Radhika was coming today. After so many years of studying to become a doctor in the US, she was finally coming to her home in Vrindavan.
Devaki glanced at the alarm clock which said 6.34am. She looked outside her window which was next to her bed. Everything was the same as it had been 6years ago when Radhika left.
She remembered the day that Radhika came to the house.
'Knock knock' there was a sound at the door. 'Bahu! Open the door!' called Amma from her room. Devaki quickly finished cleaning the kitchen and opened the door. She looked outside, and saw a small girl of 5years, with a letter and suitcase in her hands. 'Beta, who are you?' she asked the child.
The child handed her the letter. Devaki carefully unfolded it and read:
'Dear Devakiji and Shastriji,
I am leaving my daughter in your care. I am unable to look after her and Rahul has died. Her name is Radhika. By the time she will have reached your house, I will be dead. Please take care of her as your own daughter. I leave with you sufficient money to send her to the US to become a doctor and for her wedding when she is of age. Her date of birth is 12th May, and she will tell you about herself. Please do not let Amma know that she is mine and Rahul's daughter, as I will prove that I am not and would never become a good and responsible mother. I have provided a 'fake' letter in which you can show Amma.
Piya.'
Devaki gasped. She remembered Piya as her husband, Shastriji's closest friend, Amma regarded her as her own daughter and when Piya's mother died, she came to live with them. She couldn't believe that Piya's own daughter had come to them. She couldn't believe that Rahul and Piya had died. She was in shock.
'Who is it, Bahu?' yelled Amma who didn't like being disturbed when praying.
'Amma, this is Radhika. From now on she is our daughter.' Whispered Devaki.
'Namaste!' cried Radhika in her high pitched voice.
'What!' Amma shouted and hurried into the entrance room, 'Just because we have adopted that witch, Radhika, it means that we have to adopt every other homeless child in Vrindavan! What is HER caste and origins now? Do you know?'
'Amma, she has come with a letter and her mother states that she is Brahmin…' whispered Devaki, still in shock.
'No, absolutely not!' Amma cried. 'Wait until Lalla hears about this!' she carried on to herself.
Radhika started talking, 'Ma, my name is Radhika.' 'I know beta.' Devaki said, 'Let me show you the house.'
'Whose luggage is this?' asked Shastriji as he walked in the house.
'Ji, come into this room and I will tell you everything.' Devaki whispered. She showed him the letter and he replied, 'Radhika, beta, I am your pitaji.'
She couldn't believe that Radhika was finally coming back.
Their eyes met. He stared at her, and she at him. They couldn't break the glance.
He didn't know what was wrong with him… Back in New York, he'd been the 'ladies man' he was the one who stole everyone's hearts, and broke them too. Where did this girl come from? This was the first time anyone had made him feel like this. He didn't even know who she was!
They were standing in the middle of Delhi Airport, staring at each other. He gave her things back to him. He was about to ask her name, when suddenly a voice from the other direction called him.
Voice: 'Dev! Dev Bhaiyya! Come here!'
He turned around to see who it was, and of course it was Birju, his best friend. He smiled to himself and was about to go to him, when his foot stepped on something. He looked down and saw that he was stepping on a bracelet of some sort; he picked it up and smiled.
'It must belong to her…'he thought.
He put it into his pocket and went to Birju.
B: 'Dev bhaiyya! How are you! When did your flight land? I haven't made you wait too long have I? How was US? How…. –
D: 'I'm fine, I'm fine! Let's go first, and then I'll answer all of your questions later.
B: Ok….
They walked to the car park where Birju asked the car. Dev clutched the bracelet in his pocket and smiled. I'll meet you again someday…
***********************************
Radhika was walking to the bus stop. She was waiting for the bus to Vrindavan. It was taking such a long time though… so she went into deep thought.
'Who was that person who made me feel such strange things…? This is weird… It's never happened before… Well true, I've not really had a boyfriend, or been in love before, maybe… maybe…' she thought but couldn't make up a conclusion to why she felt so excited when she thought about him. She checked if she had everything she dropped, her passport, mobile, ticket, everything. She glanced at her watch to check the time, when she noticed that her bracelet was missing…
'Oh crap, now what! Where do I find it? Ugh! Trust me to lose it… it could be anywhere in the Airport, or even in Florida….' She cursed herself for losing such a sentimental bracelet.
The bus pulled in at the stop and she got on. She found herself a seat and waited.
It was going to be a long journey, so she decided to catch up on her sleep; she hadn't had much sleep when she was running shifts at her surgery in US…
She dreamt of him… The minute he touched her hands and set a spark of joy and excitement through her body…
Whenever she thought about him, her body turned into fire, and only his touch could soothe and extinguish the flames… He was like her antidote, she needed him, but where was he?
She dreamt of his face, the twinkle in his eyes, his amazing, breathtaking smile, his strong but soft hands…
She fell into a deep sleep.
She woke up about 4 hours later to a series of honking cars and load shouting. She was in Vrindavan, she could tell. She was right by the Krishna Mandir. Her eyes followed from there to see a huge crowd of people shouting at each other.
