It's gonna hurt while it heals From Part 31

Part 30

Sid felt uncertain of what Kirti had inferred about his complaint. Fearing Kirti digging deeper or understanding what exactly had happened he did not question her understanding.

Riddhima was completely broken. As she saw no hope she decided to go ahead with what she had thought of. She wanted to leave immediately but she needed to finish her duty and the remaining formalities. Also she had to do another important task so immediately after she left Kirti's office she walked up to Sid's office knowing he would not be there.

She had to give up the last right which Sid never asked back from her - keys to the penthouse.

With a heavy heart she deposited the keys on Sid's table. She wanted to say so much. Knowing it would not mean anything to him she left.

Sid was elated seeing those keys on his table. After a long time his heart thanked Riddhima for not putting him through further misery of asking them back from her. She was finally out of his life and now he could be peaceful in his life and routine. He finished his duty and headed to his regular destination.

Kirti who was a witness to armaan's every grand romantic gesture and his suave ways and the closeness that these two shared was skeptical that there was more to what had happened in the fire escape than what Sid had complained of yet had taken it at face value knowing Sid well. Her suspicious had strengthened when Riddhima spoke of suspension or termination of services and further got affirmed when she received Riddhima's resignation information. The information came through trusted sources and so she immediately asked them to put it on hold and not let anyone know of it, especially Dr Shashank.

Talking Riddhima out of this brash action was imperative.

She stood there looking at Riddhima gather her belongings in her office.

'Dr Riddhima this is not required.'

'It is. Today or tomorrow everyone will come to know and I cannot face those judgmental looks again and..'

'Sid?'

Hearing his name broke Riddhima.

Kirti unsuccessfully tried consoling her. Kirti realized the importance of Sid and his perception in Riddhima's life seeing an inconsolable Riddhima. With no option left she revealed the truth.

'Jo kuch hua uska saach main jaanti hoon. Par woh sab mujhe Sid ne nahi bataya.'

'Kya?'

'Sid ki sirf yeh complaint armaan apna time aapko roses gift karne mein barbad kar raha tha aur FE mein aap ko roses de raha tha aur aap dono apna duty hours mein aisi cheeso pe barbaad kar rahe the.'

'Toh kya Sid ne aapko sirf itna bataya toh phir aap kaise.'

'Haan .. par jab aap ne suspension ki baat ki tab mere shaq mazboot hua.'

'Mujhe laga ki Sid ne..'

'Shayaad tum Sid ko kabhi pehchaan nahi saki ..uske liye aaj bhi aap sab ki izzat bahoot mayane rakti hai.'

'Mujhe maloom hai Dr Kirti par Sid bahoot badal chuka hai.'

'Par itna bhi nahi badala.'

Riddhima still seemed unsure after having seen Sid and his ways. She wanted to wait but leaving seemed a better option even after knowing Sid's kind gesture. She remained adamant on her decision and Kirti understood it.

Kirti had seen Riddhima's miserable state ever since Sid left. She too felt it was just a temporary phase which everyone goes to when someone with whom one is associated for a long time and that too so closely leaves. She might be just missing his presence. Riddhima's misery heightened so did Kirti's doubts. Riddhima's insistence on staying back knowing Sid was coming back had scared her as she expected turbulence for all. Her actions were only guided by the fact that Sid had preferred to stay aloof. Even she accepted that Sid had been wronged hence protecting him for greater good was more essential.

If Riddhima would leave a major problem would get solved by itself. Stopping her was still more important even though it added to the mess but she could not stake the career of a good doctor and a good human being. 'Main jyaada kuch nahi bolungi but I think reconsider your decision.'

'Of?'

'Quitting Sanjeevani'

She was not one to interfere in anyone's life and knowing Riddhima's uncertain mind she found it a more prudent option not to lead Riddhima towards reconsidering her decision which she herself had affirmed months back.

Kirti left leaving the ball in Riddhima's court.

Sid was going to celebrate his freedom. He pulled out the house keys and called for his drink. With each sip he looked at looked at those keys searching for the spark of happiness.

Those were never any ordinary keys. They were the keys to his house his heart which he had given Riddhima. Seeing those brought along a strange pain. He downed the rest of the drink in one go to ease the pain. Sadly it brought fresher memories which had gotten etched in his mind.

The ironed clothes, that perfectly laid breakfast table and his morning nimbu paani. He never appreciated any of those but had unconsciously gotten habituated to seeing them all ready for him. Those keys were telling him that he should not expect any of it now. That thought pained him ever more. He downed another drink willing to not let the sight of those keys affect him.

After a few drinks he stared hard at them checking if those keys evoked any of those memories again. He was triumphant that he had effectively blocked those memories but the dismay on Riddhima's face started pricking his heart. Her words in his defense mocked his perception.

Blocking each of them he kept drinking and slowly all those questions started coming back. 'This is better. At least it's familiar.'

He was back in his comfort zone. Hating Riddhima's deceptive and dishonest ways to manipulate his life

Sid had changed. This change was so familiar. Stern, indifferent demeanor and words laced with anger and spite. All this was to only shield his aching heart. How could she not recognize it? He was just the same after their first marriage and also after they returned from the Lonavla orphanage. He still tortured himself for no fault of his. He still thought of others before thinking about himself. Actually Sid hadn't really changed at all. She was proud that Sid had indeed been true to his word. He hadn't really changed a bit. She found some solace in it. Though Sid had not changed circumstances had. In these changed circumstance, if her leaving would give Sid any comfort then she would do so. She collected her belonging and drove out heading towards the Gupta house though her heart yearned to return to the lounge which Sid frequented.

The roads were unusually empty as the private transport service was on strike. Driving was bliss for a Mumbai commuter who owned a vehicle. Cars zipped pass while Riddhima drove slowly at a steady speed. Her mind was somewhere else. Sid too was using his car but being a responsible citizen he left his car in the hotel always before proceeding to the lounge. Riddhima was worried. How was Sid? Where was he? Was he drinking again? How he go to the hotel? The questions were hounding him when she got a call from the lounge.

'Ma'am Sir is quite high and as you know the taxi service is on strike. I was wondering if you would be coming in tonight to pick him up.'

'Yes I will be there in a minute.'

She needed to go despite knowing that it would enrage Sid.

The attendants dropped Sid to Riddhima's car while Riddhima settled the bill.

While the bar tender stopped her 'Ma'am your keys'. Those words tucked at her. 'They were once my keys.' and left taking them with her.

Part 31

Riddhima settled Sid in once again.

The penthouse always had a strange effect on Riddhima. This was the place which she always felt she belonged. It gave her a new identity which was dear to her. It was here that they both had confessed that both mattered to each other. She always wanted to return to this place and when Sid had brought her here after confessing his love, she had felt she had truly gotten all the rights of being Sid's wife. Unfortunately those rights she had lost due to her own misdeeds.

Those spiteful words 'Get a room for God's sake' jolted her from her reverie.

Waiting back did not seem the best option tonight so she decided to leave.

Sid's who having a disturbed sleep was murmuring something which caught Riddhima's attention. The words were clearer this time. She moved closer to hear them. She was taken aback listening to him speak in his sleep. The questions which tormented him every evening had found a voice.

Kya saach mein pyaar hota hai? .. kya hai pyaar? .. Kyu log itne krur aur berehem hote hai? Kisi ke jazbaato ke saath khelte hua darr nahi lagta ki kya guzaregi uss insaan par? Kya duniya mein saachai naame ki koi cheese nahi hai? Kya sab log sirf apne matlab ke liye hai? Kya meri zindagi sirf unn logo ka maksaad ke samne koi mayane nahi rakti? Main yaha kyu hoon? kyu jee raha hoon? Maine apna aashiyaan kahi aur banana chaha par zindagi ne mujhe yaha khada kar diya . kya yahi mere ghar hai?

Each question crushed Riddhima. She collapsed on the spot. She could realize the reason for his angry harsh words in the real sense only now. Sid continued to murmur in his sleep while Riddhima wept silently seeing him in pain. She wanted ease his pain, comfort him and help him find answers to those questions. She was the reason behind all those questions. She had erred but she never deceived him intentionally. She wanted to assure him but how, she did not know. Sid's trust was broken beyond repair. He would not believe her. She had seen that in him. But all was not lost cause at the end of a dark phase there is always light. Sid was the one going through a dark phase and this time she would be his support. She willed to walk through this dark phase with him and she would do all that it takes.

armaan on the other hand shifted uncomfortably in his bed. He had thought talking to her. Ask her why he felt that his basket seemed far off. He had gotten a few opportunities but his pride stopped him. She had wronged him and she needed to apologize. He was confident like all times she would come running back to him yet that wait was dreadfully long. On earlier occasion his slightest discomfort had her running to him disregarding everything everyone even her husband Sid That name got his blood boiling. Sid was responsible for this distance and he would make Sid pay for it and that too heavily. This was war and everything was fair in love and war.

Next morning a familiar sight awaited him yet that familiar face was absent. He got up in haste and rushed down to check to find Riddhima absent. The thought that she left him irritated him. I was getting used to having her around. That thought too irritated him. He always wanted her out of his life. With her out of his sight should be welcomed by him. 'Why is it irritating me then?' Somehow he did not feel complete. Was he used to spewing up venom which was why he was missing her. 'No' he dismissed the thought. To a greater extent he did miss her for that. He had been carrying his frustrations for too long and in a way felt light after he had vented out a bit of it.

He always felt bad having said nasty things to her especially, what he said yesterday. His soft side had reprimanded himself a million times the day before. 'It was such a vulgar comment.' He found himself again scolding himself.

He brushed his thoughts aside and turned to move to take a shower when he saw her emerging from his bedroom.

His anger returned and he howled 'Waha kya kar rahi thi?'

'Heater on karne gayi thi. Naha lo'

'Tumhe ek baat samaj mein nahi atti'

'Hum yeh baad mein bhi discuss kar sakte hai.' she replied unaffected.

Her cool demeour irritated him further. What did she mean by 'Hum'.

'Hum .. Kabhi hum nahi the.' he spat out.

Riddhima dutifully avoiding that comment understanding where this would lead to tried to walk past him.

Sid found her non responsive very cheeky. Above all why was she playing this farce of being a dutifully lady of the house. 'Yeh sab jo kar rahi ho woh tum apne boyfriend ke liye karo Mujhe zaroorat nahi hai.'

'Boyfriend' she always hated Sid for disregarding her efforts using such sarcasm. But she had to patient. It worked.

'Theek hai par ab tum naha lo nahi toh late ho javoge.'

'Tum apne boyfriend ke pass kyu nahi chali usse zaroorat hai time pe aane ki Main apne aap achi tarah manage kar leta hoon.'

'armaan ke saath kya karna hai mujhe maloom hai.'

'Woh kal dikh raha tha.'

'Siddhant'

'Chilao mat mere ghar and now get out from.' He caught hold of her wrist in a tight grip and lead her outside the house.

Riddhima's protests went fell on deaf ears. He had completely lost his sense of right and wrong. Her every action was reminding him of those days when she did everything to cunningly lead to believe that she loved him while carrying on an illicit relationship with her boyfriend.

He did not want to see her again. The wounds which he was still nursing Riddhima's warm gestures had unknowingly rubbed salt on it.

Part 32

The cold water ran over his body cooling his senses. He would normally use this time to ponder on the previous day's work and mentally arrange his schedule for the day ahead.


Today when he thought back on the events passed he found him fighting a battle with himself. He was never such uncouth and an anti-social person. Yes, he preferred to keeping things to himself. He liked his space.

It was Sonia was the first culprit who started breaking his defenses and Riddhima's presence shattered them to unleash the boiling lava of his resentment which he had kept locked for so long.

'What had happened was wrong. How could I do that?'


He was ashamed of his behavior that he could not meet his own eyes.

'You are responsible for this. This is all happening because of you. Had you not persisted I would have carried on with my work, finished it and left to lead my life away from you. Why are you doing this? What do you want now? I had given you all that I had but now there is nothing except hatred.

'How can she be responsible? My actions are in my control and so I am responsible. I should not have said all those things to her. She has every right to live her life the way she wants and what she does should not be any of my business. Yes, she is being intrusive but what I did this morning was completely unacceptable'


His saner side started winning the battle as his heart reasoned on the inappropriateness of his actions.


He hated every word every action of his. He had lost self control and he despised that fact the most.


'She is doing it again. You are falling for it just like last time. You don't need to feel guilty for any of it. That is exactly what she wants so that she can exploit you again.'

That battle was driving him crazy. He was no doubt hurting for having hurt her. He always did. It was his primal instinct but the dark past refused to let him entrust Riddhima again. His mind seemed to have won the battle temporarily.


