please do not comment - WIP - hate me today love me tomorrow - Page 2

Ragav heads for the lounge, wondering how Kalpi is reacting to what just happened now that she has had the opportunity to ponder over it. "She is probably going to be an emotional mess... Crying and ashamed over nearly losing her virtue... Bet Kamla maa has drilled it to her... Say no to everyone but the husband", he thinks wryly... Then smiles smugly as he says softly, " well I am the husband." Sighing he thinks, "since I am not willing to disclose this fact to Kalpi, I shall have to reassure her and take it slow... Else she is not going to let me anywhere near her."

He looks at the guest room door that is still shut, imagining that she is crying... The door opens, Kalpi comes out, sees him and smiles, her eyes reflect a slight vulnerability, walking gracefully towards him... He stares... His heart racing... Only one thought occupying him... "I am in trouble!"

Unable to stop himself, he heads towards her, his gaze soft, searching for any signs of tears... Relieved to see none. Kalpi slows down suddenly conscious of herself, wanting to hide the nervousness that began when he looked deep into her eyes searching for something. Her heart beating away as she basks in his attention. He stops inches before her, his hand having a mind of its own, caresses her... Near her lips... He does not touch her swollen lips for he does not trust himself... His eyes inflaming with passion, he says huskily, "are you okay?" Unable to speak, Kalpi nods... Her eyes silently telling him, "I am okay", as she takes a small step away from him... Embarrassed.

Ragav drops his hand to his side, turns towards the lounge and says in a casual manner, wanting her to feel comfortable, "come, let us talk". Sitting side by side on the sofa, Kalpi interrupts him by saying, "Sir I would like to say something first." Surprised by the confidence and calmness in her voice, Ragav only nods. "Firstly sir, I would like to apologise..." "Huh", Ragav thinks,"did I hear her correctly!"

Kalpi continues, "Sir I would like to apologise for judging you over the choice you have made over your way of life. I should have not judged something I did not understand." Ragav sits still, refusing to blink, his mind blank as he tries to understand what is going on... Thinking, "why is she not crying or blaming me for taking advantage of her?"

Kalpi unaware of his inner turmoil, continues on, "I totally understand why you choose to enjoy one night stands. Sir as lovely as the experience was, I would like to explore and learn this side of life with my husband." Wanting to reassure him that her decision had nothing to do with him, but it was just the way she was, "sir it was amazing and thank you for teaching me..." She blushes unable to complete her sentence. She takes a deep breathe and says hurriedly, "sir I am not going to sleep with you. I am only going to sleep with my husband. And thanks to you, I definitely will be looking forward to getting married. Uh I mean... Whenever I get married that is" she finishes lamely, as her face turns a deep shade of red. Mentally Kalpi is cursing herself, thinking, "what the hell am I saying? It sounded much better in my head!"

Ragav sits there, stunned, all he was able to grasp was that she was not interested in sleeping with him, but with her husband. Unable to resist he asks, "do you think it will be the same... The experience." Kalpi looks at him with slight confusion as she answers, "I should think so... It must be the same... Otherwise why would you change your partners so often." Ragav not believing he is having this conversation with her is about to respond, when she continues on firmly, "I am not interested in anyone but the man I marry." The man in him is suddenly challenged and he says, "let me get this straight... You are not interested in me because I am not your husband." "Sir I am not an animal. I can control myself." Kalpi states firmly, believing what she says as she thinks, "how hard can it be?"

Ragav looks at her both admiringly and shrewdly as he says, "I don't believe you. How about a challenge?" Kalpi looks on in confusion, her mind uttering just one word, "huh". Ragav smiles and elaborates, " prove to me that You can resist me... After tasting me, prove to me. One month. Prove to me that when I look at you... Caress you... Kiss you... Your body will not sing for me." Kalpi looks at him aghast, her mind remembering his look... His caress... His kiss... She gulps nervously, "sir I don't think..." Ragav place a finger on her lips, silencing her, "sshh... Forget me, prove to yourself that what you say... You believe... is true." He looks at her slyly and continues, "at least for your husband... Future husband... Knowing that your belief is true... That you can resist sleeping with me no matter what."

Kalpi stares at him... At his lips... Remembering... Her heart fluttering as she thinks, "what if I lose my sense again and he does not stop." As if reading her mind, Ragav says reassuringly, " I promise to always stop." Kalpi trusting him and at the same time the newly discovered wild side of her edging her to consider it, yearning to experience and explore the mind blowing passion, agrees. She says softly," okay. One month, but nobody should find out. Otherwise we stop this." Ragav looks at her, once again surprised for he had not expected her to agree so readily, says, "so we are agreed, everything up to third base is allowed." Kalpi once again confused, says, "third base? What is that?" Ragav smiles and says silkily, "It is an American analogy, I shall show you when we get there. Oh and Kalpana, i promise not to stop... only when you ask me not to... A decision you will make when you are not lost in passion." Kalpi shivers as she hears his last statement and sees the fire of desire in his eyes... Thinking, "oh no, what have I agreed to?" ... He pulls her into his arms... Kissing her passionately... Pleased with the turn of events... Thinking, "how naive to think you shall be able to resist me... Naive, but brave", he ends admiringly.

Kamla maa looks at the clock anxiously, thinking that Kalpi is later than usual tonight. She heads out to the landing, looking at the entrance of the chawl, praying that Kalpi comes home soon, before her baba. Just then a car stops at there gate, relieved she looks to see if it is the same car that usually drops her... Alas it isn't. Frowning she starts to turn away when she sees Kalpi come out from the front. She stares, wanting to see if the person dropping her is the same man, her boss, Sammy sir... Wondering why the car is different and where is his wife. Just as Kamla maa is about to view the man's face, he leans in Kalpi's direction, grabs hold of her hand and pulls her in, their faces very close to each other for a split second. Her brain screams, "oh my God! Did they just kiss" forcing herself to remain calm, she mutters, "no Kamla, he must have whispered something to her." She heads inside before Kalpi sees her, needing to think, for as much as she trusts Kalpi, she cannot ignore her instinct.

