PART 1
She stared at him in disbelief. She did not expect to see him here. You could hear the intake of breaths and gasps when he stepped into the house. Everyone was in awe of him. Someone even remarked how he was much more dashing in person than on television. You could also hear whisperings about how he was two days too late.
Her eyes never left him as he sauntered in the house like he belonged with a carry on baggage in his right hand. His jeans hung low on his waist the way he like them and he wore a flannel shirt. A day old stubble covered his jaw and his brown eyes were hidden from view by his oversized Rayband. He was indifferent to the chaos he created as he walked into the living room searching for someone.
"Where is Aman bhaiyya?" He asked Bittu, their helper, as soon as he saw a familiar face. The house was filled with strangers.
"Upstairs Rishab sir," Bittu answered, a look of bewilderment etched on his face.
She moved behind the pillar to be out of his sight as he made his way to the staircase. Her heart was racing and beads of perspiration covered her forehead. She realized she missed him much more than she thought possible. Part of her wished he had spotted her and he would walk over and they could go back to when life was not complicated. Another part of her hoped that he had not seen her as she was too afraid of her reaction if he approached her. She did not want him in her life anymore but she could not trust herself with him. And if he noticed her and disregarded her with a casual nod of acknowledgement, she would crumble in heartache. She had to mean more than that to him although it had been two years since he last contacted her. Her emotions were in turmoil and she prayed for sanity. She was always in disarray when it comes to him.
She heard his footsteps up the stairs and heaved a sigh of relief.
"Madhu, is it true? Rishab is back? Did you see him?" Priya asked as soon as she spotted Madhubala leaning against the pillar, her right hand on her chest and her eyes shut. Priya was in the kitchen when she heard murmurs that RK was back and had dashed immediately to the living room.
Madhu merely nodded as she tried to calm herself down. The fast beating of her heart refused to slow down and she wondered why he was back.
"Are you ok Madhu? You are all flushed. Where is Rishab? Did he speak to you?"
"He is upstairs. He is looking for Aman bhaiyya. Could you get my handbag for me please? I left it in your room. I need to leave," she had to get out of the house fast.
"I will go up and get your bag and meet you at your car? You parked it outside right along the street?"
Madhu nodded as she dragged her confused self out of the house.
RK found Aman bhaiyya in his room on the bed. He was staring at their mother's photo in his hand with tears in his eyes.
"I still cannot believe she is gone Priya," Aman bhaiyya muttered, thinking Priya was the one who had opened the bedroom door.
"Aman bhiayya," that was all RK could muster to say.
Aman bhaiyya immediately sprung up from the bed and stared at him.
"What are you doing here? " Aman bhaiyya asked, his eyes and voice full of contempt.
"Well...This is my house too. I can come back anytime I want," RK challenged. That was not what he had planned to say but he was not expecting Aman bhaiyya's hatred.
" You have not stepped foot into this house for the past two years and you walked in two days after our mother was cremated and said that you can come back anytime you want? You did not come back when dad died despite mine and Priya's pleas to show up just to appease Mom! This maybe your house too but this my room so please get out. I do not want to see your face! " Aman bhaiyya bellowed.
"Well, that is too bad cause I plan to staying for a while and..." RK was interrupted as Priya babhi stepped into the room.
"Rishab...It...well...it is good to see you," Priya babhi said although her face only showed puzzlement as she eyed him suspiciously. She did not miss that her husband face is flushed with anger. She went to pick up a handbag on the dresser table while her gaze went back and forth between her husband and her brother-in-law.
"I need to pass this to my friend and I will be back soon. In the meantime, do not get into trouble, " she said as she headed towards the door.
"Whose bag is that?" RK asked.
"Er..well...My friend. She is going home. You do not know her," Priya babhi stammered.
RK knew he was right. He had felt her presence when he stepped into the house just now.
"Here is your bag. I need to get back up. I am afraid they are already at each others' throat by now. Are you ok Madhu? I will call you later tonight," Priya bade Madhubala goodbye as Madhu retrieved the car keys from her hand bag.
"Thanks Priya. Please help me tell Aman bhaiyya that I am sorry I could not stay and help with the pooja. You do not have to call me if you are busy Priya. I am fine. Take care of Aman bhaiyya. He is still grieving for Radha Auntiji. "
Priya hugged Madhu. "I still cannot believe Maaji is gone. Aman is so upset and I am afraid Rishab being back will make things worse. And why did he come back only after she is cremated? She was always praying for his success and was so proud that her son managed to find success. And to think he treated her that way eventually. "
Madhu shrugged as they broke the hug and tears welled up her eyes. She did not know Rishab anymore. The Rishab she knew when she was seventeen was so different from the RK he had become.
"You better go up Priya. Aman bhaiyya needs you." Madhubala said to Priya's retreating figure.
She was about to step into her car when a familiar voice stopped her.
"You are leaving without offering your condolence to me?"
She looked up and saw the boy she thought she would be married to by now. He had removed his shades and his gaze never left her face as he approached her.
She swallowed and moved backwards and bumped into her car. Her heart beat quickened again.
"I was told you offer condolence to people who need sympathy and is experiencing grief or loss. I do not think that is you right Rishab?"
"Wow, no one seemed to be missing me over here. It looks like I have made a wasted trip back."
RK closed in on her and their faces were inches apart. He could smell her perfume and realised she had no make-up on. Apart from the dark circles on her eyes, her flawless skin glowed. She was the most beautiful woman to him. And despite dressed in a simple white salwar kameez, she was still a vision. Unconsciously, he lifted his right hand and fingers traced her cheekbones. Her eyes widened and she pressed her lips together.
"I missed you so much. Much more than I thought possible," he whispered and leaned in towards her.
Every fiber of her being wanted to give in and let him kiss her senseless. She wanted to go back to when they were in their teens and youths when just being with him made her feel complete. But she had made up her mind that he was no good for her and being with him was too cruel to herself.
She pushed him away with all her might and he stumbled a few steps back as a result of the unexpected force. Surprise registered on his face as he stared at her. A gush of cold November wind blew and the leaves began to fall. Neither of them spoke. After a while, she opened her car door and stepped into in. Madhu was astonished when RK climbed into her passenger seat.
"I could use some company. Please? For old time's sake?"
Anupamaa
Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon
