Anatomy of Love (Complete)

Chapter 26

Why? Why the hell are you against this? Why?" Rishab asked.
Raghuvir sat in his chair, looked at him and said, "You know why? I have already told you. Stop your madness now, Rishab. Stop it."
"Madness? Sending medical help to places where it is tough isn't madness. That's the purpose of our lives. We are doctors, for God's sake."
Raghuvir shook his head and before he could say anything, Sanjana said, "Uske liye Government hai. That's not our job. We are not running any charity here. Rishi, why are you so adamant?"

"Rishab, it's Rishab. And I am not talking to you. Why are you even here? Can't I have a few minutes with him alone?"
Raghuvir said, "Rishab, first calm down then we will talk."
Rishab took a deep breath, "I am calm. Dad, listen, let me do this. I get it we aren't a charity hospital but we get funds from the Government to do such work. This project will bring publicity and more funds. Dad, this was Mom's dream project. You haven't done anything for her. Can't you give her this much? Please Dad."

"Raghuvir is the Chairman, he has to think about the company, the hospital first. Malvika is no more. We have honoured her by naming our cancer wing and the hospital in Pune after her. Aur kitna karna hai uske liye."
Rishab slammed his hand on the desk, "Don't you say her name with that dirty mouth of yours."

"Rishab! She is your mother too. Respect se baat karo."
"No, she isn't. My mother was Dr.Malvika Khurana. This woman was your mistress and now your wife. That's what she will always be for me."

Sanjana put her hand on Raghuvir's shoulder to calm him down and said, "Rishab, tum mujhe insult kar lo magar yeh Sach hai ki main abhi board member aur Raghuvir ki wife hun. As a board member, I don't support this project. The expenses of getting such vans that will carry medical equipment and supplies with doctors and nurses on board will be high. Aur humare doctors hospital chod ke kisi jungle mein treat karenge toh hospital kaise chalega?"
"Dad, ask her to leave."
Sanjana signalled Raghuvir to keep his cool and left.

"She may have left but she wasn't wrong."
"One intern with one resident or one attendant with two nurses. They will be on the road for 5 days. It will be on a rotational basis. It will be just like the medical camps. I just need a yes from you. I will do everything and it will be a success. I promise. Please Dad, I.. haven't asked anything from you. Can't you give me this much only? Please.. Dad."

"Fine. You know our pharmaceutical company is incurring loss at the moment. I have diverted the funds there. You have to wait for now." Raghuvir said after thinking.
"How much time?"
"8 months or a year."
Rishab nodded his head, "You won't help. I get it now."
"Rishab, I said I will. Try to understand why.."

Rishab cut him short, "Stop lying to me, Dr. Raghuvir Khurana. Aaj aap ke samne agar Raunak hota, funds would have been arranged for him. But you didn't even try to talk to Mr.Mehta in the accounts. Ek baar koshish bhi nahi ki. Mere liye toh.. aap ke paas time bhi nahi hai."
"Rishab, I will look into it, I promise. Don't get upset."

Rishab lowered his head, "Don't make promises that you won't keep."
He looked at him, "Aaj shyam ko ghumne jayenge, annual function mein pacca ayunga, iss saal vacation pe theen o chalein ge. Remember them, Dad? They were all your promises. That's what I have got from you, boxes full of broken promises and neglect. Thank you for that."

"Rishab, beta, I am sorry but I was busy then. But now.."
Rishab stopped him, "Nothing changes now. I know that quite well. I am leaving now with a promise to you Doctors on wheel will be a reality without any help from you. Goodbye."

Khushi entered the room and found Rishab sitting quietly on the bed.
"Kya hua? You had a meeting with your father. Did he.. Hurt you again?"
She stood in front of him, took his face in her palms and lifted it to face her.
"Rishu, I am here, baby. Talk to me." She whispered.