Hopeful Streaks

Chapter 7

"Ajay Rish, apologized to me!!", Mitha raised her invisible collars to Deb. Deb was astonished to hear what Mitha said, as she knew how arrogant Ajay was, through Math.

"Bon-bon! Please, say me that you're joking!", Deb coughed!

"I am not joking, babe!!", Mitha replied coolly, standing at the balcony of Éclat mansion, holding her new iPhone 6S !

"Seriously, what's happening there? Am i supposed to know or  what?", Deb freaked out. Mitha, called Deb to talk about what happened last night! Deborah, listened to Mitha and she was shocked to the core when she heard that Ajay asked for Mitha's forgiveness. Even, Mitha herself still doubted if she was in some dream. But to her good will, it was neither dream nor imagination. Everything that happened was freaking truth.

"Bon-bon, I think we should meet.", Deb said to Mitha, as she had something to share with Mitha.

"Come here for dinner, Deb! Bring Math too with you, if you're okay!", Mitha suggested her this idea because Ajay could some spend time with Math, while they share stuff.

"Yeah! I am bringing Math!!", Deb said.

"So, I will go prepare dinner for everyone of us! Come soon!!", she said . It was already that evening, as soon as she finished checking up Divya as usual, Mitha moved towards her area. She wanted to cook something special for them. Because both Deb and Math are real sweethearts, and now Ajay has been the new addition to Mitha's sweethearts list! She sat down at the bean bag, that she had inside her room. She took out a chit, and started to write down the menu for that day's dinner. She paused for a moment, and thought if she should inform Ajay about this, but however it was her turn to cook that day so she didn't give it a second thought.

•Nachos with big beans

•Paneer kebab

•Aloo paratha

• Dal tadka

•Payasam*

She finished penning down some delicious dishes, that she could be able to prepare for that night. She had to start the dishes soon, because she had only five hours left and there were many works to be done.

On working hard, baking, frying, garnishing for an array for four hours, Mitha almost finished all the dishes and only Nachos were left undone. She  placed the red bean curry in the centre and decked around the giant tortilla chips. And after placing the mixed vegetables around the tortillas, she sprinkled the creamy sauce around the tortilla. Oh! Yeah, The nachos were ready too.

She, then called Deb to ask when she was coming. Deborah, picked the call and informed that she was on the way. Then, Mitha decided to call Ajay and inform about Dinner.

It was 7 p.m, in the evening and Ajay, was really exhausted due to the works that he had for that day. Being completely honest, he felt a bit better after apologizing to Mitha. He felt the state of comfort, only when he saw Mitha smiling at her new phone. When he was going through the papers to sign in,his phone buzzed on getting a call. Mitha was the one to call! Her effect was amplifying on him. He picked up his phone.

"Mr. Rish?", her voice was super excited to hear. Ajay was surprised to hear from her.

"Ms.Mitha? Tell me!", he said , tapping his lunules on the desk, as a small streak of smile got plastered to his lips.

"I hope you're aware that your friend Mathews is in relationship with Deborah, who is my best friend!! I have invited them for dinner tonight. I hope you don't mind!!", she said hesitantly. She was actually hesitant to unwrap this thing to Ajay because she was only a doctor who worked for Ajay, and not his family member.

"Uhmm.. I know ! Alex has told me about Deborah! Okay! I have no objection.", he said smiling inwardly. Ajay, knew that Math was head over heels in love with Deborah. He had also seen Deborah, at the Chapel thrice. Though, his relationship with Sana failed, he had always wished that Math's love shouldn't become a broken one. Because, Ajay knew that it was only because of Math, his present plight was without monetary crisis. Ajay, knew Math from his high school. Math was the one to help Ajay, financially during his initial stage of independent business. They've always been best friends, since their High school!

"Thank you so much Ajay! Thank you!! Let me hang up now!! Bye!!", Mitha exclaimed in joy! It was such a great joy that she even forgot that the mister in front of his name had vanished at that time. Before Ajay, could speak anything , the call had got disconnected.

