FF - Togetherness Again - Epilogue & A letter from NK Updated Page - Page 25

Originally posted by: ronitfan

Dinner date coming up!! =D

YAYY!!

I am so excited <3

Aww this feeling of falling in love.. you write SO WELL!!

THANK YOU!

Part 14 B

It was 6.55 PM and there was a polite knock at the door. Mrs.Malhotra got up and answered the door and she was not at all surprised to see Nachiket at the door. He was dressed in a rich black Tuxedo, his hair neatly combed back and a dazzling smile played on his lips. If there was something that brightened up his happy suave demeanor, it was his twinkling eyes reflecting his excitement perfectly. He held a bouquet of beautiful roses in his hands. In a very soft tone Nachiket said politely, these are for you aunty!' and handed her the bouquet.

'Thank you so much beta. Please come in and must say you are looking so handsome, reminded me of Dev Saab', Mrs.Malhotra said blushing slightly and laughed. Nachiket coyly smiled, ''Thank you, that's very sweet of you.'

She put the flowers in a vase and said, 'Ragini is getting ready, she must be here in a minute'

Nachiket sat on the couch, his eyes darting in the direction of Ragini's room expecting her to walk out any moment. Ranbir rushed out of his room when he heard Nachiket's voice, 'Hello!'

'Ready Champ?' Nachiket asked as he hugged Ranbir.

'Yes!'

The duo engaged in some talking and in a minute Ragini stepped out of her room. She wore a beautiful red and black georgette saree coupled with small studs appearing like buttons on her small ears and a delicate gold bracelet with little rings hanging from it. Adding to her simplicity was a gold chain that circled her slender neck and her straight hair left open cascading down her left shoulder. Her pale eyes darkened with kohl looked sensuous and her cheeks were a natural pink with the blush. Wrapped in the soft material she looked leaner and taller than she was.

'WOW', Nachiket unknowingly muttered under his breath.

Ragini caught his wow' and flushed further feeling more confident and lively. She felt happy to know that Nachiket noticed the efforts she'd taken to dress up for him. Soon she was joined by her mother in law. Ragini quickly glanced at Nachiket and was impressed with his ever so charming and sophisticated looks. She felt fluttery and nervous to be all alone with him for the dinner. Ranbir was to join, but then he was a kid and she'd never ever been out for a dinner with anyone else other than her family.

Nachiket was too occupied with Ragini's presence and did not notice Mr.Malhotra come and stand by him. He gently tapped on his shoulder and said, 'so, young man, ready to go?'

Nachiket was alarmed by his words and spoke incoherently, 'Go where?' Mrs.Malhotra laughed and gave a friendly hit on his shoulder and said, 'Dinner Son!'

Nachiket gaining back his composure spoke, 'Of course! Shall we take your leave?'

Mr.Malhotra nodded in approval as he spoke, 'yes please, we too have to leave for the temple'

Nachiket held Ranbir's hand and looked at Ragini and walked out. Ragini said a brief goodbye to her in-laws, who look very pleased and followed Nachiket.

***

'Ranbir, there is a gift for you behind, so hop in and check it out', Nachiket said and opened the rear door of his car for Ranbir to hop in. He shut the door and smiled when he heard an excited squeal from Ranbir who had found his favorite chocolates and a big toy robot waiting for him.

Ragini walked slowly taking small steps towards the car. The little ghungroos' on her sleeves of the blouse and the saree's pallu made a soft tinkling sound. Nachiket was completely mesmerized as if he was cast upon a magic spell. He admired her from a distance till she neared him and when she did he held the front door open for her to sit. His chivalry always moved her, she coyly smiled and sat inside the car without thinking anything. Nachiket sensed a lot of difference in her, not just the way she looked, the saree, the little makeup, the spectacles gone but also that she looked more comfortable and approachable. Her smile, her eyes were telling a different story altogether. He quickly took charge of driving and thanked god for bestowing a wonderful companion for this evening. He could not wait to say what he felt.

They drove in silence for a while stealing glances and smiling each time their eyes met. Nachiket checked on Ranbir through the rear view mirror and saw he was busy playing with his new toy. He cleared his throat and said, 'Ragini, you are looking gorgeous today! The saree suits you so well...' Even in the dark Nachiket could notice Ragini's cheeks turning crimson. She normally never received such complements, but this particular one was special. She bashfully smiled and mumbled a Thank you.

As he drove, she kept looking at him, his face looked so divine. She knotted her fingers and held them tight in her lap to suppress her urge to touch and feel his dimpled chin, his skin appearing so smooth. She looked away and counted to ten to steady her uneven breathing.

