The Inevitable Beginning: RagNa SS,EPILOGUE, Pg-132,21/1/17

PART-1

There, I felt my husband's arms around me for the first time. His strong arms were passionately and tightly embracing me. It was not that he had not hugged me before, but this hug was different. It was the first true passionate hug we shared after our marriage and very clearly a husband and wife hug.

We were married now for more than ten days now but we were so close for the first time. Before he only hugged me like a best friend; or like an old, caring friend because he respected me and my slowly breaking boundaries, my inhibitions. He was so sweet how I could not finally break all walls once and for all, for him and that too quite earlier than my expectations. Lifting her head from his chest, she looked in his eyes and he looked in hers; smiling he caressed her cheeks, finally feeling content that his wife had at last accepted him as her husband. His love had accepted him as her husband, and he was the happiest man right now on this Earth. Not that he didn't know that his Kalpi also had feelings for him; but her inhibitions and the fact she didn't got time to analyze and identify the feelings she felt for him as the feeling of love made it only fair that he gave time to her. As for him, he had realized that he loved her the day they had got engaged; realizing that when she is with him, she completed him. He should be grateful to his mother who read both him and Kalpi too well to take the initiative to give their relation that inevitable push and start, which they both themselves seemed to be losing in their inner fights.

Gauri Singhania could see the immense true love Raghav and Kalpi had for each other, the way they cared for and looked at each other. Then one day Kalpi told Gauri that her Aai has started looking matches for her now that she was settled in her career and even got promoted in two months from an Executive to Assistant Manager. Gauri just knew she had to do something, because Kalpi's feelings might be overpowered by her mind's awareness of financial differences between them. As for Raghav, Gauri knew, how much time Raghav took to allow happiness enter his life, to let anyone come close to him, to give precedence to his feelings and realize it might not necessarily be painful and meant to end. So, she had asked Raghav one day if he loved Kalpi, he kept silent. She had changed the question then "do you like Kalpi" and he had quietly nodded his head "I like her Mom, but..." And Gauri had refused to listen more. The next thing both Raghav and Kalpi knew Gauri had gone to Kalpi's home with marriage proposal from their side for Kalpana.

"Ours was an arranged match, at least from our side it was plain arranged marriage because one fine day the proposal for marriage had come from Gauri Mom- Gauri Singhania, Raghav's mother" thought Kalpi looking in her husband's eyes and like him went back to recollect the events which had laid foundation for their present.

Coming back to present she felt Raghav had pressed her body tightly against himself but only after she surrendered herself to him completely. Hugging him as if for life, her arms tightly woven around his neck, caressing his hair and nape, neck, chest everything and she let herself, and her body feel his masculinity, tough frame even more. Raghav had sighed happily, and tightened his hold on his wife. "Ready love?" he asked and Kalpi nodded. "You are reliving our journey till here right?" he asked. "Yes" she whispered huskily in his ears, placing a kiss there, kissing his eyes sweetly and then his cheeks, every corner of his face. He smirked, and lifted her like that. Carrying her to the small dining-table set in their kitchen; he sat himself on the chair first and then made her sit on his lap. Then smiling naughtily, said "come, let's relive together". But first she and he had to remember the day of their engagement, special for both of them in many ways.

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It was on our engagement ceremony Gauri Mom had revealed that I was Raghav's choice. Sitting amongst so many guests, I had blushed on hearing that, knowing well that Raghav's gaze was now completely on me without caring for others. Mom had said that it was not difficult for her to agree with his choice and bless our relation. In the few times I had visited Singhania Mansion for any official work, Gauri Singhania's behavior towards me had always been friendly, courteous, caring and loving. A few times I even used to make tea for her when the servants were busy. Maybe she had been observing me since then, and liked me. The visits were mostly on Sundays, holidays and when Raghav Sir rarely was on an off. Then Sammy Sir sent me mostly, to Raghav Sir's home for completing pending official works and every time Gauri Singhania had treated me kindly. I had not the slightest idea that he- Raghav liked me even though I was always aware of his intimidating, praising gazes, because every time I had to go to his home, I took extra efforts to get ready. After all, he was my crush and I would not have liked him to think of me as just another average girl.

