It was pretty late when she came back home after her shift. There was an audit happening soon, so despite the store closing at 8, they had to stay back till 10 to prepare for the audit. She was expecting Rishi's angry call to ask her why she is late..but she was surprised that he had neither called her nor pinged her after she ignored his call when she was with Abhay.
Lakshmi was feeling uncharacteristically low..the last few days whirled in her mind, them kissing in the supply room, the dance, his anger and confession that he hated seeing her with anyone else..him crying in her arms.. and then him holding Malishka's hands.. Lakshmi's head was throbbing now. What does he want? Why is he so confused..and now he is confusing me too.
Lakshmi was having her dinner alone on the terrace garden area..as everyone had slept off. After finishing her dinner, she decided to sit back and enjoy the cool wind. It was almost half an hour of peace, when it was suddenly broken by Rishi's entry. He had a glass of alcohol in his hands, and a sadness on his face. Lakshmi quickly hid herself from his view. Rishi came and went near the railings, looking at the moon pensively. Lakshmi was shocked to see tears flowing from his eyes - what happened to him? Is he alright? Lakshmi immediately wanted to wipe his tears off, but she didn't have the courage. However, she had by mistake hit a pot, which fell with a thud and Rishi saw her. He immediately wiped his tears, embarrassed.
What are you doing here? Are you spying on me? Rishi said in anger
Lakshmi ( strutting) no, I am sorry, I didn't want to bother you with my presence, so I hid.
Rishi nodded pensively, as if registering the hidden meaning to her words
Rishi: Yes, of course.
He swiftly left the terrace, and Lakshmi heaved a breath of relief
To her surprise, he was back in five minutes, and handed her some papers
Lakshmi (bewildered)What is it?
Rishi: our divorce paper. I don't want you to be bound by me, when you clearly want to move ahead. I am no longer to be the reason to keep you away from your love. I know you and Abhay love each other, and I am clearly in your way
Lakshmi scouffed at Rishi's logic, but she didn't wanted to give him any explanation. If she loves Abhay or not is none of his business, and he should realise it.
Rishi was really hurt that Lakshmi didn't counter him. A part of his heart was hoping that Abhay's love is one sided..he has seen Lakshmi's eyes reflecting love for himself, but he realised with dismay that it was when she didn't know the truth. She did love him, or may be the image he had portrayed in the initial days of their marriage. Now she knew he was acting, and so may be her love was never for him, but the Rishi he had painted infront of her.
Rishi wanted to scream at her, to question her on her relationship with Abhay, blame her for everything, but he knew that was not true. This relationship was doomed to end, as it was built on lies and deceit, and that was none of Lakshmi's fault. He was the one to blame, and so he should now gracefully end it, even though it was breaking his heart.
Lakshmi: what about your markesh dosh? We still have 2 months for the year to end.
Rishi: Yes, I know. But now that you have found love, it feels wrong to hold you back. And anyways, to protect me from markesh dosh, it is important that you love me or care for me, atleast this is what the pandit jee has said. Now, i know you don't love or care for me, so you won't be able to protect me anyways. Let's put the divorce request in court, it will anyways take few months to get it done.
Lakshmi had tears in her eyes. She didn't know if she loved him like she loved him when the truth was not known to her, but she did care for him, despite everything. She wanted to say this to Rishi, but her throats had constricted, thinking of all the good memories she had with Rishi. The only thing she could manage was nod and leave
Rishi collapsed on the sofa, now letting himself cry. He wanted her to stop him, to say that she loved only him, and no one else. He wanted her to tear down the divorce paper. But nothing happened. She quietly accepted it. She has moved on for sure. He felt as if someone was tearing his heart away from his body. The pain he felt was nothing like he had felt before. When Malishka was gonna marry Viraj, even then he never felt a pain so strong. Why is it hurting so much?
Rishi closed his eyes and memories of Lakshmi flooded his mind. He was in love with her, he finally told himself the truth, which was looming large in the background, but he didn't had the courage to accept it. And now when he have accepted it, it's too late.
Rishi let another fit of sobs take over him. Why do the Gods hate him? Why? He sobbed and cursed his luck.