All in all he knew that he needed to strengthen his defenses. He could not afford to let anyone intrude and penetrate his defenses. The best option was to distance himself or he would invariably land up saying or doing things which he would regret later. He could not avoid but he could definitely restrict his conversations. 'No, that would also not help.' Riddhima at her stubborn best had the ability to exploit his vulnerability.

He needed to cut off completely.


When he reached the hospital, it was abuzz with the news of something having happened due to which armaan seemed extremely upset and Riddhima not reporting to work.


Kirti aware of all this took the first opportunity to inform Sid of Riddhima's resignation.


'When did this happen?'


'Yesterday.'


'Does Dr Shashank know of it?'


'I guess yes. By now he should have been intimated.'


'Ok I will talk to him.

He felt guilty for Riddhima's resignation. His words would have hurt her but to this extent that she resigned took the toll on him.


The news had reached Shashank early morning. He did not wish to have things turn so bad but he felt it would be better to keep Riddhima away. Sid was going to be there for few more months only and he did not want to lose a fine doctor in Riddhima. So he convinced the management to allow a short leave till he sorted matters out.


It took him much effort to convince Riddhima to go on another leave and reconsider her decision.


Staying in Mumbai would mean armaan his endeavors to woo Riddhima so Shashank suggested her again going on a holiday. This way armaan would be left with no option but concentrate on his work.

Sid's re-entry was proving to be a boon as well as curse. Riddhima had already declared that her interests laid in Sid. Shashank still could not convince himself. Trying to talk her out of this at that moment could be dangerous. Shashank feared she should not declare it to all making the situation more complicated.

armaan had already voiced his concern and Shashank was scared armaan being true to his nature would react to the situation without giving a second thought to the consequences. He had a good knowledge armaan's obstinate and obsessive nature. He had borne the brunt of it many times during armaan and Riddhima's courting days. armaan never failed to leave any stone unturned and was always quick to declare war.


armaan would not leave any stone unturned this time too to achieve his goal and Shashank feared which path it would take all due to this.

Sid was becoming a concern for him too. He had seen Sid's cold closed behavior. Riddhima's repeatedly intrusion in Sid's life and Sid's drinking habit all were adding up.


Shashank felt like he was sitting on a volcano waiting to erupt.


He was still assessing the possible solutions when Sid's dropped by.

'Sir, I need to talk to you.'


'Yes tell me.'


'I fell things are fairly under control and I should return back to my duties in US Sanjeevani.'


Sid was not running away. He was just reeling under guilt that due to him Riddhima had put down her papers.


'I don't think that is the reason Siddhant. If I am not wrong you wish to leave so that Riddhima can come back.'


'Well my presence must be definitely making her uncomfortable.'


'Well I can understand but that does not mean that to make her comfortable I put Sanjeevani's future at stake. Sanjeevani definitely need you.'


'And so do you need your daughter and a good doctor who can carry the work further which you started.'


'Yes but leaving is not a solution.'


'But I don't see an option.'


'In that case I feel you should take a break.'


'That will not help the situation.' No amount of persuasion helped. Sid was right in his stand. It was difficult to see two people who had back stabbed him day and day out. Riddhima who was giving misleading signals was driving both Sid and armaan up the wall. armaan's cooperation would an unachievable dream till Sid remained a DO. He would always consider Sid as his prime enemy who was back to disrupt his life and relationship.


Everyone seemed beyond reason especially armaan and Riddhima. Sid who was the saner one could not be lost. He was Shashank's only hope for Sanjeevani. Things had stabalized but not completely under control. Sanjeevani still needed Sid. In case Sid left it could attract more attention and harsher action from the management. So Shashank suggested 'Ok in that case why don't you do this. Sanjeevani orphanege in Lonavla is scheduled for a check. Why don't you go. Kaam ka kaam ho jayega aur holiday bhi. You will get a break from all this and we can review how well Kirti can handle work in your absence.'


This seemed a better option. Shashank again bought some time to think of a solution.


Sid left for the Lonavla orphanage. Though it was an undesirable destination, it was still bearable, since he would be away from all. Sid reached the orphanage to be greeted by his little princess Tamanna.


Shashank thought of going back to Panchgani. She was too wary to drive so she hired a cab. Midway to Panchgani she decided against it and asked to driver to turn back to a new destination. She was turning back and this turn was going to lead her to her true destination. After all it was all destiny. Her destiny awaited her.


Part 33


Sid felt at ease with the kids; innocent and uncorrupted. He could safely say these had no malice or ulterior motive unlike the opinion his prejudiced mind held for all others.


As night fell he left to go to the guest house after putting Tamanna to sleep. He had chosen to stay at the guest house not wanting to create a bad impression coming back even slightly tipsy.
She had spoken non-stop. Her constant blabber about Riddhima triggered his misery. Her questions too added fuel to his agony. How was he to explain why Riddhima was not with him? She did not fail to recount Riddhima's recent visit and miserable state which baffled Sid for a few fleeting moments but dismissed it as a child misunderstanding Riddhima pining for him. Yet later over drinks it kept tucking his heart. His previous encounters with Riddhima and Tamanna's testimony were forcing his heart to wage war with his pre conceived notions. His heart was betraying him. Riddhima's guilt ridden face kept flashing before his eyes refusing him any peace. He hated that fact that he remembered every detail of that disgraceful moment when he worded that crude comment.


As soon as he had left the orphanage had another visitor. Wary of the past few day's events and having faced rejection she had come here to find some solace being with kids.
'Aap?' questioned the matron.

'Haan socha kuch ki bacho ko mil loongi.'

'Oh!! Mujhe laga aap bhi annual check-up ke liye yaha aayi hai Dr Siddhant ko help karne.'
'Dr Siddhant yahi hai.'
'Haan aap ko nahi pata?' The revelation hit the lady hard. Her presence was agonizing him which was why she had come away. She was not required in his life but here she was, in the same place as him. What was destiny asking of her? Probably it was just a coincidence. She should leave immediately and not burden Sid with her presence. How could she leave? She had dismissed the cab the minute she reached there. Was there some place she could stay till morning?
'Kya hua?' enquired the matron.
Waiting back was also not the best option. Probably she should leave.
'Nahi kuch nahi Kya main Tamanna se mil sakti hoon.'
'Woh sow rahi hai. Kya aap rukne nahi wali?'
'Nahi main yaha se guzar rahi thi isiliye aayi. Todhi der ke baad main Pune ke liye nikal jaoingi' She gave a lame excuse to move out.
'Main Tamanna ko sirf dekh ke nikal jaoingi phir.'
'Theek hai.' agreed the matron.
She deposited her belongings and went to check on Tamanna.
Tamanna stirred from her sleep for a moment and excitedly sat up seeing the visitor.
'Riddhima didi!!!' The pain ridden face immediately had Tamanna asking 'Aap itni sad kyu hai? Genie bhaiya abhi aap se bahoot fight karte hai isiliye aap sad ho na. Maine genie bhaiya se kaha ki main bahoot naraaz hoon ki woh aap ko saath nahi leke aaye.'

'Nahi Tamanna ..aisa kuch nahi hai. Woh yaha kaam karne ke liye aaye hai na isiliye main pehle nahi aayi.'

'Par mujhe maloom tha aap zaroor aayogi. Aap genie bhaiya se dur nahi reh sakti na.'

'Genie bhaiya ko maine kaha tha ki aaj mere saath yaha pe rahe par woh nahi ruke. Main unse baat nahi karoongi.'

Riddhima gauged the reason for Sid not staying at the orphanage. She explained to Tamanna that Sid was working very hard and needed rest hence he was staying at the guest house. She urged her not to trouble Sid and bother him with her topics knowing well Sid's state of mind with her.

Riddhima got Tamanna to go back to sleep and left to make way towards the market hoping to find a bus or cab which could take her away from this place.

As she walked out of the gate her mind wandered back to her past associated with this spot. It was here that Sid had said some very harsh words to her and later had punished himself for it. He had said something equally harsh recently. Those words pained her but the pain of knowledge of Sid punishing himself for those words seemed much greater

Sid too was fighting a battle. Both were trying hard to find peace but could they really knowing that the other was in pain.

The pain was excruciating. Thought of Sid fighting his battle with those questions was urging Riddhima to go to him. She wanted to help him. Clear his mind and perceptions. Doing that would bring more grief. The pain from that grief that he has misunderstood her would shatter Sid but oblivion of the facts would not let him live peacefully either. She too could not ever live in peace either ways. They were connected by destiny and this pain seemed to become their destiny. Maybe she would have to live with it all her life. She dismissed her thoughts for a moment to book a cab. 'Pune'

'Haan Ji chaliye.'

She handed her bag to the driver and settled herself in the car. To distract her mind, she started observing the surrounding.

'Madamji chale?' asked the diver throwing a back glance at her. In that split second the man assessed Riddhima's state of mind.

Hmmm ..'

As the car pulled out of the parking Riddhima's eye caught a reflection in the side view. 'Nahi..'

'Kya hua?'

'Gadi rokiye.'

'Kyu?'

'Maine kaha gaadi rokiye please.'

She jumped out the moment the car halted to take a closer look. Her eyes focused on the man walking on the road. He walked with wobbly feet, almost tripping on his own feet taking the support of a nearby park car or pole to steady hims once in a while. Siddhant!!!' she gasped almost lunged she forward to help.

That sight brought back that sharp pain which she experienced when she had first seen him such.

The irritated driver who had followed suit looked in the direction where Riddhima was looking. 'Hai rabba aaj kal ke jawaan.'

'Nahi ..tumhara yaha hona usse aur jyaada dard dega...Par main usse akela iss halat main nahi chod sakti. Chod de usse apni halat pe. Nahi'

Seeing her contemplating the old driver asked 'Chalna hai kya ab?'

Tearing her eyes from that dreadful sight she turned to the old driver who looked almost irritated with this delay. Yes, maybe that was it and with a heavy heart said 'Haan chaliye ..'

She dragged herself back to the cab. Before sitting in she turned back to take one last glance at him.

Sid was resting against a car to gain control on him. Her heart cried 'Nahi main usse iss halat main nahi chod sakti.'

'Ji kuch kaha aapne?' asked the perturbed driver.

'Sardarji aap please mera ek kaam karenge please.'

It was definitely associated with that drunken man which bothered him. 'Ji boliye.' He asked half heartedly.

Riddhima crossed over to the other side and explained the driver her request.

It was the most weird sounding request which forced him to protest 'Par aap..'

'Main manage kar loongi aap please unko sambhaliye.'

'Lekin ..'

'Chahe toh extra paise le lijiye par please mera yeh kaam kar dijiye.'

'Paise ki baat nahi hai.'

'Please kar dijiye na please.'

No one would do anything for a stranger in this world and the pain which he saw in this woman's eyes was definitely not for one. That drunken man seemed too important for her. He could not understand the relation but she cared dearly for that man. Reluctantly he agreed.

Knowing Riddhima was alone in the market place the driver got back quickly. 'Kya woh theek hai?' question laden with concern confronted him the moment he reached.

'Haan theek hai.'

'Unhe aap ..'

'Fikar mat kijiye unhe main unke kamre tak chod ke aaya hoon.'

'Unho aap se kuch poocha?'

'Nahi uss halat main hi nahi the. Par ..'

'Par kya?'

'Nahi kuch nahi sab theek hai. Kya ab chalna hai?'

She again turned back as if she could catch another glimpse of her dear one and settled in.

The old driver could make out her state. It was closely related to what he experienced while dropping Sid back to his guest house. The faraway troubled look was searching for some answers which were connected to the drunken person on the road whom she had asked him to help.

'Aapke koi khaas hai aisa lagta hai?' question breaking the silence.

'Apne sawalo ke jawab dhondne nikali thi na?'

The lady's silence was affirming all his beliefs.

'Aur ab sawalo se bhaag rahi hai.'

'Ji?'

'Mere kehne ka matlab hai ki itne sawal leke yaha se kyu jaa rahi hai aap?

'Aisa kuch nahi nahi hai Sardarji.'

'Agar keh rahi hai toh theek hai. Par maine bhi bahoot duniya dekhi hai. Aankhen sadak pe rehti hai par passenger ka haal achi pad leta hai hum driver log. Woh bhi apne sawalo ke saath ladte bhagte aaj iss mod pe aa khade huye hai. Hum insaan bhi ajeeb hotey hai kabhi kabhi hamare sawalo ke jawab wahi hota hai jaha se hum dur bhagna chahate hai.' what that not so well educated gentleman said was true. Those were words of wisdom which came from experience.

She was running away. She had always done that and that is why she too was standing at this point in her life. Every time she tried to take a stand she was met with more pain. For herself and others.

