“Will he be able to see again?” The tightening in her throat caused her to pause and look at the man beside her, when he squeezed her hand. But she had no intentions of giving up. “Doctor, you are our only hope with the recent breakthrough with your research at the institute. Please, I beg you to include him in your new trial…”
She sighed, watching the couple sitting in front of her. Desperation was writ large on their faces, yet hope glinted through. The doctor in her ready to voice out the truth, along with the high risk that came with the intrusive, painful procedure. But, somehow she couldn’t, staring at the man in question. Perhaps knowing they had travelled thousands of miles from Delhi, and she was their last chance. Instead she looked at the patient’s file once more, before declaring her decision.
Name: Arnav Singh Raizada
Sex: Male
Age: 32
Symptom: Complete vision loss due to diabetic eye disease over the past five years. Patient has been diagnosed with severe type of proliferative retinopathy. Little to no chances to restore vision after multiple attempts of treatments and surgery.
“I can not make any promises. If you recall, it’s something I was upfront about last week during our phone conversation before you flew out to Geneva to meet with me. As you are aware there are complexities with Mr. Raizada’s case that makes it next to impossible to treat…”
“Dr. Gupta, I did not fly out here to listen to that excuse, that’s all I have been hearing for the past six years since his diagnosis. You are one of the top ophthalmologists in your field. Known to work miracles, giving so many patients their eyesight back when they had been told otherwise. And now you are saying you can’t treat him?”
“I think you should relax, and let me…” The doctor leaned forward, placing her hands on her desk. But it seemed the woman had no intentions of letting her continue.
“No, I can’t sit back and agree with you… do you have any idea what that man has gone through all these years?”
“Honey…” Her companion whispered, wrapping his arm around his wife’s shoulder. But before he could say anything further, a sharp voice caught the three occupants attention.
“Di, that’s enough… I am blind, not deaf! You don’t need to beg this doctor when clearly she is not capable. They might claim this is a futuristic eye institute with medical advances, and she is an expert in the field. But now that you have seen for yourself that is not the case, can we close this matter once and for all.”
He stood up abruptly, holding onto the side of the couch. Yes, he had been a spectator, listening to the words flying around him. But he could no longer sit back and listen to his sister and brother in law, practically beg the doctor.
Who the hell needed her advice?
What did she know about him anyway?
It was time he took back control as far his family was concerned. If he had come to terms with his blindness, why couldn’t they.
“Mr. Raizada, Anjali, I wasn’t done speaking, so if I may be allowed to finish…” She shut the file, and took it with her, walking towards the patient. Her eyes fixed on his stiff stance, as she stopped in front of him at the end of the beige plush couch. “Sit down.” Her stern tone had no effect, as the man refused to follow her instructions. He might not have said a word in the past hour, but it amazed her to see the arrogance filling the air. His taut expression was more than enough to see right through him. “Fine have it your way. Just be aware what I am about to layout out for your treatment is going to be quite lengthy.”
“Arnav, please sit down.” Aman helped his brother in law, though they were friends above all, back down to his seat. Anjali joined them, as the doctor also sat down on the adjacent arm chair.
And without any further objection, or interruptions, she gave them options for his treatment. She couldn’t help but observe her soon to be new patient, who couldn’t have cared less. And it made her wonder why had she agreed to take this case with his negative attitude. Her patients were always eager, contributing to the discussion and ultimate results for the cure they sought.
But not him.
**********
If only his earlier words were true. He would take being deaf, along with his blindness at this point.
What difference did it make?
In fact, being blind had not bothered him as much as the initial consultation with the so called eminent doctor and his family.
The lack of vision had become normal. His world now permanently etched in charcoal, the once vibrant hues were no more than a vivid dream. Darkness a part of his life.
Though he had signed up for a trial that would have him put his faith in the hands of someone else. While he was prepared, rather, certain of the outcome, he had agreed to the experiment for his family’s happiness.
Of course, his astute business mind had negotiated the terms to agree to move forward with yet another treatment. Top one being that no one from his family was allowed to stay with him in Switzerland, while he underwent a six month trial at the eye institute.
This in a way was the escape he needed from the pitiful life he had been living the past few years. His once independent life, living on his terms, was long gone. Being smothered by his family was what constituted his life 24/7. Not to mention being treated like a handicapped person, who would easily shatter like precious glass.
He could no longer bear it, losing his mind and himself with each passing day.
With the advancements of technology, he continued to run his empire alongside with Aman. But he missed the adventurous life he had led. One that had him backpacking around the world during his time off, trying anything and everything.
This city for example he had visited on several occasions to hit the slopes, being an expert skier. And now, he was stuck in the confines of a private room at the institute.
He was no longer the business magnate, Arnav Singh Raizada, the world knew in the aerospace arena, specializing in space aviation. And the reality was, he never would be again. Being a blind man superseded anything else.
What use was he, if he couldn’t even make visual recommendations or edits for a product his company produced?
No matter what this obnoxious doctor continued to lecture him about for the past month during his excruciating treatment.
Though a part of him enjoyed pushing her buttons…
“You’ve got to be kidding me! What is your problem, Mr. Raizada? Once again, you didn’t cooperate with my assistant for your dilation.” The doctor gasped out in disbelief, and hearing the sound of persistent tapping on a screen of her tablet, he was aware she was reviewing his chart. Probably cursing him out, making her notes. But he stayed mum, facing the window with a view of the Alps, so he was told. But what use was it for him. In fact it was cruel punishment to give a blind guy a room with a stunning view.
“If you continue in this manner, forget six months this will be at least a year long process…”
“Works for me, Dr. Gupta. As you can see from my condition, it’s not like I have anywhere to go. This place is growing on me.”
“Have you ever thought, the sooner we get through this, the sooner you may be able to see again. Then perhaps you can go wherever your heart desires.” Her tone turned softer, as he heard the sound of her footsteps approaching him. But it was laced with a hint of sympathy, just like the rest of world. One he had no patience for.
