Chapter 4 : Breakup

A/N: There are some words which may be appropriate for suitable readers only, though no mature content is there in the update. If any medical term is used wrongly then I beg pardon. Will love to know the correct one. Each story revolves around few people which are needed to be portrayed. There is introduction of another character in this update, a real life character, though the name is changed, she left a permanent influence on the couple.  

Chapter 4: Breakup.

Do you know how it feels to stare at your own reflection on the white marble floor of some nineteenth century hospital’s waiting lobby outside the ICU? Priya also didn’t know until that day walked into her life without hinting. Known to be one of the best hospitals of Kolkata Priya sat there depositing her bag, the soul luggage she carried from Delhi to Kolkata on the chair beside her, with head hung in between her hands. The cold chills were sending down to her spine, whenever the door opens and took its time to oscillate back to the closing position, sometimes it becomes unbearable when one after another attendant rushed in or out. “Ms. PRIYA.” She looked up as a man in blue uniform stood in front. She could also see her mother coming out of the door behind. Grasping her mouth with her saree trying to supress loud cry. Her eyes and attention shift to the man, whose name is inscribed at a corner of the pocket of his uniform. “Yes Tamal.” Reading out the name she responded.

“In the absence of Dr.Sharma decision will be yours only.” He looked at her mother when her wailing got louder, “ We need to speak.  If you can..” he showed Priya the visiting room.

“Maa. Please.” Priya hugged her mother. When she tried to comfort her; she wailed more. “Please maa, I am here only. I am not going anywhere.” The affirmed touch from the daughter made her little calm. Trying to smile Priya said her mother to wait there and allow her to speak with the man.

Through the room Tamal lead her inside the ICU where Priya’s father’s tests have been performed. “Doctor she is the daughter.”

The doctor moved his mask and surprisingly said, “We know each other right?”

“Yes. If I am not wrong Dr. Devendra Singh we meet at Delhi in the conference right?” Priya tried to identify him.

“Correct! And if I am not wrong you are Priya Sharma from Nestle. Right?” His stretched out hand waited for hers. Shaking her hand she asked if she could know a details about her father.

“Yeah!” the doctor occupied the chair where as Priya still froze at her place. “This is very bad.” Pointing to the screen he said, “We need to do a bypass surgery immediately but there remains a risk factor, he is a patient of hypertension and diabetics. We at least need a day for preparations and you also because the fees has to be..” Priya cuts in doctor, “If I say I will be paying the whole cost in advance will that make your process fast?”

“Money is not the only factor, your brother is also not here, what if Dr. Sharma opposes?” said Dr. Singh.

“Can I meet your HOD?” Priya asked.

“What?” surprised by her request impromptu was the reply from the doctor; “ I mean yes. Yes. But he lives at Behela.”

“Please give me his address. I will manage.” Priya replied.

“But Ma’am we have to take his permission. What if he denies?” said the doctor, “I will suggest you to wait till morning, in between you can contact your brother too and we can arrange a best for ...” he could barely complete a nurse came running in with the news of health deterioration of Priya’s father.

“Excuse me. I will get back to you.” The doctor rushed out while Tamal requested Priya to wait outside the ICU. With her eyes fixed on the floor she walked out assuming there will be no obstacle.

“Priya.. what happened? What did they say?” She was constantly jerked by her mother in fear.

“Nothing maa. They are treating baba.” Priya said under her suppressed cry.

“Priya! I will die if he leaves me. He will not naa ?? WHY ARE YOU SILENT? ANSWER ME??” Shipra shouted allowing the guard to show them the way outside. Priya tried to convince him that her father is being treated inside, doctor can call her anytime. But a heartless creature abiding by the rules and regulations he affirmed them to call if needed. Outside Priya felt helpless as her mother dropped herself on the floor, she sat by her quiet lending her mother the shoulder to cry. Inside she died a millionth time when ever the visuals of her father trapped within the cables and drips came across.

~~

Almost 13 hours earlier...

In his polo green t shirt and black demin, Ram walked to the security who was trying to adjust the radio to his favourite channel. “Excuse me bhaiya.” He tapped on the table to draw the guard’s attention.

“kya hain?” irritated by the sudden disruption he looked up to the unexpected visitor at such hours.

“506. Priya Sharma” Ram tried to hide his nervousness.

