Neira FF JOYRIDE : ANNOUNCEMENT Pg 150 - Page 99

The second after the nurse told them that Ragini had gained conscious, Nachiket and Nishi rushed to Ragini's room. When they opened the door they found Dr. Aman also there, which was not unexpected. Her eyes were open and she was looking much better than before. Their eyes met and they exchanged looks. Seeing Dr. Aman sitting at her left side made Nachiket uncomfortable, especially now when he knew that nothing was going on between them.

Nishi walked up to her mother and hugged her. ''Thank God Maa, aap theek hai. Mein kitna worried thi'' She looked with almost teary eyes at Ragini who held Nishi's face and smiled. ''Mein bilkul theek hoon, you don't worry. Itni bhi kamzor nahin hoon mein''

She was right, his Ragini has never been the weak one. In fact, she was even stronger than some men he thought. Nachiket just stood there near the door, he didn't bother to go up to her.

''Nishi beti, tum yahan kaise aana hua?'' Ragini asked her.

''Woh Papa ne mujhe phone kiya tha ke ab yahan hai, iss liye mein aa gayi'' She gave a quick look to her father.

Ragini looked at Nachiket and he looked back. He saw that she had a thankful expression on her face, as if she wanted to thank him for taking care of her. She, on the other hand, wasn't able to read his expressions. It looked like as if he emoted a lot through his eyes yet it looked blank, she was confused by his behavior because not once did he spoke to her.

Dr. Aman noticed the awkwardness too between Ragini and Dr. Neil so he tried to lighten up the tension. ''Ragini, tum kuch khaoge? Warna tumhara BP phir se low ho jayega aur mein nahin chahta ke Dr. Neil mujhe phir se daante''

''No Sir, mein theek hoon'' She smiled in reply.

''Dr. Neil, you want something? Coffee, tea ya kuch aur? Kaafi der se aap yahan hai aur kaafi tension mein bhi teh...'' Dr. Aman asked him unsure.

''No I am fine. Aap please Ragini ko ghar leke jaye'' With that Nachiket turned around, opened the door and left.

Ragini could not believe this; isse kya ho gaya? Achanak bahot se ajeeb behave karta hai? Mall mein toh woh theek teh, toh phir...

Dr. Aman was also rather confused with Dr. Neil's behavior but shrugged it off since Ragini needed his attention now. ''Ragini, agar tum better feel kar rahe ho toh phir mein tumhe ghar le jaaonga. Tum wahan rest karna''

''Sir, aap aur Nachiket ke beech mein kuch hua kya? Matlab, he was behaving so strange'' She wanted to know what the reason was.

Of course, I should have known that Dr. Neil's behavior would bother Ragini.''No not really. Kabhi kabhi mein bhi uska behavior nahin samaj pata. Mein toh hoon confused, aur Dr. Neil mujhe aur confused karega''

''Papa bahot pareshan lag rahe the, aapko lekar Maa, shayad iss liye...'' Nishi tried to find a reason for it.

''Hmm, shayad'' Ragini replied but she knew Nachiket too good. That was absolutely not the reason. Yes, he might have been worried but something else was bothering him and she had to find out.

''Ready to go Ragini?'' Dr. Aman stood up to and held her by her arm. He helped her to get out of the hospital bed. ''Nishi, tum bhi humare saath cholo. Will drop you home''

Nishi was relieved that her mother was feeling better now. Dr. Aman was glad that Dr. Neil had left since he didn't want another lecture for him. And Ragini...she was here with them but her mind was with him.

Somewhere outside

After Nachiket had left the hospital, he took his car and drove off to a place where nobody would be able to disturb him. He stopped his car at an unknown place and stepped out. He slammed the door shut and walked to the railing. He took a deep breath and tried to let all of his worries and thoughts go.

'Maa ne kabhi doosri shaadi nahin ki...'

At this moment, he went through a mix of emotions. Nachiket was happy that Ragini wasn't married to Dr. Aman yet he felt cheated why Ragini had lied to him.

