FF: Ankahee | Thread 1| Chapters 1-33 - Page 22

superb updates!!! read chapter 10 and 11.

Chapter 10: I hate this self centered RK and stupid maya come b/w them. feel sorry for Madhu. she was so happy about her promotion, and that jerk RK called her stupid😡 good, Madhu is ignoring text and phone calls from that selfish ass( i also do the same to my hubby whenever he acts like a selfish jerk😆 trust me men don't like being ignore by their girls😆) whatever emotions she is keeping inside, it will burst like a volcano pretty soon.

Chapter 11: 😭 that's what i felt when I read Madhu gone through so much and felt like an outsider in her own family with no fault of her own. no wonder she has so much insecurities and no sense of belonging anywhere.

And Maya, why she is always interfering? butt out woman!!!! 😡 go find yourself your own man, and what i noticed whenever royal highness Maya is in trouble that jerk RK forgets everything.. what kind of a hold that bitch has on him?😡

surprise and happy visit by RK was short lived. And who is this Vikram guy? a new hero in Madhu's life??? hehe my hubby name is Vikram too😊

great story and let me tell u whenever i read, it feels like I am living Madhu's life.

good job. continue soon😊

I can't help but hate this RK...no matter how much he tries to compensate for his mistakes, he keeps on repeating them...I must say that you are a genius with male psychology, else no one can put it in words so convincingly...Brilliant job!!

Chapter 12

The next day, by the time RK got around to calling Madhu it was quite late in the night. Maya had been resting the entire day in the hotel, and everyone else on the team had to pitch in to cover up for her. RK was feeling a little guilty he couldn't complete his conversation with Madhu the previous night, but he just couldn't find the time. He knew she sounded really low - RK had never heard her like that. But at the same time he didn't know what to say to her, so in a way he was glad to get the extra time.

"Hey honey. How was your day?" RK called Madhu.

"It was good. How are you? How is Maya?" She sounded...perfectly normal. That was a relief!

"She's better. Listen I am sorry about yesterday. I meant to call but by the time we came back from the clinic and I ordered food and fed her food and medicines, it got really late."

"It's okay. I understand. I am glad she's ok now." Madhu said, trying to sound as unaffected as she possibly could. She couldn't tell RK now, could she, that she didn't like being abandoned like that. Maya was hurt, it was serious, and RK did what he had to do. Anybody would have done the same thing. So the fact that Madhu felt a twinge of resentment towards Maya and the fact that she had taken away her Rishu from her when she really need it, well, she just needed to keep it to herself and control her emotion. It wasn't anybody's fault, she rationalized to herself. It was just unfortunate that at that moment when Madhu had let herself so vulnerable and was on the verge on voicing something she had never shared with anybody...

In any case, what had happened had happened. Over the last 24 hours, Madhu had recovered somewhat. She was no longer as shattered and destroyed as she was when she had called RK. Years of practice at self-preservation and survival had kicked in and she had gotten through the day. Internally, she had shut down further. For a moment there she wanted to let RK inside her private darkness, but now she wasn't sure he wanted to be let in, and now she didn't have the energy to bare her soul one more time. She had decided she would tell him, if he asked, because he still had the right to know everything about her life, but only if he asked.

He didn't, and the conversation was soon over. Back to business as usual.

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

Over the following week, Madhu adjusted well to her new role. She had also, unexpectedly, become friends with Vikram to some degree, and they started hanging out over lunch or coffee in the office cafeteria. He was really helpful and thanks to him, Madhu soon new almost everyone in this office and the idiosyncrasies of handling the bosses and getting work done.

"Hey Ms Malik." Madhu was getting some coffee when Vikram strolled there.

"Call me Madhu Vikram."

"Ok Madhu. How's the day going?"

"You know...it's Friday. Waiting for the week to get over!"

"Ha ha. Of course. Any plans for the weekend?"

"Not much. RK is not in town this weekend, so maybe I will just stay home and read."

"RK is your consultant boyfriend right? He doesn't stay here?"

