but we have to be strong.  If Hadji loses Miana, we may lose more than our
child.  We may lose Hadji." 
	"Benny!" 
	"Benny's fine.  He's at the palace with Sukinder." 
	"Thank God." she sniffed, wiping the tears from her eyes. 
	A week passed, and all had been released, except for Miana, who
was still comatose.  Hadji was relieved that everyone else was alright,
but he was not doing well himself.  Miana's condition was wearing him
down.  Even though the family was at the palace,
 the eerie silence remained.  Everyone was worried, as Hadji had turned
into a total stoic, giving the impression of being cold and oblivious to
everything around him.  He assumed his role as Sultan, and was doing his
duties with great care and devotion, but he all but ignored his family. 
	The family was gathered in the dining hall, but Hadji was not
present. 
	"We may have to leave soon." commented Benton. 
	"We can't leave them!" exclaimed Jessie. 
	"Hadji doesn't want us." explained Benton. 
	"But Miana!  Hadji hasn't even been to the hospital to see her!"
cried Jessie.  "We can't abandon her!" 
	"Then maybe we should move into town.  It is obvious that Hadji
will have to face his pain alone." 
	Everyone nodded in agreement. 
	"Are we going to tell him?" asked Jonny. 
	"No.  We'll let Sukinder know though, in case Hadji needs us." 
	Just them, a young, elaborately dressed Indian girl entered the
room. 
	"Oh, excuse me!  I seem to be lost.  I am looking for the Sultan." 
	Jonny's eyes narrowed. 
	"What business do you have with him?" asked Jonny suspiciously. 
	"He sent for me and a number of other ladies a few days ago. 
Today is my day to see him." 
	A servant entered the room and showed the young girl out. 
	"You don't think..." started Jessie. 
	"He's building a harem!" screamed Jonny.  "That son of a...
nevermind.  I wouldn't disrespect Neela that way." 
	Jonny stormed out of the room. 
	"Jonny!  Where are you going?" screamed Jessie. 
	Jonny stormed into the throne room where Hadji was being waited
upon by a number of scantily dressed women. 
	"What in God's name are you doing?!!!" screamed Jonny, who went
directly up to the throne and lifted Hadji up by his fancy golden collar. 
	"Let me go, Jonny." said Hadji cooly. 
	"Answer my question." Jonny hissed.  "Your wife is in a coma,
carrying your child.  What would your mother say?" 
	"LEAVE MY MOTHER OUT OF THIS!" 
	"Whoever would have thought that the deep-minded, pure-hearted
yogin Hadji Singh would become a womanizing, wife-cheating gigolo?" 
	With that, Jonny walked out. 
	What the family did not know was that Hadji could never bring
himself to cheat on Miana, but he was not going to say anything to anyone,
especially after Jonny's outburst. 
	Jonny came back into the dining hall. 
	"Let's get out of here." hissed Jonny.  "In fact, let's go home." 
	"But Miana..." 
	"Miana's not our concern, Jess.  Hadji is a stranger to us, and as
far as I'm concerned, no longer part of this family.  We'll let the
hospital know where they can reach us.  If Miana comes out of it, she
won't want to stay here with him.  In the meantime, let's get out of
here." 
	Everyone looked at Benton.
	"I agree with Jonny.  Let's go home."
	
	
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Into the Life of Hadji 2 Part 4

