AshNi Bas AshNi..Story So Far..NO COMMENTS PLEASE - Page 4

The entire day nidhi kept waiting for a call from dr ashutosh..but it didnt come.they watched t.v n found that the minister was stable..but still under observation.Baba seemed to be getting restless.."ashu ka phone aaya koi"he asked nidhi.."nahi baba".lunch was quiet..but then col verma n dadibua came..they had been informed by armaan..dadi bua asked.."mai ruk jaaoon nidhi..teri dekh bhaal ko"?but nidhi refused"nahi dadi bua..armaanji aur baba to hain..zuroorat hui to bula loongi"Nidhi was pleasently surprised to see dr ranganath n anji.dr ranganath said"dr nidhi,koi bhi baat ho,i m just a call away..the entire k.g.h. is at your disposal.nidhi smiled n said"ye m.d. dr ashutosh ki wife ke liye hai ya mere liye"?ranga smiled,looked at anji n said"meri wife ki best friend ke liye..."nidhi promised that if she needed help ,she will call.

At 8 in the night ,all t.v channels flashedDR ASHUTOSH PERFORMS ANOTHER MIRACLE,IS DR ASHUTOSH THE BEST IN THE WORLD...DR ASHUTOSH SAVES MINISTER FROM CERTAIN DEATH..n just as this euphoria was on,dr ashutosh called up..nidhi said"aap to mere hero the ab to saare country ke ho gaye.."ashu asked her how she was n she replied"mai to theek hoon..par bava worried the,unse baat kariye.."nidhi gave the phone to baba"ashu ,kaisa hai beta..theek hai na tu..ha main theek hu,nidhi bhi theek hai..khati hai khaana..,nahi armaan naha raha hai..tu nidhi se baat kar.."nidhi spoke"jee..kahiye""nidhi baba seems tense..maybe because of his surgery..plz khayal rakhna unka..jab tak main aaoon..i m sorry,is haalat me jab tumhe looking after ki zuroorat hai,mai bojh daal rahaan hoon tumpe..bit plz nidhi..mere aane tak..dhyaan rakhna unka"ashu pleaded.nidhi said"aap chinta nahi kariye..jab aap nahi hain to baba merizimmedari hain..bahu hoon mai is ghar ki..dont worry..mai hoon na..baba ke liye...par aap aa kab rahe hain.."?ashu spoke"tomorrow,id conduct a few more tests n then see the progress..though motor n sensory activity is fine..i think i shall fly back in the evening..tomorrow "
The full evening all were busy recieving congratulatory calls n boquets..bava 's chest swelled with pride..nidhi ruminated at this special bond between father n son..not based on blood or d.n.a. yet stronger than anything else inthe world..the two were incomplete witout the other..nidhi was glad she had been instrumental in reuniting the two..she recalled the stormy nite..when after meeting dr ashutosh,baba had blessed her"MUJHE TO MERI CHAAHAT MIL GAYEE ,AB BUS TUJHE TERI CHAAHAT MIL JAAYE"n within 15 days she n ashutosh were engaged..all becoz of baba..her nana..but first n foremost dr ashutosh's father...her father in law..she felt elated to see tears of joy in his eyes..n thus made it a point that he talkex to each person who called to congratulate..

But baba seemed restless.."ashu kab aayega..kyun nahi chala abhi tak..nidhi"??nidhi tried to keep him busy n distracted..but it wasnt easy.In the night armaan n baba came to settle nidhi in her room n she held baba's hand.."baba aap chinta nahi kariye..kal woh zuroor aa jaayenge.."baba patted n went out..The whole night baba kept having flashes ofashutosh..the abandoned child..ashu in medical college,ashu coming with the gold medal...
Nidhi too was restless..the baby moved around..hurting her belly..was the baby sensing dr adhutosh's absence..?she smiled remembering..how dr ashutosh caressed her belly n kissed the swell..as if he could feel the baby...nidhi fell into troubled sleep ..only to wake up with a jolt.."dr ashutosh.."n then realised it was just a bad dream..armaan came in.,"kya hua nidhi..pain hai..dr ko phone karoon"?nidhi said"nahi..bus darr gayee thi.."armaan asked.."mai baith jaata hoon yahaan chair pe..tum so jaao.."n he came out only when nidhi seemed to be asleep...

The next morning,baba kept waiting for ashu's call..as the t.v channels praised him even more n boquets n sweets kept flowing in..Finally at 2 in the afternoon,ashutosh called up"nidhi..sab theek hai..i have been successful in saving the minister's life n his faculties..."nidhi said.."aapke sound bytes air interviews dekh rahe hain hum..baba is delighted..par ab a jaaiye..baba is not at peace..pata nahi kyun.."ashu repeated.."nidhi mujhe kisi wajah se bhi der ho jaaye..to baba ki zimmedari tumhari..aur apna bhi khayal rakhna,..i d come by chartered flt.at 5 starting from delhi..to dinner saath karenge,..bas baba ko dekhna..love you..kuch chahiye delhi se"?nidhi said simply"bas aap aa jaaiye.."

Nidhi told baba n armaan eho were overjoyed..baba got busy in getting the house decorated with flowers..the boquets n cards that had come..nidhi made ashu's favourite dinner..hare chane,gaajar halwa n paranthe..She went to freshen up..as she sat at the dressing table..n applied sindoor..she couldnt help remember her sindoordaan..when dr ashutosh had filled her maang..she smiled as she cleaned the specks of sindoor on her nose..as she sat adjusting her mangalsutra..the land line rang..n armaan picked up..
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Dr ashitosh boarded the charyered flight organised by the central govt..n relaxed ..thinking of nidhi..the baby...baba...armaan..his inlaws..the family that his nidhi had given him..

He was rudely pulled out of his blissful dreams as the aeroplane shook n shudderred violently barely 15 mins after take off.the pilot announced they were in roughweather..one air bump then another n another..ashutosh felt fear creep in..fear of losing his nidhi..his baba..his family..he recalled his last visit to delhi n the accident n how his nidhi had suffered,..will she be able to bear his loss..she was 6 months pregnant..fragile..would their baby see the light of the day..will nidhi be able to bear the wrecking pregnancy alone..n what about baba..had his restlessness been a premonition of events to come..ashu..thought of nidhi..again..leaving her on trip to delhi ..then on their wedding nite..n again now...As the plane seemed to be in a freefall..dr ashutosh closed his eyes ..bringing to his mind..the beautiful pregnant nidhi..smiling at him..the plane plunged lower...
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Nidhi could not comprehend what armaan was talking..so she came out..armaan seemed white.,"kya baat hai armaanji..kiska phone tha"..baba joined in"kya hua armaan..ashu to theek hai..bol "armaan looked from baba to nidhi nthen back to baba.."baba..ashu ka plane missing hai..air traffic control se contact toot gaya hai..30 mins se..they ..they...suspect ..it has crashed..due to bad weather..."baba didnt seem to respond n just slumped ..armaan held him..n brought him to the sofa..nidhi got some water..kaka too came out..nidhi switched on the t.v.DR ASHUTOSH 'S PLANE GOES MISSING,another channel saidSEARCH FOR WRECKAGE..AS CHANCES OF SURVIVAL RECEDE a hindi channel flashedZINDAGI DENE WALA DOCTOR CHALA GAYA MAUT KE AAGOSH ME...
Baba broke down..crying'"ashu..ashu ..mera beta..ashu main kaise zinda rahoonga,..tere bina"armaan n kaka too had tears flowing down their cheeks..But nidhi..looked firm..steely..determined..she caught hold of baba.."aap kya keh rahe hain baba..dekhiye ..koi wreckage nahi mili hai..woh theek honge,.vishwaas rakhiye..dr ashutosh aayenge..unhone kaha hai mujhse..khana khaayenge saath me..baba..baba..suniye meri baat'"she seemed to be shaking baba ..as he wept on..Armaan phoned col verma n could hear dadi bua wailing,anji ranganath..dr dubey n most importantly dr sudhir..All came in,shyama aunty n solanki sahib too with col verma n dadi bua..
As dadibua ,wailing tried to hug nidhi..nidhi almoat shouted,."band keejiye rona..kuch nahi hua hai dr ashutosh ko..aur mujhe baba ko sambhaalne deejhiye.."she forced his medicines down his throat with a little juice...then looking at armaan ,dhe said"armaan ji..plz pata kariye airport se.."armaan just sat..weeping helplessly..so nidhi got up..holding her baby bump..made the call n talked..n then came back to baba.."baba..the plane is a boeing..it has fuel for 15 hrs..abhi 10 hrs aur reh sakta hai air me..aur koi wreckage nahi mili hai.."t.v flashedSEARCH FOR DEAD BOFIES ON?.n baba sobbed..nidhi held him"baba,.meri taraf dekhiye..woh mujhe keh ke gaye hain khayal rakhne ko aapka..jab tak woh nahi aate..baba..plz..dheeraj rakhiye..nahi to bahut gussa honge mujh pe.."then nidhi tirned to dr dubey.."plz sir..b.p le len baba ka..give him some tranquilizer.."dr dubey..looked at nidhi with pride n grief..but did what she said..From a corner..a broken col verma looked at his daughter..6 months pregnant and a widow at 25 ..oh god!!
Dr sudhir got up..n held nidhi..as she seemed to wince.."nidhi..chalo juice peeyo..baby d be needing it..nahi topain bout ..."nidhi stopped him.."dont worry sir..main sab khaaoongi..bas unko aane deejiye.."shyama aunty..sighed n got up ..n followed nidhi..anji came in too..shyama held nidhi.."beta ,sach ko pehchaan..ab kabhi nahi aayenge dr ashutosh.."nidhi shrugged her..n looked at anji.."anji tu to thi mere saath..jab woh laapata hue the..sab keh rahe the..ki...par woh aaye waapas..hai na..bol"anji..wiped her tears n said.."nidhi..this is an air crash..bachne ki koi ummeed nahi.."nidhi seemed angry..she opened ashutosh's wardrobe n said.."dekhiye ye shirts ye suits..sab kal theek kiye hain maine..woh aayenge..pehnenge ye sab..."n then she faced everyone.."aap log soch rahe hain mai paagal ho gayee hoon?jee nahi..jaanti hu main ki woh zinda hain..kyunki mai zinda hoon...jab meri saanse chal rahi hain to unki kaise ruk sakti hain..agar unhe kuch hota..to mai khatm ho gayee hoti.."almost everyone broke down..
Nidhi did not give up..she came to where baba was..n said.."aap thoda aaraam kar leejiye..dekhiyega..jab uthenge to aagaye honge dr ashutosh.."baba did not respond...

Suddenly the landline rang n armaan picked up..he said"bus,mai abhi aaya..n rushed out..nodhi shouted"mujhe bhi le chaliye.."but armaan was gone..

All looked at each other..probably the bodies had been found..no one dared to on the t.v..baba rested as nidhi sat by him..he said in delirium"ashu aa gaya beta..ashu.."n nidhi held his hand n murmured"ab aa bhi jaayie ..aur der nahi kariye.."n she clutched her abdomen..

Suddenly armaan's car came to a screeching halt..n to every ones shock n disbelief..in walked arman withDR ASHUTOSH..SAFE N SOUND..nidhi almost shook baba violently.."uthiye baba..dekhiye woh aa gaye..maine kahaa tha na..woh zuroor aauenge..aankhe kholiye.."ashu..walked through all n came to baba..sitting on his knees he said"baba..dekhiye ..mai hoon aapka ashutosh.."n baba opened his eyes..looked mesmerised.."ashu ..tu aa gaya..suchmuch..."he touched him n tears flowed freely..baba sat up with ashu n ranga's help..ranga explained he had been administered valium..ashu understood..baba said"humsab ne himmat chod di thi..bus nidhi..nidhi ko vishwaas tha.."

Ashutosh looked for nidhi..who had moved back as ashutosh sat next to baba..she stood leaning against a wall..clutching her baby bump..trying to absorb what was happening.ashutosh moved towards her..n touched her face gently..as he said "nidhi..."the steely resolve,the composure ,the brave front that nidhi had maintained so far..dissolved..n the floodgate to tears opened..ashu pulled her to his chest,..n kept caressing her back..as she v slowly broke into slow helpless sobs..miserable tears..n hicupps..ashu jist let her cry holding her really close..

Sudenly he felt her clutching her abdomen"ooouuuchhh"ashu tried to see ..dr sudhir ran n said..a"ashutosh ,give her juice,..she hasnt eaten..the baby is hungry.."ashu pressed the frooti pack that anji gave him..n slowly nidhi drank...

Ashu described how the pilot had saved the day..by changing the roure n then landing at airforce base near lucknow

Ashu touched all elders feet as they left..n then the four of them sat for dinner..the dinner that ashu had promised..
After dinner he told nidhi.."abhi aaya.."n took baba to his room..as he settled baba..he held ashu n said.."aaj nidhi ke vishwaas ne tujhe bacha liya..."n kissed his hair..
Finally dr ashutosh took nidhi to their room..n just looked at her..her big eyes having tears of pain..that she had faced..of fear of losing him n now of relief..of having him back..ashu kissed her eyes dry..Nidhi spoke.."nursery me chaliye.."as they entered,the room seemed to be vibrant n live once again..what had seemed lonely n desolate yesterday was full of cheer..as ashu caressed her baby bump..nidhi covered his hand n said.."baby dekho..papa aa gaye..tumhaare.."n ashu kissed her..a long ..deep kiss..that touched her soul...she just held on to him..as somewhere in the background played the song
GHAR AAYAA MERA PARDESI..PYAAS BUJHI MERI ANKHIYON KI
AB DIL TOD KE MAT JAANA,ROTI CHOD KE MAT JAANA,
KASAM TUJHE MERE ANSOOAN KI..
GHAR AAYA MERA PARDESI

Ashutosh could understand what nidhi must have gone through...taking care of baba ..believing ashutosh would return inspite of the circumstances being so...adverse..how must she have borne the apparent tragedy..how she must have suffered with lurking fears...Though he knew she had been positive n strong while he was missing..but now that he was back..her pain had broken all barriers..her tears all dams..
Ashutosh,brought nidhi back to the bedroom n as she went to lie..he asked,"nidhi,kya baat hai..change nahi karogi.."?but nidhi just lay..Finally ashu brought her nightie n helped hr change..she did it silently..ashu changed n got into the bed..and put his arms around her..n could realze she was weeping agin..probably feeling the fear n helplessness in retrospect..He murmured,"hey nidhi..mai aa gaya hoon,dekho yahaan hoon..aao paas mere.."n nidhi shifted closer..as ashu snuggled her head to his chest..put his hand in her nightie..caressing the baby bump..nidhi seemed to quiver..ashu looked into her eyes..scared like those of a rabbit in a snare..he just held her to him..n his constant caressses finally put her to sleep..but even in sleep,she held on to him..Ashutosh..now lookef at her..how could she have survived if...He dreaded the thought of being separated from her..of bringing tears to the lovely eyes...he kissed her hair..n pushed the memory of the flight away..at least tried to...n drifted into sleep...

In the morning ashutosh woke up early..distangled himself from nidhi n came to check on baba..who seemed fine..though still a little rattled,he looked up n asked"ashu,nidhi soyi ?kaisi hai...bahut himmat ki usne...bhagwaan ne uski sun li aur tujhe bhej diya waapas nahi to woh marr jaati... "ashu held baba's hand..trying to reassure him..
He then came to armaan..looked at him n the two friends just hugged,..there was no space for any words..they understood each other perfectly..Ashu returned to his room n saw nidhi..again..he didnt seem to have his fill..he sat closen touched her face..she opened her eyes..and as she saw him..a beautiful smile came on to her face..that reassured ashu..he bent to kiss her..n then the baby bump..saying"let me talk to my baby.."He put his head gently on nidhi's abdomen n spoke"baby..kaisi ho..i miss you..mummy n i are waiting for you..."nidhi was loving it..this moment of physical n emotional intimacy..the bond between ashutosh n his child..the child he had waited for...nidhi 's eyes filled up with tears as she remembered how she stupidly had abhorred motherhood,..n pained ashu..tears fell..ashu looked up as she sighed.."kya hua..neglected feel kar rahi ho.."?n then speaking to the baby he said.."baby,you will have to wait..mamma needs me more.."n then he kissed nidhi ..on the eyes..nose n her parted lips...his tongue probing her mouth..till she pulled away..gasping for breath..Ashu looked concerned.."kya hua jaan..."?nidhi didnt say anything ..just snuggled to him..
After nidhi had bathed n changed..she sat at the dressing table in her pink n grey suit..n combed her hair..ashutosh came from behind..quietly took her sindoordaani from her hands..n taking a pinch of the red powder that he knew meant so much to nidhi..applied it in her maang...sainyaan...  nidhi seemed overwhelmed..but ashu spoke"bas..aansoo nahi..mai tumhaare chehre pe sirf muskuraahaton ki dhoop chahta hoon...dukh ke baadal nahi.."n nidhi just hugged him tight...when she pulled away she saw ,his cream shirt had smears of her sindoor..n she blushed..asking ashu to change..as he had to go to the hospital..ashu did change..but the look in his eyes told her..there was lots more in store for..her  
Ashu left baba n nidhi after breakfast..as armaan also went to his showroom..with a promise that they d meet at dinner..nidhi smiled as she knew he would never break his promise..She looked at baba..who finally spoke"thank you nidhi..thank you v much beta..bas ab jitni bhi zindagi hai tum fono ke saath guzare..""dono nahi teeno...aapki poti...usse kaun khilaayega..school le jaayega.."?n baba's eyes brimmed with tears..as his lips smiled.
At k.g.h.dr ashutosh was given a rousing welcome..press was there for photos..n interview..ashutosh typically declined the interview n proceeded for his operations..lined up...After the surgery,he was in his cabin,when dr ranganath came in"sir,i wanted to talk to you.."ashu was all ears.."sir..kal maine dekha..jab..aap..missing the...dr mathur ki tadap..unka dard aapke liye..kal tak mai nahi jaan paaya tha ki baap bete ka rishta..khoon ka mohtaaj nahi hota...dil se dil ki raah hoti hai...sir kal raat hi maine aur anji ne faisla liya ki hum ek baby adopt karenge...apni zindagi ko roshan karenge.."Ashutosh stood up n clasped dr rangth's hand.."dr ranganath..aapne bilkul sahi faisla liya hai...rishte siirf dil ki gehraayian jaante hain..d.n.a. nahi..."n both smiled.."to kab denge khushkhabri.."?dr ranganath smiled n said.."sir aapki aur dr nidhi ki khushkhabri se pehle.."

