FF: Ankahee | Thread 1| Chapters 1-33 - Page 31

Originally posted by: rekha.366

please ,daily two updates dhena , tention se mera head phata jaa raha hai😳 haila maine tumara baare main socha hi nahi ,agar tum free ho tho thabhi dhena🤗

Chapter 15

Madhu and Vikram were sitting together at a coffee shop close to their office. It was a Friday, but it had been a slow day at work, and when Madhu saw Vikram in the office cafeteria earlier this afternoon, she knew he looked really worried. So she brought him here - he looked like he needed it. God knows Vikram had been there for her so many times when she needed someone to listen!

Especially over the last few weeks, she recollected as her relationship with Rishabh continued to be strained no matter what she did. She had tried to avoid Maya, because she still couldn't control her feelings in front of her. Only time and distance could heal her resentment, Madhu had figured. But that had meant Madhu avoided meeting RK whenever he was with his friends and that itself had created so much distance between RK and Madhu.

She was failing, despite everything she was trying.

Anyway, for now she wanted to focus on Vikram, who looked tenser than she had even seen him. They settled in the coffee shop and placed their orders. Madhu waited in silence for Vikram to say something. That was their preferred mode of communication, it seemed. Somehow, Madhu felt very comfortable in his silences with Vikram. She hadn't realized when he had become important to her. She had only known him a few months, but he was already someone she thought of as a friend and cared for. He had been with her when she was alone and broken, and she was grateful. She wouldn't equate him to her family or Rishabh of course, but Madhu felt that she valued her relationship with Vikram just as much as she valued it with Trishna, which was an achievement considering she took years to get so close to Trishna. Even the other people she regarded as friends - Mukund, Rohan, Ria - were not as close to Madhu as Vikram. Probably because of the circumstances, Madhu reasoned. Vikram had seen Madhu battle emotional turmoil both with her family as well as Rishabh. She never told him all the details, but he never needed to know. Just by being there, he had earned her trust. And today was her chance to prove she could be a good friend too.

"I wish I had your camera right now." Madhu suddenly said.

"Why?" Vikram was startled.

"Then I would have taken your sulking picture and showed it to all the girls in the office you keep flirting with using your deceptive smile." Madhu chuckled.

"I am not sulking! And my smile is not deceptive!" Vikram retorted, smiling a little.

"Well, not this one. But the one you use on Reema everyday. Seriously, that girl is dying over you. You should marry her!"

"Reema! No way!"

"Then let me take your sulking picture on my phone only. It will scare her away!"

Madhu and Vikram both laughed.

"Thanks Madhu." Vikram said and Madhu gave a questioning look. "I needed a laugh."

"What's the matter Vikram? You can tell me." Madhu asked with a soft voice.

"Nothing much. It has just been one of those days. Sinha yelled at me first thing in the morning, and it wasn't even my fault. And now I have to fire one of the analysts in my department. I hate having to firing someone, but she is so bad at her job and I have given her so many warnings. I have no choice. (sigh) As if the day was already not bad enough...My sister had called in the morning. My mother is unwell."

"Oh God! What happened? Why are you here then?" Madhu's concern was clear on her face.

"She is okay now. There are doctors and everyone at home is with her. And I am going to take the overnight train as well."

"Hmmm. I hope she gets well soon. Mothers are so precious. I will pray for her."

Vikram studied Madhu's expression on her face, then asked. "You love your mother, don't you?"

Madhu was stunned at Vikram's question. Her mother...of course she loved her mother. Even if her mother did not want her. "Me...umm...obviously...everyone loves their mother." Madhu struggled to answer. Her voice quivered, and Vikram noticed the pain in Madhu's eyes.

"I am sorry. I shouldn't have asked. (pause) I saw you with your family in Benaras. I don't know the history and I know shouldn't pry, but I saw it in your eyes how much you love them. I don't know why, but ever since then I wanted to tell you that whether they show it or not, you deserve to be loved the same way as well. You are great, Madhubala. You are so caring..."

"They love me of course. You're silly." Madhu quickly said, cutting Vikram off. He could see the struggle on her face, the pain in her eyes. Denial, her best friend, was taking hold of her again.

"Let's go Vikram. I...I have a call." Madhu managed to say and stood up. She wasn't angry at Vikram, just overwhelmed with the wave of emotions inside her. She didn't believe Vikram's words. If she really deserved to be loved, life would have been so different...

As they exited out of the elevator, Madhu told Vikram not to worry about his mother, that she was sure she would be well, and to keep her informed about his mother when home.