In sometime, Deb reached Éclat mansion, and after lots and lots of interrogation by the doorman, she was let in. Mitha was much delighted and excited to meet Deb, after a whole week. After the  hugging ceremony, Deb and Mitha moved towards the hallway, but the Mitha saw that Deb had come all alone without Math.

"Where's Math, Deb?", Mitha asked handing over a glass of Mango pulp to Deb.

"Math is with Ajay!", she chuckled ! "They'll come together!!", she winked, sipping in some pulp.

"Okay!!", Mitha agreed,

"But Bon-bon! Just clarify a thing to me! Did Ajay Rish, really came to you to ask sorry? I mean, he never did it! Math said that Ajay never asked sorry, for something that he is not responsible for!!",Deb explained .

"But Deb, wait!! Here, he was RESPONSIBLE!!", Mitha replied, stressing out that particular word.

"Yeah, he broke your phone! I agree. But still...", Deb gave a confused reaction.

"Deb, you know what?", Mitha suddenly became serious.

"What?", Deborah cackled.

"The phone, the apology... Above everything i got to know that he cares for me. That's the main extract! He is not heartless or arrogant!!", Mitha said what she felt, truly. Unless others Deb was not someone who would judge Mitha, in any aspect. They were like, a soul in two bodies! Even Mitha felt the whole of anything only when she shared it with Deborah!

"What does it mean, Bon-bon? Like, what does it mean if you say that he really cares for you?", deb asked rolling her eyes. Deborah, had already guessed that Mitha had super-intense attraction towards Ajay. Because, the way she explained about Ajay, on that day was still wandering around in her upper story.

"It means nothing! Okay? Just a good feel that, he is a gentleman! Okay? Now stop exaggerating this!!", Mitha chuckled.

Soon, Ajay and Math came back home. Whilst, the girls were making an array of dishes at the dining table. It felt new to Ajay, to have people around him. Precisely, he had been in introverted mode since his break up. Mathews helped Ajay, a lot to overcome his break up. Éclat mansion, had never made Ajay feel like home. It was just a building, in which he lives in. But now, it was different. Something about his villa looked totally different, with joyful screams. Few streaks of hope on his happiness and life, were feebly visible. He didn't know, if it was all because of Mitha. But he felt that his life was better than before.

"Hey! Mitha!!", Math chuckled on seeing Mitha. Deborah, felt good on seeing healthy friendship between his friend and better half.

"Math! How are you?", Mitha asked after a friendly hug.

"I am great! How is your life? How is Divya?", Math asked, aviating his hands.

"I am super good! Divya is in normalcy!!", Mitha clarified.

"Bro! How are you?", Deb chortled by seeing Ajay. Mathews had already made Ajay and Deb, talk to each other!

"I am good, Deborah! Thanks!!", he replied formally. Ajay, had always been formal to everyone except Math! He actually had trusting issues. He even stopped interacting with Divya! Right from her first day at Éclat mansion, Mitha had always wondered why Ajay never spent time with Divya. She had always wanted to talk to Ajay, about that thing.

All of them, got settled at the dining table. Mitha, Deborah and Math, interacted jovially while Ajay, ate his food in silence. Though, he felt good having people around him, the fear of losing people invaded his heart more sooner. Everyone, whom he loved selflessly betrayed him.. His parents..His Sana!

Soon after, the dinner Deb and Math decided to take a hike. Before they could leave, the girls decided to chat for sometime. What else would two girls who're best friends talk? They were talking about the boys! Especially, Math and Ajay!!

When Math and Deb left the house, Mitha was too full in the way that she could even explode! Ajay, silently went into his room and locked it. Mitha, was sleeplessly wandering inside her room. And frequently, stopped near Divya to stare at her, get amazed how cute she looked, and think what would've made Divya to go for drugs. She felt happy and contented, when Ajay agreed for Math and Deb to come home. After all, she didn't ask for permission from him! She just informed. Ajay, on the other hand was clear cut that he shouldn't hurt her. His ruthlessness and arrogance were unremembered, when Mitha's eyes fell on him.