	The Quests returned, and life went on for them.  Jessie returned
to work after two more weeks, although she was on medication for
depression and a support group for grieving mothers.  Jonny continued his
classes, but things were still too quiet on the compound.  Everyday they
waited for some news on Miana-- news which never came.  Bobby Channing had
come to the compound, and Moniri was on her way after Jessie contacted
her.  When Moniri arrived, she walked into an atmosphere of tension and
foreboding-- it was like being in a funeral home.  Moniri arrived in the
evening, and was embraced by Jessie as she walked through the door. 
	"Moniri!" 
	"Jessie, it's good to see you.  God, the atmosphere in this
place..." 
	"I know..." 
	"I would go to India..." 
	"You don't want to.  You would want to kill Hadji." 
	"Why?" 
	Jessie proceeded to explain the situation. 
	"That bastard." whispered Moniri. 
	"Jonny has a few other choice names as well.  Dr. Quest is looking
into bringing Miana here, but he's having trouble as she is the wife of a
sultan." explained Jessie.  "Wait a minute! You're her sister!  Maybe..." 
	"I doubt it, but we can try.  Maybe with Dr. Quest's clout behind
me..." 
	"Maybe with a hefty donation to the hospital..." started Jonny,
walking into the room. 
	"Jonny, that's bribery!" exclaimed Benton. 
	"Dad, she's family!  She's alone there!" 
	"I'll see what I can do." 
	Benton continued trying to get Miana released into his and
Moniri's custody, preferably without Hadji's knowledge.  After much
deliberating and having to use Jonny's suggestion as a last resort, Miana
was transferred to Rockport General without Hadji's knowledge.  The
family went to see her.  They were in shock at her condition-- she had
dropped to a mere eighty pounds (including the weight of the baby), and
was on a respirator.  There was even talk of taking Miana off of it. 
	"No.  I won't do it." said Moniri.  "Miana's a fighter.  And even
so, Hadji would have to make that choice, and he's not here." 
	"You're right." said Benton.  "But as long as she's not in pain." 
	That night in Bangalore, Hadji went into his chamber, into an
empty bed.  His female companionship managed to distract his thoughts
during the day, but the nights were his quiet time to think of his wife. 
He grieved in private, and could not bring himself to go to the hospital.
But Hadji had a new problem.  He was disturbed by thoughts he was having--
thoughts he had never had before.  Even meditation could not fight off
thoughts of suicide.  The doctor had given Hadji a sleep aid, as the
recent stress had given him insomnia.  Hadji found himself holding the
bottle, getting ready to down it.  He had the lid off, and held it up to
is mouth. 
	"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" he screamed as he threw it against the wall and
pills flew around the room. 
	Hadji had known the Quests had gone, but he did not know Miana
was.  He hopped into a Rolls Royce and sped to the hospital.  He ran into
the hospital right past the nurses station, who didn't even have a chance
to tell him she was transferred.  When he went to her cubicle and saw
someone else in it, he thought the worst.  He was stunned and in tears. 
	"She's gone!" he thought.  "And no one told me..." 
	"Your highness, your wife has been transferred.  Her sister took
custody of her-- she is in Rockport, Maine." said a nurse. 
	Hadji nodded and left.  He was relieved and angry at the same
time.  He took the first plane he could catch back to the states.  Hadji
arrived and stormed into the house. 
	"WHAT RIGHT DO YOU HAVE TO TAKE MY WIFE?!!!" he screamed to
everyone. 
	Moniri stepped forward. 
	"She was my sister before she was your wife, and you abandoned her
for your harem!" 
	"That is none of your concern." 
	Moniri slapped him. 
	"But it is Miana's.  If she comes out of this, she'll want nothing
to do with you." 
	"I have been with no one." said Hadji.  "As if it is any of your
business." 
	"Yeah, right!" sniffed Jonny, with his arms folded. 
	Hadji started toward Jonny, but Bobby stepped in the way. 
	"Hadji, I never thought I'd have to say this to you." said Benton. 
"But you are going to have to leave.  We can't have this behavior from you
in this house.  I realize you are..." 
	"Very well, Dr. Quest.  I foresaw this and I have an apartment in
town.  I'll get my things." 
	Bobby, who was six foot two with short black hair and blue eyes
and as buff as Race, proceeded to follow Hadji. 
	"That won't be necessary, Bobby." stated Benton. 
	"Alright, Dr. Quest." 
	Hadji came back down with some bags and walked out the door
without a word.  Everyone's faces fell in shocked silence. 
	Days passed and there was no word from either the hospital or from
Hadji.  Hadji had gone back to teaching his classes, and Jonny saw him on
campus from time to time, but no words were exchanged between them.  Jonny
thought that Hadji would surround himself with the company of his
admiring students, but he did not-- much to Jonny's surprise.  It was
starting to dawn on him that Hadji may have told the truth when he said he
had not been with anyone. 
	Jonny returned home that evening, just before an important call
came in.  The phone rang, and Benton answered it. 
	"Hello?  Yes?  She is?  And the baby?  Great!  We're on our way." 
	Benton hung up the phone. 
	"Miana's awake!" 
	"The baby?" asked Moniri. 
	"The pregnancy is still risky, but the baby is fine." 
	"Hadji?" asked Jonny. 
