Chapter 32

"Madhu " He prolongs the letters as if to savor her name ,

She closes her eyes inhaling deeply feeling his nose nuzzling her cheek . She opens her eyes ever so slowly feeling him dangerously close to her . Moments like this wants her to be greedy for him , For His closeness , This minutes She wants to make the best memories with Him . She aren't sure whether He would end up with her when she knows he is in love with someone else but She is No saint to let him go – and She decides to be selfish for once letting her guards down , She would have her way with him until he walks away , atleast the few memories with him would let her live lifelong .

"Hmm" She hums titling her head so that their nose could touch , He runs his thumb across her cheek wiping her stray tears .

"Never cry !" He whispers brushing his nose with hers , Her lips curve up but it presses in a firm line as She hears him " You do not look more than a cold blooded Vampire with those dark bags down your eyes !" ,

She slaps on his cheeks lightly fuming in anger "You--- Way to Spoil the mood !"

"What mood?" He teases stretching his legs and pulling her to sit in between in his legs and wraps his arms around her waist locking it on her hip , She tilting her head looks at him , too conscious knowing their posture they were sitting – She was almost sitting on His lap !.

"No Mood – No --Leave it's time for my dinner " She tells him haughtily getting off him as She paces towards the table. Taking the plate of dahl-chawal She brings it closer to her face as She inhales the aroma with her mouth watering .

Taking a spoonful She stuffs it in her mouth and moans as her taste buds relish the food . Rishab smiles seeing her action At least She had got back to herself for the time being .

"This is delicious !" She moans out with her mouthful .

Rishab chuckles seeing her acting like a kid , She takes her seat on the couch with the plate in hand . Rishab Feigning a sad face takes his seat beside her cuddling the pillow while resting his elbow on his leg , "Poor Me I Spend hours making and The One Who eats is not even bothered to ask whether I had my dinner !"

With a mouthful Madhu turns sideways and furrows her brows , gulping it in one go She asks him "So I can't Share my Dhal-Chawal with you , go get another plate if you want – and Yes Thank you Kamina " She quickly tells and resumes her work of eating .

"Kamina ? After So long " Rishab says dreamily placing his hand on his heart making her giggle .

"Not even a spoon?" Rishab asks desperately after a while

She shakes her head negatively "no , I Love this and I am not sharing it !" ,

"Ouch My Heart Broke " He tells caressing his heart , She giggles more seeing his action .

"Here – Have this and Let me eat Peacefully " She stuffs a spoonful in his mouth before he could even react – He gulps it in one go but ends up coughing very badly .

Madhu worriedly gets the glass of water and holds it to his lips while patting his back hurriedly , with tears in his eyes due to the coughing he looks up at her to see her worriedly patting his back .

"I—am—Okay !" Rishab tells her softly

"I am so sorry I did not mean to –" Rishab cups her mouth ,

"You Speak too much Woman ! , Come Let's complete the plate !" He eyes to the plate and Feeds her , She turns to wipe her tears hastily feeling overwhelmed and gives him a full smile before having it from His Hand .

"How do you know I like – I mean " She trails off ,

Rishab stands up collecting the empty plate in his hand says with a small smile "Meena ma ! " and walks out leaving her to grin more widely .

Trishna who was pacing towards Madhu 's room to wave her a bye , hides seeing Rishab walking out grinning idiotically with an empty plate in hand .

Trishna looks at him suspiciously but is more than surprised to see Madhu too trailing behind him , She sees Madhu running on her steps to match his pace and She sees them smiling yet again and walking towards the Kitchen .

"What's Cooking? " She wonders squinting her brows

"Love !' ,

Chills runs down her spine hearing the voice She turns around like a deer caught in headlights .

"I am Meena " The Old Lady introduces herself

"You are Trishna right?"

Trishna smiles surprised that She knows her name "Madhu keeps talking about you !" Meena clears her confusion .

