FF - Togetherness Again - Epilogue & A letter from NK Updated Page - Page 27

'Sleep baby!', Ragini tucked Ranbir into bed and gently caressed his head till he drifted to sleep again. She went to her room and changed into her night clothes. It was half past eleven, but she wasn't sleepy at all. She picked one of her favorite books and settled down on her bed with it and began to read, but was constantly distracted by Nachiket's thoughts.

'It's not a dream I promise...' Nachiket's words echoed in her ears. She shut her book and leaned on the pillows, completely lost in the memories of the amazing evening she spent with Nachiket. She had never felt this desired and admired by anyone as much she felt today. All the time she unknowingly twisted and played with a hair strand a residual smile played on her lips each time Nachiket's words crossed her mind.

***

Nachiket tossed and turned as he lay sleepless on his giant bed. Unable to sleep, he got up and stepped out into his balcony feeling the cool air. He looked up at the shining moon and laughed recollecting his half said words to Ragini. He was just about to confess his love when Ranbir called out.

'Actually, I'd rather do this differently!', Nachiket murmured to himself and hurried back to his room. He pulled out a pullover from the closet and grabbed his car keys before he dashed out of his apartment. After having picked up certain things, in no time he reached Ragini's apartment.

***

It was about half past one and suddenly Ragini's phone buzzed to life.

She picked up her phone and read the text message she received from Nachiket. It read Good Night! And...'

Ragini chuckled reading his message and replied 'And...?' She was suddenly feeling like a college going teenager while replying to his text messages but there was a different kind of joy she was experiencing in it.

After almost half a minute her phone buzzed to life again flashing Nachiket's name as the sender of yet another text message. She blushed reading the message that read, You are still up? Thinking about me?'

Finding all this very funny and unrealistic she laughed again. She did not want to reply further and so put her phone aside, but unable to sustain her curiosity, she replied back, 'And...?'

Nachiket smiled reading her message. He looked around him and checked once last again for all the efforts he'd taken in a short time and was hoping that no one was wide awake at this hour peeking out of any window. He replied, 'Step out onto your balcony and look down...'

Ragini read the message and squealed in surprise, she jumped out of her bed, throwing the duvet aside. She ignored the slippers below her feet and ran bare footed to the balcony door. She slowly slid the door open, letting the cool wind inside. She shivered as she took tiny steps on the cold floor towards the railing. She clutched the cold railing and leaned a little to catch a glimpse of the view below. She gasped in astonishment as she could not believe what she saw.
Nachiket had lit 100s of candles that read I ❤️ U. He stood proudly with both his hands on his hips inside the little heart. He was looking up in the direction of her balcony. He definitely could not figure out her expressions, but was certain that he had amazed her. The sparkling and shining candles glowed in the dark and not one candle was blown out, the wind had suddenly mellowed and the sight looked beautiful from the 20th floor, where she stood and saw.

Her eyes sparkled with the reflection of all the lit candles and brimmed with tears blurring the breathtaking sight in front of her eyes. Her phone buzzed once again and she rushed to answer the call. She answered on the second ring but remained silent, letting her uneven breath and loudly pounding heart do the talking.

'I knew you'd not sleep!' Nachiket said softly into the phone. He heard nothing from her except her breathing and her heartbeats.

'Won't you say anything Ragini?', Nachiket whispered.

Ragini was too overwhelmed and was lost for words with Nachiket's confession of love and that too in the most unexpected way. She'd seen this in movies and read this in books but had never ever expected someone to do all this for her. She blushed as she looked at those glowing candles once again and tried hard to say something but was tongue tied.

'Am waiting Ragini!', Nachiket said softly urging her to say something. He knew she was amazed and too thrilled to speak anything as her silence spoke about it, but he wished to hear it from her.

Gaining control over her flurry of emotions Ragini spoke, 'Good Night Nachiket!' her voice laced with joy and contentment. He knew she was smiling as he could sense that from the tone of her voice. She suppressed her smile and said, 'Got an early day tomorrow...You too need some sleep after tiring yourself by doing something this beautiful. Good night'.