	"Not now." said Moniri.  "Us first." 
	Meanwhile, in Miana's room, she was still a bit groggy. 
	"Hadji... Hadji..." 
	Miana's head started to clear just as Jessie and Moniri walked in. 
They were relieved to see that she was on nothing but an IV and a heart
monitor. 
	"Miana!" exclaimed the girls in unison. 
	Miana's head snapped up. 
	"Where's Hadji?  In fact, where am I?" 
	"You're in Maine." answered Moniri. 
	"Maine?  But we were in India.  Where's Hadji?  How long have I
been under?  My baby?  Jessie, did you have yours?" she asked, noticing
her belly. 
	Jessie looked away. 
	Moniri spoke first. 
	"You have been comatose two months.  Neela passed, and Hadji had
been taking things hard.  He has estranged himself from the family.  The
rest will be hard to explain.  As for Jessie..." 
	"I lost my baby in the crash." 
	"My God... so much has happened... Jessie..." 
	"It's ok." Jessie said softly. 
	Miana started to look at herself. 
	"My arms, my legs... the only thing on me with any weight at all
is my belly.  My baby must be safe, but me... I always wanted to be slim,
but not like this..." 
	Tears came to Miana's eyes. 
	"Has Hadji been here at all?" 
	"No." answered Moniri bitterly. 
	"I want out of here." said Miana, trying to get up, but came to a
startling revelation she just noticed. 
	"Miana, you stay put.  Miana, what's wrong?" asked Moniri. 
	"I-- I CAN'T FEEL MY LEGS!" she cried.  "I CAN'T--" 
	"Miana..." said Jessie.  "Moniri, we have to get Hadji." 
	Moniri winced. 
	"Alright.  I'll stay here." 
	"HADJI!!!" Miana screamed. "I CAN'T FEEL MY LEGS!" 
	Jessie managed to get Hadji out of class and onto the phone. 
Miana's screaming was so loud that it filled the whole ward and was heard
over the line. 
	"Hadji-- (HADJI!!! I CAN'T--)" 
	"That is Miana's voice!" screamed Hadji. 
	He immediately hung the phone up and rushed over.  Hadji raced
into her room, only to find her surrounded by staff trying to calm her
down. 
	"HADJI!!! I CAN'T FEEL MY LEGS!" 
	Hadji pushed his way through. 
	"Hadji..." she said quietly as he sat on the bed and embraced her. 
"I can't feel my legs." she cried through hot tears streaming down her
face. 
	The rest of the family stood outside the room feeling helpless. 
	"Miana, you need to calm down.  This may be temporary, but you
have to let them examine you." 
	Miana nodded. 
	"Hadji, please don't leave me." 
	"I will not." 
	Hadji still held her in his arms, and it just now dawned on him
how frail she was.  He could feel nothing but ribs as this eighty pound
waif shivered at his touch.  The nurse proceeded to put Miana's IV back
in, but Hadji stopped her. 
	"When can she eat solid food?" 
	The doctor came in and heard Hadji's question. 
	"Right after some tests." said Dr. Wallace.  "We're going to see
what the problem is.  Mrs. Singh, you must remain calm.  Your pregnancy is
high risk and too much excitement could endanger the baby.  You're four
and a half months now-- we don't want a preemie or a stillbirth." 
	Two nurses transferred Miana into a wheelchair. 
	"Hadji--" 
	"Alright, he can come." said Dr. Wallace. 
	Hadji followed Miana out of the room, and the family saw the old
Hadji gradually coming back. 
	"Doctor, please hold on." said Hadji. 
	They stopped, and Hadji walked up to the family. 
	"Jonny, Dr. Quest-- I am so sorry... Moniri..." 
	Jonny pulled Hadji into a hug. 
	"It's ok, Hadji.  We understand.  You came through when it really
counted.  You were here when she needed you most." 
	"Dr. Quest--" 
	"Go with her, Hadji.  She needs you.  And, you can come back any
time." 
	"Thank you, Dr. Quest." 
	Hadji left with Miana and the doctor. 
	"Dr. Quest, do you think--" started Bobby. 
	"Bobby, I have known that boy since he was eleven years old. 
He'll be alright, and so will we.  The worst is behind us, although were
is a long and difficult road ahead, especially for Miana." 
	X-rays and an MRI were both performed on Miana.  A few hours
later, the results came back. 
	"Mrs. Singh, you will be glad to know that your spinal cord is
intact.  However, it is damaged and pinched between two vertebrae.  We
will have to operate on your back, and time till tell if your cord will
heal." 
	"Time will tell?" she asked. 
	"There is no way to know how bad the damage is.  There is a good
chance this is only temporary, but we will have no way of really knowing. 
Surgery will be day after tomorrow." 
	Hadji wheeled Miana back to her room, and they told everyone what
the doctor said.  The family also got into a detailed discussion of recent
events, including Hadji's harem.  Miana believed Hadji when he said he
wasn't unfaithful to her, and was greatly relieved that it was just a
phase.  She was also glad that everyone was in the process of forgiving
and letting things go.  The nurse brought in a tray, and Miana was
ravenous with the first bites of food she had in months. 
	"Ahh-- not so fast." prompted Hadji.  "You will get sick." 
	Miana smiled. 
	"I never thought I'd actually want to gain weight.  But, another
twenty pounds, and I'll be where I have always wanted to be.  Slim, but
not too slim.  Any clue when I can go home?" 
	"It will be a while, love.  You will have to recover and see if
your cord repairs itself, then you may have to have physical therapy." 
	Miana looked disappointed. 
	"I don't want to spend months here." 
	"It's also healthier for the baby." added Moniri. 
	"But not for me.  I'm not hungry." she said, as she pushed her
tray away. 

