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Chapter 43

"You said you were hungry!" Sultan points out seeing her playing with the food .

"My appetite is gone!" Madhu says sadly

"Why is that baby?" Sultan asks innocently while stuffing the lasagna into his mouth .

"Don't baby me ! – It's because my heart is empty !" She slaps on his arm making him chuckle .

"Dipali and Rishab are together –they went out together!" Madhu tells begrudgingly to see Sultan munching the piece of lasagna now with a force .

"So what –I don't give a damn !"

"Fists are clenching and teeth's are gritting without any damn?" Madhu asks innocently while blinking her eyelashes at him .

Sultan gets defensive "I –DON'T – CARE!" He emphasizes

"Just be honest with your feelings Sultan!" Madhu advises as she continues "Bottling everything in will make you sick!'

Sultan looks away while having his meal in silence . After few minutes He turns his head to see Madhu chewing onto a small piece slowly as if not to hurt the lasagna .

"Don't You feel upset when you are being left out all the time?"

"No!" Madhu says quickly but looks down at her plate feeling sad

"Sultan come lets have lunch-"I am starving - "Sultan mimics her words as she shots him a glare "Then what was that?—Don't bottle up everything inside darling –you will get sick" Sultan throws back her words while getting onto her nerves .

Madhu with her index finger asks him to move forward as she leans in – Once he is at her hand reach she whacks the back of his head making him let out a grumble .

"I hate you for this!" Sultan mumbles while rubbing his head

Rishab and Dipali walk in at the exact time . Dipali ignores Sultan and passes a warm smile at Madhu who reciprocates . Rishab looks Madhu and raises his brow asking her What's wrong – Madhu looks down what is she too answer? – She was upset because he went out with his girlfriend? or to be girlfriend ?

"Madhu—Rishab helped me retrieve my things from the boutique!" Dipali squeals in happiness while she says .

Sultan excuses himself and walks out of the hall to his room. Madhu smiles at Dipali "I know he doesn't let down his loved ones!" – Madhu's voice cracks but still having a smile intact she carries the plates to put do the dishes .

***

Sultan pulls out his phone and gazes at the smiley face she had drawn back in Shimla . He swipes unlocking his phone and clicks on the gallery and sighs seeing her pictures . She looked more young and beautiful with her smile blooming but since He came back from America he hadn't seen her happy .

Rishab enters Sultan's room without tapping the door . He throws the key on the bed gaining Sultan's attention who switches off his phone instantly so that Rishab doesn't see the photos .

"I've done what you asked me for!"

"Hmm—Thanks!" Sultan says awkwardly

"This would be the last time I would look out for Dips on your behalf!" Rishab states sternly

"You need to look out for her Rishab!" Sultan says softly as he continues in pain "I've lost my right on her and I do not think I will be able to make up for everything !—Not after hurting her!" He says in a hoarse whisper while looking away giving his back to Rishab . he runs his fingers on his face trying to free himself from the feeling of trapped –trapped in his own feelings .

"Plus – Rishab You have always looked after her –so my favor doesn't change anything!" Sultan adds

"I am not doing this for you , but as a friend to Dips—I value her and her friendship – And –" He stops clarifying and says "Don't You Dare Make her Cry Again!" He warns and walks out of Sultan's room . Sultan's lips curve up seeing Rishab's concern for Dipali . For that moment – He wished it was for him – He wished what would it be like to have a brotherly bond? and look out for each other ?

***

Madhu mutters under her breath while laying on the grass . the heavenly smell makes her lips curve up as she looks up at the smiling sky .

Madhu feels him lay beside her while turning his gaze onto hers "Who are you talking to Jerry?" He teases

"Shoo—shooo—go away Tom!" She shoos him away and continues suggesting "Why wasting your precious time on me—rather than tending Dipali? " She fakes a smile

Rishab's smirks widens hearing the hint of jealousy in her tone . He decides to play along "Sounds to me as if My Jerry is disappointed that her Cat's all attention is on Dips!"

