Celebration of Fates: RagNa FF, Part-23, Pg-147, 30/07 - Page 40

PART-11

Only three days were left for shooting and Kalpi had virtually been given three days off by the producers. She was happy for not having to face Raghav for next three days. Her heart still used to beat loudly whenever she remembered their intimate dance in press conference. On top of that she was sure that media would surely focus on their dance more than their question and answer round. Not wanting to be at home at that time, since her Aai's and brother's questions and teasing would only make her feel worse she decided to spend the weekend at one of her best friend's home. Sapna- her friend was a model and Kalpana knew her since her modeling days. She was the closest to a sister which Kalpi never had.

The two friends had spent the day in shopping and outing, having a gala time together as they were meeting after a long time. They had their dinner outside and now once back home the first thing Kalpi did was to switch on the TV to catch up on the promos of their shows and any news of press conference. She had already started feeling the effects the show was going to make in her life. Even though she did host the children's program and did two side-roles in some good shows, a few episodic of other shows but this one show was going to put her in high pedestal suddenly. All the newspapers carried the news about them in their entertainment section.

Today she had seen her and Raghav's shows big banners in the city at important points; and this was not all. When she and Sapna were out in the mall for shopping she had received some curious glances from people at large. People whispered amongst each other when they looked at her. Being new to all this she was highly embarrassed, before mostly children used to recognize her and asked for their favourite Didi's photograph and autograph. Now even elders, especially young girls were trying to recognize her. "It is so embarrassing" she had thought when a group of college girls had come at a standstill when they saw her. They were supposed to be moving to the next shop, but when they saw her from outside the glass windows they didn't move! Kalpi was aware of what was going on behind her back as that clothing's shop was covered by mirrors all around. Finally the girl's had come inside and asked for her autograph, Kalpi was happy for some moments. But her happiness was short-lived when she heard the retreating girls whispering among themselves "she is so lucky na? Think of working with Raghav Singhania, he is so handsome".

"Again Raghav, why do everyone praise him" she had thought frustratingly, well aware that half the publicity of the show and major attraction was due to him; and even she owed somewhere to him. That when she hated to admit this to herself also. In the lunchtime when they had gone to restaurant, it was the same there with people whispering "she is the same girl", "she is so beautiful", "she is so cute", "she is so lucky", etc. Finally when it was too much Kalpi had closed her ears and senses to everyone around her except her best friend who was all smiles seeing her friend's success and discomfort.

"Get used to it ma'am" she had told Kalpi "this is only the start and this was your dream, right?"

"Yes, you are right" sighing Kalpi had agreed with Sapna. But her inward thoughts couldn't help adding "But I had never thought Raghav to be a part, a reason for this. I had never wanted it to be through him". But fate had something else in store for her.

Later on Pakhya had called her "Kya baat hai chhayi hui hai Kalpi. I am so proud of you my baby sister. Aur wo kya dance tha Raghav k saath. Kabhi humein bhi toh dance dikhao" (You are everywhere Kalpi. I am so proud of you my baby sister. And what dance it was with Raghav. Someday show the dance to us too). Pakhya teased Kalpi on which she had blushed "Kya Dada" (What Dada). Kamla had already blessed her and she was the first person to congratulate Kalpi in the morning itself when they had seen the newspapers.

Now sitting cross-legged in her pajamas and T-shirt, looking like a young college girl Kalpi was sitting on the couch with a bowl full of ice-cream in front of TV. Sapna was looking at her horrified "Kalpi, you'll gain weight if you eat so much ice-cream. You remember you have to be fit for the show and romance Raghav Singhania? Even he will refuse to romance you if you gain weight".

Kalpi very normally said "He will never refuse; he just loves to..." and before she could complete her sentence she realized what she was going to say. She hit herself mentally for the blunder she was going to make, as Sapna would have surely made her confess everything which she didn't want to.

Sapna was confused "he loves to? He loves to what...romance you?" she asked with a twinkle in her eyes.

Kalpi: "No-no, I mean he is so professional. He will never refuse to do romantic scenes with me. He just loves to obey his director".

Sapna: "Hmm, I see. I wish it was me instead of you Kalpi. How I wish I had also auditioned for this. I wish I did not dislike acting so much then. Hai, he is so handsome and hot. By the way how was it dancing with him so intimately?" she said day-dreaming and got a smack on her head by Kalpi.

Kalpi blushed at the mention of dance and chose to ignore that part of conversation: "Haa toh jaa na, meri jagah tu hi ja. Waise bhi wo bahut khadoos hai. Meri jaan toh bachegi" (Then go na, you only go there in my place. Besides he is very khadoos. At least my life will be saved)

Sapna: "Khadoos? I had heard he is very sweet".