“My family is not around, so you can cut this heroine act… if other doctors around the world have failed to cure my blindness, what makes you think you can?!” He shut his eyes, shifting to sit up straight on the chaise, hearing the chair scrape against the marble floors. Even the slight, gentle breeze caressing his skin when she sat down, caused him to further tighten his clamped eyelids.
“Looks like someone woke on the wrong side the of the bed this morning. Cranky?” She asked, sounding amused, rather than annoyed at him. Which was unlike her, since she generally would argue until one of them gave in.
“The bed and food in this place suck! Feels like I am in the fucking hospital…”
“That’s because it is… a fucking hospital! Did you think you were checking into the Four Seasons, equipped with a Michelin star restaurant, Mr. Raizada?”
This woman was always armed with a comeback. And this time he couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped his mouth.
“Now I am confident that something is wrong with the universe today. Arrey wah, Mr. Crankypants is smiling for the first time! This calls for a celebration, what are you craving to eat, name it and I shall have it delivered.”
“If I were you, I wouldn’t make promises that you can’t deliver on. What I want might not be easily available…” He extended out his hand to the side, taking his walking stick, then stood up.
“And if I bring it, then what?”
“Don’t you want to know what it is first before taking on the challenge to feed me, Doc?” He smiled, mentally counting his steps to stop in front of the window. The warmth from the sun welcomed him, as he pressed his free hand on the cool glass.
He noticed she had not uttered a word, but any blind man would have felt her intent gaze on him.
“Aloo Puri.”
**********
To say she had been left speechless at his request, was an understatement. But then words often failed to make an appearance when it came to dealing with him. This man was a conundrum, complex as hell to figure out.
And two months later, her mind was still a surging perplexity when it came to the owner of the stormy orbs. Like the clouds, they swirled with determination and vigor when it came to his profession. But, despite the glimmer she often witnessed under the reflection of light during his treatment, they appeared blank and cold when he sat alone in the shadows of the night.
Darkness. The world beyond the depths of those exquisite grey eyes. No amount of light from the sun would brighten his life. Not until he allowed it. Wanted it. He was a man internally defeated at the possibility of seeing life again. It was obvious from the moment she had met him the first time. And the past couple months, she was able to do very little to change his mindset.
Devi Maiya knew she had tried. Even as far as befriending him to ease their relationship from doctor and patient. She had been proud of her little victories. Her favorite, bringing him aloo puri a day after his request. In fact she had personally made it to win the challenge. Not once, but a few more times to keep his spirits up. Along with getting him to cooperate when she needed.
Today she walked towards his room on a mission to change his mindset. By the end of the day, he would voice out loud that he wanted to be cured. To see again.
If that didn’t happen, then she wasn’t Khushi Kumari Gupta.
“I don’t give a flying fuck that the board wants me to step down, I refuse. Raizada Corp is the only thing keeping me alive, do you hear me, Aman. You take this away, then be ready to put a Goddamn bullet through my head.”
“Arnav, calm down. We will figure something out…”
“No, I will bloody not calm down! What did I tell you before coming to Geneva? That this is exactly what would happen… but no one listened to me. All of Shantivan was adamant about pawning me off to the miracle healer. Now tell me what fucking good has that done?!”
“You are not going to get better overnight… and from what I hear, you don’t seem to be cooperating. Whose fault is that?”
“Fuck off! Do me a favor and sell my shares to the highest greedy bastard. I am done with all of you!”
In what felt like slow motion she had arrived to the commanding tone of both men echoing out to the hall. While one was here, the other could be heard clearly via speakerphone. She had stood frozen at the entryway, witnessing the anger rising with every word spewed loudly. And now she could declare it had officially bubbled over, with his phone flying across the room.
She took a deep breath, one that unknowingly had been paused, seeing it securely land on the bed. Thankfully it had escaped the end landing on the floor.
The question drumming inside her mind… would she come out alive walking into the inferno?
“You can come in now, Doc. Hope you enjoyed the show…”
“Um… I…” She stuttered like a fool, walking towards him, as he turned from facing the window to her.
If she hadn’t known he was unable to see, she would have thought his penetrating gaze had been watching her every move. Infact she felt a shiver down her spine, as the grey ash remnants from the roaring fire lightened his eyes.
She needed to get a hold of herself, not allowing him to intimidate her. After all she was in charge, the doctor. Proud of her clear, concise tone, she stated.
“I was coming to check in on you. But didn’t want to interrupt, so I stayed back…”
Was he laughing at her?
“Now that’s funny! Actually Doc, you are quite amusing at times… let’s forget that you eavesdropped on a private conversation.” Her mouth widened, as he simply shrugged, walking to his bed with the aid of his stick. “Tell me what are you doing here on your day off? To see me at the crack of dawn, no less. Your least favorite patient…”
“Figured since Mr. Crankypants has been getting stuffy and stale in here, I would take him out today.”
“On a date?” He cocked his eyebrow questioningly, then winked at her.
“In your dreams! No, it’s not a date, since that would be unethical. Think of it as a friend taking another friend. I will send Robert in here to assist you with getting dressed.” She paused for a long moment, taking in his appearance. His daily casual look, today in a grey MIT sweatshirt and black sweatpants. But it was his rugged look, with the unruly locks and the beard that caught her attention. She smiled, crossing her arms across her chest, ready to wipe the smug smile off of his. “Anyway, you’re not my type.”
“And you’re not mine either.”
She heard his retort, just as she proceeded to walk away. She shook her head, watching him get comfortable on the bed.
“Now that our feelings are mutual, shall we go? Or do you plan on going back to sleep, old man?”
“Lead the way…”
**********
Not only had she led the way during the hour and ten minute car drive to their destination. But now, walking towards the ever so familiar resort, she gave him a glimpse of what his life used to be.