She wondered what was wrong, so got off the bus and went to see.
A huge crowd had formed around a car. Radhika pushed her way through the people and reached the centre, where some local people were shouting at someone.
Person 1: 'Can't you see where you're going?!' he screamed.
Person 2: 'Look what you have done! Who's going to take care of this innocent boy now? Huh?'
Radhika saw right in the middle of the road, a small boy who was injured. His arms were bent in the wrong position, and he was bleeding from is head.
She ran straight towards the boy.
Radhika, 'Move! Everyone, move! He's in a very bad state…' she started…
Person 1: 'Yeah well we can see that, are you just going to state the obvious or are you going to help him?'
R – 'Look, I'm a doctor from the US, ok? Let me do what I have to do.'
She was glad that she changed from her suit to her salwaar, because she was able to rip a long piece out of her scarf and tie it on the boys head.
His arm is broken… She said to herself.
She hadn't realised that there was a car speeding past. She heard the horn, looked up and gasped. She covered her face, as if that could save her. The car struggled to stop... All she could do was stare...
The car screeched to a stop, millimetres away from Radhika and the injured boy. She didn't have time to argue with the driver, she needed help.
The driver, on the other hand, got out of the car and went to Radhika. He tapped her on the shoulder.
It was him. She knew it; because she felt the exact same burst of joy through her body… she felt where his cool hand had cured that part of the fire that was her body. She turned to him, and she was right.
In the car, in the passengers seat was Birju. He got out and shouted:
B – Dev Bhaiyya! What's wrong? Are you okay?
He obviously hadn't noticed that there was an injured boy lying on the streets with no one but her to save him.
He was so happy it was her, she could have been in ay part of India, but she was in Vrindavan… and she was the only one trying to help the injured boy. This said a lot about her, she cared, she cared for people she hadn't ever seen before…
She knew his name… Dev… Dev, Dev, Dev, Dev, DEV! Her mind shouted at her… She was actually surprised that no one heard it; her mind was screaming his name at her…
He broke the long glance and said to her, shall we move him to the Mandir?
R- Yes, and carefully, his arm is broken…
D- Ok…
They lifted him up, both of them. She supported his head and back and he supported his legs, and back. Their arms were touching, and both of them felt shivers through their body. They couldn't even move their arms, not that Dev wanted to, but Radhika did. She was slightly uncomfortable, but didn't let it show. Her priority was the boy.
They took him up to the Mandir and laid him on the floor. Her scarf had stopped most of the bleeding, but his arm was still broken. She asked the priest to quickly call the ambulance.
As soon as she knew that the boy was in safe hands, she went to find Dev.
R- Thank you, thank you for helping me…
D- Its no problem… Is he ok now?
R- Yes, he's been taken to the hospital.
D- You're very caring, you know? He blurted out….
R- Huh? She said, a bit puzzled.
D- You looked after this boy, someone whom you've never ever seen before… that shows that you're very caring…
R- Um, thanks… she said, not knowing what to say…
D- By the way, I'm Dev, Dev Raj Purohit. He said, extending his hand for her to shake……
She stared at it…………
She stared at his hand, and then at the friendly smile on his face.
Should I shake it? Or should I leave it? She asked herself.
She knew that touching his hand would make her shiver… but it's not like he would know what she felt when she touched him… And it's only a friendly hand shake, it's not like he's asking you to marry him! She couldn't believe that she was debating whether to shake someone's hand or not…
With caution she reached out and touched his hand. But no matter how much caution she took, she couldn't stop the feeling of joy, nervousness, excitement and shock which she felt through her body.
R- I'm Radhika, Radhika Shastri…
D- Nice to meet you… he said with a huge smile on his face.
He now knew her name…
Radhika… he breathed. The sound of her name made his heart skip a beat, or two…
Birju came running up to the Mandir, where he saw Dev and Radhika staring into each others eyes…
B- Hey, Dev Bhaiyya? Are you okay? He asked
Dev broke the glance and turned towards Birju.
D- Yes, I'm fine. Let's go…
He turned to Radhika; D- Hey, should we drop you off anywhere?
R- No, I'm fine… My house is near here anyway… thanks again… bye…
She knew that she wanted to go with him, but she realised that everyone at home would be waiting for her. He said bye to Dev and Birju, took her suitcase and left.
B- Dev Bhaiyya!
He said, grinning
B- Who was that girl?
D- No one Birju! Let's go!
They both went. They got into the car and drove to the Dev Purohit Mansion, in Vrindavan.
*******************************************
There was a knock on the door.
Amma: 'Bahu! Check who it is!' she yelled.
Devaki: Yes…. Ok….
Devaki opened the door and saw Radhika.
D: Radhika! You're back!
She hugged Radhika and brought the Aarti tray. She did Radhika's aarti and welcomed her into the home. Radhika took everyone's blessings.
She brought her suitcase into her room, and saw Vishaka.
R- Vishaka! How are you?
She ran up to give her a hug.
