PART-26
Kalpana raised her curious and confused eyes to meet Shinde Sir's gaze. The way Amar Shinde had stated these words told Kalpi that a tornado of secrets; of deep emotions was waiting to be unleashed just behind those very moments. Something told her that when this time passes everything will change; that this would either break her or make her. No one else's words carried the weightage of this much surety before and the anticipation of what might have been coming made Kalpana's heart beat faster.
Subconsciously she clutched the sides of her long flowing Kathak dress. This was it; maybe this was the moment she had been waiting for all along. But now when at last it seemed to be here Kalpi did not know what to expect. Maybe she was simply over thinking, maybe once more these minutes & seconds would pass on as normally as they have always since past few years, past eight years to be exact.
But something, a sharp gleam; maybe of truth in her Shinde Sir's eyes told Kalpi that nothing was amiss in her thought process. Gathering courage Kalpi opened her lips to ask a question which might or might not change her life forever. "D, do you mean? Do you know...? Does that mean you...Raghav..." Kalpi stuttered and muttered some incomplete yet completely comprehensible lines. Waiting with bated breaths she watched Shinde Sir's reaction whose lips had curved into a sad yet understanding smile. Her one of the first mentors sighed and caressed Kalpi's head once more before giving Kalpi the reply to her question. "Kalpana, yes what I said was not merely because I know Raghav and due to my belief on him. I said that because I was the witness to the events which unfolded the real culprit's involvement. I am one of those few persons who shall happily vouch my support for Raghav's innocence because I had the proofs to know who was the real culprit" Shinde Sir said but before he could continue Kalpi interrupted him.
"What? You know who was behind all that? Who was it?" she asked.
"Nisha, it was Nisha; the girl who played your younger sister in the play. She was jealous of you getting to play the lead role every time. Even in this play though her role was important being based on Pride & Prejudice'; but turned out she was ambitious, very-very ambitious. It was Nisha who had played that cheap trick on you and that is why Raghav wanted her thrown out of the group" Shinde told Kalpana.
Her mouth was agape and she could feel tears had started brimming in her eyes. Kalpi still could not believe her ears though, the very girl who had instigated her against Raghav, she? She was the real culprit? She must be really blind and deaf not to see and hear through that damn girl's lies. Maybe her own anger and desire to stay away from Raghav had done this to her. But still, how could it be possible? Kalpana wanted all her answers now; and what was it regarding Raghav wanting to throw Nisha out of the group?
"R, Raghav wanted NISHA out of the group? But I had listened myself; Raghav was talking to you about me! He wanted you to expel me from the group and to me it had sounded like a threat of the financial power Singhania Group of Companies exuded" Kalpi finished in a breath wanting the answers without any delay now. Even though her inners were too scared of what she might hear but still she desperately wanted a closure to this story. She was right though, the next words which left Shinde Sir's lips shook Kalpana completely. "You got it all wrong Kalpana. You might have heard only part of the conversation Raghav was having with me! That day, that day I cannot forget; I lost my two precious gems of the group at one go. That fateful day Raghav had come to me with a complaint against Nisha. He even had an audio recording of his and Nisha's conversation in his cell-phone with him as proof. He made me listen to that so that I could punish and throw Nisha out of the group; instead of expelling you."
"Me? You were about to take away my job? But why?" Kalpi asked in a hoarse but shocked whisper.
"I am sorry beta, but our new theatre owners and group sponsors were Nisha's relatives. They were pressurizing me to give all lead roles to Nisha from then on; and to let you out of the group. When Raghav came to me with Nisha's complaint, I made him aware of that situation; of the pressure to oust you from group. It was then that Raghav had given me the backing of Singhania Group. He said the Singhania Group of Companies was capable of buying the theatre and also sponsor our group. In order to protect your interest, he could go to any extent and he was never more clear than he was on that day Kalpana. That boy really cared for you. All those teasings for you were merely his way of enjoying your reactions. Behind your back Raghav was completely different. With me, the only one in the group Raghav used to share his concerns for you. How to give you better scenes; how to make you grow as an actor? How to look after your other interests? Raghav could never harm you then Kalpana and never would" Amar Shinde finished leaving Kalpi shattered.
Her legs suddenly felt like jelly feeling herself shivering out of dread and even more guilt. Trying to find some support Kalpi grabbed Shinde Sir's hand. The elderly man supported Kalpi as he held her by shoulder making her sit on the chair.
Her breaths weren't normal then as Raghav's words which she'd heard eight years ago and misinterpreted echoed in Kalpi's ears. ("That girl should be thrown out as early as possible. As for finances and remuneration, I don't care about it. You know very well Mom shall never say No to finance all the expenses of this group. Don't forget it was I and Gauri mom's recommendation on which Kalpana was hired; and it is me who is telling you to do this". ) How could she be so wrong about Raghav; how could she react so strongly and not question him even once as to why did he put her position in group in danger? Why did he want to throw her out of the group? As if this wasn't enough Shinde Sir continued spilling some more secrets.
