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Kalpana had decided that she would concentrate on proving herself in the six month period.She would not let Raghav affect her.She had decided to stay out of his way to prevent him from further insulting her.So as per her plan,she was careful to avoid him.
Sammy knew Raghav too well.He was aware that his rude behaviour towards Kalpi was just a way of distancing her from him.Much as he was with Raghav, in his revenge,he did not approve of him using Pakhi.He found her a sweet brainless girl.He felt kalpi would be a stabilising influence on Raghav and would make him see right.He admired Kalpi for the way she stood upto Raghav boldly,Yes,she was the one for his friend.He also saw the way she had started to avoid Raghav.So,he decided to give their love story a little kick in the right direction.
Raghav was disturbed.He seemed to have no control over his mind these days.He would insult Kalpi and then once he saw the hurt in her eyes,he would bitterly regret it.try as he would ,he could not get her out of her thoughts.He kept looking at Paakhi's cabin but all he could see was Kalpi mockingly smiling at him,as though she could read his innermost thoughts.He also did not like the way she was avoiding him since the flower incident.It was two whole days since she had looked at him.Damn!he hit the table so hard that it almost cracked.Sammy smiled inwardly.So his friend for all his talk of having chosen revenge,was still in a quandary.
Paakhi was very upset.She could not understand Raghav anymore.He was very nice to her ,but he seemed to have a permanent scowl these days.The guy who took her out on a date had just disappeared.She would have to talk to Kamalama fast.
Over the next few days...
Sammy went out of the way to be nice to Kalpi.In an environment ,where hitherto she had received only insults,to be appreciated,was like manna.Kalpi responded to Sammy''s kindness like a parched traveller in the desert.She began to think of him as her friend and confidant.Sammy too genuinely started liking Kalpi apart from admiring her.A beautiful relationship of trust and friendship blossomed between the two.Every evening ,they would chat over a cup of coffee.Laughter would ring loud.Sammy had an innate sense of humour and to her surprise,Kalpi realised that she too was not lagging behind.Anyone was welcome to join their banter.Both were well liked in the office and this meet was seen as a blessing in the office monotony...Everyone ...except Paakhi,who could not bear to see kalpi's growing popularity and Raghav who could not understand why his heart ached everytime he saw the two laughing together.
S: So Kalpi ,whats up girl?What is troubling you?
K:Nothing,sammy.
S:Cmon Kalpana.I know you well enough now.There is something on your mind and I can help you.But if you dont want to tell this friend,that is ,if you have ever thought of me as such...
No Sammy.Never say so.I do not have very many friends.In the hostel I was too busy with my grades to mingle,so people thought me a snob and a nerd.Paaki's friendship ,...well I have no say in that matter.It is sort of thrust on me.You are the first person who has really made an effort to be nice to me.No,there was one ,a very long time ago...Kalpi 's mind went back to her childhood when Raghav had helped her out.
You are thinking of Raghav is it not?
But how do you know?
Dear Kalpi,do you know the no.of times raghav has told me his bachpan ki kahaani ...and mind you,you featured quite prominently in that.
Oh!so he does remember.But why then...
Of course!!!As to your question,Raghav is a bitter person.Life has made him so.He trusts no one...maybe me to a certain extent .But even I dont know what he really thinks.His tough exterior is a facade that guards his tender heart...a heart that is bruise easily,a heart that has been broken many a time by people he believed he could trust.That is what worries me ,Kalpana.A nice guy like him,deserves a chance to live life ,to laugh.Look at him...one would think that all life's sorrows are on his shoulder.He needs to be taught to live life.He needs to be healed.for that ,I need your help.
Me?But what can I do?No way...dont you see how he hates me?How he hurls insults my way...He has done nothing but make me feel miserable.Kalpi was shocked.sammy was asking her to help Raghav,the very person she wanted to avoid...the person who had disturbed her from the very first day.
Sammy noticed the tremor in her voice and the way she grew restless.Oh!so our dear Miss Jadhav is also not unaffected.She may not yet realise ,but I think she too is in the process of being bitten.Sammy smiled...
Indian Mythology
