FF: Ankahee | Thread 1| Chapters 1-33 - Page 67

Originally posted by: mimibm

But I am scared with the villain of this story, none but destiny...

Chapter 24

The engagement day, one month later

(*yes, this is when you go back and read the prologue again*)

Madhu entered the hall, flanked by cousins and bhabhis and friends on her side. She didn't care, she just wanted to get in as soon as possible - she had already been waiting for two hours. She wanted to run, to be honest, but that would have been too scandalous. Still, she tried to move as fast as she could without appearing too keen. But her smile gave it away to everyone who saw - Madhu couldn't wait to be her Rishabh's.

"One pose ma'am." the photographer said, annoying Madhu. She didn't want to stop and pose for pictures. She was still at the entrance of the hall, more than a hundred feet away from the stage. But she grudgingly stopped so the photographer could do his job. Her eyes searched for the stage, trying to get a glance of her RK.

Eventually, she got a clear line of sight through the crowd. There he was, looking like a God in his red sherwani. And then her heart stopped. All his attention was on her and he was holding her hands.

Madhu's smile disappeared. She lowered her gaze again, fighting back a sudden tear. But the sight of Maya in her red saree on her seat sitting next to her RK, holding his hand and laughing with him, it stinged her.

Not today, she told herself and forced her smile back on.

That's what she had been telling herself the entire last month, every time something happened that made her fears flare up. Immaterial, stupid fears that meant nothing, and honestly, should have died down already. Why don't our dark and ugly parts listen to us ever? Madhu had fought, scolded and eventually settled at ignoring anything that refused to buy in the absolute bliss her life had been over the last one month.

Madhu still did not know what RK had done or told her parents that had made them come to RK's house in the first place. Today, they were here, at her engagement, and so was her sister and their relatives. She had asked him a number of times, and all RK did was smile and tell her he called them and asked them for their daughter's hand, nothing else. Madhu did not believe it was that simple. Sure, Madhu had always believed that whenever it was time for her to get married, her parents would of course be a part of it. But something in her had always been afraid if they would be really present and really happy for her. Somehow, RK had demolished all of those fears. Somehow, he had made his mother hug her and talk to her like she really cared. In the last one month, they had called Madhu at least three times and discussed wedding arrangements. Her mother even took her shopping for her outfit. All this seemed surreal. Yes, it wasn't the same kind of bond as what Deepali had always shared with them. But Madhu no longer felt like she was invisible to them, and that meant something. Maybe they had always loved her and were only showing it now. Still, Rishabh's mother was busy making arrangements for their wedding six months later, and her parents were involved.

That was something. That was everything. Madhu felt like she had everything in the world. Her Rishabh. Her family. Her entire universe.

And that is why anything that tried to distract her mind away from living this moment was unwelcome.

Including Maya.

Madhu remembered the day three weeks ago, when she had called Maya and met her. Madhu happened to find herself near Rishabh's office, and she knew that while Rishabh was in Mumbai for the week for work, Maya would be in office. Madhu decided it was time to forget the past misgivings and try to be friends with Maya again and called her if she was free to catch up for a bit. After all, when she had first met Maya, she had really liked her. They never got close though, and then for one reason or the other, she had begun resenting Maya. But none of that meant anything any more, and with that thought Madhu went up to Maya and greeted her with genuine warmth when she responded. They both started chatting and found a spot at the coffee shop to sit and catch up.

"It's good to see you here Madhu. How's work?" Maya had asked.

"It's good. Life is great. How about you?"

"Same old. Some of the partners at this firm drive you nuts. I am sure you've heard from Rishu. Like even this morning RK was pained at his partner for shifting the deadline a fourth time in three days. I am telling you Madhu, it is a disease with this firm."

"Yeah..."

"And you know these days I am working with the same guy who was with RK till last month. He gave me the same speech on using the right shade of blue in every slide that he used to give RK on his project. We think he has memorised it. But it's still better than some of our clients. am sure you have heard about RK's Mumbai client guy who likes everything in font size 12 only..."