Kalpi: "Actually I have not interacted with him much till now, so maybe that's why I found him so".

Sapna agreeing to her: "Yes, this must be so. Kalpi, can you do one thing. When you become friends with him, please-please introduce me to him some day" she requested with hope in her eyes.

Kalpi touched her cheeks "Okay my Drama-queen. I will".

Sapna: "Oh Kalpi you are the best" she said hugging Kalpi.

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Next day Kalpi and Sapna had planned another outing, someplace outside Mumbai when she received a call from Raghav in the morning. He said the producers had fixed a meeting of costume designers with both Raghav and Kalpi but since he was busy the meeting has been fixed in his office only. So Kalpi has to be there in time. "Besides we have something else to discuss also regarding the show" he told her. "Uff, khadoos ka chehra fir dekhna padega. Pakka mujhe pareshan karne k liye kuchh plan kara hoga Raghav ne". (I'll have to see khadoos' face again. Surely he must have planned something to bug me) she thought worriedly.

When Kalpi reached Head Office of Singhana Group of Companies, she was taken to Raghav's chamber directly. Raghav had reached office already. On seeing Kalpi he acknowledged her and gestured her to have a seat on one of the sofas in the room. Having no other option but to wait for Raghav to get free she sat on one of the large sofas in a corner of the room, though she was in front of Raghav's eye view. He was looking at her from corners of his eyes. Busy in his laptop and continuous phone calls he made her wait for half an hour, looking at the changing expressions of her face and the silent mumblings of her mouth. She was wearing floral printed, fitting pants and an orange coloured shirt which highlighted her figure very well and suited her complexion; her light makeup enhancing her beauty.

She was playing with her fingers at first, as she took in the vastness of luxurious chamber. On one side of the room behind Raghav were ceiling to floor windows and on his left hand side was another door. The chamber seemed to be furnished with almost everything. After sometime when she got bored of that too, she started playing game on her cell trying to ignore Raghav as he was looking very handsome in his navy blue coat. Raghav smiled knowingly when he saw Kalpi talking to herself in whispers, he knew that she was cursing him for making her wait. When he was sure now she would not expect him to focus on her at all, he stood up and walked up to her silently surprising her.

"So are you ready Kalpana?" he asked her. Kalpi was startled by his voice as he stood in front of her.

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

Kalpi was totally busy in her phone by now and a smile was playing on her lips as she played her favourite game when his voice startled her. He was standing right in front of her, gazing at her with his mysterious eyes. Before she could answer to his question, another man entered the chamber; someone who seemed to be very close to Raghav since he didn't took permission from him before coming in.

"Come Sammy. Meet Ms. Kalpana Jadhav, my co-actor in my upcoming show" Raghav told the person who had entered and introduced the both of them. They shook hands formally as Kalpi got up to meet him. "Hello Kalpana, I am Samar Raizada. But you can call me Sammy" he said smiling, and Kalpi also reciprocated his greetings with a smile.

Sammy turned his attention back to Raghav "Raghav there is urgency with regard to the new men's cosmetic range we are coming up with. Soon you'll be busy with the show, and then you'll find less time for your own business. Before you become busier you have to provide a solution to this one".

Raghav: "What is it Sammy? Everything was going fine with it till yesterday, then?"

Sammy: "Well the star we had selected is demanding too high a price, even more than the director of the advertisement. Not that our group cannot afford it, but our budget for advertisement and promotion of our product was allocated separately. A raise in their charges would mean an imbalance in the budget of whole venture. If we think of hiring some other established star, they too can demand higher charges and our problem of imbalance would still be there. And one more thing our team has prepared few more promotional strategies but we are yet to finalise those too before tomorrow".

Kalpi who was listening intently to all this, couldn't help herself and spoke up "What is so worrisome in this? Raghav you know the director of our show has also been a successful ads-film director before? If you talk to him, he'll never say no to you. The promotions of the product can be done in various ways like you can give tiny pouches free with your other products; contact some newspapers which may carry a sample of new products along with promotional advertisement; and you can organise contest among buyers asking for their feedback about the product. You can then give few prizes to those whose replies are found to be the best; even criticisms".

Raghav and Sammy were listening to Kalpi without blinking their eyes. They looked at each other first and then at Kalpi who was waiting impatiently for their reactions. "What Kalpi, what was the need for you to interfere in their matter? Maybe I said something wrong" she thought "I must say sorry to them". "I am sor..."

She had just opened her mouth when Sammy praised her with a clap "Wow Kalpana. Beauty with brains you are. This shall not demand use of much brain now. Raghav you must talk to your director as soon as possible" he said turning to Raghav.

