Celebration of Fates: RagNa FF, Part-23, Pg-147, 30/07 - Page 88

PART-21

Her room glowed one moment with the faint light of the night lamp by her bedside, and the next moment plunged into darkness again. The cycle continued for what seemed like infinite minutes.Lying down on her bed Kalpi was reminiscing some of the instances of past few days. Even though those moments she had spent with Prem, nonetheless it was Raghav who dominated her feelings and thoughts. How ironic it was Kalpana thought, a few months ago she was running away from even a glimpse of this man. Now it seemed Raghav Singhania had pervaded not just every pore of Kalpana's body but her whole being. She woke up with thoughts of Raghav and went to sleep with his memories.If in morning and before going to bed, Kalpana's eyes scrolled though the aims she'd set pertaining her career, her heart read out the yearnings Kalpana felt for Raghav. Nothing she did and everything she did not do somehow came to be related to Raghav Singhania. Even her new friendship with Prem which Kalpana had made more to distract herself from Raghav's thoughts, did the complete opposite to him and her.

Her cheeks reddened a bit when she remembered what had happened after her dinner date with Prem Kapoor. She had been curious to know what Raghav would do or can do. Kalpana had tried her best to never be alone when Raghav was on the sets, or anywhere near him. She was always to be seen either with Prem or other colleagues. As far as her training with Raghav was concerned, Kalpi hardly had any choice when it came to that. After that passionate kiss and challenge in Raghav's office, she had tried to figure a way out. For one whole day Raghav had done nothing to alert Kalpi, except keeping her with him during lunchtime on the pretext of work and loading her with some assignments.

Of course Sammy also gave them company, because despite everything Raghav was serious about Kalpi's training. He knew the insight and help which Sammy can provide to Kalpana. Their own personal interactions might have stopped Kalpi from asking any questions or clarifications. But she would not hesitate to ask anything from Sammy and Raghav was right. Kalpi consulted Raghav only as a last resort and when he explained or gave any task to her. But afterwards it was Sammy who mentored Kalpana on behalf of Raghav. So on most days, Sammy was present in lunchtime with Kalpana and Raghav. He was present even the day next of their challenge and Kalpi had wondered how would Raghav keep her close to him and punish her! She'd got the answers that night after returning from dinner with Prem.

The dinner had went quite well and Kalpana had truly enjoyed every moment of it. Initially she was very conscious and wary of her surroundings, to check if Raghav was anywhere near her. But when Kalpi found no sign of Raghav near them, she had relaxed. Prem was a jovial, confident, trustworthy and nice guy; someone whom Kalpi could truly call a valuable friend. His efforts were successful in bringing a true smile on Kalpana's face, though even he'd noticed Kalpi's wary expressions. They were going to step into the hotel which housed Prem's favourite restaurant and Prem had noticed Kalpi looking here and there. "You need anything Kalpana?" Prem had asked making Kalpi remember that she was not alone. "No-no, I thought I just saw a friend. That's why..." Kalpi had replied sheepishly. Prem had merely nodded his head and escorted Kalpi inside after giving one small squeeze to her shoulder. Kalpi had relaxed by then and more so once she was assured that Raghav was not to be seen anywhere. Unaware to her, sitting in his brand new Jaguar, in the parking of the hotel Raghav had observed the whole scene intently. Not liking when Prem squeezed Kalpana's shoulder, his grip on the steering wheel had tightened and he had a murderous rage in his eyes. But he'd decided to wait. "Enjoy your date Ms.Jadhav as much I'll enjoy punishing you" Raghav had thought with a smirk; and sure enough his patience had paid.

