: But that is not my priority My priorities have changed...............

Shilpa: Tumhare priorities have not changed before and have not done so now also .............tum kabhi Riddhima ko...............

Sid lashes out in anger ‘Riddhima .....Riddhima .........Riddhima .........tum log har baat ke liye Riddhima pe kyu aa jate ho ..............

Shilpa: Kyu ki jab tak woh hai tumhare jehen mein tab tak kuch nahi ho sakta ............... kabhi kabhi mujhe lagta hai ki ....................tum mere liye yeh sab sirf Riddhima ke khatir kar rahe hoo......

Enough ................ shouted Sid ........... Tum jaana chahati ho na .........jao please jao...............
Shilpa: Tum kabhi badalna nahi chahate................

Sid: You know what yes ‘Mein kabhi nahi badloonga’ Fact remains that the person I loved most in my like is Riddhima. Fact remains that Rohan and you have become my top most priority in life regardless you were or not Riddhima sister. Par agar tumhe aise lagta hai ki nahi ............toh i really can’t do anything............ Please leave...........but ek baat yaad rakna Rohan ko mujhese door karke tum achaa nahi kar rahi hoo.................I am never going to forgive you for this.................... Actually you know what tum dono behene............ Sid uss bolte bolte ruk gaya lekin ............. ek bohoot bada sakam de gaya ...........

Sid thinking after that we hardly spoke. I used to call Shilpa to talk to Rohan but kabhi kabhi lagta tha ki thop raha hoon khud ko uss par ................Phir mein apne kaam mein busy ho gaya ............khud ko occupied rakhne ke liye kaam mein khud ko doobo diya ............... aaj ek successful neurosurgeon hoon .............. lekin yeh successful aur zindagi bhatne ke liye koi nahi hai ..........


Part 16

Riddhima reached the hospital and resumed her work. The day was a normal routine day. During her break Anjali called her to inform her that she might come to Mumbai tomorrow as Atul had a conference and the kids had a holiday provided the flight tickets got booked.

As soon as she disconnected the call she remembered she had to call the pandit. She quickly dialled his number and checked if the pooja can take place.  The minute the pandit answered affirmatively she heaved a sigh of relief and called Padma to inform.

Padma: Tum yeh pooja avoid karna chahati hoo

Riddhima: Nahi maa waise bhi Anjali aur Atul bade hai toh unhone yeh karna chahiye.  She herself knew she was not really convincing enough in her arguement.

Padma just let the whole thing be and said they shall start preparation once Anjali confirmed that she indeed was coming and she was willing to do the pooja. Knowing Anjali she was never the sort to do religious activities. Her standard dialogue ‘you know yeh mujhe suit nahi karta’

Riddhima thought lets just go with the flow Take it as it comes. She disconnected the call and put her mind to getting back to work from her short breather break. And went on for her rounds. In absence of Shashank Riddhima was taking care of Sanjeevani. Shashank had reduced his visit over the years as age was catching up. He no more operated also.

She finished her rounds and settled down in her office to finish work on some reports. Just then Dr. Juhi walked.

Juhi: Aur yaha pe hai aap Dr. Riddhima Gupta. Aaj apne cabin mein kaise. Hamesha toh is waqt aap rounds pe hote hai ............ Mein aap ko kab se dhoondh rahi hoon..........

Riddhima looking up from her files ............’Juhi yeh aap aap kya laga rakha hai’

Juhi: aaj aapke darshan durlab ho gaye isliye............... ab jinke darshan durlab hote hai woh toh koi bahoot hi important aadmi hota hai na ............aur important aadmi ko izzat di jaati hai isliye aap ........and she starts laughing at her own joke.

Riddhima: Hey bhagwan ............ tum aisi kaise ho........ constantly bak  bak ...........tum tak nahi jaati...mein toh sunke hi tak jaati hoon ...............

Juhi: aree mein bak bak na karo toh kaise chalega............phir iss hospital ko rename karna padega ..Sanjeevani se Sanata karna padega............... actually nahi tumhara naam Sananta rakhna chahiye....laughing out loud.

Riddhima: Shut up Juhi ............kuchi bhi bolti rahte hoo..........

 Juhi: areee dekha ........ mein jis kaam ke liye ayi thi woh bhool gayi ................. wait let make myself comfortable yeh discussion lamba chalega.............

Riddhima laughed and indicated her to take a seat. While Juhi was straightning the reports Riddhima slipped into her thought reminiscing past memories ...............’those were some days................’

Juhi: Ok.......here we go ......... Riddhima quickly snapped out of her thoughts ..........