Kalpi enters the house lost in thought, smiling shyly, not believing that Ragav would give her a quick peck on her cheek. Thinks happily that Ragav had only kissed her the second time and then helped her make dinner, after which they ate and talked... Pleased that nothing had changed between them. Kamla maa watches Kalpi, seeing the dazed look in her eyes, looks on worriedly, not saying anything. Kalpi lost in her own world, takes her nightdress and heads for the bathroom. Kamla maa calls out smiling, keeping her anxiety hidden, "Kalpu, no hugs or greeting for me today." Kalpi turns, her eyes shining, her smile wide, "Aai... I was lost in my own world... I didn't see you." She rushes to hug her Aai, saying, "Aai, I love you, I love you, I love you." And heads off to the bathroom.

Kamla maa sits down on the sofa, gnawing with worry, thinking, "she has a different look to her today... She did not correct me nor comment on her dislike for her pet name Kalpu." Closing her eyes, wanting to control her panic, she thinks, "Kalpi has a mark on her neck, that only happens when..." Unable to finish this particular thought, she thinks, "my Kalpi has grown up." She then changes the nightdress that Kalpi is to wear, choosing something that would cover her neck, worried about how Vithal would react. Kalpi who is totally lost in Ragav does not realise that her nightdress has been changed nor does she read the worry in her mother's gaze.

Kamla maa stays up all night as Kalpi lay her head on her lap fast asleep, caressing her hair, looking down at her baby with worry for today, thinking, " today is the first time Kalpi has lied to me. When she told me that Sammy sir and Maya ma'am dropped her home." Kamla maa focuses all her energy trying to relive the moment she nearly saw that man's face, hoping that somehow through her memory she will get a glimpse of him. She lift Kalpi's nightdress from her neck and studies the mark, thinking worriedly, "yes it is a love bite."

*********************************************

Ragav lay in bed, smiling as he recollects Kalpi's surprise when he had ended the kiss and then demanded they cook dinner and eat. He chuckles, because he knows that Kalpi was expecting things to go a lot further... Just like the first time... Thinking, "I am not new to this Kalpi, you are... All I have to do is give you enough space with an occasional tug before I reel you in. I promise you, every time it will be you demanding for more and I will make sure you voice what you want." With relish he plans out his strategy on what tune he is going to make her body sing as he thinks, "does not want to sleep with me, but will sleep with somebody else... Like hell!" His heart in turmoil that she would think of allowing anyone but him to see her let go of herself like that, not realising that the other person would be her husband, HIM. Ragav thinks, "nobody has rejected me and she will not."

****************************************

Kalpi wakes up feeling a multitude of emotions... Nervous, anxious, excited, happy... When Ragav just kissed her the second time and then they spent the rest of the evening like before gave her the false belief that their equation will be back to normal with an occasional kiss or stolen moment here and there... Not once did Kalpi think that Ragav could be having an ulterior motive and was actually making her feel comfortable before he pounced again.

Kamla maa sees the outfit Kalpi has chosen to wear to work, rushes towards her before she closes the cupboard and says, "Kalpi I want you to wear this today", giving her another high neck outfit. Kalpi smiles, kisses her mum's cheek and says,"okay Aai." Kamla watches Kalpi, sadly thinking,"she does not realise that the mark is visible and that it will last for days." She turns to Bappa and worriedly says, "my Kalpi is very innocent."

**************************************

Kalpi lets herself in, thinking Ragav is going to be fuming because she is late. "Damn it Kalpi, he has an early morning meeting today... Off all the days to be late, you chose today" , she mutters to herself as she quickly starts preparing breakfast. The clock moves from 8:00am to 8:15am, wondering why Ragav has not come down, she calls out, "Sir. Sir." No answer. Frowning she checks his study. He is not there. Her heart racing away, she climbs the steps, heading towards his bedroom, nervous, having been there only once when he had asked her to get a file for him. She opens the door hesitantly... Peeps in... Ragav is sprawled across the bed fast asleep. She calls out, "sir. Sir wake up", as she heads near him.

Ragav lays still, giving the impression that he fast asleep, waiting for her to come closer, an arms distance. The minute she is within his reach, he grabs her, twisting his body so that she lands on her back and him above her, whispering near her ear as he nibbles it playfully, "I am awake." Kalpi shocked at first get angry for having being played, tries to shove him off in vain as he continues to nibble her jaw and neck, saying furiously, "get off me".

Kalpi is in a near panic as her body remembers his... The feel... The weight... Thinking, "oh no we are on the bed." Ragav noticing the panic in her eyes quickly gets off her, reassuring her, saying, "Calm down Kalpana. I am sorry. I was just teasing. I promised you nothing will happen. From now on i shall wear pj bottoms." "What" Kalpi exclaims as Ragav wraps the bed sheet securely around his waist... "You are naked under..." Kalpi continues as she rolls herself away from him nearly falling off the bed. Ragav grabs hold of her before she falls... Bringing then back to their original position... She on a bed and him over her. He grins and says, "what is my reward for saving you", before she panics again, he quickly reverses their positions... So that it is she who is on top of him... Knowing instinctively that she will feel calmer, if she thinks she is in control. She places her hands on his chest and lifts herself up, straddling him, laughing as she tries to get off him. Holding her by her waist, still, his iris darkening with desire, his smile disappearing, thinking, "shit, she should have not sat there", he brings her forward so that she is sitting on his stomach...He repeats, his voice husky, "my reward". Kalpi oblivious, smiles, bends down and kisses him on his lips.

