Celebration of Fates: RagNa FF, Part-23, Pg-147, 30/07 - Page 85

PART-20

"It is Prem Kapoor who has snatched away the sleep of your nights Raghav. You cannot bear the fact that Kalpana is friendlier towards him than yourself. This morning you didn't even said a proper Hello to Prem when I went there along with you to talk to your director for another of our ads. And when Prem said Hello to you, what did you do? You shook hands with him, but not before allowing him to think that you want to break his hand! Plus how can I forget that infamous Raghav Singhania's stern expressions! You are...insecure my friend" Sammy finished with a smile and Raghav shook his head at his all-knowing best friend. "Hmm, you are right Sammy. I am insecure because of Prem. Everytime I see Kalpi laughing and talking with him I cannot help but wish, she laughs with me just once, like that. But all our lives, Kalpi and I have shared only complex and intense emotions of disliking, hatred or possessiveness. She still proclaims to hate me, dislike me. She hasn't forgotten that incident of eight years back. Kalpi still considers me a culprit for that, which was nothing else but a big misunderstanding on her part. She...she won't ever talk with me like that" Raghav agreed with Sammy but his words finished on a lone tear escaping his right eye. He quickly wiped it off, but not before Sammy noticed it. Sammy kept a consoling hand on Raghav's shoulder, "Everything will be fine Raghav, very soon. Kalpana has changed, her attitude has mellowed down towards you. Her eyes do carry a softness for you. Just a little more wait Raghav and your love will be with you."

Raghav turned towards Sammy with surprised eyes, "Love?" he questioned Sammy.

"Yes my friend, love. Kalpi was and is the love of your life. Even you don't know how much you love her. Realise it, before your both lives are spent in fighting with each other" Sammy said after a small pause and smile. He chuckled imagining two madly in love "love-birds" fighting all their lives, earning a glare from Raghav. "Okay,okay. Sorry, no more teasing. But hope you realize this soon and make Kalpana also realize that she loves you" Sammy said while apologizing. Raghav turned his attention back to the space in front of his eyes. "Hmm" Raghav replied vaguely,his thoughts were lost in Kalpi as he whispered "Love", more to himself than anyone else.

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It was back to square-one in many ways for Raghav and Kalpi, especially for Raghav. Raghav's morning gifts to Kalpi had reverted back to what they originally were. Two more days had passed and Raghav had realized that after spending such beautiful intimate moments, the practice of not giving kisses to Kalpi as morning-gifts didn't make sense. Thus, each morning he visited Kalpi, held her one hand gently and placed soft kisses on Kalpana's cheeks.Where Kalpi was concerned, she had become acutely aware of Raghav's affect on her body. The result being that when Raghav gave her morning-kisses, she struggled not to show any emotion or affect apparently to him. She was desparately trying to get hold of sometime with just herself till next week. Her eyes were lowered everytime, and her free hand almost always clutched side of her dress. Kalpi didn't have the courage to look into those coal-black, magnetic eyes; eyes in which she would have drowned and lost herself even more. But her keeping back from Raghav and going back to her shell, had Raghav becoming more and more insecure and sad with each passing day. It was not helping either that for him Kalpi's bond with Prem Kapoor was only growing stronger.

That day had tested the limit of Raghav's patience when for the first time he had witnessed the shooting of a close to intimate scene between Prem and Kalpana. It was to be a flashback scene between Ananya and Akash- character of Prem, since Prem was playing the role of Kalpi's Ex-husband. Theirs was an arranged marriage in the show and one which Akash had done unwillingly. This was the first scene where Akash had felt an attraction towards Ananya (Kalpi's character) as his wife.