'Par ..Sadarji ab iss sab se kuch hasil nahi hoga sirf  ..'

'dard hoga? PutarJi  ..Tumse jyaada pada likha nahi hoon par tumse bada hoon Tumse jyaada duniya dekhi hai aur mera tajoorba hai ki sawalo ke jawab milne pe utna dard nahi hota jitna unke na milne se hota hai. Aur agar yeh dard tumhe rok raha hai toh woh darr dimag se nikal do. Kyuki yeh kudrat ka niyam hai. Jab insaan bimar padta tab bhi usse takleef hoti hai aur theek hone ke liye bhi usse kuch dard ka samna karna padta hai jaise suyi lagwane ka dard. Uss dard ke darr kya hum ilaaj karwana toh bhi chodte na. Aisa socho ki woh sab sawal ek bimari hai aur jawab ek dawai jiske kadve ghoot peena ab lazmi ho gaya hai. Aur shayaad woh dawai aap ke pass hi hai.'

'Hmmm'

'Toh phir kyu jaa rahi hai?'

That old driver had been driving a point which probably she always knew. She was a doctor and indeed while healing every patient had to endure the pain encountered during the healing process. If not then normalcy could never be attained. Only they both could heal each other. If that was so then she may have to do it even if it meant confronting this pain and enduring it.

'Sadarji yaha pe ek orphanage hai. Kya aap waha pe mujhe chod sakte hai?'

'Jee bilkul. Yahi toh hamara kaam hai. Musafir ko apne manzil tak pahochana.'

This time round there was no backing out. 

Quick re-cap
Sid is Panchgani. Riddhima finally decides to help Sid search the answers to the questions he is fighting with and comes back to the orphanage.
Ab aage

Part 34

Sid having had a bit too much the previous night sat in his bed holding his head. The splitting headache seemed to be causing enough nausea that he felt he would throw up any instance. The sight of aspirin also seemed to make him sick. Nonetheless he needed to have something. He thought of having some juice which would help replenish the lack of fluid and calm his growling stomach. He buzzed the reception to order some but he was curtly told off that they served none. 'Theek hai jo bhi ho bhej dijiye.' He resigned on his efforts not having much hope from this place.

'Paani hai chalega?'

'Haan chalega.'

A young boy walked in carrying a tall jug of water and placed it on the side table shortly. The sight of plain water was mocking him. He had been getting used to the luxury of nimbu paani being ready for him every morning though he never had it. 'Damn you why are you thinking of it now?' accepting that he had been ungrateful to Riddhima and now the mere thought was depressing him even more. The war of logic started tormenting him 'Why the hell I am feeling so depressed all of a sudden. Is it'.? No it's just another after effect of a hangover nothing else. I guess I should not drink so much. Kal kuch jyaada hi pee gaya main. Pata nahi kaun tha woh jo mujhe yaha leke aaya ' Par this is not done. Damn 'my head hurts.'

Sid hated hangovers. Even though he was a regular drinker, he always preferred walking back home straight. Well not exactly straight but he definitely did not need anyone dropping him back home.

'Mujhe Mumbai aana hi nahi chahiye tha. Actually mujhe kabhi bhi Mumbai nahi aana chahiye tha. Na main kabhi Mumbai aata aur na hi main kabhi.. Damn! Again I am doing it ' I shouldn't have had so much No hangover no depression and no nagging thought of random people who like to barge into my life as per their own wish. I will not let anyone affect me, rule my life, dictate terms to me. It is all because of that why I am where I am. But not anymore. I will live my life just the way I want.'

He wished it was a slow morning but alas that was not the case. He needed to be somewhere. Reluctantly he pulled himself out of the bed and got ready for the day.

Sid coming in for the check-ups had Riddhima up and ready. She waited on the porch waiting for his arrival. She had made all arrangements hoping to give the whole check-up procedure a head start thus later leaving some time free for Sid and her.

Sid was delighted to see everything ready for him on arrival. 'Sheilaji yeh sab kisne kiya?' asked Sid pouring out a glass of water for himself.

'Dr Riddhima ne.' the matron Sheila promptly replied.

'Riddhima!!!'  all the delight of having everything ready washed away hearing that name. 'Mera peecha kyu nahi chodti yeh .. damn it?' He swore under his breath gripping the glass tightly. His frustration peeked when his eyes caught the culprit's profile and his grip tightened on the glass in an attempt to reign in his flaring temper.
The intensity of feelings did not take long to have its effects. In a fraction of a second the glass lay shattered on the floor in pieces covered with blood.

The alarmed cry from the matron brought Riddhima rushing to the room.
A quick scan left her gasping. The blood covered hand hit her. 'Sid!!!' Riddhima lunged forward to help. Not wanting to create a scene Sid quickly apologized and bent down to pick up the pieces of glass as if telling all was fine and nobody's services were required.

Sid's apology got the matron to dismiss it as an accident  'Yeh naye glasses kuch theek nahi hai. Itne fat se toot jaate hai. Rukiye main yeh saaf karwa leti hoon. Aap apne zakhm ko bandage karwa lijiye.'

Before Sid could react he found his hand in Riddhima's. Very carefully dabbing off the blood with a big swab of cotton.

Instinct propelled him to shirk his hand away while Riddhima stubbornly held on 'Sid please mujhe bandage karne do.'

She quickly did the first aid and left to gather the children and line them up for Sid to start his check-ups. Waiting around would only irritate him.
The first thing Sid did as soon as Riddhima was out of sight was to call Shashank. He wanted to end this once and for all. Luck did not seem to favor Sid. Shashank was operating so Sid was left to handle this matter on his own.

So if you can't cure it then endure it. His silence and indifference could drive Riddhima up the wall just like her non responsiveness did to him. So it was going to be tit for tat. He decided not give in to any of her provocation. 'Jaane do main yeh sab khud ko affect nahi karne doonga. Usse jo karna hai karne do.' 

Knowing his hand was injured Riddhima waited upon Sid while he did the check-ups intermittently trying to do something or the other to help him.

While Sid continued to behave stubborn, not wanting any help. He struggled with every activity due to his injured hand especially taking notes. Writing with an injured hand was a painful activity.
Riddhima stood there watching him try gripping the pen. She flinched at his each attempt. She tried to take charge but her hand got shirked away rudely every time.

Tired of Riddhima's umpteem attempts Sid thought of seeking the matron's help to take notes but this plan also took an immediate beating. 'Aap please Dr Riddhima ki help lijiye.'

'Woh duty pe nahi hai.'

Sid was behaving stubborn and she matched it. 'Main volunteer kar sakti hoon.'

'Dekhiye aap ki problem solve ho gayi. Main chalti hoon mujhe todha kaam hai.'

Left with no choice Sid had to relent.

They finished with all the scheduled children with only the last one remaining-Tamanna.

Tamanna had been observing them for a long time. Sid dictating and Riddhima taking notes. Any further conversation or help from Riddhima not being entertained by Sid. Be it work related or otherwise. So the first question came the moment Sid perched her on the make shift examination table. 'Genie bhaiya aap Riddhima didi se abhi bhi gussa ho?'

'Nahi' he plainly replied.

'Toh phir aap baat kyu nahi kar rahe hai.'
It was a question asked in innocence He could hold it against a small child. He rolled his eyes and 'Main busy hoon isiliye Tamanna.'

'Par woh toh aap ki help kar rahi hai.'

'Tamanna ..main kisi se naraaz nahi hoon.'

'Par main aap se bahoot naraaz hoon. Pichili baar bhi aap Riddhima didi ke saath nahi aaye. Aap ko maloom hai kitni sad thi woh. Maine bataya na kal aapko.'

'Haan ..ab chalo lait jao mujhe aapka check up karna hai.'

'Nahi pehle aap mere sawal ka jawab do'

'Tamanna!!!' warned Sid.

'Tamanna Sid ko examine karne do phir tum baate kar lena.' coaxed Riddhima.

The minute the examination got done lunch was announced saving Sid of any further questiona at least in front of Riddhima. Tamanna dragged Sid with her to the lunch table.

Here too Sid struggled with the spoon for some time. He switched to eating with his left hand the minute he saw Riddhima approaching his table. Unaccustomed to eating with his left hand he had spilled  more and ate less.  Riddhima wanted to help him but knew he would prefer walking away hungry than eat with her help. But later seeing him struggle with cleaning the stain off his shirt later had Riddhima go across to help him. 'Main kar do' she asked meekly. Sid quietly continued with the task. 'Natak.'

'Sid karne do mujhe please.' Sid announced his displeasure, throwing the napkin aside.

'Sid tum aise kyu behave kar rahe ho. Main toh sirf tumhari help karne ki koshish kar rahi hoon. Tamanna par bhi gussa ho gaye. Yeh kya hai Sid? ' His patience limits were getting saturated. He was about to lash out but noticing the kids stop playing to see their argument stopped him.

Knowing Sid it was not going to an easy task but Riddhima persisted. Tamanna too came to her help announcing that if Sid would stay back they could have a small campfire. Sid was not in a mood to endure Riddhima any longer and got the matron's help to dismiss the idea owing to it being a school night. The plan flopped and soon Sid headed to his favorite destination to unwind. Sid chose a decent restaurant cum bar and settled himself at the bar.

When Riddhima reached the guest house after escaping from Tamanna's incessant blabber, the care taker told her that Sid could be found at a nearby restaurant.

Riddhima willed not to let Sid drink this evening. She wanted to put an end to this routine. But she knew her Sid well.

When she reached there, Sid was already through a few drinks. She was not allowing him to drink himself to death this night again. Stopping Sid was not going to help. He would not pay heed to her pleadings. He had not complied earlier nor would he do so that evening. Yet stopping him was necessary.

She confidently strode up to the bar counter and stood at a distance from him taking a quick check of his state.

He looked quiet ok. She wanted to stop him immediately but this was the bratty Sid and she needed to match it so she settled herself in a chair some distance away from Sid. This time being in his complete view.

'Repeat .. Ek black label large Neat' ordered Sid. Tired from dodging Riddhima he sat there resting his head on the bar counter.


'That's your Sir and what would you have Ma'am.'

'The same black label large. Neat' she said trying to sound confident really not knowing what was in store for her.

'Riddhima !!!  Why does she have so much of effect on me still that now I have also started hallucinating about her?' Sid dismissed her presence being just a figment of his imagination and continued with what he had been doing.

'Would you prefer some ice?'

'No this is fine.'

Hearing her voice again he looked up this time. He gasped at the sight. She indeed was there. The bar tender placed the order in front of Riddhima suspiciously of the order been placed 'That's a black label large Neat!!!' he repeated trying to drive a point home.

'Yes of course.' accepted Riddhima gulping back her fear.

All Sid's enthusiasm drained. Anger surged seeing her toy with her drink placed in front of her. 'She never drank not even wine or champagne. What is she doing with whiskey, that too a large peg.? 'Oh she intends to stop me by playing this game. Ok let me see for how long she can carry this on?' He was not going to let her rule his life this time.


'Cheers!!!' he toasted mentally raising his glass.

Riddhima gulped back her fear knowing there was no turning back. She had to take her chance.
She too lifted her glass and signalled back. 'Cheers!' trying to sound as enthustic as her possible. Sid took the first sip without losing the eye contact with his nemesis. Even in his buzzed state he could make out the fear in her eyes. It amused him. She had at many occasions stepped out of her beliefs to assure him of her best intentions. He had always rushed to ask her to do otherwise as her comfort was his highest priority. Little did he know then that she was just testing him to see if he fell for her farce. 'Not so easy this time. Not this time. You are not going to win this game Dr Riddhima Gupta.'

As Riddhima brought the glass near her lips the stench of the spirit hit her nostrils repelling her senses. 'How can someone drink this stinking thing?' Her hesitation brought a triumphant smirk on Sid's face. 'Way to go Dr Riddhima Gupta. Bring it on. I am waiting.'

Her eyes were pleading Sid to stop her which tucked Sid's heart. 'No Sid she is doing it again.' His brain reprimanded.

His face displayed a gamut of emotions. He was fighting himself. She hated herself doing this to Sid but somehow she felt happy too. It gave her hope that moment that her actions did affect him but crashed the very next noticing his lips turning up into amused grin.
'So be it. I challenge you to stop me now and I shall stop only when you stop me and you yourself stop drinking.'

She raised the glass again with nervous hand, taking a deep breath not wanting to inhale the disgusting stench and took a sip. It could not be counted as a micro sip. Her tongue felt violated tasting the bitter potent drink. 'Yuck!!!' she barely managed exclaiming aloud but her facial expressions gave her away.
'Oh my my .. so Dr Riddhima Gupta hates the taste. Great. This is going to be an easy victory.'

