RagNa TS: At Last I See The Light Last Part UPD 08/02 - Page 2

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Chapter 2

Him

All those days chasing down a daydream

All those years living in a blur

Raghav didn't know why, but he felt attracted to the girl standing all by herself in that dark corner. He didn't even know who she was, courtesy her mask, yet something felt familiar. Then it struck him. The girl was wearing a gown launched by the Dream Designs, just last week. As soon as the thought crossed his mind his face lighted up and his mind took him back to a day when they were talking about dreams.

"Kalpi, what is your biggest dream?"

"Well, it is to become a fashion designer, of course and open a boutique. What is yours Raghav?"

"To become the MD in my Dad's company..."

"That will be easy for you, of course."

"NO... I meant a true MD... Not the family, son, heritage one... Can't you understand?"

"Uh... No..."

"See, I want to earn my position. I want to work hard and prove that I am worthy of that position before I take the seat. I want to take the company to new heights."

"That's cool... Oh look, the sun."

They sat together in silence holding each other's hands like every day as the sun went down and darkness spread all over the sky. Kalpi sighed.

"Wow, wasn't it lovely Raghav? The sun is finally down... I just love the golden ray the sun spreads all over the land just before going down. It's just breath taking..."

"Yes, it is and it's so peaceful here that I just feel so happy... uh... Kalpi?"

"Hmmm?"

"What will you name your boutique?"

"Dream Designs"

She had achieved her dream, just like him. She had become successful and in spite of the fact that it was almost 10 years since they talked, he knew everything about her. Over the last two years, he had often wanted to go and talk to her but something stopped him. He didn't know if it was his innate fear of rejection or his instinct. Had he known that it was her presence not the sunset nor the place that made him so happy that day, he would have never let her go. But, he had been a hard headed fool. He came out of his reverie when he saw a tear rolling down the girl's cheek. Like a moth attracted towards a flame he moved towards her.

All that time never truly seeing

Things, the way they were

As she placed her hand in his, he felt himself smiling foolishly for no reason. He scolded himself trying to remind that she was a stranger and just a partner. They stood in silence watching other couples walking around. He opened his mouth to introduce himself and break the ice when the host invited all the couples for a dance. He felt her hands grow cold as she tried to pull away from him, he held her tight and looked at her,

"Can I have this dance?"

"Uh... I... I haven't danced for a long time..."

"That's ok... Many people complement me for being an excellent dancer."

Saying so, he pulled her into the dance floor and slowly kept his hand on her waist, while she nervously lifted her hand and placed on his shoulder. As the music started, he led her slowly into a waltz. He was surprised how well she followed his lead and matched his steps. Over the past years, he had had many partners, ranging from top models to top dancers, but none fit in his arms as she did and none had matched his steps like her, except perhaps, one person... His Best Friend.

The lights dimmed down as the band began to play a slow waltz. Raghav smiled at his friend standing beside him,

"Can I have this dance, Kalpi?"

"Of course."

He took her hand in his and led her to the dance floor. As they swayed to the music, he couldn't help but feel sad that this perhaps maybe the last time they would dance together.

"What is bothering you, Raghav?"

"Uh...?"

He looked into her concerned eyes and felt warm. This friend of his could always read his thoughts.

"Uh... well, I was just thinking if we would ever dance again, together like this..."

"Why...?"

"Kalpi, today is probably the last day we are meeting... I am leaving town tomorrow; you do know that right?"

Kalpi stopped abruptly and pulled him out of the dance floor to the little school garden.

"Raghav, what's wrong with you? From the time you entered the party today, you are behaving weird. I have told you a million times, we will always be friends."

"Of course, Kalpi... I know that... It's just that... I just can't let go of this nagging fear."

"Close your eyes, Raghav."

He did as she commanded. She took his hands in hers and placed something in it.

"Open your eyes..."

He opened his eyes and looked with surprise at what she had placed in his arms.

"This???"

"Yes, this is my charm bracelet... The one you gave me when I was 10..."

"But... You..."

"Yeah, I know I never part with this."

"So, why??"

"I promise that we will surely meet again, Raghav and this is a token of my promise. You can give this back to me when we meet again. Whenever you feel afraid, just look at this and remember my promise and I assure you, you will not feel afraid again."

Raghav pulled her into a hug.

"Thank you, Kalpi... You are a true friend."

"Of course, I am. Now stop being so emotional. Let's get back to the dance floor. I want to dance."

Laughing he walked with her to the dance floor.

His chain of thoughts came to an end when the girl in his arms pulled away from him. He looked surprised and then realized that the music had stopped.

"I am sorry, I didn't realize."

"That's okay"

They moved outside to the garden and stood in silence not knowing what to say. After a few minutes, he heard her speak,

"Uh... I guess I'll leave now."

"So soon?"

Now she's here shining in the starlight

Now she's here suddenly I know

She giggled,

"Well, I don't really want to bore the partner I just met."

He gave a short laugh,

"Well, he will be bored if you leave so soon."

"It's already late... I need to go."

"Why don't you stay for a few more minutes and see the floating lanterns?"

"Well, I... uh..."

"It is said that if you make a wish and let go a lantern, your wish will come true. I am sure you do have a wish that you want to come true."

He looked as the girl froze and he knew he had hit the right note. She was going to stay. His heart did a happy dance.

"Yes... Only one wish..."

"And may I know what is that?"

"That I may meet my Prince Charming just one more time..."

If she's here it's crystal clear

I'm where I'm meant to go

He felt his throat go dry as he heard her words. His mind took him back to the day when he had heard a similar wish.

"Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday Dear Kalpi

Happy Birthday to You"

"Thanks, Raghav... And yes, you are the first to wish me."

"Of course... I know it... So birthday girl, what is your birthday wish?"

"Will you be able to fulfil it?"

"Don't you dare doubt the great Raghav... Tell me your wish"

"Accha... Oh great Raghav... My wish is to see my Prince Charming today... Please fulfil it."

He looked at the strange girl gazing at the stars as they waited for the lanterns to arrive and said softly just as he had said long ago,

"You will see him today, Kalpi... I promise..."

***