'Doctor!' She heard someone's voice. It was the nurse who was monitoring her. She ran off to call the doctor to report about Madhu's condition. Madhu heard many noises in the background, but she couldn't figure out at once, where she was.
She opened her eyes after much effort, yet her vision was blurred. She saw a white figure in front of her. She blinked a few times to adjust her eyes for the light.
'Miss. Madhubala. How are you feeling now?' She heard an anonymous voice. After a few minutes she figured out that she was in a hospital. 'Am I alive?' She thought. She started flash blacking the incidents happened a few hours back. How she took a major decision to end her life because she couldn't bear up anymore.
'Ahh.. my head is paining' She started messaging her forehead.
'You feel better soon' The lady doctor patted her.
'But doctor, how did I...? how did I come here? who..?' Madhu was confused.
'Thanks to your friend, you were rushed in to the hospital on time, or else you can't even imagine what would have happened to you.' The doctor replied.
'Friend?' 'Which friend?' 'Who is that?'
'He is waiting outside. Let me call him. He is so worried for you.'
The doctor called Rishabh inside. Madhu was shocked to see him. He rushed inside with tears.
'Madhu!' He hugged her tightly. Madhu couldn't understand what was happening. How did he come across her? How did he save her? A lot of questions were troubling Madhu. At the same time she felt blank. She didn't know how to respond. Tears started running out of her eyes.
Rishabh cupped her face. 'Madhu are you doing alright?' 'You are okay na?' Madhu was silent. She looked down with teary eyes.
'Doctor, Madhu is doing fine right?' He inquired the doctor.
'Yes, she is out of danger now. Thankfully you brought her to the hospital on time. We could prevent the toxic effects of the drug overdose. It would have been a major threat to Miss. Madhubala's life if it was late. Anyway she should take care of her self, & about this incident, I need to talk with her & her parents leisurely & take necessary actions in order to make her mentally stable' Doctor replied.
'Please do not fret too much about it. We shall talk about the incident later. First you have to recover. Just take care.' The doctor advised Madhu & left the room giving space for Rishabh & Madhu.
'Madhu.' Rishabh caressed her face. Both of them were staring at each other. Rishabh noticed the pain in Madhu's eyes. Rishabh was in tears too, but he tried to stay strong in front of her.
'Rishabh.. why? why did you save me?' Finally Madhu uttered breaking the silence.
'Shh..' Rishabh covered her mouth with his palm. He moved his head signalling not to speak.
'Madhu! how dare you ask a stupid question like that huh?' Don't you know how precious you are? You deserve to live!'
'But what's left there?' ' I just hate my life. Why didn't you let me go?' Madhu spoke in a low tone.
'Madhu listen, I don't want to talk about the past. But I am feeling guilty that I am indirectly responsible for your present condition.' Rishabh replied.
'I'm really sorry Madhu.' Rishabh held her hand tightly. A tear dropped from his eye on her hand. She noticed it. She didn't know what to say. She didn't want Rishabh to feel bad.
'No. It's just my fault. My helplessness. I was weak. I didn't have any other option.'Madhu wept.
'Madhu listen. Nobody is perfect. Even our life, is full of ups & downs. Twists & turns. But when a storm hits, running out of life is not a solution. We should be able to face all the obstacles in life bravely. Just stay strong. I know you can, you are capable enough. It is just you should start believing yourself. You are stronger than you think. You have a potential within you. Arm yourself with self confidence & strength. It would be a little difficult, but never let anyone or anything pull you down.' Rishabh patted her.
Rishabh's words gave her a new energy. She realized that what a sinful decision it was. There is no bigger crime than running out of your life deliberately. But she hated the atmosphere at home whole heartily. She knew that nothing would change even after this incident. In fact, sufferings would grow more & more.
'Madhu, you need to take care of yourself hmm?' Rishabh caressed her face. He held her hand & placed a gentle kiss on her hand. Madhu felt something different, something special that made a change in her body & soul. She was happy that at least someone is there for her in this world. 'Her Rishabh' Finally she realized that how much she loves him & how much she wants him in her life. There is no other person that could understand her other than Rishabh. She wanted to be with him for the rest of her life.