"Jealous and Me –Why would we?" She denies right on his face

Rishab plays with her fingers as he says "I am sorry for that day—I left you in the middle" His voice sounds genuine as he means every word .

"No worries –after all I was healthy" She quips to ease the situation –the seriousness surrounding around them

"How about another drive?—I need to tell you something!"

Madhu looks torn but she nods half-heartedly without any excitement after all he would say that he loves Dipali!"

He wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her in a hug making her let out a gasp "I am sorry that I couldn't give you enough time –I missed You—although it's just a day—I know something is wrong with my Jerry but she refuses to answer me –If something is troubling you just ask me rather than have it within you!"

Madhu clutches his t-shirt in a fist smiling against his heart –May be still she has a chance .

Madhu gets up hurriedly as she hears Bittu's steps . Rishab too follows suit and dusts his pants .

"Madhu!" Bittu stops on his steps near the door and passes a small smile "How have you been?"

"Fine Bittuji –How is Saanvi di? I miss her –bring her along once"

"Hmm—Bittuji I am too here" Rishab quips with a frown

"Ohh Sorry I didn't see you—Saanvi is Fine –She misses you too Madhu" Bittu answers Madhu and turning to Rishab with a slight chuckle he asks "How have you been Rishab?'

"Fine" Rishab grunts at him

***

Mukund feels ecstatic while planning their date . He would take her out for dinner then ask her out . He orders Mishra to order table for two on a rooftop in the best restaurant around .

"Are you going on a date?" Mishra asks confused

"Yep!" Mukund answers not looking up from the phone as he is busy checking out a gown for her .

"With whom?" Mishra could not help but ask his boss would always tell him each and everything in detail – even before dating anyone but since Trishna came he is a bit secretive and He hated it .

"Suspense!" Mukund winks at Mishra making his smile wear off .

***

Madhu feeling bored decides to have a chat with Dipali as the boys are out in the evening . Madhu sees Dipali struggling with her embroidery .

Madhu walks up to her and takes a seat beside her . Dipali smiles looking up "Do you need anything Madhu?" She asks warmly

"I was bored!" Madhu clicks her tongue making Dipali chuckle.

"Can I help you?" Madhu asks fascinated with the needle going around the piece of cloth making patterns .

"Don't take pain" Dipali says smiling

"At least let me try" Madhu whines pouting

"Here then" Dipali passes an extra piece of cloth and the threads and needle she needs.

Madhu follows Dipali's move as she follows her. Madhu smiles seeing the small flower she had embroidered . Dipali gives her a thumbs up with a smile .

Dipali sees the threads finished – She checks her collection and lets out a sigh . Madhu looks up from her work and questions Dipali with a brow raised "What's wrong?"

"Threads are over"

"Ohh" Madhu could come up only with that reply

"No worries –I can always go for shopping with Rishab!"

Madhu's stops her needle work but ends up pricking her finger at the mention of his name . But She doesn't feel the pain hearing Dipali's next words

"I kind of confessed my feelings" Dipali reveals hesitantly "He had been always by my side through the time I broke down—He had been my support –So I wanna try dating him" Dipali says with a smile

He is not a bag you dump your emotions Madhu wanted to yell but instead she blurts out "Did he give an answer?"

Dipali nods and response to a crestfallen Madhu "I guess he likes me the way I do—Don't You think?"

Madhu looks down sadly while seeing the little blood which had clogged her thumb I love him and when he fails to see that –how would I know what he feels about you?

***

Roop grumps under her breath looking at the few pennies she could collect working all day. Since the day her husband came back without a work . Roop had been earning but it was not enough –at least not enough to fulfill her Foodie Daughters stomach.

"Mama" Ria sits beside her grunting "I hate this life—I can't believe that you got no money to send me to a parlor !"

Roop sighs muttering curses under her breath for Mr.Malik

"Wahhh –They are Freaking Hot!" Ria gasps squealing seeing Sultan's and Mukund 's pictures on Instagram .

Roop pokes her big nose in and smiles wickedly "How about You trap One of them?"

