**Rabir FF: True Love 2 - DISCONTINUED - Page 36

Originally posted by: nividances

Yeah, I remember that conversation. You said Rachna could be pregnant (she was dizzy in that update) and I said that her feeling dizzy could just mean she was tired, which is what I had in mind when writing that part. Why did you get confused with that?

Originally posted by: nividances

No Nurit...I'm not in that age bracket either. 😛 We can be old didis together. 🤣

Originally posted by: ekra101

i'm also waiting 4 it

Originally posted by: DLSR

WHERE ARE YOU EKRA BETI????
same here!!!!

Originally posted by: DLSR

WHERE IS THE UPDATE !!!!😭😭

Originally posted by: Nuritzur

Because now I hear from the girls that she going to have baby 😕

Originally posted by: RaBir

No Nurit we only suggest name for Rabir baby. We no say Rachna pregnant already.

Sorry to confuse.

Originally posted by: DLSR

WHERE IS THE UPDATE !!!!😭😭

Extremely sorry for the long hiatus. Thank you for being patient. I wrote some dialogues in hindi because the conversation flowed like that in my mind. I tried my best to give the English translations (in blue) but they definitely don't sound as nice, at least to me.

Let's get this story moving forward...lot's happening in this chapter. Hope you enjoy it.

Please excuse any errors, not proofread.

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Chapter 60:

"Juhu beach? Really? This is what you were being so secretive about?" Rachna stared out incredulously at the swaying palm trees, watching the throngs of tourists milling around in the water to get some cool relief from the hot afternoon sun.

"This is one of the biggest tourist spots in Mumbai. And I came here almost every weekend while I was in college. Nice joke Kabir." Rachna laughed as she continued to look out of her window.

Kabir smiled seeing Rachna's laughter, but remained quiet as he placed his finger under her chin and guided her to look towards him. She watched with confusion as he shook his head and pointed his finger towards the opposite side of the road at a rather plain-looking building, it's brick face faded to a dull gray from the oxidizing sea air.

"Kya? Udhar kya hai?" [What? What's over there?"]

Rachna craned her neck to see what Kabir was pointing towards, but was unable to catch a glimpse of the building's name.

"Kya Kabir? I can't see what's there. Tell me, what is it?"

Kabir remained quiet while he reached for Rachna's purse in the back seat and brought her wallet out. He dug through the bills and various receipts until he found what he was looking for and pulled out a tightly folded piece of paper. Snapping the wallet shut and placing it on the dashboard, he unfolded the paper and held it out for Rachna to see. She scanned the contents of the paper quickly, the confusion on her face morphing into discomfort. She held the paper on her lap, as she looked down, deep in thought.

Hope Fertility Clinic

54 HB Gawde Marg, Juhu, Mumbai

Phone: (22) 98704843

This is an automatically generated message. Please do not reply to this email. Contact our office for questions or cancellations.

You have successfully scheduled your first consultation with Dr. Kavita Batra. Bring all recent medical reports and ultrasound images to your appointment. Please make sure to arrive on time.

Patient Name: Rachna Tripathi

Appointment Date: Wednesday, December 10^th

Appointment Time: 3:30 PM

"Everything was scattered all around your car last night so I cleaned up a bit. This fell out of your wallet when I was putting it back into your purse. So, let's go?"

Kabir took the key out of the ignition and unlocked his door. Before he could step out of the car, he felt the restraining pressure of Rachna's fingers on his forearm, pulling him back in. He closed the door and looked at her. Rachna sat with her shoulders drooping and her head bent down, keeping her eyes fixed on the paper in her lap as her hair fell around her like a black curtain, obscuring his view of her face. He pulled back her hair and tucked it behind her ear, causing her to look at him. He noted the lack of tears, seeing instead, a firm resolve in her eyes.

"There's no need to."

"It's okay Rachna. If it makes you happy, then let's go."

He shifted his hand so his fingers were laced through Rachna's left hand; she continued to hold the paper in her right hand.

"No."

"I'm sorry about what I said last night Rachna. But please, don't let my angry words affect your decision. If this really means so much to you then we should go for it."

"Kal ke sukh ki umeed mein, main aaj ki khushi nahi gawaana chahti. It will happen if and when it's meant to." [I don't want to give up today's happiness in pursuit of tomorrow's. It will happen if and when it's meant to."]