Trishna smiles but asks her confused "You were Love – Meena ma?" ,

Meena gives her a full smile hearing her call her 'Maa' , "Madhu and Rishab both are in Love but they aren't coming to a conclusion with their feelings ",

Trishna smiles and wraps her arm around Meena's neck , Meena looks at her surprised but smiles "Don't worry maa Let's make them happen then !" ,

Meena hugs her tightly happy for her Children while Trishna was more than ecstatic that Her Friend has Found Love after all She had been deprived of 'Love' Since her mother passed away .

***

"I''lll clean them " Madhu offers help seeing him taking the plate to the sink ,

"No I'll do !" Rishab refuses sternly as he puts it on the Dishwasher and turns to her with a smile.

"How about a desert?" He suggests

She squeals as She says "Chocolate ice-cream then !"

"Madhu relax – Ice-cream is not going to run away "

She rolls her eyes as She opens the fridge and gets the tub out and grabbing a spoon She sits on the counter .

"This is Love !" She says stuffing a spoonful

"Don't tell me you got to eat the whole tub?" Rishab asks shocked seeing her eating with the tub

"I am " She frowns

"Not sharing atleast this?" He ask teasing

"No not Ice-cream !" she tells hiding it behind her back ,

He laughs loudly seeing her reaction "Come on Rat I am not greedy as you !"

"Go have milk White Cat – This is Mine !" She tells possessively hugging the tub close to her chest

" You are so adorable Jaan !" He tells cheekily grinning

"I told You not to call me Jaan !" She tells him calmly having a spoonful

Rishab pours the milk in the pan to boil , turning on the gas stove he turns giving all attention to Her " oh Really ? but Your tone says different !" He teases remembering the Last time he had called her 'Jaan" was in the Park she was pissed and angry but now she looks calm .

" It is my husband's haq to call me Jaan and Yes I am not in a mood to pounce " She lies clearly having another spoonful , She was indeed more than happy , Her Love call her Jaan Which was only reserved for Her husband but She knew She could not show her excitement .He was Someone else's !

He did not know why He felt anger bubbling up hearing her , turning off the gas stove he paces towards her snaking her arms around her waist he pulls her close – the tub acting as a barrier between them . Madhu looks up shocked seeing anger in his eyes .

"It is My Haq too !" He sneers softly

"On which right? " Madhu questions back undeterred

"I am your friend so – " He trails off

"Kamina You are My Friend not My Husband , So Calling 'Ri' is my Husband's Haq got it?" She tells pushing him back .

"It is My Haq Got it?" He orders her making her widen her eyes .

Madhu did not know how was she suppose to react ? Why was he acting possessive suddenly ? , If the circumstance had been they had been in Love , Madhu would have been more than happy to hear he is open declaration but it wasn't ! He was mad because He was her friend – Only Friend !

Madhu licks her lips wetting it to speak but stops hearing a glass crashing sound – They angle their heads to see Sultan storming out off the kitchen angrily . Madhu sighs and pushes Rishab a bit away , "Kamina I'll talk to him " She assures him sensing Rishab 's face falling placing the tub on the counter she walks out giving a small smile to Rishab .

Soon after She leaves Rishab slams his hands on the counter , Why does it affect him so much that he acted all Possessive ? Running his fingers though his hair He grabs a glass of water and gulps it in one go to control his anger . His eyes falls on the Half-Finished tub , Taking it in his hand He picks the spoon placed in the tub the same She Used , taking a spoonful of ice-cream he eats relishing the taste of Her , His lips curve up as he continues to eat until the tub goes blank .

***

Bittuji who happens to walk to the garden Finds Sultan twirling with a grass blade looking rather pitiful , Unable to Look at The Great Sultan in that State He ends up laughing – Man He Looked Hilarious , thus grabbing Sultan 's attention Who stands up throwing the grass blade and walks past him to His Room .

Madhu who had been searching Sultan sees him walking towards His room . Bittuji who was coming behind Sultan stops and greets Madhu with a smile and inquires about her health . She gives a small smile as those memories resurface , For awhile She had almost forgotten when She was with Rishab , His name brings a smile on her lips .

