Rishbala SS: His Child Bride Chap8 Updating Pg26 - Page 8

Part 2

Motihari, Present day

Madhu laughed and threw the ball back at her five yr old cousin. He grinned at her before running outside to join the rest of his friends crowded around the dhol. For a moment she wished she could join him too. Watching the dhol play had been one of her favourite pastimes during her childhood. Shaking her head at herself she proceeded to navigate her way through the buzzing crowd of people

It was her friend and cousin Preeti's wedding. The entire family, including people from unheard of branches had been invited and around 500 people had invaded Motihari yesterday. Since the Chaudhary residence was one of the largest houses in the place and since Preeti (though a distant cousin) was a friend, Madhu had offered to accommodate half of the guests and have the wedding at their house. The delighted squeals of her mother and sister had only encouraged her. She looked fondly at Preeti who was sitting in her place of honour, decked out in jewels surrounded by women which included her own gorgeous sister and mother

Staring at Trishna, Madhu suppressed a sigh of admiration tinged with envy. With a perfect complexion, perfect features and a perfect figure, Trishna was dazzlingly beautiful. Even Preeti, glowing with happiness in her bridal finery, paled beside her. Madhu caught sight of herself in the long mirror hanging by the window. She saw a girl barely 5'4, brown complexioned and lacking in curves, with a tiny face and unruly black hair which tumbled down her shoulders. Her only good feature was her eyes, but even that didn't seem so pretty when compared to her sister's or any other women's for that matter. She sighed wistfully

"What are you looking at?" Madhu jumped as her longtime friend, Mukund Dixit came up behind her."Mukund!" she swatted him playfully. He laughed and made a show of defending himself

"How did it go in Ahmedabad?" she asked excitedly. His face fell at that. Madhu looked at him concerned "What's the matter?" she asked. Mukund shook his head before saying" They offered me a share in their business" dejectedly. Madhu stared at him confused before asking slowly "But that's a good thing, isn't it?"

"Not if you don't have enough money to buy into it" he said bitterly "They are willing to sign me on if a person with an earning capacity can guarantee for me and will put up 50,000 Rs for me"

"50,000 Rs!"

Mukund continued, not paying attention to her horrified exclamation "You know my father Madhu. He will never agree to it. The old man clings to his money like a dying man. God forbid he spend some of it on me"

Madhu stared at him, a troubled expression on her face. Mukund was one of her oldest friends and she cared for him but sometimes, he disturbed her with his wild talk. He had always been wild, speculating in one thing or the other and had always looked to others to help him out of his messes- his parents, brother, even her. Right now, she wondered whether he understood the fact that 50,000 Rs was an insane amount of money to risk and that his father would find it nigh impossible to raise such an amount

Mukund, she said slowly

'Madhu beta!" someone called from the opposite side of the room. Turning, she groaned. It was Vimla chachi, Preeti's mother, an extremely spiteful woman who used Madhu for target practice. Mukund grinned and slid away. Traitor. Plastering a smile on her face, she made her way to where Preeti was smiling apologetically at her

"Yes,Chachi?" she asked patiently. Trishna had already dissolved into giggles and her mother was looking at her with fond sympathy. Dear God

"Beta, did you see Preetis's bridegroom?" Chachi asked her voice slightly slurred. Ah, she had hit the free drinks area already. Preeti was slowly turning scarlet with embarrassment. Madhu decided to humour her and nodded

"Didn't you think he was the most dashing man you have ever met?" Chachi slurred out. Madhu decided to tell the servants to keep the drinks locked up as she conjured up an image of a weaselly faced, muscled monster, who stared at her patronizingly every time she addressed a word to him. Dashing? Hardly

"Of Course" she said, her cheeks aching from the effort she was putting in to keep smiling.

Chachi laughed and said loudly "Well then my dear, I have fixed on the very groom for Trishna. His cousin!" she clapped her hands in glee. Trishna's smirk dropped and she stared at Madhu in horror

Her beautiful sister get married to a buffoon like this one? Over her dead body

"No" the word slipped out before she could think. Unfortunately for her, Chachi caught the word even in her drunken state. Eyes narrowed she turned back to Madhu, clearly waiting for an explanation

Cursing her unruly tongue Madhu tried to rectify her gaffe" I…I mean, Didu…Didu has something different in mind". "Oh?" Chachi asked, voice dripping with venom. Madhu fumbled for words again" Ye…es, I mean, a little more educated" she said reluctantly.

