Chapter - 14

Location - Hospital

As Nandini stepped into the hospital - an emergency rushed in of an old Man who had suffered a cardiac arrest and was critical. She din't even get a chance of greeting anyone or going to her Cabin. The patient was shifted in the ICU and Nandini along with her two juniors - took the responsibility of the case. After examining the Patient, Nandini informed his relatives that it being a third attack, he needs to be operated immediately. The patient's family seemed penurious and their faces fell with the news that was broken to them. The family had an elderly woman - probably his wife and three daughters. After getting the information, they started requesting the authorities to begin the operation and they would deposit the money later but the hospital rules were against this. Nandini was observing all this standing outside the ICU as she was instructed to cease the treatment - against her wish - because the so - called authorities felt that his family will not be able to afford and if they begin the treatment then they will be at loss. She was pacing impatiently in the corridor - cursing the hospital Mastery for giving more importance to money and constantly peeking through the Mirror to check the scathing Patient. Realizing she would loose the patient if he wouldn't be operated and Not able to take barbaric comportment of the infirmary anymore - she barged to the reception and deposited a Cheque of 10 Lacs on the patient's name.

As soon as the amount was cleared - she hastened with her team to the OT where the patient was to be operated. The nurses and other interns assured the panicked menage that the patient was being operated by a conscientious and adroit surgeon - an aficionado in cardiology who had never lost any of her cases. The family was relieved on hearing her praises and awaited a good news. After 7 long hours of onerous open-heart and bypass surgery, Nandini came out of the OT - with a positive news - maintaining her doyen persona and successfully accomplishing her 25th cardiac surgery - an intervention in which she has excelled with her bravura. The family expressed their heartfelt gratitude towards her for coming in their lives as an angel and saving the life of their only support system but Nandini politely shooed away the credit saying that she was just a medium and all this was done by the Almighty. The elderly woman kissed her forehead and blessed her for a bright future - a favor which she returned with a warm smile.

As she was given a week leave - Nandini had two shifts that day and it was definitely going to be strenuous as she had 6 on - going cases to monitor. She sighed going through the schedule but smiled thinking that at the end of the day - her all strain and fatigue would vanish as soon as she would get into his arms. Finding that she had about 25 minutes of break before getting back to the work - she moved to the canteen to sip a cup of coffee that would help in reviving some energy. She was discussing random topics with her colleagues sitting in the canteen when she heard the news of cancellation of all international flights for the next 4 days - flashing on the TV screen - due to heavy fog. Her face fell instantly hearing the news and a forlorn clouded her spirits - How was she going to stay without him for the next four days? How will she be able to sleep? What about Manik? How will he manage without her?- a multitude of questions bombarded her mind together. She literally ran to her Cabin and reached out for her phone to find several Missed calls and messages from Manik. The Last Message read an apology with a crying emoticon. Her eyes brimmed with tears just at the imagination of not seeing and sensing him around for four days. She dialed his number instantly - but it was unreachable. By that time - her break was also finished and her pager started beeping continually. Not able to gather any other words - she just replied in a hmm with a sad and a crying emoji and keeping the phone in the bag - walked out of the Cabin and began with her rounds.

The day seemed 10 folds more grueling to her with the traumatic news of such a long delay in his return - but she wasn't the one to back off or be careless with her patients due to her personal problems. After what seemed like an eternity, she flumped in her car after getting over with the shift and the chauffeur drove her to her home. Her all time bright face was cheerless and void of her smile - she was not able to digest the fact that she have to stay without him for four long days just because of a stupid fog. Muttering silent malisons to the haze with an evident anathema towards it - she walked up to the room straight - vexed and dejected. As she opened the door of her room - her face lit up for a moment on seeing him sitting on the bed in his vest and shorts - but the next second her smile disappeared fathoming the impossiblity of him being there and that she was just fantasizing.

Closing the door, she threw her handbag on the couch and sauntered towards the dressing table. She eyed his staring and smirking reflection in the mirror and complained sadly, while removing her jewelry This is so bad Manik. You promised me that you will be back but you din't come and you are not even going to - for the next 4 days. How am I going to manage without you? Papa ese kaise karte hain kya baby ke sath? Baby akele kaise rahega? She had tears in her eyes by now but she blinked them away and continued But what can Papa do? All this because of the stupid fog. How I wish the airport was under my control. I would have allowed the flight from Dubai. But .. She saw his image giggling and said making an angry pout Here I am dying missing you and you are laughing? You are such a Monster Manik! She huffed like a child and got into the washroom stomping her feet.

