THE GLASS WALL : RAGNA(Ashna) FF, Part-24, Pg 141, 14/12/15 - Page 79

PART-22

The restricted wriggles of his wrists and rotations of arms did nothing to free Prem from the vortex of pain engulfing him at the sight before him. A group of police officers held him tightly making it almost impossible for the man to gain the illusory independence. Nevertheless the visuals in front of him and the resulting restlessness were fuelling all of Prem's sleeping sources of energy to unexpectedly high levels.

"No, no it couldn't be" Prem thought as his eyes once again took in that one vision which was his worst nightmare.

Raghav and Kalpana were sitting side by side, in front of the holy fire of the havan kund. It was the mandap of Raghav and Kalpana's wedding, one which a few moments ago was supposed to tie "his Kalpi" forever to him. But now, Raghav Singhania sat in the capacity of Kalpana's groom. As if this was not enough Raghav had punished him in the worst way possible; he was making Prem witness his and Kalpana's wedding. The smile on Raghav's face and Kalpana's happy hand in Raghav's angered Prem to no end burning his already dead heart to ultimate lifelessness.

Prem knew there was nothing much he could do now. Yet the determination to keep Kalpi away from Raghav; to write only his own name in Kalpana's fate was too strong still within him. He struggled hard to loosen the grip of officers on him, trying to grab any chance to kill Raghav. "Yes Raghav has to die" Prem had thought. It was only then that he could make Kalpana his own now.

His body was under arrest but his mind was continuously working on this and other alternative better ways to make Raghav pay. Still with the progress of time and marriage rituals Prem's struggles slowly subsided. His body started lapsing into a defeated and floppy state; his eyes slowly turning stony.

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The much in love duo was vaguely aware of the presence of other people in the temple. They had waited so long and endured much to see this day. These moments which were going to tie them into an eternal, sacred bond were nothing but a beautiful fantasy to Raghav and Kalpana. The heat of the fire from the havan kund and voice of the pundit reciting mantras were the only elements connecting them to the Earth.

For all Raghav and Kalpana knew, they must be in heavens and the God must have listened to their prayers; to protect their love from the eyes of evil. As Pundit ji provided "Devi Maa's chunari" to Raghav for tying him into the "gath-bandhan" with Kalpana, the heavenly feel around them only accentuated. "This is Devi Maa's blessing which I always keep with me. But you deserve and need this more" Punditji had told Raghav.

Gone was Raghav's desire to punish Prem or see him flounder; and gone was Kalpana's fear plus insecurities. The only thing which remained or mattered was their love, which would soon find a new destination; begin a new journey. As Pakhi tied Kalpi's dupatta to the chunari provided to Raghav in a "gath-bandhan" Raghav and Kalpi's faces adorned a satisfactory smile. Raghav gently squeezed Kalpi's hand, silently telling her this was for real; that soon they'd be man and wife.

Kalpi had only blinked her eyes in response, being too overwhelmed with the emotions in those moments. It was only when Pundit ji questioned them who would do the "Kanyadaan' that the duo's trance broke. "Bitiya ka kanyadaan kaun karega? Kya...aap?" (Who will do kanyadaan of this child? Will...you?) Pundit ji asked looking towards Sammy.

"Baba" Kalpi murmured in a voice audible only to her own ears, a few tears trickling down her cheeks.Nevertheless she found support of the man sitting beside her; Raghav heard and noticed Kalpi's pangs of pain. Remembering he'd told Sammy to inform Vitthal and Chhaya, Raghav's questioning eyes drifted towards Sammy.

Understanding what his friend wanted to convey Sammy nodded his head and dialed Vitthal's number when the sound of a ringtone surprised them all.

"Main yaha hoon" (I am here) a familiar and effective voice reached Kalpi's ears startling her as she raised her head to see the loving face of "Her Baba". Kalpi could see the relieved faces of her father and best friend: Vitthal and Chhaya, standing at the entrance of temple, both gazing in awe at the sight before them. Even though Sammy had informed them about the new developments but to see it with their own eyes was something completely different. To see Kalpana actually getting her share of happiness, her love, her Raghav, both Vitthal and Chhaya were extremely happy.

