The Value of Truth FF Updated Chapter 4-Page 7 - Page 4

Hi everyone, aaj kuch zaada hi delay karde. I'm so sorry, I know I promised an early update and I had started the chapter a few days ago but we had an incident at the hospital and several interns were to assist the Doctors and examine the case as good training for the future and we all stayed there for hours and back to back shifts learning about the patient. I won't go into detail but patient was threatened with memory loss but thankfully the surgery was successful and the patient is fine now.

Acha forget that. Good news, I know Ragini Joshi is back. Even though I personally may not know you, I've heard a lot about you and I just want to welcome you back and let you know that you were dearly missed on the forum.

Now for AngelFlyAlone, I love your username first thing and your enthusiasm just made me go awww...I don't know, something just clicked.

So this chapter while for everyone is especially for you (AngelsFlyAlone) and Ragini.

Chapter 3

New horizons and destinations were beginning to emerge from the misery of 16 lonely years. The idea of redemption was swallowing the two individuals entirely, each minute was igniting the desire to change, to try a different approach, to give and receive freely. The desire to rise despite being conquered, defeated, and to love despite losing.

The Khannas and Patels finally arrived at the breakfast table, mentally exhausted and vainly rubbing away the sleep from their eyes. Occupied with returning to their former selves, they were not at all prepared for the sight ahead of them.

In front of them, gracing the thick wooden table was a full course breakfast. The contents varied, from powdered pancakes drenched in syrup to paranthas covered in butter. While unnatural options were available, the more nutritious and healthy options were not denied either, low fat yogurt and freshly cut fruits placed in pretty bowls were resting in front of each empty seat. To an outsider who didn't know any better, the table would've appeared to be a clash between two utterly different cultures.

At first the Khannas and Patels could not believe the sight. As they registered the alluring aromas and delicacies that were placed before them, they felt their stomachs contract rather painfully and their mouths water.

"Yeh kisne banaya?" Aagham asked as he took a seat.

"Sunny Thai nai banaya hoga" Ranbir said as he sat right of Aagham. The rest of the family followed and too their seats. Neil slumped down on one the head chairs feeling his appetite increase at the vast delicious options placed before him.

After all were seated, one chair still remained empty, it was the other head chair directly across from Neil however pushed away from the table and placed in a corner.

Eyeing the meal hungrily, the family began to quickly pile the toasts, the paranthas, and the pancakes onto their plates in accordance to their tastes.

"Arrey, Where's mom?" Suhani asked once they began their breakfast.

Neil's head shot up immediately at the mention of the all too familiar name. Tiredly he looked around for validation of Ragini's absence and was thoroughly disappointed when he did not find her among them.

"She's probably resting, she wasn't feeling too well last night." Aman said as he took another parantha. Immediately last night's memories came flooding back and Natcheket shifted uncomfortably in his chair as he tried to suppress them.

On the other side of the table, Suhani and Aagham had begun to question Aman about Ragini's wellbeing however found the information too vague to reach any conclusion.

Neil glared at Dr. Aman, Ragini was unwell and here her so called fianc was enjoying a lavish breakfast without any worry. Where was she? Should he go and check? He was highly tempted however he did not want his notion to raise doubts and suspicions on his relationship with Ragini.

As he was in the process of mentally composing a believable excuse, Sunny Thai appeared in a rather panic-like state.

"Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! Aaj mein late utthi aur"- She stopped at the sight of the rather profligate breakfast. "Yeh kisne banaya?" She asked in amazement. After all, what pagal will make this huge breakfast so early in the morning and that too for so many people.

"Yehi toh hum pooch rahe hai!"Suhani said.

"Wait hold on," Neil's thought process was disturbed; he eyed the breakfast, "We all woke up late aur Sunny Thai, if you didn't make it, who did?"

"I did." Several heads turned towards Ragini as she entered the dining area.

Ragini was balancing a tray consisting of elegant teacups and casual mugs. She placed the tray on the edge of the table and began to hand out the saucers and cups with a few exceptions of casual mugs to those who preferred coffee over tea. The room had gone quite.