Kyun Ragini? Kyun tumne mujhse jooth bola? Yeh jaante hue bhi ke mein tumhe lekar kitna possessive aur protective hoon, phir bhi yeh natak kyun? Jab Karan aur Dimpy ne yeh baat mujhe bataya toh mein yeh nahin manta. Lekin jab tumne khud yeh baat mujhse kaha... Jab bhi mein tumhe aur Dr. Aman ko ek saath dekhta tha, mujhe bahot dard deta tha. Ek aisa dard joh meine aaj tak tumse itne saalon se door reh kar bhi nahin mehsoos kiya.

'unhone toh 15 saalon se akeli hi hai...'

It is my fault. I should have known...Matlab, tum dono ke beech aise kuch tha hi nahin ke mein yeh maanlo ke tum doosri shaadi ki hai. Mein khud ko yakeen dila ta tha ke yeh nahin ho sakta, Ragini doosri shaadi nahin kar sakti hai. Aur mann hi mann mein, I was right.

At Nishi's in-laws

Dr. Aman had dropped her off at home. Her phone rang and the caller ID said 'Agaam'.

''Hi Agaam, kaise ho. Long time!'' She answered the call in a good mood.

''Hi Nishi, I am fine. Tum kaisi ho? Shaadi ke baad tum ek dum se ghayab ho gayi hai'' He joked with her.

Nishi giggled. ''Aisa kuch nahin. Tum toh jante ho na ke shaadi ke baad kitne zimmedariyan hoti hai. Khair, tu ab nahin samjoge. Ek baar tumhari shaadi ho jaye phir dekhna...'' She teased him.

''Woh toh bahot door ke baat hai. Let me enjoy life first. So what's up? Kya kar rahi thi tum?''

''Mein abhi hospital se aayi. Woh Maa ko...''

''Hospital?! Kya hua Mom ko?!'' He was shocked to hear that Ragini was in the hospital and he didn't even know about it.

Nishi started to tell him everything, from the elevator to Ragini passing out and the hospital. But also about how their father had lashed out on Dr. Aman.

''Ek aur baat Agaam... Kuch ajeeb sa hai''

''Haan bolo''

Nishi didn't really know how to tell Agaam about it since the whole thought was so strange to herself too. ''Papa iss liye Dr. Aman se itni upset tha kyunki unhone laga ke Maa ne doosri shaadi ki hai. Matlab, Aman Uncle Maa ka pati hai...''

Agaam was confused and shocked at the same time. ''What do you mean? Dad theek hi toh soch raha tha''

''Nahin Agaam, tum bhi aise soch rahi ho? Maa ne bilkul doosri shaadi nahin ki hai. What's wrong with you?!'' Nishi couldn't believe why Agaam was thinking the same as their father.

It became silent on the other end. Agaam was perplexed with what he just had heard.

''Agaam...AGAAM?!'' Nishi said loud to check whether he was still there on the other end or not.

''Huh...haan...Mein tumse baad mein baat karta hoon'' He didn't gave Nishi the chance to say a bye and he hung up on her.

With the phone in her hand, Nishi just stared at it in confusion. Papa aur Agaam ko achanak se kya ho gaya hai?

Khanna residence - Agaam's room

Right after his call with Nishi, Agaam phoned an international number.

''AGAAM!!!'' A happy voice spoke loud into the speaker of the phone.

''Hey Suhaani, listen I have to tell you something very important'' Agaam was getting impatient.

''Okay, chill. Tum bahot worried sound kar rahe hoon. Wahan sab theek hai?''

''Nahin, yahan kuch bhi theek nahin hai. Iss liye, mujhe teri help chahiye''

He started to tell about his phone call with Nishi and how he came to know that their mother is not married to Dr. Aman. All this while, Suhaani was alone there in New York missing her family terribly. She used to talk to her Dad, Pam, Ranbir too, but Agaam was the only one who would keep her updated about whatever was happening in India.

''Oh my God Agaam, are you sure?'' This news made Suhaani very happy but she had to be sure that it was true.

''Haan, ek dum sure. Nishi ne khud mujhe bataya aur yeh baat Dad ko bhi pata lag chukka hai. So, iska matlab tum jaanti ho nah...'' Agaam spoke with new hope.