V- I'm fine, Radhika how are you?
R- I'm fine too… she started, but suddenly remembered the gifts she brought for everyone.
She opened her suitcase and handed to Vishaka a baby pink anarkali, with matching jewellery. She gave two saris to Devaki, and whatever money she had left from her earnings, converted into Rupees to Shastriji.
Everyone thanked her.
Shastriji: 'Oh, I nearly forgot, Devakiji, tomorrow we have to go to the Mandir for a puja with the Purohit family.
Purohit… That rang a bell, Purohit… Radhika thought.
Yes! Dev Purohit, him,,, Puja, Mandir, Purohit family, our family,,, she put the pieces of the puzzle together and concluded that she would see him again tomorrow. Excitement flowed through her body, just at the thought of seeing him.
D: 'Tomorrow, so suddenly, why? They asked for a special puja yesterday… why another one tomorrow?
S: 'Because their son has come back from US today… that's why.
D: 'Ok. Do we need to make any preparations?
They continued on like this, making preparations and sorting everything out for tomorrow.
Why so much preparations for a family's puja, and whose son has come back? Radhika wondered.
**********************************************
Dev and Birju arrived at the Purohit mansion. It was decorated with flowers and candles, just for the arrival of Dev.
Nothing's changed man… he smiled to himself and entered the mansion.
D: 'Mom, Dad? Dadima?
He called, but no one was there.
They're probably out, um, might as well enjoy some 'me' time while I can then… He thought.
Birju brought his suitcases and took them up to his room. Dev walked into the house.
As soon as he did, blinding lights flashed and hundreds of voices shouted 'Surprise!!'
D: 'Woah… why all of this?
Vaishali: 'Because my beloved son has come back after 4 years!
D: 'Mom!
He ran up and hugged her. He saw Dadima in the corner and went to her as well. One by one he greeted everyone and took everyone's blessings.
He went up to his bhabi, Mrinalini (his elder brother, Vivek's wife)
D: 'Hey! Bhabi! Where's Rahul? My nephew? I've heard so much about him, I haven't even seen him yet!
M: He's at school, but he'll be back soon. Now you tell me this Dev, do you like the name Puni or Riya?
D: Ummm Riya, but why?
M: You're new niece's name will be Riya then… she said smiling.
D: My NEW niece? OH… Bhabi! You didn't tell me you're having another baby!!
M: Well, I didn't have time to buy you a home-coming gift, so I thought that this would be it…
After lots of chit-chat and fun, Dadima announced:
Dadima: Dev, we have to attend a puja tomorrow at the Krishna Mandir, get up early ok?
Ugh, normally Dev didn't mind Pujas… but straight after coming from US, he didn't like the idea of getting up early to go to the Mandir…
**********************************************************************************************************The next day
**********************************************************************************************************
Radhika woke up at 5am to the sound of chirping birds.
She got ready quickly, made breakfast for everyone and went out.
She was looking for somewhere where she could relax… Back in Florida, HER way of relaxing was dance. She needed somewhere to dance….
She ended up by the Krishna Mandir and found an empty space behind it. This was perfect…
She was an expert at dance. In Florida she hadn't had that much time for it, but now that she had no job for a while, she thought that she might as well practise.
She had brought her phone, so she could play some random music and dance…
*******************************************
Dev had come back from US yesterday and already had to go to the Mandir for a pooja. He rolled his eyes and told Dadima that he was going to explore. Before she could say anything, he left with his camera.
He reached the Mandir, thinking that it would be better if he got there early. He walked through the grounds and went around the back to take a few photos of the river.
He saw Radhika right by the riverbank, dancing. He could hear faint music in the background as well.
She was amazing… No words could describe her… she was absolutely amazing at dancing!
He took this opportunity to take some pictures of her… and then he got excited, so ran up to greet her.
D: 'Hey! Hey! Hey Radhika!' he shouted at her.
She turned to see who was calling her.
It was Dev… what was he doing here? When she saw him, blood rushed to her cheeks and her body felt like fire. She knew that his touch could soothe the "flames", but she didn't move.
He ran up to her.
She was about to turn and run, but she tripped over a rock and was about to fall. Dev ran forward and caught her. The moment his skin touched hers, he felt a sudden spark of nervousness or joy or happiness inside him. 'Careful' he whispered to her.
She was breathing heavily and the feeling of her warm breath on Dev's face made him jump.
Someone shouted, 'Radhika! The guests have arrived! Come here!'
Her head jerked in that direction. She quickly whispered thanks to Dev and ran off to the Mandir.
'Dev, you're here? Come inside for the pooja.' Dadima said. Dev couldn't stop smiling. Radhika had just gone inside the Mandir. Maybe he would be able to see her again properly now.
Everyone was sitting down inside the Mandir. The priest came up and said, 'I am grateful to you for coming. Let me introduce my family. This is Devaki, my wife. This is Amma; this is Vishaka, my daughter and Radhika, my other daughter.' Each one by one said hello and returned back to where they were standing. Dev's face lit up when he heard the name Radhika.