It all came flashing back. He might not be able to see, but the air was more pure than he ever remembered breathing. The numbing gust hitting his face, caused him to blink. And for a moment, the darkness gave way to the soft, dusty illusions of light, staring out at the unseeable horizon.
How he had loved snow when it was falling, and what he would do to…
No. There was no hope, he knew that. The first few years he had fought with everything he had to be able to see again. But now that was no longer the case. He had come to terms with it, and couldn’t allow those feelings to creep up again. It was better this way.
He would allow himself to dream of the memories he had made here right before he had lost his vision. Forever.
“How did you know?” He whispered, as she placed her hand on his upper arm, leading him towards the resort.
“Know what Mr.Raizada?” He smiled, then stopped in his tracks.
“If we are here as friends, then please call me, Arnav. Mr. Raizada is what people called my grandfather. And despite what you might think, I am not an old man. Far from it, don’t you think?” He tilted his head slightly, waiting for a moment. A long moment to be precise, before she spoke.
“Arnav.”
“Much better, shall we head inside? My ass is getting cold.” He extended his arm out, which she wrapped hers in, then proceeded to take slow steps forward. “Well, are you going to give me an answer to my question, Doc… not sure about you, but I have plenty of time in the world.”
“Persistent as ever. If you must know, your dear friend Aman told me how much you loved skiing in the French valleys of Chamonix Mont-Blanc. He also told me…”
“This is the place I realized that there was something wrong… and ignored it for a week, until I went back home.”
“It wouldn’t have changed the outcome, Arnav. Don’t allow that guilt to eat you up…”
He sucked in his breath, feeling the palm of her hand on top of his heart. And sure enough it decided to pick up its pace. Just as it had been doing recently with her touch.
Deciding to ignore it, he asked her a question, after she told him how many steps were in front of him to climb.
“Since I can’t ski or see, what are we doing here?”
“Oh, we are here to ski, the both of us. Depending on your skills, I might even race you. Unless you’re afraid of losing to a girl…”
His sly smirk served as the answer she needed to continue forward with her plan. Though she was scared as hell at how this would turn out. But then there was no other option.
The next hour, with help from the resort staff, they got into their skiing gear and took a cable car to a private area to accommodate Arnav. She took in the majestic 360° view from the summit of Mont-Blanc. But a part of her felt empty for the man standing quietly beside her. This was one of his passions, yet he couldn’t partake of the spectacular view that many came here for.
But she would help change that. It was one of the reasons why she had gotten into this field, passionate to make a difference in someone’s life. To help many like him.
“Is the forest still lush as it used to be? When I first started skiing I had visited La Verte des Houches. An unfinished painting almost, if you ask me. The white blanket thrown across the canvas mixed with a slight hint of green from the evergreen trees, the mountain peaks standing tall up ahead. A race trying to reach them, yet one never can… it isn’t that easy. Nothing in life is.”
She looked up at him as his voice trailed off suddenly. Her breath stopped as his words captured the view with sheer perfection.
“Don’t you want to see all of this, Arnav?” The question came flying out before she could stop herself.
A lone tear found its way down his cheek, which he quickly brushed away. But she had seen it, before the instructor approached them to assist him with his skis.
Arnav intently listened to the young gentleman, as he described the path they would be parallel skiing. She had ensured safety precautions were in place with two skiers on each side of him, and one ahead of them. Even a bluetooth to call out the specific snow bumps on the trail down the slopes.
There was a determination in his eyes, a longing to be set free. And watching him navigate through the snow ploughs, one would never say he was blind.
As they began heading down the slopes, he felt more alive than he had ever thought was possible again. The world, the worries of his life had been muted out taking in the moment for what it was, picking up their pace. No tensions about the past, no anxiety about the future. The adrenaline inside him was fuelled skiing down the slopes with the rush of wind against his face. He leapt towards the light of the sun permeating the winter sky.
He was in control after years, and feeling the sense of motion running through his body. It was like no other, as he and his skies glided through the snow.
But as they began to wind down the slope, his heart constricted tightly down to the pit of his stomach. He couldn’t breathe, dropping down to his knees when they stopped.
He couldn’t continue living like this. Not after getting a morsel of what life had to offer. How he desperately wanted to experience the visual landscape as well. One that was breathtaking, skiing the mountainous terrain navigating through the snow, weaving and passing the other skiers.
All of a sudden he felt alone in his world of darkness. A trapped world that suffocated him, more times than he had admitted to anyone.
Unable to take it anymore, he screamed with his whole body. His mouth rigid and open widely, his pale face gaunt and immobile, continuing to unleash his agony, the anguish echoing around him.
She placed her hand on his shoulder, as he looked at her, her breath catching at the tortured hell in his unseeing eyes. Her fists clenched with blanched knuckles, as her nails dug deeply into the palms of her hand, feeling helpless to not cure him instantly.
“Doc, I want to see again… this isn’t the life I want to live anymore, please help me. Please, do something…”
“If you want to see again, you will… I promise you, Arnav. Promise.”
**********
The next four months were a test of patience. For him. For her. With ups and downs when it came to his invasive treatments and the several rounds of surgeries.
It all depended on the day. Somedays it was her, frustrated when there were no improvement to his vision with a combo Anti-VEGF injections, laser treatments and steroids. Somedays, him, irritable due to the excessive pain. Or at times, the both of them. Though they coveted the same results. For his eyesight to return.
During that time their friendship grew significantly. There was a comfort level between them that allowed him to lean on her. He trusted her, giving her free rein to take the course needed for his treatment.
Though it was apparent, their feelings for each other went beyond friendship. Yet neither acted upon it.
She often wondered if she was his type. Even though the running joke stated otherwise. And who was she kidding, he was most definitely her type. Especially after she had forced him to trim his hair and beard.