As ashutosh reached home..excited to tell the news...he saw baba in the lawn..walking with nidhi..ashu couldnt control his excitement n shared dr ranganath n anji's decision..both beamed with joy..nidhi could not resist calling up anji right away..n ashu smiled as he heard her banter..As he opened his tie..n was going to change..nidhi came in n said.."dr ashutosh..dadibua had called up..she wants my godbharai celebrations..next month..i had turned down because of anji..but now..kya kehte hain aap.."ashu closed in from the back..n caressing her big tummy..he said"off course its fine..jab chahe..dadibua can plan it..."nidhi turned n kissed him..n just as he tightened his grip..zshe shouted"baba khana ready hai..."n went away with that naughty smile.
At dinner ashutosh announced "nidhi ki godbharai hogi next month..col verma ke yahaan..theek hai na baba?"n before baba could reply,armaan spoke"haan haan bhai celebration is overdue..bada mazaa aayega..nahi nidhi..khoob naachenge"baba coughed at armaan's suggestion n ashu spoke"baby ke chachaji,aap shaayad bhool rahe hain..nidhi 7 months pregnant hogi tab..so naachna zara overambitious plan hai..kyun..kya khayal hai"armaan gave a quick repartee"yeh to hai..par tu to naach sakta hai..bol na baby ke pappa"!!!!  

In the bedroom ,as nidhi came in..ashu caught her in his bear hug n said..nuzzling his lips to her neck.."hey doc..mai aur intezaar nahi kar sakta..."n nidhi..looked at him n tried teasing"lekin baby ke liye to 3.5 months intezaar karna hi padega..""hey..main baby ki nahi..baby ki maa ki baat kar rahaa hoon.."n nidhi giggled..n went on her toes to kiss him..Ashutosh just lifted her to the bed..n his hands worked overtime to rid her off nearly everything..she could feel his sense of urgency..it was not just desire..but his heart's requirement to be with her in the intimate natural state...to rub outthose terrible hours when he had literally hung between life n death..nidhi..felt nearly the same..wanting him more than ever..ashu gazed at her breasts..n then slowly his gaze travelled lower..nidhi seemed to quiver even before his touch..He looked at her navel..his favourite spot..n then as if to tease her..got an earbud n began to clean her...nidhi whispered"dr ashutosh...baad me..plz.."n he raised his eyebrow...seeing her eyes reflect her passion..his mouth came on the lovely rosy nipples...and then he turned his attention to her neck n earlobes..nidhi opened the buttons of his shirt...n he got up..only to divest himself of his clothing..his fingers grazed her midriff..n she seemed to arch in ecstacy..nidhi..touched his back..his legs..his muscles..as he breathed passion..but teased her with bites on her ear lobes...even in the flurry of passion nidhi remembered..his lovebites..during the honey moon..when he had clearly proven that he was indeed the senior partner,..n nidhi just had to surrender herself to him so that he could take her to new realms of euphoria..Ashutosh..seemed to relax a bit..probably realizing nidhi was thinking some thing..n for him she was never just a beautiful body but much much more..however nidhi cried out softly"dr ashutosh..plz..i want you.."he smiled...and his lips claimed hers,his deft fingers rubbed her...his other hand on her breasts..he took full charge..n as her restlessness seemed to increase,his fingers pressed into her navel..and she seemed to shudder..but he knew she wasnt there as yet n continued probing her womanhood..his strong fingers not stopping even for a second..n then he took her..the way he hadbeen doing ..for the past 5 months..as they both moved in complete symphony...completing each other..in more ways than just physical...
As they lay later on..nidhi slipped ashu's hand on her breasts..n said"achcha lagta hai..."ashu smiled as they went off to sleep..In the wee hours ashutosh felt a stickyness on his fingers..n looking up he realised..nidhi's breasts were secreting the stcky fluod..he wore his specs mn turned her over to examine her breasts..Nidhi opened her eyes..nonplussed,she asked kya hua"dr ashutosh said"kuch khaas nahi,your breasts are secreting..fluid..we will meet sudhir tomorrow...dont worry.."nidhi slept not in the least worried bcoz he..her ashutosh was with her...

Next day,after breakfast,ashu drove nidhi to dr sudhir.He stopped the car ,opened nidhi's door..but she couldnt get up..ashu lent his hand..but nidhi just couldnt..ashu was perplexed.."kya baat hai..nidhi..make an effort.."he held her with both his hands as she tried again..only to slump back into the seat..this time in agony.."dr ashutosh..i cant..mujhse nahi ho raha..the baby...its hurting.."and she bit her lip as tears flowed out..Ashu was really rattled...as a final effort he put his hands below her underarms n kind of hauled her up..she got up..but seemed to wince with pain..Ashutosh held on to her firmly..n then walked her in..Sudhir almost darted out.."whats up..kya hua ashutosh..why is she so white.."?ashu helped nidhi to the chair..but she continued to moan..sudhir rang for a stretcher n staff n told them to take nidhi for examination..ashutosh remembered nidhi's apprehensions n walked with her..stood right there as the nurses changed her..she seemed better..he took his hankey n wiped the sweat off her brow..
Dr sudhir came in,listened to ashutosh about her secretion n inability to get up..from the car..He examined her breasts..n then pressed around the baby bump..tapping ashutosh..n putting his hand at a spot where he could actually feel the baby's heart..ashu seemed overwhelmed..sudhir did not conduct a cervical examination ,saying it d be done next week with ultrasound.As ashutosh brought nidhi to the cabin,sudhir explained,"the secretion is pretty normal..though a little early..just shows mammary glands are activated..n ready but yes..getting up from the car being a problem is worrisome..the baby's head is in downward position..n that is causing more weight on the cervix..but we cant do much tohelp her...except probably put cushions on the seat..nas probably the car is low..which one is itashutosh"?"honda city...its low..but i had never thought..anyway i shall be careful n see what i can do.."
As ashutosh n nidhi got up to leave,sudhir held out his hand n said"ashu ..i had heard faith could bring the dead back to life..nidhi showed it to us yesterday..."Ashni got into the car..ashu observed,the seat was low...uncomfortable for nidhi...He ruminated..as nidhi suddenly told him to stop.."kya hua..taqleef hai"he was all worried..but nidhi pointed out to him..a Mc donald's outlet..where tiny lil kids had come on a school picnic...Ashu smiled..n said.."yes hum baby ko yahaan laayenge..dont worry..burgers allowed..but only once a month..zyaada junk food nahi.."nidhi said.."woh to 2 saal ke baad kha sakegi...mujhe abhi khaana hai pleeeaaase..."ashu smiled n said.."nidhi ,mai tumhara kya karoon"!!!

The next few days were uneventful..ashutosh busy in hospital n nidhi at home,adding up little things to the nursery..like a rocker,some attractive posters..she had also started tatting laces gor baby frocks..n ashutosh was mesmerised by her talent..whenever ashu returned.,after dinner ,the two d spend time in the nursery...everything was set...only the little prince/princess was awaited...whose smile d make a thousand buds bloom...

On thursday evening,nidhi was reading about the third trimester when her phone rang,it was anji.."nidhi,..tu ghar pe hai na...bas hum abhi aa rahe hain.."before nidhi could ask any question the phone was disconnected..A tense nidhi phoned ashutosh,who said he was coming home because dr ranganath had phoned him that they were reaching mathur niwas..he didnt know the reason as ranga had been on leave that day...he calmed nidhi,"dont worry,jo bhi hoga,we will help them out..."Dr ashutosh reached home to find a tense nidhi..n within minutes dr ranganath n anji were there too...

Dr ranganath spoke.."drashutosh,as i had told you..we are adopting...a baby girl..."nidhi shrieked with joy ..so much so that baba came out.."kya hua nidhi beta...sab theek hai na"?ashutosh told baba "baba,anji aur dr ranganath ek bachchi god le rahe hain.."baba's smile spread till his eyes..and ranganath touched his feet,"sir ..ye himmat hum aapka aur dr ashutosh ka pyaar dekh kar hi kar paaye hain..aap dono ko dekh mehsoos hota hai ki dil ke rishte ,khoon ke rishton se zyada mazboot hote hain..hain na anji..."?n anji nodded..misty eyed but v happy..baba spoke"bachche to bachche hote hain...jo pyaar de,usike ho jaate hain..dekhna..tumhari duniya khushiyon se,rango se bhar jaayegi...god bless you"nidhi asked"kahan hai baby..kab laaoge ghar..."?Dr ranganath smiled,"aap logon ko lene aaye hain..chaliye usse lene...baba aap bhi..plz"

Dr ranganath,anji ashutosh ,nidhi n baba started in two cars,ashu being particular about placing,two cushions on nidhi's seat...They stopped at Missionaries of charity,Home for children..and as they went in,they saw so many children being cared for by nuns..having smiles on their faces..forging bonds beyond blood...Ashutosh..n baba looked at each other n baba patted ashutosh..

In the office,dr ranganath was expected..an interview of the couple had already been conducted..n they waited with baited breath as a nun brought in a baby girl about 18 months of age..wheatish in complexion but having twinkling eyes..The incharge introduced"we found her abandoned at a railway station about 8 months back,she was around 9 months old..totally helpless..with flies all over her..we brought her in n have been looking after her.She smiles a lot..n has responded well to food n care though she is still under weight..but i m sure with proper care that only a mother can provide,she will do v well..n the lord will bless you for saving n helping a life"Dr ashutosh..could not take his eyes off the baby..nidhi held his hand n squeezed it..as if to say.."i know how it feels"Dr ashutosh moved ahead,took the baby in his arms,kissed it n handed her over to anji..as dr ranganath out his arm around anji..who could not control her tears...
Having completed the formalities anji ranganath n others came out...They stood before the tiny chapel of mother mary..looking at the benevolent figure holding baby jesus..n all seemed to thank god silently..when the little baby seemed fed up n began to pull anji's hair...but as anji rocked her n ranga talked to her..a sweet smile spread on her face..

Dr ranganath said,they were going to k.g.h. to meet the paediatrician n after getting the baby ready n fed they d come to solanki house where dr ranganath's parents d also be reaching.Dr ashutosh asked"dr ranganath ,have you informed them..of ,..""no sir..we havent..Its our decision..mine n anji's If they accept its fine..if they dont..bad luck..."ashu patted ranga...the young boy was finally a man.
Ashu,baba n nidhi,reached col verma's house n apprised them of the developments...they were delighted but col verma said"bhabhi to maan jaayengi ..shaayad solanki bhi..par mujhe darr dr ranganath ke parents ka hai..."

At about 8 p.m. ranga n anji arrived with the little toddler now in a pink frock..and sporting a tiny pink hair clip..she seemed happy in anji's lap n dr ranga emerged with a baby bag..feede,milk powder,nappies diaper...nidhi smiled as she leaned on ashu's arm..n then moved to take the baby"aaja..mausi ke paas.."

The family seemed shocked..shyama aunty was hurt that ranganath n anji did not take them into confidence...n dr ranganath's mother flared up..."kahaan se ,kiska ganda khoon utha laaye ho..phenk aao isse.."ranga stood up"amma,yeh humaari beti hai..aapko apni poti banana hai to theek warna aapki marzi..."ranganth's father spoke"arre beta,bachche ka itna hi mn tha..to doosri shaadi kar leta..abhi to tujhe bahut ladkiyaan..."ashutosh seemed all flared up.."plz soch samajh kar baat kariye.."ranga spoke"babooji..mai anji ke alawa kisi ke bare me soch bhi nahi sakta..aur ye bachchi hume jaan se zyaada pyaari hai..."

Dadi bua got up.,took the baby from nidhi n put her in solanki's lap..,"kapil...mithaai khilaa nana ban gayaa tu...arre shyama..badhaai ho..dekh to kitni pyaari hai bachchi..aur anji ki taraf dekh..uski khushi dikh nahi rahi tujhe..bol"?the child found mr solanki's lap a big dunlop n wanted to romp...shyama smiled n took her..."aao,nani ki godi me..."n ranganath n anji beamed...as anji ran n hugged her father..who took off his spechs to wipe his tears...cv..patted him..but dr ranganath's parents got up to leave...'hum ise apna khoon ,,apni poti marte dum tak nahi maanenge.."baba tried to hold them back..but they were adamant..n scorned saying"arre asp ne bhi to is anaath ko paal liya..to kya ye aapka beta ho gaya..."?

For once dr mathur seemed stirred,"dekhiye..main ashu ke liye kya hoon aur ashu mere liye kya hai...ye shaayad koi nahi samajh sakta..aur ek baat aur...aap sab samajhte hain ki maine ashu ko zindagi di nayi..sach to ye hai..ki ashu ne di mujhe ek jeene ki wajah..mera ghar aabaad kar diya...aur ab to..."he extended his arms to ashu n nidhi,not able to speak any further...ashu n nidhi hugged him ..ashu took off his spechs n said.."mere maa baap ne mujhe sirf janam diya tha..par baba ne mujhe jeevan diya hai..humaare beech khoon ki nahi dil ki dor hai..."

Finally dadibua also spoke,unable to control her anger at the dig ranganath's parents had at ashutosh ndr mathur,"arre behanji...krishnaji ko bhi yashoda ne gode hi liya tha..per aaj tak woh yashoda ke hi laal kehlate hain,devaki ko kaun yaadkerta hai..."dr ranganath ,as an final..attempt got the baby to his mother..but she moved away...his father..gave him a sad look n both went out...probably for ever..anji called"maa,babuji ruk jaaiye..plz"but ranganath came n said.."anji,unhe samay lagega accept karne mei...chalo hum apna parivaar shuru karein..."

In the night...nidhi stood by ashutosh..gazing out of the window..."kya soch rahe hain...us bachchi ke baare mei"?"haan nidhi..ranganth aur anji ne sachmuch bilkul sahi faisla liya...us bachchi ki zindagi..un dono ki zindagi badal gayee..."nidhi said"hum us bachchi..kyon keh rahe hain..uska naam hona chahiye...chaliye pata karti hoon"nidhi dialled anji,dr ranganath took the phone"anji baby ko sula rahi hai.."nidhi asked"aapne naam socha uska"?dr ranganath replied"kyunki us ne humaari zindagi khushiyon se bhar di hai..so hum use KHUSHI bulayenge..."nidhi 

After dinner nidhi n ashutosh sat in the nursery..with her head on dr ashutosh's shoulder,nidhi said.."humari khushi kab aayegi..dr ashutosh ..intezaar nahi hota..."ashhutosh just smiled n kissed her forehead...
Next morning ,nidhi announced,"dr ashutosh,parson karwa chauth hai..jaldi aa jayiega..plz"ashu looked up,absolutely shocked.."tum koi vrat nahi rakhogi..you r pregnant..you cant do this..self torture..nonsense"nidhi got tears in her eyes n she spoke"karwa chauth ka vrat to mai zuroor rakhogi..itni mushkil se aaye hain aap waapas..."ashu got up from his study table"aur tumhari haalat,uska kya..tabiyat kharaab ho gayee to..."??nidhi shouted back.."i have asked sudhir sir...i am not a fool"ashu said"nidhi..there are limits beyond which ,i will not allow things...tum vrat nahi rakhogi..n that is final..agar nahi manogi baat ..to..just go..n dont bother me..."Ashutosh was in his hardstone temper...but beneath the angry exterior was the concern for nidhi...He got up n left for the hospital.At noon baba called up,ashu picked the phone.."kya baat baba..all well"?baba said"beta nidhi kahi nahi hai..saare me dhoond lee..kahaan hai.."?dr ashutosh stood up"nahi hai...matlab..arre kahaan gai..""wahi to mai tujh se pooch raha hoon..."ashu was speechless.. recalling their fight over karwa chauth..but where did she go...in this condition...to dadi bua...anji...what if she did some thing..ashu dropped his stetho n picked his car keys...