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If it was the hurricane of passion and emotions in Raghav's heart as he patiently sat waiting for Kalpi in the hotel parking, inside it was a complete contrast. Amidst nice, romantic songs played by the live band and tempting dinner Kalpana was amidst a river of joy. It was one of those rare times when only the moment is important, as the smiles associated with those moments are too precious. She sat there after the main-course, licking the butterscotch ice-cream off her spoon. But her eyes never left Prem, noticing how happy he was; and then she looked again, at the other person giving them both company. That person was a surprise which Prem had disclosed about to Kalpi just that afternoon. He wanted to share everything special associated with his life with his new found best friend. That third person was the reason Prem wanted to spend some exclusive time with Kalpana. The reason being that third person was none other than his girlfriend Aria. She had joined Prem and Kalpana ten minutes later. Prem had wished to introduce the two special ladies to each other, and there was another reason.

"Yes our families have at last consented to our marriage. The engagement and marriage dates will be fixed soon. We're planning a destination wedding starting from all the functions right from engagement to wedding rituals. By the end of next month we'll most probably be a married couple" Prem chirped happily sharing the information with Kalpi. Kalpi also beamed a bright smile as she glanced once again at the young, beautiful girl sitting on the chair adjacent to Prem's, their hands inter-twined together. Aria was a sweet but lively girl, perfect for a bundle of joy like Prem, and Kalpi was genuinely happy for him. Her dinner had turned out to be better than expected, as Aria's sweetness helped Kalpi in relaxing her nerves. She'd soon found herself mingling with the girl befitting to be her younger sister very easily. The trio had continued chatting merrily even after their dinner was over. Everything was fine till Aria asked Kalpi "You sure you don't know anything about love?" Kalpi was surprised as she merely denied knowing anything about that feeling "I won't recognize love even if it's in front of my eyes. I don't know anything about this feeling" she'd replied.

Aria's eyes had softened before she spoke again, the words seemingly an echo of Kalpana's own subconscious. A sound which Kalpi used to ignore or put at mute, but that night Kalpi couldn't suppress it. "You're right, you may not recognize love even if it's in front of you, but it is incorrect to state that you don't know anything about love. You my darling sitting here, have been dreaming with open eyes of your own marriage with someone too special. Your eyes say it all" Aria had finished saying in as soft voice as possible. Her words had some impact on Kalpi as she stared the girl in shock. "How could she know that I was trying to imagine how would it be if I get engaged to Raghav one day, and then we get marri...", "No,no,no,no, what was I thinking and why? Is it because no man has ever come as close to me as Raghav has? Or is it because Aria is right?"But outside Kalpi had masked her turmoil very well as she told Aria "If I find my love some day, or know about my feelings I'll definitely share with you two." And that was it; Kalpi had hurriedly taken leave from Prem and Aria. Prem had escorted Kalpi till her car, hugged her and waved a bye making Raghav angry and happy at the same time when he saw that Prem didn't accompany Kalpana. With a smirk, Raghav had started his car and drove away.

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Kalpi had been in deep thoughts remembering Aria's words and her own fantasies relating to Raghav. With each step Kalpi took closer to the answer her heart sought, her confusion had fluctuated even more. Sometimes Kalpi thought she knew Raghav was the most special man in her life; but the very next moment she became more confused. "But why is he so special that I cannot think or breathe even an hour without his thoughts?" Kalpi had often wondered. It was one of those times when after parking her car, Kalpi had started walking absent-mindedly towards the entrance to her residential building. But she'd taken only three and a half steps ahead when Kalpi felt a strong pull on her forearm. She'd bumped against a strong chest and found herself in Raghav's arms, staring into his passion-filled eyes. Kalpi had gulped and attempted to free herself, but to no avail. Raghav had dragged Kalpi inside his car and made her sit on his lap. Caressing Kalpi's face with the back of his palm and watching her shiver, Raghav had whispered in a husky but satisfactory, warning tone. "Didn't I tell you that I'll punish you honeybee?", "Get ready" and after roaming his gaze on Kalpi's full figure clad in an off-shoulder white dress, Raghav had pressed his lips against Kalpi's. His hands had softly explored Kalpi's curves and caressed the bare skin of her shoulders. Afterwards he'd settled on to nuzzling in Kalpi's neck "Umm,I am loving this punishment" Raghav had said and placed a kiss there before letting her go.Kalpana's heart had hammered loudly against her chest as she climbed the stairs of her building in a hurry, instead of taking a lift. Her body and heart once again had been facing her mind.