Nachiket laughed a little and said, 'Alright! Good night!' and hung up. He was convinced his efforts had hit the right chord in her heart. He did not have the heart to blow away the candles that were depicting his burning desire and love for Ragini but understanding that it's not his dreamland, but a residential apartment, he blew out the candles and collected them emptying the premises, leaving a trail of his love in the form of melted wax. He dumped them in the bin and turned one last time to catch a glimpse of his lady love standing 20 floors above waving at him happily.

He waved back at her and drove off smiling and humming a song cheerfully. He'd finally confessed his feelings for her and felt very ecstatic about it.

The mystical sight remained captured in Ragini's thoughts all the time till she drifted to sleep in the wee hours of the morning.

She woke up to a bright morning and a smiled appeared instantly on her lips as she recollected the late night incident. She remembered every bit if it and was certain that it wasn't any dream, but was nothing less compared to a fairy tale.

She pushed herself out of bed and got dressed for work and engaged herself in her daily chores lined up one after another which started with waking up Ranbir for school.

After finishing all her work she hurriedly packed her lunch and grabbed her handbag and said, 'Mummyji, I'll finish all the remaining arrangements for the birthday today after work. So I'll be home a little late.'

'Okay beta just be careful and slow. Don't stress so much.' Mrs. Gill said.

Ragini hugged her and closed the door behind her. She took the elevator and reached the ground floor quickly and was sprinting towards the parking when her eyes fell on the traces of wax in the same place where Nachiket had lit 100s of candles for her. She glanced at it sideways and smiled but soon ran to her car as she was running late and drove off.

***

Kapoor Industries

'Rosy, I suppose you have shortlisted the names of the candidates?' , Nachiket asked Rosy over the intercom. He was up early in the morning and reached his office to finalize a candidate to handle his business in the other states of South India.

Rosy had shortlisted three candidates suiting best to the profile and arranged for a meeting with them immediately as per Nachiket's instructions. Nachiket's business was fast expanding and he needed potential candidates to shoulder his responsibility.

After a brief meeting with each, Nachiket took some time off to finish his other pending work he had to wind up before he left for Mumbai.

'Oops! I forgot to inform Rosy about the change in my travel plan', Nachiket said to himself and immediately picked the intercom and hit extension number to Rosy's desk.

'Yes Sir,' Rosy answered politely.

'Could you please come in and note down a letter', Nachiket said.

Rosy promptly arrived to his cabin within minutes and stood in front of him with the notepad and pen to jot down Nachiket's notes.

'Rosy, I want you to cancel my ticket to Mumbai for Tuesday and book me on an early morning flight on Wednesday.' Nachiket said.

'Okay Sir!'

'Good', Nachiket said and continued to flip through the pages of the file when he realized Rosy still stood there. He looked up and asked her, Yes?'

'Sir, you told me to write down a letter?' Rosy answered a little confused.

Nachiket recollected that he had to respond to a mail and politely apologized for forgetting about it, 'Sorry, yes, please write down.'

Nachiket rattled out words and Rosy noted them quickly. She was very efficient and knew well to keep pace with her boss. She finished writing the entire letter as dictated by Nachiket and excused herself. Nachiket put his head back on the chair and relaxed for a while. He ran his fingers through his silky hair thinking about his last night's adventure. He laughed as he imagined Ragini's dumbfound expression and her blush.

Rosy knocked gently on the door and entered when she heard, Come In'

Nachiket was still lost in his thoughts and did not notice Rosy's presence.

'Sir, the contact person is Ms. Ragini Shah?', Rosy asked and her voice filled the room. Nachiket heard her voice and only caught the name Ragini'. He immediately answered back, Its, Ragini Patel'

Rosy was confused with his answer as the signed copy of the contract reads Ragini Shah. She hesitantly asked him again to verify, 'Sir...It's Ragini Shah as per the signature here and moreover I don't remember any Ragini Patel sir'.

Nachiket did not answer till Rosy cleared her throat and asked a little louder to gain Nachiket's attention, 'Sir!?' Nachiket suddenly jerked and looked in Rosy's direction. He flushed and composed himself and said, Sorry, What did you ask?'

Rosy suppressed her smile and was surprised to see her boss' love struck expressions and asked innocently, Is the contact person Ms. Ragini Patel stressing on Patel. Nachiket looked up suddenly and gave her a cold stare. Rosy nervously asked further , Or is it Ragini Shah?'

