please do not comment - WIP - hate me today love me tomorrow

One month later


Singhania headoffice
28th floor
Singhania building


Ragav looks out of his office window as he sips his bitter black coffee, watching people rushing home to their family after a hard days work. It was a habit he had formed when he had moved back to India six months ago. Today his demeanor as he looked out was different. Today his body was oozing with satisfaction as he recollects the events of the day.


Raising his cup of coffee for a sip, he stops midway and chuckles as he recalls Sahil Kapoor's expression when the verdict was out. "Oh it was just priceless," he says aloud, chuckling to himself. He had walked up to Sahil Kapoor and had told him that this was not the end of it, there was more to come... Be very afraid, he had said chuckling as he walked away.


Glancing at his father's portrait, he raises his coffee mug in silent salute. His voice filled with pleasure he says, "Dad today I was successful in claiming back what was stolen from us. Tomorrow I shall snatch away their life!"


With a wry smile he heads to his desk, opens the drawer that is always locked and takes out a folder. He takes his phone and makes a call.

Ragav in a calm and authoritative voice says, "Good evening. Is this Miss Kalpana Jhadav?"

Kalpi replies with a smile, "Yes this is she."

Ragav forces himself to remain calm and says, "I am calling on behalf of Singhania group of companies. I have your curriculum vitae in front of me. Are you still looking for a job?"

Kalpi tries to contain her excitement, fails as she says, "Yes I am looking for employment"

Ragav says dismissively, "Great. You have an hour to get to the address I shall SMS you for an interview" and hangs up.


He bursts out laughing as he says aloud, "As the spider tells the fly welcome to my abode, miss Kalpana Jhadav I too say welcome." His gaze falls on the folder in front of him, his anger rising as he recollects past events. The sting of betrayal felt like it was yesterday. He says vehemently, "I will crush all your hopes and dreams."

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Kalpi knocks on the door, waits for Ragav to gesture for her to come in. She walks in, smiles and says, "Hi, my name is Kalpana Jhadav. I am here for my job interview." She raises her hand towards Ragav for a hand shake and continues, "You are?" Ragav watches her, impressed with her attitude and confidence. Watching Kalpi, one could not say that just minutes ago, they had snapped at each other. Ragav shakes her hand and thinks that okay I shall play this game. He smiles charmingly and says, "I am Ragav Singhania. CEO of Singhania Group. Thank you Miss Jhadav for agreeing to come for the interview at such short notice." Both smile... both know he just lied... for he never asked her if she could make it at such short notice.

Ragav turns towards Sammy and says, "This is Mr Samar Raizada, CFO of Singhania Group." He looks at Kalpi and gestures for her to take a seat. He continues, "Sammy, we are very lucky to have this young lady here. It seems the Gods are on our side that she has not yet accepted any employment offers." Ragav is mentally laughing as he says this, because he alone knows that the reason Kalpana Jhadav is unemployed is because of the strings he pulled to make sure she remains unemployed.

Sammy studies her curriculum vitae, impressed, he looks at her and says, "One man's loss is another man's gain. I look forward to having you in our team should you pass the interview" and turns to Ragav, confused because he was not aware Singhania Group was hiring... and even more confused that Ragav was heading this interview. He knows there is more at play, but is unable to figure it out. Sammy sits back, takes the role of spectator... his intention to catch any hint Ragav gives out accidentally on what is really going on.

Ragav smiles reassuringly at Kalpi and says softly, "I have no questions for you. I am well aware of your calibre." Kalpi sits back, relieved and relaxed, she can't believe her luck... thinking it is a dream, she pinches herself, "ouch" she says aloud. Ragav and Sammy look at her in concern, both rush to say, "are you okay?... Is everything okay?" Embarrassed Kalpi just smiles and nods in affirmation that she is okay, thinking to herself, " stupid Kalpi, could you not wait until the interview was over."

Ragav continues, "Right where was I... Ah yes... I have no questions for you... What I have is a brief role description. If you find it acceptable. Then all I shall say is welcome to the Singhania family."

