SS : Together Forever ... Part 3 Updated pg 4 - Page 4

'I am fine, Nachiket. You don't have to worry' Ragini muttered, as she settled down on her side of the bed.

Nachiket sat down in front of her, his hand resting on her knee. His voice was gentle as he spoke

'No Ragini. You are not well. On top, you are stressed out. You really need to take some time off and rest.'

She smiled feebly at his suggestion. He shook his head. He knew that the present situation was so precarious, that neither of them could be at peace. Probably not for ever.

And then there was the issue of their status, hanging like Damocles Sword over their heads.

'Why did you fast?' he asked sombrely.

Ragini looked at him steadfastly, a small smile dangling on the corner of her mouth.

'Nachiket, we are married as per our custom, in presence of everybody, in front of the Holy Fire. We are husband and wife. I fasted for my husband's safety and longevity, if you may know.'

He was impatient.

'I know Ragini. This is what I have been trying to tell you for long, that we are married. But I still don't want you to take chances with your health and wellbeing.'

He continued

'By the way, I have not eaten anything either. I am hungry as well.'

Ragini was surprised.

'Really Nachiket? Why did you fast?'

'How could I eat while you were fasting?' he concluded.

'You shouldn't have Nachiket. You are not used to fasting ...'

'And here I am - hale and hearty, while you chose the perfect moment to faint in my arms' Nachiket joked.

Ragini smiled. Her smile lit up his heart and the world.

'Let me get something for you to eat' Ragini said, as she tried getting down from the bed.

'No, no, you sit right there' Nachiket sprang up from his seat on the bed. I will go and get something to eat.'

Even before Ragini could protest, Nachiket was off to the kitchen. He returned after a few minutes, with a heaped plate in his hand.

'You got only one plate, Nachiket?' Ragini questioned.

Settling down in front of her, he answered

'I know for sure that if we eat from the same plate, our love will become stronger and withstand the travails of time.

Now let me feed you first.'

A warm sensation spread through her heart, as Ragini took in the first mouthful of food. This caring, sensitive side of Nachiket was what she was aware of. Dr Neil K had never appealed to her ever.

She knew for sure that this is how she would love to spend her remaining days, with him, basking in his love. And loving him back in return. In equal measures, if not more.

She picked up a spoonful of rice and offered it to him, he accepted the food graciously and looked back at her with all the love in the world.

She wondered why they were still involved in a contract marriage. When in reality they needed freedom from the same?

Plucking up enough courage, she ventured forth, as he fed her some more

'I wonder why the word contract' exists in our marriage. I wish it was not there. I wish it was just you and me, Nachiket. Just us.'

The clanging of the spoon on the dish broke her reverie as Ragini looked at Nachiket, somewhat startled.

Only to find herself gazing into a vortex of emotions, swirling in his eyes - hope, love, joy, ecstasy and passion. She felt as if the room was suddenly flooded with sunlight, after a dense, cold spell.

Easing the dish from her hand, he placed it on the side table and edged closer to her.

'Well, Mrs Khanna ...', he started.