Maya rambled on, but Madhu found herself growing increasingly uncomfortable. She had expected to talk about RK - that was the one thing they had in common - but somehow talking to Maya it felt like RK and Maya spoke every day because Maya knew all kinds of little details about RK's life and moods and projects that Madhu did. Some times even more. But they hadn't been on the same project for months now, so it had to mean they spoke everyday. Well, yes, there was nothing wrong in that. Besides, RK did speak to Madhu a lot more now as well - some times even twice a day. It wasn't like Madhu didn't know these details about RK's moods and reactions to the people in his life. It was just that it suddenly struck Madhu that Maya knew them too, and somehow Madhu didn't like knowing that.

"Hmm. Listen Maya. I need to go back now. But it was great to meet you. Thanks for taking out the time. I was just passing by and called you on a whim."

"Yeah, sure. It was great to see you Madhu."

It was nothing, really, Madhu told herself as she walked towards the stage. She really needed to stop comparing herself to Maya. She was soon getting married to Rishabh, for God sake. For how long could she be afraid of losing him? She trusted him with her entire life.

But then there was the little thing last week. RK was back in town, but he had been working late since a few days. That evening, it was around 10 that Madhu had called him, expecting him to be home or on his way. But he wasn't home. He was outside, and he had said he was having dinner with friends. She had casually asked which friends.

And RK had said,"Nobody...just some random friends I ran into...you don't know. Listen I will call you back when I get home. Bye"

RK was lying. She knew that. That voice, she didn't have to be told RK was lying. She hung up the phone but the question rankled him. Not who he was with, but why did he lie? Why did he feel like he needed to lie to Madhu?

She struggled for a while, then decided to ask the man himself.

She had texted: I don't know why you would lie. I don't need to know who you are with (I don't even want to know so please don't tell me). I just can't understand why you felt like you needed to lie. I wish you would trust me enough to tell me anything honestly. Anyway, I trust you. Will speak to you tomorrow. Good night. Love you.

An hour later he had replied: I am sorry. I don't know why I said that. It came out on impulse. I was lying. I was having dinner with Maya. Did not mean to hurt your trust. Sorry. I love you.

Madhu saw the text but did not respond or bring it again. It wasn't something she wanted to think about and get confused by.

Only the big things mattered, and the big things were all happy and wonderful. These little irritants shall be ignored, Madhu dictated to her truant mind as she reached the dais of her engagement hall.

Her eyes met with RK's, who stood up and walked to the front of the stage, and extended his hand to escort Madhu.

Firmly, gracefully, happily, Madhu put his hand in Rishabh's.

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

Once the ceremony was over, the celebrations had phased into lots of dancing, eating and laughter. Tired from the photo op yet blissfully exhilarated with the joy of her moment, Madhu finally sat on the chair as the crowded dispersed. Radha had been doting on her all throughout, and Madhu sat back, grateful at getting so much love and joy from everyone in her life.

That was when she spotted Vikram. She had invited him, of course, but was seeing him only now. She walked upto him, hoping to escort him back to RK and her friends to introduce him. But he turned back towards the exit.

"Vikram! Wait!"

"Madhu - Hi. I thought you were busy and I needed to leave...so I thought I would congratulate you later."

"Where are you going? You came so late and didn't even meet me."

"Fight with me later. First, congratulations?" Vikram smiled and gave Madhu a small hug.

"Thanks. But why are you leaving so soon."

"Umm...actually...I didn't get a chance to tell you but I am going to New York."

"New York? When? why?"

"Tonight. I got the special track project..."

"What? Special Track? You're going for six months! Why didn't you tell me?"

"Well...it only got confirmed last week. You were so happy I didn't want to disturb you. And I am only going for four months...my department only has four month stints. Your deptt has six months."

