The Yellow Umbrella - 2nd Part

Recap:

After some time, when she reached back to the table, she saw the lady was gone. However, she left some money on the table, much more than her actual bill and a "Sorry to keep you waiting" on the paper napkin. Raghu immediately came to the table and was happy seeing the heavy tip on the table. He immediately snatched the money from Nitya and said, "Good, A nice day. Wish these kinds of customers come to our restaurant daily who even without ordering anything tip us so well.

Nitya was not happy at Raghu's statement and as soon as she was about to leave that table, she saw that lady had left "A yellow umbrella" in a hurry.

She picked up that umbrella and thought to herself, she needs to get in touch with the lady, return her umbrella and the money.

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Various thoughts were running across Nitya's mind, it was just an umbrella, she looked like a rich family, maybe she doesn't need it. Or she may send someone later to collect the umbrella from their restaurant.

But again, a part of her wanted to reach out to her. That lady was hurting, she badly needed someone to listen to her. It was just a coincidence that she heard their conversation and somehow she felt connected to that lady, as this umbrella was like a sign from the Universe that Nitya should reach out to her.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Raghu, who informed her he got some emergency and needs to be at some other place. And so he asked her, "Take care of my restaurant. Hope at least you can manage that much. I know it's too much to ask and expect from you, but guess I don't have the option.

Nitya had now got habitual to Raghu's sarcasm and to avoid any further argument, she just nodded, so that Raghu can leave her in peace.

 On the other side, Ankita reached home, she was in a bad mood, and was in tears.

She was not able to differentiate whether she was upset with Vaibhav or with herself for letting this happen to her.

Yes, once upon a time, she loved Vaibhav, but now the person he has become it was difficult to be around him and how is she going to spend her life with a guy who has changed to an extent that he now appears to be a stranger altogether.

Her thoughts got interrupted by the call. Initially, she thought it might be from Vaibhav apologising for his behaviour, but was disappointed to see an unknown number.

Reluctantly she attended the call and the person from the other side said, "Hi, I am Nitya, calling from Raghu's Restaurant, may I speak to Ms Ankita, please.

She was confused getting a call from the restaurant, she replied, Yes, This is Ankita, I am sorry but I do remember to leave the payment and the tip. This call is regarding what?

Nitya knew this isn't going to be easy, she said, Ma'am, actually you left your Yellow umbrella here in the restaurant. Ankita was not in the mood to speak and so to cut short the conversation she said, "It's alright, I'll have someone come tomorrow and collect it. Thank you.

But she was adamant and said, "Ma'am, I know I am not the right person to say this, can you come down now to collect the umbrella. Well, my dad used to always tell me to take care of the customer's and it's not fair on my part to accept the bill amount without you actually having something. This may sound weird to you, but I'll not be able to sleep tonight, thinking you paid me, without having anything.

It's a request ma'am, can you please come down. Well, I prepare nice red sauce pasta, which can really cheer up your mood as well. That's what my dad used to say. Though he is no more in this world.

There was a silence on both sides for a second and even to her surprise Ankita smiled and said, Girl, you should be in Marketing. Really good at persuasion. I'll be there in another half an hour. And stop calling me ma'am, my name is Ankita. Well, if you don't mind, can I bring someone along with me. You know with the wheelchair and all I might need someone.

Nitya smiled and said, Thank you, ma'am, I mean Ankita, no problem. Be my guest. Look forward to meeting you. After disconnecting the call, directly went to the kitchen and said, Andrew, do you mind if I use your kitchen to prepare Pasta for a friend. Andrew smiled and said, Princess Since, when you needed permission to use the kitchen, it's all yours. The restaurant might be in Raghu's name, but for us, you still are the owner of the restaurant.

Let me lend you a hand in preparing the special meal.

Rishabh was driving back from the office, he had a really hectic day and so was looking forward to a nice meal, followed by a movie. He was single and had no intention of settling down soon. Maybe he was yet to meet the girl of her dreams. Though being alone in this city, he was not alone, all thanks to his best friends

Ankita, Vaibhav and him were a trio, became best buddies in college, however as of now he was in contact with only Ankita. Vaibhav had cut himself loose from the group, maybe their friendship was not worth it for him.

Rishabh was very happy when he came to know Ankita and Vaibhav loved each other, he knew they were perfect for each other.

But then a tragedy happened a terrible accident that led Ankita to a wheelchair and well a drastic change came in Vaibhav.

Rishabh's phone rang and seeing the name of the person he said, "Think of the little devil and she remembers you. To what do I owe this pleasure, your Highness.

The person on the other side said, "Hi Rish, where are you.

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I need your help. Can you pick me up from the home, I want to go to Raghu's restaurant now. There is no one at home, who could drop me and I know one person on the earth who would never turn me down is "You".