They both could read each other. Riddhima swirled that drink in her mouth cursing the man who invented this wretched drink. Sid's ever increasing grin turned into a stifled laugh as he made another go  at his. Sid was thoroughly enjoying it all. 'Stop this game Sid.'

'Let me see you gulp that down.'

'Ok have it your way.'  Riddhima willed and gulped down that excuse for a sip. That potent drink burnt her insides making her choke on it. Her stomach churned.

She was in visible pain which Sid could never be able to handle.

She was waiting for Sid to break down which she hoped would happen before she did under the effect of that wretched drink. She was finding this difficult but she would still endure it if this was the only way and indeed it was going to be.

Unaffected Sid non-chalently picked up his glass, this time making a larger go at his drink. He defied her and waited for her move.

'How can you so unaffected? You were never  so. Have you really changed so much. No you cannot. My Sid can never change. He had promised me he wouldn't and my Sid does not break his promises. He is just hiding and if you really want to play this game I will match it. I will not let you win.'

This time she took a  real sip. She let the taste settle in, gulping down little by little.

It was an ordeal to see her drinking like this.

'Give up Riddhima before my patience give in.'  his heart cried attempting to finish that sip.
'Absolutely not. Not until you stop me yourself and then I shall see how you also continue to behave unaffected continue to drink.'

His insides cringed and instinctively his hand grabbed the glass downing the rest of the drink. No big deal he was used to it.

Shocked by Sid's guts she decided to match this too. Angered, she too made a go at it.
It was too much to handle. It threw her into a violent cough making her spit out more than half the drink back into the glass while choking on the rest of it.

'Thats it.' He could not endure this tirade any longer. All the intoxicating effect washed out in a moment. Jumping off the bar stool he found himself next to Riddhima. Instinctively his hand lifted to try sooth her. 'Sid!!!' his mind reprimanded making him withdraw it immediately. 'Water please.' he called sternly.

The bar tender placed a glass of water in front of Riddhima. Stubbornly still holding on to her drink she looked at Sid trying to gauge his mind and defying him to give up these pretences. 'Be true to yourself Sid. I know you can't handle me in pain. It still pains you and your pain is something I cannot handle. Give in.'
Sid looked away in disgust which prompted Riddhima to make another go at her drink.

The bar tender who was watching this scene also lost his patience. 'Ma'am have some water or at least mix the drink.

'No..I prefer it this way.' she remained firm on her choice.

Wary of a scene getting created Sid drew his wallet and threw his card on the counter 'Bill it.'

'Both Sir' hoping this two warring individual's move out before a showdown.

'No only hers. She is done.'

'I am not done.' Snapped Riddhima.

'Do as I say' said Sid fiercely gritting his teeth.
'I said I am not done.'

She was not going to relent 'Bill both' said Sid snatching the glass from Riddhima's hand.

'Wait.' he set a few thousand's notes on the counter and retrieving his card he stormed out.

Riddhima had won the first battle not the war.


Part 35

Sid studiously maintained his distance from her striding briskly in front but made sure that he did not let Riddhima lag behind. It was an unknown place and quite late in the night. Instinct had him worrying for her safety and protecting from any danger that lurked around in the darkness of the night.

'She is just another girl. I am doing what I would do for any other girl.' his mind argued as his heart questioned.

Riddhima kept calling out to him. She wondered where he was going as the the guest house was left far behind.

After walking some more yards did she realize what Sid was doing and a smile appeared on her face. 'Mujhe tum akele raat ko anjaan jagah mein chod nahi sakte na. Tumhe ab bhi meri chinta hai toh kyu iss jhoote mukhote ke peeche apni feelings chupa rahe ho.'Kyu khud ko dukh de rahe ho.'Kyu bhag rahe ho mujhse khudse.'

His actions was proving that her Sid was not completely lost. Her resolve just strengthened seeing him not wanting to leave her alone. He was indeed was wanting to walk her back to the orphanage.
This time was perfect. Sid was  vulnerable and she had to make her move fast.

She tried to catch up. At times calling out to him plainly or taunting him to stop running away and face the truth but could none worked and soon they reached the gates of the orphanage.

Throwing open the gates Sid stepped aside to let Riddhima through.

He was angry which meant he would again torture himself. He would be back to his old routine which would defeat the entire purpose.

'Andar chalo Sid.' she commanded.

Ignoring her he tried walking past her. But Riddhima was not going let this golden opportunity go waste.
She needed to get Sid talking his heart out. She needed to address all those questions which Sid was fighting with. 

She caught hold of his hand and commanded again 'Andar chalo.'

All his defenses were crumbling. This was the adamant Riddhima who would go to any extent to prove her point and achieve her goal. She would get her way yet he tried. Shrinking her hand hand away he threw a disgusted look her way to tell her he detested everything she did.

'Mujhe maloom hai tum wapis pee ne ke liye jaoge aur main yeh tumhe karne nahi doongi. Andar chalo.'

Sid was baffled how Riddhima knew that he intended to go back to the bar. It was such an irony that she never knew much about him to the extent of causing a major embarrassment on night of Teej yet she always managed to read him like an open book. Riddhima took her chance seeing Sid soften and tried leading him inside.

'Kya pareshani hai. Baat karte hai. Chalo andar.'

'She is playing her dutiful wife's role and you are falling for it. You are such an idiot Sid.' his mind warned him. Shirking her hand Sid tried stepping away again.

He tried dodging her. Every time Riddhima successfully blocked him. He wanted to lash out. Maybe some vile words would deter her but the thought of them hurting her stopped him. Yet he could not let her win so he used his best weapon - Silence.

Riddhima again tried to lead Sid in when Sid's phone rang. It was the matron calling. He moved aside to answer and Riddhima followed not wanting to give Sid any space. Sid put the phone on loud speaker. She could hear the matron speak asking about Riddhima.

'Kya Dr Riddhima bhi aap ke saath hai?'


It irritated Riddhima that Sid was not ready to converse with her even to give a message.


'Haan main yahi hoon boliye kya hua?'


As the matron continued they both listened with full attention.


'Good Sachin ko thoda  bukar ki tarah lag raha hai wapis.'


Both their minds started working on it immediately.

'Sid par dawai ka stock khatam ho raha hai I think we will need more supplies.'

Sid thought for a moment.

'Shielaji Aap tension mat lijiye. Main dawai arrange karta hoon aur tab tak Dr Riddhima Sachin ke pass rehegi.'

'Theek hai.'


Back at the orphanage Riddhima checked up the patient and called Sid to confirm the list of medicines required.


'Sid yeh sab kafi hai kal subah tak.'


'Hmm'


'But I am worried for Sachin. Bukhar kafi tezi se badh raha hai.'

'Kal tak bukhar control mein aa jaye toh hum usse Sanjeevani shift kar denge.'


'Hmmm ...Acha Sid ..Please gaadi dhyaan se chalana ..Sid ..Sid ..'


Sid was back soon. He was a thorough professional did not let his differences with Riddhima come in way of the treatment. He smartly routed all instructions suggestions or affirmations to Riddhima's advice through the nurse that he had gotten the chemist to arrange.

Though Sid's did not utter a word his concern for Riddhima seemed too obvious. Another reason for arranging the nurse was giving Riddhima rest. Though being on leave she had worked the whole day and he knew they had a long night ahead of them. Also he kept pushing for Riddhima to go take some rest when Riddhima kept waiting upon the child.

'Sheilaji nurse aur main yaha pe hai ab Dr Riddhima aur aap rest kar lijiye.'

His efforts continued seeing Riddhima refusing to leave Sachin's bedside.

'Nurse Dr Riddhima abhi tak sowi nahi hai. Unko boliye ki main hoon yaha pe aur aap bhi todhi der rest kar lijiye.'


'Thank you for coffee kya Dr Riddhima ko bhi aap ne coffee de di.'


All these gestures warmed Riddhima's heart but did not give her much solace knowing that Sid still beyond her reach.


Finally in the wee hours of the morning Riddhima gave in and went off to sleep. The child would need constant monitoring through the day and Sid also needed to rest. Riddhima thought of relieving Sid in the morning but Sid remained stubborn.


The tension was growing as the fever refused to subside . Sid visibly tiredness increased Riddhima's anxiety. 


Towards afternoon things started coming under control and Sid retired for a brief nap.


By evening things seemed much better. 'Shielaji Sachin ko Sanjeevani shift karwana theek rahega. Kuch tests karna zaroori ho gaya hai.'


'Jaise aap dono theek samjhe.'


'Good main ambulance ka intezam karta hoon. Kal subah hum Mumbai ke liye nikhal jayege.'


That evening understanding he might be required by Sachin Sid dropped his plans to visit his favorite evening hangout. He planned to make an early start next morning so he decided to fetch his stuff back from the guesthouse. He informed the nurse to buzz him immediately if Sachin's health deteriorated and took his chance to sneaked out fearing Riddhima would come following. But his absence did not go unnoticed. Riddhima worried for Sid incessantly called him. Since the nurse hadn't called him he gauged the real intension behind Riddhima's calls and he promptly ignored all of them.


Otherwise she would have been miffed by the non response but now the situation was different.This was a different Sid whom she could nor recognise nor predict. Would he be on a drinking spree even though his patient lay sick in bed? Her heart refused to believe but now her mind had started deriving on its own accord. There seemed greater possibility which angered her to no extents  She paced the porch anxiously pondering on possibilities of what Sid was up to and this was Riddhima for whom jumping to conclusions was like second nature.


So when Sid arrived she threw an accusing glance towards him blaming him for all that he had not done.

'So not only you drink but also drink and drive. Do you know how dangerous it is? Why are you doing this? Do you even care?'


Sid chose to ignore even though irritated at Riddhima's boring blaming eyes which were screaming accusations at him. He was here for Sachin and that's what he intended to do. Walking into Sachin's room he cooly to check on him. Riddhima seeing this got more agitated. 'I have done that he is fine.There is no need for you to check on him now.' she said spitefully.

'There is no need for you to check on him now.'  That ticked off Sid. Still he managing to keep his cool to complete his checks and walked away in a huff.

He felt used yet again.'So now you are not required. I told you all this was a bloody farce. Concern for you was just a farce but you did not listen.' his mind mocked him as he paced the porch. 'Actually I don't know why I came back. Keeping everything aside. I am not required. I was never good enough for her. And now my services as a doctor are also not required. Why would they? I don't know why I alter my life thinking of others. I should have gone ahead with my routine not thinking about anybody Not even Sachin. Now Riddhima  No Dr Riddhima is there finds me inadequate as a doctor too. I think I better go and live my live.'



Riddhima watched him from far first not feeling like approaching him. She was still angry. But as time passed his discomfort was became more and more evident. Sid had been abusing alcohol for the last four months. Immediately leaving it for day was taking it toll on him. He felt uneasy and irritated. Not only from the lack of alcohol but also what Riddhima said back in the room. His insides cringed.  He felt nauseated and was profusely sweating. He finally settled down on the easy chair and tried to ease himself.

Seeing him such was confirming what Riddhima heart said. 'Sid would never leave his patient to go and drink' . The symptoms Sid experienced proved that Sid had not been on a drinking spree. She felt ashamed of inferring. She knew well sudden alcohol abstinence after prolonged abuse could cause severe damage or even be fatal.

Knowing Sid's stubborn nature, she did not have much hope that Sid would do any self medication. It was imperative that he eased himself. Usually, he would have popped his regular but tonight this pain seemed like his best friend. It was helping block out that spiteful comment which announced his uselessness.

This pain was testing Riddhima's patience. The miserable sight was bad but worst was her fear for Sid's life and soon she soon found herself standing in front of his resting form with medicines and glass of water. Setting it down she contemplated if she should wake him up.

The questions which hassled him every evening had returned to haunt him. He was already a little delirious and his sub conscious mind fighting those questions made matters worse for him. He murmured sometimes helplessly at times agitated.


Seeing him disturbed her hand moved on its own accord wanting to sooth him. His vulnerable state was making her vulnerable. Her hand slowly inched a little more closer to him and he sensing it got up with a jerk.

'Main tumhare liye dawai layi thi.' she said trying to help him make sense of her presence and proximity. 

'As if she really cares.' that the only thought that could come to his mind. He looked at her with disgust and got up to walk away. He was extremely hurt and she felt it essential to make amends for her folly.

'I am sorry' she said tearfully. She was indeed ashamed of misunderstanding him. But it was not to have any effect. The wall of distrust was too strong to be broken even with such gestures. Not cause they were not genuine but they came from a person who every genuine gesture had been negated by her own act of deceit. And so all seemed only a deceit. But she would try, try until she succeeded.