"No..he's just on a project out of town. And we took a trip together last weekend, so this weekend he can't come."

"Ok. But that doesn't mean you have to stay stuck at home? Me and my friends are going to watch the new Spiderman movie tomorrow. You're coming with us."

Madhu was about to refuse, but then remembered how RK kept telling her to make more friends. Vikram seemed like a fun guy, and she didn't want to sit at home and brood over her family, so she said yes.

The next evening was the first time Madhu did not take RK's call, because she was in the theatre with Vikram and a couple of his friends. She texted him instead, telling him that she was at the movies with her office friends. RK was cool with it, and they decided to talk later. Somewhere, inwardly, Madhu felt weird. She felt a little bad for not talking to RK when he seemed to want to call her, but she also felt good at some level, at not jumping at the slightest word from RK. Yeah, she needed to have other distractions in life...

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

A few days later, Madhu was on the phone with RK.

"RK, I wanted to ask you something?"

"Tell me.."

"I am going to go home for my sister's wedding. It's on the 19^th. I spoke to Dipali, I can invite some of my friends. Umm..would you...would you come with me? Just as a friend. I don't want to be alone."

"19^th...umm...your home in Benaras?"

"Yes. There is a direct flight on 19^th morning from Delhi as well as Mumbai..."

"Madhu it's in the middle of the week. I don't know if I can get the day off. Why don't you take some other friends? Take Trish, take some of your new office friends you were mentioning..."

"I can't take them! And Trish is coming...but it would be...it would mean a lot to me if you are with me." Madhu was hesitant and sad.

"I don't know Madhu. I don't know anyone there, and it's in the middle of the week...I don't know how I will manage...let me think about it."

"Ok. Good night Rishu." Madhu said after a minute of silence.

"Good night. Love you."

"Love you too."

RK frowned after he hung up the phone. He knew he hadn't handled that conversation particularly well with Madhu, but why couldn't she understand he couldn't just go to Benaras in the middle of the week. Besides this whole situation with Madhu's family seemed pretty screwed up; RK was confused how to handle it. He didn't know all the details as Madhu hadn't brought it up after the first time and he didn't know how to ask. Still, it was downright weird that she had been "invited" for her own sister's wedding. RK just couldn't relate to that. He was so close to all his cousins...he couldn't imagine what Madhu's family was like, and he didn't want to get caught in the middle of it. God knows how they would react if they knew Madhu brought her boyfriend along to her sister's wedding. Still, that conversation with Madhu was awkward. Why did she want to involve him?

He was working in the hotel lobby instead of his room so he didn't fall asleep and asked for another coffee. Just then Maya came there as well.

"Hey Boss, what are you doing here?"

"Working. Was feeling too sleepy in the room."

"Oh. I couldn't sleep, so was going to go sit by the pool by some time. But now I can sit here instead?"

"Sure. Coffee?"

"No. I don't need more caffeine."

After a few minutes, Maya asked. "What's wrong RK, you seem distracted?"

"Well...it's nothing. It's Madhu actually. Girls are so tough."

"What happened?"

RK wondered about what to tell Maya. He knew he shouldn't share details of Madhu's family - whatever little he understood, it seemed pretty personal to Madhu.

"Well, her sister's getting married and she wants me to come with her to Benaras next Wednesday. How can I go in the middle of the week? Besides, it's a little awkward..."

"That is awkward. Meeting your girlfriend's parents...I didn't know you guys were that serious."

"We're not. I mean...I don't know. I love her..."Maya flinched when RK said he loved Madhu. It was involuntary, and she didn't know why, but she somehow felt bad. "...but it's middle of the week and I don't know what I would do there. She just wants some company..."

"Well I am sure if you explain your work, she would understand. I thought she was quite supportive."

"She is. I mean she had always been helpful, but you know, over the last few months I have been here and we're always busy. She feels like I don't give her enough time."

"Well don't be so hard on yourself. You do the best you can RK. And someone who deserves you should understand your priorities. Explain to Madhu, and don't worry about it. I don't think it's a big deal."

"Yeah...I will explain to her. Thanks Maya. You're the best."