His heart filled with images of "his Rajkumari" Vitthal slowly took steps towards Raghav and Kalpana. "Tera baba yaha hain kalpi; tera kanyadaan main hi karoonga meri Raajkumari" (Your baba is here Kalpi; only I will do your Kanyadaan) Vitthal said and Kalpi's eyes gleamed with tears of happiness. Tonight she was the luckiest girl, two men who loved her most in this world- her Baba and her Raghav; today both were by her side. She must be really dreaming now Kalpi thought while Pundit ji proceeded with the rituals of Kanyadaan.

"Happy soon-to-be Mrs.Singhania?" Raghav whispered discreetly in Kalpi's ears breaking into her thoughts. The reply Raghav got was of a smiling and blushing Kalpi, whose lips and eyes told him all that he wanted to know. "His Kalpana, his dream of life was happy. This is all he wanted isn't it? This is what completed him and his success, to give Kalpana all the joys of the world; because she was special, because she deserved it; and because she was his; forever."

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Unconsciously Sammy and Pakhi had come to hold their hands while they witnessed their friends' marriage. Having seen what all Raghav and Kalpana had endured to see this day, Sammy and Pakhi were one of the happiest persons at present. The smiles which adorned Raghav and Kalpi's faces then was enough to give a satisfying peace to both their hearts.

Both had their own reasons to feel joyous, but both were genuinely happy. Maybe it was the magic of Raghav and Kalpana's love which had passed on to the still newly married couple. It was one of the first touches as husband and wife they'd shared; one of the first touches signifying a new start to their own relation as well. True whatever they both did was out of love for the people they both loved; for their own different goals. But in the end they both had gained more than they'd thought. Raghav and Kalpana's pure love was not just an eye-opener to them but also taught them what love is; what is the importance of a true life-partner in life.

If that night was that of union of two souls into a sacred bond, then it also signified Sammy and Pakhi's own hearts slowly but surely becoming one. For the first time they both did not require any words to talk as they looked down at their joined hands, before returning their gazes back to the marriage ceremony.

Their friends needed them and they would be with them in the most special moment of their lives. They could see Chhaya's beaming face while she clicked pictures of wedding from her cell and a proud father Vitthal giving his joyous approval as he sat on the other side of Pundit ji. It was time for the pheras now as Pundit ji told Raghav and Kalpana to stand up for the same.

"Everything would be okay now" Pakhi thought happily. "The right would win; the truth win" she thought, yet the sister within her was sad. The helplessness of being unable to do anything for her brother; for being unable to bring him to the right path; from being unable to stop him from this path of crime was too overbearing. "If only I was not so blind before, maybe I could show Bhaai the light of truth. But now, he left me no option. I cannot save him, the law has to rightfully take its course and I cannot stop it. Oh God, please give my brother the strength to bear this; please burn the evil inside him in the fire of repentance. When he comes out from jail, I want my Bhaai back, the one I should be proud of calling a brother" Pakhi closed her eyes and prayed; her eyes drifting for a few moments towards her brother. He, Prem stood there carrying a lost look on his face, his eyes transfixed on Raghav and Kalpi.

Unlike before, he wasn't struggling anymore. Yet there was something about him which still caused unease within Pakhi's heart. But then she looked back at Devi Maa's blessings upon Raghav and Kalpana in the form of her "chunari". Maybe she was wrong; maybe her fears were baseless and everything would be alright.

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"Ab aap dono pheron ke liye khade ho jaiye" (Now I request you both to stand up for the pheras) Raghav and Kalpana heard Punditji's instruction; and their faces beamed. Hand in hand they gladly stood, their eyes locked only on each other. Tonight maybe the lavish necessities of a normal wedding might be missing; there may not be a long list of who's who of society as guests; they both may not be dressed in the traditional bride and groom's attires; but for Raghav and Kalpi it was perfect.

They were in a temple, under the divine presence of God who was their love's strength during testing times; the people who truly cared for them were here. Most importantly tonight marked the end of a sad chapter and yet the beginning of their new happy life. Life had indeed come full circle; the glass walls constructed by Prem Kapoor had broken. The walls of helplessness and false acts had broken; and the biggest glass wall of all: Prem Kapoor himself had broken. To Raghav and Kalpana the holy flames from the havan kund and chanting of sacred mantras brought more joy to their hearts than any other form of lighting or music arrangement.