Looking at Rosy's serious face Nachiket broke into laughter and said, Its Ms. Ragini Shah'. Rosy nodded and smiled at Nachiket before she turned to return to her desk when Nachiket stopped her, Rosy any meetings lined up for today?'

Rosy gave a pleasant smile and said, Nothing really important, I'll manage the schedule'. Nachiket stood up and grabbed his suit and said, Thanks sweetheart!' and winked at her before he dashed out of the office.

Rosy charmed by Nachiket giggled and went back to her desk to rearrange Nachiket's schedule as promised.

****

Nilgiris Cake Shop, Bangalore

'Mam, any message you want on the cake?', the young boy at the counter asked.

'Yes, Happy Birthday Ranbir.' Ragini answered politely and said further, when should I come and collect the cake tomorrow?'

'Around 6.30'

'Oh great, I'll collect it myself and how much do I pay now?' Ragini asked.

'It's four hundred as advance payment and four hundred on delivery', the boy replied. She smiled and turned to join the line for making the payment. She stopped and turned as something caught her attention. She saw a delicious caked that was ready with, 'Happy birthday N' written on it. She hit her head, and muttered something to herself before she turned away and joined the line to make the payment.

Ragini stepped out of the shop and headed to her car in the parking. She took out the little to do list she'd made for Ranbir's birthday.

'Balloons and ribbons - checked'

'Snacks and cold drinks -Checked'

'Cake - Checked'

'Return Gifts -Oh yes...return gifts are remaining'.

She mentally made a note of other things she wanted to pick from the mall and drove towards the Forum Value Mall.

***

Forum Value Mall, Bangalore

Ragini pulled up into the parking of the mall and stepped out of the car. Recollecting the list once again, she began walking towards the entrance of the mall passing rows and rows of cars parked while she put the keys into the purse.

'Yes...I will look into the matter, Ms.Shah', she heard Nachiket's voice. She turned around to confirm and saw Nachiket standing near his car. He looked relaxed, perhaps looked like he was taking a break after a hectic day. His shirt's sleeves rolled up, his tie not in place and first two buttons undone. He had his phone in one hand and a lighted cigarette in the other. He took a puff of the cigarette and pushed his hair up.

The sight was enough to provoke Ragini. She was fuming with anger when she saw him smoking and hurried to him quickly taking large steps at a time. She stood in front of Nachiket and snatched the cigarette from his hand and threw it on the ground with disgust. Nachiket was stunned to see Ragini, I'll call you back'; he said and disconnected the call. He was gaping at Ragini and looked guilty like a child who was caught copying in an examination. Ragini glared at him and stomped off immediately.

Nachiket caught Ragini's wrist instantly and stammered, 'I...I...I am really sorry Ragini.'
Ragini tried to free her hand from Nachiket's and said, 'Nachiket, please leave my hand, I don't want to talk to you'. She managed to free her hand and began walking swiftly. Nachiket jogged to keep pace with her and walked besides her pleading,' Ragini...I am really sorry! I...I wasn't smoking...'

Ragini stopped on her way and looked at him and snapped, You don't think I am blind right? Or did your flute that you were playing turned into a cigarette when it saw me?' Getting no answer from Nachiket she continued walking again.

Nachiket punched his hand to the palm of other hand in frustration and sighed as he was truly guilty and repented about it. He followed her again completely determined to apologize and said, 'I promise I won't smoke again. Please...give me one last chance Ragini'.

Ragini just looked at him in disapproval and entered the mall and strode to the elevator. Nachiket followed her, but missed the elevator and took the stairs immediately. Ragini saw him taking the stairs and giggled to see him making efforts to apologize to her.

She soon retained her stern look and did not show any signs of forgiving him. She stepped out on the 1st Floor and pulled a trolley before heading towards the first section. Nachiket came running from behind and followed her to stop her, 'Ragini, listen to me please!'

Ragini stopped and crossed her arms, 'What is it Nachiket?'

Nachiket looked at her cute face, her eyes fierce and instead of apologizing he said, I did not hear from you after last night?'

Ragini smiled instantly and immediately turned away to hide her smile and spoke a little angrily, 'I suppose you were to apologize?'

Nachiket bit his tongue and innocently said, 'Oh, yes!' but he did notice the smile that appeared instantly on her face.