'Baat nahi karni toh dawai toh kha loo. Please …Please dawai kha lo'

'Tumhari halat dekhi nahi jaa rahi mujhse. Please …Acha dawai nahi khaani toh baat toh kar sakte ho na.' she suggested hoping that would deviate his mind. 'Mujhe baat karo.'

Her efforts were went waste as they met with his silence. Every nerve in his body was retaliating at her persistence thinking it was a pretense but he was a gentleman who would not want to create a scene. He felt suffocated standing there so he walked passed her. He strode away briskly in the garden in an effort to avoid her.

She could sense the suffocation. She had to get him out of it and for that she needed to get him to talk.
She ran forward to catch up with him. 'Ruko Sid. Tum gussa ho main jaanti hoon. Baat karo mujhse.'

'Sid tum chup kyu ho ... Mujhe maloom hai tum pareshan ho. Tumhare dil mein hazar sawal hai. Maine sunne hai. Un aadhe adhoore sawalo ka poora jawab dena chahati hoon. Kuch toh bolo aise chup na raho. Acha …theek hai … baat nahi karni toh mat karo dawai toh kha lo … yeh theek nahi hai. Tumhari halat aur bhi bigad ,,,,,.'

His killer look had her voice stuck in her throat. Taking a deep breath she steadied her thumping heart and again tried.

'Tum khud ko hi nahi mujhe bhi saza de rahe ho.' she said using her strongest weapon. Her pain made him restless and it worked but not the way she wished.

He was agitated and it added to his withdrawal symptoms. He was again sweating profusely and his limbs shaking. Yet he held his ground. Not uttering a word he shirked her helping hand and turned to walk back.

'Sid ruko tumhari halat theek nahi hai tum girr jaoge. Tumhe chot lag jayegi. Agar dawai nahi lena chahate toh … theek hai just go have a drink.' She suggested out of sheer frustration. A low dose gave better results in the detoxification process than medication and now in Sid's case would ease the symptoms. 'please aise mat raho. Chahe toh main chalti hoon.'

Sid was completely thrown off balance. Was this lady for real? The previous evening she intending to stop him sat down to drink along knowing well he will not continue and now herself was suggesting accompanying him to a bar so that he could have a drink. All in all he now knew that the lady in front of him was not going to relent. She was on a mission -  mission to break his defenses. Somewhere deep down he also felt a little scared. His mental and physical state was vulnerable and his defenses might just get shattered. He might just end up doing something he may just regret. He allow this lady to get through her ends of bringing him out of his comfort zone. He might just open up the doors to his heart which he had locked that fateful evening at the basketball court.

'Ek dost ki nahi toh ek doctor ke haisiyat se meri baar maan lo.'

'Dr Riddhima you are not my consulting physician. Your services are not required. Thank you very much.' Finally he spoke leaving Riddhima battered with his judgement.  

That was the last he spoke. He never left the orphanage for a drink but finally in the wee hours of the night he did finally take the medicines left for him. He needed to be there for Sachin if not for anyone else. For Riddhima Sid having the medicines finally was enough. She had to make do with only that. The following morning they moved Sachin to Sanjeevani. The entire journey Riddhima just kept searching for the slight ray of hope, the tiniest chance but ended up only disappointed. 

It's gonna hurt while it heals From Part 21

Part 21

Every minute without talking to Sid or seeing him was suffocating her. She tried calling Sid but after a few calls the phone was not reachable. His scornful words which he had said when he was angry, his indifference, his eyes which accused her were haunting her. He was angry again and she was the reason for it all like back. Her mind was already throwing up possibilities which scared her.

She was on her way out when the she received a call. Rahul and Muskan were in town and they urged to catch up.

'For old times sake.'

'You would be there for a couple of days so we can meet up later.'

'No we are going to Delhi by tonight's flight. So lets just meet up and bring the whole gang along. Don't tell them let it be a surprise.'

'Then we can meet up later when you are back.'

'Don't know if we get the chance.' Muskan was insistent and finally Riddhima had to give in. They met at a lounge near the airport.

They were surprised not to see armaan with her. 'Where is armaan and the rest of them? We thought we will get to meet all of you.'

'armaan and Anjali are not here.'

'Where are they? And where is Dr Kirti Subhankar and Atul.'

Dr Kirti and Subhankar had left for the day.'

'Give me their number I will call them.'

Riddhima was successful in reasoning with that they were family people and could not do late nights due to their daughter while the rest were in Delhi.

'No issues we shall catch up with them in Delhi. Why don't you come down with the rest for the weekend. We can have a gala time there.' suggested Rahul.

Riddhima was not in a mood but she tried to assure her presence. 'I will definitely try.'

'Make sure you come and give me armaan number I will call him once there.'

The rest of the evening they talked about old times. Riddhima whose mind was still stuck on Sid just kept nodding her head absent mindedly.

Muskan noticed this and commented 'Someone is missing armaan. My My'

Riddhima was quite uncomfortable but gave a vague smile and changed the topic back to Rahul and Muskan life after Sanjeevani. Over dinner Rahul and Muskan informed moved to US individually and later caught up in US Sanjeevani and got married. They were in India for a marriage in Muskan's family.

Sid was in the same lounge unaware of Riddhima's presence.

He drank peg after peg slowly humming to the song that was being played.

Riddhima's table was not far but she did not see him as he sat with her back to the bar.

Sid got up taking unsure steps towards the rest room when Rahul saw him. 'Oh he is here. How come?

'He is supposed to be transferred here.' said Muskan.

Riddhima who was hardly paying attention just nodded not realizing whom they were talking about.

'So typical'

'Ya it's sad. Such a fine doctor but by evening a complete drunkard.'

'What? Whom are you talking about' questioned Riddhima seeing the conversation going towards alcohol abuse.

'That man there. You know him, I guess.' pointing towards the bar. By the time Riddhima turned Sid was out of sight.

'Who Rahul?' asked Riddhima irritably.

'Dr Modi yaar.'

'Dr Siddhant Modi.' Muskan clarified seeing Riddhima's stunned expression.

'What rubbish? He does not drink.' Riddhima growled back.

'Why are you so defensive about him and if you don't believe it see for yourself. He will back soon as the evening has just started for him. You can take a nice long look at him to clear your doubts.' said Muskan

'Do one work lets shuffle places. You sit next to Muskan so you get a clear view of the bar.' suggested Rahul.

Riddhima waved away the suggestion as she was sure Sid would never drink so much. 'I don't need to. I know that is not true.'

Both Rahul and Muskan found Riddhima self belief funny and waited for Sid to return to prove their point.

Seeing Sid return Rahul immediately beckoned Riddhima's attention 'See he is back.'

The fear which lay dormant for some time rose and she turned. Only to catch Sid's profile. She realized it was him but her heart did not want to believe. Refusing to accept that what Rahul said was true.

Seeing that, Rahul purposely got up and nudged Riddhima to shift places. In the state of shock still she shifted. Her eyes fixed on the man at the bar.

'So now you agree.' Rahul mocked Riddhima's belief.

There was no response. To get her to affirm he called out. 'Hello, Dr Modi. How are you?'

Hearing his name Sid turned to look in the direction of the voice.

His vision a little blurred from the intoxicating. He focused a little at the table to make out who it was.

Some doctor who looked familiar. 'From US Sanjeevani.' He nodded his head and was going to return to his drink when he saw another familiar face. 'No it can't be her I am imagining. This person will never let me live in peace I think I need another drink.'  He drank the peg he was holding on to hoping that the burning sensation in his throat surpasses the pain his burning heart experienced. He felt the drink hitting his stomach and senses. He steadied himself and looked again hoping she would disappear. 'Nopes" and he turned tapping his finger on the glass indicating a refill.

It looked like Riddhima had seen a ghost. She looked pale. Her eyes stark, wide open still trying to come to terms with reality. She was shocked and was trying to make sense if what she saw was indeed true.

Muskan a little worried seeing Riddhima tapped her on her shoulder 'Riddhima'

'Huh' she responded shifting her gaze from Sid to Muskan and back to Sid.

'What happened?'

Everything zoned out. Tears welled up blurring her vision.

'Riddhima, why are you crying?'

'Why?' Riddhima questioned with her tearful gaze still fixed on Sid. That question was meant for Sid not for Muskan. Before leaving Sid had promised her he would take care of himself then why was he doing this to himself?

But it had sounded like a question meant for Muskan. Muskan shrugged her shoulders 'We really don't know. Ever since he is there he has been like this. He is the finest doctor but god alone knows why he is like this. He doesn't mix around, hardly talks. In fact I have never seen him smile also.'

Description of Sid's life broke Riddhima and the pain numbed her. The tears which her eyes held flowed down staining her paled cheeks.

Rahul and Muskan did not find this out of place reaction. Riddhima was always a sensitive person with a kind heart which would go out for any unfortunate person. 'Riddhima, it's ok. Relax. All have to go through their share of pain. Look at yourself. Remember how miserable you and armaan were when you were trying to convince your parents.'

Riddhima was staring blankly at Muskan. She did not know the reason for Sid's pain was her. This pain was not due for him but he had taken upon himself for her. This was nothing in front of the pain that armaan and she had suffered when convincing her parents. They had support while Sid always endured everything alone.

Muskan consoled her. Rahul felt that till Sid was there Riddhima would be miserable so he suggested helping Sid. 'Do you want me to drop him home or something? Soon he will not be in the state.'

Hearing that, she vehemently rejected the offer. Sid would hate anyone pitying him and thus offering help.

Soon it was time for their flight and all three left. Riddhima wanted to wait back but that would call for suspicion and these two planned to meet armaan. If he was to know then he would come rushing back adding to their stress.

But indeed she could not walk away leaving Sid like this and so she was back after dropping Rahul and Muskan to their waiting cab.

Sid was not to be seen at the bar. Scared that he left in that state alone she panicked and asked the bar tender about his whereabouts.

'He has gone to the rest room. But lady please do not trouble him. He is our regular patron and we do not want him disturbed.'

'Regular patron. Does he come here regularly?'

'Yes every evening.'

'He was here last night?'

'Yes ma'am but I would request you to be seated at your table and enjoy the evening and not bother him. Or else we will need to ask you to leave.'

She could not leave and she withdrew to her table.

The moment Sid was back he felt he was being watched; by an undesirable person.

He settled down at the bar and still he could feel those eyes on his back.

He called for another drink despite knowing he was reaching his limits but he preferred losing himself to oblivion than feeling those eyes on him.

He drank a few more. Each peg down felt like a punch in her gut. Her heart bled seeing his body was slouching on the bar unable to hold his weight and sit straight.

Her endurance gave way and she walked feebly to the bar.

Ignoring those warnings looks of the bar tender she lightly touched Sid's shoulder 'Sid.'  

Part 22

'Sid' that soft pain stricken voice tucked at his heart for a moment and repelled him the next.

He refused to look up shutting his eyes tight afraid of being pulled back any moment to face those eyes which always had the capability of melting him.

The warmth from that touch was telling him a different story that what had come to believe. No he was not precious to anybody and definitely not her. He shrugged his shoulder to shake off that hand. That slight movement had the capability of driving a sharp dagger through her heart. She winced in pain.

The bar tender gave her another warning look. She had never let the pain of Sid's rejection and protests dissuade her then this was just a warning look of bar tender.

She waited for a minute before calling out to Sid again nudging him lightly.

His head wobbled to one side leaving Riddhima gasping from fear.

'Sid .. Sid aankhen kholo Sid'

Sid having had his last drinks too fast had passed out.

'Ma'am Ma'am he has just fallen asleep.'

'Oh god.' Riddhima grabbed held on to Sid fearing him falling from the bar stool.

'Help me please.'

The manager and another attendant rushed to her help.

They took Sid and made him sit on the couch near the bar waited for Riddhima's instructions.

Riddhima's mind was working at full speed. ‘What to do? Where to take him to? How to make Sid sober? How was she going to manage him when he comes around?’

She felt drained looking at Sid's sleeping figure. She tore her eyes away from him and braced herself. 'Get hold of yourself. You will have to do it even if it means bearing his wrath.'

She got up and requested the manager to help Sid to her car.

They were taking him away while she stood rooted looking at his drooping figure supported by the two men. Seeing her sorry state the bar tender called her 'Ma'am'. She turned to the bar tender. Thinking it was for the bill she pulled out her wallet and handed him her card.

The bar tender felt a little ashamed to have warned her off. He quietly charged the card and handed the slip for signing. While Riddhima completed the needful formalities the bar tender gathered the courage. 'Who is he? As in to you? I have never seen him with anybody. You are the first one.'

Riddhima looked up wondering what to answer him. Then looking in the direction that they had taken Sid she replied 'My saviour'

Bar tenders encounter many strange people with their strange stories. This was just another one he thought and got back to work after handing over the card and bill.