"I am sorry Kalpana. I know you are in shock right now. But since you know the truth now, I may as well show you its complete face. You and Raghav left the group, but Raghav punished Nisha still. I don't know how he managed but he made sure the theatre was owned by Singhanias and our play group too was sponsored by them. After that standing with the right was easy. We went through proper proceedings against Nisha and she confessed her crime. Nisha was officially expelled from play-group on grounds of misconduct. Raghav went away, but he made sure to punish your wrongdoer Kalpana. You should be proud of having a friend like him. If possible, please make up things with him if something still remains. Trust me, I shall be the happiest to see you both sharing a completely normal relation" Shinde Sir finished telling the entire story to Kalpi and she closed her eyes.
This was too much, all these years she burned in anger against her supposed wrongdoer- Raghav. Sometimes she had also thanked Nisha that because of her she stopped idolizing Raghav. Little did she know that it was because of Nisha that she had lost one of her most precious relations: her idol, her protector; her enemy; her friend; her guide and her first mentor; possibly her first crush and love too!
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Ten minutes later Kalpi had somewhat composed herself. She still had one scene left to be shot. Thus, she had to behave and look normal. Getting up she set her make-up right again clearing the streaks of tears on her cheeks; though unable to hide her red eyes still. She turned to face Shinde Sir who was eyeing Kalpi with concern. "I made you go through this, sorry Kalpana beta" he said and Kalpana shook her head. She held Shinde Sir's both hands in respect and said "No Sir. Thank You, thank you for opening my eyes. I am forever indebted to you now. I..." but unable to complete her sentence, Kalpi again closed her eyes; opening only when she felt Shinde Sir's caring hand on her shoulder.
"I brought something for you. My plays are organized in this theatre. When I got to know about the shooting here, I thought I may as well help my two favourite artistes. Who knows I get to see an even better chemistry between you and Raghav?" saying so Shinde Sir handed Kalpi some documents. It was the written record of the proceedings against Nisha. The documents contained Nisha's confession, and inquiries by Amar Shinde plus Singhanias' representative because they were new owners of theatre. The documents also had transcript of the audio recording of conversation between Raghav and Nisha.
Kalpi read all starting with Nisha's confession "Yes I planned Kalpana's wardrobe malfunction; she took away everything, every lead role from me. I hate her. But Raghav got to know about it and saved her. Bloody moron even replaced Kalpana's dress with a new dress he had bought with the help of his Mom. But Kalpana stupidly believed it was bought by me and that I helped her. I have no regrets and I won't have ever. I hate you all for getting me to confess this and ruining my career. But I ruined something more precious for Raghav and Kalpana. I ruined their precious childhood friendship, their relation with each other for life. I got my revenge from both; from Kalpi for being extremely talented and ambitious; and from Raghav for trying to save Kalpana and for ruining me." There were some more scornful words by her, but Kalpi couldn't read any further and quickly skimmed through rest of the pages.
The more she read more the feel of heaviness increased in her chest; pain of the emotions almost making her faint. Lastly she reached to the transcript of conversation between Raghav and Kalpana.
[SORRY for not editing and plain copy-paste from Part-9]
[Nisha: "Raghav? What happened, still searching for Kalpi? We told you na she must be on her way".
Raghav: "I want to talk to you" he said with clenched teeth.
Nisha: "But...what?" before she could understand something Raghav was holding by her upper arm in a death grip, hurting her and dragged back to Kalpi's room.
Nisha: "Ouch...what are you doing? Is this the way to behave with a girl? What's your problem?"
Raghav: "Now you will teach me how should one behave with girls, hmm? You?"
Nisha was afraid now seeing angry Raghav, fearing that he might have known the truth "Why, can't I?"
Raghav: "No you can't. After what you did with Kalpana's dress, you cannot" he finished as he held that dress again, showing it to Nisha.
Nisha stared at Raghav in disbelief "he cannot know it. No one can". "Wh...what are you saying, I can't..." she asked him but then left her sentence incomplete on seeing the raised hand of Raghav, ready to slap her. But then he controlled and held back.
Raghav: "You're really lucky that I do know how to behave with girls. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been standing fit and fine like this in front of me","Still want to know what am I saying?"
Nisha, retorting back angrily at him: "Yes I did this to Kalpi's dress. But who are you to interfere, why should you feel bad, huh? As far as I know you and Kalpi never get along well and hardly talk to each other much other than your rehearsals and show. You two are as good as enemies, then why should you care what I do with Kalpi? Why can't you just mind your own business? In fact you should join hands with me, you can take settle all your accounts with Kalpi".
Raghav: "One word more and I will forget that you are a girl Nisha! Why did you do this? Why do you hate Kalpana so much?"
Nisha: "Yes I hate her; I hate her to the core. But still I am forced to behave sweetly with her. I was looking for an opportunity to teach her a lesson. Since the time she has entered our play group, my importance has been snatched away. Every good and major role goes to her and I am forced to play a sidekick to her, despite the fact I am senior to her in this field and in this group. Even in this play she is the lead and I have a parallel role. I don't care about the demands of the original story where heroine was considered to be less beautiful by her mother than her sister, which is me! I just know I am in every way more deserving to get importance in every play than that bitch called Kalpana. Bloody, lucky girl not only she gets to play the lead roles, but now she also got to romance the most handsome boy and heir to Singhania Empire" she said as she raised her palm to touch Raghav's cheek.