The guard looked awkwardly to Ram after checking the time, “Come later; none of the madams of 506 is awake. They will complain to Secretary sahab if I allow you there.”

“They will not!” Ram crumbled a fifty rupees note into his pocket. Though the guard tried to defend for a moment showing up the morality which suddenly vented off when Ram said he can make him count the undeclared couple who are already staying at the society, without any permission or neither in knowledge of the Secretary.

“Sir, elevator to this side.” Suddenly the guard hurried to get rid of the unwanted guest at 8:00 am.

“Entry?” pointing to the register Ram scribbled his name and time, “Next time, whenever you see me do the needful.” Patting the guard's shoulder he took the stairs to the fifth floor. When he stood in front of the door, drenched in sweat and gasping to get fresh air he felt how spectacularly the plan to showcase him to be fit and fine and perfectly healthy to Priya backfired. After gathering himself back he pressed the bell alarming the hosts about the guest.

Unaware of the guest outside, Priya and Neha both remain preoccupied in their dreams and slept calmly in their respective rooms. The rings of the door bell failed to invade their sleep worlds for about 5 minutes. At last when Neha turned and cursed the intruder, thinking it to be the neighbour; the aunty who always drops every random day to see if any man has taken shelter under their duvet over them. With the uninterrupted screams of the door bell Neha sat up with a messed up hair. “COMING!” she shouted. Tying her hair into a knot she walked to the door, she rubbed her eyes while opening it for the unwelcomed guest. “Yes!” she looked at Ram; “Who are you?”

Little puzzled, he tried to peep into the room, which was yet to welcome the new day. “Excuse me.” Neha looked furiously to the stranger, “I asked who are you? And don't you have manners?”

“Sorry but I have planned this last night with Priya.” He felt most awkward.

“Priya? This time and that also...” Neha looked up with a big smile, her brain at last hammered who could be it, “Oh my God. I am absolutely sorry to keep you waiting here. Please come in.” Neha paved the way for Ram. “I will check with Priya.”

“Excuse me..” Ram stopped her “Is Priya still sleeping?”

“Ah !! No no no..” Neha lied. “Must be in washroom. You stay here. I will inform her.” She ran inside calling Priya by her name.

“Priya...” Neha tried to pull her out of her sleep; in which she failed horribly, “Priya..” now Neha pushed hard, successful in second attempt, Priya opened her eyes and cursed Neha to spoil her holiday sleep.

“Spoil?? I spoiled your sleep and he spoiled my sleep even before; what about that?” Neha tried to keep her voice inaudible to the guest.

“Who?” Priya again turned her back to Neha.

“You had a date today at 8 and you didn't remember?” scolded Neha.

The realization suddenly stuck Priya, last night Ram asked her to be ready by 9 am. Jumping to the sitting position she adjusted her night dress, “Is he here?”

“Yes Madam.” Neha stood up, “Looking most dapper and waiting for you to come out of the washroom.”

“But he said he will pick me up at 9 and what about the washroom.” Asked Priya.

“Leave the washroom you tell me who hell on earth goes for date at 9?” she made a weird face disapproving the idea.

“It was not mine; it was his.” Said Priya getting out of the bed, “Help me with coffee and let me manage him.” In her Mickey Mouse slips and shorts; she headed to the living room.

“One minute. Are you going out like this?” Neha exclaimed. “At least put a stole around.”

“I will.” Priya said showing the stole that she has already grabbed from the chair.

“Oh! Okay but at least put on your bras.” Added Neha.

“Is he going to grope me? Or get aroused seeing me in shorts? And let me tell you what exactly I am wearing slips with or without bra or absolutely nothing this he can never guess with this stole over me.” Annoyed Priya retorted, “And tell me since when you are sleeping with your bra on? You had opened the door without it; right?”

“He is here to take you on date; things are different with you and me.” Neha tried to prove her point. 

“Okay Timeout. He is waiting outside. I am still in my slips and shorts I at least once have to say him hello and then rush to get ready. I don't want to spoil my first proper date.” Saying Priya rushed out.

“Hi! Good morning.” Priya wished.

“Hi.” The smile turned into a pale face as Ram saw her still in night dress, “I think you are not yet ready...” scrutinizing her Ram added trying hard to smile.