                                         

	
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Into the Life of Hadji 2 Part 5

	Two days passed, and Miana's surgery was a success.  Now it was
just a matter of waiting. 
	A month passed, and even though Miana was gaining weight and
regaining her health, she still hadn't had any feeling in her legs. 
Nursing staff and physical therapists exercised her muscles daily to keep
them from atrophy, and even was training Hadji with them so he could help
out for Miana's sake.  Things were not going well, as Miana was sinking
further into depression. What was worse was that she was not the only one. 
Jessie's depression had gotten so bad that the medication she was on was
doing no good, and she had to take a leave from work.  Benton was
covering for her while she was in an inpatient program-- in fact, she and
Miana were in many of the same group therapy sessions.  When the two of
them were together in the sessions were the only times they seemed to
liven up, but the effect was only temporary.  Neither of them could cope
with their losses, and they felt that only the other could remotely
understand how each one felt. 
	Over the weeks, Jonny and Hadji's bond of friendship was stronger
than ever, especially since they had the same problem with their wives. 
	"Hadj, the turn of events that happens in our lives never ceases
to amaze me.  When we were kids, it was one adventure after another. 
Things slow down and the usual but good milestones happen, and then
tragedy becomes the pattern.  It makes me wonder what at is left to happen." 
	"That is a question best left unasked, my friend.  There is still
much potential for loss all around us-- everything from the rest of our
family to the loss of everything we know.  The potential for what we could
lose is much greater than what we have lost, and keeping this in mind,
should make us grateful." answered Hadji. 
	"Hadji, will we ever get the girls back?" 
	"I do not know.  They have to learn how to cope with their losses. 
Jessie has to accept the fact that there is no way she can get her baby to
come back, as Miana must face the possibility that she may never walk
again.  Right now the only thing they each accept is each other." 
	Hadji turned and looked Jonny in the eye. 
	"They do not even accept us." 
	"Hadji, you didn't deal well with loss..." 
	"I know.  And I dealt with mine with bitterness and cold
hostility.  The girls turn it inward.  The outward signs were different,
but things inside are the same." 
	"But you didn't come around until Miana did." 
	"I know.  It took my loss being restored to bring me back when I
should have on my own.  I think it will be the same with them." 
	"It can't, Hadj.  While Miana may regain the use of her legs,
Jessie..." 
	Hadji nodded. 
	"It will not be easy for her." 
	Moniri walked into the room. 
	"Any news on Miana?" 
	"No change.  No sensation, and still in depression." answered
Hadji. 
	"I feel so helpless." 
	"We all do." replied Jonny. 
	Bobby came in and sat with the group. 
	"I know that we do not know each other well." started Bobby.  "But
I want all of you to know that I do care and sympathize, and maybe over
time, you'll come to think of me in a similar way as you do Race." 
	"I would like that." said Jonny. 
	"Hadji, I never had a chance to apologize..." 
	"No need, Bobby.  You were just doing your job." 
	"Thank you." 
	Hadji nodded. 
	The phone rang, and Bobby answered it. 
	"Hadji, it's for you.  The hospital is saying Miana has some
feeling in her legs." 
	Hadji's face lit up as he bolted out of the house to go to the
hospital.  Hadji rushed into Miana's room to see her surrounded by doctors
and nurses all testing her reflexes.  She could feel nothing but tingles
and occasional muscle spasms.  The doctor told here these were
encouraging signs, and that she should be able to start physical therapy
in a few of weeks. 
	"Hadji!" Miana exclaimed.  "I have some feeling!  I'm going to be
ok!" 
	Dr. Wallace came to the door and motioned to Hadji. 
	Hadji kissed her. 
	"I will be back." 
	Hadji then stepped out into the hall. 
	"Yes?" 
	"I wanted to tell you that while Mrs. Singh's are encouraging,
they are no guarantee.  Sometimes signals like those can be deceptive.  I
thought you should know so there would be no surprises either way." 
	"Does Miana know?" 
	"No.  Her pregnancy is very unstable, and we can't risk giving her
anything else to worry about." answered Dr. Wallace. 
	"I understand." 
	Over the following days, Miana started getting more feeling in her
legs, which in turn, was bringing her out of her depression.  It was also
giving her greater insight into things going on around her.  Hadji and
Miana were spending some time together in one of the courtyards outside
the cafeteria when Miana decided to address a concern she was having. 
	"Hadji?" 
	"Yes, love?" 
	"I'm worried." 
	"About what?" 
	"About Jessie.  I know she's taking the loss of her baby pretty
hard, but she could at least talk to me when she felt she couldn't to
anyone else." 
	"It could be that where both of you had suffered a loss, that the
two of you had something in common.  With your legs regaining their
feeling, she may feel that that is compromised." 
	"That may be the case.  But my situation aside-- Hadji, she's
getting worse.  I'm starting to think she may never come out of this." 
	Just then, a very distressed Jonny came up and sat down with them. 
	"How's Jessie?" asked Miana. 
	"Worse than ever.  Miana, I am so happy for you, but Jessie can't
handle it.  She feels like she's losing you, and it's making her worse." 
	"I don't know what to do!" 
	"She's also growing jealous." 
	"What?!  Why?" 
	"Because you are still carrying." 
	"But she has Benny!" 
	"That's what I've been trying to tell her.  I have also told her
that this child is important to your family considering Hadji's recent
losses and need for an heir.  There is no talking to her." 
	"I hope she doesn't do anything drastic." replied Hadji. 
	"I hope that I won't have to have her committed." 
	"What's this about having to have Jessie committed?" asked Moniri,
coming up to them.  "This is not like Jessie at all." 
	"Something that I hope won't have to happen." answered Jonny. 
	Just then, they heard an announcement over the intercom. 
	"Dr. Sparks, code red level seven.  Dr. Sparks, report to level
seven stat.  Repeat, code red level seven." 
	"That's the psych ward!" exclaimed Miana.  "Isn't that Jessie's
floor?" 
	A nurse came up to them. 
	"Is this the Quest/Singh family?" 
	"Yes.  I'm Jonny Quest." 
	"Jessie!" screamed Miana, bolting up from her chair and starting
to run.  "She's my best friend!" 
	Everyone gasped in amazement as Miana unknowingly ran a couple of
steps before falling. 
	"Miana!" screamed Hadji. 
	"Jessie's in trouble!" 
	"Miana, look where you are.  Slow down... let the adrenaline stop
pumping." said Hadji. 
	"Hadj, I'll see you upstairs." said Jonny as he followed the nurse
up. 
	Hadji picked her up and put her in her chair. 
	"Jessie--" 
	"Miana!" screamed Moniri.  "You were running!" 
	"Wh-what???" 
	"Miana, you have the use of your legs back.  Your adrenaline rush
allowed to to run a few steps." answered Hadji. 
	"Then I should be able to--" 
	"That was pure adrenaline under special circumstances.  After we
go up to level seven, we'll tell the doctor, and you can start physical
therapy." 
	Miana was excited for herself and terrified for Jessie at the same
time. 
	"Jessie--" 
	"Let us go." 
	Hadji and Moniri took Miana up to level seven where they met
Jonny, who was in hysterics. 
	"Jessie?" asked Miana. 
	"Somehow, she managed to spit out her sedatives and stash them. 
They found her and revived her, but when she came to, she lost it.  She's
determined to kill herself.  They have her sedated and under watch around
the clock." answered Jonny despondently. 
	Just then, Miana clutched her stomach and doubled over. 
	"Had--ji..." she whispered. 
	"Miana!" 
	"The fall!  The baby!" screamed Moniri.