Sensing her breaking their kiss, he flips her and kisses her like a drowning man... Needing more... He breaks their kiss... Looks into eyes filled with passion... Filled with trust... He says hoarsely, "please..." His game plan forgotten, all he knows is that he is dying... He needs more. Kalpi smiles, nods, because for her too the kiss is not enough. She helps him take her top off as they head off for second base. What started of as light play soon was scorching them both.

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Kalpi heats the breakfast while Ragav participates in the meeting via conference call for he would not make it in time. She blushes as she thinks how wanton she has become... Last night and now this morning... She frowns thinking, "at this pace I am never going to be able to resist him."

Ragav walks into the kitchen, watches Kalpi, frowning he thinks, "I was supposed to take it slow... Just first base. What is it about her that I cannot control myself." His a body with a mind of its own, walks towards Kalpi... His arms encircle her waist... His lips nibble and kiss her neck as he asks, "what is for breakfast?" Kalpi sighs, closes her eyes and leans in, savouring his touch... She turns... Her eyes say, "me", her lips says,"pawa"

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Three weeks later

Ragav walks in after three days, smiling as he thinks, "I have missed her", he calls out, "Kalpana I am home". Kalpi walks out of the kitchen, smiling, asks, "how was your trip?" Ragav's gaze devours her, replying huskily, "it was good", then adds as he caresses her face, "next time I go on an overnight trip... You are coming", making Kalpi blush. Feeling shy, she hugs him and says, "I missed you." Ragav pushes her away from him, his pupils dilated with desire, responds as he bends to claim her mouth, whispering, "I missed you too." He lifts her into his arms, staring into her eyes hungrily.

He undresses her and stares at her luscious body, taking his fill. Kalpi stares at him, her passion heightened as she basks in his attention. Undressing himself, he pushes her by the wall, seeking her lips... Demanding she match his passion.

He stops looks into her eyes and says huskily, "tell me what you want me to do". Blushing Kalpi initially refuses to voice what she would like to be done to her. Ragav smiles and helps her overcome her initial hesitation. His lips trail down her body, worshipping her. He stops at her essence, looks up, waiting. Kalpi looks down at him, her gaze filled with passion, desire... Reads the question in his eyes and whispers, "yes, please." Kalpi whimpers and moans, demanding he not stop, as Ragav feasts on her, drinking away... Making her shudder forcefully as she comes... Breaking his control.

He stands up... His eyes dark with desire after tasting her nectar, flips her... Her face to the wall, her back to him. He nibbles the crook of her neck and shoulder as he rocks his body towards her... He bites into her shoulder as he trembles forcing himself stay still, to stop from breaking his promise. Knowing that he is so close to losing it and needs release, he steps back, turns her and pushes her down to her knees, whispering, "please"

***************************************

Kalpi sits in the courtyard staring out into the sky... It is a dark night... No moon, no stars..."Dark like my future", she thinks. Lost in thought... Reliving the past few weeks. She couldn't believe how bold she had become...Her mind wandering to several nights ago where Ragav had demanded that whatever he would do to her, she would do to him and then last night when he came back from his trip, he had insisted she voice what she wants him to do... And she did just that, by the end of it demanding what she wanted him to do... Blushing as she recollected what she had done... There was no hesitation, no embarrassment on her part. "It is like Ragav is in my blood now", she thinks, sighing, "I can't live without him. He has become a part of me." Her gaze becomes sad, thinking, "all this will end soon and he will find another girl." With tears in her eyes, she thinks, "I will never allow anyone to touch me the way he has. I am a fool to think that I would not get emotionally attached. How did I allow myself to fall in love with him, knowing that in a blink of an eye he will replace me." Hardening her heart, she says softly, "I shall end it tomorrow. I cannot have him find out I love him."

Kamla maa watches Kalpi with concern, ever since that night, she has been sneakily checking to see if Kalpi has fresh marks once Kalpi was asleep, which she did see occasionally. Not knowing how to broach the subject she kept quiet hoping Kalpi would say something. But last night was the final straw, when oiling Kalpi's hair, she saw a bite mark at the back of her neck, it was an angry bruise... And when she touched it, Kalpi had winced in pain. Worried sick she did not allow Kalpi out of her sight today, thanking God that it was Sunday. Kamla maa had overheard part of Kalpi's conversation with her sir, thinking it is Sammy, she tells herself vehemently, "Tomorrow I shall confront Sammy sir, how dare he take advantage of my daughter." She could not believe that the sweet man and his wife she had met would do this... Unaware that the sir Kalpi spends all her time with is somebody else.

Ragav sits on the terrace, angry that Kalpi could not come to him today... He had gotten used to her company... They had been inseparable these last three weeks. "Damn it. I scared her," he thinks angrily, "I should not have been so rough... I shouldn't have made her... Man I just lost it last night." He smiles as he recollects the events of last night, wanting her, thinking, "she was awesome last night." He had just spoken to her an hour ago and she had sounded so sad. "I am going to lose her", he thinks worriedly. "Damn the girl for sneaking into my heart", he says angrily, not ready to accept that he has fallen for her.

The doorbell rings, Ragav frowns wondering who could it be. He looks at Kalpi, smiles, gives her quick kiss, whispering, "don't go anywhere", he gets out of bed, dresses quickly in track suit bottoms and T-shirt, running down the stairs. He opens the door and stares at the woman he has hated for as long as he can remember. He glares at Sammy, who standing behind Kamla maa. "Ragav, let us in", Sammy says. Without a word Ragav turns and walks into the house. Too shocked to say anything.

His mind goes back to when they last met, the day he cremated his father... His promise to her ringing in his ears... I shall take the person you love away from you... He looks towards the stairwell... His heart fervently praying that Kalpi does not come down... Crying out... Don't do this... Don't do this. He closes his eyes, strengthening his resolve, turns to face Kamla maa, his expression filled with hatred for her.