Juhi noticed that Riddhima like always was lost in her thoughts yet there was a difference..............she looked like she felt good ...................this was a rare scene............But since she had an important case to discuss she decided to check on Riddhima later.
Juhi handed the report over to Riddhima. ‘Yeh ek case kal aya tha...............brain injury ..........aur internal bleedings bhi kaafi hai we will give our best shot but genuinely very little chances.’ Riddhima took a look at the reports and they discussed the case further

Juhi: we were thinking if Dr. Shashank could like to take a look at this ..............just an opinion................

Riddhima after talking to her father said that Dad will come in another half an hour to the hospital to check on the reports and patient.

Juhi picked up the reports and turned to leave when she realised she was forgetting something......

Juhi: Well ............i have not noticed you like this in a long time. What is it?

Riddhima: what ??? looked up at Juhi. Her eyes unsteady ...............she was caught unawares which made her fluster. What ????

Juhi: Riddhima what is it? There is a visible change in you. Would you like to talk?

Riddhima: Juhi ...........actually i don’t know .............Since yesterday ........ I don’t know know .............after years I have felt something.............. you know what you might think that I am overworked may be I am ...............no nothing......... It’s just that I am over worked.

Juhi walking across the table took Riddhima hand in hers and said ‘Riddhima I don’t know but maybe you overworking but you do that always. But I have not seen you stressed out because of work. Let’s do one work. Let me quickly turn in these reports I am anyways up for a break. You can always take one.  Let just take a walk. They decided to meet at the terrace after 15 mins.

Riddhima quickly finished her report and moved towards the terrace. Juhi joined Sanjeevani many years back and Riddhima had quickly taken a liking for her though she took time to open up to her.. But slowly and steady the quiet stern person which Riddhima had started finding it easy to talk to Juhi. Maybe because she was not judgemental she tried to understand Riddhima’s viewpoint
 
On the terrace, Riddhima was looking the crowd moving below. Juhi: kya itna soch rahi ho.................

Riddhima unsure of how to say it .........she could not find words ...............Juhi ..........actually shayad tum mujhe ................believe.............karogi nahi ........... I don’t know ............ but i can sense the presense ......... of ............ certain people.............

Juhi looking at Riddhima curiously ............ ‘You mean you are intuitive’

Riddhima: Nooo!!!!! ........... She thought for a moment Flashes of the past came rushing to her’ Mujhe bahoot dar lag raha hai................’.Snapping out of her thoughts ‘I guess...... yes......... but that was another thing................ I can sense the person presence.

Juhi was finding it a little difficult to digest this imformation. She probed further...........’ok ........so .......you felt someone’s presence so ............what did it feel like .............who was it’

Riddhima: That’s what I can’t understand .................getting more and more agitated ..............how could I have felt his presence when he is not here at all? Plus even if it was the case how come it felt so nice ............because the last time I felt his prescence it was a very errie feeling it had unnerved me completely then...............flashes of the past her second honeymoon with Sid started flooding her mind...................

Juhi: so..............then.........is it that now you have started missing him........ ??? So many away from you? Possibility?

Riddhima: I asked myself the same question but when you miss someone don’t you feel upset out place or lost ..............i am feeling any of those Like I said I feel nice.............. And for that matter to be very honest ........... i am more relieved that he is not here.............. I don’t want to do this pooja and stuff ..............more than happy I can avoid it with some excuse or the other.............

Juhi: isn’t it funny you do not believe in God, religion and rituals and you say you can feel someone’s presence..............Interesting............ looking at Riddhima suspiciously ...............

Just then Juhi received a call to report to duty immediately .................Juhi wished Riddhima a quick goodbye and left

Riddhima was left on the terrace. She again started looking at the crowd below and her thoughts drifted the conversation that she just had.................. ‘Mujhe dar lag raha hai. Woh itne gusse mein yaha se gaye........................’  She closed her eyes ................and she recollected the flashes of nightmare she had yesterday. She quickly opened ............................nervous agitated she was almost choking  ............... images started getting distorted and  she collapsed there itself.
Part 17

A ward boy had located her on the terrace lying on the floor and immediately called for help.

Riddhima stirred in the bed. Her lips moved to form a name and her hand raised as if she was trying to stop someone
Shashank was busy discussing the new case with Juhi and another doctor present there.  Riddhima’s movement caught their attention. The people standing could not decipher whom she was trying to call out to except Juhi.

Shashank sat down next to Riddhima. ‘Riddhima ab kaisa feel kar rahi hoo’ Riddhima opened her eyes to assimiliate the surrounding. She looked confused. She was on the terrace then how come she is here.  

