The Yellow Umbrella - Part 3

Recap 

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. . . . .

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Rishabh and Ankita were in the car. He was still furious as to how Ankita behaved with Nitya. As they drove back there was pin-drop silence in the car. But Rishabh was keen to know as to why Ankita behaved like this and what was going on with her.

So in the middle of nowhere, he stopped the car and said, Anki, Can you explain what happened in the restaurant today? I have never seen you talking to anyone before? What has really got you into? Care to explain that?

Ankita knew this was coming up. She knew Rishabh needed a justification for her behaviour. But maybe she was just not ready to talk about it.

She replied, Rishabh I don't owe you an explanation of my behaviour in the restaurant. Who was she to question me, to judge me for my decisions?

I just gave her, what she deserved.

It was pretty clear to Rishabh, Ankita was still not herself. Something was bothering her deeply and the worst part was he was not able to support her in this.

And so, he decided not to talk to her further, instead, he started the car and drove in silence.

After dropping Ankita safely at her house, without saying anything to her, he left for his house.

As Rishabh was driving, he couldn't stop thinking about Nitya. Her face was popping in front of him again and again. Something was happening to him, it's just he was not able to realise it.

On the other side, after reaching home, she found her dad and brother were not at home. It was though nothing new for her, she actually got used to it.

But today, she wished there was someone to whom she would have talked about what's was troubling her.

She was ashamed of her behaviour with Nitya, what was happening with her? How could she talk to someone like this? That innocent girl invited her to talk to her and what did she do to her? 

Her thoughts got interrupted by the call she got, it was from Vaibhav.

For a second, she felt happy, maybe she is not alone, Vaibhav is there for her. After all, they were engaged and were getting married soon.

It was a love marriage for them, of course, but how much love was still left between them? Ankita knew the reality, yet was not ready to accept it.

She attended the call, expecting that Vaibhav might have called to apologise for his behaviour. Vaibhav said, Listen I have some fantastic news for you. You remember Taniya asked me to come immediately to the office, while we were in that restaurant, guess what I got a couple of advertisement projects. Clients saw my previous advertisement and they also want me to participate in modelling projects too. The projects are happening in US and UK. Need to leave in a week for this project. I need to do some arrangements and preparation in the coming 4- 5 days before I leave.

 So, listen I would be really occupied, so I may not be available for you for some time. Can you imagine what these projects mean for me? It's a huge, huge opportunity.

You know money definitely is one of the parameters but this is going to be a stepping stone for me.

Who said, Dreams don't come true. When you have Manager like 'Taniya" in your life, everything is possible.

I owe my success to her, you know.

She is the miracle in my life.

So, I know it's late, we are having a small celebration at my place, do you want to join us?

Ankita was silently listening to all this in tears, with a lot of courage she replied, Congrats, Vaibhav. Well deserved Don't worry about me, you focus on your projects. Actually, it's kind of late and I am tired, can we meet up or maybe talk tomorrow, please?

Vaibhav was angry and irritated with the answer, he said, Wait a minute. I called up at your landline earlier, your caretaker told me you have gone out to that restaurant with Rishabh. You can hang out with him at that restaurant, but I am inviting you to my celebration get together, you are tired.

Of course, this has to be it, this way. And why the heck did you get back to that restaurant? I told you earlier also, that restaurant is not worth visiting and yet you went there again.

How difficult it is for you to understand!!

I told you, I don't like you meeting up with Rishabh, he is not at par with our status.

But it seems you want to do exactly the opposite of whatever I say.

Ankita was now angry, she shouted, Enough Vaibhav, the caretaker you are referring to is my "Bindiya aunty", who has taken care of our family after mom expired. She is like a mother to me. How dare you speak about her about just being care taker?

Also, Rishabh is not just my best friend, he is family to me. Alright?

Let me jog your memories, it was Rishabh only, who supported you in your struggle days. How can you speak to him about this?

Yes, you have definitely changed Vaibhav, because you know what now, I don't even know who you are anymore?

Vaibhav was furious, he had not expected Ankita to talk to him like this. He said, Ankita, you know what I know you have more important people in your life, that Bindiya aunty, Rishabh and that restaurant girl.

