ACT 10 - Arjun & Radhika
Scene 1
Arjun's eyes opened lazily at the crack of dawn noticing the pale orange hue peeking in through the window. Radhika had snuggled into him during their sleep sometime, her head resting on his shoulder and her arm wrapped around him. He couldn't help but smile as he ran his fingers through her hair gently, holding her close. His thumb found a way to caress her cheek, outlining her jaw line as she slept peacefully. She was breathtakingly beautiful in the moment, her face glowing in twilight's perfect hue.
He softly kissed her forehead, and turned ever so gently on to his side, so as not to disturb her sleep. That movement only made Radhika cuddle further into Arjun, shifting slightly to find a comfortable spot. He continued admiring her from such close proximity, his hand tenderly stroking her arm. A slow smile worked its way across his face and into his eyes as he let his thoughts drift to their first kiss. He heard her breathing alter faintly, so Arjun closed his eyes and held her close knowing well that Radhika would be waking up soon.
The soft light entering her room through the sheer curtains was better than any morning alarm. Radhika opened her eyes slowly noticing Arjun's arm wrapped around her, locking her in his firm hold. She smiled affectionately as she turned her head slowly to look at her husband's sleeping form. Now that there were no barriers between them, she would love and care for Arjun as she had wished to, and as he had asked her the night before she returned to Rishikesh. Radhika caressed his face lovingly, and leaned in to kiss his chin. She stayed in bed for some time lying leisurely in his arms, her fingers gently stroking his arm.
Slowly, Radhika moved Arjun's arm as she tried to free herself from his hold, all the time making sure his sleep isn't disturbed. Feathering a quick kiss on his forehead, she turned to get out of bed. As she sat up to leave, Arjun held her hand, stopping her midway, causing her to turn around and look at him. He gently pulled her towards him. There was something captivating about the way he looked at her, closing in the distance between them, Radhika couldn't help but comply. He brushed his fingers across the contours of her face as he tucked her hair behind her ear. Arjun leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips.
Pulling back, he whispered "Morning, Radhika."
Smiling shyly, with her gaze lowered, she replied in a similar hushed tone, "Good morning... Arjun"
He placed a finger under her chin and tilted her head up. Looking into her eyes, he smiled boyishly, as his fingers caressed her cheek ever so gently. His hand went behind her neck, tugging her close and he kissed her again, slowly and deeply.
--------------------------
Scene 2
After a very filling brunch of Aloo Puri and Halwa, Radhika returned to her room to change into the suit Sam had gifted her. She had spent most of her morning helping Mala in the kitchen. For the first time, she witnessed Arjun contently eating something sweet, and it brought a smile to her face. Dilip had informed everyone at the breakfast table that Ridhima and Bade damad-ji would also be joining them for afternoon tea before Radhika and Arjun left for Mumbai. It would be the first time since her return to Rishikesh that she would be meeting her elder sister and brother-in-law. Apart from Arjun, no one knew about her last encounter with Saral, and in matters of the family, some things were better left unsaid, Radhika had thought to herself.
In front of the vanity mirror, she stood detangling her damp tresses. There was a slight knock on the door, followed by a soft voice "Radhika?"
"You can come in."
Arjun entered the room noticing his wife dressed in the most elegant shalwar kameez, looking every bit beautiful. The dusty rose color really suited her and he was having a hard time trying not to stare at her.
"Ummm... I just wanted to get everything packed up so it's all ready to go."
"Hmmm... I am almost ready too."
His eyes lingered on Radhika as he admired her discretely, head to toe. She could feel his eyes on her as he quietly moved around the room pretending to organize the already organized suitcases. As she moved her hair to the side bringing her lovely locks to the front, Arjun noticed her back. The string with silver tassels supporting her kameez had come undone. Unconsciously he walked towards Radhika, coming up behind her. He tugged on the strings, slowly tying them in place, all the while his fingertips gently brushed against her bare skin. His hands moved to her shoulders holding her in front of the mirror, as he whispered into her ear "I am sorry."
Startled, Radhika turned around giving him a confused look.
"For every stupid thing I ever said to you. I didn't mean it." He half smiled at her as his fingers traced the contours of her face. "As it turned out, I was the biggest fool in all this."
"No, you weren't. You loved your sister, and there is nothing foolish about that."
Arjun frowned at the mention of his sister, uneasiness settling in as he knew the kind of misery she brought in his wife's life. "But..."
Radhika cut him off sensing the worry in his demeanor, "Its okay, Arjun... it doesn't matter anymore." She paused for a moment, looking into his eyes as she gently raised her hand to his face, caressing it lovingly, and whispered, "I love you... for all your faults ... and for all your good."
He cupped her face and gently kissed her forehead, pulling her into his embrace.
