RK. He jerks his eyes open when he thought he heard whispers of Madhu's voice. Everything was messed up and still there was no sign of her. It has been 1 day now, 1 freaking day and still no one is able to find any single clue about her. Its as if she has disappeared from the jungle. What if she is not dead? What if she is kidnapped tied in a lonely room somewhere? What if she is surrounded by guys, being tortured? Many different scenarios played inside his head, none of which made any sense to him. Police was trying, emphasis on the word trying, their best to find her but still no new of her. He crushes the glass in his hand in anger just with the thought of her not being with him. Suddenly, a reality a hits him, what if she had planned this? What if she had planned to escape from him all along? Will she do something as stupid as that, knowing what he can do with her family? Anger rushed through his veins, he could feel his blood rushing all through his body in high speed. He could feel blood going to his face making it red with anger. He throws everything that was on his bar counter on the floor, shattering it into million pieces just like his heart was.
Bittuji came running inside hearing the commotion, he was shocked, angry and feared for RK's safety. He knew how crazy he can get once angry but still his anger was something he was still not used to even after being with him for 10 plus years. RK has always been a hot headed kid, always got whatever he wanted without a care in the world. He made impossible come possible. No was not something he was used to. Bittuji started as their family manager but when RK's family started falling apart so did RK. Deep down Bittuji couldn't leave RK having developed a soft spot for him. He looks at RK as his younger brother, the only family he had till date. He still remembers the turn of events that led RK the "RK" he is today. It is as if, he had vowed to ruin himself and prove to the world what he can do.
Bittuji quickly runs to him holding his bloodied hand that had pieces of glass sticking out of it. Tears started to drop from his eyes seeing RK like this. He knew Madhu has some kind of effect on RK or else he would never go to such an extent of revenge. He knew RK sees something in Madhu that makes him possessive of her. What is that something only RK knew.
"please don't you see how badly your hand is? We need to call a doctor before you get an infection"
"My life is an infection and the people associated in my life are the poison that slowly kills me. Find Madhu"
"that is what I came here to tell you. I had placed some of our men to investigate Madhu's disappearance. A local man swore he saw a women wearing a torn sari come out of the jungle. Looking at her state he knew she was running from something. He said, she kept turning back as if someone was chasing her. Also, Bittuji hesitated to say, a car was coming her way and hits her." RK closes his injured fist hearing about her car accident. He motioned Bittuji to continue. "The man saw a women got out of the car and took Madhu with her. After that he doesn't know anything"
"Does he remember the car plate number?"
"Yes. We are bringing the guy to speak with you."
"find her Bittuji. Track down that car and sue them for kidnapping if you have to. Understand?"
"Yes, chief. I will be right back until then I will have a doctor call you."
"I DON'T NEED A DOCTOR. I NEED MADHU" (He yells out loud scaring Bittuji. He shakes his head yes and quickly leaves the place.)
Madhu slowly opens her eyes or at least she tried to. Her head was pounding, faint memories of past events slowly played in her head. She couldn't quiet fathom what has happened to her. He eyeballs moved back and fourth behind the closed lids as she heard some voices. It was a woman's voice speaking to somebody.
"How is she now?"
"She is getting better. I reckon she will be awake soon. Please give her proper medications on time. She is still very weak mentally and physically but overall another couple of days of good rest will cure her."
"Okay, thank you doctor"
Madhu quietly listened to the strangers voices. She knew she was not home, that was not her mother or even her sister. Where is she? What happened to her? How did she get here? All of these unknown questions made her head pound with pain. She slowly raises both of her head to stop the pain, in full force she opens her eyes screaming. Everything in front of her was blurry all that mattered to her was her pain. She couldn't see anything beyond that.
"What happened."
Madhu yet again heard the same woman's voice, she tried to look ahead at the source. She saw faint images of a woman running toward her.
"Please lie down. I will message your head"
"Maa" Madhu smiles as she felt gentle touch of the woman's hands on her head gently messaging her just like her mother used to do when she was little. Madhu closes her eyes enjoying the touch after so many days. The touch made her forget her pain and the loneliness she went through these past couple of months. Soon she fell into deep slumber remembering her mother.