Riddhima: Mein yaha kaise???

Juhi quickly stepped in ‘Hum break pe gaye the aur baat kar rahe the ki tum kitni stressed out ho regarding the conference preparation and then I had to leave. I guess iss stress ke wajah se tum faint ho gayi ...............

Riddhima looked at Juhi and could not understand why she was saying this .........but just nodded and smiled vaguely

Shashank looked at Riddhima’s nervous face and said ‘Riddhima parso kal ki conference tum mat attend karna ..........mein kisi aur ko bhej ne ki tayaari karta hoon..............

Riddhima hearing this got even more anxious She quickly replied Nahi papa meine saari tayari kar di hai ........bus I guess neend poori nahi hui isliye todhi tired feel kar rahi thi plus a little worried with the new case that Juhi and I were discussing before the break.............I will go to the conference I don’t want to miss it........

Shashank theek hai agar tumhe lagta hai ki tum handle kar paogi toh theek hai ............Mein chalta hoon meine Dr Juhi ko reports check kar ke update de diya hai .........tum aur uss mein apna time mat do ...........take rest today ............. He turned to the doctor standing there and Juhi and indicated them to come out with him

Outside the room Shashank addressed the two doctors. Yeh jo nayi patient hai ..........uske chances bahoot kaam hai survival ke .........try to do your best........... rest is upto God.             Aur as for as Riddhima goes  Agar yeh arram nahi kare toh usse sleeping pills de do ...............that is if she eat it ....... and ask everyone to not bother her today ..............

Knowing how stubborn Riddhima was he had his doubts about the whole thing.

Both the doctors nodded. Shashank and the other doctor moved on to discuss some more about the new case while Juhi went inside the room.

Riddhima was looking intently at the conversation going on outside. As Juhi entered .......Riddhima made a go at her............Tum ne papa se aise kyu kaha ..........???

Juhi: Toh kya kehti ki tum ne jo mujhe kaha ......... why bother him in this age? Riddhima you need to collect yourself...........Don’t I know whom you were trying to call out to?

Riddhima sat up in the bed agitated. ‘I felt him yesterday He was definitely here yesterday. This morning when I had that nightmare I could not recollect anything but I knew he was in some danger. I felt as if his car is going crash somewhere. I could not recollect it in the morning but when I was on the terrace images came rushing to me.’

Juhi: Do you realize what you are saying? Get hold of yourself................Think straight............ you are not thinking straight. ..............

Riddhima: Tumhe lagta hai ki mein befisool baate kar rahi hoo..............

Juhi now completely irritated by Riddhima’s defensive behaviour. Nahi!!!!............Ok .........you said you felt his presence.

Riddhima: Yesssss!!!  She could not believe she was actually giving an explaination about her feeling to someone trying hard to make someone believe her...........

Juhi: Okkkkkkk and it felt nice...........but you are worried about him in trouble .........do you know how insane that sounds.

Riddhima: No Juhi ............last night when I felt his presence I felt he was closer to me than he has been in these last 10 years.............reassuring me that he is there for me ............. as he always was ........Riddhima’s voice trailing as if she was thinking about it trying to relive the moment ............. A smile came up on her face...............

Juhi called out to her to bring her back into present.............

Riddhima snapped out of her thoughts.............. But .........when I had that nightmare for a moment I thought I would loose someone dear ....................the only thing I could do is pray and I prayed hard that is fine............at that moment I could not place a finger who it was............but later ..............the feeling totally disappeared .............aise laga ki khatra tal chukka hai ............

Juhi was shocked hearing this Riddhima and pray what a joke .........she does not believe in God and she was praying but she quickly dismissed the thoughts: Ok............phir ............ab ................

Riddhima: in the morning when I was trying hard to recollect also i could not but when I was on the terrace ............those images came back to me .............

Juhi: that his car is going crash somewhere ..............but think of it ............ you only said na .........ki khatra tal chukka hai ...........

Riddhima: Haan lekhin ..............mein ek minute ke liye dar gayi ..........agar ...............

Juhi immediately stopped her ...........She took her hand in her hand............Riddhima ............itni chinta karne se kuch hone nahi wala hai............ We really don’t know if all that you are sensing is right.............

Riddhima tears forming in her eyes.........aise kyu lagta hai ki he is in lot of pain.............. It hurts me ........I can’t handle this feeling..........

Juhi: You are ridding high on emotions and I as a friend and a doc would not suggest you stress yourself out ................take rest the whole day today and tomorrow ke liye we should send someone else to the conference............

Nahi!!!  Riddhima lashed back............. I think he is here maybe I could meet him. 

