Destiny|| A Rutkarsha Story

23.

मैं कभी भूलूंगा न तुझे चाहे तू मुझको देना भुला
आदतें जैसी है तू मेरी आदतें कैसे भूलूं भला?
~•~

As Utkarsha departed from Manali, her heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces. The memories of Rutu's confession lingered in her mind, and she couldn't help but wonder what could have been. She had longed to reciprocate his feelings, but the promise she made to her mother weighed heavily on her conscience.

As she boarded the flight to Pune, Utkarsha's thoughts were consumed by Rutu. She relived their moments together, and the pain of leaving him behind intensified with each passing minute. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, but she fought to hold them back, unsure of how to process her emotions.

Meanwhile, Rutu stood still, his eyes fixed on the gate through which Utkarsha leaved. The ache within him was palpable, a constant reminder of what could never be. With a heavy heart, he turned to Ajit and began the journey to Mumbai, where he would join the CSK team. The excitement of the upcoming games was lost on him, overshadowed by the anguish of losing Utkarsha.

As the two individuals went their separate ways, the distance between them seemed to grow with each passing moment. Yet, their hearts remained connected, bound by the unspoken words and unfulfilled longings that lingered in the air. The future stretched out before them, uncertain and daunting, but one thing was clear – the memory of their time together would haunt them forever.

                                 ***

Utkarsha stepped into her home, her devastated state unmistakable. Her parents, Sunetra and Amar Pawar, exchanged worried glances. Sunetra rushed to her side, embracing her tightly.

"Uttu, what happened? You look like you've lost your world," Sunetra asked, tears welling up in her eyes.

Utkarsha's words tumbled out, recounting every moment with Rutu – the laughter, the tears, and the unspoken promises. Amar's expression softened, and he wiped away a tear.

Sunetra's concern deepened. "We'll call off the marriage"

But Utkarsha shook her head. "It's too late, Mumma. I left Rutu in Manali, thinking I'd never see him again. He'll never forgive me."

Sunetra's voice took on a gentle, encouraging tone. "Love doesn't work that way, beta. It's about understanding and forgiveness. You need to tell Rutu how you feel."

Amar nodded in agreement. "Your mother is right. You deserve a life partner who loves and supports you. Rutu might be that person."

Sunetra's words struck a chord. "A life partner is someone who stands by you through thick and thin. They're your rock, your confident. Don't let fear hold you back."

Utkarsha's determination ignited. She remembered Rutu's flight to Chennai was scheduled for tonight. Time was running out.

"Mumma, Papa, I have to go to him. I need to explain everything."

Sunetra smiled, her eyes shining with tears. "Go, beta. Go and make things right."

With newfound resolve, Utkarsha rushed out the door and into the waiting car. The engine roared to life as she sped toward Mumbai, her heart racing with hope.

"Please, let me make it on time," she whispered, her eyes fixed on the road ahead.

The city blurred around her as she sped toward the airport, her heart beating in tandem with the ticking clock. Would she reach Rutu before he departed? Only time would tell.
               
                                ***

The Mumbai airport bustled with activity as Rutu and his CSK teammates prepared to board their flight to Chennai. Amidst the excitement and chatter, Rutu's somber mood stood out. Mahi and Suresh Raina, seasoned players and leaders, noticed his distress.

"Rutu, kya hua hai?" Mahi asked, concern etched on his face. "You seem troubled."

Rutu forced a weak smile, attempting to brush it off. "Nothing, Mahi bhai. Just tired."

Raina chimed in, "Arre, Rutu, we're about to start the tournament. Your energy is infectious. What's bothering you?"

Rutu's facade crumbled, and he looked away, struggling to contain his emotions. The words "It's over" and "Goodbye" continued to haunt him, echoing Utkarsha's departure.

Mahi's persistence wore him down. "Rutu, please tell us. We're your family here."

With a deep breath, Rutu opened up, sharing the story of Utkarsha and their heartbreaking parting. Mahi and Raina listened intently, their expressions empathetic.

Mahi placed a reassuring hand on Rutu's shoulder. "Rutu, love is tough, but you can't give up. You have to fight for it."

Raina nodded in agreement. "And what's meant to be will find its way. Don't lose hope."

As Rutu's tears flowed, his teammates formed a protective circle around him, offering words of comfort and support.

Just then, an announcement echoed through the airport: "Flight to Chennai, boarding commencing."

Rutu's heart sank, the reality of leaving Mumbai – and Utkarsha – hitting him.