Bruised Hearts

Remorse

In Delhi

Arnav grips the steering wheel hard and accelerates. His brown eyes spitting fire, boundless anger in their depth. Nearly midnight, he zooms through the streets of Delhi. Nary a people in sight, they must have known the great Arnav Singh Raizada will be driving by. And those who get in his way will be run over and squashed. He drives mindlessly through the roads till he slams down on the brake. Arnav puts his head down on the steering wheel. He takes a deep breath to gain control of his emotions. He looks up and sees that he is at the location of his mother's garden.

He steps out of his car and walks over to the tree that he, Di and his mother has ever so lovingly planted. Kneels in front of it and looks up at the sky. To the stars, looking for his mother.

Arnav: Why mama? Why?!? Why did you leave us?!? Answer me dammit!!!

Then he remembers Khushi's face when he was once again hurling accusations at her. Remembering her pain filled, teary gaze he breaks down and finally gives in to the tears that were threatening to come out.

In Mumbai: RK Mansion

RK is in front of the fireplace, sitting in his father's rocking chair. He rocks back and forth, occasionally taking swigs off the bottle of whiskey in his hand. RK did what he had to, but he's feeling restless. He gets up from the chair and in anger, throws the bottle in the floor. Breaking into a million pieces, just the way he broke Madhu's heart. He did what he had to, but he's restless.

RK (looks at Ganpatti Bappa and slurs): Kya? Tum mujhseh aisi kiyun dekh rahiho? Mein tumhari best friend nehi hoon. Jao...apni nayi best friend ke pas. (What? Why are you looking at me like this? I am not your best friend. Go to your new best friend).

RK looks around at the mess he has created. He throws back his head and laughs. Yes...a mess...that's exactly what he's good at, creating a mess. Again he thinks he did what he had to. But Madhu's hurt, broken expression keeps coming back to him.

In a fit of rage, he picks up his father's rocking chair and throws it at the fire place. He watches it shatter and sees the pieces of wood burn in the fire. It finally sinks in for him, that he has shattered and destroyed his most valued possession.

5 years later

In Mumbai

Madhu is in her room, getting dressed for work. Freshly showered, she blow dries her hair and then applies light makeup. She wears a thin pinstripe white jacket and pencil skirt. Pairs it with nude Jimmy Choo pumps, red coral necklace and red Chloe bag. Madhu is ready for the day, to take on the world. Every morning, like a ritual, she opens up her jewelry box. She looks at the meaningless mangalsutra and the dried up rose that RK had given to her on their last day. Madhu stares at it and touches them reverently. She then gets upset and slams the box shut.

Madhu what's wrong with you? Why do you keep those things? They are meaningless! Ok...tonight...yes...tonight...I will throw them away. No more Madhu. No more... How long will you let your past hold you back?

She walks downstairs, upset with herself. But the most melodious laughter shakes her out of her distraught and brings a smile on her face. Ahh...her beautiful little Tara can bring a smile on anyone's face.