Riddhima still couldn’t think up with where she could take him. Not to her house. She did not want Shashank or her mom having a bad impression. She did not know where he was staying. She did not to check into a hotel. She opened her bag to place the wallet in when her hand touched something. The keys to the penthouse. She had never got around to returning it to Sid and always remained in her bag.

The penthouse was in a mess. It was covered with dust. The watchman helped Sid up. Riddhima quickly changed the bed sheet in the room which was once hers and helped the watchman to settle Sid in bed.

Sid was sound asleep but she could not get herself leave him alone. After making a quick call to her mother to inform her she would be not returning as she was catching up with Rahul and Muskan she was decided to settle down.

She covered Sid with a blanket after carefully removing Sid's spectacles and his shoes.

The whole night she spent by Sid's side sitting on chair with her one hand resting on Sid. She wanted to be there if Sid needed anything.

As the effect wore off Sid's sleep was getting disturbed. He shifted in bed almost displacing the blanket.

Immediately Riddhima was up to check on Sid. He was sweating profusely. An after effect of alcohol.

She turned on the air conditioner, covered him with the blanket and settled down.

Sid slept quietly through the night only intermittently murmuring to himself which Riddhima could hardly make out just a few words here and there.

Morning came and Sid got up with a startle. He looked around surprised. 'How did I come here?' He never carried the keys to penthouse around then how come he was here.

His answer was standing right in front of him.

'Riddhima' He clenched his teeth in disgust and got up swiftly. The hangover caught up and he collapsed in bed again. Riddhima rushed to his side to help him sit up.

He held up her hand waning not to come any closer.

He had a right to be angry and she would endure it. She calmly held out a glass of water for him to help his dehydration. Sid turned his face the other side indicating his refusal.

'Pee lo better feel karoge' said Riddhima holding the glass out to him once again. Sid was not going to give in to this. She placed the glass on the side table 'Yaha rakh rahi hoon. Pee lena. Heater on hai aur kapde yaha rakh diye hai. Shower and get ready nahi toh hospital ke liye der ho jayegi.'

Riddhima had gotten up early and had set about arranging the necessities. To her luck there were still some of his and her clothes there. She had ironed his clothes and set them out for him.

He hated the sight of them. As she turned to leave he moved across the bed to throw them away.

Typical of Sid. She smiled and quickly reprimanded him. 'Neeche mat phekna farsh ganda hai.'

Her calm normal behavior got on his nerves. He crushed them and threw them aside on the bed as soon as she left.

She reckoned he needed time to get ready. He was not going to agree if she was to persist with him.

She silently set herself to making some breakfast. She had gotten the watchman to do some quick shopping for her.

When she was here this was her daily routine and life then seemed so settled. She missed this many months. Having set out the table she went in to check on Sid who was still grumpily sitting on the bed and all her effort lay crushed on the side.

Time was running out. Soon she needed to report to duty and going by the discipline issues faced she was sure get slaughtered even if she was late by a minute but this was more important. She went down to the kitchen to wait for Sid. Some more time passed by yet there was no sign of him coming down.

Sid was waiting for Riddhima to leave. He hated every moment of her presence in the house and she refused to budge.

Riddhima again went to check on him. Sid had not moved a bit. He sat there staring into blank space. 'Sid kya tum theek ho.' she asked moving in.

'Tum se matlab?' he barked back finally not being able take Riddhima's concern any more.

A very valid question coming from Sid. She cheated on him and she was the reason for the failed marriage then why would not Sid ask such a question. Yet she was there because his well being mattered. It mattered more than what it mattered to her when armaan was on his path to self destruction. But armaan was always self destructive. Not Sid and that was killing her cause she had pushed him towards this path consciously or unconsciously.

'Sid ..tumne kal raat ko itni sharaab pee li thi ki ..'

'Sharaab pee thi zeher nahi'

'Siddhant'

'Chillao mat. Aur tumhare boy friend ki tarah nahi hoon jisse sympathy aur sahare ki zaroorat hai. I can manage myself.'

'Sid tum kal uss halat mein nahi the ki ..'

'Pehle kaha hai aur aaj wapis keh raha hoon mar bhi jaonga toh bhi tumhari maddad ki zaroorat nahi padegi and now get lost.'

Sid was not going to accept her help. It was best that she left. But one last try.

'Tumhare liye breakfast rakha hai. Kha ..'

'I said leave ...Get out ..' he screamed.

Part 23

Her swollen eyes and her tear stained face attracted much attention. Patients relatives assuming her having received an unfortunate news of a dear one while staff contemplated her having another showdown with armaan.

Uncomfortable with those stares she retrieved to the changing room. Sid's scornful words were refusing to let her tears dry.

She was already late for her duty yet she could not pick herself up to report to duty.

After much time Sid and deliberation Sid got himself to the hospital.

It was briefing time and the PA system announced to assemble near the nurse station.

Still emotionally drained Riddhima picked herself up and made way to the briefing.

Riddhima stood there with her head hung hiding her face. She still looked and felt pathetic and did not any questions coming her way.

Dr Kirti assigned the tasks and then took up the list of defaulters to assign the additional responsibility not as a mere punishment but to them engaged in meaningful activity. One by one she finished and next was -

'Dr Riddhima you were late for shift today. May I know the reason why.'

Sid had just entered and was passing by walking briskly towards his cabin. Despite of having noticed Riddhima he chose to ignore yet the question from Dr Kirti got him to a grinding halt. He wanted to hear the reason Riddhima was going to give.

'We are waiting Dr Riddhima.' asked Kirti seeing Riddhima staring at Sid.

The buzz was starting seeing these two staring at each other. Sid's cold eyes chilled Riddhima's spine and she jolted back when Kirti again questioned 'We do not have the whole day. You are an hour and half late. Can you please tell us the reason quickly?'

She had left the penthouse much and Sid was wondering what kept her back.  The look in her eyes told Sid she was not going spill the reason for being so late. After all for him truth was not her virtue.

And so it happened 'I am sorry Ma'am. It won't happen again.'

Disappointment is all that she got from that batch of interns and the story was continuing. 'You will fill in for those hours and after shift make the briefing points for tomorrow and update with the latest tomorrow morning.'

'Yes Ma'am'

Sid felt guilty but he was happy cause this would keep Riddhima off his back.

Towards evening Sonia was back to working on the project.

'Sid was massaging his temple. He had a splitting headache due to hangover and not eating much in the day. Food repelled him the moment he remembered the breakfast table Riddhima had laid out for him.

'Seems like had bit many last evening or are you also drinking on shift.'

'I do not drink on shift.' he barked back.

'Why you always land up barking at me. Just because I take it.'

'No because you are again prying in my life. What would you take to not do that then I will also have a reason to stop.'

'Dinner together.'

'Deal'

They left together with Sid hoping that she would finally stop and he got an opportunity to drive that point still further. He already had Riddhima on his back trying to butt into his life and he did not want to add Sonia to the list.

On their way out Riddhima saw both leaving together and the gossip in the locker room confirmed that Sid was taking her out for dinner.

Knowing Sonia's habit of lying she doubted that piece of news and after shift she went back to the lounge to check for Sid.

Sid was indeed a gentleman. With a lady around he would not drink more than two.

Sonia tried hard but her impulsive nature took hold when Sid was going through his second drink and she questioned 'What pleasure do you get from brooding over the past so much?'

'You are doing it again.'

'So are you. Why are scared of opening up.'

'I don't want anyone in my life. I have told you that.'

'Sorry my memory failed me. But honestly what is it?'

'Stay out of it.'

'You are being rude.'

'You are intruding.'

'Ok let's talk work.'

Though he never encouraged that but for now it was a better idea.

'So what eye talk was happening this morning? I mean Dr Riddhima and ..'

'That's it. I am done with my dinner. Are you?

'No' she replied stubbornly. 'And you did not answer?' she persisted.

'She was guilty of coming late and I was just was waiting to know the reason. Does that sound good enough a reason?'

'Yes.'

Before she could continue Sid managed to take her on a tangent and for the rest of the evening they did not return to the topic.

That topic however did not leave Sid in peace. After dropping Sonia Sid sat in the hotel bar trying to forgot the morning incidents.

Riddhima happiness not finding Sid at the lounge was short lived when her mind threw up the possibility of Sid being someplace else drinking.

To add to her misery, her mother called her to attend a phone call.

'Landline pe iss waqt kaun hai?'

'Jiske calls tum avoid kar rahi ho cell phone pe'

She shut her eyes in an effort to calm her anger and took the receiver. 'Yes armaan.'

'Looks like someone is having a hard time? Is Dr Kirti making you work too hard?'

'No!!!' she dryly replied.

'Oh so someone is missing someone.'

'armaan, why did you call so late in the night?'

'Why are you behaving so uptight? You do not answer my calls nor my messages and now that I have called you are behaving so weird. What wrong?'

'Nothing is wrong.'

'Everything is wrong. Here I am so far away from you stuck in this stupid project which god know for what reason is being stretched for no rhyme or reason. The head here is hell bent on making me join in. You sound so stressed. I am sure they are harassing you too.

'armaan..'

'Is Dr Shashank there I want to talk to him right now?'

'For what?'

'I want to come back.'

'It's all a management decision. You are sent there for work and it would be better if you don't jump the protocol and unnecessarily try to pull strings.'

'Why shouldn't I talk to Dr Shashank? I am going crazy missing you. I hell can't even concentrate on anything. I want to come back. Back to you. I am dying to talk to you, to meet you, take you in my arms and feel your love. Look at yourself. You are also so miserable. I can't handle you being so Basket. I am coming back and that is final.'

'No armaan. You are not going to do anything of the kind.'

'You bet I am.'

'No armaan. Don't do this to Papa. Just let things settle at least once. Please'

'Ok but on one condition you will not avoid my calls?'

'I am not avoiding..'

'basket !!!'

'Ok'

'Love you basket' I did not hear it basket.'

'What?'

'What I am dying to hear? That you ''

Riddhima patience level touched its limit. She felt disgusted with the entire thought and she just disconnected the call. In an attempt to shut him out, she even left the receiver off the hook and shut off her cell phone. This impulsive act took the toll on armaan. The doubt of a conspiracy cooking up against him resurfaced. The first person he called was JP, his ardent follower whom he had innumerable tips to impressing girls. It was payback time. JP was in catch 22 situation one hand his tips were at stake on the other the wrath to be borne divulging information. He carefully avoided giving out Sid's name but armaan was smart enough. He ultimately used his charm to get information from one of the nurses.

He was hopping mad at Shashank, the gang and especially Riddhima. He felt his world was slipping out and the next day he somehow got himself relieved from Delhi on the pretext of being in Mumbai to attend to his ailing father.

Due to the reason the Delhi head could not deny the request and without consulting with Shashank transfered armaan back.

Another rounds of pills stressed Riddhima out. Nothing was going to hold her back.

'Sid Aaj wapis? Kyu Sid?'

'Is that something you have not learnt or have you forgotten that we need to put you through a refresher training on the various uses of aspirin?

'Sid enough'

'Ok then I guess you know them well. Good thank you.' mercilessly he crushed the pill and gulped it before Riddhima could stop him and walked out of his office.

Riddhima stubbornly followed showering questions and reasoning. After a point Sid could not take it any longer and buzzed Kirti.

'Dr Riddhima ki duty kaha honi chahiye.'

'Cardiac ward'

'She is wilding time outside the General ward on trivial matters. Would you like to talk to her? ... Sure '

Sid handed the phone to Riddhima and left from there.

Kirti could quite gauge what must have happened and Riddhima filled in the blanks while protesting against extra duty.

Kirti just did not want any mess up and did not relent though she understood  Riddhima did not mean any harm.

The situation was already messed up and Kirti unknowingly added fuel to the fire.

Part 24

Riddhima's extra duty was to be with Dr Sonia in the General ward.

'Extra duty today again?' taunted Sonia.

Sonia had seen Sid and Riddhima together and took pleasure in Riddhima getting extra hours. The previous morning incident and Sid's discomfort on Riddhima's mention was bothering her.

'Can we start the duty?'

'You have to start. I have already doing my duty and doing it well.'

'I can where your attention was while you were doing your duty hence I said let's start.'

'After all its Sid...'

'Dr Siddhant'

'That's for you. Not for me.'

'Let's start duty.'

'Yes I have to work on my project with Sid and intend to finish early this evening.'

'Why? Another so called dinner plan.'

'Good idea. I will get him to take me for dinner again like last evening.'

'Just like the fake dinner that evening.'

'I lied just to save his image but not yesterday when we did go out for dinner.'

'And you did not stop him from drinking.'

'But I contained him to only two drinks.'

'And with just two drinks he got a hangover.'

'How do you know?'