"Maa, yeh sab aapne banaya?" Suhani asked.

"Haan, woh I woke up a little early and decided to make all of you breakfast!" Ragini said as she handed a mug to Devika.

"Lekin mom, you're sick. You shouldn't have."

"Suhani, I am feeling better now. Aur waise bhi, most of you slept without attending dinner last night, isiliye I thought you would all be starving by now." Ragini responded.

Neil was sure she hadn't slept all night. He wanted to scold her, first she hadn't received any proper rest and was in poor health yet being as noble as she was, decided to prepare a mountain-like breakfast for the entire family to consume. Really this woman was just infuriating!

"Thank you so much Ma," Aagham said as he gave his mom a peck on the cheek as she bent down to pour him some fresh orange juice. Ragini still not used to such open affections, especially those displayed publicly, blushed and smiled before handing him the full glass of orange juice.

While the tray was beginning to empty, one mug remained, a little unusual from the rest. Ragini grasped it by the handle and as she walked around the table, placed it quietly beside Natcheket before she took the tray back to the kitchen.

As soon as Ragini exited, Natcheket quickly glanced into the mug, examining its contents. The smell of well-brewed coffee teased his senses and he smiled as the steam escaped into the air fogging his vision for a split second. A corner of his lips tugged upward in a semi-smile, delighted that Ragini had not forgotten how he preferred his coffee.

Ragini returned with a few more cups and utensils. Once breakfast had properly resumed, Ragini still did not join the family; instead she occupied herself with serving them. Since the table was not that spacious nor its perimeters extensively large, the table was crowded and packed. Not all the meal was able to be served on the table hence Ragini made innumerable trips to the kitchen to retrieve the rest of the meal from time to time. Since the table's frame was small, extra chairs were also added around the table partly responsible for its cluster causing Ragini to struggle to get through them as she balanced the various items in her hands careful not to spill or break them.

Neil was completely dazzled by Ragini. For the first time he saw her in action as a mother, his eyes followed her as she offered the kids more nutritious options to ensure their good health. He shook his head fondly when she frequently made sure that the children were eating enough and then piling more onto their plates despite their protests. This new form of her caused Natcheket to respect her even more so. This woman in her nobility, principles, morals, ethics, was truly a single independent mother that showered all her love over her children, whether they realized it or not.

Natcheket sighed, this morning was so beautiful and he felt as if in a trance. He could not take his eyes off Ragini.

While Natcheket was displeased that she had not ate with them, he couldn't help but wonder how their morning routine would've been like if they were still together. Would she run after the kids, serving and pampering them like she was doing now? Would she still blush when he would steal a good morning kiss from her when the children weren't looking? Perhaps.

Neil withdrew out of his stubborn figment of imagination. He could not afford to lose his nonchalant composure, especially now.

He attempted a half-hearted conversation with Karan however when Ragini passed by him; her pallu barely brushing against his hand, the scent of gardenias and oriental lilies flared the fire in his chest and his focus returned to her.

He was in awe at her disheveled state. Despite being so early in the morning, her plain green sari with silver borders clung to her body heavily from perspiration. Her back was bare and glistening, slightly tanned in accordance to the warm climate. Her hair was tied back in a loose bun yet a few locks graced her face from either side creating an elegance of their own. She appeared as a goddess, descended from the forbidden heavens. She wasn't a sight that was ordinary to behold; all that gazed upon her casually were careful not to linger for more than what would be deemed respectable.

Natcheket found the woman rather enticing; blindly grasping the handle of his mug, he sipped slowly. He took rather small gulps absentmindedly as he observed Ragini from a distance. The way her locks cascaded down to her shoulder, the way she would bite her lower lips unknowingly when spreading the butter evenly on plain bread. Natcheket smiled and took a huge gulp.

Ragini engaged herself in a conversation with Devika, facing her from a certain angle causing her back to be toward's Natcheket.

