Story ; Sequence : Characters : Casting :
Abhishikta was baffled of this approach. Rohan was his senior at the hospital where she was appointed for the first time after her MBBS. It was for first time Rohan referred her as Abhishikta and not Ms. Sikand. And why? He proposed her. Abhishikta thought, ‘A proposal directly for marriage?’ Actually she has had a bitter experience recently that made her break her a yearlong relationship with Ajay. They were batch-mates in medical college and everyone knew they are going to marry off. Till she openly slapped him across his face, at final year farewell party. He was drunk and revealed his darker side that Abhishikta never knew. He drank a lot and worst, he wanted to have a night’s stand with her that night.
Now Rohan. He was three years senior to her and she knew him as a sober guy who was far away from things like ragging and elections. But marriage? ‘I do respect him as my senior in college and now in hospital but… he loves me or just…’ Abhishikta was damn confused. She thought to discuss it out with Rohan Sir, as she used to call him.
“See Abhishikta, I don’t know how far you will believe me, but since the day I saw you in college, I had developed an emotion for you. But you never got to know me fully and I always thought Ajay Jalan and you are going to get married. I was ready to forget you and obey my parents but now when he is no more in your life, I want to come in.” Abhishikta never saw a more blunt person. Looking in his eyes straight she confessed, “I respect you, and I’ll like to have you in my life. But not before one year and not against will of my mother.”
Rohan visits her place and genuinely likes her mother, Mrs. Sikand. When he comes to know the troubles the lady had faced to raise Abhishikta after her husband died, he starts nourishing a respect for her. Now he goes to their place just not to meet Abhishikta, but to find something that he never got in his whole life. Love and care. Mrs. Sikand loves him like his son and he finds his mother in hers. Rohan was the only son of rich Malhotra’s. But anything that he got from his parents was money, money and only money. He became a part of Sikand household.
“I don’t have any objection towards it beta, but one thing”, Mrs. Sikand replied her shying daughter, “They are rich more than we can imagine, and I don’t want any trouble to brew up afterwards for you.” “We both are in same profession Ma, and what’s more? He is independent. And he… he likes me…”
They both start meeting each other. In hospital and out everyone knew they are going to get engaged. Their love increased each day when they got to know each other closely. They found most of their likes and dislikes tallied. And suddenly one day Rohan looked gloomy. On even thousand questions of Abhishikta he kept quiet. Only answer that she got was some trouble in business of his father.
“I have something to say you… Abhi,” Rohan started at the hospital canteen. “Please!” Abhishikta pressed his palms in hers. “I am going to…” Impatient Abhishikta pressed her palms more, “I know it’s something that’s bothering you since long. It’s not business. What’s it? Come out with it please!” Rohan looked at her face painfully and said, “I am going to die.” Everything stopped for a while. Then Abhishikta busted out. “But we are Doctors damn it…” “Listen,” Rohan intervened. ”You know, the one in which one lose hair first, then eyesight, then life… slowly,” “Is it…?” Abhishikta was on verge of crying. “Yeah, and I am going to leave the town tomorrow. I don’t want to die in front you dear, at least not ugly” Abhishikta was sobbing. ”But I have one request,” Rohan said, “I can do anything for you, but please don’t go.” Abhishikta said. “Please promise me you won’t… I know it’s selfish but…” Rohans’ voice choked, “I’ll do that,” “First listen”, Rohan stopped her, “Don’t… don’t marry… any body else” “Even if you haven’t said Rohan, I wouldn’t have, “Abhishikta said.
It has been four months Rohan went. Mrs. Sikand knew there is no effort consoling her daughter. She waited for time to heal up wounds. But for Abhishikta, it was a life to live. She talked and lived with Rohan, in her virtual reality. She was content with his memories; until something happened. Until someone came to her charge in hospital, after accident, in coma. For Abhishikta he was just like any other patient. After he regained his consciousness Abhishikta found him to be too friendly which she avoided. After Rohan she was not interested in anything other than the profession to which Rohan gave his final touch. But what to do of Yash Agnihotri? He was a nice man, doing well in his upcoming business. Stubborn man.
“Friends are too precious beta.” Mrs. Sikand said as Abhishikta complained of Yash Agnihotri. “You should never let one go if the person is good.”
Sipping his coffee Yash agreed, “I can understand you trauma Dr. Sikand. Love is nicest feeling to have and most tormenting to leave.” “No, I have not left it. I still love him. And will always.” Abhishikta concealed her tears, which Yash saw.
