Chapter Three
Two days later
On Sunday
Kapoor's house
Kalpana woke up early to study. After two hours she felt hungry and walked toward the dining room. She saw that everyone was still sleeping. Hearing the noise one of the servants woke up and directly went to the dining room. Seeing Kalpana there, servant asked, "Kalpana mam, do you need anything?"
Kalpana: why are you guys are still sleeping?
Servant: It is 5 A.M now.
Kalpana: then what time do you wake up?
Servant: At 6 A.M
Kalpana: Ok from now on you will sleep early and wake up at 5 AM for me to make breakfast.
Servant: Ok mam; let me make breakfast for you.
Kalpana: yes, do it now. I am so hungry.
Nitu woke up at 7 and told the servant to call Kalpana for breakfast. "Mam, she already had breakfast around 5 AM," hearing the servant, Nitu said surprised, "At 5?"
Servant: yes mam. She woke up around 3 to study. From now on she said she will wake up early.
Nitu: Strange? All of a sudden this much changes?
Sahil: It is good that finally she realized that she should take her life seriously.
Nitu: I was just surprised all of a sudden this much change.
Sahil: Whatever. She will follow our path and that's all that matter s for me.
After the breakfast, Nitu went to Kalpana's room and told her to stay home in the afternoon as Karan's family invited them for the dinner. Hearing this, Kalpana was worried thinking, she supposed to go to Ragahv's house in the afternoon. "If I miss today he will think that I am not serious about study and will stop helping me. And no one will be able to teach me the way he does," she mumbled to herself. Without wasting a second, she grabbed her bag and left for Ragahv's house.
Ragahv's house
Kalpana was about to knock on the door but she found the door was little open. She heard that someone was playing the piano. She knew it was Ragahv otherwise who could play touching her heart. Without making any noise, Kalpana entered into the house. Kalpana walked toward him and stood behind him. She noticed that Ragahv was so lost while playing with his eyes closed. She could feel the depth of pain in that music. Why does he always play sad music? Kalpana thought, what pain does he carry in his heart? Once he finished playing, he got off from the tool and was surprised seeing Kalpana there.
Ragahv: Ms. Kapoor. You suppose to come in the afternoon right?
Kalpana: Actually I have to attend a family function in the afternoon that's why I thought to come now. Sorry I came here without informing you.
Ragahv: it's ok. I have nothing important to do today.
Kalpana: Thank you.
Ragahv: Ms. Kapoor, would you mind if I take five minutes to take shower?
Kalpana: no problem.
"Thank you," saying so Ragahv went to the bathroom. Once he left, Kalpana was walking around the living room and looking at the paintings that were hanging on the wall. When she walked near his bedroom, she heard Ragahv saying from the bathroom, "Kaka, I forgot to bring towel. Can you pass it?" Kalpana looked around but Ramu kaka wasn't at home. She heard him saying again, "Kaka, I am waiting." Kaka is not here. What should I do now? Kalpana thought worried. Without wasting a second she entered into his room. She directly walked toward the Almirah. She took out a towel and then walked toward the bathroom door. she knocked on the door. Once he opened the door, Kalpana gave the towel. Her hand was covered with the towel that's why he didn't get to see who the person was. While taking the towel, his hand accidently touched her. Before he could notice Kalpana took out her hand and was about to ran from there but bumped with a showpiece corner. She noticed that something fell on the ground. She saw that it was a photo frame laying upside down. She leaned and picked up the frame. She placed the frame on the showpiece corner upside down. Before she left she looked around the bedroom. She noticed that it was a huge bedroom with beautiful decoration. Everything was setup and kept well. Very clean. No one will believe that this is a man's bedroom, she thought. She was about to leave but stopped thinking something. She walked toward the showpiece corner and made the frame stand. While doing this she saw that it was Ragahv's picture. She noticed that he was looking very handsome in that picture. Hearing the sound of door opening, Kalpana ran from there. Ramu kaka already came back. Seeing Kalpana, he said, "Beti when did you come?" kalpana smiled and said, "half an hour."
Ramu: Where is your sir?
Kalpana: He is taking shower.
Ramu: you sit here. Let me get coffee for you.
"Get coffee for me too," Ragahv said while walking toward the living room. He sat on the couch beside Kalpana and said, "Ms. Kapoor, we can start now." Kalpana took out Math book. Seeing the math book, Ragahv said," Math? Oh I love this subject." Hearing him Kalpana said, "Sir you love almost all the subjects." In the meantime Ramu came and said, "he used to earn the highest score in all the subjects."
Kalpana: really?
Ramu: he was a University topper.
Hearing this Kalpana was in awe. Now she felt shame for herself in front of him. Her trance broke hearing Ragahv, "Ms. Kapoor, where are you lost?" Kalpana said lowering her head, "In front of you I feel ashamed of myself." Looking at her, Ragahv said, "There is nothing impossible in life if you work hard." She raised her head to look into his eyes and said innocently, "no matter how much I work hard but I won't be able to be like you. I neither was able to be a good daughter, nor a good fianc, nor can be a good wife or a good mother. You are perfect in everything." Hearing her Raghav went back to his past. He remembered how he lost his loved one and how he was away from his parents since 20 years. He got off from the couch and went to his bedroom leaving Kalpana confused.