She often felt their minds aligned together, finishing each other’s thoughts. Even the beat of his heart was in sync with hers. She had felt it when she examined him in silence. And somehow he knew it as well, keeping it to himself. Only the corner of his lip curving to the side, giving it away.
Even when she made her rounds in the morning, stopping at the entryway to his room, he would greet her before she could. He pinned it on her scent, when she had curiously asked. At one point he had admitted to feeling a slight breeze when she was nearby, giving her an opportunity to tease him. She had said it was cheeky, and cliched in terms of picking up women, accusing him of flirting. But it wasn’t, not in the least. There was this soulful connection that had developed between them in the past six months.
His words came out easily when she would probe. But with him, hers failed time and time again. Her feelings felt indescribable. It was only the sound of her heart that gave voice to them. She often hoped he would hear it too. Soon. Very soon.
“Doc, I realize you find me irresistible, and can stare at me all day. But, can I return the favor?” He voiced out anxiously, causing a small smile to play across her lips. “Come on already and unwrap this gauze from my eyes… I get to finally see you today!” The excitement in his tone contagious, as she smiled widely, taking a seat at the edge of his bed.
Though a part of her was on tenterhooks waiting for the results from his latest surgery twenty-four hours ago. Especially, since the last three times it had not gone according to plan. While the darkness had vanished this past month with a blurred grey light taking its place. But it wasn’t what she had hoped.
“I hope the miracle healer isn’t doubting herself. I can bet my company, your hands have worked magic this time.” He sanguinely stated, raising his hand out, seeking hers.
As she placed her hand in his, she couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. With her being his doctor she should have been comforting him, and here it had been the opposite.
“Remember, the sooner I get cured, the sooner you can kick me out of here. That was the deal.”
She looked down at their hands, as the reality of the situation hit her. A sense of loneliness swept through, greater than anything she had ever known before. Even when she had left her home, her family in Delhi a few years back to relocate to Geneva, she had not felt this way.
Was that why she was hesitant?
“Yes, a deal is a deal, Mr. Raizada. You will finally be free from my shackles. The evil ugly witch won’t be able to torture you any longer.” She let go of his hand, then stood up from the bed. But he clasped her wrist, shaking his head.
“I wouldn’t go as far as ugly, Dr. Gupta. Something tells me that is not the case.”
“Ah, don’t get ahead of yourself. For all you know, I might have blotchy rough skin from pimples covering my face. Or be overweight from my unhealthy eating habits, as you have pointed out on several occasions. And yuck, my hair is quite odd, shaggy and oily. Oh, how can I forget, my teeth! Just like Bugs Bunny, the top two ones…”
“Can we get to the task at hand? Then I can see for myself… and, Doc, I will take you the way you are. Choti, moti, ugly… all fine with me.”
There was no mistaking the soft gasp that escaped her at his declaration. But at this point, he could no longer hold back.
However, she quickly recovered, as she always had by ignoring what he had said.
Her doctor tone making it’s way through, calling out for the nurse and her assistant to join them.
A part of him had been looking forward to it being only the two of them. However, that wasn’t possible, since she needed their assistance. And as he had learned in her presence over the past few months, patience was the key. Once this was over, he would follow his heart, when it came to her.
And like a perfect patient, he sat there quietly while her skilled hands went to task. He smiled inwardly, hearing her refusing the nurse who came forth to assist her to remove the gauze wrapped around his head. He knew she needed to do this for herself. And he had preferred it that way.
The moment they both had been waiting for was about to be unveiled.
“Are you ready, Mr. Raizada?” She asked, handing the last remnants of the gauze strips to the nurse. Then reclined the bed back, and propped his head in a proper position that would allow for her to get a better view of his eyes.
“I have never been more ready for anything in my life, as I am now. Can I open my eyes, Doc?” His eyelids instinctively began to twitch, awaiting her permission.
“Yes, you can… but very slowly. It will take some time for your eyes to adjust to assess if the surgery was indeed successful. The room is also dark, so the bright light shouldn’t be a problem.”
Before she could finish, he followed her instructions, fluttering his eyelids open. Once again it was all a blur, like the previous times. The sharp pain consuming him, as it had often. But he knew just how to mute it. He raised his hands to his eyeballs and pushed firmly to apply the much needed pressure to subside the throbbing ache.
“Arnav, do not press down hard… loosen your hands for me, please.” She placed her hand over his, trying to remove them. But it was of no use, as he buried his head further into the pillow. “What’s happening? What do you see?” She enquired, after asking the other two to leave the room. After the few rounds of surgeries, she was aware how much he hated others to witness his torment.
She sat at the edge of the bed, moving up closer to him, when he finally removed his hands from his eyes.
“Beautiful…”
He whispered breaking the silence after twenty minutes. The time it took for the haziness to disappear around his peripheral vision.
“You can see, Arnav? Please tell me…” She choked on her words as he continuously nodded, a bright smile illuminating his entire face, with her own mirroring his at his revelation.
While there was still a slight hint of blurriness coming and going, but it hadn’t stopped him from finally getting a look at her. The sweven of the Khushi that he had dreamt of, was now in front of his eyes. For him to see.
“I had been numb inside for so long. Giving up, as days, months, years passed by, stuck in the world of darkness. Never had I thought the day would come that I would be able to see again. But you took my hand, asking me to trust you, which I did. Albeit slowly with a push down the slopes. I could feel again, breathe again. And you made that possible, giving me a part of my life back. Thank you.” She bit down on her quivering lip, unable to find her words. “Now that I have my eyesight back, there is something I have to do. Doc, you’re fired.”
Taken back, she furrowed her eyebrows as the tears that were ready to fall halted. But he simply shrugged, continuing.
