Rishbala OS: Stand by You (NEW) 12-29-2015

Ominous flashes of blue illuminated the pitch black sky as the ground shook from the force of the thunderclap. Droplets of rainwater drizzled down and steadily increased in pace. Soaking wet, Madhu glared up at the darkened sky and muttered sarcastically, "Perfect. Great! Just strike me down why don't you, so my day can end on a perfectly tragic note?"

Angrily she kicked her generally reliable but beat up white Corolla, cursing at it for breaking down in the middle of the night, on a deserted road. She slammed the hood of the car down and swiped a set strand of hair that had escaped from her ponytail. It's past 10 pm and she knows that with her crappy car insurance and worse no one she knows well enough in this city to come rescue her, she will have to brave it out and walk to the nearest shelter.

Madhu decided from that from the shelter she will use the payphone service to call a cab to take home. She opened the car door and grabbed her purse and also her dead phone. She slapped her forehead and muttered angrily, "Idiot! This is what you get for not charging your phone all day long."

Sending up a prayer to God to whom she has not prayed to in a very long time, Madhu begged silently, please let me get home to my babies, safe and sound. She would have been home over 2 hours ago if she hadn't decided to be clever and take narrow backroads to avoid traffic. If her car had broken down in the middle of a crowded street, at least she could have gotten help, and if nothing else a taxi ride.

She fought through the force of the gust to create a small distance between herself and the car. Madhu trudged through the muddy water in her only pair of good heels, dreading she would have to throw them away after this ordeal. A flash of golden lights nearly blind her as she held up her arm in defense. The lights dimmed and with dread, she noticed the lights belonged to a black Audi. Hand over her heart as if she could stop the erratic beating, Madhu watched in panic as a man stepped out of the car.

With each step that brought the stranger closer to her, her breathing became more erratic and all sorts of horrific thoughts flashed through her head. Oh God! What if he rapes me then discards my body on the side of the road? Then I will never see my babies again and they will be left all alone in this world. God please save me!

With shaking hands, she frantically searched through her worn out, black purse and prayed she finds her pocket knife. As the man stepped close silently, Madhu whipped out the knife and with a tight grip, held it out, pointing at him. She warned in a trembling voice, "Don't come any closer or I swear I will use it on you."

The flashes from the lighting briefly lighted up his features as Madhu's eyes widened in recognition. She blinked her eyes a few times, as the man standing in front of her, dripping wet in dark jeans and red, skin-tight t-shirt, is none other than Superstar RK.

He elevated one eyebrow and glanced questioningly at the knife being held by the beautiful stranger. She is not beautiful in the classical sense but everything about her is very pleasing. His eyes brazenly scanned the way her demure, cream colored top clung to her wet body; she looked very alluring. He is immediately drawn to her eyes. They are an unusual shade of brown and hazel, just like someone he used to know. RK's eyes widened imperceptibly as he jogged through his memory and recognized the beautiful lady in front of him as someone he used to know.

Not wanting to cause alarm, he slowly held out his arm and spoke reassuringly, "Relax...relax. I have no intention of hurting you. I saw you walking in this awful weather and figured you may need a ride home."

Madhu steadily held on to the knife and responded sarcastically, "I know your ilk quite well. Given the type of people you associate with, you are probably just like them. In the name of providing me assistance, you'll just take advantage of my size, rape me and then discard my body on some nearby ditch. I may be much smaller to you in size but I won't hesitate to fight like hell for me life."

RK gave her a quizzical glance, taking note of the wild, furious look in her eyes. Given her past experience, he can't blame her for her behavior. He realized that Madhu had recognized him and stated calmly, "I see that you know who I am Madhu, as I know you. But what do you mean by the type I associate with?"

She spat venomously at him, "Please! You are friends with that dog, Sultan! And that alone makes you a scumbag, just like him."

He shook his head exasperatedly, "It's true that at one point, Sultan and I were friends. But not since I found out about his true nature. He and I are no longer friends. I will NEVER support a man who takes pleasure in hurting the people he is supposed to love, cherish and protect. I have no respect for men who ptakes pleasure in hurting women just so they can feel like a man. I know you that you won't believe a word that I am saying and that's okay, for now. But at least let me help you."

Madhu laughed humorlessly, "You're right. I don't believe a word that came out of your mouth and I sure as hell don't trust you. I would be safer walking on this road than getting in the car with you."

He sighed and without a word, turned back around and walked back to his car. Madhu opened her mouth to accept his offer but closed it. She shivered and rubbed her arms to ward off the chill. Her flimsy jacket is a poor protection against the rain and she drenched from her head to her toes. She looked on in dismay as RK stepped back into his car. She is tempted to say f**k it to her pride and throw caution to the wind. A ride in his car now seems like the lesser of the evil than freezing to death.

RK stepped back out and Madhu made out the sinister object in his hand, a gun. Immobilized with terror, she stood frozen, waiting to feel the pain of being shot. As he stopped a few inches from her, RK sighed resignedly, taking note of the stark terror in her eyes. He turned the gun, pointing the muzzle at him. He held it out the barrel and gestured at Madhu to take it, "Since I can't leave you stranded in the middle of the road and you are concerned about accepting my offer to give you a ride home, you can use that gun on me if you think I will cause you any harm."

She stared at the gun in shock then lifted her gaze up at RK, her eyes filled with questions. He smiled sheepishly and answered her unspoken question, "Blame my mother for insisting on raising a gentleman." He smiled wryly, "Even at the cost of supplying a gun to a lady and have it pointed in my direction so she feels safe." Slowly he approached Madhu and lifted her right hand and gently placed the gun in her shaking palm, "Take it. It will put your mind to ease and mine too if you let me give you a ride."

He turned around abruptly and swiftly walked towards the passenger side of his car. He opened the door and held it open. RK glanced at Madhu and inclined his head and gestured at her to get in. Madhu exhaled loudly and stilled the shaking of her hand and held the gun in a tight grip. As she slogged through the water to make it to the car, she silently reassured herself that taking help from RK won't be injurious to her well-being; she hopes she won't come to regret it.

Madhu gave RK one last nervous glance while he smiled at her reassuringly. She stepped into his car and waited for RK to get in on the driver's seat. She held the gun on her lap as he stepped in and asked her politely, "I know you no longer reside in the same house as before. Where do you live now? If you give me your address then I can plug it into my GPS."

She chewed on her lips and looked RK thoughtfully and silently debated if it is prudent for her to give him the address to her new residence. Madhu doesn't want anyone from her past to know where she lives with the girls. Their safety is her first and only priority. She pointed the gun at him and glared, "You don't need to know my address. I will give you directions and you can drop me off at that location." She added derisively, "Just because I have no choice now but to take your help doesn't mean that I trust you enough to let you know where I live. You can easily share the information with Sultan and his family and I just can't take that risk."

RK shook his head in disappointment, every fiber of his being wanted to scream in protest. But he wisely decided to quietly accept her terms, consoling himself that even if he doesn't get her home, she will be in civilization and get help nearby.

