RaBir FF - Hennaed Hands -COMPLETED Final Update on page 43 (9/21) - Page 27

Were they the ones changing or was it that their love was evolving into something more meaningful? Walking down the hall towards her bedroom, Rachna smiled as she towel dried her hair, all the while contemplating how everything had changed so much. If someone were to tell her those many months ago that her khadoos boss would spend a good part of the day relaxing in a park sharing dreams and chocolate with her, she would have laughed directly in their face, but after today she recognized his care for her as what it was. This was the true love that everyone was meant to experience in their lives; it couldn't be anything else. In no uncertain terms she knew that he loved her, his actions of today more than proving this. And naturally her feelings for him were immeasurable; he was all to her. All that remained was that one final impediment to remove, but she was confident that soon this too would be resolved. Today however, her satisfaction lay in the knowledge that they were truly of one accord, with each of them completely and irrevocably in love with the other. And for now that was all that mattered.

"Rachna, what exactly is going on?"

Torn from her musings, Rachna entered her bedroom to find her sister and friend awaiting her. "Naomi, Gunjan, where were you guys? I looked for you both but couldn't find either of you; Mummy had said the two of you were looking for me."

Gunjan went to close the door, locking it to prevent anyone from coming into Rachna's bedroom unannounced. "What happened today, and why haven't you taken any telephone calls all day?"

"I don't understand what phone calls?"

Offering her apologies, Naomi reached for friend's purse, "Ra, I'm sorry but I need to check something."

Digging out Rachna's mobile, she checked it and then sighed, "Rachna, did you realize that your phone is on silent mode? God do you know how much we were panicking at not being able to reach you, especially.."

Grabbing her phone back, Rachna looked at it her eyes widening at the number of missed calls and messages. Accessing her voicemail, she began listening to the messages, each progressively more agitated; all of them a plea for her return the call. "What on earth?" Her eyes adjusted to the second phone screen as Naomi thrust her own mobile into her line of sight.

"My guess is that once he realized that you were unreachable, that he started calling mine. I didn't get the initial calls as I was still in class, but as soon as I turned my phone on, all of his messages came through. Rachna, I had to stop him from going to the studio, that's how desperate he was to meet with you! I had to guarantee that I would contact you and get you to call him back, and then neither I nor Gunjan could reach you either. What happened today that has Shekhar in such frenzy?"

Rachna took the time to explain what a total disaster lunch had turned out to be, and that she had advised Shekhar that she wouldn't be able to help him any longer. "I couldn't have been more direct about it, so I can't imagine the reason behind all of this..Oh God Naomi, thank you so much for dissuading him from coming to the studio, that would have been a total debacle ; KT really does not care for him at all!"

"I would say that is the biggest understatement ever, but Ra, what could he..." Naomi paused, her eyes drawn to the incessant ringing of Rachna's mobile.

Seeing the now familiar telephone number, Rachna answered her friend's unfinished question "I guess we'll find out now." She sat on her bed, Gunjan and Naomi anxiously joining her, and hit the button to connect to the incoming call. "Hello Shekhar."

"Rachna, finally... I've messed up so badly, you really need to help me sort things out."

Sitting down for breakfast the three young women, somberly ate what had been set before them; each of them thinking back on the previous night. After a protracted telephone conversation Rachna had needed the both of them, such was the quandary she found herself in. The three of them had stayed awake late rehashing her options, but ultimately Naomi and Gunjan knew that, no matter their opinions the final decision would have to be Rachna's.

"I feel like it's entirely my fault; should I just go and meet Neeta and explain?"

Naomi huffed her displeasure, "I'm sorry Rachna, I think I'm with KT on this one, Shekhar needs to take responsibility for his life, and sort it out. They were his words not yours that have exasperated the situation."

"Well, actually, I did say it, but the not in the context she thought..I."

"Oh no, Rachna," Gunjan interrupted, " I'm sure you didn't mean it, but that's something that shouldn't have been said at all, you how know things like that can get misconstrued so easily!"

"But I was totally caught off guard, I had just received KTs message..."

"No way Gunjan, you can't lay this at her feet; Rachna was only giving him the help he requested. If Shekhar then went and ruined any chance of a reconciliation with Neeta with his words, that's certainly not Ra's fault."

Rachna had smiled at Naomi's defense, but realized this wasn't getting her closer to a decision. They had gone back and forth with their opinions, but finally the only thing agreed on was that Rachna would discuss everything with KT before she did anything.