Getting freshened up and changing into her baby pink night suit - she walked in to find him still relaxing on the bed. She walked towards the Mirror and said while brushing her hair See! I Love You so much. You are not here. But still I am able to see you. I miss you so much Papa. Please comeback soon to baby. She sighed and took out one of his blazer and wore it to feel him close. She saw the imaginary Manik chuckling and walked towards him and said folding her hands across her chest Go away! You are not real - no talking no touching and no kissing. Its hurting me more. Saying this she turned to go but was startled by his hold on her hand - trying to stop her. She expectantly looked up and saw him still there. Her face glowed like a 1000 watt bulb and she sprung in his arms like a kid - while he just laughed on her reaction and crushed her in his arms proving that he was real and not her imagination.

He caressed her hair gently and asked How is my chotu baby? Itna miss kiya papa ko? She tightened the hug and replied The word miss is an understatement. I can't tell you how much I wanted to be with you. I thought I won't see you for next four days. Manik smiled and said How can I break the promise I made to my baby? I had to come as I know my baby can't stay without me. She broke the hug and hurriedly kissed him - still not fully convinced that him being there was a reality and not any dream. He kissed her back - clearing her doubts and lay down with her on the bed - still holding her in his arms. They pulled apart feeling the need to breath and she asked cupping his cheek and stroking her thumb on his mole Per Manik how did you come? And if you were coming then woh sorry wala message kiun bheja tumne? He wrapped his arms around her waist and answered nuzzling her neck When I came to know that the flights are cancelled, I called you so many times but you din't pick up. I tried talking with the airport supremacy but when nothing worked out - I accepted defeat and messaged you. But when I saw my baby's sad reply - I asked Manager to get the chopper which he did. And now I am here with you. God! I missed you so much. And I just saw how much you missed me. He sneered recalling her ranting a few minutes ago. She hit him on his arm and asked Toh atey hi kiun nahi bataya? You wanted to trouble me? You are very bad Manik. He pecked on her lips and replied resting his forehead on hers Bata deta to tumhari yeh cute complaints miss hujati. And I wanted to see the glow on your face on finding me here - in real. I Love you soo much. She too kissed his lips and replied enfolding him in her tiny arms I Love You More. Mujhse kabhi door mat jana Manik. I can't tell you how I felt when I heard that news. He smiled and said relaxing himself on his elbow, beside her and caressing her cheek I know baby. And main tumse door kiun jaunga? I would rather die. Chodo yeh sab. Dinner kiya ya sirf ghusse se mera chotu tummy bharliya? She tee-heed and replied tracing her stomach I am really hungry - but you know na I don't eat when I am sad.

He swiftly spooned her in his arms and said, walking downstairs How dare you keep my teeny baby starving? Now you have to eat double food as punishment. She poked his stomach and replied Okay! One part I will eat and other part Papa. He seated her on the sofa and said pulling her cheeks Accha? Papa se smartness? You naughty bairn. Saying this he set his fingers in motion - tickling her and making her caper on the sofa and guffawing watching her frolic belly laugh. She freed herself from his grip and ran about the house, cavorting and rollicking like a 5 year old as he chased her.

The house filled with their chortles and the old servants silently blessed the couple and admired the transformed vibes of the house which was once desolate and hushed like a beast's den - now echoing with merry and laughter.

Manik caught her from her waist and twirled her in the air - a juvenile gesture which she always enjoyed like a baby. He veered her about suddenly and squeezed her in his arms - lifting her from the ground and said kissing her head My Baby! I Love You shooo much! She enclasped him and replied Baby Loves You more. He smiled and carried her to the dining hall in the same stance - sheathing her in his arms and reposed her on the table. Breaking the hug he summoned the butler and asked him to get food in a plate. The next second, he was back with an ashet of South Indian vivers. Manik signaled him to leave after taking the plate and started feeding Nandini, pecking on her lips after every morsel. She too did the same and said chumbling the food Agar tum mujhe roz aise hi khilaogey to mujhe aadat hujaegi. Aur phir tumhe aise hi mujhe khilana padega roz. He popped a skerrick into her mouth and replied, pecking her chewing pout Honey do aadat. I will be more than happy to feed my baby daily. They finished the meal and went to the balcony with Turkish delight - a bonne bouche loved by both - and lay on the swing - cuddling each other and gazing stars - relishing the sweet savory.