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Into the Life of Hadji 2 Part 6

	"Help!  Someone help!" screamed Hadji. 
	Some nurses immediately put Miana on a stretcher and wheeled her
away while another contacted Dr. Wallace. 
	Hadji was torn as to where to go. 
	"Hadji, you stay with Jonny." 
	"Moniri--" 
	"I'll go to Miana.  Jonny needs someone now." 
	"Hadji, please call Dad and Race." 
	"Yes, Jonny." 
	Hadji paced the floor until Benton and Race arrived and rushed in
twenty minutes later. 
	"Dr. Quest--" 
	"Hadji, go to her.  And, thanks for staying with Jonny." 
	Hadji nodded and rushed off. 
	Dr. Wallace intercepted him on Miana's floor. 
	"Doctor?" 
	"Her excitement combined with her fall pushed her into premature
labor, and we couldn't stop it.  She's in maternity.  Follow me." 
	"I must go in." 
	"Hadji, under normal--" 
	"I do not care about normal circumstances!  She is my wife and she
is carrying my child!  She needs me!" 
	"Very well.  We'll scrub you down and suit you up." 
	Dr. Wallace helped Hadji scrub down and put on surgical clothes. 
Miana was in the middle of labor when he walked in.  He immediately
grabbed her hand. 
	She looked over at him. 
	"Had-ji!" she said between gasps. 
	"Push, Miana!" prompted Dr. Wallace. 
	"Doctor, she's crowning." said a nurse. 
	"We see the head!  Miana, you're doing fine." 
	"aaaaaaAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!" she screamed.  With that came the push
that forced the baby's head out.  With that, the doctor produced a tiny,
one pound, two ounce boy. 
	"You have a son, Mrs. Singh.  However, we have to get him to
neonatal immediately." 
	"I-can't-hold-him?" she gasped. 
	"No.  It will be a number of weeks before you will be able to.  We
have to examine him, and keep him in a sterile environment due to his
premature birth." 
	"He is so tiny!  Will he live?" 
	"I honestly can't say.  However, with all the new advances, babies
of his size have a wonderful survival rate." 
	"That-much-at-least-is-good..." Miana gasped, then fell asleep. 
	"She's exhausted.  Mr. Singh, as soon as they are cleaned up, you
can accompany your wife in her room and see your son.  But you will have
to suit up to see him." 
	Hadji nodded. 
	Hours later, Miana awoke, and she and Hadji were looking at their
son through the glass outside the ward.  Dr. Wallace came up to them. 
	"Hadji, Miana-- you will be relieved to know your son doesn't have
any major problems save his small size and need for his lungs to develop. 
He should be fine, providing no complications occur.  Do you have a name?" 
	Miana and Hadji looked at each other. 
	"Rajan Haresh Singh." beamed Miana.  "Using Hadji's middle name
and the name of his father." 
	Hadji nodded. 
	Benton and Race came up to them. 
	"I'm sorry we couldn't be here sooner.  How's the baby?  What did
you name it?" 
	"He's fine," answered Miana.  "We just have to pray for no
complications.  How's Jessie?" 
	"She's bad."  said Race sadly.  "No one has any idea what to do." 
	All were silent for a moment. 
	"We named him Rajan Haresh Singh." answered Hadji. 
	"Isn't he beautiful?" asked Miana, pointing to him through the
window.  "Just like his father. 
	"Good choice." replied Benton.  "Your middle name as his first,
and your father's name as his middle?" 
	"Yes." 
	Benton and Race looked through the window at the tiny, dark
complected baby right in front of the window.  He was only a few inches
long, with soft, downy black hair.  He was sleeping, and had electrodes on
his chest monitoring his vital signs. 
	"Excuse me." said Race, turning to leave. 
	"I guess Race feels the same way Jessie does." said Miana after he
left.  "Deprived, and maybe a bit jealous, although he already has a
grandson." 
	"It still doesn't take away the pain of this loss, though. 
Jessie's baby was due in another month." observed Benton. 
	Doctor Wallace came back up to them. 
	"Miana, I forgot to tell you in all the excitement that your
latest test came back perfect and you'll be starting physical therapy
within the week." 
	Miana beamed. 
	"Thank you, doctor!  You've been wonderful!  It's not many women
lucky fortunate enough to have a doctor talented enough to have their
general practitioner double as their ob/gyn." 
	"I'm here to serve." smiled Dr. Wallace. 
	"I only bring in the best." smiled Benton as he patted Dr. Wallace
on the shoulder and shook his hand. 
	"Thanks, doctor." Benton said to him. 
	"That's what friends are for." answered Dr. Wallace.  "I just wish
I could help Mrs. Quest.  Unfortunately, her problem is out of my field
entirely." 
	"The sentiment is appreciated, and I'm sure Race and Jonny would
agree." 
	"Speaking of which, Dr. Wallace, can I go up to them?" asked
Miana. 
	"I don't think they'll let you in to see Mrs. Quest, but you can
at least accompany Mr. Quest in the waiting room." 
	"Thank you, doctor." 
	With that, Hadji wheeled Miana up to level seven, followed by
Moniri and Benton. 
	Jonny's head popped up as they entered the room.
	"Congrats, Miana." said Jonny softly. "Race told me the news." 
	"Thanks.  By the way, I start physical therapy within the week." 
	Jonny attempted to give a lopsided grin. 
	"That's great." 
	"Any word?" asked Hadji. 
	"None." answered Race bitterly. 
	Miana put her hand on her temple. 
	"Mi?" asked Moniri. 
	"She's awake." said Miana.  "I have to--" 
	"Miana, the doctor--" started Hadji. 
	"Hadji, I don't care what they say.  Me and Jessie have developed
a link through all this.  She needs me now more than ever.  She's getting
ready to throw another fit, and I have to go in there before she does." 
	"One problem, Mi.  That nurse sitting outside the door, listening
for any sound coming from that room." 
	"God, if only I could walk!  With a distraction, I could zip in,
but not in this thing!" 
	"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" 
	All of a sudden, Jessie burst from her room and started running
before anyone had time to react. 
	"Jessie!!!" everyone shouted in unison, Miana the loudest. 
	Adrenaline started pumping, and without thinking, Miana jumped
from her chair and started running after Jessie. 
	"JESSSSIEEEE!!!!!" 
	Time was running in slow motion as Miana sprinted behind Jessie,
and launched into the air and pulled her down in a football-style tackle. 
The family and the hospital staff were frozen in shock.  Miana rolled
Jessie over onto her back and pinned her hands to the floor. 
	"Hadji!" 
	Hadji immediately knew what to do.  Hospital staff started to
surround them as Hadji knelt beside Jessie. 
	"Race!  Keep them back!" 
	Race leapt up and started pushing them away, telling them to stay
back, as the Singhs knew what they were doing. 
	"NOOOOOO!!!" 
	Hadji and Miana both held one of Jessie's arms down with one hand
each, and put the other hand on her temples.  They started chanting a
mantra simultaneously, while attempting to join her mind and bring her
back. 
	Hospital security came in, but Race was a one-man army all but
threatening them serious bodily harm. 
	Hadji and Miana had an audience of more than thirty people as a
hush fell over the ward while they worked.  Word had gotten to Dr.
Wallace, and his mouth hit the floor when he saw Miana's role in the
situation.  Five minutes seems like an eternity when Jessie calmed down
and fell unconscious.  The mantra continued, and after another twenty
minutes, Jessie awoke and started turning her head side to side. 
	"Wh-what happened..." she whispered.  "What's going on?  Why am
I... Why are you--" 
	Miana looked up with a giant smile. 
	"She's back." 

