The Marriage Story: Ragna FF; Part-23, Part-24(Edited) Pg-131, 31/10 - Page 80

Originally posted by: shoonya9

Wow Charu perhaps you have given the best separation track till now compared to all other FFs. You have really dealt it with utmost sensitivity, portrayed their emotions, longing, commitment, impatience for each other. Both of them have been preys to the situations n going through painful separation yet accepting it and smartly stealing the cute n precious romantic moments for themselves, be it through driving lessons, meetings in office, picnics, karwa Chauth or phone calls.

This reminds me old movie of Rishida Chupke Chupke in which the newly Wed Dharmendra n Sharmila Tagore are separated ( of course in other light context) and forced to meet each other by fooling other family members.

Here too their behaviour has raised doubts in a few one of whom is Sonal. Omg with spying Sonal, conspiring Neetu, satisfying Peeyush, old friend Saakshya, almost returned threat of Prem and despo dumb Pakhi to add the spice how long the cat of RAGNA marriage Will be able to hide? Awaiting when n how the cat will be out and what will be the fate of cat? Together how will they fight the odds?

Originally posted by: spontaneousmini

Oh! I was all engrossed in lovey-dovey feelings, and jealousy and reconciliation and comforting thoughts and Boom your last sentence totally put a twister..

now I am waiting for the next update with baited breathe.

lovely update, the emotions that RagNa feel are so detailed and vivid its beautiful.

Sonal, is also turning into an interesting character.

Shaakhya is a nice name.. looks like something may just bloom between S and S.

😆

PART-21

Sammy sat in Raghav's chamber in front of him. He had been observing Raghav in a thoughtful mood since past ten minutes. After talking initially about some office work with Raghav he had decided to sit quiet for some time and see what Raghav did. Raghav had though responded to Sammy's queries, but he looked lost to Sammy still. So, he thought to sit quietly for ten minutes and observe him. It turned out Raghav did not even notice that Sammy had stopped speaking. Unable to take in more Sammy finally spoke up "What's wrong with you Raghav? I am seeing you since morning and you look too much in your own thoughts. Would you mind telling me what or who is it who has managed to occupy Raghav Singhania's mind, that too in busy hours of morning?"

Raghav looked up at Sammy from his laptop seemingly on which he was trying to focus now instead "Hmm? Sorry Sam. I am just thinking about him" he replied in a half-focused fashion.

Sammy: "Him? Who him Raghav? Look I do not understand anything".

Raghav: "Nothing serious Sammy. Him means he is Kalpana's school-time best friend".

Sammy, rolling his eyes and muttering to himself as he turned his face slightly away from Raghav "Trust Kalpana to make Raghav do crazy things".

Raghav, suspecting something "Sorry, what did you say?"

Sammy: "I am saying what is it so much to think about Raghav? Which friend of Bhabhi's?"

Raghav: "Told you about him, he is her best friend since school time. He has returned to India recently, she had even met him yesterday".

Sammy: "Oho, someone is jealous it seems. Though I still did not understand much about that friend" he said lying back in his chair.

Raghav: "I am not jealous! It's just that once she starts talking about him, she doesn't stop. Take this morning's instance, we were returning from the counselor's clinic for talking about Mom's treatment. I wanted to know more about Saakshya- her friend so asked about him. But can you believe it, she continued talking about him the whole way from the clinic to office, and wouldn't have stopped had it not been necessary to part our ways to enter office separately" he finished off only to hear loud laughter of Sammy. He looked up to see Sammy laughing uncontrollably as he kept one hand on his stomach to stop himself from laughing more "Ha ha ha ha..."

Raghav gritted his teeth, annoyed at watching Sammy making fun of him. He stood up and went on to face the floor-to-ceiling windows as he said "Sammy stop, this is not funny".

Sammy: "Ho ho ho ho, this is not funny? Then what is funny? Raghav Singhania has turned into Jealous Singhania", "ha ha ha ha" he said laughing more and earning an angry glare from Raghav. Watching Raghav in a foul mood he controlled himself and stopped laughing "okay-okay. Don't give me those looks. I am not laughing anymore, see?" he said pointing to his mouth.

Sammy: "But yaar what else would I do when you are acting all possessive and jealous these days where Bhabhi is concerned. First it was poor Peeyush, who is still bearing the brunt of trying to be friendly with Raghav Singhania's wife. Poor guy cannot understand why all of a sudden his work load has increased; and not only that you give him more personal targets to be achieved these days. And if that was not enough I suddenly see some tours lined up in his itinerary for this and next week! He will be returning from one tour tomorrow and shall have to leave for next tour by next Tuesday, getting very less time in office to complete his work. Poor guy has been digging his neck in his laptop twenty hours out of twenty-four in a day".

Raghav: "Firstly stop calling him poor Peeyush, poor guy'; and he was not trying to be just friendly with Kalpi. He wanted much more than that and Kalpi in her innocence did not understand it".

