Rima Os - Knight In Shining Armor

"Madhubala! Come here!" Padmini shouted at the top of her lungs. Madhu rushed towards the kitchen and stood behind Padmini. Padmini turned behind and looked at her furiously. "What is this huh? Didn't I tell you to cut vegetables?" Madhu looked down and replied in a slow tone "I am sorry. I forgot." Padmini slapped her and said "How could you forget huh?" Tears started escaping Madhu's eyes and she ran towards her room. Closing the door behind her she lay down on the bed and cried her heart out. "I wish you would have been here Mom- Dad. I miss you so much." She said burying her face in the pillow. Suddenly someone banged on her door and wiping her tears she ran to open it. "Complete my assignment. I am going to hang out with my friends." Trishna said and threw the books on Madhu's face and walked away. Madhu looked at Trishna's fading figure in disbelief. Closing her eyes he took a deep breath as a tear escaped her eye. She walked back inside her room and sat on the bed complete Trishna's assignment. "Why do I have to do this always? Why me always God? Why am I so unlucky?" she thought. She remembered that unfortunate day when she lost her parents. And then she ended up here. Padmini and Shamsher adopted her. But after Trishna came, Madhu didn't matter anymore. She was like a maid now.

Completing the assignment she lay down on the bed and soon drifted into deep slumber. The morning sunlight fell on her beautiful face waking her up. Yawning she got up from the bed and took a quick bath. She wore a simple pink salwar and walked out. She quickly made breakfast and sat on the counter reading her notes. Today was her test...and she was quite nervous for it. Just then Padmini entered the kitchen and she immediately kept her book inside. "Did you make breakfast?" Padmini asked looking at her. Madhu simply nodded. "Serve it then." She ordered and walked away. Madhu just shook her head and left for her college after serving them breakfast. She walked into the college with a smile on her face. She didn't let others see what she went through. She always had a smile on her face, hiding the sadness in her life. She walked into her class and occupied her usual seat.

The test soon began and she started writing the answers. Suddenly someone kicked her from behind. "Ouch." She said and looked behind. Rk was sitting behind her and smiling. She scrunched her brows and whispered "What?" He smiled showing his dimples and whispered "Question 5.2 please." Madhu was shocked and her mouth opened in disbelief. He mouthed a Please' and she smiled. She adjusted her paper in such a way, that he could easily see the answer. Quickly finishing the answer he got up and walked towards the supervisor and handed him over his sheet. Before leaving he looked at Madhu and uttered a thanks' making her smile. Rk had always been her secret crush. But she never showed that to anyone. He was very rich..and she felt that she didn't deserve him.

After finishing her exam she walked out of her class and saw Rk standing in a corner with his group. He was looking at her but she chose it best to ignore him, as even Trishna was present there. Trishna too was a part of that group, the Richie rich group. Everyone in that group was rich...and obviously popular as well. She moved past them and started walking towards the canteen. Just then Rk came running behind her and shouted "Hey Madhu wait." Madhu stopped right in her tracks hearing his voice. She turned around and looked at him. He walked towards her and said "Thanks for that. I swear if you wouldn't have helped me then I would have definitely failed." He said and Madhu chuckled. "That's ok." She said with a smile. "So...friends?" He asked extending his hand. "Uh...with you?" She asked. "Yeah...why? Do I look like an alien?"He asked touching his face. She giggled and replied "No...I mean...you are so popular. And I am just another girl." She said hesitantly. "So what? It doesn't matter." He said and forcefully shook hands with her making her giggle. "Hey Rk..come here dude." Rk's friend called and he turned back. "I am sorry, but I got to go." He said with a smile. She just smiled while he walked back to his friend.

Next day.