Crumpling the paper with her right hand, she tossed it onto the floor and shifted fully towards her husband, placing her hands under his arms and clasping his shoulders from behind. She rested her head into the crook of his neck and closed her eyes serenely.

"Yeh appointment maine aaj subah hi cancel kar diya tha, tumse milne se pehle." ["I already cancelled the appointment this morning, before I came to see you."]

He was overwhelmed by the gesture, unable to respond to Rachna's words, so he just placed his arms around her and held her close. She parted from the embrace after a bit, briefly pressing her lips against his as she moved away. He caressed her cheek lovingly, his eyes sparkling with boundless contentment.

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"Can you have all of your stuff packed by this weekend Rachna? I want to ship everything ahead of time so we don't have to worry about it later."

"Some of my clothes are packed already, but yes I should be able to finish with everything else by Saturday. Do you have all your things ready?"

"Hmmm...everything except my work-related files and my desktop computer. I have to finish up with a few more designs and review a couple of contracts, so I can't ship them until the weekend before the wedding."

Rachna nodded as she popped the last piece of the chocolate bar into her mouth, crumpling the wrapper noisily and stuffing it into one of the side pockets of her purse.

"When did you book the tickets for?"

"I haven't booked them yet, but I was thinking that we could leave on the 27^th. That would give us a day to recuperate after the wedding and reception festivities. What do you say?"

"Why so soon? We could just leave after New Year's."

"I have to go to Belgium for a catalogue shoot on January 2^nd and I want you to come with me. You said that Sneha mausi is planning Gunjan's godh bharai function for January 16^th so we'll have to be here in Mumbai for that. If we don't leave for Benaras on the 27^th then we won't be able to get things unpacked until mid-January, unless you want to skip the honeymoon that I have planned."

"27^th is fine." Rachna blurted out the words quickly without thinking. She squeezed her eyes shut when she heard Kabir chuckling beside her, her face becoming warm as her cheeks acquired a pink hue.

"I'm glad you agree."

Kabir parked the car in front of their apartment building but didn't turn off the ignition. "Are you sure you want to go home right now? You know I hate it when you drive alone at night."

Rachna chuckled at her husband's naughty antics. "Night? It's only 5 Kabir. I'll text you once I'm home. Skype date at 10:30?"

"You really feel the need to ask me that?"

Rachna responded with a happy grin and got out of the car; Kabir followed suit reluctantly. She walked around to the driver's side and was about to open the door when Kabir grabbed her hand and pulled her towards himself. She squirmed in his arms as he pushed her back against the side of the car.

"We're right outside the building entrance Kabir...in full view of anyone who comes out of the lobby." Rachna whispered ferociously, her eyes fearfully darting from side to side.

Kabir's only response was to place his hand on her waist, settling it comfortably in the small curve right under her ribcage, while his other hand fingered the lacy strap that was peeking out on her shoulder.

"Kabir...please. We're directly in front of the building entrance." Rachna pleaded, repeating her words, hoping that they would have more of an impact the second time around.

"So let's move away from the building entrance then." He spoke teasingly, flirting with her.

Her breath hitched as he placed one of his fingers under the strap. She closed her eyes tightly, feeling his finger slide lower and lower.

"Kabir please..." She whispered breathlessly, beginning to feel the goosebumps rise on her arms, as his finger hit the top of her bra cup and his hold around her waist tightened seductively.

"Only because we're at the entrance of the building." He spoke into her ear huskily, his lips brushing against her earlobe, as he withdrew his hands and stepped back from her. She let out a slow breath and opened her eyes with relief.

"Bye. Text me as soon as you're home." He waved to her easily with a smile, a naughty glint in his eyes as he winked, sending her heart racing once again.

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"Your ice cream." Rachna handed the container to Pihu, as she pulled off her sandals and put them away in the shoe rack.

"Rachna, I'm sorry for this morning. I didn't know what happe..."

"It's okay Pihu didi. Everything's fine now." Rachna smiled brightly as she pulled her sister into the kitchen and washed her hands in the sink. She then took out three bowls and scooping a large portion of ice cream into each one. Handing one of the bowls to Pihu, Rachna grabbed the other two and walked out of the kitchen.

"Where's Gunjan?"

"Upstairs."

"Let's go."

Rachna quickly walked up the stairs and entered Gunjan's room, Pihu following closely behind.

"Rachna di?" Gunjan looked with surprise as she folded the corner of the page and tossed the book onto her desk, adjusting her position in the rocking chair. Rachna handed Gunjan a bowl of ice cream and settled herself onto the bed alongside Pihu.