The seven pheras and seven vows filled their hearts with a vision of happy future where they'll make their own home, together. Holding Kalpana's hand as he moved ahead in first four pheras, Raghav took in the ocean of love and promises of Kalpi's doe-shaped eyes; meant only for him. Raghav felt immense pride then at seeing his dream become a reality. He felt on top of the world for taking Kalpana Vitthal Jadhav, who in a matter of few more minutes would be Kalpana Raghav Singhania as his wife. Thus, in return of every vow of love and a happy home which Kalpi made to him, Raghav's vows to Kalpi held only a real sky of a happy future of their love!

In the last three pheras where Kalpi lead Raghav, he was too happy to exchange places. Raghav took in Kalpi's natural beauty enhanced in the pink colour suit. In those moments Kalpi may have looked the most unconventional bride but for Raghav, she definitely was the most beautiful one. With each complete phera the joy within Raghav and Kalpana's hearts doubled. Each phera took them to their new destination which in turn would lead them to new pathways. It was the seventh phera when Kalpi clutched her heart with one hand and Raghav held the other hand of hers. As they completed all seven pheras and Pundit ji instructed them to sit again, Kalpi bowed her head; ready for the next rituals which would attach her Raghav's name to hers forever.

Her eyes were now transfixed on Raghav's as her ears vaguely heard Punditji instructing Raghav to tie mangalsutra around her neck. Her questioning eyes held Raghav's as Vitthal looked on worriedly. "Raghav, how will we arrange mangalsutra now?" Sammy asked in concern. Raghav smirked "I have come prepared" he said and winked at Kalpi. Digging into his pocket, Raghav took out a mangalsutra.

"I could not part with this only dream I ever saw for myself. When I felt defeated, this gave me strength to be strong for our dream; this gave me hope that our dream will in fact come true. And see today it has. It's good I always carried it with me" he informed Kalpi; his eyes dazed while recollecting the tearful past.

Then his hand went inside the pocket once again and he took out a small box. Kalpi watched in intrigue the small box resting in Raghav's palm now. It was the same sindoor box which she'd asked Raghav to take care for her; refusing to take it until they could marry. Now, it was in front of her eyes, on their marriage and Kalpi's eyes welled up feeling upsurge of intense love for Raghav within her. Raghav wiped Kalpi's tears shaking his head "This is your trust Kalpi, which you'd entrusted me with to protect. And now I give it to you" he said and saying so tied the mangalsutra around Kalpi's neck. She closed her eyes as Raghav's fingers touched the skin of her neck.

When Kalpi opened her eyes she saw a smiling Raghav, waiting for her. "Raghav Singhania is only yours Kalpi; and you are only Mine" he said and taking a pinch of sindoor filled Kalpi's maang. Her breaths hitched on feeling the sacred powder between the lines of her hair. Her fingers on their own raised to touch it. Only when she saw a pinch of that colour in her hair reflecting on her fingertip that Kalpi believed this was for real.

Soon Raghav's arms were draped around Kalpi, hugging her close. "Believe it, my Mrs.Singhania" he whispered huskily in Kalpi's ears and placed a quick kiss on her earlobe. Kalpi blushed and Raghav chuckled before they both stood to take Vitthal's blessings who was shedding tears of happiness.

"Meri Raajkumari, aaj parayi ho gayi. Par main bahut khush hoon, kyunki Raghav baba se zyada khushi tujhe koi nahi de sakta. Main bhi nahi, khush raho mere bachchon" (My Princess, from today you belong to someone else. But I am very happy, because no one else can give you more happiness than Raghav Baba. Not even me, be always happy my children) Vitthal said keeping a loving hand on Raghav and Kalpi's heads while they touched his feet. Soon Chhaya, Sammy and Pakhi had gathered around them both, congratulating and wishing for their new life. Their friends' faces reflecting how happy they all truly were.

But then it was time to face the devil, Prem Kapoor.

