THE BLOOMING OF LOVE BETWEEN FORCED MARRIAGE

30. Confession

            Rishikesh got up from his seat to go to her room. Rishika told him to call her or Harshada if he need anything. He said, fine and went inside Rutuja's room. All of them knew that they both needed to be with each other for some time. He got inside the room and saw her lying on the bed. He went to her side and took her hand in his. The things she went through for him had bought tears to his eyes. He didn't want to be separated from her as he loved her.

He sat down next to her holding her hand and looking at her peaceful sleeping face. It was rare to see her sleep that peacefully. While looking at her he was battling inside, he wanted to know the truth from her. Suddenly he noticed a movement and saw that Rutuja was moving her fingertips. A minute later she opened her eyes and looked around her. She saw that she was in her room and remembered everything that had happened.

He noticed that she was awake now and it was a relief. He wanted to talk to her about everything that happened before she became unconscious. But, he reminded himself to take it easy as she was just waking up a week after being in an unconscious state. Rutuja noticed that someone was holding her hand and saw Rishikesh beside her. She overcame with emotions that threatened to surface when she saw him.

She tried to sit but, a wave of dizziness overtook and she couldn't. Rishikesh saw that she struggled to get up and helped her to sit. They didn't speak for a few minutes just looking at each other trying to find the correct words to start the conversation. She decided to break the silence and asked "I am guessing that if you are here that means they must have told you about everything that happened". He said, "Yes, Ashish and Aniket told me about all the things as Harshada and Rishika couldn't".

He asked her "Why didn't you tell me about the things that were happening? Don't you trust me?" She said, "I trust you but, things like those can change people". I never wanted that to happen to you. He said, "Why did you suddenly ask me for divorce? Don't you love me?" Listening to his words her emotions were out of control her heart was wrenching with pain; tears had started to stream down her face. When she wasn't able to speak her tears had spoken for her.

He wanted to know what she was truly feeling about him. But, never thought he could ever see her crying like she was at the moment. He looked into her eyes and could see the immense pain, heartbreak as well as guilt inside her. She couldn't resist his eyes anymore and prepared to tell him the truth. She said, "I never wanted a divorce from you. It was just a safety measure I had to take to protect you". I......

He asked, "You really what?" "Tell me, I need to know the truth". With bloodshot eyes, she said, "I love you". He could see the truth in her eyes. He said, "I love you too". He kissed her forehead wiping her tears. But, she was so happy that she couldn't stop crying. He embraced her being careful about her injury and gently stroked her back to calm her down.

When she was calm enough she parted from his embrace and said, "Thanks Rishikesh, you are the only thing that keeps me sane in this chaos. I am blessed to have you as my life partner. He said, "I am blessed too as I have a wonderful wife like you". She blushed when he called her wife. Rishikesh noticed her quick reaction to his words he smiled at her and said, "From now on we will be tackling the things together and no hiding". She nodded in agreement.

All the things between them had been resolved and they were happy to be with each other; to support each other through whatever will come their way. Together they would be more assertive. Rishikesh said, "Now seeing that all the things have resolved between us I should go and tell others that you are awake now". Rutuja said, "Sure, go ahead and tell them".

Rishikesh went to the living room and told everyone that Rutuja was awake now. They all saw a smile stretched across his face and knew that they both had managed to tell each other about their true feelings. They went to Rutuja's room and were happy to see her smiling at them. Harshada and Rishika went and embraced Rutuja while the guys were watching them reuniting.

Harshada and Rishika said, "Rutuja promise us that, you won't be in this type of situation anymore". It is hard to see you like that so never do that to us again. She said, "I will try my best not to get in that situation again". I am sorry for causing trouble for everyone. Harshada and Rishika said, "You don't have to say sorry to us we are a family. It doesn't cause any trouble to take care of a family member".

Ashish and Aniket said It's good to see you all back to normal once again. Be like this all the time. The bond formed between all of them was strong. They cared for each other deeply and couldn't see any one of them suffer. Everything was normal now they were smiling in each other's company. They stayed united in the storm and rise victorious from it.

Rishika called Mansi and told her that Rutuja was awake and everything turned out well. She informed all the members of their team and they all were very happy for Rutuja. When she was done Rutuja said, "Harshada and Rishika are you just going to talk or help me out of this bed". Harshada said, "It will be better if you stay in your bed for another week you need to fully recover your health".

Rutuja said, "No, I don't want to spend another week in bed sleeping". Rishika said, "Nonetheless you have to otherwise we won't let you work for two weeks". She said, "Don't do that please I will stay in bed". Harshada said, "That's like a good girl". Guys just smile at their conversation. All of them were feeling blessed at the moment.

They had thought, it would take a little time to get back to normalcy. But, they were wrong. They were back to their usual self in no time as well as contended with the situation. Even after going through all this the bud of their love finally bloomed into a beautiful flower.

                                   * THE END *