Part 13
Paakhi and gauri wondered why Raghav had asked Kamala to come over. He had mentioned it was something important." Maybe he is going to apologise to Kamalama for harassing me and will announce that he is accepting me as wife," thought Kalpi.
Three stunned faces stared at Raghav and Kalpi as the walked across the threshold. It was a replay of events that occurred on thatblack Friday, but with a small change. Raghav had a happy smile on his face and by his side stood Kalpi with the mangalsutra and sindoor...and did she look so radiant with that sweet smile illuminating her face. Sammy and Maya walked behind,a smug smile of satisfaction on both their faces.
" what have you done,raghav? " screeched Paakhi. Gauri closed her ears. She could not understand why Paakhi was always so melodramatic...it was one of the ill effects of Kamalas rearing." How can you marry her when I am your wife?"
Kamala came forward,anger making her already bloated face go red. As she raised her hand, raghav caught it and cast it aside. He stood like a shield in front of Kalpi.
" enough", he boomed, " all of you will shut up and listen to me." He went on to tell them the events of the past month, threw the gazette at Paakhi and the newspaper at Kamala's feet. He showed his mother the marriage certificate of his and Kalpis. Not only that he said, knowing Kalpi's faith in God, he had taken her to the temple and exchanged vows in a function solemnised by the pundit. So Kalpi was twice, no thrice over his wife. For he had considered her so from that night. All those legalities were only for the society.
" but what about this, Raghav?," cried Paakhi, pointing to her mangalsutra and sindoor. "Did I tie it or apply it?" Questioned Raghav." To me it is just an ornament and some coloured powder on you ,which you have applied yourself. It carries no meaning on you. But yes, it carries significance on my Kalpi as it has bound me to her for, what do you say Kamalama,saath janams? "He mocked.
Walking upto kamala, he said with folded hands,"it was never my desire to hurt ou. Circumstances made me do so. When I tried to rectify it,you were not willing to see my point of view. More importantly, you did not trust your daughter. Time and again, you have hurt her. Yet she stood quietly,a silent witness to all that pain. But no more...to all of you. Let me tell you. No one will hurt or insult Kalpi anymore. Do it and you will have to face me. And all of you kow, Raghav Singhanai is neither as broadminded or forgiving as Kalpana Singhania."
"Will you now rub the sindoor off Paakhis forehead, "he mocked ,"as it now belongs to Kalpi,or will you apply your double standards again?"
"But what will society say? "Screamed Kamala, "you have spoilt Paakhis life.you owe her an answer. How can she face the world?"
" She is your daughter, kamalabaai, "he smirked," iM sure you have reared her to be iiistrong. She has you by her side, you can make her forget me, she need not worry. And I promise neither Kalpi or I will ever try to meet you again. And yes,this promise is for keeps. ""
Walking upto his mother, he looked longingly at her,but she had a bitter look on her face." I have transferred both Kapoors and Singhania property in your name. You are free to do what you want with it. I am taking Kalpi with me and going back to the US. Back to my old job in the company where I started. At least they welcomed me with open arms. I want to take away Kalpi from all this evil, this negativity, this society which will never let lovers be...to a new world ,a world where she will know only love and friendship, to a new beginning,where she will be accepted without any questions. I have also enclosed an open ticket for ou to join us, in the event of a change of mind. Let me tell you, you will always be welcome wholeheartedly. We will wait for you"
"Why are you not saying anything, kalpi?" Questioned Kamala, "if you do not correct this wrong, let me assure you, I will die."
Kalpi just looked mockingly at Kamala, " know it is an idle threat,aayi. You never will ,because your precious Paakhi needs you. And what is there for me to speak? Whenever I have wanted to, you have never listened. But yes,today let me tell you one thing. I have chosen Raghav over you. Time and time again , you have broken my trust. Try as i might to satisfy your dreams, you have always found me wanting. So today I am going to live my dream ,with the person who loves me, places me above everything and will cherish me for my whole life. He has lived upto my trust. By making me feel special ,he has shown me that I too ,matter most ,to someone at least."
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