However Radhika went to each of the family members and said 'Namaste' Radhika She touched the elder man's feet and took his blessings. She repeated this with each family member.
'Be happy.' The elder man said to them. 'My name is Purohitji. This is Dadima, this is my wife Vaishali, this is my eldest son Vivek and his wife Mrinalini, this is my nephew Arjun, this is his dad, my brother Sushil, this is my daughter, Payal and my youngest son, Dev.' He introduced each of the family members.
Radhika looked at Dev. She couldn't help herself. She stared into his eyes and they forgot about everyone else.
Radhika was beautiful. Her eyes were perfect almond shaped and were light brown in colour. Her smile again showed her dimples and perfect pearl teeth, her outfit complimented her curves nicely. Dev couldn't help but stare.
'Ahem' Dadima coughed, smiling. 'What's this Dev?' she laughed.
'29 seconds, a record time!' Payal pointed out and everyone laughed. Radhika dropped her gaze and reddened with embarrassment. Dev smiled and laughed.
The pooja continued on nicely.
Afterwards everyone was talking to each other.
Radhika seemed to be getting on well with Dadima, whilst Vishaka didn't seem to like Payal… She tried to talk to Dev, but he was engrossed in a conversation with Shastriji.
After many long conversations, Shastriji invited the Purohit family to lunch at their house.
*****************************
'Ma, I'll make the lunch. Ok?' Radhika told Devaki, who instantly agreed. 'Yes after eating food made by your hands, they'll want to come back and eat more!' she laughed.
Amma told Vishaka, 'Beti, you say that you made everything ok? Then you'll make a good impression on them.'
Radhika had finished everything, except the Gajar Halwa. The Purohit family arrived and everyone saw Radhika finishing making the food. She was making the Gajar Halwa, and everyone was commenting on how nice it smelled. '
Amma and Vishaka however, did not know that they had seen Radhika make all the food. The entered and heard Dadima say that Gajar Halwa was Dev's favourite food,
'You say that you made the Halwa' Amma told Vishaka.
Radhika served everyone the food. When she came to serve Dev, her face lit up with a brilliant smile. Dev stared at her again, but his attention diverted to the Gajar Halwa, his favourite. 'Wow! This is very nice!' he commented on it. So did everyone else.
'Yes, I made it, did you like it?' announced Vishaka. Everyone stared at her.
Sushil started laughing, 'I didn't know that people in this family like to lie!' So did Dadima and
Dev.
Vishaka turned red. 'It's the truth; didn't I make it Radhika, Amma?' She asked.
Amma said, 'of course, food made by my beti's hands is always excellent!'
Everyone laughed hard and soon Vishaka found out that they saw Radhika make all the food. She reddened with anger and embarrassment.
*******************************
After the Purohit family had left the Shastri house, Vishaka was very angry. She screamed at Radhika, 'Why didn't you tell me that they saw you cook?' she later forgave her because she found a new topic of discussion, 'Oh, God Radhika! Dev was so handsome! Oh God! After seeing him it seems as if I have already fallen in love with him!'
Radhika was paying little attention to Vishaka; she was lost in thoughts about Dev. She felt excitement, nervousness and joy whenever she thought about him, but she didn't know why.
'Vishaka watch what you are saying! If Pitaji and Maji hear this, then I don't know what will happen!' she warned Vishaka.
Amma walked in and shouted at Radhika, 'You witch! Because of you my granddaughter was humiliated today! You witch!' she screamed.
'Leave it Amma!' Vishaka interrupted, 'don't you think Dev was so handsome?' she continued.
Radhika left, she was angry that Vishaka kept going on about this topic; she told Devaki that she will return home later and left the house…
Radhika was wandering aimlessly around Vrindavan. She had come out to think to herself, but didn't manage to. She was too distracted with all the noise around her, so turned to head home.
'Radhika, beti?' a voice called out to her.
She turned around to see a distressed Vaishali and Bijru.
R- Yes?
V- Radhika… uh… umm…. (She couldn't get her words out and she was extremely worried.)
B- Uh, Radhika, you are a doctor right?
R- Yes, why?
V- Ah! Thank goodness! Radhika you have to help us! We can't get a doctor and, and… and… Just come with us okay?
R- Yes, ok, but what happened?
B- First you come with us, and then we'll tell you.
Radhika rushed off into the car and went to the Purohit Mansion.
R- Now. Tell me, what is the matter?
B- Dev… Dev bhaiyya…. He whispered, struggling to get the words out.
R- What happened?!
Dadima- Oh, thank goodness you're here Radhika! Come with me!
Radhika followed Dadima upstairs and into a room and saw Mrinalini, Payal, Vivek and Purohitji all crowding around a bed.
Dadima- Everyone! Move out the way, let Radhika handle this…
Radhika was confused, what was going on?
Everyone moved out the way and she saw Dev. He was lying on the bed unconscious.
'Radhika, you can help him, can't you?' voices said to her, but she couldn't make out who said what. All she could see was Dev lying unconscious.
