CHAPTER 03: Milenge milenge...
OUTSIDE OF INORBIT MALL, MALAD, MUMBAI – 01:25 P.M.
Khushi's mind went numb as she saw the person in front of her eyes, this was the man she had been waiting since ages to find. Here he was now in front of her she had least expected to him to be and actually stumbles into him being a total dumb luck. She couldn’t believe that she is seeing him in front of her eyes in flesh and real after three long years that this moment feels so unbelievable and surreal. Her dazed trace broke abruptly when slumped forward falling on her complete dead weight which made it difficult not crumble down due to the suddenness of it. Though as the fact that he fainted left her in panicking over what happened and not knowing didn’t help her which only started tears of concern and frustration pouring rolling down her beautiful forest green eyes. She somehow manages to hold him but couldn’t keep them upright, so slowly lowers them down and holding half of him on her.
A kind old couple stopped seeing all the commotion and the elderly lady asked: “Kya hua beta, are you alright…?” looking at the distressed young woman in front of her.
While panicking and hysteric, replied: “Woh Auntyji dekhiye na, my husband fainted suddenly and I don’t know what to do now.” almost on the verge of crying.
The couple felt bad and shared a look before the elderly woman says: “Beta if you want than we can give you a lift and drive you to the ER.” with a kind smile.
Khushi gave them a grateful look: “Yes please if it isn’t too much trouble.” seeming bit relieved for the offer of help that she is very much in need.
The elderly couple pointed towards their car then two passer-by men helped them load an unconscious Arnav in the backseat and Khushi too slid in after him, placing his head in her lap carefully. The elderly couple got inside in the front of the car while the elderly man started the engine than they were on the road driving towards the nearest hospital in silence except the occasional questions from the kind elderly lady. It took twenty minutes’ drive to nearest ER and the ER staff were quick to whisk Arnav in while they told Khushi to stay in waiting room while the elderly couple left seeing there was nothing else for them to do or reason of being their anymore. Khushi thanked them earnestly and then sat down in one of the chairs in sort of absentminded as she prayed to her Devi Maiyya for her Arnav’s well-being.
......
THE SAME TIME INSIDE IN-ORBIT MALL
A furious NK stormed in the store with Lavanya on heels who was trying to calm him. As they entered and look around the store for Arnav but didn’t find him, they move to billing counter to ask. Lavanya ask the sells lady: “Hello actually we are looking for our friend, a tall handsome guy wearing navy-blue shirt and brown jacket along with a lady in pink top-black jeans and they had little baby girl with them. You know where they went…?” politely trying to get maybe some information though didn’t have much hope.
The sells-lady took a few moments to think before replying: “I guess you are asking about Mrs. Raichand and Mr. Raichand, they are our regular customers. We have their fashion house outlets here but woh toh chale gaye thordi der phele! Anything else ma’am…?” asked in typical pleasant-customer-service voice.
Lavanya said a quick: “Thank you.” and taking a fuming NK went out of the store. Stepping out of the store, angry NK punched the nearby wall, startling Lavanya and then started to leave but she caught his jacket sleeve says, “Hey there! And where do you think you are going…?” pulled him back trying to keep him in place.
Angry NK replied: “To find that jerk!” cursing without a care.
But been sensible one here, she showed him rationality which seemed to have eluded him at the moment: “NK first calm down! And what do you think, you can find him in this mall? We even don't know if he is here anymore or not, maybe they already left the Mall for all we know. But I am thinking something else that sells woman said...” trailing off lost in her thoughts.
He watched her frowning face and asked with reluctant curiosity: “The sells woman said what...?” anger barely suppressed.
His question brought her to present as she looked at him before answering: “Why did that sells woman called ASR 'Mister Raichand'...? Or at least I am guessing that woman told us about ASR and not some other customer... though I don't think so. Which brings us to the question, is ASR living in Mumbai under fake identity and if so, why...?” her eyebrows were second bracket as she contemplated the situation.
NK's previous anger erupted back furiously: “Why do we care if Nannav is going by Raichand or not... I want to punch him either way!” scowling as he clutched his fists angrily.
