Crossing The Devils Path

chap 41-The letter

Richa's POV:
I changed my clothes and walked out of the restroom. Finally, I felt the realisation of what I did sink in bit by bit. Closing my eyes, I sighed and continued to walk towards the counter with my ticket in hand. Throughout immigration formalities my body movements were robotic. If anyone stared at me long enough they would think I am mentally retarded. I was about to proceed to my terminal airline when the announcement at the airport caught me offguard. " Flight 671 of Indian Airlines has been delayed by an hour. All passengers are requested to kindly be seated and cooperate with us. Thankyou."
Groaning, I searched for a seat and sat down . Something vibrated in my pocket reminding me of the cellphone Richard had gifted me. I smiled, seeing the wallpaper. It was a picture of Richard looking stressed while working his ass off. Yet every one of his detailed facial features were visible. I felt a pang in my chest as a disloyal tear rolled down my cheek. Wiping it, I clicked on the messaging app to see Richard's previous messages. As I read through I realised how much he loved me and what I would be leaving behind. I quickly called my cousin and told him of the plan and what he needed to do. Thanks to him my parents were safe and moved far away from Sam and his men. After the call, I felt relieved. A short laugh escaped my lips when I recalled what I did with Sam and his men. By the time Sam gets network to call his men again the system will be back to normal and they would take days before figuring out what actually went wrong. You can fool my heart but my brains are smarter than you. I giggled after a long time while people stole glances at me. With that, I clicked on the power button and switched off my phone. I needed to go away without leaving a trace.

Richard's POV:
" We have been searching for an hour at the airport Richard. Lets get back and think with a clear mind. We will find a way." Dante whined. I had been dragging them around airports, stations, and every possible place Richa would be in; for hours.
I was searching around in a mad frenzy for the one woman that made my heart do the happy dance .Swatting his hand away, I resumed asking people about Richa with her picture on my phone. After a few more tries I considered Dante's suggestion. Dejectedly, the three of us went back to my house. When we reached there I went up to my room and locked myself there. I lied down on the bed and closed my eyes. Recalling every word Richa said to me, remembering her actions, her expressions soothed me for a while. Until I opened my eyes I found myself in my room without her. Agitated, I picked up the pillow next to me to throw it across the room. Anything to ease my seething anger. That's when a neatly folded white piece of paper under the pillow caught my attention.
Curious and hopeful, I opened it to be met by neat cursive handwriting.

Dear Richie Rich,
I will always remember you as my Richie Rich. I know, right now you must be feeling like I betrayed you. The truth is that Sam has being blackmailing me behind your back. And for the life in me I couldn't tell you because he had assigned snipers back in India to kill my parents.Somehow, I managed to sidetrack Sam and his men alone for a few days.
Secondly, when I was kidnapped I came to know that even Dante is playing us but I realised later that Dante was just your backup. I am glad that I fulfilled the reason you brought me here.I hope you have already collected the legal agreement from.the priest's office. Scan through them hopefully they are perfect as I took the help of your lawyer himself. Apologies, I haven't paid him for the services please do that on my behalf.
At first when you brought me to London I was very angry. But the way events turned out I umm...I actually fell for you. God! I fell hard for your brooding look, for your mesmirizing eyes and for that lovely yet handsome face.
Coming back to the point, Sam is all yours now I am goin back to India. He had it all plan with my ticket included. The only unplanned thing was our wedding. I had to go through with it because the priest was the only one I could trust, given he was a servant of the lord and even an outsider. Sam is all yours now. I know you will find him. Do justice to your mom now and take your revenge. But remember forgiving those who wrong you, is your biggest revenge.
Lastly, I love you Richard. I will always love you. You are free to get married and move on in your life.
Just  grant one wish, prove your father wrong. Show him.how capable you are.
Wherever I will be, will always pray for your best.
Yours,
Ironica.

I didn't know what to think anymore. For the first time I cried a stream of tears. I kept re-reading the letter, imagining Richa's voice, saying the above words. She went through it all alone, how selfish could I be?
I had dreamt of this day for years. When I will have my Mom's memorial back. Indeed, my dream came true but in the form.of my worst nightmare. Folding the letter neatly, I kept it safely in my cupboard.
Sighing I called my driver and decided to take a warm shower. After a  nice shower I wore my black suit and  complimented  my famous business look with black aviators.
An hour later,  I was in my car driving discreetly through the woods. I had decided to shut my mind and think of nothing.  That was  how I chose to cope up wid things. I would seclude myself for days and become cold towards everyone. Just like your father.. My conscience replied. He had been the same from the day Mom died till this day forward.
The abrupt halt of the car brought me back to the present. Dreading, I carefully stepped out of the car. I awed at the sight in front of me. This place looked like it was calling me to come to it. So I slowly walked inside, all the while observing everything around me. It seemed like the very first time I came here with my father.
The first thing that met my eyes was the wall size painting of my Mother.
Dad had gifted him on their first anniversary. She was smiling with pure bliss. Her eyes were watery yet she looked so contented in the painting. Looking at it after so many years I feel like I finally understood what home looks like. And yet my home was somewhere far away from me. In some part of the world hopefully thinkin about me just like I was thinking about her.