Natasha

This had got to be the sickest joke I heard. I thought stuff like this only happened to a few selected people. Like the ones from the mafia, law and the rich. Rithik belonged to none of them.

Then why?

I had to sit down somewhere, lest I catch another anxiety attack.  I placed a hand over my erratic heart and took even breaths.

“Natasha, you alright? Here, some water,” Yash said, handing me a bottle of water. I gulped it down and quickly swallowed a pill for the same. It was a bit shameful to be seen like this.

“Just ignore me. My stupid body's gotten quite sensitive these days. It's just one thing after another...” I reasoned while shifting uncomfortably on the bench seat.

“Maybe we shouldn't have told you.” Shailesh shook his head in dismay but I threatened him to spill out everything. As I heard about the brawl Rithik had with Raj a month ago, amongst other things, my expression changed from bewilderment to sadness.

To anger. Pure, vengeful anger.

I'm so gonna burn him tonight.

“Where the fuck are you?!” I called Raj once I was alone. I was already on my way to the parking lot to fetch my red scooty.

“My, sweeeets~!” Raj exclaimed, his chirpy voice prickling my ears like thorns. “I had a feeling you'd call me now that your boyfriend is crippled. Whoops, my sympathies... How can I fill you in? Just say the word and I'm yours.”

Could this prick ever shut up?! “I want to meet you right now.”

“Splendid! But, now is not a good time. Can you—”

“Right now, Raj!”

“Alright, alright, tigress. Calm down. I'll share our meetup location,” He paused to send the same while I placed it on Google Maps.

“Fine, I'll reach there in twenty minutes tops.”

“Sure, baby. By the way, what are you wearing? I need—”

I cut him off by cutting the call.

I drove my red scooty and reached the location as predicted. It was a run down guest house. I was about to charge in like a red bull when I was stopped by not one, two but five men.

“Bhabhi!” They all exclaimed and my jaw dropped.

“You guys followed?”

“You think we will let you waltz into the lion's den unshelded?”

“How will we face our brother if something happened to you?”

“That motherfucker wouldn't pick our calls. He picked yours so we followed you here. Let's avenge our bhai together.”

“I can't believe this...” I facepalmed while they roared in unison. This was starting to look more sillier than I thought. Although I admit I was relieved for not being alone. Just then, I received a call from none other than the asshat in question

“My, oh, my, it seems you brought a whole lot of unwanted guests.”

“I didn't bring them, they followed,” I told truthfully while Shailesh hissed behind me. I raised my head to the building and indeed noticed a figure peeking out from the window of the third floor.

“We won't allow you to see her alone!” Yash added loudly.

After some lame-ass negotiation, I was allowed to meet the fucker. Only Yash and Shailesh were with me. Just seeing Raj's mughead face reminded me of what he did to my man, filling my head with rage.

Which was why I gave him a tight slap across his cheek. Consequences be damned.

“How fuckin dare you, cunt?!” Of course the bastard didn't take it kindly as he slapped me back and pulled my hair, his eyes buldging with rage. I also mimicked the same, pulling his hair seeing nothing but red, despite my thundering heartbeat.

This earned a not so pleasant reaction between his minions and the boys behind me as they cussed in the filthiest language possible and threatened to beat each other up. A commotion ensued as the men  brawled against each other, using their fists with their limbs. Their sounds of pain triggered me as I covered my ears and closed my eyes shut, moving away. Thankfully, Yash was there to rescue me as he circled his arms around me in a vice-like grip, successfully shielding me away from Raj and the others. I let him. Eventually Raj roar sliced through the uneven commotion like a red signal, ordering everyone to stop their theatrics at once. The men hesitantly withdrew their hands away as none of us wanted to end this with a violent bloodbath.

“Tell me why you did it? Why are you so obsessed with us? Are you secretly gay?” I asked, earning a snicker from one of his minions. He was slapped immediately after.

“No, I'm not. And I don't know what you're talking about.”