Raghav was listening to her venomous words in shock, stepped back and held her hand before she could touch his face: "You know what, Kalpana is an angel. But you...you are the real bitch. You wait till I show her your true face" and he turned to go and make a complaint against Nisha.
Nisha started laughing: "Ha ha ha ha, you really think Kalpana will believe you? You, who is always taunting her, fighting with her or who ignores her? You, whom she dislikes so much; and not believe me who is her beloved colleague?"
Raghav: "We may fight with each other but we also know each other the best. We know each other since childhood and share a bond so deep you cannot fathom".
Nisha, swapping her fingers on his face: "You just wait and watch what I do of this so called deep childhood bond of yours".
Raghav: "We will see"; and both went their own ways, as Raghav called Gauri to arrange a gown of Kalpi's size as soon as possible "Mom, Mom it is an emergency. I need your help for Kalpi" and he went on to tell her the details.]
By the end of it, Kalpana had twice sent away the spot boy who had come to call her for shooting and now fought hard not to ruin her make up one more time. She cannot break down now, she has to be a professional first. "But, when my whole being and my whole life is broken; how do I behave normally? Maybe this is my punishment; God hasn't even allowed me the luxury of shedding tears. For the sin I committed, I cannot even repent in peace. But then is there even any repentance for what I did; for what I did with my Raghav?" Kalpi thought as her chest rose and fell due to labored breaths. Concerned Shinde Sir took her name "Kalpana..."
"I am alright Sir. Thank You Very much. Can you do one more favour upon me? Do you know what Nisha is doing now; where does she live?" Kalpi asked.
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Making his way through the corridors of theatre Shinde received a call. He'd given a miss call to Sammy so that he can call him with Sapna on teleconferencing with him.
"Hello Mr.Raizada. I did as you asked me to; told the entire truth to Kalpana. Thank you for giving me this opportunity; a burden is lifted off my heart now. I will be happy to see Raghav and Kalpana happy" Amar Shinde informed Sammy even before the latter asked him anything.
"No, thanks to you Mr.Shinde; I and Sapna will always be grateful to you. This small gesture of yours might be of most help to Raghav and Kalpana" Sammy replied, but after him this time it was Sapna's turn to say something.
"Mr.Shinde I agree with Sammy. We shall be grateful to you always. But I have another concern, how is Kalpi?" Sapna asked Amar Shinde. She knew that Kalpi needs someone right now; she must be broken.
"Ms.Sapna your friend is exactly how you think she is. But I know this is an important process for her to move ahead in life and she will. Just give her some time alone to deal with it. I am sure she would share everything with you when she is ready for it" Shinde told Sapna who only sighed in response. "I suppose you are right. We can only wait for everything to become fine with her" sighing Sapna said.
"Kalpana is Raghav's tigress. I know that she will be fine; she has to, for her Raghav and for us. If anyone still tries to hurt her Raghav and we are always with her" Sammy told Sapna who smiled through her cell-phone. "Always" she replied in a whisper.
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It was matter of only half an hour that Raghav would be free from shoot; thereafter he was to go to his office. Talk about multi-tasking and I am some master of that, "Acting, business and...Kalpi within me, within my mind while I do all of that. Today she isn't with me physically, she is shooting somewhere else. But I can still feel her, the air is changing, I can feel that. It carries her scent" Raghav thought while breathing in Kalpi's perfume from one of her hankeys which he'd sneakily taken from her purse one day when Kalpi was too busy doing work on her laptop. "Hmm, I love this pleasant feeling" Raghav thought while lying back on the couch within his van. Closing his eyes he imagined that beautiful, angelic face in front of him as he delicately cupped her face, capturing Kalpi's lips in a sweet but intense kiss.
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Kalpi stood motionless while shooting for the last scene listening to her onscreen mother's on-slaught but never once faltered. The gloomy expression coupled with sad and tearful eyes, coming naturally to her. She followed with rest of the scene like a robot and finished the shot. Some people clapped for her awesome performance and her on-screen mother hugged her but Kalpi was vaguely aware of it all. All she could hear and chant was Raghav's name and Nisha being punished. But she wanted to confront that damn woman herself. It's good that she was still in city. Now she can go to her and slap her hard for being the one to ruin her relation with Raghav.
"No I cannot cry now. I would not cry now. I have to punish myself this much; wait to even cry!" and Kalpi carried her lifeless body after shooting towards her car. She couldn't hear any goodnight or bye from anyone; she couldn't when in her ears Raghav's voice and in her eyes the vision of eight years ago drifted continuously. Her fist had a crumpled paper with Nisha's address written on it. Sitting in her car, Kalpi once more looked at the small chit in her hand before angrily igniting her car into motion.
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-27
Arjun
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Veer Hanuman
