The Last Note [ON HOLD]

27. HIS CHRISTMAS GIFT.

Trishika's P.O.V:

-"Adv. Malhotra is too expensive, Trish. I won't be able to afford him."
Ritvik said in embarassment and stress, looking at the list of available lawyers in Lucknow, to fight for his case, on the screen of my laptop.

With a hurtful expression and watery gaze, I looked at him and tried to comprehend his expressions.

Just because I don't show it, doesn't mean I'm fine. It hurts me real bad when I see him tensed and on top of that, we have to fake the act of being jolly around people because it's Bhaiya's wedding and noone except us knows about this whole mess, because Ritvik didn't want to burden my family with his shit, especially at this time when everyone is supposed to be happy and enjoying the wedding of their only son.

When I am with Ajey or with other friends, sure I do enjoy every little moment with them and it helps me to forget about all the stress temporarily, but it isn't a permanent solution, right?

-"Rocky, you don't have to worry about the money. I'm right here. It doesn't matter how much money do I have to pay, what matters is you winning this case and eventually your freedom."
I said in a go with concern evident in my voice.

-"Trish I-
I don't know man, I just don't want to be a burde-"
I cut him off between his sentence.

-"Can you fucking shut up, please?! You thought the same when Aditi initially started being a bitch to you and the result? We're here."
I said to him, trying to maintain my composure.

I lone tear escaped his eye but he was quick enough to wipe it off. He isn't the same Rocky I knew, these days. The Rocky I knew was all jolly and happy and carefree, he was never this stressed. Infact, he was a stress-buster. But look at him now, oh my brother! He's no more the same. He's stressed and anxious and vulnerable and all at the same time. Only God knows how he is fighting this terrible battle, managing without anyone, all alone, internally.

The least I can do for him is to find a good lawyer who can fight his case. And we've decided upon one thing, and that is that we would tell about the whole situation to everyone once Bhai's wedding is over.

-"Rocky man, I hate to see you cry! It breaks my heart. I'm right here for you, you don't have to worry about anything."
I said to Ritvik in a hoarse voice but that didn't help and even more tears rolled down his cheeks.

I couldn't help but engulf him into a warm and comforting brotherly hug and he responded to it by saying nothing but crying his heart out on my shoulders.

I calmly rubbed his back and once we pulled out, to lighten the atmosphere,

-"Chup krja ab, aansu ki tanki, aakhien laal ho gyi hain. Stop crying now. Because you know right? Pushpa, I hate tears!''
I said in a dramatic tone and he laughed at it, nodding at me.

-"Now on a serious note, Rocky. Just let Aakash Bhai's wedding get over once, and then you being fine wouldn't be much far away, okay?"
I said to him.

Ritvik nodded at me and muttered a "thankyou".

-"Chalo now, you should sleep. It's already too late. I'll finalize a lawyer for you, don't worry."
I said to him and he left for his room.

I checked my phone and saw a message from Ajey. Well yes, we did exchanged numbers during yesterday's day-out.

Ajey : You there?

Trishika : Yes, you want something?

Ajey : Not really, was just getting bored.