As soon as my phone starts ringing, I started looking for it with my closed eyes. In my mind I were speaking thousand abusive word to the person who was interfering during my sleep hours . I answered the call without even seeing the number on mobile screen .
" Hello , Who ? " I asked in my sleepy voice
" Hello Papa you are sleeping until now ? "
Yes Rosy actually this days my duty is in night shift that's why by the way anything urgent ? Call in the morning ? Mummy isn't it home? Or you are not getting the idea about how to convince your Maa for going to picnic ?
" Actually I am in hospital Papa , please come in City Hospital as soon as possible ", Rosy said amd then Rosy in fearful voice disconnected the call .
Hearing this, my sleep went away as students sleep go away hearing the result of examination
. I got up quickly and sat on the bed like a scared child as if right now I heard something about which I can't even imagine. Wearing shirt and jeans that were kept on the chair nearby. I quickly dressed up and I come out of the house locking the door I run so hurriedly on stairs as if they are running to somewhere and I too have to run with them.
As soon as I reached down I instantly ran towards the autorickshaw nearby and asked driver to drove City Hospital .
I sat inside as he nodded. Same thing were going in mind whole way "sometime I think about the quality time I spend with Monika. That precious time, when I propose Monika for marriage and God gave us the precious gift "Rosy". My mind is asking me thousands of questions.
" What if something would have been happened to Rosy ? "
As my mind were threading all the points driver broke my attention saying " Sahab we reached to City Hospital "
I instantly paid him pulling out the money from my pocket and running I went inside the hospital. I were about to visit reception but than Rosy called me from behind.
" Papa !"
" Ohh sweetheart don't cry, tell me what happen ? "
" Hearing my words Rosy cried louder and said " something has happened to Maa , nurse has put many injections in her body
Ohh Rosy don't cry you are a brave girl , aren't you ! Right now I've to visit doctor uncle to query . You go and sit beside Maa and don't cry. " as I said I put Rosy down from my lap and sheavring move towards the doctor's chamber. While moving forward I kept on thinking what can I do today to bring back everything into normal . As I were thinking outside the chamber what would have happened to Rachel a nurse patting me on my shoulder asked me to go inside as it was my turn now.
As I stepped inside the different pictures on the wall with insight about various disease catched the attention of my eyes . I man was sitting in front of me wearing white coat . I kept on looking at him and after a brief silence somehow managed to said " Doctor myself Peter , I'm Rachel's husband . What has happen to her ? "
As I said my eyes become tearful and even my throat pulled the plug . Strengthening myself my eyes were on doctor with hope . Doctor took the file in his hand from table and as he read he told she is suffering from breast cancer but you don't have to fear about it as she is in second stage we can try our best to cure it .
The word cancer echoed in my ear as I heard , my whole body felt numbness as if someone has pulled my soul from it . Their was complete darkness in front of my eye . Seeing me in this state doctor called out my name " Peter , Peter .."
Hearing my name I came out from the to-be-faint state of mine and as I looked at doctor he offered me a glass of water and said " don't be scared from today itself we will proceed the treatment . "
As he rang the bell on his table instantly nurse came inside .
" Nurse make his understand everything and guide further to complete the formalities "
As we heard I and nurse both went out of the room . No wonder why today I was feeling as if Rachel is paying off for all the mistakes that I made . Nurse asked me to complete some formalities and than took me with her to the ward were Rachel was and left as we reached at the door .
" Even if I'll be dieing I will never come in front of you "
That day she left the home with this last statement of her . Even I was angry so I didn't stopped her , in this 12 years I thought many times to have conversation with Rachel but the past were reflecting in my eyes as if those memories will never leave and evertime they were reminding me of what happened that day . I never dare to confront it and today we both are confessing each other at that phase about which none of us have ever imagined . Often life do so . If one alleviates misery, then in front of us it puts greater misery further . Being lost in this thought when I was repeating same statement to myself and returned back into reality with strength my life was going away from me.
