chapter 44

Later that night around 3:00 amAt Malhotra Mansion..Rishabh's POV:-Rishabh Malhotra the businesses tycoon... what's the use if it..everything I loved from my heart destiny plays it's role to seperate it from me...Be it my music....my carefree attitude or anything ....Grumpy bulati hai mujhe woh..(She calls me grumpy )..I was not always this rude, ...I too have been cheated and that too from people whom I trusted most...Yes I sound bitter sometimes but that's under my profile...par isme uski bhi galti nahi koi... (he did not at fault here)....Bahut baar jaane anjane mein rulaya hai maine ussay...(I made her cry knowingly and unknowingly many times...)Ab shayad uski baari hai... isliye shayad aise ja rahi hai woh...Aadhi baat karke...aadhe raste chhodd ke...(maybe it's her turn now, maybe that's why she is going like this, leaving verses unspoken, leaving me half way...)Kabhi socha nahi tha ki yeh din bhi aayega..kitna dil se chahta tha main ki woh chali jaye....(I have never thought a day like this will also come..how heartily I wanted her to leave...) and now that's exactly what's happeningShe is leaving ...And strangely now I want to know is there anything I can do to stop her...Will I ever be able to see her again...Well It means she will not be around me, her non stop blabberings, her complains about my attitude...Her nicknames.. everything I used to get irked to...Rishabh was laying over the corner of his bed with red shot eyes glistening with unshed tears, holding Cigratte in his right hand hanging away from his body his thoughts were just occupied about her, thinking all this to himself...I wanted something like this to exactly happen few months back...If I would have knew things will change like this...I would have never asked her to be away...I love her and I can fight the world for her...but does she...as far as I know her she cannot keep anything to herself not...he thought to himself again talking the last puff of his Cigratte..shredding a lone tear which fall involuntarily as he closed his eyes..At Mehra Residence..Dear Diary...You have witnessed everything and every aspect of my journey with him...From calling him Rude, Arrogant, Nightmare, Grumpy....to calling him Rishu ,Rishabh Sir, and finally Rishabh Ji I have never thought in my life I will be so affected by losing him...It's like I am suffocating from inside with every breath I am taking...But amidst I know it really well he is out of my bound...I was so right about him he is Moon surrounded with millions of stars around...I am aware that He will never be mine now adding the factWe are to leave today evening...But this time I really want a miracle to happen Things to change in a blur ...Him to become mine forever...Only if I can...Sukh penned her quotes almost at one of the last pages of her diary which to her was just about to end like her journey with him...she too had red puffy eyes and the page was almost wet with drops of tears here and there...keeping her pen aside she slipped inside the duvet beside Roohi hugging her Diary close to her chest....On the day of departure...Later that afternoon...Rishabh was in his study working or better to say trying to focus on his work as he hardly could he had taken that day off making excuse of some pending works and presentations to be prepared.... literally running from others...After around his 4th Cigratte that hour he shut the file with a thud and went back to the huge door sized window of his study...He was quitely watching the sun who was at the bay of setting down....Reminding him again about the pain of lossing her as he felt a strike at his chest...The most painful part being...He knew that she is about to leave the town today but he didn't know what can he do or what he is supposed to do now....Sighing he kept looking at the view but soon his eyes  moistened with some unshed tears but then his phone beeped and it was Ravi on the other side...It was his 25th call since that morning and he was about to ignore that too like previous once but despite he accepted it...Yes Ravi..!! He said in his cold tone controlling his emotions ...I am Sorry to bother you Sir despite your order...but things are not under my control now...Honestly Sir!! I tried my level best for persuading them, but  the new clients reached here beforetime..and are demanding to meet you now...he said stammering with fear as knew the outcome of his rage..Hmm!! haven't you informed them that I am on a leave today...he asked letting out a breath through gritted teeth..I did Sir but they are admanant to meet you within office hours today else they are threating to cancel the deal...he conveyed..What !!are they out of their mind...!!And You!! you are telling me this now... Rishabh yelled after hearing