Chapter 24
"Baba aaj mujhe ghar aane mein dherhojayegi, agar zyada dher hogayi toh mein apni dost ke ghar sojaungi, Kalpi was engrossed in animated conversation with vital. It was around 9 pm in the night, Kalpi sat on her favourite bench in the park after successfully convincing distressed Vittal, she was so lost in her thoughts to see Raghav approaching her. Raghav silently stood at a distance watching her gorgeous form bathed in moon light seeping through leaves in otherwise dark surroundings. After couple of minutes he quietly placed his hand on her shoulder from back calling her softly. Kalpi was so lost in thoughts his voice startled her; she gave him piece of her mind thinking him an eve teaser. Raghav took her bashing without a sound; hearing no response she turned to face the stranger and got a shock of her life. Raghav was the last person she was expecting to see anytime soon and there he is standing right in front of her. She mumbled a sorry and got up to leave, not in mood to hear him.
"Why are you saying sorry? I should be the one saying sorry for believing that you would betray me for money. I should be the one apologizing for accusing and insulting you in front of entire office. I hurt you so much Kalpana...I'm sorry. I didn't even let you speak when you tried to salvage the situation. I'm so..." "That's fine," Kalpi cuts him off wryly. It was your position to hurl insults and mine to swallow, she said not even trying to tone down the evident rudeness in her voice. Moreover situation was such that It's easy to call me cheater than others who are financially well off. Honesty is a virtue seen only in rich; right she said getting up to leave.
"Kalpana, please let it go, I said sorry. I know I can count you for my life. It was not your fault, it was never your fault, the situation was such that I believed in circumstantial evidences over you, though I know you'd never do anything that harms me or my reputation, he said earnestly. When I saw Kapoors with our proposal I lost it completely; I know I'd hurt you badly... it was my bruised ego speaking. You are a ray of hope in my dark life, someone I admire and cherish from the time I don't even remember. You are special Kalpi, very special I can't lose you again...please let it go for once.
Kalpi stood in tracks hearing his words...it took a moment to contemplate his words. He was reeling under alcohol, one hand effectively bandaged he was looking painfully miserable. For once Kalpi wanted to stay with him, take out his pain and comfort him, though she doesn't know how to do that. For the first time in the last eight months they talked as normal individuals letting out everything they are holding against each other. He apologised for the numerous insults he inflicted on her and she remained silent. Owing to the effect of alcohol or he himself wanted to unburden the baggage he is carrying for years, Raghav opened up to Kalpi; she patiently heard his emotional blabbering, this side of him which is very new and she never expected, to be honest. She has sensed how broken and vulnerable the great Raghav Singhania is from inside. She has seen the familiar pain, sorrow and emptiness in his eyes and she felt an instant connect with the man sitting in front of her...he looked like a lost boy, just like her. His pain and sorrow is massive and deeper; And his ways of fighting the demons is making him feel even worse and miserable. Kalpi's thoughts were broken with his husky voice, he is calling her name. "Why the hell you aren't saying anything... are you hearing me, he asked exasperatedly. Kalpi walked to the bench and sat beside him taking his hand in hers and squeezed it lightly. He looked regretful. She looked into his eyes...his eyes has something strange, the expression she couldn't read!
Raghav was looking at her expectantly to say something; he is dying to hear her decision. He couldn't see her walking away from him and silently wished her to change the decision. Kalpi to her own surprise wanted to stay back for his happiness, deep down she felt good to think that she matters to someone at least. Raghav Singhania silently watched the variety of emotions playing on her face while she was lost in her own world. He looked wistful!!
"Did I need to go through the stupid administrative work again after a couple of minutes she asked in irritated tone. Raghav looked at her clueless for a moment and flashed a brilliant smile after processing her words. Kalpi was mesmerized with his smile; she saw his genuine smile for the second time unlike the trademark smirks she is used too. Indeed today is day of shocks and surprises, she thought inwardly. "Not needed, I haven't accepted the resignation he said slowly, fearing her anger again.
They sat on the bench in silence expecting the other one to speak; as silence got thickened they felt awkward in each other's company. Raghav got up to leave, Kalpi wished him to stay for some more time and he wanted her to stop him. While he tried to move his stomach growled loudly; he looked at her embarrassed, she grinned. "You didn't have dinner she asked. He nodded head in negative. "Gosh...how could you...you didn't had a morsel in the noon too and the top of it you drenched yourselves in drinks, she snapped angrily, the concern in her voice is palpable. "How did you know that I skipped lunch he asked surprised. "I know you more than that, she said casually and bit her lip realising what she spilled out. Raghav looked at her in anticipation but she remained silent. She asked him to sit while she got busy in fishing out lunch box from the bag; you skipped lunch?? how could you...he stopped mid way when images from morning flashed across his eyes. I am sorry for everything Kalpi he made a puppy face looking remorseful leaving her in splits. A wicked thought crossed her mind to click his expression and put up the image on Singhania Industries notice board. Controlling her urge, she pulled him to sit, a bit forcefully making him lose his balance. He held her for support but fell on ground taking her along with him. The fall was very intimate and awkward much to their chagrin. She hurriedly got up adjusting her dress and so is he.
Kalpi forget about lunch box it's pretty late...come I'll drop you home he said hastily moving towards his car. Sir, what about dinner...she was persistent. You don't need to worry, he sounded rude unintentionally. It did hurt her but she was quick to mask her emotions and got into the car silently. Are you sure you can drive she asked looking at of his bandaged hand. He silently nodded his head in affirmative. Drive was painfully silent; after having an emotionally overwhelming conversation the silence is not expected but both being equally level headed & egoistic idiot's stillness has grown much thicker; neither of them tried to break the silence!!
Raghav's stomach growled again while Kalpi bit the inside of her cheek to control raising hunger. "Stop both shouted in unison seeing a small restaurant. He brought the car to halt smirking. While she wants to feed him given his intoxicated state he wished to spent some more time with her even if it calls for late night dinner in a shoddy place. Raghav and Kalpi settled for simple meals dal, roti with sabzi. Sensing Raghav's discomfort in eating with injured hand Kalpi offered free hand. He looked puzzled. Picking up the roti she broke off bite sized portions of it and dipped it in the dal she then held it out to him. He inspected her simple form aglow in the rich illumination of the moonlight, her hair waved slightly in the breeze her eyes filled with sympathy and concern for him. She smiled as she saw him look at her in amazement, she realized he was not used to such gestures and feared he may refuse but was pleasantly surprised when he opened his mouth and ate in submission. She managed to feed him his share of the food and then ate hers trying to make small talk mean while...
Edited by nandinidavid96 - 7 years ago
