Falling for my guiding star

Chapter 8

"Anu....please yaar...."

"No, Ridhu....This is your business party.....I will not be comfortable..."

"Exactly,... a business party. Your presence will make it more bearable, Anu. Take a little mercy on poor me. "

Before Anu could make further excuses, Priya interferred.

"Anu, why are you being adamant. Go with him. It will be a nice change for you too"

"But Ma, Raunak?"

"What about Raunak? Can't I look after my grandson for one day"

"Yes...! Now you dont have any excuses"

Anu was still in two minds but then she always felt weak before Ridhaan's puppy dog eyes.

"Fine...."

Ridhaan thumped his fist in victory while Anu could only smile away at this childish behaviour.

"So if it is decided then Ridhaan, take Anu for shopping. She needs a dress for the party"

"What is the need for that,Ma? I have several with me"

"Anu, I know what you have and the few ones which is suitable has longggg gone out of fashion"

"But Ma..."

"Why are you arguing, Anu? Ma is right and Ma, you will be proud of your son... I already bought one for Anu"  Ridhaan said with a smug

"Wah....proud of you, son"

" Told you" Ridhaan replied cheekily

"Hmmm....now go and get ready, Madam . We have to leave in two hours....and I am also off to get ready"

*****
Anu's Room

Anu was getting ready but her actions were all mechanical.She was lost in her own thoughts.

"It has been a month since I have revealed to Ridhaan Aman's truth. Instead of breaking,  from that day he has stood by my side as a rock.

Letting me vent out my frustration or pouring out my grief, he kept his word.

These past days were a revelation to me too. I always thought I was over my past but never knew that it has been only lying dormant. With Raunak by my side , I didn't let myself think of the what ifs . He became my whole world but now Ridhaan is expanding my world. He is moving heaven and earth to bring every bit of of happiness at my feet.

I never wanted anyone to support me but I always missed having someone for support.

Some snippets of the conversation that I had with Ridhu flitted through my mind.

"Come on ,Anu...You are speaking like you have become a Dadi Amma....You are a vibrant young woman. Why can't you dream again? I am not asking you to take a leap, start with baby steps"

Ridhu wants me to move on. Take a step to fullfill that broken dream of mine.

Before marriage, I wanted to work not just for family but I love working. But it all took a back seat 10 years ago.

Now Ridhu is being adamant . He is asking me to start again. But why can't he understand,....... I am scared.....my confidence has taken a big beating in these past years......

Can I do it?
What if I fail?
Will I be able to adjust to the new change?

After all it's been 10 years....These questions have been plaguing me from the time of my conversation with Ridhaan....

But maybe like he said....baby steps....

But I am glad that I have him with me. This time, even if I fail, I know he won't let me fall.....

*****

"Anu....where are you...? Come fast , we are already late."

"Coming Baba....you are still the ever impatient Ridhu" came Anu's reply as she walked down towards him.

"Yes, I....." Ridhaan trailed off as his eyes drank the ethereal sight in front.

He knew his Anu look beautiful in sarees and knowing her she would have preferred pastel shades. That is why he brought this peach saree keeping that in mind. But he never thought his vision will fail before the reality. She not only looked beautiful but sexy as hell.

Ridhaan continued staring at her , not able to take eyes from her . If it was in his hands, he would have hidden her from the rest of the world.

Soon , he was brought from his thoughts by snap of a finger.

" Hello...Where are you lost?Now aren't  we getting late?"

"Wh..yes....let's.. lea..ve" Ridhaan stammered

As Anu led the way, Ridhaan followed baffled by what transpired.

What had happened to him back there?

Anu....Sexy? What is he thinking?

Ridhaan....Take a U turn....you are going the wrong path.

Or is he?

Something changed though subtley which Ridhaan was not ready to acknowledge.  Today, he saw Anu , not as just his best friend but as a woman too.

Ridhaan had been always protective and possessive towards his Anu and today also he dismissed it as the same . But there was a major difference . Today the protectiveness and possessiveness was not of a friend for a friend but also of a man towards his woman.

Is this the start of something new?

Will Ridhaan recognize what his heart is craving for?

Is Ridhaan falling for his guiding star?