"What happened to Sultan ?" Madhu questions

Bittuji giggles "I am Sorry but I shouldn't laugh but more than remorseful Sultan looks more Hilarious !" Saying so He too walks out Leaving Madhu alone to ponder.

This added more to her guilt , Whatever the situation was She could not laugh at Sultan 's situation because She knew what it was to be rejected – She had gone though that pain since childhood but The reasons were different . Madhu knew Sultan never would have feelings for her because His eyes show He loves Dipali but why did he propose her? Was it to make Dipali jealous ? or Was it His is ego?

Deciding to talk out to him rather than stressing She walks to his room to only find it shut ! Making up her mind to have their 'IMPORTANT ' Talk tomorrow . Madhu turns on her heels walking to her room .

***

Meena rushes to Rishab 's room to Find him getting ready to bed , "Rishab "

Rishab drops his night suit in the bed and walks towards Meena to Find her worried "Maa What happened?"

"Rishab Papa is unwell I just got to know now – I need to leave to panchgani right now – but I am worried about Madhu , She was having continuous panic attacks throughout the night now without me will she be able to sleep alone?"

"Maa First relax , I'll Drive you to Panchgani now –It's already late and I will not let you travel alone about Madhu let us drop her to Priya's home for the night – Is that Fine?" He proposes

"Rishab Beta You do not need to worry about my transportation because Bittuji ji had already offered to Drop me but Madhu – " She trails off not knowing

"Rishab how dare you eat my Ice-cream tub ?" Madhu storms in angrily only to be met by two worried Faces .

"Maa , Rishab is everything Fine?"

"Madhu My Papa is unwell but how can I go leaving you alone ?" Meena tells worriedly walking up to Madhu grasping her hand in his .

"Maa What will happen of Me? I am Dabbang remember " She attempts to joke to lighten up the situation but Still Meena looks unsure .

Madhu hugs her tightly sideways as She says kissing Meena's cheek "I'll Be Fine Maa – You go see Dada – I would have joined you if not for – " Her tone falls at the end .

"But Madhu – "

"No buts – You leave right now Dada needs you more " Madhu strictly orders making Meena let out a trouble sigh as She nods .

"Be safe Maa " Madhu tells hugging her once before Letting Meena go .

***

She had bravely replied Meena that She'll be Fine but Madhu Finds herself sweating and scared to sleep alone . Soon as She closes her eyes She sees is those B**d's who tried to ruin her life . Gulping down the water hurriedly She gets down from the bed making up her mind .

Rishab was worried for Madhu given that He knew about her nightmares . Should I Go and Check on her? Rishab thinks and gets down from the bed at the same time he finds it surprised to hear a tap on the door .

Opening the Door slightly He Finds a Nervous Madhu , Soon as he opens the door She engulfs him in a hug .

"Madhu are you okay?" Rishab asks wrapping his arms around her

"I See him When I am alone – Can I stay with you for tonight please ?" She asks stuttering

Rishab knew She was terrified but Can he let her stay in His Room ONLY both of THEM? .

"I'll take the couch you take the bed " Rishab proposes making up his mind

"Let's share the bed " Madhu softly whispers against his heart

Rishab looks down at her shocked " Madhu –but –I –You " ,

"I Trust You !" Those three words from her , He did not know Why His heart was fluttering with happiness , He had been hearing the same thing since these two days and He could not feel pride about himself – She trusts Me ! – He wanted to chant out loudly overwhelmed

"Okay " He tells softly not to scare her with his over-happy tone making her misunderstand him .

***

Sultan did not know why He felt angry seeing them in that Position So close to each other . He was by now very well aware about his feelings about Madhu & Dipali but It hurts to see them enjoying while He had to go through the pain . He wasn't blind not to notice the mutual comfort Rishab and Madhu shared and The immense trust She has on him but When She rejected him – The Pain of Him Being A Fool In Front of Public was what hurt him the most .