Natcheket did notice anything unusual at first but after a minutes his eyes widened and he froze.

The hook of Ragini's blouse had come undone!

Her back was completely bare save for the pallu that she had tucked loosely in her waist to allow her to move more quickly. However seeing the way Ragini was moving, it wouldn't be long before the loosely tucked sari would fall below her and expose her back completely. As Ragini turned sharply, her pallu crept and inch lower.

He continued to cough and choke excessively, his vision blurred for a few minutes and he closed his eyes in a feeble attempt to regain some sort of clarity but to no avail. Before long, he felt the familiar sounds of bangles clashing against his back as a hand patted him while another clasped his shoulder. He firmly gripped the hand resting on his right shoulder on instincts as he continued to cough. After the burning in his throat had resolved and his breathing restored, teary eyed he gestured for the family to sit down. The family hesitantly sat down. His gaze diverted and he found Ragini hovering over him; her temple creased with concern.

"Papa, are you okay?" Nishi asked a few seats away.

"Yes, I'm completely fine. Tumhaare dad itnay bhi kamzor nahi hai. Relax, I'm fine." Natcheket said and smiled at his children. Breakfast resumed again however Ragini stayed beside him.

"Natcheket, mera haath?" Ragini said barely above a whisper. If she wasn't so close to him, he probably wouldn't have heard her.

It was then when he realized that he was still holding onto Ragini's hand in a rather painful grip. He released her hand and Ragini quickly covered it with her sari which had come loose and now was hanging beside her as Neil had feared. Neil quickly glanced sideways and to his dismay, Ragini's back was completely exposed.

RK's phone rang and he quietly excused himself. As he passed Ragini, Natcheket quickly put a hand on Ragini's back, on where the hook had come undone. He felt a shiver run down her spine and allowed his hand to grasp her back tighter. The pallu of her saari covered his arm barely but it was beyond risky. From a front-view, nothing seemed out of place except how Ragini's cheeks had turned a rather dark shade of crimson red but apart from that, nothing that would seem suspicious. But anyone who would daresay move a few inches behind them would see Ragini's blouse come undone and his hand, far from a modest place considering their relationship would seem of rather cheap intentions.

Natcheket gulped but did not allow any emotions to be expressed from his side. He looked straight ahead and continued to sip on his now cold coffee. After perhaps a split second he spared a glance at Ragini who was looking straight at him however with uneasiness, her face burning a hot red.

"Aaghay dheko," Neil whispered to her. The table was in a lively and joyful uproar with the discussion of today's plan, not much heed was given to them.

"Yeh Kya karahai ho tum?" Ragini asked her voice hoarse.

"Chup, bilkul chup. Aaghay dheko." Natchket responded resolutely.

Ragini looked ahead however downwards and let her locks cover her face. Neil felt the flesh beneath his hand quiver and he carefully and gradually slid his hand to the side grasping one clasp of her blouse. He heard Ragini gasp, perhaps she understood his intentions or otherwise yet he did not stop to explain. He blindly moved the clasp around and after several attempts, he felt it fasten, he gave it a tug for good measure and then he let his hand rest over the hook. His arm was still hidden by the pallu of the saari dangling off Ragini's shoulders and he had to be careful to remove his arm without gaining much attention.

He shouldn't and he knew that such thoughts were inappropriate yet the way her smooth skin felt against his rough hands kindled a fire of its own in the summer heat. As he let his hand drag down her back, he purposefully let it linger just a few more seconds than necessary on each new patch of skin. His eyes darted to her face occasionally, observing for a reaction, a sign that conveyed that he was invading her personal space but since none were given, he continued at his pace. He slid his hand lower down her back, feeling the heat radiate off her body and boggle his ability to think. The skin trembled beneath him and occasionally he heard sharp inhales of breath from Ragini yet he worked at his crucial pace determinedly. Once he had reached her lower waist, he slid his hand and grasped her by the hip. His action was followed by a small gasp.