Kamla maa looks at Ragav with a mixed of emotions, worry, sadness, regret... Her primary emotion is the well being of her daughter. She asks, "where is Kalpi?" Ragav looks at her sneeringly and says, "in my bed." Unable to resist he says scathingly, his intention to hurt her, break her, "you are too late. You can go home. When I am done with her, I shall send her back to you." Tears in her eyes, Kamla maa says softly, her worst fears being confirmed,"you are using her to hurt me" and rushes past him, wanting to go to Kalpi, Ragav holds her arm, stopping her, says bitingly, "be happy that when she is broken, she will have you by her side... Unlike me, I had no one... Thanks to you", he finishes bitterly.

Sammy stands there shocked, not believing that this is the same Ragav he has known over the years. He had always wondered why Ragav wanted to set up shop in India, had even accompanied him when he asked... But never in all his years would he have thought that the reason was this personal, this disturbing. "My God, Ragav has been hiding so much pain inside him", he thinks, then frowns thinking, "but it is not an excuse for his behaviour".

Ragav glares at Kamla maa, wanting to lash out, to hurt her as he hurts, he says vehemently, "I promised you that day, the day you took my father away from me, that I too will take someone you love away from you. Kamla maa, I promise you by the time I am done with Kalpana she will be a mere shell of the person she was. You..." Ragav hears a loud gasp behind him. His heart thundering as he turns towards the sound, crying out, "oh no she came down". Squashing the voice from his heart, he looks at Kalpi devoid of any emotion.

Kalpi looks at Ragav, stunned, her eyes talking about the hurt she is feeling, the betrayal... Her heart bleading. Looking at him she cannot believe that just moments ago she had an attentive lover in her arms... She shudders thinking, "he looks so cruel... So full of hate." Wanting to be strong for her mother, she hides her hurt and walks towards her mother with her head held high.

Ragav watches Kalpi walk towards Kamla maa, momentarily stunned into silence, not knowing what to say. Kamla maa grabs Kalpi's face, looks at her, her gaze searching, asking, "Are you okay, my heart." Kalpi smiles, wanting to remove the worry she reads in her mothers eyes. Her eyes silently answer her mother's question, "I am fine". Before he can react, Kalpi speaks, "Aai come let us go home. We are done here."

Hearing those words, spoken coldly by the woman he held in his arms moments ago, the woman who made him forget... Who made him ache for more... To dismiss him... Discard him... "She is mine." Ragav thinks instinctively, then angrily, "how dare she think she can leave me", as common-sense and logic flies out of the window. He laughs as he walks towards them and sits on the sofa, his manner cold and cruel... Not wanting to show any sign of weakness. "Oh Kalpi," he says mockingly... Uttering the words he had spoken moments ago when he made love to her, "I would like to see you try to leave me. Your mother is welcome to go", he says in a careless tone, then adding scathingly, "you however, are not going anywhere."

Kalpi freezes when she hears him call her Kalpi, her heart aching as she remembers the one and only time he called her kalpi. Hardening her heart against his callous behaviour, she turns towards him, her gaze hard. She says forcefully, "I am leaving and you can't stop me." "Oh but I can", Ragav says softly. He smiles and says silkily, "I own you." Everyone looks at him in surprise. He sits up, his eyes only for Kalpi, he says, "what, you don't believe me? Let me remind you."

Ragav stares at Kalpi, trying to contain his anger, his mind replaying just one thought, "how dare she try to leave me." With a hard glint in his eye, he says, " One: I own your home, Singhania chawl. Two: the five year employment contract. You cannot afford to break it. Three: the company loan you took for your mother's tiffin business. What you are wondering how I know about it. Kalpana, I know everything about you. I may act like I don't, but I know everything." He smiles menacingly and says, "you didn't find it odd that no company would hire you. I orchestrated it. Just as I allowed you the loan and convinced you to sign the employment contract." He looks at her, anger radiating from his eyes, as he says, "I. Own. You." Kalpi looks at him in disbelief, her heart not wanting to believe, as she thinks, "was these last few weeks really a game for him." Ragav looks into her eyes, reading her silent question, hardens his gaze and answers, "yes", his heart crying out, "no", but too angry with her to hear the voice of his heart.

Kalpi looks at him, momentarily defeated, then squares up her shoulders, defiant, says in a strong voice, "Aai, let's go." As they walk out hand in hand, Ragav calls out from behind, "Kalpana", Kalpi stops, but refuses to turn. He says in a cold voice, "you have two hours to get back here, or else I shall raze the chawl to ground level." Without acknowledging what he said, she continues to walk away from him.

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Kamla maa walks into her home, sits on the sofa, silent... Too stunned to say anything. She turns to Kalpi who has gone straight into the kitchen to make her her favourite tea... Camomile tea. Her gaze trying to read, to understand why Kalpi did what she did... Coming to only one conclusion... Kalpi loves Ragav.

Kalpi walks towards her mother, sets the cup of tea on the table next to her and sits by her feet. She looks at her mum imploringly, silently seeking forgiveness, she says in a broken voice, "Aai..." Kamla maa stops her, saying, "shhh..." She kisses Kalpi's forehead, holding her tears at bay because she knows deep down that her Kalpi's heart is breaking. She places Kalpi's head on her lap, caressing her head and says, "let it go, Kalpi... Release your hurt." Kalpi no longer able to hide her pain, her sense of betrayal, cries her heart out in her mother's lap.

Kamla tries her best to soothe her daughter as silent tears fall from her eyes, berating herself once again for believing the Kapoors over the SInghanias, thinking, "I am responsible for my daughter's plight... Her pain... Her broken heart."