Juhi: In that case please take rest atleast today......... please .............if not for your sake atleast his....

Riddhima nodded...........

Juhi told her about her conversation with Shashank and Riddhima agreed to take the sleeping pills if she could not catch sleep. She lied down to try to catch some sleep and Juhi went on for her duty promising to check back on her in sometime.


Part 18
Juhi could not believe her ears ............Did she say she was praying hard ...........Riddhima and praying door door tak nata nahi .........hai......... woh kabhi koi bhagwaan ka naam lete ya kisi religious function mein part lete nahi dekha hai ...........Strange..........I wonder what it is .............kuch toh hai .....
Thinking about this she walked towards the ICU to check on the new patient. The patient’s family were outside in the waiting area.

She looked at them and decided to give them an update on what Shashank had said.

Juhi: Sir aapki beti ke reports Dr. Shashank ne dekhe hai aur unka kehna hai ki currently we will only can wait and watch ..........She has to slip out of coma without which nothing can be said or done. Till the next 48 hours we shall keep her under observation.

Patient’s father Mr Shah: We don’t care ..........please make sure she is fine.........get the best doctors you can use as much money as you want but make sure she is fine............

Juhi could understand his agony but could not do anything other than asking them to hope for the best.

Leaving them there she walked into the ICU to check on the patients.

The family was out there all tensed as to what to do ...........when Mr. Shah’s son Pratik spoke ‘Papa, aapke dost hai na ........Modi uncle unka ek beta neurosurgeon hai ...........unki madaat le sakte hai kya.............

Mr. Shah gave it a thought ........haan actually we could kyu ki uska kaafi naam hai US mein .......he is one of the best ...........if required we can shift her to US also ............ mein paise ki parwah nahi karoonga .................Purva (patient’s name) sirf theek hojaye

Juhi comes out of the ICU when Mr Shah rushes to her and tell them their thoughts.

Juhi: If you want to send the reports out its fine but you would need the permission of the Doc in charge here and she is not well at the moment. But let me check with her. I shall let you know. Ultimately we only want the best for the patient.

Juhi leaves from there to check on Riddhima to check if she is sleeping or not. On the way to Riddhima’s room she see that Riddhima is standing in front of the Lord Ganesh Idol pensively looking at it.

Stunned by the sight she decides that its high time to confront Riddhima thought she is a little stressed but it’s important that Riddhima lets go of all the bottled emotions. She walks up to her and call out her name.

Riddhima does not know how to react. Like a theif caught red handed she starts giving explainations. Juhi .....iss murti pe dhool bahoot jami hai ............

Juhi: Moorti ke dhool ka maloom nahi par tumhare zehen mein jo yaade hai .............uss pe se dhool zarroor hatane ki zaroorat hai.............

Riddhima again in the defensive Kya baat kar rahi hoo ............

Juhi: ab mein nahi tum baat karogi ............but later ..............you will now go and lie down and sleep if not I will make sure you don’t attend tomorrow’s conference.

Riddhima was a little scared looking at he anger in Juhi’s eyes and she nodded meekly.......While walking her up to her room Juhi spoke about Dr Shah’s request...........to which Riddhima absent mindedly nodded.

Once in the room Juhi made sure Riddhima takes her pills and bids her goodbye.

Part 19

Juhi went and informed them that they could try for a second opinion. Mr Shah immediately called his friend.

Mr Modi looked picked up the phone wondering who was calling him in the middle of the night. After Shilpa left Sid’s house Mr and Mrs Modi decided to shuffle between US and India.

Mr Shah: Subash mein Hiten bol raha hoo............

Mr Modi: Itni raat ko phone kiya saab theek toh hai na ...........

Mr Shah: Nahi bhai ..........Purva ka accident ho gaya hai aur uske sar pe bahoot choote ayi hai .............yaha ke doctors ne bole hai ki chances bahoot kaam hai .............and I don’t trust these doctors out here............... I wanted Siddhant to take a look at the reports.............

Mr Modi immediately replied yes yes sure ...............

Mr Shah Great toh mein yeh kaise co-ordinate karo..............

Mr Modi suddenly realises that Sid is not in the US but has gone to India..............arree Hiten Siddhant toh India mein hi hai ......... par I don’t think he will be able to come.

Mr Shah kaise bhi kar........Purva ki zindagi ka sawaal hai ............

Mr Modi Achaa sun ............ I will try calling Sid and give you his number also If you speak to him first then just tell him to call me .................tell him everything about the case waise tumne kaunse hospital mein admit kiya hai

Mr Shah Sanjeevani kyu .............

