Destiny|| A Rutkarsha Story

20.

मिल के भी हम ना मिले तुमसे ना जाने क्यूँ?
मीलों के हैं फ़ासले तुमसे ना जाने क्यूँ?
अनजाने हैं सिलसिले तुमसे ना जाने क्यूँ?
सपने हैं पलकों तले तुमसे ना जाने क्यूँ?....🥀

~•~

Utkarsha adorned herself in a stunning saree, preparing to leave for Atharva and Avni's destination wedding in Manali. Her mind, however, wandered to the possibility of Rutu's presence. With the IPL season underway, she thought it unlikely that he would attend. Seeking comfort, Utkarsha approached her mother, who was visibly upset.

Utkarsha: (concerned) Mumma, what's wrong?

Sunetra: (sighs) you know Uttu I just want to see you happy I know the things that happened between these few days was not meant to be but that doesn't mean you'll never be happy.

Utkarsha: (reassuringly) I will be, Mumma. After Atharva's wedding, I'll marry whoever you choose for me.

Sunetra: (overjoyed) Really, beta? You'll do that for me?

Utkarsha: (smiling) Yes, Mumma. I promise.

Her mother's face radiates happiness, and she embraces Utkarsha.

                                
***

As Utkarsha stepped out of her car, Atharva greeted her with a warm, welcoming hug. "Hey, Utkarsha! So glad you're here!" he exclaimed, beaming with joy.

Utkarsha smiled, feeling a mix of emotions as she hugged him back. "Congratulations, Atharva! I'm thrilled to be a part of your special day."

As she made her way to her room, Utkarsha's eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the picturesque scenery of Manali. Suddenly, her gaze landed on a familiar figure - Ruturaj, engaged in conversation with Ajit. Her heart skipped a beat as their eyes met, and for a moment, time stood still.

Utkarsha breaks the eyelock, her expression turning icy. She gives Rutu a cold, piercing gaze.

She turns and walks away, leaving Rutu looking frustrated and hurt.

AJIT: (awkwardly) Hey, Rutu, maybe you should...

RUTURAJ: (interrupting) No, Ajit. I need to talk to her.

Rutu follows Utkarsha, determined to clear the air and make things right.

***

Rutu approaches Utkarsha, determined to clear the air.

RUTU: (gentle) Utkarsha, please listen to me. I know there's been a misunderstanding...

UTKARSHA: (interrupting, coldly) I don't want to talk, Rutu.

RUTU: (persistent) Just hear me out. I want to explain...

UTKARSHA: (turning away) I'm not interested.

RUTU: (following her) Utkarsha, wait! Please...

UTKARSHA: (raising her voice) Leave me alone, Rutu!

Rutu stops, looking hurt and frustrated, as Utkarsha walks away, refusing to listen to him.

RUTU: (to himself) How can I make her understand if she won't even listen?

LATER

Rutu tries again to talk to Utkarsha, hoping to break through her defenses.

RUTU: (softly) Utkarsha, please... just five minutes. I promise I'll make it worth your time.

UTKARSHA: (sighs) What's the point, Rutu?

RUTU: (encouraged) That's exactly what I want to talk about. The point is, I care about you, and I want to make things right.

UTKARSHA: ( rolling her eyes) Save it, Rutu.

RUTU: (frustrated) Utkarsha, listen to me! I know I hurt you, but I've realized my mistakes. I want to prove it to you.

UTKARSHA: (bitterly) Prove it? You've had plenty of chances. I'm done, Rutu.

Rutu's face falls, but he refuses to give up.

RUTU: (desperate) Utkarsha, please... don't say that. I'll do anything...

UTKARSHA: ( cutting him off, her voice rising) Anything? Really? Well, here's something - leave me alone! Forget I exist!

Rutu looks crestfallen, the hurtful words piercing his heart.

RUTU: (whispers) Utkarsha...

UTKARSHA: (turns away) Just leave me alone.