Alright, so maybe just one more chapter after this... But do let me know if I should end it here, or continue for a bit more? Personally, this feels a bit incomplete to me as I didn't tackle the Nandini issue. But then again, I think that issue can't really be dealt with right away. So I am not sure...
Also the dress that is gifted to RAdhika in this chapter and the matching earrings I talk about, here is what they look like:
Anyway, without further ado here is the next chapter.
Act 9 - Mending fences
Scene 1
Later that evening, Arjun was seemingly at ease conversing with Radhika's family; they were trying to watch the US Open as Sania's game was on repeat telecast. Everyone was putting their cents worth on whether the pair could win another double's grand slam after Wimbledon. He had asked Radhika to meet with Sam before dinner as the latter had wished to speak with her friend alone. So, here she was standing in front of Ridhima's old room, knocking on the door.
"CHASHNI!!!!" said an excited Neil with his million dollar smile as he opened the door. Before she could say anything, he pretended to wave at the empty space behind Radhika, and added "Ji, Mala Aunty ... I'll be right there." Giving her a quick hug, he walked away leaving the two girl friends to talk their hearts out. Radhika smiled at her friend's antics knowing well her mother had in fact not called him. She stepped inside the room calling Sam's name.
"Radhika..." Sam stood in front with a half-smile and glistened eyes. Radhika noticed a certain glow in her friend's face - something that showed she was genuinely happy. Not wasting any time, Sam got down on her knees, and touching her ears, she pouted "I am so sorry Radhika ... Please I won't repeat my awful behavior ever again. I just want to be friends again. Please, Please, Please forgive me!"
"Please stop, Sam. What on earth are you doing?"
"Trying to be your friend, again"
"You are my friend. Now please get up."
Sam stood up slowly, adding "Even after everything?"
"Yes, I still consider you my friend. Sam, I was very hurt, but I can't fault you entirely for everything."
"And?"
"It's not that simple ... I still care for you - I really do. But it will take me some time... You know it can't be the same as before overnight."
"What are you saying?"
"I really do want to mend our friendship... How about we start over? Like a brand new start?!"
Finally relieved, Sam smiled slightly and stepped forward putting her hand out "Hi, I am Sam... actually, Mrs. Samaira Malhotra."
With a toothy smile, Radhika shook Sam's hand replying, "And I am Mrs. Radhika Mehra, but you can call me Chashni."
The two friends hugged each other, both with tears in their eyes, as Radhika whispered "Congrats Sam! I am so happy for you and Neil."
"I am so sorry Radhika, really. I always loved Neil - I was just too stupid to realize anything. And... Arjun loves you - a lot."
As they moved apart, Radhika replied "Its ok, Sam. As I said, this is brand new start."
They both smiled at each other knowing this was a new beginning to their friendship, one that would have mutual respect, love and above all, trust.
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Scene 2
Dinner was rightly a feast fit for royalty. In true Mishra style, there was a competition happening at the dinner table on who could talk the most, or so it seemed to Arjun. Between Dada-ji and Radhika, it was very tough to declare a winner. It was quite amusing for Arjun to witness these familial moments she had mentioned to him before their marriage. He couldn't help but smile seeing Radhika so happy.
For a while now, Neil had been noticing Majnu staring not so discretely and oh so lovingly at Chashni. Everyone around seemed to be busy eating and sharing complete nonsensical stories. They had talked about everything from Rishikesh to Mumbai, dahi-cheeni to daal-roti, Sania Mirza to Sachin Tendulkar, yet the Mishra family could never run out of a topic to talk about. Neil couldn't help but smirk and decided to put Arjun on the spot knowing very well that latter was paying no attention to anything or anyone but Radhika.
"So Arjun, what do you think?"
"Huh... Sorry?" replied a confused and startled Arjun looking at Neil.
"Well, you know ... what Radhika was just saying..." Neil was absolutely amused at his target's dear caught in the headlights look. This was not often and he would take complete advantage of this moment.