It was Saturday. She walked out of her house making up and excuse of studying with a friend. She took an auto and soon reached a library. "Hello mam." She said walking inside. The lady sitting on the counter smiled at Madhu and replied "Hello Madhu! Finally you are here." She said. "I am sorry I am late. Its just that I got some work at home." She said. "Oh that's ok darling. The store's all yours now. I have to take my daughter to a party. You will be able to handle the library, right?" She asked. "Of course mam. That's not a problem." Madhu replied with a smile. She sat on the chair as the owner of the store left. Yes, she was doing a part time job! This was the only way she could save some money for herself. She knew that if her so called parents would come to know about this, then they would surely kill her. But she didn't have another option. She sighed thinking about it. Suddenly someone walked inside and she looked up. It was Rk. She looked up at him shocked. "Hey." He said with a smile. "What are you doing here?" She asked shocked. "I can ask the same question to you." He replied with a smirk. "Uh...actually." "You are working...arent you?" He asked raising his brow. "Please don't tell anyone."She said looking down. "Why?" He asked curiously. "Please don't." She said as a tear escaped her eye. "Hey please don't cry." He said as he rushed towards her. He wiped away her tears and said "I wont tell anyone Madhu. I promise."She smiled looking at him and whispered "Thank you."

"So what are you doing here?" She asked looking at him. I usually come here to get some books." He said and she gaped at him. "You read books?" She asked shocked. He looked at her and chuckled "Why? Cant I?" Madhu just shook her head and said giggling" Of course you can." Finally he chose three books and brought it to her. "Harry Potter? Seriously?" She asked looking at him. He just shrugged. She smiled and packed the books for him. He took the books and sat on the chair opposite her. She looked at him with questioning eyes "Arent you going?" She asked. "No. I thought I would give you some company." He said and removed one of the books. She smiled and looked down into her book. "So are you just gonna sit here reading this book?" He asked pulling her book. She looked up at him and asked "So what do you want me to do?" "Talk. Say something. Its so boring sitting here." He said looking around. "Uh...so what should I say?" She asked looking at her. "Oh God Madhu! Ok fine. Tell me about yourself." He said. Madhu thought for a while. "What am I gonna tell him? That I am adopted? And I am just like a maid? Oh God! Where am I stuck?" She thought. "Hello?" He said moving his hand in front of her face. "Yeah..actually..I am...uh...adopted." She said looking down. "Oh...I..I am sorry." He said. "Uh...thats ok." She said with a smile. "My mom and dad died when I was 8. And then...you know." She said with a smile. "I never knew that Madhu. I am so sorry." He said. "Tell me about yourself." She said looking at him. "Uh...mom's a housewife and dad...as you know, he works in Kundra industries. And about me...I am Rishabh Kundra, popularly known as Rk." He said chuckling making her laugh. "So what are your hobbies huh?" He asked. "I like reading books...and I like painting." She said with a smile. "Painting? That's cool. I like playing football." He said.

They talked for a while. It was 3 now, they walked out of the library and she put a lock on the door. "Thanks for the wonderful company Rk." She said looking at him. "Come I will drop you." He said with a smile. "No." She immediately said. "Why?" "Just like that." She said and ran away leaving him confused. She reached home. Everyone was sitting in the hall. "Finally the princess is here."Trishna taunted. "Why are you so late Madhubala?" Padmini asked getting up. "Uh...actually..There was lot of pending assignments to do mom." She replied looking down. "Oh really?" She asked. Madhu slowly nodded. "Ouch!" She yelled as Padmini slapped his tightly. Tears brimmed in her eyes. "How dare you work secretly Madhubala? And you thought that we wouldn't catch you?" Padmini asked pulling her hair "Please don't. I am sorry." She said crying. Padmini slapped her again and pushed her on the floor. Madhu ran towards her room and locked her room. Falling down on the floor she hugged herself. She was sobbing badly. Soon she dozed off thinking about her ill fate.