After 20 minutes of maneuvering his car through several narrow streets, RK stepped on the brake upon Madhu's sharp command. He parked his car in front of a vacated vendor though he took note that the street is unusually busy for the time of the night. RK lithely jumped out of the driver's seat and jogged to the passenger side. He looked up at the sky in a silent thank you for putting a halt on the downpour.

Madhu stepped out as he held the door open for her. She looked around and sighed in relief that there are plenty of people milling about and if necessary, she can cry for help. Again her hand trembled, feeling the cold metal of the gun on her skin. She held it up and returned it back to RK with a breath of relief, glad to be gotten rid of it.

RK looked around again then searched her gaze in concern, "Are you sure you don't want me to drop you home? It's not safe for you to roam the streets alone even though there are people about."

Madhu shook her head and raised her chin a notch as she responded coldly, "No thanks. I will make it home just fine from here."

She turned her back to him and took a few steps. Madhu paused for a few seconds then she turned back around and saw RK still in the same spot, a concerned expression on his handsome visage. She suddenly felt churlish for treating him with disdain while he was kind enough to assist her in a time of need. Perhaps she is wrong to judge him for the company he keeps. But, Madhu resolved in her brain, she can't take a chance and so she must keep her distance from him. Nonetheless, she decided, she should not be so rude.

She spoke hesitantly, "Thank you for your assistance tonight and I am sorry if I was unbearably rude to you even though you were just trying to help."

RK smiled at her warmly, "Your welcome. And by the way, you were just being cautious. Given the world that we live in, that's a wise course of action. Since you no longer need my assistance, I'll bid you a good night." He adds softly, "Perhaps we'll meet again soon."

Next Day

Madhu stifled a yawn as she stepped out of the taxicab. She barely slept last night, her mind full of worry for her car. It is only 7 am and she won't even be able to call anyone before 8 am to get her car towed. But worry for her car was eating her alive. She was barely able to afford it and if anything happened to it, then she is going to be without transportation. So even though she's not going to be able to do anything, Madhu decided to get to her car as soon as possible so she can at least have some peace of mind that it wasn't stolen.

After she paid her fare and the taxi drove away, Madhu stood stupefied and watched as RK commandeered a crew of mechanics to fix her car while a short, stocky man stood beside him in a daze. Recovering from the shock, Madhu stalked up to RK and notched her chin up as she glared at him. Her elbows held akimbo in a military stance, Madhu demanded an explanation, "What the hell do you think you are doing?"

RK glanced down at her dismissively then flicked his gaze back up again. One side of his lips curled up slightly as he responded calmly, "What does it look like I am doing? I called in a favor from my trusted mechanic and asked him to bring his crew here to fix your car."

She brushed a stray lock of hair away from her eyes in frustration and demanded, "Why?"

He glanced down again and raised one eyebrow and asked for more clarification, "Why what?"

Madhu stomped a foot angrily and bit out, "Why are you so eager to help me?"

RK smiled cheekily, "Because I like helping damsels in distress."

She retorted angrily, "Well this damsel in distress is perfectly capable of helping herself, thank you very much. I don't need you to rescue me at every opportunity and I certainly do not want you to spend money on me either. I already feel beholden to you for last night but I can't and I won't accept any monetary assistance."

Shrugging his shoulders, RK explained slowly as if speaking to a dimwit, "Who said I am offering you money? I simply called in a favor that I have been waiting to collect and this seemed like a good time. I'll have you know, thanks to his favor, your car will be fixed for free. So you see? I am not offering you any financial assistance at all. In regards to being a damsel in distress, I know you capable of taking care of yourself. But being self-sufficient doesn't mean that you can't accept help. So you have two choices. Choice one, stand here and continue to argue with me which by the way you will eventually lose because I can be exceedingly stubborn. And as much fun it is to spar with you, it would be a great waste of our time. Choice two, you graciously step aside and let these good men continue with their work so your car can be back to being functional again and then we can both go our merry way. I do hope that you are as smart as I think you are and will go with number two."

Madhu glared mutinously at him as she mulled over RK's words and two options he offered. It galls her to accept his assistance again. More than just her pride though, she doesn't want to get into the habit of accepting his help especially since she has yet to decide if RK has ulterior motives. Given the tenuous nature of her life, Madhu can't ignores connections, flimsy though it may be. Not only her life, but the safety of her babies depend on her being overly cautious. She can't compromise with their lives.

Nonetheless, Madhu concluded logically, accepting RK's assistance in getting her car fixed shouldn't compromise their security. It's not like she has to divulge any further information in exchange. Furthermore, she has a meeting at 10 am today and if she declines RK's offer then she may not make it on time.

Having made up her mind, Madhu stepped aside and mumbled ungraciously, "Fine. You can get the car fixed." She frowned at the men, "I do hope it is soon so I don't have to stand here all day."

His lips tugged into a reluctant smile as he responded playfully with a mocking bow, "Your wish is our command milady."

A Week Later

She. HATES. Her. Boss. Madhu grumbled mentally over and over again as she almost keeled over from carrying the gazillion packages in her hands. Her employer demanded she purchase clothes and accessories from various luxurious brands stores, in one of the busiest malls in the country. And the bitch had the nerve to stipulate that Madhu must return back to office within 2 hours or consider herself fired.

Though the pay is awful as an assistant for the editor but it opened her up to opportunities. Her previous boss had roaming eyes and at eyes even creeped her out, but he never crossed the line and demanded sexual favors. But her new boss, the newly appointed editor-in-chief is a bitch with a capital B! She is vindictive, manipulative and likes to make all the ladies quake in their 5 inch stilettos.

After 2 years of slaving away at the magazine, she finally has an opportunity to move up the ladder as a junior stylist. But for Madhu to remain the running, she has to survive Cruella Deville's vicious tests and prove her wrong. She may not dress like a model but that doesn't mean she can't style one!

Madhu continued with her introspection as she clumsily maneuvered through the crowd to get to the exit. The bags she is carrying served as hindrance, the weight of them a major distraction. As she neared the large, wide door, Madhu bumped into someone and careened to the floor. She closed her eyes in mortification as she felt the sticky iced latte that was both her breakfast and lunch had splashed all over her blouse. She may as well call her boss now and resign because the wicked witch will fire her anyway for one, being tardy and for being a hot mess. This is what she gets for not listening to her Di, for not picking a major that would have been of use to her and for not studying hard.

She opened her eyes wide as she felt a warm, strong grasp on her elbow. Madhu glanced up at a pair of familiar brown eyes, gazing down at her with concern. As if experiencing an outer body experience, she mutely allowed RK to help her get up on her feet. She mused that in both their encounters she looked like a rundown, drowned rat while he managed to look impossibly perfect! He must have been blessed with more than good-looking genes. Perhaps he is a sorcerer and magically repels all things imperfect.

Madhu shook her head to ward off her fanciful thought. Feeling RK shaking her shoulders, she glanced up at RK as he asked with genuine concern, "Are you hurt? Did you injure yourself anywhere? Speak up woman!" He cupped her face and caressed her cheeks, "Madhu?"

