40 Lakhs Later...
"Too Far..."
"Bittu Ji," he called out. He was comfortably resting on his bed, reading Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult and so far he was loving it.
"Yes chief," Bittu Ji finally walked into the room.
"Bittu Ji I'd like you to take the rest of the day off.
"Thank you Chief," he replied as he walked out.
This wasn't the first time Rishab had done so, for the past 2 years every night after the shoot was over, he'd dismiss Bittu Ji and let him enjoy the outside world. After toying with him as his personal chamcha, it was the least he deserved.
It was time for dinner, as usual, Radha brought it upstairs and left it on his side table.
For the past two years, he had made it clear to the "family" that he wouldn't be showing up to dinner. Ever. And that they should bring it upstairs to him.
"Thank you," he murmered to Radha as she left.
He didn't bother trying to maintain any sort of relation with anybody. Because nobody understood him. And the one that did...
He pushed her away, from him. And he'd never forgive himself for that.
He admits he did it thinking it was for her own good, because that supreme almighty she believed in so much knew... how much his every word killed him.
But perhaps he pushed her too far. Because he knew one thing,
If he didn't push her away that illuminating night, she would still be alive.
2 years ago. Flashback.
He cursed himself for having the least bit of control in him whilst she tried to avoid his eyes.
They were in a true sense illuminated.
"Hello," he picked up the phone as he got up to swiftly grab his shirt and head out into the hallway.
She just sat there, almost completely bare. With only her red garnments and her chaniya, she glanced at the floor. There where a normal person would see a Saari and a blouse, she saw her innocence, her vulnerability, and her virgininty.
Even though they didn't actually do the deed, she no longer felt virgin. She felt bare. She bared her soul to someone for the first time.
She didn't regret it however, it was a beautiful night and she couldn't have asked for more. But her fear was killing her deep within. The fear that he would find this a mistake, the fear that he might regret their select intimate moments where their love broke out and connected.
She hurridly and carelessly draped the Sari back on and fixed up the bed.
***
He heard the news on the phone. The news was terrible.
She will be heartbroken but if looked from another perspective, it was perfect. The event was that supreme almighty's sign that he needed to let her go.
But he didn't want to. He loved her. Those few moments, were probably the best few moments of his life. Even though they had not completely gone through with the act, he still felt that for a few moments they had become one.
But he couldn't be selfish. She deserved a normal life, filled with happiness. Something he could never give her. She probably hated him for bringing her to such a point.
He knew what he had to do.
Rishab Kundra was about to give the best and probably most difficult performance he had ever given. And that too, for free.
He wiped the lone tear that trickled from his eyes.
Lights. Camera. Action.
***
He walked into the room to see her resting on the edge of the bed, brushing her hair softly. She was beautiful, she glowed in the golden light like a diamond's sparkle under the tinist bit of light.
This was going to be harder than he thought.
"Biwi your beloved Maalik is at his deathbed. He doesn't have much time. And his last wish is to see you once before he departs." He explained with no emotion.
"What?" she stood up to face him, her eyes bewildered, her face reflecting disbelief.
"It's true, I just heard the news on the phone. I'm sorry," he expressed his grief by gathering her into his arms before she completely broke down.
He stroked her hair as she clutched his shirt. She felt so perfect against him, her enticing jasmine scent always got the best of him. He felt horrible for her as he knew what Maalik meant to her. The poor soul must be shattered.
It was grieving that instead of helping her pull herself back together, he was going to completely abandon her.
She didn't know what to say or do. Nothing made sense. Maalik couldn't just leave her like that. Finally when everything was perfect.
His strong protective hands around her made her feel safe and secure. She felt like she had someone to shield her from the misery that was to be followed by this horrendous event.
"RK I... I don't know what to do. This can't be true, it can't!" She cried even louder into his arms, "He can't just leave me like that!"
"He's not gone yet Biwi," he reminded her tightening his grip on her waist.
Wait.
What was he doing? This is not what he had came here for. As hard as it was, he knew what he had to do. Let go.
He broke away from the hug abruptly and stated, "I think you should go see him," he suggested in a cold voice.
The change of his tone caught her by surprise.
"Alright," she took his hand and headed towards the door only to see that he was still standing there.
"Madhu..." he spoke as he made his way towards her. Oh dear how he wanted to cradle her face in his palms. But no, he must focus.
"Yes,"
He took a deep breath,"I think you should go..." he looked into her confused eyes, "...not just to see him." He finished.
Her feet felt light, the world ceased to spin, her heart started beating rapidly.
"Risha..."
"RK. It's RK, and I think after the events of today we should just seperate now before it gets out of hand. You can keep the 40 Lakhs. You're free. I'm setting you free,"
"Your joking right? All of this, you and me, us, it all has to mean somethi..."
He held his tears back. If only she knew how hard this was for him too.
"Madhu there was no us it was just an attraction, a spur in the moment, and this is exactly why I think we should separate. Because I don't want either of us getting any ideas about the future of this so-called relationship. You're free Madhu," he repeated as he efficiantly ripped his heart out.
"An attraction? A spur of the moment?" she questioned, ridiculing his words.
"Madhu please," he reached out for her face only to be swatted away by her.
"Please Mr. Rishab Kundr... I'm sorry RK," she stressed the initials, he even took away the right of calling him Rishab, "...there is no need for you to worry about me anymore. I'm fine and I'll be on my way," she walked, or rather ran out of the room, while he, reduced to his knees let out a ferocious scream in despair.
That stars of the night witnessed the unfortunate fate of two lovers who yet had to realize that their homes were in each other's arms and despite their imperfections, they were the only ones created for each other.
***
"Chief," Bittu ji came in with his eyes set onto the ground.
"Yes,"
He didn't know how to tell him, but there was no point in twisting his words. "Chief, the complex where Bhabhi ji lived..." he took a deep breath, "...burned down to ashes. And..."
Rishab's eyes widened, "And." he asked between his clenched teeth hoping he wouldn't,
"And there are no survivors."
End of Flashback.
He didn't bother wiping the tears that fell.
He glanced over at the clock. It was nearly midnight. Her thoughts often did occupy him for hours. He could never forgive himself for sending her there, for pushing too far... far to her death.
***
A/N: Shocked? Well I got your Sunday update in as promised! The depth of their love was what I tried to express and the irony of their situation. As for the rest, you must wait and read! Hope you liked it!
IMP Regarding PMs: To receive PMs for this story along with any other works of mine please add the following to your buddylist "Mrs.SidMalhotra" I've posted a comment from the account below so you don't have trouble finding the account. From the next update onwards I will only use that accound to PM.
Love,
Shweta <3
Edited by -ForeverYours- - 12 years ago
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