The Ending: RagNa TS,Part-1 & Part-2, Page-1, 10/09/2015

PART-1

Time- 12:20 A.M., Kalpana sighed as the luminous dial of her watch showed the minute and hour of that moment. "Everything is so perfect for a horror movie setting" Kalpi thought gloomily as she continued driving, like she'd been doing since past almost nine hours.

Yes, nine hours that was the time taken for a road trip from Delhi to Shimla and vice-versa. But there was an upsurge in the number of people plying to and fro the famous hill station of Shimla. Not surprising since it was weekend giving two continuous off days. Kalpi had taken breaks for lunch and tea in-between but now the late hours had started showing affect on her tired body. The narrow roads of this hill state could contain just so much traffic for everyone to move at a snail's pace. Thus it would take longer than usual to complete this journey; two hours late to be precise; and now the eerie hour and surroundings too had begun to rub off Kalpana.

Pitch-black sky and a Moon-less night; an almost lonely curvy mountain road with signs of any human settlement shown after only a few kilometers; and thick dark fog; Kalpi realized traces of fear had begun to seep inside her. "If only I can cross this zone safely" she thought while narrowing her eyes once more to avoid falling into the deep gorge below; and avoiding bumping into another car or person.

These few kilometers were generally a favourite of fog all round the year. Couple it with current monsoon season and this area was now second home to fog; or clouds as Kalpi liked to call it. She could not allow anything or even nature to deter herself from this route. It was a route not just to return home physically; but also the route of her soul back to her old self and back to her loving, understanding self; back to a strong Kalpana. "A weak Kalpi" was the last she needed right now; not after what all she had to go through and for which Kalpi had to undergo a lot when she left it all behind. With great difficulty Kalpana had found the strength to face her demons. Now she could not disappoint him, her husband - Raghav Singhania; her former college-mate, her best friend, her lover and now her husband.

It was after marriage with Raghav that Kalpana had become a part of this hill state, something she wouldn't have dreamt of before meeting him. He had supported Kalpi in every decision of hers, including her career. After marriage Kalpana had been appointed in a prestigious Insurance Company. She had enjoyed all the perks life had to offer in both professional and personal spheres, which included becoming a mother to an angelic daughter. Life was beautiful until...well until everything ended; and the most regretful part she was a part of that unexpected, sad ending. She never tried enough; "and now, now I am afraid it is too late" Kalpi thought as her gaze drifted for a few seconds to the folded newspaper kept in front.

"Landslide kills twenty-five residents and many become homeless": the headline stared out of the paper. Kalpi had read the article twice that morning not believing her eyes. Yesterday was the last day of Kalpana's two-week training in Delhi before she was promoted. Kalpi had thought it to be the last day of her separation from her husband and daughter also; and the last day of her childish anger. It had been some days since Kalpi had talked nicely with Raghav. She had refused to talk to Raghav more than she wanted to, limiting the sentences to the well-being of their daughter. As far as Raghav himself was concerned, her spoken question was restricted to the words: "How are you?" She hadn't given in to her feminine urges to ask how was his day; if he had proper food and in time; to talk to him for relieving his stress. Kalpi did not even skype with him in these past two weeks; she hadn't seen him. How could she, she was angry with him. But more than that Kalpana had been battling with herself because she needed time to think over things with a rational mind. She took that time but without letting Raghav know; and now Kalpi was repenting why she did not let him know. She did not let him know that her mind and heart had reached one conclusion; that she was blinded by her anger earlier.

Kalpi had come to realize that Raghav was in fact right in his place; she could not balance her family and office. But she also knew that her Raghav loved her; and only her. The pain in his eyes and voice were proof enough. But that day two weeks ago when Kalpi was packing her bags, Kalpana's anger had made her see things differently.

She had fought with Raghav; and over what? It was over a girl, Raghav's business-partner Maya. Allowing their once family friend Pakhi to damage their relation, Kalpana had allowed herself to minutely believe Pakhi and accused Raghav of cheating. "Why would Pakhi lie to me Raghav? She has no motive in doing so. I agree she may be mistaken but she cannot tell lies to me, her friend. I merely want to clear my doubts by asking you. After all you do stay late nights in office or meetings, even when you don't need to. How do I know it is for your business or for...M, Maya?" Kalpana had completed her accusations in a heart-breaking tone. For a few moments, Raghav's shocked expressions and pained eyes had made Kalpi question herself. But that pain was soon replaced by anger.