Next day,

She walked inside the college premises. Her eyes were swollen due to crying. She looked down as she continued walking towards her class. Suddenly someone pulled her to a corner. She looked up shocked. "Hey" Rk said with a smile. She immediately looked the other side so that he doesn't see her wounds. "Leave me." She says twisting her hand. He immediately left her hand and looked at her. "You ok?" He asks. "Yeah." She said and ran away from there leaving him perplexed. The bell rang and everyone rushed inside their classes. But she sat on the stairs near the ground. She was bunking...Suddenly someone patted on her shoulder and she immediately looked back. Rk stood there with a gentle smile on his face. Madhu instantly got up and started moving away when he held her hand. "What's wrong Madhu? He asked in a gentle tone. She looked at him furiously and held his collar shocking him. "You are asking what's wrong? You?" She asked with tears in her eyes. "What have I done?" He asked. "You told them that I work, didn't you? Why Rk? Why? I trusted you. But you..." She said as tears escaped her eyes. Holding her forehead she sat on the stairs and he looked at her shocked. Slowly, he sat besides her and kept his hand on her shoulder which she immediately removed. "I didn't tell anyone Madhu. You are taking me wrong. Trust me." He said. She looked at him and said "No one else knew about this Rk. So stop lying." She said furiously. "Please Madhu. Believe me...and I don't even know your family. Then how will I tell them. I just know that you are adopted, but I don't know who adopted you." He said slowly. She looked up at him.

Yes! He was right. She never told anyone that Trishna was he step sister. Neither did Trishna tell anyone. "I am sorry." She said as a tear escaped her eye. He gently wiped her tear and caressed her face. Suddenly his eyes flew wide open and he touched her forehead. "What is this mark?" He asked noticing the bluish green mark on her forehead. "Its nothing." She instantly replied and got up. "I just fell down in the bathroom." She said with a fake chuckle. He nodded though he didn't believe her. "So...This is the first time you are bunking, aren't you?" He asked with a chuckle. She nodded with a smile. "So...wanna go to the canteen?" He asked casually. She looked up and smiled as they walked towards the canteen.

Next day.

She sat on her seat and opened her books. The class was quite empty. Madhu always reached early...it had become her habit now. She left home early to avoid the torture of her step parents. Suddenly Trishna banged her books on Madhu's table and she looked up. "I have to submit these notes now. So you better complete them." She said with attitude and walked away. Madhu closed her eyes irritated. She opened the book and started completing Trishna's notes. Just then Rk walked inside and sat beside Madhu gaining her attention. "Hey." He said. She smiled and got back to the notes. There was plenty to complete and she had just 15 minutes. "So you didn't complete your notes huh?" he asked. "I did." She replied in a hurry. "So what is this?" He asked. "Its Trishna's notes." She immediately said and bit her lip. "And why are you doing her work?" He asked raising his brow. She looked up at him with a confused face. "Shit Madhu! What have you done?" She thought. Rk snatched the book from Madhu's hand as he walked towards Trishna. Madhu ran behind him. "Hey Trish." He said patting on Trishna's shoulder. Trishna turned behind with a smile. "Hey Rk." She said in a flirty tone. She looked at Madhu and gave her a disgusted look and Madhu immediately hid behind Rk. "Why did you tell Madhu to complete your notes? Cant you complete them by your own?" He asked. "Oh, So you complained about me to Rk Madhu...bala?" She asked with an evil smirk. "Don't Trishna. Don't scare her. And take your books. Madhu isnt completing your notes." He said furiously and handed her over the books. Trishna looked at Madhu furiously. She started walking away with an attitude but stopped just besides Madhu. "You are gonna pay for this sweetheart." Trishna whispered in Madhu's ear and Madhu had goose bumps just hearing her voice. She looked at her with eyes full of fear while Trishna smirked and left. "Come Madhu." Rk said as he held her hand and lead her to the class.

In the evening.

She slowly walked inside the house with fear inside her house. She didn't found anyone in the living room, nor did she find Padmini in the kitchen. She quickly ran upto her room and closed the door behind her sighing heavily. "So you are finally here huh?" She heard Trishna's voice and she immediately turned behind horrified. Padmini and Trishna were sitting on her bed. "Shit." She muttered. "So, Trishna told me that you complained about her to Rk. Is that true Madhubala?" She asked walking towards Madhu. Madhu took a step behind in fear. "Did you?" Padmini asked in a higher tone as she proceeded towards Madhu. "Answer me Madhubala." She shouted gripping her hair. Madhu closed her eyes as tears made their way out. Padmini held her arms tightly and slapped her. Not once but twice! "Ouch" Madhu shrieked and tried to get out of her hold. But Padmini was way to stronger. "Let me tell you one thing Madhubala, you are nothing but just a servant here. You better get that." She said as she pushed Madhu and she got hit by a table.