him...I am Sorry Sir...I tried to call you many times but you were not picking up...he answered in a low tone...I even left messages and mails but I didn't got any response...I had no ways to contact you....he added  sounding both worried and scaredYaa fine just do one thing get the Conference Hall ready!!I will be there in fifteen minutes...he ordered before disconnecting the call Sure Sir...!! He replied...Disconnecting the call he turned to exit when saw his father standing in front of him...Dad you here...do you want to say something... Rishabh asked amazed finding him there...Yes Rishabh I want to speak to you..His father replied in a serious tone...Oh sure Dad but please can we delay it by sometime...I got an urgent call ... Rishabh tried to excuse himself ....Hmm dial me your assistant's no. Let me handle the matter...Rakshit proposedHuh!! No Dad it's...he tried again this dismiss the topic..Rishabh...!! his Dad added exclaiming ....Sure Dad...he quickly replied passing him his mobile.his Dad took the phone from his hand and dialled the last received no.Hello... It's Rakshit Malhotra..!! he uttered as soon as Ravi attended the callGood afternoon Sir...!!Ravi stammered a bit replying ...Hmmm ...you better cancel the meeting with those stupid people who lack basic ethics...he blurted looking at Rishabh catching both Rishabh and Ravi off guard...Are you sure Sir...Ravi asked again confused..I hope I was loud and clear enough Mr. ....He added authoritativelySure Sir definately will do it...Ravi abruptly replied hearing his cold voiceThank you...said Rakshit then disconnected the call and handled his phone back to him...Dad the meeting, the clients were very important...Loss ho jayega ji...(we will suffer loss).. Rishabh's chided scrunching the back of his neck in a sheepish tone..Business mein loss and profit common hai ....(profit and loss is common in business..)not a big deal but now I want to speak to my son...not to any  Rishabh Malhotra jo sirf business hi soche ( who only thinks business)... he said his warm concerned words looking into him...Hmm ...he nodded looking awayAnd now tell me what is it....he asked out if the blue looking straight I to his eyes..Nothing Dad...it's some work's stress..I am fine...he replied avoiding eye contactAnd you think I will beleive you...itna asaan nahi hoga jhooth bolna Mr. honge aap grumpy Rishabh Malhotra...(it won't be thay simple to lie, maybe you are grumpy Rishabh Malhotra...) but I am your Dad...ab keh dijiye kya baat hai...(just tell me what's the matter )... his Dad uttered placing an arm on his shoulder while he tried to run away from his feelings again...Papaji woh jaa rahi hai...bina humari baat sune bina kuch kahe bina baat karne ka mauka diye....(Dad she is leaving ... without listening to me.. without saying anything, without giving me a chance to say anything..) he replied with a sigh...Toh rok lo ussay.....ja rahi hai, gayi toh nahi hai...(So Stop her...she is leaving she isn't left yet ..) He suggested simply, giving him hope; instantly lighting Rishabh's eyes with hope but he then turned up again saying...Itna simple nahi hai...(it's not that simple..) I don't even know what she feels for me...aur kaise apne emotions enforce kardu uspe....Uske bhi toh choice honi chahiye na hum...(and how can I enforce my feelings upon her,I must be her choice too...) he added ...Kya pata aisa hi ho bus usne kaha na ho...(you never know maybe you are her choice but she didn't said it to you...) Rakshit stated clearing his doubtsUmeed mat do Dad...bhagti hai woh mujhse ...(don't give me false hopes Dad...she runs away from me all the time...)how could she love me.. Rishabh reasoned out..Aur jo bhaag ke aati hai aapke paas(and what about the girls who run to you ...) does they love you....woh karti hai kya aapse pyaar...(do they love you..) his dad added logic asking his point of view...Woh toh Dad aap behtar jante hai, they are ...(Dad you know that better...) he replied looking away shrugging off the topic...They are behind your status, your money right...his Dad voicedHmmm..he sighed not knowing what to say..Toh woh galt kaise hui aapse bhaag ke....woh toh sahi hui na..(So how is she wrong if she runs away from you...she is right I guess...) Rakhsit justified.. But Dad she is going now... hamesha ke liye I still can't figure out what is there inside her heart.... Rishabh chided again expressing himself...So go and propose the deal Mr. his Dad proposed taking a step near himWhat if she rejects.... Rishabh sighed still unsureAnd what if she accepts.... atleast guilt toh nahi rahega na..(atleast you wont be guilty...).his Mom said entering the room from outside the door as heard everything standing just a few steps away...Maa even you...he grasped not believing it....Ofcourse we are not fools Rishabh aur tumhare jaise buddhu toh bilkul nahi hai..