Natasha

“Let him in,” I said, my voice thick. I noticed the security guard from the security camera, letting Rithik pass the entrance. He was inside the building now. It was actually happening.

My heart was in my mouth with each aching second that passed. I clutched my hands to my chest, watching the main door in anticipation.

Fifty seconds, fifty-one seconds, fifty- three seconds...

The door opened and his eyes met mine.

A jolt of emotions surged through me. My breath caught in my throat. There Rithik was, in flesh and blood. His hair tousled, his brown eyes weary. He was in his familiar grey jacket I knew so well. Even if it was something I envisioned, never in my wildest dreams I thought Rithik would show up to my goddamn place several thousand miles away.

“Natasha...” Just my name on his lips was enough to combust me into flames. A lump formed in my throat. He was so close and yet, I couldn't find my voice. It was too real, too fast.

“Rithik,” I whispered, my tone soft. I had to make sense of this reality. I had to go out of my way to touch him. Feel his hand on mine. Feel his face. “I can't believe it... You are here...”

“Didn't I say I'd surprise you? Well, here I am,” Rithik answered, smiling away.

That did it. My tears rolled out before I could stop. Especially when I noticed his right arm and touched it. “Your arm- it's fine now. Your forehead, your right leg, too. You recovered.” My happiness knew no bounds.

“Of course, babe. I wouldn't be bedridden forever. Though my arm still hurts at times. I've been advised not to do any strenuous activity.”

“Oh, sorry,” I retracted my hand. I noticed Rithik staring at me as if searching something on my face. Before I knew it, he engulfed me in his arms. The smell of sandalwood and musk from his jacket hit me like a storm. His presence enveloped me like a quilt. It broke through my last bit of inhibition. I buried my face on his chest and hugged him back. We remained like that for a while. He was here. My man was here.

“Aree baapre, itne mote aasu! (Oh my god, such fat tears!) Even when I came for you.” He let out a laugh when he noticed my face, though his eyes appeared glassy, too. He wiped my tears away while blinking quickly.

“What to do? I missed you like hell. It's your damn fault!” I sniffed, my voice quivering. Fuck, I met him a minute ago and I was already an emotional wreck. So annoying and unbecoming of me.

“You really are an idiot. Doing whatever you want,” He muttered, softly against my hair. Then squinted his eyes at me. “You think you can break up with me? Break us? Look how much you made us suffer.”

“But I—” I started but my words were stolen by his tender lips on mine, melting me like butter. My fingers clutched his jacket as I kissed him back, welcoming his all too familiar taste and touch. It's like we weren't separated at all. Our lips parted a few seconds later only to hug each other again. I exhaled audibly. In my heart, I never wanted to let go of him ever.

Someone cleared her throat, making Rithik and I divert our attention to the woman who might have witnessed it all. Shit, I forgot all about Kylie. I cringed, hiding my face on his jacket while Rithik turned elsewhere, mumbling an apology.

“No worries, I went to my room and came back while you two were... engaged.” Kylie said, a smile threatening to leave her lips. “Sorry to disturb but I'm about to leave for office so I'm leaving the keys with you, Natasha. Go on. Continue with your reunion.”

“Crap, I forgot all about office. I'm already late,” I said, checking the time on the wall clock. I glanced at Rithik who seemed dazed “When did you arrive, by the way? Where is your luggage?”

Rithik exhaled a sigh. “Yesterday night. I stayed at a hotel. Uh, can I ask you something?” When I nodded for him to go on, he continued, his voice low enough for me to hear. “Actually my budget isn't enough for me to stay at a hotel for the next week. The prices are massive here. I was barely able to arrange money for the flight tickets. I was hoping I'd stay with you for the time being but you are staying with your roommate.”

“So you want to stay here? Um, wait...” I stole a glance at Kylie who was grabbing her laptop bag. I rushed to her and explained the situation. She gave me a ‘are you seriously asking me this question?' kind of smile.

“Hi, I'm Kylie Walker, Natasha's friend and owner of this apartment,” Kylie went ahead to introduce herself and shook his hand. “You might remember me and the other girls during that drunk video call months ago.”

“Ah, yes, I remember now,” He gestured. “Thanks for making that call. I'm Rithik Arora.”

“Good. You can stay here as long as you like, no worries!” Kylie smiled, her eyes twinkling as she exchanged glances between the both of us. “He's your beloved after all.”

I bit my lip, trying to cover the slight embarrassment from my face. Kylie soon left shortly, only for me to receive a message a minute later.

‘He definitely looks better in real life.’

I smiled but it faded away when I noticed Rithik resting his head on the couch while pressing his temple. I touched his face. “What's the matter? You look kinda pale.”