"Sorry Gunjan, I didn't call to ask what flavor you wanted. I just got the Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream that Pihu didi wanted. If you want another flavor, I can get it for you tomorrow."

Rachna dug into her ice cream, taking a huge bite, savoring the sweet creaminess; Pihu was already halfway done with hers.

Gunjan watched her two older sisters with puzzlement, placing her bowl of ice cream on the desk, alongside the book. "Are you two okay? And Rachna di, what happened with jij..."

"Everything is absolutely fine, but your ice cream isn't. Hurry up and eat or else you'll have to drink it."

Rachna's melodious laughter filled the room; Gunjan smiled seeing her sister's happiness.

"Arrey, where's my ice cream? Don't I deserve a treat? I've been running around all day dealing with all these stressful wedding preparations."

Sneha stood at the door and took in the picturesque sight of the three girls enjoying their ice cream; it very much resembled a scene from 10 years ago, when the three of them had celebrated the start of their winter holidays with an icy treat.

"There's some left in the freezer for you Sneha mausi. I didn't know you were home yet. Let me go get it for you."

"Nahi Rachna beta, it's okay. I'll have it later. Let me just get dinner ready first."

Rachna nodded and stood up with her empty bowl. "I'll help you."

Gunjan and Pihu watched with surprise as Rachna cheerfully walked out with Sneha.

"They should fight more often. I don't remember the last time I saw Rachna this happy. Did you see the sparkle in her eyes?"

Pihu turned her eyes away from the room's entrance and looked at Gunjan, who smiled in agreement. "She finally looks like the glowing bride that she should be."

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Rachna hit the send button on her phone, messaging Kabir that she was at home, and placed it on the kitchen counter, plugging it into the charger. She hummed softly as she poured some water into the bowl and began kneading the dough for the rotis. Sneha sauteed some onions in a pan and observed Rachna quietly.

"Kaunsi sabzi bana rahe ho aap Sneha mausi?" ["What vegetable are you making Sneha mausi?"]

"Aloo methi aur dal ghiya." ["Potato with fenugreek leaves and bottlegourd with lentils."]

"Thik hai."

Rachna added some more water and finished kneading the dough, pushing it to the back of the counter to let it rest. In the meantime, she pulled out the rolling pin and roti pan, setting it on the stove to heat up.

"Tumne Kabir se baat kari Rachna." ["Rachna, did you talk to Kabir?"]

Sneha asked tentatively, wanting to see how Rachna responded.

"Hmmm, I did."

Sneha wanted Rachna to say more, but hid her disappointment when her niece remained silent.

"Toh sab theek hai phir?" ["So everything's all right then?"]

Sneha tried a different approach; she knew all was well between the couple from the message Kabir had sent her, but she wanted to hear the words from her niece's mouth.

"Nahi. Sab theek nahi hai." ["No, it's not all right."]

Rachna rolled out the first roti and placed it on the hot pan. Sneha became worried hearing the words, but remained quiet, hoping that Rachna would say more.

"Sab theek nahi hai Sneha mausi. It's absolutely perfect." ["It's not just all right Sneha mausi. It's absolutely perfect."]

Rachna laughed merrily, catching sight of her aunt's worried face, and rolled out another roti. Sneha let out a sigh of relief, playfully slapping her niece's cheek.

"Badmaash ladki!" ["Naughty girl!"]

Sneha added the potato cubes into the pan with a sizzle and covered it with a lid. She also shut off the heat from under the pressure cooker and set it off to the side, pulling the whistle off to release the steam.

"Tumhe itne dinon baad khush dekh rahi hoon Rachna. Tumhari iss hansi ko sun ne ke liye toh mere kaan taras rahe the." ["I'm seeing you this happy after so long Rachna. My ears were just waiting to hear your laughter."]

Sneha thanked God for returning Rachna's happiness. She pulled out a few dried red chilies from a spice box and grabbed a handful of salt, muttering some words under her breath as she circled her hands around Rachna's head seven times. It was an ancient ritual, nazar utaarna; it was perhaps nothing more than superstition to think that a few chilies and salt could ward off the evil eye, but Sneha was a firm believer in the idea that truths existed beyond what could be explained by the realm of science. Throwing the chilies and salt into the flame of the back burner of the stove, Sneha turned on the exhaust fan and opened the window to make sure that the smoke found its way out of the house.