He drove first to anji ,not finding nidhi..he told her the truth n asked her to enquire from dadibua..discreetely,so as not to create panic..nidhi wasnt thete too..ashu drove on..to all the places nidhi could visit..her friends.priyanka,jyothika...n finally when he had nearly given up...his heart n mind not being able to comprehend...he returned home...sullen..baba seemed to understand.."police mei..report..."ashu kept mum..n then went in..he suddenly sensed rather than saw ..the light of nursery on..he went in..his heart thudding..and as he opened the door..there was nidhi..his nidhi..sitting with an angry pout..ashu spoke"are tum yahaan ho...maine kahan kahaan nahi dhoondha tumhe...anji,priyanka..."nidhi replied"wahaan kyu jaati..aapse jhagda hua tha..ghar se nahi..aur maine promise kiya tha baba ko...yeh chaukhat kabhi nahi laanghoongi...par bataaiye kya faisla hai..aapka"ashu smiled n asked"faisla...kaisa faisla..."nidhi pouted"karva chauth ka...nahi karne denge to mai baat nahi karoongi aapse aur baby ko bhi nahi karne doongi..bus"ashutosh smiled n came close"bhai ye to mummy bete ki union ho gai...mai to akela ho gaya.."n then hugging nidhi he said"accha sudhir se poochoonga..only if he allows...n no running away...samjhi.."?nidhi blushed n said"ab kahaan jaaoongi..dr ashutosh...aapki parchaai jo hai mere saath humesha.."saying so she hid her face in ashu's chest...as he put his hand possessively on her belly.

The next morning,dr ashutosh took nidhi to dr sudhir's clinic.,his wife nanda was also there..ashutosh told almost complained to sudhir that nidhi was hell bent about the karwa chauth fast n he was her gynaec n thus should dissuade her.sudhir gave a serious thought n then looked at nidhi,he questioned her"are you serious about it...do you know it couldcause pain.."?nidhi looked back n stated "sir..plz plz plz allow me..i am sure there must be some way..after all so many pregnant women observe this fast..dont they"?nanda smiled n said"hey sudhir,dont you remember,i too had kept itwhen i was expecting ahana..i think i was 5 months pregnant...""to aap kokuch problem hui thi kya..mam"?asked a wide eyed nidhi.but before nanda could reply dr sudhir said"nanda dont forget,nidhi has a difficult pregnancy..."ashutosh thumped the table"exactly,she has already suffered so much..pain bouts n high b.p..had to be admitted once n then this tension when my plane went missing...how can i allow her to take another risk...""ashutosh,let me finish.."spoke sudhir.."i was saying that..i agree the patient is in fragile condition..but her emotional aspect is also v important..so if she takes lots of fluids today,n eats a meal before sumrise tomorrow...as nanda does,i feel she can sail throgh...but yes nidhi,dont start running about in excitement..take it easy,.if anything happens..hardstone is gonna kill me"!!!!said sudhir looking at a stern faced ashutosh.Nidhi spoke in excitement.."sure sir..no exertion..bus evening me terrace se chand dekhoongi.."ashutosh interrupted"koi terrace verrace nahi..lawn se chaand nahi dikhega kya..n today the diet that the dr prescribes n tomorrow morning as well..samjhi"?n nidhi smiled n hugged ashu..as he seemed a little embarassed in frontof sudhir n nanda..who could not take their eyes off this extraorfinary couple...separated by age but united by love.As ashu n nidhi began to leave,nanda said"take care nidhi..n do ring sudhir if there is any problem..ok"?nidhi nodded n thanked her

On their way back,nidhi was quiet..apprehensive of ashu's anger..finally ashutosh could notcontrol himself when he saw herbiting her nails nervously.."nutritious diet matlab nails nahi hota nidhi.."n then smiled and added,"mujhe list bana do,mmai shaam ko saamaan leta aaoonga..but you are not coming to the market..bahut rush hoga..kahi dhakka na lag jaaye...i just cant see you in pain.."nidhi smiled n said"thanks dr ashutosh..par mai saamaan anji sa mangva loongi,you dont have to worry."ashu spoke,his hand leaving the gear to hold hers"karva chauth tum mere liye kar rahi ho ya anji ke liye"??!!!nidhi laughed"obviously aap ke liye""to phir mujhe bhi thodi taqleef uthaane do" 😛 😛 

As the car stopped at mathur niwas,nidhi again had trouble getting up..inspite of the cushion ,the seat was low,ashu tried to haul her up in his arms..but she had grown heavier n as he finally did lift her with an effort,nidhi's head struck the metal edge of the car roof bang!!!!  she cried "ooouuuccchhh"!!!!n ashutosh seemed to have lost his nerve..he got her in and screamed"kaka ice laaiye,nidhi ko chot lagi hai..jaldi"both baba n armaan also rushed out"kahaan,kaise..kya hua..."ashutosh pressed the ice folded in his hankey to nidhi's head..nidhi had her eyes closed..as he held her,she opened them slowly..armaan asked"nidhi..kaisi hai ab..."??baba spoke '"ashu kya hua tha"?n as nidhi relaxed,ashu explained the happening..n then examined nidhi's head..separating her hair"thank hod koi cut nahi hai..par i feel scan kara lete hain"nidhi smiled"haan ..haan kyu nahi,scan hi kyu,m.r.i.bhi..infact brain surgery hi kar deejiye.."n then looking at ashutosh she said"chinta nahi kariye..mai theek hoon..aur you know better than me..pregnancy mei minimum exposure to radiations"ashutosh sighed..she was right

At breakfast,ashu told baba about what n how much nidhi had to eat n drink in the day n said"baba,plz be strict..nahi to no karwa chauth tomorrow"baba smiled n spoke"tu chinta na kar ashu,mai kaan pakdoonga..iske agar badmaashi karegi..."armaan added"haan,mai to naak bhi pakdoonga..badmaashh bachchi hai..."n nidhi pouted "bachchi nahi hu main..."as ashutosh left for the hospital,nidhi gave him the list of the kc stuff n he took armaan also along"chall armaan,kuch kaam hai tujhse"

During the day ,baba made nidhi eat n have juice..he was like a strict principal..n inthe evening nidhi just hugged him..sooo much love..he had for her.."baba,aap mujhe itna pyaar kyu karte hain..."?baba patted her head n saod"nidhi..yeh pyaar meri bahu..ashu ki patni ke liye hai..aur meri naatin ke liye bhi..aur beta..kuch pyaar woh hai..jo mujhe apni beti...yane teri maa ko dena chaahiye tha...par de nahi paaya.."n baba seemed lost in thoughts...long long thoughts...just then kaka came "bitiya,dinner to ready hai..par subah sargi me kya banega..bata do to tayyari..."""heeraman,is ghar me saalo baad koi sargee kar rahi hai..kachori,mithai..rabri..aaloo matar...aur haan nidhi ke liye juice zurroor.."kaka smiled ..seeing his master's eyes light up with joy..

At 8 p.m dr ashutosh arrived,carrying the fruit basket,sweets,karwa chauth vrat katha bookn handed them over..soon armaan entered n ashu have him questioning looks,he said"kal shaam..8 baje"nidhi couldnt understand but before she could question,armaan asked baba"bataiye baba..ye bachchi kaisi thi din bhar..isne baat maani aapki ya nahi.."?n nidhi tried throwing a cushion at him..n ashu looked mesmerised at the beauty of human relationships that nidhi could carve...

Nidhi phoned dadibua n shyaama aunty n told them of her fast..both were delighted .shyama saidif nidhi could come ,all d celebrate together..but nidhi insisted she d do it at mathur niwas..her home 😛 ...ashutosh looked at her..with love n pride...sainyaan

At 4.30 in the morning ashutosh awoke nidhi..helped her bathe n change into a new orange salwar kurta..which he had got for her.."arre surprise"!!said nidhi..ashu held her hand as he slipped in the kangans..n said"abhi,gekhti jaao..surprise hee surprise hain"dining table was ready with all dishes..nidhi was aghast"ye sab..kisne..."!!!kaka spoke "arre bitiya,ashu armaan aur daktar sahib to 3 baje se lage hue hain..."nidhi put the pallu on her head n tried to touch the feet of baba ,kaka , n armaan ..they all held her midway..n as she sat to eat ,ashu fed her the first bite...nidhi couldnt control her tears..as she looked at her love,her life,her middle aged husband..with greying sideburns...but with a love n understanding that had bridged all chasms...nidhi gulped..as dr ashutosh said"chalo juice..n then water..."nidhi obeyed..and at the end ,he wiped her lips with his hankey...his child woman...his world..

Dr ashutosh n armaan had their breakfast n left for work..nidhi phoned anji.she was at solanki house,preparing for the fast..khushi could be heard in the background "mamma...mamma"n anji narrated how she too had worn tiny bangles ..n was excited at the celebrations,.."nidhi..tu samajh nahi sakti..khushi hume kitni khushi de rahi hao...din raat ka pata hi nahi chalta..lamhe bas khushi me beet jaate hain...all thanks to jeejaji..such nidhi..unhone bahut kiya..humaare liye"just then nidhi could hear "mamma..duddu..."n anji said,khushi had to have milk so she will chat later..baba had his lunch n as nidhi helped kaka to fix the lavish dinner with all dishes that dr ashutosh liked,baba spoke"beta,aaj to apni pasand ka khana bana.."nidhi shook her head n said"baba..ab unki aur meri pasand alag thode hi hai..."nidhi changed..into her read sari..applied sindoor n wore her kundan earrings that baba had gifted her when she had cooked the first time as a bahu...nidhi was looking for the necklace when dr ashutosh hugged her from the back...turning her around he said"kaisi ho...aur ye kaisi hai"?he spoke touching her entire baby bump..feeling for the baby's heart beat"dono theek hain..bas main pooja ki thaali taiyyar kar rahi hoon..katha padhoongi..tab tak chaand nikal aayega..ready ho jaaiye"

Just as nidhi was arranging the thali her cell rang"bol anji..kya hua"?anji was all excited.."pata hai dr ranganath ne mujhe naya i phone diya hai..as kc gift...tujhe kya diya jeejaji ne..bata na"!!nidhi spoke in a whisper"anji,i dont think..unhe yaad raha gift ka,.he must have been busy..aur woh to khud hi sabse bade gift hain mere liye..aur kya denge mujhe...unhone to sab de diya...khud ko saunp diya mujhe...aur..ye..."nidhi tenderly touched her baby bump...

Nidhi read the katha to herself...when armaan came shouting"arre chal nidhi ,chaand nikal aaya.."nidhi got up n came..placed the chowki for dr ashutosh..kaka got her the channi n diya..nidhi was going to call ashutosh..when he emerged,,stunning in white kurta pyjama..nidhi kept looking at him..soaking in his love..ashutosh came n stood..nidhi signalled him to stand at the chowki.as ashitosh stood,nidhi placed her diya in her chalni n looked at the moon...but seeing her husband..all the while..her chaand..the light of her world...nidhi poured the water to the moon..n ashu held her...taking a glass of water from baba n making her sip...n then he wiped her mouth..nidhi knew he d not allow her to touch his feet..even as a ritual...so she just stood..looking at him..both frozen in time...lost in each other..when arman ssaid.."ashu bhool gaya kya..."ashutosh smiled a naughty smile,took nidhi..his hands covering her eyes..."kahan..kahaan jaa rahe hain hum.."ashu spoke,"chup chaap chalo..mere saath"nidhi could feel..he was taking her to the gate of the lawn..leading to the road..n there he removed his hand...

In front of nidhi stood a sparkling,silver Honda cRV..ashu handed her the keys"tumhara karwa chauth gift...'"nidhi was speechless"arre par kyun..woh car to..."ashu put an arm around her n spoke"haan woh bhi hai..par ab ussme baithna tumhaare liye mushkil hota tha...mujhse nahi dekha jaata tha tumhe pain me...this is higher n see the seats can be raised..hydraulically..pasand aayee"?nidhi spoke"bahut...bahut zyaada..par itna money...""arre money tumse bada hai kya...tumhare liye kuch bhi.."ashu just kept looking at nidhi...sainyaan...nidhi sat n saw the car..it was lovely..she could get up without an effort..n walked into the open arms of ashutosh..."chalo,you must be hungry"

At the dining table..ashutosh was surprised to see his favourite dishes..he said.."arre..vrat to tumhara tha.."nidhi smiled n said"par tha to aapke liye,..."and ashu fed her the first bite..as the family sat down to dinner..armaan narrated how ashu had told him to see to it that the new car was delivered today itself...armaan added"ab ye perfect joru ka ghulam ho gaya hai"n baba laughed..n then both he n armaan kept looking at ashni..lost in each others eyes...

In the bedroom..nidhi came close to ashu..running her fingers thru his hair..she bent down to kiss him on the lips..n ashutosh responded but then putting her down ...he said.."jaan..chalo..let me rub your feet..you seem dead tired..."n ashurubbed her soles..pressed her ankles..n then kissed her toes...each finger...n then looked at nidhi's face...looking dreamily..."kya soch rahi ho.."?"yehi ..ki kahaan..kahaan se guzar ke hum kahaan aa gaye...dr ashutosh..aapne meri har khwaaish poori ki hai..mere bina kuch maange hue,..i m the luckiest girl..in the world..."ashutosh kissed her on the forehead..n said"tumne to mer zindagi hi badal di..jo tumne mujhe diya hai..aur jo dene waali ho..usse bada gift..kuch nahi ho sakta..."nidhi put her armr around his neck...as ashutosh..just held her...the moon peeping through their window...completing the picture,..
the moon that had been a mute witness to their..love..separation n union...
TUM AAYE TO AAYA MUJHE YAAD GALI MEI AAJ CHAAND NIKLA...AAJ KITNE DINO KE BAAD..GALI ME AAJ CHAAND NIKLA...

On tuesday,as dr ashutosh entered the hospital,there was mayhem n commotion in the hospital..not able to comprehend the reason,he called for dr ranganath."kya hua hai ,dr ranganath..itna shor kyun hai"?ranganath replied,"sir ,there is a child..who has to be operated for appendix but first the infection has to be controlled..however he is not ready to take medicines..dr priyanka dr aahna tried injections but he just ran off n hid in the wash room..we dunno what todo"dr ashutosh looked angry,"chaliye,mai dekhta hoon"As they entered the ward,ashutosh saw the child,an impish boy of about 4 years..throwing things around as the nurses tried to hold him down..Ashutosh spoke sternly,"chup..ab dawai khaao..nahi to injection lagega'n lo...the child began crying n weeping loudly..tears streaming down his face..his parents were outside n restless..the noise brought dr dubey in.."kya baat hai aashutosh.."?dr ashutosh explained how the kid wastroubling..

They withdrew into dr ashutosh's cabin..the parents of the child were also called.the mom accepted ,he was adamamt n also scared...the infection had made him irritable..what could they do..they had brought him to the best hospital.Dr ranganath placed the boy vishnu's reports in front of dr ashutosh n dr dubey..both agreed that the infection had to be controlled before the surgery..but how???they were at their wits end..knowing the boy 's condition d turn serious if not medicated..

Dr ranganath spoke"excuse me sir,there is only one dr who can manage this child..n that is dr nidhi..no one else..if she could come...otherwise we should tell the parents to take the child away..."dr dubey spoke"no no ranganath,how can we tell them that..there can be a case against the hospital..."n then both looked at dr ashutosh..Ashutosh realised there was no option..he dialled nidhi..

Nidhi had just taken bath n was dressing when ashu 's call came,"jee,kya baat..aap pareshaan lag rahe hain"..how could she guess his worries..even over the phone..thought ashu.."haan ,nidhi..there is a child..who is troubling every body n he needs to be administered medocines..to control the infection before he is operated for appendicitis..he is just not ready to cooperate..n he may soon turn serious.."ashu was thinking of the right words to ask nidhi to come even in this condition..but nidhi pre empted the situation.."aap car bhej deejiye ,mai aati hoon.."ashu didnt know how to thank her..

As the c.r.v was taken by the driver to fetch nidhi,ashutosh instructed everyone to be ready with medicines n injection..n hold the kid..

Nidhi arrived,walking slowly..in her purple salwaar kurta..dr priyanka n dr ahana greeted her"sorry nidhi..tujhe aana pafa..bahut dusht bachcha hai..."nidhi smiled as she entered dr ashutosh's cabin.He stood up"i m sorry nidhi ..par kya karoon..tum hi usse handle kar sakti ho..."nidhi listened to all the detaols n then requested"plz,medicines and injections tray me rakh deejiye n move everyone out..."ashu objected"but nidhi,he may hit you..he is v violent.."nidhi replied"drashutosh..chota baby hai..darr gaya hoga..dont worry ,mujhe kuch nahi hoga..aap baahar reh sakte hain..ok"?there was no option but to agree..