“Nothing, just jet-lagged. I need to rest a bit,” His voice was hoarse.

“Idiot, you should have said so. Why didn't you call me before? Forget it, come to my room. You can sleep there,” I said, eventually taking him to my room. Thereafter, he freshened up while I gave him a painkiller. It was a good thing he brought his luggage along which was downstairs. I requested a guard to bring it up. By the time, I dragged his luggage to my room, he was fast asleep. Just how tired was he? I let him be.

It was no surprise when I received a call from one of Rithik's boy friends later. Yash wanted to enquire how Rithik was doing and how adamantly stubborn he was to fly to Boston. His parents were yet to know.

“Did you know? His doctor advised against flying that far away. He said to wait for another month.”

“But he seems fine to me. Just tired.”

“Rithik has recovered, yes. But that doesn't mean you immediately resume all your activities. Doc has advised against moving his right arm too much. He still experiences pain sometimes but refuses to wear a plaster, that moron.”

I entered my room again. Rithik was still sleeping but that's when I noticed him pressing his right arm with his left hand while his forehead creased a little. I sighed. “I think you might be right on money here.”

“Bhabhi, I know you are busy, but I request to look out for him. One of us could have tagged along but we don't have that kind of money. We didn't even know when Rithik applied for a Visa and got it. His parents are yet to know. He gave them an excuse that he sneaked out for a trip with us or something. He basically left us to deal with his mess...” Yash let out a frustrated sigh. “It's your fault for breaking up out of the blue.”

“But I didn't call him here, did I?” I said but then sighed when Yash apologized. “I understand, Yash. I'll take care of him, don't worry. And you should tell his parents.”

“I will, eventually. Bye, take care,” With that, Yash ended the call.

Rithik woke up a little while later. He wasn't fully asleep anyway. I prepared some lunch for him. I informed about Yash's call and how he was causing trouble for the people there.

“It's not like I'll be here forever. I'll just sort things out with you and go back.” Rithik stated proudly. He fished out an envelope from a small bag. “See, I still have your ruthless letter.”

“Is that so?” I raised a brow and gave a brief look. I quickly changed the topic. “Listen, I'll be off to office shortly. Let's have brunch together.”

“Sure.” Rithik said and we started heading towards the kitchen. “By the way, who was the prick who carried you home yesterday?”

What?

“Yesterday? You mean Vansh?” I answered, absentmindedly. Just then, it hit me as I whirled my head to him, wide-eyed. “Wait, you were here yesterday?! How did you know this address?”

“Well, I convinced Ayesha to tell me. She was happy to comply,” He shrugged. I swear my two girlfriends from India shipped me with Rithik more than me. He squinted his eyes. “So his name's Vansh. So nice of you to occupy yourself with men right after you ditch me.”

I rolled my eyes, “So nice of you to assume that shit. Vansh's just my colleague. He was carrying my dead ass to bed because I was too intoxicated. It was a drunken night.” I should probably thank him.

For some reason, Rithik didn't believe me. Normally, I went home alone with the exception of Irfan who dropped me home for a few days. Yesterday was an only exception where a man accompanied at night and stayed. And Rithik had to be around right then. Talk about a motherfucking coincidence!

I didn't have time to argue with Rithik so I let him assume whatever. I had to hurry for my office. I was already late. I told him to call if anything troubled him. With that, I buzzed off.

~

It was already an eventful day with Rithik suddenly showing up at the doorstep. I thought things would be peaceful in the office. However, when I reached, I noticed odd looks from my teammates. Did something happen?

“Seems like you had quite fun last night,” Irfan said, wriggling his brows. A frown etched my face.

“Did something happen? Why is everyone looking at me like I made it out of a scandal? Angie even said she loved it. Loved what?”

“You honestly don't know. Oh, boy! This shall be fun,” Irfan snickered. “Check your WhatsApp.”

I did just that, my heart racing in dread. I noticed a series of notifications and mentions from our WhatsApp unofficial office group. I opened to see reactions of a video clip Vansh sent. It featured a drunk me, hopping on adjacent tiles and twirling round like a ballerina doll. My memory was foggy from yesterday. I vaguely remember doing something along the lines at the Charles River yesterday. When did Vansh record me? The nerve of that bastard.

“Where's he? He's dead meat today.” I twisted my knuckles.

“Rahimahullah (May Allah have mercy on him)” Irfan raised his palms in a prayer. I smacked his shoulder for enjoying too much.

It didn't take long to spot the spikey haired scumbag. Too bad, we were in an office so I was unable to commit cold-blooded murder. I did show my resentment by throwing killer daggers at Vansh throughout the day. I felt the veins in my head throb as a headache began to form. Regardless, I impatiently waited for him to leave. He thought he could outsmart me by pretending to go to the washroom but I fucking knew better. No one could mess with me and leave scott free. I secretly followed him to the parking lot.

