FF: Bruised Hearts II - Chapter 42, 43.1 pg 39; Updated 4/8/14 - Page 10

Eyes are the window to our souls. Yet we live in such a busy, fast paced world, we rarely take the time to look deeply into someone's eyes. Sometimes we choose to walk around with blinders on our eyes, because ignorance is bliss. What we don't know can't hurt us. If only life followed simple dictates in an uncomplicated, straight line, but no it throws a curve ball when it is least expected.

The three continue to stare at each other, oppressive silence permeating the room. RK shifts uncomfortably at the angry, hurt and accusing look in Reena's eyes. He feels as if he has been kicked and punched in his gut, acute guilt and shame written on his face.

Madhu (clears her throat and takes a careful step towards Reena): Reena...I...(stops to clear her throat again) I am sorry...(stops and starts again)...I am sorry...(cannot complete).

Reena (shivers and holds back her tears): I am...sorry. I was walking by...and...and...I heard you say (waving her hand) his name. (Tremor in her voice) Heard those...awful...awful...things about...about him. Is it... is it true? I mean is he...really (unable to complete question).

Madhu walks forward and hugs Reena. Subsequently, Reena starts sobbing and holds on to Madhu to anchor her through the storm. Unable to stand the heartbreaking tears, RK turns his back to them. Raw guilt eats through his veins. The blinders are finally off. His life long denial that Reena means nothing to him came crashing down in minutes. RK is astounded that he actually cares for her. The reality of his careless disregard finally setting in, he is partly responsible for her misery.

Madhu (croons and comforts Reena): Shh...it's ok. (Pats her back) That horrid man is not worth your tears. (Pulls back and looks into Reena's eyes worriedly) I hope you realize that I, (pointing at RK) we wouldn't lie to you about Shaan's character.

Reena (reigns in her sobs and wipes away her tears): I know bhabi...I know you wouldn't lie about it. You have no reason to lie. (Lips trembling) So...so...does everyone know about his...(swallowing) affairs?

Madhu nods in the affirmative, not wanting to lie. Best to give her the full truth now so she can make a clean break.

Reena (cries out): Ohh god! I am such a fool! (Palms on her forehead) I remember now Bittuji tried to warn me about him. But fool that I am. I didn't believe him! Oh my god! A few weeks ago, one of my friends told me that they saw him with a girl going into a hotel room. I just laughed it off saying it was someone else. It cannot be him. (Anguished whisper) I am so damn stupid. And that's why I always get those stares at the studio whenever I visit. (Bitterness in her voice) I am sure they thought; here comes the ignorant, stupid fool.

Madhu (soothing voice): Sweetie you are NOT ignorant, stupid or foolish! You are young and Shaan is a predator who preys on young, sweet, innocent young women. You need to be strong and kick that parasite out of life. I know it's hard to think clearly now but this bad chapter in your life will pass. Trust me.

Reena nods her head at Madhu but her attention is on RK's turned back, willing him to turn and face her. She needs him to look into her eyes and affirm that everything will be fine. She needs her brother to anchor her through this storm, to banish the demon from her life. But RK has never considered her as his sister and he has proved it with his callous disregard. To keep hoping would be foolish.

Madhu (understanding Reena's expression speaks to her): I'll leave you to speak to RK. (Pointedly at RK) I am sure he has some things to say to you as well. Isn't that right Patidev?

RK turns around as Madhu exits the room. He swallows and wills himself to look directly at Reena. Staring at her stormy expression, he tries to come up with meaningful words and not his usual flippant nonsense.

Reena (coldly): You should be jumping up and down with joy. Finally a Sharma getting her comeuppance, paying for whatever imaginary crime committed against you.

RK (sputters): That's...that's not true! I am not...the least bit... (swallowing) happy. In fact, I am sorr...

Reena (interrupting): Mr. Kundra please actions speak louder then words. If you really cared for my happiness, you wouldn't have remained silent. You would have done all you can to protect me. But instead you just sat back and enjoyed the tableau. So please spare me any false apologies.

RK (shocked): Mr. Kundra? But you call me bhaiyya.

Reena (shrugs): Why the shock? I finally got your message. You always made it abundantly clear that I am not your sister. (Laughing bitterly) It just took 19 years for the message to finally reach my neurons. I wouldn't wish to burden you any further by foisting a sibling relationship on you Mr. Kundra.

RK (clearing his throat to strive for calm): Look...I know you are and have every right to be upset. But I am really sorry. I should have warned you about Shaan. Let me help you with...

Reena (interrupting): Please I do not wish to be a burden. As you said, I am an adult now. Give me a week and I will move out. Can't have you thinking I am smooching off you.

RK: Reena...be reasonable. You are pregnant, just found out about your husband's infidelity and I assume you will be filing for divorce. You need to be around family.

Reena (glares): Please don't bother with your false concern for a Sharma. Just don't. I will deal with my own problems as I see fit. Dad has a house, very small by your standard, in town. I'll move in there and get out of your way. I can't push the responsibility to take care of me and my unborn child on a man who does not consider me as family.

RK (sighing): Don't make any rash decisions that you will come to regret. (Gruffly) You are not a burden and I am sorry that I made you feel that way.

Reena turns around and walks to the door. She hesitates at the door, wipes away unshed tears and turns around to speak to RK.

Reena (anguished whisper): Do you know what hurts most? Not Shaan's betrayal but to finally realize that the brother that I respected and loved doesn't give a fig about me. One word from you and I would have left Shaan in a heartbeat. So Mr. Kundra, he didn't break my heart...you did.

She rushes out of the room as RK stands motionless. He did it again. He has managed to push away one more person who cares about him and hurt them beyond repair. It's true, he has wished many a times for Reena, the Sharmas, to feel nothing but pain for taking his maa away from him. His heart squeezes in pain and regret. It's true what they say, be careful what you wish for because it may just come true.

Author's Note: Hi all. Hope you all enjoyed the update. Please hit like and comment. It's kind of discouraging to see only a few comments. So ya'll comment, savvy? 😃