As dr nidhi entered the ward..the nurses withdrew..the child looked at her suspiciously n then said"sui lagaaogi"??nidhi smi
Ed "nahi re...mai to khud beemaar hoon..tumhaare hi ward me rahoongi..reh loon yahaan"??the child observed her n sat up.."aao.."nidhi came close..n touched his cheek..he had fever.."arre tumhe to bukhaar hai..mujhe bhi hai..."the child observed her n said"kya karen"??nidhi said"chalo pehle mai tumhara sar sehlaati hoon..aaraam milega"n she sat at the edge n caressed his forehead as a faint smile seemed to appear..on his lips..Nidhi spoke'"achcha ye bataao,tumhara khelne ka mann nahi karta"?"karta hai..par mai bimaal hoon na"he lisped..nidhi kissed him n said"dawai nahi khaaoge to theek kaise hoge..bolo"n she continued"apna naam batao to..tabhi to hum friends banenge..main hoon nidhi...""aul mai vishnu.."n both shook hands..Nidhi said achcha vishnu,agar dawaa kha loge to theek ho jaaoge...aur ek choti si ..nanhi si..itti si sui lagwa loge to kahani bhi sunaaongi..."vishnu looked restless"jaldi kalo na nidhi didi...kahani sunaao"nidhi..walked out as fast as she could..dr ashutosh n dr priyanka were there with the tray,she took it n signalled them to relax..

Nidhi administered the medicines..telling vishnu to gulp them like golguppas.."gudoop"said vishnu..n then let him play with her mangalsitra as she gave the injection...the child held her..."didi..stoly..plz"

Nidhisat on the side stool,with great difficulty..n caressing his hair started"RAJA AUR TITLI KI KAHAANI""ek baar ki baat hai..ek raja rehta tha...akela udaas..apne quile me quaid..kabhi hansta nahi tha..bus gussa karta tha"vishnu interrupted"kyu didi"?"kyunki woh akela tha bahut akela..usse quile se baahar nikalne me darr lagta tha.."vishnu spoke again"arre bade bhi kabhi dalte hain kya"??nidhi continued.."phir ek din,ek nanhi ,rang birangi titli udte udte wahaan aa gayee..aur quile ki ek khidki pe baithgaye..""phil didi"??nidhi was trying to close his eyes ..."phir..raja ne titli ko darane ki..wahaan se nikaalne ki bahut koshish ki..par titli nahi maani..usse raja achcha lagne laga tha.."dr ashutosh ,stealthily opened the door n came in tostand ina corner..behind nidhi n vishnu..nidhi continued,unaware of him"raja bhi titli se pyaar krne laga tha...par darta tha kehne mei..titli bahut choti thi usse...Raja ki ek dost thi...maina...woh raja se pyaar karti thi..par raja nahi karta tha...maina ne titli ko marne ki bahut koshish ki..."ashutosh gulped..vishnu opened his eyes"phir kya hua didi..titli ko"nidhi smiled"kuch nahi..raja ne maina ki asliyat dekh li...aur usse quile se nikaal diya..phir raja ne..quile ke darwaaze khol diye titli ke liye...titli ud kar..raja ke haath par baithi..air jaise hi raja ne use chchooa..wo ek princess ban gayee..."vishnu smiled"alle waah..phil"??"phir kya..raja ne titli se shaadi kar li..aur..wo dono.."vishnu spoke again"woh dono quile mai lehne lage..hai na didi"?nidhi laughed"nahi re...quila to toot gaya..raja ne apni titli ke saath ek pyaara sa ghar banaaya..kyunki jab quile toot te hain..tabhi to ghar bante hain..aur phir woh dono..khushi khushi..rehne lage..aur ab to..us ghar me ek choti si princess bhi aanewaali hai..kheloge tum uske saath"??vishnu didnt reply..he was fast asleep..nidhi got up n came out..saw ashutosh n blushed...

In his cabin ashu made hher sit,n said"aakhir raja aur titli ki kahani ka happy ending ho hi gayaa.."nidhi,held his hand..stood up leaned on himn said"yeh..ant nahi..ye to shuruaat hai..."sainyaan...

Nidhi visited the hospital,the next day too n made vishnu have his injection n medicines..she convinced him about a long "hide n seek"of a different type n the sirgery was done by dr gandhi..vishnu was being discharged from the hospital today..his grateful parents came to ashutosh to thank him n convey their thanks to nidhi..who had mafe the recovery possible..dr ashurosh smiled...feeling immensely proud of his titli...

When he returned home that evening,armaan n baba were in an overdrive,getting the house decorated by fairy lights..ashutosh was surprised.."kuch khaas hai kya"??arman slapped him on his back n said"abe gadhe,kal diwali hai..."dr ashutosh was shocked"oh god mai to bhool hi gaya tha"nidhi emerged smiling"aapse aisi hi aasha thi"n all laughed loudly..Baba told ashutosh that he n armaan had done all the shopping..n he n nidhi should visit col verma..with diwali gifts for him ,dadibua n cs..ashu agreed"kal ,after breakfast..aur haan...armaan ,no sound crackers..is baar bcoz the baby ...m7ght ..."armaan replied..mockingly"dr sahib..thank you..par baby ke chacha ko akal hai..only phooljhari n anaars...  

After dinner,ashutosh brought n7dhi out to view the house..looking luminous with lights.."thank you nidhi"said ashutosh.."thank you..kis liye bhala""?asked nidhi..Ashutosh..held her closer to his heart n said"iss makaan ko ghar banane ke liye..mujhe mere quile se aazad karne ke liye.."n time seemed to stand still.

In the bedroom,ashutosh helped nidhi undress,as he applied the coconut butter to the stretch marks..as his hands moved on her abdomen,he could easily feel the baby's heart beat..thudding across..he smiled n kissed the baby bump..as he was withdrawing..nidhi held his hand.."usse baat kariye na..plz"ashutosh smiled.."phir tang karegi tumhe..kick karegi""never mind..baby ko papa chahiye.."ashu smiled as he put his cheek lightly on her abdomen n began to talk...softly"baby..kaisi ho?ab bas 3 monrhs reh gaye humaare milne me..papa is waiting..tumhe hold karne ko...tumhari nanhi nanhi ungaliyaan pakadne ko..tumhe ghumaane ko..tumh..."the baby did seem to like the convo as it began to turn..just as ashutosh had predicted..nidhi bit her lip to control her pain..ashu continued"but tab tak good girl raho..dont give pain to mummy..bolo"n ashutosh could feel the baby kick..he looked up sharply..nidhi seemed to whiten with pain..He immediately got up n hugged her..she smiled through her pain n said"naughty girl hai...apni mummy pe gai hai..."ashutosh dabbed her brow..with a hankey n kissed her forehead.."thank you nidhi..thank you soo soo much"nidhi just smiled..lost in ashutosh's eyes..Ashutosh helped her into her nightie n gown..nidhi wanted socks n sweater too"thand lagti hai..raat me"ashu smiled as he made her wear the two...then he made her lie..with big pillows under her shoulders n snuggled up to her..caressing her baby bump..n then putting his strong arm across her large ..breasts..growing softer each day..n the two slept,.sharing the same dream...

In the morning,ashu helped nidhi freshen up n change into a blue salwar kurta with kundan work..n he wore his cream suit with a brown tie..nidhi n he wished kaka,armaan n baba a happy diwali.This time baba was in complete command of things..all sweets were ready,dinner had been planned,the mewa was kept in silver bowls n mathur niwas was decorated like a bride..nidhi smiled and said"baba,aapne to mere liye kuch kaam hi nahi choda.."baba patted her n said"ab aisa hai nidhi..tu kaam karegi chaar ..paanch maheene baad..tab tak..kuch nahi..bas tu ashu ko sambhaal tab tak"armaan added :"haan woh to sabse badi duty hai,..boss koi aur nahi kar sakta"  ,.n nidhi blushed..as ashutosh glared at armaan n then broke into a smile..

After breakfast,dr ashutosh n nidhi atarted for col verma's house..with the dinner set that was a diwali gift.As they emerged from the Honda C R V,dadi bua came out n remarked.."arre daktar..kiski gaadi hai bhai"??ashutosh smiled n nidhi spoke ..as cv also emerged"dr ashutosh ne khareedi hai ..mere liye..us gaadi me mushkil hoti thi baithne me..low thi"col verma's eyes brimmed with tears...at the concern ashutosh had for nidhi..dadibua retorted"daaktar..itna paisa kharch kar diya..isse bigaad mat.."ashu smiled n replied"dadi bua..mera sab kuch ti nidhi ke liye hi hai..paisa to bahut thapehle bhi...ab koi hai jispe kharch kar sakta hoon..."dadibua smiled n patted him.They got talking..n dadi bua asked"achcha ye bataao,god bharaai kis din rakhen.3 din baad..?"col verma interjected"haan ,plz decide kar len,as we r planning a big function..aur apne friends ko bhi invite kar len.."it was decided for saturday..as ashutosh could take half day off.col verma explained"the finction will start at about 12 in noon,then pooja n rasm n then lunch,,theek "?ashu nodded but added"col verma,i hope koi hawan nahi hoga..because the smoke will make nidhi cough..n it might hurt her...n mujhe to aap jo kahenge,i m ready to do..but nidhi..ab neeche bilkul nahi baith sakti..'"dadi bua spoke"sab pata hai..mujhe..tumne aur samdhiji ne isse bahut sar chadha liya hai.."n ashutosh laughed..looking at nidhi all the while..Chote sarkaar announced lunch..n as they sat cv commented"arre naya dinner set..itna badhiya.."cs retorted"daaktar sahib aur nidhi beebiji laaye hain..so humne bhi happy diwali manali"lunch was paneer mahrani n kulche..with salad n raita.Col verma asked dr ashutosh about his friends whom hed like to invite,n ashutosh said dr dubey,dr gandhi,dr sudhir n nanda..n off course nidhi's gang..priyanka,jyothika,ahna..n family..The stage was set for a big celebration..dadibua called shyama ..As solankis entered,ashutosh got up..shook hands with solanki saheb n touched shyama aunty's feet.As the men talked about ashutosh's work n col verma's business,shyama asked nidhi"kya pehnegi god bharai me.."nidhi smiled"blue sari..pehen loon"?dadi bua wrinkled her nose n said"nahi..neela jaala kuch nahi..ya to laal ya gulabi..bus kahe deti hoon main.."nidhi gave up..no one could win against dadi bua.."par dadibua mere paas is rang ki achchi sari hai nahi..."dr ashutosh it seemed had an ear to the convo as he said"excuse me col verma..haan dadibua..dont worry nidhi pink sari le aaoonga..tumhaare liye.."dadi bua teased nidhi"aur kya..daaktar sari le aayega,samdhiji fall laga denge.."n then looked at ashu n said"kahe deti hoon daaktar..bigaad raha hai isse..strict reh.."n all laughed..as ashu n nidhi took leave.col verma opened the door as dr ashutosh made nidhi sit n put the seat belt carefully n then came in from the other side..as they left..dadibua smiled n thanked god..b"bus shyama..jiski beti sukhi..uska sansaar sukhi..."n solankis smiled..col verma added with pride"dr ashutosh jaisa suljha hua..daamaad milna..suchmuch faqr ki baat hai.."  dadi bua added"haan yog,humne bahut beizzat kiya tha isse..par usne hume khule dil se sweekar kiya .."

As nidhi lay on the bed,ashu came close n said.."dadi bua theek keh rahi thi..mujhe strict rehna chahiye tumhare saath..."nidhi smiled seeing the naughty glint in his eyes..as ashutosh put a finger under her chin n kissed her...till she was almost breathless.."kya kar rahe hain..dekhiye darwaaza khula hai..kya"!!said nidhi..Ashu smiled as he remembered how he had forgotten to lock the door on their wedding night..n a demure nidhi had to signal it to him...But now ashutosh was a changed man..well versed with intimacies of marriage.n so he caught nidhi by her arm..removed her chunni n as he began to unbutton ker kurta,he said"apni biwi ko pyaar kar raha hoon..aur dr nidhi ..darwaza band hai..do not worry..just cooperate"n nidhi smiled ..as his expert hands removed her kurta n then the other garments..He looked at her swell..turning serious ,he said.."nidhi..do..do you enjoy it..i hope i dont hurt you..in this condition..."nidhi smiled n pulled her to him..kissing his chest hair ..running her fingers through them..words were not needed..Ashutosh lay with nidhi in his arms..in natural bare form..his fingers caressing her back..n then slipping to her thighs...as she moaned in anticipation..ashutosh..kissed her on her nose..n then her lips..before turning his attention to her breasts..he could never forget the storm of desire that had hit him when he had seen them for the first time..in the night on the machaan..how gingerly ashutosh had touched her..fearing..he might do something wrong..but now ..after nearly two years of intimacy,he knew exactly what n how too do..He kissed the tits..careful not to suck them now..as nidhi had begun to secrete the yellowish fluid..his fingers circled the dark enlarging nipples..n then like always..he pressed her navel..nidhi knew he loved touching her there..n she always wore her sari above the navel..never exposing it in public..it had become"FOR DR ASHUTOSH'S EYES ONLY"once anji had teased her."itni upar kyun baandhti hai sari..love bite chupa rahi hai kya"!!n nidhi had just twisted her hand..telling her to keep shut..ashutosh's touch brought her to the present..as he moved lower ..his hands separating her...as his finger moved in..probing..pressing..caressing..he could see nidhi needed more..n so he brought her to the crescendo..rubbing her till she exuded nectar..n then he brought her to a thundering release...only to start all over again..once her breath had stabilised..this time nidhi..kissed him on his stomach..his chest..n lower..as he seemed ..ready to claim her..he inserted his finger..bringing her to groan as a hot wave of pleasure seemed to possess her..n then he united with her..remaining together for so long that when he withdrew..nidhi felt herself to be incomplete,.As she lay in his arms..playing with his chest hair..she recalled..how shy she had felt..when on the honeymoon,he had brought her to the peak of pleasure..n when she had whispered his name..his one hand had cupped her face..as if asking"are you ok..my dear"?n seeing the pleasure in her eyes..he had massaged her ..nearly the whole night..uniting again n again..till they both had fallen asleep..tired of the numerous peaks that they had brought each other..to..
  

Ashutosh..hugged her close n said"honey moon yaad kar rahi ho..?phir chalenge..par nidhi..i feel as you enter 8 months..we should stop..i might hurt you..samajh rahi ho.."?nidhi closed her eyes n said"dr audhir se poochiyega plzz.."

Ashutosh awoke nidhi..as it was6 in the evening..she dressed in the golden n blue sari that she had earlier kept for godbharai,she wore her diamond earrings n chain..n came out with dr ashutish..looking like a greek god in brown tusser kurta pyjama.As the evening turned into night,ashutosh n armaan lit the lamps n bulbs..the house looked a palace ..ready to recieve the princess..armaan lit phuljharis..as ashu lit anaars..baba n nidhi sat in the verandah..looking at the two with smiles..At 8 ,they came in for the pooja,nidhi held the thali with ashutosh as they sang the arti..n then she gave the prasad..baba seemed overflowing with joy ..seeing his bahu..n beta..
Before dinner,nidhi said.."plz..main bhi anaar ..."the look that ashu gave her..silenced her..then smiling..he brought her outside,lit some phuljharis n held them with her...as they had a vision of their sparkling future..ater a while,baba called them in..n gave nidhi a pair of gold earrings..a watch to ashu n a chain to armaan..nidhi laughed n said"delivery ke baad,aapke paaon..choo ngi..tab tak pending..raha.."All sat for dinner..nidhi made it a point to seat kaka aswell..she served..matar paneer,aaloo methi,pulao,kachori..sweets..all seemed in smiles..armaan was enjoying the most..when ashutosh said"arre armaan,aunty ka ohone aaya tha,koi ladki dekhi hai tere liye..lucknow me hi.."nidhi got up to get kheer..as armaan exclaimed"hey bhagwaan!!!meri maa mera peecha kyu nahi chodti.."n ashu laughed.."hey mai mazaak kar raha tha..."n armaan pulled ashu's ear...baba was doubling with laughter..as armaan n ashu got up to sit in the drawing room..kaka cleared the dishes..nidhi walked out of the kitchen with a tray of kheer.

Just as nidhi was bringing the dessert,someone threw a huge chataai bomb into the lawn n it went BOOM..BOOM...BOOM..Ashutosh got up to look outside n so did armaan..BOOM ..BOOOM n nidhi..felt the restless baby kicking hard..almost into her ribs n heart..n then it seemed to turn..kicking all the while..nidhi ..turned white..somehow managing to put the tray on the dining table..she held on to the table..doubled with pain..ashutosh..almost instinctively felt her pain n rushed in...startled to find her crouching..clutching the baby bump..the bomb still going off BOOM ..BOOM..BOOM..n with each explosion,the baby kicked harder..nidhi cried..loud as ashutosh held her n brought her to the sofa.."nidhi..nidhi...kya hua.."he was almost yelling..nidhi cried her lungs out..AAHHH..OUCHHH..HELPPPbaba held her as ashu dialled sudhir..sudhir was on a weekend resort..he listened n said"ashutosh..the baby has got disturbed bcoz of the sound...n is turning..dont take her out..just check..her gynaecologically..hope she is not dialating in fear..n let me know.."ashutosh told baba..carried nidhi into the bedroom..still twisting n turning ..sweating profusely..he checked her pulse..looked for gloves in the medical bag..n then bent to do the most difficult professional job ..checking his own wife..gynaecologically..his fingers seemed to tremble as he looked at her..n carried out a cervical examination...adding to her misery...holding her almost cruelly down..thank god..she was not dialated..he felt the baby with the stetho..turning n kicking..ripping nidhi..apart..almost..Ashu phoned sudhir..holding nidhi with one arm.."no sudhir..no dialation..but the baby is restless ..n ..nidhi ..sudhir ..she is getting torn..almost"sudhir tried to pacify ashu"hey,ashutosh..you are a doc man..you must not take her out to the hospital..the diwali sound will only make it worse..keep her secure n snug..try to pacify her..if it gets just tooo bad,give 5 ml indomethacini.v. but the last resort..."