------------------------------
Scene 3
After loading the SUV with their entire luggage, Arjun finally joined everyone in the living room. The current topic of discussion was Radhika's first meet with Sam and Neil in Rishikesh. The chance encounter essentially paved a way for Radhika to realize her dream in life, and gave her the drive to pursue it. This was the same girl Arjun had initially wanted to remove from Bird Song as she was faltering every plan of his. All the times he challenged her thinking she would give up, Radhika stood her ground never losing hope. It was a quality that touched the depths of his heart, and Arjun knew if anyone could love him completely, it was her. His heart had chosen her a long time ago even if his mind couldn't accept it at the time.
"Today, I am very happy," a teary eyed Dada-ji softly mentioned to Arjun as the rest continued with their conversation. "Choti means more to me than anyone in life, and I am relieved that she will be with someone who loves and respects her. Beta, she is my little angel, very pure and innocent at heart. Promise me, you will always take care of her, and that you will never let any harm come to her!?"
Meeting Dada-ji's gaze, Arjun clasped the elder gentleman's hand in his and replied solemnly, "I promise Dada-ji."
---------------------------------
The doorbell got everyone's attention, interrupting the light banter. "It must be Badi," spoke Dilip, "I'll get the door."
Ridhima and her husband entered exchanging pleasantries with everyone. The two sisters shared a hug, and it was then Radhika noticed that her Di had really started to show her pregnancy.
"Oh, is it a boy or a girl? Have you found out?"
Ridhima leaned in to whisper into her younger sister's ear, and replied "a boy."
"I am going to be a Mausi... I am so happy!!!"
Dilip cleared his throat, getting the sisters' attention, and introduced Arjun to his elder daughter and her husband.
"So I heard that Arjun was your boss at Bird Song? Is that where you first met?"
"Yes, jeeja-ji..."
Neil interrupted Chashni sensing slight sarcasm in Bade Damad-ji's tone, and added with a smile "Actually all four of us work at Bird Song. And Arjun-Sir here... is our Big Boss!"
Arjun glanced at Neil, knowing well he had just done a favor to Radhika and the Mishra family. "Yes, we met at Bird Song, and the rest as they say is history," he added with a curt smile, not wanting to get into any details with Saral's brother.
"Oh I see."
Dada-ji broke the awkward tension in living room, "Why is everyone still standing? We are all family here, please have a seat. Arjun beta, come sit here with Radhika."
With everyone seated, Mala brought out tea and snacks for everyone. It was getting late, and Arjun and Radhika would be leaving shortly. "Badi, I made some Panjiri for you. Just remind me about it before you leave, and remember to eat at least one spoon with each meal."
Ridhima simply smiled and nodded at her mother. "Oh I forgot to tell you, Mummy-ji asked us to invite you all to Saral's engagement next month. They haven't fixed the wedding date yet, but we will send you the invitation card as soon as everything gets confirmed."
Arjun clenched his jaw at the mention of Saral, and unconsciously clasped Radhika's hand in his, squeezing it tightly. Neil noticed the change in their demeanor and knew something wasn't quite right. There was definitely more to this Saral story than any of them knew. But this was neither the right time nor place to discuss that.
"That is good news. We are happy for him... please congratulate Samdhi-ji on our behalf," added Dilip.
"It's almost 2pm. Arjun beta, what time is your flight?" asked Dada-ji, changing topics effectively.
"In another two hours ... but we should leave. I am not sure how the traffic from here to Dehradun will be and we need at least an extra hour in hand."
"Very well, beta. My heart wishes for you both to stay with us much longer, but I know you have commitments in Mumbai. Hopefully, we will meet soon."
"Of course Dada-ji... As I mentioned before, you all are welcome to stay with us any time."
---------------------------
It was a tearful goodbye for Radhika as she hugged her parents and grand father. Completely overwhelmed, she couldn't stop her tears, and with Mala crying as well, there was not much Arjun could do except promise her family that he would take care of their Choti and they needn't worry about anything. He opened the door for her, helping her in the SUV, before taking a seat on the driver side. As they sat there away from prying eyes, Arjun took a handkerchief out of his front pocket and gently wiped her tears. "Are you ok?"
"Yeah... Just overwhelmed"
He squeezed Radhika's hand reassuringly giving her a soft smile, "We will be home soon, and there's a CD case in dash if you feel like listening to some music."
"What if I just want to talk to you? You know, through the entire ride." she asked puckishly.
Arjun couldn't help but laugh at her response, adding "We can do that too!"
And so he started the rental SUV, as they waved a goodbye to her family, finally leaving for home.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Health and Fitness
History
Hindi TV Shows
Bhabhi Ji Ghar Pe Hain?