Three days passed out. It was a Monday evening! She had no work from that morning. Because it was his turn to cook for that day. Mitha, after her check up on Divya, looked at the blimp pendulum, that showed it was five in the evening. She felt really bored, inside the house. How could someone be inside a building, all day and night? Also, she had always been a playful, whimsical girl! She had always been a free bird, who would wander with overloaded craziness. But now, all her work was to sit, inside her room and take care of Divya.

Letting out a huge sigh, she switched on the TV! She thought that watching some tv shows would shoo away her boredom! But, she had an heart attack when she saw a news flashing on the TV! There was a breaking news which read that Ajay had an affair with his live-in doctor! She went hazy on seeing it! How could that happen? And why did it happen?

An unknown young lady, whom a famous new channel had hired was shouting loud,"The captain of industry, industrialist Mr. Ajay Rish has an affair with his live-in doctor! This is the hot news now in the city! Last night when our channel member was returning home, he saw Mr. Rish and his live-in doctor standing intimately, near by the Gem plaza ! We people are yet to talk to Ajay sir, about this thing!!",On hearing these, she then realized that it was all because of her mistake!

Yes, the last night she had an argument with Ajay! This time, it was Mitha who started the argument. Last night, she was really sleepless and getting packed inside the house the whole day, really made her frustrated. After dinner, she thought of asking Ajay to go out! Somewhere, so that she could go, walk for sometime. When she asked it to Ajay, he simply denied it.

"Mr.Rish! You do not know how it feels to be inside a building for the whole day! You know it well, when you can't even stay for continuous five hours at home!!", Mitha asked.

"Did you see what the time is? It's eleven p.m,and you want to go for a walk now? How could I possibly allow ?", Ajay growled. Her safety mattered first than anything else to him.

"What's your problem?", Mitha spiced up.

"Listen, I can't leave you alone! You're my responsibility when you work for me!! You get that?", Ajay asked pointing out her, with his index finger.

"Okay! So, If that is an issue, you can join me for a walk! I will be safe then!!", Mitha mumbled.

"Please Mr. Rish!! It's really awful to stay within this superstructure!!", she requested!

"You don't understand! We'll have to face issues if we go out together!! Don't be childish!!", Ajay tried to make her understand!

But she didn't give up! "What issues Mr. Rish? You're making this an issue! You do or don't, i am going now!!", she said and started to walk out of the living room soon!

He couldn't convince her! He closed his eyes and let out a sigh! He rubbed his forehead and scratched his stubble! "Wait! I am coming with you!!", his voice pulled her legs from moving further, whilst a smile got glued to her face. Ajay, mumbled and cursed Mitha under his breathe and got ready for the walk!

As they started to walk towards the gate, Mitha turned to Ajay and spoke! "Don't panic, Mr. Rish! We'll come back soon!! I will not leave Divya alone for much time!"she said and smiled playfully. While, Ajay walked without responding her. They had a silent walk. They walked for sometime and reached Gem plaza, which was about a kilometer from Éclat mansion!

Once, Mitha was satisfied with her outing, She informed that they could go back. Ajay, nodded his head and walked. As they were inside the city. Roads were busy even at that hour of night. When, they were about to cross a road, he noticed that his shoes' laces were loosened. When he bent down to tie up his lace, Mitha stepped forward to cross the road, while a car was quickly heading towards her direction! As soon as, Ajay saw the car he got up in a bounce and jumped forward to pull her from crossing the road. "Hey!!", he shouted as he pulled her arm and she fell closer and hit his body! She couldn't apprehend what would've happened, if he hadn't pulled her. For a second, everything went blank. Ajay's fingers on her wrist, her arms on Ajay's shoulder, their eye contact remained unbroken!

