Chapter - 24

Location - Hospital - ICCU - 3 PM

Its been an hour - but none of the two dared to move away from each other - she with the fear of him getting disappeared was clinging onto him and he was holding her close - in his warmth thinking of some way to console her disturbed senses; neither of them talking - just drinking each other's presence. Their moment was interrupted by the sudden push of the ICCU door by the nurse who had come to change Manik's dressing - but the abrupt feeble screech of the door startled Nandini and she jerked herself away from him taking his name; sweating and panting heavily. Manik immediately cupped her face and said, looking deep into her eyes as if speaking to her soul Baby Relax! Main yahin hoon! I am fine - See! She scanned him from head to toe and heaved a sigh - realizing it was just the sound of door getting opened. MaNan then shifted their gaze towards the nurse, who said while towing the dressing tray towards the bed I need to change his bandages. Nandini came near her and replied, taking the tray from her Aap jaiyye - I will do the dressing. Since she was a Doctor - that too of the same hospital - the Nurse left handing the needful things to her - complying to her order. At first - Manik din't like the idea of Nandini treating him as he knew the wounds would hurt her all the more but then he thought it was high time for Nandini to get out of the dread and face the truth - see his bruises and get busy in curing them instead of drowning more in the terror of what could have happened.

She sat near him and removed his shirt after unbuttoning it with quivering hands; she had sewed up a lot of injuries and had also cut skins and hearts without any hesitation but this time - she was trembling because the one she was treating was not any random person but her Love on whom she couldn't bear even a slightest scratch. Mustering all the courage she had left with after the incident; she unwrapped the bandages and he could clearly see how much she was horrified. Tears brimmed in her eyes and began flowing uncontrollably on seeing the gut - wrenching lacerations on his handsome body - she was feeling his pain; was living it just by the sight of them - by thinking how much they might be aching him. She dropped the cotton ball that was soaked in dettol - not willing an ounce to make him endure the sting that the chemical would cause and bowed her head down in front of him - weeping covering her face with her hands. Manik too was teary seeing her crying but he blinked them away as it was time to talk and not shed tears - he thought. He softly caressed her hair and said, loud enough to fall into her ear as a whisper Nandini Look at me. She shook her head in a no in the same position and knowing she won't, he slowly removed her hands from her face and said, lifting it by cupping her chin Apni aankhein Kholo Nandini. Mere liye. He had brought it on his name - which made it impossible for her to resist and she opened her eyes at a snail's pace. Manik kissed away her tears and started explaining, calmly, locking her eyes with his Nandini! This is not you. In these 6 years - I had made my Nandini a strong girl. Papa's tigress. This weakness is not my Nandini's trait. You are strong Nandini. This time finally she replied amidst tears, looking into his eyes I am not strong Manik. Not when it comes to you. No one has any idea how important you are to me Manik. You made me your star - I had promised you to always protect you, but I couldn't - I failed Manik. Usne tumhe mere saamne shoot kiya - do baar and I couldn't do anything. I couldn't save you. She paused and continued, tenderly skimming her fingers on his stitches Kitna khoon behraha tha tumhara - Poison had spread in your body. Tumhe kitna dard horaha hoga and its all my fault. I couldn't safeguard you. Tumhe kuch hojata toh main kya karti Manik? I would have become an orphan again. I wish yeh bullets mujhe lagi hoti - I wish main tumhari jaga .. She was shushed by Manik - who kept his finger on her lips. He was carefully listening to every word of hers - letting her pour her heart out to him - but he couldn't - not even at the cost of his life or this entire world's price - let her make a wish - which would give her pain. He pulled her closer holding her shoulders and stated sternly This is the first and last time you have said this Nandini. You have right to be at my place only when there is happiness. His eyes again turned sensitive and he asked, spooning his palm on Nandini's cheek Kya tumhe sacchi me lagta hai ke in do bullets mein ya in zakhmon me itni strength hai ke woh mujhe tumse door kardenge? His words had managed to strike the right chords and she instantly gestured a No - seeing which he smiled and continued Toh phir why are you so afraid Nandini? You know why nothing happened to me? Because only my body is hurt - not my soul and heart - which are with you. I don't say simply that my life resides in you Nandini; I mean it and it actually does. My Love and Promises are not weak; they are equally true as is the existence of your Aiyappa. Nothing and No one in this universe can tear us apart. I Love You too much to leave you alone in this cruel world. And I am sure, we would breathe our last together; in each other's arms because your Aiyappa knows that our souls are tied in a cemented bond - he cannot pull out one leaving the other. And about you being my star - You are and will always be. You are not the one to give me this pain but the one who had brought me back to life. I got up because I knew you were waiting for me. You have changed me but you have somewhat become like me - taking all the blame on your head even when you are not at fault. Don't do this Baby. Your pale skin, the disappearance my beautiful smile and your numbness is million times more hurtful that these wounds. Please don't torture yourself. Heal me with your love and smile. Papa needs you. I Love You so much! This consolation by him was the medicine to her suffering. She was healed; re - born and enlivened with his words - assured that he was, is and will always be with her and she was wrong at doubting his promises and letting her faith in their Love quake. All she did was, mopped his tears and fused her lips with his, kissing him ardently - while crying herself and he responded with equal love - and the kiss spoke volumes to him about the her longing. She broke the kiss - knowing his body can't afford getting breathless and said, joining their foreheads and holding his hand tightly between her palms I Love You So Much Manik. I Love you. He smiled the brightest; on finally hearing what he wanted to from so long but he was also aware of the fact that this was just the beginning of her recovery; though he was glad she had opened up - he knew it would take time for her to get back to normal and he was more than ready to give her.