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

RK and Maya were having breakfast at the hotel. The project was nearly over, and today was the day of the final presentation to the client. They had already shared an advance copy of their presentation to everyone to read, so now there was nothing much to do. Just a couple of days of handover, and by this weekend, the project would be finished!

"Feels so good to have breakfast so leisurely!" Maya said.

"Yeah, I wish everyday was like this - no work left to do. Just show up at 11 AM and talk!" RK said "I am so glad this project is over. I was getting tired of this client."

"Yeah, they have been so demanding. But I still had fun. Working with you was great, and we got to hang out so much..."Maya said, happily remembering her time spent with RK.

"Yes, it was. But I am tired of the traveling. I want to be in Delhi for some time now. Anyway this distance has created problems with Madhu already." RK lamented, somewhat serious.

"Is everything okay between you two? You know, when I was with Hemant, you always told me we should be with people who make us happy. As a friend, I think I have the right to say this - I have not seen you happy with Madhu in a long time."

RK stayed silent, not responding. Maya continued, "I mean, I wouldn't say this if you weren't my friend, but Madhu and you have been dating for a long time now. She is really sweet but, if she still does not understand you, maybe..."

"No, that's not the problem." RK nodded his head. "She gets me. She understands. You know when I call her, she can tell by my hello what my mood is." Maya paled, but didn't say anything.

"It's just...she has been going through a tough time too. And this long distance isn't helping. Totally sucks. I need to make upto her. I am tired of being here. And this stupid hotel food! I can't wait for this project to be over and to celebrate!"

"Well, there's the office party coming up this weekend. We can totally celebrate there! It will be epic!"

"Oh yes! Actually...that's a great idea. I will invite Madhu to come with me. That way she can meet more people at my office and feel more involved. I bet she will enjoy it. Great idea, Maya! Thanks!"

Maya just smiled in response.

"Cool. I am gonna go get dressed now. See you in a bit." RK said and left for his room. Maya sat there for longer, thinking about the irony of her life.

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

Madhu was feeling really happy as she looked at herself in the mirror. She was over the moon when RK asked her to come with her to his office. He wanted his colleagues to meet his girlfriend. In fact, in the most uncharacteristic fashion, she had gone ahead and actually shopped a beautiful dress and shoes to wear to the party. And even the light makeup had such a transformative effect on her. Trishna was gushing over her, telling her she looked pretty. Madhu hoped Rishabh would like it.

Which he did, of course. In fact, when he came to pick her up, he could not take his eyes off her for two full minutes. She blushed, and RK just smacked a kiss in response. It took significant teasing by Trishna and a lot of effort by him to let her leave his arms so they could get to the party. Somehow, when they were in each others' arms, the world had no other problems.

The party was at a five star hotel banquet, and the entire Delhi office staff was there for RK's firm. RK and Madhu were sitting at a table alongwith others listening to the welcome speeches. Then, RK's team was called on stage to congratulate them for successful completion of their project. This was the first time Madhu was seeing Maya since her birthday party, and watching her hug RK on stage brought back a number of unpleasant memories. Madhu struggled to keep her attention on the present, but as the celebration devolved into a full-fledged party, the crowd spread over with people talking, drinking, dancing and eating at different corners. Madhu didn't know anyone, so RK was with her initially, but soon RK got pulled into one conversation after another. One of the managing directors at the firm called RK, and RK walked over with him to the bar having a conversation, leaving Madhu behind. Soon, there was a crowd where RK was standing, and since he hadn't been in office for a while, RK stood there talking and networking with his colleagues and managers.

Madhu sipped her cold drink, her eyes following RK. She was really happy that RK had brought her here. Besides, his Mumbai project was finally over, and now he wouldn't be so far, she hoped. Even though she was getting a little bored, this is how corporate parties always were, she knew, so she had no complaints. She was walking towards the other end of the bar get another mocktail when she spotted Akash, one of the people who had been at Maya's party and who had been a part of their team. Their eyes met and they briefly smiled in recognition. Akash was with another guy who Madhu didn't know. There was a crowd at the bar, while she waited she realized that Akash and the other guy were standing quite close to her, but there were some people in the middle and they probably couldn't see her.

"...but tell me how do you know her? She smiled at you, I saw. Damn I have been telling you for twenty minutes how hot she is and instead of introducing me, you didn't even tell me you knew her."

"Dude...she is RK sir's girlfriend. I met her once. If he comes to know that you were trying to flirt with her, you can kiss your bonus goodbye."

Madhu had overheard the conversation, but hearing RK's name caught her attention and she listened closely while she waited.