“Yeah, I know. Please give me 20 minutes I will be ready and sorry yaar I spoiled your morning.” Priya apologised. “Just 20 minutes and you have some coffee, Neha makes awesome filter coffee.” She found Ram little tensed. “Neha, my friend, who opened the door for you.” Priya introduced Neha and Ram to each other where she broke Ram’s heart mentioning him as her close friend.

Picking up her brush and toothpaste Priya rushed inside to freshen up. Ram little shy in nature , sat with his coffee that Neha made for him. Almost after 2 minutes he sipped to the coffee; which obviously tastes great. “ I must say I have not tasted such a great coffee previously.” He tried to break the ice.

“Thank You. NEHA SINGH” she extended her hand for a formal shake hand. Taking her hand on his he introduced himself. Though they tried to break the ice between them but both of them failed horribly.

“So do you even spoke with one another?” asking Priya came to the living room. Adjusting her watch’s strap she looked up. “Actually she had a keen interest on you Ram.”

Without being corrected she said Ram, that made him blush. “What made you blush?” Neha smiled looking at Priya. “ Is it me or is it...” Priya cuts in Neha she smiled and could  easily guess the reason. “Let's go. I am ready.”

“Thank you. At last I can have some sleep. Don't come back till 9 at night and pack dinner for me Ram as a compensation for spoiling my sleep.” Neha chuckled.

“Sure.” Ram smiled back to Neha as he and Priya left the apartment grabbing eye balls of few aunties. Dressed in blue tunic and white pants, the brown leather bag complemented her perfectly. As they waited for the elevator to arrive Ram scrutinized his lady first then himself, “I don't find any one of us dressed oddly then why we are under their redder?”

“Ignore!” Priya whispered back. With the elevator stalled at their floor, both of them climbed in to find the Secretary inside. “Good morning Uncle!” she wished.

Scrutinizing Ram carefully he asked Priya if she is going to be late that day. She assured him to be back by 11 maximum. Though not convinced he has to let them go for the elevator reached the ground floor. Putting the out time in the register he accompanied Priya to his car. Until they zoomed out of the campus into the Delhi traffic, the elderly man kept his gaze fixed on them.

“My God!” Ram sighed in relief, “As if I was taking his daughter for a date!” he exclaimed making Priya smile.” So we can continue our date till 11?” he made Priya blush this time.

“No we can't. You promised Neha dinner; remember?” Priya spoiled his dream. After he looked back to the road, Priya continued, “So where to start?”

“First open that compartment.” He pointed to one just under the dash board. Priya obeyed. She smiled holding the ocean blue envelope in her hand, the deep blue ribbon secured the contents inside.

“When did you do all these?” She advances to open it.

“Please stop.” Ram clutched her hand. First time her heart beat faster. His touch has some warmth. The sudden attack shivered her a little. Withdrawing his hand he whispered, “Sorry. But please don't open this now else I have to drop this date here only. Keep it safe with you. Go through it tonight and forgive me if I crossed my limit and I will wait for your answer.” The awkward tension prevailed inside.

“Okay.” She pushes the envelope inside her handbag. After maintaining the silence for few more minutes she asked Ram where they are heading to.

“I know some awesome food stalls for breakfast at Majnu ka Tilla. I have been there with Vikram.” Said Ram.

“Vikram; who?”

“My childhood friend. Since standard 1 we studied together till PG.” Proudly announced Ram, “He is more a brother to me. Whom I can trust blindly.”

“You are lucky to have such a friend in your life. I am jealous of you.” Smiled back Priya. “After breakfast what is the plan?”

“The plan will unfold with time; have patience ma’am.” He smiled annoying her.

“Okay.” It was Priya’s turn to tease Ram, “So what is the reason to complement me, drop me home everyday, dropping a message like I LIKE YOU?” Grilled under Priya’s intentional queries he tried to smile out his nervousness. He held back his smile for an ample time, ending the same as he flushed red.

“My goodness. Am I the first one you are taking out? Giving envelopes?” asked Priya; which made him blush even more. He tried hard to concentrate on road and not look at Priya. He loved the way she grilled him sweetly but found himself dumbfounded. “If you want I can drive; you can blush like a bride sitting here at my place.”

“Priyaaaa... please yaar. I am almost out of all my gathered courage don't make me nervous more. Please.” Pleaded Ram.