Clenching his jaws Raghav had hissed, "So you believe your friend over your husband. Fine, go on believe whatever you want to. But I am clearing this once and for all Kalpana, I would not give any proofs and explanations in my defense. You believe Pakhi because I come home late?" Raghav had hissed using Kalpi's full name, something he hadn't done since a long time.

"For anything Kalpana you must know if I do return late, then only you solely are responsible for it. You do not see anything beyond your office, your work. You also return late and then you bring work to home; the remaining time is designated for kitchen and calls to your friends" angrily holding Kalpi by arms Raghav had continued "What if I question you? What if I doubt you are having an affair with someone from your office? Because the time you have is not for your husband now, is it?" Raghav had finished his angry speech leaving Kalpi just as hurt as she had left him. After a silence of few moments realization had dawned in Raghav's eyes but it was too late. Kalpi had snapped when Raghav's now soft tone had tried to undo the damage "Ka..."

"Don't" She'd said showing her palm to Raghav and freeing herself from his grip. "Don't even try; tomorrow morning I am leaving for training and...you. After I return we have our marriage to talk about" and Kalpi had turned her back on her husband, her married life. Even the next morning Kalpi had ignored the pleading eyes of her husband, whilst she hugged and placed a soft kiss on "Riya"- her three year old daughter's forehead. "I am only yours Kalpi, only yours" Raghav's hoarse whisper had touched Kalpana's ears as she opened the door of her car. Sighing briefly, without any word and without giving a second glance to her beloved husband Kalpana had left, just like that. But now, after reading this news she felt restless.

Turned out there was a storm in her city last night, disrupting electric and other services too. She was unable to contact Raghav; his phone was switched off. Even her neighbours seemed out of reach. At last Kalpi had called one of her colleagues wanting to know if she knew anything about Raghav or the area in which they lived. "I am sorry Kalpi. All I know is that many roads are blocked and your residential colony has been severely affected. We too have no electricity since last night. So we need to use our cells cautiously lest they get discharged earlier. I suggest you return as soon as possible Kalpi. Raghav and Riya may need you" that was what Kalpi had heard last about her family. Her every attempt to contact any authority too had failed.

"I cannot lose him; I cannot lose my husband and my child. This is not true, they are safe" Kalpi had broken down crying that morning. God cannot be so cruel; he cannot take away the chance to admit her mistakes in front of her Raghav. He cannot take her family away from her; her family is safe. It has to be. Kalpana had to tell so many things to Raghav, "They're safe. I will not lose hope, not now when hope is the only air connecting me with him; connecting my baby with us."

"No I have no other choice. I have to make it fine for him. This is the least I can do to not disappoint him again; this is the last thing he'd wanted" it was happening again, for the nth time that night Kalpana's feelings were distracting her. But these feelings shall have to wait till she returned home. Even though this night, this night bereft of any moonlight might have been reflecting Kalpana's current mental state. But the resolve which accompanied Kalpana was strong enough to defeat anything. It was strong enough to be the light. "At least I hope so" she thought fighting her almost teary eyes.

Maybe it was an indication that everything would now come to a full circle and everything would be alright. It has to be alright; else, this new vitality within her would remain just that, a word with a baseless future. "But this fog, when will it clear?" Kalpi thought frustratingly.

In this now "No-Vision Zone" Kalpi got some relief when she found the company of a few more cars. She saw that fog-lights of the truck ahead of her car had stopped moving, making Kalpi apply brakes also. There was nothing she could do except wait, wait for this long moon-less night to be over. "Be safe my darlings" Kalpi caressed the wallpaper of her cell's screen before kissing it. It glowed with the smiling faces of her husband and daughter bringing some tears and smiles automatically on Kalpi's own face. "I'll come to you soon, I promise" she whispered and re-focused on the road whilst starting the car again.

The vehicles were again on the move now and Kalpi attempted to come out of regretful memories. A promise which Kalpi had made in her heart to Raghav, was what kept her going; a promise to re-build their future together. But the night had progressed steadily, even though her journey hadn't in same proportion. The fog-lights of the truck were now in some distance and Kalpi suddenly felt lonely again.

Yes, she was alone, but it was the first time she was feeling scared too. A chill ran down Kalpi's spine making her shiver when she looked at the time: 1 A.M. One look outside and the shiver returned; through the thick fog Kalpi could make out swaying of the faint outline of dark trees with the wind. The side windshields of her car were closed; otherwise Kalpi was damn sure she'd have heard the howling of winds too.