Natcheket was on the verge of giving into temptations, of doing so much more that would be deemed immensely inappropriate. The body beneath his hand was so familiar, so beautiful and alluring. He was greatly tempted.

Ragini clutched the table till her knuckles turned white, her other hand still resting behind her pallu. It was then when Neil noticed her posture, she was rigid and the table seem to indent into her hand. This was a sign of discomfort that he had missed, his senses for a second were too overwhelmed with the physical attraction they shared to notice the emotional turmoil he might've put her in. His gaze landed on the cool metal band still embellishing her finger, and in one moment he felt a heartbreaking crash of reality. She was someone else's; he had no right to touch her in such a manner. This right was reserved for her husband, for her significant other, but certainly not for him.

What once started out as teasing pleasure quickly became fearful. While only a few minutes had passed since he had first touched Ragini, both felt as if burned. He withdrew his hand from under her pallu however he could not stop his hand from grazing her's. He felt it flinch and he began to wonder if Ragini assumed less of him or doubted his intentions. His eyes traveled to her face and he saw it conflicted with pain. He did not understand. Did he cause her pain?

The moment when Ragini felt void of any phyiscal touch, she quickly moved away from Natcheket, wrapping her pallu around her, she covered her back entirely and walked rapidly towards the other side of the table. She sat on the opposite head chair, directly across from Natcheket. She did not get up once after that and ate quietly without sparing him any glances.

Neil could not help but stare at her, his appetite now long forgotten.

Once breakfast had ended, the additional chairs were returned and Ragini was busy bringing the dirty plates to the kitchen. Suhani and Aagham offered to help and they each carried a few items. They made numerous trips while Ragini began to wash and put the plates away.

He desired to talk to her, to explain that his intentions were not what they seemed, to comfort her. He did not like her distant and quite faade, it was unnerving to say the least. To his disappointment, Suhani and Aagham did not leave Ragini for a moment, they helped around the kitchen with covering and placing the various items back in the cupboards. Soon a conversation was striking between the three of them, Ragini was smiling again and it brought slight comfort to him to know that she was currently happy however the uneasiness in the pit of his stomach did not vanquish.

...

That entire day Ragini spent with her children. She ate with them, cooked with them, and they simply enjoyed a day with their mom. Nishi despite being angry with Ragini could not help but join the fun. Even Ranbir was pulled along by Aagham.

In the late evening Ragini went to the attic in search of some fresh blankets, the kids followed and began to search for decent materials that would be bearable in the summer heat.

"Guys, look at this." Nishi yelled holding a few cassettes and tapes.

Soon she was surrounded and each kid took one cassette to examine it.

"Yeh kya hai? Movies?" Ranbir asked eyeing the out dated appliance of the television industry.

Ragini approached them quietly and took one cassettes, a distant smile graced her face.

"No, these are video recordings. When Natcheket and I were still married, we would record our anniversaries, your birthdays, our journey as parents, everything." Ragini said shaking her head fondly.

Ranbir had gone silent however Aagham was bouncing with excitement.

"Let's watch then." He said.

"Chalo na Ma!" Suhani said. Ragini allowed herself to be dragged into another room, slightly older and quite in need of cleaning. The bed, sofas, televisions, were all covered in white cloth. Suhani and Nishi began to take the spreadings from the sofa while Ranbir and Aagham worked on turning the television on. The cable wires were reattached and soon enough, in 20 minutes, the kids including Ragini were seated on the sofa excitedly and in great anticipation of what the old records would hold.

The TV screen flashed and soon enough a scene began to unfold.

Ragini was wandering in a lively garden sprouting with flowers of all kind. Red lush roses, white gardenias, and oriental lilies heavily scented the garden in a sweet aroma.

"Shh," Ragini whispered. She cradled a small baby in her chest, tucked in soft white blankets.

"Mom, yeh kaun hai?" Aagham asked excited.

"Tum." Ragini answered. Aagham's gaze averted from the screen to look at his mom, for a moment his face remained transfixed before breaking out into a huge grin as he returned to the screen with more enthusiasm.

