Chapter 10
Raghav was waiting outside Singhania Chawl for Gauri to show up. She reached there in a hurry quiet worried and all confused. Raghav explained the dynamics of Pakhi's and Sammy's relationship and how they were going to officially talk about their marriage with Kamla Maa and Vitthal dada. She was not sure of how to bring up the matter but assured him that everything will be fine. Kamla and Vitthal were surprised to see the visitors. They welcomed Raghav and Gauri and started anticipating the reason of their arrival. Kamla Maa on Gauri's explanation had forgiven Raghav for his deeds. Both Kamla and Vitthal were aware of Raghav's true love for their daughter Kalpi. However, Vithal had not completely forgiven him and had made it clear he will only forgive him if Kalpi will forgive him. Raghav understood their point of view and respected it all throughout these 5 years.
Gauri revealed about Pakhi and Sammy and also of their intentions of visiting them. Raghav joined her and explained them how Sammy loved Pakhi and wanted to marry her. There wasn't a single time where he would not take their names while talking about the marriage. He just did not want any misunderstandings to crop up like last time. Kamla and Vithal have being taking care of Pakhi after the Kapoor's arrest. They did not object to this relationship as they wanted to see Pakhi happy. They were equally sad thinking about Kalpi's which did not go unnoticed by Gauri and Raghav. They both looked at each other gesturing to reassure each other that soon everything will be alright.
Next day in presence of Singhania's, Jadhav's and the pair the date for the wedding was fixed after 2 weeks. Everyone could sense Sammy's disappointment with the marriage being 2 weeks away. He craved to get married as soon as possible. Raghav chuckled at the Sammy's state and couldn't help himself from remembering his eagerness to make Kalpi his bride. They were all in a jovial mood when Pakya (who was distributing sweets in the chawl) came panting and asked everyone to come with him. Kamla and Vitthal were surprised to see Kalpi coming out of a big black car. They could not control their emotions and went running towards her. They hugged each other tightly and started crying.
This calls for a double celebration' said Pakhi diverting Kalpi's attention to find everyone at the chawl. Kamla explained her how this was the luckiest day for her - firstly Pakhi's marriage got fixed to Sammy and secondly her Kalpi returned home. The very moment Kalpi put the blueprints of her dream project in her parents hand and explained them how she was building a residential society for them. They were very proud of her success and could not stop themselves from getting emotional. Raghav excused himself and left the chawl feeling guilty of his past actions. He did not want to spoil Kalpi's mood today. It was her day today and he did not want her to be hurt in any way because of him.
She saw him leaving. She did not know what happened to her at that moment. She saw him smiling at her the entire time she was talking to her family. She could see the feeling of respect and pride for her in his eyes. But then suddenly she saw his smile fading away and remorse emerging on his face. She came out of her thoughts with Pakya's non-stop blabbering. She had missed her family a lot and she promised herself to shun away Raghav's thought and just enjoy with her family. Everybody left soon and then she got to spend the quality time with her family that she was yearning for in the past 5 years. She took them out for a dinner in one of the best restaurants in her own car and it was a moment of gratification for all of them.
Next morning Pakhi came in a hurry and asked Kalpi to get ready and help her in shopping for her wedding. Kalpi did not want to go but on Vitthal's insistence could not deny. She was startled to see Sammy and Raghav there. Pakhi got busy with Sammy in selecting the dresses and left Kalpi and Raghav in an awkward situation. They both just stood there trying to look around and diffuse the discomfort. Kalpi started looking for dresses for herself and Raghav could not stop himself from admiring her.
She saw him staring lovingly at her. She felt uncomfortable and yet elated to find him looking at her. She was just trying those clothes for passing time. But she then suddenly she continued looking at them and then trying them in front of the mirror for him. He caught her looking at him and made a signal approving the dress. Without wasting a second she rejected and kept the dress aside and tried to ignore him. It continued for a while for a while until he rejected a red dress and she immediately bought the same dress. He just stood there smirking because he just tricked her into buying a dress of his choice and she did not realise it.
She wanted to get that dress a bit altered as per her height and so was requested by the staff for a trial. She was taking too much time to come out and he was getting impatient. He went to the trial room and knocked on the door hoping a response. She assumed it to be one of the lady staff who was out there a moment ago and whom she had called for help. She stood with her back towards the door struggling with the zip of her dress. He heard her asking help zip her dress as she was unable to reach it. He stood there shocked at first but then a big grin appeared on his face. He moved forward and pulled her close by her waist. She recognised his touch but was dumbfounded to react. She closed her eyes trying to feel his touch. He moved her tresses to one side and bent over to kiss her neck but stopped midway. She was getting all red by the feel of his hot breath on her neck and he was glad to see her body's response to his touch. She was entranced in that moment when he zipped her dress and without saying anything left the trial room closing the door.
Sorry if there are any errors (did not have time to proofread)
Shiv Shakti
