FF - Togetherness Again - Epilogue & A letter from NK Updated Page - Page 28

Part 16

Ragini quickly wiped her tears and rushed to her room and locked herself. She was too disconnected with her heart and shattered at that moment to face anyone or hide her emotions.

'I know at least he made up for all the guilt. His concern and sympathies gave new life to the girl...', Ragini remembered Mrs Gill's words. She was stunned to react and sat like a statue on her bed. Her hands and feet turned cold and her eyes wept.

'Stop it Ragini! What is wrong with you?' She heard a voice. Ragini looked up startled and was surprised to see her own reflection standing in front of her. She carefully noticed the blur image for a minute and then ignored it in frustration as it remained still until she heard the voice again, You can't be thinking about Nachiket that way.'

She looked up again in the direction of the voice and her forehead creased in confusion. She was hallucinating she knew, but her reflection refused to leave. Despair and hatred filled her as she rubbed her eyes but she heard the voice again, 'Nachiket loves you Ragini!'

'No!' Ragini screamed.

She cringed and cried louder again, No! It's always Ragini who loved Nachiket... back then and even today it's Ragini who loves Nachiket. She sobbed hiding her face in her palms.

'For god's sake open your eyes Ragini, Nachiket...Nachiket is doing all this because he loves you...back then and even now, he truly does!' the voice spoke to Ragini.

Ragini laughed sarcastically and said, 'Yes he does, even today he does but only as a friend! He told me that...'Ragini I've always loved you as a friend but nothing more than that...'

'No Ragini...His eyes...his eyes can't be wrong? And...'

'Yeah right...it's not him but I am wrong', Ragini interrupted and stood up to look at the reflection and said and it's all because of you!'

'Me?'

'Yes, you...I am wrong because I always thought about Nachiket only from my heart,' she said pointing at her heart. Four years back, I mistook his friendship for love and let him break my heart where I nurtured love for him every single day. He crushed my feelings so easily but I loved him so much that I could never hate him', she paused.

She turned away and clutched the edges of her study table and spoke further, 'And today, I again mistook his concern and sympathy for me as love. I was a fool, who did not understand that all this was care and affection that Nachiket showed me as a friend and nothing more. I let him evoke all the buried feelings in my heart for him and call it Love again.' She shut her eyes tightly letting the tears trickle down that clouded her eyes.

She turned around angrily and said, 'And you know WHY I made this mistake? Because I listened to you...I listened to my heart!'

'Then ask your heart, Why the midnight promise that all this was a not a dream but truth, the burning candles speaking his love and those eyes screaming love in the party? What is it, if not love?', The voice asked Ragini loudly.

'It's not love! It's his sympathy...his...his concern for me', Ragini answered in disgust.

'Concern and sympathy? What Sympathy are you talking about? And why would Nachiket sympathize with you? What more does the man have to do to prove his love for you? The voice asked Ragini in disbelief.

'Because he is guilty!', Ragini declared and collapsed on the ground.

'Guilty for what?' The voice questioned loudly.

'He is guilty because HE broke my heart. He is guilty because I am Mrs. Gill, wife of late Aman Malhotra today because of him. HE is guilty that my life is nothing but a punishment which I am living with the only hope Ranbir, who is NOT my son', she said and slid on the ground and cried harder. She trembled as she wept uncontrollably holding her knees and burying her head further. She let her tears flow to wash out all the pain that emerged in her heart and calm her uproar of emotions.

She slowly calmed and raised her head to see in the direction of the reflection that looked back at her helplessly. Ragini's eyes had swollen and she struggled to breathe. With teary eyes she said, 'And if you say that he truly loves me, then tell me WHY did he deny his love for me when I dared to speak my heart out? Why did he feel bad to be the one to break my heart? WHY did he say that he did not want me to have any false hopes and that he could never reciprocate what I felt for him?'