( and we are not at all halfwit like you...) She said mocking him....Maa , Dad you both..he tried to say but instead utteredyou guys are the best.... hugging them both...Now go and get her....I want you to get her anyhow....mat jaane dena usko....Sukhmani added breaking the hug..For sure Maa aapke liye....he ensured with a smile and ran towards the exit...Be Careful and be quick....called out his parents behind him...Love you both....he replied in response while walking over...Do you think he will be able to make it on time...his mom asked looking at his DadArray don't worry apna beta hai...(Don't worry he is our son...) Rakhsit reassured Sukhmani..Rishabh was running to the driveway and was about to step towards the parking area to get his Carwhen Dhruv pulled his car infront of him with a crushing sound....Need help!! he said with a smirk and Rishabh quickly hopped inside at the passenger seat and in no time they were at the way to the Railway station....Reaching the place they were greeted with an unusual news that the train for Ambalal had already departed making him more stressed....Deep down he believed she is around while Dhruv too searched for them around the place...Ms.Mehra... he shouted loudly dejected after looking around for some good time ...Yes Sir!! she responded behind his back half panting....She was wearing a simple pink Salwar suit and her eyes were red and puffy and were still glistening ....she looked at him with some emotions of hope in bus eyes then walked some steps close to him....They stood opposite to each other for some good five minutes and none of the two spoke...Sir you here!!is everything alright...she asked concerned starting the conversation...Yes everything!!... he tried to shrug off then said.. Actually No...nothing is alright..I thought I lost you....will never be able to see you again...I felt I am suffering with every breath I am taking... he finally spoke his heart out How could you do this to me...Itna simple tha kya...(was it that simple...) He uttered some broken words meanwhile her eyes were already red Coming straight to the point...he sniffed then added..Ms. Sukhpreet Mehra your resignation stands cancelled and the authority wants to sign a life time contract with you.. with the condition ki aapka surname Malhotra hoga...(that your surname will be Malhotra...)...he conditioned..I will like to add to it... Sukh too added sniffing..You don't have the right to do so... Rishabh smirked a bit controlling himself..Aisa nahi na hota...hum nahi manenge aap hamesha gussa karte ho ...Abhi bhi gusse mein hi baat ki hai...kal bhi gussa kiya tha,(it's not happening this way..U am not going to consider it..you are always angry..you are still angry...and last night you were angry too...) She uttered sniffing and complaining like a child...Aur kal ki baat ka kya dekhiye ab tak marks hai...kitne jorr se hath pakda tha aapne humara haath...hum nahi manenge ....(and what about yesterday..look I still have marks...look here how tightly you held me It's still hurting...) she said showing him his arm..Sorry Ok Sorry..!! He uttered calming her crying self ...Sukh stopped looking at him then chided aise nahi dono haathon se kaan pakad ke bolo.. Here!! he asked not believing his earsHmmm... She noddedI am Sorry...and I love you... Rishabh did as said abruptly without thinking twiceHmmm Ok...she uttered looking at him wiping away her tears and running nose..Bus Ok!! he questioned..Hmmm bus Ok... Aap pehle keh dete toh itna pareshan nahi na hote hum... look into my eyes kitna rulaya hai aapne aapko idea bhi nahi hai.....( Yes only Ok...I wouldn't have troubled if  yoi could have said it earlier..you made me cry a lot.look into my eyes I am not lying...) Sukh answered looking into his eyes..Kaha...nahi dikh rahe paas aao...(where I can't see them come closer...) Rishabh demanded in a bit husky voice..Dekhilijiye I don't lie...(look through it I am not lying...) Sukh replied innocently showing him her eyes..Aur paas aao...he asked again in a low husky voice making her a to take a step more close...Haa ab thik hai ...!! he said with a smirk and embraced her catching her off guard..Rishabh Sir yeh public place hai...(this is a public place...) use uttered recovering from the shock of being embraced all of a suddenSo what tum humari ho abse...