"Naah. You're the best boss."

RK thought about calling Madhu the following morning and trying to explain her again how impractical it was for him to come, but he didn't need to. That night Madhu sent him a text, "Don't worry about coming to the wedding with me. I understand. Sorry I asked."

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

On the 18^th, Madhu was working in office when Trishna called. She stepped outside in the corridor to take the call. Trishna sounded worried.

"Trish, are you ok? What happened?" Madhu asked, clearly concerned.

"Mukund...he slipped on the stairs this morning and fractured his arm!"

"Oh my God. I am so sorry. Is he ok? Are you with him?"

"Yeah, we just came home from the doctor's. His hand is plastered for a month."

"Oh shit! Any other injuries?"

"Not much. He has a sprain, but that should heal in a couple of days or so."

"Hmm. You should take care of him."

"Yeah. Listen Madhu...ummm..."

"You don't have to say it Trish. You don't need to come with me to the wedding. You should be with Mukund."

"Sorry Madhu."

"It's not your fault sweety. And he needs you right now. I will be just fine."

"Okay. Thanks."

"No problem. I will come in the evening and see you both. Take care."

"Bye Madhu."

Madhu hung up the phone and sat on the stairs, wondering what to do. She was concerned for Mukund, but she was also worried for herself. She now had nobody to go with, which means she would be all alone at the wedding. That thought scared her - it would be dark and lonely. Should she cancel her own plans? It's not that anyone wanted her there. No, Dipali was her sister and this was her wedding! How could she not be there for her sis? Couldn't she brave a little rudeness for her sister?

"Coffee?" A coffee mug was being handed out to her. She looked up, it was Vikram.

"Vikram...um..thanks." she said accepting the mug as Vikram came and sat by her side.

"I probably shouldn't ask, but you look really worried Madhu. Everything ok?" Madhu was startled. Was she so transparent to strangers?

"Umm..no..yes..I mean, my roommate just called. Her boyfriend had a small accident and his arm's fractured."

"Oh..is he ok now?"

"Yeah he is fine. Thanks for asking."

They sat there in silence for another minute, sipping their coffee, when Vikram spoke again.

"That's not all, is it? You're clearly pained and it couldn't be just for this."

Madhu sighed, "Um..well...it's my sister's wedding tomorrow. I am going to Benaras, and Trishna was supposed to come with me. But now she obviously can't. And I don't feel like going alone."

"Why not? Your sister, right. You would be with family anyway."

"Yeah...well...it's complicated." Madhu struggled to explain.

"Ok. Then take someone else." Vikram suggested.

"There's no one else..."Madhu softly said, then corrected herself "I mean, everyone's busy. It's the middle of the week you know. Nobody can take a day off!"

"I will come if you want me to!" Vikram said.

"You?"

"Yeah, well, if you just need company I can give you some, if you don't mind that is. As long as you take me out for street food there. I have always wanted to see Benaras and click pictures. This is a good excuse. I mean...only if it is okay with you." Madhu looked at Vikram. His smile was infectious. She knew he loved traveling and clicking pictures - he was really good at photography too. But could she take him along? She didn't know him that well...Oh well, but why the hell not? It was better than going alone, Vikram would be a good distraction.

"Okay. Thanks for doing this!"

"Thank you Madhu. Oh I have been dying for a vacation. Besides there are no meetings tomorrow. So what time do we leave? I will go book my tickets and also apply for leave."

"Tomorrow morning flight. I will cancel Trishna's flight and book yours instead and send you."

"Great. Email me and I will meet you at the airport."

Madhu's smile was back by the time she was back at her desk. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad, going home this time.

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

By the time the flight landed in Benaras, Madhu was astonished how much she had talked to Vikram. She had told him all about her school friends, Trishna, Mukund, her previous set of colleagues, how she met RK, Rohan-Ria. He was just so easy to talk to. They reached Madhu's home, which was in a state of frantic activity. While Vikram freshened up, she went to find her parents and sister. Her dad was busy with the arrangements, but he gave her a hug when he saw her. Dipali paid her no attention and was surrounded by her friends. She went to her mother, who was standing with a bunch of aunties.