She gathered herself up slowly off the cold ground and with a hint of sarcasm, After five years, Nachiket Khanna has all the love for no one else but me, Mrs.Ragini Malhotra who brings up her husband's child...? It's the sympathy' which Nachiket calls it love and YOU call it love...not me, not my mind at least who lives in the society, in the world that calls it Sympathy!', Ragini said firmly to the voice, to Ragini's heart that stood there as her reflection in front of her. Ragini remained there in silence for a while, wiped her tears and walked away shutting the door behind her.

'Ragini listen to me please...' The voice pleaded to the figure that left it alone behind the closed doors.

****

That night Ragini never returned to her room. She avoided returning intentionally as she did not want to indulge in yet another battle of her heart and mind. She sat beside Ranbir all night patting him to sleep, thinking about him and how his presence mattered to her the most than anything else.

It was early morning and Ragini felt a pair of warm hands cupping her face. She slowly opened her eyes to see Ranbir smiling at her warmly. She immediately drew him closer and embraced him. Kissing him on his forehead she said lovingly, 'A very happy birthday to you my darling! God bless you baby'. She kept him enveloped in her arms for a long time till Ranbir spoke, 'Mumma, you did not sleep in your room yesterday?'

'No, Mumma wanted to be the first one to wish you on your birthday so she slept besides you', Ragini said truthfully. She tickled and played with Ranbir like she did every morning. Her world was so incomplete without him she thought. She was disappointed with herself that instead of being thankful to god for giving her Ranbir she complained for him being unfair with her. She dismissed all the thoughts and mentally made a note to make her son's day the most memorable one.

'You know Mumma I'm very excited for one gift today!', Ranbir said enthusiastically. Ragini put him down from her lap and began to tidy his bed and collected the dirty clothes that were thrown in the laundry bin. She put some toothpaste on his brush and brought it for him and asked, 'Which gift?'

'Nachiket uncle said he has something very special for me.' Ragini looked disheartened just at the mention of Nachiket's name. She suddenly felt distanced from him and his thoughts but she did not want her thoughts and confusion to affect Ranbir anyway. She smiled and said, 'That's nice! Don't forget to thank him for the gift alright?'

'Yes Mumma', Ranbir replied and disappeared into the washroom to brush and bathe and be ready for school.

Ragini quickly freshened up and began her daily chores that were lined up. She prepared breakfast for everyone and laid it on the table one after another. Mrs. Malhotra joined her in the kitchen but like every day morning she wasn't greeted by Ragini. She noticed Ragini's tired face and puffy eyes. She looked pale and disoriented. She guessed her to be upset over something.

'Ragini...What's the matter? Didn't you sleep well beta?', Mrs. Malhotra asked Ragini gently keeping her hand on her shoulder.

'Nothing mummiji, was just too tired yesterday so couldn't sleep properly', Ragini said softly as she chopped the onions. She avoided looking at her all the time and tried to behave normal.

Mrs. Malhotra was not convinced but considering it to be Ranbir's Birthday and the preparations that kept her busy she did not ask her further. Ragini noticed her silence when she turned to look at her. To avoid raising any doubts she took her a cup of tea and faked a smile and said, 'I am fine mummyji...please don't worry'. She kept her hand on hers to reassure before she went out to join Ranbir for breakfast and then drop him to school.

****

'Nachiket!', Karan called out while he stood at the door to Nachiket's cabin. Nachiket looked up immediately and said, Hey Karan, come on in man. You don't need permissions to come in .

Karan smiled and entered his cabin and took a seat opposite to him beside a gentleman who was already there in the cabin before he came.

'Mr.Agarwal, this is beautiful! You've brought the best design and exactly the kind I wanted', Nachiket said happily looking at the diamond studded delicate ring that he held and put it back into the velvet box.

'My pleasure sir, I am glad I could offer you something that suits you and your grandeur and I am sure this ring will gain more worth when it fits perfectly on the finger of the lady who shall own it.

'Of course! The ring is for a fine lady who is priceless!!', Nachiket said softly and smiled.

Karan was awestruck at what he'd witnessed. He was pleased to see Nachiket happy and knew that finally life was being kind to him and his friend had found his happiness.

'Please collect your cheque from my secretary and thank you once again for delivering this in such a short notice Mr.Agarwal', Nachiket said and shook hands with the gentleman before he left. His eyes were shining and he did not say anything further but kept the little box with the ring in front of Karan on the table.

