Present

“After that day I swore to myself that I will never show my face to Arvind and I would forget about everything to start a new life.”

“My internship was almost over so after a month of living in Gharonda, I moved here and applied for a neurologist. Rest you know.” I had tears in my eyes by the time I completed telling him about my past. The hurtful memories came alive in my thoughts.

“I can't believe, after everything he did to you, you still care for him.” Yash sighed, rubbing his face.

“For dadu. Dadu would never forgive me if anything happened to Arvind.” I interjected immediately. Yash stared at me not believing my words

“If you say so.” He said getting up. I took hold of his hand and he looked deep in my eyes.

“I want a little help from you Yash. Can you please do the further treatment of Arvind? I don't want to come in front of him.” I implored. He just kept staring at me and I thought he would deny but then he nodded patting my hand.

“Seriously speaking, I don't want to but for you I will do it.” He replied

“Thanks Yash. Tumhara ehsaan mai kabhi nahi bhulungi.” he just rolled his eyes playfully and left.

“Nandini…” he called when he reached the door.

“You are a very strong woman and have a heart of gold.” He said with conviction.

“Just like you?” I bantered.

“Yeah, just like me” he chuckled and shook his head. With final salute he left, leaving me with my thoughts.

Arvind gained consciousness and his further treatment started immediately. As Yash had promised he took Arvind’s case in his hands. He used to give me detailed updates and even asked for suggestions.
And as I had promised myself to never come in front of Arvind, I immersed myself in treating other patients.

It took nearly three months for Arvind to heal completely and stand on his legs. He had to go through lots of physiotherapies and treatment. He remained strong and beard all the hardships of treatments. These therapies are not easy, physical pain is extreme. He has a little limp in his right leg and also his one eye has gotten smaller than the other, but he will have to live with it. .At times I wanted to just have a glimpse of him and I used to hate myself for that. One day I was even in front of his room at night but luckily my brain stopped my irrational heart into going inside. Good that today he is getting discharged, now I won't have to hide here and there in the hospital to avoid him.

“Dr Nandini” someone called and I turned around to come face to face with Raghav. I gave him a small smile and was about to leave.

“Ap kaha thi? Bohat din se dikhi nahi” he asked with a frown.

“I was busy with an emergency” 

“Sir is getting discharged today and he wanted to meet you.”

Meet me?

“W..why” I stuttrred getting restless why he wants to meet me? Does he know about me?

“Oh you saved his life so he wants to thank you. Can you please come with me? He will be so happy to meet you…” he said with excitement.

“I…I have an emergency…I need to go.” I blabbered and dashed from there

Oh god that was so close. I was breathing heavily by the time I reached my cabin.

Yes, he is getting discharged today. Should I go and see him once? One last time before he goes away and I may never see him in this life. Just one last time.

This time my brain gave up against my hearts pleading so here I was hiding behind a pillar at the exit of the hospital. After 5 minutes Raghav and Arvind came out of the elevator and walked slowly towards the car waiting for them. My eyes were glued to his face, his dark brown hair was cut short and his chocolate eyes were empty. I prayed he would get all the happiness in life. They sat in the car and I turned to leave lost in my thoughts.  As I neared my corridor, Someone grabbed my arm and pinned me to the wall inside my cabin holding his palm on my mouth.

“Caught you, Mrs Nandini Arvind Singhania.” I heard a voice that I can never forget.