"What are you saying? RK? The new project manager Rishabh Kundra? Are you sure?"

"Yes. And I know! I have been working with him for six months."

"Oh. I thought he was dating Maya Sehgal! That's the first gossip I heard when he joined - everyone said Maya had got her boyfriend hired. And she even made a special request to be staffed on the same project as him in Mumbai. And they're together all the time. Look, there, right now."

"Well, I don't know all that. I joined almost the same time as RK. But I was on the same project and worked with both of them. Initially I was confused too but I am sure they are just good friends. Infact, Maya invited me to her birthday last month and RK brought his girlfriend there too."

"Ohk. Good you told me. Let's go dance now. I see the others are on the floor already."

Madhu flinched a little bit when she heard about the office rumors, but she wasn't shocked. After all rumors were part of every office. Still, hearing Maya's name linked up with RK made her want to throw up. Ever since Maya's party, she couldn't forget what Maya had said to Nisha in her drunken haze.

Maya loved RK. Maya wanted RK. Maya got RK to work with him. Everyone believes they are more than friends. The thoughts started echoing in her head, making her dizzy. A wave of panic set in.

She forgot about the drink and tried to find RK. Her anxiety was gnawing at her and she just wanted to find him. She looked for him everywhere but he was no longer where he was a few minutes ago. She started walking around, when a few guys, presumably junior analysts who were drunk already, deliberately collided with her. She managed to get away, but her restlessness was increasing by the minute because she couldn't find RK. Finally, after a few minutes, she spotted him at the dance floor. He was dancing with Maya!

Given the past few minutes, the sight spent her frustration over the edge. She walked up to him, and patted on his shoulder. RK gestured to her to join in the dance. She tried to get his attention so she could take him outside and talk, but in the crowd and the noise, she couldn't. Afraid of losing control of her emotions in a public place, she ran into the washroom, where for no real reason whatsoever - except, of course the stifling feeling which was choking her within - she burst into tears.

For over 20 minutes, she cried. She didn't really know why she was crying, but it felt like something inside had exploded and she would drown if she didn't throw the tears out. Finally, the tears dried up, Madhu washed her face, forced herself to breathe evenly, and went back into the party. Outside, the scene was much the same as she left it, except the party had picked up pace. RK was still there, Madhu saw, on the dance floor, dancing with Maya. Madhu couldn't breath. Almost by themselves, Madhu's feet took her out of the hotel. Once in the taxi, she realized she had abandoned RK without telling him, and just texted RK "Feeling unwell. Going home. Couldn't say bye in the noise. Talk to you tomorrow. Have fun." She had never felt so out of control of herself, so unsure what to do, so overwhelmed with emotion.

Fifteen minutes later, she found herself at Vikram's place. She needed to talk to someone, and without thinking much she called Vikram, who insisted she come over. As soon as he opened the door, she hugged him. Her body was shivering, and the tears had come back. Vikram held her for a minute, then brought her inside, made her sit and drink some water. Looking at her clothes, he guessed she had come from some celebration, but her emotional condition was making him concerned by the passing minute. What had happened to Madhu? She was completely incoherent on the phone, and now, she shivered sitting wordless in the chair.

"What is wrong Madhu? Madhu...look at me. What happened?"

"I...I don't know. Party...I ran away from the party Vikram. What would he think now?"

"Madhu. Relax. First tell me - are you ok? Did anyone hurt you?" Madhu nodded to deny. "Ok, you were at some party. Who were you with?"

"Rishu."

"Ok, did you tell him you left?"

"I sent a text."

"Ok. Then it's fine. Everything is fine. I am sure he will call back. Now, breathe. What happened tonight Madhu? Why did you leave?"

"I don't know Vikram. I was...choking. I couldn't stay there. I couldn't think. I couldn't see RK and Maya..." Madhu broke into a fresh round of sobs. Vikram hugged her, not asking any more questions. He wondered about her relationship with her boyfriend, and what could have happened that had turned Madhu into such a nervous wreck.

Was it something tonight, or was it just a manifestation of something that she had been living for a while? Vikram was no stranger to Madhu's pain by now, but he had never been so scared, because he had not ever seen her so helpless.

After several minutes, Madhu recovered somewhat.

"Feeling better?" Vikram asked.

"Yeah. Thank you. I am sorry for coming here like this. I don't know what happened..."

"It's okay. We don't have to talk about it. Let me get you some coffee. You would feel better."

"Madhu, can I ask you something." Vikram softly asked as they both drank their coffee.

"Hmm"

"Are you...are you happy? I mean in your relationship with Rishabh Kundra...are you happy with him?"