Dimpy entered the scene. "Ragini, jab dheko tum isse ke saath rehthe ho. Just watch, when he grows up, he's never going to leave you."

Ragini smiled, "Acha hai, I always want him near me."

"Ragini, you carry him the entire day and whisper things all night into his ear. He's so possessive of you that he cries when even Neil comes near you. He can't stand separating from you even for a second." Dimpy said laughing.

"Arre, don't get me started on that. Natcheket and he are finally on good terms."

Aur wiase bhi, isse haq hai." Ragini whispered as she leaned on the rim of the water fountain.

Dimply smiled and stroked the child's hair affectionately. "He's going to bother you a lot."

Ragini pulled Aagham closer to her chest. "I want him to bother me." Ragini said as she kissed his forehead. "Sabse chota aur sabse shararthi. Apne dad pe gaya hai."

"Mera pyaara sa, chota sa, Aagham." Ragini said smiling.

The TV flashed and the cassette rolled out signaling that it had ended. The kids stared at each other's faces and then began to clap loudly with the exception of Ranbir. Aagham was beet red. He could not believe the bond he shared with his mother. Despite not wanting to, he often found himself at times envious of Aarav for he had lived with his mom all these years and he had to live without her. It was not fair at all. The same woman who he could not go a second without, he had to live 15 years without. His heart twisted painfully in his chest. Without warning he grabbed his mom in a tight hug. Ragini was startled at first but then gradually returned the embrace. After they parted, Aagham expressed his emotions in the simplest form he knew possible.

"I love you mom." It had come so easy, the words and how they conveyed all he was feeling at this moment.

Ragini cupped his cheek and in reply answered, "I love you too, beta." Ragini herself who was terrible when it came to expressing her emotions found it easier to just say the words. She was not afraid now of getting attached to her kids, she was not afraid of telling them how much she loved them, missed them. She wanted to express in some form all that she felt for them and all that they meant to her. These words and today's breakfast was merrily the first step.

"Chalo, next one." Suhani said as she switched the cassette for another one.

The TV screen flashed again and another scene unfolded.

A girl perhaps 3 years old and a boy slightly older raced around in circles.

"Ranbir, mera toy!" The girl screamed on top of her lungs.

"Ranbir, beta, toy dhedo na Nishi ko!" Ragini yelled from the kitchen.

Nishi immediately clasped Ragini's arm, "Mom yeh mein hoon na." Ragini nodded, "Aur woh Ranbir." Ragini added pointing to the small thick black haired boy.

Ranbir had gone silent but his eyes remained glued to the screen.

Nishi chased Ranbir for a few minutes in circles, the doll still remaining firmly in Ranbir's hands.

"Here." Ranbir said and as Nishi outstretched her hand to take it, Ranbir quickly pulled back laughing and ran again. Nishi grunted and then began to run after him.

"Papa dhekho na," She said to the camera.

"Chal, Ranbir give it to her." Neil said from behind the camera.

"Pakarne do isse Papa." Ranbir yelled as he passed Neil by.

Nishi stumbled and fell face-flat on the floor, immediately Neil put down the camera and ran to her. The camera captured a certain frame and only Neil and Nishi were visible though not for long.

Ranbir immediately entered the scene along with Ragini.

"Nishi!" Ragini exclaimed as she took Nishi into her arms. Both, Ragini and Neil began to examine for any major injuries, she seemed fine but her head had a slight bruise. Nishi rubbed it from time to time.

"Ranbir, kya kareho, laggai na Nishi ko!" Ragini chided him.

Ranbir inched closer to Nishi.

"I'm sorry." Ranbir whispered as he held the doll out for Nishi to take.

"Ab nai chahiye," Nishi said as she turned the other way.

Ranbir teary eyed looked at Ragini. Ragini smiled and wiped his tears away and told him to continue. Neil gave the doll to him and pushed him forward.

Ranbir walked slowly behind Nishi and then in one instant moment threw his arms around her. Nishi struggled at first.