I threw my hands in exasperation. “Well, of course you'd say the cheesiest thing from the playbook and waste our precious time.”

“Who knows? One of you might be secretly recording this shit.”

“No, we are not carrying anything sus. You can check for yourselves. Mine should be checked by a woman.” I already clarified.

After his minions checked us and confirmed no recorders (which included mobiles as they already confesticated them), Raj's whole demeanour changed as he let out a creepy laugh.

“I'm sorry. I admit I didn't think this far. I was never going for the kill,” Raj smirked and I froze. “I only ordered the driver to graze Rithik a little. Give him a child's wound but guess he got too excited. Don't worry though, we dealt with him.”

“Dealth with him? How exactly did you deal with him?” Shailesh said, bringing a fist to his face. “No wonder we weren't able to contact the driver!”

“But why did you want to hurt Rithik in the first place?” I questioned, still puzzled. “You do realize we can get you arrested for this.”

The pointless charade of how's and why's went on with no clear conclusion in sight. Of course Raj wasn't willing to admit his crimes entirely. He often responded in code words he stupidly invented himself. It would have been really cute to witness his sick smirk behind the bars though.

While talking to Rithik's friends earlier on, I got to know how Rithik and Raj were classmates in high school. They befriended each other and were good friends for a while until Rithik sort of abandoned Raj after he was promoted to a different class. Perhaps Rithik got an inkling of the kind of person Raj was and left before his bad influence affected him. They befriended again two years back and we could see how beautifully that ended up. Friendships were scary.

In the end, we told Raj to stop acting upon a high school grudge and left the premises. Of course this wasn't the end. For now, I simply wanted to sink my head into the pillow and doze off.

* * *

I was just getting ready for the office when I glanced over the closed door of Khusboo's room. She still didn't wake up. Even last evening, she was cooped up in her room. Ayesha's message from two days ago hovered my mind. Something was bothering Khushboo and Ayesha wanted me to ask about it. I let out a tired sigh before entering Khushboo's abode.

Bright morning light entered the room as I pushed open the cream curtains. Like a typical Indian Ma, I switched off the fan, earning a satisfying groan from her throat. Khushboo squirmed further into her quilt until she uncovered it and looked me dead in the eye. “Urgh, the hell, girl? Did a cat bite your tongue or what?”

Seems hella fine to me.

“Yes, it bit me and now I'm transferring its germs to you.” I joked, while approaching her like a ghost. Instead, I placed a glass of orange juice on her table. “Here's your juice. Refresh yourself while I get ready. We'll talk.”

Of course she didn't deny the drink since Natasha hardly prepared it like this. Meanwhile, I bathed and dressed myself in an navy office shirt and pants. I grabbed my sandwiches on a plate and sat down on the edge of the bed.

“So...” I cleared my throat. “How's you?”

Khushboo snickered. Justified so, I sucked in matters like this. “Wow, sounds quite tasteless coming from your mouth.”

“Stop obsessing over my mouth,” I said, covering my lips for a second before speaking. “You haven't been yourself recently. That day when Ayesha came, you only had one slice of pizza which is odd since you fight to consume the most. A lot is going on in my life lately so I'm sorry I haven't been paying attention either. So tell me what is it? I'll leave for office a  it later.”

Way to comfort your friend, Natasha. Khushboo fidgeted with her fingers while basking in her silence. Unfortunately I was short of time so I asked. “It's not your ex, is it? Is he bothering you again?”

“He did contact me a month ago but no, he's not the issue anymore,” Khushboo spoke, her voice small and soft which was unlike her. Her smile faded as she raised her head to the window. “Have you ever pretended to be someone you're not? Or something you wished you had but underneath you know you can't.”

“What are you...?” I trailed off but then my mind went down the memory lane of the times I've been with Rithik. Times I doubted myself and my commitment to him. Times I felt like something was missing.