*****************************************

Ragav sits there, staring at the entrance, not believing Kalpi left him. Sammy watches on, debating whether to remain a silent spectator, giving Ragav some more time or to speak to him and get him out his shock. He is very tempted to berate him for his atrocious behaviour towards Kalpi and her mother. His mind still reeling from the impact of his callous behaviour and what little he got to learn of Ragav's past, for Ragav has always been very close mouthed about his past.

As time passes, the shock wares out and Ragav smiles as he admires Kalpi's courage. Observing this, Sammy looks on in confusion, unable to resist asks, "what is so amusing?" Ragav turns, startled at hearing a voice, having forgotten that Sammy was there. He smiles and says admiringly, "the girl has spunk. I can't believe she walked out after my warning." Sammy looks on amazed, says, "I thought you would be livid that she called your bluff." Ragav smiles serenely, saying, "don't be fooled by my calm demeanour, I am very angry with her... I shall deal with her appropriately. And what bluff... I will raze her home if I have to. In fact it shall be a good lesson for the future." Aghast Sammy says, "you don't mean that." Ragav shrugs his shoulders and says confidently, "don't worry it won't come to it. I know Kalpi inside out. She will be here."

Sammy says, "Ragav I am very disturbed by what happened here today. I don't think..." Ragav gives Sammy a chilling look, making him stop mid sentence and says coldly, "do I interfere in your relationship with Maya... No... So stay out of Kalpi's and mine." He gets up and heads for his study, saying, "see yourself out", thus dismissing Sammy effectively.

**********************************

Her mind numb, refusing to analyse what just happened knowing that her heart can't take it. Kalpi rushes to Ragav's home... All she knows is that she needs to get there before the two hours deadline because knowing Ragav, he will carry out his threat. Just thinking his name makes her heart ache. She ignores it and instead channels her energy and emotions towards her neighbours and friends... People who saw her grow up... People she grew up with... People she has seen grow up.

With dread she lets herself in, looks about, sighs in relief for she does not see Ragav, thinking he is not there... Her eyes tearing slightly... Only just now acknowledging how much she was dreading to see him... That she was not ready to see him. Thanking the Lord for small mercies, she looks at the wall clock, the time reading half four, she rushes into the kitchen to prepare his dinner... Wanting to leave before he comes back... Thinking he can reheat the food when he wants to eat.

************************************

Ragav stares at his fathers picture in the study, lost in thought, replaying the incidents that took place this morning and afternoon. Telling himself that he did no wrong, that he wanted to hurt Kamla maa and he did just that. His heart whispers, "and what about Kalpi." A mixture of emotions run through him, mainly guilt and anger. He looks at his watch, the time is half four, he sighs thinking, "she didn't come." Expecting anger for her having defied him, Ragav is quite surprised that what he experiences is a dull ache in his heart, which in turn ignites his anger further as he thinks, "how dare she think she can leave me. If anyone is going to leave anyone, it will be me." He takes his phone to call the company he hired for eviction, about to dial, he pictures her as she was in the morning... Under him... Her eyes gazing at him adoringly... Affectionately... Lovingly. Cursing he throws the phone into the wall and storms out of the study.

**************************************

He stares at Kalpi's back, his heart soaring slightly as he thinks in satisfaction, "she came." Surprised that she let herself in, he was expecting her to ring the bell. He calls out as he folds his arms, "I knew you would come." Startled, Kalpi jerks around and stares at him, then turns back to continue cooking. Annoyed at being dismissed, he says, "is it not too early to cook?" Again no response from Kalpi, not even a courtesy glance in his direction. Loosing his cool, he strides angrily towards her, grabs her arm and turns her forcefully, his eyes blazing, he says in a clipped voice, "don't you ever ignore me when I speak to you." Kalpi looks at him, her eyes cold with defiance, says calmly, "let go of me." Ragav pulls Kalpi towards him, their nose touching, glaring at her and says, "I won't. What will you do?"

Kalpi looks at him, refusing to allow herself to panic, says calmly, "please let go of me." Fighting his urge to kiss her... To lay his claim... He pushes her away from him... Turning away from her. Kalpi turns quickly and continues cooking, her demeanour calm, suggesting that she was not affected... However the truth was very different. She forces herself to take deep breathes as she tells herself, "I will not cry."

Ragav turns back towards her, studying her back, forcing himself to calm down, not liking her disinterested attitude, not liking her ignoring him. He says softly, "we need to talk." Kalpi turns, looks at him coldly as she says, "no sir. There is nothing to talk." Ragav says, "Kalpi I..." Kalpi immediately interrupts harshly, "I am Kalpana to you. Sir I don't care nor do I want to know what you have to say. I am not interested. You know what I can't be doing this. I refuse to cook for you, order take away." And walks past him.

Stunned, Ragav watches Kalpi take her handbag, heading for the door. Angrily he strides towards her, grabs her arm, turning her, his eyes angry as he says chillingly, "how dare you". He pushes her towards the door, her back leaning against the door, staring at her lips, he looks into her eyes... Anger meeting fear and hurt, she whispers, "don't, please don't..." Crushing her lips with his... Silencing her.

**************************

He continuously makes her wild, giving her no release... He stops looks at her angrily... angry with her because she refuses to give in... Angry with himself for expecting her to give in sooner... Wanting, needing to break her defiance... He says, "you know what to say... Ask me to come inside you... Say the damn words and all this will stop", then continues worshipping her body. Kalpi shudders, knowing she is losing control of her body... Of her emotions... Yet defiant. Moments later, unable to take it anymore, tears in her eyes she whispers, "please", refusing to say anymore. Ragav looks at her, dying to be inside her, knows that she will not say anymore. He enters her as tears slowly stream out of her eyes, deep down regretting, wishing he could stop, but he could not for he would look weak.

