Rishbala SS: Limelight..Epilogue..Pg 78 - Page 19

I returned to read the wonderful stories that u r writing as soon as I found time today. I thought I would comment after reading all the five parts but having read upto the second part I cannot restrain myself from commenting. Lovely story this that you have started. This Karan what a jerk he transformed into in an instant, I am sure there are people like him all around , more so in the media world. I am floored by the chivalrous Rishabh, a true gentleman. Now I am off to read the next parts 👍🏼

"Where are you going Ritu? This is not the way to your home," asked Madhu while Ritu was driving on their way back from the studio. "We are going to your home," replied Ritu, while looking ahead at the road. "My home? I do not have any home of my own," said Madhu. "Yes you have," smiled Ritu and they arrived at a nice apartment in Hiranandani. Ritu grabbed her hand and took her to the second floor where she opened a door and entered a beautifully decorated yet starkly simple looking flat. "This is where you will be living from now on," beamed Ritu. "Here? How? Why?" enquired a perplexed Madhu. "That's RK's order. You cannot say no. He said this flat has been left empty for quite a time. So, he wants to let it to you, not for free, mind it," winked Ritu. "But this is such a posh locality. I don't think I can afford its rent," said Madhu and stepped out of the door. "Hey Madhu, where are you going pagli? You can and will afford much better places than this Madhu. You are going to be a big star very soon. Trust me Madhu, RK sir is never wrong in his judgement. And take this as a friendly gesture from him, now that you do not have any accommodation of your own," smiled Ritu and pulled her inside.

The two girls spent another couple of hours in the flat, laughing and talking about anything and everything. After Ritu left, Madhu started settling in. Wasn't it a very big surprise? She had never thought that life would bring so much happiness without being asked for, or was it RK? Madhu smiled at her thought and patted her head. She was dying to ask Ritu more about her RK sir, she wanted to know so much more about him. But then she checked herself, she could not let Ritu realize the tumult she had been having in her mind about RK.

The post-production activities were wrapped up pretty fast as the film Jalpari had to be released by Diwali, according to Bittu Sabharwal's wish. Madhu and Purab would spend hours in the dubbing session, followed by photo shoots for the promos. And then there were the frequent press meets where they would be bombarded with relevant and irrelevant questions. Madhu was getting stressed out, unable to cope up with so many activities, all at a time.

The day before the release, there was going to be a special screening for the film unit and few renowned invitees from the industry. As the film started on the screen, RK realized Madhu was missing from her seat. "Where is Madhubala?" he asked Purab who was busy munching popcorn with Ritu. "Oh, I don't know," Purab replied and was about to leave his seat, when RK said, "You sit and watch. I will go and bring her."

RK walked through the corridor and knocked at every door. One door was slightly ajar and as he pushed it, he saw Madhu sitting on a chair with her head drooped down. "What are you doing here? The movie has already started. Come on now," said RK and tried to pull her hand. "I am not coming," said Madhu while freeing her hand from his grip. "Why?" "Because I know it's going to be all bakwaas. People will laugh at me. They will jeer at my performance. I am not going there," saying that she sat back on the chair. RK stood for a moment, then came and knelt down in front her. "Look at me Madhu," and Madhu jolted hearing him call her by that name for the first time. RK held her hands and calmly continued, "I know you are having this anxiety that people might not accept you or your performance. And I know I am the one to be blamed for that, I have always rebuked and criticized your actions during shooting. But you know, an uncut diamond has to be cut and polished several times, its original shape and size have to be completely altered, and then only it gets that dazzling sparkle which remains for eternity. You were that uncut diamond Madhu, who had to go through all those acrid treatments by me to become the bright star that you are today. You are my best find, you are my pride Madhu, you will never fail me," said RK and pulled her slowly out of her chair. Madhu was chocked with emotions she had been trying to hide all these days. She hugged him tight and started crying. "People will think even today I have scolded and made you cry. Come on smile now," saying that RK wiped her tears and took her towards the auditorium.

