_Ranjish_

~Chapter 3~

~Rishita's POV~

I am finally here. In India. In front of the Rathore villa.
The villa, and the family stood strong.

I saw them. After 6 long years. I.. Maa, Baba, Dadu, Dadi.. Everyone. We walked to them.
But, just as I entered the garden, and walked towards the main entrance, the voices began.
"Tu aise kaise kar sakti hai Rishi! "
"Tu kitni ghatiya hai! "
"Tujpar humare sanskaar hui hi nahi hai. "
"Tu kitni cheap hai! "
"Teri soch kitni ghatiya hai! "

("How could you do this Rishi! ")
(" You are characterless! ")
(" You have no morals! ")
(" You are so cheap! ")
(" How can you think so low! ")

Stop! Somebody please stop this.
My mind would burst.

No! No!No! Rishi! Calm down! For fucking sake, calm down. Everything's fine. Breathe. Breathe. Okay, calm down. It's fine

I said to myself, it helped, a bit to the least.

Then, I saw him.
Him.
My heart raced. He still has this effect on me. No. No. He shouldn't.
I couldn't help but observe him.

He is changed. Broader chest, wider shoulders. His face, it has a stubble now. His hands, more veiny.He looked more manly.
But, his eyes. They are still the same. Grey orbs.

No!
I was wrong.
His eyes are changed. I can't see the emotions that once he used to convey with those orbs. Now, they are distant. Probably disgust lacing.

There it was. Our eyes locked.

I should escape. I.. I wont be able to take this for long.

~Aadheesh's PoV~

She is here.
Damn! My heart. It's racing as I saw her approach. I can't breathe. God!!!
Why! Why is this stupid heart beating so fast? Why does her presence affect me? No.. It doesn't. It shouldn't.

I felt Nishita's hand encircle my arm.
I looked to her.
Then, I looked towards the one standing right infront of all the family members.
No! I can't! I can't forget what a women she is. I can't.

Ridhi aunty, did her aarti.

She is changed. She.. She lost so much of weight. She looks so thin and fragile now. Her hair, they are longer.
Her eyes, they look sharper. The honey coloured orbs, look so blank.

She looks like a fully grownup woman now. Dressed like a lady, elegance oozing. Those little pieces of jewellery adding to it.
There's more of professionalism radiating from her body.
Her chubby cheeks are gone. Now replaced by that sharp jawline. Her whole appearance has changed.

No. No. Aadheesh, you shouldn't be observing her. You shouldn't. Just look away. Look away, Dammit.

That's when it happened. She looked straight in my eyes.

I hate it. I hate all of this soo much.

__________________________________________

~Author's POV~

Ridhi did Rishita's aarti. Then, they all moved in.
"Betho beta! ", Ridhi said.
(" Sit child! ")

Rishita just stood there, contemplating what to do next.
She took a breath as she said, " I am tired! "

"Arey ha! Tu itni dur se aayi hai!"
"Hum bhi kya tujhe lekar beth..
" Ja, kamre mei ja aur aaram kar! "
"Ha! "

(Yes! You came from far! ")
(" You must be tired.! ")
(" Go rest, Child! ")