	


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Into the Life of Hadji 2 Part 7

	Miana rolled off Jessie and attempted to stand, but her feet
collapsed under her and Hadji carried her to her chair. 
	"Everybody, the situation is under control... will somebody please
get the brut squad out of here?!" asked Race with great irritation in his
voice. 
	Jonny went up to Miana and Hadji with tears in his eyes. 
	"Thank you." 
	Race picked up his daughter and carried her back to her room. 
	"Dad, what happened?  The last thing I remember... she looked down
at her belly.  I wasn't a dream.  Miana!" she exclaimed as Hadji wheeled
her into the room with many objections from hospital staff. 
	"You're ok!" 
	"More than that!  Do you remember anything?" asked Miana. 
	"Bits and pieces, really.  Just vague images of you and I sitting
in some sort of group, you comatose, you in a wheelchair... but no real
details.  What has been happening?  What happened to me?" 
	"It is apparent that your subconscious could not handle the loss
of your child," explained Hadji. "so your mind turned in on itself,
sealing your conscious mind inward and your primal defenses outward." 
	"So in other words, I lost my mind." 
	"Your behavior have the appearance of such, yes." 
	"Whatever it is you did," Jessie said to both Hadji and Miana,
"Thank you." 
	"We were linked in this, Jessie.  I anticipated subconsciously
what happened to you, and I remembered a mantra Hadji taught me a long
time ago.  We had no guarantee it would work, but we were glad it did."
replied Miana. 
	"Sure taught those doctors a thing or two." added Race.  "You two
did great.  Thanks." 
	Jonny was too misty for words as he held his wife's hand. 
	"Well, will somebody please fill me in on the rest?" 
	"Miana has regained feeling in her legs, and starts physical
therapy in a few days." answered Hadji.  "She also gave birth to Rajan
prematurely, and he is doing well in neonatal, providing there are no
complications." 
	Tears welled in Jessie's eyes. 
	"Congratulations, Miana." Jessie whispered through tears. 
	"Rajan Singh.  Does he have a middle name?" 
	"Haresh." answered Miana. 
	"Th-that's beautiful." Jessie sobbed.  "He'll make you a good son
and heir." 
	"I think we'd better leave them alone." suggested Benton. 
	Hadji nodded in agreement, and wheeled Miana out, followed by
Moniri and Benton. 
	"Jessie has a lot of grief to deal with, but I think the worst is
over.  For all of us." replied Benton. 
	"There is still a lot of healing to do." replied Hadji.  "That
will take time." 
	"It always does." 
	Miana started yawning. 
	"It's someone's bedtime!" chided Moniri. 
	"Oh, come on!  I'm not a child!" laughed Miana. 
	Hadji smiled down at his wife as he had just seen the first sparks
of her former self returning. 
	A few days later, Miana's physical therapy started, which offered
her new challenges that frustrated her easily.  Hadji was very supportive
and helpful, especially when Miana was told it could take months for her
to walk again.  Miana was having a very frustrating session on a set of
parallel bars. 
	"By the time I can do this..." Miana gasped, trying to pull up out
of her chair, "Rajan will be walking before me." 
	She looked at Hadji. 
	"Can you put up with two toddlers?" 
	"By the time Rajan is walking," started Hadji, "We will be in
India with our second, maybe even third child." 
	"Boy, you really have the work planned for me, don't you, love?"
smiled Miana. 
	Then it dawned on her. 
	"Oh, that's right!  We'll have to take over in Bangalore!" 
	Miana dropped back into her chair. 
	"Is there a problem?" asked Hadji. 
	"No, it's just all this is happening so fast!  Motherhood, trying
to walk again, and now sultanship... I know nothing of being a sultaness!" 
	"You will do well.  You did well with me on our honeymoon." 
	"But we were only there three weeks.  That wasn't even a dry run
for me!" 
	"You are being modest." 
	"If you say so." answered Miana as she pulled herself back up onto
the bars. 
	Just then, Moniri and Bobby came and stood in the doorway holding
hands. 
	"Looks like romance is in the air." observed Miana. 
	"They seem quite taken with each other." said Hadji. 
	There weren't many in the room, so the therapist told them they
could step in briefly. 
	"We just came from the nursery." replied Moniri.  "Miana, he's
beautiful!  And growing so fast since the last time I saw him!" 
	"I know!  He's already up to two pounds!  He'll be ready to go
home in no time!" 
	"As will you." said Hadji softly as Miana looked up at him and
smiled. 
	"It looks like you've found happiness, sis." 
	"Yeah, Bobby and I have been chatting a while now, and decided to
give things a try." 
	"The best of luck to you both." said Hadji, offering his hand to
Bobby, who shook it graciously. 
	"Miana, you need a break.  Let's get you outside for some fresh
air and a cup of tea!" 
	"Great idea, Mon.  Some Earl Grey sounds wonderful!" 
	Hadji eased her back down, and they all left the gym.
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Into the Life of Hadji 2 Part 8