Standing outside the ward I was just thinking what will I say to Rachel and how will I make her understand in this difficult phase of life .
Being in front of her after 12 years what if I will make her more miserable ! Only than a nurse pushed me and went inside the room . Her hand were carrying many injections . Seeing her I felt that she is pointing me towards a lesson that sometimes being hasty in life is necessary and that too without wasting a single second . As she stepped inside the door opened and I wasn't able to stop myself from going inside .
Rachel word in deep sleep on the hospital bed as has been injected , for the first time in my life I saw her this much helpless . The face that always laughed and didn't bow in front of any sadness was laying covering himself with the sadness . The hand that always wore bangels in them today in the same hand was drip .
Seeing Rachel in this state I was too angry at myself but what can I do now even I was helpless
. Slowly I went towards her bed and sat on the stool nearby . Rosy slept crying on the couch that were in front of the bed and till hours I kept on looking at Rachel , no wonder when my head went near her bed I was totally unaware how does it happened. After sometime a nightmare woke me up suddenly . They both were still sleeping . I came out of the room and called my younger brother . I told him about the situation of Rachel and asked to take Rosy with him so that she can stay away from the sick atmosphere of hospital .
Sitting in room as I was reading various article about breast cancer on Google I felt as if Rosy has been woke up . As I went near Rosy to see whether I am hellucinating or is it true I found her eyes were searching me .
" Papa why Maa is sleeping ?" She asked me looking towards the Rachel .
" Beta your Maa is alright she is sleeping due to the heavy dose of medicine so that she can become fit soon and play with you . "
Than I made her understand there is nothing to be scared about . Everything will be fine , then I made her sit in my lap and told her Chachu is coming she have to live with them for few days . Sometimes how nature do the circumstances make children ! As I said Rosy she instantly agree with me and told that she will not annoy Chachu and Chachi . Dropping Rosy outside the hospital as I came back in the room noticed the effect of medicine on Rachel was reducing and she were coming back to senses . I instantly ran to call doctor examining the situation.
In between when doctor wore checking Rachel I saw her whole attention was on me . I wasn't able to make eye contact though I wanted to. After checkup doctor went guiding nurse about the new medicine .
Now only we two were in the room . " How you are here ? "
I replied with my down " Rosy called me in morning . "
" Where is Rosy ? " Rachel asked inquiring her eyes in whole room.
" I sent her to the Ron's home . Until you are in hospital she will live there because here she
will be always worried. "
Without saying anything , replying okay from her eyes Rachel closed them again . I went outside the room and called Kaki .
" Hello kaki , today prepare khichdi for two people . "
I came back inside the room spoking this much to Kaki . As I stepped inside Rachel asked me in her low voice
" Why are you doing all this now ? "
I took deep breathe and sat beside her . I somehow dared to look at her but I had nothing to say
. Seeing me silent she again repeated her question . I replied with a long - deep breathe
" I know Rachel you are still mad at me and you are totally right at your place I've made mistake but can't you punish me later for that ? "
Saying this much I didn't felt appropriate to say anything further and left to get food.
While coming back to home whole way all the past talks were echoing in my mind . Those who promised together to be with each other today in course of time they both let their relationship thread fall out of their hands . Reaching home while I was sitting in my room the wedding photoframe of mine and Rachel on wall catched my attention . Their was something different and special today in those photos. I stand in front of the wall and kept starring at those photos.
I don't know when the tear Storm broke in my eye . These tears had been closed for so long that today they finally rebelled and now all the complainant , agony , anger everything went away in tears .
In this much the phone in pocket of my shirt rang. Wiping out my tears as I saw I realised it was the boss of my company .Sometimes we forget the target of life while fulfilling the company's target . Disconnecting the call I went in kitchen to prepare tea for Rachel . While preparing tea I felt like crying as my thoughts revolved around Rosy , but making myself understand I said in my heart this is not the time to cry but to tackle the circumstance wholeheartedly . Preparing tea I put in the thermus and taking the tiffin box that kaki kept on table before going with my office bag I stepped towards the hospital.