Ria looks at her shocked – Her jaws hung open "Did You just say trap them?"

"Yes!" Roop shrugs her shoulder "All are troubles will end –Kundra's are Freaking Rich!"

Ria eyes back to the phone as her lips curve up in a smirk Rishab  Kundra –You dare to insult me –Now Let me show you Who Ria is but before that I need to get into the Mansion and my tickets are just here!"

***

Sultan sneaks into Dipali's room to see her curled up and sleeping with a pout . Sultan sits beside her and places his palm on her cheeks . Leaning down he places a small kiss on her forehead .

"I -- !" He falls short of words "I wish he was with us now –It was my mistake he went away from us Dips—Even after everything how can You love me?" He asks emotionally .

***

Sleep was far away for Madhu as she thinks back to the moments of Theirs – He had kissed her , hugged up – they have been each other's humdard – then Why can't he love her? –Was she so undesirable but – The thoughts clogs her mind thinking back to their moments .

She had never seen him let himself loose front of Dipali – It was always her who he fought for silly reasons and tried finding reasons to touch her to stay close to her. Was he taking advantage of her ? .

Madhu chides herself for thinking something so bad about him . He had been kind to her and helped her in many circumstances and cheered her up. He knew her inside and out , then how can she think such about him? Even if it was –Wasn't it her who encouraged his closeness ? , She was selfish and she always knew her heart was bound to break and Now when it finally happens –

"No –No—I'll ask him face to face –right! that's right!" , But least she knew that her heart was bound to break now or later .

***

Dipali walks into Rishab's room to seeing him choreographing . Dipali sees him choreographing on the romantic song while singing the verses "Shining In The Setting Sun, Like A Pearl Up On The Ocean
Come And Feel Me, Ho... Feel Me
Shining In The Setting Sun, Like A Pearl Up On The Ocean
Come And Heal Me, Ho... Heal Me
Thinking about the Love In Making And All Life Sharing
Come And Feel Me, Ho... Feel Me
Shining In The Setting Sun, Like A Pearl Up On The Ocean
Come And Feel Me, Come On Heal Me "

"Beautiful !" Dipali comments making Rishab pass a smile at her as he stops and switches of the music player . Picking up a towel he wipes the sweat .

"Thanks Dips!"

"Rishab—When you are free can we go out? –I need to get the threads for my work"

"Yes—I'll be finishing in an hour" Rishab nods at "I need to practice a little more"

"Thank You!" Dipali smiles giving him a side hug as she heads out .

After an hour

Dipali is all set ready in her baby frock while letting her hairs fall over her chest either sides . Madhu walks by Dipali's room and stops on her steps seeing Dipali taking more time to dress herself up. She sees her swiping the mascara on her eyelashes and coating her lips with pink gloss . Swiping her hairs to a side Dipali wears a small pendant and bracelet.

Madhu walks in to her room feeling creepy for staring at her , "Dipali You are going somewhere?"

Dipali passes a smile while looking in her appearance "Yep—Rishab and I are going out!"

Sure Madhu did not like the excitement in her tone but putting up a fake smile she says "Ohh okay!" and walks out of the room before Dipali could further continue her excitement .

Dipali takes a sit in the car beside Rishab . Rishab holds the steering wheel and drives few steps but stops with a screech.

"What's wrong?"

"My wallet—I left it –wait let me go get it!" Rishab says hurriedly before Dipali could even open her mouth he pushes the door open and runs inside the mansion .

Madhu steps into his room and inhales his fragrance . She walks inside and places herself on his bed and curls up pushing her face into his pillow . After today She cannot even stay close to him? What if they are going on a date? –What if he accepts her proposal? Yes he would

Rishab stops at the door seeing her curled up in his bed "Madhu?" He calls worriedly

Hearing his voice She sniffs back and sits up on the bed . Running a hair through her hairs she brushes the stubborn frills off which was falling over her eyes , She gets down from the bed as he walks up to her .

He cups her face in his warm large palms "You okay Mon Amour?"