Karan picked it up and admired it while he teased, 'So Mr. Khanna is preparing for THE proposal?'

Nachiket laughed at Karan and said, 'Yes! I can't wait anymore to make Ragini mine forever Karan. I've waited too long and now I don't want to waste any more time...tonight I am proposing her to marry me.'

Karan shut the box and returned it to Nachiket and said confidently, 'All the best my friend and I am sure this togetherness again is to last for life...

'Thanks Buddy', Nachiket pleasantly and looked at the ring once again. He couldn't wait for it to be evening already and make this day a memorable one for him, Ragini and of course Ranbir.

***

'Ragini hand me the scissors please', Dimpy said while she held the ribbon's edge against the wall. Ragini promptly handed her the scissors and continued blowing up the balloons.

'Thanks for all the help Dimpy, It's very nice of you to come over and help...It would have been difficult for me to handle all this alone', Ragini said.

Dimpy jumped off the stool and dusted her hands and sat beside Ragini and said, 'Well...you are most welcome. But am sure henceforth it's not going to be hard, you'll have someone to help you,' she whispered and nudged her elbow.

Ragini faked a smile and said, 'Umm...Dimpy, why don't you taste the Biryani I made?' Anyways we are done decorating the hall enough and I will leave these balloons just here for the children to play'.

Dimpy noticed Ragini change the topic for the third time since she'd come. She held her hand and inquired in a serious tone, 'Is everything alright Ragini?'

Ragini looked into Dimpy's questioning eyes. She was too tempted to pour her heart out to Dimpy and ask her help to overcome the confusion that dwelled in her mind but refrained from doing it as she knew she would get biased opinion from her as she was Nachiket's friend too.

'What is it Ragini? You can talk to me, Dimpy assured Ragini once again.

Dimpy, will denying something offered by a friend who has been very kind, concerned and compassionate mean being egoistic and thankless?' Ragini asked suddenly.

Dimpy was flabbergasted with her question and was confused as she wasn't able to relate it to anyone in particular but Ragini's eyes were demanding an honest reply from her. She did not cross question her to understand or know anything about the friend she was referring to instead she smiled and very honestly replied, No Ragini, it doesn't mean being thankless or egoistic. It would just mean that you are attempting to protect your self-respect which you don't want it to be hurt, even indirectly. But Ragini am sure this friend of yours has no intentions of doing anything that would hurt you. It may genuinely be out of respect and admiration and not out of concern or compassion.'

Dimpy's words led Ragini into her thoughts again. She felt Dimpy was voicing exactly what her heart felt but she was still not convinced. She sighed and dismissed her thoughts. She excused herself and went to make a call leaving Dimpy in confusion.

Dimpy's fear was put to rest when she had a word with Karan who sounded ecstatic after he met Nachiket and updated her about the proposal. She ignored Ragini's worry to be about some random person and went about helping Mrs. Malhotra.

****

Nachiket's room was a big mess as his clothes lay strewn all over his bed. He kept pulling out suits after suits from his closet and threw them aside.

'Even this is not so good', Nachiket said to himself when he looked at his reflection in the mirror holding a grey suit closer to him ...and this' he checked the Black one of a smooth fabric.

Nachiket's phone buzzed to life and distracted him. He put aside both the suits and tousled his wet hair as he went to pick up the phone that was kept on the bed side table.

'Hello', Nachiket answered.

'Good evening sir, Rosy here', Nachiket's secretary spoke on the phone.

'Yes Rosy!'

'Sir, I called to remind you that you are to fly to Mumbai tomorrow. Your flight departs at 8 in the morning.' Rosy said politely.

'Oh yes, thank you so much dear. And I have to collect my tickets from?' Nachiket asked

'From your driver Sir', she said.

'Perfect! Ok...err...Rosy wait a minute', Nachiket spoke hurriedly to stop Rosy from hanging up the call.

'Yes Sir?'

'Rosy, umm...I thought I'll take your help...Black or Grey suit?' Nachiket asked a little hesitantly.