Madhu accepted her feelings for Rishabh. A love that cannot described in words. She was longing to have a partner like Rishabh in her life. Though it was just less than a week after their first encounter Madhu has developed romantic feelings for him. She felt that she is connected to him soulfully. She couldn't wait anymore. She wanted to pour out her feelings & free herself. She somehow gained courage to express her feelings for him though she was doubtful of how he would react to it.
'Rishu.' She spoke softly. She noticed the delight in his eyes after she called him 'Rishu.'
'Madhu?' 'Please tell me it again.'
'Rishu.' She uttered once again shyly with a smile.
'Umm.. I .. I have something.. uh .. important to tell you.' Madhu stammered.
'Yes, tell me Madhu.'
'Rishabh. I, I really don't know when did this happen.. but..' Madhu stopped midway.
'What? what are you talking about?' Rishabh was confused.
'I have heard that it only takes a second to fall in love.' She spoke. Rishabh was doubtful. He wondered if she has fallen in love with him.
'I don't know when, & how it happened.' 'But I cannot deny the fact that.. I..' Madhu paused. She looked in to his eyes. His eyes were waiting for her answer. Rishabh realized the situation.
'Yes?' Rishabh nodded his head signalling her to blurt out.
'I.. I love you Rishabh.' Finally Madhu blurted out the three golden words for him.
Though it was expected, Rishabh was in state of a shock mixed with surprise. He never expected that she would confess her love this soon. It was barely a week after their encounter.
'Madhu.' He cupped her face. 'Believe it or not, I fell in love with you at the first sight. I thought it was just a mere attraction because you behaved so crazily, yet in a lovely way. I realized my feelings a few days back but I was afraid. You were already affected by the news paper issue. It was not new for me. My name has been linked with 3 girls before whom all of them were my friends. But you, you are still 17, not matured enough to face such a big thing. And you are a girl. A girl is more affected by such incident than the guy.' Rishabh further explained. He told Madhu what she means to him.
'Madhu. I realized how much I love you at the moment I saw you unconscious. I was freaked out to death. I had that fear of losing you in my life. That feeling already made me sick. I simply cannot think of a life without you.' Rishabh held Madhu's hand tightly.
'Yes. I love you Madhu.' He placed a soft kiss on her forehead. Madhu's happiness knew no bounds. She was running out of words. She hugged him tightly. Rishabh too hugged her back. Madhu was shedding happy tears.
After a few minutes they broke the hug. 'Madhu.' He caressed her hair.
'I don't know what to say. I am totally speechless. But I'm a little bit afraid of something.'
'What?'
'Your family.'
'Rishu. I won't bother about my family anymore. You are my world. My own people never made me happy. I was living a life in a hell. Only you brought back happiness in my life. You are a sun whom made my dark world bright.'
Rishabh smiled. He gained confidence. He started believing that this relationship would surely work out. But both of them were aware about the consequences they are about to face, specially when the elders get to know.
'Rishu, as long as you are with me, I fear nothing.' Madhu rested her head on his chest. He wrapped her with his protective arms.
'Madhu, this journey would not be a bed of roses. Both of us clearly know about it. This is just a start. There will be a lot of obstacles, twists & turns will barricade our path, but we should stay strong as one.'
'Yes Rishabh. I am ready to face anything.'
'Madhu, you told me it takes only a second to fall in love. But it takes a whole life time to prove it. I will promise you that I will keep you happy for the rest of your life. I won't let you shed a single tear.' Rishabh promised her.
Madhu was in happy tears. Rishabh wiped her tears away. Both of them shared an intense eye lock. Finally they were united as one.
Meanwhile at outside, Rahul & Rashmi were waiting to see Madhu. The doctor informed them that she is doing fine. It was a huge relief for them. Rashmi informed Madhu's parents about this incident.
'God! what the hell is Rishabh doing inside the room? It's more than 45 minutes now!' Rashmi grumbled. She went towards the door and tried to open. Rahul stopped her midway.
'Rash! listen! why don't you give some privacy to them?'
'Privacy my foot! what have they got to talk for such a long time?'
'Rishabh wanted to talk to Madhu. He was feeling guilty that she got into trouble because of him. Just let them sort out it Rash! Just don't intrude.' Rahul warned her twin sister. But Rashmi was stubborn.