Kalpana: what happened with sir? Did I say something wrong?
Ramu: don't worry. He will be fine. Let him stay alone for a while.
Ragahv stood near the window. He closed his eyes as he recalled, "If I marry someone it will be only her." "You can't marry our business rival's daughter until we are alive." "Let's elope or we will have to lose each other." "Ragahv, never come in front of me. Your presence reminds me of my father's death. If possible forget me." He opened his eyes. He walked toward the almirah. Once he opened the door his eyes fell on a box, he kept it carefully since 20 years. He took it in his hand. He opened it carefully. He caressed his fingers on letters and their photographs. These all are memories now, Ragahv thought. A tear escaped from his eyes. There was an another person who was watching him standing at the door. why he became so emotional? What is in that box? Kalpana thought, what pain he carries in his heart? Kalpana didn't know why but she felt an unknown pain for Ragahv. She left the house as she didn't want to bother him in his this situation.
Karan's house
While Kalpana's parents and Karan's parents were discussing about their children's marriage, Kalpana went to the terrace. Leaning on the wall Kalpana was thinking about Ragahv. After a while Karan came and scared her from the behind.
Kalpana: Karan, you almost killed me.
Karan: what are you thinking?
Kalpana: Nothing much. Why are you here? You should take care of guests.
Karan: our parents were getting us married. If I would stay there more they would celebrate your baby shower. Though they fixed our marriage but I am still waiting for your answer.
Kalpana: Karan you are such a nice boy.
Karan: Then say yes' to me.
Kalpana: Not now. You have to wait
Karan: how long?
Kalpana: I don't know
Karan: I am glad that you are taking time instead rejecting me.
He smiled and said, "I will wait." He added, "Kalpana can we go for lunch tomorrow?"
Kalpana: Sorry Karan. I can't as I have to go to my music teacher's office. You already know he is helping me improve in studies. But I promise I will go with you for a dinner before you go to USA.
Karan: how often do you meet him?
Kalpana: Almost everyday
Karan: Everyday?
Kalpana: Hm. Why?
Karan: don't you get bored seeing the same person everyday?
Kalpana: No, why?
Karan: how but him?
Kalpana: why he will get bored seeing me everyday?
Karan: strange! None of you get bored?
After thinking something he said, "so far I know, he is a music teacher. But why he is helping you with all the subjects?"
Kalpana: Because I requested him to do.
Karan: does he help other girls in your class?
Kalpana: No. they don't need any help
Karan: if they would need help would he be able to help them willingly?
After thinking something she said, "I am not sure."
Karan: hm, it means to him you are someone special.
Kalpana: what do you mean?
Karan: It means there is a reason.
Kalpana: There is no reason ok? This is not the first time he is helping me. He helped me before. At that time he even didn't know me.
Karan: how did he help you?
Kalpana: one day I was very drunk. I was so frustrated. I had a fight with my parents. When I came out of the night club, some boys were misbehaving with me. It was 2 AM at that time. It was raining hard. No one was around to help me. I was so scared. I was praying to god to help me. All of a sudden God sent him for me. He took me to his house as I fell asleep in his car.
Karan: you spent the night at his place?
Kalpana: hm. In the morning I came back home.
Karan was surprised thinking how Kalpana was taking this so easily. Seeing him looking at her, Kalpana said, "Why are you looking at me like this? He is not that type of man you are thinking."
Karna: you didn't even know him before. He might take advantage on you.
Kalpana: If there would be any other men they would definitely take advantage. He is such a gentleman. He changed my wet dress but still didn't take any advantage.
Karan: he changed your dress?
Kalpana: Ha, a gentleman like him always changes dress without looking at. I meant to say under the blanket.
Karan: how do you know? Did you ask him?
Kal: no. But I know him. I trust him a lot.
Karan: hm, seems like you know him very well.
Hearing him, she thought, I wish I knew his hidden pain? Her trance broke hearing Karan, "Kalpana, what are you thinking?"
Kalpana: You know what Karan, I thought he is the most happiest person in his life. He has everything a person needs in life, he was a University topper, a successful businessman, he has a family but still he had some hidden pain. Somehow he is lonely like me. He lives all alone.
Karan: he is not married yet?
Kal: No
"Is he handsome?" Karan said jealous. Kalpana remembered how Ragahv was looking handsome in the picture. Seeing her smiling, Karan asked her again, "is he handsome?" Kalpana didn't say anything but just nodded her head shyly.
Karan: Hm, it means I have a competitor.
Kal: Karan, kuch bhi. Achcha tell me what is your plan? When are you going back to USA?
Karan: next week. I am planning to settle down in India after my final exam."