Rosy giggled and said, 'Sir, you look handsome and charming in any color but Black makes you look...umm...' she paused for a word.

'Got you Rosy, thanks for the help!', Nachiket said and hung up the call. He blushed, trying to interpret the word Rosy couldn't say it directly and quickly changed into the black suit. Once done, he looked at his reflection in the mirror holding the ring in his hand. He smiled and put it safely in the B**** pocket of his suit and turned to leave.

***

Ragini's apartment was soon filled with chattering and laughter as Ranbir's friends turned up one after another. All his classmates from school and his friends from the building and the neighborhood were present. Dimpy had arrived early to help and the other guests arrived too.

Mr and Mrs.Malhotra warmly welcomed the guests - Mr. Singh and his parents, Mr. Gupta and others. Ranbir was very cheerful, enjoying all the attention on his birthday and was excited to see everyone bring him some interesting gifts. Though he was enjoying the company of his friends he was looking forward to meet Nachiket. He was waiting anxiously for the gift he had promised.

The hall was nicely decorated with ribbons and lots of balloons. A big thermocol Micky Mouse holding a Happy Birthday Ranbir' board was stuck on the wall. The room looked bright and colorful. Arrangements for the elders were made in the terrace of the flat while the children played indoors.

Ragini looked around and noticed that almost everyone who was invited was present except Nachiket. She looked at the clock on the wall and the door a couple of times. Dimpy did notice this and went to her and said, On his way!'

'What?' Ragini asked, amused.

'Karan, he is on his way... must be here in some time', Dimpy lied.

Ragini nodded and yet again looked at the door, but she was conscious as she saw Dimpy watching her. She went and brought the cake from the kitchen and kept it on the table.

'Perfect! The cake looks delicious Ragini', Dimpy said. 'And the man there looks handsome', she continued. Without even turning around Ragini knew Dimpy was talking about Nachiket as she could sense his presence. She quietly continued to fix the candles and did not look up or turn around till she heard him whisper, ''Hey Gorgeous!' in her ears. Ragini trembled with his sudden closeness and took a step away and replied, 'Umm...Hi Nachiket'.

Dimpy and Karan joined the two and Karan said, 'Hello Ragini, nice arrangements. Everything looks good'. Dimpy smiled proudly and waited for Ragini to answer who immediately said, 'It's all thanks to your wife, she helped me else I wouldn't have managed this all alone. You know I wanted to keep this a family affair so didn't arrange it elsewhere.'

'Oh, that's great!', Karan said and hugged Dimpy. Ragini without looking at Nachiket even once said, 'Please make yourself comfortable, I'll be right back'.

Nachiket watched her retreating figure when suddenly he felt a pair of hands holding his leg. Nachiket immediately carried Ranbir and said, 'Hey buddy! Happy birthday! How is the birthday party going?'

'Thank you uncle. The party is going great, I was waiting all this while for you', Ranbir said cheerfully.

'For me? That's very sweet!', Nachiket said and kissed him on his cheek gently.

'Where is my surprise gift?', Ranbir asked curiously.

'Your gift is here...but you will have to wait for a while...Don't you want to cut your cake first? I heard your Mumma has brought a very delicious cake!' Nachiket said.

'Alright!'

Nachiket convinced Ranbir to wait for a while and put him down and he immediately scampered off to play with his friends. Nachiket noticed Ragini playing a perfect host as she spoke politely to everyone with a smile. She spent time with everyone individually and made sure all the guests were enjoying.

Nachiket's eyes followed her everywhere, he could not wait to propose Ragini and present her the ring. He saw her carrying some plates for the older guests who were seated on the terrace. He followed her on the pretext of saying a quick hello to her in laws.

'Nachiket Khanna! A very warm welcome beta', Mr.Malhotra said affectionately and stood up to shake hands with him. Mrs.Malhotra too warmly welcomed him and said, thank you for joining us in this small party beta'.

'So not fair aunty, you call me beta and still thank me for coming. I had to come after all its Ranbir's birthday and we are family...isn't it Ragini?' Nachiket said and looked at her.