"Chill Kalpi chill, It's nothing. In a few more minutes you would reach your home and to your loved ones" Kalpana told herself trying not to go down the lane of fear. Shaking her head and scary thoughts away, Kalpana's hand went to the audio console of car switching on the FM Radio. "Some good music would surely help" she thought whilst another strong wave of fog tried to envelop her car. "Meow" a black cat ran across the road and in front of Kalpi's car. Kalpi tried her best not to bring the car to a complete stop and also not hit the small carnivore. She was never the one to believe in superstitions, nor would she do now. "Hmm, I am right" she told herself just as RJ's voice from FM radio filled the car.

"Hello and welcome back from the break. You are listening to 'Captivating Nights' with me, your very own RJ Anna. Today we're playing for you the Top Ten Spooky Songs of Bollywood; and it is the right the time for our next song in the list",

"Great, just great" Kalpi gulped as her mind prepared to race back to fear and at the same time someone's loud shout on the road made Kalpi almost jump in her seat.

"On Number Five (5) we have 'Sau Baar Janam Lenge' from the movie 'Ustadon Ke Ustaad' beautifully expressing the promise of a lover to never get separated from the one he loves".

Voice of the RJ was soon replaced with the song and Kalpi relaxed, realizing this song isn't as scary as she'd thought. She tried to enjoy the old melody telling herself the only problem she had now was that of fog. "That too would be over soon" Kalpi thought as the song played.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvgjl1vhw3s[/YOUTUBE]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvgjl1vhw3s

Film Name: Ustadon Ke Ustad
Song : SAu Baar Janam Lenge

sau baar janam lenge sau baar fanaa honge

WILL TAKE BIRTH HUNDRED TIMES,WILL ANNIHILATE HUNDRED TIMES,

aye jaan-e-wafa phir bhi hum tum na juda honge

BUT STILL OH MY SWEETHEART, WE WILL NEVER GET SEPERATED FROM EACHOTHER,

sau baar janam lenge sau baar fanaa honge

WILL TAKE BIRTH HUNDRED TIMES,WILL ANNIHILATE HUNDRED TIMES,

kismat hume milne se rokegi bhala kab tak

UP TO WHEN WILL THIS DESTINY KEEP US AWAY FROM EACH OTHER,

inn pyaar ki raahon mein bhatkegi wafa kab tak

UP TO WHEN WILL THIS FAITH WANDER FANATICALLY IN THE PATHS OF LOVE,

kadmon ke nishaan khud hi manzil ka pataa honge

THE FOOTPRINTS WILL, THEMSELF, BE THE ADDRESS OF THE DESTINATION,

sau baar janam lenge sau baar fanaa honge

WILL TAKE BIRTH HUNDRED TIMES,WILL ANNIHILATE HUNDRED TIMES,

For a change everything seemed to be fine until the last stanza of the song played; playing lines which made Kalpi's eyes tearful again.

yeh kaisi udaasi hai jo husn pe chhayi hai

WHAT SORTTA DESPONDANCY IS THIS, WHICH HAS BEEN DISPERSED ALL OVER THE BEAUTY,

hum door nahin tum se kehne ko judaai hai

I'M NOT AWAY FROM YOU AT ALL, AS THIS SEPERATION IS THERE MERELY FOR NAMING,

armaan bhare do dil phir ek jagah honge

THOSE TWO HEARTS, FILLED WITH DESIRES, WILL BE AT ONE PLACE AGAIN,

sau baar janam lenge sau baar fanaa honge

WILL TAKE BIRTH HUNDRED TIMES,WILL ANNIHILATE HUNDRED TIMES,

aye jaan-e-wafa phir bhi hum tum na juda honge

BUT STILL OH MY SWEETHEART, WE WILL NEVER GET SEPERATED FROM EACHOTHER,

sau baar janam lenge sau baar fanaa honge

WILL TAKE BIRTH HUNDRED TIMES,WILL ANNIHILATE HUNDRED TIMES,

Unconsciously tears flowed down Kalpi's cheeks as she sniffed a bit. The song only making her yearn more for the love of her life; her life-partner; her Raghav. "I hope just like this song says, we too are never separated Raghav; never" and she kissed her cell's wallpaper once again.