Rishabh could sense something was wrong with her and said, "Anki, You be ready, I am on my way. I'll be there in another 15 mins or so. But you promise me, you'll tell me what happened on the way. And well, I am hungry, hope your restaurant serves something good.

She was shocked to hear that from him, she said, "Rishi, How did you know? I didn't even say anything. He replied, "Anki, you are like a sister that I never had. I just know when you are feeling low. Anyways, let me drive and you get ready. Shall chit chat on the way?

Ankit told Rishabh about what happened in the restaurant and about Nitya's phone call too. Rishabh was upset with Vaibhav's behaviour, he never expected this from him. On the other side, he seemed really impressed with Nitya. She sounded different to her and somehow he was getting good vibes about her.

When they reached the restaurant, they saw Nitya waiting for them at the reception table. She was no more in the waitress dress, instead, she was in a regular t-shirt and jeans with her hair set loose.

She immediately reached out to help Ankita with her wheelchair and did the sitting arrangement for her.

Rishabh had never seen such a beautiful girl Though she had applied no makeup, yet she was radiating light. He was not able to take off his eyes from her.

When they got seated, Ankita said, "Thank you Nitya, for having me here. This is my friend "Rish", I mean "Rishabh" and Rish she is "Nitya" I told you about.

"Nice to meet you", Rishabh, Nitya said with a smile ."Thank you, Pleasure is all mine. Rishabh smiled and answered.

Nitya said, So, for starter's how about a Mix Veg soup, it's the speciality of our restaurant. Would you both like to try?

Ankita said, "Nitya, don't worry. Have a seat. I am here to meet and talk to a new friend.

She smiled and said, Nothing to worry about. She called up another waiter and asked him to get the order. Too much of Rishabh's surprise, the waiter responded to Nitya as, Yes, Princess.

Nitya then said, "Ankita, here is your yellow umbrella you forgot in the restaurant. Well, there was something more I wanted to talk to you about. I know we hardly know each other, but I don't know I just felt a connection between us.

Ankita said, Yes, Nitya, the feeling is mutual. Please go ahead, what do you want to talk about. You know I generally don't socialise much, especially post this wheelchair thing. Rishabh is the only close friend that I have as of now.

Nitya hesitated and said, I know it's not my place to say, but I heard your conversation with your fiance - Vaibhav and you don't deserve to be treated like that. You seem to be a very tough, smart, woman, how the heck does he treat you like this. I know it's a love marriage for you, but who gave him the right to behave like this with you. You know relationships are meant to make you stronger, to help you grow, to evolve you, but what I witnessed today, you seemed suffocated in this.

A part of me, know you are deeply hurt and well, I don't know for what good reasons, but Vaibhav seemed to doesn't care about it.

Why are you punishing yourself Ankita?

As an outsider, I could clearly see that, why are you letting yourself be tortured?

Ankita and Rishabh were shocked to hear from all, though it was the truth, it coming from Nitya, was not expected. They could clearly see that there was concern in her eyes and a bit of anger too.

Ankita knew it was true, but a part of her was frustrated too and Nitya's words hurt her more. She said, Nitya, can't you see me in the wheelchair. Even what you said is true, it's my life, who are you to judge me? Did you call me here, to humiliate me? You call me your friend, and this is how you treat a friend?

Rishabh was now confused by Ankita's reaction. He agreed to what Nitya said because this was something he too tried to warn Ankita, but somehow he couldn't tell her directly.

And Nitya had put it exactly how the things were.

She realised maybe she had overstepped and seeing Ankita's reaction, said, I am sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you Ankita. I was just.

Even before Nitya could complete her sentence Ankita said, "Nitya, If I am not wrong, once upon a time this was your father's restaurant and today you are working as a waitress. And that too you were supposed to get married to the so-called owner- Raghu. What do you have to say about this part of your life, Nitya?

A waitress whose life itself is a struggle, is giving me relationship advice?

Rishabh was shocked to hear this coming from Ankita, this was not her. Certainly not her. Someone was trying to help her, and she was attacking her, what has happened to her?

Nitya was in tears hearing this from her, and even before she could say anything, Ankita said, Rish, I don't want to stay here even for a minute. Can you please drop me home? I wasted my time, coming all the way here.

Rishabh knew, there was no point in arguing with Ankita now, but yes, it was high time, someone put some sense in her.

 He felt bad for Nitya, poor soul she was just trying to help, her life was full of struggles, yet she was giving a tough fight to the situation, instead of accepting fate.

Due to Ankita, he was not able to say anything to Nitya and without saying anything they both left.

But this was not Ankita's and Nitya's last meeting, they were destined to meet again.....

To be continued.....