( You are mine from now..) I don't care about anyone.. he announced whispering at her earsSukh!!!! Her father called out loudly making them break the hug...One week later...Forget about efforts Ok!! Ravi we got to get the deal;we have to, have to do it Ok..This merger is very important for the Company...Do you get that.. Rishabh commanded...Sure Sir...!! Ravi readily oblised..Just keep me updated and I have  checked the contract myself...just ensure and be admanant for them to get agreed on our every clause...Rishabh Malhotra never compromises on profit and they should know that...he added mandating...Forget about the Company's Merger and think about your personal Merger Bhai... atleast for today... interveined Dhruv's voice from behind who was standing at the door frame with Groom's Sherwani.. Dhruvi!! Stop it !! I don't want to talk about this again now....he said with a small cynical smile looking to an amused Dhruv..I am doing everything according to you guys and now don't expect me to do more... he then added sighing with a small smile keeping the phone aside looking into him...As if It's gonna happen too soon...Dhruv mockedDhruvi!! ... Rishabh grasped a bit frustrated..Yes!! He incoherently replied..Tell me what is it... Rishabh asked pointing at his Sherwani..Here!!take this and get dressed, Dhruvi said handling him the bag...But why did you brought this you may have sent someone!! Rishabh uttered taking the bag from him as he stepped inside the room and laid on the couchOhh please I am already turned to a driver ,a postman so why not a butler  now.....and besides I am managing everything so well...Dhruv cherished himselfAnd what make you feel so...!! Rishabh asked confused..Every Aunties around love me for that and the appreciation I am  receiving is beyond limits... Dhruv added Patting his own back..And that gives you all the confidence...!! Rishabh asked againOfcourse Bhai!! that's how things work...he said confidentlyYes I know...he replied with a small smile...Well I have heard some Aunties have proposed for your marriage too...he uttered as an idea striked him...Haha I know you are lying...Dhruv answered knowing things are not as such..I don't lie Dhruv!!you may ask Mom.. Rishabh persuaded in a serious tone..Oh No!! He grasped this time beleiving hum..Oh Yes!! and honestly I am very happy for this I mean we are brothers so we must do things together right.. adding you provided me the opportunity to settle scores I would love to be a Postman and a Driver and...Rishabh chided satirizing him imitating his toneHold on hold on..!!Never I am  going to marry too soon...I am quiet too young for that...  he answered confused ....But what about your lovely Aunties you can't break their heart... Rishabh added againBhai that's mean you can do something tell Mom I don't want to get married now.... Dhruv pouted straighting himself and walking towards him messaging his arms.So childish...I was lying I haven't heard anything as such...he commented disclosing it raising an eyebrow to himBhai!! He said jerking away his arm..What I was just thinking about it.. Rishabh reasoned with a small smile...Yes whatever!!Well that was a nice prank..after a week I found you cracking jokes.... Dhruv commented back..It's not like that... Rishabh opposed..Ofcourse it is after that day..you turned yourself to a maschine..I know that...!! Dhruv ensuredDhruvi why are you bringing that again now.. Rishabh complainedOk Sorry!! Dhruv said raising handsWell does your bride knows about it...Dhruv asked walking back to the couchWhat...!! Rishabh asked puzzledThat before some hours of their marriage her husband is thinking of another merger... Dhruv teased earning a glare from him..As if she could stop me...!! Besides this marriage thing is not going to change my attributes and she should know that too... Rishabh said brushing his already set hair looking to the mirrorLet's wait and watch she is not only going to be affected she is going to change you soon... Dhruv taunted with a cynical smile..Will see!!... Rishabh added sounding more confidentDefinately... Dhruv replied with a winkOh my God...You aren't ready yet... Yelled Mrs Malhotra stepping inside his room looking into Rishabh...That's what I am saying it to Bhai Maa just look at him.. Dhruv said switching sides...Maa I am not a bride who will need hours for her makeup and hair...I will be needing a few minutes just... Rishabh reasoned out stepping  inside his walk in closet to get dressed...Yes a few minutes..and what about your Turban ... Mrs Malhotra added another condition over his logic and went to clear his room which was already a mess with files and some wrapped gifts...Look Rishu!! I am warning you, you just have 10 minutes with you.. within that time if you aren't ready then you will be the first Groom who will be beaten up in the day of his marriage...she warned between her cleaning session..And keep that phone aside do you hear me...she demandingly ordered as Dhruv took off his phone Now what I done... Dhruv asked not knowing the reason of her getting irkedThat's the point you are not doing anything.. Sukhmani addedWell that's rude... Dhruv complained..No that's truth... His mother added taking his phone away from himDone!! Rishabh announced stepping outside making heads turn to him as both Dhruv and his mother looked at him in awe jaw dropped...What..!! any problem... Rishabh asked confusedBhai you look stud!! Dhruv complemented winking in a flirtatious toneDhruvi.. he sighedWhat I was just complementing... he justified and took his phone away from his mother's hand...Maa won't you say something...Ab tak toh itna keh rahi thi ab kuch nahi kahiyega...