As I reached I put tea in two cups and offered one to the Rachel. Many often when she used to get angry upon me I would convience her by making tea from my hands . Rachel held that cup with so intensity as is she were waiting for this moment since long time . We don't live together but still today also we can feel about each other's needs. While I was looking at Rachel the way she were drinking her tea nurse came inside . There was a form in hand . She said very rudely
"Sir fill this form so that by tomorrow we can proceed the treatment ."
I took the form in my hand and started filling all the information step by step but my fingers stopped at a column .
I was looking at that column as if this column will decide what we both are? Well I dared and wrote husband in that column . Because we were not divorced. We used to live separately but we were still husband and wife. Nurse took the form from my hand and went away . In between Rachel were lost in deep thought as nurse said about that column. I put out the Lord Ganesha statue from my bag and kept beside her bed .
" Don't be scared lord Ganesha will make everything fine. "
Don't know what special was in that tiny hope that it melted Rachel. I also let her breakdown and weep as tears make one feel light.
" Shibbu Baby don't cry this much . I'm there , everything will be fine . Why are you crying ? Stop it , now . "
Explaining her as if she is small child , I wiped our her tears.
Then placing the tiffin food in two plates I kept them beside her and said " let's eat together today. "
" But Khichdi ? you don't even like it a bit ." Said Rachel looking at my plate .
" Yes I don't like it but with you it feels like shahi paneer " I said and laughed out loudly . Finishing the food I made Rachel have her medicine and she layed closing her eyes and I sitting on the chair beside her started completing my office work .
Many time we work more so that we can give all the happiness to our loved ones but with passing time in pressure of work relations die . As my attention drew towards the Rachel while working I got lost in thinking that we don't support someone either because we think they can handle it from self or we priorities our things more than them . But we might forget that by being along the relationship would get better.
When my eyes opened in the morning the nurse was checking up Rachel. I sat on the stool that were kept beside her bed. When it came to injection Rachel fearfully closed her eyes. I slowly put my hand on her hand .We both start seeing each other. Remembers Rachel when you were about to give birth to Rosy you nail the nurse's hand out of fear? And seeing this, being scared I left your hand.
Hearing this, Rachel started laughing and forgot that her second hand was being injected. The nurse went out after injecting and Rachel started looking outside the room window.
" I will back after being fresh. Do you want something? " I said keeping the laptop bag next to the couch.
" No I don't want anything . "
Hearing this much, I walked towards my home .As soon as I opened the door of the house, I saw Kaki cleaning the house .I have forgotten since when Kaki is a part of my life. Ever since
I'm in my senses, I ate food of Kaki's hand .
" Brother , you are late in coming from office today ? " Asked Kaki while going in kitchen.
" No Kaki actually the thing is Rachel is sick so I will stay with her in the hospital for few days.I have just come home to get food and freshen up. "
" Is Rachel ill ?" Kaki asked being worried.
"Yes Kaki but you don't have to worry everything will be fine soon. " I said comforted her .
Kaki went in kitchen and I went to get freshen up . As soon as I opened the cupboard after taking a bath, the blue shirt of Rachel that she gifted me was seen hanging on hanger in front . I started thinking about how much I laughed when she gifted me this shirt. The blue shirt had large egg-shaped dots like the earlier heroes wore.
I took out the shirt and went outside the room with broad smile wearing it. Standing near the bookcase , I was taking the book for Rachel so that she can enjoy her time in hospital without getting bore.
Kaki said from behind " Beta I have kept the Tiffin on dinner table ." and brought tea to me. Kaki had got tears in her eyes and was saying by wiping it from the border of her saree "May God heal her quickly. "
Rachel was such that she could make the close even to the random person on street. It was his first job to speak most lovingly to everyone to join everyone's sorrow and happiness.
I went towards the hospital with the tiffin box and thermos of tea .