'He was again on his aspirin this morning. Why do you think I was trying to talk to him?'

'Well it was clear that your talking did not even help. My company at least contained him and I will prove it to you.'

'If you can do that I will thank you for the rest of my life.'

Sonia found stance suddenly softening strange. Few moments back she was enforcing herself on Sid and fighting tooth and neck with her and suddenly was ready to thank her if she succeeded in the challenge.

'You will see.'

Sonia felt intimidated by Riddhima and this challenge felt like she wanted to prove Riddhima and more so to herself what she believed in was right.

That evening Sonia could not trick Sid again to take her out for dinner. So she followed him. At the same lounge he sat with his drink.

Sonia pretended bumping into him accidently while waiting for some friends.

'So where are they?'

'Stuck in traffic. You know Mumbai roads.'

'So...'

'I am sure a gentleman like you ask me to wait up with him till they arrive.'

She had caught his weak point. 'Yes'

He signaled the bar tender to serve her a mocktail of her choice and went back to his drink.

He was going a little slow this evening also. Sonia took a chance and initiated her mission.

'I can see that you drink only to douze your loneliness.'

'Can we talk anything else or better not talk at all?'

'Why are you so scared?'

'No I am not.'

'Yes you are. Scared that someone will come close to you.'

'We have gone over this and I am tired of this conversation. Have your friends not come as yet?'

'Why you want meet them?'

'No then I can have my peaceful evening.'

'No they have not. Anyways why do you drink.'

Sid realised that it was difficult to shake her off and so he ordered another drink and quietly sat down on it not bothering to answer. Sonia went on with her chirade of drinking being bad and Sid being rude towards her feelings.

Sid patience was being tried and to add to it he was again having that feeling of being watched.

The previous evening when Riddhima returned to the lounge, the bar tender moved by the extreme concern and pain in Riddhima's eyes for Sid. Humanity is a virtue which makes man do things which go against their financial benefits. Despite knowing he would lose a steady client, he promised Riddhima without any solicitation that he would inform her if Sid comes there. So he did.

Riddhima sat at the far end of the lounge watching Sid and Sonia. Though her heart burnt seeing Sonia there she tried to console herself that if it did Sid any good then so be it.

'You seriously don't care for yourself do you?' Sonia continued to question Sid

'Riddhima!' Sid murmured as the slight buzz hit him.

'What?' asked a confused Sonia if she had heard it right.

'Nothing.' snapped Sid disgusted with himself for remembering Riddhima.

'What's your problem? Why are you closing on me?'

'I am not closing in on anybody.'

'Yes you are.' snapped losing her patience. There is no point talking to you. You can never be happy. Bye.'

Riddhima seeing this confrontation immediately came forward to stop Sonia 'Sonia' but missed her.

Her attention immediately went to Sid who was now drinking fast to subdue his anger.

Riddhima signalled the bar tender to stop serving and approached Sid 'Sid'

'Oh God ab tum Akela kyu nahi chod dete mujhe'

Ignoring his irritation 'Sid bahoot raat ho chuki hai. Chalo.'

'Jao tum yaha se ...One more please' turning to the bar tender.

'Bas aur nahi Sid.' pleaded Riddhima

'Tumhe samaj nahi atta. Kitni baari samjhao. Yeh meri zindagi hai' and he downed another and yet another.

Riddhima efforts were futile and the story of the first evening repeated.

Next morning Sid was sitting holding his head exasperated at Riddhima's stubborness. She had brought him back to the penthouse.

'Heater on hai. Naha lo. Aur Kapde press kar ke rakhe hai yaha.'

'Enough Bahoot ho gaya. Leave right now and don't show me your face again.'

This was bound to happen and to Riddhima's she managed to take it in her stride. This was the cold Sid who would only vent his frustration by using harsh word yet not meaning any of them.

She needed to be patient and she was going to do all it takes for it.

'Main hospital jaa rahi hoon. Ready ho ke aa jana. Breakfast table pe rakha hai kha lena uss din ki tarah bina khaye mat aa jana.'

Riddhima in both their best interests. Sid needed time and she could afford to be late again. She needed to get off on time to keep a check on Sid.

Sid sat for a long time contemplating 'I think I should go back. I was stupid enough to come here in the first place.'

Sid was not the one to run away from his responsibilities. Kirti's reminder message about the management meeting helped pick up Sid and he was back in Sanjeevani to complete what he had started.

Part 25

He felt so much in place the minute he stepped in. This was the place where he found and won back the love of his life. Though she seemed aloof now he was sure she can't escape his charm.

He had done this earlier. 'Nobody can take her away from me. Here I am try your luck as much as you can and you will lose again. This time even more miserably.'

He strode confidently to announce his return.

The briefing session was almost done. Riddhima was in on time thus saved of further extra duty.

Since the management inspection was due any moment and they expected it to a surprise one Sid were present to monitor the briefing. Kirti did a fine job driving the point in and the doctors and interns understood the importance of it well. Things were falling in place well. The earlier resistance was being replaced by acceptance as all understood the importance of the new rules and changes. The new changes gave many them opportunities to prove their prowess and gain varied experience thus adding to their profile. They felt empowered and receptive to take on more. This was a big achievement in short span of time. Credit went to Sid and his policies but without the staff's support it was not possible and so he passed it on to them gladly.

The staff was elated and enthusiastically moved to their duty except one - Riddhima. She needed a confirmation on other matters and so she waited around purposely with her interns discussing the cases for Sid to be done.

Kirti noticed this but she was hesitant of reprimanding while Sid chose to ignore her presence entirely.

Sid and Kirti finished arranging their schedule.

Sid was going to leave when Kirti looked at Sid and then at Riddhima to draw his attention hoping to get an indication as to what to do.

Those nervous looks stolen in Sid's direction perturbed Kirti.

Sid and Kirti looked up and this time found Riddhima looking past them feeling uncomfortable.

Kirti looked in that direction and felt as if someone had just successful executed their plan of bringing destruction to all the efforts. 'armaan'

'Huh'

'armaan'

Sid turned to check why Kirti to find armaan staring back at them.

Suprise was written all over his face. He knew was there but he never expected the man standing with Kirti in that professional boring garb to be him.

'Chasma' he smirked seeing the spectacles 'this is not even competition' he reassured himself as his confidence had taken a slight beating by Riddhima's troubled look when their eyes met.

Sid's entire being was repelled by the chessy grin on armaan's face as he greeted Sid. 'Hey Dude.'

He looked away and his eyes fell on Riddhima. The frightened look did not surprise him. Her boyfriend and ex husband in the same place a definite uncomfortable situation. As their eyes met he nodded his head in dismay and disgust.

He was about to take Kirti leave when he was slapped on his shoulder 'Good to see you dude. How are you?'

He closed his eyes to steady himself from turning back and shirking the hand off.

Sid was a gentleman and so he returned with courtesy 'Very well fine Thank you.'

Kirti squirmed thinking of the what may lay ahead. She needed to keep armaan at bay.

'Aap yaha Dr armaan? Aap ko Delhi Sanjeevani ko bheja tha project ke liye.'

He was elated that Kirti asked him that question, now he could mark his territory and show Sid his place.

'Woh kya hai na armaan aur Riddhima ko koi alag nahi kar sakta. Toh chala aaya apni Riddhima ke pass sab kuch khatam karke'

Anger surged through Sid's veins and he questioned gritting his teeth. 'Then are you reporting to duty?'

'Absolutely'

'Dr Kirti please do the needful.'

'Hey dude. ..Tum toh ek dum professional ban gaye Suit boot ek dum Dr Shashank ki tarah. Kise impress kar rahe ho. Said he almost whispering to Sid...'But good to have you here hum sab ko todhi madad mil jayegi. So Dr Kirti where is my duty and which intern is assisting me. Is it Sid?'

armaan every comment was trying everyone's patience. Riddhima looked on dreading a fight. Sid was counting numbers to divert his attention but Kirti was not the one to take things laying down.

'Dr armaan Firstly Dr Siddhant Modi ek senior doctor hai aur humare DO. Everyone reports into him including me. Woh humari maddad ke liye nahi yeh jo mess create kiya hai usse theek ke liye specifically bheje gaye hai. As for your duty, woh path lab mein hai aur aap waha akele kaam karenge. And finally you are late so you will have to compensate the hours.'

'Par mein abhi Delhi se aaya.'

'Toh kal raat ko aana tha. Dr Siddhant mujhe meeting ke liye kuch discuss karna tha can you spare me some time please?

Hmm and Sid started walking away.

Sid a senior doctor and being specifically called seemed like a slap on his face. Things were worse than expected cause now he would have to take orders from Sid and he was expecting Sid to get back at him for taking away his wife.

He would not let that happen and damage control was important. 'Riddhima' He needed to secure her first and then he could deal with all the Sids in this world. Riddhima fearing armaan coming after her started walking away with her interns.

'Riddhima!!!'

Kirti hearing armaan's call turned back and warned 'To you now Dr armaan.'

armaan was left there standing looking from one end to another helplessly.

Part 26

As long work was going fine and the two undesirable people were out of his sight life in Sanjeevani was bearable.

Knowing the discomfort Sid had faced Riddhima relented from checking on Sid about breakfast.

armaan was shifty as Riddhima was avoiding him like a plague. He needed to impress his feelings on her and his mind was constantly working on what he could do.

The meeting went off fine and both Sid and Kirti's efforts were applauded but this was just the beginning. They needed to prove that this can be maintained. Shashank was nervous with armaan's return so was Kirti. Sid was however calm knowing Kirti was handling matters well and tried to assure Shashank that situation was still under control.

It was lunch time and Sid's stomach was growling. He did not want another headache so after the meeting he headed towards the cafe along with Kirti.

armaan sat there with the gang trying to coax them for something special while everyone were dissuading him.

'Why? You will also get a chance to spice your love life.'

'Cause if Kirti comes to know we are involved them she will grill me alive.' quipped Subhankar.

'I always organize such events in Sanjeevani. After all I am Dr armaan Malik yaha ka maalik'

'Not any more Dr armaan' sounded Kirti

'What?'

'You no are going to anything. Is that understood?'

Kirti authoritative tone rubbed armaan the wrong way and he felt the need to show her that indeed what he said would not be denied.

'Well you are no more the DO so you cannot order me. I will talk to Sid and he will not refuse me. After all he is a cool dude.'

'Not cool but cold' mocked Jiggy

'Don't try your luck armaan.'

'Check it out for yourself.' and he confidently strode towards Sid's table with Kirti following him.

'Pitenge armaan bhaiya' forecasted JP.

'Hey dude what's up.'

Sid looked at his watch a gave a dismissal look and continued to munch his sandwich. From the corner of the eye he had already seen Kirti approaching.

Ignoring Sid's non responsive behavior. 'It's boring now a days. This place looks dead so I have planned to celebrate rose day tomorrow.'

'I think I have already told you that you are not doing anything of the kind.'

'And I think I have also told you that you are no more the DO so you can't pass any orders on me. Sid is the DO and he is my dude DO who will not deny me anything.'

'And it will have you woo any girl you are interested in except you know who whom you could never.' said armaan leaning into Sid.

Lousy man and his lousy statements, which was the only thought playing on his mind.

'Very well.'

'See I knew it you and someone had doubts about my authority here.' exclaimed armaan.

Disappointment washed over Kirti and she was about to leave dejected when Sid ordered a briefing to be called. 'Dr Kirti, please announce a briefing to be held in 15 minutes from now.

Part 27

There were couple of more who had been giving Kirti a little hard time and so it was apt time to deal with all.

Everyone assembled for the briefing wondering what had happened. The thought of management meeting spelling more disaster loomed large.

Riddhima nervously shifted as armaan purposefully came and stood right next to her. Slowly she distanced herself and armaan tried to move more closer.

They both were jolted back with Sid's loud voice.

Dr Kirti offended by Sid's behavior kept herself behind with the other senior doctors away from Sid's sight.

'Dr Kirti if you are here can you step up please?'

Reluctantly she joined Sid.

Sid gave her reassuring nod and started. 'I will conduct this briefing but I need you here.'

'Doctor and Interns present There seems some disconnect as some do not know the changes, some know yet choose to ignore and cause some do not want to accept So let me start with a small introduction I am Dr Siddhant Modi your new DO and the doctor that stands next to me Dr Kirti is the executive DO who in my presence and absence will be responsible for any and all responsibilities of a DO like she has been doing in the past. This means that her word is an order and her decision is final which has needs to be abided by.  There is no requirement to escalate matters especially as trivial as whether to have a rose day or not.'

'But ..' interrupted an intern and armaan

'I have not finished yet.'

'In case you do feel the need to escalate it needs to done in writing. If the cause is valid due action will be taken. If not then it shall go into your file as a reason to create trouble.'