He hands her the sheet which explains the role for employment. As Kalpi reads her smiles diminishes and the light of excitement and happiness in her eyes dims. Ragav clears his throat and says charmingly, "I think it is only fair that I explain what it is that I am looking for." He waits for Kalpi to look up, satisfied with the bleak expression in her eyes, he continues, "I am looking for my shadow. Somebody who will be responsible for everything... from the running of my household to my office. She will be in charge of making sure everything is organised and everything is running as I want." He smiles into her eyes and continues, "I know what you are thinking. That you are over qualified for this role. I would say your vision is very short. You are getting the opportunity to shadow, Ragav Singhania... to attend all my meetings... to be involved in all the projects I am involved in... you will get to train under me... understand the decisions made in different situations."

Kalpi looks at him, pondering on his words, from the way he explained, this opportunity was God given. She would never get such an opportunity to work closely with the CEO of such a huge corporation. Ragav watches Kalpi, hoping she swallows the bait he threw. When he sees the light enter her eyes, he reels her in.

Ragav states with remorse, "There are some conditions that come with this job. It is unfortunate and I think it is only fair that I should inform you so that you can make an informed decision." Kalpi unconsciously nods, her expression filled with anxiety. Ragav smothers a laugh and thinks, "It is getting hard... keeping this sensitive remorse expression. When all I want to do is laugh."

Ragav smiles reassuringly and continues, "The hours are not set, you will be available when needed. There will be lots of travel. Basically where ever I am, you are. You will be committing yourself to five years. There will be a non-compete and confidentiality clause that you shall have to sign. Should you choose to break your contract, there will be a penalty of USD two hundred and fifty thousand. Once you chose to leave Singhania Group after your five years, you will not be able to work in this industry for another five years. So I need you to think carefully if this is what you want. Unfortunately you have only ten minutes to decide if you want this job."

Ragav stands up and says, "Miss Jhadav, why don't you go outside and have a think about it. Come back in once you have decided." and leads her out of his office with a smile. Sammy looks at Ragav, thinking, "What is he up to? I need to find out. I need to speak to Maya, maybe she knows something."

Sammy excuses himself, his intention to call Maya and speak to her.

Sammy walks in to Ragav's office moments later only to see that Kalpi has accepted the employment and has signed the employment contract. Ragav is basking in satisfaction as he sees Kalpi's signature on the employment contract, he thinks, "and the spider says to the fly that gets caught in his web... gotcha!"

He looks at Sammy and says in a concerned voice," Sammy we have a problem, there is a request for home cooked meal, where am I supposed to get home cooked food for the meeting that is taking place in the next hour." He turns to Kalpi and says imploringly, "Do you have any ideas? I do not want to disappoint..." Kalpi hesitates at first then says, "Sir, where is this meeting to be held?" Ragav uses all his energy to infuse worry into his voice and expression and says, "at my home." Kalpi looks slightly uncomfortable, but offers, "Sir it is quite a last minute change... Ummm... if you don't mind... Ummm... I could cook something for your guests."

Ragav smiles, looks relieved and says, "Really would you... Gosh you really are God sent, Miss Jhadav." He quickly turns away not wanting her to see the satisfaction in his eyes as he thinks, "This is the only thing you shall be doing for the next five years... cooking and cleaning... bless her selfless nature... my personal slave... at my beck and all... I like this."

Kalpi leaves to call her aai to inform her about her successful employment and that she shall be home late tonight, when Ragav stops her and says, "Miss Jhadav, an odd request. It is for security purposes. I would like to remain an anonymous employer, so when asked who your employer is, be it family, friends or strangers. Please give Sameer raizada's name." Ragav smiles softly and says, "I would really appreciate it" Kalpi nods and heads out to call her aai, not suspecting this odd request.

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Chapter 4

Kalpi frowns at the scene playing out in front of her. Ragav, Sammy and 2 girls are sitting in the lounge, watching the football world cup and cheering away. To Kalpi it looked more like a double date then a business get together. She had yet to hear any business oriented discussions, giving the benefit of doubt she thinks, "Maybe they will discuss business after dinner."

With a frown, she sets the table, admiring her handiwork. In less than an hour, in a foreign kitchen, she had prepared sweet corn soup and chilli paneer for starters, jeera rice and rajma curry for mains with bhiryani chutney, ras malai for dessert and sweet and salted lassi for drinks. With a sense of pride, she heads to Ragav saying, "Sir, dinner is ready." Before Ragav can reply, one of the girls says, "Please serve it here." The other girl, gets up, smiles at Kalpi and says, "Come, I shall help you." Once they reach the dining table, she turns towards Kalpi, extends her hand and introduces herself, "I am Maya, Sammy's wife." Kalpi shakes her hand and says, "Kalpana Jhadav, Ragav sir's glorified P.A. slash chef." Both girls burst out laughing as they make dinner plates for everyone.