Mr Modi Nahi kuch nahi aise hi Siddhant ne poocha toh batana padega ............

Siddhant ka number likh lo ..............aur usse call karne ki koshish karo .............In case you cannot get through just drop a message to me .............

Mr Shah takes down the number and passed it to Pratik who tries calling Sid

Mr Modi ends the call and tried to call Sid through but the phone is still switched off. He thinks for a while I really need to talk to Sid Why does he has to face all this at the same time. Kis kaam se gaya hai aur pata nahi kaise handle karega............. Hiten has been a good friend for years now and Purva is like a child to me just as Siddhant is ............ I will have to convince him to take a look at the case.

Mr Modi again tries to call Sid but the phone is still unavailable. Finally he drops a message to call back urgently as soon as he sees this message and give a brief of the problem at hand. But he does not mention the hospital name keeping in mind the history.

As he going to go to sleep Mr Shah again call him

Mr Shah Subash ........yeh number unavailable hai ........Siddhant kaha hai ........Prateek usse jaa ke personally mil ke aa sakta hai ..............

Mr Modi Actually hame bhi nahi maloom woh exactly kaha hai kyu the day he left he left in a hurry ......and he goes on to explain the work he has gone for ...........

Mr Shah after hearing the whole thing ............woh aa toh payega na......... par aya toh bhi woh uss halat mein nahi hoga ki woh kaam kar sake ..........

Mr Modi Actually considering everything of what you have said and the fact that Purva is also like a family member we have been close pals for years now ................. Though our kids have not grown up together but they know what bond we share ..............I think it may be a little difficult to emotionally separate himself ..................especially after all that has happened..............

Mr Shah also knew what Mr Modi was saying is true. Finally they both decided to try talking to Sid

Mr Modi disconnected the call and prepared to go to bed when Mrs Modi said...........meine saari baate sunli par kya aap ko lagta hai woh Sanjeevani jaayega...........woh India gaya wohi baadi baat hai ............most important uss toh sochiye ..........usse Siddhant ki jyada zaroorat hai ............looking at the picture on the side table............

Mr Modi nodded as he knew what his wife was saying is true. Dekhte hai Sid kya kehta hai aur waise bhi Suvarna hai na ............ she can also help Sid .............
Part 20

It was almost 8 in the morning. Sid had already reached his destination. He stood in the living room staring at the wall which earlier must have adorned pictures of happy times. But today it had a photo of one of the most important person in his life with a diya burning in front of it.

His face did not looked pale as if someone has just sucked his life of him He knew about this Yet now when he saw this sight emotions betrayed him. He just stood there lifeless as if he was waiting to hear a familiar voice call out to him. ‘Jeeju’

He collapsed onto his knees and sobbed bitterly. Shilpa’s maasi placed her hand on his shoulder. ‘Sid apne aap ko sambhalo’

Sid: Maasi .........aisa kyu hota hai hamare saath............hum apna choota sa ek aashiyana banate hai aur kismat humse woh sab kuch cheen lete hai.............Shilpa ka kya kasoor tha .............ki usse is zindagi ne uske logo ne sirf aansoo diye............Mein bhi zimedar hoon iss ke liye .................meine usse India wapis aane hi dena chahiye tha........... ....par aap logo ne mujhe pehle kyu nahi pataya .....mein usse apne saath le jaata ...............mein khayaal rakta ..........

Maasi: Nahi Siddhant beta .......... tumhari iss mein koi galti nahi hai ........................akhir ke dino mein woh khus thi ki woh apne jado ke pass laut ayi thi ...........yahi se toh uska safar shuru hau aur yahi pe khatam ho yehi chahati thi

Sid: Mein yaha pe rahke uska khayal rahta........

Maasi: Woh nahi chahati thi ki tum sab kuch chod kar yaha avo .......kahi na kahi woh apne aap ko doshi manti thi ............ki uski wajah se tum Riddhima se juda raha ..............

Sid remember how he had compared Shilpa with Riddhima when she was leaving his house to come back to India. Sid could not handle this piece of information He pulled at his hair as the thought tortured him how much pain and agony he had subjected Shilpa to.

Maasi rushed to Sid ‘Siddhant ............tum please apne aap ko dosh mat do ........... sambhalo apne aap ko Hame Rohan ko bhi sambhalna hai Tum aise toot javoge toh woh masoom kaise sheekhega khudko sambhalna

Sid looked up, almost choking on his own words: Kaha hai woh .................
Maasi: sooo raha hai ..............

Sid got up and went to the bedroom. He opened the door and looked at his little angels face. Once again tears formed in his eyes. He did not have the courage to go into the room to face him. What would he answer if Rohan asked him where he was when all this happened? Was he not his Bade Papa who would always be there for him and his mother?