( Till now you were saying so much... now won't you say anything..) he asked looking at her with a cheeky smileMay God protect you from every evil eye of the world...she said taking few steps to him blessing him and kissing on his forehead...Maa don't be so emotional !! Rishabh comforted hugging her backYes Maa Aapka makeup kharab ho jaayega ....Dhruv commented from behindMakeup..!!. you!!...idhar aao tum..(you come here).... She commenced breaking the hug.... Maa I love you..Dhruv shouted running outside the roomTum ruko wahi...(Stop there I say...) she shouted behind his back..Let him be Maa...Rishabh said easing herRishabh I am the happiest person on earth now...it's like I am still in my dreams you don't know how I feel right now...Stay happy and blessed forever.. Mrs Malhotra added caressing his hair with her fingers lovinglyMaa you know this right...you are my first love and I will love you forever.. Rishabh narrated kissing her forehead...Stop buttering me... Baarat nikalne ka time ho raha hai...( It's time for baarat to leave...)Let me call your Dad...!! and see the other arrangements... Mrs Malhotra uttered stepping away tapping his cheek Hmmm..!! He nodded then she left fixing her Saree...Hello Abhimanyu..Yes I was saying that..and he continued his other call..On the other hand...So finally I am getting married today..kabhi nahi socha tha yeh din aise aayega life mein...Yun achanak se jaise sab badal gaya ho...( I have never thought in my life that this day will come like this...All of a sudden like things are changed in a blur....) Sukh thought to herselfRishabh ji ka uss din yun achanak se apne mann ki baat kehna...Papaji ka woh loud reaction sab kuch jaise kal ki hi baat ho...( Rishabh Ji's sudden proposal that day ...Papaji's loud reaction ,everything is just like happened last day....) She spoke to herself ...Done!!....the makeup artist proclaimed...Uff what a bride...Ik baar khudko dekh toh lo Jiji....(look at yourself Jiji...) Roohi exclaimed with happiness then suggested looking at Sukh..She oblised and looked at her reflection at the mirror....She looked pulchritudinous in her bridal red lehenga with green velvet blouse....But then looked down abruptly...Ab toh mushkura dijiye...Roohi mocked teasing her ..... abruptly turning her cheeks to crimson....Rooh..Papaji..!! Sukh questioned about her father...Don't worry about him Mogambo is busy with the arrangements... Roohi mocked jokinglyYou girls are taking so much time the groom's family will be arriving any moment...His Mom said barging inside the room but halted at her tracks looking at herKya hua Maa....Sukh asked innocentlyHaa ha bataiye na kya baat hogayi...Roohi too added looking at her reactionYeh Chunri reh gayi thi...lao hum karde...her mother shrugged off the question without replying then draped it over her...She held it between her hands then turned to ask.. Maa Hum kaise lag rahe hai .....(Maa how do I look...)??Ab iss baat ka kya jawab de hum..Lag hi nahi raha humari gudiya aaj itni badi hogayi ki aaj uski Doli sajegi...( What should I say upon this..it is hard to beleive that my doll is old.enough to get married...) her voice broke with the involuntary tears and they both embraced each other...Tumlog yaha ho aur waha baarat ka time ho raha hai...Jaldi karo abhi iske liye time nahi hai..( you guys are here and there it's time for the groom's family to arrive...be quick we don't have much time ....) his dad hyped them getting inside the room tooPapaji...!!..she said making him halt in his track and he turned to look at her  with moistened eyes then fixing her veil to be perfect announcedAb thik hai..tumlog ko koi kaam nahi aata...( It's ok now...you guys don't know anything...) and left...The three stood there laughing at his antique and then went on for final touch-ups...On the way to the Wedding Venue:-...Rishabh's baarat {a celebratory wedding procession that escorts the groom} was running late by ten minutes making him irked more...