“I am lucky to be with a man for whom I am the first date but I am afraid and sorry to say you are not that lucky.” Priya let the cat out of the sack.

“Sorry!”

“I was in a relationship for about four months and half may be five with Amit, a guy from my MBA days.” Said Priya, “and remember I said you yesterday I have been to Police station it’s not fest night I and Amit got caught kissing by them. Sorry but I felt like sharing this with you.”

“Even if you had gone more than this, it will not matter to me.” Seriousness in his voice is evident, “I am happy and lucky that you cared to share the truth with me but it matters least to me but..” before speaking further he settled back on his seat, under his deep sigh he added, “ If you hide or be unfaithful from or to me in this relationship it will matter.” The sudden change in his eyes were alarming. There is a sense of belongingness in his eyes and voice.

“Sorry but we are not in a relationship.” Saying she stole her eyes.

“We can discuss this later. Right now it’s breakfast time. Come” removing the seat belt he said. Priya followed him. Finding her lagging behind, he grabbed her hand and insisted her to pace up. They halted after reaching a food-stall; both of them were in need of fresh air. Knowing both of them non vegetarian Ram ordered breakfast and sat by her side. Finding Priya in deep thoughts, he placed his hand on hers. “Priya, whatever I said was straight from heart. I don't think I am good when it comes to ladies but...” he sighed, “but whatever you felt that I was feeling for you; is true.” The confused look that fell on him from Priya tensed him more, “You understand naa what I am trying to say?” It was pretty hard for Priya to resist smiling which turned into laugh.

“Sorry” she said under her laugh. “I am really sorry. You are really bad with girls.”

“Come on yaar. At least I showed the courage to ask you for a date. Previously I couldn't even ask her for date!” the child like face made by him made Priya laugh more. “arey yaar.” He was pretty offended.

“Sorry..Sorry..” Priya said under her persistent laughs with her hands clasping his left hand in hers firmly, “See. Whatever it is I am actually liking this.” They could feel the moment building up between them, the intense eyes said what they failed to voice. The vendor ‘s sudden voice shivered them out of the eye-lock. Ram brought the plates to the them and settled. Almost in peace and with limited conversations they finished their food.

“Now what next?” Priya asked.

“Let's roam around, we can get something more interesting to eat or drink with passing time.” Gripping her hand with a sudden pull he shouted out to the buzzing cyclist. “Are you okay?” he shifts his eyes to Priya who was almost knocked down by the careless rider.

“Sit here.” He asked her to settle on the road side seats. “Let me find some water for you then we will leave for the town.” Priya stopped Ram clutching his hand. Though unsaid he knew what she wanted. Obeying he sat by her. “Thank you.” She uttered. When she was about to withdraw her hand, he shifted his arm entwining his hand with hers. Without protesting she let him shift himself near her. Their arms brushed against; the unsaid tension rose.

“Do you love flowers?” Suddenly he asked.

“Hmm..” she missed the question.

“Flowers? Do you like flowers?” he asked again.

“Yes. Only jasmine. My choice may be odd but that’s my choice only.” She shrugged her shoulders. “ Yours?”

“White. Only White roses.”

“Ram.” Her loving voice was hard to ignore, “Can I ask you something?” he smiled back as a reply. “ What makes me special to you?”

He smiled and left her hand. “ May I?” he didn't wait for her permission and shoved his hand around her shoulder, “ You are special because you are you. From first day though I noticed you first in Priyanka’s party you never tried to adjust yourself, even today you were just you. That makes you special for me.” As she looked down to escape his eyes, Ram added, “So I am not the one who blush!”

“Shut Up!” Priya mocked him softly. “I want to know about you more, friends, family.”

“About family I already briefed you, will tell you in details some other day. I will make you talk with buddhi.” The question mark appeared crystal clear on her face, “Mom.” He said. Priya nodded in disbelief also felt happy to know the equation that the son shares with her mother. “Friends I don't have friends I have, actually had only one; Vikram.” His pale face alarmed Priya.

“Why had?” she asked.

“I had a fight with him.” Withdrawing himself from her Ram said. “Regarding you.”

“Me!!” Surprised Priya exclaimed.

Briefing the whole incident from past Ram sat back to register her reactions. When he thought she will be the most proud girl on the earth right then, something conflicting to his thoughts happened.