The Only way he could get rid of the pain was talking to Madhu and coming out clean about his feelings and at the same time figuring out What he Feels for Dipali .

***

"All I see is him !" Madhu whispers fearfully shutting her eyes trying to get out that image from her head.

"Madhu , Madhu .. Open your eyes , You are Safe , You are with me " He tells her hurriedly cupping her cheeks .

"I Just can't Rishab " Madhu says opening her eyes as her eyes wells up .

"I can't sleep " She adds

Rishab cups her face in his one palm and runs he is thumb to the corner of her eyes brushing off her tears . She leans onto his palms feeling safe and better .

"Do you trust me Madhu ?" Rishab asks her as She looks at him with tears brimming in her eyes . If She didn't trust him enough why would She come up to him and request him to let her sleep with him? , She nods

Rishab leans down and caresses her cheek with the back of his hand , She closes her eyes as He runs his lips across her cheek . He kisses her softly on her cheeks as if soothing away her worries . She cries turning around and wraps her arms around his waist and places her head on his chest as He hugs her tighter . Presently they are on His Bed .

"I was 10 When Maa left me Since then my life had been a hell – Papa After two years married Roop aunty and Ria was her daughter , Just like Papa accepted Ria I thought Roop aunty would accept me but I was wrong – When Papa was away They use to torture me – I had to do the household chores , Roop aunty would whip me ordering me to give up my studies but I did not I held onto my studies because Maa had always dreamt of Me Getting to a Higher place in Life , When Papa use to visit occasionally they would act as if they cared for me , loved me and would threaten me they would burn my hand if I opened my mouth , By the time I was 16 Roop aunty made me work – If I do not get home with money she would throw me out in those harsh cold weather – I would cry and beg them to let me in but they wouldn't – I would sleep out leaning to the door , Just like that One day I got back home without money because the place I worked after school for part time was closed for the day , I was famished since I had nothing for lunch when I said I had no money – She threw me out Rishab – I Fell on her leg begging but Roop aunty did not give in . So I leaned to the door tapping it – I was tired and almost my legs gave up and that was the time He made an appearance – " She pauses horrified hugging him more tighter as even today she could vaguely view what happened to Her that night , She sobs onto his chest terrified .

When She started telling Rishab 's rage on Roop increases as He clenches his fist tightly until his knuckles turned white. He understood from her description it had to be the same people He had met that day when he went in search of Madhu . He now feels what a grave mistake he had done by letting them free rather he should have choked them to death for even daring to touch His Madhu . He would give them with interest for everything They did to His Madhu ! . Seeing her pausing horrified Rishab knew it had to be something related to Uncle . He does not force rather soothes her arm giving her courage to let it out .

"He told he'll get me some food , He Looked so good I was reluctant but he made me agree to go with him – I called him Uncle , He took me to a hotel and got me good food , After eating I thanked him and told him I would walk back home as It was close by but He offered to drop me home in his car , I was hesitant but his sugary words made me go with him , When My Lane came I asked him to stop but He turned to the opposite and drove while I screamed scared asking him where he was taking me , that was the first time he smiled evilly which I instantly knew Danger . He dragged me inside a shabby small home as I kept crying but he did not even give his ears to my plea's – He pushed me on bed Rishab and he hovered over me – and " She cries loudly shutting her eyes , Rishab sucks in his breath hearing her and worriedly soothes her trying to pacify her .

She calms down "I took the dagger which he placed on the night stand and plunge onto his arm due to the pain he yelped taking that as a chance I pushed him and ran and ran away from that place until I got back home – Only Trishna knows –it took me years to heal Rishab – That's when I understood That Being innocent and naïve made men only take advantage , So I decided Rishab to be brave , I learnt fighting skills by myself – I started talking back with Roop aunty which made her whip me even harder but I did not give up – by the time I was 18 , Roop aunty understood She needed me to Feed For herself and Ria because Papa's earnings and even Roop aunt's earnings were not enough to run the family . So I made a Offer with her I would pay her daily more than Rs.1000 if She behaves with Me Properly although the whippings stopped they kept taunting and I did not care . Since then I Found myself more confident and independent"

Rishab could not help but have tears hearing her sufferings yet He smiles impressed by her bravery and kisses her hairs . She snuggles more into his chest rubbing her cheeks on his chest .

