"Ragini, I was scared. Scared that now that I do have you with me, I may not have the time with you. I cannot even imagine losing you again, even to death. Ragini, I was just very very scared that maybe life had shortchanged me and my time was running out. I did not know what to do. This is my only defense."
You could have heard a pin drop in the silence following his words. Nachiket turned to look at Ragini. She was absolutely still, absorbing and cherishing this moment, as she knew by instinct Nachiket needed to talk and explain, not only to Ragini but to himself too! Lacing his fingers with hers, he drew Ragini over to a fallen log and sat down.
"Ragini, I had never experienced loss of any nature till I lost you. I have never had to ask but have always had everything handed to me literally on a plate. I was the apple of Dadaji's eye, and there was nothing that Pam would not do for me. For that matter, there is nothing that Pam has not done for me.
I took everything more or less for granted, my friendship with girls too. You, I fell in love with! Your innocent anger at my habits, your beauty, intelligence, and strength of character made you stand apart from everyone else.
My ego and arrogance at that age just could not understand why there was a need for any explanation for any of my actions. When I said that you were the only girl I loved, I expected you to accept and believe that without any question. Period. Your insecurities, especially with my female friends was way beyond my comprehension. When I look back and reflect on my thoughts and actions, I firmly believe that was so because I knew I was the center of your universe, in the same way as you were my entire world. I have never looked at anyone else. I have always just loved you way too much.
When Suhani was born, it shook me to my roots as to how my Ragini could dislike a defenceless child to this extent. From my side your anger/fear/insecurity made no sense, and my refusing to explain only fanned the fire further. Suhani is the sweetest daughter, and any man would give tooth and nail to be her proud father. She is not my blood, but I never fail to thank God for the day she entered my life.
We separated, and that was the first time in my life that I understood the meaning of an empty existence. I was alive but my heart had stopped beating.
Must have been the repayment of some past good deeds that I was given a second lease on life.
I have you with me again. I do not, or should I say I cannot go through even a single moment, let alone a day, in my life without you. Seeing you, speaking to you, being able to touch you, love you, just being with you is my entire existence.
When I blanked out twice, all I could think was that I had been shortchanged and it left me with no thinking power whatsoever. I had asked Sameer to keep quiet on this till I/we were doubly sure of the diagnosis and its prognosis. Sameer only did what any dear friend would do, what you and I would do in similar circumstances.
Ragini I do not know how else to say this, "I am sorry for this unintentional pain that I have caused".
I make mistakes, cause you unnecessary pain, realize my error, apologize, and always hope to never repeat my mistake. But what do I do, just end up doing the same thing all over again.
Ragini, please don't ever give up on me! Please, once again, accept me back with all my faults. My only saving grace is that I love you and cannot even imagine living without you."
Looking up from their interlaced fingers, Nacheket saw the light shining out of Ragini's eyes and the tears streaming down her cheeks and the beautiful smile just lighting up her face silently saying "I love you". There was no need for any words. They sat wrapped in each others arms, all questions answered.
Some time later Nachiket stood up pulling Ragini with him, saying he had an important phone call to make.
"Sameer, where are you? Let us meet back at the hotel, and the three of us complete the interrupted breakfast with lunch now. See you there then."
Smiling at each other, they walked back to the car holding hands and at peace (Oh well, for the time being at least, before any future volcanic erruption!!!).
I have just written off the top of my head. I hope you all like my input and carry the story forward with lunch and the children's sightseeing in Delhi, and then back to Mumbai!!
Edited by rishab - 9 years ago
Channel V Dil Dosti Dance
Arjun