Raghav had been standing with the crew, watching the shoot. The set was that of Ananya & Akash's bedroom. Kalpi was looking ethereal, dressed as a newly wed bride in a yellow colored saree with sleeveless maroon blouse. The scene was where Ananya (Kalpi) was wearing an earring while standing in front of the mirror. At first Akash (Prem) was sitting disinterested on the bed, but then he notices how beautiful Ananya was looking and his eyes roamed on Ananya (Kalpi) from head to toe. Slowly he got up and started walking towards her. Then turning Ananya (Kalpi) by her arm he took in her beauty for some moments. Prem as Akash was to act severely attracted for the first time, towards Kalpi's character. But every second of that act proved a big burden for Raghav. He was watching the scene with his hands tightly fisted into the pockets of his pants, as he saw Prem checking out Kalpi. To his surprise he was unable to bear it even as an act, his insecurity was eating him every second. He knew the scene and thus knew what was to happen next and he was wondering how would he bear that?

Then it happened, Akash (Prem) kept his one hand on Ananya's (Kalpi) waist and with the other he cupped her cheek. Every one was busy looking into various technicalities of the scene, this being just another day's work for them. But no one noticed how Raghav's jaws had clenched, looking someone else touching "his Kalpi" was burning him inside. "Wait what am I thinking? My Kalpi" Raghav thought as he saw Akash (Prem) placing a kiss on one of Ananya's (Kalpi's) cheeks. And that's it, this was too much for him to bear and Raghav could not bear to see Prem-Kalpi's off screen exchange after this. "What if they become more comfortable with each other?" he thought and without wasting more moments turned back to go to the confines of his van. There Kalpi had from the corner of her eyes seen Raghav's stern expressions and she had an idea as to the reason behind it. If she was honest with herself, this was part of her job and she didn't mind doing it. But yes, she didn't prefer it too. With everything between her and Raghav slowly taking a different turn Kalpi realized that for her Raghav had become the only man who could ever touch her intimately.

Kalpi had sighed internally after Raghav was gone, but "why can he not understand? It's my job and Prem is only a friend, a very good friend." For the first time Kalpi cared for Raghav not to misconstrue the entire thing between her and Prem. She wished to tell him, that she only wants some space from him. But, no one ever would come as close to her, as he had. She wanted to say all this, but couldn't; because she was unable to understand why suddenly Raghav's thoughts for her mattered so much to her. Kalpi was confused, even more confused than before. First the rights over her body and soul to Raghav, the attraction towards him and now, now even her mind was weak for Raghav.

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That day's lunch, Kalpi had felt the after-effects of Raghav's jealousy. "Kalpana, I have an important video-conference with my Heads of Departments in lunchtime. I would like you to attend it with me, Sammy will also be coming along" Raghav had commanded Kalpi and without waiting for her response turned about. "B,but Raghav, I am to join you from next week!" Kalpana had objected. In reply Raghav had merely smirked, turning to face her again. "This meeting is important for you to understand next week's proceedings. Anyways, you'll be with me to learn. So why not start from today itself? It's a good opportunity; and I shall not take a No from you. Don't worry about lunch, that has been arranged as well.The three of us shall have lunch together, okay?" Raghav had winked at Kalpi and went to shoot his scene whistling away, leaving an appalled Kalpi behind.Thus that day after what seemed like ages, Raghav had a peaceful lunch with Kalpana by his side. That was about DAY-1 (One), as the time progressed Raghav only found more instances to keep Prem Kapoor miles away from him, lest in frustration Raghav punches him.

Since next day, on the pretext of work Raghav had managed to keep Kalpana somewhat away from Prem. Though as soon as she got free time, Kalpana was found talking away lightly with Prem. But as soon as she sighted Raghav, her laughter died down replaced with a confused and scared look. Not knowing the reason behind this, Raghav was irked like hell. Then at night when it was time to go home, Kalpana had found her car to be punctured. Raghav had seen this and was about to ask Kalpi to give her a lift to her home. But before he could approach her, Prem came into the scene and offered Kalpi a ride back home instead. To Raghav's dismay, Kalpi had readily agreed and before his own eyes Prem and Kalpi had left in the same car. "Damn" kicking the sides of his car and rubbing his hair in frustration, Raghav had muttered. "I hate you Mr.Prem Kapoor" Raghav had hissed in his mind.