As they become one, reaching fulfilment, Kalpi looks into his eyes and says, "I hate you" Ragav gets off her, looks at her sneeringly and says, "tell that to your body." He heads to the bathroom, not wanting her to see how much her words hurt. Filled with regret he stares into the mirror, feeling empty inside, getting no satisfaction in their love making, he promises himself, "I will never take her in anger again." Kalpi lays in bed, curls herself into a foetal position, crying her heart out.

Ragav walks back into the bedroom, his heart aching at the sight that meets him... Kalpi curled up, crying silently. He walks over slowly, sits on the bed and carefully lifts Kalpi in his arms. Kalpi fights him... Wanting nothing to do with him... Wanting no contact with him. Ragav refuses to give in, all the while rocking her as he cradles her, continuously whispering, "I am sorry"... Eventually Kalpi relents, allowing him to soothe her as she hides her face in his chest... Until she cries no more. Her heart aching... Confused at his tender care when moments before he was a cold bas***d. They stay like this... Lost in one another... One trying to heal the hurt he caused... The other allowing him.

Ragav holds her chin and lifts her face towards his... Looking into her eyes, eyes that are vulnerable, eyes that are filled with pain, he whispers achingly, "please forgive me... Please let me erase this memory... Please let me make you forget." Kalpi looks into his eyes, reading regret and pain... Automatically wanting to soothe him... Nods slowly and shyly.

Ragav caresses her cheek, his eyes filled with warmth and love... Kisses her, thanking God deep down that his atrocious behaviour had not turned her against him... Making love to her slowly and gently... Erasing away the harshness and coldness he showed her moments ago. Humbling himself by requesting and pleading permission before joining with her... Something he had aimed to do to her moments ago... Whispering the words as he looks into her eyes, "please take me inside you", patiently waiting for her to decide.

Kalpi's heart soars with so much love for him as she realises what he is doing, knowing that he did not need to for she had given her consent earlier. Making her forget every cruel thing he had done. A small tear escapes her as she caresses his face, giving a slight nod. Ragav looks into her eyes, eyes telling him... I am all yours... Eyes conveying warmth and affection. Relieved Ragav kisses her, drowning out the words she was about to say... Words that remained unheard... I love you.

The day being an emotional whirlwind, Kalpi falls asleep as she lay in Ragav's arms... Not wanting to let her go, Ragav tucks her into him... By his side as he gazes at her face, caressing her hair... Lost in thought. Looking down at her, he finally admits to himself that he is falling for her. Sighing he hugs her in her sleep as his fingers absently run up and down her arm... Thinking what is he going to do now. Confused he tries to understand what he wants.

********************************************

Kamla maa looks at the clock as she paces to and fro, "oh Kalpi", she thinks sadly, her heart breaking at the thought that her baby has been used atrociously, her heart broken, discarded, all because she made the mistake of falling in love with someone who was only interested in vengeance against her, Kamla. Her vision blury, she sits on the sofa, muttering, "I have to be strong for Kalpi. What should I do? I can't tell Vithal about Kalpi's attachment... He won't understand... He won't accept it. But first I need to know what Kalpi wants and thinks."

Kamla maa calls Kalpi wanting to know what time Kalpi will be home, worried how much deeper Ragav will pull her, his intention set on revenge.

**********************************

Ragav lay in bed holding onto Kalpi, fighting an inner battle... At last giving his heart the opportunity of being heard when Kalpi's phone rings. Frowning, not wanting the ringtone to disturb her sleep, he gets out of bed, intending to disconnect the call. He sees red as he reads the name aai. Disconnecting the call, he turns to face Kalpi, his expression no longer tender as it was just moments ago, but with self loathe... furious with himself for thinking about Kalpi before his father. His eyes glinting with anger, his palm fisting, he tells himself, "She is my enemy's daughter!" Reminding himself to never forget.

Needing to unleash his fury he calls the last number recieved on Kalpi's phone, lashing out at Kamla maa... promising to avenge his father through Kalpi... that he will never forget that she is Kamla maa's daughter... and that she will always remain Kamla maa's daughter. He hangs up on a crying Kamla maa, pleading him to not play with her daughter... to not hurt her.

Kalpi having woken up from Ragav's loud rant, silently listens to him, her heart breaking as she realises that he will never come to love her... that there never would be a them... ashamed over her weakness for this man, for accepting him in her heart and body after knowing how much he hates her mother... after knowing that she is nothing but a pawn in his attempt to hurt her mother... ashamed that she said the words I love you... relieved that he never got to hear it for his kiss had drowned out the words, wipes the tears that escape her eyes. She gets out of bed, takes her clothes and walks towards him.

Ragav turns after disconnecting the call, standing before him is Kalpi, her expression cold, detached, dead, her hand stretched out. Unable to say a word, he places her phone into her outstretched hand, watching her, knowing deep down that she heard him. Without a word she presses redial and says in a voice devoid emotion, "Aai, I shall be home soon", disconnects and heads for the bathroom.

Ragav grasps her shoulder to stop her, wanting to say something, she turns her head and looks at him, unable to say a word, he lets go of her and watches her go into the bathroom. Dressed, she comes out, her eyes dead, she walks away from him without uttering a single word to him nor giving him a single glance. To her it was like he was no more. Ragav stands in the lounge, watching the main door close behind her... feeling wetness on his cheek, he touches it, confused, only to realise it is his tears.

Kalpi closes the door behind her, leans on it, seeking strength, telling herself not to cry... slowly she walks towards the lift... with each step, she takes a deep breath, blinking her eyes... telling herself... one more step... just one more step... Kalpi don't breakdown... be strong... one more step.

Kalpi calls for the lift, anxiously pressing the call button over and over... panic taking over as she stops herself from remembering the day's events... fearing she will breakdown and Ragav will see... she quickly glances at his main door... confirming that it is still closed. "No...I refuse to give him the satisfaction", she mutters to herself, thinking, "damn it, why is the lift taking so long to come."