Ashu gulped..as he covered nidhi..n held her..caressing her..shouting to armaan.."armaan towel de.."armaan n baba entered..armaan handed the towel as ashu wiped the sweat..baba sat n asked ashu"is she dialated ..pain pulses mei hai kya,,,is it labour.."??ashu said"no,baba..she is closed..its not labour,..its just that the baby is turning n kicking..scared due to the sound..."baba patted nidhi..but she was incoherent..in pain...baba realised..ashu 's pain .."hold her..aur baby bump ko cover kar blanket se.,aur nidhi ke ear plugs laga..."saying so he went out taking armaan..

Ashu,kept holding nidhi..as she was still sweating in pain..finally..ashu started stroking the baby..n as night progressed,the sound of crackers waned..gradually,nidhi's shreiks stopped..an she asked"dr ashutosh..juice...juice plz..."ashu immediately got up n rushed to the kitchen.armaan took out the juice..n ashu brought it..he made her sot..she was drenched in sweat..hands trembled..as ashu held the juice..n nidhi sipped..n then collapsed on ashu's shoulder...Ashu held her n made her lie..but she was not comfortable..so ashu sat next to her n kept holding her..kissing her..and slowly..she slipped into troubled sleep..Ashutosh could not help thinking ..n blaming himself ..for been keen at having a baby..but ..just as he looked at nidhi..in half sleep..nidhi muttered "dr ashutosh..i love you...n i love our baby..humara baby..."ashutosh kissed her hair..n sighed...realising nidhi was hopelessly in love with the baby..his desire had become her dream..a dream for which snidhi was ready to risk her life...sainyaan...

The whole night ,dr ashutosh kept holding nidhi in his arms...not being able to bear her suffering..n overburdened by the fact that he was responsible for the torture she was facing..

Nidhi twisted in his fold n opened her eyes..looking directly into dr ashutosh's..He smiled tentatively n asked"ab kaisi ho nidhi..juice logi.."??nidhi shook her head"nahi, abhi nahi..."then looking deep into his eyes she spoke"dr ashutosh mai to theek hoon..per aap theek nahi lug rahe..dekhiye meri taraf.."she touched his face as he tried to look away..not wanting to show his guilt..his desperation n his angst...he simply could not bear to see nidhi suffer so much..Nidhi knew it...though dr ashutosh could camoulage his feelings from others but in front of his naughty intern..now his wife..he was as transparent as glass..Dr ashutosh tried to evade the issue.."tumhare liye paani laata hoon"..Nidhi held his hand n said.."suniye..mujhe kuch nahi chahiye...siwa aapke..ek baat kehna chaahti hoon..sunenge plz"ashutosh..sat n said.."bolo nidhi.."nidhi propped up a little..in his arms n spoke"dr ashutosh..aapne kaha tha mujhse..vaada kiya tha..ki jobhi hoga..sukh..dukh..hum saath mil baant ke seh lenge..to phir..aapki aankhon me itna dukh kyun..why are you feeling guilty"??ashutosh caressed her hair n spoke"jaanti ho nidhi..kal raat tumhari jo haalat thi..it was difficult to bear..mujhse nahi dekha jaata..n its all because of me...my desire to have..."nidhi interrupted him"hey dr ashutosh,wait..suniye..ye baby hum dono ki chaahat hai..hum dono ka sapna hai...maine jaante boojhte hue yeh pregnancy rakhne ka faisla kiya tha...aap ye kyun nahi samajhte..ki i m in love with this baby..i feel complete as never before..aur dr ashutosh,mai sab dukh taqleef seh sakti hoon par aapki aankhon me dard nahi bardaasht kar sakti..bilkul nahi..i know it was a bad pain bout..but now its over..so..smile please..aur mujhe ready hone me help kariye..i m feeling just a little weak..thats all..shaam tak bilkul theek ho jaaoongi.."ashutosh smiled..a difficult smile n then kissed nidhi..Nidhi caught his hand n said"baby..baby se nahi baat karenge..naaraaz hain"??ashutosh..gulped hard..bent n kissed the baby bump n then spoke"hi baby..its papa..can you plz stop giving pain to mamma..jab aa jaaogi..tab mujhe trouble karna..per mamma ko nahi..ok"??

Ashutosh helped nidhi bathe,change n then took her out to the dining room.She still looked weak n there were dark circles around her eyes...baba observed that as he patted her n said.."nidhi..beta aaj khoob rest karna..sleep will make you feel better..kal bahut taqleef hui.."Armaan hugged her n made her sit..he too seemed rattled with her pain bout..Finally nidhi spoke,trying to bring some cheer.."i hope aap logon ko yaad hai..saturday ko baba ke yahaan chalna hai..godbharaai hai..armaanji..dance karna hoga aapko..friends hongi meri..shaayad koi pasand aajaaye aapko..kyun"!!!dr ashutosh remained quiet as he brought nidhi back to the bed room n made her lie.."ab so jaao plz..you need rest..i will try to come early.."n he kissed her..nidhi took his face in her hands"ab smile kariye..i m fine..chinta nahi kariye.."ashu patted her n left..he had numerous surgeries lined up..being a dr was at times so difficult..

In the afternoon dr sudhir,back from his retreat came to viisit ashutosh in k.g.h."how is nidhi now"?ashu gave hi,m the update n then sudhir wanted to see the arrangements for nidhi's delivery in kgh..as ashu had told him she was more comfortable here,.sudhir had been ,ore than happy to oblige.dr ashutosh took him around n showed him the special room n nursery that he had been arranging..with the management's permission..after all it was not every day that the m.d wife delivered n then ashutosh was paying for everything..Dr sudhir was satisfied..n in ashutosh's cabin asked him about the ultrasound.dr ashutosh replied"sudhir,col vrma..nidhi's father has kept a baby shower for her..u n nanda plz do come..n i feel we can have the ultrasound after that.."sudhir smiled n said"if i may ask..ashutosh how does it feel to ..after all those lonely years"??ashu smiled n spoke"its just bliss...nidhi has given me all i ever wanted...now my life revolves around her..."sudhir shook hands n left...dr ashutosh finished his eork,invited priyanka,jyothika,aahna for god bharai then went to dr ranganath   n invited him snji n little khushi.dr ranganath was overwhel,ed"sir ,we d positively come..as it is khushi loves parties..n anji has been waiting too..we will be there sir"ashutosh finally went to dr dubey..invited him to the party n also applied for leave on saturday.."if there is an emergency,i m always there.."dr dubey nodded n asked"nidhi kaisi hai..."ashutosh kept quiet n then replied "jaante hain sir..aap kehte the ki is relationship me 50:50 nahi ho sakta ...as nidhi is much younger..sir sach to yeh hai ki nidhi ne humesha 50 percent se zyaada kiya hai..mere liye...mere ghar ke liye...abhi bhi woh hi sab seh rahi hai..."dr dubey patted him n said"i agree ashutosh..nidhi jaisi patni milna...saubhagya ki baat hai.."

Dr ashutosh came home,baba told him nidhi was asleep..he entered but nidhi wasnt there on the bed...ashu looked around..n then peeped into the nursery...there she was..sleeping on the reclining chair..withthe pink teddy in her arms...ashutosh sighed n then his sigh changed to a smile..how lovely she looked..sleeping,lost in dreams..loving each moment..ashutosh came closer n touched her..nidhi opened her eyes..n smiled..n opened her arms to ashutosh...ashutosh kissed her n then asked"yahaan...??"nidhi smiled"haan..yahaan bahut achcha lagta hai..ek sapna saakaar hota lagta hai..its bliss ...dr ashutosh..."n ashu just put his cheek to the baby bump..as nidhi tousled his hair..."chaliye,khana khate hain..aap bahut thake honge..kal soye bhi nahi..."

At the dining table,ashu phoned col verma n asked if any help was required for the arrangements,col verma replied"nahi..dr ashutosh..bas aap sab aa jaayiega.."ashu pressed on"but col verma..let me do something,,plz.."but this time col verma was not ready to yield n finally ashu had to bow...Baba n armaan seemed excited about the function ..though a little worried about nidhi...armaan said "ashu,nidhi ko zyaada strain to nahi hoga,..."??ashu thought n said"well..careful rehna padega..abhi kal ka din hai..let her rest..."

In the bedroom,ashu applied cocobutter on nidhi..n as he rubbed,he could feel the baby's heart beat...he kissed the belly n asked nidhi"hey nidhi kaisa lagta hai"??nidhi looked at him n said"jaante hain dr ashutosh..lagta hai ki saare staare meri baahon me hain..i feel onthe top of the world...when i feel her moving,turning...n when u talk to her..usse better feeling kuch ho hi nahi sakti..."ashutosh hugged her..n the two slept..tired..fagged out but with smiles of a bright morrow..of their toddler..their dream..that was going to come true..

The whole of friday nidhi rested while baba n armaan arranged for gifts for vermas,all dresses were pressed n in the evening ashutosh arrived with nidhi's pink sari..with lovely golden peacocks..

Saturday morning at breakfast it was decided that they d leave at sharp 12..as ashu was on leave..Ashutosh wore his blue suit that nidhi had taken out for him,white shirt n red tie..the tie nidhi had gifted him long back,...the first stroke of colour in his life..ashu couldnt help smiling..nidhi was sitting on the bed..with her sari half tied.."kya hua nidhi"?asked ashutosh..."kuch nahi..bas thak gayee..saree bahut din baad..pahen rahi hoon..."ashu smiled..n helped her..then turned her around..n tied the string of her blouse..recalling the naughty morning when nidhi had made him tie it thrice..he tied it n then just put his wide palms on her breasts..as nidhi blushed.."kya iraada hai!dadi bua ko keh doon..der lagegi"??ashu smiledn said"nahi bhai..bhagwaan ko naaraaz kar sakta hoon par tumhari dadi bua ko nahi.."Ashutosh took a bag,nidhi asked"isme kya hai..""isme baby ki mamma ka saamaan hai.."n then he sat admiring as nidhi wore herkundan earrings n bangles..n the necklace..

The C.R.V stopped at col verma's house as baba,kaka n armaan walked in with gifts..n then dr ashutosh opened the door n helped ndhi out n both walked..ashutosh's arm firmly around her swollen waist..safe n secure..they certainly looked the best pair in the world...

Col verma n dadi bua..hugged nidhi as ashutosh touched their feet..n greeted solanki"kaise hain solanki sahib...shyama aunty nazar nahi aa rahin"!!solanki replied"abhi aa rahi hai..khushi ki dress change kar rahi hai..per dr ashutosh,ye bataao tum usse aunty kehte ho par mujhe uncle nahi..kyon bhai"!!ashu laughed n said"arre aap ki uncle kehlaane ki umr nahi..u look so smart..bus weight kum kar le thoda...'"n all laughed..

Col verma made nidhi comfortable on a high,comfortable sofa chair..as guests began pouring in..neighbours,dr ranganath,anji,dr dubey,dr gandhi,dr sudhir,nanda,aahna,priyanka,jyothika...luxmi bai..
Dadi bua n shyama helped in circulating coffee,soup n snacks..n then dadibua called out"aaja daaktar..pooja ke liye..nidhi ko bhi leaa"dr ashutosh ,who had been chatting with dr gandhi n dr sudhir excused himself n took nidhi to the lawn where there were two sofa chairs..he made her sit n sat to her right as panditji started his pooja..panditji told ashitosh to apply sindoor on nidhi..n he did it as they noth were eye locked..remembering theor wedding...finally the pooja was over n now dadi bua came n blessed nidhi with a tiny idol of baby krishna.."bhagwaan teri god me bhi baal gopal de.."nidhi smiled at ashu..knowing v well that he wanted a girl...
Shyama aunty..gave nidhi a lovely gold pendent..in a chain..n col verma handed a pair of earrings..finally anji brought out two covered toys..in a tray..'"chal nidhi ek pick kar.tab pata chalega..beta ki beti..."dr sudhir joked"this is pre natal sex determination..ban it"n all laughed.Nidhi called little khushi n told her to pick one..khushi thought a while n then picked the second one...nidhi opened it,...A DOLL...anji clapped"beti..beti hogi..khush hain na jeejaji.."n ashu beamed with delight..

Anji had organised dance n priyanka ahna n jyothika danced with anji..little khushi kept butting in n finally ranga had to lift her..as the girls rocked on to..mere haathon me nau nau choodiyaan hain..thoda thehro sajan majbooriyan hain...
N then like sangeet,ranga armaan duo put up a brilliant performance with..humne tumko dekha...tumne humko dekha...Finally ashutosh stood up..n said.."aao nidhi..ek dance ho jaaye.."n there was a thundrous applause as all clapped..n nidhi blushed..ashutosh helped her to her feet n just glided holding her securely..as the song was apt"HUM TUM KUCH AUR BANDHENGE,HOGA KOI BEECH TO HUM TUM AUR BANDHENGE ..BAANDHEGA DHAAGA KUCHCHA...JEEVAN KI BAGIYA MEHKEGI,CHEHKEGI..."and as ashutosh made nidhi sit..col verma came to hug him..n ashu bent to touch his feet..
Mrs sahni,a neighbour spoke loudly.."arre dr sahib ,paaon kyun choote hain..sasur sahib ki hi umr ke to hain..."n there was rude laughter from some ladies..as col verma fumed..n baba fretted..ashutosh was unflustered..he looked at nidhi n said.."sahi baat hai..mere aur col verma me koi 8 saal ka faasla hai..par hain to woh meri biwi ke pita...izzat rishte ki hoti hai..umr ki nahi,..."n all fell silent..as dadibua came n hugged ashu..n nidhi's eyes filled with pride..

Lunch began..it was a lavish affair..nidhi sat on the sofa ..with her friends around her as ashutosh accompanied col verma to meet the guests.."mr goyal,maj gen dayal..n mr mansukhani..my business partner,..inhi ki mehnat se abhi ek bada export order mila hai..."ashu shook handsbut something in him made him dislike mansukhani..but today was not the day for all this..

Ashutosh looked at nidhi..n asked"khaana le aaoon"??n he got pulao,paneer,gobhi n poori for her as he tried to feed her..she shied.."mai kha loongi..sab dekh rahe hain.."ashu withdrew n stood chatting with col verma his friends n the drs..someone asked him why didnt he operate in other hospitals as well.. n he said"k.g.h. is all i want..aur ab mai nidhi pe dhyaan dena chahta hoon..she is the top priority.."someone asked.."delhi me zyaada prospects hain..."ashu replied"honge..par lucknow is home..yahaan mera air nidhi ka parivaar hai..that comes first,..life me professional success ko personal life se balance karna chahi.."suddenly nidhi coughed loudly..n ashutosh rushed to her...rubbed her nack..as she seemed to ask for a tissue to throw up something...ashu knelt beside her..his hand below her mouth.."chalo spit karo...dont worry..come on.."n nidhi threw up a piece of poori..ashu didnt seem to mind at all..as he got up,washed his hands n then made her sip water...raising an eyebrow to assess if she was fine..all around seemed thunderstruck at the dedication the couple whom many loved to hate..had for each other...

As ashitosh had his food ,he realised nidhi was trying to cover her toes with her sari..he got up..got her socks from her bag n knelt down as he made her wear them..col verma seemed overwhelmed..finally as guests said bye..at about 7 ashu n baba also decided it was time to leave as nidji looked jaded..col verma seemed short of words as ashu touched his feet again..n then they drove off..

In the bedroom,as ashutosh changed,he saw nidhi change into her nightie n then she lay..eith all her jewellery..on..ashu smiled as he came..to see her fast aslerp..he kissed her lightly..as he opened her ear rings..her ring..n then with great difficulty her necklace..she looked so beautiful..without the jewellery..his ultimate jewel..he could have spent all his life looking at her...his hands grazed her abdomen..as he recalleD
HUM DONO MILKE,KAAGAZ PE DIL KE CHITHTHI LIKHENGE JAWAAB AAYEGA..
CHAMKENGE TAARE DIL ME HUMAARE AUR BANKE WOH MEHTAAB AAYEGA...