Lavanya gave him a look as if he was a moron tsking at him: “We care because if ASR is now living under with a new identity than it makes it harder to find him. In fact I am sure, ASR is living with a fake identity in Mumbai which is why Aman hasn't been able to trace him despite using all the vast resources of AR.” giving a look as if it should have been obvious and mumbled, “Also how was ASR able to establish such a concert fake identity which not even Aman knew or was able to find about. Chamkeli believes that Dadi said something to upset ASR and than something happened to him... But was ASR's disappearance that day spontaneous like we are thinking or was it more pre-planned than we could have ever guessed...? If so than who helped him create this identity because I am sure it wasn't Aman... who helped ASR vanish like that at time...? And why...? Who knew that ASR was going to disappear like that and still helped him...?” were the thoughts that circled in her mind but something was just not adding up which she just couldn't put her fingers on.
These questions made NK think too but he his temper was getting better of him: “Why does it even matter anymore..?! Nannav left Khushiji and now he is happily living his life while Khushiji is miserable.” frustrated more about Khushi not wanting to move on.
Lavnaya could see that NK couldn't be reasoned with at the moment and secondly they really need to get going if they didn't want Khushi to anything. So, she says: “Well whatever, for now we need to leave for the meeting venue agar time pe nahi pahuche toh or else Chamkeli ko shaq ho jayega. And we are here in this city maybe we’ll see him again… preferably with Chamkeli knowing but right now let's leave for the meeting.” glanced down at her wrist watch.
That did get him to finally calm down and nodded in agreement, says: “We are not telling Khushiji anything.” which was a mutual decision between them. Then both made way to parking and sat in car, driving to the Taj Hotel where the meeting is going to happen.
Finally seeing some senses NK calmed down and nodded in agreement, says: “We are not telling Khushiji anything.” which was a mutual decision between them. Then both hurriedly made their way to parking and sat in car, driving to The Taj Hotel where the meeting is going to happen.
.....
RAICHAND CONSTRUCTION, MUMBAI – 02:00 P.M.
In conference room, Misha was held in an urgent meeting of an important deal and asked her secretary to bring the blue-prints from her cabin as all took a five minutes break waiting for the blue-prints to arrive. She went to her daughter who was sitting in one leather couch in one corner of room, playing game on her phone. Sitting down beside her, asked: “Peehu baby, has your Mr. A called…?” brushed hair out of Peehu's eyes.
Little Peehu replied: “No Mumma!” shaking her little head looking at her mom.
Misha checked the time thought it was quite some time and by now he should have called her. So, worried she took her Blackberry iPhone from Peehu deciding to call him herself to check, also prepared to give Armaan an earful but he never picked his phone. Getting worried as her calls went unanswered which never happened, she called the driver who was supposed to pick him. The driver picked after four rings, she asked: “Ramlal, did you pick Armaan from the mall…?” without delay.
Ramlal replied from other side: “Misha Bhabhi I reached here but I can’t find Armaan Bhaiyya. I even tried calling him but he wasn’t picking his phone, in fact I was just about to call you.” sounding a bit concerned himself.
She paled immediately hearing that, and screamed: “What do mean Armaan is not there…? He was supposed to be there, where will he go… Ramlal find him!” distressed now over the situation.
Ramlal scared by getting screamed like that, replied stammering: “Misha Bhabhi I looked around everywhere but Armaan bhaiya yaha nahi hai. But one of gate guard said there was a man who fainted, a lady along with an old couple took him to hospital, main waha dekh aata hoon.” told her.
Concerned Misha said: “You collect information about the hospital and go see if it was Armaan, then inform me immediately.” ordering him.
Ramlal replied a quick: “Okay Bhabhi.” and cut the call to do as he was instructed to.
Here in office, Misha felt like getting practically sick with worry, if something happened to her devar she has no idea how to deal with it. She quickly dialed her husband's number to inform him who wasn’t picking soon enough for her. As soon as the call was answered, without giving chance to even say hello, she spoke: “Ayaan, Armaan kahi mil nahi raha hai!” almost screaming hysterically. (Ayaan we can’t find Armaan anywhere!)
.....
SANJEEVANI HOSPITAL, MUMBAI – 02:05 P.M.
Same time at Sanjeevani Hospital Khushi reached with Arnav with the elderly couple’s help and after dropping off, they left. Now she was sitting on a chair in the corridor waiting outside Emergency room where inside her Arnav was getting treated, so many thoughts were running in her mind and whirlpool of emotions that she couldn't get hold on. She saw the doctor coming who stopped in front of her asked kindly: “Are you with the patient…?” a teary Khushi nodded confirmed and the lady doctor said reassuringly, “Calm down, kuch nahi hoga.” and went inside.