Ragini looked up at him in confusion and said, 'Excuse me!' and turned back to leave carrying the empty glasses in a tray.

Nachiket stood there a little awkward and was silent till Mrs.Malhotra said, 'Of course you are family! So I take back my thank you.'

Nachiket managed to smile, but he was a little confused with Ragini's behavior. He was thinking of all the possible reasons and he assured himself that it must be the presence of her in-laws that she avoided him. He dismissed his thoughts and went back to Karan and Dimpy after a small chat with Mr.Malhotra.

Ragini stood alone in the kitchen with her eyes closed and was very upset. While she waited the whole day for Nachiket to arrive at the party and be around her now that he was here she did not look at him even once and kept ignoring him. She was too confused with her thoughts and wasn't able to come to terms with her heart that believed that Nachiket loved her while her mind contradicted.

She stood silently in the kitchen all the time trying to gain control over her head and heart battle. Nachiket wasn't aware of her presence in the kitchen and she heard his voice from a distance and walked closer to the utility balcony in the kitchen from where she heard Nachiket's voice clearer. He was in Ranbir's bedroom balcony that was connected to the utility in the kitchen with just a small wall as a partition.

'No Karan, I haven't spoken to her yet...I think I will wait for the party to end and say it when there are not many people around', Nachiket said.

'Sounds good!'

'You know Karan, Ragini's yes' today will mean a lot. I have thought of so many things that I want to do for her and Ranbir. And somewhere I will be relieved of the distress because I will be finally doing something right after all the wrong I did to her.

Ragini heard everything unexpectedly and suddenly all the contradiction, her confusion seemed to vanish. She shut the doors to all her thoughts and feelings for Nachiket deep in her heart as Nachiket's last words confirmed that was being compassionate to her for all the guilt he carried within. Ragini wiped her tears and stepped out into the hall and joined the others. She had made her decision and nothing could change it now.

It was half past eight and the children just did not want to stop playing. No one seemed hungry as everyone was enjoying the different games that Dimpy had planned. Ragini stood with Mrs .Gupta in the far end of the hall and clicked pictures. She made an honest attempt to dump her feelings away and appear happy and normal for Ranbir.

The music went on again and the children began to run around the chairs laid sequentially to play the musical chair. Ragini was standing alone as Mrs.Gupta excused herself for a while. Nachiket went up to her and asked, 'So Ragini, aren't you happy to see me here?'

Ragini looked at him and said very formally, 'Of course I am...thank you for coming. Ranbir is very happy to see you here'.

Nachiket was disappointed to see Ragini talk so formally to her and that too when the two were alone. 'I am here for you as well Ragini', he said in a low voice and looked at her expectantly.

Ragini avoided to look into his eyes and ignored talking to him. Suddenly Nachiket and his presence made her feel uncomfortable and her heart ached as she recollected his last words again. Nachiket held her hand and turned her to face him and asked, 'What is the matter Ragini?'

Ragini's skin burned where Nachiket held. She felt all this very fake and dramatized and her heart cursed her as she failed to read the same love that she has for him in his eyes.

'Mummaaa, I got out!', Ranbir squealed and ran to her side. Nachiket let go of her hand immediately and Ragini held Ranbir's hand and walked away. Nachiket was unable to understand Ragini's strange behavior. She was so different with him yesterday at the mall and today she was so cold and ignoring him. Ragini noticed Nachiket's dejected face and felt bad for being so indifferent to him without even explaining the reason to him.

It was time to cut the cake and everyone gathered around the big cake that centered the table. It was a fighter plane with the Indian flag which Ranbir loved it. He had said it numerous times to Ragini that he wanted to be an Air force officer and so Ragini ordered that cake. Ragini lit the candles and her in laws stood beside Ranbir.

'Make a wish and blow them', Mr.Malhotra said.

Ranbir closed his tiny eyes and made a wish before he blew the candles off. Everyone sang the birthday song in unison. Ranbir looked around till his eyes rested on Nachiket and called him. Nachiket pointed him to cut the cake first. Ragini held Ranbir's hand to cut the cake, but Ranbir stopped her. He pointed at Nachiket and said, 'Come on Nachiket uncle!'