Credit for Lyrics: http://www.hindilyrics.net/translation-Ustadon-Ke-Ustad/Sau-Baar-Janam-Lenge.html

Thus lost in the thoughts of her love and steering the wheel of car slowly around another foggy curve Kalpana continued telling herself that everything is fine and she'll be united with her family soon enough. Her strong focus broken only when she heard Raghav's voice near her, "Kalpi...Kalpi! Where are you going?", "No, you're going the wrong way sweetheart. You will not find me there, turn a bit and you shall find me right with you". Kalpi gulped and saw to her left, sure enough on the passenger seat Raghav was sitting, his bright smile adorning his face. "Ra, Raghav?" she asked stuttering out of shock. It cannot be, her Raghav, how can he be here? He wasn't here a few moments ago.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction using characters from the show "Ek Mutthi Aasmaan" on "Zee TV". The characters are owned by creators and owners of the show.

PART-2

The RJ was saying something but Kalpi's mind wasn't on it. Her ears and eyes fixed on the vision on her left side. Raghav smirked as with a shaking left hand Kalpi tried to touch him but then retreated the same back.

Seeing him smiling Kalpi blinked twice and again extended her hand to touch Raghav. "Maybe this is true, maybe my Raghav is in fact with me. Maybe my wait is over and I can finally say sorry to my husband" Kalpi's hypnotized mind forgetting the rationality of the situation that in normal circumstances Raghav cannot be there. In those few moments Kalpi was too happy to be able to see Raghav after a separation of two weeks.

The gentle smile on Raghav's face never leaving, he himself extended his hand and gently brushed Kalpana's left hand with his own. He knew that Kalpi herself would be unable to. Kalpi shivered with the cold breezy touch, "Why, why are you so cold?" she asked Raghav. Raghav sighed "It is cold outside, that's why. I waited so long for you."

"Oh" was all Kalpi muttered while lowering her eyes in confusion. "See, I told you to turn a bit and you will find me right with you, forever. I am only yours Kalpi, only yours" Raghav said and indicated with eyes to look ahead somewhere. "What?" Kalpi mouthed.

"Thank You so much sweetheart, for choosing my way. I love you Kalpi, I love you. Welcome to my arms, to be with me forever; this birth and every next birth" Raghav's voice said while his eyes never left Kalpi's. Confused Kalpi looked ahead through the still thick layers of fog and her eyes widened to see that the car was going the wrong way. It was running off the road and was about to fall right into the gorge. "No!" Kalpi screamed hurriedly turning the steering wheel and the car back to the safety of road. "Raghav, we were going to..." Kalpi spoke looking in Raghav's direction, only to find that he wasn't sitting there anymore. Her eyes widened again with mouth agape; Kalpi felt a few sweat beads trickled down her forehead.

She tried to ease out her labored breaths while the song which was now playing in the radio caught her attention.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzxGBA5nwNc[/YOUTUBE]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzxGBA5nwNc

aa jaa, aa jaa, aa jaa,
COME, COME, COME OVER,

aa jaa, aa jaa, aa jaa,
COME, COME, COME OVER,

tujh ko pukaare meraa pyaar, oh
MY LOVE CRIES OUT FOR YOU,

tujh ko pukaare meraa pyaar,
MY LOVE CRIES OUT FOR YOU,

aajaa, mai.n toh miTaa hoo.n, teree chaah mein,
COME, I'VE BECOME EXTINCT IN YOUR LOVE,

tujh ko pukaare meraa pyaar...
MY LOVE CRIES OUT FOR YOU...

Kalpi saw to her left side and saw Raghav sitting there again. "You'll never leave me again now, right?" he asked and his eyes steeled for a fraction of seconds. "I won't let you; we belong together" he said and Kalpi could only whisper in her heart, "Oh Raghav. I really hope this is my imagination." But the song continued to play, and played more havoc with her senses.

aakhiree pal hai, aakhiree aanhen tujhe, DhoonDh rahee hain,
TIS THE LAST MOMENT, THE LAST SIGHS ARE LOOKING FOR YOU,

Doobtee saansen, bujhtee nigaahein tujhe, DhoonDh rahee hain,
GASPING BREATH, BLEARY EYES ARE LOOKING FOR YOU,

saamne aajaa ek baar,
MATERIALISE BEFORE ME ONCE,

aajaa, main to miTaa hoon, teree chaah mein,
COME, I'VE BECOME EXTINCT IN YOUR LOVE,

tujh ko pukaare mera pyaar...
MY LOVE CRIES OUT FOR YOU...