She ran towards the bed the minute she saw him… she could help him right?
She snapped out of her confused, worried and dazed emotions and quickly started ordering.
R- I need towels, wet and dry and water! Quickly!
Mrinalini and Payal brought them.
Radhika hadn't got her proper equipment and couldn't make out anything. She decided that she would have to do whatever he could and checked his pulse on his wrist. The same shocking sensation came through her body when she touched him. She felt his hand move slightly too when she touched him.
His pulse was high when she touched him, and was irregular. She took the wet towel and placed it on his forehead to cool him down. She took some water and sprinkled it on him to try and get him conscious. His eyes fluttered and she sighed in relief as this was a good sign.
Mrinalini: He is okay?
R- Yes, it's nothing to worry about, he's just extremely tired. She said, still facing him.
As Radhika said this, Dev's eyes opened and he stared into Radhika's. He knew that whenever he was ill, he would see Radhika stressing over him. He smiled.
She smiled too. He was fine; there was nothing to worry about.
R- He should be completely fine by the evening, as long as he stays in bed.
She informed the family.
Dadima- Thank you Radhika! If you weren't here, who knows what we would have done.
Vaishali- Yes, thank you Radhika! Come, we'll drop you home.
R- No, it's fine. You stay here and look after him, I'll go home myself.
Dadima- No, Birju can drop you…. Birju?!
Radhika went home with Birju.
*****************************************************
Vaishali and Dadima were in the kitchen, talking.
V- Did you see how good Radhika was? She is very well-mannered! I like her very much…
D- Yes, she is a very good girl; we should spend some more time with her….
V- Yes, I know…. Next week it is Dev's 24th Birthday, why don't we hold a party tomorrow night and invite the Shastri family. This way we can spend more time with Radhika and also have a celebration for Dev….
D- Yes that's a good idea… As long as Dev stays in bed today, then we can personally invite them tomorrow. We'll have to start making preparations….
Dadima and Vaishali started making preparations.
****************
The next day
***************
There was a knock on the door at 3pm in the afternoon, and Radhika went to open it. It was Vaishali, Dadima and Payal, come to see everyone.
'Please, come in! Namaste!' Radhika greeted them.
'Ji, Shastriji, we are holding a surprise party for Dev for his 24th birthday, we would be delighted if all of you came! I know, we will come and pick you up at 4, ok?' Dadima explained to them.
'Ji why not? It would be our honour to come!' Shastriji replied.
Radhika's face lit up at the thought of seeing Dev, and also spending time with him for a long time. Payal noticed this sudden spark in Radhika's face and commented, 'Yes, Radhika, make sue you do come!' she hinted. Radhika's face reddened with embarrassment. 'Ok Shastriji, we will come to pick you up at 4.' Vaishali said and they all left.
Vishaka was the most excited. She, Radhika both planned to wear their best and to help each other in their make up.
Radhika went into her bathroom, took a warm shower and got ready in as beautiful turquoise, green-blue anarkali. She washed her hair also, but since that was naturally straight, she left it open. She wore a big set of bangles in her left hand and a watch on her right. She put on her make up, heels, long dangling earrings, a tikka, and went to help Vishaka get ready.
'Vishaka! It's 3.45! They are coming in 15 minutes and you are not ready yet!' she exclaimed. 'Yes, Radhika what should I wear? This blue long outfit, or this blue long outfit?' Vishaka asked, pointing at two very similar lenghas. 'Umm… This blue one' Radhika pointed out, not really caring. (Vishaka's outfit was very ugly compared to Radhika's.)
Soon it was 4, and the Purohit family arrived to pick everyone up. 'Wow, Radhika, you look very beautiful!' Dadima, Vaishali and Payal commented. Payal started giggling and on her face was a huge grin.
As soon as Radhika stepped inside the Purohit mansion, she gasped. She'd been here before, but this time everything was covered in roses, lights and candles. It was beautiful.
'The party starts at 6, but we thought that you should come early.' Purohitji explained.
The party started and all the guests were arriving. Radhika noticed that there were a lot of young girls at the party, and knew why. She sighed as she knew one of these was most likely to be Dev's girlfriend. She was helping Payal, when she bumped into Arjun, Dev's cousin. Arjun started at Radhika, and Radhika felt extremely awkward. 'Um, sorry…' she said whilst trying to get past him.
'I'll have to stay away from him…' she took a quick mental note.
Soon the lights all went off because Dev was arriving. Birju opened the door and told him to come in.
'Dadima, Ma?' Dev asked… 'Papaji, Bhabhi? Vivek Bhaiyya?' he asked. But there was no answer.
It two seconds, the lights went on and everyone shouted surprise! Dev looked extremely surprised, but was even more when he glanced and saw Radhika there, with an extremely huge smile on her face. Her outfit complimented her curves, her eyes were amazing and she looked like an angel. 'My angel' Dev whispered to himself and went to take blessings from all the elders and went to meet all the other guests.