Khushi gathering her wits called Lavanya and as soon as the call was connected: “Please come to Sanjeevani Hospital!” barely able to say between her sobs.
Sanjeevani Hospital’s one of best ER doctors is Dr. Kumud Punj, a pretty lady in her thirties with fair complexion, brown eyes, long hair and slender figure. She got an pager for emergency and reaching saw beautiful lady sitting crying, easily assuming her to be one of the patients distressed family member and went inside the ER room to attend another new patient who was brought in. But when she saw the person, she got shocked as it was Armaan Raichand, Dr. Ayaan Raichand's brother who was a neurologist Sanjeevani. She knew Armaan personally, a very cheerful person despite been blind and never letting his disability be a hindrance in his life. She checked him quickly and found that his sugar-level had fallen, so giving him medicines and checking him, than went out deciding to inform Dr. Ayaan as none of Raichand family was here, so most likely they are not aware of this.
.....
SAME TIME AT THE TAJ HOTEL, MUMBAI
NK and Lavanya reached at hotel and made way to restaurant where they had reservations for the meeting, after giving their names, they were both lead to the table and left to settled themselves. Both sat down looking around as Lavanya, asked: “Chamkeli didn't reach yet?” checking her watch.
NK wondered too but then said: “Maybe traffic.” shrugging it off.
They saw Yash Raichand arrive with his P.A. and Lavanya said: “We have to start without Chamkeli.” to which NK nodded in affirmation with no other option available.
Yash Raichand reached the table, quickly eyeing the dusky young lady along seated along with a handsome young man beside her. They had stood up and quick introduction were made along with excuse for the absence of Mrs. Raizada who seemed to be late due to being stuck in traffic. They just decided to start meeting without her when his phone rang and seeing that it was from his elder son excused himself knowing that he wouldn’t call without an emergency. His greeting was lost when panicked Ayaan's voice came from the other side: “Dad, Misha called said Armaan kahi nahi mil raha hai.” informed him immediately without wasting time on useless pleasantries.
The elderly man asked with concern: “What do mean nahi mil raha hai…?! What happened Ayaan…?” and his elder son told him everything that Misha had told him. After hearing everything he took a moment to thinking before suggesting, “Okay you check the Mall I'll go home while I go home to check. I am pretty sure Nandini is panicking at home, inform me as soon as you find anything.” keeping the call and turned to others, saying apologetically, “I'm really sorry but I need to go home, can we re-schedule the meeting…?” seeming to be in a hurry to leave.
Lavanya asked: “Everything okay Mr. Raichand…?” concerned.
Yash nodded saying: “Family emergency. My P.A. would contact you for fixing the meeting, sorry for the inconvenience.” assuring them.
NK told easily: “That's fine Mr. Raichand.” and shook hand with Yash, who left hastily.
After Yash left NK and Lavanya looked at each other for few moments wordlessly, after which she said: “Where is Chamkeli…? She should have reached by now.” little worried about her friend now.
NK was also getting worried and as she took her phone out to call but before she could dial it started ringing. Call from Khushi who sobbingly said without giving any chance to say anything: “Please Sanjeevani Hospital aajao jaldi!” and disconnected making Lavanya and NK rushed to hospital concerned.
.....
SANJEEVANI HOSPITAL, MUMBAI – 02:10 P.M.
Dr. Ayaan went all crazy after getting call from his wife and was rushing out when he bumped into someone as he hastily said: “Sorry…” not really looking at the person and about to run. He was called by that person and turned around to see Kumud hurriedly says to her, “Dr. Kumud I'm in bit hurry now, I’ll find you later about whatever you have to talk but I really have to go now.” turning to leave without waiting for her answer.
But Kumud called out: “But I need to talk to you urgently Dr. Ayaan.” and it only his manner that made him turn around to hear her out.
He signed saying: “Dr. Kumud am really in a hurry right now; Misha called a while ago saying Armaan got missing. I need to go, I’ll get back to you after I come back, okay.” about to make a run to leave without listening her anymore.
She held his hand stopping him saying: “Yeah that's what I need to speak to you, Armaan yaha hospital mein hai. He must have fainted due to his sugar fall and a young lady brought him here, I didn’t see anyone from your family and thought to inform you.” informed him.
