Part-15
Radhika got ready in her white suit, and was tying her hair nicely with a clip. Dev was trying to tighten his black and white stripe tie around his neck nicely looking into the mirror , standing just behind Radhika.
Dev he paused as he saw Radhika taking the Sindoor bottle in her hand.. he held her shoulder and said " Radhika, you don't need to , you are going to college".
Radhika smiled , looking into his eyes she said ..."this sindoor is the reason for my existence, my life is colorful because of this color on my forehead, if I am breathing today , it is because you applied this on my forehead, and this is my only identity.. I am Radhika because of Dev, rest everything in this world is nothing in front of a pinch of red powder in this bottle'"
Dev just tightened his grip on her shoulder and then pulled her more closer...realizing the depth of her words, he looked at her lovingly...he didn't had any words to tell her, he took the sindoor bottle from her hand and took a pinch of it and with a the happiest smile ever and with the loveliest eyes possible he applied that over her forehead. He looked into her eyes and then slowly placed his smiley lips over her forehead.. she hugged back with a smile'...
Time ticked by, and Radhika just stood in his embrace...Seeing the ticking off the clock
"ye, don't you think we may get late.." Dev asked softly..
"Kanha, all because of you.."... Radhika in a tension tone..
"what did I do wrong now?".. Dev questioned..
"I should have just applied that easily ...see then you came to stop me.., see now, this is my first day and I am getting late..",... Radhika was saying it very speedily as she was grabbing things in her hand'
Dev tried to control his smile as he saw her hurries'...Radhika saw that...'"now why are you trying to hide that smile?"
Dev: actually it was me who told you that you may get late, and see how easily you are blaming me... not fair Radhika?'
Radhika: really... then come... ...' I don't want to be late..
She grabbed his arm and started walking out..
Dadi looked at them surprisingly, seeing Dev tailing Radhika, as Radhika's one hand was holding onto Dev's wrist and pulling him with her tension filled face...'.
"Daadima, will see you in the evening , Ok...'..
Dev just smiled at Daadima as Radhika was saying that in her frustration...
...
Daadi looked at her with a smile too'... But then suddenly Radhika stopped.. she looked at Dev's face, he looked at her in question.. " wait a minute" ' she gave her college stuff in Dev's hand and then went near Daadi... and then bend down to touch her feet..."Daadima, I need your blessings... I am starting a new day.. do pray for me.."
Daadi hugged her tight and said " my blessings are always with you dear.."..
Radhika walked near Dev.. " let's go" and she tried to take her stuff back from him..
Dev didn't move..
Radhika tightening her forehead : now what?"
Dev in a normal tone : Who am I?
Radhika: what?
Dev: touch my feet too, and take my blessings.. after all you are going to learn business and standing in front of a successful business man'...
Radhika: Ok baba, if you wish that.. suddenly bend down and touched his feet.. and folded her hands in front of him..
Dev kept the stuffs on the nearby stand and said : Ye Radhika, I was just joking.. and you took it seriously.. he felt bad..
Radhika: no, seriously I need it, you don't know how fast my heart is beating now.. I hope everything will go fine...'
He hugged her loosely:.. "Radhika, you don't have to.. after all you managed well in PC, then what's this.!!!. for that why did you touch my feet, your place is in my heart, not under my feet.."
Radhika in her innocent tone " pathi tho parameswar hotha heina.." then looking at daadima.. "Heina daadima..".. Daadi just nodded her head in agreement.. "and today is a big day for me'' ... Radhika picking up her college stuff from the stand..
"chaliyena'
Daadi: Dev just take her beta, otherwise it may get late..
Dev: ok Daadi..
Daadi watched as they both left the Mansion..
Inside the car'
Dev: you took the phone , right?
Radhika: hum'...
Dev holding onto her hand: call me at any time, ok..
Radhika: hum.. don't scare me now.. can I ask you something?
Dev: what?
Radhika: Will there be ragging?
Dev: ragging?.. no way' ...
Radhika: that's good..
But then she felt his hands tightening over hers'
Radhika in a serious tone : so Ragging is there?
Dev: "no'... it won't.. it can't be.. after a pause' but Radhika, if anybody disturb you at college, just let me know right away.. Ok.. I will take care of it.". looking at her in concern..
Radhika: Don't worry, I will be fine..
The car stopped near the gate.
Radhika: I will go from here..
Dev: No.. Let me take you inside..
Radhika: I will be fine. I have all the information and I can find the classroom too..