Sammy: "Well that is true. On your nudging I had asked him indirectly from him if he liked anyone in the office, since his behaviour seemed changed. He had told me that he loved Kalpana and wanted to make a special place for himself in her life. I did warn him though that I've heard Kalpana already has someone in her life and she is engaged to someone. But he said he doesn't have any problem with that, who knows when she might need another shoulder to support. N then he'll make sure it is him she turns to. As for Bhabhi not understanding his intentions, I am sure she is focused on you a bit too much to notice other's attractive gazes for her".

Raghav: "I know, she loves me too much to notice others. But where does her girlish sixth sense goes when it comes to others? You know Sammy she is not one of the best, she is the best. A perfect beauty with brains to match, perfect human being and so innocent, she is special, she is different and she is most awesome. How can someone not like her, love her. She cannot afford to be naive, she is Mrs.Kalpana Raghav Singhania. And she is only mine; I do not like it if someone comes too close to her".

Sammy: "There you said it yourself. She is only yours; she knows it and you know it. You do not have anything to worry about. As for being naive, she is too good at heart to think badly of people in first instance. She gives time to people to prove their worth, otherwise she is strong enough to protect herself and you know that very well Raghav. Maybe she did not feel threatened or anything absurd till now as far as Peeyush is concerned. And yes, she is the best, which is why she is your better half and your life-partner. No ordinary girl could do the impossible, win the heart of the ever-loner, the Raghav Singhania. Have faith in her and teach her the cleverness and shrewdness of your mind too. It will help her in the long way. Anyways, now what about this new friend; what did Bhabhi tell about him?"

Raghav: "His name is Saakshya Malik, his father is an Indian Foreign Service Officer, presently posted in UK. He had studied with Kalpi in her boarding school where he used to live with his grandparents, in order to avoid unsettlement in schooling frequently as his father was transferred every few years. After he completed schooling he had gone on to live with his parent to study in one of the best colleges. After college he worked there for one year or so, earned and saved considerable amount. Now he has returned to India to try setting up his own business or venture. Kalpi told me that he had been planning about this since quite some months now. Kalpi too wants to start her own venture once her notice period is over here, and when she told him about this, he suggested that they can both start their venture jointly. So, they both shall be meeting quite often from now on to discuss their plans". Raghav completed with tight fists.

Sammy: "I still don't understand Raghav. Why are you upset?"

Raghav: "I cannot throw out of my mind that enthusiasm with which Kalpi was talking about him. I don't know why. Can you believe it he even gifted Kalpi her favourite 'orange cake'."

Sammy, laughing: "Raghav you are just like a child. In fact both you and Kalpi are the same when it comes to each other. You're fretting over Bhabhi's enthusiasm over her friend since morning. Ha ha ha, chill dude everything will be fine. For now let's focus on Prem Kapoor".

Raghav, sighing: "Yup, you are right; tell me how come he is returning just before the sale and auction? How can he help his father?"

Sammy: "You remember I'd told you that Prem has been helping his Mausi in her business, which is established out of India? Her Mausi has no heirs and hence after you made his life hell here, he had shifted to Canada to his Mausi, helping in her business and virtually heading it. He has made quite good bank balance working there all these months, combined with some amount loaned by his Mausi plus loan taken by him from that company is enough for him to re-pay the debt of Kapoors'. This is if he reaches in time, before auction because he will have to be personally present for that. Sahil and Neetu Kapoor know that, but still want you- Raghav Singhania to do the favours instead. They want to save their son's hard-earned money, and want you to spend instead on them. They're still hoping that with your name and influence they can show the debt paid on papers', or have the sale/auction either cancelled or postponed. This way they'll get more time to earn more from you in kind and money. Bloody suckers of money".

Raghav: "Hmm, is it so? Prem Kapoor is successful now and wants to help his parents. What if his brilliant brains and money both are needed more by his Mausi and her company more than they are needed here? He'll not want to ditch them in moment of need right?" he said turning back to face Sammy with a smirk on his face and determined question in his eyes.

****************************************************

Pakhi was deliberating since past fifteen minutes on how to go about cleaning the dirty toilet. Half an hour back a guest had checked out and as a part of one month training she was made to do what every junior assistant to assistant in housekeeping department of a hotel was meant to do: cleaning the room, washrooms, checking the supplies were complete with the guests, etc. Everything else she was managing with a heavy heart, but this was the toughest task for her. "God, what do people do to make washrooms so dirty" she wondered aloud as she glanced up as if God would respond to her then and there. "When we went in some hotel, we never spread so much filth in room and washrooms" then suddenly not so sure "well, at least not this dirty. I swear next time I visit a hotel I'll make sure to keep it clean. Poor employees have to bear so much".

