Crossing The Devils Path

chap 42- leap ahead

Richa's pov:
Shutting the laptop screen,  I groaned. I had been doing it again?! Ughhh!
But in my defense, I couldn't help it.
Although its been 2 years now. I see Richard's photos on the net every single day. His succes makes me so proud of him. He gave me my wish and acted on my advice. What more could I have wanted?
His presence?  His arms around me? Maybe those orbs of mystery looking down at me like I am his world?
Sighing, I shook my head and laughed. Every single day has been like a war. I never even tried to forget Richard because there was no point in doing that. He was my husband. Yes! We had a church marriage so what? We did get married and I still have our marriage agreement with me. I took it with me while leaving the property papers behind for Richard. I knew he would outgrow himself someday he just needed a push. And I was that push. So he didn't need any extra baggage such as me and the truth of or our marriage, to burden him.
But somewhere my heart knew I love him and always will. He is and will always be my husband so there is no question of moving on for me. My heart is always going to be stuck in Richard's house and our memories together.
The click of  a door opening brought me back to reality.
"Hey Ma!" I smiled.
"I brought you some tea. It's getting cold outside switch on the heater." she mumbled on her way out.
Obviously it was going to be cold, we were in Shimla afterall. A small hill station in India.  This is where I lived in a small two storey house, with my parents and occasionally my cousin brother would visit. I am, forever going to be thankful to my brother, he's the one who helped me throughout without any questions.
After that day, no one from London ever tried to contact me. Basically,  because they couldn't . I changed my identity.
If I went back to Mumbai, it would have become a scandal. People there, thought I was dead and resting in peace. So I just let them be and started a.new life here.
Here, I was Reena Chadda an adopted daughter of my otherwise real parents. I changed my looks a bit too. Longer hair, now dyed brown with red streaks at the ends. It gave me a fiery look and made me look pretty different from the makeover I got back in London.
Trying to get as less attention as possible I took up a teaching job at a nearby school. Suprisingly, I never knew I was that good at teaching and frankly, I enjoyed it. Well I guess that's life in a nutshell, especially mine -"Surprises " that's all it's about.

Sretching my lazy self, I stood up and switched in the heater. Taking the mug of tea I delved into one of my favourite classics -"Scarlet pimpernel".

Four hours later, it was dinner time. Ma prepared delicious biryani along with chicken legs and a yogurt salad .
Everyone was talking and busy eating at the same time . This was us, just the three of us were capable enough to wake the entire neighbourhood.  Dad bragged out how he fooled his boss at the office today. While I and Ma shared our parts of the day. Once dinner was done, we all huddled around the television to watch our favourite show. Excitedly, I took the remote and flipped through various channels.
" Let's watch news please, there's still time for the show to begin".
Pa said glancing at the wall clock.
Huffing, I did what was told and busied myself with my phone.
"Most eligible Bachelor of London- Richard Carlson is now planning to expand  in India." " According to our sources, he plans to open a hotel in Shimla. Fortunately you all can hear it from the horses mouth itself on our exclusively interview with Richard Charlson at    9 p.m tonight. Right after this telecast..."

My eyes were glued to the television while my ears where ringing. This can't be... This can't be...I kept chanting to myself. On the other hand, my parents where looking at me intently.
" I am fine" I smiled, more like tried to smile.
Pa was about to change the channel when the interview had already began. So I stopped him and noddes to let him know I wanted to watch it.
"Welcome to our show Mr Carlson. Hopefully you can answer a few questions that our viewers have in mind. Professional as well as personal. " the interviewer said with a slight smirk.
"Before we proceed I would like to inform you  that this interview is live and being aired world wide and not only in London."
Richard nodded and smiled.
"So let's begin."

"Why this sudden idea to expand in India? Instead of a developed country? "
Richard-"Well India is an untapped market in many areas, especially when we speak of shimla. It's a place with a lot of potential. "

Hearing his voice, made me zone out.
The rest of the interview I was only physically present and mentally absent.
That smile...oh my poor heart! I had to keep my tears at bay. That's my husband for hells sake! Still he wouldn't know he is. He thinks its all a sham! Only if...
Another question forced me to look at the screen and pay full attention.

"It is rumoured that your college friends -Dante and gour college sweetheart Samaira are set to tie the knot next year. How do you feel about that?"
Richard laughed and then smiled and answered-"Obviously I feel happy about them...elated even. They are closest friends I have. "

"So when are we hearing about you tying the knot? We haven't heard of you having any girlfriends recently, except a few woman who turn up with you at charity events."
Richard-"I have no such plans currently. But maybe India might hold something in store for me. I guess I will have to wait and find out myself. "

Did he...? Did he mean me? Is he going to search? If yes,  why didn't he all these years. Two freaking years of emotional turmoil and he was enjoying having flings and going to party!