Will I See You Again?

Effusive Anticipation

That bright smiled still remained intact on her face, the next day when she went to shoot for her show.

When she smiled at her costars they smiled at her cautiously in return and maintained a certain distance the whole day.

When paparazzi swarmed around her car after the day's shoot was over, and kept on asking too many personal questions, she only smiled.

She smiled when her sister came back one week later, looking apologetic and ready to field all the annoying calls from their relatives on Rubina's phone.

She smiled seeing all the comments on her social media handles, both hateful and supportive ones.

She smiled when two weeks later, paparazzi stopped buzzing around her too much and found some other controversy to hound on.

She smiled when her parents called and told her that they still loved her. She asked for their forgiveness and they asked for her to be happy, forever.

The smiled faltered a little when three weeks passed and still no news of Rahul or his statements regarding their relationship appeared on TV, social media or anywhere for that matter.

Unlike other times, Rubina didn't try to call Rahul on his phone this time. Instead, she gave him space.

As long as he desired or felt enough to clear his mind.

When the fourth week arrived and quickly went by, that once bright smile almost dimmed, trying to morph into that "picture perfect" smile.

Her real smile rarely appeared. It flickered to life only when her heart reminded Rahul's last words to her mind.

Rubina missed him terribly but she gave him time. She loved him and refused to taint that love with doubts and media's unwanted lies.

She refused to shed even a single tear in self pity or in blaming Rahul for his silence on the whole matter. She knew he was hurt and patience was her companion this time.

Rubina just wished that she could tell him, how much she misses him, how much she loves him and would continue love him till the end of time.

Another month passed and then the last week of the year arrived and along with it, came the news of Rahul's grand concert at the city's grand arena for the 31st night.

Rubina felt... happy hearing the news.

The fact that she now knew that he was alright and ready to perform in such a huge concert was a proud moment for her too. Rubina just... hoped he knew how proud she was, of him.

Her sister accompanied her in the car to the shoot the next few days and sometimes, when she thought Rubina wasn't looking, searched her face, trying to find any doubt or hurt.

It was a little annoying but Rubina kept quiet and decided to be thankful for the company instead. The only exciting thing to look forward to nowadays, was these car rides to the studio.

__________

As the shoot ended and the director announced pack up and a holiday for the next two days, Rubina felt a little lighthearted. Maybe because today she didn't eat her lunch or maybe because the next day was 31st December.

Nevertheless, she dragged her tired body towards her car. As she opened the back door to get in, she noticed her little sister, sitting inside.

"Aren't you getting tired of babysitting me?" Rubina asked tiredly as she got inside.

The driver immediately pulled out of its parking spot and sped up, on its way to defeat the traffic on the highway.

"I'm just returning the favour." The younger sister answered and smiled.