'For god's sake ask your friend to leave now! Aunty & uncle are on their way. What if they see Rishabh? what would double the trouble! Try to understand Rahul!' Rashmi raised her voice.
Rishabh came out of the room. At the very next second unfortunately he witnessed Madhu's parents coming towards the ward.
'Rishabh! this is gonna be your end!' Rashmi muttered. Rahul was looking at Rishabh helplessly.
'How dare you come here too?' Malik was fuming with anger.
'Excuse me Mr. Malik. I just wanted to apologize your daughter for the incident happened 2 days back.'
'Huh apologize? what do you mean? so you deliberately published it. Didn't you?' Malik rebuked. Padmini was trying to calm him down.
'Let me clear out your doubts. I am not behind this. If you don't trust me, you are free to go & file a case against me. But I have plenty of proofs to say that I am not the culprit. I am not guilty of that. I am guilty because I feel that she got in to trouble because of me, our friendship.'
'Just don't try to come up with fake excuses. Just let my daughter live in peace.'
' I beg your pardon sir. Could you repeat it please? I hope everyone here knows who lets Madhu to live in peace. It is proved today. Well done Mr. Shamsher Malik, you have done a great job!' Rishabh smirked at him.
'Who are you talk like that you b*stard?' Malik bawled out.
'Mind your language Mr. Malik. I still do respect you because you are same as my father's age. And also I know that you hate me & my father. I have got nothing to do with that. But remember one thing. Paternal love cannot be purchased, it is something you have to earn by heart. Please take care of your daughter!.' Rishabh left the premises.
'How dare he!' Malik was fuming in anger. Padmini tried to calm him down.
'Uncle, Madhu would have left all of us today, if not for Rishabh. Rishabh saved her life. Don't forget it.' Rahul spoke to him sternly.
Finally the family members got a chance to meet Madhu. Padmini hugged her daughter. She was weeping. She blamed her husband Malik for being responsible for Madhu's present condition. Neither Madhu nor Malik spoke a word with each other. Malik was worried about Madhu but at the same time his ego was stopping him. Madhu was frustrated about her father. Rashmi & Rahul consoled her. Madhu decided to keep her affair with Rishabh as a secret. She promised Rishabh a while back that their relationship would be hidden from all, even from Rashmi & Rahul. Madhu always had a doubt on Rashmi's bipolar nature. Rahul was trustworthy, but she couldn't take a risk at all.
Madhu's parents were advised to take good care of Madhu. The doctor who checked Madhu for the first time sent her for psychological assistance. Madhu was dispatched to a Psychologist. She got the necessary counselling assistance there & her parents were advised to keep her happy & healthy.
Deepali was back home. She started her usual ill treatment towards Madhu. Deepali seemed quite contented with the incidents happened in the past few weeks. Her wishes of Madhu suffering, have been fulfilled. Soon Madhu started hating the atmosphere at home once again. Rishabh was in contact with her via mobile but they have to limit it as Deepali was at home. She kept an eye on Madhu. She sensed something fishy in Madhu's behavior as she was surprised how Madhu was strong in front of her ill treatments who once used to be so naive.
Rahul had to go back to London for a training programme. Rahul's departure was painful & stressful for Madhu. He was the only person whom she could trust after Rishabh. Rishabh promised Rahul that he would take care of her cousin sister well. Rashmi is scheduled to go back in another 3 months. Madhu started feeling all alone at home. Rashmi was busy with work & she rarely got time to talk to Madhu.
Madhu was all isolated at home. After a check up, the doctor suggested Madhu's parents to send Madhu off from home to a place where she can live happily & peacefully. They warned that Madhu's mental condition would turn out worse. Malik was hesitant but finally he had to agree as Padmini was forcing him. Padmini didn't want Madhu to fall sick again. Finally they decided to send off Madhu to her maternal grandma in Pune after her final exams. With all those obstacles Madhu faced the final exam in the college successfully. Rishabh always motivated her.