Ridden with guilt he moved back to the living room with his head now throbbing with pain.

Part 21

On much insistence Sid freshened up. His head was throbbing with pain. Maasi made him some coffee while having the same Maasi filled up Sid with Shilpa’s stay in Panchgani. Initial few months she stayed in Mumbai but later shifted to Panchagani. Last year she was detected of cancer. Maasi had always tried to persuade her to call Sid but she always said maybe its not the right time. Somewhere deep down she knew she did have a chance.

After listening to all this the question to Sid’s mind returned why is she not here? Maasi let all this information seep into Sid. She was getting up to get another cup of coffee for when he shot the question which was now tormenting his mind. Riddhima kya woh nahi aayi? His eyes were burning with anger?

Maasi: Meine Shilpa se kayi baar poocha ki woh Riddhima se ek baar baat kyu nahi kar leti ..........par usse kabhi baat nahi karni thi uss par............
Ek baar mile bhi the yaha pe market mein ........Uss waqt Riddhima ayi thi ........shayad yaha pe Sanjeevani ka ek orphanage hai ............. waha pe kuch kaam ke liye............
Lekin tab bhi ussne kuch nahi bataya ..........
Woh kahi na kahi Riddhima ko kabhi maaf nahi kar payi jo usne tumhare saath kiya .............
Sid continued to listen intently with anger still flashing in his eyes.
Jab mein mili thi mujhe aise laga ki Riddhima kuch jaanti nahi iss rishte ke baare mein.............meine Shilpa ke saath iss ke baare mein baath ki thi.............Lekin usne kaha ki ab in sab cheezo ka kuch fayada nahi ............Riddhima age badh gayi armaan ke saath............woh nahi chahati thi ki Riddhima ko guilty feel ho .......

How one incident of their life became the turning point for some better for them it was for the worse He was on the verge of an another emotional outburst when a little voice called from behind Dadi.......

Rohan had gotten up They wondered if Rohan had heard any of their conversaiotn But it seemed unlikely He was half sleepy when he walked in He had cried himself to sleep last night. He came stood a couple of steps away from Sid and wondered if he was dreaming. Sid smiled looking Rohan and called him ‘Rohan’

He ran into Sid arms and both cried bitterly Sid did not know if these were tears of joy or sorrow. Should he be happy that there is hope Rohan is there and he is there for him or should he be sad that the little boy who was crying in arms would never be able to have anyone to call as family except him.

He let Rohan cry his heart out lightly patting his head to reassure him that he will always be there no matter what.

Part 22

It was evening time.............Sid had still not slept even a wink. Maasi brought envelope and gave it to Sid.

He questioningly looked at Maasi She plainly replied Shilpa ne tumhare liye khat choda tha ..............

He opened the envelope and pulled the letter out. Looking at the writing of his angel tears started forming in his eyes.

Hi Sid,

Kaise ho

Jab yeh khat padhoge tab tumhe mujhe pe bahoot ghussa aa raha hoga. Kyu meine nahi bataya. Sach bolu toh himmat nahi hui........tumhe apni zindagi mein bahoot saare dukh dekhe hai sabse bada mere apne diya aur kuch unhone diya jinhe mein apna samajti thi

Tumse meine Rohan ko door karne ki galti ki..isliye tumse aankh mila kar baat karne ki himmat nahi hui isliye yeh khat likh rahi hoon. Mujhe maloom hai ki Rohan mein abhi bhi tumhari jaan basti hai aur Rohan bhi tumhe bahoot manta hai. Tumhne kahate the ki hamara rishta sab se alag hai, kisiske hone na hone se koi farak nahi padta. Mujhe maloom hai ki mujhe poochne ki bhi zaroorat nahi hai phir bhi pooch rahi hoon. Kya tum Rohan ki parvarish karoge? Mere liye? Hamare iss anokhe rishte ki khatir.

Riddhimadi ko meine aaj tak kuch nahi bataya hai Di ke liye dil mein kabhi bahoot gussa tha. Lekin ab woh bhi nahi raha Shayad mere naseeb mein unka pyar likha hi nahi tha Unko Rohan aur mere baare mein batana kitna sahi hoga yeh mein nahi jaanti Yeh zaroor janti hoon ki tum 'Kabhi koi galat nahi kar sakte'

Apna kayal rakna aur Rohan ko apne laad pyar se bhigad mat dena.

Tumhari,
Shilpa

Anger once again started taking over Sid How could he let Shilpa suffer such a miserable fate? Why did he ever let her alone? In anger he punched the wall.