I never shared with anyone that I had always harbored a crush and maybe a strong liking towards Raghav Singhania, now my husband. He was my idol since the time I was studying my MBA; the best businessman in the country and most eligible bachelor. He was on the top not only in business world but also ruled every girl's heart with his drop dead, killing looks. Luckily for me, after passing out I got the job of an Executive right under him and Sammy Sir; I still remember how the first time I had seen the Raghav Singhania in front of me, I was trying to control my wildly beating heart. I prayed inwardly that my probable boss doesn't get the slightest idea of how my senses had gone haywire just taking his sight and musky perfume in. I had sat in awe of the sheer power of his personality in the last round of my interview which was personally taken by him. He had sat just across the desk scrutinizing my file and the moment he looked at me I was startled to feel that my heart had skipped a beat. His eyes were penetrating, as if looking inside my soul which of course I had thought to be that of a future boss who was trying to examine a candidate. But I wasn't aware that he was just as attracted towards me at that moment as I was.

"Kalpana Vitthal Jadhav", the girl's academic record was better than brilliant all through, but strangely enough the moment Raghav had turned to face the last candidate for the day, he was captivated by the wide, doe-shaped eyes looking back at him confidently and apprehensively. "Her eyes", "they are so beautiful, with just a hint of Kajal; unlike the other girls who had come for interview decked up with makeup, this girl is different". Her makeup was very light and natural, just to enhance her already beautiful features and soft, shining skin Raghav had noted as his eyes fell on their own down to her slightly parted lips. The colour of her cheeks had changed a bit he saw though she had regained her composure again and he had tried to focus back on the task in hand. It was tough, considering the sleeveless; round-neck fitting Indian suit she was wearing accentuated her beauty even more. He did ask her all the relevant questions and focused on her answers showing her brilliance but he couldn't help taking in the honey in her sweet voice. He had no reason to reject her, on a professional level and he had realized personally also he was looking forward to working with this girl. She had joined office from the next day itself.

Their journey ahead was good; Kalpi had found why Raghav Singhania was at the top of the list of businessmen. He was shrewd, clever, very intelligent and also a very hard task master with his employees. But he had a different side also; he never stopped Kalpi from working late hours but after work never allowed her to go alone. Most of the times he himself dropped her home, the formality of a boss and employee intact, and the ice did melt between them a bit in those few moments. But Kalpi could never forget the first time they both had realized; more specifically she had realized the intensity and extent of his effect on her, her body.

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It was one of the office parties and Kalpi was looking gorgeous in her open back, strappy maxi dress with side split. It was not exactly her style of dress but she had worn it because it was gifted by her soon to be Bhabhi-Shanaya Shinde. Kalpi's family was a mix of traditional and modern. They never objected to her wearing modern dresses. But it was the first time she had worn a backless one and she soon found out it was too good an idea for her to wear this.

Kalpi's dress was something like this: -

That party night, she had felt very uncomfortable, aware of almost every male and female eye on her. Clutching her purse she had frantically searched for a lone corner at first, and then later found some relief when two of her female colleague friends took her with them. So conscious and nervous was she that night she did not notice how Raghav was transfixed by her beauty as soon as she had entered the party. He had seen all of his male employees ogling at her beautiful, sexy frame and had tightened his hold on the glass of champagne. Sammy who stood with him had noticed it and only chuckled, recognizing the hidden feelings even Raghav was unaware of yet. "Do something, anger won't help" he had whispered in Raghav's ears who startled had looked back at Sammy. "What? I know you like her. But the way she is looking today, I won't be surprised if anyone takes her away from you soon even before you try to make her yours".

"I don't love or like her" was all Raghav had replied. "Ya right" Sammy had blown that reply of his in air just like that. But Raghav took Sammy's advice though he was still not convinced of his feelings whether they were mere infatuation, liking, attraction or something more strong. Deciding it was about time to test his feelings he motioned his legs to go where she was sitting. He decided to propose Kalpi for a dance. He saw that she was now sitting alone on one of the tables at the far end as her friends were on the dance floor, partying away. Smiling he had made his way to Kalpi, only to come at a sudden halt on seeing that the waiter whom Kalpi had called out for a soft drink was stopped midway by one of his male employees- Peeyush. He mixed an alcoholic drink in one of the glasses, stuffed some money in waiter's pocket and sent him ahead to Kalpi again. Frowning, Raghav decided to reach Kalpi as soon as possible, his heart almost coming to a stop when he saw Kalpi taking sips from that glass.