Yash was a good friend. Moreover, he was a good listener. Patiently he would sit down with Abhishikta and listen to petty anecdotes that she cherished in her memory of Rohan. Long hours would pass by. And Yash wouldn’t get up until he would start feeling that he is nourishing something for this lovely and dedicated lady. Indeed he starts loving her.
Abhishikta, till now became a close buddy of Yash. They went to Abhishikta and Yash from Dr. Sikand and Mr. Agnihotri. They would find time from each other’s profession out for each other. On her asking about Yashs’ life she found out he is an orphan. He had come to this extent only by his talent and hard work. Yashs’ personal feelings for her never adulterated their friendship. Not until the evening of Yashs’ birthday.
“I want to gift you something Yash, you say.” Something happened that Yash never knew, in him. What he said was un-deliberate but shocked Abhishikta. “I want to marry you Abhishikta”. Abhishikta came back.
“I am sorry Abhishikta. But I love you, may be not as much as Rohan did, but I do. And being a doctor you know the intricacies of life and death. I am not saying you to forget Rohan. His presence I do acknowledge. But don’t you think spending life with a friend who will share your feelings, not sacrificing your love for Rohan is a bit easy and nice than spending life alone just in memories of Rohan.” Sitting in couch at her place Yash said. Abhishikta didn’t said anything.
Mrs. Sikand tried to make her understand too. Yash never took up that topic again saying that he will be always a friend and not marry anyone else then her. And will ask her just once more. After a month. Abhishikta was again on a crossroad. One way she had her promise to Rohan. Other, a good friend, ready to sacrifice his life if she doesn’t marry him. He never asked her to get rid of Rohans’ memories. But later if he feels possessive? ‘What should I do?’ Abhishikta was puzzled. ‘And why should I marry him? What about my promise?’
All along Abhishikta kept on comparing and also questioning herself why is she even comparing. Gradually she also started feeling that along with the loving memories of Rohan she does need someone like Yash who can be at her side when she needs. She never acknowledged that she had some feeling for Yash except friendship. But somehow she was getting ready for Yash.
On Yashs’ next asking she said yes. But kept the condition of Rohan’s memories, which will never leave her. Yash readily agreed. He was in love with her and accepted her even with the memories of her past beloved.
Happy were the days that Abhishikta never could complain about. Yash never imposed himself on her in psychological or physical way. Whenever he found her lost in thoughts he never disturbed her. But whenever allowed intimacy, he seemed most perfect to her. On her part too Abhishikta was best wife, as people said. She shared all sorrows and happiness’s of Yash and gave all attention she could to him after her hectic profession. They had build up a rapport in between and were starting to find satisfaction in it. But all of a sudden the thunderstorm broke out.
“Rohan! Is it… is it you…?” Abhishikta was trembling and utterly confused. Receiver was about to slip off her loosening grip, but she held on, “I want to meet you, now…” she cried out.
“But how can you? When you have promised me? I can’t believe that you are infidelite Abhi but, but I can’t also explain my self why did you?” Rohan was deeply hurt as they sat in the hospital canteen. Abhishikta said, “I am not infidelite Rohan, but I won’t also explain you what happened. I don’t want to seem like giving excuses. The truth is that I still love you. But please say me why did you do this to me? You were lying, aren’t you?” “I did, because my parents would have made it difficult for you if I hadn’t lied. It was their wish and I needed time to convince them. It’s different that I didn’t have to. They died in a plane crash last week. I am alone Abhi; I need you. Can your love get me back you again? Say me?”
They talked a lot. And Rohan wished her Good Bye with a torment in her eyes Abhishikta never could forget. And in next few days she realized that she couldn’t live without Rohan. It was a fact that she loved Yash now and this was also a reason she couldn’t cheat Yash. She was finding it a treachery to live with Yash having lively feeling for Rohan
“… and I want to go back to him”, explaining Yash everything she said. “I love you Yash and I don’t want to cheat you” “It was not my mistake that he came back” Yash said after a long break. “But I will bear this because I love you Abhishikta. You can go back to him but… but I want… yes, I do insist something.” Yash said firmly, but having a tremble in his voice. Abhishikta looked at him questioningly. He said, “I want you, once.” Abhishikta had mixed feelings on her face. She went to him, held his hand and nodded.