A sudden hush fell over the group as Vimla puffed up in outrage. Trishna stared steadfastly at the ground, ignoring Madhu's pleading eyes. Preeti was scarlet faced in distress. Vimla stared at Madhu, daring her to look down

Madhu held her gaze. She hadn't done anything wrong. If this woman hadn't decided to interfere in her family business, then she wouldn't have had to make such a statement. Besides she really did want someone for her sister who wasn't a chauvinistic pig who had never attended school and considered education to be a waste of time!

The next words rocked her off her balance. "Well you would want to get the best for your sister since you aren't likely to see your husband in your lifetime" the poisonous words echoed in the suddenly silent room. Everyone looked everywhere but at her. Her mother stared furiously at Vimla, while Preeti was openly crying. An unspoken rule had just been broken

Madhu stared at Vimla, the look on her face causing the woman to take a step back involuntarily. Her body trembling with rage, for a moment she considered throwing the woman and her guests out immediately. A look at Preeti's terrified face made her reject the idea

In a voice cold enough to freeze the air she said" If I were you, I would be more careful of what I say in future Chachi because the bills for the wedding might remain unpaid". Vimla flushed, humiliated by the public reminder of exactly who was paying for her daughter's wedding. Madhu stared at her for a second more before striding away

Locking the door to her room, she made her way to her cupboard and took out a small wooden box. Opening it reverentially, she took out the slim chain, lovingly nestled in silk

A casual observer wouldn't have noticed anything different from any other Mangalsutra. But on closer inspection, one could make out that at the center of the pendant, an unusual design had been cut out. A tiny cat, perfectly etched with two letters beneath it.

Madhu caressed the letters, the black beads of the Mangalsutra twining around her hands. Clutching the precious chain to her, she stared through the open window at the dying sun, silent tears streaming down her cheeks

nice update..but one question ..why did not rk replied to her letters?

I love the innocence child Madhu has in her and also the power and determination she continues to exhibit right from her childhood till now being an adult. 👏 She's a gem for her family and village and also knows to show people their worthy place 😊

awesome update nix...

wow loved it and Madhu was in the right!

Nice one.. Want RK and Madhu to meet soon..

PART 1

January 2009,Motihari

Deer Rishabh

How are you? How is Mumbai? I like your moveies

My first letter in English! Ok fine, only the above line is. But I promise you, I will soon be able to send you full length letters in English. Why the sudden change you ask? Well I realized that the reason you haven't been sending me any replies to the last 50 letters I sent you is because you won't be knowing how to respond in Hindi. After all you are a vilayati product.

The moment I had this epiphany, I ran to visit my English teacher and we have now scheduled extra classes. She fainted in shock, initially- I was her worst student actually. But not any more. Within no time Madhubala Kundra will be able to speak, read and write this stupid language. Which means you can start writing your first letter to me immediately. Please?

Sometimes it feels like you are the only one I have, even though I haven't seen or talked to you after our wedding and there is a very good chance that you aren't getting my letters. Things are so different now. Friends aren't friends anymore and people seem to change. Or maybe it is because I am growing up and seeing them through adult eyes now. Did I tell you that I am taking over management of our farm and lands now? Ramu kaka who used to manage them is now getting old, so I help out. Both Ma and Didu are horrified but I don't see any of them trying to handle it

I will have to skip school a little but rest assured I won't be missing my English classes. So, letter please

Yurs Sinceerly

Madhu

P.S-Another line in English!

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

Motihari, Present Day

The knock on the door pulled her out of her reverie. Hastily tucking the Mangalsutra back into its box, she pushed it back into its rightful place and went to open the door.

Mukund looked up at her as the door swung open, his expression a mixture of sheepishness and concern. Madhu sighed

"I am fine Mukund" she said, for some reason irritated with him

"Your eyes are red"

"That is none of your business" she snapped out causing him to take a step backward in surprise. She sighed again at that and said" Look, I'm sorry. But I don't want to talk about it". Mukund nodded but said cautiously "I just wanted to know if you are fine Madhu."