Radhika lowered her eyes and smiled sheepishly as she knew exactly what her friend was trying to do. After all she was stealing quick glances with her husband the entire time during dinner. Arjun's face had turned a few shades pink as he tried failingly to form a coherent sentence. His eyes looking everywhere except at his wife, while everyone around gave puzzled looks to each other. Saving him from further embarrassment, Radhika quickly changed topics, "Oh you know... I watched the trailer for Bajirao Mastani couple days ago. I love Sanjay Sir's movies. They are a true artistic masterpiece. I do wish though his stories would end on a slightly happier note."
A relieved Arjun smiled her way and decided to focus on his plate and food for the next few moments, so he could stay out of everyone's radar. Knowing what Chashni had done, and not willing to let her pati parameshwar off the hook so easily, Neil added "Really Radhika?! Me too!!! You know what my all-time favorite movie is... Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. And of course my most favorite song has to be..."
Realizing what Neil was about to say, Arjun feigned to choke on his roti, and coughed out loud distracting everyone. He apologized to all around him, telling them that he was fine and it was nothing, as he drank a glass of water. Neil paused for a moment, ignoring Arjun, and decided he would go in for the kill, so taking in a breath, he started to sing:
"Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan Maaf Hon
Ek Tuk Tumhein Dekhti Hain
Jo Baat Kehna Chaahe Zubaan
Tumse Vo Ye Kehti Hain.
Aankhon Ki Sharmohaya
Maaf Ho
Tumhein Dekh ke Jhukti Hain
Uthi Aankhein Jo Baat Na Keh Sakin
Jhuki Aankhein Vo Kehti Hain.
Aankhon Ki
Aankhon Ki
Gustakhiyaan
Maaf Hon."
The entire table seemed to applaud Neil at his rendition of the song, unaware of what he had just accomplished. He grinned widely, winking at Arjun whose face had now turned a tomato red yet he still managed to glare daggers in return. Radhika and Sam couldn't help but laugh their hearts out at the entire ordeal. Neil had, in a moment, made the usual put-together Arjun completely flustered. This was going down in the history books.
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Scene 3
The ladies were in Radhika's room helping her pack and organize everything. It was bittersweet for Dada-ji, Mala and Dilip. She would finally be leaving for her home with Arjun, and like any family they were happy for her, yet the thought of her being far away was saddening. But that was life, and as their son in law had promised they were welcome any time in Mumbai.
"And this is for you!" said Sam handing Radhika a beautifully wrapped gift.
"What is it?" asked Radhika with a smile.
"Open it. It's a wedding gift for you... from me."
"You shouldn't have, really."
"I wanted to ... really."
On her friend's insistence, Radhika excitedly opened the gift.
"Oh Sam, this is so beautiful. Thank you," she said softly, hugging Sam.
"It would mean the world to me if you wore it tomorrow..."
"And I have earrings that will go very well with that," added Mala.
"Tomorrow?!"
"Well, yes... we will be seeing you off with proper traditions and customs. Can't let a new bride just leave her parents' home without any festivities... right Mala Aunty?!"
"Very true," replied Mala.
"This suit is just perfect... Thank you so much," said Radhika with a smile.
Sam had gifted her friend a simple yet elegant Kurta-Salwar suit. While the dress screamed high fashion, it still had a traditional touch that suited Radhika's personality very much. It was a full-sleeved blush silk kurta with silver embroidery. The shalwar was Afghani style with navy fish-scale pattern. And to complete the look was blush tulle embroidery bordered dupatta. As Radhika had said, it was perfect.
-------------------
"Yes, the presentation is done, so everything is ready to go for Monday."
"Thanks Neil."
"I am sure you can handle it without Sam and me. I have asked Teji to be there with you and Piyali-ma'am to help out with everything."
"Yeah it should be fine. Thanks again." After a pause, Arjun added "You both are coming back next weekend right?!"
"That is the plan."
"It should be a good break. Everything is beautiful and peaceful up here."
"It really is. We will tour the local area tomorrow after you guys leave and then Monday, we move on to Dehradun."
