Match Made In Hotel | Ruturaj Gaikwad ✓

Dard aur Dava

There's physical aching. And then there's emotional aching. And aching for a parent to stop ignoring you while maintaining your outward display of being okay, is another level of pain.

Ever since Appa told me that he wants me to stop talking to Rutu, I had a strong feeling that he would come around to accepting the fact that what he wants is impossible for me to grant and inconsiderate of him to ask. But now I understand the gravity of his resolve. He's not going to give up. And why will he? When he thinks that he's doing this for my own good, there's nothing that can change his mind.

For the past seven days, my Appa, who couldn't go a day without talking to me, has been silent. He doesn't acknowledge me at all. Whenever I am in the room, he gets up as if a lighting bolt has hit him. He doesn't read newspapers in the living room, or for that matter, even dine with us.

I feel bad for Amma and Devi. They tried every possible thing to stop this cold war. Only to be on the receiving end of his disappointment and annoyance. Amma tried reasoning with him saying that such a hostile environment isn't good for Devi. She has boards to prepare for! But even that didn't help.

My father was sending a stronger message to me everyday.

Choose. Between me and Ruturaj.

With me taking his ignorance as a sign of his somewhat irrational but natural fear, I try to send my own message.

I am not going to choose between the two most important men in life. No matter how much it hurts to see you behave with so much indifference, Appa. There's got to be a way to make you see what you're doing.

I sigh. Working at the Orchids is bittersweet. Every place that reminds me of a conversation I had with Rutu, or a place that reminds me of our embraces, seems to give me strength to hold on to him but makes my heart impatient. Dipped in yearning for his actual touch. The comfort of his arms. The smell of his favourite lavender perfume. The sensation of his beard against my chin. His smile. His eyes. And the twinkle in them. His perfect frame that evokes equal amounts of passion and protectiveness within me. His voice. His intense gaze when he's standing next to me, giving me every bit of his attention until I look away to stop the heat from warming my cheeks.

I miss the way he hugs me. As if he'd never let go. I miss his hands lingering on my waist even after we've broken apart. I miss him being the cutest child on one hand, and then turning into this extremely caring man, the next second. I miss the entirety of him. I miss you Rutu.

I can't stop the tears from flowing. More than the tears, I can't stop myself from crying soundly. When I was young, I used to cry making a lot of noise until adulthood taught me to subside the voice. And cry silently so that no one would hear me and I could pretend to be okay.

You see, that's the biggest drawback of the control freak label. People forget that no matter how perfect you appear on face, you have your imperfections too. You overthink like others too. Have your own share of insecurities beneath the composure.

I flush. Letting the water cover my cries. Deep breaths, Kriti. It's going to be fine. You will find a way. You have to find a way to stop this.

I grab the tissues and dab my eyes. One day at a time, Kriti. Just one meeting to go and then you're done for the day.

I laugh darkly. Professionally done for the day. Emotionally, I have a lot to endure.

Just when my hand touches the cold surface of the doorknob, my phone starts ringing.

If I had any tears left, I'd shed them after looking at the caller's name.

My solace and strength was calling me.

******

"There's something that's bothering you, Kriti. I can see it."

Rutu's frown makes my heart lurch. No matter how much I had tried, Rutu managed to see through my pretense.

I take a look at the time. He'll have to leave in two minutes to reach on time for the bonding session.

"Kritika Pillai."

"Yes?"

"I'm here. Right here. I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what has happened. No more putting that brave face up."

I look at him. Stunned.

He adjusts his camera on a stand, and sits down, all ears.

What did I do to deserve this boy?

******

I tell him about Appa's wish. He nods slowly. I catch him wiping a tear when I explain my choice to him. I can feel it. His frustration at himself for not being here in person. The desire to give me a hug. The love that has stains of sadness for being at a fight against a father.

Suddenly, I can't take it. We both shift at the same time. Overwhelmed by the distance.

"Look at me having my, 'Kal tumhara match hai, aur mai bhi kahan...'moment." I joke trying to shift our attention from the agony.

It works because he gives me his brightest smile as he says, "And look at me contemplating to ask you to marry me."

I almost drop my phone at that.

He laughs.

"Don't worry. I remember you telling me that you don't want to marry right now. I was...eh...just joking."

He runs his hand through his hair, evidently embarrassed.

My heart warms at the sight of his flustered expression.

"You know what, Rutu, I feel much better after seeing you. And positive even. We'll get through this."

"Yes. Just a few days Kriti. I'll talk to Ajith Uncle as soon as I'm back."

I nod.

"Until then please take care of yourself. Try distracting yourself. Talk to Devi or something. Or do a Dulquer Salman movie marathon. Anything that you like. And if you feel like it's getting too much, know this that I shall understand if you want to do as your Appa-"

I stare at him in disbelief. Is he for real?

"Rutu. Don't. Don't tell me to stay away from you. Because I am not going to."

He sighs, "I had to try."

"MACHA ARE YOU IN???"

Hearing Sai's voice elevates my positive frame of mind. I smile encouragingly at Rutu.

"Go..."

"Pakka?" He asks

How would one say Pakka in Marathi, I wonder.

"Pakka." I affirm.

As we say goodbyes, the perfect distraction comes to my mind.

A/n - Hellllooooo lovely people! I missed you all, your words, your notifications so much. 💘

What do you think Kriti's distraction is going to be? 🙈