'I am flying to Mumbai for a meeting on Tuesday', Nachiket declared to kill the prevailing silence. Just hearing about Nachiket leaving disturbed her and she spoke in a dejected tone, 'Meeting? Is it compulsory for you to go?' Nachiket kept looking at her till she spoke further, 'I mean, can't you go on Wednesday? It's Ranbir's birthday on Tuesday'.

Nachiket was happy within to know that his presence and absence mattered to Ragini so much and that he was indeed a part of her family. He smiled, 'Oh, then I can't leave, shall take an early morning flight on Wednesday.'

Still not happy with the idea of Nachiket leaving Ragini quizzed, 'Why do you have to go?' Nachiket looked into her eyes and sensed her true concern and spoke softly, to come back and take along my life.' Ragini felt her eyes glistening; she took a deep breath and said to herself, 'Come back soon!'

***

Hotel Taj

'Ah!! Mr.Khanna, what a pleasure to have you with us Sir', the manager of the hotel said politely and shook hands. Ragini held Ranbir's hand firmly in hers and walked besides Nachiket. The manager smiled warmly at the mother son, Welcome mam!'

'This way...' he said and escorted the three to a private lounge in the restaurant section. Their table was set separately away from the other guests yet amidst them segregated by a big aquarium. The ambiance was serene and pleasing, dimly lit with candles. A young girl and a boy sang some melodious songs slowly setting the mood to perfection.

Nachiket helped Ranbir to sit on the elevated chair that was brought especially for him while Ragini was helped by the steward, who later excused himself and returned with glasses of water. The three were settled for a nice happy meal.

'Pasta? Haven't you eaten this morning for breakfast?', Ragini asked.

'Ragini let him eat what he wants.' Nachiket interrupted. He went through the menu to check for Pasta and smiled when he spotted it on the card. 'Wow! Shall we order Lasagna?'

'Yes'

'But Nachiket he won't be able to eat much and I don't like Pastas...' Ragini began to say, but was interrupted by Nachiket again, 'Oh don't worry, he can eat as much as he likes, we shall order it mild without much pepper'

The steward took orders and served some wine to Nachiket and a soft drink to Ragini. They were constantly laughing and giggling completely entertained by Ranbir; his endless talks, quirky comments and of course his unending list of questions.

'Mumma, Is this a family dinner?', Ranbir asked curiously. Nachiket was never surprised to see Ranbir ask some interesting questions. He watched him keenly as he continued, 'Ronit said, whenever his mumma, papa and his sister go for dinner, its family dinner, so today you and I are here with Nachiket uncle, is it still a family dinner?'

Both Nachiket and Ragini looked at each other and spoke together, 'Yes! It's a family dinner!'

'Wow! I'm going to tell Ronit that even I went for a family dinner', Ranbir said enthusiastically. Ranbir continued to chatter further, but neither Nachiket nor Ragini heard him as their eyes were arrested in a different conversation altogether. Ragini's eyes oozed longing for Nachiket and he could see it clearly in her crystal clear eyes.

Suddenly the silence was filled with the sound of claps that broke the spell that had them enchanted. The manager reluctantly came to their table and requested, 'Sir, we are celebrating our 10th anniversary today and we would be honored to have your participation and wishes.'

Nachiket humbly replied, 'Oh! Congratulations! It should be our pleasure to join you'.

'Sir, kindly do the honors of beginning the couple dance', the manager requested. Nachiket looked at Ragini for her approval. The manager politely requested Ragini, 'Please mam, it's a humble request'. Ragini smiled and nodded and looked at Ranbir. Understanding her worry the manager instantly spoke, don't you worry mam, we will take care of him.'

Nachiket stood up and smoothed his tuxedo. He went up to Ragini and held his hand out, ''May I?' Ragini slipped her hand into his and stood up gracefully and gave a dazzling smile.

The lights dimmed and a soft light focused on Nachiket and Ragini. Nachiket stood in front of her and his gaze set Ragini's heart racing. She could not tear her eyes from his. He bent slowly towards her and whispered, 'Stop looking at me like that, you'll fall in love with me'. Her eyes immediately lowered and she flushed.

A soft music began to play and Nachiket slipped his right hand around her waist while the other gently held her hand. Ragini reflexively let her left hand rest on his left shoulder and they began to sway.

'Nachiket I...' Ragini was stopped immediately by Nachiket. He had brought his finger to her lips and stopped her from saying anything. The lyrics played as if reading out Nachiket's mind.