She gave a wan smile and nodded, trying to convey that she was okay but she needed to be alone right now. He didn't take the hint. "I'm sorry to badger you, but you have to stop these comments from affecting you Madhu. It's been 5 years and pining for a jerk of a guy isn't going to help you"

"You don't know anything about him Mukund!" she whirled on him, angry beyond belief now. How dare he criticize him? How Dare He? Her eyes flashed and she almost wished that Mukund would fight back so that she could whack his head for his stupid ideas. Mukund wouldn't though. He was a coward

Mukund did look scared at her outburst but his face wore an unusually sullen, stubborn expression and he surprised Madhu by answering back "I may not have seen him but I know he was a rich city boy , who was out of work , who was here for approximately an hour before leaving. In these 5 years he has never once contacted you or anyone here and in all probability doesn't even remember you!"

Madhu paled, Mukund's words hurting her more than she showed. But she couldn't afford to break now. She had a fight to win

"He was a man who was willing to sacrifice his safety and his life to save the lives of 3 strangers. As for him not having contacted us, there is no reason for him to, Mukund. He did us a favour that day and that was it. He is under no obligation to contact us. And neither do we expect him to. As for the out-of-work part..."

She nearly laughed in his face. Sometimes it surprised her that she was the only one who had kept track of Rishabh's whereabouts. But then, she was the only person who had reason to

"What about you, Mukund? What are you doing nowadays?" she asked coolly. He wanted to play dirty, she would play dirty

Mukund flushed. For one dangerous moment he stared at Madhu before muttering an apology and turning his back to her. Madhu calmed down a bit. In a gentler voice she said" I appreciate the help Mukund, but how about you tell me why you really came up here for without interfering in my personal life"

Mukund turned back to face her with a forced smile on his face "Can't keep anything from you can I?" he joked weakly. Madhu stared back at him unsmiling. His own smile faded and he said in a rush of words" Look Madhu, I was hoping you would stand as my guarantor. You have the money to put up and you are my friend. I promise you I will pay every penny back. Just...I need this, Madhu. This is a chance to make something of myself, Please"

Madhu looked at him in disbelief. Guarantor? She? She wasn't even related to him! Her thoughts must have showed on her face because Mukund jumped in again hastily

"It doesn't matter that you aren't related to me. You are my oldest friend barring Rajeev and that is enough for these guys" he begged

"Mukund" Madhu said slowly " 50,000 Rs is a lot of money and I don't even know what sort of a business this is"

"I know you have it Madhu. Please, this is my chance to make something of myself. As for the business, it is an investment scheme, sort of like an insurance agency. It can't fail and I'll be doubling this money in the next couple of months"

Madhu frowned. Get-rich-soon ideas had never appealed to her. There was invariably a catch in these kinds of schemes. On the other hand Mukund needed this opportunity to make something of himself. He wasn't doing anything in Motihari, Mumbai might be the making of him

"Allright" she nodded firmly. "I'll be your guarantor. But if this fails, I don't want you asking for my help again" she warned.

"Done" Mukund was smiling now. "Thanks Madhu. Now all you need to do is to get your mother's permission to come to Mumbai with me."

"Mumbai!" Madhu exclaimed, horrified. Mukund's smile faded a little and he said" Yes. Mumbai is where we have to sign the papers. After the deal goes through you can come back. It will take a couple of days most"

Madhu looked at him, frozen on spot. Common sense kicked in then and informed her that the chances of meeting a particular person in such an enormous city were in the range of minus to zero. Meeting Mukund's hopeful eyes, she nodded" Let's go to Mumbai"

A/N- Part 2 of chapter 4 up. Thank you all for the likes and comments. i will try and answer all the questions by tomorrow😃


Part 2

Mumbai, Present day

RK eased the car into the driveway, taking care not to knock down any one of the hundred flower pots lining the entrance. He looked at Bittuji and grinned. Bittuji seemed to have had trouble closing his mouth ever since he had laid his eyes on the tiny white villa surrounded by enough vegetation to mistake the place for a wildlife resort

" Nani tries to compensate for her inability to love people by loving her plants, Bittuji" he drawled. Bittuji jumped and shut his mouth immediately. "Chief! I...was just admiring the house" he stammered. RK winked at him "Sure you were. Now let's go inside and beard the dragon"

Nothing had changed since the last time he had been here, which had been 3 yrs ago. Gayathri Kundra had spent most of her formative years being trained to behave as befitting to her royal lineage and had been sent to Edinburgh to put those lessons to test. She had then proceeded to run her husband and after his death, his company with the same discipline and precision that had been drilled into her all those years ago. Even now, at the age of 70, laxity had no place in her dictionary. RK was shown into the ante room along with Bittuji, his card was taken and after a decent interval of time, he was escorted to the family drawing room and was informed that his grandmother would be joining him shortly. To round off the ritual, a servant entered with tea and cakes. RK groaned and Bittuji started on the cakes