Dev: ' ok then.. but keep the cell on, and turn it off only when I say '... otherwise give it to me..'.. she looked at him, but then he snatched her bag and took the phone out and dialed his number and gave to her with a warning "if you turn this off before I tell you to, I will be right there in front of you within minutes, so
Radhika: Do you know who I am. I am Mrs. DSP. Don't try to under estimate me. Ok. I will call you once I reach my classroom..ok.
Dev: Oh so from Dev Purohith to DSP ho gai.. nice ,Ok then, I am going to wait here, and will leave only after receiving your message. take care RAdhika..
Radhika turned with a smile: you too.. and walked away..
Suddenly Dev dialed a number.. The man wearing a security guard uniform answered it..
Dev: did you see RAdhika..
Guard: yes sir..
Dev: ok make sure, she go safely to the class room and also I don't want any students to approach her till she reach her classroom. Did you get that..
Guard: got it sir.
Dev looked at the surroundings.. He saw students coming in bikes, and scooters.. few by car. He saw their chatting as they were walking in, in their own world. Few students were looking at his car in wonderment. He had the side glasses raised. Few even tried to touch and feel it and he also noticed their eyebrows arching looking at it. He was looking at his cell impatiently. He dialed the guards number again..
Guard very softly: sir, madam is fine.. she was standing at the entrance with doubts, so I am guiding her to the class.
Dev: does she know who you are?
Guard: I introduced myself as college security sir.
Dev: good.
Guard: she is entering her class room sir.. so..
Dev: ok then.. just be near the class room till teacher comes.. ok..
Guard: ok sir..
Radhika to the guard: Thank you
Guard: You welcome. Feel free to approach with anything..
Radhika: thanks..
She entered inside. Few students were sitting and chitchatting.. Radhika was feeling little awkward.. she looked around and then went and sat on the 2nd row. Students were coming in and out..
Radhika was trying to call Dev on her cell..
'are you new?'.. a girls voice took Radhika's attention.
Radhika jerked and nodded her head in agreement..
"Hi I am Piya.'.. the girl extended her arm..
'I am RAdhika" she said with a smile.. "Piya, One second, let me make a call..'
Piya nodded her head.. heard Radhika speaking softly..
"Hi , I am here.. and got a new friend too'. Ok'... yes, I will let you know.. I am fine.. yes...' ok ..ok'... I am turning it off now.. and I will call you in break time..Ok"..
Radhika kept the phone in her hand and looked at Piya.. she saw Piya standing with her wild eyes..
Radhika: what happened?
Piya: are you married.?!!!
Radhika: yes I am..
Piya: so sweet.. and did you talk to your husband right now..
Radhika: yes..
Piya: so sweet'... did he send you to continue your studies..
Radhika: yes..
Piya: so sweet..
Radhika: why it is so sweet..
Piya: I don't know, I think it is so sweet..
Radhika with a smile.. "yes it is so sweet of him and his family..
Piya: that is what I said, so sweet..
But then they saw everybody getting inside in a hurry..
Piya: can I sit near you..
Radhika : yes sure. Come on.. she moved..
Piya to one running kid: ye, what happened?
The other student: Princi coming..
Students all sat on their place. Principal came in accompanied by another teacher.. he looked at everyone's face..
'hello students.. hope everybody is enjoying your first days of college.. I came personally to meet you all to let you know that you can come to me at anytime with any concern.." he looked at everyone's face seriously and then looked at Radhika's face special tucked smile.. "I hope all are doing good., will see you all around like this'.. saying that he again tried to smile at Radhika.
Principal to the lecturer: you may take over sir. As you know There is a new student joining us today and then he called out " Ms. Radhika'.. she stood from the seat.. Princi looking at the lecturer: "there she is, and now we are close for any new admissions.' So you can start up..
Lecturer: thank you sir.. and they watched as the Principal leaving the class room..
Piya: first time I am seeing our principal. He addressed all of us on the first day of campus. And he came to our class today' He knows your name. wow! Special ..
Radhika: I am the last admission, may be because of that..
Piya: ha..
But then the teacher's voice grabbed their attention.. Time just passed by quickly.. Radhika got friendly with few other students. They all were nice to her and was curious to know about her husband.. soon it was time for lunch break.
Radhika took her phone out and dialed Dev's number..
"you cannot use cell phone n campus, don't you know that'..
Radhika looked at the voice and found a handsome boy standing in front of her. She tried to ignore but then he came on her way. Piya tried to pull on Radhika's hand..
Radhika: I need to make an urgent call, if I don't then it will be a problem..
Mr. Handsome: ooh ya.. what is that emergency,.. is that your boy friend who is missing you so badly..
Radhika: yes, and If I don't call, he will turn this college upside down..
Mr. handsome: Really.. so what is your boyfriend? Is he the Prime Minister?..