On the contrary, Suhaani sounded sad. ''It is damn good news Agaam, lekin asli problem toh mein hoon nah...Mere wajhse Dad aur Mom alag huye the. Iska kya karenge...''

She was right. Agaam was so overwhelmed with the news that he had completely forgotten about the biggest issue in their parent's life and that was Suhaani. The poor girl was completely devastated when Nachiket had told her that she was not Ragini's daughter but also neither his. That horrible news had broken her heart but yet she kept herself strong, especially for her dad hoping that one day he would reunite with her Ragini mom once again.

''IDEA!'' She said with a loud voice. Suhaani started to explain and discussed her idea with her brother. They decided that it was high time for her to make her entry not only in India.

Patel House

After Dr. Aman had dropped off Nishi at home, he took Ragini home and stayed for a few hours. He wanted to stay longer but Ragini did not want that, because she didn't want to bother him but the actual reason was something else. Ever since, they had left the hospital she could only think about one thing, or rather one person...Nachiket. His behavior was such a big question mark to her that she was unable to find the answer to it.

She lied to Dr. Aman that she was feeling fine and that there was nothing to worry about. That was not entirely true, yes she was feeling better but there was definitely something to worry about however she could not and did not want to discuss it with Dr. Aman.

It was after dinner time and Ragini hadn't eaten that much. She wasn't feeling that hungry even though she had to take good care of herself now because of whatever had happened that afternoon. However that was the last thing which kept her busy, her mind was totally occupied with Nachiket.

Nachiket ko ho gaya tha? Usne baat tak nahin ki...Uske chehre pe ek ajeeb sa expression tha joh mein bilkul samaj nahin pa rahi hoon. Nothing happened between us to make him upset, phir woh kyun bina kuch bole wahan se chala gaya...

Ragini was deep in her thought when the doorbell rang. She stood up to open the door. The man who had been in her thoughts all day long was now standing in front of her. She was somehow happy to see him since now she would be able to get an answer to her question mark. Little did she know that actually he was the one who wanted to have an answer to his question...

Without waiting for her to ask him in, Nachiket stepped into the house. The audacity of this man...

Ragini just closed the door and followed him.

''Dr. Aman nahin hai kya?'' It was the first thing he asked her.

Now what does he want. 'Nahin, unko thoda kaam tha iss liye he stayed at the hospital'' She just answered his question.

''Patni yahan ghar pe hain, uski tabiyat theek nahin hain, phir bhi Dr. Aman hospital mein hai. Wow, what a professional'' He commented sarcastically.

''Nachiket, kya chahte ho tum?'' Ragini was not ready for his sarcastic comments.

He took a step forward and they were standing face to face now. ''Chahta toh mein bahot kuch Ragini, lekin sawal hai ke tum kya chahti ho?''

She did not get what he wanted. ''Mein kuch samji nahin...''

''Samaj toh mujhe bhi nahin aa raha hai... Matlab, tum yahan aur Dr. Aman wahan. Aur yeh pehli baar nahin hai. Jab mein yahan aata hoon toh Dr. Aman ka kuch pata nahin. Aisa kyun?'' He looked at her with a questionable expression.

This came as kind of a shock to Ragini. Why was Nachiket asking all these about Sir, all of sudden? She feared for the worse...

Ragini averted her gaze. ''Sir, bahot busy rehta hai. Unko itna kaam hai. Aur waise bhi tumse kya, Nachiket?'' She turned around and tried to walk away but felt the hand of Nachiket on her arm. He turned her around and they were even standing closer than before.

''Ek pati hone ke naate, meine aise kabhi kiya tha? Kya mein kabhi bhi tumhe iss halaat mein akela choda tha? Whenever you would fall sick, I was there for you Ragini kyunki I was your husband...'' He emphasized on the word 'husband'.

She was right, her fear had come true. Nachiket knew about her fake marriage to Dr. Aman otherwise why would he ask those questions at this hour?

''Chup kyun ho Miss Ragini Malhotra or should I say Ragini...Patel'' With that last word the pain in eyes was very visible to Ragini.

''Kyun Ragini? Kyun...?!'' He let go of her arm but did not step back.