"I agree" said Raghav. "Thank You Kalpana. I'll talk today itself with Mr.Roy-our director but the problem of hiring an actor or model is still there".

"You are so famous. Why don't you model for it yourself; the buyers will surely connect with you" said Kalpi "and you're so good-looking too". Kalpi finished enthusiastically and soon realized what she'd said in her over-excitement. She bit her tongue, covered her mouth with her hands and sat blushing there lowering her gaze as she became aware of an amused Raghav. He was looking at her with a raised eyebrow and an amused smile on his face "Shit, what I have said. Mr.Khadoos will always tease me on this now" she cursed herself.

"Oh so my 'honeybee' finds me famous and good-looking... Not bad Raghav, not bad at all. Seems day before yesterday's dance fever is still on her; good progress" Raghav thought to himself as Sammy sat chuckling there. "She does have a point Rags, you have done everything; why not modeling?" Sammy said.

"Shut up Sam" Raghav said "you know I don't like modeling and all. In all these years I have rejected every offer of modeling which has come my way".

"Leave it Sammy Sir" Kalpi said as she found an opportunity to come out of her embarrassment. "I know him well; modeling must be a sub-standard thing for Raghav".

Raghav stared at her for a few moments then told Sammy "Fine, I'll fix everything with our director and act myself in the ad". Sammy was a bit surprised, thinking "I have been trying to convince him so hard to say yes whenever any offer of an advertisement comes. Every time he rejects, but this girl opposed him once and he said yes. There must be something special in her for him to act this way".

"Okay...." Sammy said. "Now I'll take leave of you two. It is time for your meeting with costume designer now". He said, bid bye to Kalpana and left them alone.

Raghav now stood again and asked Kalpi to follow him "Come Kalpi. We'll have our meeting in there" indicating the door on his left side. "Come".

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Kalpana followed Raghav and found herself in a vast room which resembled a living room. Its settings were completely informal with couches, sofas, simple decorations around. She stood rooted as she stepped in and didn't notice Raghav bolting the door from inside. Turning her head around she saw there was a small kitchenette and fridge also with basic essentials. There seemed to be a small conference table, apt for private or small-scale conferences. She saw the windows on her left side which gave her the view of sea-side, excited she went there admiring the view. Her small delights were interrupted when she heard Raghav's voice from right behind her; he seemed to be too close for her to be comfortable. "Like it?" he asked and she stiffened. Gulping she turned to face him, he was dangerously close to her.

When she didn't answer he went on to explain the purposes for which this room is used. "My private guests or very special business associates are entertained here, most often only when I am too busy to take them anywhere else. Sometimes when I come home late and office canteen is closed, my staff keeps my fridge and kitchenette furnished with basic essentials" he told her. "Do you like it?" he again asked her.

"Yes, I do" Kalpi said. "But why are we here?" she asked not liking the idea of being alone with him in this room.

"Because my dear, the costume designer cannot take our measurements in the business atmosphere of my office. What did you think we were here for? Hope you didn't think that I..." he left the sentence incomplete, gazed her from head to toe and winked at her

"I did not entertain any such thoughts. How can I think so about you?" she managed taking backward steps as her back struck the windows behind. "Hmm, a few moments back someone was finding me good-looking" Raghav said whispering in her ears before nuzzling his nose against her ears. His face was still very close to her and she gulped again. Her heart was beating at a double rate at such proximity. But she refused to show his effect on her. As their bodies almost touched she tried move out from the either free sides. But he blocked her ways by keeping his arms on both sides.

"Don't you find me good-looking Kalpi? Hmm?" he placed his palm on her left cheek, covering her whole face and nuzzled against her other cheek, brushing his lips lightly against that. Kalpi closed her eyes "No" she said. "I have to get out of this situation" she thought and opened her eyes again.

"Let me go Raghav, please get off me" she said. Raghav looked at her eyes, but then his next move was not to back off. Instead his arms were now around her tiny waist, bringing her closer to himself. She froze on his touch, feeling currents running all over her as he passed his fingertips and fingers over her back. Their bodies touching each other and he could feel her nervous breaths and movements of chest.

"You've still not changed have you?" he asked.

"What?" she asked trying to wriggle out of his arms, but failing terribly. Instead she was giving his body more pleasure by her movements.

"I mean this" he said, passing his hand in a caress along the sides of her neck and Adam's apple and she shivered.

"You've grown up now Kalpi for me to explain this to you verbally", "If you want I can give you practical lecture" he told her.

"No" was her horrified reaction to which he chuckled and gave a naughty smile with his killer lip-bite.

