Returning Home...! (OS)

Returning home...!

Raghav was running on the treadmill in gym... he had no idea how fast he was running... lost thinking about Kalpi's tears. He knew Kalpi was in pain but wasn't sure why, but seeing her crying after the chawl saving thing, he got his answer. Kalpi never showed it on her face but she was longing for her mother's love. For some reason, unknown to him, he could feel her pain.. her tears made him feel helpless..

Raghav's POV

Can't Kamla maa see Kalpi's pain... see cares for everybody but neglecting Kalpi for Pakhi why???? This girl lives for Kamla maa's dream only and she gets the back of her mother, this is not right.

I saw Sammy coming closer and switching the treadmill button off. He asked me why I'm so restless and not happy for saving Kamla Maa's house from demolition. "do you know Sammy the mood of happiness may sometimes yield to a fit of depression, I asked him. Giving me an amused and sheepish look he said, "English please". I just shook my head but said nothing. I answered when he didn't stop insisting. I'm worried about Kamla maa's equation with Kalpi. I can understand the loneliness she is going through. My dad died but I know he loved me, with Kalpi it's different, her mother is before her but still they are so distant. Sammy was consoling me but all I could think Kalpi's depressed face.

Sammy is the only best friend I have for years now. He knows me inside out. I never understand despite my rudeness why he is still with me, but I'm happy that he is.

He told me that Kamla loves Kalpi but because of her loyalty, gives more attention to Pakhi. I knew what he was trying to say, they just need to spend some time together and would have to do something about it.

Some other day

Raghav's POV

I was coming out of a building after attending a meeting. I heard someone calling my name. I knew who this person is, can't forget her voice. I turned to see Kalpi walking towards me. She looks strong like always.

Excuse me sir, that day you left without meeting aai, she said. There were no traces of unredeemed pessimism in her voice. Since childhood I had always liked her attitude and her of course. A click of her fingers brought me back to the present. I stuttered, I thought you wanted to say thank you...! Expressions on her face were clearly telling me that I had irked the tiny framed beast'... I smiled over my thought, which irritated her even more. "yeah, I must thank you for doing your job sir", she retorted. The sarcasm in her voice was quite evident. "Aai wants to meet you, but I'll tell her that she should not wait for you", she added. Are you always this bitter & frustrated Miss Kalpana Jadhav, I asked her raising my eyebrows. I wasn't expecting her to answer it but she left me surprised again. "only when you are around Mr Raghav Singhania", her voice was calm but confident. I wanted to know why she thought like that so said, "can you please explain how am I related to your bad temper. Without wasting any time she replied with a scowl, "yes I can sir, because you leave no stone unturned to humiliate me". I knew she was referring to the hotel incident.

I must admit that this girl leave me surprised every time I meet her. Though I know she is a chalti firti trouble, her courage and perseverance against the hardships has a tonic effect on me. I was still looking at her when someone from the crowd pushed her. With a quick reflex I held her from her waist before she could touch the ground... I wasn't sure but her being close to me was a happy feeling that I never had experienced before... I kept looking at her beautiful face, didn't even care that she was holding my shoulder's so tightly. Her eyes were closed in fear, her nails were digging deep into my flash but that moment all I cared about was saving my Kalpi from getting hurt. That's right my Kalpi'... that is how I had always considered her... mine...my Kalpi, my life J. I didn't want to leave her but had to. I didn't know how she was feeling; I didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable. I helped her standing and pulled my hands back from her waist.

Kalpi's POV

When I lost my balance I knew, I'll get hurt. But a strong arm pulled me up towards him. I closed my eyes in fear and hold him tight. I knew it's only him; Raghav only has the habit of saving from every trouble. He was holding me from my waist. Afraid of being it a dream I closed my eyes more tightly. As if reading my mind his grip also tightened around my waist. I felt like I belonged there... and then to my disappointment he freed me from his grip. I felt some emptiness, a void left inside me. I didn't know why but I missed his touch, missed his warm body against mine. He helped me stand properly. After taking a pause he said, "I wanted to come but I thought Kamla maa would be busy and I would cause an intrusion." I knew his words were genuine; he never lied even when we were young. "You can never be an intrusion, that's your home too," I said with a smile. I saw an emotional turmoil brimming in his eyes, the hard shield of rudeness and arrogance was melting.

Raghav's POV

Those words were like a fresh cold breeze which could heal every wound. I was afraid of breaking down. Trying to control my emotions I asked her if she wanted me to drop her. She replied in negative adding, "you should when you are ready to meet family." It was painful to stay in a house without family and it the pain was getting even worst by staying away from Kamla maa and his Kalpi. I couldn't fight anymore; I had to finish it then and there. After deciding something with a smile I took her hand in my hands and said, "Then let's go together then." She hugged me, her eyes were moist in happiness and it was then, when I realised I was "Returning HOME".