Someone gave a scenario the other day that would lead to Nachiket confronting Ragini about her fake marriage. Never written something before, just trying!
OS: Why did you Lie?
Post dinner, the children decided to take a stroll around the farm and the elders retired to sleep. Since RK offered to brew some hot coffee, everyone hung around in the common hall.
Pam not wanting to be cornered by RK again decided to just leave the rest to themselves and retire to sleep, Nivedita, am off to sleep." She said to Nivedita.
I think I'll get some rest too', she replied with a conspicuous evil grin.
"Chalo Nivedita, I'll help you to your room then.' Nachiket gently held Nivedita's hand and helped her up. She evidently mocked pain and limped. Having caught Ragini's attention, she held on to Nachiket a little more firmly and closely than required. Pam beamed with joy and followed the two.
"Ouch!" Ragini yelped in pain as she accidently dropped the hot cup of coffee on her hand that RK offered.
Oops!..sorry...am so sorry Ragini,' RK panicked and rushed to set the other cup he held, on the table.
Nachiket stopped on his way up the stairs and their eyes met. Ragini noticed a crease on his forehead and suddenly the concern in his eyes was replaced by something she'd never seen in his eyes till date. Rage'?
Khadi kya ho idhar Ragini, chalo', she heard some voice faintly and felt herself being pulled away by someone while her eyes were still on him.
What was it?', she thought.
A jealous rage
She watched him intently, a frown on his beautiful face condemning something.
She drew a sharp breath not for the pain she felt caused by the burn but for the acute pain caused to her as she watched him go away, Nachiket gone up the stairs with Nivedita.
When she felt the cold water running all over on her burnt hand she snapped back to her senses. She realized it was Dr. Aman gently holding her hand under the running water.
Aah..'
dhyaan kaha hai tumhara Ragini?", Dr. Aman asked as he turned off the tap and looked for a towel. She said nothing, her mind still lingered on his intense eyes that tried hard to convey something.
Tum yahi ruko mein first aid box lekar aata hun', Dr. Aman said and disappeared even before Ragini could object or argue.
A lone tear escaped her eyes as she tried to calm the uproar of emotions within her. She quietly made her way out to the garden away from everyone's eyes to be all by herself.
---
"I saw her going towards the garden', RK said and handed over the first aid box to Nachiket as soon as he returned from Nivedita's room.
Why are you giving it...", Nachiket stopped and not wanting to argue with RK just took the box from him and made his way towards to the garden.
---
Ragini wept all alone in the silent night, even the cool breeze did not help to soothe her pain. Suddenly she heard faint footsteps approaching her so she quickly wiped her tears and composed herself.
"Ragini"
"Aree mein bikul theek...", Ragini began answering even before she heard further. She was expecting Dr.Aman or RK looking for her but she was surprised to find Nachiket standing in front of her.
They both stood there in silence for what felt like eternity. Not once did the either blink then it was Ragini who just turned to walk away.
"Ruk jao Ragini", Nachiket held her wrist and stopped her. He made her sit down next to him on the giant swing overlooking the garden.
Without saying another word he squeezed out a little burnol and gently applied it on the burn on her hand. He blew softly as she winced with pain and said, "Dard hoga jab tak jalan hogi"
"Tumhe kya pata jalan se kaisa dard hota hai', she said
Nachiket smiled, Tumhe roz dekhta hu Dr.Aman ke saath. I know how it feels" he said sarcastically.
Ragini was taken aback. "A jealous rage indeed'', she thought.
Pushing her thoughts aside she answered, "Don't forget he is my husband Nachiket."
"Jhooth"
"Huh...what?"
"Jhooth bol rahi ho tum." He said and looked into her eyes but she looked away immediately and said, "I can't help it if you think so"
"Jab bhi mujhe Nivedita ke saath dekhti ho na, tumhe bhi dard hota hai, bilkul waise jaise is waqt ho raha hai... tumhe..." He paused and "...aur mujhe."
She remained silent even though she wanted to deny. The prevailing silence and her inability to speak up killed her. She stood up to leave when she heard him speak further, "Bhale 15 salo se tumse door raha hu Ragini, par tum mujhse aaj bhi jhooth nahi keh pati. I knew it from day one that you and Dr.Aman are not married."
She turned around to face him but before she could speak he continued, I was waiting for the wedding to get over and for you to come forward and tell me the truth. But I forgot, mein kisse expect kar raha tha, Ms.Ragini Patel se jo kabhi apna ego nahi chodegi?"
She had nothing to answer now but silence.
"Khair, ab jab shaadi ho chuki aur kal mein wapas US laut raha hu to socha ab poochlu, Tumne mujhse jhooth kyu kaha Ragini? Why did you say you are married to Dr.Aman?, Nachiket asked very seriously. His eyes looked sad and cheated.
After about half a minute's silence that Ragini took to absorb the news she said, "Tum wapas jaa rahe ho?"
She was stunned with the turn of events and more so with the news of him going back. She broke down and sank to her knees crying. Letting free all that was bottled up within her flow with her tears in front of her Man.
Anupamaa
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