"Mumma" just then a little girl's voice further startled Kalpi. It was "Riya" her three year old daughter's voice. Kalpi looked in the rearview mirror and saw her daughter was sitting on the back seat. Shocked Kalpi looked towards Raghav who only smiled more. "We belong together. How could I leave the symbol of our love, our daughter behind? Alone?" Raghav said and Kalpi looked back to see her daughter's bright and happy eyes staring back at her.

dono jahaan kee, bhenT chaDhaa dee maine, chaah mein teree,
I'VE SACRIFICED BOTH THE WORLDS IN MY DESIRE FOR YOU,

apne badan kee, khaaq milaa dee maine, raah mein teree,
MY BODY'S DUST, I'VE MINGLED IN YOUR PATH,

ab toh chalee aa iss paar,
AT LEAST FOR NOW, CROSS OVER THIS SIDE,

aajaa, main toh miTaa hoon, teree chaah mein.
COME, I'VE BECOME EXTINCT IN YOUR LOVE,

tujh ko pukaare mera pyaar...
MY LOVE CRIES OUT FOR YOU...

"I waited choo maaacch for you Mamma... I missed you", "You Know Dadda and Me were preparing for your belcamm (welcome) Even Dadi'(paternal grandmother) was coming to help us. See, Dadda promised me that I will see you soon; he fulfilled his promise. After preparations he brought me to you" Kalpi's little daughter's voice which normally music to her ears; was only serving to increase her anxiety this time. No, no it cannot be; how can her daughter and her husband both be here? "It isn't true; it's only a bad dream I am seeing with open eyes. My husband and my daughter both are completely fine. I will meet them soon" Kalpana re-assured herself but it was only short-lived.

itne yugo.n tak , itne dukho.n ko koi, seh naa sakegaa,
FOR AEONS OF TIME, NONE WILL BE ABLE TO ENDURE SO MUCH OF PAIN,

teree qasam mujhe, tuu hai kisee kee koi, keh naa sakegaa,
I SWEAR BY YOU, NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO DISCERN THAT YOU BELONG TO SOMEONE,

mujh se hai teraa iqraar hoy,
OH, YOU'VE GIVEN ME A PROMISE,

aajaa, main to miTaa hoon, teree chaah mein,
COME, I'VE BECOME EXTINCT IN YOUR LOVE,

tujh ko pukaare meraa pyaar...
MY LOVE CRIES OUT FOR YOU...

Soon Raghav's voice echoed in her ears again, "Leave me again will you?" Raghav asked and smirked before continuing "You forgot me" he said in a complaining tone. "But don't worry; I won't leave you so easily. Just like I am yours, only yours; you are mine, only mine. And I won't leave my Kalpi behind alone. I am waiting for you" Kalpi's eyes widened when she saw Raghav was leaning forward to hug her. "No" Kalpi screeched, using her force to pull herself away from Raghav's reach while she returned her forgotten focus back on road.

teree nazar kee, os pade toh bujhe pyaas milan kee,

A GLANCE FROM YOUR DEWY EYES WILL SLAKE THE LUST FOR UNION,

tere badan kee, ot miTe toh rahe laaj lagan kee,
IF YOUR BODY GIVES UP THE GHOST, THEN PASSION'S HONOUR WILL BE SERVED,

mil jaaye chayn qaraar...
COMFORT AND PEACE WILL BE ATTAINED,

aajaa, mai.n toh miTaa hoon, teree chaah mein.
COME, I'VE BECOME EXTINCT IN YOUR LOVE,

tujh ko pukaare, mera pyaar hoy,
OH, MY LOVE CRIES OUT FOR YOU,

tujh ko pukaare, mera pyaar,
MY LOVE CRIES OUT FOR YOU,

tujh ko pukaare, mera pyaar.
MY LOVE CRIES OUT FOR YOU.

Credit for Lyrics: http://nasir-eclectic.blogspot.in/2009/01/241-translation-of-sad-songs-of-rafi.html#axzz3lBUwpZ3s

But what she saw made Kalpi's heart nearly jump out of her chest. Her car had left her lane; it was almost in the centre of the road. But what caused her throat dry was the sudden appearance of a bus from opposite direction.