Next day Yash went to office without even shaving. He had not ate or slept since their last conversation. Till afternoon he came back. But his getup was changed. He was clean shaved and had a happy getup. He had changed to new clothes. He was received by Abhishikta at gate. She was also looking nice and beautiful. They looked at each other with a sad smile and Yash got in. He changed and went to bathroom.
After a minute he called Abhishikta. It was for the first time she went to shower with Yash. He drenched her on her nightie and looked at her for long time. Than he led her to drawing room and made her stand in front of AC and turned it on. Abhishikta was quietly facing all this and looking at her constantly. All of a sudden Yash brought all woolen garments and made her wear it. Abhishikta was feeling astonished. Then she was led to kitchen. Yash closed all doors and windows. Heater, gas, stove all were lit up. Abhishikta was afraid. “Yash…” She called. He was taking the woolen things off. He looked at her. “Angry?” her voice fumbled. He said, “I had dreamt of spending all seasons of my life with you. But it was my mistake to persuade you to not to wait for him. I just want to see you in all seasons. That’s all, please! Rain and winter is gone. It’s summer. You know, you look good in all seasons.” At last he unbuttoned her nightie and taking it off he got her rid of last two pieces too. Abhishikta was so engrossed in looking at this person that she forgot her nudity. After looking at her for brief he said, “Go, you are free. Go to him.” and turned back to go. But felt her clinging to him at his back. “I want to you to love me Yash, please…”
All the time Yash was not in his own. He would be cruelly rash at times and next time he would cry. Abhishikta felt two things. She wanted to go to Rohan as soon as possible but also didn’t felt like leaving Yash. She excited him and satisfied him in all ways she could. She felt it is her duty. He was punishing her and she was getting punished. She was satiating him and he was feeling sorry. It was an unexplainable mating.
Abhishikta had rang up Rohan to say she is coming. Rohan couldn’t believe his ears. It was enough for him that he was getting his beloved back. “I am least concerned about your past Abhi, I want you and you will be coming back, is enough for me.” Next morning Yash got prepared for office. Abhishikta told her all the bills he has to pay and the places things are kept. His dresses and files. He gave her a pen. “Write to me, if possible”. “I will, Yash, I love you more than Rohan and I don’t want to cheat you. And perhaps more than love I have respect for you. Please take your care. Bye.”
At airport Rohan and Abhishikta cleared up customs and headed for the plane. It was her wish to leave the town. “I never imagined you love me so much.” Rohan said. She replied, “I… I do”.
Abhishikta is the central character of the story around which the plot hovers. She, from beginning is a bubbly girl who enjoys life. She is in love with a boy from her batch; Ajay and they both are going to get married. She is also an honest and hardworking student. She is also a responsible girl and aspiring to be a successful doctor. Apart from medical studies she is also active in many cultural activities and is fairly famous in her friend group as a nice, gentle and active girl. She is quite fond of her mother, Mrs. Sikand. Her father died when she was a kid. So she was too much fond of her mother. It was from her mother that she inherited all the ethics and morals along with high ideology in life. They both are quite attached towards each other. She is quite aware of her mother’s sacrifices for her and she acknowledges it. She never conceals anything from her mother.
Ajay was a turning point in her life which projects her inner strength and determination. It also made her understand the true definition of love. She became alert of any further relationships.
After Rohan came to her life, she gave herself time to analyze him and her feeling for him. Only after she was convinced that he was the perfect life partner she could get, she fell madly in love with him. She knows for the first time what it means to be in true love. She could see the dedication in Rohan’s eyes. Her sense of responsibility increased as she found her relationship with Rohan getting closer. Till now her kiddish nature decrease and she assumes the responsibility of a doctor.
As Rohan dies and Yash comes to her life, she becomes a totally changed person. Now she is a reserved girl who lives in only her world comprising of her mother and her patients. Slowly Yash creeps into her world and then as he proposes her for marriage she becomes disturbed. After marriage she is a calm and quite person who gracefully manages everything. She understood her responsibilities towards Yash. She began liking him, as he respected her feelings towards Rohan. This attitude of Yash brought her closer to her. Feelings like love were getting evolved in her heart for Rohan. Perhaps more than love she felt respect for him.