“Ram, this is utter nonsense, rubbish and disgusting. If I were Vikram I would have slapped you and kicked you right at your balls.” She frowned in anger.

“Ouch! It hurts you know.” The thought of getting hit at his balls he shivered in pain.

“I know that's why you should be kicked there. I mean how rude and insensitive you are? What you know about me?” Priya was furious suddenly, rejecting Ram’s every approach to calm her, and she continued “Ram how long you know Vikram?”

“I think you are over reacting!” Ram tried to escape but there was no way to it. When she demanded an answer he obediently answered, “almost 25 years.”

“And me? Fifteen days? No twenty almost right?” Fumed Priya.

“Yeah!”

“Wonderful for a 20 day relationship you ditched a 25 year relation. Just wow!!” she exclaimed under her annoyance. “Ram, today friendship is the hardest thing to preserve. I don't know what we are going to share in future but I am really not that kind of girl who always think it to be cool when  her man prioritize her before everything and everyone. I am little mental you can say, but I will love to have a man by me who can think and chalk the situation rotationally.” She looked up, “That doesn't mean you can do down me. So stop smiling thinking of living a free life if we make a couple any day. But you have to clear up this mess now!” she ordered.

“He is not speaking to me.” Ram said sadly.

“Which childhood friend will not speak to you if you drop to his place? Have you tried it?” asked Priya. Ram nodded a no to her.

“You will clear this mess today and tell him I want to meet him and dinner this Saturday on me. I will take Neha along too.” Dominating the whole conversation she didn't spare him a single way to deny to her.Obeying her Ram promised to sort out the differences he developed with Vikram.

After they left Majnu ka tilla while on the roads Priya tried to select the perfect radio station on the stereo player; Ram was in dilemma choosing the right time to speak his heart.

When everything seemed to fall at its right place; something worse surfaced in with that call.

“Yes Soma.” Priya’s face turned pale and sudden agony and tension flushed in.” Stop the car!” she ordered.

“What Happened Priya is everything okay?” Ram tried to know.

“I said Stop the car!” this time she ordered. With screeching sound Ram halted his car. “I am sorry but I have to go.” She hurried out of the car dialling a number. Ram also hurried behind her.

“Please Priya at least let me know what is wrong.” He pleaded.

Moving to and fro between a certain place she ignored Ram completely. “Priya!” clutching her within his strong muscular grip he demanded to know what wrong has surfaced in.

“ We are not that close that I can share every thing with you in details” The girl who was pushing herself so close to him suddenly cocooned herself around the unseen  shield.

“But I need to know.”

“No need..” she replied rudely, “ Taxi” she shouted.

“Where are you going? I have a car Priya where ever..” Ram stopped as Priya manages to stop a taxi, “why are you behaving like this Priya?”

“You are the nicest man I have meet Ram. But right now we have nothing to share personal. And if you really want to conclude; whatever your decision it will be I will be fine with it.” These last words pained Ram’s heart, the pain which can never be understood by anyone, not even by Priya. He accepted Priya with all his heart for what she is and was, only he wanted a fair relation from her side too. Which she denied with the most ridiculous reason ever stated “we are not so close.” He could hear Priya asking the taxi driver to take to airport. For a moment he felt like following her, but respecting her decision and feeling betrayed he stood back in the middle of the road, with the reality of getting his date crashed by his date only.

~~

Present Time.

Priya pulled out the ocean blue envelope that Ram gave her. The Blue ribbon falls aside in her bag, when the security at airport checked it unwrapping it; but she still unaware of the contents in details. She neither wanted to know it then.

The call from Soma turned her world upside down, she reacted the best at that moment. Her luck favoured with the plane tickets even. At the very last moment somehow miraculously she grabbed a ticket of a direct Air India flight to Kolkata. It almost took 3 hours to land at Kolkata for the bad weather prevailing and another one hour and forty five minutes to reach the hospital. Thank fully Soma kept her words by staying back with her mother. Shipra threw herself completely to her daughter, whom she saw after a gap of more than 3 years. When Shipra was expecting no response from her daughter Priya stood like a rock by her, in absence of her two sons and daughter in law holidaying at Kashmir. Having only post paid connections allowed there for security reasons Shipra had no way to communicate with Rohit or Kartick until anyone of them calls her. In that situation she has no option left other than to beg to her neighbour Soma, who used to study with Priya till 10^th whom she pretty much suspected her to be in Priya’s touch since she left home.