The next few days passed pleasently..as nidhi was feeling much better n would be busy cooking n rearranging their room..n then one day she cleaned n organised armaan's room n wardrobe aswell..when he came back n saw ..his face was woryh watching  nidhi smiled n said.."thank you nahi kahiyega..sab repayment loongi..baby ke nappies dhone honge.."n all had laughed aloud...Nidhi soon turned her attention tothe nursery n organised things..making a list of thingsthat the baby d need in the first three months,though ashutosh had stocked nearly everything,yet oacifiers,vests with diaper buttons n overalls were missing,then she turned attention to her ownself..what d she be needing...??well firstly,the front opening maternity bras,three four gowns ..that was all..She phoned ashutosh"haan suniye..kab aayenge ghar..thoda kaam tha"?ashutosh stopped his work n said"kya baat nidhi..i hope tum theek ho..i am a little busy..i feel9 bajenge aaj..par kuch khaas hai to kaho"nidhi replied"nahi kuch khaas nahi,n dont worry main aur baby theek hain..bus aapko miss karte hain..."ashutosh sighed ...how he wanted to spend each moment of these days with nidhi..but being the m.d it was impossible..he said"jaanta hoon..i also miss you...""aur baby se baat karenge??"n ashu smiled.."raat me..baby se bhi aur uski mummy se bhi"  

When dr ashutosh arrived,baba n armaan were watching t.v.armaan looked up n said"aaja ashu khaana laga hua hai..."n ashutosh replied"bas abhi fresh ho kar aataa hoon..nidhi kahaan hai"??armaan checked his sweater pockets n said"meri jeb me to nahi hai..aapki jeb me hai kya nidhi...baba   n ashu showed him a mock fist as he went into the bedroom...nidhi wasnt there..but ashu knew where she would be..the nursery..he stepped in..and saw...

Nidhi ,in her red gown was there...she was facing the baby wardrobe b was saying,."hey baby..dekho papa kitne dher saare kapde aur khilone laaye hain..bas ab jaldi se aajaao...man nahi lagta tumhare bina..pata hai baby..jab mai dekhoongi tumhe...tab mere sab dukh..ye pain..sab door ho jaayenge..tumhaare paoa chinta karte hain..ki tum mujhe trouble kar rahi ho,.,unhe kaise samjhaaoon ki tum to mere dil ki muraad ho...meri zindagi ..mere man ki khwaaish ho..bas ab meri baahon me aa jao..."ashutosh gulped...tears crept into his eyes as he realised how much nidhi loved the baby...ehat it meant to her...Ashu came close n hugged nidhi from the back.."achcha ji,baby ke saamne papa ko kaun poochega..."?said he..as hisfingers grazed on the baby bump..Nidhi turned around..kissed him and as she hid her face in his chest ,she said.."iske papa ke bina to main saans bhi nahi le sakti..."ashu held on n said.."chalo khana khaate hain..phir decide karenge...ki who matters more..me or baby..."!!!!!

On the dining table,baba asked ashutosh about nidhi's final ultrasound n checkup. Ashutosh informed he had taken appointment for the next day..n sudhir would brief them about the expected date of delivery..Baba told ashu to make detailed arreangements at k.g.h. as he did not want nidhi to have any inconvenience.."kitne din rehna hoga hospital me"?asked armaan..dr ashutosh answered "depends if its a cesarean section or normal delivery..n hopefully there r no complications..."and he looked at nidhi..who seemed lost in her own world...ashutosh smiled trying to read her thoughts...

In the bedroom..nidhi came in n hugged him as he was changing..she was in her nightie..the bump looking v visible n big..ashutosh asked"kya hua.."??nidhi hugged him n said.."kal to final check up hai...i know dr sudhir kya precautions kahenge...so can we..plz..."?,?ashutosh read the desire n yearning in her eyes..n held her to himself...as she pushed away his tees n got him closer to bed...ashutosh made her lie n kissed her navel..murmuring to the baby"be a good girl..so jaao abhi,i n mamma are talking.."n then he looked on nidhi..realising fully well that hed have to be abstaining for minimum 6 to eight weeks...he took a deep breath...physical union was not the driving force in their relationship...but yes he had grown so used to having nidhi...close to him that even the thought of not having her around in the night seemed to rattle him..but he knew..she needed the best care n he d give her the best..the very best in the world...Nidhi's touch seemed to pull him out of the thoughts as she implored him to make love,...taking his hand ..n almost puttig his fingers there...as he raised himself to look at his nidhi..she had her face half turned biting her lower lip in anticipation..ashutosh's fingers grazed her breasts as she pulled his head onto them..making him caress n kiss..almost in a frenzy..ashutosh made all the right moves..kissing n caressing her..making her exude wetness...his fingers weaving magic in her...n yet she wanted more n more..as she hugged n rubbed his back..his thighs..feeling his manhood...n bringing him to enter her..as he brought both of them to a maddening release after release..till nidhi was gasping...He kissed her n then held her face in his hands.."hey nidhi..sach bataao..aaj kya baat hai...mai jaanta hoon tumhe aur...kya hua hai...darr lag raha hai kya.."??n nidhi lowered her eyes..how well he could read her..as always...she spoke"jee...i wanted to have you..as many times as possible...pata nahi..phir kabhi..zindagi mauka de ya nahi..."as two tears flowed out of her eyes...ashutosh kissed both the tears n said..."main jaanta tha..par nidhi..i promise mai tumhe kuch nahi hone doonga..you n the baby are going to be fine..tum meri baahon se door nahi jaa sakti ...kabhi nahi.."nidhi hugged him..not needing to hide her fears from him..she spoke"dr ashutosh...ek baat kehni thi..""bolo na..soch kya rahi ho...""dr ashutosh ,kya aap plz mere saath rahenge delivery ke time..i want to hold your hand...god forbid agar mujhe kuch ho jaaye..to..i want to see your face in front of my eyes...plz.."ashutosh drew her close...kissed her hair n said"nidhi..tumhe kuch nahi hoga..n offcourse i will be with you..holding your hand..bringing our baby..the proof our love in this world..how can i ever abandon you when you need me the most...now just leave yourself to me..sab theek hoga"...n nidhi closed her eyes as she knew she was in safe hands...sleeping in ashutosh's arms...in complete n total surrender...this was sheer bliss...two souls with the same desore...two hearts that beat as one...

Next morning,nidhi took all her papers,scan reports n accompanied dr ashutosh to k.g.h.dr sudhir arrived for the final ultrasound.luxmi bai helped nidhi change,cleaned her n dr sudhir n ashutosh walked in..the ultra sound images seemed to appear on the screen..but nidhi kept her eyes closed..n then as dr sudhir told her "nidhi,plz cooperate..i need to do one more detailed examination n trans vaginal ultrasound"nidhi looked at ashutosh with apprehension..he came closer n held her shoulders"dont worry..i m here.."as sudhir examined her..spreafing n raising her legs..n then as he inserted the probe..nidhi screamed"dr ashutosh...aaahhh..ooouuuccchhh"n ashutosh held her tightly..caressing her forehead as sudhir looked intently at the monitor..n then pulled the probe out..making nidhi growl in anguish...dr sudhir went out..as ashutosh calmednidhi..helped her to the wash room,n then changed her..as she seemed to tremble.."hey doc..daro nahi..you are my brave sweet heart..."n nidhi nodded as she tried to push her tears away..

Ashutosh carefully made nidhi walk to his cabin ,his arm around her waist..unconcerned as the other patients n drs watched..he got nidhi to his cabin where about three years back..he had seen her finding his car keys..with his coat on her shoulders...now she was his wife..was carrying his child...life had come a long way indeed...ashu made her sit as dr sudhir entered with the reports..he explained..showing some pics of the baby 's images"see,ashutosh n nidhi...the baby is in position..hopefully it will not go into the breach position now...but see the torso size n see nidhi's narrow pelvis"said dr sudhir ,pointing to two images"i feel..strongly feel..we should go in for the cesarean..as normal delivery will be v painful n there is a distinct element of risk..see the baby is big..in such cases it may take long to descend..the mother may not be able to bearso long,..you understand"?ashutosh nodded as he looked at nidhi,"yes sudhir,i completely agree..i dont want any risk..so what date..."dr sudhir looked at them"do you both want any particular date n time.."??ashutosh looked at nidhi n then shook his head"no whatever is medically sound"sudhir spoke "ok then let it be 8 of february,morning 7 a.m...about 10 days before the edd which is 17 feb..ok nidhi"?nidhi ,who had been quiet till now,spoke.."sir ,is a normal delivery not possible..."ashutosh got up n said"nidhi,it is immaterial if its possible or not..the point is i dont want it..okay..??n plz let me decide the medical issues..plz."nidhi kept quiet..not wanting to raise his hardstone temper..Sudhir spoke "now you guys have to be v careful..avoid intimacy till delivery..atleast certainly no penetrative sex..n take care..all we need to pray is that nidhi does not go into labour before this..because if she does..then cesarean will be difficult...so keep our fingers crossed n ashutosh you must have two blood donors for nidhi..A+...OKAY!"sudhir got up n left..Ashutosh looked at nidhi and asked"what is your problem with a cesarean section..tell me"??nidhi cast her eyes down n as he repeated the question a bit severely..she spoke"after cesarean..we cant have our second baby soon.."ashutosh banged the table..:"nidhi,are you completely out of your mind..with this suffering that you are having do you feel any sane man could think of a second child..do you think i m a stark raving lunatic or a selfish megaliomaniac..tell me..why cant you see reason"??nidhi sat quietly..,not responding..finally ashutish realised his anger had hurt his nidhi..he came n held her hand"nidhi..you know ..i want your safety..plz ..agar tumhe kuch ho gaya to..i will die..do you want that..bolo"?nidhi put her fingers to his lips..just as she had done on that morning in kerala when he had said"agar mai accident me marr hi gayaa hota..."she stood up.."plz..phir nahi kahiyega...jo aap kahenge..i m fine with that..cesarean is fine..."

Ashutosh held nidhi..as she put her head on his chest..n closed her eyes..trying to absorb every molecule of this moment in the cabin that had been a mute witness to their relationship,..

In the evening ashutosh took nidhi shopping ,helping her buy all the things she had written in the list..he was confused with the front open bras"why..do you need these..front open"nidhi laughed n said"dr ashutosh..men will be men..arre baby ko feed kaise karoongi..!!""n ashutosh gave an embarrassed smile...

Days n nights were getting colder as christmas approached..nidhi would often shiver..she somehow felt colder than the others..dadibua came one day with hand knitted gloves n socks of wool for her...n as she was about to go..nidhi had that uncontrollable urge to cry...she had brought her up..a motherless helpless child..who d care for her baby..if...she felt ashutosh.."kuch nahi hoga tumhe...dont worry ..main hoon na...pyaar karti ho mujhse"??"jaan se zyaada".."vishwaas hai mujhpe"?..."khud se zyaada"...ashutosh got her to a perplexed dadibua n said.."dadi bua..hum dono chahte hain ki delivery tak..aap aur col verma roz nidhi se milne aaye..dadibua replied"arre daaktar..yog to itna busy ho gaya hai..ki poocho nahi..par haan mai zuroor aaya karoongi..apni bachchi ko dekhne...wo kya kehte hain..thank you daaktar..shyaama ko bhi leti aaoongi kabhi ..theek na"?ashutosh put an arm around dadibua n said"dadi bua..ye aapka ghar hai..aap jub aaye jb jaayen..aapki marzi..meri taraf se koi problem nahi hai...aapki khushi me hi humaari khushi hai..."Baba emerged.."kyun samdhanji..khush hain na..mere ashutosh se..naaraz to nahi"??dadibua folded her hands.."kya baat kar rahein hai samadhi ji..ashutosh jaisa daamaad to bhaagya se milta hai...meri bachchi ke bhaag khul gaye..."ashutosh touched dadibua's feet as they bade bye..

Nidhi looked at ashutosh..his eyes brimming with love n care for her..as he held her n brought her into their home..a home that had been built by their hearts..their commitment..their eternal..unflinching love for each other..
Nidhi hummed the song..as ashutosh looked at her.."DUNIYA MEI AISA KAHAAN SABKA NASEEB HAI,KOI KOI APNE PIYA KE KAREEB HAI..
DOOR HI REHTE HAIN UNSE KINAARE,JINKO NA KOI MAANJHI PAAR UTAARE...
PAAS HAI MAANJHI TO KINAARA BHI KAREEB HAI"

Christmas onwards lucknow was cold n it seemed colder to nidhi,now nearly completing her eighth month..Ashutosh had the bedroom warmed with oil heater..n baba ,armaan took care that the windows of the drawing room remained closed..yet nidhi was invariably shivering..dr ashutosh n baba understood it was the disturbance in body temperatures caused by pregnancy..nothing unusual but she had to be kept warm..so before ashutosh left for hospital,he d see to it that nidhi wore her gloves n socks n remained snug..armaan had got a lovely cap for nidhi..a pink merino wool one with alovely graphic design..n when nidhi wore it ,she really looked cute n innocent..much as he d have desired to spend time with nidhi,dr ashutosh was thrown more n more into work..n rarely came home before 9..One night as he rang the bell ,armaan opened the door.,ashutosh asked about nidhi n armaan answered"ashu,wo tere liye wait karti rehti hai..kitna bhi busy rakhte hain hum log..par uska dhyaan tujh me hi rehta hai...i relly think ,you need to give her more time..aaj chupchaap baithi photos dekh rahi thi teri..you know how she is these days..."Ashutosh smiled as he patted armaan..how well armaan understood nidhi n cared for her...made ashutosh really emotional..He went into the bedroom,nidhi was arranging his wardrobe..n caressing his shirts as she arranged them...as if trying to geel molecules of her ashutosh in those pieces of linen...Ashutosh stood quietly as he kept watching her ...she was arranging the clothes n humming..TERE BINA JIYA JAAYE NA..TERE BIN BIN TERE SAAJNAA...his nidhi was never a good singer ..but he loved her humming..as the songs seemed to flow from her heart..just as rain from the clouds of summer or tears from the eyes start..nidhi was spontaneous..at almost everything..Ashutosh came close n as she shut the wardrobe ,she was almost knocked out to see him..infact he had to hold her tight...nidhi asked.."mera gaana kyun suna..mai to kitna bura ..besura gaati hoon..."n ashu made her quiet with a deep kiss.."nahi..to...meri nidhi..kuch bhi bura nahi karti..you r good at everything..."n he held her.."achcha chaliye dinner..sab wait kar rahe honge"

At dinner,baba asked ashu if he had applied for leave for nidhi's delivery..n ashu said"jee baba..i have..n no planned surgeries for 15 days..but emergencies will have to be taken up.."armaan said"cant k.g.h.have another neurosurgeon..for a month"??...ashu sighed..nidhi looked at him n replied"ho to sakta hai..par dr ashutosh jaisa koi nahi..every patient wants the v best...aur mai nahi chahti..ki meri wajah se kisi ka nuksaan ho..afterall wahi to rahenge..aate jaate mil liya karenge...nahi??"she looked at ashutosh..who was just locked to her eyes..mesmerised..how selfless could this girl be at 25??armaan's cough broke their trance n baba said"chalo khana khao..."

In the bedroom,ashu took off nidhi'gown n put her in the soft feather quilt...opening her nightie to apply cocobutter on the stretch marks..his hands could feel the baby's heart beat..as he ended,he bent n kissed the bump.."so jaao baby..mamma ko bhi sone do.."n carefully put his cheek on the swell..nidhi played with his hair..she loved his grey side burns..she said"dr ashutosh..are u sure ki beti hogi.."??ashu kissed the bump n said"no..i m not ..sure"..."aur agar beta ho gaya to kya aap disappoint honge"??nidhi sounded worried..ashu came up..covering her..n then holding her face in his big hands.."hey nidhi..i cannot be disappointed..beta ho ya beti..mera hoga...tumhara hoga..humara hoga..humara parivaar..humari duniya..humari zindagi poori kar dega..woh...but you tell me tum kya chahti ho.."?nidhi..playing with the hair on his chest said.."sach kahoon.."ashu raised an eyebrow.."mujhe beta chahiye...pata hai kyun"??ashu touched her lips.."kyun"?.."kyunki..woh aap jaisa hoga..aapke baal..aapki aankhen..aapki aawaaz...sab kuch aapke jaisa...aap apna bachpan dekhenge..usme..hansta khelta bachpan.."n an emotional nidhi couldnt speak any further..ashu knew these days..tears flowed v quickly..he held her n said"jo bhi hoga..we d love him...try to be the best parents..."n then kissing nidhi's nose he said.."bilkul stress mat lo..jo bhi ho..bas healthy ho...n thank you nidhi..thank you...once again...meri zindagi poori karne ke liye...un sapno ko poora karne ke liye jo itne saal maine dekhe bhi nahi the..."n he pulled her close..as she slept..hand on his chest...

It was 30 december n as ashutosh was getting ready,his cell rang,it was col verma.."ashutosh..hullo,actually we are planning a new years eve party here..anji,dr ranganath,solanki,bhabhi n khushi..to hum chahte hain ki aap sab..heeramankaka too..aayen..do you think it will be fine for nidhi.."??ashu looked at nidhi..n smiled"jee col verma..we will come..bus crackers nahi ho..n do arrange a bon fire..nidhi ko thand bahut lagti hai..aajkal..aur haan..mere liye kuch kaam ho to bataaiyega..plz"

At the breakfast ashu informed baba n armaan about the party n the count down to the new year had begun..nidhi n armaan were excited.making plans for antakshari..n dumb chirads..ashu took baba aside n said "baba dekhiyega nidhi ko..excitement mei strain nahi kare zyaada.."baba smiled n patted him "tu chinta na kar ashu..main hoon na..."