"But After What Rahul did I Do not Find myself brave anymore – I Feel Vulnerable I hate that Feeling !" She whispers crying .

Rishab pulls her up sitting in the bed , She sits up straight with him "Come Let's go " Rishab says dragging her out of the bed ,

"Where?" She asks meekly wiping her tears

"You trust me right?" , She nods . He carries her out of the room while She hugs him by his neck placing her head on his shoulder .

***

"Why are we here?" Madhu questions Finding him stopping in front of The Hospital .

"Come You'll know !" He tells taking her hand in his pulling her slowly out of the car .

Confused & Clueless Madhu Follows him , Rishab makes her sit in the waiting lounge and walks up to the reception . Madhu sees him ask few questions and pacing towards her .

Standing infront of a Hospital Room , Rishab tells her to Open, She confused follows his instructions and pushes the door slightly only to widen her eyes shocked .

It was Rahul on Hospital Bed sleeping peacefully with his head and hand bandaged which She was sure was due to Rishab 's Ferocious Punches and then her eyes falls on the Old Man Who was sitting nearby which She thinks is His father .

"Walk in " Rishab tells softly tugging her hand

"Why? " Madhu asks back

"Who are You?" The Old Man Questions rubbing his eyes standing up

"Does it Matter?" Rishab asks enraged

Rahul stirs and opens his eyes slowly and is Shocked to Find Rishab and Madhu with Hand in hand Standing front of him . Instantly He sits up as He says loudly "Dad it was He Who Hit me ! "

The Old Man's eyes turn angrier "How Dare You Hit me Son?" He questions Rishab furiously holding Rishab by his collar .

"If You had a Daughter and She was almost about to be raped and a Man Saves her dignity and Fights with the Assaulter will You Be Questioning The Fighter Even then ?"

The Old Man looks at Madhu confused while Rishab pushes his hands away and sets his collar properly "That B**d is Your Son and The Girl who was assaulted was none other than her and Yes I wanted to Kill Your Son For Daring to Touch MY Madhu " Rishab sneers enraged .

Rahul never thought a day to would come where he would see disgust in his Father's eyes For him . The Fabricated Story he had told his father was laid bare and no where he could make his father understand because tables have turned and his truth was out .

Rahul Father's takes a step back and stands sideways not being and obstacle to Rishab and Madhu . He knew Just by Look of the Girl and Boy's Eyes They were genuine and telling him the truth

"Slap him !" Rishab tells in rage turning to Madhu .

She looks up unsure with tears in her eyes "Slap Him Madhu !" He repeats in a louder tone making Madhu jolt back .

"Slap Him Madhu !" He roars squeezing her hand and pulls her front towards Rahul .

Madhu looks unsure but taking a deep breath She slaps Rahul hardly remembering the moments where She had cried and pleaded to Leave her .

Rahul looks at her ferociously placing his palm on his cheek where She had jut slapped "You'll Pay For this !" He shouts

"Shut up !" It was Rahul's Father who voices up "I am ashamed to call you my son !" He tells in disgust and walks out .

Rishab points his index finger at Rahul warning him and drags Madhu out with him .

Once out of the Hospital He signs Madhu to get into the Car , But instead She jumps on him hugging him by his neck making him stumble on his step as She cries "I Feel like a burden had left me – Thank You " She tells in between her sobs . Now She could understand why he did it , He wanted her to let her Fears down – to let go off her vulnerability and He was indeed successful , She feels Fresh after Slapping Rahul . Rishab hugs her tighter breathing onto her hairs and whispers sweet nothings into her ears and teases making her chuckle through her tears as She pulls him more closer to her . The two embrace each other not caring about the outer world around them .

***

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