Hearing this Ayaan felt a rush of relief as he took a deep breath than asked her: “How is he…? Nothing serious right…?” though he was concerned about his brother’s health but at least his whereabouts are known now.
Kumud smiled replied reassuring him: “He's fine, just sugar level dropped really low, maybe he didn't take his medicines or something, I have given medicines. Now you can take him home and he has regained his consciousness.” leading him to Armaan’s room along with her.
.....
Khushi was sitting on a chair in the waiting room wiping her tears and praying to her Bhagwanji to keep her Arnav safe, when worried NK and Lavanya came rushing to her. Standing in front of her NK asked: “Khushiji you’re okay…?” looking at her worriedly.
Followed by Lavanya’s concerned question: “Chamkeli what happened to you…? What are you doing here...?” though she felt relieved that she wasn’t injured but still worried about her crying.
Instead of answering Khushi hugged Lavanya crying who caressed her hair soothingly as she sobbed than calming down made her sit and NK gave her water and after she finished drinking: “Khushiji what happened…?” asked again.
And a sniffing Khushi replied looking at them with hopeful eyes said: “Nahneji, Lavanyaji I found him. I found my Arnav!” making it NK and Lavanya's second shock of the day.
.....
Ayaan entered Armaan's ward with Kumud and saw unconscious Armaan laying on bed who stared to stir and wake up. He rushed to his side, held his hand asking concernedly: “Ammy, you are okay baby brother…?” waiting for his brother to gather bearings.
Armaan felt his head heavy as he tried to remember what happened and then he recalled waiting outside Mall, the sweet scent and then blank out. He was brought out of his revive by a hand holding his and his Bade Bhaiyya's concern voice. Opening his eyes only to be greeted by the familiar void darkness as he turned to where he knew Ayaan was, replied: “I'm fine Bade Bhaiyya.” smiling slightly.
He felt being taken in a big bear hug by his big brother who said: “You scared us Ammy. Don't do that ever again!” in a relief-concern tone. Armaan nodded hugging him back, sometimes he wished he could see just to see the faces of these lovely people who loved him so much. Pulling back Ayaan asked, “But Armaan what happened…?” as he looked at his brother carefully.
Armaan replied: “Actually I was waiting for the car in front of the Mall when I started feeling dizzy all of sudden. And I tried gaining balance but started falling when somebody held me before I fall down which I'm guessing was some lady, then I blanked out after that.” leaving out the familiar feeling of her presence he had felt.
Kumud told them: “And that lady brought you here.” filling in the brothers about the person.
Ayaan nodded: “I guess we should thank her.” looking at Kumud.
She said: “But I didn't see her outside where I lost saw her, maybe she left… I would tell her later if I see her.” offering them.
Ayaan nodded saying: “Yeah I guess if she is not here than that is what we need to do because we need to go home, all are so worried.” looked at his brother.
Armaan frowned: “Why did you say anything about this at home BB?” had hoped to not worry his family.
Ayaan smacked his brother on his head lightly tsking him and says: “Mister you were missing for over three hours, kahi mil nahi raha tha. Misha panicked and called me, I informed dad which obviously means that by now mom also know about this. Chalo ghar, you would get an earful from mom, dad and Misha... maybe Peehu too.” almost looking as if he wanted to give a lecture of his own at the very moment but restrained himself knowing the earful his younger brother has waiting at home for him.
Armaan made a face at that and Ayaan helped him to get up, as the nurse brought Armaan's thing i.e. his phone, watch, folding walking stick. Taking those Armaan opened his stick holding in one hand and with other hand in Ayaan's as they both left bidding Kumud goodbye. While moving out from corridor Armaan felt a tug in his heart leaving... a unknown but familiar pull from opposite direction but shrugging off the feeling he made his way out of Sanjeevani along with his elder brother.
He got into passenger seat of Ayaan's car with Ayaan's help, as they used the employees entrance rather than the normal one to avoid the crowd, they had easily others and unknowing Khushi, NK and Lavanya whose presence they were very much unaware of. Ayaan quickly got into driver's seat and start engine than pulled out of the parking lot, he had canceled his appointments and/or transferred the emergency cases to his colleagues, as he took the day off for family emergency. Hence now he was taking his brother home without being worried about his patients, both bothers sat in comfortable silence as they drove to home.
