Day of Rebirth
Life is a funny thing; one never knows what lies ahead at the next curve. You are never truly prepared for the next obstacle or the challenge that comes your way. Rishabh and Madhubala Kundra's lives were filled with thorns, twists and turns at every curve. A moment of happiness was paid for with months of heartache. Since RK's stabbing things had gotten progressively worst. RK's accusations increased daily and so did the fights; by the end of the movie RK & Madhu were barely on speaking terms. Pabho and Deepali's instigation against Madhu worked, they filled RK's ears and he began to speak their language. Due to RK's limited mobility Madhu was doing all the promotions for the movie outside of Mumbai. The night before Madhu was to leave for Delhi, they had another one of their heated arguments. RK's insecurities were getting worst day by day. Neither could recall what started the argument; lately they didn't much to start fighting.
"That's really what you think of me isn't? I have no character; this was all a grand plan of mine to become a star, starting with Mukund's accident. I set everything up and like a little lamb you fell in my trap right? You know the funny RK, I just realized that you have never trusted me, not even for a moment else you wouldn't question my love for you. But I'm tired and I'm done explaining myself and I'm done defending myself to a man who simply doesn't carry about anyone but himself," fumed Madhu.
"Please don't try to act...," RK fired back but was cut off by Madhu.
"I'm tired and I have an early flight tomorrow morning," Madhu interjected as she turned off the lights then turned away from RK and went to sleep.
RK awoke before the sun to find the space next to him empty. "She left without saying anything?" fumed RK as he reached for the TV remote.
He flipped the channels till he decided on one of the early morning talk shows that was recapping an interview with Madhu from earlier in the morning.
Reporter: Your name is that of a classic beauty, Madhubala. How do you want to be known in the industry?
Madhu: My name is linked with a legend of yesteryear but I prefer to be known by my full name, which has a current legend linked to it.
Reporter (with a smile): You mean your husband, Superstar RK.
Madhu smiles and nods in the affirmative.
"Good answer, Biwi. Keep your name in the limelight by adding mine," RK spoke to the TV with a smile and a scathing tone.
Reporter: We have seen in you western clothes in the film but elsewhere you are always very traditional, why?
Madhu: The character required me to be in western clothing, I personally prefer our traditional clothing. It's a personal choice because there is nothing wrong with wearing western clothing as long as you don't forget where you are and where you have come from.
Reporter: I understand your comfort with Indian wear but why the need for the typical bahu look?
Madhu: In all honestly because I am a typical bahu. I don't wear the sindoor and my mangalsutra to flaunt anything. I wear it because what they represent means the world to me.
"You just won the admiration of everyone that's 30 and over. The parents love you because you are a bahu and the rest love you because you love me," RK piped in his comment.
Reporter: It's easily visible how much you love your husband, as the world knows today is his birthday and yet you are here? Did you get him something special or something special planned for his birthday?
"Sorry world, your Madhubala isn't as sweet as she sounds. She couldn't even wake me up to wish me this morning, that's how much she loves your Superstar," RK taunted the TV as he shut it off without waiting for Madhu's reponse.
RK sauntered towards the middle of the room as Patil walked in with a tray. Sadly before RK acknowledged Patil, Deepali walked in, took the tray from his hand and offered it to RK; a cupcake with a candle to wish him a happy birthday. RK was pleased that at least someone remembered his birthday, not that he would ever let Deepali have that satisfaction.
"So nice of you to wish your devar, Bhabhiji," RK insulted Deepali.
As RK made his way downstairs, he noticed the dining table set with all of his favorite dishes.
"WOW Pabho! You have made all of my favorite things," RK spoke enthusiastically.
As in films, life too has silent observers; RK Mansion was no exception. There were a few silent observers who witnessed the good, the bad and the ugly taking place within these walls the last few months.
The silent observers will speak when the time is right, strike when the iron is hot. As the "family" sat for breakfast; hushed comments could be heard from Deepali and Pabho about Madhu's lack of presence at home for RK's birthday.
Mangesh and Patil were in RK's room clean when RK came and caught their quiet conversation.
"All this hard work for someone who doesn't even appreciate it or recognize it," Patil spoke as he dusted.
RK was ready to storm in and call their PACK UP till Patil's next statement stopped him in his tracks.