“Eyes, here, Natty,” Khushboo said, bringing my chin in her direction and I came out of my stupor. “You asked the question and now you're the one thinking about it. Waah, bhai, waah!”

“Sorry, sorry...” I shook my head, my mind still absent in the web of thoughts. “On what basis you feel that way?”

“I...” Khushboo started, her lips moving but no voice came out. It's like she wanted to say a thousand words but couldn't. It was only after I urged her to speak, when she continued, her eyes moist. “I rather not say. But I can tell you I've been feeling this way for a long time. I don't know who I am anymore. Or maybe I'm too scared to admit it. I guess this is what referred to as an existential crisis.”

The more Khushboo spoke, the more it felt like she was speaking the language of my thoughts. But in different scenarios. Though I could tell that whatever it was, it was eating her away. I tried to probe further but Khushboo pushed me away, telling me to go to my office.

“Aren't they going to decide your  location soon? Best of luck!” Khushboo said with a thumbs up.

“Thanks and best of luck to you, too.” When she asked what, I clarified. “I hope you find your true self and love what you find.”

This time her smile reached her eyes.

* * *

The designated place was Boston, USA.

“It's more like skill training and experience for you all. Learn as much as you can while working with seasoned engineers. And bring that experience back to our branch for our new projects. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Do your best, all three of you. Cheers!” Our boss gave his words of wisdom. All three of us raised our glasses to him. This was followed by a delightful after-party.

A bunch of formalities ensued which included signing a contract, applying for Visa, and wrapping up my work in Mumbai. I was also required to train my junior engineer as she would fill my shoes in the meanwhile. Things were surely looking brighter. Only one month remained until the departure.

* * *

Unfortunately, Rithik was still bound to the hospital bed until the end of the month. I made a point to visit him every other day, despite the intrusive looks from his family. I did my best to stay away from their radar.

For a the past days, Rithik had been doting on me, proud of calling me his woman. I told the boys not to tell about my confrontation with Raj but guess they couldn't keep it in their pants. At first, Rithik scolded me for venturing into the lion's den alone, but then he hugged and kissed me, wearing a creepy smile. That he couldn't be more prouder for standing up for him like his true alpha woman. Right.

“Someone's on cloud nine these days,” Rithik commented after watching me talk about my job with a sick smile.

“By the time I reach Bo— Bangalore, I'll be on cloud nineteen,” I answered, successfully saving myself from a possible calamity.

He squinted his eyes for a second before sighing. “You really can't wait to get rid of me, can you?”

“Ugh, not everything is about you, idiot! I have a good feeling about this. It's like turning on a new leaf or something. I can't wait!” I said, grinning and brought a spoonful of khichdi into his mouth. Let me tell you, I was feeding lunch by his Majesty's request, not mine.

Apparently, Rithik wasn't done. After the meal, he wanted to lie down on my lap. I assisted him for the same. He pulled my cheek from below. “I'm amazed you're not throwing tantrums for once. Didn't realize there were perks for getting hospitalized. Also, please keep wearing a salwaar-suit from now on. This pink one looks so adorable I could keep hugging you.”

And flinched in pain when he tried to do so with both arms. This jerk. “You realize you can't move your body like you used to, right? Please think twice before you do something.”

“I know and I hate it. So, so much,” He said, his voice quiet and buried his face on my belly. I sighed, feeling bad for the umpteenth time and brushed his hair gently.

“Sorry babe, but it will not be like this forever. Just hang in there for a while, okay? I'm right here with you,” I locked eyes with him and shared a sad smile. I leaned down to kiss his head. He shook his head, protruding his lips instead. I rolled my eyes before planting a peck on his lips, smiling. Thankfully, no one was there.

Atleast not until ten minutes later when Papa and Mumma Arora entered to witness their son napping on my lap peacefully. Mrs Arora whispered something incoherent before exiting the ward room while Mister Arora pulled a mocking smile. I quickly covered my red face in shame and demanded Rithik to wake the hell up. Perhaps the door wasn't locked tight.