She shrugged out of his grasp uncomfortably, forcing RK to drop his hands. Madhu turned her head to the side and whispered, "I am okay." She grimaced as she looked down at her blouse, "But my shirt not so much."

RK's face full of regret, he apologized profusely, "Sorry Madhu. I didn't mean to knock you over." He glanced at her stained blouse and added with utter remorse, "And I have managed to ruin your outfit." He gathered her strewn shopping bags up from the floor and also handed back her purse and insisted, "You have to let me make it up to you."

Not wanting to take anymore favors from him, Madhu shook her head, "No. The fault was mine. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. So you really don't have to make it up to me when the fault wasn't even yours."

His jaw set stubbornly, RK disagreed, "I disagree. The fact is, you bumped into me and now your top is ruined. Now I could be wrong but given the time of the day and that it is a weekday and knowing that you work, I assume you would have to head back to work now. You want to go back to office like that? A large stain on your blouse?"

Madhu sighed and attempted to explain, "RK..."

RK placed a finger on her lips and furtively looked around, then grinned down at Madhu, "Just call me Rishabh. As you can see, I came in with my hoody and till just a few minutes ago, I had on my shades, so I won't be recognized." He put his glares back on his eyes and smiled charmingly, "If you don't want my fans to recognize me and create a frenzy, I suggest that you listen to me. Let's not draw any further attention."

She felt a smile forming on her lips so she coughed to cover it up, "R...err...Rishabh. Thank you for your offer but really I can manage on my own." She held out her hands to take her discarded shopping bags off his hands, "I really must get going now."

RK smiled and instead of giving her back the bags, he loosely wrapped one arm around her shoulders and steered her to the nearest women's apparel. Madhu's jaw opened wide as she glanced up at him in shock. He winked and explained, "Since time is of the essence, let's not waste any more time arguing when we know that I can be extremely stubborn and will win at the end. So let's just find you something suitable to wear back to work, now shall we?"

Madhu itched to blast him for his high-handed behavior. But she can't deny, RK had a valid point. If she goes back to office looking like raggedy Anne, Maleficent will do more than just banish her from her queendom of terror. She glanced down at her watch; she has exactly 32 minutes to return back before her head is chopped off. If she is to be blasted, she should look presentable so she can at least take pride in her looks and not feel even more beat down.

Luckily she found a blouse quickly that fits and goes well with her pencil skirt. As Madhu is already wearing the top, she handed over credit card to make the purchase when RK pulled her hand back. She glared up at him as he handed his platinum Mastercard to the sales girl with a charming, sexy smile.

She hissed at him in a low voice, "Why did you pay for it? I am capable of paying for my own things you know. I don't need your money."

RK rationalized calmly as he accepted his card and placed it back in his wallet, "I don't doubt for a second that you capable of taking care of yourself. I know you are very capable and you pride yourself on your financial independence. I like that about you. Now coming back to why I made the purchase, well we've already covered that before. So I am not going to waste anymore of our time by giving you any further explanation."

She harrumphed and grudgingly mumbled, "thank you." Madhu held out her hands again to take her shopping bags, "Now I really must insist that you hand over my bags so I can leave. I am already extremely late."

RK shook his head at her in exasperation and exclaimed, "You are one stubborn woman." He smiled at her and winked, "Just like me. A perfect match." Once again he wrapped an arm loosely around her shoulders in a protective, authoritative manner. He steered her out of the store and glanced down at her outraged expression. RK sighed and explained, "We don't want a repeat of the previous act so I AM going to accompany you to your car and get you and your belongings safely in it whether you like it or not."

Four Months Later

She has done a foolish thing and fallen in love. Madhu doesn't know how or when or why but she has fallen irrevocably in love with the man, Rishabh Kundra and his superstar persona, RK. Well she knows WHY she fell in love with him. For the last 4 months, RK has been everywhere. No matter how rude she is to him, he would disarm her with a smile and a kind act. He is smart, funny, kind and sweet and she couldn't help but fall in love with him.

Everything she sees reminds her of RK. She smiles at the oddest times, remembering everything he does to just bring a smile to her lips. Yet all that he makes her feel and the love that has blossomed in her heart for RK, a part of Madhu still doesn't trust him. After all that she had been through, the betrayal, the pain and the suffering, it's hard for her to trust her heart and accept that her love for RK won't prove to be fatal.

Hearing the sound of giggles, Madhu shook her head to break free from her reverie. She glanced at the direction of the melodious sound and smiled lovingly at 6 year old Alia and 4 year old Aria, dancing and playing freely with abandon. They are her heart, her babies. Ever since her sister died, Madhu became their mother and she would kill anyone who would dare to hurt her girls.

Sitting in the garden, wedged between two rosebushes, basking in the warm sun, she toiled with the soil with her gardening tools. She finds strange peace in gardening. Madhu glanced up at the shelter with a sad smile. Two years ago she ended up battered at this women's shelter that shielded women and children from domestic abuse. The shelter helped her get on her feet and gave her a new identity. So every Saturday afternoon, Madhu brought the girls around to the shelter to volunteer. She is in no position to help anyone financially but from her personal experiences, a kind word of encouragement and support goes a long way.

Madhu squinted her eyes as she watched a familiar figure walk out with the director of the shelter. Her eyes widened in surprise as RK walked by and missed her as she is hidden partially in between the bushes. A familiar image that has haunted her dreams for the last two years flashed in front of her eyes and left her visibly shaken. The only difference this time, the shape of the benevolent face that has always known belonged to her rescuer has morphed in her mind to look like RK.

She dismissed the notion that RK saved her that night because of the heroic attributes that she has reluctantly admitted that he possesses. Madhu wonders what is his connection to the shelter? Granted she understands that as a man of immense wealth and also to maintain his public image, he can donate money to charitable organizations. But it cannot be a coincidence that it is the same one that had helped her.

Making up her mind, Madhu dropped her tools and stood up, determined to get some answers. She strode off after them, hoping she can catch them both off guard to get honest answers. As she walked out to through the gate, to her disappointment, RK had already driven away. She glanced at Smita, as she waved cheerfully off at him. She is a kind, sweet woman in her 50s of petite stature with a larger than life personality. And also a major fangirl of Superstar RK. Perhaps RK simply came to pay homage to a fan who is also doing a good deed. But she cannot shake off that there is a connection.

She tapped Smita on her shoulders lightly and asked hesitantly, "Smitaji...how do you know RK?"

Smita responded evasively as she walked past Madhu, back through the entrance, "Whatever do you mean dear? Who doesn't know Superstar RK?"

Madhu followed immediately in her steps and persisted, "I mean...how does RK know you? Why was he here? There are tons of shelters around Mumbai that he can give money to, why pick one that is an hour away from the city?"

She laughed and waved her hand dismissively as they walked into her small office, "Oh my dear. It is not in me to question the motives of donors and determine WHY they picked our shelter to donate to. I simply take what they offer, grateful that we get enough to remain operational so we can help countless of women and children escape violence and poverty."