'But Sid' interrupted armaan

'Dr Siddhant' roared Sid

Dumbstruck armaan could not find his voice and his protest went unvoiced.

'I do not want see any further instances of Dr Kirti's orders challenged on lame grounds and I assure you of serious consequences if any one question her authority and position. Am I understood?'

Everyone nodded in affirmation.

'So now the first question can come if anyone has to ask?'

All the trouble makers stood quietly.

Sid still wanted to impress Dr Kirti authority of armaan knowing his stubborn unruly nature.

'Dr Kirti someone had asked you a question in the cafe some time back.'

Kirti nodded. 'Dr armaan you had a question for me?'

'No ...Ma'am .. actually .. I wanted to know if we could have a .. rose .. day tomorrow'

But I guess Sid I mean Dr Siddhant have answered .. I mean his explanation suffices.'

Sid raised his eyebrows warningly at armaan.

'I mean you had answered my question earlier Ma'am'

'Good. Are there any more questions for Dr Kirti?' asked Sid satisfied having driven his point through the biggest trouble maker.

That took care of armaan for the time being but both Sid and Kirti knew that armaan was not to be trusted. To keep him check they needed someone whom he close to. Riddhima was one option but being a peer and love interest they did not expect much from her. After all, his antics were to impress her. The next best candidate was Subhankar, his possible accomplice in crime.

Sid informed him of his duty. Being Kirti's husband also Sid did not involve Kirti not wanting to create a possible rift in case of non compliance.

Sonia had kept aloof the whole day. The management meeting also did not give them a chance to work on the project. The previous evening's behavior was bothering Sid. He wanted to apologize and caught up with her just when she was leaving.

'Dr Sonia.'

'Yes Dr Siddhant?' she acknowledged coldly

'I just wanted to say sorry. I was a little harsh yesterday.'

'You are harsh every day. Nothing new.'

'May be ..actually yes but I genuinely don't like anyone butting into my personal space.'

'So I have not today. I hope you are happy.'

'Yes but I genuinely did not mean any harm.'

'Well but ok but even I did not anyways I have to get somewhere.' said she hoping that Sid would stop her and ask where she was off to all dressed up. It pinched her that he did even give her a second glance. But Sid did not do either. He just bid her goodbye and went his way.

Riddhima had finished earlier. Fearing armaan will try to catch up with her since Kirti and Sid were due to leave in some time she exited earlier.

Another person she feared was her father who had given a sound warning for not coming home for two nights.

She settled in the lounge waiting for Sid.

armaan after getting off work promptly made an appearance at the Gupta house. armaan's belief that everything was slipping from his hands strengthened with Riddhima's absence.

Here another wasted effort to get Sid to stop drinking landed in another trip to the pent house and a morning with the same routine. Sid was sick and tired with Riddhima following him and taking him back to the penthouse.

First he was not going to return to that lounge. Secondly, he needed to take away her keys hoping that this shall drive the point through to her.

Armaan refused to let go such aloofness easily. So what he could not have a rose day. He planned to make it special only for his Riddhima.

Riddhima's office was plastered with photographs of their courting day. Her duty was in the children's ward and each child patient she checked gifted her with a rose.

Riddhima's frustration knew no bounds but she ignored each attempt. Seeing no response armaan finally confronted her.

Riddhima gasped as felt herself suddenly pulled into the fire escape.

This proximity was not unknown but the emotions connected felt so alien. She tried to break free from the tight embrace.

'Chodo mujhe armaan.'

'Problem kya hai Riddhima?'

'Kuch nahi hai'

'Kuch toh zaroor hai. Kya Sid..agar aisa hai toh mujhe batao.'

'Nahi.. Aur Sid se tum dur raho. Usse please aur stress mat do.'

'Toh phir kya baat hai. Jab se aaya hoon ek baar bhi tum milne nahi aayi. Maine aaj tumhare liye jo kiya uska jawab bhi nahi diya. Kab se tumhe apni bahon mein le kar tumhe tumhare pyaar mehsoos karna chahata  hoon.' engulfing Riddhima in his tight embrace. Riddhima though wanted to scream out but that dangerous proximity was numbing her efforts from the fear that someone might see them such. She squirmed under his hold as armaan traced her lips with his thumb. 'Tumhara inn hoto se apna naam sunna chahata hoon.'

The fear was building with approaching sound of steps. 'armaan chodo mujhe koi aa raha hai.'

'Aane do.' denied armaan intoxicated on hearing his name from his lady love.

'armaan please.'

'Tum sirf meri ho aur aaj koi bhi aa jaye Sid bhi koi mujhe tumhe apne pyaar mein baha le jaane se nahi rok sakta' He angled his face eyeing her lips. 'Riddhima!!!'

The sound slowed down.

Riddhima stared back seeing the passion in armaan's eyes. It evoked only one emotion at that moment. Taking in every bit of it and strengthening it as armaan's warm breath started scorching her skin.

She blocked out ever other stimuli that her senses could feel to focus on that one emotion.

They both were lost in their own world that did not hear those footsteps stop at the mid level landing.

Those eyes had seen this sight before but seeing it now his body trembled in disgust and anger. 'How more shameless can anyone get?'

armaan was already reeling as the sweet moment of victory was near.

Riddhima closed her eyes garnering every last ounce of her will to strengthen that emotion.

'Enough.' the fire escape echoed.

Armaan almost lost his footing. It took good long moment for him to recover yet he could not understand what displaced him from his moment of victory.

How did he land so far from it? Was those echoing voices shattering his ear drums that pushed him back or was it ..?

Part 28

Riddhima stood there drained. She had used every ounce of and will energy to exert all the force to push armaan away.

Riddhima looked at armaan wondering if she had actually managed to push him so hard that he almost landed at the other side of the staircase.

armaan stood there holding the railing still trying to gauge what happened. His mind was telling him one version but his heart just refused to believe that his basket could have done that to him.

But the man at the bottom of the stairs was oblivious of what had taken place. He stood there with his eyes closed in disgust drawing deep breaths to calm his frayed senses.

Horror seeped in she realized his presence there. 'Sid' She would have felt lucky if Mother Earth would have opened up and taken her shame ridden self into its womb.

But she was indeed no Sita. She was the tainted Riddhima who had wronged her pious husband with her shameful act of adultery.

The look of disgust was not new to her. He had felt the same when she had confessed about her henious act. She wanted to beg for forgiveness though she was not at fault today.

Sid's body still trembled with anger. He felt suffocated. The air he was breathing also felt like poison. He needed to move out from there. He wanted to walk away. Why should he he thought. He was not wrong nor should he be ashamed of anything. So he stepped forward.

Those slow yet heavy steps echoed in her ears. As there were going to pass them her voice got caught in her throat fearing the thoughts that may be rushing through his mind. She hoped desperately that Sid had seen her repelling armaan. His straight stare told her he had also considered her guilty. Hanging her head with shame she stood there with her shoulders drooping under the weight of her past crimes and the Sid's perception of today's situation. But not armaan. He still stood tall as if guarding his personal space from further intrusion. He was angry with Sid crushing his precious moment. He wanted to tell him off. He extended his hand to stop him.

That slight movement also seemed to echo in that dead silence.

Such behavior in any work place was unacceptable. However Sid intended to discount it from the fear of tainting his mentors repute. But the arrogance of the culprit propelled him to take action. If it was not him then someday it may be someone else who would catch them in an equal or more embarrassing situation which would be worse.

But he did not wish to decide the punishment knowing his past connection with one of accused would be questioned to have biases his decision.

'Meet Dr Kirti in an hour from now. Both of you'

'Sid ..' That voice was laden with guilt but failed to evoke any feelings.

Those eyes always had lied to him. May be today also they were. What a wonderful actress she was.

He forced himself to quicken his steps. As he was going to exit he heard the man closing in on the girl that was his accomplice. Shameless that they always were. 'Despicable'

'Get yourself a room for God's sake' He spited out in disgust and walked away.

Part 29

No doubt that Riddhima had wronged him many times before and he had been spiteful towards her but now their relationship gadd changed.Even if he said that their behavior offensive from a professional point of view yet his words were laced with personal grudge he held for them. It was completely inappropriate behavior as their senior or as a third person. He never ran away from anything but today he just did not want to meet them again.

His rationale was deceiving him and he wanted to keep himself away from it all. Yet he had to cause he was witness and so reluctantly he got himself to go to Kirti's office.

armaan was waiting patiently outside Kirti's office nursing his bruised ego and shattered desires. The sight of Riddhima crumbling in front of him yet not letting him close to comfort her had been tormenting him. He knew those few words from Sid had pierced Riddhima's heart and to his dismay he had seen only remorse instead of lashing out from hurt pride.

Riddhima had only found herself guilty which irritated him. All in all it seemed that only his relationship with her affected.

 

Riddhima's eyes refused to him that reaffirmation that all was still the same when she walked past him. 

armaan fists his hand the moment he saw Sid walk in Kirti's office. He had a good mind to drag him to the basket ball court that very moment for spoiling his moment, for his untimely intrusion, for coming back into his life and most importantly having such an effect on his basket. This could be left for later now he was called in and he would stand his ground that indeed he meant no harm except steal a few moments with his basket.

They all stood quietly for a few moments.

 

It was a tricky situation. An ex husband and current lover. One visibly uncomfortable while other's shooting daggers with his eyes. The cause ex husband had found the lover getting cosy with his ex wife. The complaint came on professional grounds yet it had a little too much of personal emotions involved.

'Where is Dr Riddhima?' initiated Kirti fearing a fight breaking out.

She had deliberated from entering for a long time. 'I am here.' announced Riddhima as she walked in and stood at the far end near the like an untouchable stealing a few glances at Sid who refused to look at anyone in that room. His spiteful words kept echoing in her mind.

'What has been brought to my notice by Dr Siddhant is that true?'

 

'Yes' came a quick reply from armaan not at all swayed by the gravity of the consequences.

 

Riddhima's protest died with that angry disgusted look on Sid's face and his words returned sharply to her. Everything was lost. He would never believe her. She did not even have the energy to fight back. She stood there with her head hung low.

'Should we take your silence as an affirmation Dr Riddhima?' Tears pricked her eyes. She once again looked up in hope that she may see one tiny spec of trust in Sid's eyes.

Those were blank as ever. He had closed on her. She nodded.

'So it is true?' questioned Kirti again hoping that Riddhima would say No. Kirti saw that plight in Riddhima's eyes begging for one chance from Sid.

'We do not deny it.' said armaan confidently as if he was owning to an act of great gesture.

'I am not asking you Dr armaan The question was for Dr Riddhima?'

'But I am answering the question.'

'You are not her.'

'There is no difference. I answer she answers its all the same.'

 

Tolerance level reached and Sid fumed 'It is confirmed by both parties so you can continue Dr Kirti'

Nodding Kirti questioned again trying to buy time. 'You understand the consequences?'

'Suspension or termination' said Riddhima almost choking on her words. She did not fear either. She insisted on staying back for Sid and now there was no hope of any reconciliation.

'You cannot suspend or terminate our services cause the last time some one caught for similar reasons he was awarded DO duties.

Kirti was caught unawares. She looked blankly from Sid to Riddhima.

'Dr armaan that was a disciplinary action.' appalled at armaan bringing up that issue now

'I would love a similar one in my favor.'

'You do not deserve one. The person concerned deserved every bit of being a DO.'

Sid was taken aback for a moment seeing Riddhima defending him. This yet could not convince him. He was wearing dark glasses and everything seemed black. It was another act of hers.

In that case I will step down.

'From the charges!!! Good and anyways I was not doing anything wrong. Just trying to get spend some time with the one I love.'

'Do it in your own time Dr armaan.' Howled Kirti.

'Why are you behaving so uptight just because ''

'Enough ... This is a hospital and you are doctors. You come here to work not to fool around at the drop of the hat. Such behavior is highly unacceptable and especially in here in Sanjeevani. This is last time we would let go of any such behavior. Sanjeevani Please ensure that you do not involve yourself in any such indulgences during duty hours. I am leaving both of you with a warning this time because any action would mean tarnishing someone else's repute

'You mean Dr Sid's'

'We mean Dr Shashank' snapped Sid

'Oh!!! So you are saving yourself using Dr Shashank as a shield.' Retorted armaan.

'Enough armaan' reprimanded Riddhima.

'Why are you taking Sid's side?'

'Because '.'

'Enough both of you.' Kirti warned to put a stop this worthless clash of words. 'I guess this settles it then. Off to your duties now.'

armaan stormed out leaving all behind. Riddhima waited for a moment looking at Sid who looked visibly uncomfortable and unsure of what happened and left.