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Raghav and Kalpana came to stand where the police officers held Prem Kapoor. Their strong hold on him kept Prem in control even though his struggles against them had stopped. His eyes now fixed on floor slowly raised to meet Raghav's eyes. His gaze still carried hatred for Raghav but he uttered no word.

His eyes shifted to the sindoor and mangalsutra on Kalpi making her flinch. She held Raghav's arm tightly and heard Raghav's commanding voice telling the police officers to take Prem away. "Officers, Thank You for taking care of him; and Thanks to him also! What I wanted, Prem Kapoor himself gave me that. Kalpi is mine officially where she was always supposed to be and fallen in the pit he had dug for others, Prem himself is destroyed" Raghav said returning Prem's venomous gaze.

"Take him away officers; I do not want this pious occasion to be scarred any more by his presence here. And...one more thing; I hope this time he does not succeed in breaking away from custody" Raghav finished with a warning in his tone, clear to the officers present there.

They nodded their heads while trying to whisk Prem away who stood rooted in the same spot; with his angry eyes fixed on Raghav. Raghav shook his head; but for now his newly wed wife was far more important than Prem Kapoor. He wanted Kalpi with him, in his home, safe and loved, with him as soon as possible.

Till Prem Kapoor not locked behind the bars, Raghav couldn't take a breath of relief. Maybe in his fire of anger he had already taken a chance with his Kalpi's security. Yes Prem Kapoor was a broken man today; with their marriage his obsession with Kalpana too ended. But, he was a criminal still. Raghav decided in his mind that maybe in order to achieve one objective of ending Prem's obsession, today he had forgotten the far bigger scenario. Kalpana was still unsafe; a broken man but frustrated and unstable minded also; this was Prem Kapoor right now. Sooner they reach home, happier Raghav would be.

With these thoughts in mind, holding Kalpi's hand Raghav turned to climb down the stairs with Vitthal and their friends following them too. Raghav had already given some important instructions to Sammy. But before Raghav and Kalpi could reach down to the safety of their car Prem's voice echoed around them.

"Raghav Singhania" Prem shouted even as Raghav and Kalpi were forced to turn. Apprehensive and focused on what was Prem upto now Raghav's senses were on alert lest Prem endangers Kalpi's life in anyway.

But Prem looked very much under control of police even though they were having a hard time to make him move. "So you finally won. I hate you Singhania for taking my Kalpi away from me. I hate to see sindoor of your name in my Kalpi's maang. I am broken" he admitted defeatedly. "I am broken Singhania, only because of you" Prem said and cried, the tears from his eyes not affecting anyone but Pakhi whose sad eyes looked at her broken brother. "I hate you for defeating me at every step of life; for always taking away what was mine!" still crying Prem said.

"Look Prem you reap what you sow. Remember that if you want people to cry with your sob-stories" Raghav said preparing to turn again before Prem's voice stopped him one more time.

Forcing himself to wipe off those tears, Prem looked up; this time with fervid angry emotions in his eyes. "Stop Singhania, you will listen if you want me to stay away from you for the rest of my life" he said perplexing everyone present.

"Bhai, please do not make yourself commit any more crime. Please I beg..." Pakhi pleaded with Prem who cut her off. "Baby sister, you've become too big to take your own decisions. But I was always your elder brother and I can think for myself. And I am not doing anything wrong. Stay away" he told Pakhi and turned his attention back to Raghav.

"Because if you think I would let you win the final battle, then you are so wrong" Prem hissed and sensing something wrong Raghav immediately hid Kalpi behind him. "Prem if you even think of harming Kal..." Raghav started. But before anyone could think Prem used all his force to push the police officer closest and next to him before getting hold of the gun in his holster.

His struggle-free and lax body language had relaxed some of the hold on Prem's arms; thus making his work easier. In no time Prem had an upper hand with the gun in his hand.

The policemen all came into action to contain the presented threat before them. But Prem had wasted no time in plastering muzzle of the gun on Raghav's forehead making them all stop in tracks. They could not endanger life of "Raghav Singhania"; for the scene before them had their all heartbeats come to an almost stop.

Prem Kapoor was dangerously uttering to Raghav "Kalpi is mine and only mine. Have a happy ride in hell Raghav."

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.