Here Riddhima was having a restless sleep inspite of the sleeping pills. Images started forming in her mind. ‘Woh jab bhi gusse mein hota hai tab woh kuch ko chot pohachata hai’ ‘Khud ko yeh saaza kyu de rahe ho’ She got up with a start.


Part 23

Juhi thought that she should check on Riddhima before leaving for the day. She walked into Riddhima's room to find her sitting up in bed lost in her thoughts.

Juhi: abhi bhi wohi soch rahi hoo.......

Riddhima startled by someone's presence in the room snapped out of her thoughts and sat up straight.

Riddhima: Nahi ............aise hi ...........

Juhi: Acha yeh batao ..........you felt his presence...............but you are not sure that you are missing him or not cause you felt nice. Juhi was only trying to trap Riddhima in her own words to get her talking and more importantly thinking in the right direction.

Riddhima: Yes......... Suddenly Riddhima was all charged up to reason it out 'See Juhi ............But then realized what Juhi was up to............ and changed tracks .............But why are we talking about all this ..................What happened to the new case?

Juhi realized she had lost this chance so she just decided to go with the flow and wait for the next opportunity.
Juhi: haan that family has a family friend who is a very well known neurosurgeon in the US. He is being called for a second opinion. They are currently not able to get in touch with him They said that the minute they do that they shall check with us how to take this forward. I spoke to Dr. Shashak He said that we should continue to try our best till then.

Riddhima: Fair enough............but i doubt we have that much time for this..........Lets hope for the best for this person. Riddhima looked around trying to think up what next to talk or else Juhi would be back  trying to discuss further on the recent events when she noticed Juhi with her bag ..............tum ghar jaa rahi hoo.

Juhi: haan ..............socha check kar loo tum hospital mein ruko gi ya .......mein tumhe ghar drop kar doo..............actually I would suggest go home ............that way I will be assured that you will not atleast put your mind to work again ............I don't trust you on that.

Riddhima: Haan ............. Maan nahi kar raha ............

Grabbing a new opportunity coming her way Juhi asked Ghar nahi jaane ka ........????

Riddhima absentmindedly: Haan ............... but when she realized what she had said  quickly tried to make amends........nahi kaam karne nahi ........

Juhi: Kyu jhoot bol rahi hoo.............. kya mein tumhe nahi jaanti...............itne saalo mein yeh toh maloom hai ki tum hospital mein sab se jyada time kyu spend karti hoo................ya phir koi conferences, camps, ya support groups, falana timka .........

Riddhima once again going defensive Nahi aisa kuch nahi hai ....................

This is a conversation Juhi must have had many times but yet she never got a convincing response ever. She knew that somewhere deep down there was something completely amiss in Riddhima's life. Juhi: Riddhima kyu karti ho tum aise............... abhi bhi wohi khayal ghoom raha hai na maan mein...... Let go of it............

Riddhima: Nahi kar paa rahi hoon ..............I don't know why.............

Juhi: acha theek hai ..........par jo tum kal karne ki koshish kar rahi hoo................ usse milne ki......tumhne nahi lagata ki tum galat kar rahi hoo...............??????

Riddhima: Mein toh sirf yeh dekna chahati hoon ki woh theek hai .............sirf tasali karna chahati hoon .........

Juhi: phir bhi tum galat kar rahi hoo...............

Riddhima: mein sirf yeh janane ki koshish karne chahati hoo ki woh theek hai ...........nothing else

Juhi: aur uske baad...............

Riddhima: mein toh sirf tasali karna chahati hoon ...............

Juhi: aur agar tumse phir se wohi galati hui toh ..................

Riddhima screamed Juhi ............!!!!!

Juhi: aur woh .............

Riddhima was trembling with anger............ Juhi ................ enough.............uske baare mein kuch mat kehna ............

Juhi softening her stance questioned Riddhima nervously She did not know how she would react. She was worried but decided to take the chance. 'Theek hai ..........par kya woh tumhe phir se milna pasand karega.............Tumhne jo uske saath kiya ..........tumhe lagta hai ki yeh possible hai.......

Riddhima: pata nahi .................and she broke down crying.

Juhi gathered her in her arms and started consoling her. She reasoned with her that she now needs to not think further on this and just start letting go off things..............

Juhi decided its best that Riddhima goes home atleast she will be company and someone to take care of her.

They both collected their belongings left for home. In car for a long time Juhi and Riddhima were quiet. Riddhima was again in her pensive mood while Juhi was just trying to concentrate on the road.

