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

Next Day

It's a beautiful Sunday morning and agent Tara sneaks in her daddy and Superstar. She ushers them into the kitchen to join Malik and their gossip loving housekeeper, Nargis. Nargis is only available should the men make a huge mess then she can take over.

With the precision of a general, she fires of instructions to the men. Within an hour, the men manage to prepare breakfast, some semblance of it, for their lady loves. Tara sets up the trays and each includes soggy scrambled eggs, funny shaped pancakes that were meant to be in the shape of a heart, orange juice, small arrangement of pink daisies in a mini vase and a card she made for each.

Tara imperiously instructs the men to follow her upstairs. First she walks into her mama's room along with her daddy. She sidles up to Khushi's ears and screams.

Tara: Good morning mama!

Khushi wakes up in a startle to find her baby girl smiling sweetly down at her. But she was even more surprised to find Arnav standing at bedroom door.

What the...?!?

Tara: Happy Mother's Day! (Kissing Khushi's cheeks) I love you mama. Daddy and I got breakfast for you.

As if on cue, Arnav walks up to Khushi's bed and sets the tray of food next to her. His mouth moves but nothing comes out. He wants to say so much but does not know where to start.

Khushi ignores Arnav and hugs Tara.

Khushi (smiling): Thank you baby! This is the best thing anyone has ever done for mama.

Tara (chimes): Daddy helped too.

Khushi (murmurs looking at Arnav): Really? I see. (Frostily) Thank you Arnav. Very kind of you to show some appreciation for this mother.

Arnav flinches at her icy tone. He has really made a huge mess and does not know how to fix it.

Tara (oblivious to the tension between her parents): Mama...mama...eat breakfast before its cold and read the card. (Proudly) I made it all by myself.

Khushi picks up the card and her eyes fill with tears at the love and effort her baby put in it. Tara glued on painted s****s of paper in a circular motion to resemble a flower. She colored the stem and the paper. Khushi reads the childish yet endearing words scribbled on the inside:

To the BEST Mama in the Whole Wide World!

Muawah!

Tara

Khushi (hugs Tara): Thank you baccha. Mama has the best baby in the world.

Tara (giggling): I know mama. Now I gots to go to Mima.

Tara runs out of the room, leaving behind an akward silence.

Arnav (clears his throat): Khushi... (trying to apologize)...I am very...

Khushi stands up and interrupts.

Khushi (coldly): Excuse me. I need to get dressed.

Arnav (desperately): Khushi...please listen to me.

Khushi: There's no need for any excuses or explanations.

Arnav: But...

Khushi (interrupts): We are going to be civil to each other because of Tara. But that's it. We have no relationship other than as Tara's parents. You have your life and I have mine. Don't worry. I will get the divorce proceedings started as soon as you sign the papers. (Sardonic smile) We wouldn't want you to be saddled with a lying wife out to destroy your precious sister.

Arnav (furious): Dammit Khushi! Will you listen?

Khushi (pushing Arnav out of her room): NO! I am done listening. I am done taking all the blame. I am done tip toeing around our issues. I am done playing second fiddle to your sister. I am just DONE! Now please leave before you completely ruin my mood and that would inevitably hurt our daughter. She put too much effort for me to not put on a happy face today.

Khushi slams the door in Arnav's face as he slumps on the floor in despair.

Madhu's Room

Tara sprints into Madhu's room, followed by her Superstar, and jumps on the bed. The jump startles Madhu out of her slumber and looks up at her babyta's sweet, smiling face.

Tara: Good morning Mima!

Madhu (stretching her arms and sitting up): Good morning babyta. You are up early today.

Tara (rolls her eyes): Ohh mima...did you forget? Today's Mother's Day!

Madhu (smiles): That's why my babyta woke up so early. Did you surprise your mama yet?

Tara (giggling): I woke mama up. Now it's your turn. Tara woke up early. Because I love my mama, mima and nan nan.

Madhu (hugging Tara): We love you too my cutie pie.

RK (coughs to get the ladies attention and pouts): Tara's Superstar woke up early too, to wish her mima. Don't I get a hug?

Madhu: Mr. Rishab Kundra my hugs are only reserved for my babyta. She woke me up so sweetly and (pointing at the tray on RK's hands) she organized breakfast. (Smiles saucily at RK) Hugs only for those who put in effort.