	Later on that evening, Benton brought a box by Miana's room and
handed it to Hadji. 
	"What is this?" 
	"Sukinder sent it for you.  He said it has a lot of important
papers and pictures in it." 
	Hadji opened the box, and on top was an old family picture. 
	"My God!  Hadji, your family was huge!  What happened to
everybody?  Who is that girl next to your father?  It isn't Neela..." 
	Hadji turned the picture over. 
	"Hasrani Singh." 
	Hadji got a feeling and kept digging. 
	"Father's birth papers... Hasrani's birth papers!" 
	Hadji's mouth dropped open as he compared them. 
	"They are siblings!  I never knew..." 
	"No wonder Sukinder sent these... I wonder what happened to her?" 
	"I intend to find out.  Please excuse me, love.  I need to go to
the compound." 
	"No problem.  Stay as long as you need to." 
	Hadji spent days researching the whereabouts and history of his
long-lost family member.  After much time and research, Hadji found out
that the teenage girl in the picture next to Haresh was his much younger
sister, who left home right before her eighteenth birthday, shortly
before Hadji's birth.  Hasrani was supposedly an adventurer with no taste
for royal life who disappeared, and was never heard from again.  However,
Hadji's resourcefulness tracked her down to a small town in Vermont where
she ran a bed and breakfast with her son, Jaz.  Hasrani had married and
divorced young, and decided that she wanted a simpler life for her and her
then young child.  So, she kept her maiden name after her divorce, gave
birth to Jaz, and bought the B & B with money she was awarded in the
divorce settlement.  Hasrani was now forty-five, and her son was nineteen. 
Hadji was excited to find out he had family, especially in the United
States, and decided it was time to welcome her back.  It was that day that
Hadji came into Miana's room with a huge smile on his face. 
	"Love, you look so happy! What's up?" smiled Miana. 
	Hadji explained what he had learned to Miana. 
	"That's great!  So what are you going to do with this
information?" 
	"I am going out of town for a few days.  I am going to Vermont,
and ask her to re-join the family." 
	"Do you think she will after all these years?" 
	"I do not know, but I must find out." 
	The next day, Hadji was in Vermont on the doorstep of the Golden
Lotus B & B.  Hadji stepped through, and saw an Indian boy wearing a
turban behind the desk. 
	"May I help you?" 
	"I do not have a reservation.  Are there any vacancies?" 
	"Yes, we have some rooms open.  Name, please?" 
	"Hadji Singh." 
	The boy's mouth dropped, and the pen he had in his hand hit the
floor.
	"Excuse me please." 
	The boy left, and came back out with a middle-aged Indian woman in
traditional dress.  She had tears in her eyes. 
	"Hadji?  Son of Haresh Singh?" 
	"Yes." 
	"I never expected to see any of my family again.  I kept tabs on
the family, at least until Vikram took over Bangalore.  After that, I did
not think there was any hope.  My heart was broken when Haresh died. 
Please, come sit." 
	"Why did you not return?" 
	"Because I was young and foolish, and I did not think that I would
have been accepted back into the family." 
	"It is probably best that you did not, because there is no telling
what would have come of you under Vikram's rule." 
	"You are Sultan now, correct?" 
	"Yes, however, I spend much time in Maine." 
	"Maine?  That is so close... and all this time..." 
	"I have a wife, and a new born son, Rajan Haresh.  My mother just
passed away, and we will be returning to India permanently.  I know you
have a life here, but I would love to have my family together, if
possible." 
	Tears were streaming down the prodigal princess's face. 
	"I am so sorry about Neela..." she cried.  "You want us to return
to Bangalore?  After all these years?" 
	"Yes, I do." 
	Jaz was listening in the doorway. 
	"Jaz, what do you think?" 
	"I have never been to India.  I would love to go." 
	"It would mean leaving everything we know here." 
	"Mother, we are members of the royal family, are we not?  If the
Sultan asks things of us, should we not oblige him?" 
	Hasrani smiled. 
	"My son is very wise for his age.  A positive trait of the Singh
male line.  But please, stay here a few days first." 
	"I can stay the night, but I must return, as my wife and son are
in the hospital." 
	"Still?" 
	"It is a long story.  Let me tell it to you." 