The question hit Madhu like a jolt of lightning. Startled, she looked at Vikram in amazement, which soon turned into anger.

"What kind of a question is that, Vikram? I didn't even know what happiness meant, before I met RK. He is my life. I have never been as happy as with him. He is my love, my life."

"Okay, I understand you love him, but look at yourself, are you happy? I have never seen someone suffer silently in as much pain as you, and yet refuse to acknowledge your pain. I admit I don't know RK, but from whatever I have heard, I have always seen you pine for him, miss him, cry for him, and he is never there for you when you need him. I see you light up when he sends a text during the day. I see you get depressed because he doesn't have time to talk to you more than 60 seconds a day. Do you think this is healthy?"

"What do you mean?" Madhu's anger was rising.

"Look Madhu...I consider myself your friend. And I am really worried today. From whatever I have known you, you are the most loving, most caring, understanding and passionate girlfriend one could have. You care so much for your friends, the one you love is like the ruler of your world. And yet, I don't think you get the kind of love and respect you deserve." Vikram was getting agitated too, but he could no longer control his words tonight. For months, he had seen Madhu suffer. For months, he had stood by and watched Madhu self-destruct in the name of love. And he couldn't stand seeing pain in her eyes any more. "You deserve to be loved Madhu. You deserve to be cherished. And you deserve a family who cares for you and a life partner who values you..."

"Enough Vikram" Madhu stood up.

"No Madhu. You have to listen to me today, because nobody else is going to tell you this." Vikram stood up as well, held Madhu by her shoulders and made her face him. "Look at me...look at me Madhu...there are other people in this world", he paused, "who can give you the kind of love you deserve. But your RK is not one of them."

Madhu jerked Vikram's hands away and stepped back. Tears appeared from nowhere. "How dare you Vikram! How dare you say such things about RK! You don't know him! Who are you to judge? He loves me. He loves me more than I love him. He loves me more than anyone can ever love me, and more than I can ever deserve to be loved. I have full faith in my love and in my RK. How dare you suggest that I should leave him? Don't you understand...I wouldn't survive a second without him. I should have never come here tonight! Don't know why I trusted you? I thought you were me friend..."

"...I am your friend Madhu. And that's why I am telling you that you need to break up with him or you will die. You will die Madhu." Vikram stepped up and held her hands "I know it is scary Madhu. I know. But you wouldn't be all alone, I promise. I am there for you. I will always always be there by your side, no matter what happens. You wouldn't be alone. Don't be afraid."

"I don't need you!" Madhu screamed, pulling back her hands and stepping several feet away. "I don't need anyone. I have my RK, and nobody else in this world matters to me."

She picked up her purse and ran out of Vikram's apartment. Vikram came behind her, but she yelled "Leave me alone, Vikram. And never talk to me again!"

Vikram's feet stalled and a rush of tears invaded him. He knelt on the ground and let the echoes of his failure, his fears and his immense pain surround him.

I get that RK is trying to understand Madhu but he is doing a horrible horrible job at it.

ah you just posted part 15.

awesome update tk👏👏👏👏 ,i want to say loy of things , but ,i dont know how to describes it ,one thing i understand that ,rk may be behaving like jerk ,insensitive , but he loves madhu😃😃😃 when tish reality hit me ,iam feeling so bad for rk more than madhu ,what will when when he going to know ,his so called ,best friend feels for him ,and what will happen ,when he know how much madhu suffer due to his lack of understanding ,,his insensitive behaviour ,that time he will lose every thing ,every one ,his friend maya ,who he trust her and madhu who he loves ,😭😭😭 when ,rishbala will break up ,iam sure ,vikram is there for madhu ,but who will be there for rk ,none,and he deserves it also but , i dont want to see ,after break up ,madhu go with vikram ,and rk in devdas mode ,i want mature rk ,who will understands what happening around him ,judge people, set his priroties ,and balance hia personal ,and professional life ,come out of his fairy land .😳😳😳

I love Vikram. This is the Madhubala forum. The love story is supposed to be about RK & Madhu and YOU have ME rooting for the other guy! 😕 I never thought that day would ever happen!

RK loves Madhu alright, but I don't think he understands her at all! He doesn't understand Maya either ... has his eyes shut tight when it comes to Maya showing her affection towards him. And I feel so bad for Vikram 😭

Originally posted by: 4ever4love

I love Vikram. This is the Madhubala forum. The love story is supposed to be about RK & Madhu and YOU have ME rooting for the other guy! 😕 I never thought that day would ever happen!