He cupped her face in his hands and said, wiping the tears off her cheeks and said I know Nandini its not easy to forget everything - but promise me, you will not hate or hurt my chotu Baby. There won't be any advantage of these medication and bandages when my Life herself will be so much broken. You are the cure Nandini - tumhari smile dekhkar to mara hua aadmi bhi zinda hujaye; these two stitches are very trivial thing. At last, the smile did touch her lips putting his heart to rest and he added, smiling more broadly and pinching her nose Thats like my Baby. Always keep smiling baby - as this is my actual lifeline. Okay? She bobbed her head like a 2 - year old does when agreeing to his mother and then he said, pecking subtly on her eyes Good Girl! Kitne precious diamonds waste kardiye Baby ne - woh bhi Papa se bina puchey. So bad! Is hospital ko free me itna rich kardiya tumne. She giggled like a doll and seeing her light - hearted filled his entire being; each cell in his body with ecstasy and peace - bringing him back to life in actual from the death - like condition he was in - on seeing her shattered and petrified. He pulled her in for a hug; caring less about his wounds and said, bussing her head and letting the lone - tear of happiness escape his eye My Baby! I Love Sho Much! She was in need of the hug but she couldn't - like him - be heedless about his health so she broke the hug, kissed his tear and repliedI Love You More Manik. Now no more crying and only getting well soon. I don't like you on the hospital bed and also these contusions on my handsome body. She said the phrase 'my handsome body' sheepishly - causing his eye brow to raise and lips to twitch in a naughty smirk. He yanked her closer and said huskily, nuzzling his face in her hairYour handsome body eh? She blushed at his proximity but shooing it away, she replied boldly, after giving him a peck on his lips Yes My Body. Your everything is mine Manik - Just like you own every inch of my being. From your heart to soul to body including these wounds - everything belongs only to me. His smirk transformed into a warm smile seeing her care, possessiveness and protectiveness about him.

She freed herself from his hold and said, taking a fresh cotton ball and dipping it into dettol Baby it will burn. He felt ticklish hearing the word Baby after so long; it was a common word of Love to address a beloved and he used it very often but it seemed more dulcet to him for some unknown reason when she used it. He held her free hand and reassured Tum saath ho toh I can go through anything. She gave him a nervous smile - and began cleaning his wound gripping his hand tight; far more scared than him. Pins and Needles pierced Nandini's body when she touched his stitch with cotton and Manik forgot his pain seeing her goosefleshed instead of him - as if the torture was being given to her. Cabir - who had came back around 10 minutes earlier and was standing near the door; secretly noticing the two love birds was amazed - he knew their souls and hearts were connected or to be more precise - there was only one soul and a single heart that these two shared but he had never thought that even their bodies were connected. He was astonished on seeing Nandini getting goosebumps that should have been borne by Manik - who was smiling despite the acute searing sensation as if nothing was happening. He silently Thanked Navya'sMatarani for not letting anything happen to Manik and left for the canteen to gorge on some food after sending a mute Stay Blessed to his darlings.

