A brighter future: Rishabh Bajaj TS

Part 1

Rishabh was reflecting on the conversation that he'd had with Prerna earlier at the party. They weren't married, she'd taken his name only so that Kuki could get a family, but now that he thought about it, he realised that in reality, it was for Anurag and to just fool herself into thinking that she had moved on. He realised that Prerna will never move on from Anurag, even though Anurag tried to kill her all those years ago. He mused that he was a fool to think that she'll move on and fall in love with him, she won't, it was only Anurag in her life, mind and soul, be it in love or even hatred. He realised that for Prerna, he had distanced himself from the only person in his life that truly loved him, his daughter. With a new resolve, he decided that he has to focus on Kukki and Himself now, that this is not the way to live, for someone who wouldn't ever love him back despite him giving her the trust and the respect. He decided that he will mend his relationship with his daughter, and tell Prerna that he is leaving for London with Kukki forever, and that he can't support her for her quest against Anurag anymore, he can't move on this path of self destruction anymore because he had someone else who needed him more than her. He has done whatever he could to support her, groom her into becoming a confident and independent businesswoman who is ready to take on the world . She didnt need his support anymore, he could no longer walk this path with her, not without getting hurt in the process. And so he decided to be selfish for once.

Rishabh went to Kukki's room, the door was open. 'Kukki, may I enter?'
Kukki, turned her head in surprise, 'Dad? Do you need something? Should I call Prerna?'
Rishabh felt hurt and guilty.
'No, I actually wanted to talk to you'
'Oh come in,' Kukki said, still in disbelief
'I don't know how to say this but I'm extremely sorry Kukki. Please forgive your Dad for his behaviour in the last few years. I didn't realise that in helping Prerna, I completely disregarded your feelings and your love and that I ignored you. I did so that Prerna could feel better, so that Prerna could rely on you to overcome her loss, but I neglected the best gift I'd ever been gifted with. I'm sorry Kukki, for ignoring you even when I didnt mean to. I love you a lot and I hope that you can forgive your father. I'm sorry that I didn't come for all your performances but I've seen all of your clips and I couldn't have been prouder.' said Rishabh, with tears in his eyes.
Kukki couldn't believe it, she ran to her Dad and hugged him. ' I love you Dad, I forgive you and I know why you distanced yourself.'
Rishabh hugged her back and said, ' I love you Kukki and I promise that I'll be a better father.' He kissed her forehead and left the room.

Next morning, Rishabh knocked on Prerna's door. She opened the door and was surprised to see him so early in the morning.
' Prerna, can I come in? I need to speak about something.'
'Yes, Mr Bajaj, come in.'
Both of them got comfortable. Rishabh took a deep breath and started speaking,
'Prerna, I realised something last night. I need to confess something to you. I love you, I Loved you all those years ago when I left you and I still love you.'
'Mr. Bajaj...' Prerna interrupted.
'Wait let me say what has been in my heart all these years Prerna, I love you. I've helped you, supported you because I wanted you to overcome your loss and become independent to stand against the world on your own. You did and I couldn't have been happier and I'm proud of you. I had hoped that after all these years, you would see me as someone who is more than your friend/guide/mentor, I wished that you could see me as someone you could spend your life with and fall in love with. But after last night's party and our discussion, I realised that you will never see me that way and I'm okay with it, I can't force my feelings on you, it is something that should happen naturally. I know that taking revenge is what you wanted to do and I'll always support you but I cant stay with you here anymore. It physically hurts me to see you everyday and realise that you will never love me. And I ignored the one person who loves me the most without any expectations, my daughter and I wish to focus all my love and energy on her. I can't walk on this path of self-destruction anymore. I know that you are capable enough to face any storms that will befall you, and that you will emerge victorious at the end of this battle. I wish you all the best in your life and if you ever need me for anything I'm just a phone call away. Kukki and I will leave for London tomorrow, so that you can focus on your goals and your family. I'll complete all the necessary formalities. This is a goodbye. All the best for your Future Prerna'.
Rishabh dropped a kiss on a shocked Prerna's head and left with a smile and a new determination towards a brighter future with his daughter.