"That's good."
"Anyway, not sure about you... but I am exhausted. I wonder why our wives are taking so long."
Arjun half-smiled in reply. There was nothing he could comment on. The Mishra gentlemen had retired to bed already, while the ladies were still busy helping Radhika pack her things.
"What about you guys?"
"What about us?" asked Arjun.
"Don't you want some time off? Look your wedding wasn't an ideal one... Don't you want to take some time off and go somewhere with Radhika?"
"Perhaps... we'll see."
Neil didn't question him further. He knew Arjun didn't like to discuss anything personal. In fact, he was similar to Chashni in that sense. While she talked a lot about everything, at a personal level she hardly shared anything. It really was the case of "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" for Arjun and Radhika.
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Scene 4
It was close to midnight and Arjun had finally changed into his usual sleep wear. He was trying to make himself comfortable on Radhika's bed, as he sat there going through his wife's writing journal that was kept on her bedside table.
"Oh you won't find anything interesting in there." Radhika walked in with a pitcher of water and two glasses, closing the door behind her, as she set the tray on her dresser.
"But you write really well. You do have a unique talent."
"Hmmm..."
"Sorry, I shouldn't have read it without your permission."
"It's okay... Honestly, I don't mind."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes... do you really like my writing?" Radhika asked as she sat on the bed beside Arjun.
"Very much... but I was wondering how such a lively and happy girl can write poetry so dark?"
Smiling she simply replied "Because writing is good therapy. Any pain or darkness you feel is considerably lessened when you write your deepest thoughts."
"So these are your deepest thoughts?"
"Some are... but mostly it is what I observe around me, so not exactly what I am going through. Or it could just be an inspiration from a sad tune or song."
Arjun frowned slightly and went on to read a few lines from her poetry,
"And as reality sets in
Is it too late to feel again?
For me to open up
Only for the ache and the pain"
Radhika laughed saying "Oh my... that was written a long time ago."
"Yes, In November 2010... apparently you have a habit of dating your writing."
"Of course I do. I wanted to share my thoughts with the world some day, and I had to keep a log of it by dating and indexing it."
Smiling, Arjun kept her journal back on the bedside table and moved closer to Radhika, holding her hand gently. "You know this marriage will never force you to give up your dreams or aspirations." He looked into her eyes and added, "I will never stop you from finding your way in this world... I just want to be by your side every step of the way."
Radhika squeezed his hand smiling softly, "Sir, your Panauti' is not going anywhere without you. For better or worse, you are stuck with me." She hugged Arjun reassuringly, giving him a peck on the cheek as she switched off the lamp beside her.
"Sir?" questioned Arjun.
"Arjun," she added softly.
Radhika pulled up the covers and lay down on her side of the bed. "You should sleep - it's late and you haven't rested since early morning."
Moments later, they both lay on the bed facing each other. Radhika had her eyes closed with a peaceful look on her face, while Arjun couldn't help but stare at her in the moonlight. Reminiscing all the times he had watched her sleep.
Jarring him from his thoughts, Radhika spoke "It's weird to stare at people when they try to sleep."
Smiling he replied, "It's also weird to notice these things with eyes completely closed."
She giggled a shy smile opening her eyes lazily.
"Radhika," He gently held her arm moving her close to him.
Mere inches apart, he cupped the back of her neck with one hand, gently tugging her closer and looked into her eyes for any signs of hesitation.
"Hmmm..." she whispered huskily.
Arjun leaned in and kissed her softly, slowly letting his hand caress her face. Her hands nervously went to his shoulders and she kissed him back.
He pulled away noticing the flushed look on her face, their heartbeat and breathing completely in sync. He feathered a soft kiss on her forehead, gently tucking her hair behind and holding her close. Radhika kissed his hand, and flipped on to her other side in bed. Arjun's arm wrapped around her, hugging her close and he lowered his head to nuzzle the side of her neck. As she relaxed into his embrace with their fingers entwined, sleep finally took over them washing away the entire day's fatigue.
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