On the new years eve ,at sharp 7,baba n family reached col verma's house..ashutosh was in his brown suit with a maroon tie n nidhi in a black salwar kurta..with a pull over n a hood..she looked almost loke an eskimo..as dadibua welcomed them,ashu made nidhi sit on a high n big sofa chair..kept specially for her n thn met everyone..little khushi was now chattering n said"dekho..mi to princess hoon..."showing off her lovely frock..as ashu extended his arms.she came readily n cocooned to him..as he pecked her..she rubbed his stubble n exclaimed"chubhta hai..."n everyone laughed aloud...Shyama aunty n chote sarkaar served soup..n ashu took the bowl to nidhi n started feeding her..as nearly everyoone looked on..mesmerised..before dinner armaan started dumb chirads n nearly everyone floundered..except baba n col verma..who were the winners..anji came to sit with nidhi..n ashu got up n walked..

"Hey nidhi..kaisa feel karti hai..jeejaji khayal rakhte hain tera.."??asked a curious anji..nidhi smiled n said"jaanti hai anji..woh itna khayaal rakhte hain..ki lagta hai unke pyaar me marr jaaoongi..."anji smiled n in a typical anji way ,got up n clapped"your attention plz..nidhi ek gaana gana chahti hai jeejaji ke liye"n there was thundrous applause as nidhi pinched anji...but there was no escape..nidhi started..a song whose words she loved...she looked at dr ashutosh n startedBETAAB DIL KI TAMANNA YEHI HAI..TUMHE DEKHENGE,TUMHE CHAHENGE..TUMHE POOJENGE..APNA KHUDA BANAAYENE..BETAAB DIL KI...APNE SE BHI CHUPAAYEE THI DHADKAN APNE SEENE KI..HUMKO JEENA PADTA THA..CHAHAT KAB THI JEENE KI..AB JO TUMNE AAKE..HUME JEENA SIKHA DIYA...TUMHE APNA KHUDA MAANENGE...BETAAB DIL KI...n there were rapturous applause..as ashutosh just kept looking at nidhi..her eyes..filled with tears..as she tried to wipe them..he was there..carefully drying the lovely eyes...

Anji said.."bhai ab hum sab gaane gaa ke message denge..ek doosre ko..to chaliye next"n chote sarkar raised his hand"mera song dadi bua ko"n db huffed at him ...DADI AMMA DADI AMMA MAAN JAAO,CHODO BHI YE GUSSA ZARA HUNS KE DIKHAO..DADI AMAA"n as dadibua caught his ears..all laughed..the next turn was of armaan..who dedicated hos song to nidhi n hugged her as he started"PHOOLON KA TAARON KA SABKA KEHNA HAI...EK HUZAARON ME MERI BEHNA HAI..SAARI UMAR HUME SANG REHNA HAI..JEEVAN KE DUKHON SE U DARTE NAHI HAIN..BACHKE AISE SACH SE GUZARTE NAHI HAIN..SUKH KI HAI CHAAH TO..DUKH BHI SEHNA HAI..AA MERE PAAS AA ..KEH JO KEHNA HAI..."n as all clapped..nidhi n armaan both were moved to tears..n for once ashutosh stood away..realizing that nidhi needed a sibling's love..apart from his..
Finally solanki saheb n shyama aunty serenade for "apni dono betiyaan aur daamaadon ke liye"..MAIN HAR EK PAL KA SHAAYAR HOON ,HAR EK PAL MERI JAWANI HAI,HAR EK PAL MERI HASTI HAI..HAR EK PAL MERI KAHANI HAI..TUJHKO MUJHKO JEEWAN AMRIT AB IN HAATHON SE PEENA HAI ..INKI DHADKAN ME BASNA HAI..INKE SAANSO ME JEENA HAI..TU APNI ADAAYEN BAKSH INHE..MAI APNI DUAAYEN DETA HOON..JO KHUD KE LIYE SOCHI THI KABHI WOH SAARI DUAAYEN DETA HOON...n all were misty eyed..as solanki saheb hugged ranga n ashutosh put his arm around shyama aunty...Then anji sang for khushi..a v appropriate song"MERE GHAR AAYE EK NANHI PARI..CHAANDNI KE HASEEN RATH PE SAWAAR..."n lil khushi immediately asked"mummy rath kya hota hai"!!!!Finally ashutosh sang for their child.."JEEVAN KI BAGIYA MEHKEGI,CHEHKEGI,LEHKEGI..KHUSHIYON KI GALIYAAN JHOOMENGI,CHOOMENGI...WOH JEEVAN PRAN HUMAARA,..WOH MERI AANKH KA TAARA..DIN KA WOH SURAJ HOGA..RAATON KA CHAND SITAARA...HUM TUM KUCH AUR BANDHENGE..HOGA KOI BEECH TO HUM TUM AUR BANDHENGE..BAANDHEGA DHAAGA KUCHCHA..HUM TUM KUCH AUR BANDHENGE..THODA HUMARA..THODA TUMHARA..AAYEGA PHIR SE BACHPAN HUMAARA...n as dr ashutosh ended..he looked at nidhi..n the world looked at him with awe...

Dinner started n as nidhi ,anji n shyaama aunty chatted..dr ashutosh stood away..but keeping a hawk's eye on nidhi..Dadi bua came.."daaktar.."ashutosh looked up"jee dadibua.."?"daaktar..sach sach bata..nidhi ki delivery ho jaayegi na theek se...mujhe bahut ghabraahat hoti hai..par kisse kahoon..yog to business me hi uljha rehta hai..."ashutosh spoke"dadibua..aap chinta nahi kariye..dr sudhir bahut kaabil dr hain...poora k.g.h.hai nidhi ke liye..aur main..."dadi bua contd.."jaante ho daaktar..chaarghante ki thi nidhi..jab iski maa chal basi..isse mujhe saunp kar...apne to bachche nahi the..mere ..par dadi..aur ma..dono ban ke paala hai maine..."n dadi bua choked..ashutosh was seeing the vulnerable side of this formidable lady for the first time...he spoke"dadi bua...mai jaanta hoon..nidhi kya hai aapke liye..vishwaas rakhiye..usse kuch nahi hone doonga..chahe..baby ko kuch ho bhi.."..."na na daaktar..shubh shubh bol..dono theek rahen...mai to bajrang bali se din raat prarthna karti hoon...bas.."ashu patted her hand..trying to make her feel secure..but how could he deal with his own fears...Nidhi's touch brought him out of his thoughts"kahaan kho gaye...aap aur dadibua buraai kar rahe the meri"???ashu smiled n said"haan..ki tum manmani karti ho,..sunti nahi kisiki.."n nidhi laughed...making ashutosh forget all his worries..her laughter was like sunshine in the grey clouds...

After the clock struck12..everyone wished happy new year..n ashu nidhi returned home with family..in the bedroom..nidhi smiled..ashu looked at her.."kya hua.."nidhi called him close..n looking at their togetherness in the mirror..said"aapko pichla new year yaad hai..kya hua ..tha"??ashutosh seemed transported to the night when nidhi had been working for the fashion show..n he had waited to wish her..there after..a dance..n a night of love n passion..as if there was no tomorrow...ashutosh smiled..n got her to bed..ignoring all indications of desire that nidhi was giving...finally as she held him n said"achcha..ek kiss ..."n ashutosh broke into a smile..kissing her..n then gave a mock glare..as she wanted more...finally nidhi pouted as he patted her to slumber...

Ashutosh seemed unable to sleep..settling nidhi..he came out ..n saw armaan sitting.."kya hua armaan..soya nahi"??armaan replied"na..neend nahi aa rahi..tu bata..nidhi so gayee"??ashu nodded..n as both friends sat..armaan finally spoke.."jaanta hai ashu..aaj itne saal baad bhi new year always reminds me of .naina..aaj usse gaye 15 saal ho gaye..phir bhi..."ashu sat..both friends remembering..naina kapoor..their school mate..who loved armaan..n all seemed set..till one day naina was diagnosed with lymphoma..n it was on a new year that she had left armaan..lonely for ever..."jaanta hai aashu..agar tu nahi hota..to mai zinda...anyway...lets look ahead..."ashu did not say anything..he knew armaan did not like discussing naina..her death..he had learnt to live..to be jolly..but yes..he could never ever think of marriage..he always said'"zindagi ka woh chapter khatam ho gaya..shuru hone se pehle..."ashu tried to digress his thoughts.."bata..party enjoy ki.."??armaan nodded but added"ashu ,nidhi ke papa is investing a lot in his export order..n somehow mujhe lagta hai..unka partner unhe cheat kar raha hai...unhe samjha..."ashu said"oh..i didnt know of his investment..par yes..mansukhani..aadmi theek nahi hai...baat karoonga col verma se.."ashutosh ruminated..pensively...

It was now third week of january..temperatures plummeted to 2 degrees..days were foggy..n nidhi had to be kept warm..all the while..Ashutosh was in constant touch with sudhir n seemed to count days..for the fixed date..hoping n praying nidhi did not go into labour..that d be terrible..just terrible...
Dr sudhir n nanda came to examine nidhi home on the 31 january..sudhir looked at her affectionately..as he finished the cervical exxamination..n asked"tab little girl..just 8 days more..for jr hardstone.."n nidhi smiled..as ashu served them tea..in the hall while nidhi rested..sudhir addressed ashu n baba n said"so far,so good..lets hope..for the best..haan ashu blood donors.."??ashutosh spoke.."well uske father aur dadi ka group to B+hai...but armaan n shyama aunty r oher group...but why d we need blood"??sudhir explained.."ashutosh..what if she does go into labour..we cant operate on her..if she is already underway..tjen we can just assist the normal process..n with a big baby..mother is sure to suffer tissue damage..severe blood loss..you know..."ashutosh closed his eyes for a moment...praying for this not to happen...baba came n put his hand on his shoulder..."ashu..my son...zindagi ke imtihaan kabhi khatm nahi hote..par yaad rakh..hausla kabhi nahi tootna chahiye.."n ashutosh nodded..as his gaze travelled to his bedroom..where his nidhi lay ..waiting...for the spring in the garden of their life...she hummed.."thoda humara..thoda tumhara..aayega ohir se..."

Dr ashutosh had begun to pack for nidhi's stay in the hospital...her slippers,sweaters,socks,scarfsn maternity bras..n other essentials...he also started to pack for the baby n as he did so,he couldnt help smiling...a smile of joy..a smile of satisfaction..of a dream being completed...n he looked up at nidhi..who reflected his ecstacy...afew years back,dr ashutosh could not have even imagined of this day..this bliss..He still recalled his lonely,bitter ,forlorn existence...but today..here he was tending to his pregnant nidhi n eagerly awaiting to hold his baby in his arms...He got up ,went into the nursery n brought the tiny dresses..pink as well as blue..nidhi smiled n then reminded him of diapers n sweaters...ashutosh brought out all n kept them in the bag..n finally the two pairs of booties that nidhi had herself knitted..blue n pink..he came close n sat ..putting his arm around nidhi..both looked at those tiny booties..n wondered about the little feet that will soon wear them...

Next evening,the 3 of february,nidhi worked to help kaka in making a list of groceries n other house hold items needed for the next month..n then kaka sped to the market..Armaan returned from the office n seeing nidhi in the hall..sat with her...baba came as well n as armaan got up to have tea..nidhi said"mai banati hoon..adrak wali chaai"n as she made tea,armaan was right next to her..helping her..n she opened an almirah n said"dekhiye armaan ji humaare sab snacks aurmaggi yahaan hain..."..."achcha..to yahaan hai junk food..kal hee phenkooga sab"!!!?!it was dr ashutosh ..who had just returned from the hospital..n as nidhi pouted ..he broke into a laugh...n armaan said"arre iski majaal..ki yeh hummaare khane aur khazaane ko haath bhi laga sake"n all laughed.dr ashutosh was having tea..as nidhi was in the bedroom..resting begore dinner..both baba n armaan seemed to be counting days..armaan said"maine 8 se leke 14 tak off le liya hai..dont worry ashu.."

Nidhi suddenly felt a strange movement in her belly,sharper than ever before..she got up to go to go to the washroom..n as she entered...

Ashutosh heard nidhi's scream"dr ashutosh..aaiyee jaldi..plz..aayie"n as he rushed in..not finding nidhi inthe room,he looked at the toilet door..ajar..he rushed n held on to nidhi..steadying herself against the wall..."dr ashutosh..my water ...has burst..plz help...hospita.."n a severe contraction seemed to have gripped her..Dr ashutosh,..shocked at the onset of the dreaded labor..knew it was an emergency n he had to handle it...He quickly made nidhi wash n changed her..brought her to bed n dialled sudhir"sudhir..nidhi is in labor...i need to rush her to kgh"sudhir eho was having his coffee almost dropped it in shock.."what..oh nooo!!!!"then collecting himself he said"check for dialation..n rush to kgh ..i m reaching..kerp pressing her back..hardstone ..its gonna be bad.."ashu gulped..he knew it..but he was a doctor..n his nidhi required him..both as a dr n as a husband..Ashutosh made a moaning nidhi lie as he put on his gloves n looked at her gynaecologically..yes she was dialated..indeed..ashu pushed her hair back from her forehead..n said"nidhi..you are in labor..we have to rush to the hospital..n breathe deep..jaanti ho na..aur ghabraao nahi..mai bilkul saath rahoonga tumhare..ok"?n he squeezed her hand..as nidhi nodded unable to speak...

Ashu rushed out n told baba n armaan.."nidhi is in labor..hospital jana hoga..abhi..armaan car nikal.."baba ..the experienced dr spoke"ashu..towel le..aur..comfortable rakh usse..phone kar dr ranganath ko...jaldi"ashu nodded n phoned"dr ranganath..its an emergency..nidhi is in labor..i m rushing her to kgh,dr sudhir is coming too..keep the nurses n assistant drs ready..inform the blood bank..you know its going to be tough.."ranganath replied as he jumped into his car"dont worry sir..we d be ready..you get dr nidhi"as ashu was dialling col verma..he heard nidhi shriek..he rushed in..his heart seemed to stop..she was covered with sweat n gripped in contractions..she seemed to call him..ashutosh forgot everything else..he held her..and tried to press her back..as the wave of contraction passed n nidhi closed her eyes..in fatigue..ashu pressed a juice glass to her lips..she opened her eyes..looked all around the room...probably trying to absorb all the memories she could...n then her gaze came to their wedding photo on the wall...Ashu asked her softly"anything you want to take..kuch khaas le chalna hai.."??nidhi looked at him n murmured.."bas..aapko.."...sainyaan...

As ashu brought her out..she leaned on him..n baba gave her prasad..n said"meri..beti..sab theek hoga..."armaan was ready with CRV..but nidhi held on to ashu n whispered.."woh..car.."??n ashu understood..he shouted"armaan ..honda city nikaal.."Ashu knew nidhi wanted to make this journey in the car..in which they had travelled so many times..spent so many moments...He helped her into the back seat n put her head in his lap..as armaan drove off..

Within minutes another contraction gripped nidhi.."ooouuuchhh..dr ashut..."she cried...ashutosh..tried to calm her..he frlt the baby bump..the baby was moving..n nidhi seemed to be wrecking apart..she swayed her head ..n ashu held her tightly..The car jumped over a speed braker..n nidhi clutched her abdomen.."aaah..dr..as..hu.."..ashu told"armaan dhyaanse plz ..yaar.."armaan bit his lip..he knew the fears ashu must be having..dr ashutosh tried to time the contractions..every 7 minutes..n each more powerful than the previous..nidhi was clutching to him..almost helpless..n in agony..ashutosh..rubbed her palms..tried to kiss her..but the jab of pain.."aaahhh..."n her fingers clutched ashutosh's arm...ashutosh was being emotionally lashed as each bout wrecked nidhi..he held her closer n tighter n ..she seemed to whisper something.."baba..mere baba..dadi..bua.."ashu understood..he dialled col verma"col verma..nidhi is in labor..aapaur dadi bua fauren hospital pahunchiye ..solankis ke saath..plz "col verma rushed out..remembering what had happened 25 years ago...

The car came to a screeching halt..n dr ranganath was ready with a stretcher..as nidhi..was shifted on to it..n ashu kept holding her hand..as they rushed her into the delivery room..dr sudhir was all ready..The nurses took charge..n undressed her lower half..Ashu came out just to check with ranganath.."sir everything is lined up..blood,drips..medicimnes..n the paediatrician dr khanna is on his way...you dont worry sir..".."thanks dr ranganath.."baba,cv.,dadibua shyama aunty all had reached.."daaktar..kaisi hai meri bachchi..."??asked dadibua..before ashutosh could answer,nurse emerged from the labor room"sir..plz andar chaliye..dr nidhi bulaa rahi hain.."ashutosh went in..