Back in room, Manik was constantly collecting her tears which were ceaselessly dropping from her doe - eyes while she was tending his lesions; sedately and delicately - puffing her cheeks every now and then and blowing air on them which was making her look like a cute adorable tot - and Manik was busy in beholding his little bundle of joy with a smile playing on his lips. The sight was worth - admiration where love, care and pain were beautifully amalgamated including a special heart - warming repetitive scene of her crying and creasing of his brows whenever a tear fell from her eyes.

The work which takes hardly about 20 minutes or so - Nandini even on being an expert at it finished it in a whole one hour. She kissed on his wound before sliding up the shirt along his arms and asked, while buttoning it Is it paining a lot? He leaned close to her and replied, rubbing her nose with his When the most sweetest ointment is applied on them - your kiss - how can these wounds continue to hurt? She smiled and parted her lips on seeing his lips approaching but as a source of disturbance - a slight knock on the door left their business unfinished. Manik gave a vexed expression and Nandini permitted whoever was on the door to come inside. The Door opened and she swiftly stood up in respect, seeing a team of all the senior Doctors of the Hospital entering along with Angad - who had come to meet Manik personally as a way to show their esteem towards the ridiculously Famous Virtuoso and Heir of the Malhotra Industries and also - unknown to anyone except Nandini - a trustee of the hospital; along with some good news for Nandini; which they were sure she would love if disclosed in front of her husband.

She greeted everyone with utmost politesse and introduced them to Manik - who was acknowledging their presence warmly - maintaining his urbane and poised image that he was well - known for. Breaking the awkward silence that spread in the room, Angad came near Manik and asked So Mr. Malhotra! How are you feeling now? Manik smiled at him cordially and replied Much better Doc. Thank You. Angad returned the favor and then said, looking at NandiniMrs. Malhotra we have got some news for you. Do yo mind us breaking it in front of your husband? Nandini glanced at all her seniors who were having a smile on their faces and then she replied, perplexed What news? If its bad then I don't want to get embarrassed in front of my husband.She said cheekily making everyone laugh a little and seeing her get edgy, Manik said Go Ahead Doc. I am sure its some good news. My wife is brilliant and flawless at her work and thats a certainty. His trust and confidence in her forte opened the knots in her stomach and finally, revealing the surprise, Nandini's Senior said, looking at Manik Mr. Malhotra I am feeling really honored - to announce that Your wife had won the award for being the best cardiologist in the country; surpassing 12 others competitors who were nominated. Since she was on leave and busy with family; we din't inform her about the ceremony. We had attended the meet and received it on her behalf. And as a token of appreciation on completing 25 successful surgeries in an unbreakable row and as a reward for getting this fame to our hospital - we are reducing your working days to 4 in a week with a winsome increase in your salary. Not to mention - you have the title of being the top - notch cardiologist in the nation for the next two years and I am sure - you will retain this tag until you are in this field. Congratulations Mrs. Nandini Manik Malhotra aka the Victress. And please don't thank me - You deserve every bit of it. Manik's chest swelled to a extent that he felt it would jump out of this body with joy; his Baby had made him so proud that he wanted to boast about her success to the world.

He had touched and was a resident of the zenith of prosperity; he was a big cheese, a VVIP, a bigwig in himself and had emerged triumphant in every field he had stepped in but nothing matched the contentment; the exhilaration that came when people talked about and praised Nandini. He had his name but he loved - felt elated; when people addressed him as Nandini's husband and he so wanted her to be so successful that it over shadows him. Now when a diamond was studded in his Princess' Tiara of Success - he was in seventh heaven, on cloud nine; totally on a high and blissed out.