"Bhabhiji made the cupcake for Chief but that witch took it and claimed it as her own and Chief was none the wiser," Patil spoke.
I agree Patil. Bhabhiji stayed up all night making all of Chief's favorite things and Pabho took credit," Mangesh ranted.
"The driver told me she went to mandir before leaving for the airport to do puja for Chief's birthday and he thinks she has forgotten," Mangesh spoke angrily.
"Neha told me Bhabhiji was holed up in the entertainment room for a few hours yesterday too," Patil trailed off as he heard footsteps. Once RK was in sight both men scurried away not wanting to feel lava from the constantly erupting volcano.
RK in a daze slowly walked into the entertainment room. As he flicked on the lights and took in his surroundings he was not only hit by shock but by guilt as well. The room was beautifully decorated for a private birthday celebration; balloons, streamers, confetti, banners and much more. How could he have doubted her? How could he believe that she would choose herself over him and over their relationship? How could he think so wrong of her? She has never wronged him since their first meeting but just last night he blamed her for everything wrong in his life. Where was his responsibility? He wasn't completely innocent in all of these incidents; if he was honest he was the instigator. As those thoughts swirled in RK's mind, he slowly slumped onto the couch.
As RK ran his hand through his hair frustrated and unable to conceive next plan of action, his eyes landed on Madhu's face on the projector; a post-it on the projector screen stating "Play Me."
RK hit play and Madhu's face came alive on the screen.
Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Rishabh! Happy Birthday to youuu!!!
I know you thought I forgot but how could I forget such an important day. I just wasn't sure if you wanted me to wish you first. I'm just not sure about anything anymore. All we do is fight. I can't seem to do anything right. I wasn't sure what to give you for your birthday, wasn't sure you would accept my gift. Me being with you doesn't make you happy, me leaving you doesn't make you happy so I hope this will. I've talked with Bittuji about this and he says it will be okay to make the announcement once the movie has been out for a few months. I'm planning to announce my retirement from films. RK Productions' first film will be my first and last film. I know I should have discussed this with you but I never wanted this and you don't want it for me either. I do hope this news bring a smile to your face.
Happy Birthday Pati! Remember your Jungali Billi loves you always.
Madhu gave a flying kiss then the screen went to blur. RK cleared the liquid that had collected in his eyes and yelled for his mother, Bittuji, Mangesh, Patil, Ramesh and Neha.
"Bittuji, I want you to book the next flight to Delhi for the seven of us," RK ordered.
Before Bittuji could question him, RK ordered again, "Go! Now Bittuji!"
"Ma, Mangesh, Patil, Ramesh and Neha, I want you to go straight to the Delhi house and get it cleaned up and decorated for my birthday party. The news of us going to Delhi or the party in Delhi shouldn't leave this room; if anyone hears of this, the four of you will be a packed up, understand?" RK explained.
By 2pm, they had landed in Delhi. RK and Bittuji made their way towards a shopping mall where Madhu was making an appearance at 3pm. The rest of the clan made their way toward the house and began preparations. By the time RK and Bittuji reached the shopping mall, Madhu had already arrived and was in the middle of a Q and A with the reporters and fans. RK wanted to be by her side, he needed to protect her from these vultures; his Biwi was too innocent, too loving for this industry. But he also knew barging in will also hurt her, make her think he didn't trust her, trust her enough to handle these promotional events on her own like he had said many times before; so he waited in the shadows as she took question after question with ease but he could tell she was terrified, he could read her eyes.
Fan: Madhubala, how is Anamika different from you?
Madhu: Anamika is a complete opposite of me. She is an extrovert, she is modern and her thinking is also modern but deep down she still has those core values about our culture. I prefer the quiet time at home with my family versus this world of lights and camera. I'm more comfortable in a saree then in a gown. I don't need a statement necklace because the one I wear makes a statement on its own.
Fan: Can you wish Superstar RK a happy birthday from me?
Reporter (jumping in before Madhu could answer): Madhubala, why are you here? Why aren't you spending today with RK on his birthday? Why aren't you with him? Are there problems in your marriage?
Madhu stood shocked not knowing how to answer the question; she couldn't let the world know the heartbreak in her marriage. As her eyes moistened, she felt herself being pulled into a side hug. She looked up to see RK besides her with his trademark smirk and sunglasses on with I've got this covered expression on his face.