Radhika felt the sarcasm in his tone:..
Radhika: who are you to ask me that?
Mr. Handsome: Oh ya, you don't know me.. here all the girls die to be with me.. and you are asking me who am I? Boys, tell her who am I?
Radhika looked around and found the gang..
Piya: sorry sir..
Mr. Handsome: I am not talking to you.. Ye,.. tell her whom I am..
One boy: he is Varun.. the heartthrob of this college
Radhika looked at him head to foot: heartthrob.. in a teasing tone
Varun: why? Don't you think so..
Radhika with a smirk smile on her lips: ha sir, you look very handsome.. can I make a call now..
Varun: give that cell to me.. he tried to snatch it from her.. but then the guard came in..
Guard: what is going on here. .. Radhika realized him from the morning..
Varun: who are you?
Guard: I am the new security guard of this college..
Varun with a sarcastic smile: when did that happen?
Suddenly they heard principal's voice: from today onwards.. why anybody has any problem.
Varun tried to act like an obedient student: no sir, we were not knowing, so..
Principal: for that you need to be in class on time in the morning, and listen to the announcements too. I did announced that today..
Varun; sorry sir, didn't hear it..
Princi: ok , what is going on here?
Varun: the new student was using her cell phone , so we were telling her about the campus rules..
Princi; thanks Mr. Varun.. and then looked at Radhika seriously.. 'oh, you came in today, right?"
Radhika: yes sir..
Princi: ok, today you are excused, but tomorrow onwards make sure , either don't bring
it, or don't use it while you are inside campus.
Radhika: ok sir..
Princi: but you can use it just once for now.. Ok..
Radhika: yes sir.. thank you sir
Principal looked around: Ok, now any other problem. And guys watch out.. the new guards will be around..
The gang just dispersed looking at Principal.. and Radhika watched him as he walked away.. the guard came near.." madam you can make the call, Principal gave you permission, but tomorrow onwards if you need anything let us know, we can help you.."
RAdhika just smiled and said thanks.. she moved to a corner and dialed Dev's number..
He was ready to pick up the cell at anytime'... Dev was in a final discussion on the London project, and Vishaka was suggesting on few corrections.. Dev's eyes were on the cell phone, finally he saw the lights flashing ..
"Finally" Dev's relief voice stopped Vishaka from talking, she looked at him in concern.
Dev took the phone in hand said " Gopal Das, you please listen and update me later, I
need to attend this call" saying that he left the room..and went to his cabin.. Vishaka stood there looking at Gopal Das's face and with her dropped jaw.. thinking 'what happened to Dev sir today, he was holding onto that phone all this time and just now peeked in and now he left with another call asking Gopal to listen to me.."
Dev:" so tell me how is your day so far.'
Radhika started telling everything from the beginning meeting with Piya.. and the final warning from the Prinicpal.. Dev smiled as he listened to Varun's story because he heard his voice through Guard's cell, he asked the guard not to interfere, to see how extend Radhika can handle it.. but then when we heard about the gang around, he didn't want that to happen and asked the guard to interfere..
Radhika: so no more calls from me, ok.. I am fine..
Dev: Ok Radhika, I will come to pick you up..
Radhika: no..
Dev: just today, tomorrow onwards you can go and come by your new car. Daadima just called its ready..
Radhika: ok..then..
She placed her phone back and looked at Piya.." let's go..
Piya nodded her head and walked with her..
The afternoon went nicely too.. But then as she walking down towards the gate along with Piya, the gang was waiting for her.. she didn't notice it.. Varun was about to step in but then he saw the guards at a distance.. so he moved back.. saying "will catch her outside campus"... they followed her silently..
But as Radhika reached near the gate, one car stylishly stopped right in front of her and the door opened in front of her. Piya stood there in confusion.
Radhika: I need to go, my husband is here. I will see you tomorrow. Piya smiled and watched as Radhika entered into her car. As she sat down the car just flew away from there. The gang who followed just stood there with dropping jaws..
Varun: who the hell is she?
The gang: no clue..
But then they saw Piya walking and Varun ran towards her and blocked her way..
Varun: you know me right? So tell me, whom she just went with..? is that her boy friend..?
Piya with a shivering voice: that is not her boyfriend, that's her husband.
Varun: husband!!!!1? Is she married?
Piya: so you didn't notice the sindoor on her forehead..
Varun; oh ya.. I didn't notice ..ok.. but then who is her husband?
Piya: I don't know..
Varun: you are her friend.. right?
Piya: I met her today only..
Varun: ok then find out and let me know.. get that.. he asked in a warning voice..
Piya; yes..
