The next few days were a blur for Rishi. He didn't have the courage to face Lakshmi anymore, as seeing her made his heart hurt even more, and hence he avoided her like a plague. Malishka tried her best to cheer him up, but sooner or later, she would start ranting about Lakshmi and her boyfriend Abhay, and Rishi's mood would sullen even further. Hence, when the chance came to him to visit Manali's hotel opening, he immediately jumped to it. His dad and family were surprised by his decision, as it was quite a small hotel, and didn't need the owner's presence, but given how on the edge Rishi was these days, nobody had the courage to question him. Lakshmi was perplexed seeing Rishi's anger these days, and she herself didn't know if she was the one responsible for his bad mood. She thought he would be happy after giving her the divorce paper. Isn't this what he had wanted for a long time, to divorce her and go back to Malishka. However, after that day, Rishi looked miserable and angry, and she could never figure out what was going on in his head
It was the day Rishi was leaving for Manali. Malishka was insisting on going along with him, but Rishi was desperate for some me time and hence politely but strictly said a no to her. Malishka tried her usual technique of throwing a tantrum, but to her surprise, this time it had no impact on Rishi. Rishi's mom was also not too happy with this sudden plan, but Rishi had his way of making her give her blessings. Rishi thought Lakshmi would be happy, as she will get more time with Abhay, but she looked kind of sad and worried. Lakshmi was not having a good feeling about this. Her heart was sinking seeing Rishi go, and even when she tried talking him out of it, he didn't budge.
Rishi just wanted to go away from all this heartbreak and mess. When he sat on his flight to Delhi, he finally took a breath of ease. The car journey to Manali was blissful, and although Lakshmi's face kept flashing in his mind, he tried his best to not think about her anymore. The cold air filled his lungs, and a smile crept on his face after days. It took an hour for him to reach his hotel, where he immediately immersed himself in checking if all the arrangement were fine for the opening. He missed Lakshmi already, but sadly admitted to himself that he need to get used to not having Lakshmi around. Soon she will leave him and marry Abhay, and he can do nothing about it.
Lakshmi went to her room after Rishi left, but she was feeling strangely nervous. She has felt the same way during the karwa chauth and she shivered remembering how the snake had bitten Rishi. His markesh dosh was not over yet, it was still couple of months to go before the year was over. Panditji had told that the phase is almost over, so the family had also kind of relaxed now. But today, Lakshmi gut instinct was telling her otherwise. Her phone ringing broke her thoughts, and she was perplexed to see Panditjee calling her. She immediately picked his call, and was aghast when Panditjee told her that the final attack of kaal is gonna happen soon, and she need to make sure she is around Rishi at all time. Lakshmi started shivering like a dry leaf hearing this. Her worst fear was coming true. Rishi was already miles away.
She immediately went to Neelam's room, but was shocked to hear Virendra telling Neelam about avoiding stress as it will trigger her panic attack which can be bad for her heart. Lakshmi was now torn: should she tell Neelam and make her worry, or should she manage on her own.
Lakshmi decided to take matter in her own hands and called Abhay. He immediately got ready to accompany her to Manali, which she was thankful about. Lakshmi made some excuse of going to her chachi place for a few days, and left with Abhay secretly.
It was almost evening when Lakshmi reached Rishi's hotel. It was the opening ceremony party, and the place was looking gorgeous. Lakshmi, however was too bothered to notice the beauty of the place. Her eyes were searching for Rishi, and she wanted to make sure that he is alright.
Rishi was ready for the party and was looking dapper in his suit. The press was already there, and he was pleased to see that everything looked perfect. He sat in a quaint corner overlooking the beautiful mountain, and thought to gave him few moments of peace before the party. He closed his eyes, breathed in the fresh air, and without warning, memories of Lakshmi flooded his mind. Their first meeting, her innocent smile, theri Vada pav date, their wedding, beautiful moments they have spent together, and finally the heart breaking moment when Lakshmi came to know the truth. Tears pooled in his eyes, and he opened them to distract himself. However, he got the shock of his life, seeing Lakshmi infront of him, looking all worried.
Lakshmi rushed to him and hugged him tightly. Rishi was thrown off by her gesture, but then gave in to his heart, and hugged her back.
"Are you alright? Oh God, I was so scared! Mere to Jaan nikal rahe the soch ke mai time pe nahi pahuch paunge"
Rishi didn't understand a word she was saying, but was too happy to have her in his arms to bother about her words. However, his happiness was short-lived, as he saw Abhay enter in the vision periphery, and realised that Lakshmi had come with Abhay. Rishi jaw tightened with anger, and he broke the hug and stepped back
"What are you doing here? Are you here to enjoy Manali with Abhay?"
Lakshmi was not able to understand Rishi and before she could stay anything, Rishi stormed out