"I'm sorry." Ranbir said.

Nishi turned around. "Mere doll?" She asked.

Ranbir quickly handed her the doll.

"Okay. I'm sorry too." Nishi answered as she returned Ranbir's hug

They both held each other's hand and began to race around the house again.

"Arre wait Nishi, medicine toh lagaaloon." Nishi and Ranbir were far out of earshot.

Ragini sighed as she picked the rest of the discarded toys from the room. Neil grasped her hand tightly. "Isse choro, let's join them." Neil said. He did not give time for Ragini to protest and dragged her along.

The TV flashed and another cassette rolled out followed by another session of relatively long clapping and hooting. Ranbir was doing neither, he appeared stricken; he looked first at Nishi and then at Ragini several times before swallowing and then looking away all together.

Nishi was joyful at the scenario and for a moment she conversed with her mom enthusiastically. Ragini explained to the kids how Ranbir and Nishi were partners in crime, how they loved to fight and how they would always look out for each other. She told them many stories of the many adventures Nishi and Ranbir had together, from dumping an entire chocolate cake on Karan uncle to getting lost in the mall. Ragini even told them her all-time favorite story which was when they followed a woman thinking she was a secret spy in disguise. After many stories told, Ragini had not only captured all her children's attention, but all of them were now longing for those memories and imagining what their childhood would've been like if their parents were still together, even Ranbir.

While Ranbir persistently retained a neutral face his interest in the stories did not cease. Before long Aagham broke the story session and said, "Ek aur dhekthe." Everyone nodded their head in blissful agreement.

By now the sun was beginning to drown and night was burning with an air of passionate secrecy.

The TV flashed one last time and an endearing scene unfolded.

Ragini sat on an arm chair rocking Aarav in her arms.

"Yeh mein hoon?" Aagham asked.

Ragini's face had contorted in a rather painful expression as she shook her head. "Nai, Its Aarav." The words came choked and everyone in the room now stared intently at the screen.

As Ragini sang softly to Aarav, Ranbir made an appearance, entirely flushed and angry.

"Maa, You always stay with him and Aagham? You forget me?" Ranbir pouted. Ragini smiled and ruffled his hair but Ranbir pushed her hand away. He glared at Aarav and stuck his tongue out and then stormed off. Ragini looked after him longingly. After a while she readjusted the child, placing a small kiss on his forehead and lowered him into a crib. Once she was sure the child was sleep and sound, she gestured for Neil to follow who was still holding the camera.

"Where?" Neil asked.

"Aona!" Ragini said firmly.

Neil followed Ragini upstairs to the terrace, the screen flashed and a new scene, though much darker in lighting was displayed. Ranbir had his arms crossed and was standing rigid in a corner. Ragini crept behind him slowly, careful not to make a sound and in one smooth motion she began to tickle him.

Ranbir tried not to laugh, he tried to push her hands away but before long he burst out laughing.

"Mama, nai!" Ranbir screamed. Ragini smiled and pulled him into a tight hug kissing his forehead in contentment.

They sat together on the terrace, Ranbir still pouting and Ragini holding him closely.

"I know beta, Mama aaj kal bohot busy rehthe hai. Lekin Mama loves you a lot. Mama will never forget you." Ranbir threw his arms around her affectionately and buried his face in the crook of her neck.

"Beta, Aarav is your smaller brother. You are a big boy na?" Ragini asked to which Ranbir nodded.

"Good. Aur tumhe pata bare bhai kya karthe hai?" Ranbir shook his head.

"They always protect their little brother. Woh hemesha apne chote bhai ko bohot pyaar karthe hai. Promise karo ki tum Aarav ko hemsha pyaar karoge or protect karoge?" Ragini extended her hand out for confirmation.

Ranbir stared at the outstretched hand, "Ek sharth pe."

"Sharth?" Ragini asked confused.

"Aap mujhe kabhi chor ke nai jayenge." Ranbir charmingly replied.

Ragini smiled at him affectionately.