He grinned as wide as he could and conveyed a brief Thank You speech to Nandini's Aiyappa - looking up on the ceiling as if He was sitting there, for two things - One : Of Course for giving his Nandini the fruit of her hard work and dedication and Two : For sending this tiding in such a dire predicament when his Baby was so low and he was certain; if not anything much - this rescript would at least boost her sunken spirits. He saw her gorgeous face that was peely - wally since he had opened eyes; now glowing and her saddened eyes turning lucent - and he was as sure as eggs is eggs that it wasn't the effect of achievement but the gratification that was flooding out from his eyes and turning him pink with rhapsody. And to add to his euphoria, Angad said, passing a bunch of newspapers of various publishing companies - each flashing the entitlement of Nandini as the best surgeon on its front page And thats not it Mr. Malhotra. She is everywhere since the media was given the info i.e., yesterday. But circumstances din't let this news reach you. Have a look at these. Manik excitedly took the pile of 7 newspaper and ebulliently read just the headlines - saving the description to be perused later by him - that raved about Nandini's win; each alphabet pumping tons of proud in his already broadened chest. And about Nandini; she was - as he had thought - was serene seeing his enthusiasm. Her senior - who was an elderly man - came near her and said, patting her back in appreciation We are Proud of you Nandini. This victory is the result of your diligence - you are the sole contributor to your success. She smiled and replied, not moving her eyes off Manik Sorry Sir but this is not true. The sole benefactor behind this is my Husband. Had he been not there as my backbone and hadn't motivated me - I wouldn't be where I am standing now. Manik, as a matter of fact, was not going to take the credit but he kept mum - letting his eyes convey the denial to take the merit and she just smiled on reading exactly what he was showing.

Bringing their sub rosa talks to an end; Nandini's senior smiled warmly and saidOh If that is the case then why don't you receive the award from him - That would definitely be like a cherry on the cake. Mr. Malhotra! Please be the guest of honor. Nandini couldn't have asked for more - after all nothing could be a cut above than receiving an award from the person one loves the most. Having seen his Junior's nature and being au fait about it - he was sure her refusal to his proposal was out of question and not waiting for her to give an answer; he signaled a Junior Doc who stepped out of the room only to gather the entire hospital staff out in the corridor to witness the felicitation. Now this was something Nandini din't like a bit because for her - neither the award nor the recognition held more importance than Manik's recuperation which was surely going to get disturbed with this gathering; she wanted him to rest and not get all the more worked up by doing things which could wait until he gets completely fine. Being a Doc herself and now - the wife of the patient; she opened her mouth to resist but Manik being Manik - jumped in; knowing she was going to plainly dismiss the horde for his health, and said That would be such an honor for me Mr. Wadhwa. Understanding the changing expressions of annoyance on his friend's face, Angad spoke We know that you need to rest and it won't take more than 10 minutes. Manik replied immediately Oh its completely fine. I can bear that much. And before his little Phuljadi could start cracking, he lovingly held her hand in one and passed her the Trophy to her with another and she accepted it mirthfully; forgetting her irritation as she knew how important this moment was for him. The floor echoed with the round of applauds - that continued for a good 5 minutes and then; putting an end to the uproar - Nandini's Senior gifted a bouquet of red roses to her and said Congratulations Once again Nandini. And please accept the extension of your leave for another week as we know Mr. Malhotra needs you more than us. And we aren't doing any favor - its not even worth a penny compared to What you have given to our infirmary. She was just thinking of how to request about the extension of her leave and now she was granted with it without even having uttered a word; it was the best gift she thought she could get at this particular time and thanked her Senior profusely.

The hotel staff dispersed and the Doctors also took their leave after gifting another bouquet of White Orchids and a Basket of fruits to Manik as a greeting to Get well Soon. Post their exit, Nandini closed the door; put down the curtains on see through windows and started with her apology I am sorry Manik! You had to bear all this in this condition. He pulled her closer which made her to land up on the bed beside him and said, after kissing her forehead I am so so so proud of you Baby. I can't tell you how happy I am. Your smile had done 75% of the healing already and after hearing this news - I am fully cured. And you are apologizing? Let me get off this bed and you see - how much I will show off your success to the world. If you don't mind I want to keep this trophy at our home instead of your cabin. Can we? I Love you sho much Baby! Chalo ab batao what gift you want? She reposed her head on his shoulder, he cheek rubbing with his chest and replied, her lips brushing against his jawline Its more yours than mine. You can do whatever you want to with it. You have already given the biggest and most precious gift by coming back to me. All this is beautiful because you are with me. I don't want anything else. I Love You too. He couldn't hold back from bending down an inch and placed his lips on hers - kissing her ever so benignly as if her lips were made of glass; a little pressure and they would break. He pulled apart and took her in a side - hug; wrapping his one arm firmly on her waist and relaxed his forehead on hers, cupping her cheek with his palm and said, while she curled up in his arms - in her world - stroking his hair I had never gone Baby. How can I? Without you, Badi mushkil se I let you attend hospital - everyday - when you will be away from me for 7 long hours - that is 420 minutes which means 25, 200 seconds plus one hour additional of transport. She smiled at his precise calculation; touched by the manner in which he was trying to keep the smile intact on her lips.