"I –am" Madhu takes his hands off her face slowly "Are you going somewhere?" Madhu asks although she knows the answer

"Yes—I am " Rishab says softly still his eyes concerned "I came to take my wallet" Rishab says seeing her questioning gaze.

He takes a step back and walks to his drawer . Madhu's eyes follows his every move . She feels heavy as she sees a small gift box in his palm and the smile which appeared on his face as he placed it in. This confirmed her suspicions He is going to propose her .

"Why did you come Madhu?" Rishab asks her softly walking up to her

"No—just-" Madhu trails off

"No—there is something" Rishab doesn't let her off the hook

"Sorry for not noticing sooner--Say things in a way I can actually understand. I heard everything from Dipali so don't do things that will cause misunderstandings anymore." She ends up telling with a heavy voice and walks away in long steps before he could call out to her .

Rishab stands baffled by her statement, unsure of what she meant. He lets out a sigh as his phone vibrates . Pulling out the phone he sees Dipali calling.

He leaves the place still pondering over what did Madhu actually mean.

***

Bittu helps Mr.Kundra into the car after his chemo-therapy , So Far Mr.Kundra had been doing well but Bittu is worried because he had not been able to find a donor and Mr.Kundra being clearly against letting the Boys know makes Bittu frustrated .

"What—are you thinking Bittu?" Mr.Kundra asks letting out a chuckle

"Why don't you let tell the boys?"

"You know they don't care –" Mr.Kundra trails off "And nowadays only I see my boys happy and smiling –infact the way you describe it shows how civilest they behave now –at least now they aren't giving cold shoulders to each other—all thanks to Madhu"

Bittu lets out a frustrated sigh , sobering up Bittu asks "By the way , Aren't we you having a new mission for Madhu?"

Mr.Kundra lets out a chuckle "What could I give her as for now?" He winks and continues "My boys are happy around her –She is friendly –so let it be –after all it is going to be for another few months "

Bittu gives a curt nod as he gets a call from Saanvi , He declines the call but Saanvi keeps calling .

Mr.Kundra lets out a chuckle "Is it Saanvi?—answer –after all We cannot keep the lady waiting right?" He winks making Bittu blush

"When are you both marrying?"

"Hmmm—In a few months" Bittu says quickly

"What few months? –No you aren't getting any younger my boy—You'll be marrying within a month Okay?"

Bittu nods as the tip of his nose turns pink as he messages Saanvi I'll call back soon .

***

Rishab screeches his car with a halt , bothered by her words , Her words constantly ringing in her ears .

Sorry for not noticing sooner--Say things in a way I can actually understand. I heard everything from Dipali so don't do things that will cause misunderstandings anymore.

Dipali ! Dipali

Why did she mention Dipali's name? Rishab fists his palm around the steering wheel tightly . Dipali looks at him concerned as she asks quickly "What's wrong Rishab?"

Rishab slowly turns his head to face her as he asks her softly "Dips –Did you tell Madhu something about us?"

Dipali gives him a small smile as she says "Yes—I told her we are going out and our feelings are mutual –I am right haina?" She ends the last bit questioning him

Rishab lets out a grumbled sigh as he throws his head back and closes her eyes putting two and two together .

"If you like her means be with her!"

"Dips!" He lets out a troubled sigh

He opens his eyes lowly to look at her who was looking at him with a questioning gaze.

He takes her hand in his "Dipali – You know you mean so much right?" , Dipali nods with a smile , "You are my best friend I've never had – The only one who accepted me with open hands after Meena maa"

Dipali gives him full smile as her eyes blurs remembering their first meeting , "But—Dips—I Love You –Only as a Friend ",

Her smile flatters as she asks "Then—Why did you care for me Rishab?—Running to me during the late nights just to console me?"

Another sigh escapes as he says "I am sorry if my actions gave you other meanings but – Dipali you are my friend Dips –You are like a sister to me –I swear I never had any other intentions when I held onto you whenever you were feeling low"

Dipali lets out a sniff as a tear streams down the corner of her eyes "Stop lying Rishab—I know –"

Rishab cuts her off "I am no one's replacement Dipali , I too have a heart and that heart too beats for someone!"