Varun: mmm.. and then waved his hands to his friends and the bikes came in front of him and they drove away.. The guards were listening to everything'...
At mansion>...
Radhika was kept on blabbing about her whole day.. Daadi was laughing her heart out.
Dev was enjoying her expressions and was seeing a new Radhika.. may be a school kid in her..
Daadi: what was his name? Varun, right? Do you want me to handle him..?
Radhika: no Daadi, myself is enough for him, you know what, he is addressing himself as the heartthroa and the funniest part is he doesn't know his own name..' Dadi,. He don't know who I am.. don't worry, otherwise I have a new friend..
Daadi: who? Piya?
Radhika: nope.. our college security guard. He only helped me today to find my class room, and also came on time when Varun and gang circled us..
Dev was listening silently..
Daadi: are you sure, can he handle ..
Radhika: yes daadi, .. she staretd acting out...'you should see his mustache.. it covers his half face, and his size.. this big'.. she extended her arms out to the side.. ' I will do one thing, I will buy a rakhee tomorrow itself and make him my rakhee brother.. how is my idea' she kept her hand under her chin and was thinking about it seriously..'
Dev: Radhika , do what ever you want.. have fun and be serious with your studies.. that's all.
Radhika: I am serious .. right daadi..
Daadi: yes you are..
Radhika: oh daadi, I forgot, that Principal is a cheater..
Dev in concern: what happened?
Radhika: he told you that nobody taught anything , right?
Dev: ha..
Radhika: see, you need to check this.. she went and took few books out.. these all Piya's and she gave me today and I told her I will copy and return it tomorrow itself..
So no more talk, I am into my study business..and I have few things to cover for tomorrows class.. It is not easy daadima..
Daadi: ok Radhika, go ahead and study, will call you when it is time for dinner..
Radhika: that I know Daadi.. where is Birju?
Daadi: why?
Radhika: I need him too..
Dev: need him too for what?
Radhika; will tell you and called out for Birju, he came in..
Radhika: come Birju, sit here..
Birju looked around in confusion..
Radhika took one book out..: Birju, this is only 20 pages, start copying this into this ok..
Birju: but, radhika madam..
Radhika: no But vut and all.. start.. ok
Daadi and Dev looked at Birju helplessly..
Radhika went and took two more..:Daadi this one you will do for me, and then went to Dev, and this one aap. All are happy right, then shaking her shoulder: see that is Radhika, she won't disappoint anyone..
Dev: so what are you going to do?
Radhika: let me check on tomorrow's stuff..
Daadi: Radhika, beta, I said that all as a joke yesterday, actually..
RAdhika interfered : no problem daadi, so everyone get into work, I need to return it tomorrow.. .. she was climbing the steps but then paused.. "write it nicely ok, I need to read it.." and then was talking something self while climbing stairs..
Daadi looked at Dev helplessly, and Birju with same expression. Dev smiled and came and took the book from Birju and daadi..
Birju: but Radhika madam..
Dev: don't worry Birju, there is copy machine in my office room, I will take care of it.. you don't worry.. saying that he went to his office room with the books..
It was dinner time.. Birju went and called Radhika..
Radhika: Birju, you were cooking dinner.. what happened to my notes..
Birju was about to chuckle on his words..
Dev came; Birju, I am feeling really hungry.. is everything ready..
Radhika: but what about my notes'..
Dev interfering her, : come Radhika, let's have dinner.. Birju escaped from the situation seeing Dev , Radhika followed Dev in frustration'. but while climbing down he asked about her preparation for next day and she said she almost finished..
They had dinner,and Radhika didn't get any chance to ask about her notes, as Dev was changing subjects each time..
Radhika came to room with an anxious face. Dev followed her with his serious face with the books in his hand . She collected the books from his hand saying " I am sorry, I know I suppose to do this, and shouldn't have asked anyone else', I will do it.." she turned to walk towards the table.. suddenly Dev held her wrist.. Radhika looked at him and met his loving eyes..
Dev brought his other arm to the front with few files and showed that to Radhika. She took it from him and found all the notes filed nicely... she kept it on the table and looked at him and then just embraced him and rested her head on his chest..
Dev with a smile wrapped his arms around her and asked "you need help with anything else"
Radhika: hum..
Dev: Radhika, that's not fair..
Radhika: um, I am feeling sleepy.. I need you next to me..
Dev smiled and just lifted her in his arms and laid her on bed,' the lights turned off, but one could easily hear the whispering of two love birds' still talking about the day and the brighter tomorrow..
*****************************************
thank you and have a good day
Devika
:)
Edited by Devika. - 14 years ago
108 Base Hospital Uri
College & University
Anupamaa
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