RK paced the room anxiously as he waited for the guy that last saw Madhu. He wanted to hear everything from beginning from his mouth. He wanted to visualize Madhu's state, her helplessness and the fear she had in her eyes trying to run away from those guys. Police was trying to find the car location and within one hour he would know where she is but that one hour seems so far off. He couldn't wait. Only he knows how he spent this one day without her. Only he knows how he spent every minute, second and hour without her. What was happening to him? Why did he feel so alone without her? He felt a hand on his shoulder stopping him in his movement.
"If you walk anymore there will be hole on the ground. Relax yaar am sure police will find Mandu"
RK looks at his cousin with a faint smile. Somehow his words of assurance did nothing to him. He knew he won't be able to rest without actually having Madhu in front of him. He needed to see her to find the peace.
"hmm" (The only word that was able to come out of his mouth at this moment)
"She can't go that far whoever took her I will be sure to punish them. Don't worry."
"Sir, they are here"
RK quickly looks toward the door where Bittuji brought a guy with him. He was a poor person from his dressing and his face. He was as skinny guy where his bones were visible even from few feet away. He wore a torn undershirt with lungi draped around his waist. He folded his hands in fear in front of RK as if he was about to be killed. Arnav takes out some cash from his pocket placing it gently into the guy's hand. The guy looks at the cash with tears blessing the Arnav with happiness.
"Thank you, sir"
"Don't thank us just yet. Tell us everything that you saw or else we would put you in jail" (RK smirks as he sits down."
"I was just coming out of the jungle carrying tree branches on my head to sell off at the local market when I saw a women come out of the jungle. She was scared and struggled to walk. I knew something terrible had happened to her from her torn sari, her hands and face covered with mud and dirt. I was just about to yell for help when a car came out of no where hitting her. I saw an old woman getting out of the car helping the poor girl. I don't know where the lady took her but I was able to write down the plate number."
"Bittuji make sure to give him his award and track down the car number." (Bittuji nods his head before leaving with the guy)
"RK dont worry now we are so close to getting Madhu. I will be back. I am going to help Bituji and let you know."
Arnav places his hand on his shoulder before leaving. Rk closes his fists in anger and helplessness of not being able to do anything. Now it was all a waiting game. He wont spare the people that took madhu with them, that much he was sure of.
Madhu felt like she was in heaven feeling the soft touches of someone messaging her head kicking away her headache slowly. She felt like her mom was with her, caressing her, pampering her just like when she was little. She still remembers whenever she got sick or even got a mild headache her mom would take coconut oil and messaged her head while telling her fairy tale stories to keep her mind occupied. She so wished she was a little girl again to hear the same stories again.
"How does that feel beta"
Madhu heard the lady's voice. It was soft and caring. She could tell the lady was worried for her. Madhu slowly raised her hand, while still keeping her eyes closed, and touched her hand that rested on top of her head. A smile crept on Madhu's face not wanting to ruin the moment by opening her eyes.
"Chief, lets go. We got the licence plate number traced. We have the address"
"let me see the address" (Arnav grabs the piece of paper looking at the address with shock. He looks back at RK who was coming toward him while keeping his eyes on the paper he held in his hand.) "umm RK how about Bittuji and I go to get Madhu while you stay home to prepare for the welcome"
"Arnav I won't rest until I see Madhu for myself. God knows who's place she is at and with whom"
He said the last part in anger and disgust. He wanted to give Madhu benefit of doubt that she could be in trouble and in fact he was pretty sure what the guy said about her was true but still knowing that she is in some strange person's home made his blood boil. What if the old woman grabs girls from the road like this and sell them? Just the thought of someone else touching what belongs to him made him more fury with anger and jealousy. He grabs the paper from Arnav's hand and leaves without giving him a chance to speak again. Arnav shakes his head sending a small prayer knowing what will transpire soon.
Madhu slowly opens her eyes when she no longer felt the woman's hand on her head. She was missing that touch, the woman's hand was like a medicine for her wounds. That was what she exactly needed after what she went through for the past couple of months. she had almost forgotten what it is liked to be loved by someone. What it is like to have that soft and caring touch.
Madhu slowly sits on the bed after realizing she was alone. She looked around her surroundings. It was a big room and very simply decorated just like she would have done. Across from her was a big wooden dresser with a flat screen tv. To her right was a makeup counter with full length mirror that captures everything. To her left was a big window that covered the whole wall giving her the view of the garden and the ocean across from the garden. The whole room seemed cozy and quiet warm. She felt some kind of peace in this strange house but who's house was she in? And where?