What they call it? Ahh!! Sparks!! That's what all they felt during that juncture! Though, both of them felt attracted towards each other they didn't go through such an intense encounter. His touch meant everything for her and her coffee dust, gaze was worth a billion dollars for him. Soon, they were distracted by the buzzing noise of vehicles. Ajay, got back his lost senses and immediately took his hands back from her hand!

"This is why, i said i wouldn't leave you alone! The car must've hit you!!", he mumbled as they started walking.

"I am sorry, Mr. Rish!", Mitha moaned hanging her face as she had flushed scarlet! Her pulse rate was higher than ever!

"Its okay! Are you alright?", he asked to clarify if she was okay.

"I am fine!!", Mitha whispered, still hanging her head down.

"Fine, let's go back!!"he muttered!

Mitha, was sleepless that night! She already had a crush on Ajay! All the thing that happened around fed the fire.

Mitha swapped the channel as a drop of tear oozed out.

"Ajay Rish, who hadn't involved with any of the girls is now in affair with his live-in doctor! Is the news true?", another girl from the other channel was screaming! The flash news appeared on the TV screen with Mitha in Ajay's arms, holding her while pulling her back last night! The moment was joyous,not only to Mitha and Ajay but also to the fellow who saw them! The media guy clicked the picture, bluntly on seeing the scene, which was just enough for him to build up a rumor!

How much people are excited to know about someone else's life! Duh!! She thought!!

Tears, welled her eyes! She, heedlessly took out her mobile to call Ajay! She was afraid that he would shout at her! Because she was the one to force him to accompany her, for a stroll! She dialed Ajay's number! He didn't pick up her call! She tried again, and the response was the same!! Now, it was her turn to show her anxiety to him for not attending her call! But, Poor Mitha couldn't do anything! She was trembling out of fear, about how would Ajay react for this!

She decided to stay awake, to talk about this rumor to Ajay! Ajay, didn't make her wait much! He returned home soon, that night! Not just like that, but with volcanic anger!! He came into the living room and Mitha, jumped up in a bounce by seeing him!

"Mr.Rish..", she started but she was cut off in the middle by him.

"Look, what you've done to me! This is the reason why i denied it yesterday!!", Ajay yelled fiercely. She couldn't handle his anger and roar! Tears flooded down.

"I am sorry Mr. Rish!!", she said and she was not allowed continue what she wanted to say!

"This is what you say! But just with your sorry, i cannot get my plight back! I have my business and people who respect me! And this rumor had shattered me out, from morning! And you simply mumble out a sorry, and it's over! Isn't it?", he thundered. She was surrounded by a lump of grief, at that moment. He was unmanageably displeased.

"I didn't do it purposely! After all, it was just an accident that you pulled me and some moron had used it for the drought is his news column!", she laid out her view and the actual thing! Yet, he didn't seem to convince!

"Do you know, what were all the nonsenses that i had to face because of this! Uncountable phone calls and mails!! My blood pressure is hitting the ceiling and the reason is you!!", he was unstoppable! She couldn't even reply him. All she was able to do was to stand still, and shed tears. She cursed herself inwardly, for doing this to him. Of course, she did nothing.. Yet, she felt the death in guiltiness!

He stormed into his room, whilst Mitha was on her feet, at the same place with fast moving tears. She sobbed, massively. She couldn't forgive herself, for annoying him. She was in the middle of a crisis, and she couldn't think anything at the moment. She went blank, and her knees went weak. She felt like lying down to the floor. Her eyes were trying shut themselves, forcefully emitting down the precious tears.

After fifteen minutes, Ajay came out of his room and neared Mitha. "Look, the reputation that i had is one of my important possessions! And now it's gone.", he growled. His eyes still held the same anger. He didn't calm down, at that time too.

Mitha, chinned up to listen to him carefully. For a moment, her tears paused.

"The Band-aid for this damage is...", he paused and she looked at him with a gaze that expected him to complete his sentence.

He cleared his throat, and let his hands inside his trousers' pocket and announced,"Marry me!".

•••••••••