''Tumhare wahjse se. Tumne mujhe majboor kiya aise jooth bolne ke liye. Kya kaha tha tumne...'mere saath koi kaise reh sakta hai. Koi kaise mere saath zindagi guzar sakta hai'...''

She took a deep breath. 'Iss liye...meine kaha ke Sir aur mein...''

''Tumne ek pal ke liye bhi yeh nahin socha ke mujhpe kya beeti hogi?'' There was so much in his voice.

''Aur tumne ek pal ke liye bhi nahin socha ke mujhe woh sab sunke kitna takleef hoga?'' She retorted back.

''Mein toh ghusse mein tha. Tum jaanti ho na ghusse mein aa kar mein kuch bhi bol leta hoon'' He tried to defend himself.

''Exactly. Iss liye mein yeh natak kiya. Why does it always have to be about you Nachiket? Mera ghussa kyun nahin, mere feelings kyun nahin, mere zindagi kyun nahin...'' And she started to let some tears.

As always, Nachiket was not able to see her crying. He just couldn't see her in pain and the ironic part was that every single tear that was being shed was only because of him. He was the reason that had made her cry.

''Tumhare ek jooth se mein kitna ghalityan karta raha. Ajnaane mein, Dr. Aman ko mein kya kya nahin kaha. Kabhi kabhi tumse nafrat bhi karne ke koshish ki, lekin of course that is not possible. Bahot takleef hota tha mujhko, tum dono ko ek saath dekh kar. Nahin bardaasht hua tha
mujhse...saach mein Ragini, itna dard toh meine uss 15 saalon mein bhi nahin mehsoos kiya. Meine socha tha ki agar tum apni zindagi mein aage nikal gayi ho toh phir mein kyun tumhari intezaar karoonga...iss liye meine...mein''

Ragini had still tears in her eyes but wasn't saying anything. She knew that it had not been the right thing to do but he had made her to do this. If it hadn't been for his attitude and harsh words, she wouldn't even dare to think about marrying to another man.

Nachiket wasn't able to continue and just walked away, leaving Ragini all alone...once again.

Ragini broke down because even she was hurt at this moment. Even she was not happy with whatever had happened in the past few months but did she have a choice?

Khanna residence - Nachiket's room

After his confrontation with Ragini, Nachiket came home and went straight to his room. He had no time and was absolutely not in the mood for Pam's tantrums and Nivedita's concern. He wanted to be alone because he had to sort out things.

He stood in front of the open window a small breeze flapping the curtains. With a drink in one hand he kept thinking about what just had happened. Never in his wildest dreams had he thought that Ragini would actually be telling him such a big lie, but then he was happy and relieved at the same time because this meant that things started to look brighter for him, for them. Actually not, because there were still two major issues; one was Suhaani which was obviously not an issue but that was the reason for their divorce and the second, biggest obstacle was Nivedita. He had proposed to her, the commitment was made and even worse, their engagement was about to happen in a few days.

Nahin, mein aisa nahin hone doonga. Jab Ragini ka doosri shaadi nahin hua hai toh phir mein kyun Nivedita ke saath aage baroon? Usse toh mein pyaar bhi nahin karta, phir shaadi kaise... Mujhe Nivedita se baat karna hoga, warna bahot derr na ho jaye.. LekinSuhaani...Mujhe kuch karna hoga.

As if God, destiny and luck was at his side, at the other side of the world plans had already been made how to bring a father and a mother back together as husband and wife.

Two days later

Suhaani had landed in India and hoped that all would go well. Obviously, with Pam in the picture things were bound to go wrong but both siblings had planned out how to deal with her. Nachiket would also not be the easiest one but then he was their dad and every effort being made was for him.

Both brother and sister talked to their father to convince him about their idea. Initially Nachiket was not sure about it since he wasn't sure if it would actually help. Also, he still hadn't talked to Nivedita. Suhaani tried to make him understand that whatever they were doing was the best for Nachiket and Ragini. This was the best way to reunite them after all the misunderstanding and the long 15 years of separation. Agaam was also agreeing on this and both persuaded their father to go ahead with it. Eventually, after a lot of thinking, Nachiket gave the green light. This gave Agaam and Suhaani a new ray of hope; will they finally see their parents together?