Madhu lowered her eyes as she faced Smita and whispered softly, "You're right. I am sorry for asking such intrusive questions. Especially after what you have done for me. But it's just that I know RK. I have known him since before the incident. And in the last few months he and I have become...friends...of sorts and I can't help but wonder..." She shrugged her shoulders dismissively and looked away, "Well it doesn't matter. I am just being fanciful, trying to find and make connection when it doesn't exist."

Smita sighed and sat down on her armchair and gestured Madhu to take the opposite seat. With her hand folded under her chin, she gave Madhu a thoughtful look. Making up her mind, she sighed and explained in a quiet voice, "You're not being fanciful Madhu. Before we took you in, we only had a few pennies and even then I thought I would have to shut the shelter down as it was barely operational. While you were in the hospital, recovering, RK donated an obscene amount of money with the condition that we take you in, offer you legal counseling to fight against Sultan and send him behind bars, get you settled in your new life, all the while as long as he remains anonymous, he will continue to my shelter. And he has remained true to his words. He is our biggest benefactor and without him, our doors would have closed. Not only is he our savior but RK saved you that night as well. RK didn't want you to know any of this because he didn't want you to feel beholden to him." She smiled and added, "He takes great pride that you have turned into an independent young woman and a great mother to your nieces."

Madhu sat still, shocked into silence. She mulled over the new information, the missing pieces of a puzzle that has plagued her for a long time. Thinking back to four months back when RK entered her life again; she remembered accusing him of being one and the same like Sultan. She is mortified and ashamed that she had likened RK to Sultan, let alone even mention his name along with the devil!

Her face breaks out into a radiant smile. Madhu has been fretting about her feelings for him; fighting with it and rationalizing that loving a man like him will only destroy her life. Now she knows better. RK is her salvation and without him she is NOTHING.

Yet she still many unanswered questions and only RK can provide her with answers. Having made up her mind, Madhu stood up, her face etched with determination. Smita stared at her with worry and asked, "You're not going to tell him I told you, right? Because if you do, he may stop funding and I can't afford to have that. You know countless depends on us."

Madhu bent over and clasped Smita's hands in a warm grasp. She spoke gently, "I promise you that in my quest to get answers from RK that I will also make sure that he does not withdraw his support for this shelter. It's as important to me as it is to you. And hopefully if I mean more to him than just a girl he needed to rescue, he'll understand that too."

Smita smiled in understanding, "Okay. Now you go after your young man and get some answers."

Madhu blushed at the idea of RK being hers. If only she can make it come true, make RK hers and she be his forever. She bent over and kissed Smita's cheeks and asked her a favor, "Will you please look after the kids so I don't have to drag them with me to seek answers from RK?"

Smita smiled and nodded her head. Madhu straightened up and exclaimed, "Thank you! I'll be back in a few hours."

RK Mansion

RK sighed contentedly as he relaxed on his plush bean chair. His mind automatically wandered to the one thing that has refused to leave his thoughts for the last few months, Madhu. He hasn't seen her in the last 3 days and he is beginning to feel restless. With the exception of their first few encounters, they had planned their subsequent bump in to each other. Well he always provided the time and location and she out of curiosity, just couldn't stay away.

He sighed and wished he had planned to meet up with her this evening and not tomorrow. Madhu is all he thinks about and not seeing her for a few days, not talking to her, is just painful. RK had tried sly to take her phone number but she wasn't very cooperative. She had told him many a times that she is not in the habit of giving her phone number to men especially to those with connection to jerks of criminal stature. It hurts to be compared to a criminal but he adores her suspicious nature. She shouldn't trust anyone that easily or else he would be doubly worried and tempted to set her up with bodyguards for full-time protection.

RK steepled his fingers under his chin as he brooded. Not only does he adore Madhu, he suspects that has fallen in love with her. It's ironic, he has always been a chick magnet but the one girl he loves, doesn't even like him. He doesn't know how to make her like him, let alone fall in love with him without revealing some vital information regarding their connection. RK has been tempted beyond belief to do so just so he can have a chance to win her love. But he wants her love not for her to be beholden to him. Never that.

Startled by the loud commotion coming from downstairs, RK stood up and strode out of his room. He met Patel on the way down the stairs when he heard a familiar, beloved voice, demanding to speak with him. He hurried down the stairs and greeted the owner of the demanding voice with a surprised smile, "Madhu. What happened? What are you doing here? Not that I mind you being here because it is always a pleasure seeing you. But I hope everything is okay?"

Madhu turned to face him with a bright, glowing smile. He was stunned as she has never smiled at him with such joy. RK was tempted to pull her into his arms and kiss her senseless for gifting him with the rare gift of her smile. He cleared his throat and whispered hoarsely, "Madhu?"

She kept smiling and gazed up at his eyes lovingly and whispered, "Everything is fine RK. But can I speak to you please...PRIVATELY?"

RK nodded his head in a daze. He clasped her hand in his but knowing that she doesn't want to be touched, he let go. But she managed to surprise him again by grasping his hand and entwining her fingers with his. Hers so small and fragile next to his but their palms fit perfectly as he hopes one day they will too. RK smiled hesitantly at her, hoping that the spell does not break and she transforms back to the Madhu who would kick his balls for encroaching into her personal space.

With her hand firmly placed in his, he gently guided her up the stairs to his room. Though hesitant, he decided to close the door as Madhu herself had asked for privacy. He turned around and folded his arm across his chest and gave her a pointed stare, his eyes filled with questions.

Madhu shivered slightly under his intense stare and fidgeted with her hands. Not able to withstand the stare, she looked down and asked softly, "When were you planning to tell me the truth RK?"

RK froze and his shoulders stiffened in reaction. He masked his surprise with a bland expression and asked tonelessly, "What do you mean Madhu? What truth?"

She brushed away the lone tear that streamed down her face and stepped closer to RK. Madhu stared up at him and held his gaze captive and whispered softly, "Please don't bother denying, I know everything RK. Smitaji told me that it was you who rescued me that night I was attacked by Sultan and Amit. I had always had nightmares about that night but within that nightmare I also dreamt of the person who had saved me from the unspeakable. It has always been a blur but I now know it was you. Why did you hide who you are from me RK?"

RK exhaled deeply and admitted, "I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to feel that you owe me and that you are obligated to me because you are grateful."

Madhu grasped his hand and squeezed it gently, "But I do owe you for saving me from those monsters. I will always be forever grateful."

He yanked his hand away and growled, "I don't want you to be gratitude for doing what anyone should have done in the name of humanity! I prefer you in your jungli billi avatar anyway. Not the meek, grateful sort who will let anyone walk over her for the sake of fulfilling your obligation."

Madhu sobbed brokenly, "You know what almost happened to me that night. You know my history. How can you expect me to not be grateful for saving me from hell? They would have killed me RK...KILLED ME...JUST LIKE THEY MURDERED DI."

RK wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tightly to his chest. He rubbed her back in a soothing manner and dropped a kiss on her head. He whispered in a soft, soothing tone, "Hush. I know. You don't have to talk about it if it's too painful."