Kalpi looks about the tidy kitchen beamingly, thinking, "All done. I can go home now." Her stomach grumbles, reminding her that it is not only late, but she has not eaten since lunch. Her intention to head home she turns walks out of the kitchen... only to have Ragav block her path. Ragav smiles charmingly as he grasps her hands... she looks on in confusion, nervously watching him raise her hands and kiss them. She pulls her hand out of his grasp, her expression clearly stating, "How dare you?" Before she can giving him a verbal lashing, Ragav smoothly says, with the right amount of emotions to make it sound believable, "Today I remembered my childhood... my mum's cooking... thank you." Laughing away mentally as he watches Kalpi swallow back the retort, she was about to give him as her expression softened with relief, gruffly saying, "You are welcome sir", relieved to have her hands back, wondering if his mum is alive or not.

Noticing her earlier panic, he is unable to resist teasing her, Ragav grasps her hands again, watching the near panic in her eyes as he silently laughs on, raising her hands he brings them to his chest and rests them near his heart. He looks at her imploringly and infusing the right amount of sincerity in his voice, says, "I feel terrible for taking advantage of your good nature, but promise me you shall make me dinner again." Kalpi, whose entire focus was on her hands, panicking, wondering what would he do next, hastily agrees as she tries to release her hands from his hold. He refuses to let go of her hands, he adds, "Tomorrow", Kalpi nods affirmatively and says, "Yes sir", still holding on, he waits for Kalpi to look at him, then adds silkily, "... and lunch." Kalpi whose heart is thundering away as her panic rises, nods her head affirmatively. Ragav releases her hands, watching relief flood into her eyes, says, "Thank you. I am looking forward to lunch and dinner. Surprise me on the menu", and walks out of the kitchen laughing away silently as his eyes gleam with satisfaction, thinking, "Getting her to agree to cook for me is as easy as stealing candy from a child."

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Two weeks later

Late one night, exhausted, Kalpi sits in the courtyard staring out into the sky, her shoulders slumped, her forehead crinkled... staring away into nothing. Kalpi is lost in thought; work was not what she had expected. The first week she had not been able to do any office work nor attend any meetings, all she had done was cook... cook for Ragav sir... cook for guests. Frowning further Kalpi thinking that at least this week was a little better, she was able to go to the office and get some work done, but she was exhausted... the early mornings and late nights were catching up on her... they were taking a toll on her body. She wondered how much longer she would be able to handle this, waking at half four every morning to cook Ragav sir his lunch before she headed for his home to make him breakfast and then every night his dinner. She sighs, asking Bappa to intervene and help her.

Kamla maa noticing Kalpi's worried and exhausted expression goes to sit next to her, she caresses her back and says, "Kalpu, jaan what is the matter?" Teasingly she adds as she massages her forehead, "If you keep frowning, you will get wrinkles... then nobody will want to marry my Kalpu." Kalpi smiles, links her arm into her mothers, resting her head on her mother's shoulder and says, "Aai... it won't be my wrinkles that will chase away the groom, but you... Kalpu... eeks aai..." turning to her mother, she gives her a radiant smile and then playfully tickles her, adding, "Aai... promise you will never call me Kalpu in front of my husband." Shrieking away, Kamla maa says, "I will call you Kalpu in front of your kids too." Both wiping away the tears of joy as they laugh away. Kalpi looks at Kamla maa, hugs her tight and simply says, "I love you aai." Kamla maa rocks her as they hug and says, "I love you too my jaan. Now come tell me what is bothering you."

Vithal watches his wife and daughter bond, his heart filling with joy, thinks, "Nobody will ever come between them." Secure with this knowledge he walks back into the house, unaware that in fact there is one person watching this very scene... his heart not filling with joy... but hatred... promising himself that he would break... no destroy this very bond.

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Chapter 5

Two weeks earlier

Kapoor mansion

Sahil Kapoor storms into his house seething in anger, thinking, "Damn him! How did he get hold of the original documents? I thought I had destroyed everything. Damn the bas***d, he has the luck of the devil." He walks up to the bar and pours himself a drink.

