Chapter 22
Ragav sits back on the side of the bed with a smile, his eyes glowing with happiness as he watches Kalpi finish dressing. Their gaze meet through the mirror and Ragav says possessively, "I can't wait for the day you wear my sindoor", Kalpi gives a shy smile, turns towards him and says earnestly, "I can't wait for that day too." Ragav walks towards Kalpi with a possessive gleam, turns her to face the mirror. He meets her gaze through the mirror and says, "I have marked you", as he bends to kiss the spot on her neck. He straightens, meets Kalpi's blushing gaze and says, "You might want to cover it with foundation." Kalpi turns to face Ragav in surprise, opens the drawer that has some of her necessities, turns towards the mirror to apply the foundation cream, looks at him speculatively through the mirror and says, "You seem to have a lot of knowledge about these things." She raises and eyebrow and demands, "How many girlfriends did you have before me." Ragav quickly takes some steps away from her and as he cheekily says, "I don't kiss and tell."
Ragav and Kalpi walk out of the bedroom, when Kalpi naively asks, "Do you think they will notice that we have been away for so long?" her expression troubled as she looks at Ragav for the answer. Ragav trying his best not to laugh at Kalpi's naivety, his desire to reassure her strong, blatantly lies, "No Kalpi, I doubt they have kept track of the time. I am sure they are busy doing something or the other." He turns away from Kalpi, congratulating himself for not cracking up. Not seeing anyone in the lounge, Kalpi is relieved and gives a loud sigh, she turns towards Ragav embarrassed, only to find him silently laughing at her. Feeling sorry for her, he says, "I will let you in on a secret..." Kalpi looks at him confused at first then says, "Oh my God, you are so conniving. When did you plan this?" her eyes reflecting her happiness and relief, he caresses her cheek, then he tucks his finger on the black threadlike rope around her neck... his claim to her... her mangalsutra... using his grip to pull her towards him, he says passionately , "when I made you mine... I promised myself to always protect you". He bends to kiss her lips, the doorbell rings interrupting their kiss... Kalpi takes a step as she places her palms on his chest and pushes him away. Her eyes smiling she opens the door.
Sammy and Dr Mehta, a specialist in amnesia, memory loss, and walk in as Ragav walks towards Dr Mehta, shakes his hand welcoming him and thanking him for coming over. He turns to Kalpi and says, "My w... fiance" as he introduces Kalpi to Dr Mehta and vice versa. They sit on the sofas in the lounge; Kalpi goes to make some drinks while Ragav updates the doctor on his mother's medical state.
Dr Mehta tells Ragav that he would like to meet the patient and then they can discuss in more details what to do next. Ragav turns to Kalpi and says, "Aai must be in her room, please bring her." He quickly turns to the doctor and adds, "She does not know that I am her son and that she is my mother." The doctor places his hand on Ragav's shoulder and says reassuringly, "I know, don't worry. All will be well." He turns to Kalpi and says, "Take me to the patient."
Sammy and Ragav watch the doctor follow Kalpi to Gauri maa's room; Sammy looks at Ragav, "You do know that you are going to pay through your nose... first for missing this morning's appointment at the surgery and then calling and insisting I bring the doctor home." Ragav looks at Kalpi with a glint of possessiveness as she walks away and softly says, "It is well worth it."
Kamla maa sees Kalpi walk in with a stranger, not waiting for Kalpi to say anything she rushes to Kalpi and says, "Why..." Kalpi interrupts Kamla maa saying, "Aai this is Dr Mehta... he is here to see tai." The doctor asks everybody to leave, as he wants Gauri maa to be comfortable and feels that privacy will afford her that. Gauri maa calls out to Kalpi, "Kalpi please stay back." She turns to the doctor and says, "I would like Kalpi to stay." He smiles and nods his head affirmatively.
Ragav is sitting facing the direction of the bedrooms and Sammy is sitting opposite him, when he notices Kamla maa walking towards the sitting room, her expression filled with concern as she looks in Ragav's direction with unease... Ragav looks at Sammy and says aloud, "Sammy thank you for setting up the conference call. It is a good thing Kalpi was with me... she was able to take the notes". Sammy looks at Ragav in confusion, and then notices Ragav give a slight nod as he looks behind him, as he says innocently, "Kamla maa, is Kalpi with tai?" Sammy masks his confusion behind a smile and turns around realising that the earlier statement was for Kamla maa's benefit. Ragav watches Kamla maa whose reaction changes from worry to relief as the words spoken to Sammy sink in.
Kamla maa says, "Sammy beta when did you come. Will you stay for lunch?" Sammy says that he came with the doctor and that he would love to stay for lunch. Kamla maa and Pakhi head to the kitchen to make lunch. Sammy's gaze follows Pakhi, he wants to ask her how she is, but he does not know what to say... so he silently watches her go. Sammy turns to Ragav chuckling and says, "Really conference call." He adds teasingly, "So how many conference calls are you planning to have..." Ragav grins and says, "As many as I can." Then adds hastily, "I do not even get to talk to Kalpi when Kamla maa is around" in justification.
Kalpi, Gauri maa and the doctor join Ragav and Sammy, the doctor leaves with the promise that he will work on a prognosis and will have his staff call and set up another appointment in a day or two. He turns to Gauri maa and asks, "Would you allow me to discuss the matter with Ragav and Kalpi first?" Gauri maa smiles and says, "Why not... he is like my son." Ragav looks at his mum, his eyes tearing as he chocks on his emotions... choosing to focus on two precious words... "My son" He blindly attempts to grab hold of Kalpi's hand... needed her strength to help contain his happiness, his focus on his mother. Kalpi smiles noticing his failed attempt and places her hand in his, giving it a tight squeeze in the process... telling him I understand your happiness. Ragav and Kalpi walk the doctor out; once again, Ragav thanks him for the house visit. He closes the door and pulls Kalpi into a tight hug, his happiness knows no bounds, he whispers, "My son"
P.S: sorry for the short chapter... creative juices are drying up... u know what to do to refill😉
Edited by angelpureness - 11 years ago
Anupamaa
Indian Idol 15