Madhu was sad with the fact that she is gonna leave. She knew that she is going to miss Rishabh more than anyone else. Rishabh pacified her not to worry, in fact she should be happy that finally she was freed from that house which is worse than a prison. Rishabh promised her that he would come to see her soon when the time is right.
Meanwhile Rashmi wanted to get close to Rishabh. But Rishabh seemed to be not interested. That made her more frustrated. She met him frequently at his university. That was really irritating for Rishabh but he patiently handled her. Finally on his 22nd birthday, Rashmi came to meet him.
'Rishuuu!' 'Happy birthday!' Rashmi hugged him tightly. Rishabh was astonished. He didn't expect that Rashmi would come to meet him on his birthday. He hasn't planned any celebrations as he was about to start his semester exams day after his birthday.
'Umm.. thank you so much Rashmi' He broke the hug. It was really awkward for him.
'So how are you? what are your plans for today?' Rashmi inquired.
'Nothing so far. My exams are gonna start tomorrow. So I am kinda busy with it.'Rishabh replied casually.
'Oh! will you give me a little time from your busy schedule Mr. Kundra?' Rashmi winked.
'Umm.. why? I mean what for?'
'Come on Rishu!' Rashmi dragged him. She forcefully took him to the car park.
'Rashmi! what are you doing? where are we going?' Rishabh was clueless.
'Just wait!'
'Get in to the car please' She ordered.
'What the hell?' 'Rashmi I have so many work left behind. I can't come! Rishabh refused.
'Arey! just give me half an hour from your precious time! will you? please?' Rashmi begged. Rishabh had no idea what was she planning to do. Rashmi was driving faster. Rishabh was disgusted. He asked her to stop many times but Rashmi didn't stop. He saw the speedometer has reached has reached up to 140 kmph. He yelled her to stop.
'Rashmi! for god's sake stop this! are you nuts? you want both of us to get killed?'
'Rishu! I'm just trying to save your time.'
'Save my time? But I think with this speed I'm gonna loose my time forever!' He rebuked.
The vehicle was about the skid off from the road, & finally Rashmi could stop it. They were about to smash their faces on the dashboard. Thanks to the seat belts nothing happened.
'Rishu! Rishu are you okay?' Rashmi cupped his face worriedly. Rishabh pushed her hands away furiously.
'What is this drama Rashmi?' 'What the hell do you want huh?' Rishabh questioned angrily.
'You want to know what I want?' Rashmi winked. She became more closer. Rishabh was confused as hell.
'Rishu.. I.. I want YOU! only you!' Rashmi finally blurted out her desire.
'What?' Rishabh was shocked.
'Please Rishu! I want you! I love you!' Rishabh was shocked with what Rashmi uttered a few seconds back. A silence crept between them. Rishabh didn't know how to reply. He is Madhu's already. He was thinking about how to convince Rashmi that he doesn't want to start a relationship with her.
'Rashmi listen! I'm sorry. I cannot be yours.' Rishabh replied.
'Why?'
'Because...' Rishabh paused.
'Tell me why? what is stopping you Rishu huh? You know what I had a crush on you since I am 14.' 'I want to take a step ahead.'
'Rashmi! I love someone else. Sorry I can't be yours ever!' Rishabh answered her.
'Huh?' 'You love someone else?' 'Who is she?' Rashmi inquired.
'It's personal! I can't tell you.' 'Please let me go. I don't want to talk about this matter anymore. I hope I haven't hurt your feelings. I don't want to pretend like that I'm not in love. It's not a lie. I'm not lying you to get off from this. I have found my soul mate already.' Rishabh wanted to leave the place as soon as possible.
'So someone is luckier than me huh?' Rashmi spoke in a low tone. Her eyes seemed to be filled with tears. Rishabh didn't want to break her heart either. But he simply cannot accept her.
'Yes! Sorry to tell about it. Let me go!' Rishabh got out of the car.
'Rishu. All the best for your life!' 'I'm sorry for all these things.' Rashmi sobbed.
'Thank you! It's okay.' Rishabh replied formally. Then he bade good bye to her.
'I know Rishabh! I know the person whom you loves. But, just wait & watch how long can you be together with her!' Rashmi self thought. She wiped her tears & smiled wickedly.
Seher Hone Ko Hai
Anupamaa
Naagin 7