Neetu Kapoor smiles as she watches her husband pour himself a drink, his back to her. She thinks, "yay! Celebratory drinks!" She struts towards him, saying, "baby, pour me a drink too." Sahil turns to look at her, turns back and pours her a drink. Neetu takes her drink, flashes a huge smile as she tries to contain her excitement and makes a toast, "To our victory... Today everything Ragav Singhania owned is now legally ours."

Sahil slams his empty glass onto the bar counter causing the shards of glass to fly everywhere, furiously saying, "What victory? We lost everything. Singhania came to court with the original documents. He was able to prove that he owns everything and that we committed a fraud. The bas***d has demanded the courts to consider that we pay him for his loss of income over the years instead of a jail sentence. The bas***d was able to prove his father's innocence and has demanded that the court reopen the investigation. Do you know what will happen if the court reopens the case? Jail time for us", he ends up yelling, no longer able to contain his anger.

He walks menacingly towards Neetu and says in a chilly voice, "Was it not your responsibility to destroy the file containing the original documents and the proof?" Neetu takes a nervous step back, swallows deeply and says, "Baby I destroyed everything like you told me to." Sahil looks at her disbelievingly, about to give her a sharp retort, when Neetu quickly adds, "I promise baby, I did as you told me to", as she thinks, "Thank God, I had never told him that I misplaced the file." Wanting to distract Sahil, she hastily adds, "Ragav is in India? When did he arrive? Oh gosh baby... our reputation, tomorrow the newspapers will print articles about the case and its verdict."

Sahil laughs hysterically and says, "Yes the bas***d is here in India... and I do not know when he arrived... and as for media coverage, there will be none. The mighty Ragav Singhania wanted everything to be confidential until after the investigation on the case be completed and the courts complied with his request." With a devious look in his eyes, he smiles cunningly, saying, "Don't you worry... I have an ace up my sleeve. Ragav Singhania will not know what hit him." With a glint of determination in his eyes, he adds, "Let him think he has won. Soon everything will revert back to me."

Neetu looks at Sahil, impressed by his confidence over his statement, unable to resist, she says, "Baby what card do you hold?" Sahil shakes his head and says, "When the time comes you will come to know", he walks away mentally counting down the days, as Neetu looks on curiously.

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

Present day

Singhania Head office

Ragav and Sammy complete their meeting with Adoins Engineers, the meeting had dragged on, it was past lunch and Ragav was starving. As he heads to his office, he wonders in anticipation what Kalpi made for him for lunch. Looking forwards with relish, he heads to her desk, he sees her putting away her tiffin and unconsciously expresses his disappointment, "You ate without me", he says with a frown, then immediately freezes as the words he uttered without thought processes in his mind.

Kalpi smiles calmly and says, "Sir you will not be eating alone. Sammy sir and Maya shall join you. I have already set everything up in your office. Ragav looks at her, unable to comprehend why he is disappointed, nods and walks away, thinking, "I guess I have gotten used to her eating with me. She always waits for me, I guess I expected..." Leaving his thought unfinished, he frowns as he enters his office, then smiles at Maya, who is sitting by his desk. Maya smiles and says, "I have already asked Sammy to join us. I know you hate eating alone", teasingly she adds, "Decided to give Kalpi a break from your company." Ragav gives a weak smile, not knowing what to say, he sits and politely asks her how her pregnancy was going.

Ragav no longer as excited about lunch as he was moments ago, takes a bite, pushes his plate away, calls Kalpi through the intercom and in a clipped voice asks her to come into his office. Kalpi rushes in wondering what has happened, why is Ragav angry? Ragav takes one look at her as she walks in and says angrily, "You did not cook this. Why did you not cook me lunch?" Kalpi gulps nervously, thinking, "Oh my God! How can he tell that I did not cook his lunch?" Ragav looks at Kalpi in frustration, trying to understand why he is so angry with her. Kalpi rushes forward, takes a bite from his plate as she says, "Is something wrong with the food, Sir?" Before Ragav can answer, Maya calmly intercedes and says, "No Kalpi, the food is delicious. Ignore him." She gives Ragav a warning look, then turns back to Kalpi, smiles and tells her to get back to work.

