RAGNA SS :MY DESIRES FOR YOU-part16-pg:124 updated 15/5 - Page 74

Kaira came home six days later. Raghav installed her in her bedroom with lots of

the dolls on her bed and acting out plays with sock puppets he'd made himself.

Kalpi could see that he was trying to make it up to Kaira for the trauma of the past

week, even to the point of overdoing it. It was only when her eyelids drooped that he

decided to leave her alone.

Now that Kaira was home Kalpi decided it was time to broach the subject of her

departure. She asked Raghav to meet with her in the kitchen and then she sat down and

laid out her plan. She would stay another week so he could find a replacement but

then she would be leaving.

Raghav was none too pleased with her announcement. "You're leaving in a week?

That's a whole five weeks earlier than planned."

"I know, and that's why I'll stay the week to give you time to find my

replacement. You and I know it's for the best."

"Best for you? It's certainly not best for Kaira."

"Especially for Kaira," she cried. "Look what happened to her in my care? I'd

never be able to forgive myself if things had been...worse."

"Kalpana," he said, his face a study in exasperation, "it wasn't your fault. It could

have happened under anybody's watch."

"But it happened under mine. Don't you understand what that means for me? I

almost got Kaira killed." The guilt swept through her and she felt like her heart

would crack right open.

"Kalpana , will you stop it?" Raghav's voice was harsh. "What happened was an

accident. It could have happened to any one of us, to forget to lock the gate. I know

it wasn't deliberate."

Kalpi sucked in her breath, her eyes wide with shock. "You don't believe me.

You do think it was my fault."

"I'm not saying that." Raghav was glaring back at her now. "Any one of us - you,

me, Mrs. Kapoor - could have left the gate open. I'm not trying to cast blame. I'm

just saying even if it had been you I would not condemn you for what happened."

Now he was changing his story. In Kalpi's mind Raghav did blame her. This

discussion was only confirming that she'd made the right decision. She needed to go

as soon as possible.

"Raghav," she said quietly, "I've made up my mind. I know you don't trust me

with Kaira anymore so it's best for all of us if I leave. Please start looking for my

replacement."

Raghav was scowling at her now. "Is that your final word on this?"

"It's my final word," she said, keeping her face blank even though she felt

hollow inside.

If only she didn't have to go. She would miss Kaira so much. And Raghav. And

even though he'd said she didn't have to go, even though he said he still trusted her, it

was the big question that made her want to flee. How did she know she could trust

herself?

She'd left the gate open, it seemed, even though she could distinctly remember

locking it. Raghav seemed to think so although he wouldn't admit it. She'd been so

sure and look what happened. How could she be sure it wouldn't happen again?

No, for the sake of Kaira's safety it was best if she stayed far away...no matter

that her heart was breaking at the thought.

NOTE :SORRY FOR SHORT UPDATE

ONE more chapter and epilogue