Ragini looked at Nachiket and said, 'Why don't you join us? Ranbir wants you to be here'. Nachiket quietly obliged and stood beside Ragini. He held Ragini's hand that held Ranbir's and cut the cake. Everyone clapped for Ranbir and Ragini picked the first piece and held it for Ranbir.

'Thanks', Ragini smiled and said to Nachiket. From the time Nachiket had come, this was the first time she looked at him and smiled. He breathed a sigh of relief and excused himself to attend a call.

Ragini watched him go away and thought to herself, 'I am sorry to hurt you Nachiket but this is necessary'.

Nachiket stepped out a little more cheerfully than before and answered the call, 'Hello, Shekhar. How are you?'

'Hi Nachiket, am very fine, you tell me where are you these days and how are you?' Shekhar asked.

'I am in Bangalore; I've been here for a while. Have come here for business!', Nachiket answered.

'Business! Oh yes, Mr. Khanna's only love!'

'Nah!, not my only love, but my second love', Nachiket corrected and laughed.

'Aaha! So who is the first love? And when are you getting married to her?', Shekhar asked curiously.

Nachiket laughed and said, 'You were supposed to get married. What about that?'

'I am getting married this week and so I called to invite you. I went to your office to give you the card, but your staff said you are out of town for business. I will not listen to anything, I want you to attend my wedding and that's it!' Shekhar said.

'Of course I shall attend. I'm flying to Mumbai for some work, but will definitely stay for your wedding', Nachiket replied.

'So when do we get to meet bhabhiji?', Shekhar teased.

Nachiket laughed once again and his heart fluttered to hear someone refer to Ragini as bhabhiji. He didn't want to talk until he'd proposed Ragini but somehow his heart confidently allowed him to do so and said, 'Probably in your wedding you can meet your bhabhi, I mean Ragini!'

'Excellent! I am so happy for you Nachiket and I shall be waiting for the two of you'.

Sure, take care and bye', Nachiket said and hung up. He smiled once again and turned around murmuring, 'bhabhiji' to himself. He bumped into Mr.Malhotra and was shocked to see him stand so close.

Mr.Malhotra looked very seriously at him for a few seconds and then immediately smiled and said, 'All the best beta! I always noticed how much you care for Ragini and how happy she is when with you. My blessings are always with you.'

Nachiket smiled immediately and touched Mr.Malhotra's feet. He was more confident now to finally speak up his heart. He went towards the hall and saw that the guests were all gone. It was quarter to ten and he was to wait for dinner. He spotted Ragini sitting with Dimpy and was walking towards her when Ranbir stopped him.

'My gift?', Ranbir pouted.

'Of course, it's time for your gift', Nachiket said and held his finger and walked him to the corner of the hall. Everyone was gone and it was just Karan, Dimpy and Ragini who were talking. Ragini noticed Nachiket coming along with Ranbir towards them. Karan and Dimpy knew it was time to leave them alone, but excusing self suddenly would not be appropriate. Dimpy was about to get up, but Ragini held her hand and made her sit.

'Ranbir, you stay here and close your eyes okay?' Nachiket said and made Ranbir stand there at the centre. He quickly brought a huge box nicely wrapped gift wrapped and kept it on the table in front of Ranbir.

'Open your eyes and see it,' Nachiket said excitedly.

Ragini looked curiously at Nachiket and smiled unknowingly to see him so excited to see Ranbir's reaction. Ranbir ripped the cover and opened the box. He screamed in delight and brought out a big helicopter from the box. It was the same helicopter that could be operated using a remote which Ranbir always wanted to have it. He coveted and desired to own it since the day he had seen it on the last shelf in the toys' section of Forum Value Mall.

Ranbir's happiness had no bounds. He ran towards Nachiket who immediately scooped him up in his arms and said, 'Thank you papa!'

'What did you just say Ranbir?', Nachiket asked in a calm voice. His face had brightened up ten times.

'Thank you Papa', Ranbir said it again.