Manik gently massaged her hair and asked entwining their fingers So How was the day today? Bohot zyada kaam toh nahi tha na? She snuggled close to his bosom and replied in a low tired voice It was a very hectic day Manik. The moment I entered an emergency arrived. She paused abruptly and then continued with a scruple - filled toneWoh Manik I had to tell you something. The patient who was taken into emergency needed to be operated immediately and they seemed indigent. The authorities were being jerks concerning the fee while the patient was struggling for life so .. She paused and eyed Manik hesitantly - who was attentively listening to her. He gestured her to complete the sentence and she added So I paid for him. I know you won't mind me spending money at all but I should have asked you once. The amount was .. She was shushed by a soft kiss on her lips by Manik. She gave him a perplexed look and he dropped a kiss on her forehead - cupping her face in his hands and said I am proud of you Nandini. I don't want to know how much less or more the amount was. I Love spending on you and I feel more good when you rightfully expend what I earn. Every penny is yours Baby. Even if you squander money - which you definitely won't - then also you don't need to give me any explanation. Its you for whom I earn and you have more right to everything I own - and I don't have to tell you this Nandini. Its your money - you can do whatever you want to do with it. Okaye? She just smiled and fused her lips with his - touched by his answer. It was a slow and sedate kiss - of Love and reverence.

They broke the kiss and she rested her head on his chest - listening to his tranquil heartbeats. He took out a pyxis and forwarded it to her keeping it on his palm. She looked up to him and askedManik yeh kya hai? He huddled her closer against himself and answered Yeh mere baby ke liye gift hai. Open it. Being an enthusiastic soul - when it came to gifts and surprises - she grabbed it from him and opened it to get a pair of curlicue ruby and diamond danglers. She run her fingers on them and said They are so pretty Manik. But how did you Manage in such a short span of time. You had a jam-packed schedule I remember - then? And it wasn't necessary. He tenderly removed her earrings and replied tucking the new ones It was necessary. And tumhare liye I always have time. Hmmm. Now they are looking beautiful - after getting linked with you. Saying this he kissed her earlobes making her blush and shiver. He was adoring her lovingly when suddenly something struck him and he exclaimed Oh My God! She gave him a puzzled look and he continued excitedly Today you had a surgery right? That means you have completed 25 successful surgeries. Congratulations sweetheart. Saying this he took her in his arms while she felt happy at the new found information about herself and more than that, she felt elated - seeing him keeping an account of even such minutest happenings in her life.

He bussed on her temple and said Sorry Nandini! I din't know about this earlier. Had I known, I would've bought a gift for you. Sorry! Nandini parted and replied incredulouslySeriously You are unbelievable Manik. Abhi abhi toh tumne gift diya na. Still you are saying sorry. Pagal ho tum Manik. He jerked her closer and said Yes I am crazy. For you. And this one is a returning gift. No worries. Tomorrow you will get the reward for your feat. She smiled and snaked her arms around his neck and sang in candied voice Chanda ne pucha taaron se. Taaron ne pucha hazaron se. Sabse pyara koun hai? Manik raised his eyebrows - asking the answer to her own question and she rejoined rubbing her nose with his Papa! Mere Papa! He laughed at her antic and said engulfing her in his arms Aww! My cute little ankle - biter. My Babyness. I Love you so much! She buried her face in his chest and replied I Love you More. She tilted her face a little upwards and dropping a soft kiss on his jaw, cosied herself in his warmth. He saw her yawning and said skimming his fingers on her hair My baby is very tired. Chalo lets sleep. Then tomorrow again you have to wake up early. She just hmmed in a dozy state and fell asleep as soon as he placed her on the bed and snuggled her in his arms - not before wishing him a good night with a kiss. He wasn't sleepy so he just lay next to her, beholding her cherubic and serene face - pecking it ever so lightly every 2 minutes and smiling thinking of her adorbs. After a few minutes of adoring he too slipped in slumber, unknowingly.

The next morn, Nandini woke up and saw the time and was shocked to find that she had only half an hour for getting ready. She speedily jumped out of the bed, awakening him and ran into the washroom for getting ready. Seeing her hustle - bustle, Manik realized they slept for long and nimbly readied her stuff and breakfast. She ran back into the room drying her hair and sighed a relief on finding everything prepared. She saw him standing near the mirror - waiting with a sandwich and a cup of coffee. She strode towards the mirror and started with her adorning - while he fed her like a mother does when a child happens to get late for school - ignoring all her cribbing and protests. At last, she was all set for work and that to before time. She quickly gave him a morning hug and a kiss and vamoosed to the hospital giving necessary warning to have breakfast.