After a few minutes, she stopped sobbing and wiped her tears away with RK's t-shirt. Madhu kept her head on RK's chest, taking comfort from the warmth of his protective embrace. Needing to talk and share her grief, Madhu began, "Di used to always tell me to study hard so I can find a good job and become independent. I never paid much attention to her. Never bothered to understand the rationale behind her nagging me. I didn't understand that she didn't want me to be like her. A young woman with no marketable skills, dependent on her husband. Within a year of Di's marriage, momma and papa had passed away and she brought me to live with her at her in-laws. I thought everything was all great. They never made me feel like a guest and treated me well. Then again, I had also become quite reserved after momma and papa passed away and tended to stay by myself. But even when I started to grow out of my shell of grief, I never knew that she was being mistreated by her in-laws because she always shielded me from that knowledge. And I guess I was too clueless and immature to put any of the signs that now seems obvious together to know that shit were not right. I never knew that dog, Sultan, her OWN husband, was beating her every night just so he could feel like a man. She kept quiet just so I can have a roof over my head. Then the girls came along and she had no way of escaping."

She paused to take a deep breath, taking solace from RK as he continued to rub her back. She continued, "I was a senior in college, finishing up a degree in a field that has yet to prove to be of use. Unbeknownst to me, Sultan made a business deal with one of his friends and I was vital to that deal. For a few crores, the bas***d sold me to his friend, Rahul. He didn't even care that his friend didn't want marriage but just wanted to f**k me till he got tired and bored. After which, I would go to the next buyer. Never mind that it would destroy my life. All he cared about is money and I was his leverage. Di found out about his underhanded deal and she confronted him. She didn't know how to stand up for herself as Sultan's wife, Trishna Alamgir. But as my sister, Trishna Malik, she fought like a tigress."

Her face burned red with rage as she pulled her head up and looked into RK's eyes, hers burned with fury, "The bas***d, for the sake of keeping his bloody deal intact, killed his wife, my sister, the mother of his two beautiful children. Though I lived in the same house, I almost always kept to myself. But I needed to talk to Di about an important matter and decided to talk to her in the privacy of their bedroom. So as I approached their bedroom, I heard the most chilling noise and I barged in without giving it much thought. There he was, Sultan strangling my Di to death. I would have never believed he would have been capable of such violence if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. He was never the warm, fuzzy type but he had never yelled at me before and I have never seen him yell at Di. I was so terrified. I couldn't move, I couldn't scream, I just stood there like a frozen statue. But then my eyes connected with Di's and I could read in her eyes that she is embracing death and her silent plea for me to run away. I was just FURIOUS! I already lost my parents, I can't watch my sister die in front of my eyes. So I tried and tried and tried so hard to pry his hands off her neck. But he was too strong and shoved me off. Before I could get back on my feet again, Di was gone. Her lifeless form slid to the ground and that asshole just spat on her, his smile filled with cruelty." Madhu clasped her mouth to stifle her sobs as her shoulders shook with the force of her tears.

RK pulled Madhu out of the hug and wrapped his strong arm around her shoulders. He guided her to his couch and gently sat her down. He jogged to his night stand and grabbed the water bottle he always keeps by his bedside. Running back to Madhu, he picked up her hand and placed the bottle in and softly commanded, "Here. Drink."

She stared up at him with her tear stricken face, momentarily confused. Madhu hiccupped and glanced down at the bottle RK had placed in her hand. Feeling suddenly parched, she lifted it to her mouth and gulped down half the bottle. After she has had her fill, Madhu handed the bottle back to him. Her tears have subsided and she is calmer now.

He sighed in relief. It broke his heart to watch the strong woman that she has become to breakdown. RK lifted Madhu up on her feet and sat down on the empty spot. Then he tugged on her hand and she fell on him like a limp, ragged doll. He sat her down on his lap and engulfed his arms around her in a warm, bear hug. RK felt helpless, powerless as he can't wipe away her sorrow. All he can do is offer solace. They sat silently for a while, finding solace in each other's arms.

As much as it is hurting him to hear Madhu narrate her heartbreaking story, RK knew she has to give voice to the grief that she has burdened her heart and soul, or she would break. He took a deep breath to steel his bleeding heart and asked cautiously, "Do you still want to talk about it?"

Madhu shivered lightly. Revisiting those painful memories has sapped all of her energy. But she no longer felt like she is going to suffocate from having kept her grief under lock and key. She felt unburdened. Talking to RK is giving her the closure she never had. Madhu took a deep breath and nodded her head in agreement; she is ready.

As she continued to shiver, RK rubbed his hands up and down her bare arms to infuse his heat into her cold skin. He rubbed his chin on the crown of her forehead and gently inquired, "Then what happened? What did the bas***d do? How did you escape?"

Madhu swallowed the lump in her throat and responded, "His attention was fully focused on Di. And I, after watching him murder her, I was blinded by my rage. I foolishly turned him around and slapped him hard across his mouth. For a brief second, I felt immense pleasure in seeing the angry, red imprint my hand had left on his cheek. But soon that brief euphoria was gone. He recovered quickly and grabbed me by my shoulders and shoved me up against the wall with a snarl. I was terrified but I demanded answers. I needed to know why the monster killed my sister. He told me exactly what Di meant to him, which was nothing. And now what I mean to him, a pretty package he can pawn off to men to get more favorable deals for his business and to make extra on the side. The bas***d used to force Di to his friends and business partner then in turn he used to beat her mercilessly because he was jealous. Sick bas***d! The other bas***d had apparently suggested that I, as the younger version of Di, should replace her and take over the job of pleasuring Sultan's friends and business partners. I can still taste the bile in my throat at all that he had done to her and what plans he had for me. He had wrapped his fingers around my throat and with a cruel twist of his mouth promised that though he will not kill me now because I am of monetary value to him. But if I didn't cooperate, then he wouldn't hesitate to kill me."

She paused to compose herself, before continuing, "He threw me to the side and I crashed on to the side of the bed. I watched helplessly as he heaved Di's limp body over his shoulder and with his free hand dug his phone out from pants. He gave me one last warning glare before he strode off. I don't know for how long I sat there, curled up into a ball and cried. With the little strength that I had left, I managed to stand up. From the window, I saw Sultan and two of his friends had finished digging up a grave and they threw Di's body into it. I was desperate. I couldn't let them do that to my sister. To disrespect her even in death, is just unfathomable. I ran out of that dungeon of a room and went into Sultan's room, hoping she being a woman, would understand my dilemma and would help. Boy was I wrong! That venomous bitch knew exactly what Sultan was doing, how he was treating Di and also about his nefarious intentions to use me. Yet still, like a fool, I begged her on my knees to help me convince her son that there alternatives to than using me to make his millions. I will never forget the way that bitch laughed. She said I owed them. I should shut my mouth and do everything I am asked of because they gave me food, shelter and an education when I could have easily rotted on the streets."