Knowing that she is on the brink of breaking down... of failing to keep her tears at bay... she anxiously looks at Ragav's apartment door, the lift door and the stairwell exit door... wanting to escape as tears fall unchecked from her eyes... she runs to the stairwell exit, wanting to be far away from him.

She races down the stairs, tears streaming down, every step away from him shouting how close they had become... every step... screaming his deceit... every step... breaking her heart to tiny pieces... her minds eye replaying images of his smile... him kissing her, making love to her... her vision blurry... she misses a step... she falls... sliding down she holds on to the banister, breaking her fall. She sits there, unable to feel the pain her bruised body incurred because it was nothing compared to the pain her heart felt... she screams in agony, her hands covering her face...as she leans into her lap... at last allowing herself the freedom to feel her pain... of releasing her emotions, her hurt.

Feeling suffocated she gets up and continues running... needing escape... wanting to run away from everything... unable to stop the tears that flowed.

Ragav stares out of the window, hoping for one last glance of Kalpi... knowing in his heart that after today, he would never force her to do anything she didn't want. Knowing deep down that he will never see her again. He caresses the window as he strains to find her... refusing to blink in case he misses her... his gaze roaming wildly... searching

Suddenly he sees Kalpi running into the road... not looking to see if there are any cars... his heart in his mouth he watches a car bangs into her, throwing her several feet into the air before she lands on the ground, races away... "Kalpi", he screams... his arm stretched out as if he could reach her and pull her to safety. He stands there shell shocked... watching Kalpi's body lay still in the middle of the road. Finding it difficult to breath... he takes a step back... his gaze trained on her... his mind screaming...No..No... refusing to believe. He turns and races downstairs, his heart thumping... not able to hear anything but his thoughts, "I did this!" His heart crying out his anguish, "Kalpi!"

He rushes her to the hospital... refusing to let go of her hand... refusing to believe that she could not be saved... screaming, begging for the doctors to save his wife... "I don't care how much it costs, just save her", he yells. One of the hospital staff tries to explain to him that it is an accident case and that the have to wait for the police. He looks on murderously, says, "Who dare refuses to treat Ragav Singhania's wife?"

Just before she is taken into the theatre, he looks down at her tenderly, caresses her bloodied face, kisses the bloodied hand he is holding, whispering in agony, "please don't leave me... hate me... but please come back to me... I love you." He drops to the ground, broken, watching his wife... his life... being wheeled away.

Sahil sits down stunned, unable to believe what his informer just told him. "Ragav Singhania is married to Kamla maa's daughter... Kalpana Jhadav... No way.", he thinks. He looks at Neetu speculatively and says, "Guess what I just found out?" Neetu raises an eyebrow, gesturing, "what?" With a grim smiles Sahil says, "Ragav has married Kamla's daughter Kalpana." Neetu looks at Sahil in disbelief, saying, "no way... He blames Kamla for his father's death... Are you sure?" Sahil nods about to say something when neetu continues, "it must be a hate marriage na... He must have forced her... It must be to hurt Kamla." Sahil nods saying, "I am thinking the same... There is definitely more going on here... You need to go to the hospital and find out." They both smile conspiratorially.

*********************************

Maya sees Ragav leaning by the walling outside the ICU unit looking dejected, she rushes to him and hugs him tight and whispers, "She will get well before you know it... be strong." Ragav needing to hear such words desperately, needing reassurance that Kalpi will get well soon, hugs her tight as he closes his eyes silently praying that what she says is true.

Sammy watches this, trying to understand what game Ragav is playing, refusing to believe that Ragav has any feeling for Kalpi... especially after what he witnessed yesterday. He folds his hands and looks at Ragav coldly, silently telling him that I know you are some how responsible. Ragav looks at Sammy for a fraction of a second then looks away guiltily. Sammy softens his gaze when he looks at Maya and says, "Hun, why don't you go find Kalpi's parents and sit with them awhile... I am here with Ragav." Maya frowns wondering what is being left unsaid for she had noticed the cold look Sammy gave Ragav. She nods and leaves without a word.

Sammy walks up to Ragav angrily and says, "What game are you playing? When did Kalpi become your wife?" Ragav looks at Sammy stonily, refusing to answer. Sammy sighs and says furiously, "Don't forget I know the truth. You might be able to fool Maya or the world... but I know how much you hate Kamla maa and Kalpi... I know all about your vengeance." Ragav folds his hands and says with false calm, "Well you know everything... so why the questions?" Sammy looks at Ragav in disbelief, sputters, "You married her for your vengeance!" Ragav looks at the person behind Sammy and says coldly, "It is not good manners to eavesdrop, Kamla maa", chuckles and walks away. Sammy quickly turns around to Kamla maa, not knowing what to say or do, unable to meet Kamla maa's gaze, he gives her a quick apologetic look, looks down and walks away.

Neetu having overheard the entire conversation can't help herself... she comes in front of Kamla maa, gloating away, says, "See the price you pay when you betray us. I know you stole those documents and found a way to ensure that Ragav gets them. Now sit and watch him ruin your Kalpi's life... I can help you if you want." Kamla maa stands there frozen, tears in her eyes, she says, "Please help me save my Kalpi."

***************************************

Maya smiles, wanting to hide her unease as she sees Ragav and Sammy stonily walking towards her. She looks at Sammy and says, "Sammy take Ragav home, let him freshen up and have a nap." She looks at Ragav who is about to decline and shakes her head and says, "No Ragav, you look exhausted and you smell of blood... just look at your clothes", she completes scoldingly. She caresses his arm and says softly, understanding his hesitancy... his refusal, "Kalpi is not going anywhere... she is here resting as she heals from her internal injuries... in fact you can pass by the police station and find out what is going on with the investigation on your way home," she says temptingly.