"But the question is from where do I start, from this dustbin? No, it's filled with all dirty things; and that...? No way" she said making a face at the pot. "Okay, I'll start with the tiles and mirror. They are easier" she told herself grabbing her scrubber.

"You haven't finished yet?" the voice of her immediate boss roared from behind. "S...sorry Sir, I'll finish this in ten minutes" she mumbled.

"In ten minutes? You better do that. We've another reservation in this room and the guests shall arrive anytime within this hour. You also need to check their supplies before that. Do you get that? We don't have whole day to keep up with your reservations. I hope you're good in office work at least. Your brains may be needed there" he scolded Pakhi and went away.

Pakhi was left stunned and angry "How dare he speak to me like that? I am Pakhi Kapoor, Sahil Kapoor's daughter and dare he talk to me like that! Wait till I complain Dad about him. But...dad is in debt till head, and with the impending sale I may just need this job to look after my expenses. No, but wait, I am Pakhi Kapoor Singhania right? I'll have this man fired by Raghav. Let this man know whom he scolded" she shook her head sarcastically before turning to finishing off her job.

***************************************************

"Sammy I still do not understand why you are doing this. I can perfectly manage this myself" Raghav told Sammy as he watched him taking out their respective lunch-boxes one by one, and heating the lunch in microwave. "I am your better-half for the day Rags" Sammy chuckled.

"Very funny" Raghav said.

"What? You don't believe me? Well, it was Bhabhi's strict orders to take care of your lunch behind her back. She doesn't trust you on that you see. Haa, if you want to throw me out in lunch-time, then that's other matter" he said.

"Shut up Sam, you know it's nothing like this" Raghav replied.

"I know that. Anyways, here- your lunch is warm and ready to eat; and mine too" Sammy told Raghav as he heated their lunch in microwave kept in corner of Raghav's big chamber and served in plates. Today his cooks had made him vegetable Biryani; but there was some other dish in his plate which caught his attention- bhindi.

Sammy saw him looking intently at his favourite vegetable and said "Kalpana Bhabhi has cooked it especially for you" he told Raghav placing warm chapattis in his plate. On seeing surprised look on Raghav's face he continued, "I know she has gone out for lunch with Sakshya. But she had come to me before that, she gave me a lunch-box. She said she had cooked this especially for you and since she cannot be here today, so she gave me the duty to have you eat it".

"Kalpi did this for me?" Raghav talked to himself, his eyes glimmering at having to eat food cooked by Kalpi's hands after so many days. It was only in their weekend meetings now that he had the luxury of tasting food made by his beloved wife. He was so happy that forgetting complete courtesy of waiting for Sammy and forgetting the biryani, he attacked the bhindi. Sammy watched him in amusement, shaking his head with a smile. "Thank You Bhabhi" he said in his mind "for bringing a genuine smile on Raghav's face".

**************************************************

Evening time Pakhi returned home after a tiring day, she cringed as she held her neck in pain. "Pookha bachcha, come here I'll massage you. You'll feel better" Neetu said as she same there with massaging oil.

"Leave it Neetu. No need to show this fake concern for me" she told her mother off rudely.

"Yes-yes, I am your only enemy right. Everyone else is your well-wisher. Here I'd come to help you out of your woes and you are sending me off only. Okay...I am going" Neetu turned with an evil smile on her face, waiting for her Pookhi baby to call her back.

"Wait Neetu, don't go. You'd come here to massage me na, you can do it",

"Okay, if you say so" Neetu said as she bit her lip, seeing her plan becoming successful already. She started massaging Pakhi's neck and waited for Pakhi to voice out those precious words.

"By the way Neetu, what was it you were saying? About helping me out of this painful life?" Pakhi asked her mother, unable to contain her curiousity any more. It was just one day for her job and she was already done away with it in her mind. "Anything would do to take me out of this" she thought "as for Raghav, I am sure he'll understand me. I'll make him understand".

"What I was saying Pookha Baby, financial problem is upon your dad and me. But you are free from it right, since you are Raghav's wife. Why don't you do something to make Raghav agree to accept you as his wife publically? After all, what is kept in proving your worth to the world and a promise? The world sees only one thing- money. Once they get to know you are married to country's richest businessman everyone would recognize and appreciate your worth themselves. I really can't see you in pain bachcha. If this is your condition on first day itself, what will happen after one month? Think about it, does a meager salary worth taking all these pains when you can be owner of millions in a jiffy?"

"You are right" Pakhi mumbled in her thoughts. Then she turned to Neetu and asked "But Raghav won't agree Neetu. I know. He believes in his promises and principles too much".

"He will agree Pookha Baby. He will, if you do as I tell you"

"And what is that?" Pakhi asked.

"This" Neetu said, taking out a small bottle from her small clutch.

"This? What is this?" Pakhi asked again.