“You had mentioned it’s unethical for you to have a relationship with your patient. Now that you have cured me, thought I would make this easy for you.” He smiled, seeing her shake her head in disbelief. But her smile nearly undid him, causing his heart to skip a beat. “The amount of times I have dreamt of this moment. You and me. Do you know the past couple of months, the only thing I have truly longed to see was you.”
“Arnav, Devi Maiya is my witness, how hard it has been to not express how I have felt about you. I wasn’t sure how you…”
“How I felt? Well, my Happiness, what would you say if I told you…” He paused, bringing her face closer to his, and whispered. “I love you, Khushi Kumari Gupta.”
Her eyes, a brilliant hazel, swirled with a smooth green and amber as he gazed at her. But it was her words that captivated his heart. Now and forever.
“I love you too, Arnav Singh Raizada.”
It felt great easing into writing the past couple of days, reminding me how much I truly love this escape. Writing is me time, and I savor every minute of it! More so with a story about hope, reminding us to stay strong and not give up. Hits home, doesn’t it?
This plot refused to leave me alone the past week in the midst of holiday mayhem. So I figured why not pen it down as a gift for my amazing readers that continue to support me on through my writing journey.
Hope you all had a wonderful Holiday, and enjoy this small token from me ❤️
Look out on January 1st for news about moving forward in 2017 with my stories.
Till then, loads of love,
Jigs
PS… can you please let me know if you received an email notification for this post? Thanks in advance!
Hi Jigs,
It’s been like years I had last read your work and I must say you writings are still magical. Life has been so stressful that I could not continue my hobby of reading however I really did not want to forego it before this year ends. This story has reminded me of someone special who has gone through something similar. It all goes for having faith, hope and determination which would make one achieve their destination.
I hope to catch your other works soonish… Happy new year to you and your family!!!!
Hey! So happy to see you and I hope the upcoming year is kinder. 2016 needs to go bye bye already! Looking to have you reading as time permits 🙂
Hey jigs
I found this shot super cute super awesome super lovely
Waiting for ur regular story update
I didn’t any email notifications of this shot
Here is my email id
htkc10592@gmail.com
EchTee IF
Can you please unfollow then follow again to see if that works? Thanks!
I did wat u said let’s see if I get notifications wen u update next
Thank u
Heyyy.!!! So nice to see ur story…such a beautiful story..ur stories never fail to bring a smile on my face…loved it …
..yes I got the mail
Eagerly waiting for u to continue temptation
Advanceh happy new year!!!!
Temptation will be back soon 😉
Will be waiting😊
Thank u so much. Very well written
Yes jigs I got the mail. Forgot to mention above. Thank u once again for writing nice stories. Eagerly waiting for reading more.
And Thank you for reading 😊
Beautiful Story <3
I really Love the part of skiing a bit emotional ,but decisive.
End was enthralling <3
Thank you!
Awesome OS
Totally loved it!
Looking forward to your updates on the stories!!!
Thanks for the pm Jigs😊
Happy Year New in advance! 🎊🎉
Hope u had a great year and will have an awesome year ahead💝
How often have we said to ourselves or someone else.. close your eyes to feel the true emotions of your heart or to see the inner beauty of someone.
In your story Arnav has decided upon accepting his fate, he viewed the world as shades of gray and now that’s all has.
A match made for all intents and purposes is one Dr. Khushi Gupta ..
She simply will not let him live in acceptance and if at first you fail try and try and again.. Truly he had fallen in love with her voice, her scent.. her touch.. her personality.. her beautiful heart.. and for all of this one just needs an open mind ..
Loved it Jigs – your strength and resilience speaks within the words you write
I loved your words, so true. You do that every time, getting the message I am trying to convey. For that, I thankful for a having you as a dear friend my Lady! Muahhhhh
Beautiful story. It’s so good to have you back. I am glad that you seemed to have bounced back. Looking forward to more from your end.
Yes, I did receive an email notification.
Happy new year and God bless.
Regards
Hail
Bouncing back was easy, as I don’t allow evil to take over. It’s great to be back 🙂
This was a wonderful surprise Jigs. 😄 loved it.
Bless the plot that eased you back into writing 😉. Eager to have your work back amidst us soon.
Best wishes for the New Year to you Jigs and all our friends here. 🎆
And I will be back soon among all you that continue to love my words. Hope all is well with you Nik!
Brilliant concept and amazing story.
Its Amazing!
Like someone was saying, you are truely gifted! Every word you write touches my heart! Don’t know how! I’m addicted to your writing!
And this OS is a lovely piece of work!
You readers have been amazing to me, for that I am grateful. Thank you for commenting and reading!
got the email.., thank you
Hi dear,
I did not received email notification,
That was magical
A hope we can hold onto for the coming year
Hoping that new opportunities is going to come and if we work hard anything is possible.
Enjoy the holiday and may the coming year be full of happiness .
Please try to unfollow, then follow the blog, that seems to work. If not to be safe, I do send notifications via Twitter.
Marvellous piece of work jigs I got lost while reading.
Beautiful OS.
A life without light is hard to imagine, and if one has seen and then darkness comes, then we can feel how he or she must be feeling. It must be just like Arnav felt. His frustration and anger is quite understandable.
A man who lived his life free like a bird, had to confined in one room without light in his eyes. That’s really painful and you describe it so beautifully.
Khushi comes like and angle sent by God to give new life to those who need it. Her job is no less then a God for all those who got light through her.
Amazing story jigs thanks for writing it. And yes I got mail. Thanks
Wish you a very happy new year to you and your family members.
Archna
A wonderful view of the story, thank you Archna. Muahhh
its wonderful surprise….luvd it.each nd every emotion written so well.thnk u so much di to share ur work with us…😘😘😘
Jigs, what an amazing story. I could clealy picturize their friendship brewing slowly and steadily into stronger bond. Loved the way he waited rather fired her and expressed his love for her.
Totally in love with this story…
Happy New year to you and your family!