"Shut up. You're so mean. You should have told me! I know it's a great thing...if you ace this, which you will, you will definitely get a big promotion and come back as my boss! But I didn't even get a chance to celebrate with you."

"Right now, you should go and celebrate with your RK. We will celebrate I promise."

"Ok. Congrats and best of luck! You owe me one, ok? And you'd be back in time for my wedding, right."

"Ummm...yeah. We'll see. Now go."

"Ok. Bye. Best of luck."

"Thanks. And Madhu...you look really beautiful today."

"Thank you Vikram."

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

The next morning, Madhu was waiting for RK at her place. They had planned to go to the hotel where Madhu's parents were staying while in Delhi for Madhu's engagement so they can drive them to the airport. Dipali had left the same evening, but they had stayed over. Madhu had wanted them to stay with her at her apartment, but they had said the hotel would be more convenient.

Madhu's phone rang. It was RK.

"Hi Rishu. Where are you?"

"Madhu...listen...I can't come. I need to go to the hospital."

"Hospital? What happened? Are you fine? Is everything ok?"

"I am fine. Don't panic. It's just that...you know Nisha? Maya's sister...she just called. Apparently Maya went out drinking late last night and on her way back had some kind of a fall. They admitted her in the hospital. ."

"Oh God. I hope Maya is fine."

"I don't know all details...it doesn't seem very serious but I still have to go to the hospital to see her. Nisha is all alone and a bit scared. I am going to call Rohan as well"

"Okay. Do that."

"Listen...I am sorry...I know we had to drive your parents to the airport, but..."

"No worries. I will go there myself. You go to the hospital. That's more important. Call me when you know how Maya is and text me the exact details where she is. I will also come there from the airport."

"Okay. Thanks Madhu."

Madhu was torn and worried when she reached her parents hotel. She had sensed a lot of anguish in RK's voice, and she was herself concerned about Maya. On a split second, she made a decision. Her parents were not particularly excited about her staying with them. So, she helped her parents into a taxi for the airport, and hailed another one to the hospital. Somehow, it felt important for her to be near RK at this point - just in case he needed her.

Madhu didn't remember her open challenge to destiny any more, but destiny neither forgives, nor forgets.

The two taxis sped off in opposite directions.

wonderful update taru👏👏👏 so rk back in his insensitive jerk and maya jaap😡😡😡why rk why😭😭 what are you doing and why are you not seeing maya intentions🤢🤢 wait a second ,is it he already know maya loves him and you are enjoying both girls attention,why would he lie to madhu why😭😭is it he already know madhu insecurities regarding maya ,thats why he lied madhu to having dinner with that chipkali😡😡 and big questions is what he told to madhu parents,to come to their engagement ,seems madhu mom is still not caring her ,just dhikhava lag raha haiomg mera ser pahat raha hai ,pichle two updates kithna happy tha 😭😭 ,i cant see madhu in pain and heart broken😭 and i dont want to hate rk 😭😭

superb update dear...

Is RK is in love with this stupid Maya ,he gives all priority to her what rubbish act is that n he hurts Madhu n took everything from her.i wont say anything RK has to decide who is important to him Maya or Madhu .n Maya always intrigues him does he wankt madhu in his life does he love her does he want marriage etc i think she deliberately doing it.n now after engagement she is drunk n now in hospital🤢,i dont feel any pity or her n her talks about RK n RK talks about Maya irritates me always. Rohan n Riya is true he only care for himself n his friends especially Maya n where is Madhu his love in it? He already about to loose Madhu n he just got her back then also he doing it.i hate Maya now n Rk too doing this for Madhu 😭

Nice update. Any twist in next update?

Awesome update...

why i dont know but i feel Rk is confused abt his feelings for Madhu and Maya soon he is going to repeat what he did earlier with Madhu the same pain

Woww RK-Madhu got engaged...aaah this Maya is so annoying...Y RK is unable understand Maya and then explain it to her..what it is...or is she going to confess and RK will be in a dilemma to say No to her..OMG...R u planning for something like that