RK (places the tray on the bed and sits down): My little star tell your mima who made breakfast?

Tara (giggles): Mima...Superstar made breakfast for you. I told him what to do.

Madhu (teases): Credit still goes to my babyta for her clear, wonderful instructions.

RK (pouts): No hug for me?

Tara and Madhu (together): Nope!

They dissolve into fits laughter as RK looks on with a wry smile on his lips. The sound of their laughters is like music to his ears, even if it is at his expense.

Tara: Happy Mother's Day mima! (Handing Madhu the handmade card from the tray) I made this for you...all by myself!

Madhu picks up the folded piece of paper, colored pink and purple and cut out in a shape to resemble a butterfly. She reverently opens the card and reads the sweet words scribbled by her little darling.

To my Mima. I love you. You're the Best in the Whole Wide World!

Muwah!

Babyta

Her eyes prick with tears as she becomes overwhelmed with indescribable emotions. Madhu pulls Tara and cradles her into her arms.

Khushi (dropping a kiss on Tara's head): I love you babyta. Mima is very lucky to have you and you're the best.

Tara (giggles): I know mima...Tara is the best.

RK: I thought I was the best?

Tara (giggles again): No...Tara's the best.

RK: So I am the second best?

Tara: Mima is the second best.

Madhu (hugs Tara and smiles at RK): That's my girl!

RK (hands to his chest): You wound me!

Tara (confused): What is wound?

Madhu (explaining): Babyta it means to hurt.

Tara (eyes fill with tears and her lips tremble): Tara sorry. Tara bad girl. I hurt my superstar.

Madhu glares at RK and he feels immediately contrite for teasing his little star. He curses himself mentally for making his little star cry.

RK (pulls Tara into his arms and hugs her tightly): Sorry sweetie. I was just teasing. My little star can never hurt her superstar.

Tara (pulls away and rubs her tears): Tara good girl?

RK and Madhu: Tara is the best!

Tara (smiles brightly and scrambles out of bed): Tara gots to wake nan nan up.

Tara runs out the room and as soon as the door shuts, RK smiles wolfishly and looms over Madhu.

RK: Good morning Biwi. You won't give me a hug for my efforts but how about a kiss?

Madhu (trying to push RK away): RK...behave.

RK (leans in closer): I am behaving Biwi. Or else I would have you flat on the bed and have my wicked ways with you.

Madhu (hitting his arms): RK! You're a reprobate.

RK (hovering over Madhu's lips and smiles): Ahaan. Yet you still love me Biwi.

Madhu opens her mouth to give him a good set down. But RK claims her mouth for a tantalizing, toe curling kiss. His lips wreck havoc on her control. Teasing, licking, stroking, clashing with her in a tongue twisting duel. She clutches on to his shoulders as if to anchor herself from drowning. She is burning as he stoked the flames of her desire. RK pulls away and gently kisses her forehead and nose. He takes a deep, ragged breath to gain control and pulls away from Madhu's pliant arms.

RK (grins at Madhu's dazed expression): Biwi...you know we can start working on the promise that you made recently. (Winks suggestively) Give you a double reason to celebrate mother's day next year.

Madhu (hits RK with her pillow): Can't you think of anything else?

RK (catches her pillow and replies cheerfully): Nope. (Shrugs) What do you expect a man to do when you look so damned enticing?

Madhu (rolls her eyes): Well Mr. Rishab Kundra we are taking things slow this time. I won't be rushed.

RK (leans in seductively and whispers): Are you sure? Just think about the pleasure sweetheart. Why fight the inevitable?

Madhu (pushes RK off the bed): You're impossible! Now out...I need to change... (Teasing) so I don't look as enticing.

RK (walking out the door): You can try Biwi but that would be a futile attempt.

Madhu follows RK to the door and lightly brushes her lips across his as her hands his chest and shoulders. Just as RK tries to pull her closer to deepen the kiss, she pulls back. Moving away, she grins at RK and slams the door in his face.

About an hour later, the ladies join the men in the family room in time to hear Tara grilling them.

Tara (to Arnav): Daddy...did you wish hello hi bye bye dadi? Did you send cards I made for her and nani?