RK clenched his jaw in anger. If he could, he would drag both Sultan and his mother to an empty chamber and give them both a taste of their own medicine. It's disgusting that a man can treat women like chattel but when a woman disregards another woman's plea for help so she is not sexually violated, is just incomprehensible. Being a female who can easily be victimized, how can one woman be so callous to another?

He controlled his anger and listened intently as she continued, "The bitch screamed for one of the servants and together they dragged me to my room. They threw me in and I was locked in from the outside. With a heavy heart, I finally acknowledged that I would not get any help from anyone in that household. The servants were either too scared or too loyal. And family members, they were all a bunch of vipers. I knew I had to escape from this hell so I grabbed the sheets off the bed and tied it into knots. I was going to use it like a rope and escape through the window. It was a dangerous idea and I knew that I could easily fall and break my neck. But I thought escaping even through precarious means that may lead to death was way better option than the slow death I was facing."

RK asked with confusion written all over his face, "If you were locked inside your bedroom alone then how did you escape with Alia and Aria?"

Madhu looked up at RK with a sad look, "I was being so selfish, thinking about how I can save myself that I had completely forgotten about them."

RK interrupted, his eyes glittered fiercely, "You were not selfish. After what you had gone through, no one can blame you for not immediately thinking about them. You are a great mother to them now and no one has the right to say otherwise. Not even you."

Madhu smiled sadly, "Thank you but I would have left without them if I hadn't seen the picture frame on my nightstand, baby Aria nestled on my left hand and Alia sitting on my lap. I knew then that I couldn't leave them so they can become easy victims of Sultan and his mother's schemes. Di did everything to protect me and it was my turn to protect her kids. I didn't know what to do other than pick at the lock with a bobby pin. I failed dozens of time. For over an hour, I kept trying till finally I heard the click. It was a major risk to remain in the house for even a minute but I bade my time and waited for everyone to go to bed. After 2 hours, I tiptoed out of my room and made it to the girls' room. Thankfully the door to the girls' room was unlocked and they were sleeping peacefully. I threw a few of their essentials into my large backpack and carried them both. Thank God that I knew the alarm code and they didn't have the foresight to change it. I had Di's spare car key and I sighed in relief that she had a near tank full of gas. So I strapped the girls into their respective car seats and drove away with alacrity. I needed to get away as far away as I could, so I drove for 2 hours till I thought it was a safe distance and I could take a break. Mentally and physically exhausted, we stopped at a hotel to rest and freshen up before we continued our journey. Though I didn't know my destination, I had to, needed to get us as far away from them as possible."

RK inquired curiously, "How did Sultan find you so quickly?"

She twisted her mouth in self-disgust, "That was easy. Like an idiot, I checked into one of the most luxurious hotels within the area because that's what I was accustomed to. And to top it off, I used my card which was linked to a joint account I had with Di and he had full access to it."

RK nodded his head, "I always wondered how he got to you so quickly."

Madhu shook her head with a frown, "I was so stupid back then."

RK nudged her chin up and gazed down at her. He countered, "No. You were young and nave because you had never been in such a situation before. You did your best which is more than what anyone can say for a young woman who suddenly found herself in your situation."

She nodded her head and glanced back down, "You know what happened next. I was drained that I ended up staying longer than I had planned. As I was just repacking our bag so we could head out, Sultan and Rahul barged into my hotel room. They bribed the receptionist to give up my room number. They advanced upon me as I tried to shield the girls from their viciousness. They wanted to teach me a hard lesson so I never disobeyed again. Sultan lost control of his temper and he punched me and I crumbled to the floor. The girls were terrified, even baby Aria who couldn't comprehend anything. I tried to reach out to them and tell them that everything will be okay. But then Sultan started kicking me and with each successive kick, I felt as if I was slipping away. Through the slit of bruised eyes, I saw Rahul pull Sultan away and told him that it is now his turn to have fun. He unzipped his flyer and his engorged member sprang out. I wanted to run, to defend myself but I couldn't even lift a finger. All I could do was lie there and cry helplessly as he yanked down my pants and my panty."

Madhu shivered and turned and burrowed her head on to RK's chest. She whispered brokenly, "I can still feel his hot, pungent breath on my neck as he got on top of me. I had closed my eyes, dreading the invasion of my body that was to come. But in that instant, I felt him being yanked off me. All I remember, I was lying there and heard several grunts as punches were exchanged. Before I fully lost my consciousness, I saw a blurred face of a man with kind, compassionate eyes telling me that everything will be okay and that he won't let anyone hurt me."

She looked up with tears streaming down her face and touched RK's ticking jaw. Madhu smiled through her tears, "Now I know that was you with every fiber of my being. Because, you see, I remember the eyes and they were exactly like yours. I couldn't accept it before today even though I had begun to wonder. But in my dreams, your face had replaced the blur a long time ago. It makes perfect sense now." She picked up his right hand which was anchored around her waist and placed a soft kiss on his knuckles, "I never got to thank you. Thank you for saving me that night, for helping me to get on my own two feet and for teaching me to live again. I would be nothing without you. Thank you for being my anchor even when I didn't realize it."

RK shook his head in denial. He extricated his hand from Madhu's hold and cupped her cheeks and murmured, "You did it all on your own. All I did was save you that night from those two bas***ds. But you did everything on your own; you got yourself back up on your feet, became financially independent and became a responsible parent to your nieces. No amount of help could have helped you become the woman that you are today, without your strong willpower and the desire to survive and thrive." He smiled at her tenderly, "I am proud of the smart, independent, accomplished individual you have become. I am even more proud that you know how to stay calm and defend yourself in tough situations." He smiled wryly, "Though I am apprehensive of your knife-wielding skills." He pretended to shudder, "A woman with your expertise who threatens to chop off a man's ball is indeed very frightening. I almost peed in my pants."

Madhu shook her head, her eyes sparkling with humor, "I threatened to use my knife on you but don't recall threatening to chop off my balls." She laughed lightly and quipped, "I'll use that line next time, now that I know threatening to chop off a man's appendage is terrifying to your gender."

He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ears and smiled, "It's nice to see you laugh and smile. You should more often."

Madhu's expression reflected her surprise. Just moments ago she had recounted a most painful experience in her life and now she is smiling and laughing. RK has that power; he is like a soothing balm to her open wounds and they are starting to heal. She whispered, "I stopped expecting to find joy in the small things in life. I forgot how to smile, how to laugh." She smiled widely, "It feels good. No. Feels great."

RK tweaked her nose affectionately, "Good. Don't let anyone steal away your smile."

Madhu softly smiled and nodded her head. They were silent for a few minutes, each lost in their own thought. Breaking the silence, she asked, "RK...I am curious. How did you know I was at the hotel and I needed help?"

He replied flatly, "I didn't." RK looked into her questioning gaze and sighed as he softened his tone, "It's not known to many, I am a silent business partner of that hotel chain. I had wrapped up outdoor shooting in a location nearby. Since I was in town and free after the filming, my business partner and I decided to hold an impromptu meeting with the top executives of the company. The conference room, for the meeting is on the same floor as your room. So it was just sheer luck that I was walking by."