"I will never leave you. Aap nahi toh mama ko mama banaya. Aap mama ke big boy ho na, tho mama kaise aap ko bhool sakthe hai. Mama humesha aapke paas rahege."

"Promise?" Ranbir asked.

Ragini nodded. "Promise."

"Thika, tho mein bhi promise kartha hoon, mein humesha aarav ka dyaan rakhoonga or bohot pyaar karoonga." Ranbir wrapped his hand around his mom in confirmation of the duties and responsibilities he will uphold as an older brother.

"Chalo aarav ke paas chalthe hain." Ragini said as she carried him downstairs.

Once downstairs, Ragini held Ranbir tightly as he leaned down and kissed Aarav on the forehead.

"Mein tumaara bara bhai hoon." Ranbir exclaimed beamingly to the asleep child, the only response to his enthusiastic declaration was a small smile that spread across Aarav's face as he stirred in his sleep.

"Dheko Mama, smile karaha hai. He likes me." Ranbir said smiling.

"Tum uske bharay bhai ho, he loves you." Ragini replied as she kissed him on the forehead.

"Bhai, where are you going?" Suhani asked. An uneasy tension had settled in the room and upon Suhani's question, eyes diverted from the screen unwillingly to Ranbir who had gotten up.

"Mujhe koi kaam hai," he said, his eyes never once leaving Ragini. They were glistening and a whirlwind of emotions that he tried desperately to hide from his voice were deceiving him to say the least. He walked quietly yet the storm his footsteps left resonated the pain that originated from broken promises, unfulfilled responsibilities, and wilted relationships. No one spoke and as the scene flared on the screen, not one word was said. Ragini had turned her face away in distress and wiped a stray tear with her thumb careful not to attract any more attention. A few minutes passed and the silence was broken once again.

"Yaha kya hora hai." Natcheket said as he entered the room.

"Woh, we're watching our childhood tapes." Aagham replied. Neil could sense that something was off from Aagham's tone; his eyes flickered from the television screen and then to Ragini. Ragini had gone quiet and still, staring at the screen blankly.

"Papa, bethiya na." Suhani said as she shifted and made room for Neil to sit; Neil sat down beside Ragini. He glanced at her and could tell she had cried, her tearstained face even in the dim light was visible to him. He desired to comfort her yet he knew that currently wasn't his place especially after today's incident. Regardless his eyes diverted to the screen to identify the cause of her trouble.

"I love you Mama." Ranbir said as he hugged her tightly.

It dawned on Neil and he knew what had upset her now, her bonds that were severed from her children; the ones that had weakened causing this bitterness to be displayed towards her, she was feeling it now, stronger than ever.

Ranbir ran away to his room.

"Ragini, mere shirt dheko na." Neil whined from behind the camera.

"Toh kisne kaha tha Ranbir ke saath paint balls kelo." Natcheket pouted and he set the camera on the table.

"Shirt dho na." Natcheket said.

"No. I'm tired. Khud lelo." Ragini said as she grasped a book from the shelf.

"You won't give me for sure?" Natcheket asked.

"No." Ragini firmly said as she began to read the book.

"Fine." Natcheket said. He lifted his shirt up and pulled it over his head and threw it at her. It hit her squarely in the back.

"Natcheket, what are you doing?" Ragini said as she turned around.

Natcheket settled on one of the arm chairs.

"Tumne nai diya mujhe." He said adorably.

"Toh shirt utharke paink dhi." Natcheket shurgged and smiled.

Ragini glared at him.

"Go where a shirt. What will people think seeing you like this?" Ragini said as she passed by him. Natcheket grabbed her by the wrist and jerked her towards him, swiftly pulling her onto his lap.

"Kitna romantic hai." Natcheket said. Ragini struggled to free herself but Neil refused to let her go and pulled her flush against his bare chest.

"Natcheket chodo na. The kids will come any second. What will they think?" Ragini had turned a dark shade of red.

"Ki Papa Mummy se kitna pyaar karthe hai."