“MISTER. VANSH. BAWEJA!”

Vansh turned behind like a deer caught in the headlights. My eyes were buldging with rage. Pure rage. How dare he humiliate me like that in front of the whole department? I didn't even hesitate to remove my sandal and hold its ends with my hand. His face went white.

“Co- come on, Natasha, it's no big deal! It's just two photos and a five second video. There's nothing vulgar. Just funny faces and you skipping stone tiles. I could have sent worse but I didn't. See, I'm a considerate man.” Vansh spoke for his life, displaying his hands in defeat.

“Considerate man?!” I repeated loudly. “Ah, I'm so lucky, I was spared! Ugh, today must be one of those days. You know Dave approached me a few minutes ago, saying I was hilarious and how he wanted to take me out for coffee. Dave, who's not even on our team. If he could get access to my clip then, god damn well save my ass. I'll be scarred from my professional dignity. All because of you! For what? Revenge because I outdid you back then? Get a life!”

Vansh took a cautious step forward, looking guilty. “Alright, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ruin your reputation. I'll delete those videos from the group, okay. It's no big deal. People will forget all about it in a few days. Ain't nobody got the time to think about how Natasha behaved while drunk. Most people eat, drink and party. If you feel that bad then, I'll make a funny video of myself and share it on WhatsApp as well. Are we cool now?”

Well, that did cool me down a bit. Especially when I saw my video deleted from the group. When I nodded, Vansh took that as a sign to come near. As soon as he was two feet away, I smacked his shoulder with the edge of my palm, earning a sharp wail from his mouth. I hardly let him recover as I kicked his leg, too, making him lose his balance. “Ow, ow, what was that for, you—?” He groaned.

“Go figure.” With that, I turned around to leave. Unfortunately, Vansh caught me after a few steps.

“You!” He raised his voice, catching my attention. “Do you have any idea what I went through last night? I came for you even when I was tired. I did since you're my friend.”

“But I never—”

“I got drunk with you, rescued you, tolerated you, took you home, and carried your sorry ass to bed, despite my intoxicated state. But YOU— You're damn too egoistic to  utter a single word of gratitude! Not to forget the fabulous stunt you pulled at the end,” Vansh said, his face literally slapping against mine as he ranted. My back hit the wall, forcing me to stay rooted. I was about to demand what the fuck was he doing, but then his last words registered my head.

I tilted my head, “Stunt, what stunt?”

“Oh, God! Don't tell me you forgot?” Vansh facepalmed. “That thing you did before the taxi arrived. You were trying to tell me something about my lost jacket but I couldn't understand your slurry words so you inched closer... Come on, don't you remember?!”

My forehead creased as I tried to jog my memory. I replayed it from the beginning- drinking contest, a crazy bitch with her two minions, the car ride to the imaginary wall of China, Charles River bridge, depressing talk about life and the depth of the sea, missing Rithik, the kiss, cab ride back home.

Wait, what?! Kiss? And to this jerk? Hehhh!

“Big deal!” I spoke, waving a dismissive hand. I tried to recall but I couldn't remember much. From what I assumed, it was just a two second touch on the lips. “I don't think it was a proper kiss anyway. Like a French greeting you know. I barely remember. Perhaps I mistook you for someone else.”

“No big deal?” He repeated incredulously.

An argument ensued between us for God knows what reason. I told Vansh he shouldn't have bothered to show his crackhead yesterday if I was that troublesome and he agreed saying how he regretted it. With nothing more to say, we stormed off. I pressed my temple, my headache becoming more apparent now. Whatever, I had more important things to deal with.

I was in a shitty mood but looked like I had another surprise waiting for me with a familiar face standing outside my office. My heart skipped a beat. “Rithik.”

“One and only.” He waved his hand with a lop- sided smile.

“What are you doing? How did you find me? Weren't you supposed to rest?”

Rithik took the laptop bag from my hand, “I got the address from Kylie. It's right along the station so it was easy to find. And I'm feeling much better now, thanks. Shall we go?”

“Where?”

“Wherever you want me to right now. I need to see this big ass city with you.” Rithik came closer, placing a hand over his mouth. “By the way, is there a stall that sells samosa?”

I burst into soft laughter, shaking my head at his unbelievable love for the snack. No wonder I'd think of him whenever I had that. Although I still wasn't used to this situation yet. Him being here in the flesh. It all seemed like a far-fetched dream that I'd wake up from. Nonetheless, I was here to live it. I linked his arm, smiling in bliss, “Let's go, samosa boy.”