"Ra, are you finished? You need to come on; we're going to be late for college if we don't leave now."

Looking up from her plate to Naomi, Rachna acknowledged her friend You're right," Rachna agreed finishing the last few bites of her breakfast, "Thank you Mummy, we will see you later."

As they left the house, Rachna's mobile rang. Frustrated, she took the call; it hadn't been the first for the morning, and the frequency of them had frankly become ridiculous, "Shekhar, I told you that I would be in contact with you once I've made a decision one way or another. As that's not now, you really need to stop calling!"

Naomi had observed her friend getting more and more restless with each phone call, and recognizing Rachna's rising anxiety, took the phone and continued the conversation, "Shekhar, Naomi here, what is your problem, do you think you are helping her make a decision by doing this? Look you just need to back off ok, Rachna will be touch when she's made her decision." She disconnected the call and then took the extra step of blocking the number. "See, that takes care of that, at least you'll get a reprieve until you decide what you will do. But Ra, this has become beyond crazy, you do realize this don't you?"

"Ji, it has," she looked at her watch and sighed, "Today of course would be the one day that KT is not available until this afternoon, I really need to talk to him. I'll just have to do it first thing when we get there today."

By the time they left the college, en route to the studio, Rachna had at least come to the decision that she would contact Neeta directly, but given the precariousness of doing this considering her promise to KT not to have anything to do with Shekhar, she sought her friend's view. "Technically it wouldn't be meeting Shekhar, but at least I will be able to help resolve the situation. I just feel so guilty."

Shaking her head, Naomi disagreed, "No Rachna, you're just splitting hairs now with that argument, you're not going to win with that opinion, and frankly you shouldn't. I mean it's unfortunate that Neeta took your comment out of context, but by all indications Shekhar didn't help the situation, so why do you want to put your own relationship at risk for this?"

"Because, I know how it feels to be in her position; and with it being so far from the truth, I feel even worse for it . She's suffering for no reason. Plus if I help them it will only help us too."

"Well I can't decide for you, but only you can determine if the risk is worth it; all I can ask is that at least run it by KT before you do anything."

"I've already messaged him, we're going to talk as soon as we get there."

Kabir looked up from his workstation as the two young women entered the studio. After greeting Naomi, he sent her to work with one of the other assistants. The tailor had made good on his promise and the latest outfit was ready for fitting. Noticing the reassuring look she gave her friend before she walked off, he turned to where Rachna was waiting. "Come, Rachna, we can go into the lounge and talk now."

He had received her text message earlier in the day, but didn't have any clue as to what she had hoped to discuss. Now seeing her looking so resolved, it was obvious that the subject was of importance to her. "Tell me."

"KT I really don't want this to be a problem, but I can't see any way around this; so I hope you can at least look at it with an open mind.."

They both looked towards the door, when suddenly the doorbell chimed not once, but twice in quick succession.

Already rising to answer the door, KT looked down at her and smiled. "Just hold that thought, I'll be right back." He opened the door, any vestige of his smile disappearing once he realized who the visitor was. "You surely weren't thinking straight when you decided to come here were you?"

"Oh I definitely have cause to be here today Kabir." Noticing that Rachana had risen at the sound of his voice, Shekhar smiled in greeting. "There's my Rachna, it's been the hardest thing getting hold of you, so you know what they say, If the mountain won't go to.."

"Shekhar, why are you here?" His tone brooking no nonsense Kabir interrupted him. Before he could get a response, Rachna's mobile rang and on hearing her frantic tone, both men turned their attention to her.

"Hi Gunjan...What? Now? Ji, I'll be right there." Darting back into the studio to retrieve her purse, she returned shortly rushing towards the door. "KT I have to go home, I'll contact you as soon as I can." She brushed pass Shekhar sending him a fierce look.

Shekhar smirked at her obvious displeasure. Turning back to Kabir he shrugged "She seems to get riled up so easily doesn't she?" Nodding his head in Rachna's direction "Well I've got what I came for so I guess I'll be leaving now myself, Kabir. All in all, it would be so impolite to keep our parents waiting at home, when there is so much to discuss."

Originally posted by: cuteangelasya

Amazing update...

Fistly, am so so so happy..,tht u updated😛

Awesome start...

Rachna's thought...aww wow they (Rabir) r so romantic here...😃

N rachna thinking abt all wht happened ws way too cute😳

Thn omg!!! whts wrong with shekhar yaar...😡

Y is he getting behind our doll😡😉

Am totally with kabir n gunjan...y can't he solve his problems by himself...