This incident had proved just the tip of an iceberg as far as Kalpana and Prem's friendship was concerned. Everyday Raghav had seen a new form of their friendship; and with Kalpi's confused reactions towards himself Raghav's insecurity had only increased.

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"Hi Raghav" Prem had happily but hesitantly called starting a conversation with Raghav one evening. He knew that Raghav didn't like him, and poor fellow had been unable to fathom the reason behind this. He had tried every possible way to start a positive relation with Raghav,but had failed miserably at it. Raghav Singhania's unexplainable anger and wrath on him was beyond him. Then one evening suddenly Prem had found Kalpana missing from the sets. After asking from everyone he was informed that Raghav had sent Kalpi somewhere, and that her part of shooting was over. So, Prem had no option but to talk to the lion himself.

He had wanted to take Kalpi on dinner. Prem and Kalpi were good friends and he was serious about pursuing this friendship further; and be among Kalpi's best friends for life. Besides, the reason behind this dinner was something very special and urgent. He couldn't wait to reserve tables for themselves after taking Kalpana's consent. "Hello Mr.Kapoor" Raghav had replied formally and Prem had gulped internally at Raghav's tone. "Any special reason for you to talk to me?" Raghav had continued. "Umm, actually...yes. I wanted to meet or talk to Kalpi urgently. I was told you maybe knowing where she is? Actually even her cell-phone is switch off so..." and before Prem could continue, Raghav cut his words in the midst.

"May I know the purpose of your urgent meeting with Kalpi? The reason being that right now she is attending a meeting with Mr.Samar Raizada in the Head Office of Singhania Group of Companies; You cannot reach her now" Raghav had finished happily. "Oh, I see", Prem's face had dropped "Anyways, thank you so much. I'll talk to her later on" Prem had said and Raghav couldn't contain his curiousity. "You didn't tell the purpose of this urgent meeting with Kalpi? You can tell me you know. I shall pass oon to her, we are like family" Raghav had said to Prem's surprise. "Oh, I didn't know that. I'll ask her out myself tomorrow. But if you insist, actually I wanted to take her out for dinner. So I was to request for the same with her. But now I'll have to wait some more" Prem said and Raghav became alert. "Dinner?" Raghav had repeated the word, not liking the sound of it.

"Yes, I'll tell her the reason" Prem had grinned widely, winked at Raghav and went away much to Raghav's disliking. "Now what you're upto Mr.Prem Kapoor?" Raghav had wondered aloud unhappily.

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The next day, it was late night and Kalpi was in Raghav's chamber in the Head Office of Singhania Group of Companies. Raghav had brought Kalpi along with him to his office after the shooting so that Kalpi could understand some important procedures of the internal workings of a company. Besides he got to spend some exclusive time with Kalpana, enjoying her breaths on his face. He was sitting and Kalpi was standing next to him, looking and understanding what Raghav was explaining to her as he worked alongside. She was staring at the laptop while Raghav's half attention was on her perfume and the breaths emanating from her, touching his face. Raghav was smiling while he was with Kalpana. The atmosphere was peaceful and calm. Raghav was content just that way, enjoying Kalpana's company when the sound of Kalpi's cell breached the peace. Kalpi looked at Raghav and he allowed her to receive the call.

"Hello Prem" Kalpi said as she answered the call and Raghav became alert. Hearing something from other side, Kalpi giggled "Yes-yes, I remember; and I promise that I'll be in time tomorrow night." "Really? Will that "Boss-cum-Like Family" of yours give you permission? Look Kalpi I've already reserved the table, you cannot ditch me at the last moment" Prem had said on the other side of call.

"I said I'll reach on time and I will okay? You don't worry and yes, he is not that bad. I will manage him" Kalpi had replied, making Raghav wonder if they were actually talking about him. His ears were completely on their conversation and eyes were on laptop. By now Kalpi's back was facing Raghav and she continued her happy chatter with Prem on phone. Prem had sighed over phone "If you say so,I believe you. But I don't believe that Mr.Raghav Singhania. Anyway, see you tomorrow and waiting for dinner" Prem said.

