Nalina's radiant personality made staff smile at her , together with Ashutosh from boarding to landing greetings followed them everywhere.
With Riya things were different, imitating Nalina whenever she smiled at the staff ,whether it went ignored intentionally or not. Embarrassed, she tried not to show it on her face.
After landing they pick their luggage, meanwhile go to the restroom to freshen up. It was already around six in the morning when they arrived at Dehradun.
When their taxi arrived they set off to Rishikesh.
On the way they stopped for breakfast in a cozy cafe.
They choose to sit separately. With Nalina and Ashutosh talking and ordering, Riya noticed that unlike before they seemed to be closer now, the way she ordered food of her choice without any shyness, Riya guessed they must be going out more recently.
Avinash on the other hand liked to go out with his friend circle more though he had taken her once, she couldn't fit in the circle well, she felt like his friends don't welcome her, after that he has taken her out sometimes but it was always her who suggested it.
With her attention seeking personality she likes to be the centre of attention wherever she goes but things are different here, Nalina is the centre of attention here everybody, literally everybody pays attention to her.
Just like now when Nalina ordered only a glass of lemon water, Ashutosh insisted on ordering a fruit salad for her and though not her order was on the menu the staff eagerly prepared it.
On the other hand, when she ordered only toast and tea, Avinash didn't ask her to order more.
Riya's grievances are piling up and only Nalina's disgrace can relieve her now.
____
They arrived at Rishikesh, after checking in they went their separate ways, they decided to freshen up before coming down for lunch.
After a refreshing shower Nalina called her mother. They talked for a while then a knock sounded, while talking she opened the door only to see Ashutosh in a comfortable linen shirt and trouser, his hair still a little wet from the shower. Nalina put down the phone after saying goodbye thinking about his handsome face, she turned around in the room taking a small handbag with her.
Ashutosh during this observed her like he always does, her hair loose with a claw clip only, she wearing a powder blue loungewear with simple flats.
Though she is slim, she looked so hot in casual wear, he thought.
They come downstairs, while the other two come down in a few minutes later, happy with the change of bride's Ashutosh and Avinash quickly come back to formal terms only that the womenfolk didn't merge well.
They sit down on the same table with Ashutosh and Avinash on each side of the corner.
As Riya was deciding on which side to sit Ashutosh pulled out a chair for Nalina beside just like they always sit, following which Riya too decided to sit in the same way.
They have their lunch, while Ashutosh and Nalina eat together on the same plate and from time to time Ashutosh will put some more food for her, they talk and eat in harmony.
Avinash, seeing it, thought of trying it too but Riya was busy taking pictures of food and some selfies, so he didn't voice out his thoughts.
After lunch they took some rest and decided to go out on their own later.
____
At night after doing Ganga puja and some photoshoot Ashutosh and Nalina returned, when they arrived Avinash and Riya were heading for dinner, they joined for a meal.
During it Hearing from Avinash and Ashutosh's discussion about how they have already started photoshoot, seeing Nalina's happy face, Riya felt injustice for herself as she have to spend to whole time in her room because Avinash was tired and wanted to rest, as she was new here even if want to explore, she can't do it alone.
After dinner they were sitting in terrace garden when a girl in white suit came in ,she was talking on phone but then her eyes fell on Ashutosh, their eyes meet instantly Ashutosh who usually don't interact with other stood up and reached her, they were talking like they already know each other, but Ashutosh didn't introduce her to others.
Nalina found it weird but didn't pay attention to it after a while together with the girl Ashutosh leaves the cafeteria, leaving Nalina alone with the other two , Avinash was busy on the phone he didn't pay any heed to this but Riya's eyes suddenly lits up seeing this situation as an opportunity to take revenge from both Nalina and Ashutosh.
She was sitting a seat away from Nalina but she closed the gap, sitting right beside her.
Nalina looked at her closeness confusingly but as she was about to change her spot.
Riya stopped her grabbing her hand she called in low, sweet, gentle voice,
"Sister…please."
Nalina frowns but sits back in her place.
"What do you want?"she inquired.
"Sister, don't you see it?"Riya asked, her face showing discomfort.
"What are you talking about?"
Riya grabbed her both hands in hers, looking sympathetic and hesitated at the same time she continued, " Ashutosh…..He…he…" Riya looked at her back towards the door , from where he left with that girl, " …Did he tell you anything about that girl?"
Nalina, confused by her words, shook her head no.
" I guess so, do you know why I left Ashutosh and chose Avinash?" "..... Because he has someone he likes but the family doesn't approve of that girl, that's why he's forced to engage in our community but never interact with other people, didn't you notice?."
" What rubbish are you saying?" Nalina inquired not believing a single word from her.
" I know, you don't trust me but the proof is in front of your eyes, look in front of the leaves with that girl, leaving you alone without explaining anything."
" No...I don't believe you , stop saying nonsense."She removed her hands from her grasps.
" Listen Sister, I don't want to hurt you. That's why I am telling you this. At first when I saw him treating you well, I thought he had changed but I was wrong. Now I see all along he was planning this." Riya acted as if knowing it.
"...." Meeting Nalina's eyes she continues,
" This time he's doing the same,what he has done with me, back then he also intentionally revealed his affair just like he did today to you, back then he always ignored me , tacking me out but then leaving me alone with that girl forcing me break off engagement."
Though at first it was unbelievable, in the end Riya's point makes sense to her.
Un unexplained pain surged through her chest, burning like there's fire inside, her eyes filled with tears, suddenly not having capacity to hear more she stood up and left through the stairs, not even bothering to go through the elevator.
Tears staining her face, she goes to her room without looking back , only if she had looked back she would have seen the triumph smile on Riya's face.
Riya finally smiled as if receiving successfully what she wanted…..her misery.
_____
Behind her Ashutosh stood there silently, hearing everything, he had come back long ago, but was watching her scamming, watching how Nalina cried, he turned around to leave without confronting her, he shall take the revenge but right now Nalina was his focus.