Written on a whim, enjoy...
Prerna checked that Kukki was asleep soundly in her bed, turned off her lamp and came back out.
She tried Mr. Bajaj's number on more time. No, he wasn't picking up. It was morning there, what was going on? They hadn't talked in nearly half a day and she was not picking up her calls.
She called his chauffeur instead.
Prerna: Is Mr. Bajaj out today?
David: Yes, Mrs. Bajaj, he just went into the office.
Prerna: I see, okay, thank you David. If you see him, please let him know I called. Good day.
She paced her room as she texts: "Make sure you take the vitamins daily."
An hour later...
Ping.
She checked her message: He liked the message. That's it. Was it something she said? He has been quiet since she threw that tantrum about coming to Calcutta. He supported her, spoke to her to check-in that she had arrived, but he was still being, well, not himself with her. Maybe she did push a bit too much. She wondered if he was worried about her coming and seeing Anurag. No. No no, Rishab trusted her completely. She pushed that idea out of her head.
Prerna texted again: Are you busy?
He called a little while after: Yes, Mrs. Bajaj?
Prerna was a bit surprised, he seemed resigned: I uh...I was just wondering if you were busy.
Rishab: I just got out of a meeting. What is it?
Prerna: No particular reason. Kukki is asleep and I wanted to see if you have been taking your vitamins daily.
Rishab: You are there for a purpose Mrs. Bajaj, stay your course. Don't worry about my vitamins, it's the least of your worries.
She knew what was wrong now, he was being all business.
Prerna snapped: I just wanted to check-in, can't I do that?
Rishab: Of course.
Somehow, his simple of course incensed her further. It's like he was indulging her bothersome behavior. He was irritated that she insisted on coming here for her revenge than staying and celebrating her accomplishments.
Prerna's voice cracked: Sorry to inconvenience you. I will hang up now, take care.
Rishab: Prerna, please.
Prerna: What Prerna? You act like I am bothering you for showing the merest concern. I don't want to talk to you anymore.
She hung up the phone, angry tears streaming down her face. This whole mission of coming back suddenly started looking like a pointless charade. He really could get under her skin! She had built up this revenge scheme and Rishab knew how important it was to her to avenge her daughter's death, but rather than being supportive like always, he had to act like she was the one behaving like a child for wanting to come back.
Prerna fretfully went to bed after stewing for a while.
There was a knocking on the suite door.
Prerna ignored it and tried to fall back asleep. She hadn't asked for room service in the middle of the night.
More insistent knocking now.
Prerna: Arrggggg...
She got up. Her fault for not putting the "Do not disturb" sign outside their suite.
She opened the door.
Mr. Bajaj stood right in front of her. Prerna startled, but then remembered that she was still mad at him.
Rishab sounding conciliatory: Surprise, aren't you glad to see me?
Prerna sulked: Kukki will be happy to see you in the morning.
Rishab came over and looked at her: And what about you, Mrs. Bajaj? Can't you tell why I wasn't picking up your calls?
Prerna snapped: I am not an idiot, you were on a flight obviously. And you told David to lie.
Rishab tried to pull her into an embrace, but Prerna resisted.
Prerna: You play your "I don't give a damn" attitude too well, Mr. Bajaj.
Rishab smiled: I came here to support you, I thought you will be happy to see me.
Prerna: Not when you snap at my reminders!
Rishab closed their distance: I was only reminding you to keep your goal in focus. Like I always tell you, Prerna.
Prerna pushed him away, tears coming to her eyes.
Rishab guitily: Ok ok, I am sorry, I see I overplayed it in my attempt to surprise...
He tugged her back and held her softly to his heart: I am proud of you for becoming your own woman and clearly you have kept your goal in sight. Just here to support you - not discourage. Thank you for your reminder. I am touched that you still remembered me among all these things.
Prerna was holding on to his lapels as he wiped her tears: Don't do that...again.
She put her arms around his neck now and just held still, feeling secured again.
He held her like that for a while.
Prerna: You are my anchor. I can't keep my focus without your support. Don't put me adrift like that. I can't do it without you.
He took one hand and kissed her palm.
Prerna: Are you mad at me for coming back?
Rishab sounded more deliberate now: No, you are here to see your family and set things right by your daughter, there can be no better reason.
Prerna: But you said I wasn't ready.
Rishab: You are stronger than you know.