Or is it tht he started to like or I guees luv rachna..(Hunn)

Totally amazing update...

N not to 4get rachna trying to talk to kabir 😊

Continue soon...😳

Originally posted by: parmarA

It is beautiful update kelly.

I love Rachana and Kabir's relation with romantic touch.

But you are kelly.Without twist how can your story move?Shekhar😡😡😡.What's wrong with him yaar?why he following Rachana.

But smart Rachana want to share everything with Kabir.But time is not right for them.

Hopefully not any major emergency for Rachana

Originally posted by: crtkelly

Whew you liked it😊(joke) Glad you enjoyed it.

The brain fog of the past week has lifted and I have actually started the next update, so hopefully will not take so long until the next one is posted

Originally posted by: crtkelly

Alka, are you trying to tell me I'm a Drama Queen🤣. Drma queen?bad word baby.You are twist queen exactly. Hahahah😆😆😆Trust me there's a method to my madness😊.I know dear.This is the speciality of your writing.

Very glad that you enjoyed it.

Stunned, Kabir watched Shekhar's exit, observing his route as he headed in the direction of Rachna's home. It was impossible that this was happening now; it made no sense, not when neither Shekhar nor Rachna, wanted this alliance. No, I can only speak for Rachna not wanting this,' he realized. There was no way to know where Shekhar's mind was on this, however he could not help but suspect a change of heart if for nothing else but for the sheer arrogance the younger man had just displayed.

Kabir closed his eyes, his jaw clenched in anger; there was no way that he could be so close to his own happiness for the rug to be pulled from under him like this. He closed the door, and remained there stuck in place, contemplating his next move. His first, and absolute insane instinct was just to barge in on them all, demanding that Rachna's parents release her from this unwanted relationship and instead hand her into his care where she would be treasured always. He turned, his mind racing, at the unimaginable thought that after all that had happened, that it all could come to an end in an instant. And unfortunately, unlike their last separation this had the potential to be permanent. He only became aware that he stood, his hand back on the door knob, when the warmth of human contact brought the realization of another's presence. He looked down to find Daadi, concern etched on her face, standing there, her hand covering his. An obvious witness to what had just occurred, she shook her head denying his exit, "Nay Nanhe beta, have faith that all is not lost. Just as you love her, remember she will be fighting for her love as well. You do trust her don't you?"

Rachna halted just before entering her home, allowing Shekhar to catch up to her. She turned to speak to him accusingly in hushed tones, as not to alert their families inside the house, "What have you done, Shekhar, do you think this all a joke; this is our lives you're talking about here, and not just ours. What about your Neeta? And if you think you can separate me from.."

"Rachna Beta , is that you?"

"Ji Mummy." Sending a final glare in Shekhar's direction, she entered her home, ready to face whatever was to come. While it seemed that Shekhar had submitted to his mother's demands; there was no way she would ever agree to any of this.

Her mother having approached the entrance door was the first to greet the pair. Rachna watched as Shekhar bended to receive her blessings, which her mother had offered with a smile. "Beta, your parents are just inside, please come in." She had then held Rachna's hand and after gently squeezing it in reassurance escorted her fully inside.

"Namaste Aunty Ji; Uncle Ji"

In turn Rachna bent to receive the blessings of Shekhar's parents, and then took a seat as instructed by her father. Shekhar already seated, moved over to accommodate Rachna, who made her position quite clear when she moved as far away from him as possible. She didn't have any idea what Shekhar had been relaying to his parents, but Rachna was fully prepared to counter any perception that anyone may have concerning the two of them. Whether by deed or word, they would know that from her standpoint, that this was an unwanted alliance. She looked over to the far side of the room where Gunjan stood, her face a mask of worry. Rachna sent her an imperceptible nod, receiving one in return along with a more assured look from her sister; her ever ready ally was in place. Focusing back on Shekhar's parents who sat across from them, Rachna noticed the shrewd look on his mother face as she stared directly at her. She took a deep breath and waited.

"This alliance was proposed six months ago, with the best of intentions, but now matters have come to my attention that perhaps it is not as ideal as it should be."

Of all people to speak, never did Rachna expect these words to come from Shekhar's father. Always, as it related to this alliance, it had always been his mother who had been at the forefront; his father had of course offered support and approval of the proposal, but only in a quiet resilient fashion. She gave him her full attention, wanting to hear more, yet fearful to even expect that a solution could be so close at hand.