But as Rohan comes back, she is in same old disturbed state. She seems to have more than one feeling in her. On one hand was a person she loved and even whose unexpected departure from her life could not erase his sensation from her life. And on the other was Yash who supported her, respected her decisions, and still loved her in spite of knowing the shadows of Rohan were in her life. She did not want to hurt Yash neither did she bring herself to refuse Rohan. Both of them were important in her life in some way or the other. And she felt pain for both. She is happy, sad, satisfied and frustrated.
Rohan is the key factor that affected Abhishikta’s life and is the major catalyst in bringing radical changes in her life and in the story too. He is a passive factor from the beginning but the moment he comes in life of Abhishikta his presence makes feel it’s importance. She permeates in the life of the mother and daughter and plays a crucial role in advancing the story. Apart from being a doctor he is a rich person from the business background of his father. But has a neglected family life. He is not in that much touch of his parents and is also not that emotional towards his busy parents. But he does obey them and never goes out of what they say. He is a rational person who weighs things before getting them. He is calm and confident about anything he does. Till he says Abhishikta about his death he seems to be unperturbed about anything. But in that scene only he looks too disturbed and harassed. Then as he comes back in her life, apart from his confident nature he looks desperate and unkempt. Nevertheless he seems to get adjusted to new circumstances. But as he gets Abhishikta back, he seems the same old Rohan again, quite indifferent towards anything that happened in past.
Yash brings all the major twists and turns required to make the story run from the initiation of second half. He gets introduction as an upcoming businessman who was brought up in an orphanage. He is a nice and extrovert person. He loves to talk and make friends. Apart from that he analyses everyone he meets. He is a reader of minds and he loves doing it. Hardworking, as he is, success comes to him more than often in business, as apart from being hardworking, he is shrewd and understands everything well. He is a fast learner and that’s the reason he kept on getting scholarships and sponsors for his studies till he completed his MBA. After serving the company that sponsored his management to pay it back full, he started his own entrepreneurship and in some years became quite successful. He is genuinely interested in Abhishikta and respected her too. He never intended to come open on his feelings till it came out on itself. But that incident gave him impetus give it a try. But he never denies the feelings she had for Rohan. He has respect for anything that belongs to Abhishikta, even emotions towards Rohan. On acceptance of Abhishikta he feels naturally happy and excited for the first time in his life. In their conjugal life he never imposes himself on her. He always maintains graceful distance whenever Rohan intervenes he thoughts. And never feels frustrated or neglected for the reason. He always seems happy and ever ready to spread happiness everywhere. But appearance of Rohan brings many illusions in his life. Moreover Abhishikta’s proposal, which he knew would come, comes as the biggest blow in his life. Than his emotions becomes quite undecipherable. He starts behaving unexpectedly. But gets prepared for her departure. Somehow, somewhere he finds himself responsible for his own misery. He just wants to spend his whole life with Abhishikta in the next few moments left. But without getting desperate he prepares himself and plans his time. But he never forgets to take permission from Abhishikta.
Apart from these three key figures in the story, who make it move, there are also other characters that support the base. As from beginning, these are described in order of their importance.
Mrs. Sikand, Abhisikta’s mother is a fine, charming and educated lady in her forties. After death of her husband she got the govt. job of his and took much pain in bringing Abhishikta up. She is very much attached to her daughter but never amputates her freedom. She let Abhishikta chose her career as she wished. She always had the confidence that she had shown right path to her daughter and Abhishikta would never ever take a wrong decision. She always behaved as more a friend than a mother to Abhishikta. When Abhishikta conveyed her ‘final decision’ she is initially shocked. But when Abhishikta explained her why it is necessary for her to do this, she did not object to her stand any more.
Mr. and Mrs. Malhotra, parents of Rohan Malhotra, is a rich business couple who were quite successful in their entrepreneurial ventures. They were typical business house kind persons who believed that anything could be bought paying money. They never gave any importance to anyone in front of their ego and least to any kind of emotions. That was the reason they never felt any necessity to be near each other or even Rohan. They were never gave any importance to Rohan’s feelings towards Abhishikta rather like orthodox rich parents took it as an insult to their status to bring her as their daughter-in-law. They were just opposite to what Rohan is. They were prepared even to remove any girl from Rohan’s life if she was not of their stature and Rohan would be too serious about it.
Ajay is the least important character in the whole story whose presence in the story is just for confusion in Abhishikta’s mind if she would accept Rohan in her life or not. Ajay is a normal guy who may be was truly in love with Abhishikta, but he made some humane blunder quite unacceptable to Abhishikta. For him it was a part of life as he believed but he never could imagine these would be snatching away his love.