"Ma" she said and moved closer, expecting a hug.

"Madhubala! I thought you were coming in the evening?"

"Umm...I thought...umm"

"Isn't she your elder daughter Padmini ji? No plans for her marriage?" one of the aunties asked.

"She's really independent. She will marry when she wants. Come, let me show you the saris we got for Dipali's in-laws." Padmini said and led the bunch of women in the opposite direction.

Madhu was left stranded there and tears clouded her eyes. By then, Vikram got there, so she quickly wiped her tears. "So, are you busy or can we go see the city?"

"Let's go" Madhu said. She clearly wasn't needed here. Why did she even come?

Later that evening, as she stood alone at a corner watching her sister get married, she reflected how this day could have been worse. Being out with Vikram had occupied her afternoon and kept her distracted enough. She took him to all the places she had grown up in and told him stories she had imagined telling Rishabh someday. And now, she could peacefully watch her sister undisturbed. She bet half her relatives didn't know or had forgotten Padmini and Shamsher had another daughter. Before she came here she wanted to meet her jiju, but now she wasn't sure if she would be introduced. She decided to just watch the ceremony, pack and quietly leave for Delhi in a couple of hours. They were taking the overnight train so they could make it to office the next morning.

"You're looking really beautiful, Ms Malik." Madhu turned back to find Vikram standing behind her.

"Oh...Thanks. Did you eat?"

"I am stuffed with all the street food! Thank you Madhu."

"Thank you for coming Vikram."

"No, thanks for inviting me. This is so awesome. This is such a beautiful city, and weddings are always fun. Besides, I wanted to get out of work some time. And then, I get to see beautiful women." Vikram said with a smile, clicking a close up of a frowning Madhu.

"Stop flirting Vikram."

"I am not flirting. I know your rockstar boyfriend will kill me if I flirt. But right now, he is really missing out on watching something pretty."

"Shut up Vikram." Madhu smiled. She knew Vikram's flirting was harmless. By now he knew Madhu loved only her Rishabh. But still, it felt good not to be alone right now.

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

Over the next month or so, Madhu and Vikram became better friends. In some ways, that helped improve her relationship with RK, because she was more cheerful when she spoke to him, and RK was thankful because Madhu wasn't asking for as much attention as before. Life chugged along all right, and then it was Madhu's birthday. RK called her at midnight and wished her, and even sent her flowers. She was happy.

"So babe, how do you want to celebrate? Let's party over the weekend. I am back in Delhi tomorrow."

"I don't like celebrating my birthdays Rishabh. I never have..."

"Umm...ok..not a party, but let me take you out to dinner."

"Okay, that sounds great. Let's go on Saturday, just you and me. But no cake or gifts. I am not really fond of the day I was born."

Madhu knew why her mother had never celebrated her birthday - it was also her father's death day. And even since she got to know that, she had never felt like celebrating the day either. Her friends didn't know the reason but accepted it, and Trishna gave her a big hug and cooked her a nice meal to celebrate.

When she went to work, her office colleagues gave her a surprise celebration though, by bringing her cake and a present. She couldn't refuse or explain to them at the time, so she accepted it, but snuck out of the room quickly. Vikram followed her out

"Happy birthday Madhu."

"Oh thanks Vikram. I don't know how everyone got to know?"

"Well it was in your employee records. I saw..."

"You?! So it was you behind all the cake and stuff..."

"Um..well..." Vikram sheepishly smiled. "You didn't like it?"

"No..I mean...yes...I just don't like celebrating my birthday."

Seeing Madhu's serious face, Vikram quieted. "I am sorry."

"No...no..it is fine. Thank you so much."

"Does that mean I still get a treat?" Vikram blurted and both of them laughed. He was glad Madhu looked happy again.

"Sure, but next week."

"Okay. Busy with the boyfriend this weekend?"

"Yeah." Madhu smiled and went to her desk.