Coming back to present Kalpi again found herself breathing hard as she remembered Raghav's passionate punishment.

She covered her face shyly with her palms, and when it was too much to take in Kalpi got off the bed. She opened the window in her room, breathed in the fresh air and gazed softly at a "waxing gibbous" (more than half) moon. Kalpi was about to go down rest of the punishment memories when she felt her Aai's gentle touch on her left shoulder.

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His feet rested on the table infront, his hands were locked behind his head and his eyes stared the ceiling unblinkingly. Raghav was lost in Kalpana's thoughts as he rested partially on the couch in his home-study. It was mostly used by guests if any, who visited him here. But tonight he himself needed to use it, especially after what had transpired one hour ago. Raghav was working on his office files and studying progress and issues in his group of companies plus the departments in Head Office.While going through all, Raghav surveyed a mail and related document marked "urgent" by Sammy. It was an issue pertaining the HR Department, relating to some legal issues and compliances. Reading it Raghav had thought of Kalpi, "It'll contribute a lot in her learning process" he'd thought. Thus, without thinking twice Raghav had dialed Kalpi's phone number. He made almost ten attempts to connect the call but everytime his frustration raised high on hearing a "busy" tone. Raghav had looked at the watch, it was past 11.30 in the night and Kalpi had been having a long chat with someone at this hour. He'd wondered who it could be? After a few more seconds Raghav reached out for his private number and dialed Prem's number which he'd taken just in case he needs it. Not surprisingly even Prem's number was busy and Raghav's anger had reached its peek. After half an hour more, when his call did connected to Kalpi he lashed out at her. "I was trying to call you for an urgent office work but you seemed too busy with some friend of yours. You ignored my calls for someone else when you very well know it maybe something urgent. May I know what was that important or who was that someone Ms.Jadhav?" Raghav had said in a completely formal tone, making Kalpi gulp a bit. But she'd soon composed herself "Mr.Singhania he was not just someone but my good friend Prem Kapoor; and he needed me urgently because..."

This much was enough for Raghav to listen and he'd refused to hear anything more about Prem Kapoor from Kalpi's mouth.Kalpi had herself confirmed that she was talking to Prem and Raghav was highly pissed off. "Leave it Ms.Jadhav, I know everyone and every matter is more important for you than Raghav Singhania or Singhania Group of Companies. I am not interested in listening to any of the reasons you're about to give. But yes, for Kamla Maa I'd still do my duty. There was this urgent matter which I thought if you tackle it under mine and Sammy's supervision it would help you in long term. This was the only reason I'd called you. My intention wasn't to disturb you at this hour. Please understand the problem and report back to me after doing the needful. I am e-mailing you the instructions and documents, issues concerned. Have a look at it tomorrow. Good night Ms.Jadhav" and Raghav had disconnected the call, after this long speech in the businessman "Raghav Singhania" avatar. For the first time since his return to Kalpi's life, Raghav had practically lashed out at her, though in a sophisticated manner. He'd made his annoyance quite obvious and without giving any other opportunity of speaking to Kalpi, Raghav had disconnected the call.

His formal tone and piercing words had effected Kalpana too much. "Prem needed me urgently because he wants my help in planning a surprise for Aria on their engagement day", "No one is more important Raghav, no one" Kalpana had whispered, allowing some tears flow down her cheeks. Tonight she'd realized one more thing, that she cannot bear Raghav's formal attitude or ignorance or anger towards her. Everything Raghav did or said, meant a lot to her.This behavior of his had triggered a train of memories of past few days in Kalpi's heart, letting her know even in moments spent with Prem, Raghav overpowered her feelings easily.