The scene of marriage going on and over current of happiness would be quite evident on every bodies face. But Abhishikta would be concealing the pinch of thorn in her heart and silently saying sorry as the girls bathed her in ‘Haldi’ water. Her thoughts like nomads, would be wandering in the wilderness of past. As the giggling girls made fun, she remembered the valentine’s evening. Rohan was looking handsome. The person she was about to refuge. Ajay was the worst experience in her life that made her more than once think before thinking about Rohan. Her mother was most active on the event of marriage of her only daughter. But despite all the happiness’s and fun, the new bride was gloomy and sad, pondering.
Ajay was her first blind love. It was farewell party of medical college and she was enjoying company of her friends and of course, Ajay. But she got shocked when Ajay reappeared after getting drunk. She was angry, and promised herself she would not let him drink ever again. But then she had to reconsider Ajay when the worst thing happened in her life. Ajay proposed her for a night’s stand before marriage, that night. A tight slap brought Ajay to his senses but after that he realized he had lost Abhishikta, forever.
‘Mehndi ‘ was showing her colors as some girls adorned on Abhishikta’s fair palms beautiful curves and contours. She was feeling the tingling tickle that made her smile, and there was another in her heart. She was remembering Rohan. Rohan she loved more than anything in her life after her mother. Rohan, she spent innumerable times with.
Rohan proposing her in hospital canteen was looking serious. And she was confused. The bad experience with Ajay was still afresh. She asks him for time and the story moves ahead as flash back till she finally accepts Rohan’s proposal. In meanwhile between this flow the interaction between Abhishikta and Mrs. Sikand is shown. The bond of friendship between mother and daughter is evident. Rohan too finds some excuse or other to visit Mrs. Sikand. He finds maternal affection from Mrs. Sikand for which all along in his life he had craved for.
Abhishikta’s hands were getting rinsed to remove the raw ‘Mehndi’. The green ‘Mehndi’ with some traces of redness that bled was running down the basin. Abhishikta could see color blood. Tears descended from her eyes.
It was Rohan who was saying in the hospital canteen that he would die. Then started Abhishikta’s tryst with loneliness. He was no more in her life. But his essence was there. Her closeness with her mother increased. Mrs. Sikand too felt loss of a son. Abhishikta learnt to live with her loneliness and her patients. For them she was a smiling angelic doctor who would heal their ailments half by her smile and care and rest by medicine.
There were joyous shouts all over and noises of bursting crackers and band was near the door. Everybody was rushing out. On a white mare was a handsome groom. Rituals took their own course and in a joyous environment Abhishikta wedded Yash.
An urgent call for Dr. Abhishikta was announced on microphone. It was a trauma case of hit and run. Patient was in coma. He was up coming businessman Yash. He was in her charge. Gradually he recovered but again fell to a fatal disease called love. But it remained concealed from Abhishikta despite of their growing friendship. Mrs. Sikand too liked Yash and he too began enjoying her company.
It was quite accidental on Yash’s part that he proposed Abhishikta on his birthday. It proved to be a turning point in her life. She was perfectly ready to refuse his proposal. And she did. But constant persual of Mrs. Sikand and the longing in eyes of Yash made her reconsider. But all along she made it clear that she would not be able to forget Rohan. Yash accepted it with grace and so did Abhishikta, her marital life. They were happy together till one day Rohan calls.
Rohan then explains Abhishikta about his problems at home and why he lied to her. He was ready to go away from her life but each moment expecting her to return.
Thus torment of Abhishikta begins. She understands it’s impossible for her to be with out him and at same time she felt something for Yash. She couldn’t cheat him. She explains Yash. And he lets her go with a condition.
Ultimately, she goes to Rohan after fulfilling Yash’s wish. Rohan accepts her. He is not tormented of her past with Yash. She wanted to go away from that town. It was no big deal for Rohan. He would do anything for her. Time and again he would, in expression or joy and unbelievable bliss utter, “I never imagined you love me so much.” She replies, “I… I do”.
Abhishikta : Preity Zinta
Rohan : Leonardo Di Caprio
Karan : Billy Zane
Ajay : Dino Morea
Mrs. Sikand : Renuka Rana
Mr. Malhotra : Raju Kher
Mrs. Malhotra : Sudha Chandran