"Magic Pookha Baby, magic; this will solve your problems in one night. You just have to add this to Raghav's drink and make sure he drinks it; then you'll see its magic".

Pakhi's eyes widened in shock "You want me to hurt Raghav; you want me to ditch him? No ways". She said turning to sit up straight, with an annoyed look on her face.

"Tch, tch, Pookha baby it is not what you think it is and it is not betraying or breaking Raghav's trust too. Come I'll make you understand" she said whispering something in Pakhi's ears which only served to increase her shock.

"You are too much Neetu. Do you realize it can ruin my reputation too, you are gambling on your own daughter's reputation? I don't believe this".

"Baby I wouldn't have told you to do so had I had other choice. But with this, Raghav will be forced to acknowledge you as his wife. Your problems shall disappear in one go. Think about it, in fact you can take Raghav for dinner tonight only. Take him to 'Hotel Park Avenue', a page-3 function is going on there and it will continue till morning. It is sure to catch media's eyes, I have already alerted some media people to be ready for sensational news related to Raghav Singhania. It is a sure-shot plan love".

"But Neetu...but I agree we have no other choice. I cannot go on giving myself more pain n this job for so many weeks; I cannot take in getting insulted by anyone. In front of this, this shall be a small price to pay and a small risk. Give me that bottle". Neetu smirked and gave Paakhi the bottle which Pakhi kept in her purse as she got up to get ready.

****************************************************

It was just before 8 PM when Raghav had left office and had found Pakhi waiting for him, standing outside her car. When he saw her, he clenched his fists tightly, not happy to see her. For he was already in a foul mood, even after Kalpi had returned to office, she'd been busy in office work, completing tasks given by some of his CEOs and he couldn't even say no as the project was important. They'd hardly talked and afterwards she had only come to him to say Bye. She had again left with Saakshya, he was to drop her home; and it had not helped that he'd heard her receiving Peeyush's phone call and talking to him cheerfully. Of course it was nothing serious; she only congratulated him on his successful tour. But he was angry with Peeyush. It seemed everyone else had the opportunity to spend time with and talk with his wife, except him. Now, he was really feeling the effects of Kalpi's punishment. He was really in no mood to hear rants of Pakhi or spend time with her. He tried saying no to her "Pakhi, you here? Look I am very tired for anything right now. I am going home".

"No Raghav. I will not listen to any excuse of yours today. You have no time for me ever, neither for call, nor for anything else. Just one dinner please, all I am asking for is one dinner. I promise I'll not ask for anything else for next one month" she pleaded "besides what harm can one dinner do. You'll feel fresh".

"Look Pakhi I am not even dressed for one. Maybe some other day, you go out with some friend of yours" he tried to make her understand.

"But Ra..."

"Enough Pakhi, can't you understand I am tired?" he shouted.

Pakhi seemed shocked and hurt, with tears in her eyes she said "Okay...you don't love me na. That's fine. I'll tell Dad and Neetu that you shall not help him in his problems; that you have refused. That you don't care for any of us" she said.

"Uff Pakhi why don't you understand...okay fine. Where are we going?" he complied finally.

"To Hotel Park Avenue; it's another five star hotel. We'll have a good time. Come we'll go in my car" she told him.

Raghav turned to his driver, telling him to be alert as he may need his services later on and climbed in with Pakhi in his car, and started working on his phone to avoid any other communication with Pakhi.

****************************************************

One hour later Ragav and Pakhi sat in restaurant of the hotel. The waiter had brought them mock-tails five minutes ago and he sat sipping his own drink as he worked on his tab. Pakhi was observing Raghav keenly, the effects may show any moment now. Neetu was thoughtful enough to reserve a hotel room here. The waiters and attendants were already paid for, out of Pakhi's saving accounts, which still had a good balance in it. They'd make sure the information with proof reached media.

Just then Raghav stirred, getting up he excused himself for going to washroom. "Excuse me Pakhi. I am not feeling well, I'll just return from washroom" he said. He got up and Pakhi decided to follow him, certain that the drug had started showing its effects and Raghav may fall unconscious mid-way and she'll have to be around then to handle him and take him to room. She too got up after him, maintaining some distance from him.

Her eyes fixed on Raghav, she reached the corridor as she followed him, just then her head started spinning lightly, which she ignored. She walked two steps more behind Raghav, but this time her head felt a throbbing pain and she felt her head spin with more force; her eyes started closing in an involuntary action and everything seemed blurry. She struggled to balance herself as she felt her feet giving way;her eyes struggled to remain open as distance between her and Raghav increased every second. "No, it can't be happening" her panicking thoughts filled her mind "this means...?" unable to struggle more against her body, she finally lost it, her last conscious feeling being someone's arms breaking her fall midway, as whoever he was, held her by her waist.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction using characters from the show 'Ek Mutthi Aasmaan" on 'Zee TV". The characters are owned by creators and owners of the show.