The house, tiny as it was, was a collectors dream. Priceless vases stood on either side of the window, deceptively simple antique low tables were tucked into corners and the walls were hung with portraits of bygone Kundras. RK twirled a vase on his finger and glanced at his watch again

"Careful there" a low amused voice spoke from the doorway "It's even more fragile than your ego"

RK looked up to see his grandmother enter the room. She walked up to face him and raised an eyebrow. He stretched his legs out and yawned.

"I see your manners haven't improved" she said dryly as she settled herself on the opposite sofa. He didn't deign to reply to that. She poured a cup of tea and held it out to him

"I don't drink tea"

"I know" she replied calmly but did not withdraw her hand back. He suppressed a smile. He might not get along with her but he would be the last one to deny that she was a worthy foe. Leaning forward he took the cup of tea reluctantly from her hand. She merely smiled and busied herself preparing another cup for Bittuji

"Do you know why I am here?" he demanded, not beating around the bush. "I imagine it's because your father said something" she replied, not in the least bit ruffled by the question. He had to suppress another smile. The old tartar still lived up to her reputation of knowing everything

" Well, are you going to tell me or do I have to crawl back to my father to find out what this is about?" he said, sarcasm dripping off every word.

" Like that is going to happen" she said dryly. Rearranging herself on the sofa, she took a sip of her tea and then looked him straight in the eye and said "My doctor has given up on me. At the most I have 6 months". He stared at her. This was...unexpected

"Save it" she said as he opened his mouth to say God knows what. "I have had a wonderful life and I have no regrets. But that is not what concerns you. What concerns you is that I have decided to leave the Mahal and its contents to Sikander"

RK froze, not choosing to believe what he had just heard. In a carefully controlled voice, he said" I believe my mother left the Mahal to me"

"No, your mother left the Mahal in trust for you with me. I am choosing to give it away to someone else"

RK reminded himself to keep calm "And your reason for this sudden decision?"

"You are not married" she finished bluntly

He stood up suddenly, unable to sit still anymore. Bittuji was watching the scene with his mouth half open, a piece of cake falling down from it. Only his grandmother seemed perfectly at ease

"What does that have to do with anything?" he spat out. She smirked and said" It has everything to do with it, darling." Noting his jaw tensing, she softened her voice a little "I like you Rishabh but try and understand. The Mahal is for you, a place filled with memories of your mother, a place where you can remember her and your childhood"

He didn't reply. Her words had conjured up a host of images belonging to the past, images of him running and falling and soft hands bandaging him, a laughing voice, of two gentle arms helping him hold his brush as he painted for the very first time, of warm loving hands hugging him...He blinked and strove to find the wall he used to hold the memories back at bay

Gayathri Kundra pretended not to notice her grandson's sudden silence and went on "But for me, it is a relic of my heritage. It isn't just a house, but a part of our history. And I cannot leave it to anyone without knowing that he has descendants to pass this onto and thereby keep it in our family"

"So you are leaving it to Sikky" he said baldly

She sighed "I have to admit I wouldn't except that he is married. Deepali might be a s**t but judging by her figure, there is no lack of fertility in that one"

Only his grandmother could manage to state such a coarse statement without sounding the least bit vulgar. He turned to face her. No more games

"Let me get this straight. In order to inherit my old home, which by the way was willed to me, I need to get married. Or it goes to Sikky" She smiled beatifically and nodded 'That is the plan" she murmured

Jaw clenched he bit out "How much time do I have to find a suitable woman to supply you with grandkids?" Her smile widened and she said" A month would be enough don't you think?"

He nodded curtly, accepting the inevitable. Grabbing his coat and his Bittuji he strode out, unwilling to remain a second more in this insane place. He suddenly stopped near the doorway "Why are you doing this? The last time you tried your hand at marrying someone, you ended up selling your own daughter to a murdering bas***d. What are you trying to accomplish now?" he asked, knowing it would hurt

Her face tightened a bit but she merely murmured "One month, Rishabh" before smiling at him as he stormed out

Gayathri Kundra settled back in her chair and smiled. A wide, cat-like smile. Things were going as planned