When I came into the room I saw that Rachel was looking at the old picture of Rosy in her phone sitting on the bed. Seeing me coming towards the bed, she kept the phone alongside her bed and stared at my shirt with great surprise.
" You have this shirt till today ? " She askef widening her eyes .
Controlling my laughter I said " You had brought me this shirt with so much love so how can I throw it ; and anyway, it's my choice I'll wear anything I want. " Saying this much I kept the tiffin at the table and putting the tea in cup from thermos I offered it to Rachel. " I did not feel like drinking tea. " Her eyes was on book . As soon as I saw her eyes I understood that she is going to ask me for the book now .
" I brought this book for you as I thought you will be feeling bored here . " Before she speak I put the book in her hand .
" Do you know even I too wrote a book ? Adhoora Ishq was the name " she said looking towards me .
" Yes , I've read it ." I said thought of my mind unknowingly as I look towards her .
" You wrote our whole memory in 250 pages . I tried many times but never have the guts to read the last few pages ."
" I thought you haven't read it ."
Rachel answered looking at me and started smiling knowing that I've read the book written by her .
We both started spending time together just like we did in old days . I would read shayari , poem and stories for her listening to which many times she would sleep and I would complete my office work after that .
" What happened why are you sad today ?" I asked gently putting my hand on her head .
" Nothing just feeling like going outside for walk as I'm in hospital since so many days ." Said she making her mouth like a little girl .
" Let's do one thing, tell me whatever you want to eat, I'll bring it from outside. " I made little effort to correct her mood .
" No , I don't want to eat anything . I just want to go outside . " she also said stubbornly.
" Rosy's maa is more stubborn than Rosy. " I said laughing out loud . Okay , we can go to the park opposite the hospital. On hearing this, Rachel became as happy as if I had given her a big unexpected thing. Rachel took a deep breath as we stepped outside the hospital . We went towards park walking slowly. It was 6 o'clock in the evening but it seemed that it was going to be evening. Sunrays were slowly passing by the grass and the children were playing in the park .
I am Rachel sat on a bench in park .Her eyes were running here and there as if she wanted to capture the picture of everything in the park.
" Do you know Peter ? If Rosy were here she would pluck all the flowers and would kept them with her. " Said Rachel while missing Rosy and then she told all her childhood stories . I felt like I wasn't listening to Rosy's stories but some another girl's story ." Please forgive me Peter , just because of me you were away from your daughter. Maybe that's the reason now god is punishing me for all of my mistakes . " After a decade Rachel put her head on my shoulder . At that time their was moisture in her eyes . " Time wasn't in our favor , but I am happy that you allowed Rosy to meet me and inspired her to become a better person. "
I said putting my head on her head.
We both got lost in the childrens playing in park ,birds and in trees . Rachel was happy even after coming back to the hospital.She sat back on her bed and I was pouring water in glass for her .Rachel started saying " You didn't took care this much of me after our marriage then why are you doing now ? " She looked at me with smile .
" I will take all revenge , don't worry " I said while offering her the glass of water .
Now I am satisfied with one thing that even if something happens to me Rosy will not be alone
, her daddy is with her , said Rachel hiding her tears in smile .
"Idiot ! nothing will happen to you. Just wait and watch you will even name the Rosy's kids . " I said to please her downhearted mind.
By the way, do you remember Rachel once we both went to see the planetarium ? As we arrive their was long line of people to pick up tickets though it was too sunny .After some time when our number came up only two tickets were remaining . By going inside the auditorium we occupied the front seat and when we started watching the constellations we both fell asleep while watching.
Yes, I do remember and after the show ended the audience beside us aroused us . " Said Rachel Opening the box of memories.
" Rachel, why didn't you get married again in all these years? " I asked with hesitation. " Because I gave my heart to you and you gave your heart to your work " I can hear the
meloncholy of all this years in her voice. Then we both exchanged silence. She went to sleep
and I sat to complete my office work.