Arnav: Yes pumpkin. I wished her and your badi dadi. Sent them flowers as well. And yes I sent your hand made card to your nani and hello hi bye bye dadi. Will that do little one?

Tara: Badi dadi?

Arnav: My nani is your badi dadi.

Tara (worried): But I didn't send anything for her.

Arnav (smiles): I put your name on the flowers sweet pea. Your badi dadi was very excited and wants to meet you soon.

Tara shakes her head and wonders just how many more grandparents are going to come out of the woodwork.

Tara (to RK): Superstar...did you wish nini? Did you get her a gift? You're supposed to get a gift on Mother's Day.

RK (salutes): Yes general! I did just as you instructed ma'am!

Tara (giggles): Did you give nini the card I made for her?

RK (tweaking Tara's nose): Yes twerp and your nini sends you loads of kisses.

Tara (hands on her hips and inquires to all three): Spa?

Malik: Already arranged princess. Your nan nan, mama and mima will get the luxurious, all day treatment at their favorite spa.

Tara (pouts): What about Tara? Tara not going with them?

Arnav: Of course you are going baby. My princess too gets to have fun at the spa.

Tara (jumps up in delight): Yay! You're the best daddy!

Malik and RK: What about us?!?

Tara: Also the best. Tara loves you!

RK (smiles wryly): We are all the best to this one.

Khushi, Madhu and Padmini smile at each other and enter the family room. Just as soon as they walk in, Tara ushers them out.

Tara: No...no...we gots to go to the spa.

Khushi: Right now baby?

Madhu: Isn't it a bit too early?

Padmini: Why don't we go after lunch?

Tara (stubbornly shakes her head, on the verge of tears): No...no...spa time. Tara wants you to relax.

Khushi (soothingly): Ok baby...we'll go now if that's what you wish.

Tara nods her head in affirmation. The ladies gather up their purses and bid the men farewell.

Arnav (sighs): Well our part is done.

RK (nods): Yep...we might as well go home. Since I doubt the ladies would like for us to gate crash their spa party.

Nargis (walks in to the family room): Breakfast is ready.

Malik (pats both men on the back): They may be off to the spa to have a lovely time but we can enjoy Nargis's scrumptious breakfast.

Nargis preens at the compliment. Today she's not letting these Adonises go without tasting her food. She'll serve them with her own hand or else her name is not Nargis.

Arnav and RK (apprehensive at Nargis's open adoration): No Malik we should go.

Malik: Fellas join me for breakfast or this household will never hear the end of it. (Whispers to them) Nargis has the bearing and willpower of a general. No way is she letting you go till she has filled your gullets with her delicacies. So just give in and be good sports.

Author's note: Please like and comment. 😊 Thanks!

Next Day - Late Afternoon

Malik House

Tara is determined to get things her way. Khushi picked her up from school and now they are home as Tara mutinously faces her mama.

Tara: Mama...pretty pretty please...can we go to the flower exhibition tomorrow night?

Khushi (sighs): Baby...mama has a meeting tomorrow evening.

Tara (pouts): Tara and mima go. You come later. Can we go mama? Say yes...pretty pretty please!

Khushi: Baby...mima may be busy tomorrow evening too.

Tara: No mama...mima free. She will take Tara.

Khushi (smiles slightly): Why the sudden interest in flowers sweetie?

Tara (smiling adorably): Cuz they are pretty. Can we go mama?

Khushi (giving up): Yes baccha...I will meet you and mima at the exhibition. Alright?

Tara squeals with delight and hugs Khushi.

Tara: (kisses Khushi's cheeks): Yay mama! You are the best!

Khushi (kissing Tara's forehead): Now sit here and be a good girl. Mama's going to take a shower.

Tara smiles at Khushi with barely concealed glee. Khushi wonders at that overly bright smile and mischief she noted in her eyes. She shrugs her shoulders and leave Tara in the family room under Nargis's care.

Tara picks up her phone and dials a number. She squeals with delight as the person on the other line picks up.

Tara (giggling): I did it! Tara's the best. Tara smart. Mama going to the exhibition tomorrow!

The Studio

It has been years since she entered RK's studio. Stepping in, all the memories, the good, the bad and the ugly overwhelm her. Madhu remembers the life changing four slaps, the mockery of a half-wedding, the night she was entrapped with RK, karva chauth night, the memories are endless and flashes before her eyes. She takes a deep breath to regain control. The past is gone and she won't let it affect her present.