Kalpana: you shouldn't as you will have more opportunities to build your career in USA than here in India.
Hearing her Karan said teasingly, "I have to be here in front of you 24/7 or there is a chance someone will take you away from me as you still didn't say yes' to me."
Kalpana: Karan, you know me very well. No one will dare to.
Karan: but there is one person who will dare to.
Seeing Kalpana looking at him confused, Karan said, "your music teacher. He doesn't scare of you."
Kal: karaaan
Dragging his hand Kalpana said, "Now let's go to downstairs. I am so hungry."
Kapoor's house
In her room while studying kalpana felt minor headache. She looked at the wall clock. It was 1 AM. She came out from her room and walked toward the dining room. seeing her there one of the servant asked, "Kalpana mam, do you need anything?"
Kal: Can you get me a painkiller?
Handing over a pain killer, the Servant said, "Mam, after taking it, please have some rest. You will feel better."
Kal: I can't as my exam is ahead.
She studied two more hours then went to sleep.
The next morning Kalpana's sleep got distracted when her phone rang. She picked up the phone.
Kal: Hello
Karan: Kalpana, get ready. I am taking you out for jogging.
Kal: I cant as I slept late. Also I had headache.
"Everything will be fine if you come out," saying so Karan cut the call. In 15 minutes he reached the Kapoor's house. He forcefully took Kalpana out with him. After 5 minutes of running at a park, Kalpana said, "Karan, you go ahead. Let me sit here," saying so Kalpana sat on a bench.
Karan: Do little more. You will feel good
Kal: I have no strength to run anymore
Karan sat next to her. All of a sudden she noticed someone familiar just passed them. "Ragahv sir?" she mumbled to herself. She got off from the bench. Before Karan could say anything Kalpana already left. Then he followed Kalpana after her. "Hi sir!" Kalpana said while running.
Ragahv: Hi!
Kal: Good morning!
Ragahv: Good morning!
Who is the person Kalpana talking to? Karan thought.
Ragahv stopped running. He opened the water bottle and poured little bit into his mouth. In the meantime Karan came. Kalpana introduced Karan saying, "Karan, this is my music teacher and sir this is Karan."
Karan: hi I am Karan Mehta
Ragahv: Hi! I am Raghav. Raghav Singhania
Both shook hands with each other. Looking at Kalpana Ragahv said, "Ms. Kapoor, good to see you jogging. This is really good for your health."
Karan: you should say thanks to me as I was the one who brought her here forcefully.
Kalpana: it is not like I don't like to do jogging actually I slept late and didn't feel like waking in the morning.
Karan: nowadays she became a very serious student. Almost whole day and night she keeps herself busy in studying.
Ragahv: good but you should take rest as well. If you read 5 hours a day attentively that's good enough.
Kalpana: But sir, I am not as good intelligent as you
Ragahv: who said you are not. You are very sharp.
Karan was just listening to them without uttering a word. He was surprised thinking how she was listening to Raghav. In the meantime Ragahv's phone rang. He picked up the phone. "yah I am coming to office now," saying so Ragahv said to Kalpana and Karan, "You guys carry on. I have to leave now." Raising his hand in a hand shake Ragahv said, "Anyway, nice meeting you." Then Ragahv left from there. looking at Kalpana, Karan said teasing, "you are looking so fresh now. Not tired at all."
Kalpana: What are you trying to say?
Karan: Your Raghav sir came and suddenly you are not tired at all. By the way, your sir looks quite handsome. At this age he maintained his body well.
Kalpana: what do you mean by at this age? How can you find him so old?
Karan: oh my god Kalpana, you are arguing with me for him?
Kalpana: lets go home. I have to study.
Karan: you should take some rest. Didn't you have headache last night?
Kalpana: yah, but I can't take rest as my exam is ahead. Also I cant make Ragahv sir disappointed.
Karan: So you are doing this all for him right?
Kalpana: Of course.
Seeing Karan looking at her, Kalpana said, "I meant to say for both of us. I need to pass the exam and if I do well in the exam it will be a reward for him as he took out some time to help."
Karan: I noticed you listen to him well. I am so surprised when your parents forced you to study you never listened but only when he told you. Not only that you started liking his company.
Kalpana looked at him with a blank expression. She didn't know what to say. She felt somehow Karan was right. To change the topic Kalpana said, "Karan lets go home. I am so hungry."
On the way in the car, there was silence. Before Kalpana got off from the car, Karan asked, "Kalpana do you love him?"
"Karan, how can you say that?" Kalpana replied annoyed
Karan: ok, give me an honest answer.
Kalpana: What?
Karan: if Ragahv sir comes and proposes you, will you accept his proposal?
Kal: How can you put us together? He will never do that. Kaha vo aur kaha main.
Karan: you agree or not, you already fell for him or you would have told me no' directly.
Please forgive me for any grammatical mistakes and if you think this update is up to the mark please hit like buttons and leave your comments.
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