After her egress, Manik too freshened up and called Fab 4 while on the breakfast table. He asked all of them to join him as they had to start with their next album in queue. All of them agreed and were at the Mansion within half an hour. They were busy with their music when a servant came and informed Manik that Neonika had made an appearance. Her Name was enough to make his blood boil but controlling himself, he stormed towards the hall to see her sitting comfortably on the sofa. He coldly asked the reason for her arrival and a usual bickering started. First she began with her sham of her missing him but on his offish and obvious derision she revealed that she had run out of Money and that she was there to take some from him. He plainly denied her not-so-humblerequests or rather orders - which enraged her and a wrathful brawl brewed up. When all her ruses and taunts seemed to have no effect on him - she used her last artifice of hurting him emotionally. And it worked, he was hurt by the prickling words of his so-calledmother. Though he said he din't love her but she was, after all his mother - whose words and actions did effect him.

Unable to stand her any longer - he signed a cheque of 1 crore and flounced upstairs to his room after stating that no one will call Nandini - as he din't want to trouble her. Having accomplished her motive, she left giving the smirk to the ones present in the hall. Though he had warned, Fab 4 knew that he needed only one person at this moment and that was Nandini. Without wasting a second, they dialed Nandini's number and fatefully it was answered.

Location - Hospital

Nandini was sitting in her Cabin - going through some files during her break - when she received a call from Cabir. She answered it in one ring and said Hey Cabir! Whats up? All okay? Cabir took a deep breath and narrated the entire incident to her. A trepidation of Manik harming himself welted her heart and she flee - footed the hospital citing a personal emergency.

Although they were open - book to each other, this was one lone topic - that they never discussed about. Even after such a long relationship, she din't know the mystery behind Neonika and Manik's relation. She had asked him once - but herself stopped him from talking about it - as she saw immense pain and hurt in his eyes. After that neither did he tell her about it nor she opened the topic. That grief and torment he feels talking about it - wrenched her heart so she never questioned him regarding this.

She directly zoomed upstairs on reaching the Mansion, to find Fab 4 patrolling the corridor, tension and fear visible on their faces. Mukti came near her and saidNandini Manik bohot ghusse me hain. Ander se kuch tootne ki bhi awaaz ayi thi. Go fast he needs you and please stop crying. She nodded and knocked the door lightly. Manik was sitting on the floor, next to the door with some broken pieces of glass - his eyes red with crying and anger and blood dripping from his hand. On hearing the knock he shouted asking everyone to leave him alone. Nandini turned to the Fab 4 and gestured them to leave. They complied and left asking her to call if needed.

She again knocked on the door to receive the same response. She felt him near the door and spoke in a low voice Manik! Baby its me. Please darwaza kholo. Please. Hearing her voice, he immediately opened the door and she felt a strong stab on her heart - seeing her life in such condition. She ran and embraced him in a bone crushing hug - fulfilling the empty space he was feeling - with her warmth and love. He hugged her back - so tightly that her body pained but she kept mum and rubbed his back - trying to calm him. When nothing helped, she broke the hug and melded her lips with his - kissing him, pouring all the love she had in it - ruffling his hair simultaneously to soothe him and it worked. He was pacified - the tempest within had composed - because of her presence. She pulled away and kissed his tears - weeping continuously herself. She made him sit on the bed and cleaned his wound. He saw her tears and wiped them while she was busy bandaging the cut. She smiled and kissed his wound as he watched her silently - her (Neonika's) words still ringing in his ears. She knew the stress he was having and she wanted him to open up to her so that he would get rid of the burden. She saw his pleading eyes that begged to take away the pain and she was more than ready to do so. She wiped her tears and also the lone tear that threatened to fall from his eyes. He was just staring at her - and she started singing - knowing it was time for her to become his mother and pamper him. She stroke his hair once and sang:

Apni aankhein khaali kar de ..

Kaash tu meri aankhein bhar de ..

Kaash tu meri aankhein bhar de ..

( She kissed his eyes softly and dropped a kiss on his forehead )

Mere yaara tere gham agar payenge,

Humein teri hai kasam hum sanwar jayenge ..

Mere yaara tere gham agar payenge,

Humein teri hai kasam hum sanwar jayenge ..