He looked away slightly embarrassed, "I will be honest, initially I was going to ignore the faint sounds that were emanating from your room. Then I heard crying and it sounded like from two little girls. My instinct told me that something was wrong and I couldn't ignore it. So I used my master key that allows me access to all the rooms in our hotel chain and I entered into the room, at first silently as I didn't want to unnecessarily create a scene."

RK's clenched his fists and spoke harshly, "Through the sliver of light from under the door, I saw a female form lying on the floor, all battered. A man stood on the side and leered down on another as he heaved up on top of you. I just stopped thinking and saw red. Only the thought of getting you medical attention kept me from killing those bas***ds."

Madhu squeezed his hands and RK closed his eyes to control his rage. After a few seconds, he opened them back up and gazed down at her upturned face. She asked perturbed, "I still don't get why you didn't want me to know that it was you who saved me from those beasts."

He sighed resignedly and responded, "Initially I didn't know that it was you on the floor or that I was fighting off Sultan and Rahul. Aside from not wanting your eternal gratitude and a strong desire to watch you regain your dignity and self-confidence, I formulated a plan. Since the room was dark and I couldn't identify the assholes, I was confident that they didn't recognize me either. I knew just sending them to jail wouldn't be enough because they can easily come out in a few years and go after you again. In order for me to put my plan into action, it was imperative that they did not find out that it was I who beat their sorry asses to save you."

Madhu asked curiously, "What plan and how did you implement it?"

RK glanced down at her questioningly, "Have you ever wondered why Sultan and his family did not come after you after his ass was sent behind bars? They could have easily sent men after you and the girls but they didn't. But why didn't they?"

Her eyes widened imperceptibly, "I always did wonder especially since I stayed in the adjacent city. It was a calculated risk but I couldn't afford to start over again in a different city. I took precautions of course. I changed the way I looked, subtle changes, mind you. But I figured people rarely looked at obvious places. I hoped and prayed that living in anonymity in a chawl would at least buy me time to earn enough and get the financial security needed to make another move. I have always lived in fear of being ambushed by Sultan or one of his friends. But my fear was unfounded as nothing of that sort happened in the last 2 years."

RK stretched his lips into a feral like smile, his eyes glittered dangerously, "That's because RK happened to them."

Madhu exclaimed in surprise, "What did you do RK?"

He grinned, his voice laced with satisfaction, "Suffice to say, I used their greed to lure them into a business proposition that not only was financially destructive but also seriously damaged their respective reputations. So if and when they come out of jail, they won't have the financial resources to come after you. Plus Sultan won't be coming out as he has been charged with Trishna's murder and will be hanged soon."

She smiled at the thought of Sultan getting his deserved comeuppance. Madhu had wanted to get him punished for his crime but that meant going through a long trial with her as the key witness. And she couldn't risk the chance of Sultan being declared innocent and her losing the girls. She wondered how RK got Sultan incarcerated when she didn't testify against his for her assault and Trishna's murder.

RK answered as if he understood Madhu's unspoken questions, "Whilst you were recovering and getting your life in order, I set my plan in motion to not only destroy them financially but also to expose their ties to the underworld, their various criminal activities. Given that Trishna was missing, I had a hunch. So when the bas***d was arrested, I anonymously notified the police that he may have murdered his wife and hidden her body. They searched the grounds and found her body. With his death, she'll finally get justice."

He paused and clenched his fists angrily, "I am just sorry that you had to witness her murder and no one was willing to help you both. Now that I know Sultan's mother knew about everything, in fact, even encouraged his son to treat his wife so callously. I have half a mind to get her arrested as well. The only comfort we can take that she is probably somewhere on the street, poor as dirt, as everything they owned has been confiscated. The bitch, if she hasn't died already, will die a slow, painful death without the trappings of her wealth that had made her so damned proud."

Madhu lowered her eyes shamefully and asked in a low voice, "You must think I am selfish and a coward for not reporting Trishna's murder and stepping up as a witness."

RK lifted her chin and stared down into her eyes as he defended her actions vehemently, "No. I don't think you are selfish and you are most definitely not a coward. You had to not only think about your safety but for Trishna's daughters as well. I know that if it weren't for the girls' safety, you would have fought hard to get justice for your sister, to hell with your own safety. You did what Trishna would have wanted you to do. So don't ever think you are a selfish coward because you are one of the bravest woman I have ever known."

She smiled tremulously with tears in her eyes and attempted to joke, "You can't know that many women to think I am one of the bravest."

He wiped away a tear with the pad of his thumb and grinned as he boasted, "I know plenty to make my claim valid."

Madhu chuckled lightly. He has a knack for making her smile. She mulled over all that he had revealed and his vengeful plan to make the bas***ds pay. And she can't help but ponder, why did he go to such an extent to merely help her? Sure she had thought at one point that he was a friend of Sultan's. She had even on a few occasions during her ignorant era, spent a good bit of time chatting with him about his movies and her love for art and literature. Madhu chewed on her lower lip but that still doesn't explain WHY he went to such great lengths to punish the bas***d and his friends. Thinking out loud, she asked, "I still don't get it. Why did you go to so much trouble to plot against the bas***ds when we were nothing more than acquaintances?"

She smiled softly and continued, "Please don't get me wrong. I am eternally grateful to you for what you have done. Thanks to you, now I don't have to live in fear anymore. But why did you do so much for me when saving me alone from the assholes was enough?"

RK gave her a long considering look before he sighed. "You don't remember do you?" He asked.

Madhu glanced at him in confusion as she shook her head. She twirled with a loose strand of curl, gracefully grazing the curve of her left shoulder and contemplated. What is it that she should have remember but can't? She felt awful for not remembering. It must have been terribly important.

He took stock of her and his crinkled at the corner as he smiled tenderly, "We met for the first time during the summer, 17 years ago. Our parents were good friends and we stayed at your place for a week." He chuckled as he continued, "On the third day of our visit, I was walking by your parents room and your mom was scolding you for getting into some sort of mischief."

His smile became wider, "She told you that you are so handful and so mischievous that they would have a devil of a time finding a good husband for you who would tolerate your antics." He tweaked Madhu's nose, continuing to smile, "And little imp that you were, you declared that you don't need your mom's help. You'll find your own husband."

Madhu groaned and covered her reddened face in embarrassment as RK continued to laugh, "Oh God. I don't remember that conversation but I am not surprised." She smiled sheepishly, "I was quite handful as a child."

He sobered up and tapped her nose affectionately, "That you were. A handful but a total delight."

She made a face and demanded, "Okay so I had declared to find my own husband. I still don't see the connection."

RK grinned widely, "Since I was the only single, non-relative male in residence, you commanded your best friend to deliver a note to me, on your behalf."

Her eyes widened in anticipation. She palmed her face and crowed, "Oh no! Don't tell me I asked you to marry me!"