***********************************************************************

	The next evening, Hadji returned to Maine with Hasrani and Jaz,
who had managed to sell the bed and breakfast to a buyer who had been
interested in it for a long time.  They all went to the hospital, and
Hadji came into Miana's room, again with a huge smile on his face. 
	"Things went well?" 
	"I have someone for you to meet." smiled Hadji. 
	Hasrani and Jaz stepped into the room. 
	"Hasrani and Jaz Singh." Hadji looked at Hasrani.  "My wife, Miana
Singh." 
	"Now, I have something to show you!" beamed Miana. 
	Miana spun out of bed, and stood up.  She stumbled to catch her
balance, but regained it and took four steps before falling into Hadji's
arms. 
	"Miana..." Hadji cried. 
	Tears welled up in Miana's eyes. 
	"It's just a matter of time.  And that's not all!  Rajan is up to
four pounds.  Two more pounds, and he can go home." 
	Miana wiped the tears from her eyes and then knitted her brows as
a thought occurred to her. 
	"Speaking of home, where are we going?" 
	"To Bangalore." answered Hadji, then looked over at his
re-discovered family.  "All of us." 
	
***********************************************************************

	It wasn't long before Rajan had reached six pounds, and Miana was
walking on a cane.  Everyone returned to the compound, and were going to
stay there until Miana was fully recovered.  The entire Singh family was
welcomed with open arms, as Miana was the first through the door, as a
surprise to the Quests. 
	"Miana!" screamed Jessie as she ran up and embraced her.  "You're
walking!  I never knew..." 
	"We kept my progress as a secret to surprise you guys!  We have
other surprises, too!" 
	Hadji walked in with a very healthy and happy Rajan, followed by
Hasrani and Jaz.  Introductions were initiated, followed by long
conversations about recent events.  After all was said and done, the
family decided to retire early for the evening.  The only ones up were
Jessie and Miana.  Jessie was in tears. 
	"Jessie, what's wrong?  I thought you were doing well..." 
	"I am.  My meds have been cut back, and I'm back to work... but it
just occurred to me!  You're going to be leaving... for good!" 
	"I know.  It's going to be sad for me, too.  But you won't be
alone-- Moniri will be staying here as she found a teaching job here in
Rockport, and Dr. Quest insisted that she live here!  I think the two of
you will be good friends, and her romance with Bobby should make for
interesting in-house soaps as well!" smiled Miana. 
	"I know, but it's like losing half the family!" 
	"Jessie, think about it!  Hadji may be taking over, but with
Hasrani in the picture now, sooner or later, he'll probably have her help
out!  Face it-- Hadji's life is here.  It always will be." 
	Just then, they heard footfalls coming down the steps.  It was
Jonny. 
	"Can't sleep?" asked Jessie. 
	"Hadji and I just got through talking.  I can't believe he's
leaving!" 
	"Miana and I just had the same conversation." 
	Jonny looked at Miana. 
	"I wish you the best of luck." 
	"Geez, Jonny!  We're not gone yet!  It'll be another month before
I'm off this damn cane!" 
	Just then, a baby's cry was heard all over the house. 
	"Oops!  Time for Rajan's 2:00 a.m. feeding!  I gotta go before
Hadji comes for me.  Good night!" 
	"Good night, Miana." said Jessie. 

***********************************************************************

	A month passed, and Miana was walking completely on her own, and
Rajan was chubby, healthy, and happy.  Jessie was doing well, and was off
of medication and attended her support group once a week.  Moniri had
moved in and her life was in full swing.  Benton and Race were glad to
have a happy ending to their recent ordeal, although they were sad to see
Hadji and his family leave.  The Quests saw them off, and they were all in
tears when it came time for them to leave.  No one was big on long
good-byes, so they left after some quick hugs and a lot of tears.  The
Quest compound was strangely quiet with the Singh family gone, but they
were slowly adjusting to their new companions Bobby and Moniri.
	A week had passed when they got a letter that Benton read to the
family.  They were all misty as Benton read Hadji's words: 
	
	"Dear Dr. Quest and family,
	It has been a week now since Miana and I took full responsibility
here in Bangalore.  Things are very different now, especially with Mother
gone, and Rajan, Hasrani, and Jaz in the family. 
	Mother's belated memorial service was a sad event, but even with
her passing, my new family has made this place lively again.  Rajan is
beautiful, and Hasrani loves him.  Hasrani and Jaz have adjusted
wonderfully to life here, and I believe that one day soon she will be able
to assist me in ruling.  I often feel the presence of my parents here
smiling upon the happiness that has sprung from our recent tragedy.  This
does my heart good, as my mother is in peace, and she is rejoicing in
ours.  May your lives be as pleasant. 
 					With deepest love,
						Hadji." 

    Source: geocities.com/televisioncity/3324

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