Ragini raised her eyebrow and said curtly, 'So you first need to convince me that why I should forgive you and then expect any reply from me'.

Ragini went about collecting things from her list one after another, but also kept an eye on Nachiket. He wasn't seen for a while so she was a little disappointed. She turned around to look behind the 2nd row but did not find him even there. Slowly she turned back and got scared when Nachiket suddenly appeared in front of him with a big Sorry Card' that he bought from the card and gifts section. He opened it and held it for Ragini to read.

'I know I've hurt you and I wish I could undo the wrong, but I promise I won't repeat it again'

She read it and took it from him and put in the trolley and said, 'You promised me last time too Nachiket. How can I believe you won't repeat it again?'

Nachiket felt a little dejected as he was not successful in convincing Ragini but he did not give up, he was determined to do anything to apologize and convince her that he'd not do it again. He thought hard and in the mean time Ragini picked up some grocery and other household items. She looked at him from the corner of her eye once again and took the elevator to the next floor.

Nachiket followed her to the next floor and spotted her at the toy section. He walked up to her but, there were a lot of people around so he could not speak anything to her. He quietly stood by her helping her pick up the Rubik's cubes as one of the return gifts. He pleaded her through his eyes, but in vain.

She glanced through some of the books and color books and picked up a couple of them for Ranbir. Nachiket picked up a teddy with a sorry' tag and quietly placed it in Ragini's trolley. Nachiket looked at Ragini expectantly, but she put it back on the rack and dismissed his plea.

They both walked in silence to the counter for billing for toys. Nachiket waited all the while silently beside her, but was distracted by a tap on his shoulder, Sir, you left behind your pen after signing the credit card statement sometime back.'

Nachiket took the pen from him and said, 'Oh yes! Thank you'.

Ragini heard this and looked at Nachiket and asked surprisingly, 'Toys?'

Nachiket nodded and said, 'Yes, for someone special!'

'Mam, your card, please sign here', the cashier said. Nachiket immediately offered Ragini his pen to sign. While he tapped his fingers on the counter table and waited for Ragini to finish paying he noticed a pack of cigarettes on the edge of the counter. He slowly picked it up from the counter and asked, You boys are so young and you smoke?'

The boys at the counter looked at one another nervously and looked down. Ragini watched Nachiket as he spoke further, I too am addicted, but trust me it's not a good thing for health. Even a single cigarette is injurious to health. I know being a smoker myself, I have no rights to talk about all this but when I look at you, I realise that tomorrow when my son will be of your age and he would take to smoking, then I won't be able to stop him as I will be one of the many he would look up to and learn such things from'

The boys looked sorry and so did Nachiket, he looked at Ragini who was smiling and looking at him in admiration and said, I am quitting smoking today for my son and I want you to do it too for your parents'

The boys nodded and said together, We promise Sir, we won't smoke henceforth. Not a single cigarette!! One of the boys took the pack from Nachiket's hands and discarded into the dustbin. Nachiket and Ragini smiled and wished them luck and picked up the bags that were packed and turned to exit.

Ragini was deeply moved and convinced with Nachiket and was sure that she would never have to fight with Nachiket over smoking again. He had finally managed to convince her, but she remained tight lipped about it.

Nachiket noticed that Ragini was not that upset and had given up on her anger and so he helped her with the other purchases without bothering her much. Ragini was fascinated to see Nachiket moving about the mall and picking vegetables, noodles and sauces as per the list. She had never seen him participative in something as common as shopping for daily life needs. Nachiket noticed her admiring him and turning cold again when he tried to speak to her.

Together they finish the shopping and headed to the parking lot. Nachiket helped her carrying the bulky bags to her car. She opened the back seat and dumped her bags and held it open for Nachiket to put the remaining bags away.

She shut the door and turned to look at Nachiket dusting his hands and his shirt and said, 'Umm...Thanks for all the help.'

'You're most welcome', Nachiket replied courteously.

Ragini turned to open the driver's door, but Nachiket grabbed her hand and said, 'I am genuinely very sorry Ragini. I promise that I'll never hurt you and break my promise. I swear on me...' Ragini put her hand on his mouth and stopped him. She knew Nachiket was serious and would never break his promise to her. Every word that he spoke to the boys was real and she was proud of him.

