Chapter 14
"So we finally meet...Kalpu speaks very highly of you."- Arjun said extending his hand towards Raghav. "Really? But it's funny because she has never mentioned you."- Raghav replied with a smirk, shaking Arjun's hand.
Kalpana looked disapprovingly at Raghav which only made Arjun laugh. "That's okay, I'm not really that important."- Arjun responded. "You know that's not true..."- Kalpana said quietly.
Kalpana's behaviour was making Raghav more and more restless yet intrigued by the minute. It was obvious that the two had something special, yet he couldn't place his finger on it.
"Arjun's my best friend Raghav. We've known each other since childhood. We practically grew up together..."- Kalpana continued as if reading Raghav's mind.
"Well that sure clarifies his chipku behaviour!"- Raghav thought sulkily.
"Now that introductions are over, do you mind if I borrow my Kalpu Mr. Singhania? We have a dance long overdue..."- Arjun asked looking at Raghav. To Raghav it didn't look like Arjun was asking for permission but more like he was merely informing. Raghav simply nodded unwillingly as he watched Arjun whisk away his girlfriend.
Raghav watched as the two best friends took over the dance floor. It was obvious they had done many performances together. Their chemistry and coordination was unbelievable. Even Raghav had to admit he was impressed. Soon, it was just Arjun and Kalpana on the dance floor as everyone else gathered around to watch the two perform.
Unable to handle it anymore, Raghav walked over to the bar to get himself a drink.
"They're amazing, aren't they?"- Raila asked nodding her head towards Arjun and Kalpana. "Yea..."- Raghav replied half-heartedly.
They sat in silence for a few minutes before Raghav said, "I'm sorry about earlier. I just wanted my first dance to be with Kalpi." "Hey, it's cool."- Raila replied understandingly.
Just then the hall erupted in a round of applause indicating to the end of Arjun and Kalpana's performance. Raghav looked irritated as friends surrounded the duo to congratulate them.
"Care for a dance? Call it my second chance to make up for the previous time?"- Raghav asked suddenly holding his hand out towards Raila. "That would be nice..."- Raila replied getting up.
Raghav led Raila to the dance floor as the DJ changed the song from an upbeat track to a romantic slow song.
Baithe Rahe, Khayalon Mein Yun
Uljhe Rahe, Sawalon Mein Yuhi
Soon Raghav and Raila were joined by other couples including Arjun and Kalpana on the dance floor.
Kitni Baatein Hai Joh
Kehna Paaye Unko
Hum Toh Na The Iss Tarah
Though both Raghav and Kalpana were dancing with their respective partners, they kept glancing at one another, each yearning to dance with the other.
O Hooo O Hooo
Ankhon Hi Ankhon Mein Yun
Both Raghav and Kalpana looked silently at one another, their eyes speaking volumes.
O Hooo O Hooo
Ankhon Hi Ankhon Mein Yun
Raghav and Kalpana's frequent eye locks didn't go unnoticed by Raila.
Khoye Rahe...
"You know back in college, all us friends thought that Arjun and Kalpana were going to get married. Guess we were wrong."- Raila began causing Raghav to have her full attention.
Bas Tumko Dekhe Dekhte Hi Rahe
Ruk Jaye Lamhe Sabhi Jaate Hue
"What do you mean? Why did you all think like that?"- Raghav questioned.
Kya Tumse Kehde Aur Kya Na Kahe
Tum Hi Samjh Lo Sabhi Aye Kaash Ke
Raila was surprised by Raghav's reaction. "Kalpana didn't tell you?"- Raila asked confused.
Bas Yeh Tamanna Hai
Dil Joh Apna Hai
Usko Mil Jao Tum
"Tell me what Raila? Can you please speak clearly? You're confusing me even more now..."- Raghav said getting impatient.
Ab Na Khayalon Mein
Na Sawalon Mein
Baahon Mein Aao Tum
"That Arjun and Kalpana were high school sweethearts. Everybody thought that they would get married. They were perfect for each other. Arjun's parents had even asked for Kalpana's hand in marriage when college had finished. But we don't know what happened. Arjun left for the States immediately and Kalpana never spoke about their relationship again."- Raila confessed. "Don't get me wrong. I'm sure you both love each other very much and no doubt you'll keep her very happy but we always thought it would be Arjun..."
O Hooo O Hooo
Ankhon Hi Ankhon Mein Yun
Raghav was dumbfounded by what he had just heard. Kalpana wouldn't hide something so big from him. Would she?
O Hooo O Hooo
Ankhon Hi Ankhon Mein Yun
Raghav glanced towards Arjun and Kalpana who were dancing across the dance floor. He noticed the way she was smiling at him. Raghav felt a knot in his stomach. He couldn't take it anymore.
Khoye Rahe...O Yeahh
"I'm sorry, please excuse me."- Raghav said letting go of Raila and making his way towards the exit. Raila noticed Kalpana following Raghav. Raila tried calling out to Kalpana but the music was too loud for Kalpana to hear.
"Raghav!"- Kalpana shouted trying to get Raghav attention. She had noticed leaving the function hall with an annoyed look on his face before going after him.
Finally Raghav stopped and turned to face her in the parking lot. "What?"- Raghav retorted with a hint of irritation in his voice. "Finally remembered me? Or did you forget that I was the boyfriend and not your darling Arjun?"- Raghav sneered.
"What are you talking about Raghav?"- Kalpana asked unable to look Raghav in the eye.
"Spare me Kalpi. When were you planning on telling me about Arjun? I had to hear from your friend Raila. Did you not trust me enough to share such a big piece of information with me?"- Raghav practically yelled.
"It's not that I didn't want to tell you, I was just waiting for the right time."- Kalpana said looking down at her feet.
Letting out a sarcastic laugh, Raghav continued saying, "Guess you won't have to wait anymore. Also, how long have you been in contact with him? He knows about me but I hadn't even heard his name until today. Do you still have feelings for him?"- Raghav demanded his own question surprising him.
"What? No, how could you even think something like that?"- Kalpana replied horrified but still unable to look Raghav in the eye.
Grabbing her arms, Raghav whispered, "Look into my eyes and tell me that you don't feel anything for him!"
"Raghav...I..."- Kalpana stuttered looking away.
"Guess I got my reply."- Raghav said quietly. "Goodbye Kalpi..."- Raghav muttered stroking Kalpana's cheek at tears rolled down them.
With one final glance, Raghav walked away. He was just about to get into his car when a loud shriek made him turn around only to see Kalpana lying on the road in a pool of blood.
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Link to the Song (Aakhon Hi Aakhon Mein from the movie EMI):http://youtu.be/uXkzaCffc0A
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