The first guest to welcome him was Vishaka, who stood eagerly waiting for him to compliment or flirt with her. 'Hey, Dev! You look great!' she told him, and he answered with his boyish smile. He walked away to find Radhika.
'Ughh! He didn't even notice me!' Vishaka moaned.
'Hey!' he said to her. She looked at him, but quickly looked away, she didn't want a repeat of what happened at the Mandir, or she would die of embarrassment!
'Hey!' She said to him, smiling, but was careful not to look at him. 'You look, well, you look beautiful!' he told her, but what he really wanted to do was to pick her up and twirl her around and tell her how much he loved her. It was love… wasn't it? Dev wasn't sure. 'Thanks, you look great too!' she commented.
'Well, um, are you enjoying yourself?' he asked, staring at her face, but she wouldn't look at him. Why won't she look at me? Does she hate me? Turn your head Radhika! Look at me! Look at me Radhika! Please!
She looked. The minute she did, she regretted it. She couldn't look away. She stared at his eyes, his face. He was extremely good looking, but she couldn't have him. Either he would marry another girl, or Vishaka. Radhika knew how much Vishaka loved him, and Amma would do anything to get Dev away from Radhika, she knew. But she couldn't look away. Neither could he.
Payal noticed and started giggling. She went over to them and said, 'Wow! You've broken your record! 40 seconds! Well done!' she said, but they continued to stare.
Finally Radhika returned to Earth and broke the glance. She was relieved that no one saw them, well except Payal. She reddened when she saw Payal laugh and say, 'Well, Radhika, what do you have that makes Dev Bhaiyya forget everything when he looks at you?' she asked. Dev smiled. He was about to say something, but then Radhika ran away.
She was breathing heavily. She experienced feelings of joy, nervousness, happiness yet sorrow. What was wrong with her? Dev couldn't be hers, even if she wanted him. She knew this but still allowed herself to get deeper and deeper into feelings for him; she knew that she would be crushed when she wouldn't be allowed to marry him. The closest he could ever be to her was Brother-in-Law. She sobbed silently.
Vishaka came and grabbed her by the wrist, 'You witch! You know what feelings I have for Dev, and yet you make him part of your plan and do these kinds of things. The closest you will ever get to him in relationships, Radhika, is Brother-in-Law! Never forget that! You witch!' she said acidly.
Radhika sobbed even more. She returned to the hall and saw Dev and Vishaka talking. She smiled, but was sad. Really she should be happy, Vishaka was happy and she was her older sister. Her happiness was Radhika's happiness, right? She freshened up in the closest bathroom and returned to the party. This time she saw Dev taking with lots of different girls. But he was not interested in them, which was good. That meant that he could care for Vishaka more. Good, right?
Radhika decided to go and talk to the rest of the Purohit family members. She talked a lot with Payal, and seemed to be getting on with her a lot. She really liked Payal's bubbly personality, and well, Payal herself! She talked to Dadima and seemed to have a good relationship with her, same with Vaishali and Mrinalini. She really liked Mrinalini. Mrinalini was pregnant with her second child. Her first, Rahul, was a cheeky boy of 4 who loved Radhika! He loved it when she picked him up and pretended to throw him out of the window and he loved it when she played games with him.
'I think it's a girl!' Mrinalini said to Radhika, 'One boy and one girl, that's what I want!' she added. 'We'll call her Riya or Puni' she said.
She was still thinking about Dev and Vishaka.
Well, Vishaka is 25, and he is 24, so there is a better age gap there… I mean, I'm only 23, so I guess I'm probably not mature enough to get married to him, I guess… She tried to make herself feel better, but it didn't work.
Radhika's eyes glanced to Dev, who was still talking to some other girls. He at that moment looked at her as well and their eyes met. She couldn't look away.
'Radhika? Hello?' Mrinalini asked. She followed her gaze and saw that Radhika was looking at Dev, again. She laughed, 'What's this? 2 lovebirds! Go and talk to him!' She pushed her and she fell into Arjun. Arjun started getting angry, 'Watch where you're going…' but soon realised that it was Radhika, so said,' Oh Radhika, you, come, come and talk to me over here.' He said grabbing her wrists. He was hurting her, she tried to release the hold, but he just held tighter. She wouldn't dare to scream at the party, but looked agonisingly at Dev, who wasn't looking at her. Dev! Look at me! Look at me! Help me! Please!
He looked, her face was agonised, she couldn't bear the pain, her eyes were watering and she tried to stop the tears.
Dev ran up and faced Arjun and said, 'Arjun do you mind if I talk to Radhika for one minute please?' and Arjun reluctantly agreed.
She gave Dev a look of thanks and was about to go, when he said, 'Radhika, will you dance with me? The romantic music was playing and the lights were dim. All the couples were on the floor and Radhika said, 'Of course' with a big smile.
'Dev, Dev! Will YOU dance with ME?' a rushing Vishaka came, waiting to grab the opportunity. 'In a minute, let me dance with Radhika' he said. Vishaka gave Radhika an evil glare, but she was too busy looking into Dev's eyes to notice.