"Natcheket," Ragini pleaded.

"Chalo, thika, ek kiss dedo, phir chordunga. Paka." Neil assured her however unaware that the camera had captured his fingers crossed behind Ragini's back where his hand tightly grasped her, holding her in place.

Ragini turned the TV off. Everyone was startled for a moment at the abrupt ending but the joy did not faint from their faces.

Unlike her children, Ragini was stricken.

"Kaafi raat hogi hai. Tum log dinner karke sojao." The kids stood up and hiding their smiles, they kissed and bid their mom and dad a goodnight and left the room.

Neil was still sitting on the sofa, replaying the memory by heart. He knew what happened next, Ragini had kissed him on the cheek and he being true to his mischievous nature did not accept it saying it wasn't where he wanted it. He made her repeat the action a few times before Ragini gave up and struggled to free herself but he held her in place and rightfully kissed her on the lips. She had blushed madly and pulled away scolding him but he had smiled and tackled her carrying her to their bedroom...

"Natcheket?" He returned to the present.

"Goodnight." Ragini said quietly as she began to leave.

"Ruko, who tumse baat karni thi." Natcheket's heart was racing. He did not want to have the conversation with her but he knew that he owed her an explanation for this morning.

"Aaj subha, who tumaare blouse ka hook..."-

"I know. Thanks" She cut him off and the blush returned to her cheeks. "Lekin agli baar mujhe bathaadhena... before you..." The words died on her lips.

"Haan. I'm sorry." Neil wasn't stupid, he knew the risk he took this morning, in front of the entire family; it was truly a miracle that they weren't caught.

An awkward silence settled again between them. Ragini did not leave and he shuffled his foot.

Neil looked around, for nothing particular rather just to avoid eye contact. It was then when his gaze landed on Ragini's hand, a bruise had formed and was turning her skin several different obscure shades.

"Yeh kaise hua?" He asked as he grasped her hand.

Ragini did not answer and looked at her feet. Neil asked the question again.

"Woh aaj subha, tum ne haath bohot kaske pakra tha aur." Ragini spoke softly, her voice barely audible. Neil's eyes darted from her to the bruised hand and the incident in the morning vividly crossed his mind. No wonder she had hid her hand beneath her pallu, she didn't want him to know. Oh god, he was an idiot, even when he had accidentally touched her hand causing her to flinch, the pain that had crossed her face was a sign that he had completely missed.

"Ragini, I'm so sorry. Tum yehi rukho, I will get the first aid kit." He felt horrible.

Ragini stood uncomfortably in the empty room. Soon enough, Neil reentered the room with his specialized kit and a few extra salves.

"Give me your hand." He said. Ragini hesitantly placed her hand on the palm of his and waited patiently as he applied the balm.

To break the awkward silence, Natcheket decided it would be best to talk.

"You spent the whole day with the kids." He said as he blew on Ragini's hand.

Ragini had not expected such a comment but replied nonetheless, "Haan, socha ki tumaare baat maanloon."

Neil's face sharply leveled with her, their eyes locking.

"Meri baat?" He asked.

"Haan. The other night, you told me that I should learn to express my love to my kids, spend time with them and let them know that I love them. Aaj yehi karaithi."

Ragini had gone quiet and Neil did not dare break the silence again He bandaged her hand in silence.

"Thanks." She said after he finished.

He nodded his head and smiled at her. He wanted to tell her that she did not need to thank him, but not trusting himself with words, he used silence to convey his emotions.

"Goodnight," she whispered.

After she was out of his sight, only then did he trust himself to speak.

"Sweet dreams." He whispered after her.

Love Azka

Okay, Ragini is fixing her mistakes so next is Neil fixing his with Aarav. Next chapter will up in a few days. Since I was very late with this chapter, it was extra-long to make up for it. I divided these chapters over several days so I have no idea if their still in decent flow but I edited them to the best of my ability so here you go. That is all I can offer for now. I'm going to take a nap now. Goodnight and sweet dreams.