There Kalpi who had been sitting all conscious all alone, fiddling with her fingers had asked for a soft drink from waiter, thinking it would cool down her very aware and heated senses. Since the time she had seen her boss-Raghav Singhania she had realized that her crush on him since her study days had gone one notch higher. He looked even more handsome in real, out of mere videos and pictures. They did nothing to justify his handsome face and body. Tonight he was the shining full moon of the party in his white T-shirt and dark blue coat. All she wanted to do was continue looking at him but he was her boss despite all the kindness he extended her way; and she knew it was only that- a humanly gesture. She worked right under him and Sammy Sir and the only girl under him who had so much professional responsibility. Thus, it was his way to show he acknowledged and appreciated her hard work, Kalpi just knew it; she did not want it to interpret in any other way. But tonight, she saw something else in his eyes, the same male appreciation of her beauty which she had seen in her other colleagues tonight. The difference was his eyes were burning into her skin, unlike others which made no effect on her. She had greeted Raghav the first thing after becoming comfortable with friends, snatching a moment to break away from them to come to him since it was his party. The distance between them decreased and she realized he was looking at her only, without blinking his eyes, though he managed to mask his real emotions somewhat for Kalpi.

"Good evening Sir, nice party" she said and Raghav nodded his head in response. "Good evening Ms.Jadhav, hope you enjoy the party" Raghav said acknowledging her wishes and adding after a small pause "you are looking beautiful", passing a casual gaze on her frame, making her blush. "Thank You Sir, umm, my friends are waiting for me".

"Yes, yes, please go on, have fun" Raghav said with a smile and Kalpi did not waste even one second more to turn back and go back to her friends. The way he had looked at her had suddenly made her very conscious of her being a woman and Raghav Sir being a male; he affected her. "Control Kalpi, control" "his behavior was just like anyone else's was; though he didn't make you uncomfortable like others" she had told herself and tried to divert her heart, mind away from him. But the fact even through the distances, she could feel him standing just across her and looking at her now and then, made her even more conscious. Her friends had then left for the dance floor, but she sat there only, aware that this was not a good idea to dance with anyone or even alone with friends tonight. Thus, when everything failed, she decided to let go of her tensions a bit and asked for this cold drink. But this fizzy drink tasted so weird down her throat, leaving a burning sensation. She took two sips of the drink and made a face, not liking the taste. "It seems it was not a good idea to come here tonight. I should as well be leaving" thinking so she decided to leave; and thank Raghav Sir for this party. Standing up she turned but found a strong grip on her arm, it was Peeyush one of her colleagues. "Going home Kalpana? Come, I'll drop you" he said grinning widely.

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Raghav watched in horror Kalpana sipping the contents of the glass and then felt relief washing him when he saw she had left almost the entire drink untouched after first two sips. Maybe she did not like the taste, he saw her standing up and turning to his direction but that employee of his Peeyush approached Kalpana before him. He seemed to say something, to which Kalpana shook her head in a No. But the man had his grip on her arm and he almost dragged her with himself and out of the hall, even as tightening his fists in anger Raghav followed them. "Let me go, I can go by myself" her voice reached Raghav's ears and saw her somehow freeing herself from the man's grasp as he tried to kiss her by force on her cheeks and his hands made way to her back. But the force of it combined with somewhat dizzy effects of light alcohol in her blood made her fall on a big cactus plant kept for decoration purposes. Falling on the cactus plant kept her left side, Kalpi let out a small "aah" as the thorns pierced the soft skin of her thighs. She had lost her balance and she didn't know why she was staggering she wondered as she felt her head spinning lightly. But before the cactus could hurt her more, someone broke her fall and held her tightly by arms. Looking back she saw it was Raghav Sir, with worry and concern in his eyes. He made her stand properly and then focused on Peeyush.

"You are fired" Raghav said trying to keep his voice low. He was unable to resist the temptation and anger inside him and slapped the man hard "you can take your termination letter tomorrow first thing in the morning on the grounds of misconduct against a female employee". Having blasted the bast*** man for his misdeed, Raghav now turned his attention back to Kalpi and found her missing. "Oh no, where is she?" he thought, looking here and there and saw her stumbling down the stairs. "I cannot leave her like this, in this condition. She might hurt herself, someone might..." unable to complete his thought he rushed after her.