"Who?" She asks swiftly while rubbing the tears of her cheeks

"She is my angel Dips—I never have been happy in my life but since she came I can't remember a day when I slept with pain –She is my humdard Dips!—My Dil (My heart)"

Dipali wipes off her tears and she locks her arms around his neck pulling him in a hug "I am happy –at least you found Love Rishab!"

Rishab smiles while hugging her back , "You had been a reason too" I am gonna try and steal your girlfriend Maybe the words he had uttered long back was irrational but He was happy that he did he needs a lot of apologizing to do but that was what made him close to her – If not he would be still glaring at her whenever she passes by !

"Who?" Dipali asks softly pulling up She might be sad but she knew that She was wholeheartedly happy for him –He deserves happiness and love which he failed to get since his Mother left him

"hmm—Madhu" Rishab says a small smile and pink hues tipping his nose and his ears

"What?" Dipali shrieks "You like her? –I mean love her?"

Rishab nods with a chuckle "Does She like you Rishab?" Dipali asks back after a full minute

"I couldn't –ask –her –yet"

Dipali's minds reels back to the time she had repeatedly told Madhu about Rishab . A small smile appears on her lips as her eyes wells up "She definitely likes you—I've always seen her mood flattering whenever I spoke about you and me – but I couldn't take much notice !—I am sorry Rishab –I never mean to intrude between you two—I thought You liked me—I am really sorry"

Rishab tugs her wrist while wiping her tears off "Let it go –No hard feelings!"

Dipali nods giving him a side hug , Rishab bites his lower lip as he asks her "I kind of figured out that She might have feelings for me –But Do you thinks it's Sure?"

"100%!" Dipali chuckles "She loves you –I guess-!"

Rishab drives the car a full smile blooming his cheeks finally he was able to tell Dipali openly , He drops Dipali near the mall .

"Aren't you joining me?" Dipali asks raising a brown as he doesn't get down.

Rishab scratches the back of his neck as he says "Dips—she was upset –you know –" he trails

"Okay—Mr. Lover You go pacify Mrs. Lover !" She winks

"I—am—sorry—"

"Rishab!" She calls him sternly "I'll be fine –I can call Shrisha over –it's been a gap we met up"

Rishab waves her bye and presses the accelerator happily driving faster to get to her .

Dipali's eyes blurs with tears as she looks down letting the tears out She wasn't destined to be loved by anyone . Rubbing of the tears She looks at the Mall in front of her as she walks in .

Unknown to her a pair of eyes follows her longing with love filled in his orbs as he takes steps following her behind .

***

"Priya—When are the semester exams starting?" Madhu asks over the call while tossing around the bed

Meena maa calls out from the hall "Madhu—Madhu"

"Priyu –Meena maa is calling –let me get to you later—bye—love you babes" Hanging up the call , Madhu wears her slippers combing her hairs with her fingers she pulls her t-shirt down straightening and smoothens her skirt from the creases and walks out to see Meena maa smiling at her.

"Madhu—Your Father is here!" She says smiling

Madhu's eyes goes big as a smile makes towards her lips Her father could hate her but she couldn't –she longed to see him , "Where Maa?" She asks her eyes pooling up as her vision blurs

"In the hall –baby—go—I'll get you both some tea" Meena pats Madhu's cheeks She knew how much her girl longed to see her father

Madhu rushes through the corridors down the stairs as she stops on her steps once at the hall. She sees the back of a Man who was wearing a White Shirt matched with a blacked pant . His hair grey and taller he was the complete opposite of her father's appearance .

Madhu's forehead creases with lines as she looks at the back of the man confused "Excuse me –Who are you?"

She sees the Man turn around a smile gracing his lips as his eyes looked longing at her "Madhu?"

She nods , "I am Thakur—Kali Thakur!"  

***

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