By the time fog in Kalpana's thought process was cleared she breathed a sigh of relief to see that her close encounter with death was over. After almost touching the car, the bus had safely crossed it. She was safe; her baby was safe, her baby was the new light in their lives. She wanted to live for him/her and the way Raghav would be proud of.

"Yes, everything is fine. Thank You God, Thank You so much" Kalpi mentally thanked God for making everything right. As she saw ahead, everything was in fact going to be right eventually; she'd crossed the fog zone. Now everything was crystal clear, it was only a matter of time. The RJ's voice in the radio was still saying something, but did it matter now? Kalpi knew that her God was with her. Kalpana did not need this distraction anymore. The radio was switched off and Kalpi turned her attention back on to the road. She wanted to know how her husband and her child were.

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

The way to home was tougher than Kalpi had imagined. Kalpana could see the remnants of landslide and fallen trees, electricity poles in some places even though most roads were cleared. She had to take a detour once and after some struggle with the small bumps she got along the way just fine. Kalpi had at last reached her colony, her home. Her heart beat rapidly to see the state it was in, edges of some land was gone in landslide and five other homes were buried in landslide from the mountain above.

Kalpi's eyes drifted to the side her home was situated. Darkness was all she could see; Kalpi drove slowly and found some relief with the visuals. Their home seemed safe, being away from danger zone and the affected area. But, it was still engulfed in darkness. "I hope, I hope they'd not gone there" Kalpi thought, knowing well that one of their closest friends lived in one of the affected homes. Sometimes once a month the families used to have sleep-over at each other's homes; or just met each other during dinner. In Kalpi's absence chances of Raghav and Riya having dinner there was a possibility she couldn't negate. She was worried for their friends too, but right now her family was the priority.

With slow steps Kalpi moved ahead and reached the doors of her home. Her back faced their verandah as her trembling hand raised up to knock on the door. Electricity was not re-instated it seemed, the only option Kalpi had was to knock. She knocked twice, but no one answered. She knocked twice more and this time closed her eyes, deciding to count till hundred before counting again. Her ears itching to hear opening of the bolt and the door, "Maybe till then someone would answer" she thought.

The counting had reached just ten when she heard someone opening the bolt from inside and creaking of the door. Slowly and apprehensively Kalpi opened her eyes to see Raghav. He was standing there, in front of her; his kind eyes staring right into hers. He looked tired, Kalpi couldn't believe her eyes. "Raghav" she whispered. Her fingers moved on their own to touch Raghav's cheek, needing to feel him to believe in this reality. Unless and until Kalpi touched the physical form of her husband, felt his touch she would have taken this as yet another of her nightmarish hallucinations.

What she saw and felt in car hadn't left her still; and then she felt it. "Kalpi...Kalpi! Where are you going?" Raghav's voice broke into her thoughts again making Kalpi frown. She looked down to the cell in her hand and felt that now Raghav's eyes were also transfixed on her cell-phone. Raghav had understood everything and a smile was added in the welcoming gaze of his eyes.

Kalpi switched off the recordings of Raghav and Riya's voices which she had been playing in the car. She'd wanted to feel them beside her and she was successful. The messages which they'd sent in these two weeks; and some recordings which she'd made sneakily when Raghav was teasing her made Kalpi almost hallucinate. Though Kalpana's worried thoughts for her family had turned them almost into nightmares.

Now Raghav was in front of her and Kalpi did not believe this visual yet. She kept the cell in the purse and raised her trembling hand again to touch Raghav.

But before Kalpi's fingers touched Raghav, his arms were already draped around her. Raghav was hugging her tightly, running his hands all over her and smelling Kalpi's hair. "I missed you. Now that you are here, I can believe that this nightmare is over" Raghav said in Kalpana's ears. "Though on inspection the authorities found our side of the colony out of danger, they still asked us to evacuate for a few days to be on the safe side. I refused, I refused Kalpi. I knew you would return tonight and you would look for us. I did not want to see you any more worried than you must already be" breaking their hug Raghav looked into Kalpi's eyes. He held Kalpi by the shoulders and asked hopefully "You looked for us right?"

Raghav's eyes held love and questions to which Kalpi could only smile. She hugged Raghav tightly, allowing him to feel his wife in his arms again. "Yes Raghav I did. I looked for you, all through the day I thought only about you and our daughter. I am sorry I hurt you so much. I thought I needed this space to bring myself back to sanity. But I was wrong, in this process I blocked you out. I did not share this with you when all I wanted to do was be myself with you. I am sorry, I know I was wrong. I allowed my work and a third person to come between us. But now this won't happen again. Pakhi was..."