Kuch na kaho, kuch bhi na kaho;
Kuch na kaho, kuch bhi na kaho

Kya kehna hai, kya sunna hai
Mujhko pata hai, tumko pata hai

Samay ka yeh pal tham sa gaya hai
Aur is pal mein koi nahin hai

Bas ek main hoon, bas ek tum ho
Kuch na kaho, kuch bhi na kaho


Nachiket slowly twirled her around holding her hand delicately and pulled her back to him gently, his hand sliding over her thin waist that held her firmly. Ragini lifted her eyes and looked into his. Their eyes remained locked all the time as they swayed slowly in a rhythm.

Kitne gehre halke, shyaam ke rang hai chhalke
Parvat se yun utre baadal, jaise aanchal dhalke

Aur is pal mein koi nahin hai
Bas ek main hoon, bas ek tum ho

Kuch na kaho, kuch bhi na kaho
Kuch na kaho, kuch bhi na kaho

Ragini moved her hand slowly from his shoulder and rested it on his heart. She could feel his heart beat faster than normal. She looked up to him briefly and slowly leaned over and rested her head to listen to them. She could hear it pounding loudly against his chest. Slowly she withdrew back and gently moved her palm over his heart in an attempt to slow it down, but Nachiket drew her closer to him reducing the distance between them. Ragini could feel his warm breath on her nape and his chin resting on her hair.

Sulgi sulgi saansein, baheki baheki dhadkan
Maheke maheke shyaam ke saaye, pighle pighle tan mann

Ragini gasped and had stopped breathing when she felt his lips pressing on her temple. His warm hand firmed on her as she clutched the lapels of his tux for support. She slowly opened her eyes to see Nachiket's eyes still fixed on her. His eyes dropped to her soft lips and back to her eyes. Ragini saw his eyes were flaming with desire and screaming his love for her.

Sulgi sulgi saansein, baheki baheki dhadkan
Maheke maheke shyaam ke saaye, pighle pighle tan mann

Aur is pal mein koi nahin hai
Bas ek main hoon, bas ek tum ho

Kuch na kaho, kuch bhi na kaho
Kya kehna hai, kya sunna hai
Mujhko pata hai, tumko pata hai
Samay ka yeh pal tham sa gaya hai

They danced like a magical couple who had descended from heaven. Though the world ceased to exist for them, but the other couples were all captivated to see them. They were like a poetry in motion, divine and pure.

Aur is pal mein koi nahin hai
Bas ek main hoon, bas ek tum ho

Kuch na kaho, kuch bhi na kaho...


There was a huge round of applause from the guests and the lights brightened the room again. The music ended and both Nachiket and Ragini snapped out of their beautiful moment of togetherness. She dropped her hand away from his shoulder and turned to stand beside him, but a ring from her bracelet got stuck on Nachiket's sleeves.

Nachiket carefully removed the little ring from his sleeves and said, 'See, even your bracelet doesn't want to leave me', and winked. Ragini bit her lip blushing crimson and smiled at him. They were complimented by the other guests for their dance and for being a lovely couple. Nachiket thanked everyone politely while Ragini preferred to stay silent. Nachiket congratulated the hotel staff and wished them luck for the future.

Both went back to the table and this time Ragini held his hand voluntarily. Nachiket had got all his answers for the evening from Ragini. He did not want to waste any moment further to speak of his love to her, to propose her, to ask her to be his forever. He decided to finish the dinner first and then speak.

Both ate dinner along with Ranbir joyously. Everything seemed picture perfect. Ranbir finished his Pasta and jumped down his chair and ran to the aquarium opposite. He was in awe of the colorful fishes. Some big, some small and some brightly colored captured his interest and he enjoyed admiring and watching them closely. Nachiket went up to him and stood there with him for a while sharing his interest. He helped him recognizing some of the fishes too.

Ragini watched them from a distance and looked contended and happy to see Nachiket and Ranbir together. They bonded so well and she prayed for it to last the same way. Ragini's thoughtful composure caught Nachiket's attention and he well knew what she was to speak then. Ranbir was indeed a part of her and now his life. He left Ranbir sitting comfortably on the chair near the aquarium and sat beside Ragini. He gently held her hand and said, ''I know what Ranbir is to you.' Ragini looked at him intently and wondered how this man read her mind. 'And honestly Ragini, he means the same to me what he means to you.' Ragini simply nodded and offered him the spoonful of ice cream they had ordered and said, 'Take this, I can't eat it further and it's melting!'' Both instantly broke into laughter and Nachiket ate the ice cream she offered. She slowly brought her hand up to his mouth and wiped out the ice cream on his lip with her finger earning a wink from him.