'I know you are sorry and I also know that you will keep up your word this time. I am just worried about your health and...' she paused.

Nachiket's eyes captured hers and both exchanged concern for one another. Nachiket's gaze was magnetic and it was always difficult for Ragini to look away from his eyes.

You are in love with me Ragini', Nachiket said confidently. Ragini snapped out of her thoughts and blushed. She hurriedly turned away to escape his eyes, but Nachiket caught her wrist and twisted it behind her back and pinned her to the car. Ragini took a shallow breath and looked down to avoid Nachiket's piercing eyes on her. He stood very close to her and rested his other hand on the car top beside her, his shoulder covering her completely and asked, 'So can I expect a reply now?'

Not getting any response from Ragini except her cheeks turning pink and a soft smile on her lips, he tightened his grip on her hand and said, 'I won't let you go unless I get a reply from you.'

Ragini slowly lifted her eyes to meet Nachiket's. She had to look up a little more than usual to meet his eyes as Nachiket stood very close to her and also she being shorter to Nachiket by a good two inches made her lift her head high. She cleared her throat and spoke with a slight attitude, 'You haven't posed any question to me as yet Mr. so how can you expect me to reply?'

Nachiket laughed as he understood what Ragini was getting to. He leaned a little closer to her and Ragini squirmed as he neared her closing the distance between the two. She shut her eyes and could smell his cologne and feel his warm breath. His hair brushed her cheek and she instantly turned her face to avoid the tickling it caused.

'Shall I pose the question right away?' he whispered softly in her ears. He slowly distanced himself from her and watched her closely. From the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest, he guessed her heart to be beating faster than normal. Suddenly Ragini felt the grip on her hand loosen up and she immediately opened her eyes.

Nachiket stood a little away from her with his arms crossed. Ragini looked confused and so Nachiket pointed his thumb towards a gentleman approaching towards the car parked right beside Ragini's.

'Mam, after you', the gentleman said.

Ragini bit her lip to avoid laughing looking at Nachiket's irritated looks. He looked very upset for that man had spoilt his moment. Ragini sat into her car and ignited the engine. She rolled down the glass and looked at Nachiket and said, See you tomorrow at 7. We all shall await your gracious presence'. She winked at him and waved at him as she drove off.

The last sentence brought a big smile on Nachiket's face. He saw her driving away and walked to his car waiting for him in the other direction.

***

Mr.Gill answered the door and helped Ragini with all the bags she was carrying. She put them on the couch and collapsed alongside taking a deep breath. Ranbir came running to her from his room and hugged her. Looking at so many things he asked excitedly, All this is for me mamma?'

Ragini planted a kiss on his cheek and said, 'Yes, baby, all yours!'

Ranbir grabbed a couple of bags and opened them one after another. He could not contain his excitement as he opened one bag after another.

'Papaji where is mummyji?', Ragini asked Mr.Gill.

'She is in the room. Gossiping!' he said and winked.

Ragini laughed with her father - in- law and got up to go meet her. She wanted to inform her about the party arrangements.

She found the door open and was about to knock but she unintentionally stood there listening to her mother-in-law speak to someone about some random person.

'After the guy betrayed her and after all that happened to the girl and her parents, marriage was least expected... but I'm glad the elder brother stepped in and stood up for the family. I guess marrying her was the best he could do.

Ragini was still listening to her, but finding it to be nothing of her concern she thought to come back later, but her mother-in-laws further words rooted her to the spot.

'I know Lajjoji, at least he made up for all the guilt. His concern and sympathies gave new life to the girl. I just hope this compromise will eventually lead the two to fall in love and live happily. God bless her...

Ragini was stunned to listen to all that her mother in law spoke. 'Guilt, concern, sympathies...' the words echoed in her ears loudly and she took small steps backward till she her back hit the wall. Tears rolled down her eyes silently and Ragini suddenly felt that some bitter reality hit her hard and her dreams shattered.

To be contd...

Originally posted by: poetic

I didn't faint.

But when you will write the other one

Originally posted by: iamcurious

😆 it wasn't faint worthy it seems. I will certainly write the other one...am sorry am just giving false promises and not doing it but just too occupied with certain things.

Hope you are well. Missed you folks! 😃