The release party was a grand affair, all planned and executed by Bittu Sabharwal. All the biggies of the industry assembled for the occasion. News was coming from all the over the country about the wide acceptance by the viewers. "Cheers!!" exclaimed Bittu as he opened the champagne bottle and emptied it in the glasses. "So you made it yet again Sabharwal, huhh?" asked Rakesh Singhania, Karan's father. "It's all RK's achievement. I have just tried to help him," answered Bittu gleefully.

Madhu was speaking to Ritu, but her eyes were looking around the myriads of faces crowding the party. Suddenly her eyes spotted the face she was longing to see. "Excuse me Ritu, I'll be back in a minute," said Madhu and approached RK. But before she could speak, RK saw her and exclaimed, "Hey my Jalpari, you are looking divine. Come, meet my wife, Dipali. Dipali, meet Madhubala, my new heroine and the sole cause of all these celebrations tonight." Madhu blanched on hearing his words. Dipali, the melody queen of Bollywood is RK's wife? How could she be such an ignorant being in the same industry? And how could she fall for this man, head over heels, without knowing the facts about him? Madhu's face flushed at her thoughts on her own foolishness. But more than that she felt a pang somewhere in her heart. She had to leave that place immediately, lest she did something stupid in front of everyone. Madhu started walking towards the exit when she felt a tug in her hand. "Hey you, where are going so hurriedly without meeting me?" asked Karan as he pulled her closer. Madhu took few moments to register his reappearance on her way, but soon pulled herself together and freed from his hold. "Why would I wish to meet you even?" retorted Madhu. "It seems my dancing queen is still angry with me," smirked Karan while trying to hold her hand again. "Keep away from me Karan," warned Madhu while pacing back. "Why? Don't you want to be with me again sweety?" mocked Karan as he closed in. "Is everything fine Madhubala?" Madhu turned to see RK standing beside her and eyeing Karan's reproachful behavior. "RK, the great RK, how are you doing man?" said Karan and offered his hand for a shake. RK completely ignored him and asked Madhu, "Are you feeling fine? You look pale. I think you should go home now," and took her away.

Madhu's daze cleared off when she realized RK was taking her towards his car in the parking lot. "I can go myself. You do not have to come with me. I will take a taxi," said Madhu stopping midway. "What rubbish, you are not going anywhere in taxi, do you understand? I'll drop you at your home," replied RK. "No need, go to your wife. She must be waiting for you at the party," retorted Madhu. RK frowned at her emphasis on the word wife. "Dipali has already left the party. She had to attend another party tonight," said RK and opened his car door for Madhu. Still unsure, Madhu stood back. "Madhu, why do you have to be so difficult with me always?" asked RK grudgingly. Madhu glowered back, but her voice gave in and she could not retort anything apt. She kept silent for rest of the time in RK's car.

"No one can make these critics happy sir. Last time they said it was only the actors' ability. And now they are saying you resorted to vulgarity and skin show to make this movie a success," said Ritu while shaking her head in frustration. "Don't worry Ritu, I have started to enjoy this. The more they will say nasty things about my films, the more confident it will make me about the efficacy of my directional ability," smirked RK while shuffling the page 3 segments of the leading newspapers lying on the table. "I guess you have already planned for your next film," smiled Ritu. "You are very smart Ritu. That is why I prefer you as my assistant," said RK while flashing a bright smile.

"Hello Purab, how are you buddy?" asked Madhu over the phone. "I am fine. Aur tum bolo," replied Purab. "Have you signed the contract already?" "Contract? What contract are you talking about Madhubala?" "RK's next movie. Didn't anyone approach you for that?"asked Madhu surprised. There was a long pause, and then he replied, "No, I don't think I have been cast in it." "But how can that be Purab? You have always been RK sir's favourite.." "No Madhu, you have been his favourite, not me. Everywhere he is saying that this movie has been all about you. It has been successful just because of you. I feel I was just a supporting character in the movie, not the lead." Madhu felt the resignation in his voice. She could not understand why this discrimination was creeping in between them. Instead of feeling overjoyed, Madhu felt genuinely sorry for Purab. They had become very good friends while working together all this while.