RK: She isn't with me because I'm with her. We are always with each other even if we are physically apart. She is here to promote our movie which I suggest you all go and see and if you have, see it again.
RK's sudden appearance and jovial banter with the fans and reporters put Madhu to ease. In no time the event was over and she was headed to her car to go back to the airport.
RK caught up with Madhu at her car. "Madhu, ride with me. I have something to show you."
"Please RK. I'm tired and exhausted. I just want to go home and sleep. I don't have the energy to follow you around on whatever idea you have had on a whim," Madhu pleaded.
"Just once more follow me on this whim of mine. I promise all of your exhaustion will fly away," RK hoped.
Madhu didn't even have the energy to argue anymore between her fights with RK and her busy schedule, she was lucky she was standing up at all.
As the car pulling into the Delhi house, Madhu looked at RK questioningly.
"This is our Delhi Farmhouse," RK answered her silent question.
RK escorted Madhu into the house, the house was beautifully decorated but RK took Madhu up the stairs to their temporary room.
The room too was beautifully decorated, almost identical to the decorations Madhu had done in the entertainment room.
"RK, what is all these?" Madhu asked as she took in her surroundings.
"What Biwi? You thought you would get away from celebrating my birthday with me by leaving a video message?" RK asked with a raise eyebrow.
Madhu rubbed her temples, took a calming breath before she spoke, "I'm tired RK. I really don't want to fight with you, especially today. So can we please just drop it before either of us say something we don't mean." And she began to walk away from him.
A soft sorry was all she heard, she stopped and turned around to find RK holding his left ear with his left hand.
"I know I screw up more times than I like to think I do. I also know I always say I won't do it again and yet I do the same thing again and again. I wish I could blame it all on my frustration, my insecurities and the fact that I'm scared but that's not true. The truth is you are the only one I trust to never leave me. I'm afraid that if I don't have anything, fame, fortune, able body; you too will leave me. I know it's illogical because I know you and those things never mattered to you but fear is fear. Once the idea is there, it festers till it destroys everything good around it. My heart knows the truth but trying to get my head to accept that has been near impossible. Too many times I have put my heart out and too many times people have crushed it, people have taken an advantage. I know you would do neither but I also know that no matter how I behave you can see the real me, you can see my pain. I know that you won't leave when I get like this because I have been worst with you. I can learn to live with losing everything but I will never learn to live without you Madhu and I really don't want to."
Madhu just looked at RK standing tall yet she could easily see the slump in his shoulders, eyes wide but how had she missed the dark circles? She continued staring; taking him in as if this was the first time she had seen him in years as tears trickled down her face.
She walked up to him took his hands in hers before she spoke, "I understand your frustration and your anger may be not fully but I do. I can't see you in pain because when you are in pain, I'm in pain but I can't be your punching bag. I can take whatever abuse Pabho, Deepali or the world throws at me because I don't care for them the way I care for you. Your words, they hurt, they cut because I feel that even if the rest of the world is against me as long as you are with me I am safe. But when you are the one attacking, I'm cornered I have no place to go but to endure the pain and it hurts a million times more because it's coming from you." Madhu caressed his face as she continued, "I just don't know what to do anymore. Any suggestions I make you refuse then how will we move forward? You have to listen to the physical therapist, do the exercises. I know you will hate me for saying this but so much has happened to you in the last few months, may be you need to talk to someone, those feelings need an outlet. I'm always here to listen but maybe I'm not the right person, I'm too close to the situation. We need to do something, else we will keep repeating this vicious cycle and it will destroy us both in the end."
RK wiped the tears from Madhu's eyes as he vowed, "I will try my damndest. If I fail I will try again and again. If I fall I will get up and if I fall again I will get up again. I need you to keep remind me that I'm worth the love you shower on me; I'm a good man who deserves happiness in life. I'm willing to fight for our dreams as long as you are with me Madhu."
Madhu smiled through the tears, hugging RK she confirmed, "I promise to never leave your side." She was RK's Biwi so she tried her hand at distressing the situation. "So all this, pointing to the dcor of the room, isn't for me; so shall we cut the cake before Bittuji interrupts us? Plus I know Ma is also waiting for us to start the celebration down stairs."
The duo chuckled as they moved towards the cake. On the day of his birth RK vowed to be reborn for those that loved him for all his goodness and for his innumerable faults.
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