Slowly, she tried to get off the bed when she noticed a cast on her left leg. She wanted to go to the window and enjoy the fresh air. She wanted to feel free for little bit. She felt so peaceful and wanted to enjoy it as much as she could. She removed the blanket from herself while looking toward the window enjoying the view.
"You are finally awake after a whole day"
Madhu looks toward the door when she heard the same gentle voice while she was asleep. The lady smiled while carrying a tray with food on it. Madhu smiles looking at the sweet lady before her. She wore a simple sari and adorning symbols of her marriage. The lady settles the tray at the corner of the bed before sitting besides her. She touches Madhu's head and face checking for her fever.
"Everything looks good. Here I brought you some soup. Have some, it will give you some strength."
"Where am I? How did I get here?"
"I found you on a road near some jungle area while I was going to a temple. Your clothes were disheveled and on the verge of fainting. I brought you back to my home. Beta were you in some danger? What were you doing all alone in that area?"
Madhu closes her eyes remembering the dreadful moments she soon wanted to forget. She felt the lady's hand on her shoulder assuring her. She was signaling Madhu not to continue on if she doesn't have to. Madhu touches her hand lightly that was on her shoulder as a thank you.
"Anyway, I hope you don't mind but I changed your clothes and gave you one of my old sari. Doctor said that you have sprained your ankle again. Did you have any injury on the right foot before, recently?" Madhu remembers her ankle being hurt thanks to RK. She pulls the blanket away to see a ankle cast on her right foot. "You have to wear that for some weeks. Your ankle is really weak due to same injury again."
"Thanks for your help. I will leave as soon as I can. I don't want to be a burden."
"You can leave when you feel like it. There is no hurry. For now, please eat."
Madhu was about to take a spoon when someone knocked on the bedroom door. There was a lady dressed in: expensive designer sari, heavy makeup, hair nicely done according to her outfit and wearing matching jewelry; looking at Madhu with anger. Madhu frowns her face trying to remember if she did anything wrong to the lady in the past for her to show her displeasure towards her.
"Ohh she is finally awake. Am glad. Anyway, one of the servants told me someone is at the door. I would go and check but uhh I have some important work to do." (She looks at Madhu one more time before leaving.)
"She is my daughter-in-law thodi is pagal hai par dil ki aachi hai. Its just that she doesn't show it much on her face" (Madhu smiles) "I will be right back let me check who came. Until then finish your soup" (She touches Madhu's head before leaving)
RK looks at the house in front of him where Madhu might be. No, she has to be there. He could feel her presence, damn did that sound insane or what. Wonder what kind of games she is playing with him. He was suppose to be punishing her not the other way around. Whatever the case is, he won't spare her after she is home.
"Rk listen, I will go to the door and check. You stay right here"
"No. I will go. After all it is my responsibility, as a husband, to make sure my dear wife is safe and sound with me. If she is not with me, then with who she is with is also my responsibility. Right, Bittuji?"
"Right, sir"
"Arnav you can stay here but I am going"
Arnav sighs and shakes his head. There was going to be a big storm as soon as that door opens. Now, the question was should he stay and watch the storm from the car or embrace it head on? He looks at RK ringing the door bell. RK turns around looking at Bittuji getting aggravated when no one opened the door for the past five minutes. He was about to walk away when he heard a click of the door lock being opened.
"How can I help you..."
"Who is it"
RK turns around to see the last person he had hoped to see. The lady looks at RK in tears and slowly walks towards him. She was about to touch his face when Bittuji steps forward stopping her. RK goes to sit in his car signaling Bittuji to handle the matter.
"Wohh uhh did you find a girl last night in the jungle area?"
The lady ignores him and keeps looking toward the car where RK sat. Both look at one another before RK slowly pulls up his car window hiding himself from her.
"Ma'am the girl?" (BIttuji pushed her again wanting to get away from this awkward situation as soon as possible.)
"Who is she to you?"
"She is my wife." (Bittuji turns around looking at RK who stood there with anger.) "Now, tell me where is she?"
"Why don't you come inside?"
"If I wanted to see you I would've found out where you live but I didn't. Now, the girl?" (The lady looks down hurt by RK's words. She slowly moves aside letting RK inside. RK smirks as he looks at the lady's tears.) "Which way?"