“Kya yaar, Papa, Mummy. Didn't I forbid you to visit while she is here? See, now you made her leave!” Rithik scolded his parents before calling me. “And you! Stay.”

“Um, perhaps tomorrow. I'll visit tomorrow.”

He sighed in defeat. “Fine, but wear the same pink salwar-suit as today.”

I shot him daggers but the jackass simply gave a tight lipped smile. He certainly had the balls to be upfront like that. I could never imagine being this blunt with my parents. I greeted his mother abruptly before striding off the corridor like Cinderella before midnight.

I swear I was about to leave the hospital after coming out of the washroom when I spotted Papa Arora beside the exit. As if the scene before wasn't embarrassing enough.

“We need to talk.”

“Oh...” My stomach dropped dead. Don't tell me he was going to confront what he witnessed earlier? I shouldn't have bothered to visit. “I'm sorry—”

“I'm not here for your apologies, madam. Neither I'm forbidding you from visiting my son. And why would I? He seems happier with you than with us. Ah, young love!” Mr Arora smiled and I looked downcast, feeling my cheeks heat. He pointed his finger to a nearby cafe. “Let's sit there, shall we?”

Did it look like I had a choice? I went ahead while wondering why on earth I was in loggerheads with the Arora's again and again? Was this part and parcel of being a girlfriend? I wasn't even engaged for fuck's sake.

“Please relax, beta. You look like you're about to throw up. Bhai, do cup chai dedo. Anything else?” He asked me but I violently shook my head in a negative.

For a few moments, we were only engaged in a small talk, accompanied by a long, awkward silence. I sat stiff with anticipation. Mr Arora exhaled a visible sigh. “I'll come straight to the point. What do you know about my son's accident? Who did it?”

“Huh?” My eyes nearly popped out but I quickly composed myself. “Ho- how did you know?”

“I heard it through the grapevine but I see it is indeed true. Hey Bhagwaan!” He brought his joined palms to his face and let it sink in for a moment. When he raised his head to me, his expression was serious. “Tell me everything you know.”

“But I, um—” I stuttered, contemplating whether it was okay to tell him or not. Rithik was always secretive about his gambling/ betting business. Obviously he wouldn't be pleased if his father dearest came to know through me. I resigned to a lie. “I don't know anything sadly.”

“Child,” Mister Arora pressed the bridge of his nose, seeming bothered now. “Let's not play pretend at this stage. I'm all aware about Rithik's petty gambling games. I even warned that brat but he's just addicted on churning money that way.”

“Tell me about it!” I groaned, shaking my head in dismay. “I also warned Rithik plenty of times, but the idiot's too stubborn. Atleast he doesn't take as many risks now, but I wish he would stop this funny business altogether. There are plenty more ways to earn money.”

“My apologies. Apparently he's inherited that stubborn quality from me,” Mister Arora spoke in equal disbelief. He then flashed a smile, the curve of his wrinkles showing. “Well, seems like you do know something. Tell me.”

Busted. I forced a smile, realizing I could lie no more. Sorry, Rithik but this is for your own good.

And so, I told Mister Arora everything. From Raj's occasional visits to Rithik's garage in the past; Rithik's debt to him; Raj's creepy visits to me; Their brawl that followed right till the accident. I also mentioned my recent visit to Raj and shared that location to Mister Arora. Though I didn't think he would be there. Mister Arora listened to each word with a heavy silence. By the time, I finished he raised his head to the ceiling, letting out a gush of air from his mouth and clicked his tongue.

“Um, what are you going to do now, Uncle?”

“It's obvious. I'll file a case against that bastard. He hurt my precious son. No way he'll be spared after that.” Mr Arora answered, anger evident as he balled his fists.

I placed a hand over my opened mouth. Yes, it was the most logical solution but still.

