It was almost dinner time, Nachiket suggested that they go to a near by restaurant, that had recently gained popularity. But, Ragini declined reasoning, she was exhausted with all the traveling and also she hadnt slept well last night. She requested if Nachiket can get something packed and they can eat in the room. Nachiket obliged and he left.
Ragini was engrossed deep in thoughts, as she unpacked. She had been so, since the day he had revealed to her, the disturbing truth. No matter how hard she tried, she could not come to terms with it. It was nothing against Nachiket or his actions, it was just that she needed time to come to terms with the fact. She wasnt confident that if he approached her, she would be comfortable to concede wholeheartedly. She had been very conscious these last few days, and when she had kissed him, they were half hearted. Somewhere, she felt, she wasnt ready yet.
The previous night, after the dinner, they had gone to the music concert with Pam and RK. Nachiket didnt want to go, he wanted a quite night with Ragini.. for so much had happened these past few days. But Ragini had insisted on going.. not because it was her favorite singer, but more so, because she wanted to escape the night. She was being careful to her best, not to display her discomfort to him. She was well aware, how acutely guilty he felt, and didnt want to make it worse, for something that could not be undone. The music concert, had given her a perfect excuse to avoid the closeness. After they came home, they went to bed.. Nachiket kissed her good night and snuggled close.
Ragini, could not sleep, numerous thoughts crossing her mind, finding that one reason, one argument, that would undo the effect of his words.. His arm on her waist, started to feel heavy, unable to bear the weight anymore, she moved it off her and escaped to her side of the bed.. and there she laid with open eyes, replaying various events of the past couple days - the doctor visit, the will, the disturbing truth that had rolled out from his own mouth, the kids, their joy etc etc.
On the other side, Nachiket was every excited to have come on this trip with his beloved. He had been looking forward to it, since the day he had returned and they had united again. And they escaping after 3 long weeks of celibacy, made the trip even more appropriate. "3 weeks", he smirked.. they seemed a long time now. He wondered how they had managed to stay way from each other all that time. He was happy that Ragini, had made no objections to coming with him. For the first time, he thought, she made no excuses, kids or anything else, to avoid the trip. There were many important things going on and a grand hospital party was coming up next week, but Ragini didnt seem to care, it was as if she was desperate to go. This behavior, kind of surprised him, Ragini wasnt the one who readily agreed for trips like these, this was so unlike her. He satisfied himself with an inadequate reason of, may be she didnt want to disappoint him and moved on.
On thinking further, he also remembered, that she hadnt reacted to the ugly past, he had revealed to her few nights before. This was also, so unlike Ragini. He had been waiting for her reaction, at the least a few more questions, but none came. He had ultimately, considered himself lucky that Ragini had so easily gotten over the fact. But, somewhere he deep down, he felt it and was expecting her to react.
His thoughts were abruptly interrupted when the lady called out that his order was ready.
They were now dining in their room, when Nachiket's phone rang.. it was Pam.
Pam: "Kahan ho tum?"
Nachiket: Yahin Pe kyun, bataya toh tha, we are going to delhi for the medical conference
Pam: Oh ya, I forgot!!, Anyways, I wanted to tell you, that me and RK are going to Goa tomorrow.
Nachiket: kya? kab?
Pam: Kal, we are driving tomorrow early in the morning.
Nachiket: oh!, is it all set?
Pam: Haan, Kyun? koi problem hai?
Nachiket: Nai Nai.. aajoa phir.. Nahi.. sorry, jaake aao phir. (and they disconnected)
Nachiket informed Ragini that Pam would be arriving the next morning and also added that she would most probably end up staying in the same place as them. It was her favorite place too. Ragini inquired why they were making the trip,to which Nachiket answered, he had forgotten to ask. She, wasnt disappointed as much as Nachiket was, but she definitely wasnt sure how to explain their presence to Pam. But before that, she had other worries of the night to tackle.
When they finished their dinner, Nachiket suggested that they take a walk by the beach. He reasoned that a moon light walk would be refreshing and Ragini would definitely feel better. He insisted, by saying, that tomorrow might not be the same, after Pam arrives and he didnt want to miss this chance. After some persuasion, Ragini agreed, she changed into chudidhar kurta and they were out on the private beach, walking its length. They walked arm in arm, bathing in the blissful moonlight, entranced by the rhythmic sound of the waves and the cool sand soothing their feet. The effect was magical. They silently walked, lost in the peace, serenity and calmness of nature, the cool breeze perfectly balanced by the warmth of their bodies and their minds clear of any thoughts, thanking god for giving them this invaluable moment together...
The tranquility was disturbed by the chattering sounds that came from a distance where they could see, campfire, with a group of people singing and dancing around it. Ragini, indicated they return, but Nachiket proposed they continue until the campfire and then return, and so they continued. They got close to the crowd and stopped for a minute, to stare at the crackling fire, Nachiket waving to the people who noticed them. Then, out of no-where a mid-aged woman came running to Nachiket, and seem to have recognized him.. "Hi, I forget your name, but we have met before.. remember me?", she asked in a confident excited tone. Nachiket, was trying to remember, when she added, "I am Ashley.. from New York". Nachiket didnt seem to remember, but he just pretended he did and asked her general questions, about her visit to India and how she was doing. She spoke in a very familiar manner, as if her acquaintance with Nachiket was more than just "met once" kind. Ragini, thought of her as a general friend of Nachiket and didnt bother much, until she kissed him bye. Both Nachiket and Ragini didnt expect her to be so comfortable doing that and were a little dismayed.
They turned around and started back, this time, Nachiket's arm loosely wrapped around Ragini's shoulder and both were lost in their thoughts, but this time, it was completely different from their onward walk.
Ragini didnt question further about the woman, as she could tell that Nachiket truly didnt recognize her and wouldnt be able to say much. She began thinking about her own self and the night that lay ahead. On the other hand, Nachiket was now thinking hard as to who she was. Even after pondering for a few minutes and running over all the people he had ever worked with or met with in NewYork, he had no success, so, he decided to shake it off. He pulled Ragini closer and whispered "Thank you", in her ear for this beautiful night, to which she smiled and was equally thankful. The thought of the woman, who seemed faintly familiar, wouldnt completely leave his mind and kept coming back.
Then, when they were a few feet from the hotel, it suddenly struck him. He, immediately loosened his grip around Ragini and stopped in his tracks. Ragini, had taken a few steps on her own, then realizing, turned around, "Kya hua?", she asked. Her voice, jolted him, out of his shocked state, he managed to shake his head in negation and take a few slow strides in her direction. He could swear he was sweating in spite of the cool breeze, but thanks to the darkness of the night, Ragini did not notice..
In their room, Ragini was surprised when he didnt approach her, instead silently made his way to the bed, lost deep in thoughts. She could easily figure, he was anxious and worried, but he, wouldnt tell her anything and continued to pretend as if everything was fine. Ragini tried her best, to get to the bottom of his disturbance, but he wouldnt yield. She finally gave up, comforted him to her best and assured everything was fine on her side. He hugged her before kissing good night and they turned off the lights.
Edited by imagine43 - 9 years ago
Fan Fictions