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Kalpi had grown up as an independent girl, more out of necessity and her subconscious always told her to find her problems solutions on her own. "There is no one but myself" she thought "whom I can trust in such a situation. I better be going" with these thoughts she tried to leave on her own. "Maybe that Peeyush mixed something in my drink" she guessed. Holding the railing, she climbed down the small staircase of that hall; but her feet were staggering & head was spinning. This combined with her high heels soon gave way and she slipped on the third of five stairs. "Oh" she let out a small yell, expecting to fall but instead felt shivers of current passing through her bare back and naked shoulders. Even in that state her eyes widened, surprised by her body's reaction and with half blinking eyes she looked up to stare into Raghav Sir's angry and dazed eyes. He had rescued her again, reaching in time once more. His fingers and hand brushed passed her bare back and then made way on their own to her bare upper back touching her everywhere, as unknowingly he let go of himself and relished the touch of her soft skin. His other hand hurriedly went up to grasp her by shoulder and made its way through the nape of her neck leaving tingles on way. Surprised as he was by himself, he watched her body shivering & trembling under his touch, surprising him even more. Gulping he'd thought "maybe this is good, but I have to take care of her right now" as he watched in fascination Kalpi's eyes widen on his touch. She looked even in that state frozen, staring back at him with the same surprise he felt in his heart. Her body's touch against him was giving an ignition to his male hormones as he stopped himself out of respect for her to look down her visible cleavage.

"I can handle myself Sir" she asserted this time shocking him and with all her might removed his hand from her shoulder and soon she had stumbled her way down to the floor. "Ms.Jadhav" he shouted "you need to be taken care of; you shouldn't be going alone in this condition" he tried reasoning with her. Reaching Kalpi he held her arm gently, not wanting to scare her. She shook her head in a loose no "No Sir, I can manage. I will manage" she argued lightly, this time shaking her arm out of Raghav's reach, but her staggering walk was enough for Raghav to take a tough stand. She might be in her senses yet luckily, but definitely not fully capable of taking care of herself, that too at night. "Ms.Jadhav,I am not listening to anymore of your stubbornness" and lifted her up. "Oh no Sir please put me down" she urged through her slightly unclear speech.

Kalpi was very much aware of her handsome boss if not other surroundings. His hand was on her waist and her bare left thigh and she clutched his coat tightly. Soon she was seated on the passenger seat of Raghav's car and he was driving her to his home. "I want to go to my home" she said and he shook his head. "Not before I am sure your light drunken state can be hidden from your family. After all we don't want your family to put any restrictions on you from attending such parties" he said as a matter of fact. "But?" she said and got a "Ms. Jadhav if you could please let me focus on driving" in response and Kalpi shut her mouth. He soon parked the car in front of his huge mansion with vast iron gates as the guards opened the door to let his car in. The driveway had beautiful lawn on both sides and Kalpi watched in fascination again, including the palatial home even though she had been here before. Parking the car in front of main gates, Raghav walked up to her side and opened the door for her, waiting for her to come out. She was visibly hesitant, suddenly too conscious of not only his status but also that she could not take such personal help from her boss. Looking up to him through dazed, slightly drunken eyes, she shook her head saying "please take me to my home sir. I...I cannot come here for personal reasons". She fought back the tears which had suddenly started a buildup in her eyes, the almost successful molestation bid and now Raghav Singhania's dominance over her; his concern was too much for her to bear.

"It is an order Ms.Jadhav" he said bringing a tone of firmness and command in his voice; she pouted sadly but it worked. Slowly she put her feet down and Raghav supported her, gently holding her by her both arms. It was only the arms which felt his touch, but the tingling sensations she felt all through her shoulders and arms was making things even more difficult for Kalpi. He made her sit on one of the couches and soon came back with two cups of coffee. "Mom is out of station for three days, she has gone to visit my aunt" he explained and Kalpi could only mutter an "Oh". "This is not good Kalpi, already his touch seems to affect you and now we both are alone under same roof" she frowned and silently scolded herself "who'd told you to harbor a crush against him".

There Raghav understood Kalpana's hesitation and inhibitions in getting comfortable in her boss home and also the fact his Mom too was not at home did not help much. He decided to give Kalpi some time saying "relax, have your coffee. I am here only" and went to sit at the farther end of room, with his mobile in his hand. The space he gave to Kalpi, relaxed her senses and coupled with the effect of coffee it made her super-aware of what happened and her surroundings. Her thoughts going back to Peeyush and his repulsive touch; suddenly a fright gripped her heart when she thought of what could have happened had Raghav sir not come in time. She was in no state to defend herself; the shock was now filling her in leaving her shaken. Feeling vulnerable all of a sudden, she could not control her tears and started sobbing, leaving their marks behind on her soft cheeks. Her body was still rocking in her low sound sobs when all of a sudden a human warmth embraced her. "It is okay, everything is fine" Raghav sir was telling her in a voice so soft and husky which she had not ever heard from him in office. "S...sir" she stuttered, "he...if..." and there were more sniffs. Raghav could not take in any more and hugged Kalpi and she welcomed it, hugging him in return crying her heart out in his chest. He continued soothing her and caressed her, letting her cry; involuntarily his hands were rubbing her bare back to calm her down and both of them were not aware of their proximity in those moments.