Cheers
And I received the email alert…
I feel deep connection with all your stories.. hope you resume other stories soon. I haven’t read Temptations ch21 yet as the access was removed…
Waiting …
Thank you, you are way too kind…. and I promise to back soon with the other stories.
Tnx jigs got the mail
Lovely story…a feel goody one, that’s so apt for year end.
I did receive an email for this. Thanks.
Wish you a very Happy new year!!!!
Thank you!
So so beautifully written… The sking scene was so awesome… As if I was standing there beside Arnav and feeling all that was going on around me….
It’s always the writer’s goal to have you see the story, so thank you!
Superb one shot……..its really a story of hope
Beautifully portrayed emotions
I got the WordPress mail for this one shot 😊
Hope is what keeps us all going.. thank you for picking up the essence of this story 😊
Beautifully written !!
Not only this is beautiful as a one shot but this is so inspiring .. Loved that you gave a complete story in one single shot.
I actually just clicked on the follow button so I guess I will receive notifications from next time.
Great to have you here and reading! Thank you and let’s hope the notifications work 🙂
fabulous job…just keep writing!
That was fabulous. Am currently obsessed with a blind CIA tech inn a series..he is cute. Raizada is grumpy here.. But she steers her way in to his heart.. Lovely..
Wishing u happy n prosperous new year..
Grumpy Raizada is always the best LOL
Awesome one shot Jigs….it was such a sweet surprise to get an email notification.
The story, its characters and emotions were so palpable….did not feel like I was reading a one shot, it was more like a story…Intense….loved it. You manage to make me fall in love with your Arnav and Khushi each and every time you write.
Glad you are back to writing….thankfully the evil of this world did not break your spirit and passion and believe me when I say this that your readers will be extremely happy to read whatever you write:-)
Hope you are enjoying the holiday season with your family. Happy New Year in advance!!!
Cheers,
Sapna
When it comes to something that I love and am passionate about, there is no way I would allow evil to win. It felt great to get back to writing this week 🙂
Lovely story….you wrote it beautifully
Lovely one shot…. Happy New Year to you.
Beautiful story
HI it’s a great story love it
Got email notification. Great Story yaar. so emotional bt still full of fun. Thank God fr the happy ending. Would love to see more of this story
Happy endings are a must in my stories 🙂
A blind & arrogant Arnav and a brilliant & beautiful Ophthalmologist Dr Khushi was indeed an unique and beautiful combo!!!
Simply loved this story Jigs……this is damn good and a fabulous one to wrap up 2016!
May every day of the New Year glow with good cheer and happiness for you and your family dear!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
An ethereal work from you this time in the beauty landscape of Alps. We have never associated Arnav to be giving up in anything , let alone his own conviction to control his life and work. You brought even that to life through this and then our ever fighter Dr. Khushi. Loved the way you dealt with the heightened senses of a blind person, more so towards a person who is lifting him up in every step towards a colourful life. Enjoyed reading you after long. Your tenacity lifts my mood to be more resilient in my life too. Thank you. 😘
Happy New Year to you and your family! 😊
A fabulous piece indeed. I am so happy to see you back Jigs.Here also Khushi a doc like in temptation.
Happy New Year for you and family.
Beautiful n emotional story …..thank you for sharing it with us……all the best for the decisions you’ll make regarding ur stories….
Happy to read 😊😊
Lovable jodi with a new twist
Loved it❤
very heartwarming story.. loved it Jigs..
Jigs kudos!! such a beautiful story !! Loved every part of it. The way Khushi restored hope back in Arnav. The end was classy!! Thanks again for the great story to end 2016 with. Hope u have a great year ahead!! Wishing you a happy New year!!
Love&hugs
Thanks Jigs for this…its one of the best way to farewell 2016 by reading your work. as always you have me weaved around the bubble while reading this
Wonderful just as your other stories are. A perfect and beautiful year end gift.
Nice to see an Amazing and Beautiful Shot
Loved it. It was wonderful.
Loved how Khushi was able to make Arnav agree for the treatment and show what he is missing in his life.
Hope we will be able to get Temptation Updates soon.
Wishing you and your Family Prosperous HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Thanks
Chinnulu
Dear Jiggs beautiful story as usual. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you and family.
Swapna
Awwww…. I loved this one… It was just perfect…. So so touching and beautiful… I loved reading every bit of this one… I wish it never ended and could just go on and on…
Pls Pls write a second part to this one if possible.. Maybe something happy and beautiful????
It’s beautiful…very enchanting..Loved it.
P.S: When can we expect STRIPPED update…? Please let us know
Awesome
Oh my God…. Mind-blowing one shot jigs….Sometimes life gets to a point where u need assurance and hope….this story was so much more… loved it a lot….thanks for giving us a wonderful sweven….
Happy new year dear…
Ps: yes got ur email…
I loved this ,I can’t explain in words the emotions I am feeling..I loved the take,the research you do for a particular update reflects with it mixed well with emotions and the reflections of each of their fears ,triumphs,misgiving and also the joy it finally reaches..!i hope this is said in a way I really wanted to express more with words..!love violetgirl..dearest di,i love the fact that you took this chance with Arnav for this story..!!
Jigs, what a story to read on a new year day
Iam happy Iam late for this story – it was a wonderful new year treat
Love you jigs for r dedication inspite of the negativities going on
Happy happy new year to you and your lovely readers
I have received the email notification dear
Thanks
It’s readers and friends like you that keep me going.. thank you!
Happy New Year🎉🎉🎉
Honestly one of the best writers I have had the pleasure of reading there work. A wonderful OS so aspiring and full of emotions. There back and forth so cute yet so mature.
Thank you for your kind words!
Such a lovely and emotional OS. Although he was blind, he still had his arrogance intact and his doctor, like really had to challenge him before he gave in. Such bliss in the end.
Yes, did get an email about this update. Thanks.