'Say it again!', Nachiket insisted. His eyes looked hopeful and his heart was beating faster with excitement. He was overwhelmed to be called papa and hugged Ranbir once again.

'I always wanted you to be my papa and see god listened to my wish today. Mumma had told if I will be a good boy then papa would bring me this helicopter. You won't leave me and go way away right?' Ranbir asked innocently.

'No beta, I'm not going anywhere, I'm just here', Nachiket convinced Ranbir.

Ragini could not control her tears. She was extremely delighted to see Ranbir happy, but she knew she would have to break his heart. She hated the idea of even stopping Ranbir to call Nachiket his papa, after all Nachiket was only being kind and nice to the little boy who sincerely loved him.

Ranbir took the helicopter and said, I'm going to show this to dadu and dadi and tell them that my papa brought this'. He ran towards his grandparents who were already witnessing the scene from the terrace.

'Ranbir wait...', Ragini tried to stop him, but he scampered away. She tried to run past Nachiket to stop Ranbir but Nachiket immediately held her wrist. Ragini stopped and with teary eyes, she turned to face Nachiket. He slowly retrieved a small box from the B**** pocket of his suit and held it open in front of Ragini showing the little diamond studded ring. He drew a deep breath and looking straight into her he said in a very serious voice, 'Ragini, marry me and give me the honor of being your husband and father to your son Ranbir.'

'Nachiket', Ragini gasped and bit her lip to avoid crying. There was complete silence in the room after that. Karan and Dimpy were charmed to see Nachiket proposing Ragini with utmost sincerity and simplicity. They, along with Nachiket waited with bated breath to know Ragini's answer.

Nachiket's eyes stayed on Ragini. Tears left a fresh trail on her cheek as they rolled down. Nachiket wiped the kajal that smudged her eye and said, 'I promised to never let you cry Ragini'.

Ragini's heart screamed within her to see the true love floating in his eyes, but her mind gained control remembering Nachiket's words to Karan and cried, 'Don't do this Nachiket!'

Nachiket felt a stab in his heart when he heard Ragini speaking in a choked voice. He was unable to understand what had happened that Ragini looked so depressed. Hadn't she accepted his love? Didn't she want him to propose marriage? Then what has brought so much sorrow to her now?', he thought.

Ragini looked into his eyes and said, 'I...I don't think I have anything to say', she said, and turned to walk away but Nachiket quickly grabbed her hand. 'Ragini, Listen to your heart, it knows what you want to say!'

Ragini stopped and turned around to face Nachiket and spoke in a serious voice, 'I listened to my heart once...' she paused. Nachiket's heart shattered into million pieces in the tiny silence that followed, '...and made a mistake...not again Nachiket...'', her voice choked and she walked away with a heavy heart dragging her feet to her room. She broke down immediately when she locked herself in the room.

Nachiket stood rooted in his spot with the ring in his hand. He felt as if someone had just sucked the life out of him and there stood an empty body without any soul...


To be Contd...

Originally posted by: poetic

FAINT 😆

Originally posted by: iamcurious

🤣 this is hilarious Rachna...cracked me up big time. Our own little joke 😆

Originally posted by: poetic

Edited

Such an awesome update. Made me happy and sad at the same time.

I am so glad that Ranbir finally got that helicopter from his Papa - gotta be the best Birthday gift ever! 👏 So simple, yet effective! And sending out the correct signals to all. Am so proud of this Nachiket.

This is one of my favorite part simply because this is the part that was written first and then all the chapters :)

His proposal was elegant and heartfelt. 😳

I don't blame Ragini here. Her life hasn't exactly been that smooth, especially whenever emotions have been involved. She will tread carefully of course, but I so want her to trust Nachiket this time. And believe in him. And in herself once again.

Super glad this came across. Also she should know answers to her questions, shouldn't she? Hence this twist...they could sit across and talk too but what is love without some pain? 😉

She does believe in him...she needs to listen to her heart bas 😛

Look forward to the next update 😳

next tomorrow and Sunday will wind up with last part and epilogue 😃
Thank you for reading always and fainting first 😆