Crossing The Devils Path

chap 37

Richas pov:
I was all set for leaving. Last night I had slept peacefully after ages. I was happy with my work and all I had left to do, was wait for results. After having a nice hearty breakfast I decided to take a leisure walk in the back garden. The sun had shining brightly over the horizon and the clouds seemed to be playing around the sun in a circle. Finally I felt relieved that things were under control now. My stomach burst with butterflies at the thought of seeing Richard again . But one thought constantly haunted my mind.Did he search for me? Or I wasn't important enough to?
Putting all my doubts aside I headed back to the house. Once inside I changed into a sundress which delicately hugged ny curves. It was confy and classy just my style. Wearing matching sandals I headed out where I knew Sam would be waiting for me.
When I reached downstairs, everyone had already proceeded for breakfast,  so did I. Everyone ate their breakfast in silence, except the occasional chatter or clinging or spoons and forks.
Once everything was done, we all headed out. I knew Dante would come and his betrayal had no effect on me anymore.  But Samaira was a whole different story. All this while I had been avoiding the what ifs and what nots. If Samaira came back in Richard's life what would her place in his life be?
Temporary. That's the word that echoed in my mind, as the answer to my most dreaded question. The car ride was awkward with Dante and Samaira "catching up" on their lost time while me being me spoke only when necessary. 
When the car finally came to a halt all three of us went directly inside, leaving the servants to get our laguage inside.
Walking through the large double doors, the familiar butterflies returned. Looking up I saw Richard hurriedly descending down the stairs.  He had bags under his eyes indicating he had sleepless nights. Maybe he was searching for me and anxious about my well being I thought.
I flashed him a charming smile as he started making his way to me. As I was just opening my arms to welcome him Samaira beats me to it by running and hugged him. Surprisingly, he did smile and hug her back lightly. But when his eyes met mine I saw something,  I had never seen in them before -guilt. He looked at me and smiled sadly. I gave a forced smile while keeping my tears in check.After pulling away Samaira began chatting with Richard as if all these years nothing had happened. I figured Dante might have told him what happened to her but how could he forget what we had.  Maybe it was short lived. My mind retorted. Ignoring the hurt stabbing my heart I held my head high and walked up to the room I had been living in. I changed into something comfortable and got ready for my plan ahead. I had very little time and lots to be done. I had to figure out a way to get the papers signed. Rest of the aftrnoon I spent lazing around or reading magazines present in my room. I could hear the faint laughter downstairs and a smile crept on my face. I just hoped Richard would be happy with me or Samaira it doesn't matter. I had been through a heart break before and I could go through one more.

Richard's pov:
It had been hours since Richa arrived and not one word. I kept glancing upstairs,  waiting for Richa to come out of her room. Impatiently, I got up to go meet her, I couldn't wait any longer. My blood boiled thinking about her date with Sam. What had he told her? What did he want? Did he want to harm her again?
I would kill him if he so much as lay a finger on her. Steadily walking up I calmed myself,  there was always this electricity in the air whenever Richa ws around. I skipped knocking her door and entered inside.  She was reading a magazine but her mibd seemed to be elsewhere. 
"Richa " I called softly.
" hi" she said unattentive.
I sat beside her and held her soft hands. I felt peace and calm after nany days. Almost immediately she pulled away. I gave her a confused look but she just shrugged her shoulders in answer.
"I am happy for you and Samaira. Finally you both can get back together. " she said without emotion.
I wasn't suprised,  I knew she might react this way to Samaira's return.
But Samaira was only a dear friend to me now. Although, I will forever be grateful for her sacrifices for me.
The only person who held my heart now was Richa.
"Hey babe" I said taking her chin softly in my hands.
She moved away as if my touch burnt her skin.
" I...shes only a friend to me now Richa. You mean everything to me"
Oh yeah! That's why you are hurting her and pulling her in this quicksand problems of yours instead of protecting her. My mind reminded.
" Maybe" she replied and casually shrugged her shoulders.
On realising my mistake of coming close to her again I just nodded my head and went away, as if what I just told her didn't mean a thing. I was going to exit when her hand stopped me.
" prove it " she said" Marry me, tomorrow"
I was taken aback by her sudden request. How could I marry her in the middle of all this chaos? No doubt I actually wanted to spend  more time with her and eventually get married but this...
Tomorrow? It was too soon. Clouded by my thoughts I stood there emotionless and stationary .
" Answer me " Richa asked sternly. Her look meant that my answer was a matter of life and death for her.
Before I could organize my thoughts,  the words left my mouth
" Yes I will".