Rishi hugged her tight, as if he was scared that she would evaporate as soon as she left. It took all her strength to break away from the hug, and again create a distance between them.
It's late..we should sleep now. Saying so, Lakshmi went to one side of the bed, and pulled a duvet on her. Rishi stared at her sleeping form, with so many feelings whirling inside him. He was in love with her.. she was in love with him, but still they couldn't be together, and it was all his mistake. She would never take his feelings seriously, she would never hurt Malishka intentionally. He will have to talk to Malishka..she will understand..she would never want to be with me knowing that I have feelings for Lakshmi. He took a deep breath, and then let sleep takeover
The next morning, Lakshmi got up early, and found Rishi's hand on her waist. He had pulled her close during his sleep, and now Lakshmi's heart beat was racing feeling him so close to her. She closed her eyes to calm herself, but his breath fanning on her skin was making her burn with desire. She turned to look at Rishi's sleeping face, and the innocence made her smile. She slowly traced his face, with a longing she had never experienced before. Her eyes now were fixed on his lips, and she suddenly felt her throat dried out. "Can I kiss him real quick..he will not know!" she thought, while gathering courage. She moved closer to his lips, when there was a loud bang outside her room, and Rishi woke up with a start. Lakshmi immediately retreated back, and created a distance between them.
"What happened? What was the noise? " Rishi murmured, rubbing his eyes in confusion.
"Let me see what it is..also you should get ready, mummy jee would be waiting for you.
Rishi suddenly held Lakshmi's hands and pulled her, making her fall back in his laps.
"We need to talk, Lakshmi. Let's meet in evening today, and talk it out. I know you think I am acting out, but my feelings for you are genuine. I know I have done a lot of mistakes in past, but gimme a chance, please."
Lakshmi nodded her head absentmindedly, not knowing what to say.
Rishi soon left her place, leaving her thinking about their conversation, not knowing which direction life was taking her
Her phone buzzed. It was Varun. She got ready to meet him in the cafe, as she had promised yesterday. She was dreading the conversation, she was dreading breaking Varun's heart, but the fact was, she didn't think it was right to say yes to him just to avoid Rishi. Even if Rishi and her had no future, she can't drag Varun in this mess. She can't marry him while she was in love with Rishi.
Rishi's phone rang and it was Malishka.
"Where are you babe! I came home but you are not here"
Rishi scratched his head nervously "I came to office Malishka. I have some meetings lined up, can we meet at 4 near our office"
Malishka could feel something was not right. Rishi was never this formal with her. She said yes to Rishi, but her mind was already buzzing.
Rishi: I will have to talk to Malishka. I know I am hurting her, but it's better to hurt her once than lying to her constantly. She will understand, she is a mature person, she knows i have not done this intentionally.
Malishka went to the office at 3, an hour earlier than what Rishi had asked her, and on her way, collided with Varun. He looked happy and excited, and Malishka with all sweetness asked her where is he going. Varun shyly replied " To meet Lakshmi"
Malishka: Oh, that's so sweet. She is a gem of a person. Unfortunately, life has been harsh to her. You know na she is getting divorced soon. She needs a nice guy like you in her life. Be with her, even if she says no, she needs someone like you in her life
Varun was caught off guard by the news of Lakshmi's divorce. His resolve to help Lakshmi move on from her sad mairrage deepened.
Varun nodded his head, and said thanks to Malishka for always thinking well for Lakshmi.
Malishka:"Where are you two meeting?"
Varun: In the cafe next door. I should get going. She would be there any minute now
Malishka smiled at her luck. She has to strike before it is too late
Rishi got a message from Malishka that she is in the cafe next door, and he should come and meet her there. Rishi didn't wanted that, he didn't wanted her to create a scene outdoors, but reluctantly agreed.
Malishka had intentionally taken a seat where they would have a clear view of Varun and Lakshmi table. They were already sitting talking and laughing over something. This is what Malishka wanted.Rishi came in, and initially he just wanted to get done with the conversation, but Malishka very smartly made them engage in small talks.
Suddenly Malishka pointed toward Lakshmi's table: Arre ye to Lakshmi hai na
Rishi attention went to the table, and he was shocked to see Lakshmi and Varun laughing together in a corner. There was big bouquet of red roses on the table, and a gift for Lakshmi. Rishi could feel his blood boiling.. yesterday i told her that i have feelings for her, and today she is on a date with Varun
Malishka: Wow, not bad for Lakshmi. I used to think she was in love with you, but the speed with which she has moved on with Varun, doesn't seem she ever had any feelings for you. I always told you, these small town girls are practical in life.
Rishi could see red. She is playing with my feelings. She is taking revenge on me for the lies I told her. Malishka is right, she is not as naive as I thought her to be. Rishi could feel a pain surge though him, as though someone was stomping on his guts. This is what heartbreak feels like.
Lakshmi was perplexed internally, but was smiling outside. She wanted to tell Varun everything, but Varun was in such a happy mood, she was not having the guts to spoil it. So she thought she can tell him some other time. Right now, they were reliving their old days in the village, and that brought real laugh and smiles. She had no clue she was being watched by Rishi.
Malishka: Anyways, let it all be. You wanted to talk to me about something
Rishi could form no thoughts in his head. He just looked at a smiling Lakshmi, and feel his heart crumble.
Rishi: Nothing, we can talk later. I just want to go from here
Malishka understood what Rishi was feeling, and it broke her heart a bit to realise that Rishi does have some feelings for Lakshmi, and that is why he can't see her with someone else.
Lakshmi and Varun were having their fav pastry, when Varun saw the cream stuck near her mouth. She is like a kid, he mused happily, and extended his fingers to wipe it away. Lakshmi was too surprised to react, but breaking of a glass pulled her attention. She got the shock of her life seeing Rishi there, with his hands bleeding. Lakshmi immediately rushed to him, followed by Varun
Lakshmi took Rishi's hand in shock.
Oh my god! So much blood! What did you do?
Rishi with his eyes bloodshot with the unshed tear "Don't worry Miss Bajwa, please continue with your date, I can take care of myself"
Saying so, he moved back and left with Malishka, who was now attending his wound, leaving a clueless Lakshmi behind