"I hope you have understood Madhu...bala. Playing with Trishna isnt easy." Trishna said with a smirk as they both left the room leaving Madhu crying on the floor. She managed to get up with the support of the table. She walked up to the mirror and looked at her image in the mirror, she had multiple black and blue marks on her face. She sat down on the bed closing her eyes. It was her daily routine to get abused by her step mother. But she never got used to it. She laid down on the bed and cried herself to sleep.

Next Morning.

She walked inside the college, her body was paining terribly. She left her hair open and a few strands of hair managed to hide her face. She continued walking towards her class, looking down. Suddenly she dashed into someone. "Sorry." She muttered. "I wasn't looking where I was going." She said still looking down. "That's ok." Hearing Rk's voice she instantly looked up and found him smiling. Just then, his smile disappeared making her realize of her foolishness. She immediately looked down and started walking away in hurry. But he held her hand stopping her. She closed her eyes as she tried to get out of his grip. But he was way to stronger. Finally accepting her defeat she turned back and asked him looking away "What do you want Rk." He made her look at him and caressed her face. "What are this marks Madhu?" She immediately removed his hand and said "None of your business." "It is my business Madhu. Because you are my friend!"He yelled loudly gaining everyone's attention. He looked at everyone and then pulled her towards the ground. "What are you doing? Leave me!" She shouted and pushed him. What are you doing Madhu?" he asked cupping her face. "What am I doing?" She asked looking at him with tears in his eyes. "Who did this Madhu?" He asked caressing his cheek. "No one." She said looking away. "Stop lying Madhu." He shouted furiously and she stepped away, scared. Running his fingers amongst his hair he looked at her and said in a calm voice "Madhu...I can help you. But only if you tell me. Please Madhu. Stop doing this to yourself. Please. Tell me." He said. A tear escaped her eye as she looked at him. She wanted to trust him, but she didn't know how to. He was looking at her with assuring eyes. She closed her eyes as a lone tear escaped her eye. He wiped away her tear and kissed her forehead. She immediately hugged him taking him by shock. Soon he hugged her back and patted her, consoling her. "I don't want to stay there." She said sobbing while he ruffled her hair. "I don't like them. They..they beat me." She said. "Why didn't you tell me yesterday Madhu?" He asked, concerned. "I was...I was scared." She said as she hid her face in the crook of his neck. "Ok Ok...Relax Madhu." He said patting her back. "Rk." She said parting away. "Hmm." He said wiping away her tears. "Rk..Trishna..she...she is my sister." She said looking down. "What?" He asked in disbelief. She slowly nodded her head. "And that's the reason why you were doing her homework. Right?" He asked while she nodded. "She...she told about this to her mom..and...and she slapped me." Madhu said between her sobs and Rk took her into a hug. They parted and Madhu wiped her tears. "Lets complain to the police." He said and she instantly looked at him. "No." She shouted and he looked at her with eyes full of confusion. "What...what if they come to know about this? I am...i am scared." She said looking down. "Don't be Madhu. I am here. I promise I wont let them hurt you. Trust me; this is the only way out." He said holding her hand. She looked at him and he nodded. "When?" She asked taking a deep breath. "Now." He said with a smile. She closed her eyes and held his hand, nervous.