Great os! Hope is definitely something all of us need this year. Hopefully the bad got left behind in 2016. I received an email for the update, by the way.
Thank you for this New Years gift!
Loved it!!
Beautiful and emotional OS… Thank you so much for spreading hope and happiness through your beautiful and relatable stories …
Best Wishes for New Year..
You wrote an OS after such a long time.
It was beautiful with a journey from despair, frustration, accepting defeat, hoping, rising…
I enjoyed their first meeting and how they grew closer over the time.
Jigs,
I loved this one shot very much.
You nailed it very beautifully. Arnav’s helplessness and Khushi’s determition to heal her patient and phir Jo hua woh toh hona hi tha.
Love n hugs.
Awesome work Jigs… Loved the OS… transformation from a hopeless no expectations filled life to a hopeful filled with love future… very beautifully written. .
Magic is what you create every time you write about arnav and khushi. Loved it.
Thank you for one more wonderful.. very very nice … story …
Happy New Year and congratulations on a new beginning in the writing world.
That was very unique and equally magnificent. The snowy slopes and the picturesque mountains are indeed a thrill one never wants to forego. How well you penned his plight, life in captive world of darkness.
What a beautiful journey from Darkness to Light,….from sadnesss to happiness — HIS happiness….
Lovely jigs…thank you for the gift.
Btw,…..I was reading Stripped and you other stories, so please once you shift over, do shot me and email. Thank you.
Happy New Year Dear
A very lovely and sweet one shot about hope and the virtues of patience,
and Yes, I did receive the email notification for this story.
Waiting for more Temptation updates and more beautiful stories.
Love,
Wesam
It’s all too easy to lose hope and feel that sense of uselessness as each day sinks down into the night. Of all the senses, I’ve always felt eyes or the loss of sight, can cause unparalleled and immeasurable pain. Not the physical kind, but a blowing hit to the hope that keeps us all alive. And you’ve showcased Arnav’s internal battle so wonderfully!
Even without sight, hard not be drawn to a lady like Khushi, eh Mr. Raizada? Even through his obdurate stand and borderline arrogance on his beliefs that another doctor couldn’t do what so many had been unable to achieve, there was somewhere a sliver of hope, which Khushi drew out.
Warming into a friendship where he just able and allowed himself to share what he’d kept hidden so long – I consider that pivotal in his chances of actually helping Khushi succeed and thus himself. For Khushi too, he was never just another patient. I think that had stopped right at that moment he’d asked her for aloo puri. 🙂
This tale speaks of triumph, of hope so fragile, hope that was banished by a man who’d thought he’d lost everything. But even in shadows, it quietly pushed. Holding a hand so they could walk towards light. His woman’s.
Jigs, this tale of yours has taught me something which I think, over the years has been faded and forgotten. Which is …. To believe. To just believe.
Believe, and hope can get us through the toughest phase of our lives. I truly believe that. It warms my heart that this OS brought that forth for you, my dear Nivi. Thank you as always for you kind words 😘😘😘
Beautiful OS all about hope ,dreams , willpower ,
You are a very hard working writer, Jigs. You are always making us, the readers, feel and worry for the story, love and ache for your characters. You want to give us a glimpse of finding out about what makes people act the way they do, the reasons that shape their lives, you place a mirror in front of us to see ourselves in this universe you create. Writing that teaches the mind and touches the heart is the most unputdownable.
You write Arnav so sincerely and realistically. His musings show us that his main wish is to be understood. His arrogant, short tempered and proud attitude is so genuine, a result of what he has gone through. 6 years is a long time to be hopeful, especially if numerous treatments and surgeries were not successful. The days and months after each one of them were not swan dives in doubt, they were a hope-eroding, bone-crushing, soul-eviscerating, faith-annihilating plummet into the reality of what he is facing today. That’s why he is so harsh in his words to his sister during the first appointment, not cooperating with his doctor during the first month of the procedure and his anger with his business partner during the conference call. Seeing again is turning to be impossible and his scars are open, so his walls are high and thick. The hurt is greater when the hope you had doesn’t turn into a concrete present, there is less to hurt if you numb yourself towards expectations. The others will still see and be the same if it doesn’t work, the patient is the only one who’ll remain blind. How can someone break the rut and make him hope again to give it another try? How can they make it good?
And then it happens, there are a lot of reasons why it does. Her understanding of his behaviour, her persistence to break through his disbelief, her patience to build his hope is chipping through his walls. That encourages her choice of giving him a little experience of what it can be if he tried another time to put his faith in someone else’s hands. His tear shows that he knows that he is understood and that his walls had tumbled down. Afterwards it becomes easier, the attraction that grows in both, the curiosity to see who is this person that has made the difference, have fuelled the next months.
And what else is needed after being understood? We need to be loved and that’s why he doesn’t care how she looks like, he has seen the most important part, her spirit.
There’s nothing else to say, apart from feeling blessed for the people that surround us in hardship, those unmovable giants and solid rocks that are there to lift us when we have no more of our own faith to continue, who help us see things from a new perspective and carry us to a new spring of life and hope.
“I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time.” Jack London
ahh-mazing!! thats waht i would say for this story….it pained a lot vd loads of confusion in the start…but as i read further..it went to to describe that without a hope there is never a success!
this one shot was not a miracle described!
it was in all its glory..success described! hope, support, plan, hardwork, patience, pain, failure and last but not the least..success!
the numbing pain of arnav to the eternal joy! the back drop of geneva..created in words!
its very beautifully written di!
this isnt just a story..it an inspiration to success…of real life….it inspired me di!
love you for such a motivational story…keep updating..keep inspiring and keep motivating <3!
This was a perfect one shot! It felt complete yet incomplete in a beautiful way. Making me wanna read more. The way you described arnav struggling had touched my heart! I really loved it. Thank you so much
This is such a beautiful and inspiring story!! You have done a fantastic job in creating this!!