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

RK picked Madhu up on Saturday evening and they went to a nice candlelight dinner. Madhu looked beautiful in an orange sari and RK kept drooling over her. They were both enjoying the dinner.

"You look amazing honey."

"That's the tenth time you're telling me that. Stop it Rishu." Madhu said, but she couldn't help smiling.

"Never. Ok. Why don't you order some dessert, I would just go to the washroom and come back."

As RK left, something fell from his jacket. Madhu picked it up. It was a small box, which looked like a present. Even though Madhu had asked him explicitly not to get a gift, she thought maybe he still got her something, and after a bit of hesitation she opened it.

It was a beautiful pendant with the letter M, in a thin white gold chain. Madhu held it in her hands. Her eyes slightly watered.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" RK said from behind Madhu.

"Yeah. It really is." She said. "But why does it say only M?" If she were buying this for herself, she would have got one that said RM. R for Rishabh, M for Madhu.

"Because that's her name, that's why." RK said as he sat back at his chair. "Thank God all women are not like you Madhu - it's so hard to shop for women who don't like clothes and jewelery. Anyway, I was thinking of getting her something for a while since she got me the job, and her birthday is coming up next week anyway. So when I saw this, I thought it was perfect. What do you think, will she like it?"

"Maya..."she softly said, then recovered. "Yeah, it's beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you honey. But leave that, look at what I got you. Now, I know you said you don't like gifts, but I had to get my sweetheart something..." Madhu kept back the pendant in its box and looked up to see a smiling RK. He gave her a larger box. She smiled and opened it - it was a digital photo frame. She switched it on, there were many pictures of RK and Madhu in it, set to some nice music.

"It's beautiful, RK. Thank you so much." Madhu said and stood up to hug him.

"I am glad you like it. I had to think so much for your gift. And then I had to find all those pictures. We look good together, don't we?" he said.

"We do. I love you Rishu."

"I love you too. Now, eat your dessert quickly, I want my return gift." RK winked, pointing at his lips.

Madhu smiled. She truly loved RK's gift, and actually appreciated it more than she would have liked a piece of jewelery. Still, something within her silently stinged, but she couldn't place a finger on what or why.

Another long chapter.

vrrry nice dear continu sooon n i like that long update

Nice update...you have written it beautifully...

Wow.. it tugged my heart strings in more than one way TK !! We always love lengthy updates, its the shorter ones we crib out 😆😆..well reg the pace, please becos of that especially it feels like am one among them 😳 and can relate so well to all the characters and can feel every emotion crisp and clear !!

Sighhh !!! am sorry but, am not able to bring myself to like this RK...he is not a boyfriend material period. If he likes that Maya😡 so much then why is he misleading Madhu...man !! i feel so helpless.. i seriously wanna shake Madhu and ask her to talk out everything with her Rishu...every little bit, may be then he will be able to reciprocate well (rolling my eyes) !! What kind of BF is he, who feels relieved when his GF doesnt spend as much time with him and rather feeling hurt ,compassion and more love towards Madhu due to her sufferings he feels compelled to even to talk to her in this matter or in any emotional matter !! Hell with Rishu 😡🤢.. I hate him😆😆😆 !! He seems pretty insensitive, the one who cant stand by her in her tough time, when she needs the most, what kind of a life partner could he make !!!

I know Madhu is making a mistake by masking her real self, she should understand that one you love should atleast know you to accept you as what you are ! the more one bottles up the more sufferings they bring upon themselves !! In the fear of losing Rishu, Madhu should not hide her insecurities or whatever she is feeling just to make him feel at ease..thats not how the relationships work !!

Vikram 😉..i love him 😆😆..a breath of fresh air for both Madhu and myself 😆😆 !! I want RK to feel utterly insecure (Jealous, possessive, fear on losing out Madhu etc lol) due to this equally charming dude 😉..May be where distance and Maya are affecting Madhu-Rishu, Vikram can come realy Handy there😆😆 !!

i really felt, Madhu neednt have gone to that wedding..simply an added agony and one more memory of hurt and rejection to the already lined-up ones !!!!