Part 24

Sid realized that he needs to inform his parents that he reached safely and Rohan is fine. He switched on his mobile and receives the text message. Reading the same he quickly calls his father..

Mr Modi: Theek tarah pohooch gaya aur Rohan kaisa hai
Sid: haan Papa Rohan theek hai ............... Shilpa had prepared him for it. Papa yeh Hiten uncle ko aapne bataya mein yaha pe kyu aya hoon.

Mr Modi: Hmm bataya but if you can take a look at the case for a second opinion it would be great. Dekho beta jaane wale wapis nahi ayenge ...........

Sid: Par Papa mein Rohan ko chod kar kaise......jaa sakta hoon ...........can't they take some other doctors opinion.............

Mr Modi: Hiten is somehow not convinced I guess its more for moral support basis or try every option types I don't know.............when it comes to your own family members it is different thing all together ......then logic does not work ........... you think from your heart...............

Sid: I guess yes......

Mr Modi: Aur waise bhi hum doctors kar pehla farz ........apne patient ke prati hota hai ...........

Sid asked his father to hold the line for a moment and tought as to what can be done.  'waise kaunse hospital mein hai'

Mr Modi: Well that the worst part but I guess they can shift hospital ...........

Sid: Nahi !!!! Papa yeh mere saath hi kyu hota hai ................ I am tired .................

Mr Modi: See this is your call If you ask them to shift hospital he will do it ............He trusts us. But would that be right on our part.

Sid: Aap sahi keh rahe ho Papa...................

Mr Modi: I hope tum Rohan ko saath leke aa rahe ho apne saath...........

Sid: Haan Papa mein bhi wohi soch raha tha.......... Shayaad arrangements karne ke liye kuch din lag jaaye Mein aapko update deta rahoonga .........

Mr Modi: Take care of Rohan and yourself............. Now you will have to be brave .........

Sid: Jee Papa Have a nice day!!!

Mr Modi: Good night Beta and give our love to Rohan......... and yes I will message you Hiten's number talk to him

Once done with the call he waited for his father to send hm the number. Once he received the number he spoke to Mr Shah and confirmed that he shall come in tomorrow morning.

After the call he went to Maasi and informed her of the new thing at hand. Sid was very relieved that she was very understanding towards the whole thing. She assured him that Rohan would be fine and she shall take care of him till he is back.

Sid got ready and went to Rohan's room to bid him goodbye.

Sid: Rohan ........ dadaji ke dost hai na unki beti Poorva aunty ka bahoot choot ayi hai ........aur mujhe unke treatment ke liye Mumbai jaana padega.........
Rohan: Bade papa .........aap kab tak laute ge .......... aap aaj hi aye hai .......aur ...........

Sid: I know beta ..........ab kya kare kaam hai jaana padega.......... Mumma hoti toh woh bhi chahati ki mein Poorva aunty ki madad karo na......

Rohan was very disappointed that Sid would not be around. 

Sid: Maasi ko tang mat karna ..........mein chalo ab........

Sid kissed Rohan goodbye and left followed by Maasi.

Outside ..........Maasi .........tum abhi tak soye nahi ho ............plz aaram karna ....... aur yaha ki chinta mat karna...........

Bidding goodbye Sid left for Mumbai ......... 

Part 25
The car stopped at the signal.
Riddhima was looking out of the window was feeling uneasy with the events of the day. She had unknowingly almost revealed something to Juhi which she should not have.

Juhi was concentrating on the road and even her thoughts dwelling on the event of the day For most part of the day Juhi had a doubt about the whole issue at hand. She for most part of the day was happy that there is a shift in Riddhima's feeling towards her husband but her belief was confirmed when RIddhima has lashed out saying 'I think he is here maybe I could meet him.'

Juhi wondered how to get Riddhima to accept the truth that she was never missed anybody yesterday or today. She indeed may have felt his presence. And it was not her husband because Juhi knew that her husband would not be attending the conference He was no more a doctor.

Juhi parked the car near Gupta house. Riddhima thanked Juhi and was going to alight when Juhi spoke. Sid ko mili toh meri taraf se Hi bolna.
Constantly lost in her own thoughts Riddhima absent minded said yes smiled and started walking towards the house.

Juhi instead of driving away waited for Riddhima's reaction. Riddhima walked a few steps and realized what she had confessed to.

She stood rooted to the spot. Juhi walked up to her and took her hand in hers and said 'It ok Riddhima I understand. But I hope you understand what you get yourself into. Would you like to stay at my place tonight'

Riddhima did not know what to say and just nodded. Juhi walked her back to her car.



PS If I don't get comments here then I will not update .........dhamki mein bhi de sakta hoon :-)


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