So I wrote another one today. For those who sent warm wishes... thank you, but I flunked it. Apparently my understanding of the contraception section of endocrinology was not upto par.
Anywho, this was started before the exam with a fun ending in mind... after halfway the direction drastically changed to something a little gloomy, Sorry. Read at your own risk. I haven't killed anyone.. just a little dramatic warning.
OS set probably hours before the cliff scene. Oh and please don't hate Jaz, she was supposed to be good! If she gets a little love... she'll hopefully make a reappearance in a future OS.
***
He could feel Riddhima burning holes in the back of his head.
She wanted to shoot him.
The thought alone made him smirk and lean even closer to the woman in front of him.
She was tall, immaculately dressed and knew exactly what she wanted.
Him.
Have you been to the club on South Rd? It’s definitely worth a try... better than this flimsy cafe!
The lady.
Her slender fingers rested on his biceps as she settled on the bar stool.
Getting comfortable, she pulled her hands of him.
No I haven’t since it’s inauguration. Is it good?
A customer was the best judge on a product. She seemed to be the perfect person to truthfully tell him how his investment was going.
Yeah it’s honestly a vibe! Love the atmosphere and music... a little crowdy sometimes. But the toilets... never go there without a friend and a working phone.
He stiffened. That doesn’t sound safe.
Why? There are working cameras there.
She looked at him like he was stupid.
The cameras only cover part of the corridor. They don’t cover the female toilets and let’s not get started on the drug deals that happen back there.
Drug deals! He was not informed of this.
What did you mean? It’s supposed to be a safe place. What is the manager doing about it?
She smiled sadly.
Nothing. I feel like he gets profit of it... just stay away from that area and everything else is great.
Great? He frowned. He didn’t like anything less than perfect.
I’ll have it fixed by tomorrow. Seems like I might actually have to attend the club soon.
She gave him a look of disbelief.
What could you possibly do?
Before he could answer her question the cafe owner interrupted them.
A large cappuccino to go for Jaz?
Taking the coffee in both hands she relished its warmth.
Putting her coffee aside, she grabbed a tissue from the counter and the pen in his hands.
Ten numbers hazardously written in the middle completed with a little heart and her name.
She handed him both the pen and tissue.
Well, do let me know when you go! I would love to see what difference you can make... with your built you might actually give my boss a temporary scare for sure. Would definitely love to see that. I have to go now otherwise he'll surely fire me. Bye!
He nodded at her. Watched her pick up both her bag and coffee.
She took a step away before she spun back around to face him.
She bent down and quickly pressed a small kiss to his cheek.
I expect a call.
With those last words, she turned on her heels leaving him a little stunned.
His eyes left the door only when he felt something warm and wet on his chest.
Coffee.
The empty cup in the culprit's hand.
Eyes burning in anger, she looked ready to murder.
Him or Jaz?
Probably both.
What are you doing Riddhima... that freaking burns!
With that he grabbed the tissue and pen of the counter, and walked to their car.
He didn’t need to turn to know she was following him.
She had to be taken away from the cafe before she could make a scene in public.
Reaching the car situated at the corner of the quiet road... he pulled open its boot and took out a spare shirt.
He unbuttoned his coffee drenched shirt but before he could change... he was turned around.
Riddhima stood shaking in fury.
Her nose red, eyes flaring and mouth in an angry pout. A complete package.
Jealousy looked nice on her.
You you you... are a b*stard. You are married... do you know what that means!? Loyalty. You! I hate you. I am your wife! Your wife!
Her outburst started angrily but somehow dissipated into something broken.
He wasn’t a prude... but a cheater. Never, even in his dreams.
He was lost the moment her bambi eyes met his, the fire she accidentally lit reflecting in her eyes.
Her furious refusal to concede to his demands attracted him.
His eyes unable to leave her the entire party.
The cruise made him become her captive.
He was not sure how much he believed in the star or destiny... but one thing was sure.
Their repeated meeting was not a mere coincidence or a simple mission.
Nor was he going to let it be one.
So he captured her... in the golden cage of VR mansion.
Tied there down with marriage, never to be emotionally or physically available to his dear step brother.
Mentally it had been a challenge... but looking into her eyes right now - that had been long accomplished.
He could never cheat on her. He would never.
Dhoka ka saaza sirf maut hai.
It was a rule he lived by and expected nothing less from others.
But she had been the exception.
He always knew it would take time to remove Kabir from her heart... so the single exception.
Are you loyal Riddhima?
He couldn't help but ask.
The fists that had been repeatedly hitting his chest finally flattered.
Ooh he knew that she was still helping Kabir.
No matter how misguided she was.. she had pure intentions for it.
She just didn’t want him to end up in jail.
Not that he would ever.
But for her own protection he played along with the facade she had created for him.
Haiwaan. Her Haiwaan.
He continued...
Loyalty is a two way street Riddhima. I can only meet you half way. I would rather die than give you anything less than what you deserve.
Jaz, the woman in the cafe, she gave me an opportunity to gain background information on a small business of mine. Customers are the best informants.
I didn’t expect her to kiss me. She will be made aware of it... however I do aim to solve her issues before then.
He cleared her misconceptions.
Jealously was a shade he was excited to see.
But tears, her tears were too precious to be wasted on anyone. Even him.
Slowly lifting her chin... he felt even more guilty looking as he took in the hurt in her eyes.
He honestly had forgotten Riddhima was also in the cafe, he was to absorbed in gaining information.
Information was power. Always better early than late.
Placing a swift kiss on both her eyelids, he gave her a final warning.
Don’t trust those who act too good... too pure, Riddhima. Sometimes trusting the wrong person will bring fatal consequences.
Something grave, something that will hurt a lot. Something even I cannot save you from.
So fully analyse your nominated good guy before handing them the key to internal pain.
She stared up at him, naive eyes holding in a plethora of questions. Mouth opened slightly to ask them. He interrupted her.
We will discuss your questions later. Right now Dadi is waiting, she wanted me to arrange a family outing to the temple by 4.
Taking her by the hand he directed her to the passenger side and settled her in.
Changing his shirt, he started their trip back home.
He discreetly observed her play with the mangalasutr on her wrist.
She had too much going through her minds.
Questions he couldn’t answer.
She was smart, strong and stubborn.
He just hoped Riddhima would take the correct decision.
Otherwise consequences would be severe.
Pain and punishment would be necessary.
He reached out and wrapped his free hand in hers.
Her eyes shift from their joint hands to him.
His remained on the road.
Her choices now would determine if something delicate between them would remain tomorrow.
The decision was hers.
Whether she wanted to hold on or force him to let go.
Temporarily of course.
***
Do tell.. is it too sombre for the current track?
xoxo
Anupamaa