Rachna finished up with the last of the rotis and washed her hands, after which she pulled out the plates and set the table for dinner. A half hour later, the family, Rachna, Sneha, Akash, Gunjan, Pihu, and Murli, sat around the table to eat together, the routine ritual becoming special with Rachna's excited chatter about the upcoming wedding. The rest of the family observed her enthusiastically, overjoyed to see the reemergence of the Rachna that they all knew and had missed in these last few years.

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Rachna adjusted her laptop on the bed so she could see Kabir on Skype and simultaneously work on her packing. She sat cross-legged on the floor, a sea of clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories piled around her. Kabir gaped at her through the screen, stunned by the enormity of the mess.

"Are you packing your stuff or trashing it sweetheart?"

Rachna gave Kabir a displeased look, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she spoke. "Haha, very funny. But I'll have you know that there's a method to this madness. And don't you worry; everything will be packed away and ready to ship by Saturday just like I promised."

Kabir shook his head and chuckled. "If you say so."

He watched for a few minutes as Rachna meticulously wrapped each shoe with newspaper before placing it into the suitcase. She laid her purses on top and closed the bag, rolling it off to the side before getting to work on the next one. She began folding her clothes carefully, starting first with her skirts and dresses, then moving onto t-shirts and kurtis.

"Acha listen, I wanted to ask you about something."

Rachna nodded without looking up. "Hmmm, what is it?"

"Look here Rachna."

"I'm listening to you."

"Look at me."

Rachna sighed and looked up at the laptop. "Kya?" ["What?"]

"How's this?" Kabir shared a picture on the screen.

"For the pre-wedding photos? It's stunning! Where is it?" Rachna smiled brightly, as she stood up from her spot and sat on the bed, forgetting the mountain of clothes that she had left to fold and pack.

"Alibag...it should be less than a three-hour drive. Should I send it to Akshat?"

Rachna scrolled through the rest of the pictures that Kabir sent and nodded. "Yeah, sounds good."

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The early morning rays of the sun filtered in through the lacy curtains and bounced around the room. Rachna emerged from the bathroom, dressed in a simple red chudidaar, with full net sleeves.

She untied the towel that was wrapped around her wet hair and combed through the tangles with her fingers quickly. She wore a few gold bangles in each hand and grabbed a matching red net dupatta, tossing it around her neck as she rushed out of her bedroom to head downstairs, where Sneha and Akash stood waiting for her. They headed out together, arriving at the temple just 10 minutes later. Akash pulled out the pooja thaali (plate) and handed it to Sneha before grabbing another plate, which was filled with Rachna's bridal jewelry and veil, as well as the sindoor and mangalsutra that would be used for the wedding. Sneha handed the pooja thaali to Rachna once they entered the temple and spoke to the pandit (priest) briefly.

Rachna, her head covered with her dupatta, stood in front of an idol of Goddess Parvati silently while the priest directed her to perform the appropriate rituals for the Gauri puja. She closed her eyes and prayed for a successful married life as the priest chanted the Sanskrit shlokas in the background. At the end, Akash handed the platter of Rachna's wedding finery to the priest, who placed it in front of the Goddess' idol to seek her blessings. Rachna bowed her head and accepted the platter from the priest along with a coconut and marigold flower.

"Gauri ma ka aashirvaad aapke saath hai beta. Sada suhagan raho." ["The blessings of the Goddess are with you."]

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"Tomorrow, I promise it will be done tomorrow."

Kabir sighed. "Okay, if you say so. How much do you have left exactly?"

"Just a few more suitcases."

"Few? How many is a few?"

"You know, just three, four, maybe five?"

Kabir rubbed his forehead. "Did you do anything after our Skype chat?"

Rachna looked away. "I feel asleep after that."

"What about yesterday and the day before that?"

"On Thursday I had to go for my fittings for the reception outfit and to re-adjust the size of my bridal lehenga. And yesterday was the gauri puja in the morning and a hair and make-up trial in the afternoon."

She looked towards Kabir innocently after listing all the tasks she had been busy with. He just placed one arm around her shoulder and shook his head, unable to comprehend why planning a wedding had to be so complicated. They both forgot their worries quickly enough upon seeing the breath-taking view that would be the backdrop to their pre-wedding/engagement photos.

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Kind of a filler, but I needed to move things forward. Tell me what you thought of it. 😊

❤️ Nivi