***

It was half past 10 and the streets looked deserted when they drove back to Sky Touch Apartments. Ranbir had drifted to sleep. A soft song played for a while, but Nachiket turned it off to not disturb Ranbir. He was about to begin talking but stopped when Ragini's phone rang. It was one of her colleagues who apologized profusely for disturbing her at the wrong time, which Nachiket guessed with the number of times Ragini said, 'Its okay, you're not disturbing''. It annoyed him and he mentally hated this lady for actually disturbing him. Unfortunately for Nachiket, her call did not end till they reached back home. He cut the engine and Ragini ended the call. Ranbir had woken up and Nachiket stepped out before her and turned to help Ranbir out. He immediately hopped out and ran towards the building without waiting for Ragini or even wishing Nachiket Goodnight and thanking him.

'Ranbir!', Ragini tried to stop, but he was gone. She knew the lift man would take him safely to her house and so she stepped out of the car without worrying.

Nachiket stood leaning against the hood of the car with his arms crossed. Ragini closed the door gingerly and looked up at him. Even though she knew what Nachiket wanted to say she wanted it to hear it from him. She'd seen him making several attempts through the evening, but was distracted sometimes by Ranbir, sometimes by a call and sometimes just out of excitement. She chuckled, recollecting his irritated reactions when the steward had interrupted. She did not realize he was watching her all the time.

'So, Thank you for the dinner and...', Ragini paused to look for the right words.

'... And?' Nachiket teased as he leaned closer.

'Goodnight Nachiket!' Ragini replied playfully and started walking towards the building.

'Ragini!', she heard Nachiket call out and gasped as she suddenly felt her saree being pulled. She closed her eyes and froze. Goose bumps plastered her bare hands as the cold wind blew her hair exposing her back. She breathed heavily and was rooted to her place with her eyes closed in the silent night. She could not muster courage to turn around and look back into Nachiket's eyes.

Nachiket slowly opened the car door and freed her saree pallu from it, Ragini swiftly turned around and saw Nachiket freeing it from the door and sighed. Nachiket took a step holding her pallu and wrapped it around her making her feel warm. Ragini had lowered her eyes and shivered when Nachiket lifted her chin gently. He tucked a hair strand hindering her eyes behind her ear and cupped her face. She opened her eyes and saw him looking at her intently.

Not breaking the eye contact, he carefully held her hand in his and brought it up and placed an eyelash of hers he'd picked up when he slid her hair back. Ragini looked at the tiny eyelash on her hand and smiled.

'Make a wish!', he said softly.

Ragini looked into his eyes and said, 'Hope all this is not a dream and it's true!' A lone tear escaped her eye and she threw herself into his arms and hugged him tight and repeated, 'Hope all this is not a dream Nachiket!'

Nachiket embraced her completely and held her close to him, very close to him, his hand cradling her head and said, 'No, Ragini it's not a dream. I promise.' He pressed a soft kiss on her forehead and hugged her back, It's not a dream.'

Ragini stayed secure engulfed in his arms and felt comforted. They stayed in the embrace of each other with only the soft wind blowing and their hearts talking.

Ragini lifted her head and moved back from him but her hands were still safely held in his. Nachiket took a deep breath and said, 'Ragini, I love...'' he stopped as they both heard a startling scream.

'Mummaaa', Ranbir screamed loudly from the balcony. Ragini dashed towards the building and turned back once and waved at Nachiket.

Nachiket waved back to her and stood there till he saw her disappear into the elevator.

To be contd..

PS: Kuch Na kaho...Kuch bhi na kaho...is a beautiful song from 1942, A love story. It's sung by Kumar Sanu. Lata Mageshkar has sung the female version. Both of them are very very good.
Am sure a lot of you must have heard it but for those who haven't

Here is the link to Kumar Sanu's rendition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTBCwK9g7xY

Please do listen to Lata Mangeshkar's rendition too...she is marvelous!!

Here is the link to it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqXCw9T9Wu0

Originally posted by: shabz50

What a start to Eid thank u soo much.

Loved the dinner they are just made for each other hope they are together very soon forever

Originally posted by: iamcurious

😆 😆 this is worrying me now Rachna. You do know fainting indicates something? 😛

Originally posted by: poetic

Very funny ... but need to calm down

Finally the dinner date ...

Originally posted by: iamcurious

I meant weak at heart ok...aap kuch aur sochne kyu lage? :P

Take your time my love 😆