"Bye, I am also waiting" Kalpi had ended the conversation joyously, and when she turned, she got a shock. Raghav was standing right behind her, hands folded across his chest and eyeing her skeptically. "Prem Kapoor, isn't it?" he said. "You two seem to get along very well" Raghav commented in jealousy. "Oh yes" ignoring the warning in Raghav's frustrated eyes, Kalpi had continued. "What harm can he do? I have every right to be friends with anyone I choose to be" thinking so, Kalpi had decided to talk about Prem casually. "He has become a good friend in a short span of time" Kalpi said happily.

"Really?" Raghav asked. "Yes, he is trustworthy, he is funny and he understands me" thinking abput Prem and lost in her new friendship Kalpi had said. But the moment these last words slipped from Kalpi's mouth, Raghav's eyes had gleamed with possessiveness. He advanced his steps towards Kalpi, "Really?" he said. "Yes...he..." Kalpi was about to say something more when she noticed Raghav's steps towards her. She understood and felt the proximity between them and started walking backwards.

"R,Raghav?" Kalpi stuttered as her back hit the wall. "W,what are you doing?" she asked Raghav. "So, Prem Kapoor is funny. He understands you, hmm? Does he understand you more than me honeybee?" Raghav asked Kalpi as his hands went up her arms and to her back. "Tell me" Raghav whispered this time, as he pushed Kalpi towards himself. Holding Kalpi by waist now Raghav nuzzled, kissed in Kalpi's neck. "Does he know your heart?" Raghav asked while keeping one hand over Kalpi's chest and her breaths stopped. "Does he know you?" Raghav placed soft kisses over Kalpi's face and she closed her eyes. Her hands jammed into fists, trying to withhold herself from grabbing Raghav's shirt for support.

Raghav's hands were massaging Kalpi's body gently, over her clothes, making her lean into Raghav. She wanted to be away from Raghav for sometime, she wanted to test her and Raghav's relation; wanted to check affect of distances between them. But Raghav's arms and touch, how could she ignore this lovely feeling even if she tried to hide this from Raghav. Her body was singing with Raghav's touch. So, she made one last effort, "Raghav, please stop" attempting to find her voice, Kalpi had tried pushing Raghav away. She had almost shouted at him, Raghav stumbled back being unprepared. But he recovered soon and gritting his teeth, was touching Kalpi with his body again within next few seconds. Angrily he held Kalpi by neck and hissed "Ms.Jadhav, this is the first and last warning by me to you. I've had enough of your tantrums, but now no more. If I see the tiniest visual of you enjoying with Prem at the cost of ignoring me, then I am sorry to say you'll be punished. Only I have the right to be closest to you, to touch you, be near you. If I see Prem anywhere close to you again, I shall punish you. Punish you with this..." and Raghav dipped his head, brought Kalpi's face closer to his and gave Kalpi his most passionate and intense kiss ever. His lips angrily tasted interiors of Kalpi's mouth, and forced her lips open, while she easily gave him way.

It was when both became breathless that Raghav let go of Kalpi; and after he had caught his own breath did he speak again. "Just remember this punishment if you are so keen to avoid me Ms.Jadhav" Raghav warned Kalpi. "You cannot rule my life, my everything Raghav! I have made my decision, I shall go with Prem on dinner tomorrow at any cost. I am not scared of you" Kalpi replied back, gathering her courage. Inside she was wondering why she is not afraid of Raghav's punishment; was she looking forward to it? Or was it because of her inherent fighting nature and history with Raghav? Prem was just a friend to her, then why wasn't she telling this to Raghav? Was it because truly she was testing her emotions for him? Was it because she was irritated at Raghav trying to control her life, or was it because she was enjoying Raghav's possessiveness for her? The last "was it" scared the hell out of Kalpi, but on her face she stood her ground. She showed nothing of her inner turmoil to Raghav and watched Raghav smirking naughtily and dangerously at her. "Well then, be ready to enjoy your punishment honeybee" Raghav grinned. "And get your belongings. Its late Kamla Maa must be waiting for you" the concern evident in his voice.

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.

PART-21