Now she sits alone with her mother crying on her shoulder badly with the fear of losing her husband forever.

“Priya!” the sudden voice shivered Priya out of her thoughts, the face and voice of her choto kakima (youngest maternal aunt) never failed to sooth her. Behind her she found her choto kaku (youngest maternal aunt) equally surprised to see her present there.

“You stay here.” He instructed his wife, “Take care of didi (sister) I will check with the doctor. Priya come with me.” Priya’s maternal uncle ordered.

“Go.” The lady in off white salwar suit spoke, “We can have a long discussion later.” She never failed to comfort Priya. Her best days were used to be the summer break which she used to spend with her uncle and aunty after they got married. With her she always felt home, which might have her mother failed to make her feel. Obeying, Priya walked inside with her uncle.

Briefing the doctors with the HOD of the cardiac department announced they really don't have time to wait, anytime any massive attack can take his life away. Chances of survival in operation is also low but they all agreed to take the risk, because it is always better to take risk from doing nothing and letting the worse to happen. The HOD directed Tamal, the co-ordinator, to take the family’s consent for operation, if the family agrees they will operate in the early morning he declared it too.

Bringing Priya outside her uncle excused Tamal for few minutes, “Priya now the call is yours.” He noticed his two elder brothers rushing inside. “Priya we don’t have time. Speak beta.”  He pleaded.

“But we should wait for Rohit and Kartick.” The eldest brother advised.

“Sorry dada.” The lady spoke, “Right now we must be thinking about him who is fighting for life. Priya is his daughter , we can't just sit back hand on hand waiting for the sons to call and then discuss the whole matter with them wait for their arrival and so on so forth. Safe guarding his life is most important than anything, no emotion can be greater than this crisis. I again beg your pardon for crossing my limits. But please let her decide. Dodo just speak out.”

“I will sign.” Priya spoke up. “What ever there is in future I am ready to face it but right now I will definitely sign.” She said looking at her smiling aunt, who actually spoke her heart risking her own position in the family. After signing the papers Priya asked her uncle for another help. She wanted to transfer the money from her account to his so that she can pay for the operation. Firstly, he denied to allow Priya to bear the costs when the elders are there, again with intervention of her aunt he agreed to act as Priya wanted.

~~

“ So. What are you doing now a days?” asked Mrs. MALA SHARMA, Priya’s maternal aunt.

“Just job and all.” She replied.

“What is bothering you?” Mala asked when Priya checked her phone again.

“Nothing!!” she lied.

“You were of 10 when I got married to your uncle and since then I looked upto you as my elder daughter. Like the way I can sneak into the heart of Mam I can sneak into yours too.” Mala said making Priya steal her eyes. “ I know dada’s health is bothering you but neither Rohit nor Kartick no one is even aware of your presence here rather no one among us know your phone number, then for whose call you are waiting for? Bol amake. (Tell me)”

“I think I have lost him kakima.” Priya failed to hold back her tears, “When baba’s news surfaced in I felt numb and didn't know how to react and I dumped him between the roads and left without informing him even. If I did that he would have landed here with me and...” Mala cuts in Priya completing her sentence.

“And he would have known about your relationship with your mom dad; Right?” she said.

“Yes” Priya whispered.

“So don't he has the right to know?” asked Mala.

“I have just meet him kakima and the relation he has with his family I fear if he learns this I will lose him forever.” Priya tried to defend her act.

“Not now but soon he must became aware of you, the complete you. If he can accept you for what you are then only he deserves you otherwise not. Love is, loving your partner for who he/she is not for whom you want to see in your partner. But right now two things are important one dada who is fighting with death, we have to pray for him and second your just found man, he must know why you left him in between.” Handing Priya her cell phone Mala added, “If he is not receiving calls from your number call from this and brief him; no detailed discussion is needed. Just remember if he is meant for you, what so ever happens he is yours only.” Smiling she placed a hand of comfort on her shoulder. 

Walking to a distance Priya dialled Ram’s number from her aunt’s cell phone and waited for him to answer.

Until we meet.

NB