A Part, Yet Apart

Chapter 87- Always and in All ways

''Nandini'' Anitha hugged as she saw her daughter. ''Amma, how did this happen?'' Nandini broke into tears. ''Mohan had suddenly collapsed and complained of sharp chest pain, I've called for an ambulance. I was worried and I didn't knew what to do'' Anitha said in between her sobs. Her voice shaking and her hands trembled. ''Acha hua ki aap mujhe call kiya aunty'' Aryaman said. ''Aryaman has helped me to get your nanna here'' she said wiping her tears. ''I want to see him now'' Nandini said in tears. Anitha took her hand walked her towards the ICU. She let Nandini see Manik through a mirror as they were prohibited inside. Mohan was seen on the bed with an oxygen mask. Nandini and Anitha hugged each other as they cried. 

''Aunty, please gather yourself. You should be her strength but look at her, she will break down'' Manik said trying to console Anitha. ''I've never seen Mohan like this, he was always there for me'' Anitha said. ''He will be there for you too, please aap rona mat'' Manik said. ''Anitha, usse kuch nahi hoga, please eat something, you haven't eaten anything'' Nyonika pursued her to eat. ''Nandini, aise rone se kuch nahi hoga, you should be taking care beta. Maa ko kuch khilao'' Shrikant urged Nandini. Abhimanyu and Mukti came there. ''Manik Nandini! When did you come! Pakka Aryaman ka idea hoga tum dono ko bhulaana'' Abhimanyu said. ''I've just spoken to the doctor'' Abhimanyu said. ''What did he say! Uncle ka condition kya hai?'' Manik asked Abhimanyu. ''This isn't something critical, mild attack hai ye. Doctor advised uncle to take rest and reduce the stress'' Abhimanyu said. 

''Dekha, hum keh rahe the na Mohan ji ko kuch nahi hoga, Ab tho kuch khaa lena'' Nyonika said making Anitha eat. ''Amma, we can't face nanna like this. Please eat now. We should be strong enough to look after him'' Nandini said wiping her tears. Anitha finally gave up and ate as Nandini fed her. Mohan was then shifted from ICU to a cabin where only one attendant was allowed. Anitha went inside to be with him. Nandini sat there alone looking at both of them. ''Manik'' Aryaman called his brother seeing Nandini alone. ''Bhabhi akeli hai, jao uske paas'' he suggested. ''Let her be alone sometime. She needs it now'' Manik said. ''Women expect their loved ones to be with them in such tough times'' Aryaman said. ''Tumhe bada pata hai 'women' ke baare mein'' Manik stressed the word women. ''This is so obvious bro!'' Aryaman said. ''Don't act smart! Now I knew everything'' Manik said. ''I know that you know everything'' Aryaman winked at him. ''When are you introducing her to everyone?'' Manik asked. ''Abhi time hai, but please don't tell anyone. I will surely get her home some day soon'' Aryaman promised. 

Nandini had tears in her eyes and she tried to wipe them off. Manik approached her and he wiped them off before she could. ''Nandini, please don't cry, I don't why but I really feel bad when I see tears in your eyes. Please mere liye. Uncle bhi theek ho hi gaya. Hum unke liye best care karenge. Medical technology is so advanced now. Don't you worry'' Manik said. Nandini held his hand. ''Thank God your tears vanished now but you still look like damsel in distress without a smile'' he said. Nandini quickly adjusted her hair and dupatta. ''Now?'' she asked him. ''You are incomplete without a smile on your face'' Manik said trying to make her smile. He held her hands and said, ''I left you alone so that you could cope up and gather your strength, aise rone se kuch nahi hoga'' Manik said. She kept looking at her parents while Manik silently stared at her. ''I never thought I would see Nanna in this state, why is this happening with me Manik! First mom was unwell and now dad too. This is my worst birthday ever!'' Nandini said as tears fell down her cheek. 

''Look there! In the end, they're still together caring for each other'' Manik said showing her parents. Nandini looked tired and exhaustive. ''Ab ghar jaake thoda rest karo'' Manik said and she nodded no. ''I can't leave mom alone with dad. I'm not going anywhere'' she said. ''Mom aur tum dono jao, I'll be with uncle'' Manik said. ''Ha Bhabhi, you and aunty should go home, Manik tum bhi unhi ke saath ghar jao, I'll stay with uncle'' Aryaman offered. ''No, no! You've already helped so much and I won't let you stay back alone too'' Nandini said. ''Ye kaisi baat! We're a family now. In both of your absence, I'm in charge of both the set of parents'' Aryaman said. ''I know but please tum dono argue mat karo. Neither me nor mom are leaving from hospital'' Nandini said with determination.