The Ruined Rainbow

CHAPTER 74

Ayesha

Hot tears continued to cascade down my cheeks. And my frenzy attempts to make peace weren't helping. I shakily stood up, clutching the table for support. I stared at the telephone, where I had spoken the cruel, in a shattering manner. Quivering violently, I took hold of the receiver and dialled the reception.

"Hello, Silver Spring Reception, How may I help you?"

"Ms Radha, this is Ayesha. I wish to check out immediately. Please make the necessary arrangements. "

"Why mam?" Radha's panicked voice echoed. "Is there something wrong? What happened?"

I shut my eyes, allowing another rivulet to flow down. I made frantic efforts to not allow a single sob to escape from my mouth.

"No," I said shakily, "Nothing wrong. I wish to leave on my own accord. Please make the necessary arrangements. I'll come down in a couple of minutes, and I wish to leave as soon as possible. Thank you."

I placed the receiver down, knowing perfectly well that if a prolonged conversation would take place, my mind will reduce to splits, unable to tolerate the excruciating pain.

I walked to the bathroom and washed my face fiercely. The cold water acted as a contrast to the burning tears on my face. Wiping my face, I walked to the dressing table and quickly rubbed all the instantaneous tears in my eyes. But they continued to remain red.

I held the mildly wet tendrils of my hair and stared at myself in the mirror,  reticent to do the next. Nevertheless, I accumulated all the free strands and plaited them tightly. I ignored the constant tugs and pains, caused by my ferociousness. I glared helplessly at the new look of mine, the precise look Sahil disliked. I clenched my fingers, in anger at myself, and then took a scanning glance at the room.

It took only a few minutes to gather all my belongings and I hurriedly packed them. I stuffed my mobile and the diary within my handbag. I didn't pause to recheck as I usually do, and in minutes, I was in the reception.

Radha stood up nervously on seeing me come down. I kept my eyes averted as I didn't want to reveal the redness in my eyes to anyone. I numbly took a pen from her hand wanting to get done with all the formalities as soon as possible.

"Mam..." Radha began nervously, "You are leaving abruptly... And that too at such an odd hour... Why?"

It was a good thing my eyes were lowered. "Personal issues... I got a call... And I need to leave instantly."

"Yes, mam." Radha agreed instantaneously, "Ansh Rathod was trying to reach you from the morning. Hope it's nothing serious. "

I clenched the pen tightly, feeling senseless momentarily. I stared at the exit register, trying to lessen the fast filling tears in my eyes. Mutely, I shook my head.

"Maybe you could wait till tomorrow morning?" She suggested.

I shook my head, forcing my trembling fingers to sign the last paper, which Radha had earlier pointed.

"Maybe I could arrange a hotel car now?" She offered helpfully.

I shook my head again. "Anywhere else?" I asked, referring where else I should sign.

"No mam," Radha said cautiously.

"Thank you," I mumbled and placed the pen atop the papers, and turned away. I slid the handbag handle on my shoulder and took hold of the trolley too. Forcing my shaking legs to walk, I strode till the exit and then stopped abruptly.