Malaal-Chapter 18

CHAPTER 18

There was hustle and bustle around. Celebrity designers from Mumbai had arrived for seeing the show and took the front row along the ramp. With them sat Harshad Malhotra, beaming with pride. 

Kokila and Hetal were awed at the magnitude of this event. “Rashi has progressed so much in life.”, Kokila couldn’t help but feel proud.

Jigar was physically present there but as usual subconsciously occupied. He wanted to leave as soon as possible.

The show started and glamorous models walked the ramp with poise and striking attitude. Kokila didn’t want to look at scantily clad models but she had to, because they were wearing outfits designed by Rashi.

“Those dresses are beautiful isn’t it Kokila?”, Hetal asked Kokila, pride evident in her voice. Kokila smiled, it was undeniable.

“These dresses are beautiful but totally opposite to Rashi’s taste. She was so much into bright colours, these are all classic. She wouldn’t have liked these at all.”, Jigar thought half heartedly.

All models finished their walk and went backstage. A few moments later, the top model entered, accompanied by the designer herself. A sudden applause roared in the arena. Jigar looked to see what it was about.

He paused. Rashi walked along with the model, smiling confidently, in an air that said that she owned this world.

Jigar’s heart stopped for a few moments, it seemed. He stood up with difficulty, his limbs had lost all the energy. His hands shivered and his eyes had tears. Rashi took the pause and bow at the end of the ramp. Jigar couldn’t help but cry silently. Words couldn’t have come out of his voice. “Rashi-“, he tried saying, but simultaneously Harshad went on the ramp.

“That’s a deserved applause for such a lady.”, Harshad announced, as he looked and smiled at Rashi.

Rashi mouthed a ‘thank you’ and smiled. Jigar’s head was full of feelings of confusion. He couldn’t understand what was happening;it was happening too fast. He didn’t want to know how Rashi was here, he just wanted to run to her and hold her. He had a sudden urge to embrace his life. He stepped forward but suddenly Kokila pulled him back. He looked at her hastily.

“Jigar. Not now. Rashi won’t react the way you are expecting. Trust us Jigar, we will get Rashi, but not now.”, Kokila said.

Jigar felt like something was holding him with an anchor, while something was pulling him towards Rashi.

“What are you saying Kakiji? My Rashi is here, after so long-“, his voice choked.

“Understand Jigar please. Do you want to lose her all over again? No, right? So try to be patient.”, Kokila said and Hetal nodded.

Jigar looked slowly at the ramp again, Rashi and Harshad were smiling and returned to the backstage. Jigar closed his eyes and controlled his urge to cry and run to Rashi. To hold her tightly.

The backstage was full of happy faces. The event was a success after all. Harshad suddenly hugged Rashi.

“Thank you so much Rashi! It wouldn’t have been such a success without you.”, he said while still in the hug. Rashi slowly hugged him back.

“No need to thank Harshad. You already know what this company means to me.”, she replied and smiled.

“Umm-mm”, said a voice from behind. They separated from the hug and looked at Ishan.

“Sorry to interrupt.”, Ishan said with a smile. Rashi glared at him.

“Rashi your bestie is here, I shall leave, isn’t it?”, Harshad said and laughed. He left, his eyes lingering on Rashi for a long time.

“Hugs and all huh!”, Ishan said and pulled Rashi’s cheek.

“Ishan. Don’t start again!”, Rashi said and rolled her eyes.

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Ahem, Gopi, Jigar, Kokila and Hetal was were sitting deep in thought in Kokila’s hotel room.

“Why can’t we just go and meet her?”, Jigar asked and stood up in frustration. 

“Jigar, we must have a plan to be around Rashi so that we win her trust again, after all...”, she didn’t complete the sentence.

“After all I hurt her so much.”, Jigar said to himself.

“Maaji, I think I will convince Rashiben to come back. She will definitely hear me out.”, Gopi added with tears in her eyes.

Hetal shook her head. “Gopi, you didn’t see her. We have. She has changed in ways that are unbelievable.”, she said.

“And dangerous.”, Kokila added.

 “Mom, we’ll have to look out for such an opportunity, which will ensure that we get enough time to win her trust back.”, Ahem said.

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“Gaayu, I am leaving.”, Rashi said as she was going out for yet another Getaway like everyday.

“Okay Rashi Di. Is Ishan sir also going with you?”, Gaayu asked.

“No, he’s gone to Delhi for four days for some work.”, Rashi replied as she wore her heels.

The whole Modi Family was waiting outside the bar in Ahem’s car.

“What have I made of Rashi? She and alcohol?”, Jigar thought amid disgust for himself.

Rashi arrived in her car. The moment she stepped out, everything in the memory of the Modis paused. A car taking a turn in full speed round the corner of the bar, rammed straight into Rashi. Rashi’s eyes widened and burned due to the bright headlights, she couldn’t feel her body anymore accept her left arm which was under something very heavy and the last few seconds of her consciousness were full of horn sounds, muffled voices and memories of her life, slowly telling her that it’s the end.

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