Malhotra weds Murthy Revisit to GolMal

Chapter 26 - "Mess of messages..."

Murthy House: 10:30 pm: Harshad's room:

Harshad is lying on his bed resting one of his legs on the other knee. Lines of worry are visible on his forehead. Absentmindedly he is swaying his leg balancing on the knee. He is wondering about what just happened at the dining table. In other words, what just didn't happen. A cyclone. Nandini already has told him that their plan went fruitful. However, the blunder which happened in the courtroom wasn't expected. When he almost got unconscious before watching Rituja getting disappeared with the biker, he couldn't even imagine in his wildest dream that Rituja will witness Nandini and Manik's marriage. And more that, she will give her concern after all these dramas. But the thing is, till now, his Ritumaa didn't ask or tell anything about the matter. At the dinner table, Harshad was observing her and got puzzled to see how she is managing her calmness. It seems that nothing abnormal or unexpected happened during the entire day. And that is bothering Harshad more. It's like the silence before the storm.

"Thok...thok...thok..."

His train of thought gets a halt by the knock at his door. He gets up with a jerk. All family members went to sleep then who may be the person. Nandini? Wondering all these, Harshad opens the door and the sight hitches his breath.

Harshad: "Ritumaa..."

A call of sheer wonder comes out of his open mouth. For a brief second, Rituja keeps on looking into his astonished eyes and then waltzes past him to enter the room.

Rituja: (Demandingly) "Close the door. I don't want anybody to listen to us right now."

Like a robot, Harshad obeys the order. Rituja sits on his bed and gestures to him to occupy the nearby chair. Harshad follows the instruction without uttering any words. His heart is pounding so fast that maybe Rituja can hear the sound. She exhales sharply and directly comes to the point.

Rituja: (Sternly) "I know my children have become big and mature. They have every right to take their life decisions. But still, being a mother, I am bound to ask."

The disquiet is palpable in her voice. Sensing it, Harshad immediately grabs her entangled hands and parts his lips. Rituja meets his apologetic eyes.

Rituja: "Let me conclude, Dear! Do you love someone? Nandu told that you became ready to help her because you didn't want to marry her and love someone else. Now, I want to know who is she because I don't want to witness another blunder done by my children. One drama is enough."

Harshad: (Meekly) "I didn't know that it might turn into a mess. Ritumaa, I tried to tell you but meanwhile, Nandu asked me..."

Rituja: (In a demanding tone) "I have asked you something, Harshad. Before it creates more problems, tell me everything. Do you like someone?"

Harshad breaks eye contact and gets up from his seat. It's time to confess everything. He turns to back face Rituja.

Harshad: (In a shaky voice) "Yes, Ritumaa...she...ahemm...she is Vimesh Appa's student. You know her."

He turns back. His eyes are shining with excitement. Rituja squints her eyes for a moment and then they gradually pop out of their sockets.

Rituja: (Shockingly) "Don't tell me! Is my guess correct? You fell for that girl who once lied to Vimesh about her father and got permission for private tuition?"

Harshad: (Gulp the saliva) "Ananya Gupta. Yes, she lied because she didn't have any other option. Vimesh Appa didn't want to teach her just because she is Professor Manas Gupta's daughter who once defeated Appa in an inter-school debate."