But now as Raghav himself partially laid on the couch wide awake, guilt was eating him. "I am sorry honeybee, I hurt you unintentionally but knowingly today. I am sorry, I shouldn't have done that. But I..." and Raghav had sighed, not allowing himself to cry, he clenched his teeth in frustration. He was sad for hurting Kalpi "I'll try to make it up to you. Kiss you once more, but this time to give you pleasure; and then...move out of your and Prem's friendship. I have no right to rule your life" Raghav resolved, and a tear escaped his eye.

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"It's Prem Kapoor again right Rags?" Sammy said handing over a beer mug to Raghav. He had decided to stay at Singhania Mansion that night, intending to help Raghav in office work. It was almost forty-five minutes for which he'd gone to freshen up and bid goodnight to Gauri Singhania. But on returning to study, Sammy had found Raghav in an utter desolate state.He'd shaken his head, gone out again and returned with two beer mugs. He wanted to help Raghav in opening up, to share his feelings.

"Sammy it's not him or anything related to Prem Kapoor; and also I don't want to talk about him" Raghav had uttered while sipping beer from his mug. He was thankful for this distraction,but avoided talking about Kalpana or Prem. "What difference would it make?" Raghav had thought, "Sammy cannot change my destiny and it would only make him worry for me more." Thinking so Raghav had decided to keep silent on this topic for once, hoping that his best friend gives up easily. But it wasn't meant to be so because the next question which he heard from Sammy was "About what you don't want to talk about Raghav? That party-scene shooting incident in your show when you got a bit too much carried away in your jealousy track? Or about when you'd seen Kalpana and Prem shopping together for Pakhya's birthday and Birthday party?"

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Kamla looked at her daughter lovingly but thoughtfully. She'd observed some changes in Kalpi since past some days now. Kalpi was cheerful and happy when in company of Pakhya and herself. But the moment she was alone, Kamla had sneakily caught Kalpi lost in her own thoughts. In those moments Kalpi was in her own world. Most often she stared at the aims in front of her bed, and then her gaze reverted either to ceiling or window, or her phone, or the photo-frame of her and Raghav's photo. Sometimes Kalpi smiled on her own, and sometimes she looked like someone who is fighting a hard battle. Many times a reference to Raghav's name brought a slight blush in her cheeks and at other times a frown on her forehead. All of this and much more was going on with her daughter, in front of her eyes. But most of all Kamla observed that unlike before, now Kalpi didn't object or questioned Pakhya and Kamla praising Raghav. Kalpi's silence or soft smile often endorsed her mother and brother's opinion of Raghav.

But today Kamla had enough of giving time to Kalpi to understand her feelings for Raghav. She'd seen first a crying Kalpi and then a lost Kalpi when she had peeped twice inside the room while trying to finish kitchen work. Kamla knew that it was somehow related to Raghav. Whether her stubborn daughter accepted or not, everything in Kalpi's life started and finished with Raghav. As far as Kamla was concerned it was high time Kalpi revealed the reason of her fight with Raghav eight years ago. It was high time Kalpi moved ahead of her past if she was to live a happy present and future. For that even if Kamla had to force open the shell of painful memories Kalpi had hidden, she would. Thus, Kamla had at last decided to take the bull by horns and come to talk to Kalpi. Kamla thought that she'd now earned that much right.

She'd kept a loving, gentle hand on Kalpana's left shoulder, "You won't share what is bothering you with your Aai my child?" Kamla has asked.

"No Aai, I am perfectly fine, sachchi (really)" Kalpi had replied.

"It is something related to Raghav right?" Kamla had asked another question, smiling and refusing to take a no this time.

Kalpi's eyes had widened a little in surprise before she hid it. "No Aai, now we are friends again. There is no issue between us now" Kalpi had supplied to Kamla.

"Then now you can surely tell me what had exactly transpired between you and Raghav eight years ago, that you broke all relations with him?" Kamla casually threw a questioning and curious statement towards Kalpi.

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-22