Chapter 35
Ragav looks anxiously towards the main entrance of his penthouse duplex, then at his watch... This goes unnoticed Maya, who is busy making themselves at home at his place. Maya says, "Ragav, you didn't have to do this... But thank you... Sammy will be relieved to know I am not living alone." Ragav flushes and says sheepishly, "I should have done this much sooner. I am sorry for being so selfish and so engrossed in my own worries that I did not see yours."
Trying to keep his guilt and anxiety at bay, needing to keep busy, Ragav says, "let me get you something to drink" and heads to the kitchen and to bring Maya a glass of juice. Each holding their glasses,
The door bell rings just then... Ragav's heart skips a beat... Thinking, "I hope my gamble paid off." Opening the door, he stares at the woman he loves... Seeing the bags around her... His heart sings, "yes... Yes... Yes... She came." Kalpi stares back at Ragav, folds her hands in front of her waist and says grouchly, "I am only here for aai." He smiles and steps aside, making way for her to come in when Maya calls out as she looks towards the entrance, "Ragav who is it?"
Kalpi walks in, leaving her bags at the door, replying, "it is me." Maya looks to Ragav, anxious, not knowing how to react... Seeing Ragav enter carrying bags that she assumes could only be Kalpi's... She bursts into a smile... Opens her arms... Hugs Kalpi tightly and says, "welcome home." Kalpi frowns, wanting to correct Maya of her assumption, she says, "Maya I am..." Sensing what she wants to say, Ragav interrupts her, saying, "Kalpi come. I think we need to have a talk in private."
Ragav shuts the study door and turns towards Kalpi. He stands there drinking in her presence. Kalpi folds her arms in front of her and says with a frown, "stop staring at me. I am only here to pay a debt." Ragav frowns, but says nothing. Her gaze filled with sadness, Kalpi comtinues, "aai told me what happened... She told me how she wronged you... Your father. I want to right her wrong... I know it won't bring your father back... But I would like to think that your father will rest better knowing that you inherit what is yours. I will act as your wife so that you can get your inheritance." Ragav slowly walks towards her... Kalpi gulps and takes a step away from him... Walking backwards... Until she bumps into the wall... Ragav stops mere inches in front of her... Annoyed with him, Kalpi says, "It does not undo the wrong you have done..." And ends in a pleading voice, "please step away."
Ignoring her, smiling, Ragav says softly as his hand on its own accord caresses the loose tresses of hair framing her face, "you don't need to act as my wife... You are my wife." Unable to meet his gaze, she looks down at his chest. He places his index finger under her chin and lifts her face... Meeting her gaze, he says passionately, "if you stay... I won't let you go."
Kalpi looks at him defiantly and says, "I will leave." Placing his index finger on her lips to stop her from speaking further, he shakes his head slightly, saying, "no you won't. I won't let you... If you stay, I won't let you go." Kalpi stares at Ragav in disbelief... Her heart racing as she wonders why she is not angry. Sensing no anger or hatred from her... his hope rises for Kalpi was not screaming murder over his close proximity... He decides to be daring and leans towards her... Noticing this, Kalpi whispers, "what are you doing?" Ragav stops... Stares at her and whispers back... His voice filled with yearning, "it has been over five months... Please... I need to feel you... To touch you... Please..." He ends achingly. Kalpi looks at Ragav... Lost in the pool of emotions... She closes her eyes... As Ragav slowly touches her lips with his... Grazing her lips softly with his... The pressure as light as a feather... Feeling himself tremble he stops... Afraid that he will lose control... He steps back and pulls her into a tight hug... chocking with emotions, he whispers, "I missed you... I missed you so much... Never leave me."
Sensing the emotional conflict Kalpi is feeling, he breaks the hug and says in earnest, "you don't have to say anything. I know that I have to win your trust and your love... I know it will take time..." Smiling he adds, "we have ample of time... Time will never cease for us... We shall take things slowly... Step by step... Just don't give up on me... On us."
Looking lost and vulnerable... Needing some distance, Kalpi clears her throat and says, "I need some space." Ragav nods and steps aside. He calls her as she reaches the door and says, "I need a favour. Whatever is going on between us... Can we keep it just between us." Seeing Kalpi frown, he quickly adds, "Maya is in her eighth month and has had quite a stressful pregnancy. I don't want her to worry about us." Concerned about Maya, Kalpi nods, asks, "has the doctor said anything?" "No, not much... Just that she needs lots of rest," Ragav replies. Kalpi says, "don't worry about her, I am here now", turns and walks out of the study.
He drops himself on the chair by the desk, shutting his eyes... Allowing himself to feel the relief that is pouring through him. Maya walks in, shuts the door behind her and says, "you dog, you knew she would come that is why you literally dragged me over for a stay." Not bothering to deny maya's accusation nor bothering to open his eyes... Ragav says wearily, "I was not certain she would come...not until I saw her by the door with her bags." Chuckling Maya says, "the interview was a master stroke."
Ragav opens his eyes... Sees Maya standing on the other side of the desk...mReading no judgment nor accusation in her eyes, says, "I can't live without her... I had a hunch and took the gamble." Nodding with understanding, Maya asks, "now what. I am sure she still hates your guts." Staring at his hands, he recalls her allowing him to caress her, kiss her and whispers in realization, "she does not hate me... She is just angry with me." Smiles and says "I have lots to make up for..." Maya completes his sentence, "... To win her back." Thoughtful, Ragav shakes his head and says, "no. It seams I never really lost her... So there is no winning her back." He looks at Maya, confused, asks, "deep down she must still trust me... Have feelings for me..." Whispering the words, "she loves me too... Otherwise she wouldn't care... She wouldn't be here... Right?" Maya hesitates not wanting Ragav to build his hopes too high, says, "I don't know."
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Kalpi stops at the entrance of Ragav's room... Unable to take a step further... Filled with nervous tension... Her heart racing as she recollects cherished memories... Cherished bitter sweet memories.
Maya turns around, realizing that Kalpi is no longer following her. Concerned she asks, "why did you stop? What is the matter?" Kalpi whispers, "I am scared." Maya smiles reassuringly and says, "do you trust me." Kalpi nods. She adds, "Ragav will never hurt you again." Then quickly amends, "he will never knowingly hurt you again." Kalpi tries not to laugh over the hasty correction as Maya smiles, adding, "with Ragav one can never be too sure, but I know this... He will never purposely hurt you." Kalpi nods affirmatively then asks, "is there really no other room available." Maya shakes her head, replies with relief, "no there isn't... Unless you wan to bunk with me." Relieved Kalpi says, "yes please." Maya tries to keep the disappointment away, realizing that Kalpi was not ready to give the marriage 100%... Thinking, "I hope Ragav does not mess it up this time... This might just be his last time to win her back."
Thinking on her feet, Maya says, "I don't mind you bunking with me... I am sure Ragav won't mind... That is if you don't intend to work towards your relationship with Ragav." Kalpi looks at Maya, deliberating over her statement for several seconds... Shakes her head and says, "thank you, but I think... I mean... I..." Smiling with warmth, Maya says, "I am glad you want to work towards your marriage... Come let us unpack your things."
Edited by angelpureness - 10 years ago
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