"She is up the stairs RK."
"aahh Bittuji just what I needed to see to ruin my day...like one face was not enough" (he looks at the lady with a smile who just runs inside unable to take the insults anymore. Aranav steps infront of RK guiding him up the stairs before he could do anymore damage.)
"why don't you find Madhu and I will take care of the situation down here"
"I will speak with you later but first I have to find my dear wife. Bittuji get the car ready. I want to get out of this place as soon as possible. I feel so dirty in this house"
"wife?" (the woman looks at RK going up the stairs with confusion. She looks at Arnav standing next to her with anger)
Madhu laid on the bed as she enjoys the little bit of sunshine through the window. It seemed like years since she felt this free and relaxed. She felt some kind of peace from the lady that took care of her like her own daughter. She missed her mother so much but was glad to feel the same mothers love after a while. Madhu wished that things would be different but she knew better; things will never be the same anymore.
She looks toward the door feeling weird, the anxity was coming back when she used to be near RK. Madhu sits up on the bed supporting herself on her arms while looking at the half closed door. Why is she expecting RK to show up on the other side of the doorway? Does she miss him? Does she want him to find her? Why is her heart beating so fast? Is it because of hoping to see him again? Or is it fear? She closes her eyes to remove any doubt or things she is thinking of; this is not an option for her now.
RK goes from one room to another. He didn't want to be in this house anymore. He hated this house and every person living in this house. All the memories that he had blocked were flashing before his eyes. He doesn't want to be the person he used to be. No. Not in this stage of his life. He can't afford to be shown as weak. Only one person was responsbile for this mess-Madhu. Out of all the places and houses to be in, she chooses this house and this person. He slams open all the doors in anger. Everytime he finds an empty room, his anger increases. He looks at the end of the hallway-the only room left. Slowly, he walks toward the door, he could already sense Madhu's presence from that room. He stood at the half opened door at Madhu who half sat on the bed with her eyes closed.
He opens the door all the way walking up to her slowly without taking his eyes off of her. It felt like forever since he last saw her. He noticed dark spots underneath her eyes. Has she not been sleeping properly? He sits at the corner of the bed. Madhu opens her eyes when she felt a little pressure on the bed. It was RK. Can this be her dream? Both look at one another somewhere feeling relieved to be close to each other again. Both were unaware as to how real this actually is. RK raises his hand slowly touching her face, Madhu presses her face against his palm feeling his hot touch again.
"RK"
She whispers. RK comes out of his thoughts quickly removing his hand from her face. What was happening to him? Why did he touch her like that? He noticed she was wearing different clothing and very comfortable while, he, spent the past day like hell thinking she might be kidnapped. RK puts his one hand flat against her back pulling her closer toward his body. Madhu jolts her eyes open realizing she is not dreaming. He really is here. RK smirks as their faces were mere inches away from one another.
"you..." (That was all Madhu could say. Her heart was elated to be this close to him again while her mind and body shouted to stay away from him. Her body wanted to push him away but her heart stopped her. Was she missing this warmth?)
"I...your husband. You thought you could run away from me?" (Madhu didn't registeer anything he was saying. All she felt was his warmth and closeness; even the pain he was inflincting on her back with his finger nails didn't register. In fact, she liked the pain. She felt like she was dreaming seeing him this close to her) "you know Madhu no matter how much pain I try to give you...you end up giving me the most pain. Do you like being in pain? Hmm?" (Both look at one another...there were different emotions in his eyes then of what he spoke of. His voice is full of anger but his eyes says something else. He pushes her back until she hits her head on the bed post.)
"We are leaving now and this time I will make sure you dont too far away from me until I complete my revenge. Now, lets go"
"RK woh"
"Enough Madhu...I said lets go."
"I can't...my leg.."
RK lifts up the blanket and notices a cast on her leg. "Looks like this is your favorite foot to get injured on or maybe you like the fact of me carrying you that makes you get hurt on purpose? Which one is it?"
"Shut up...I didn't ask for your help nor I would need your help. I could manage on my own."
"Meow...still didn't loose your catiness skills" (he smirks as he lifts her up in his arms. Madhu looks away from his intense eyes and focused her energy on her hatered for him, if that was any possible now.) "Lets go home"
Pati Patni Aur Panga
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