We conversed for a while and let's just say Papa Arora became the first person in Rithik's family that I could get along with. He was easy to talk to and open- minded, just like Rithik. By this time, the table was filled with a bunch of sandwiches and pakodas. Said it was his treat for telling me everything.

“I feel like I should thank you,” Mister Arora said, when we stood up to leave. I shook my head in a negative, but he denied. “I feel like you had a hand in my son's career.”

“That I certainly did.” I admitted proudly and told how I helped make his job resume and all that. Mister Arora facepalmed hearing this and wondered how bleak his son's future would be. I giggled. “Rest assured, Uncle, Rithik is not sidetracked or naive. His future might seem bleak, but I'm certain he is working towards his goals and will be successful. He has some good ideas in mind. Let's just trust him until then.”

“Agar tum bol rahi ho beta, toh maan lete hai,” He nodded in understanding. “You are certainly not what my sister and daughter describe you to be. Maybe they misunderstood.”

“Chalo, atleast someone approves of me,” I joked and we shared a laugh. We left shortly after, leaving me grateful that I was in the good books of atleast one person in his family.

Though that didn't change what I really wanted to do.

* * *

Ever since the brawl between Rithik and me, there had been something I wished to do. A voice of reason. It grew louder during my conversation with Khushboo. Though that voice had been put on a pause since Rithik's unfortunate incident but now when things were moving in a better direction, it resurfaced again.

“You think this is a good idea?”

“Good? It's fantastic! Soon you'll find a ten rupee note saying, Natasha bewafa hai. You'll be coined as the new Sonam.”

“Not funny, Abhi! It's not like I want to do this.” I said, slapping his arm. Our feet sank a little as we walked barefoot on the sands while our mouths were busy munching on corn. I gauged his face. “Great! You don't agree with me either.”

“It seems like you're running away but I know you from your past and the present. If you feel strongly about this, then go ahead,” Abhishek said and we stopped walking. He cast a soft smile. “I'll be there to support you, no matter what.”

“I know. You are probably the only man who never judges me. Thank you,” I linked my arm with him, emotions hitting me like a truck. “I don't know how I'd have survived without you... I'll miss you.”

He unlinked my arm only to hit me on the head. “Oye, enough with the senti talk. You are going to start a new phase of your life. You're going to the freaking US! Be psyched!”

“Fine, but that should be with a glass of whiskey.”

“Now you're talking. Let's go!” Abhishek yelled, tagging me along while I obliged tittering. Henceforth, we had a fun evening drinking and talking about shit life, shit movies, his shit crush and everything in between.

* * *

I was scheduled to leave by the end of February, but I managed to postpone it to the first week of March. It had to do with a certain dark brown eyed man who was on a torturous journey to recovery. I didn't have it in me to ditch Rithik on his hospital bed. At least he should be in the confinement of his home with his family.

Rithik was finally discharged on 2nd of March. By now, he was healthy enough to do basic routine activities. Though it was still a far cry from normalcy. He was prohibited from running, exercising, traveling long distances (though he was told to do stretching to increase his muscle flexibility). Basically any strenuous activity that could affect his body. He was advised a complete rest for atleast another month or two before he could start working again. Especially his fractured arm.

Mister, Rakesh Arora was a man of his promise. He filed an FIR against Raj for an attempt to murder and accident his son. The police issued a search warrant against Raj whose whereabouts were currently unknown.

Of course Rithik's beloved friends orchestrated a huge welcome party for his much awaited return. It was held at his garage cum room. I was reluctant to be a part of it, since I didn't deserve it but everyone convinced me eventually. I had a good reason, too.

Only two days remained until my departure from India.

* * * * *

We have almost arrived at the end of this arc. The Boston arc is about to begin shortly which will be a bit different from this. New place, new characters, a ton of experiences and self- discovery for Natasha. Look forward to it.

What are your overall thoughts of this chapter? Of her interactions, especially with Rithik's father. Please vote and comment. It will encourage me to write further.