*we know the kind of alarm clock he is, adding to it was his attire and ride on the horse back That too was behind everyone who didn't cared about anything except their dance...Dhruv Abhimanyu Malavika and others were dancing like crazy on the music bands who were playing some Punjabi beats...Especially Dhruv who was busy in his Naagin dance accompanied by some of his friends...no one could have said it was the family of multi billionaire seeing the way they behaved... Besides Rishabh was now irked at his peaks although the venue was not much far from the place but that time they covered a distance of half an hour in two hours...Apparently Rishabh was not in position to do anything..and was self amused by the way the all danced...On the other side at the Venue...Aapne sab kuch check karliya hai na..(you checked everything right...) asked Mrs.Khurrana anxiously..haan Mrs Khurrana sab checked hai...(yes Mrs khurrana everything is done) Mr . Khurrana replied....Pata nahi kyu itni ghabrahat ho rahi hai...(I don't know why I am feeling this nervous....) She assertedI agree Ji itna toh aap Reet ki Shaadi mein bhi  anxious nahi thi...(you were nit thus worried at your own daughter's wedding....) he coomented..Tab Sukh ne aadhe se jyada kaam sambhal rakha tha..and aaj toh uski shaadi hai...(at that time Sukh took care of maximum arrangements...and now she is getting married...) she said with a small smileHmm beleive nahi ho raha na yeh sab aise hoga...( It's unbelievable that things turned out this way...) Mr Khurrana sighedChahe jo kahe aap yeh jo kuch bhi ho raha hai it's all because of Rishabh...Iss shaadi ke baad dekhna I will surely give him a lifetime lesson...( Whatever it may be it's all because of Rishabh after this marriage I will surely give him a lifetime lesson..) Mrs Khurrana compiled....Chaliye ji Baarat aa gayi...(The baarat is here...) Someone called outDekhi ab tih baarat bhi aa gayi, aap apne yeh plans baad mein prepare and execute karlena Chaliye ...(see the baarat is here now, you better keep your prepared plans on hold ...)we got to welcome the groom's family now.. Mr Khurrana suggested** After the two sides greeted and welcomed each other it was the time for Varmala and  Panditji{priest} asked the bride and the bridegroom  to exchange the garlands....Despite it was his wedding day Rishabh still has clenched jaws and serious expression on his face...beside stood her would be better half with dupatta  draped over covering her face with ghoonghat...her fair complexion and beautiful looks can be still seen like filtered beautyas the veil somehow reflected a part of it but still was giving no clear view of her face..Dulhan ko Varmala pehnaiye..(exchange garland with the bride..).the priest asked and Rishabh oblised she gently bent down to ease him and he just did the ritual with expression less face...Ab aap Dulhe ko Varmala pehnaiye( now the bride will exchange garland with the groom) the Priest called this time to the bride and she took a step forward to reach upto his height...but he was admanant on not bending...but still she managed to do it thanks to her heels and skills...Then everyone blessed the couple and they went to the stage to snap pictures with the guests as there was some time for the marriage rituals to begin...One by one people started to arrive at the stage with wrapped gifts and got  indulged in snapping pictures with the couple...The bride's ghoonghat was now half lifted and now over head showing her beautiful bright face but he didn't heeded to look at her once...Rishabh was passing every guests small smiles when out of the blue he felt a strong pinch on his arm and a striking pain engrossed him making him wince for a moment..he turned to look at his other side and found an amused look on his bride...Making him frown...Now why was that for...he whispered yell...Making her turn around in response ....______________________________________So guys we are at the end of the chapter hope you all enjoyed it ....This is the first part of epilogue and will be uploading the next very soon..As I have already stated we would soon be at the turning point of our Rukh's journey as love stories never end...Will also be uploading some bonus chapters too...**I would love to inform my readers will be soon coming back to you with#RoUv story which will revolve around Roohi and Dhruv and will also have #Rukh's glimpses...would like to know your reviews upon the same, whether if you guys want me to proceed with the book and how do you like the Idea...**Will be looking forward for your valuable feedbacks and opinion Just keep supporting and loving me....Love you guys!!!!Would love to hear your feedbacks and commentsDon't forget to vote and comment....And to my silent readers too, thanks for being there.....See you all in the next chapter updateTill then smile because it's an absolute blessing to you by God....This is meSigning out....Bye....☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️