Madhu thought RK would still be in the middle of shooting. But he's no where around. She spots Bittuji and approaches him.

Madhu: Bittuji...where's RK? I thought he would be in the middle of shooting a scene.

Bittuji: Bhabiji...shooting was canceled. Chief tried to call you several times but your phone was unreachable.

Madhu (sheepishly): My battery died Bittuji. Did he gome?

Bittuji: Yes bhabiji. How's Tara?

Madhu: Missing her Bittu Mammu. You don't visit us that often.

Bittuji: Sorry bhabiji...you know how demanding it is to be Chief's publicist. But I shall make time to come visit my little niece.

Madhu: Good...! (Smiles) I'll hold you to your words. How's your business going?

Bittuji (smiles): Very well bhabiji. (Laughs) I have half the celebrities under my thumb with my well-trained publicists.

Madhu (laughs): Does RK know yet?

Bittuji (cheekily): Nope. Why bother him with such minor details?

His eyes narrow in anger as it fall on Shaan flirting heavily with one of the new actress.

Madhu (following his line of vision, sighs): He still hasn't changed. Flirting with all the ladies.

Bittuji (tightly): Yes he is still very much the same.

They watch as Shaan wrap his arms around the girl, his hand on her bum, escorting her out the door.

Madhu: Does it ever become an issue that he sleeps with any of the willing actresses?

Bittuji (mutters darkly): It ought to be...and they should chop him into little pieces for charming them with false promises. Especially Reena...

Bittuji trails off as he doesn't wish to delve into this rather sensitive subject. Especially since it won't reflect well on his Chief.

Madhu (pursues): What has Reena got to do with Shaan?

Bittuji (quickly denies): Nothing bhabiji!

Madhu (narrows her eyes): Bittuji...please don't lie to me. What is Shaan's connection to Reena?

Bittuji: Nothing Bhabiji...it was a slip of the tongue.

Madhu: Bittuji...just tell me clearly or I can employ other methods to find out.

Bittuji (sighing with trepidation): Shaan and Reena are married.

Madhu's mouth opens wide in shock. She can't believe that creep is married to such a sweet girl.

And that he's cheating on her?!? A**hole! How can RK allow this?

Madhu (furiously): How can RK allow that low life to marry Reena? He knows what Shaan is like.

Bittuji (stammers): Bhabiji...Chief did... I mean...

Madhu (snaps): Chief what? I hope he was very vocal about his disapproval and did everything in his power to stop the wedding.

Bittuji remains quiet. He hates lying to his bhabiji yet also does not want to get his Chief in trouble. They just patched things up and he doesn't want issues to break that fragile bond.

Madhu: Bittuji please! Just tell me the truth.

Bittuji: Chief asked me to convey to Reena that Shaan is an A**hole and she shouldn't marry him, without informing her that this is his opinion. Chief didn't want to show that he is interfering. Naturally, Reena didn't put any stock to my words and still got married to that low life.

Madhu: So you're telling me that RK held on to his damned stubborn pride instead of doing everything he can to PROTECT HIS OWN SISTER?

Bittuji (blanches): Chief felt that...

Madhu (cuts in): Bittuji stop making excuses for him! Your Chief is still a petulant child refusing to acknowledge that his mother remarried and had another child. Well he is NOT A CHILD anymore! Reena is HIS sister! And it's his job as her elder brother to protect her. But he failed because he doesn't see her as family. In fact, he sees her as an enemy! Reena adores RK and one word for him and she would have dumped that womanizer! Now she's pregnant with that man's child and when she finds out about his womanzing ways she's going to be incredibly hurt! Damn RK...and his stubborn, irresponsible ways.

Bittuji: Bhabiji...please calm down. Chief is...

Madhu (completes): Who he is. (Snaps) And we are just supposed to fawn at his feet and accept whatever he deems right. Well I am not doing that! He is wrong and I am going to set him straight.

She stalks out of the studio, leaving Bittuji to pray fervently for divine intervention.

RK...take cover...Sherni is on the prowl.

Author's Note: Hope you enjoyed the update. Please like and comment. 😊