"I am thinking" he continued "why don't I take your measurement myself before the costume designer comes" he said winking at her and felt relief at watching her doe-shaped eyes widen even more. "You're not doing anything like this" she told him still in his arms.

"I am doing exactly this", "I already know what is your waist-size. It is 26, no 25 is perfect" he said tightening his hold around her as she closed her eyes tightly when his hands started moving up. His hands moved sideways on her body till he'd reached her bosom and then spread his hands in a hug to measure her. She'd been clutching his suit very tightly now, thinking "why am I not feeling bad?"He then moved downwards from her back, to her hips and measured them likewise. Moving up he held her by her waist again and touched her face to calm down her rugged breaths. She opened her dazed eyes to meet his loving and passionate ones. "Why do I see something else other than desire in his? But what is it?" she wondered and saw him moving his lips closer to hers. He took hers in a passionate kiss, he had kissed her again after eight long years and the taste had not changed she realized in horror. Frightened with herself, that she had still remembered that, though she despised those moments so much.

He kissed her softly, at first, showing her his desire for her then it turned into a passionate one as she parted her lips and he kissed her fully then. Kissing the interiors of her mouth and lips as she unknowingly yielded to him. He kissed her neck downwards and then cheeks again. They both rested their foreheads against each other and he said "you still taste the same, in fact even better". She was shocked that he still remembered it, but then he'd returned to fulfill his promise. "He has to remember this" she thought sadly, the reason of her sadness unknown to her. She tried moving out of his arms again though she still felt dazed and he held her by her waist again.

"36-25-36" he supplied to her. "What?" she asked, for the trembling of her body was making her helpless and her mind numb!

"Your, er...size, your correct measurement" she stared at him agape and then started punching him on his chest. "You". Just then the intercom buzzed in the room and Raghav left to answer it. Kalpi breathe in and out many times to make herself normal as Raghav talked on phone and smiled watching her condition.

Keeping the receiver down he told her "the costume designer is in" and went to open the door.

Soon the designer came in and greeted both of them. "Sir, Ma'am, the dresses are ready almost. We only need to take in your measurements and we would alter them accordingly".

"Sure, go ahead" Raghav told him. The designer had come in with his assistant and he dictated him the measurements he took. After Raghav it was Kalpi's turn and Kalpi was very nervous. "Bappa, I had never thought I'll be so scared of a costume designer in my life. Please let the measurement be different from what...he said". She prayed inwardly as the designer came to her with his inch-tape, but her prayers went unanswered when the first dictation which the assistant was given was "36".

Raghav couldn't stop laughing and Kalpi closed her eyes shut with a sinking heart, as the waist turned out to be '25' and then it was '36' again. By now Raghav was doubling up laughing uncontrollably and Kalpi's face was red with huge amounts of both blush and anger. She fumed and stared at him, but he seemed unaffected. Soon the rest of the measurements also were completed."The costumes shall be ready by the day of shooting Sir" the designer said and both the men took their leave.

Raghav reached her in quick steps, stood with his arms-crossed in front of her, his eyes gleaming and saying "See, what I'd told you?"

Kalpi said "You're horrible. I still won't let you win" and ran away from there as fast as she could.

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

That night and the day next, which was a Sunday Kalpi had spent trying to forget the feeling of his touch again but was unable to. Sapna was with her and she did manage to divert her mind but even she could not divert it from the unexplained pang of jealousy she'd felt when she thought "how was he so perfect in measurement? Does that mean he has touched some other girl too?" unable to bear the thoughts of him touching someone else this way she'd brushed it off. "He is a successful star and he had romanced with so many heroines. Maybe that experience?" successful in making herself believe in this explanation, she found some relief. "But why do I feel bad about it? No, I am not jealous. I am only trying to give some reasonable explanation to that horrible man's perfection in indecent behaviour" she told herself.

Come the first day of their shooting and Kalpi entered the studio nervously, praying to Bappa to keep everything good. She reached her set and found she had her own vanity van. She got ready with the help of the assistants there and waited to be called out. "Ma'am, sir is calling you" another assistant came and informed her. She was alone in her vanity and as she was making her way out, Raghav entered.

"I...came to say 'all the best' to you for your new start" he told her. "And this Mom has sent for you" he said holding out his hand. Kalpi say it was a tiny Ganesha idol. Smiling she took it "Thank You. Say Thanks from my side to Aunty also".

"Okay, I will" he said but did not leave. The next thing Kalpi felt was his lips on one of her cheeks. Surprised she looked at him "this shall be my good morning and good luck kiss to you, every day. Everyday you'll come, you'll receive my gift to you, for the day" he told her smiling and left, leaving a stunned Kalpi behind.

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.

PART-12