Destiny Tales

Chapter 11 : Advice

Khushi is exhausted. After talking to her manager for the 100th time, she is utterly confused. She cannot do the show. She cannot tell her the reason. It is Kabir. But, she can't say it out loud.

As she sits out of despair, the bell rings. It's Rheesa. She is a little taken aback but she welcomes her in. "Listen, Khushi, I really wanted to thank you for today. You shouldn't have had to witness all of it. But, this is how we are - Me and Kabir. I don't know why I did what I did....but..." Rheesa tries to explain her actions. Khushi smiles and gives her a hug. Rheesa doesn't reciprocate it and Khushi realises how awkward this all is. Rheesa is Kabir's girlfriend and Kabir is in Khushi's heart. She manages to say, "Please why are you saying sorry? Love is weird. It makes you do things you wouldn't have imagined. So please. Don't say sorry..."

As Rheesa looks out, Khushi senses the pain in her eyes. "Rheesa, is anything wrong? Can I help you in any way?" Khushi says. She has always trusted her instincts and she knows that Rheesa is here to talk about something, and not just to thank her. "Khushi, I don't know how to say this, but I just wanted to know, why did Kabir call you to help him out? I asked him the same, but he just didn't answer. He says you guys are friends, but I have never seen him so dependent on anybody before..."

Khushi is taken aback and blurts out, "Hey...uh...I think he was a little overwhelmed with what was happening. And you know right? I just live across, and he came to seek help, that's it...I don't think there's anything more to it Rheesa...we are not even friends, you see...we have just met...it's just 4 days maybe that we know each other.."

Khushi doesn't believe what she has just said. It's her way of now slowly distancing herself from Kabir, she decides. Right then, she gets a call. Rheesa manages to catch the name of the person calling her. A shiver runs through Rheesa's body when she realises who it is. It's the producer calling. The same person who had rejected Rheesa.

"Hello Sir, I am sorry. I didn't mean to....I know....Destiny Tales is going to be a grand success...but Sir...okay Sir...give me sometime...." Khushi hangs up the phone after a really disjoint conversation. Rheesa realises what has just happened. So it's Khushi who has bagged her role.

"Hey Khushi, you look a little stressed. Who was it? You can tell me..." Rheesa says. Taking a deep breath, Khushi tells her about how she was once extremely excited to be a part of Destiny Tales, but not anymore. She doesn't tell her the reason. Instead, she tells her that she is not sure if she can do it.

Rheesa thinks for a good amount of time before saying, "I think you should trust your instincts Khushi. If you feel that this is not the right opportunity, you should wait till you get the right one. Your first break is important. I am here for anything you need, but I honestly think you deserve something better than Destiny Tales." Khushi looks sharply at Rheesa. She doesn't know what to make of what she just said.

"Okay, I have taken a lot of your time love, do come over. I promise you, there won't be any blood involved the next time!" Rheesa smiles and returns the hug she received before, albeit in a cold way. Khushi senses something. She doesn't know what, yet. But, she doesn't feel too happy with her decision.

Kabir has been out for his workout and Rheesa is all alone in the flat. She dials up a few numbers and heaves a sigh of relief. Kabir opens the door to find Rheesa all elated and happy. "I might get the role after all, Kabir!" an overjoyed Rheesa almost jumps on Kabir. He is taken aback but is happy for her. Perhaps, this was meant to be.

Something is bothering Kabir, and he doesn't know what. He gets a call from his manager informing him that the main lead has now backed out and the producer is trying to convince her, as they think she is perfect for the role. Kabir, out of curiosity, asks who she is.

"Khushi Grewal" says his manager.

Kabir doesn't believe what he has just heard. He can see her face flash in front of him. Right then, Rheesa gets a call, "Yes sure. I will be awake. You can tell me what is the final decision. I understand. No, don't worry. I have dates available, luckily!" Rheesa's words fade away as Kabir gets up.

He steps out in the balcony for fresh air. His head is spinning. What should he do? Should he convince Khushi to rethink her decision? Why is she doing this? Is it because of Kabir? No, it cannot be. Right then he notices Khushi. Standing alone with her head held low. Is she wiping her tears? Kabir cannot see properly.

At that moment, Kabir takes a decision. One that might change his life completely. For the better, he hopes.