Thank you for reading 🙂
Beautiful story…..he is same arnav always stays strong….whatever the situation is..i love this happy ending…
Such a beautiful piece of writing..!!! You have the talent to take the readers into the world of the protagonists girl 🙂
A grumpy and frustrated Arnav and his doc…the banter, the emotional connect, the trials and tribulations of six months to get to their destination…what a wonderful story..!!!
Eager to read more and more 🙂 🙂
Its a very beautiful story… of caring and giving and of finding your soulmate at the rarest of places. Loved this one.
Thank you 🙂
Perfect shot.. well written with all the emotions…
well written
very beautiful love story..
Hi jigs Sweven is a very heart warming uplifting story. And the automatic Arnav Khushi bonding made the end inevitable.Beautiful like he said
very uplifting story, how did i miss reading?
hi …very beautiful story.
i am back reading your wonderful stories…was not well these couple of months. thank you!
My god that was BEAUTiFUL .. I loved it, loved it, loved every bit of it.
You’re writing style is smooth, captivating and really good.
You handled this story delicately, it had the right amount of words, not too slow or too hurried, it wasn’t short, nor long, it was just perfect. Although I admit we could use a first kiss or hug or something there at the end, but that doesn’t make it any less perfect.
I’m excited to read more of your work.
too good just loved the story could visualize all the scenes while reading
Hi Jigs. Just enjoyed this story just like I always do with your stories. Thank you.
Swavan
A ray of light , a hope you visualize when you can’t.
As the title goes the story gives so much hope and spirit.
You know in real all are handicapped. Every one has one or the other problem. Some crib. Some fight. Some defy with alternate mechanism.
A person’s life from white becoming black and again seeing the colors after constant push from happiness…
He found his happiness to live with the help of happiness and gonna make his life filled with infinite happy moments.
Super.
Amazing piece of writing. Short and sweet but still so descriptive. First work of yours I’ve read and it’s made me hungry for more of your words.
Came here somehowsomeho navigating from Entangled! But totally worth it! This is so beautiful and a competitor different setup.. loved it!
Wonderful…
Jigs baby
Loved reading this again
What’s lovely piece of writing baby
Lovely.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this is so amazingly descriptive. Your words force us to feel what the characters are going through.
I could so easily feel the arnav’s hopelessness at the start, his acceptance of never being able to see again, his sheer helplessness at being so dependent and his despondence at not being able to live on his terms. And then slowly the twinges of hope courtesy of Khushi. Her willower to make him see, her determination was so clearly evident.
And towards the end, “Doc you’re fired” literally took my heart.
You weave magic with your words. It trabsports us to a different world where we are just a spectator, in the grips of the journey you show.
Absolutely heartwarming story. Blind or not Blind Arnav Singh Raizada is one hellavu man. Well done dear
Jigs, I enjoyed reading this beautiful story again. When you find some time, please write one shots like this. I truly love to read this kind of amazing stories with Swiss alps surrounding and heartwarming story of Arnav and Khushi.
Arnav and Khushi in different professions like this story, I love to read them.
Just beautiful…Loved every minute of reading this. Excellently well-written and I enjoyed it very much. <3
what a fabulous story loved it . it was emotional too also. Keep writing love to read your stories
Thank you 🙂
Whatte brilliant story! You’ve crafted this so well. Such a sweet and cute story. I almost cried when he got his vision back. Arnav’s “you are fired* broke the deal and gave me a bout of laughter and I knew exactly why he stated it. Love conquers all!
You brilliant writer, I wonder how I missed such gems. Cannot thank you for writing such lovely works.
Cheers
I have honestly lost counts of how many times I’ve read Sweven. It truly is such a beautiful and captivating story that keeps me coming back again and again. And there’s no part I would skip.
Every time, it feels just as heartwarming and touching as the last. If not more.
It’s not only a story that gives us hope, and urges us to hold on and not give up. But to me, it’s also a story that made me stop, and take a moment to recognize my blessings and be grateful for them. Makes one want to live life to one’s full capability.. cherish every moment and every blessing, especially because they can be taken suddenly and easily.
And I feel that, with the rising negativity all around the world, be it because of politics, environment, viral diseases and what not, Sweven really is a breath of fresh air, a burst of hope and positivity.
Keep writing and keep sharing your curious musings with us. I had been so bummed when I kept hearing/reading all the wonderful things readers had to say about your work, but I couldn’t find any available at the time.
And now that I’ve had the chance, if not to read your older stories, but at least the available and curent one. I can’t imagine going back and messing up on the chance to injoy your talent.
PS: I had come to read Listed, but as soon as my eyes caught climpse of ‘Curious Musings’ on top of the page, I couldn’t help myself from coming back here :p
I’ll be off now, back to Listed.
With Love, Zayneb.
*missing out
Such a sweet story.
What is life without light ?
Sight ?
Belief ?
A beautiful heartwarming story of Arshi , set with the backdrop of Alps
Such a feel good story
Healer / healed
Lover / companion / soulmate
Doctor / patient
Friends / more than friends
Their relationship through 6 months experienced much more than these
This is Chanlee
Cheers 🍻
omg!!! butterflies in my tummy!!!
its soooo beautiful.. I crieddd and smiles and was all mushy inside!!!! Loved it!!!! at the beginning i thought it was khushi requesting the doctor when it was mentioned “honey” and then suddenly Dr. Gupta!! I was like wowww much better!!!!
loved it loved it loved it!!! U are so talented!!! and perfect editing
Thank you ☺️
OMG..
How come I don’t know about this beautiful OS’s existence ..
I m here only by following Chanlee’s comments here ..
Arshi fall in love with each other during the treatent ..
Khushi’s dedication ,Arnav’s acceptance,their patience,hope ..
n the result..wow..
Lovely <3
Always a delight to read your work!