Rishi went out of Lakshmi's room in a completely disturbed state. He was thankful that Malishka was busy with Sonia, and hence he could have some moments of peace. He went to the terrace, made himself a strong drink, and gulped it in one shot. The alcohol burnt his chest, but right now, anything that could numb the ache in his heart was welcome.
He knew Lakshmi would react badly, but he never imagined her words would hurt so much. She really thought of him as being such a low life who could make a girl pregnant and abandon her. She was ready to marry Varun just to get away from him. How could she do this to him? How could she do this to herself? What is wrong with this girl?
He punched the wall in his frustration, and let out a cry in pain. This girl is making me crazy, he thought, while putting some ice on his now slightly swollen fist.
Lakshmi's tear-stuck face appeared in front of Rishi. "One sided love is not love Rishi, what do you want me to do, stay alone my whole life"
Lakshmi was right. He was being unfair to her. She deserves much more than he can offer. He has another glass of whiskey, and slumped on the couch. Tears rolled down his cheeks.
"What the hell am I doing? Why is my life so complicated? What do I want? I love Malishka..I have loved her since we were teenager..we have grown up together..she loves me so much that she let me marry another woman to save my life..and how am I repaying her..by kissing another woman and not even feeling guilty about it"
"And Lakshmi..all I felt for her was irritation, and sometimes pity. How did I start caring for her. When did I start looking forward to spending time with her, admiring her smile and innocence. Now, all I can think about is her..the kiss..her breathe mingling with mine..our skin imprinted with each other's touch. The thought of her marrying Varun is killing me. What do I do now?
He gulped another glass, and wiped his tears. "I don't know what I want or what I am feeling for Lakshmi..but I for sure know that I need to be honest with Malishka. I need to take responsibility of my actions"
Rishi heaved himself up with difficulty, as he was already drunk. He got himself down to Sonia's room somehow. Malishka came out and was surprised to see a drunk Rishi..whose eyes were bloodshot. She was already having a bad feeling about this.
"Kya hua Rishi, what's wrong" Malishka asked.
Rishi had tears in his eyes, and all the events from last night flashed infront of his eyes. "There is something I wanna tell you Malishka"
Suddenly, Lakshmi appeared out of no where and told Rishi that babujee is looking for him urgently. Rishi, though confused, said to Malishka "I will come back and speak to you" and left for his dad's room. Malishka looked at Lakshmi with some doubt, but Lakshmi hurried away.
Rishi was in the corridor near his dad's room, when Lakshmi held his hand, and pulled him to the terrace.
"Are you out of your mind Rishi..I told you not to mention anything to Malishka..this will end your relationship..do you even realise that? Lakshmi shook Rishi's shoulder, as if waking him up.
Rishi couldn't help but admire her beauty..those lively eyes filled with anger right now, her long dark hair flowing with the slight wind..those inviting lips..all he wanted to do was to kiss her..
"Rishi".. Lakshmi shook him again "you are drunk..that's why you are taking this foolish step. I am telling you again, let's move on, and forget what happened yesterday"
Rishi came closer to her, which made her nervous. He had a strange look of hurt on his face. Lakshmi moved back, but soon she was against the wall..and Rishi too close to her, giving her no space to escape. Lakshmi heartbeat quickened..and she closed her eyes in fear. Rishi slowly touched her face, and lifted her chin up, coaxing her to open her eyes and meet his. As soon as their eyes met, Lakshmi felt as if she was in a trance, unable to blink.
"Would you be able to forget what happened yesterday so easily?" he asked, while his fingers slowly roamed on her face, teases her lips in a sensual way.
"Would you be able to let Varun touch you like you are letting me?" his finger was now replaced by his nose, touching her face, while his hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer.
"Do you really want me to forget this and move on?" Rishi was creating tremor of pleasure in Lakshmi's body with his ministrations, and despite all her strength, Lakshmi was all but human. She closed the gap, and kissed him on his lips. Rishi was like a hungry lion, waiting for this very moment, and he pouched back claiming her lips urgently.
Soon, Rishi's hands were in Lakshmi's hair, pulling her closer and they kissed each other senseless. He pushed her on the couch, and was on her, kissing her collar and then her lips, leaving his marks on the trail. It was when he started tugging on her top to open it, when Lakshmi gained her sense and pushed him.
Rishi stumbled back, but still held her dupatta. He saw Lakshmi, looking dishelved, with a shock on her face.
"We can't be near each other. We have gone mad. We can't let this happen. This is wrong. We are wrong. Please, just please, don't say a word to Malishka. I will sort this out" Lakshmi said, and rushed back to her room.
Rishi was too shocked to react, and he slumped right there on the coach.
Rishi got up quite late and was surprised to see himself on terrace. He quickly went back to his room, showered and changed and went to the dining hall. He had to talk to Lakshmi. It was clear to him. How much ever he tried to deny it, he was in love with her. When they kissed yesterday, it was just not physical. Rishi imagined his whole life with her, and felt emotions he had never felt for Malishka. He could no longer lie to himself. He was in love with Lakshmi.
Ayush, have you seen Lakshmi?
Yes Bhai, she went to her chacha's place. Varun, that guy from our office, was here to pick her up. Strange, how do that know each other Bhai?
Rishi slumped on the chair, completely disappointed. Lakshmi's voice echoed in his ears " we can't be near each other, i will sort it out"