Once Kalpi heads out of the office, Maya turns to Ragav and says, "Her cooking for you is a favour she does. So what if she did not cook for you today. Quietly eat the food, it is delicious." Her mind overworking as she wonders, "Has Ragav become attached to Kalpi? How could he tell she had not cooked? I could not tell and I have eaten Kalpi's food more times than not."

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Chapter 6

Ten days later

It is Friday, Ragav grins as he eagerly heads home after work, wondering what Kalpi will be making for dinner, thinking, "I hope she makes chilli paneer... I just love her chilli paneer." Sammy and Maya are heading out of the office building, heading for Ragav's place, for Friday nights is always dinner at Ragav's, Maya looking forward to some girl time bonding with Kalpi, smiles thinking sheepishly, "Since Kalpi has come into Ragav's life nearly every night is dinner at Ragav's." She turns to look at Sammy, thinking, "We should invite them over for dinner at least once... Kalpi deserves a break." She looks on in concern as she watches her husband frown and stop walking.

"Sammy what is the matter?" her voice filled with concern. Sammy looks at Ragav's retreating form, turns to Maya, and with a baffled expression, says, "Where is Ragav going? He has a conference call with Leo constructions to attend to within the next ten minutes." Maya looks ahead; watches Ragav enter his car, confused she says, "Maybe the conference call has been postponed." Sammy shakes his head, saying, "No, I just confirmed it with him not five minutes ago." Clearly confused, he adds, "You know, lately he has been going home earlier than usual. There was a time we had to drag him home and now he rushes home." Maya looks at Ragav speculatively as he drives off, again her instinct nudging her that Ragav is forming an attachment with Kalpi. Smiling she stops Sammy from calling Ragav and says, "Let him be, maybe he has something more important to do. Why don't we head back to the office and you can take the conference call in his stead."

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Ragav walks into his apartment, calling out, "Kalpana, I am home." He takes in a deep breath, smelling the scent of cooked food, "Home, never thought I would actually look forward to coming home", he thinks contently. He heads straight for the kitchen, wondering what Kalpi is cooking for dinner, as Kalpi calls out, "In the Kitchen sir."

He heads straight for the cooker to see what is in the wok, and exclaims, "You are making chilli paneer, my favourite." Kalpi glances at him and laughs, "With all your hints this past week, as if I would make anything else." Pleased that she actually heard him, for he was not sure, she never acknowledged his hints, he dips his hand into the wok, impatient to wait until dinner. Kalpi who is busy rolling out the roti flour mixture, uses the rolling pin to whack his hand, and continues rolling, saying, "Get away from the food or the next whack will hurt."

Ragav more stunned by her whack than hurt, moves his hand away, yelling, "Ouch." Kalpi turns towards him, giving him her full attention, places her hands on her hips and says, "Oh please, like that hurt!" Ragav grins and gazes at her challengingly as he tries a second attempt for the chilli paneer. Kalpi in no mood to humour him pushes him away and says, "Out! Out of my kitchen." Laughing Ragav moves away and sits on the kitchen tabletop, watching her. She brings him a glass of water and goes back to rolling and making rotis.

"Kalpana, may I ask you something," Ragav says in a quiet voice. Kalpi looks up, smiles at him and says, "Yes of course. Ask away." Ragav hesitates for a mini second, then says, "Why have you stopped making me lunch?" Kalpi looks embarrassed and says, "I am sorry sir. I did not ask you first. I have to wake up at half four to make you lunch before I come over to make you breakfast in the morning and then dinner at night. I get too tired. Aai offered to help, so she makes the lunch. Does it bother you? Do you not like it? I will make your lunch from Monday."

Ragav aghast from realising that she used to wake up so early to cook for him quickly reassures her, "No no... It is fine. The food is delicious. I was just curious." His focus on removing the anxiety that he saw in her eyes, that he forgot that her aai is Kamla maa. He smiles, content, when he sees relief fill her gaze. "Okay another question", Ragav says. Kalpi looks at him in confusion, but smiles. "What is the loan for? Why did you not come to me directly?" Kalpi looks at Ragav, stunned and says, "You know about it." Ragav smiles and gives her a tolerant look, saying, "Duh! Who do you think approved it? I am curious, what is it for?"