He put his hands on her waist and she clutched hers around his shoulder. They stared into each other's eyes and ignored everyone else. The guests were all enjoying themselves, and didn't take notice of anything else, but Dadima, Vaishali and Mrinalini noticed them.
'They are made for each other' Mrinalini said. 'They are perfect for each other' Vaishali said, 'This girl will become our Choti Bahu!' Dadima thought to herself.
The party was going very nicely and Vishaka and Radhika were having so much fun that they wanted to stay longer. Amma, Shastriji and Devaki, however wanted to go home as they were extremely tired.
V-'Please Ma, please dad?' 'Can we stay longer?' Vishaka pleaded with them.
Radhika wanted to stay, but said nothing.
S- No, we have to go home now, look everyone is tired and then Amma, Devakiji and I have to go to the neighbour village for a week to do a big puja, so we have to go home! He explained.
V- Please!!! Mom? Please? Amma? Can't you do this for your granddaughter?
Dadima and Vaishali came over to see what was going on.
They realised that Radhika and Vishaka wanted to stay, but couldn't.
Dadima- Wait, I have an idea… Shastriji, you can go home, and Radhika and Vishaka can stay with us, and since you will be gone for a week, they both can stay here….
Vaishali- Yes, that is a good idea, yes Shatriji?
S- No, no… how can we do that, Vishaka, Radhika, let's go.
Dadima- No, No, they can stay here, and since they really want to, what is the problem, we don't mind. In fact we'd Love to have both of them here!
Vaishali- Yes! Of course! They can stay here tonight, then we can take them to get their things for a week or longer, then they can come back and stay here, okay?
S- Uhh….
Devaki- Yes, that is a good idea, that way we won't have to worry about them…. Ok, ji?
S- Umm… okay… Vishaka, behave yourself.
He didn't need to say this to Radhika; she already knew how to act when around guests.
Devaki- Thank you!
S- Thank you.
They left. Radhika and Vishaka stayed at the Purohit Mansion.
Dev came up to Dadima and said, 'Should I show them their rooms now, or after the party?'
He had the perfect room for Radhika, which was right next to his, sharing the little alleyway to the roof. As for Vishaka, she could have the room next to Arjun's bedroom.
Dadima said that he should show them after the party, so he continued with the party.
All the celebrations were over, and all the guests had gone. Dev decided to show Radhika and Vishaka their rooms.
D- Come with me, I'll show you your rooms…
V- Ok… Let's go! She said, pushing in front of Radhika.
Radhika was quiet.
They went up the stairs and Dev was telling them each of the rooms:
D- Ok, this is my room, this is the spare bathroom, that is Arjun's room, and here, Vishaka is your room….
(Wow opposite Dev's room!! How exciting) Vishaka thought.
He let Vishaka go into her room and get ready for bed.
D- Radhika?
R- Hmm?
D- This is your room… He said, pointing to the room next to his.
R- Ok, Thank you!
She realised that it was next to his, but she didn't say anything.
She went inside and saw a huge room with a massive double bed with a orange spread and pillows, there was a small couch and coffee table, a big wardrobe, mirror, a little corner where she could put her Kahna idol and an ensuite bathroom. There was also a little door at the back.
She didn't know what it was, and was very curious, so opened the door to find a little passageway. She went through it, and ended up on top of the roof-balcony place.
R- Wow! She breathed to herself.
Little did she know that Dev was standing right next to her.
D- Amazing, isn't it?
Previously…..
She jumped. She didn't expect him to be here.
R- Huh… how did you get here?
D- You see that room there? He said pointing to his room
R- Yes?
D- That is my room, and this is connected to my room as well as yours…..
R- Oh….
Radhika was silent. She was sort of happy that she was so close to him, but still she was scared. She just looked ahead, not meeting his eyes.
However he was delighted that she was so close to him, he stared at her.
She stared at the view of the Garden. It was silent. It was awkward.
To break the awkward silence, Radhika decided to go and help everyone in the house, like she usually did.
She went downstairs and saw everyone cleaning up after the party. She immediately went to Dadi and said:
R- Here, let me help you….
D- No, it's ok, you go and rest and we will do this.
R- No, its ok, here you go and start sorting out the gifts, and I'll do this.
Radhika started clearing up and Vaishali and Mrinalini were admiring her.
V- What a good girl she is… helping everyone…
M- Yes she is very nice and sweet… I really like her.
V- Hm, me too… come, let us go and talk to her…
They both went over to Radhika:
V- Radhika, you don't have to do all of this!
R- No, its ok, I want to do this.
M- Really Radhika, you don't have to. But if you are insisting, le us help too.
R- Ok. You can tell me where everything goes…
This way Radhika, with a little help of Mrinalini and Vaishali, managed to clear most of the house up. While she was cleaning, the whole household was admiring her.
Payal especially was happy because it meant that she didn't have to clear anything up, but she was also happy that Radhika was staying with them so she could talk to her. She really liked Radhika.
Dadi- Radhika, you have cleaned the whole house, please rest now!