They reached the police station. Her grip on his hand tightened, which showed her nervousness. He looked at her and then put his arm on her waist. She looked at him and seeing him smiling at her she smiled slightly too. They entered the police station hand in hand. She told the inspector everything that happened to her. "We will take action right away Madam." The inspector said and got up. He took a few inspectors with him and left for Malik's Mansion while Rk's car followed the van. They reached the mansion and Madhu's heart gripped with fear. A numerous questions were going on inside her mind. What if the police dont arrest them? What if she will have to live with them her whole life? The inspector knocked on the door and Madhu felt her heart pounding. She left out a deep breath as the door opened. Padmini stood there, shocked. She looked at Madhu and glared at her. Madhu immediately held Rk's hand. "I am here." He whispered. "Are you Padmini Malik?" The inspector asked Padmini and she nodded. "You have been accused of abusing this girl. So I fear that I need to arrest you Mrs. Malik." The inspector said sternly. "What? That's not true inspector." Padmini shouted. "But Miss Madhubala has herself told us." The inspector said looking at Madhu. "Madhu...what is this? Why are you telling him this? Why are you lying Madhu?" Padmini asked Madhu acting innocent. She walked towards Madhu and Madhu stepped back in fear. "Why did you file a complaint against us? Do I beat you?" She asked proceeding towards her. Madhu looked at Rk with fear. He looked at her and whispered "You have to speak Madhu. Everything will be fine after this. I promise." Madhu closed her eyes and mentally prepared herself. Opening her eyes she looked at Padmini. "Yes. You do. You do beat me. And I don't want to stay with you." She said and her eyes reflected anger. "Please take her away inspector." She said looking at the inspector. He nodded and said "And what about Trishna Malik? Did she ever raise her hand on you?" He asked. "No." Madhu said. "And Shamsher?" He asked. "Even he didn't. He wasn't even home most of the time." Madhu said and the inspector nodded. "No Madhu! Why are you doing this?" Padmini shouted as they took her away. But Madhu just ignored her and looked down.

He held her hand an started walking. "Where are we going?" She asked. "Don't tell me you are going to stay here." He said chuckling. She looked up at him and said slowly "I don't have a place to stay." "I know. Isnt that the reason why I am taking you at my place?" he asked as he opened the car's door. "What? But how can I stay at your place?" She asked shocked. "Why? Cant you live with me?" He asked looking at her. "What will your mom say?" Madhu asked. "Oh. She wont mind. She is a sweetheart." He said as he pushed her inside the car. They reached Rk's home and he rang the bell while she stood nervously. A middle aged woman opened the door. She had a smile on her face. She looked at her and then at Rk. "Who is she Rishu?" she asked and Rishabh told her Madhu's entire story. "Oh..Dont worry beta. You can stay here." She said after Rishabh finished. Madhu smiled at her and said "Thank you aunty. It really means a lot." Radha smiled and replied "You are like my daughter now Madhu. Come in." She said and made way for Madhu to walk inside.

She walked inside her new room and sat down on the bed. Rk kneeled down infront of her and removed cotton from the first aid box. "I will do that Rk." She said as she tried to take it from his hand. "Its ok Madhu. Let me." He said as he wetted it with detol. "No please. I hate detol." She said as she moved away. "I will be gentle Madhu. Please." He said and she sat there closing her eyes. "Its done." He said after some five minutes and she opened her eyes. "Thank you." She whispered. "For what? This?" He said pointing at the first aid box. "No. For saving me." She said. "That's ok." He said with a smile and hugged her. "You are my knight in shining armor." She whispered and he chuckled.

8 months later.

Madhu sat near the window pane looking at Rishabh's photo. She loved her. And even he did. 5 months ago, he had expressed his feelings to her and she had obviously accepted. Even Radha didn't seem to have any problem. In fact she had accepted Madhu long back. Trishna was no longer Rk's friend. She left the city with her father just a month later after Padmini was arrested. Everything was going perfect between Madhu and Rk.

She smiled looking at the photo. Just then Rk entered the room with a smile. "Hey." He said. Madhu smiled at him. "Where were you? I asked Radha mom. She said that you went out with friends. Why didn't you tell me?" Madhu asked frowning. "Your Radha mom was lying." He said chuckling. "Really? Why?" She asked scrunching her eyebrows. "Because she knew I was out to buy this." He said and took out a ring from his pocket. She looked at him shocked and then smiled. "I just wanted to make it official." He said chuckling while she smiled. "So will you be fine forever?" He asked looking at her. She smiled at him and nodded with tears of happiness in her eyes. He gently made her wear the ring and pecked her on her lips. "I love you Madhu." He whispered. "I love you too Rishabh." She said as she hugged him tightly.

Ps. Hope you like it Azra di :)

Do like and comment Guys :) And also do wish her on her special day :)