"Ssshhh" Raghav kept his fingers on Kalpi's lips. "No other words are needed nor the name of any other person, even if it is to make things right between us. We both are enough for us Kalpi, we always were. I am sorry too, instead of clearing your doubts I angered you more. Instead of talking about what I felt, I let myself dip in work till neck. I too ignored our family; I am as guilty as you think you are. But, but last night when I saw death at such close quarters I realized your importance. I realized if it was my last breath last night, then I wanted to take that breath in your arms. I wanted to tell you how much I love you and how sorry I was. I wanted you with me; even though I was glad you were away from danger. I, I am sorry too Kalpi" Raghav completed while looking down.

Kalpi cupped Raghav's face and made him look into her eyes. "We are together now and this is all that matters" Kalpi said and Raghav smiled. "You are right" he said, their moment interrupted when squeaky voice of their little daughter filled the air.

"Mamma" Riya shouted from across the corridor. Her big black eyes looked delightfully at her parents and then at her mother. Dropping the doll in her hands she came running and encircled her little arms around Kalpana's legs. "Mamma, Mamma I missed you so much; and I was so scared without you" she sniffed and Kalpi dropped herself on knees to come down to her daughter's level. She engulfed Riya in a tight hug, kissing her face all over. "I am sorry my baby, Mamma also missed you so much" Kalpi cooed in Riya's ears. "That means Mamma will not leave Riya again?" Riya asked wide-eyed innocently.

"No my baby, Mamma will never leave her baby again" saying so Kalpi kissed her daughter's cheek once more. "Yeeaah, Riya will tell Dadi (paternal grandmother)" she freed herself and ran back into house. Kalpi looked questioningly towards Raghav "Mom is here?" Raghav nodded "Yes she reached this afternoon. She was worried on hearing about the landslides." Kalpi smiled, "Okay, Thank God you and Riya were not alone. I was so worried. Let me go and meet her."

As Kalpi stepped inside her home, a feeling of relief and peace engulfed her. "This is it, this is where I belong and it is good to be back" she thought and looked towards Raghav as he walked behind her. She tugged his hand and pulled him towards herself. "Whoa, desperate much are we?" Raghav teased Kalpi.

Kalpana shook her head "No, I want to tell you something." She held Raghav's hand and kept it on her abdomen. "Just feel" Kalpi said. Raghav's curious gaze raised up to Kalpana's asking a silent question. His heart understood yet wanted to hear it from his wife. "Is it?" he asked and Kalpi nodded. "We're going to be parents again, you are going to be Dad" she said and shyly kept her head on Raghav's chest. Dumbfounded for a few seconds Raghav hugged Kalpi on feeling her welcoming weight. Hugging her by shoulders, he nuzzled in Kalpi's neck and placed soft kisses there. "Thank You my love. Thank You for this news, you are truly the sunshine of my life. I promise never to leave your side again. I love you" he said.

"I love you too" Kalpi replied smiling in Raghav's arms. She placed a light kiss on Raghav's chest and let herself drown in the feel of her husband, in the thoughts of her family and in the dreams of a future where they shall always be together. It was a long night yes, when she had thought it might be an ending. But in an ending Kalpi found a new beginning; through the thick fog Kalpi found the right way. The scary hallucinations would not be there anymore. What awaited Raghav and herself was a beautiful reality. In a few more hours it was going to be morning, one which would fill their lives with light, never to leave them again.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction using characters from the show "Ek Mutthi Aasmaan" on "Zee TV". The characters are owned by creators and owners of the show.

Thanks for commenting Santhi and for the wonderful feedback. 😃 As for scary part, thank God it was scary. 😆 I'd have been disappointed if it doesn't seem so. 😳 I wanted to extend this scary part, but couldn't. 😭 It'd have been so much fan. 😛 I thought other parts of story, logics and background also needed equal attention, so scary part had to take a backseat. 😆 I didn't want to make it more than two parts. Glad and relieved you liked it. 😃

Sad ending, mostly I stay away from. 😳 thanks once again, made me smile. 😃 🤗 ❤️

It sound so trilling

It was really awesome t see kalpi journey n fear

I thought it will end up sad but happy their family is together

So beautiful

Shuru suru me tumne to dara hi diya tha.

Par last me jan me jan aa gai...

Thanks Charu,

😊