Mein nahin jaanta ke yeh joh bacche karne jaa rahe hai woh theek hai ya nahin. Mein yeh bhi nahin jaanta ke iska anjaam kya hone waala hai, lekin mein sirf yeh itna jaanta hoon ke mein aur Ragini, shayad ek baar phir se...

The kids went on to proceed with their plan and Nachiket had to complete his other task. Breaking the news to Nivedita was a tough job to do. Especially when the celebrations were full on and she was looking so happy. Nachiket had thought about it a lot, there were even moments when he would hesitate to talk to her. But God and destiny had given him this second, and probably,
last chance and he could not afford to miss it. If everything went well then it would mean that he and his Ragini would get back together.

As expected the news exploded like a bomb for Nivedita. Never ever had she expected that everything she had dreamed off would break into pieces in seconds. Nachiket explained and told her why this marriage would never work, why he would never be able to love her, why he would be never able to become hers. She tried to change his mind by telling him how much she loved him but all her attempts went in vain. At last, she had to let him go...

One day later

Nachiket's phone rang and Ragini's name flashed on the screen. Immediately he picked up the phone with worry in his heart and mind.

''Nachiket...'' She said in a low sad voice.

The sound of her crying voice pained him more than ever. ''Kya hua Ragini, are you okay?''

''Mujhe tumse milna hai...I will be waiting for you, at that same place...'' She hung up.

Nachiket knew exactly what place she meant and without having second
thoughts, he went to meet her.

Nachiket stepped out of his car and saw Ragini standing with her back facing his side. He walked up to here and as if she could feel his presence, she turned around. She had been crying all the time.

''Ragini, control yourself. Kya hua?'' He held her by the arms.

''Nachiket, mujhe maaf kardo... '' She was sobbing, unable to control herself. Nachiket's eyes spotted the envelope, the result of the DNA test, in her hand and instantly understood what this was all about.

First he needed to calm her before she or he could continue with whatever they wanted to say. He put his arms around her and held her close. After a few minutes of shedding tears, Ragini became quiet. Not because all was said and done but the soothing feeling of his embrace, his hand stroking her hair was what gave her the peace of mind she needed at that moment.

Carefully she broke the hug because today she had to tell him all those things which she wasn't able to say in those years.

''I am sorry Nachiket, I am really sorry. Itne saalon se mujhe laga ke Suhaani tumhara aur...'' She wasn't able to continue because the guilt killed her every second.

He stood there listening to whatever she had to say, but her constant pleading for forgiveness was not right. She was not the one who had to do this...

''Sorry toh mujhe kehna chahiye tumse''

''Nahin, mein bahot buri hoon. Ek rishtey mein sabse zyada important hai pyaar aur vishwaas. Ek doosre par barosa lekin meine tum par barosa nahin kiya''

''Stop it now Ragini. Suno mere baat... Khalati tumhari nahin. Meine tumse woh baat chupa kar theek nahin kiya. Mein uss waqt apni patni se zyada apni friend ke problem ko dekha. I should have told you everything but I didn't aur yeh baat meine humare alag hone ke baad realize
kiya. Kaash mein uss waqt tumhe bata diya hota, toh 15 saal tak hum ek doosre se door nahin hote. Please forgive me Ragini, please...'' He had small tears in his eyes.

Ragini held his face. ''Hum abhi bhi ek saath ho sakte hai...'' She gave him a small smile.

He looked at her with glistering eyes. ''Mein bhi nayi shuruwat karna chahta hoon...tumhare saath, humare bacche ke saath''

She threw herself in his arms, inhaling his cologne which she had missed terribly. He held her tight, smelling her flowery fragrance which he loved about her. They were just standing there, no words, only the touch of their arms around each other.

''Ye hi ek aisi jagah jahan mein rehna chahti hoon...tumhare baahon mein'' Ragini said with the most peaceful voice.

Nachiket smiled and planted a kiss on her head. ''Aur mein bhi tumhe yahan rakhna chahti hoon, ye tumhari asli jagah hai. Mere dil mein...''