Dr sudhir said"ashutosh..she is fully dialated..be here n help her push.."ashutosh patted nidhi's hand as she seemed to be resting between contractions.."nidhi..nidhi..i m here..dekho to.."n nidhi nodded.."sab hain baahar..tumhare baba..dadi bua..shyama aunty..sab koi hai..."n tears dropped from nidhis eyes..just as ashutosh wanted to wipe them..an intense wave of contraction gripped her..n she wrecked her head side to side..n bit her lip..Dr ashutosh shouted"agony pad plz"n the nurse gave him..he inserted it in between nidhi's jaws,..n held her head in his hands..almost hiding her face in his chest..he could feel her breath..as the next wave was stronger..sudhir cried"push nidhi.."ashu tightened her grip..on her shoulders n said"nidhi push..come on..my brave girl.."n nidhi jabbed her teeth..on to the pad as she pushed..tears flowing from her eyes..sudhir tapped ashu.."see..ashutosh"dr ashutosh peered..n through the dialation he could see the head..."another pain wave..n nidhi pushed hard..as sweat covered her forehead..n ..lo..the baby's head emerged..beautiful..n bald..ashutosh was transfixed for a moment..sudhir shouted"three more pushes nidhi..come on..little girl"ashu closed in.."nidhi ..i can see the head..come on sweetheart..push karo..zor se..."nidhi moved in agony..n at the peak of the next wave..pushed hard..clutching her fingers into ashutosh's arm..the baby seemed to squim out just a little..she pushed again..but could not ..n the wave receeded..sudhir panicked"ashutosh..its shoulder dystocia..the baby's shoulder is stuck..."ashutosh looked up in panic..he gripped nidhi.."nidhi..the baby is stuck..plz push hard..jaan..plz"nidhi was incoherent in agony..the baby's torso ripping her birth canal..her face whitened..as the next contraction came..ashu seemed to give up..as the pushes were nt strong enough..n nidhi seemed to be losing concsiousness..ashutosh..tried to call her..but she did not respond..they looked at the monitor..pulse was weakening...Assistant dr spoke"sir we d lose both ..mother n child"..sudhir shouted "nidhi..push..or yourbaby will die..it will die nidhi"..the words seemed to stir the mother in nidhi..n she looked at a distraught ashutosh..n pushed ..with all her might..all her strength..all her love..as ashutosh held her shoulders..with all the love..all the care..all the pathos..his every fibre feeling the pain that his nidhi eas suffering...n as nidhi looked into his eyes..she pushed harder..n "eee"the labor room was filled with a rapturous cry as the baby emerged..ashutosh..couldnt believe his eyes..beholding his..SON..A LOVELY..BABY..N THEN HE IMMEDIATELY LOOKED AT NIDHI..GASPING IN PAIN.."NIDHI..NIDHI..ITS A BOY..YOUR SON..OUR SON" NIDHI 'S EYES WERE DAZED AS DR ASHUTOSH PULLED OUT THE AGONY PAD..N SHE GAVE A WEAK SMILE...DR SUDHIR HANDED ASHUTOSH THE SCISSORS..TO CUT THE UMBILICAL CHORD..ASHU DID IT..AND AS HE LOOKED AT NIDHI..THE NURSE TOOK THE BABY AWAY..NIDHI SEEMED TO CALL ASHU BY HER HAND..ASHU CAME CLOSE"BOLO SWEETHEART..YOU D SOON BE BETTER.."NIDHI TOUCHED HIS FACE N WHISPERED"WOH THEEK HAI NA.."??N DR ASHUTOSH NODDED..AS HE HELD HER HAND N KISSED IT.."THANK YOU NIDHI.."N NIDHI WINCED.."DR SUDHIR"SHOUTED THE NURSE...

sudhir bent to examine nidhi as the assistant dr priyanka,cleaned the fountain of blood gushing from nidhi...ashutosh looked up.."whats it sudhir.."..sudhir replied"episitomy...ashutosh ..the baby's shoulder has torn her birth canal..to some extent..but dont worry..we will control the bleeding.."n as dr sudhor began giving instructions to dr n nurses..ashutosh held nidhi n said"aaraam karo..try to sleep..you need rest..."n kissed her on the forehead..as nidhi seemed going into slumber..just as sudhir was himself cleaning n dressing her..after the delivery...Ashutosh looked at the monitor..all indicators were normal..he heaved a sigh of relief...n went to the nursery..but not before having a long look at his beloved titli..who had filled his world with even more sweetness,colours n joy...

Ashutosh looked at dr khanna..as he handed him over his baby boy..all wrapped up in a tiny sheet..ashutosh extended his arms..n took the baby..fair..beautiful ..n bald..n indeed big...ashutosh..could not comprehend the storm of emotions ..the churning within him...all his latent desires..his deep love..his yearning seemed too small for this moment..the beauty of holding his baby in his arms surpassed everything that he had or could have imagined..his eyes filled with tears..tears of ultimate bliss as he sftly kissed the baby..on his forehead..just as he always kissed its mother...

"He is perfectly normal,healthy n birth weight is 9.4 pounds.."explained dr khanna.."you can hold him..i understand the excitement..but plz see to it that those who hold him are clean.."ashu nodded..saying"i will just get back to you dr..n thank you"

Ashutosh took the baby ..holding him in his arms..everyone outside was waiting..but before them..before everyone else..it had to be nidhi..his mother..who had suffered so much..risked her life to bring him into the world...ashutosh..went into the special privare room where nidhi had been shifted..dr sudhir emerged n looked at the baby..sleeping inhis father's arms.."congrats..hardstone..great..but be careful..you may go in but dont wake her up..she is v weak n tired..the bleeding will take some time you see..but she seems quite stable..no worries.."ashu looked at sudhir"i cant thank you enough..but thank you sudhir..."sudhir patted him n went out..

Ashutosh entered the room..with the baby..nidhi lay..sleeping..he looked at the monitor..n then crooned to the baby.."dekho..tumhaari mamma..dekho.."n it seemed the baby heeded him n opened his dark..big eyes..before closing them 8nce again..ashutosh sat cl8se to nidhi..looked at her..white n weak...but seeming to smile..he just kept looking at her..then he slowly..v slowly took the baby n took his face close to his mother's..at the first touch of her child..nidhi seemed to stir..but didnt..rather couldnt open her eyes..the fatigue..the pain..thought ashutosh..He just held the baby to her..his little chubby pink cheek against her..pale face..n tried to assimilate this moment in his heart n mind..forever n ever..He withdrew quietly lest the baby might disturb nidhi..n came out..looking at his nidhi..tired n frail..but out of danger...so he thought..

Outside,in the gallery..there seemed a riot of joy..baba..dadibua..were just overjoyed..as ashu showed them his..n nidhi's bundle of joy..col verma ordered sweets for the entire hospital..n shyaama aunty held the baby,..n looked up at ashutosh.."nidhi kaisi hai"??ashutosh nodded..cleared his throat..as if trying to contrl his emotions n said"theek hai..par bleeding ho rahi hai..so she is not to be disturbed.."baba n armaan looked worried"ashu..koi danger to nahi.."as db n cv looked concerned.."nahi..she is stable..but under observation..."sweets arrived n dadibua n baba fed each other n the rest..anji who had just arrived hugged ashutosh before pushing a laddoo in his mouth.."eee"the baby seemed to be woken up with the commotion and shyama rocked him...'"aaa"then ashutosh took him..snuggled him cclose..as baba n armaan..stroked it..n in no time the bundle of joy was sleeping again..armaan joked"kitna aalsi hai..bilkul apne baap pe gaya hai..."n all laughed..as sister came to take the baby back to his nursery..Ashu..seeming relaxed said"aap sab ghar jaayie..mai aur armaan rukte hain..phir shaam ko .."

Just then dr priyanka came running frantically for dr sudhir.."sir..sir..nidhi is ..is having uncontrolled bleeding..she is sinking.."..n ashutosh froze..his newly found paradise seemed slipping from his hands..but he wont let that happen..he would never let his nidhi go away from him..he had promised her that..n he never broke his promises,.never..ever..

Dr ashutosh rushed into the room with dr sudhir..nidhi was bleeding profusely..her pulse n heart beat were weak indeed..dr ashutosh looked at dr sudhir..his face distraught..sudhir looked at nidhi n then said"ashutosh she is having..post partum..excessive uterine bleeding..dr ashutosh looked at nidhi..n then spoke"so what can we do"??dr sudhir said.."first oxytocin injection..that should constrict the arteries..n control the bleeding"sudhir was ready with the injection..as he searched for nidhi's vein..ashutosh helped..as nidhi's veins were always difficult to find..dr sudhir injected the oxycotin.."we d have to wait for 30 minutes.."said sudhir..as ashutosh slumped on the sofa in the room..sudhir patted him n went out.

Outside ,baba confronted dr sudhir n he told him everything..n added"as of now..she is in danger but i m trying my best.."col verma came n held baba's hand..."nandini bhi..nidhi ke janam ke kuch ghante baad hi..."baba looked at him n patted him..understanding how difficult it must be for col verma..how nandini's death must be haunting him..baba too had regretted his daughter's death v badly..but his pride had never let him build bridges with his son in kaw..till life in its own strange way had thrown them together..baba collected himself n said"dont panic colonel..puchchees saalon me medical science ne bahut taraqqi kar li hai..nidhi..nidhi ko kuch nahi hoga"..armaan tried to calm down dadibua..who was crying softly..feeling her bachchi was slipping out...of life..

In the room,ashutosh checked nidhi..she was still bleeding profusely..n looked whiter..dr ashutosh..strode out to dr sudhir..sudhir came in immediately...he looked at ashutosh n spoke"i feel i will have to do uterus massage..that is the last option..oxytocin hasnt been enough..n i cant reinject the hormone.."Dr ashutosh stood by as dr sudhir wore his gloves n inserted his fingers for the medical procedure..pressing n cleaning the uterus..still v tender from child birth..nidhi convulsed..in agony..ashu held her..she opened her eyes..it seemed she wanted to say something but the pain was just too overpowering..n she seemed to lose consciousness again..the monitor continued to show a weak pulse..dr sudhir cleaned of mucus,bloodvessel breakage..n said"lets wait..i feel it will help..come ashutosh.."n as ashutosh n sudhir entered ashutosh's cabin..baba entered n spoke"can you tell me..what is nidhi's condition..does she have a chance.."?ashutosh just looked at baba..unable to share with him that nidhi was in danger..n he was helpless..sudhir spoke"sir i am trying my best,..but bleeding is not stopping..have tried uterus massage,oxytocin injection but not much help...transfusion will only be a temporary help.."baba cut him short..."hey doc..i am not a gynaec..but in our times in such cases..the patient was made to breast feed the baby n as you know that releases natural oxytocin..so i suggest.."sudhir stood up..and said"i think sir..you have given us a ray of hope..."dr ashutosh added"we should transfuse blood first...shouldnt we"?sudhir nodded..n strode into nidhi's room as ashutosh rushed to dr ranganath..trying to do all that was possible..n make the impossible ..possible.

As the blood came..ashu entered to help dr sudhir..who was fumbling to find nidhi's ultra thin veins..ashutosh..rubbed her arm and inserted the needle into the vein..wincing...but as he looked up nidhi was still..unaware of the agony..the pain the danger..ashutosh could not bear it..n walked out..

His feet took him to his cabin..he sat on his chair..n closed his eyes..finding it difficult to gulp that life could fulfil all his desires..only to rob him..the very next moment..he couldnt believe it..couldnt take it...in his mind flashed innumerable images of nidhi..nidhi entering his hospital room as he lay injured..nidhi weeping as she turned away in kerala..nidhi hugging him before the engagement,..nidhi sleeping on the nuptial bed...nidhi ..nidhi..nidhi...n suddenly he felt nidhi call him"dr ashutosh..."he got up..with a start..there was no one..

Ashutosh entered nidhi's room..the transfusion was complete..n she weakly opened her eyes..looked at ashutosh..n closed them again...ashutosh came close ...n from his coat pocket he took out the mangalsutra that the nurse had taken off n handed him before the delivery..he sat n touched nidhi's cheek..god so pale..n as she opened her eyes,dr ashutosh took the mangalsutra n put it around her neck...just as he had done..2 years back..at their wedding..nidhi looked into his eyes..n he held on to her...with that deep gaze..the meaning of which only she understood...her ashutosh was not permitting her to go anywhere away from him...how could she disobey him...she closed her eyes gor a moment ..as if to say.."samajh rahi hoon ..kya kehna chahte hain..aap"ashutosh pushed her hair back..n stood up..to face dr sudhir.

"Now...what sudhir"??asked ashutosh..sudhir closed his eyes for a moment..n then said..lets take the gamble..try to make her feed the baby..i d tell the nurse to call dr khanna.Dr khanna arrived.n listened to the novel course of treatment..he said"theoritically it sounds correct but i have never seen it being practised..but lets try..so should i tell the nurse to help mrs ashutosh feed the baby..she is conscious..isnt she"?just as dr sudhir was going to say yes,dr ashutosh intervened"gentlemen..if you permit..i d help nidhi..feed..the baby.."dr sudhir n dr khanna were taken aback..dr khanna spoke"sir,i hope you know suckling doesnt happen v naturally..both the mother n the baby need help...can you.."??ashutosh nodded...dr khanna sent for the baby..who was awake..Ashutosh took him in his arms again n entered nidhi's room

Holding the baby to his chest..he v carefully rotated the lever of nidhi's bed to raise the upper half..n then came n sat close to nidhi.He touched her cheek..n as she opened her eyes..he held the baby out to her...nidhi was seeing her son for the forst time..she tried to speak..she tried to smile..but all that she could manage was tears...Ashutosh wiped her tears n kissed her on her forehead..n then said"dekho..he is hungry..doodh pilaaogi plz"??nidhi looked at the baby..their labour oflove..looking at her..with his eyes wide open..n then as he uttered a cry..nidhi 's trance was broken..n she nodded..Ashutosh carefully opened the string of her gown n carefully held the baby to her bosom..literally guiding the infant's tiny mouth to the fountain of life..of energy ..of the unbreakable bond with his mother...the baby didnt suckle..ashutosh carefully put nidhi's arm around him..n touched ..nudged the little cheek with his finger...the baby began to suckle..slowly n then greedily...as the yellow nectar flowed from a seemingly pale nidhi..As the baby suckled..nidhi closed her eyes..savouring the moment...how she had waited for it...each day ..each hour over the last 9 months..as tears flowed from her closed eyes..ashu put his free hand under her chin n asked"dard ho raha hai..."??nidhi didnt open her eyes..just shook her head..to say NO..The baby seemed to fall asleep..ashu touched him..awakening..n then turned to the other breast..the baby seemed a fast learner..and as he drank..he seemed to kick...with energy. n ashutosh smiled..while tears flowed freely from nidhi's eyes..ashutosh didnt wipe them..he just held the baby..to her bosom..closing his eyes...to pray ..that the miracle worked...It indeed was a divine sight..the baby held in his father's arms..suckling his mother..n playing n k7cking in her lap..as she ..even in her frail state..seemed to be rejuvenated from the experience..
TERE MERE MILAN KI YE RAINA..
NAYA KOI GUL KHILAYEGI..TABHI TO CHANCHAL HAIN TERE NAINA..DEKHO NA..
JAISE KHELE CHANDA BADAL ME..KHELEGA WOH TERE AANCHAL ME..
CHANDANIYA GUNGUNAAYEGI..TABHI TO CHANCHAL HAIN TERE NAINA..DEKHO NA...

THE BABY WAS FAST ASLEEP..N SO WAS NIDHI..ashutosh took the baby n handed him outside to the nurse..came back to tie nidhi's gown..n then just sat next to her..holding her hand..n waiting for a smile on those lips...At 6 in the morning..dr sudhir examined nidhi again..the bleeding was only a trickle..n her pulse had stabilised...she was out of danger...Ashutosh seemed to have regained his paradise..he came out n hugged baba...the old man tousled his hair.."maine kaha tha na..imtihaan me hausla nahi tootna chahiye..."n ashutosh smiled...seemingly after a dark night ..the sun was shining..dadi bua was hyper as usual.."aspataal se chutti kab milegi..chati bhi to karni hogi..."baba took control n said"samdhanji..abhi nidhi ko stablize hone deejiye..she is the first priority..."

The nurse came to ask ashutosh if he had baby clothes or d he wear the hospital ones..ashutosh quickly opened the bag..n handed over a lovely blue baby suit n sweater to the nurse..n then when she came out with the baby..ashutosh made him wear the blue booties..knitted by nidhi..each fragment had the warmth of her love..her undying commitment..The baby was awake n all took turns to take him in their arms..finally baba handed him back to ashutosh..."ja leja nidhi ke paas.."

Nidhi was awake..she smiled as she saw the father n son..dr ashutosh handed over the baby to her..n she just looked at him for long..n then hugged him..."oooeee"the baby cried..n nidhi spoke"kya hua..papa ke paas jaana hai"??n as ashu came close..both observed the baby pout..just as nidhi ..a wide grin came on ashus face..as he bent n kissed..first the baby...n then nidhi...his nidhi...n time stood still...saluting their eternal love...