It was after five minutes that Kalpi's sobs stopped, feeling better she closed her eyes more. She was welcoming this wonderful feeling whatever it was, when she became aware how close she was to her boss and his hands were all over her bare back and shoulders. He was still busy caressing her and she arched her back on his touch this time, taking in a deep breath. Her movement brought Raghav out of his reverie as his hands suddenly became sensitive to the softness of the skin under them. He immediately stopped, trying to control himself and slowly distanced himself from Kalpi, looked at her downcast & puffy eyes. "It is okay Kalpana" he said calling her by her first name for the first time and she immediately looked up at him. "Hope you are fine now" he asked. "No, I feel sick. Can I use your washroom please?" she replied. "Oh, uh...ya sure" he showed her the washroom and stood outside with a glass of water, hearing the sounds of her throwing out. "Damn that Peeyush, you are so gone" he muttered.

Kalpi came out, looking embarrassed and murmuring "sorry, actually...". "It's, its fine. I understand. Here, take this" he said handing her the glass which she accepted gratefully. Holding her by arm he led her back to the living room and settling her went inside one of the rooms. "I'll be back in a minute" he said and returned with a first-aid box after few moments. He sat down on his knees in front of her and she looked questioningly at him, he replied in a hesitating voice.

Raghav: "I remember you were hurt by cactus. You need to apply some antiseptic, etc. So I..." Kalpi cut him in middle, almost shouting in a horrified voice "No! I mean there is no need for it", her cheeks were already flaming with the thought of him tending to her. Raghav gave her a small smile "I would have let you do yourself, but it is a cactus wound. You might not be able to manage on your own. Please let me see if there is any spine in your skin".

Kalpi pursed her lips, sensing there was no way out of this quietly nodded her head giving permission. He reached out for her dress and slowly removed her side split dress to reveal her long, smooth legs. He let out a deep breath as Kalpi tightly shut her eyes, unable to face Raghav; he could see the redness of the wound clearly and few spines in her skin. "Phew, this is going to be some effort not to get carried away; she is so damn sexy" Raghav thought and tried to focus on the task in hand. The wound was not a serious one thankfully but still it was important to remove the spines from her skin. Using a tweezer he started with removing the largest and visible spines, his hand was gentle and slow yet it was painful for her. She let out a small scream and his one hand automatically reached out to squeeze her right hand to comfort her. There were more of them, as he carried on with removing those Kalpi reached out to grab his shoulder for support, clutching it tightly. He applied a duct tape to the injured areas of both her thighs to remove the smaller spines and then threw it away. It was the turn for the next step and also to clean her wound which Raghav realized was the toughest, because it meant touching her. "Kalpana, can I?" he asked, her heart was already racing miles per minute because she was almost exposed in front of him. Now when he asked this question, she had to do a lot of effort before saying yes, so as not to leave the procedure incomplete and run away from that room. But nevertheless "as if I have any option other than saying yes" she again only nodded her already bent down head, her eyes still closed.

Next thing she felt was Raghav Sir's hands on her right thigh, holding on to it and pressing it to allow the wound to bleed a couple of drops. "It is to lessen the chances of any infection" he told her but she did not reply, she had not seen her own wound yet and she did not have the guts to open her eyes, in front of him. One thigh done, he moved on to the left one and holding on to it from both sides repeated the same. His pressure was gentle and Kalpi's breaths had almost stopped, it was only after she felt the loss of his touch on her skin did she let out her held breath. But it didn't last long, for he was now cleaning the wound and after few moments she felt her feet being lifted and kept inside a small tub. Frowning she waited for what he was going to do next; instead of using a washcloth he washed her wounds with lukewarm water. Resisting the temptation to touch her himself he let the water do its work, especially now that her wet skin glowed even more. He had already washed his own hands and only touched her to clean the last remnants of blood drops and smaller spines, if any. He now dabbed her skin dry with a clean towel and applied antibacterial gel to her skin. Kalpi had kept hands closed in tight fists till now and now she tightened her fists even more, her nails were digging into her own skin by now. "It is almost over Kalpi" she had told herself and soon enough she heard his voice. "It is done, you can open your eyes now" he said in his husky voice, not failing to notice her tomato-red cheeks, making him smile.

Credit for the design of dress to the owner and Credit for Pic to the owner of pic.

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.