Yes, your so called aunty told me, how you just went all the way to get your old umbrella.

I mean really, you could have sent anyone there to collect it, and what's the big deal with that umbrella, I don't understand?

It was enough for Ankita, she said, Vaibhav, Are you really serious, Do you even know what that umbrella means to me? It was the gift my mom left for me.

It's a blessing for me, and Yes, I carry it wherever I go.

It reminds me of my mom, but guess what Vaibhav, you'll never understand this.

You have become a heartless guy. You don't have any emotions left, neither you care for anyone else.

He was even more angry now and said, Ankita, you know what, it was my mistake to call you up.

And with that he disconnected the call.

In anger, she threw her phone on her bad and started crying loudly.

"What happened beta, Is everything alright, why are you crying ? Is there pain in your legs? Should I call doctor?

Your dad and brother have some for some business meeting, they would be returning late.

Should I call them?

Ankita turned to see, her "Bindiya Aunty' was standing near the door, looking worried.

She quickly wiped her tears and said, Oh, Aunty, I didn't realised you are here. No, nothing happened. I am perfectly fine. It was just a small argument with Vaibhav, he was calling me for his celebration party and I told him, I was too tired to come.

Her aunty reached near her and said, "Beta, you know, I may not be your Mother, but I have always considered you as my Daughter. I am sorry, but I actually heard your conversation. I know it's more than just attending the party.

Wait a second, you went to that restaurant to get your umbrella and speak to that girl.

I can see in your eyes, you are in pain beta.

Please tell me, what happened there?

I know Rishabh picked you from here, and if he dropped you, how come he never came home?

He never does that, it's not just him.

Ankita broke into tears again, her aunty gave her a tight hug and said, Stop crying beta, Please tell me what happened. I am really getting worried about you. You know , you can share with me.  

I am here for you. No matter what is troubling you, we'll find a solution to it.

Just trust your aunty with that.

Listening to these words, she felt lighter, as if she was not alone.

She stopped crying and said, Thank you aunty.

And with that she narrated what happened when she went to meet Vaibhav and then later when she went to meet Nitya at the restaurant.

She also told about her fight with Rishabh.

Her aunt listened to her carefully and said, "Hmm, Beta, it's not just about your fight with Vaibhav, Rishabh or with that girl Nitya? It's something bigger than this

Ankita, are you having 2nd thoughts about this Marriage?

She was shocked to hear this from her, and said, Aunty to be honest, I feel I don't know myself anymore!!

On the other side, Rishabh was trying hard to sleep, but was not able to do so.

Yes, he was angry with Ankita and felt bad for Nitya. Ankita was always important to him, but why he was feeling protective about Nitya.

How could it be possible, though you don't know the person, yet you can feel their pain.

He still remembered the pain in her eye, when Ankita said things about her dad's restaurant.

And with that thought, he knew exactly what he had to do.

Well, Nitya couldn't sleep either. Yes, she was hurt with what Ankita said, but more importantly, she knew Ankita was in deep pain and needed some support.

It was not she was weak or something, but sometime Life put us in such situation, where we are unable to figure out what's happening with ourselves.

And that point of time, we need some support to get that push to move forward.

But, what Ankita was doing, was pushing away that support.

Rishabh too seemed concerned and shocked by her behaviour, which showed she was definitely not being herself.

What Ankita said was partially true, she had not been able to do something about her own situation.

And yes, she couldn't stop worrying about her.

At that point of time, a message popped up in her phone, Hi Nitya, Sorry to ping you late. This is Rishabh, Ankita's friend. I am really sorry for my friend's behaviour. She is not like this. I have know her since long time. Can you forgive her?

Nitya smiled and thought, He is really her best friend and she replied, No problem Rishabh. It's okay. Please take care of your friend. She needs your support.

He was surprised to see this sweet gesture and replied again, If it's okay with you. Can we meet tomorrow at some other restaurant where we can talk? Actually Ankita wants to meet you again

Rishabh was eagerly waiting for the reply and well the answer came, Sure, we can meet at my place. 8. 00pm. I'll text you the address.

He was happy to see the response, but the challenge was to bring Ankita along with him.

To be continued. . . . .