Even though Ragini felt like the happiest woman in the world, there was still one thing that worried her. She came out of the embrace and looked with worry in his eyes. ''Nachiket...tum toh Nivedita ke saath...''

''Uska naam mat lo Ragini. Meine usse baat ki aur usko samjaya ke mein uske saath kabhi khush nahin reh paoonga. Kyunki mere dil mein toh sirf tum ho, mera har dhadkan toh sirf tumhara hi naam hai''

New tears started to roll down her cheeks. She never knew she could love this man so much that all the pain of those 15 years would vanish with those words...

The next morning

After clearing all the misunderstanding between them, Nachiket and Ragini went to their respective homes with the most rejuvenating feeling ever. Both had reached home after midnight and were not able to sleep at all. All he could thing about was her smile and those beautiful eyes. She could only think about those words he had said to her.

It was in the wee hours of the early morning, before sunrise, when Ragini's phone went off. She was awake since sleep was not on her mind at all, but she didn't expect a call this early...from him.

''Nachiket...'' She said with a surprised voice.

It would always melt his heart whenever she used to call his name. ''Ragini, sorry to wake you up but I want to take you somewhere'' Of course, he knew she wasn't sleeping but still 'assumed'' that she must have been.

''Iss waqt, itni subah subah hum kahan jaa sakte hai?'' She was surprised by what he wanted from her at that time of the day.

''Do you trust me?''

''Always...''

''Then I will come and pick you up, be ready'' He hung up and drove off to her place.

Ragini felt like a teenage girl whose boyfriend is coming up to pick her up without the permission of her parents. She blushed at the thought of her silliness, as if it was the first she would be going somewhere with him. Though, it felt like the first time all over again.

Nachiket reached at her place in less than 15 minutes, she sat in the car and didn't ask any questions. She just wanted to enjoy the excitement of this new born feeling and the crazy adventure of having him at her side, once again.

Nachiket stopped the car at exactly the same place as yesterday. He opened the door of the passenger seat reached out his hand to her; she placed her hand in his and stepped out of the car. Hand in hand they walked to a bench with had a view where the sunrise and sunset could be seen.

He made her sit and placed himself next to her.

''Nachiket hum yahan kyun aaye'' She asked him still not sure what he wanted.

He placed his fingers on her lips. 'Sssh, aaj mujhe bolne do Ragini warna shayad mein yeh sab kabhi nahin keh paoonga''

He took a deep breath and held both her hands in his. Ragini gave a quick look at their hands a smile played on her lips. She loved it; this is how it is supposed to be.

''Ragini...mein aaj tumse wada karta hoon ke iske baad mein tumhe kabhi bhi akeli nahin chodoonga. Mein wada karta hoon ke mein tumhe woh har khushi doonga joh tumne 15 saalon miss karti aayi hain. Mein wada karta hoon tumhe itna pyaar karoonga, ke koi kisi se karta hoga. Mein wada karta hoon ke mein duniya ka sabse accha baap banoonga. And most importantly, mein wada karta hoon ke mein apne aap ko tumhare qaabil banaonga., tumhe shikayat ka mokha nahin doonga...Ragini, kya tum phir se meri zindagi mein, mere saans ban kar, rehna chahti ho?" He asked her in the most loving way.

Ragini was not able to hold back her tears. She threw her arms around him and held him as tight as she could. He hugged her back with all the love he had for her, which in his eyes was not enough for her.

Slowly her broke the hug and held her by the shoulders. ''Take a look to your left...''

She did as he said and turned her head a little bit to the left. She was awestruck by the view; the sun came up slowly in the most beautiful way.

Both exchanged looks with the happiest smiles on their faces. ''Yeh sooraj joh tum dekh rahi ho na, yeh humare nayi zindaga ka pehla sooraj hai. Abse iski roshni humare zindagi mein chamak ne wala hai..." He puts his arm around her and she rested her head on his chest where she could feel the new heartbeats which were only meant for her.

He kissed the top of her head and both enjoyed the sunrise with the heavenly feeling of being in each other's arms...

This was the start of a new chapter...