That night we kept remembering all the things that happened in past and no wonder when the lost relationship between us became alive again. We had never spent so much time with each other because I have never been able to give time to Rachel due to my work. Next morning I decorated whole room with flowers before Rachel would wake up . When she opened her eyes and rolled it around I placed the cake in front of her and started singing " Happy Birthday to you " before she could speak anything.
" But it's not my birthday " her face turned angry and she gave me danger look as if she want to say you never remember my birthday.
I lovingly looked into his eyes and said, " Yes I know , it's not your birthday but the date is the same , isn't it ? " I often forgot your birthday due to my work and that day too it was your birthday when I came home midnight , you were waiting for me to wish you and I went to sleep . You are apart from me since 12 years so according to it I should have brought 12 cakes to you but do my Rachel needs so many cakes ? I think she will forgive me even if I'll brought her 1 cake. " I said laughing .
Meanwhile, Rosy entered the room. Rosy was wearing Rachel's saree and was carrying her hand made card "Get Well Soon in her hand . Rachel could not handle her happiness upon seeing her in saree . She burst out with tears in her eyes and laughter on lips. Ron too came inside the room with Rosy . " How are you Bhabhi ?" asked Ron giving her a parcel.
" I'm fine Brother , what about you ?" asked Rachel accepting the parcel . The full day passed with Rosy and for the first time I realize how precious the presence of family is . Rachel was
too happy meeting Rosy . Her happiness could be estimated from the fact that she had eaten all his medicines today by her own. After sometimes she remembered about the parcel and she started opening it . It was full of Rachel's pictures from her childhood till today . Seeing them she got lost in old memories .Slowly we both realized that there was no such bad things between as much as we are thinking.
The next day Rachel was waiting for her monitoring test. One could have easily spot the fear in her eyes . I took her hand in my hand and said "Remember Rachel when I came to see you for the first time ? A tall girl in saree was coming towards me with tea tray in her hand but before coming to me you dropped the tea on Uncle because of fear . "
" Yeah , I do remember " she said lowering her face .
After that your Uncle never asked me to bring tea and how against he were of our marriage? " speaking this much Rachel forgot her all pain for few moments and smiled wholeheartedly .
" Do you know why I agree to marry you even though? " I asked stroking her hand .
" Because even after dropping the tea you said confidentially that as you wore saree for the first time so you wasn't able to handle it. You dared yourself and apologized to uncle. "
Meanwhile I spot the fear in Rachel's eye while motivating her . I put my eyes in her eyes and said " look at me Rachel , I believe that nothing will happen to you and I want you to belive me. " Then nurse took Rachel inside .
Standing outside I was just praying that wish God give us another chance to start our life again . When Rachel came outside after her monitoring test we went to the doctor . Seeing the reports the doctor replied that if we get operation then cancer will be cured. He advised us to go back home and said within few days she will be properly fine. Now I wasn't having the words to describe my happiness . That time we both felt that no one can set us apart and we both hugged each other tightly .
The next day Rachel kept staring at me without winking . As soon as I opened my eyes she smiled at me .
" Today finally we will go to Home. "
Hearing this, I went to see the doctor laughing a false laugh. After sometime as I came back visiting to doctor till that Rachel had packed her all things . She was very happy as if after a long time again she will start living .
Seeing Rachel packing her stuff I felt scared . Now who will I meet Rachel every morning !
She was happy but I wasn't because the happiness that came after so many days was going back again on different path of seperation . As we steeped outside the hospital I said to Rachel that now I'll drop her home and by evening Ron will drop Rosy . I gave voice to autorickshaw driver and he drove to me. Rachel spoke before I could say anything " Brother we want to go at street number 8 in Gol Market "
I kept staring at her . She hold my hand and said " Let's go Peter , now we will go to our home . "
Hearing this much I hugged her. Epilogue....
We started living together.The distances that came in our relationship were also went away . We both believed that now no one can seperate us . After some years again Rachel went ill . Evertime together we go to hospital but this time regretfully when we went hospital together we don't back came together .