He watches Kalpi's face transform as she glows with happiness and excitement, as Kalpi gushes, "Sir, it is for..." Ragav's phone rings, distracting them both from their conversation. Ragav sighs, gives Kalpi an apologetic look and answers his phone as he walks away. Kalpi focuses back in her cooking, looks at the time and wonders what is keeping Maya and Sammy sir.

"... you don't believe me... Fine... Speak to her", Ragav says into the phone as he walks towards Kalpi. He hands her the phone saying, "Avantika wants to speak to you." Kalpi shakes her head, as she mouths, "No, no more" Ragav mouths back, "Please, please." Shaking her head, Kalpi takes the phone and says, "Hello..." glares at Ragav and mouths, "Wife!" Ragav shrugs and says, "She just won't leave me." Kalpi listens to the girl go on and mouths to Ragav, "Does she know my name?" Ragav shakes his head and mouths, "No", relieved, Kalpi listens on, says, "... I am sorry you did not know he was married." With a sigh she adds, "What can I do? He has a roving eye... You would think after our five children, he would settle down... My name?... Mrs Singhania to you" and hangs up.

Kalpi looks at Ragav angrily and says, "Wife... Ragav... sir, I have made it clear. I don't like it when you use me to break up with your girlfriends." Ragav looks at Kalpi cheekily and says, "What are friends for... and don't look so affronted... I promoted you from fake girlfriend to fake wife. I thought you would be happy, it is more respectable." Kalpi looks at him, sighs and shakes her head, thinking, "God save the woman who falls in love with him and marries him."

Chapter 7

After dinner Ragav and Sammy head to the lounge to watch the football world cup while the Kalpi and Maya head to the kitchen to clear up. Ragav's attention is on Kalpi, watching her clear up the kitchen while Maya makes them coffee. Sammy notices this and says, "Lately your attention is less on your work and more on Kalpi." Ragav looks at Sammy, smiles and says, "You are talking about the conference call with Leo constructions." Sammy looks at him in surprise and says, "You remember... I thought you forgot." Ragav watches Kalpi with a mixture of determination and regret, saying softly, "I never forget". He turns to Sammy, smiles and adds lightly, "I had something important to do. I knew you would cover my back." Frowning, Sammy adds, "Maya thinks you are falling for Kalpi." Ragav bursts out laughing, as he says, "You should know better... falling in love! Tell me sexually attracted, I would say yes, but falling in love... hell no!" Frowning, Sammy continues, "Ragav, she is only 21..." Ragav interrupts Sammy from completing his sentence, says in a chilling voice, "Stay out of this", his expression so fierce, his eyes cold with fury, filled with hatred, he gets up and heads towards his study. Sammy stares after him, shocked, trying to understand what he cannot.

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Sahil Kapoor rushes down the stairs calling for Neetu, he is in a near panic. He had opened the hidden safe in his bedroom to take out the black file labelled 'Singania Will'. It was not there, he could not find it anywhere in his room. It was missing.

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Ragav opens the safe in his study and takes out the black file labelled 'Singhania Will', he walks to his desk and places the file on it with a sigh, looks at his father's framed picture, lifts it and caresses the glass. Recollecting the last time he met Kamla maa. He had come home after cremating his father and there she was, tears in her eyes. He had taken one look at her and said, "You took away the dearest thing to me. I promise you, when I grow up, I shall do the same." His voice aching with regret, for things have already been set in motion from when he first met Kalpi, he murmurs, "I am so sorry Kalpana. I hope you will forgive me."

He turns to look at the will on his desk, sighs and looks towards the window as wonders how Kalpna will react when she finds out that she is not his fake wife, that she is his wife... that they got married today. Would she understand? He had less than two months to get married as per his father's will. He had to marry before his 31st birthday or he would lose everything.

Ragav recollects how on the day Kalpi signed her employment contract he had snuck in the marriage registration form and prenuptial agreement, thinking that it would be a bonus to use Kamla maa's daughter to ensure that he gets what is rightfully his. Today he sneakily had her sign the marriage certificate. Thinking in disgust that with money anything was possible, he takes out their marriage certificate from his pocket and puts it in the safe along with his father's will.