Before he continued he stole a glance at his wife beside him, "No matter what admirable traits we as parents see in those we select for our children; I am of the view that we must consider our own children's opinions and emotions."

He rose to stand in front of her parents his palms together, "Dayal, Shail, please understand that while we believe your daughter has all the qualities a family would ever want in a daughter-in-law, I cannot consign her to a marriage where there is no hope of her having an equitable chance of a happy married life. My son has advised me, in no uncertain terms, that his affections, his heart even, lay elsewhere, and I cannot in good conscience condone this alliance as such. To do so now fully understanding my son's feelings would be dishonorable to me as his father. I can ask only that you forgive us, and know that in no way is this a reflection of Rachna. "

She knew that all of the attention in the room had focused on her, but still she could not stop the tears from streaming down her face. Her father frowned and appeared to get ready to speak, when Rachna saw her mother take hold of his arm, and shake her head with a smile which seemed to soothe him. Rachna sent her father an unsteady smile to assure him that she was fine, and watched him as he sighed in turn. She watched as both sets parents stood and moved into the next room to continue talking.

Shell-shocked, Rachna sat there before finally turning to the young man beside her. She laughed shakily as he handed her a handkerchief.

"Shekhar, did you really just dump me?"

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't tempted for a minute to go through with it. You're a very special girl and it would have been so much easier. But I don't love you, so yes, Rachna, you can consider yourself officially rejected."

"I've never been happier to be so." She sat there unable to do anything but weep, when suddenly realization hit her of how he had just acted at KT's. She made a fist and landed a few punches on his arm. "You absolute Jerk, what the heck was all that My Rachna' nonsense a little while ago; you knew what would happen yet you still..."

Shekhar grabbed her offending fist laughing, "Ah well, that was just a little payback; Rachna your Kabir really doesn't play well with others at all, you do realize that don't you?"

Recalling KT's interactions with Shekhar, Rachna smiled, "No, when it comes to me, he definitely doesn't, but I love him despite that."

"Just as much as I love Neeta, I'm sure...Rachna please tell me that now you will help me out here."

"You idiot, I had already decided to; in fact I was just about to talk to KT about it when you visited."

"Thank God, so that means that you will take my calls now?"

Noticing their parents re-entering the room, Rachna nodded her affirmation. Both she and Shekhar stood respectfully waiting.

Apparently their talk had been productive as Shekhar's parents soon prepared to take their leave. Rachna approached them her hands clasped "Uncle Ji, Aunty Ji, thank you so much for considering and understanding your son. He is a wonderful person, and I truly wish for his happiness."

In response, Shekhar's father placed his hand on Rachna's head, conveying blessings on her before walking away to talk to his son. Left alone with Shekhar's mother who was now staring at her fixedly, Rachna began to speak, "Aunty, I would like to apologize..." Stopped by her raised hand, Rachna waited nervously for what would come next.

"Rachna, beta, one thing I have always prided myself on is my instinct which tells me that your recent visit entailed far more than the need to help my son. You took a risky step that day, and I hope that it was worth the effort made." Placing her hand on Rachna's head, she smiled indulgently. "All I ever wanted was the very best for my son, and I saw that in you. I hope that the one you are fighting for truly deserves you." Filled with emotion, Rachna could only nod in agreement. In return, Shekhar's mother smiled as she spoke, "May God bless you Beta."

And then their guests left, taking with them the inevitability of a future that she had never desired. Left alone with her parents, Rachna turned to face them; the full extent of her emotions plainly visible for then to see. "Mummy, Papa.."

"Rachna, beta, I know you wish to talk, but for now I think you should have a rest, it has been an eventful afternoon."

"Ji Papa."

It was an equally emotional Gunjan who awaited her in her bedroom. And in her sister's embrace, finally all of her pent up fears found release in the torrent of tears Rachna could no longer hold back. Even as fear gave way to utter relief, she still wept, until sheer exhaustion won and she finally rested.

Wiping her own tears, Gunjan smiled down at a sleeping Rachna as she turned to leave the room. Before she could Rachna's ringing mobile caught her attention. She smiled as she registered who was calling her sister, "Hi KT, I'm sorry Rachna's actually resting right now; I can get her to call you when she wakes up."

"Gunjan is everything okay... are you crying?"

Knowing it was not her place to share this news, she paused before answering. "KT it will be best if Rachna explains everything when she awakes, okay?"