He snuggled her more into himself and began cuddling with his softy - caressing her cheeks, playing with her hair - twiddling with her ear rings and frequently pecking on her lips; giving her the much needed mollycoddling while she was just watching him - his each breath filling life into her body. Their cuddly mo, was interrupted by someone's coughing and it din't took them even a second to identify the person as Cabir. Very much unlike to what usually happens, Nandini din't moved a hair - line space from her position - that amused both Manik and Cabir - but they din't tease or talk about it as they knew she needed his warmth to melt down her frozen skin. He greeted the love birds while seating near them - on the other side of Manik and asked emotionally You are feeling better right? Zyada pain to nahi hai na? Manik saw an outlandish and offbeat emotion in his eyes - one similar to what he has seen in Nandini's eyes along with a huge concern for his sister; he din't expect Cabir to get so scared and smiled, seeing the love he has for them. He just blinked his eyes in answer as he knew getting emotive would just add sadness to the air and then Cabir rejoined, holding Nandini's hand How is Baby? Bhai ko apni trophy nahi dikhaegi? Nandini gave him a cute pouty questioning look and he answered her question of how he knows, sayingLook mat de. I was watching everything from outside. Nandini's lips first shaped in an O and then she smilingly showed him the trophy. While he was busy ogling at the award of his baby sister, Manik lightly slapped his shoulder and asked Ander nahi aasakta tha? Bahar thairne ki kya zarurat thi? He had been too sentimental until now and adding humor to the scene, he replied Arey I knew sabke jaaney ke baad tum dono ka private congratulating session hoga. Agar main ajata toh woh pending list me chalajata na. Isliye I stayed outside. MaNan smiled kittenishly and avoiding further embarrassment, Manik asked concerned You had your food? Soya bhi nahi hai tu - teri shakal se lagraha hai. Aur Aarav and baaki sab kaise hain? Cabir smiled seeing him so bothered about everyone even when on the hospital bed and replied, caressing Nandini's hair who had just fallen asleep on Manik's shoulder, clasping the hem of his shirt and nuzzling her face in the crook of his neck My sister was so stressed - out and weak aur tujhe do do golian lagi - how can you expect me to get sleep? And sab theek hai - Aarav bas thodi zid karraha tha tum dono ke paas aaneki but Navya ne ussey samjhaker chup karadiya. Kal ayenge sab wapas milne. Manik nodded and then Cabir turned a little serious and asked, wrath clear in his tone Tujhe kya lagta hai Manik, kisne kiya hoga attack? Ya karwaya hoga? I have put the Police into action - Jo bhi hai na; I swear saaley ki jaan lelunga main. Bas ek baar woh mujhe miljaye. Manik too was furious, not because he was shot - but because his Doll had to suffer so much due to his deed. He stayed mum for few seconds and replied I Don't know Cabir. Aise achanak koi kiun karwaega? Anyways chod yeh sab. Police ko apna kaam karne de - phir hum apna kaam karenge. Cabir smirked understanding the meaning of his words but he chucked the topic and informed Wese media ya kisi ko kuch bhi nahi bataya humne bas Mr. Vadhera ko inform kiya and he readily agreed for extending the date of deadline. He just asked if he could pay a visit and I couldn't deny. He might come to see you. Manik let out a sigh and replied Hmm! Thats good. We got some time. Let him come - not a problem. Chuck all this - you lay down there on the couch and catch some sleep. Nandini bhi abhi soyi hai - tu bhi thoda rest karle. Cabir affirmed and occupied the couch to take a nap and Manik too fell asleep unknowingly while adoring Nandini.

To Be Continued ..