( She caressed his wound with tearful eyes and kissed it )

Do yeh saugaat tum tto zamaane ki hum ..

Do yeh saugaat tum tto zamaane ki hum ..

( She cupped his face in her hand and sang looking straight into his eyes )

Har khushi se mukar jayenge ..

Hum mar jayenge ..

ho o o o

Hum mar jayenge ..

( She stood up and dragged him with her to the garden - while he intently eyed her as her words were slowly replacing Neonika's )

Mere yaara tere gham agar payenge ..

Humein teri hai kasam hum sanwar jayenge ..

( She was well aware that he din't need sympathy but support. She din't want to make him feel vulnerable by talking to him. Instead, she made him sit on the garden swing and rested her head on his shoulder - reassuring that she is there with him - now and forever. She intertwined their fingers and continued, patting on his heart lightly with her other hand - trying to allay the ache in it )

Tere kaandhe se hi lag ke yaara beete umar saari ..

Socho kaisi hogi kismat hua yun tho phir humaari ..

Saare aansoon toh ho tere aur aankhein ho humaari ..

( She got up from the swing and danced a little in front of him to make him smile - herself holding back unshed tears and smiling. She pointed her finger at him and sang )

Tere dard humein jo mile pyaar mein ..

Tere dard humein jo mile pyaar mein ..

( She made him stand and wreathed her arms around his neck and continued )

Hum khushi se yun bhar jaayenge ..

Hum mar jaayenge ..

ho o o o

Hum mar jaayenge ..

( She kissed his lips softly and blinked her eyes - promising each and every word of the song to him)

Mere yaara tere gham agar paayenge ..

Humein teri hai kasam hum sanwar jaayenge ..

( Finally he smiled - moved and healed by her efforts - by her words. Her smile grew wider seeing him smile and she hugged him. He enclosed her in this arms and sang - running his fingers through her hair - telling her that he believes in every word of hers )

Chahe dukh ho chahe sukh ho dil ne tujhko hi pukaara ..

Tune humko hai banaaya tune humko hai sanwaara ..

( She was overjoyed seeing him sing - which was a sign that he was feeling better and that was what she wanted. She broke the hug and lifted her head to see his face, his arms still wrapped around her waist. He cupped her cheek with his hand and sang )

Jahaan ko rab ka hai humein tera hai sahaara ..

Bas tera saath ho ..

Chaahe jo baat ho ..

( Tears started flowing from her eyes - of ecstasy and euphoria - but whatever it may be - He couldn't bear them in her eyes. He mopped them away and continued )

Bas tera saath ho ..

Chaahe jo baat ho ..

Tere kehne se kar jaayenge ..

Hum mar jaayenge ..

o o o

Hum mar jaayenge ..

( She brushed her lips with his and he curled her up in his arms and walked to the room - whilst she sang )

Mere yaara tere gham agar paayenge ..

Humein teri hai kasam hum sanwar jaayenge ..

Mere yaara tere gham agar paayenge ...

Humein teri hai kasam hum sanwar jaayenge ..

He laid her on the bed and lazed himself on her - his arms girdled around her waist with his head on her heart - listening to her rhythmic heartbeats - hugging her like a child does and she massaged his hair - holding him close. He wanted to talk to her but was struggling with vocables. She understood it and spoke mildly Manik you don't need to say anything or take any sort of tension. Your star will handle everything. I promise you won't have to deal with her next time. I won't let her approach you. Nandini promise. Saying this she took her phone and dialed Vihaan's number - a very good friend of her and also a famous lawyer. She talked to him about the case, disclosing necessary information and requested to get Neonika a restraining order from court of staying away from Manik and also an edict - asking her to leave the city at once. Vihaan agreed at once as he had great esteem and respect for Nandini - and said that her work will be done by the next day. She thanked him and hanged up to find Manik eyeing her avidly. She pecked on his lips and said Aise kya dekhrahe ho Manik? I should have done this long back. I can't let anyone hurt you - forget anybody else - I can't give you the right to hurt yourself. She took his wounded hand and stated firmly signaling towards it This is the first and last time you have done this stupidity. Agey se kiya na toh mujhse bura koi nahi hoga. Okay? I Love You. He smiled seeing her behaving like him and replied bobbing his head like an obedient boy Okay Momma! I Love You too. She chuckled and felt happy seeing him getting normal. She nestled him close to herself and both of them closed their eyes for a short nap.

To Be Continued ..