He grinned and nodded his head. "You sure did!" He chuckled deeply and continued, "It was one hell of a proposal too. You wrote, Will you marry me?' Then you had a box to check Yes or No. Along with a side note, You only have one option, to say yes. I need to tell mommy that I found myself a husband so she won't worry anymore.' My teenage self was quite embarrassed to receive such a note from a kid but I was amused too."

She stared at the ground and demanded, "Wish the damned earth would open up now and swallow me whole. God! This is so embarrassing!"

RK chuckled and ruffled her hair affectionately. "I never gave you an answer. I thought YES would unnecessarily get your hopes up but I didn't want to say NO either and break your heart."

Madhu snapped her head up and thought out loud, "Wait so this was 17 years ago? I was freaking 7 years old! How old were you? In your teens?"

RK nodded his head and confirmed, "Yep. I was 15 years old, to be exact."

Forgetting her embarrassment, she chuckled, "Man. Even as a kid, I had a thing for older men." She teased, "Since you were holding off on giving me an answer, were you hoping to rob the cradle?"

RK pulled back, offended, "Excuse me! I am only 8 years older than you and I had no intention of robbing the cradle, thank you. Even at 15, I had plenty of girls who were interested in me already. Could have had my pick of the litter."

She continued to tease, "Sure...old man!"

He glared at her as she continued to laugh, "Yeah. Whatever. As you grew up, I just remembered the cute little, mischievous girl that you were. It was always quite interesting to have a conversation with you. To see how your overactive imagination from that of a 7 year old girl had developed and evolved. Yet into your adulthood, you had managed to retain that charming immatureness."

He added quietly, "Seeing you all battered up. I couldn't help but think about that sweet, cute girl that you were and I didn't want you to lose your special brand of adorableness because of those selfish bas***ds." He grinned sheepishly and admitted, "I wanted to play a hero in real life." He added sternly, "Not because I had any intentions of robbing the cradle, mind you. In my mind, you were still that little girl who need to be protected."

Madhu smiled at him, her eyes gleaming with unspoken love. She leaned forward and brushed her lips to his cheeks in sweet, gentle, feather like kiss. "I know that you never had any ill-intentions regarding me." She pulled back and grinned, "I just couldn't resist the opportunity to tease you." Madhu ended with a laugh, "You shouldn't get too hyper grandpa or your blood pressure will shoot up."

RK smirked and drawled, "Yeah? If I am so old and unappealing, then how come you have been so cozy, sitting on my lap, rubbing all up against me? Hmmm...?"

The smile vanished from Madhu's face as she realized that she had been perched on RK's lap all throughout their exchange. Realizing their close proximity and her, as he said, grinding her bum, unintentionally of course, against his nether region, her face flamed with mortification. She shrieked and jumped off his lap and scurried over to his bed. Sitting down, she primly folded her hands on her lap and took a few deep breaths to regain her composure.

He laughed throatily and with lithe grace, stood up and stretched his arms above. With a smile lingering on his face, he approached Madhu with a swagger. RK sat down beside a very prim and proper Madhu and wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to his side.

She glanced up at him, perplexed. Her eyes reflected her inner turmoil. RK cupped her face and smiled down at her with love clearly shining in his orbs. "I may not have any amorous intentions back then. But let me tell you, Madhubala Malik, you are all I have thought about in the last few months. I love the way you glare at me when I obviously did something you don't like. Makes me want to kiss away that frown. I love that witty, acerbic tongue of yours. Again makes me always want to kiss you senseless. I love the way you walk, so ladylike yet with a sexy swagger. And as much as I love feasting my eyes on that walk of yours, I would much rather be feasting on your lips. I love everything about you, especially your beautiful, expressive eyes which shine with vulnerability and also with confidence. What I am trying to say, is that I love you and I hope that you at least like me and could come to love me soon. Despite my being in dotage, your opinion of course."

Madhu touched his cheeks with happy tears as she vowed, "Oh you silly, silly, precious man! If you find my eyes so expressive then you should be able to read that I love you too."

RK exclaimed with joy and was about to pull her into his arms for a searing kiss but pulled back. He looked at her suspiciously and asked. "You're not saying this out of some misguided hero-worship bullshit, right?"

She laughed with a wobbly smile and shook her head, "Nope. Against what I thought was my better judgment, I started to fall in love with you even though I always hated playing your damsel in distress. You have this amazing ability to make me feel range of emotions in a span of seconds. One minute I want to strangle you and in another, I would inwardly sigh with longing, wishing you would kiss me senseless! I started loving you for your ability to make me laugh and for helping me remember my old self." She grinned, "Though I was too stubborn to admit it till recently." She continued with a smile. "And in case you haven't figured it out already, I had a major crush on you as a teenager." She grinned, "Why do you think I ignored everyone else but was always present to give you company whenever you visited or vice versa?" Madhu takes a deep breath and continued, "What I am trying to say is that, I love you so much that am willing to overlook your withering old ass." She touched his hair, "And might I add, your receding hairline and be yours and love you till eternity."

He groaned silently and leaned down and captured her lips for a kiss that healed and blossomed into an overwhelming, overheated passion. RK anchored his hands into her hair, as the feel of her soft tendrils further ignited his passion. Madhu lowered her hands to his shoulders and at first, timidly held on for support. However, as their passion for each other increased and their tongues dueled in an act as old as time, she wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in. She pressed her front against his, her breasts flattening against his hard chest. RK growled incomprehensively and with a swift movement, he lowered her on to the bed and got on top of her.

They broke off the kiss as RK's hot, hungry mouth trailed kisses down her neck, devouring her as Madhu moaned in pleasure when he found her sweet spot and bit down lightly. He leaned up on his elbows, looming over her. RK smiled down at her tenderly and with a thumb lightly brushed her swollen, thoroughly kissed lips. He took note of her passion filled gaze and he grinned widely.

RK leaned down, his lips lingered an inch above hers and teased, "Since you already asked me to marry you. I reserve the right to answer your question when the time is right."

Madhu was breathing hard, her chest moving up and down rhythmically. He takes note that leaned in a fraction and at each expansion, her chest rubbed up against his, tantalizingly. His eyes smoldered with passion and he leaned down another fraction.

She stared up into RK's eyes and demanded, "Just shut up and kiss me idiot!" He was more than happy to oblige and captured Madhu's lips for another searing kiss.

He pulled back from the kiss and trailed his lips up to Madhu's ears, his hot breath making her shiver in excitement. He vowed, "I love you Madhu and no matter what happens, I will always stand by you."

Author's Note: For all my bookworms, in case you didn't catch on to the references. The scene at the mall, Madhu running around like a headless chicken, running errands for her draconian boss - a homage to Devil Wears Prada. 😆 In the last scene, 7 year old Madhu sending a note to RK asking him to marry her was inspired by Julie Garwood's, The Wedding. 😆 I hope you all enjoyed the story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please excuse any errors as I had no time to edit. Well I never edit my stories but that's not the point. LOL. I would appreciate greatly if you like and comment as this is my longest OS like ever that I have written! So show it some love please. As always, a major thank you to those readers who always read and leave their feedback. You guys are the best!!!!!

Ciao.

Tainar