R- Ok, Dadi.
P- Rest? How can she rest now? She has to talk to me!
Everyone laughed.
M- Oh dear, Dadi, I can hear Rahul crying, let me go and bring him….
She went and brought Rahul (her son btw) downstairs.
Radhika thought he was absolutely adorable. For a five year old, he was quite small, but was very intelligent. He calmed down and was allowed to walk around the house. The first thing he did was he went to Radhika, pulled on her paloo and said:
R- Who are you?
Everyone laughed.
M- Rahul, this is Radhika….. ----
(He interrupted) R- Do you mean Dev's wife?
M- Rahul! You don't call him Dev, you call him chachu! He is your uncle…. -------
(He interrupted) R- So is this chachu's wife?
Everyone laughed.
Dadi- No, beta, this is Radhika, our guest.
Rahul- What do I call her then? (He was confused)
Radhika- Rahul, you can call me whatever you want!
Rahul- Ok then, can I call you chachi?
Radhika- Uhh… ------
(She was interrupted by Dev who was walking down the stairs, but had no idea what was going on…)
Dev- Hey!!! Rahul!! Come here, let's play!
Rahul- (still confused) Chachu, is this your wife? (He said pointing to Radhika who went absolutely red)
Dev- What?!
Rahul- I said, is this your wife?
Dev turned to look at who Rahul was pointing at. He saw that he was pointing to Radhika, whose face was absolutely red.
He grinned.
D- No, Rahul that is Radhika, our guest!
Rahul- But…. Can I still call her chachi? (He liked his new name for Radhika)
D- Uh, ask her!
Rahul- Chachi…. Can I call you chachi?
Radhika- Of course!!
After all of that was settled, everyone was still in a celebratory mood, so didn't go to sleep.
Instead everyone stayed up and talked for ages.
Vivek and Mrinalini decided to go upstairs and sleep as they were soooo tired from all the partying. Everyone else, however, stayed in the room.
Dadima had was hoping that those two would leave as she wanted to discuss something important.. Everyone was there, except Vivek and Mrinalini…
Dadi- Ok listen I need to talk about something very important….
Dev- Shall I go and get bhabhi and Vivek Bhaiya?
Dadi- No! No! I wanted this meeting without them… you see the day after tomorrow is their wedding anniversary so I thought that we should hold a surprise party for them… What do you think?
Dev- I think that's a really good idea!
Everyone agreed.
Payal- We need to do something special for them… not just a party…
Birju- I have an idea, everyone should prepare a dance for them…
Radhika jumped at the word dance. She was good at dance! Her way of relaxation… Dance… she smiled.
Dev- No way! I'm not dancing!
Everyone laughed.
Dadi- I have an idea, we'll put everyone in pairs together, now Birju, since it was your ideas go and make a list of everyone in pairs, the pairs can dance together.
Payal- but Dadi, some of it was my idea too!
Dadi- Ok, Ok! You can help him, now go quickly!
Payal and Birju smiled to each other… they knew what they would do…
An hour later, they both came down with their list.
M&R- Ok, this is our list: There are 10 people…
Dadi – Sushil
Dad – Mum
Payal – Vishaka
Dev – Radhika
Birju – Rohan
Is that okay?
Radhika smiled, but she was a little bit scared… She would have to dance with Dev…
Dev was annoyed, not because he was with Radhika, but because he had to dance.
Sushil was annoyed because he wanted Arjun with Radhika, but he said nothing.
Dadi- What about the songs, Birju, Payal, you should give each pair a song too, have you prepared that?
M&R- Of course Dadi! Here:
Dadi – Sushil = Maahi Ve (Kal Ho Na Ho)
Dad – Mum = Kaho Na Pyar Hai (Kaho Na Pyar Hai)
Payal – Vishaka = Rock and Roll Soniye (sorry cant remember what movie its from)
Dev – Radhika = Is Pal (Aaja Nachele)
Birju – Rohan = Pappu Cant Dance (Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na)
B- Is it ok?
P- Everything fine? Good. Ok, no complaining. I suggest everyone better get rehearsing, you've only got a week…
Everyone went and gathered their partners and started discussing ideas.
Dev went up to Radhika and straight away said:
D- Ok, I'm going to tell you now, I can't dance…
R- J That's ok, by the end of it, you'll become a brilliant dancer, come let's go…
Radhika took Dev and they went up onto the terrace to start learning their dance.
This is what everyone did.
It had gotten late in the evening and some of the groups had gone far, and some not. Birju and Rohan had done well in theirs, whilst Vishaka couldn't be bothered to even start.
Dev and Radhika were doing pretty well in their dance, Dev wasn't as bad as he'd thought and Radhika, well Radhika was brilliant. They only had a day and a half to finish it.
(It was evening by now)
******************************************
Precap:
Dev- Ok, we're playing truth or dare…
Radhika- What's that? (confused)
Dev- Ok we sit together in a circle asking each other truth or dare. The person picks one of them and then someone asks them a question or gives them a dare… ok?
Radhika- Uh, Ok…
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