Kamla maa looks at Maya and says, "Maya ma'am. Thanking you for offering to stay, but I think in your condition you should also go home and rest. You have been here for the past four hours. I would be upset if you neglected your health."

***************************************

Ragav walks to the ICU unit at half past five in the evening, sees Kamla maa and Vithal sitting outside. Kamla maa sees him, gets up, smiles and says, "Ragav baba will you stay with Kalpi until morning so that Vithal and I can go home to rest." Ragav looks at Kamla maa in surprise, expecting her to cause a ruck-us before allowing him to be alone with Kalpi. Overwhelmed with emotions, he nods. Ragav them walks to the attendants and demands entry to sit by Kalpi's bedside.

He sits by her side, his heart aching, seeing the needles poking her soft skin, her eyes closed looking restful... He caresses her face and says softly, "Kalpi I am here. I will never leave you. Please come back. I am so sorry. Please come back." There is no reaction from her side, tears fall from his eyes as he recalls Kalpi's smile, her laughter, her blush, her passion. Not able to take her still form he says, "please hunny... Wake up... Please... Hate me, but wake up... Fight me, but please wake up... I cannot imagine life without you by my side... Please wake up and punish me for doing you wrong." He looks at her, his gaze bleak as there is no reaction."

A nurse walks up to him and says empathetically, "I know it is not my place sir, but it might help if you talk about happy things." Ragav nods as he looks at her through his blurry vision and says, " you have a point, I shall do that."

**********************************************

In the morning Kamla maa comes and relieves Ragav, saying, "you go rest, I will stay with her." Again surprised by her behaviour, Ragav smiles politely and says, "thank you. I shall be back this afternoon."

***********************************************

Ragav runs to the crematorium, yelling, "stop!", not wanting to believe what Kamla maa told him on the phone. He looks at the ashes, his heart stopping, thinking, "I am late. I will never see her again." He turns angrily towards Kamla maa and says furiously, "I told you to wait." Kamla maa looks at him with hatred and says, "you murdered my daughter... My Kalpi. How dare you think I would have you anywhere near my Kalpi!"

Ragav drops himself on to the floor, caresses the ash and whispers achingly, "I never got to say goodbye... to beg for forgiveness...to say I love you... I never got to hug you... To caress you... To see you one last time... I never got my right to release your soul to the next world... I never got..."

Sammy stands few paces behind him... Giving Ragav some privacy to mourn the loss of his wife... Tears in his eyes as he watches Ragav breakdown... Thinking that maybe Maya was right... Ragav was falling for Kalpi.

Needing to be alone, Ragav turns around and says, "Sammy I need to be alone. I hope you understand." Sammy nods and watches Ragav enter his home, shutting the door behind him. Ragav leans on the door, his gaze travelling around his home as memories of Kalpi descend on him... everywhere his gaze rests, her memories rise... reminding him of her presence in his home, in his life.

His gaze rests on the carpet where he first introduced Kalpi to carnal pleasure... remembering how she had become alive under the ministrations of his hands and mouth... his gaze then travels to the couch... where they had snuggled and watched the football word cup... eventually giving up pretence of watching the match and making out...

Hearing the clanging of dishes he looks up and rushes to the kitchen, his heart racing. He stops in the middle, looks around, realises that the kitchen is empty and that his mind is playing tricks... he caresses the kitchen counter as he recollects the evenings Kalpi would be busy making him dinner.

Tears running down his cheeks, he walks to the dinning table and sits down. His mind's eye sees Kalpi sitting on his right, where she always sat, in a voice aching with pain he says, "Had I known that you will never cook for me again, I would have cherished every morsel you cooked for me." He raises his hand to caress her face, only to touch thin air, he whispers achingly, "Had I known that I would never get to touch you, to kiss you, to caress you again, I would have cherished every second of our time together."

He heads to his bedroom, his gaze automatically travelling to the unmade bed, reminding him of their last moments together as they lay together as man and wife, his heart crying out, "She never knew she was your wife." He lies onto his side, next to where she last lay... Wanting to be close to her. Reeling in the impact of her memories, he caresses the mattress, as his mind's eye pictures Kalpi laying by his side, Ragav cries out, "Oh Kalpi, when did you make my home into your home... into our home", mentally caressing her he adds brokenly, "Had I known you would never come back to me... I would never have let you go."

Some hours later Ragav wakes to the sound of dishes clanging, he sits up, his heart racing, he thinks, "No my mind is playing tricks on me again." His ears anxiously listening for the slightest sound, his heart crying out, please let it be real... seconds later he hears the clanging of dishes again. He gets up, races down the stairs, thinking, "Thank God it was all a dream... gosh it felt so real." Racing to the kitchen he calls out, "Kalpi you won't believe..." He freezes for the woman in front of him is not his... it is not his Kalpi." He drops onto his knees, tears streaming... Maya rushes to him, softly saying, "I am sorry. I did not mean to wake you." He wraps his around her waist, hugging her tightly, crying out hoarsely, "I want her back... I want her back."

Maya looks at Sammy who is silently watching from the entrance of the kitchen, her eyes brimming with tears. Sammy frowns with worry, for he has never seen Ragav so broken, he turns and walks back to the lounge, knowing instinctively that Ragav would prefer not having any witnesses to his breakdown.

Sammy sits down, mentally analysing the day's events, thinking it odd that the hospital did not call Ragav to inform him of his wife, Kalpi's death. Frowning he recalls the telephone call Ragav had received from Kamla maa from the crematorium. He mutters, "This is very odd. I think I shall go to the hospital and find out more... because something is not right... it does not add up. The doctor has not called. The hospital has not called. Why would the hospital release Kalpi's body without the hospital bills being settled? Why would Kamla maa inform Ragav and yet not wait for him to pay his last respects?" His mind on overdrive, Sammy looks towards the kitchen, thinking, "I shall start looking for some of the answers tomorrow."