I took Rithik downtown and explored the place exactly like I did on my first day in Boston. It was surreal. My headache soon subsided as we talked, laughed, ate and clicked pictures. I noticed how his dark brown eyes lit up as he overlooked the city while I was exploring the place through his gaze. I even convinced him to buy a red muffler since he looked hot in it.

Later on, we stopped by the same cafe to have cannoli amongst other delicacies. We rested there for a while. Our conversations were never ending. Made sense, since we had a lot to catch up on. It was all sunshine and rainbows until he ticked off a nerve by asking about Vansh again. Insecure much.

My face contorted, showing displeasure. “Can we please not bring up that skank? I'm not in the mood to talk about him.”

“Did you sleep with him?”

“Again with that ridiculous question. Yes, I slept with him. Happy now?”

Rithik narrowed his eyes in fury as if I ticked off his nerve. Just as I was about to open my mouth to clear the misunderstanding, he got up from his seat. “I'm leaving.”

“Hey, wait, that was a lie. Why don't you believe me?” I stopped chasing him midway. “Did you even read my letter?”

“Yes, I read that shit like fifty times.” Rithik stopped to face me, his jaw clenched. “That's why I'm here. To tell you, you have nothing to worry about. That you are not alone.” Rithik held my arm. “We can convince our families together. I'll talk to your family, too. I'll be with you in every step of the way. How hard can it be? I'll make sure nobody ever insults you like that ever again.”

I touched my aching forehead, my headache having its comeback. “Rithik, if things were this easy, I'd have simply told you in person. Not break up. It's not like I fancy getting away from you.”

“But they are, Natasha!” Rithik retorted. “It's not as difficult as you make it sound. Why are you making a big deal out of this? You are just overreacting and making things twice as complicated.”

“Hell yeah, I'm overreacting and complicated,” I threw my hands in exasperation. “Oh, how I wish I could see everything on the same level as you but I can't. Everyone takes things differently. You got to understand that.”

In the end, nothing came out of the argument. We quietly resigned to the residence. First Vansh, now Rithik. Today was one of those days. If Rithik would have just shut up his trap for today, we'd been fucking mindlessly by now. Instead, I slept in my bed alone as usual while he slept on the sofa cum bed in the living room. We were indeed off to a great start.

The next day around lunch time, Vansh approached me while I was talking to a female colleague, Angie. We didn't exchange a single word after that evening so this was an unwelcome surprise. His voice cut through our chatter like a blade, with a single sentence.

“I want to talk.”

I exhaled in vexation without sparing him a glance. Great, another pain in the fucking butt! As if the one at Kylie's apartment wasn't enough. “Can't you see, I'm busy. Will talk later.”

Silence befell us, heavy and strained. I could sense it from the corner of my eye. Sense Vansh's piercing gaze on me with his arms crossed, fingers tapping impatiently against his forearm.

“Um, it's okay. I need to leave for lunch anyways. Se- see you,” Angie's weak voice cut through the thick tension in the air. She exchanged nervous glances between the two of us before scurrying away. I scoffed.

“Alright, I'm leaving for lunch as—”

I swear I was about to get up from my seat when this motherfucker shoved me down with one hand and pulled my chair to him with another, catching me off-guard. His face towered above me. His brown eyes razor sharp, his breath ragged. “If you don’t accompany me right now— I swear I'll shout in front of the whole goddamn office. It won't be a pretty sight I assure you that. Now, come.” Vansh spoke in a low, dangerous voice.

I flinched and gaped at him, stunned. In all of the times I've known Vansh never did he looked this furious. Annoyed, yes, but not angry. What's more, I was blindly following him without a word of protest.

Atleast until we reached the lift that took us to the underground parking lot.

“Stop!” I said abruptly when Vansh refused to listen the first time. “Where are you taking me and why the fuck can't you speak right now? What's so important that you cannot wait?”

“It's about the scumbag who showed up to threaten me this morning.”

“Scumbag? What scum—?” My eyes widened for a second. No way, it couldn't be him.

Right?

* * * *

Dedicated to KirtiKullu0

Mwahaha, a bit of a chaotic chapter, right? It might be this way for the next few chapters. What are your thoughts about Rithik coming back? Did he really threaten Vansh? Vote and Comment.

Btw I went on a trip to Mumbai with my siblings this week. It's my birthplace. I stayed there for 13 years and departed in 2005. And today is 2025— 20 long years since I last visited. Going there made me imagine how Natasha and Rithik live there. It made me realise I hadn't captured the essence of Mumbai in the 온라인카지노게임 enough. My whole experience was surreal. It reminded me of why I loved Mumbai so much, especially the beaches, the skyscrapers, and the absolute serenity surrounding the Marine drive at night. We even visited our old school. A nostalgic trip down the memory lane. 🤗🤗

Until next time.