Lost in thought, Ragav stares out of the window, wondering when Kalpi stopped becoming Kamla maa's daughter in his mind. He wonders if what Sammy had said had some merit; he looks forward to Kalpi's company and enjoys spending time with her. With a sigh he thinks, "Am I getting attached to her... Have I started liking her..." He dismisses his thoughts and says, "It is just that I have gotten to know her and she is a nice human being. There is no need to think deeper... It is simple, I have gotten to know her and I admire her... her nature... her courage... she is a breath of fresh air... she makes my house a home, that is it." "Damn. What a time to grow a conscious", he mutters to himself, as his heart cries out against using Kalpi so callously for his selfish reasons.

"Sir", Kalpi calls out as she walks into the study, she notices that Ragav is staring out of the window, lost in thought. She places her hand on his shoulder and says softly, "Sir, are you okay?" Ragav turns, looks at her and sees her gaze filled with concern. His eyes bleak, he replies gruffly, "Yeah, I am fine." She smiles, says, "I am leaving. I shall see you tomorrow." Kalpi heads for the door when Ragav calls out, "Kalpna... I am sorry..." She looks at him in confusion, Ragav clears his throat and finishes lamely, "... for using you to break off with my girlfriends." She shakes her head as she smiles and walks out.

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

Two weeks later

Ragav's penthouse

Ragav walks in quietly, the meeting with Leo constructions had not gone well, he calls out, "Kalpna I am home" as he heads for the kitchen. Kalpi looks up, a smile on her face... she frowns as she sees the tension on his face and says, "What's wrong?" Ragav sighs and says, "The meeting did not end well... Kalpna give me some pain relief meds, I have a killer headache." Kalpi frowns and says, "Sir, let me give you a head massage and then have a nap, you shall be right as rain." She takes Ragav's hand and leads him out to the lounge.

Singhania chawl

Kamla anxiously waits for Vithal. Vithal walks in, sees Kamla stressed out and crying. He calls out in concern, "Kamla what happened?" Kamla looks up, sees Vithal and rushes to him. Vithal hugs Kamla as he tries to soothe her.

Ragav's penthouse

Kalpi quietly massages Ragav's head, smiling as she recalls the days she had time to massage her father's head, telling herself that tonight when she goes home she will massage her baba's head. She asks Ragav to remove his shirt because she wants to massage his shoulders to release the tension.

Singhania chawl

A calmer Kamla tells Vithal about Neetu's visit earlier in the day. "Vithal", Kamla says worriedly, "Neetu ma'am said that Ragav baba is back in India. I am worried Vithal. What if he has come to fulfil his promise?" Vithal places his finger on her lips, stopping her from voicing her fears. "Shhh... calm down. I doubt he remembers" Vithal says reassuringly, both badly wanting to believe him. Kamla says hysterically, "Vithal I am responsible for his father's death. He will never forget." Vithal takes Kamla's hands into his and says, "You are not responsible for his death. The Kapoors used you. You trusted them."

Ragav's penthouse

Ragav is bare-chested, lying on the carpet as Kalpi massages his back. Ragav overcomes with sexual desire from her innocent ministrations, wants her to stop immediately. He lifts his head and says gruffly, "Kalpana stop" Kalpi not recognising the desire in his voice, continues on, saying, "Nearly done... just one more tension knot." His desire for her erupts forceful as Kalpi does not head his veiled warning. Unable to control himself, Ragav turns, takes hold of her hands and pushes her on to the carpet with her hands stretched out above her head, she lay on her back with him on top of her. She looks at him in confusion, then understanding as he looks back at her with uncontrolled desire and passion. His focus on her lips, his head inching closer as he loses the battle with himself.

Singhania chawl

Kamla maa looks at Vithal sadly, tears in her eyes and says, "Ragav baba begged me not to go to court. He pleaded with me that the Kapoors were lying. That this will kill his father and I did not listen. I will never forget that day, after cremating his father. He promised he would take Kalpi away from me."

Ragav's penthouse

Ragav forces his attention away from her breasts regretfully, lifts his head, looks at her bruised lips then into her eyes and says softly, "If you want me to stop, tell me now." Kalpi looks at Ragav, both their gaze reflecting their desire and passion for one another. So lost is she in the sexual desire Ragav has woken in her, she responds by bringing his head closer to hers as she lifts hers and kisses him.

P.S: Thanks guys, for bearing with this... trying my best to update everyday... hope I can keep up. Mwah

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